Today we celebrate the miracle of the incarnation. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. How amazing! May we cling to him with all that we are.
Last night, the church service was amazing and beautiful. And the children were amazingly well behaved. For most of the time Abby sat in rapt attention. It filled my heart with joy to see her learning to love the miracle.
May all of you also love the miracle that is Christmas.
P.S. Another neat thing about not doing Santa is that I get a lot more sleep on Christmas Eve.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Laundry Blues
Tomorrow morning the children are singing at church. I am excited about it. (More than they are, I think).
Anyway, as usual, I didn't really think about laundry today until it was time to set clothes out for tomorrow morning. I've got one more load to switch over, then I can go to bed.
Today Paul went to the store for groceries. He was just going to go to George's (the little International store). But George's was closed due to a lack of electricity. So he went to Kroger. So he decided to try and get everything we need. He managed to get most of it. But I'll still have to make another shopping trip before Christmas.
The best part is, though, that he bought me a flower. One single yellow carnation. Which is nice and cheerful and makes me feel wonderful. I just feel so very loved. I think I appreciate my little flower even more than I would a dozen roses. And I think Paul knows that too.
We got another cold that we're passing around. So I am praying that we are all healthy enough to get to church tomorrow.
Anyway, as usual, I didn't really think about laundry today until it was time to set clothes out for tomorrow morning. I've got one more load to switch over, then I can go to bed.
Today Paul went to the store for groceries. He was just going to go to George's (the little International store). But George's was closed due to a lack of electricity. So he went to Kroger. So he decided to try and get everything we need. He managed to get most of it. But I'll still have to make another shopping trip before Christmas.
The best part is, though, that he bought me a flower. One single yellow carnation. Which is nice and cheerful and makes me feel wonderful. I just feel so very loved. I think I appreciate my little flower even more than I would a dozen roses. And I think Paul knows that too.
We got another cold that we're passing around. So I am praying that we are all healthy enough to get to church tomorrow.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Having too much fun!
This is the picture I was working on yesterday. For those of you coming for New Years. I will show you what initially inspired me for this project. I think I have a pretty good grasp of it now. What do you think?
More success
So I explained to Paul what I had been trying to do with the sketch thing. And he said "why don't you just google "gimp - photo to sketch. And so I did. And this is the result.
By the way Omi had a good Birthday party last night. She loved the cake. And the boxes. Actually she really liked her presents too.
There was a nasty ice storm here last night. All the schools were closed (except the Catholic high schools which had a four hour delay). My parents are without power. And the power company said it make take several days to get back on. So this morning they had to disable the garage door opener so my mom could get the car out to go to work.
I am hope it warms up and the roads clear up soon. But as it is we are having a nice day playing inside.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Watching the Puppy
So, with my new found free time, I volunteered to take the puppy off Don's hands for today and tomorrow (he'll pick her up tomorrow evening).
So, of course, I have an interview scheduled for tomorrow. I am interested in the position. It looks like it would make use of my degree/concentration, and work experience from both of my previous jobs. And it is closer to where I'll be moving this summer : )
Well, the puppy has been growing, so an updated picture has been included.
She has had her good moments and bad moments. I've been gating her in the kitchen when she acts up (were the weather better, I'd throw her outside but thankfully she has learned the gate is not for jumping). As I am writing this, she is in time-out.
So, time to end the post, prepare a little more for the interview tomorrow, and see to the puppy.
Sketchy Characters
I've been playing around with gimp. My objective was to try to make a photograph of a person look like a sketch. As well as to learn how to use the tools better, so I don't have to ask Paul for help so much. Paul doesn't like for me to post pictures of the family. But I figured he wouldn't mind me posting this picture of somebody else. I didn't do that good of a job making them look "sketchy" but it is kind of a neat graphic.
In more important news. Naomi turned one yesterday. She is still not quite walking on her own. And she still likes to nurse. So I think she's really a baby. I have noticed that people have started to ask (aren't you almost done nursing her?).
My children have made a huge mess in the bedroom. They have been told to clean it up. I suppose I had better go to check on them.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Science Experiment
I love kindergarten science. Our lesson today was lighting a candle and putting it in water to see what would happen. Listening to the predictions and explanations was quite fun. The candle is still burning now, about seven hours later. Which of course is not what was predicted by my children.
They thought that when the candle burned down the water would come up over it and put out the light.
They thought that when the candle burned down the water would come up over it and put out the light.
Monday, December 15, 2008
New Years Party
New Years Eve ringing in on GMT
New Years Day celebrating Paul's 30th
Please email or comment to let me know your plans.
(i.e. when you plan to arrive and how long you plan to stay).
New Years Day celebrating Paul's 30th
Please email or comment to let me know your plans.
(i.e. when you plan to arrive and how long you plan to stay).
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...
Or so describes last week.
We'll go in reverse chronological order, so as to go from the bad to the good. Because, why on earth should we mope over bad news when there is good news?
Anyways, Friday morning I went into work to find out that I was one of 11 individuals (from a company of 33) who were getting fired, and I had to clean out my desk and leave. I kept hearing the "you're a young [female] mechanical engineer with FEA experience, you'll get a job in no time" speech. Lord willing, it is true, but getting jobs has never been easy. As a friend later pointed out, my experience level has about doubled since last I was looking, so maybe that will help.
Funny story from leaving. I am staring at this box of textbooks and I muttered to myself "I don't know how I'm going to do this." Unbeknownst to me, a fellow former employee had been walking by at the same time and said "Don't worry, you'll be fine." I looked up and laughed "Oh, I know that. I mean I have no idea how to get this box down to my car." He grabbed his coat and carried the box for me. We had to prop the outside door open with a chair so the other guy could get back in (he was beyond caring whether or not that would set off an alarm).
Saturday I met with a recruiter, and so I am looking. Right now I am thinking of this as an extended vacation. It will make it easier for me to get to Ft. Wayne for New Year's (especially since Don has agreed I can make the trip myself so he doesn't have to fuss with figuring out how to take time off around the holidays when his job is programming for a department store.) And as my mother pointed out, maybe this is a blessing. Maybe it means I can get a job closer to the near west side. Maybe this will be a good time to start cleaning up my house before I have to move at the end of the summer.
Which brings me to my good news -- on the evening of Dec. 7, I got engaged! It was a surprise when he proposed, but not 100% surprising. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is Dec. 8. Don told me early in November that we should do something for that day because it is his favorite feast day. This whole planning that far in advance is not typical to our relationship, so it had me wondering. Well, we changed plans a little -- instead of going to the Latin Mass on the feast day, we went to the English Mass for the Vigil at the Immaculate Conception Church in Cleveland. My parents were married at the Mac. I hadn't been there since my grandmother's funeral, but when I was younger I attended there more regularly than my own parish. After Mass we started to pray a rosary, but they turned off the lights on us part way through and we had to leave before we got locked in. Then we went to the parish spaghetti dinner. During dinner Don made some comment about how some days he thinks he should give up on planning things because they never work out right. I failed to realize the significance of his statement. After dinner, we went to St. Williams for Eucharistic Adoration. But, as a perpetual Adoration chapel, there was always someone else there, so we prayed silently. After St. Williams we went back to my house and finished the rosary. After the rosary is when he proposed. Then, Don decided he couldn't give me the ring in my living room, so we drove to another church that had a nice nativity painting outside. He said some nice words there that I was already too happy to remember, and then gave me the ring.
We're still obviously in the early planning stages. We are looking at one of the middle Saturdays in July.
We'll go in reverse chronological order, so as to go from the bad to the good. Because, why on earth should we mope over bad news when there is good news?
Anyways, Friday morning I went into work to find out that I was one of 11 individuals (from a company of 33) who were getting fired, and I had to clean out my desk and leave. I kept hearing the "you're a young [female] mechanical engineer with FEA experience, you'll get a job in no time" speech. Lord willing, it is true, but getting jobs has never been easy. As a friend later pointed out, my experience level has about doubled since last I was looking, so maybe that will help.
Funny story from leaving. I am staring at this box of textbooks and I muttered to myself "I don't know how I'm going to do this." Unbeknownst to me, a fellow former employee had been walking by at the same time and said "Don't worry, you'll be fine." I looked up and laughed "Oh, I know that. I mean I have no idea how to get this box down to my car." He grabbed his coat and carried the box for me. We had to prop the outside door open with a chair so the other guy could get back in (he was beyond caring whether or not that would set off an alarm).
Saturday I met with a recruiter, and so I am looking. Right now I am thinking of this as an extended vacation. It will make it easier for me to get to Ft. Wayne for New Year's (especially since Don has agreed I can make the trip myself so he doesn't have to fuss with figuring out how to take time off around the holidays when his job is programming for a department store.) And as my mother pointed out, maybe this is a blessing. Maybe it means I can get a job closer to the near west side. Maybe this will be a good time to start cleaning up my house before I have to move at the end of the summer.
Which brings me to my good news -- on the evening of Dec. 7, I got engaged! It was a surprise when he proposed, but not 100% surprising. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is Dec. 8. Don told me early in November that we should do something for that day because it is his favorite feast day. This whole planning that far in advance is not typical to our relationship, so it had me wondering. Well, we changed plans a little -- instead of going to the Latin Mass on the feast day, we went to the English Mass for the Vigil at the Immaculate Conception Church in Cleveland. My parents were married at the Mac. I hadn't been there since my grandmother's funeral, but when I was younger I attended there more regularly than my own parish. After Mass we started to pray a rosary, but they turned off the lights on us part way through and we had to leave before we got locked in. Then we went to the parish spaghetti dinner. During dinner Don made some comment about how some days he thinks he should give up on planning things because they never work out right. I failed to realize the significance of his statement. After dinner, we went to St. Williams for Eucharistic Adoration. But, as a perpetual Adoration chapel, there was always someone else there, so we prayed silently. After St. Williams we went back to my house and finished the rosary. After the rosary is when he proposed. Then, Don decided he couldn't give me the ring in my living room, so we drove to another church that had a nice nativity painting outside. He said some nice words there that I was already too happy to remember, and then gave me the ring.
We're still obviously in the early planning stages. We are looking at one of the middle Saturdays in July.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Of mice and children
We had a confirmed mouse sighting yesterday morning. Actually several sightings of the same mouse. Abby, Isaac and I were sitting on the recliner reading "The Christmas Day Kitten" by James Herriot. When all of the sudden I wished I had a kitten.
A rather large, fat mouse snuck out from under the sofa. He moved about a foot. Then he darted back under the sofa. Then he peaked his nose out. Back in. Head out. Back in. Nose out. Back in.
I had Abby fetch the still sick Paul from bed. He sat with a plastic container and a shoe. The mouse kept repeating the feat of sneaking out a few inches and then hiding again.
We tried blocking off the exit to the the living room and moving the sofa. No dice.
We haven't seen little Mickey since then. But we did call terminix. And Rusty came out to day. He put to poison traps out. Plus he left me a huge stack of sticky traps.
I hate mice.
Plus it brings back memories of a year ago. But at least I'm not nine months pregnant this time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On other notes. I really am loving being a mommy. We have been having a blast getting ready for Christmas. It is so neat to see the wonder and amazement that children have.
It's sad really that so much of that wonder often is wasted on Santa.
My kiddoes know about Santa. But they know he is pretend. That frees us to focus on the baby in the manger. And on showing love to one another.
God is so good.
A rather large, fat mouse snuck out from under the sofa. He moved about a foot. Then he darted back under the sofa. Then he peaked his nose out. Back in. Head out. Back in. Nose out. Back in.
I had Abby fetch the still sick Paul from bed. He sat with a plastic container and a shoe. The mouse kept repeating the feat of sneaking out a few inches and then hiding again.
We tried blocking off the exit to the the living room and moving the sofa. No dice.
We haven't seen little Mickey since then. But we did call terminix. And Rusty came out to day. He put to poison traps out. Plus he left me a huge stack of sticky traps.
I hate mice.
Plus it brings back memories of a year ago. But at least I'm not nine months pregnant this time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On other notes. I really am loving being a mommy. We have been having a blast getting ready for Christmas. It is so neat to see the wonder and amazement that children have.
It's sad really that so much of that wonder often is wasted on Santa.
My kiddoes know about Santa. But they know he is pretend. That frees us to focus on the baby in the manger. And on showing love to one another.
God is so good.
Monday, December 8, 2008
A somewhat surreal day
I woke up this morning to a cranky two-year-old climbing into bed. I didn't feel too good. Mommy's don't get sick days, but I figured I could take it easy today.
Then Omi woke up, like she had several times through the night. So I stumbled out of bed followed by a screaming Isaac. The other children woke up soon. And we feasted on a breakfast of oranges, cheese, and pretzels.
After eating, Abby wanted to play downstairs, but the boys did not. A screaming fit ensued. Then all of the children went into the boys bedroom to play house. I decided to join them since I didn't feel up to housework. Isaac was playing daddy snd was sitting on Sammy's bed, pretending it was the van. Well I guess he was pretty excited about driving because he started bouncing. And by the time I could yell "STOP" there was blood gushing everywhere.
I scooped up Isaac and had Abby run to get a washcloth. As I wiped the blood, I saw that Isaac had bitten his tongue. There was a pretty large gash. I asked Abby to get an ice cube. But since she couldn't reach them, she went to get Paul.
Did I mention that Paul was in bed sick? He hardly ever gets sick, but he was sick today.
I put a tea bag on Isaacs tongue to slow the bleeding. Unfortunately he bit the tea bag open. So after that I used washcloths soaked in tea and pressure against his tongue.
Paul went to go and buy popsicles from the Oxford One Stop. At the exorbitant price of $1.25 per popsicle. He took Sammy with him.
Abby helped me by bring tea bags and making tea. And also taking care of Omi. It was really amazing to see how concerned she was for her little brother. She was such a big help. I am really proud of her.
I called Papa to come and help out. And I continued to hold Isaac with pressure against the gash. It bled for about 45 minutes.
I called the doctors office. They said to keep pressure on it. Then he is only supposed to eat cold soft foods (like ice cream) for the next couple of days. And I am supposed to try and keep him playing quietly so he doesn't risk making it worse (Isaac, quiet?)
Isaac fell asleep on my lap with my finger in his mouth. I noticed he was wheezing pretty badly. Normally I'd give him a breathing treatment. But I couldn't really use the nebulizer, what with the bleeding and all.
When Isaac woke he was happy to have the popsicles.
I made a list for Papa. And sent Abby to the store with him to buy ice cream and such. They went shopping. Then Papa called. He had forgotten his wallet. One of us would have to come get the groceries. But they would keep them out for us.
Papa brought Abby home, with candy. Then he went on his way. And Paul went to the store with Abby.
Around about this point in time Sammy began to scream. He was hungry but wouldn't eat his lunch. And he was cold. And he didn't want to take a nap. He continued to scream for most of the rest of the day.
Paul arrived at the store only to discover that they had already reshelved the groceries. He did not have the list. But the cashier kindly attempted to help him get all the things that Papa had tried to purchase. She still had the receipt from the non-sale. It worked out well, since Paul got all the things we needed. He also got some extra things. Including shrimp that Papa must have been trying to buy, but I certainly wouldn't have (since Paul is allergic). And he bought candy for Abby, not realizing Papa had already bought her some.
When they got home I put the groceries away. And Paul went back to sleep. Omi was waking up from nap. And I made Sammy take a nap. But I didn't put the other two down. I gave Isaac some pudding. And Abby had some corn chips. Then Abby shouted. Isaac's eating a corn chip. And the next thing I know Isaac is screaming and bleeding again. Ugh!
So by the time things were settled down again. It was almost time to fix dinner. I made tacos, using the meat from last nights pot roast.
Paul continued to sleep. And Abby fell asleep on the chair.
Sammy awoke, and commenced screaming again. I finally got the kids settled by playing videos.
And finally bedtime came.
So Paul and I sat down to watch a Numb3rs dvd.
Then the phone rang.
It was Kathy.
I'd tell you why she called. But she might want to tell you herself.
Then Omi woke up, like she had several times through the night. So I stumbled out of bed followed by a screaming Isaac. The other children woke up soon. And we feasted on a breakfast of oranges, cheese, and pretzels.
After eating, Abby wanted to play downstairs, but the boys did not. A screaming fit ensued. Then all of the children went into the boys bedroom to play house. I decided to join them since I didn't feel up to housework. Isaac was playing daddy snd was sitting on Sammy's bed, pretending it was the van. Well I guess he was pretty excited about driving because he started bouncing. And by the time I could yell "STOP" there was blood gushing everywhere.
I scooped up Isaac and had Abby run to get a washcloth. As I wiped the blood, I saw that Isaac had bitten his tongue. There was a pretty large gash. I asked Abby to get an ice cube. But since she couldn't reach them, she went to get Paul.
Did I mention that Paul was in bed sick? He hardly ever gets sick, but he was sick today.
I put a tea bag on Isaacs tongue to slow the bleeding. Unfortunately he bit the tea bag open. So after that I used washcloths soaked in tea and pressure against his tongue.
Paul went to go and buy popsicles from the Oxford One Stop. At the exorbitant price of $1.25 per popsicle. He took Sammy with him.
Abby helped me by bring tea bags and making tea. And also taking care of Omi. It was really amazing to see how concerned she was for her little brother. She was such a big help. I am really proud of her.
I called Papa to come and help out. And I continued to hold Isaac with pressure against the gash. It bled for about 45 minutes.
I called the doctors office. They said to keep pressure on it. Then he is only supposed to eat cold soft foods (like ice cream) for the next couple of days. And I am supposed to try and keep him playing quietly so he doesn't risk making it worse (Isaac, quiet?)
Isaac fell asleep on my lap with my finger in his mouth. I noticed he was wheezing pretty badly. Normally I'd give him a breathing treatment. But I couldn't really use the nebulizer, what with the bleeding and all.
When Isaac woke he was happy to have the popsicles.
I made a list for Papa. And sent Abby to the store with him to buy ice cream and such. They went shopping. Then Papa called. He had forgotten his wallet. One of us would have to come get the groceries. But they would keep them out for us.
Papa brought Abby home, with candy. Then he went on his way. And Paul went to the store with Abby.
Around about this point in time Sammy began to scream. He was hungry but wouldn't eat his lunch. And he was cold. And he didn't want to take a nap. He continued to scream for most of the rest of the day.
Paul arrived at the store only to discover that they had already reshelved the groceries. He did not have the list. But the cashier kindly attempted to help him get all the things that Papa had tried to purchase. She still had the receipt from the non-sale. It worked out well, since Paul got all the things we needed. He also got some extra things. Including shrimp that Papa must have been trying to buy, but I certainly wouldn't have (since Paul is allergic). And he bought candy for Abby, not realizing Papa had already bought her some.
When they got home I put the groceries away. And Paul went back to sleep. Omi was waking up from nap. And I made Sammy take a nap. But I didn't put the other two down. I gave Isaac some pudding. And Abby had some corn chips. Then Abby shouted. Isaac's eating a corn chip. And the next thing I know Isaac is screaming and bleeding again. Ugh!
So by the time things were settled down again. It was almost time to fix dinner. I made tacos, using the meat from last nights pot roast.
Paul continued to sleep. And Abby fell asleep on the chair.
Sammy awoke, and commenced screaming again. I finally got the kids settled by playing videos.
And finally bedtime came.
So Paul and I sat down to watch a Numb3rs dvd.
Then the phone rang.
It was Kathy.
I'd tell you why she called. But she might want to tell you herself.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Happy New Year, Liturgially Speaking
This morning before Mass, my father is looking through the book with the readings. He nudges me, and pointing to the page titled "Thanksgiving 2009" says "I can't find Nov. 30. I found Thanksgiving, but not Nov. 30"(he apparently did not notice the year associated with Thanksgiving)
My response: "You need to look in the front of the book. Happy Liturgical New Year."
Dad: "What, it is the first Sunday of Advent already?"
me: "Yes, Christmas is 25 days away."
Dad: "Time sure flies when you're having fun... and when you get to be my age, it moves even faster..."
And with that, I wanted to wish everyone a happy season of Advent. In the Catholic Church, we have moved from Year A to Year B -- this means we will hear from Mark's Gospel instead of Matthew (Year A) or Luke (Year C). John is included around Christmas/Easter, and at toward the end of Year B (since Mark is the shortest Gospel).
It is hard to believe November is nearly over. It has been quite a month. A trip to 2 cities in IN, going to my parents' just for dinner for Thanksgiving instead of the whole day, going to the Great Lakes Science Center -- lots going on.
My response: "You need to look in the front of the book. Happy Liturgical New Year."
Dad: "What, it is the first Sunday of Advent already?"
me: "Yes, Christmas is 25 days away."
Dad: "Time sure flies when you're having fun... and when you get to be my age, it moves even faster..."
And with that, I wanted to wish everyone a happy season of Advent. In the Catholic Church, we have moved from Year A to Year B -- this means we will hear from Mark's Gospel instead of Matthew (Year A) or Luke (Year C). John is included around Christmas/Easter, and at toward the end of Year B (since Mark is the shortest Gospel).
It is hard to believe November is nearly over. It has been quite a month. A trip to 2 cities in IN, going to my parents' just for dinner for Thanksgiving instead of the whole day, going to the Great Lakes Science Center -- lots going on.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Semi - Success
I found two pair of nice fitting dress pants. So now I can stop wearing blue jeans to church : ) .
But I did not find any nice shirts that fit well. Fortunately I have one blouse and two sweaters that I can wear with my pants.
It wasn't as bad as it could have been. And it was kind of nice to have a night out with my mom.
My actual Birthday isn't until next Thursday. We are going to be celebrating my Birthday at Chick-Fil-A (the one with the play area). Our church happens to be having a fundraiser there on my Birthday.
But my mom wanted to get me clothes for my Birthday, so she wanted to take me shopping ahead of time.
Abby is going to actually go to mass with my dad this morning. Then they are going to go swimming at the YMCA. I am going to take the others to storytime at the Library.
But I did not find any nice shirts that fit well. Fortunately I have one blouse and two sweaters that I can wear with my pants.
It wasn't as bad as it could have been. And it was kind of nice to have a night out with my mom.
My actual Birthday isn't until next Thursday. We are going to be celebrating my Birthday at Chick-Fil-A (the one with the play area). Our church happens to be having a fundraiser there on my Birthday.
But my mom wanted to get me clothes for my Birthday, so she wanted to take me shopping ahead of time.
Abby is going to actually go to mass with my dad this morning. Then they are going to go swimming at the YMCA. I am going to take the others to storytime at the Library.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Shopping
My mother is going to take me shopping tonight. This is my parents Birthday gift to me.
Honestly, I am dreading it.
I know my wardrobe is pathetic. But honestly, I just have so much trouble finding things that fit right, that I would rather not try.
It doesn't help that I have gained a considerable amount of weight. Ugh! Stupid Halloween Candy!!!
I really need more self control. I know it's a fruit of the Spirit, so I'll keep on praying about it.
On other notes...
Happy Birthday to Manda!
And
May your Birthdays be all that you hope it will be!
Happy Birthday to Kathy!
Honestly, I am dreading it.
I know my wardrobe is pathetic. But honestly, I just have so much trouble finding things that fit right, that I would rather not try.
It doesn't help that I have gained a considerable amount of weight. Ugh! Stupid Halloween Candy!!!
I really need more self control. I know it's a fruit of the Spirit, so I'll keep on praying about it.
On other notes...
Happy Birthday to Manda!
And
May your Birthdays be all that you hope it will be!
Happy Birthday to Kathy!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
pictures
Paul asked me to take down the family pictures for security reasons. He read some things at work that indicated that it is dangerous to have pictures of yourself online.
What do you think? Is it? If so why, or why not?
so there will be no more pictures of us added to the blog.
But if Paul ever gets a round tuit there will be more pictures on our password protected family website.
What do you think? Is it? If so why, or why not?
so there will be no more pictures of us added to the blog.
But if Paul ever gets a round tuit there will be more pictures on our password protected family website.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Chicago Pictures attempted
I promised some pictures from our trip to Chicago, and I am finally going to post some.
Abby is at mass with Papa this morning. Every Friday, St. Elizabeth's has a mass for the school children (geared to about a 7 yr old level).
Today is reformation day. And alot of my protestant friends celebrate the day. But I have trouble with that. Despite the fact that I believe a great deal of good came from the reformation, it seems so ugly to celebrate a rift in the universal church. But I do think it is a good time to teach the differences between different denominations and such. So I thought it would be good for Abby to go to a Catholic mass. My dad has promised he isn't going to try to convert her "at least not yet."
My dad is sometimes a little offensive in his pro-Catholic view point. I do very much respect his faith. And I think that he respects mine. But when you think you are right about something, it is sometimes hard to show adequate respect for the viewpoints of another.
And it is perfectly okay to believe that someone else is wrong.
Anyway, the boys are enjoying their morning playing with trucks and tractors, with no one to boss them around.
okay, I've tried four times to upload pictures... maybe another day...
Abby is at mass with Papa this morning. Every Friday, St. Elizabeth's has a mass for the school children (geared to about a 7 yr old level).
Today is reformation day. And alot of my protestant friends celebrate the day. But I have trouble with that. Despite the fact that I believe a great deal of good came from the reformation, it seems so ugly to celebrate a rift in the universal church. But I do think it is a good time to teach the differences between different denominations and such. So I thought it would be good for Abby to go to a Catholic mass. My dad has promised he isn't going to try to convert her "at least not yet."
My dad is sometimes a little offensive in his pro-Catholic view point. I do very much respect his faith. And I think that he respects mine. But when you think you are right about something, it is sometimes hard to show adequate respect for the viewpoints of another.
And it is perfectly okay to believe that someone else is wrong.
Anyway, the boys are enjoying their morning playing with trucks and tractors, with no one to boss them around.
okay, I've tried four times to upload pictures... maybe another day...
Thursday, October 30, 2008
I don't like to talk politics with people who disagree with me. I usually avoid the subject, because I think it is best not to make other people mad. But I feel that my blog is a safe place to discuss the subject.
I know many of you are Obama supporters. And there are many things to respect about Barack Obama. And I find it quite ridiculous that so many people think that he is a secret muslim terrorist. I don't think that is true at all. So lets discuss the issues.
ECONOMY
McCain's policy on the economy is somewhat schizophrenic. He doesn't really seem to understand some economic nuances, but he does believe that the budget needs to be balanced and he has been a consistent fighter in the war against earmarks. I respect that.
Obama's fiscal policy would pull us more toward socialism. And I don't think socialism is a dirty word. Obama certainly has a heart for helping the underprivileged (at least he has a heart for making the government help underprivelegd people). He has a strong sense of justice, and wants to see justice done. Unfortunately justice isn't always what helps the most for the economy. I do think that there needs to be more regulation than there has been in a lot of industry (and I am glad for that). But in other cases I think overregulation has caused problems. I know that Obama is going to "soak it to the rich". But by increasing corporate tax rates, I think it will hurt American businesses. And I also think it will decrease the incentive to succeed. Why make more money is Uncle Sam is just going to take it away? I do believe that all Americans should have a right to healthcare. But I am nervous about a government controlled health system --the government is pretty good at messing things up.
NATIONAL SECURITY
I tend to think McCain has the upperhand on this one. I think diplomacy is good, and I think that Obama is excellent at persuading people. But I also suspect he is somewhat naive. I also suspect that McCain's experience in the military, and his time as a POW will be helpful in this regard. I think McCain's position on the war in Iraq has been poorly characterized. Neither of the two have given a very good explanation of how they will deal with a nuclear Iran.
THE ENVIRONMENT
I think Obama may likely have the upper hand on this one. But I also think McCain's policies seem plausible.
GAY RIGHTS
Obama supports gay people having civil unions granting them the same rights as married people but not calling it marriage. McCain supports letting gay people say that they are married but not having the same legal rights. I think... I am sort of confused. And honestly, I am not entirely sure what my own position on this one is.
THE SUPREME COURT
As many as three supreme court justices may retire in the next for years. McCain follows a strict constructionist belief. Obama feels that it is okay for justices to interpret the constitution according to their own beliefs. I find it terribly frightening where that could lead us.
LIFE
Okay so now we have gotten to the meat of it.
"A nation that kills its own children is a nation without hope!" -John Paul II
Am I a one issue voter? Not quite, but this issue trumps all others. I believe that life begins at conception and that innocent life must be protected. The heinous crime that is abortion causes the deaths of approximately 4000 innocents every day.
McCain opposes abortion. Obama supports abortion. He even believes that the government should pay for abortion. I do not want my money to be used to kill innocent people. He also opposed a law that would guarantee protection for the babies who survive an abortion.
Every pregnancy I have had makes me even more pro-life. I know that the baby inside of me is a real baby and not just a lump of tissue.
So even if Obama had by far the best plans for economy, environment and national security, I could not vote for him. We do not deserve to be a prosperous nation if we fail to protect the unborn.
I hope you wouldn't elect Hitler if he had a better health plan? Seriously, how many more lives are at stake.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't expect my little rant would change the perspective of anyone who is pro-choice. But I hope I have reminded my pro-life friends that that issue is one of utmost importance.
I know many of you are Obama supporters. And there are many things to respect about Barack Obama. And I find it quite ridiculous that so many people think that he is a secret muslim terrorist. I don't think that is true at all. So lets discuss the issues.
ECONOMY
McCain's policy on the economy is somewhat schizophrenic. He doesn't really seem to understand some economic nuances, but he does believe that the budget needs to be balanced and he has been a consistent fighter in the war against earmarks. I respect that.
Obama's fiscal policy would pull us more toward socialism. And I don't think socialism is a dirty word. Obama certainly has a heart for helping the underprivileged (at least he has a heart for making the government help underprivelegd people). He has a strong sense of justice, and wants to see justice done. Unfortunately justice isn't always what helps the most for the economy. I do think that there needs to be more regulation than there has been in a lot of industry (and I am glad for that). But in other cases I think overregulation has caused problems. I know that Obama is going to "soak it to the rich". But by increasing corporate tax rates, I think it will hurt American businesses. And I also think it will decrease the incentive to succeed. Why make more money is Uncle Sam is just going to take it away? I do believe that all Americans should have a right to healthcare. But I am nervous about a government controlled health system --the government is pretty good at messing things up.
NATIONAL SECURITY
I tend to think McCain has the upperhand on this one. I think diplomacy is good, and I think that Obama is excellent at persuading people. But I also suspect he is somewhat naive. I also suspect that McCain's experience in the military, and his time as a POW will be helpful in this regard. I think McCain's position on the war in Iraq has been poorly characterized. Neither of the two have given a very good explanation of how they will deal with a nuclear Iran.
THE ENVIRONMENT
I think Obama may likely have the upper hand on this one. But I also think McCain's policies seem plausible.
GAY RIGHTS
Obama supports gay people having civil unions granting them the same rights as married people but not calling it marriage. McCain supports letting gay people say that they are married but not having the same legal rights. I think... I am sort of confused. And honestly, I am not entirely sure what my own position on this one is.
THE SUPREME COURT
As many as three supreme court justices may retire in the next for years. McCain follows a strict constructionist belief. Obama feels that it is okay for justices to interpret the constitution according to their own beliefs. I find it terribly frightening where that could lead us.
LIFE
Okay so now we have gotten to the meat of it.
"A nation that kills its own children is a nation without hope!" -John Paul II
Am I a one issue voter? Not quite, but this issue trumps all others. I believe that life begins at conception and that innocent life must be protected. The heinous crime that is abortion causes the deaths of approximately 4000 innocents every day.
McCain opposes abortion. Obama supports abortion. He even believes that the government should pay for abortion. I do not want my money to be used to kill innocent people. He also opposed a law that would guarantee protection for the babies who survive an abortion.
Every pregnancy I have had makes me even more pro-life. I know that the baby inside of me is a real baby and not just a lump of tissue.
So even if Obama had by far the best plans for economy, environment and national security, I could not vote for him. We do not deserve to be a prosperous nation if we fail to protect the unborn.
I hope you wouldn't elect Hitler if he had a better health plan? Seriously, how many more lives are at stake.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't expect my little rant would change the perspective of anyone who is pro-choice. But I hope I have reminded my pro-life friends that that issue is one of utmost importance.
rickroll
I am surprised my video did not generate comments!
For those of you who may be unfamiliar. Rickrolling is the act of placing a link to something, and instead of that thing, person clicking the link comes to a video of Rick Astley's 1987 music video "Never Gonna Give You Up!"
There is, to my knowledge, no video of Michelle Obama making racist remarks. Although you-tube has dozens of videos claiming to be that. And I assure you that if there had been such a video, I would not have posted it on my blog. That's not my type of political persuasion.
For those of you who may be unfamiliar. Rickrolling is the act of placing a link to something, and instead of that thing, person clicking the link comes to a video of Rick Astley's 1987 music video "Never Gonna Give You Up!"
There is, to my knowledge, no video of Michelle Obama making racist remarks. Although you-tube has dozens of videos claiming to be that. And I assure you that if there had been such a video, I would not have posted it on my blog. That's not my type of political persuasion.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Getting Political
You need to see this
I know this might be controversial, but I think you all will understand why I posted it after you watch it.
I'll talk about it more in my next post.
I know this might be controversial, but I think you all will understand why I posted it after you watch it.
I'll talk about it more in my next post.
Monday, October 27, 2008
You Betcha!
When I got home from the rally on Saturday, Paul asked "Was it everything you hoped it would be?"
Naw, probably not. We spent nearly two hours waiting outside in the cold, and my dad ended up taking the kids home. So it was just mom and me. (Afterwards we walked to Ruby Tuesday and had some spinach artichoke dip while we waited for my dad to come pick us up).
The long line was related to the secret service and their zealous security. And some poorly planned out directing of people.
Because of the wait, we missed hearing congressman Mark Souder (I am no too disappointed by that really). I'm much more disappointed that we only got to hear Hank play two songs. Then Dan Coats (former senator) introduced Lt. Governor Becky Skillman (I'd never heard her speak before, and was fairly impressed. And Skillman introduced Palin.
My first thought was "Wow, she's tiny!" I admit that from the nosebleed section of the coliseum, anyone would look tiny. But the truth is that she just seemed so much thinner and more petite than I imagined. My second thought was "I want her boots" She had totally awesome boots.
I was pretty impressed by Palin. I'm not sure that she was the wisest choice for McCain. But she does not at all seem to be the dunce that she has been depicted as. Honestly, it seems that the campaign has highlighted all of her weaknesses and none of her strengths.
Well anyway, I had a good time. Would I do it again? No. But it was worth it.
And a special thanks the to the FWFD who gave us blankets while we stood in line.
Naw, probably not. We spent nearly two hours waiting outside in the cold, and my dad ended up taking the kids home. So it was just mom and me. (Afterwards we walked to Ruby Tuesday and had some spinach artichoke dip while we waited for my dad to come pick us up).
The long line was related to the secret service and their zealous security. And some poorly planned out directing of people.
Because of the wait, we missed hearing congressman Mark Souder (I am no too disappointed by that really). I'm much more disappointed that we only got to hear Hank play two songs. Then Dan Coats (former senator) introduced Lt. Governor Becky Skillman (I'd never heard her speak before, and was fairly impressed. And Skillman introduced Palin.
My first thought was "Wow, she's tiny!" I admit that from the nosebleed section of the coliseum, anyone would look tiny. But the truth is that she just seemed so much thinner and more petite than I imagined. My second thought was "I want her boots" She had totally awesome boots.
I was pretty impressed by Palin. I'm not sure that she was the wisest choice for McCain. But she does not at all seem to be the dunce that she has been depicted as. Honestly, it seems that the campaign has highlighted all of her weaknesses and none of her strengths.
Well anyway, I had a good time. Would I do it again? No. But it was worth it.
And a special thanks the to the FWFD who gave us blankets while we stood in line.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Grammar Rules (taken from MOMYS.com)
All rules should be applied immediately, if not sooner ............
1. Verbs HAS to agree with their subjects.
2. Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
3. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction.
4. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.
5. Avoid cliches like the plague. (They're old hat)
6. Also, always avoid annoying alliteration.
7. Be more or less specific.
8. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are (usually) unnecessary.
9. Also too, never, ever use repetitive redundancies.
10. No sentence fragments.
11. Contractions aren't necessary and shouldn't be used.
12. Foreign words and phrases are not apropos.
13. Do not be redundant; do not use more words than
necessary; it's highly superfluous.
14. One should NEVER generalize.
15. Comparisons are as bad as cliches.
16. Don't use no double negatives.
17. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
18. One-word sentences? Eliminate.
19. Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.
20. The passive voice is to be ignored.
21. Eliminate commas, that are, not necessary. Parenthetical
words however should be enclosed in commas.
22. Never use a big word when a diminutive one would suffice.
23. Kill all exclamation points!!!
24. Use words correctly, irregardless of how others use them.
25. Understatement is always the absolute best way to put
forth earth shaking ideas.
26. Use the apostrophe in it's proper place and omit it when its not needed.
27. Eliminate quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "I hate
quotations. Tell me what you know."
28. If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times: Resist hyperbole; not one writer in a million can use it correctly.
29. Puns are for children, not groan readers.
30. Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.
31. Even IF a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
32. Who needs rhetorical questions?
33. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.
1. Verbs HAS to agree with their subjects.
2. Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
3. And don't start a sentence with a conjunction.
4. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.
5. Avoid cliches like the plague. (They're old hat)
6. Also, always avoid annoying alliteration.
7. Be more or less specific.
8. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are (usually) unnecessary.
9. Also too, never, ever use repetitive redundancies.
10. No sentence fragments.
11. Contractions aren't necessary and shouldn't be used.
12. Foreign words and phrases are not apropos.
13. Do not be redundant; do not use more words than
necessary; it's highly superfluous.
14. One should NEVER generalize.
15. Comparisons are as bad as cliches.
16. Don't use no double negatives.
17. Eschew ampersands & abbreviations, etc.
18. One-word sentences? Eliminate.
19. Analogies in writing are like feathers on a snake.
20. The passive voice is to be ignored.
21. Eliminate commas, that are, not necessary. Parenthetical
words however should be enclosed in commas.
22. Never use a big word when a diminutive one would suffice.
23. Kill all exclamation points!!!
24. Use words correctly, irregardless of how others use them.
25. Understatement is always the absolute best way to put
forth earth shaking ideas.
26. Use the apostrophe in it's proper place and omit it when its not needed.
27. Eliminate quotations. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "I hate
quotations. Tell me what you know."
28. If you've heard it once, you've heard it a thousand times: Resist hyperbole; not one writer in a million can use it correctly.
29. Puns are for children, not groan readers.
30. Go around the barn at high noon to avoid colloquialisms.
31. Even IF a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.
32. Who needs rhetorical questions?
33. Exaggeration is a billion times worse than understatement.
Warming Up
I was just reading in the news that "they" did a study on the effect of drinking hot drinks to socialization. It turns out that people drinking hot coffee "warm up" to people more quickly than those drinking iced coffee.
So if you want to make a good impression on someone, maybe you should buy them a cup of hot coffee. Or chai latte (my preferred hot drink).
And speaking of warming up, warm up time is by far my children's favorite part of gymnastics. First they dance a dance. Then they do there stretches by pretending to cook something. (Each time they have to get something out they have to reach for one of their feet).
Coach Pat: "What should we make today?"
Sam: "Pasta"
Coach Pat: "Emma, what should we put on our pasta?"
Emma: "Cake"
Coach Pat: "Cake on Spaghetti? Okay, get out the cake?"
Isaac when asked always says hot dogs. Regardless of what they are making. There was a little girl who used to be in Sam's class who always answered "Princess!"
Abby's class is not quite as funny, they seem to get the idea.
Then they do butterfly stretches and sing "I'm flying, I'm flying"
Their coach is oodles of fun. He makes great sound effects, and jokes and plays. But he is also good at getting the children to mind.
They have been playing gymnastics class lately. This consists of doing all of the warm up activities, and then doing forward rolls. Then at the end they get stamps on their hands. Abby does the stamps by writing on her brothers and herself with a magic marker.
So if you want to make a good impression on someone, maybe you should buy them a cup of hot coffee. Or chai latte (my preferred hot drink).
And speaking of warming up, warm up time is by far my children's favorite part of gymnastics. First they dance a dance. Then they do there stretches by pretending to cook something. (Each time they have to get something out they have to reach for one of their feet).
Coach Pat: "What should we make today?"
Sam: "Pasta"
Coach Pat: "Emma, what should we put on our pasta?"
Emma: "Cake"
Coach Pat: "Cake on Spaghetti? Okay, get out the cake?"
Isaac when asked always says hot dogs. Regardless of what they are making. There was a little girl who used to be in Sam's class who always answered "Princess!"
Abby's class is not quite as funny, they seem to get the idea.
Then they do butterfly stretches and sing "I'm flying, I'm flying"
Their coach is oodles of fun. He makes great sound effects, and jokes and plays. But he is also good at getting the children to mind.
They have been playing gymnastics class lately. This consists of doing all of the warm up activities, and then doing forward rolls. Then at the end they get stamps on their hands. Abby does the stamps by writing on her brothers and herself with a magic marker.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
My children have been playing so well together today. It's really sweet. Even Omi is playing with them. Right now they are building a hospital from duplos with their "unstruction quipment" Earlier they were playing they were playing "Pharoah" which was actually a sort of reenactment of Exodus. Isaac played the role of pharoah, which involved him removing everything but his underwear (or underwee as he calls them). Omi played the role of baby Moses (who had to be hid -- by having a blanket put over her head).
I have actually been sort of lazy today, because the children are doing such a good job of entertaining themselves.
Tomorrow I am taking Sam and Abby to a political rally. Paul will watch the older two. Sarah Palin is speaking at the coliseum. My dad went and got tickets today at Republican headquarters. I am not entirely thrilled by McCain. But I don't see any alternative but supporting him, given my very adamant pro-life stance. And I am sort of curious about Sarah Palin.
I have actually been sort of lazy today, because the children are doing such a good job of entertaining themselves.
Tomorrow I am taking Sam and Abby to a political rally. Paul will watch the older two. Sarah Palin is speaking at the coliseum. My dad went and got tickets today at Republican headquarters. I am not entirely thrilled by McCain. But I don't see any alternative but supporting him, given my very adamant pro-life stance. And I am sort of curious about Sarah Palin.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Heaven needs babies too
Olivia Joy Benik, born on October 1, passed away on October 19 due to massive system failures.
The funeral services will be on Wednesday. If you would like information regarding arrangements, and where to send condolences, please email me (or Sara or Scott).
Manda is still fighting an infection as well. So this is an extremely trying time for the family.
I have not been able to talk to Manda or Tony. I am sure there is very deep grief, and perhaps they are wondering why. And of course, God alone knows why. But I do believe that little Olivia is in the hands of God now. And what a blessing for her to be in the arms of her creator.
Paul is heading to Chicago for the funeral, but the kids and I will not be able to go.
The funeral services will be on Wednesday. If you would like information regarding arrangements, and where to send condolences, please email me (or Sara or Scott).
Manda is still fighting an infection as well. So this is an extremely trying time for the family.
I have not been able to talk to Manda or Tony. I am sure there is very deep grief, and perhaps they are wondering why. And of course, God alone knows why. But I do believe that little Olivia is in the hands of God now. And what a blessing for her to be in the arms of her creator.
Paul is heading to Chicago for the funeral, but the kids and I will not be able to go.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
oops
I posted my entry on the wrong blog. So kindly check out the link labeled baking fun.
sigh... i'm tired.
sigh... i'm tired.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Chicago
As soon as Paul gets the pics on here, I will post some of our trip to Chicago. What a blast!
We left home at about 10:00 on Friday morning. It was our plan to have a picnic lunch, but after not passing any parks for a long time we ended up eating at McDonald's (with a playplace) in Valpo.
Our first stop in Chicago was the museum of Science and Industry. The children's favorite part was called the "Idea Factory" which was geared specifically to young children, and even included a special area for babies who can't walk yet. We also really enjoyed the farm area and the boats. Actually we pretty well liked everything we saw. But unfortunately the museum closed at 4:00. After leaving the museum, we hopped into the van to go find a place for a picnic. Paul began by driving toward downtown, but before we reached downtown, we realized that the traffic was just too heavy. So we headed to La Villita.
We were going to have the picnic at Piotrowski Park. But before reaching the park, we stopped a school playground. It was nice and quite. Although there was a circus going on in a big tent about half a block away. (We did get to see camels when we drove by).
After dinner we headed to Sara's place. We took Ogden all the way out (which took about forever) but it brought back neat memories, and we got to see some neat stuff.
It was so great of Sara to put us up. We fit pretty well into her one bedroom apartment, although we pretty much took over.
Saturday morning, we drove out to Elburn (about 45 minutes) for the wedding of Paul's cousin Rachel. The wedding and reception were both outdoors; it was a bit chilly but absolutely beautiful. We had a good time visiting with Paul's uncles and cousins. The food was scrumptious, and there was a large grassy area to run around in.
After the wedding and reception we drove approximately forever to the hospital to visit Manda. Children were not allowed to go up to her room. So Paul went up by himself, and then Manda and Tony (and their other visitors) came down to see us.
After our visit we stopped at Burger King (play place) near the hospital to have dinner. There was a group of muslims having a Birthday party, so it was very crowded and noisy. (Not to imply that muslims are noisy --I imagine any Birthday party would be noisy). I only know they were muslim because all of the women were wearing headcoverings.
Then we went back to Sara's place and watched the Princess Bride, which I forgot to mention we had started watching Friday night.
Sunday morning we got up and went to church in Lawndale. We went to the church (Westlawn Gospel Chapel) where I had worked in the summer of 2001. It was somewhat strange to see the little children I had worked with were now teenagers. The sermon was about using the authority God gives us in ways that are serving Christ. There were lots of anecdotes in the sermon that were highly amusing to me. Much of the sermon I could give a hearty amen too. One of the most interesting moments in the sermon was when the preacher said "Barack On!" (I suppose the political affiliations of an inner city black church in Chicago should be pretty obvious anyway).
After church (about 1:30) we went to Nuevo Leon in La Villita with the Soderquists and a few other people from Westlawn. The teenagers were supposed to be coming there as well, but ended up at a different restaurant (I was a little disappointed by that). Lunch was scrumptious. The Soderquists (the International Teams missionaries we had worked with) eat at Nuevo Leon often, and were obviously on very friendly terms with the wait staff. They gave us updates on the people we had worked with, and we told them about life in Fort Wayne.
After lunch we walked around La Villita. We went to visit lots of little stores, including the hardware store we had fond memories of. We wanted to get Paletas, but since we didn't pass it, we ended up going to a little ice cream shop instead. Yum!
Then Manda called to let us know she was being discharged from the hospital. So we drove about 80 blocks down Cicero avenue to Manda and Tony's apartment. Tony's parents had fixed about enough food to feed an army, so we had dinner there. Tony's family was mostly there. They seemed very nice, and obviously enjoyed our crazy children.
Then it was back to Sara's where we watched Mulan to put the children to sleep.
Monday morning we got up and packed up all of our stuff. Then we drove to little India. Our first stop was the South Asian Friendship Center. Paul had a good visit with the staff there particulary a man from Sicily named Cicero (or something like that). I mostly kept the children in line. We all enjoyed the free chai.
Then we browsed the shops and bought some food stuffs (I got a great deal on rice flour). And we got two dresses for Abigail. Paul did a great job negotiating the price.
We had lunch at a place called Khan BBQ, on the recommendation of Cicero. I hadn't had such good Indian food in a long time. It was scrumptious. We ate up everything except the really spicy stuff that only Paul could handle. All of us really liked it a lot.
We left little India at about 3:00. Traffic was heavy and it took over 2 hours to get to Valpo. Because of construction we ended up taking a slightly unusual route. Paul was definitely ready for me to drive by the time we were out of Chicago!
We stopped for dinner at McDonald's (playplace). I am so sick of cheeseburgers.
The trip was oodles of fun!
We left home at about 10:00 on Friday morning. It was our plan to have a picnic lunch, but after not passing any parks for a long time we ended up eating at McDonald's (with a playplace) in Valpo.
Our first stop in Chicago was the museum of Science and Industry. The children's favorite part was called the "Idea Factory" which was geared specifically to young children, and even included a special area for babies who can't walk yet. We also really enjoyed the farm area and the boats. Actually we pretty well liked everything we saw. But unfortunately the museum closed at 4:00. After leaving the museum, we hopped into the van to go find a place for a picnic. Paul began by driving toward downtown, but before we reached downtown, we realized that the traffic was just too heavy. So we headed to La Villita.
We were going to have the picnic at Piotrowski Park. But before reaching the park, we stopped a school playground. It was nice and quite. Although there was a circus going on in a big tent about half a block away. (We did get to see camels when we drove by).
After dinner we headed to Sara's place. We took Ogden all the way out (which took about forever) but it brought back neat memories, and we got to see some neat stuff.
It was so great of Sara to put us up. We fit pretty well into her one bedroom apartment, although we pretty much took over.
Saturday morning, we drove out to Elburn (about 45 minutes) for the wedding of Paul's cousin Rachel. The wedding and reception were both outdoors; it was a bit chilly but absolutely beautiful. We had a good time visiting with Paul's uncles and cousins. The food was scrumptious, and there was a large grassy area to run around in.
After the wedding and reception we drove approximately forever to the hospital to visit Manda. Children were not allowed to go up to her room. So Paul went up by himself, and then Manda and Tony (and their other visitors) came down to see us.
After our visit we stopped at Burger King (play place) near the hospital to have dinner. There was a group of muslims having a Birthday party, so it was very crowded and noisy. (Not to imply that muslims are noisy --I imagine any Birthday party would be noisy). I only know they were muslim because all of the women were wearing headcoverings.
Then we went back to Sara's place and watched the Princess Bride, which I forgot to mention we had started watching Friday night.
Sunday morning we got up and went to church in Lawndale. We went to the church (Westlawn Gospel Chapel) where I had worked in the summer of 2001. It was somewhat strange to see the little children I had worked with were now teenagers. The sermon was about using the authority God gives us in ways that are serving Christ. There were lots of anecdotes in the sermon that were highly amusing to me. Much of the sermon I could give a hearty amen too. One of the most interesting moments in the sermon was when the preacher said "Barack On!" (I suppose the political affiliations of an inner city black church in Chicago should be pretty obvious anyway).
After church (about 1:30) we went to Nuevo Leon in La Villita with the Soderquists and a few other people from Westlawn. The teenagers were supposed to be coming there as well, but ended up at a different restaurant (I was a little disappointed by that). Lunch was scrumptious. The Soderquists (the International Teams missionaries we had worked with) eat at Nuevo Leon often, and were obviously on very friendly terms with the wait staff. They gave us updates on the people we had worked with, and we told them about life in Fort Wayne.
After lunch we walked around La Villita. We went to visit lots of little stores, including the hardware store we had fond memories of. We wanted to get Paletas, but since we didn't pass it, we ended up going to a little ice cream shop instead. Yum!
Then Manda called to let us know she was being discharged from the hospital. So we drove about 80 blocks down Cicero avenue to Manda and Tony's apartment. Tony's parents had fixed about enough food to feed an army, so we had dinner there. Tony's family was mostly there. They seemed very nice, and obviously enjoyed our crazy children.
Then it was back to Sara's where we watched Mulan to put the children to sleep.
Monday morning we got up and packed up all of our stuff. Then we drove to little India. Our first stop was the South Asian Friendship Center. Paul had a good visit with the staff there particulary a man from Sicily named Cicero (or something like that). I mostly kept the children in line. We all enjoyed the free chai.
Then we browsed the shops and bought some food stuffs (I got a great deal on rice flour). And we got two dresses for Abigail. Paul did a great job negotiating the price.
We had lunch at a place called Khan BBQ, on the recommendation of Cicero. I hadn't had such good Indian food in a long time. It was scrumptious. We ate up everything except the really spicy stuff that only Paul could handle. All of us really liked it a lot.
We left little India at about 3:00. Traffic was heavy and it took over 2 hours to get to Valpo. Because of construction we ended up taking a slightly unusual route. Paul was definitely ready for me to drive by the time we were out of Chicago!
We stopped for dinner at McDonald's (playplace). I am so sick of cheeseburgers.
The trip was oodles of fun!
So Loree forgot to mention...
I've heard through the grape vine that Alexis Terra was born to Loree and Derek on Saturday.
I don't know the details... Maybe they'll get posted as a comment (hint! hint!)
I don't know the details... Maybe they'll get posted as a comment (hint! hint!)
They're Playing Spore
And by "they" I mean Colin and Derek. I'm yawning and should be going to sleep, but I just can't stop what I'm doing to actually go to bed. Mostly because I like having company, and a sleeping toddler isn't that much company, nor a good shield against nighttime paranoia and overthinking.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Olivia
Manda and Tony's daughter, Olivia Joy was born today. Please pray for her! She was not "scheduled" to arrive until January 21. She is in the NICU. I do not know details of length and weight.
And please pray for Manda and Tony as I am sure they are distraught. And of course Manda is still needing to recover physically.
And please pray for Manda and Tony as I am sure they are distraught. And of course Manda is still needing to recover physically.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Little House in the Ghetto
Sorry I haven't posted much lately. I've been pretty depressed and in a bad mood since Mamaw passed away. I know that I have to keep going on and doing all the daily things of life. But I'd rather just curl up with a good book and escape. I have indulged my desire perhaps a little too much, as I have read all of the Little House books now. I always used to read the Little House books at Mamaw's house and to borrow them from her. So it sort makes me feel closer to her. In some ways it helps, in others it just makes me miss her that much more.
And I feel guilty for being so depressed. I know she was almost ninety-two and lived a long full life and faces a blessed eternity. But I still miss her.
It's also hard because I know my mom misses her even more than I do, and I want to be strong for her. I want to be strong. But at the same time I don't want to be strong.
In the meantime, things have gotten a little out of control at home. Abigail has been acting out, and I don't know how to handle her. Is it because she is sad too? Is it because mommy is so glum and not taking very good care of things? Is it just because she's a kid and kids go through phases? Or is there something else going on? What is the best way to handle a belligerent five-year-old anyway?
But at least I don't have to worry about my livelihood being destroyed by grasshoppers or being lost in a blizzard.
And I feel guilty for being so depressed. I know she was almost ninety-two and lived a long full life and faces a blessed eternity. But I still miss her.
It's also hard because I know my mom misses her even more than I do, and I want to be strong for her. I want to be strong. But at the same time I don't want to be strong.
In the meantime, things have gotten a little out of control at home. Abigail has been acting out, and I don't know how to handle her. Is it because she is sad too? Is it because mommy is so glum and not taking very good care of things? Is it just because she's a kid and kids go through phases? Or is there something else going on? What is the best way to handle a belligerent five-year-old anyway?
But at least I don't have to worry about my livelihood being destroyed by grasshoppers or being lost in a blizzard.
Monday, September 22, 2008
"Mmmorr. Bebeeees." But mostly just yarn-talk.
Indeed, whenever I turn on the computer now, Rachel thinks I'm going to open up the "bebeees" program to show her pictures of babies. (Well, pictures of herself, toddlers are narcissistic that way, right?) This goes for the cameras in the house, and actually hinders any sort of recording to the point where getting anywhere productive with a video or stillshot involved a lot of ninja-work:- Keep the camera hidden
- Make noise to mask the blips and bloops of turning the camera on
- Sneak in from a corner of the room where she's not looking
I fail at being sneaky, apparently, so I'll just show you a picture of some longies I said I'd send to Shae for Naomi about half a year ago or so. My procrastination has no bounds, it seems. I suspect they will be on the small side, but I finished it, dangit.
Some random notes: Done in 100% wool, colorway: Argentyne, of yarny_bits.livejournal (I believe deliciouspear, the actual dyer, is in the process of changing the business' name, currently Hawthorne Homes, and it's easier to find the colorways off of the LJ, anyway), with edging yarn dyed from the same batch to match. Pattern: WoolyWonder, Size S/M, with added I-cord belt and moss stitch edging at the bottom.
Honestly, I do like knitting - it's fairly easy once the basics are figured out. Circular knitting, to me, makes things a lot easier, since I never have to flip the work around. I actually finished half of the pants (top part to crotch) a while ago; all that was was an exercise in ribbing and short rows. The last part was what kept me from finishing earlier: according to the pattern, I was supposed to use 2 balls of the same yarn and practice what was known as the magic loop method to work both legs at once. My circulars weren't up to that task (I didn't think they were flexible enough), so I ended up using double pointed needles and working the legs one at a time. TMI, I know, but this late at night, I'm feeling it's important to rationalize why it's so late. >< I'm also proud of it; when I actually finish a pair of longies, I always have to sit there and think: "Wow, I made this, this is really neat."
So. Wow, I made this. This is really neat.
(Rachel thinks so, too, but she really just liked the yarn. I had to give her her own yarn ball just so she'd stop trying to run off with the one I was working with.)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Been through the desert...
...with a car with no plates. Yep, NV does not make new cars have temp plates, but rather a little piece of paper taped to the passenger side of the front windshield. We double-checked about our plate-less jeep before leaving the rental car place, but they assured us it would be fine so long as we knew where the registration was just in case.
Saturday, after a long plane flight (combination of having to turn back to CLE to change planes when the 1st's landing gear wouldn't pull in and a strong headwind), we got provisions and made camp.
Sunday was Mass at the Catholic chapel in the GC, followed by hiking. We hiked from our campsite, through part of the Rim Trail, to the Bright Angel Trail. There are signs all over reminding you "what goes down must go up," and warning how marathon runners have died from not having enough water or overdoing it somehow. We made it to 3-Mile point (there had been talk of going further but a friendly ranger advised us otherwise). Throughout the trip we were confused by the fact we made better time going up than down (supposedly it takes twice as long to go up). The squirrels along the trail are brave. One tried to climb into Don's backpack. They were cute from a distance, but their bravery unnerved me a bit. We were also surprised how many European travelers we saw on the trail (the ones we met were mostly from Austria and Switzerland).
The next day we went on the Grandview Trail, which was suggested by the friendly ranger on the previous day's trail. We almost went on a different trail, because the Grandview did not have water stops, but we were thankful we didn't get our campsite taken down in time, because the Grandview Trail was spectacular. We didn't make it through the whole trail (half of our group had small water bottles and we would've been hiking in the heat of the day), but we walked a good ways.
After the Grandview trail, we went north, stopping at the watchtower to see another angle of the GC, then continued north, stopping in Cameron, where I got stamps (at the watchtower they sold stamps in machines but that made them expensive) and mailed my postcards. We also got bread and lunchmeat to eat in the car. We drove just north over the Utah border to scope out multiple entrances to the park around Lake Powell, but settled on a campsite in AZ. Then we went in the lake for a bit. In the GC it had been cold at night (40ish F). At Lake Powell, it did not get cold.
The next day we did two short hikes in the Lake Powell area, then drove south to the Sedona area. We stopped at a place called Slide Rock Park on the way. They have natural water slides. It had been raining, but the rain let up long enough to go in the (cold) water. It was fun. The rain held off just long enough for us to get the tents and rain tarps over, and to get dinner mostly cooked. Then the rain let up again in the evening, and we were able to restart the campfire.
Wednesday we hiked the Cathedral Rock tail in Sedona. Then we drove back to Phoenix, dropped one group member off for his business trip, and went to see the basilica of St. Mary's in Phoenix. It was locked. As we walked around, we found a man who was doing a water ministry outside the basilica, and he was a Franciscan (but not yet a priest) at the church and he let us inside to look around.
It was an amazing trip. I got my film pictures back today. Being back in the "real world" for a few days, the whole trip seems rather surreal.
Saturday, after a long plane flight (combination of having to turn back to CLE to change planes when the 1st's landing gear wouldn't pull in and a strong headwind), we got provisions and made camp.
Sunday was Mass at the Catholic chapel in the GC, followed by hiking. We hiked from our campsite, through part of the Rim Trail, to the Bright Angel Trail. There are signs all over reminding you "what goes down must go up," and warning how marathon runners have died from not having enough water or overdoing it somehow. We made it to 3-Mile point (there had been talk of going further but a friendly ranger advised us otherwise). Throughout the trip we were confused by the fact we made better time going up than down (supposedly it takes twice as long to go up). The squirrels along the trail are brave. One tried to climb into Don's backpack. They were cute from a distance, but their bravery unnerved me a bit. We were also surprised how many European travelers we saw on the trail (the ones we met were mostly from Austria and Switzerland).
The next day we went on the Grandview Trail, which was suggested by the friendly ranger on the previous day's trail. We almost went on a different trail, because the Grandview did not have water stops, but we were thankful we didn't get our campsite taken down in time, because the Grandview Trail was spectacular. We didn't make it through the whole trail (half of our group had small water bottles and we would've been hiking in the heat of the day), but we walked a good ways.
After the Grandview trail, we went north, stopping at the watchtower to see another angle of the GC, then continued north, stopping in Cameron, where I got stamps (at the watchtower they sold stamps in machines but that made them expensive) and mailed my postcards. We also got bread and lunchmeat to eat in the car. We drove just north over the Utah border to scope out multiple entrances to the park around Lake Powell, but settled on a campsite in AZ. Then we went in the lake for a bit. In the GC it had been cold at night (40ish F). At Lake Powell, it did not get cold.
The next day we did two short hikes in the Lake Powell area, then drove south to the Sedona area. We stopped at a place called Slide Rock Park on the way. They have natural water slides. It had been raining, but the rain let up long enough to go in the (cold) water. It was fun. The rain held off just long enough for us to get the tents and rain tarps over, and to get dinner mostly cooked. Then the rain let up again in the evening, and we were able to restart the campfire.
Wednesday we hiked the Cathedral Rock tail in Sedona. Then we drove back to Phoenix, dropped one group member off for his business trip, and went to see the basilica of St. Mary's in Phoenix. It was locked. As we walked around, we found a man who was doing a water ministry outside the basilica, and he was a Franciscan (but not yet a priest) at the church and he let us inside to look around.
It was an amazing trip. I got my film pictures back today. Being back in the "real world" for a few days, the whole trip seems rather surreal.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Isn't life grand?
 |
| From Trip West 2008 |
Last week, I went with 3 friends from Church group to the Grand Canyon. We hiked some of the trails -- reaching the bottom did not happen on this trip, but we made it a ways down, and more importantly, back up again. The views are just amazing, I don't think I can properly put into words the majestic beauty of it all. We also camped for the trip, which added to the whole experience. One of my fellow campers had a 1-person tent that I got to use for the trip. It was a nice little tent. There is much more to write, but that will have to wait for another time.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Potty Training
We are doing some serious potty training with the boys. So far it is going excellently. Sam has had one accident today, and Isaac has had two. Both have gone on the potty at least half a dozen times each. I am happily daydreaming about not having to lug so many diapers around.
Oh yeah. And we went to Springfield this past weekend to visit Paul's grandma. The trip went well. But we are all exhausted and trying to get back on track.
Oh yeah. And we went to Springfield this past weekend to visit Paul's grandma. The trip went well. But we are all exhausted and trying to get back on track.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
With Jesus
Mamaw has passed on from this life and gone to be with our Lord. Yesterday was a very rough day, and I am so thankful she is no longer suffering. It seems so strange to think of her being gone though.
The funeral will probably be Monday or Tuesday.
We will go ahead and have the party this weekend, since it will all be over by then.
The funeral will probably be Monday or Tuesday.
We will go ahead and have the party this weekend, since it will all be over by then.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Mamaw
My grandma (aka Mamaw) is dying. I spent the day with her. She was maybe awake for an hour total time. I sang some hymns, and she seemed to really like that. I think she is just hanging on until all the family can come and see her this weekend.
I haven't decided whether or not to cancel the Labor Day party. Since it's sounding like it'll be a small gathering, I might just proceed with plans. Since it would be nice to have friends around. On the other hand, maybe I need to wait and see what the next few days bring.
I haven't decided whether or not to cancel the Labor Day party. Since it's sounding like it'll be a small gathering, I might just proceed with plans. Since it would be nice to have friends around. On the other hand, maybe I need to wait and see what the next few days bring.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Building a tower from writer's blocks
Apparently, a human cannot suffer from pseudocyesis from a physical cause because...
They don't call it that.
If a woman has a persistent luteal cyst causing the symptoms of pregnancy it is called Halban's syndrome. It is only considered pseudocyesis if a woman continues in the belief she is pregnant despite evidence to the contrary.
Weird. I'm having trouble writing for my book. Every time I write something, I decide I don't like what I wrote and end up deleting it.
But here's a basic synopsis of what the book is going to be
Introduction
1. The female reproductive system, and how a pregnancy happens (from a scientific standpoint). Advice about understanding ovulation and trying to conceive.
2. Very early pregnancy, morning sickness. Home remedies for morning sickness.
3. Sharing the news.
4. Coping with Cravings
5. Maternity Clothes, how to shop for them wisely and how to make your own.
6. Staying Healthy during pregnancy
7. Handling illness during pregnancy, what drugs can you really take
8. Shopping for baby stuff - haven't decided whether this will include diapering or if that will have it's own chapter.
9. Preparing for Labor and Delivery
10.Taking care of yourself (physically post-partum)
11. Having a special needs baby
12. Dealing with a miscarriage or stillbirth
13. Breastfeeding.
14. Helping older siblings adjust to a new baby.
15. Post-partum Depression
I would like to have at least three funny stories per chapter. And I would like a funny title for each. With the possible exception of chapter 12 (because there really isn't much funny about miscarriage). And I don't want all the stories to be my own. So if you have a story you don't mind my sharing let me know (I can change names if preferred). It doesn't even have to be your own story.
They don't call it that.
If a woman has a persistent luteal cyst causing the symptoms of pregnancy it is called Halban's syndrome. It is only considered pseudocyesis if a woman continues in the belief she is pregnant despite evidence to the contrary.
Weird. I'm having trouble writing for my book. Every time I write something, I decide I don't like what I wrote and end up deleting it.
But here's a basic synopsis of what the book is going to be
Introduction
1. The female reproductive system, and how a pregnancy happens (from a scientific standpoint). Advice about understanding ovulation and trying to conceive.
2. Very early pregnancy, morning sickness. Home remedies for morning sickness.
3. Sharing the news.
4. Coping with Cravings
5. Maternity Clothes, how to shop for them wisely and how to make your own.
6. Staying Healthy during pregnancy
7. Handling illness during pregnancy, what drugs can you really take
8. Shopping for baby stuff - haven't decided whether this will include diapering or if that will have it's own chapter.
9. Preparing for Labor and Delivery
10.Taking care of yourself (physically post-partum)
11. Having a special needs baby
12. Dealing with a miscarriage or stillbirth
13. Breastfeeding.
14. Helping older siblings adjust to a new baby.
15. Post-partum Depression
I would like to have at least three funny stories per chapter. And I would like a funny title for each. With the possible exception of chapter 12 (because there really isn't much funny about miscarriage). And I don't want all the stories to be my own. So if you have a story you don't mind my sharing let me know (I can change names if preferred). It doesn't even have to be your own story.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Pseudocyesis
I've been doing "research" for my book. And based on my research I am predicting that Manda will have a girl. Studies show that women have more morning sickness when pregnant with girls. I think this has to do with an increase in the girly hormones. I dunno.
I was also reading about pseudocyesis. Pseudocyesis is false pregnancy. Basically when the body acts pregnant but there is no baby. It occurs in many species of mammals (most often dogs --or at least most often witnessed in dogs because we pay attention to them) when the corpus luteum (the ovarian follicle basically) fails to disintegrate after ovulation even though the ovum has not been fertilized (or the fertilization results in a non-viable pregnancy --e.g. a genetic disorder exists in the embryo). Thus, it is a physical phenomena. However, according to articles I read about pseudocyesis in humans, it is always a psychological disorder where a woman believes she is pregnant because she wants to be pregnant.
I do not doubt that in the presence of extreme desire for pregnancy, a woman can experience a psychosomatic false pregnancy. But I fail to be convinced that all pseudocyesis in humans is purely psychological. Surely there can be physical reasons for a woman's body to act pregnant when it's not?
What do you think? Is there a double standard here for humans?
I was also reading about pseudocyesis. Pseudocyesis is false pregnancy. Basically when the body acts pregnant but there is no baby. It occurs in many species of mammals (most often dogs --or at least most often witnessed in dogs because we pay attention to them) when the corpus luteum (the ovarian follicle basically) fails to disintegrate after ovulation even though the ovum has not been fertilized (or the fertilization results in a non-viable pregnancy --e.g. a genetic disorder exists in the embryo). Thus, it is a physical phenomena. However, according to articles I read about pseudocyesis in humans, it is always a psychological disorder where a woman believes she is pregnant because she wants to be pregnant.
I do not doubt that in the presence of extreme desire for pregnancy, a woman can experience a psychosomatic false pregnancy. But I fail to be convinced that all pseudocyesis in humans is purely psychological. Surely there can be physical reasons for a woman's body to act pregnant when it's not?
What do you think? Is there a double standard here for humans?
Monday, July 21, 2008
What a day for a day dream
This Sunday I was very ill (puking my guts out). So I had to stay home from church. Oh the Irony! Because this week I was actually prepared for my Sunday school lesson. But thankfully, aside from Omi spitting up a lot (even more than usual), no one else has been sick.
I can say at least I feel more sympathetic for Manda who has morning sickness really badly right now. Her doctor doesn't want to give her drugs for it. This is too bad, I like drugs (the good kind anyway).
I have been thinking about how it's too bad I've not finished writing my book yet. Then I could give it to Manda. And then she could try my advice and then tell me that none of it works. Or something.
I probably would have been writing more. But I've spent quite a bit of my "free" time making Barbie clothes. I've been thinking about starting a business selling Barbie/Ken clothes. It's not a brilliant financial idea. Except that it's really fun. And if I can make a little bit of money from it, it justifies the expense. And having a little extra income might be nice if Paul goes back to school next year.
He takes the GRE Friday. The averages for admission into the program he wants in are 600 verbal and 790 math (4.5 on the writing).
I can say at least I feel more sympathetic for Manda who has morning sickness really badly right now. Her doctor doesn't want to give her drugs for it. This is too bad, I like drugs (the good kind anyway).
I have been thinking about how it's too bad I've not finished writing my book yet. Then I could give it to Manda. And then she could try my advice and then tell me that none of it works. Or something.
I probably would have been writing more. But I've spent quite a bit of my "free" time making Barbie clothes. I've been thinking about starting a business selling Barbie/Ken clothes. It's not a brilliant financial idea. Except that it's really fun. And if I can make a little bit of money from it, it justifies the expense. And having a little extra income might be nice if Paul goes back to school next year.
He takes the GRE Friday. The averages for admission into the program he wants in are 600 verbal and 790 math (4.5 on the writing).
Friday, July 18, 2008
My "new" shoes
I am wearing a really cute pair of running shoes today. They are hand-me-downs from Rachel. Yes, that Rachel. The Rachel who only six years ago was my sweet, darling, little flower girl. She is eleven now. And 5'6". Wow! How time does fly.
A cost benefit analysis
As usual I am naking right now, so please forgive any typos. After Omi is done eating, I will have to do one of my least favorite household chores: washing the diapers.
Since Manda mentioned the other day that she isn't sure whether she will use cloth diapers or disposables (aka sposies) I thought I'd analyze whether or not it's worth it.
The average infant goes through 3000 diapers the first year. They use less diapers as they get older, but the diapers get more expensive, so we'll just use that figure for until they potty train.
Sposies:
The average child wearing disposables potty trains between age 2.5 and 3. They might not be fully potty trained until close to 3.5 at nighttime. But that's only one dipe a day. So we'll use 2.5
2.5 x 3000 is 7500. If you shop sales and are fairly cost conscious about buying cheap diapers, the cost for sposies is probably about $0.20 each. A total cost of about $1500. You might be able to get by cheaper, if you are especially good at shopping sales. Then again, if you aren't a sale shopper and just by name brand diapers at regular price, you could easily spend $2500.
Cloth:
The average child wearing cloth diapers potty trains between age 1.5 and 2 (pretty cool eh?). The further analysis is pretty hard to do because there are so many variations in types of cloth diapers. You probably would want to wash diapers every other day to every third day, so we'll say 3 times per week. (Okay so, you'd probably never want to wash diapers, but that's another matter). So you'd probably want to have about 3 dozen diapers or so.
Basic Cheap - Plastic Pants, Pins, and Simple Prefolds. You can by a dozen prefold, birdseye weave, dundee diapers (my favorite brand) for $10.00, similar diapers in other brands are about $12.00. Some brands sell these as burp cloths (what a hoot!). Diaper pins are usually about $1.00 for 4. I would think you'd want two packages of these. Then plastic pants usually run about $3.00 per pair. You probably would want 6 pairs or so of these in each of 4 sizes (S,M,L, XL), although you can probably skip M and just jump from S to L. So 4x3x6 = $72. The cost of a load of laundry can vary a great deal from about $.03 to $.10 depending on what detergent you use. So we'll use the more expensive number .10x52weeksx2years = $10.40 . You might want to add something to keep the diaper pails smelling fresh (e.g. detergent, baking soda etc.) and you might add something to the wash as a softener (vinegar or baking soda work well). So maybe add another $.05 per load so the cost would be $15.80. So the total then would be 12x3= 36 + 72 +16 (because I don't like adding in 15.80) =$124.
But if you want anything more than the basic (velcro wraps, wool covers (if you don't make your own from wool sweaters, snappis, fitted diapers, you could easily spend more than that). If you buy expensive diapers I could see someone even spending that $1500. But I would guess the average cloth diaper user spends close to $250. I personally prefer pins and plastic pants or wool sweater covers, but I spent a lot of money on other things before I reached that conclusion.
In some places there is a diaper service option where you pay someone and they pick up the diapers and wash them for you. I don't know what this costs, it isn't available here.
G-pants - Are velcro wraps that you can put liners in. They have washable cloth liners or flushable/biodegradable liners. If you use the flushable liners, you aren't really saving money (you might even be spending more depending on how many wraps you need). But you are saving the environment. With the cloth you would be saving both ways. Many day cares are even willing to use these with the flushable liners. Which if your child is in daycare at all they probably wouldn't except cloth.
I use cloth part time and sposies part time. I would like to use cloth full time. But the prospect of taking cloth diapers everywhere is somewhat intimidating to me.
So the only advantage of sposies is convenience. But that is a big advantage. However, I think if I wanted to use them full time that I would definitely go with the g pants. And if I were expecting my first, I would ask for them as baby shower gifts. You can also get cloth as baby shower gifts. I don't think we have bought a single cloth diaper. And we have probably been given close to a gross of them (many have been passed on to others).
Since Manda mentioned the other day that she isn't sure whether she will use cloth diapers or disposables (aka sposies) I thought I'd analyze whether or not it's worth it.
The average infant goes through 3000 diapers the first year. They use less diapers as they get older, but the diapers get more expensive, so we'll just use that figure for until they potty train.
Sposies:
The average child wearing disposables potty trains between age 2.5 and 3. They might not be fully potty trained until close to 3.5 at nighttime. But that's only one dipe a day. So we'll use 2.5
2.5 x 3000 is 7500. If you shop sales and are fairly cost conscious about buying cheap diapers, the cost for sposies is probably about $0.20 each. A total cost of about $1500. You might be able to get by cheaper, if you are especially good at shopping sales. Then again, if you aren't a sale shopper and just by name brand diapers at regular price, you could easily spend $2500.
Cloth:
The average child wearing cloth diapers potty trains between age 1.5 and 2 (pretty cool eh?). The further analysis is pretty hard to do because there are so many variations in types of cloth diapers. You probably would want to wash diapers every other day to every third day, so we'll say 3 times per week. (Okay so, you'd probably never want to wash diapers, but that's another matter). So you'd probably want to have about 3 dozen diapers or so.
Basic Cheap - Plastic Pants, Pins, and Simple Prefolds. You can by a dozen prefold, birdseye weave, dundee diapers (my favorite brand) for $10.00, similar diapers in other brands are about $12.00. Some brands sell these as burp cloths (what a hoot!). Diaper pins are usually about $1.00 for 4. I would think you'd want two packages of these. Then plastic pants usually run about $3.00 per pair. You probably would want 6 pairs or so of these in each of 4 sizes (S,M,L, XL), although you can probably skip M and just jump from S to L. So 4x3x6 = $72. The cost of a load of laundry can vary a great deal from about $.03 to $.10 depending on what detergent you use. So we'll use the more expensive number .10x52weeksx2years = $10.40 . You might want to add something to keep the diaper pails smelling fresh (e.g. detergent, baking soda etc.) and you might add something to the wash as a softener (vinegar or baking soda work well). So maybe add another $.05 per load so the cost would be $15.80. So the total then would be 12x3= 36 + 72 +16 (because I don't like adding in 15.80) =$124.
But if you want anything more than the basic (velcro wraps, wool covers (if you don't make your own from wool sweaters, snappis, fitted diapers, you could easily spend more than that). If you buy expensive diapers I could see someone even spending that $1500. But I would guess the average cloth diaper user spends close to $250. I personally prefer pins and plastic pants or wool sweater covers, but I spent a lot of money on other things before I reached that conclusion.
In some places there is a diaper service option where you pay someone and they pick up the diapers and wash them for you. I don't know what this costs, it isn't available here.
G-pants - Are velcro wraps that you can put liners in. They have washable cloth liners or flushable/biodegradable liners. If you use the flushable liners, you aren't really saving money (you might even be spending more depending on how many wraps you need). But you are saving the environment. With the cloth you would be saving both ways. Many day cares are even willing to use these with the flushable liners. Which if your child is in daycare at all they probably wouldn't except cloth.
I use cloth part time and sposies part time. I would like to use cloth full time. But the prospect of taking cloth diapers everywhere is somewhat intimidating to me.
So the only advantage of sposies is convenience. But that is a big advantage. However, I think if I wanted to use them full time that I would definitely go with the g pants. And if I were expecting my first, I would ask for them as baby shower gifts. You can also get cloth as baby shower gifts. I don't think we have bought a single cloth diaper. And we have probably been given close to a gross of them (many have been passed on to others).
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Mark your Calendars
We are planning to have a labor day weekend party again this year. It went over so well last year that we thought we'd do it again. Hopefully there will be no beaver fever this year!
This is not the New Years Party. There will be a New Years Party. The New Years Party will also include our celebration of Paul's Birthday (He'll be thirty -- though he insists he is staying 29).
It does look reasonably likely that Manda and Tony might not be able to attend the actual New Years Party (check out Manda's blog to see why).
Does that make sense?
This is not the New Years Party. There will be a New Years Party. The New Years Party will also include our celebration of Paul's Birthday (He'll be thirty -- though he insists he is staying 29).
It does look reasonably likely that Manda and Tony might not be able to attend the actual New Years Party (check out Manda's blog to see why).
Does that make sense?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Six Years
For six years I have been married to the world's most amazing husband.
Daily I praise God for bringing Paul to me.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Prayer Update
As many of you know, Jess's mother has been battling cancer. What began as lung cancer spread to her liver. Several weeks ago they quit chemo therapy because it was making her too ill. Since then her decline has been very rapid. Jess was able to take six weeks off to spend time with her mother.
I received word this morning from Jess that her mother has been given 24 to 48 hours to live. I know in some ways this will be a relief, because her suffering has been so severe. And it is the expected ending of a very long saga. I know, though that it will be very difficult for the family. So please keep them in your prayers.
I received word this morning from Jess that her mother has been given 24 to 48 hours to live. I know in some ways this will be a relief, because her suffering has been so severe. And it is the expected ending of a very long saga. I know, though that it will be very difficult for the family. So please keep them in your prayers.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Prayer to the most Glorious God
O Lord, you are most glorious!
O Lord, you are most grand!
Lead my heart on your path,
For by Your word I will stand.
I can't promise perfection,
But I promise I will try
To be a better servant,
To stand with You by and by.
I will not follow those who tempt my heart.
Though I may fall into sin
You'll give me a clean start.
Thank You for your unconditional love
And Your tranquilizing presence.
For the things I've spoken of,
I give You all I have, Lord.
To you, my Lord, I give my life.
I promise I'll follow and trust you
Though I may be stricken with pain and strife.
Cleanse me, Lord! Make me Your tool!
Take me, Lord, Just as I be!
Help me learn to serve you better.
Cleanse me, Lord! And make me free
From the burden of my sin.
Carry me all the way.
Be with me through thick and thing.
This, O Lord, is all I pray.
Thank You and Amen.
O Lord, you are most grand!
Lead my heart on your path,
For by Your word I will stand.
I can't promise perfection,
But I promise I will try
To be a better servant,
To stand with You by and by.
I will not follow those who tempt my heart.
Though I may fall into sin
You'll give me a clean start.
Thank You for your unconditional love
And Your tranquilizing presence.
For the things I've spoken of,
I give You all I have, Lord.
To you, my Lord, I give my life.
I promise I'll follow and trust you
Though I may be stricken with pain and strife.
Cleanse me, Lord! Make me Your tool!
Take me, Lord, Just as I be!
Help me learn to serve you better.
Cleanse me, Lord! And make me free
From the burden of my sin.
Carry me all the way.
Be with me through thick and thing.
This, O Lord, is all I pray.
Thank You and Amen.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
breakfast in the bathroom
What a day this has been
It started at 5:30 AM with a flurry of getting ready, that somehow enabled us to make it to church early. Indeed despite being up so early, the only way I was able to find time to eat was to have breakfast in the bathroom while the boys bathed.
I know my life is quite glamorous.
The reason we had to be to church early is that Paul is currently taking pictures to make a church pictorial directory. This is quite the endeavor. He took seven families' pictures today. And he has edited to of them. He took out the ugly church wall background and inserted them over a picture of our backyard.
It's sort of funny to think that we'll have lots pictures of people standing in our yard.
I have been in a major sorting and rearranging mood lately. I think I may be driving Paul nuts. I keep wanting to get rid of things that we don't really need. Which it turns out is just about everything. I'm trying to simplify my life. I don't want my possessions to be in charge of me.
So if I get rid of a gift you gave me, or a toy you gave one of my children, please understand it's not that I didn't like it. It's just really hard to have so many nice things while there are people eating mud in Haiti.
And I won't throw the things away, I am either selling or donating them.
The house is starting to seem a lot bigger.
It started at 5:30 AM with a flurry of getting ready, that somehow enabled us to make it to church early. Indeed despite being up so early, the only way I was able to find time to eat was to have breakfast in the bathroom while the boys bathed.
I know my life is quite glamorous.
The reason we had to be to church early is that Paul is currently taking pictures to make a church pictorial directory. This is quite the endeavor. He took seven families' pictures today. And he has edited to of them. He took out the ugly church wall background and inserted them over a picture of our backyard.
It's sort of funny to think that we'll have lots pictures of people standing in our yard.
I have been in a major sorting and rearranging mood lately. I think I may be driving Paul nuts. I keep wanting to get rid of things that we don't really need. Which it turns out is just about everything. I'm trying to simplify my life. I don't want my possessions to be in charge of me.
So if I get rid of a gift you gave me, or a toy you gave one of my children, please understand it's not that I didn't like it. It's just really hard to have so many nice things while there are people eating mud in Haiti.
And I won't throw the things away, I am either selling or donating them.
The house is starting to seem a lot bigger.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Kathy + Rachel
And here's proof that Kathy did come over to poke. But now I have to go upstairs because Colin's whining about something. Those whiners.
Friday, June 27, 2008
This is because
I don't know how to do multiple pictures per entry on flickr just yet. =(
But I did want to share that I was still alive and well, and that congratulations should be shared to the wedding participants and people and that's a cute dog, Kathy. And that one of these days I'll stop being an antisocial freak. =(
These pictures are of Rachel when she's in one of those rare smile-for-the-camera moods.
But I did want to share that I was still alive and well, and that congratulations should be shared to the wedding participants and people and that's a cute dog, Kathy. And that one of these days I'll stop being an antisocial freak. =(
These pictures are of Rachel when she's in one of those rare smile-for-the-camera moods.
asl;dkfjlkjdsfaj!!!!!
and I keep thinking about posting stuff, but now that Kathy's here to poke me, I think I shall. XD
indeed, expecting #2 in. October-ish. have spent the last few months feeling sick and lazy and otherwise anti-social, but this doesn't excuse me from not posting for the past year. >< I WILL CATCH UP.
We have another house guest/friend/roomie in the form of Colin, and we've been spending the past few weeks moving him in. The basement looks a lot better now, I gotta say.
And we got a new camera.
I'm still remembering how to use flickr, so please excuse the double post if there is one.
indeed, expecting #2 in. October-ish. have spent the last few months feeling sick and lazy and otherwise anti-social, but this doesn't excuse me from not posting for the past year. >< I WILL CATCH UP.
We have another house guest/friend/roomie in the form of Colin, and we've been spending the past few weeks moving him in. The basement looks a lot better now, I gotta say.
And we got a new camera.
I'm still remembering how to use flickr, so please excuse the double post if there is one.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The time between times
After arriving at the church. Anne and I (and Omi) wandered around trying to find the brides room. Fortunately Sue found us and showed us where to go.
Linda had some bagels there for us. So we ate. Anne did Cheryl's make-up. Then Cheryl and I helped each other into our torture chambers (I mean corsets). Then I got dressed. Cheryl on the other hand needed the assistance of at least four additional people to get her dress on. It had these laces up the back that needed to be pulled really tight. But everyone was afraid of pulling too tight, lest they hurt Cheryl.
During all this time I was running around like crazy trying to help get the kids ready to go. Sammy's socks had been forgotten, which didn't make Linda very happy. I really thought she was going to go berserk (I eventually found the socks yesterday when I was unpacking --they got put with Paul's shaving stuff somehow). Then it came out that the ringbearer pillow had been forgotten. Linda came and told us that someone would need to go back to the hotel to get it.
Paul agreed to go. But then Sue came in to pin corsages on Sam and Paul. So Paul didn't get left quite yet. Just as he was about to leave. Two of the bridesmaids came in to yell at us about the pillow. Apparently they had gotten the message that Paul had refused to go and get the pillow (completely untrue).
As you can see everybody's tempers were pretty stoked at this time. And the photographer was trying to get photos done. But mostly there was nothing to do but wait.
Salon day
The morning of the wedding Cheryl went to get her hair done by a professional. The rest of us didn't want to splurge so much. So we set up a salon in our hotel room. At least for Becky, me, and Abby. Anne had brought her hot rollers, and started the treatment by putting rollers in our hair. Then my mom did the finishing touches. It only took about 10 bobby pins and a gallon of hair spray.
I think our hair came out really well too. I am glad I didn't spend the fifty dollars.
Getting ready was a little bit crazy. But we didn't get the kids dressed until arriving at the church. (Anne and I had to be at the church at 11 and the rest of our clan didn't have to arrive until 12).
Practice, Practice, Practice
I've been to several wedding rehearsals now. Each one is a little different. This one was a lot of fun because the preacher had a good sense of humor.
First he explained to each of us where to stand then James and Cheryl practiced their vows. And the parents had their roles explained.
Then they did a run through of the whole service. Since I was just a bridesmaid and not the maid of honor, I didn't have to worry about any fluffing. (And I'm glad because Cheryl's dress seemed to require lots of it)
One of the highlights of the rehearsal was getting to finally meet Sue. Sue was the church's wedding coordinator, and definitely not Cheryl's favorite person. I had been hearing about her for months, so it was "nice" to be able to put a face to a name. She was pretty much how I expected. Sue was very nice, but very much wanted things done a certain way. And if I had been the bride I probably would have ended up telling her off.
From the rehearsal we headed to dinner. With a drive by of the house Paul grew up in. I tried to take a picture, but it came out terribly. The dinner was at a very nice Italian restaurant in a neat shopping mall (too bad there was no time to shop). Parking was limited, so we had to park in the upper level of the parking garage on the opposite side of the mall.
There were two waiters at dinner, which got a little confusing. They didn't seem to communicate with each other. We talked extensively with the one about Abigail not being able to have wheat, then the other brought her a salad with croutons. Then they didn't bring Sammy his dinner at all so we had to reorder it.
I loved the food. Paul thought it was okay. This was fine (I ate his leftovers for breakfast the next day).
Since it was pretty late I decided to leave early (with Sam and Abby). Paul would get a ride home with his dad. So we walked all the way across the mall (taking the elevator up). Then we got to the van, only to realize that Paul had the keys. I got out my phone, and tried calling everyone I knew who was at the dinner, trying to get Paul to run out with the keys. But I guess it was too loud inside, so no one heard their phones. So I had to walk all the way across the mall again. Then I got the keys and walked back across the mall (though this time Linda walked with me to help get the kids loaded up).
Then I drove back to the hotel. And about five minutes later Paul showed up (so much for leaving early).
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
They couldn't have done it without me (day 9)
Friday Linda and Cheryl assigned me with an extremely important wedding related job. To sit at home and do nothing. They needed someone to be at the house when James stopped by to pick something up and when Jennilyn came to drop something off. So Linda and Cheryl went to pick up Cheryl's dress. (The person they were supposed to have an appointment with had quit that week, but they did successfully get the dress). I sat on the couch and played with Omi and did some random household chores (e.g. vacuuming).
The people who were supposed to drop by didn't come until Cheryl and Linda were back.
Then in the afternoon they left again while I stayed at the house and played online.
Meanwhile Paul had to finish making his counters for Dave and Leanne. And he and Papa had to get the kids and stuff all around so we could move into the hotel we would be staying in for the rest of the week. Basically at this point I just fretted a lot.
Anne and Nana, who were driving in from Ft. Wayne made it to the hotel first around three. Then Paul and my dad arrived around 4. And just a little later Linda dropped me off. We got two side by side rooms, but they weren't adjoining.
At the hotel Anne practiced Cheryl's make-up and we unloaded stuff. Then it was time to head off to the rehearsal
The little ladies with the big food
Thursday morning in the wee smas Omi and Isaac both woke up really cold. I was having trouble keeping both of them warm. So at about 6 AM I took the two of them and set off on a mission. To buy sweat pants. I guess I am too used to the way things are around here. Because nothing in the area opened until 8 AM. Well, not nothing. Bruegger's Bagel's was open. So I bought some bagels and headed back to the house.
Papa and I then got the kids around and we took them to McD's again. This time I walked away on a mission while the kids played. I was still trying to find sweatpants for Paul. First I walked to Kohl's. No sweatpants. Although they did have some running pants of the type Paul dislikes. Then I walked to target. I found one pair of sweatpants (an XXL). So no dice. I walked back to McD's and we corralled the kids. Then we took off. On the way back we passed a Burlington Coat Factory. Where we stopped, and I did find sweat pants this time. Yay!
Back at the house Papa mowed the lawn while I tried to clean up and organize our stuff and Paul worked on the counters he was making for Dave and Leanne (see picture above).
Then at about 3:00 Paul drove me downtown so I could catch the T (trolley). I took the T to South Hills Village where Linda and Cheryl met me. We went back to Linda's for a little bit. Then Cheryl and I set off for the bachelorette party on the waterfront.
The party was at Sing Sing's, a dueling piano bar. I have never experienced anything like it in my life. It was half music/half comedy show. They took requests of just about every sort. (I requested American Pie). I really enjoyed the first bit. But as the evening wore on the humor became raunchier and more crude. As part of our party package we got a free appetizer sampler. It was taller than we were. There was originally supposed to be a much larger group of us, but it ended up being just 4 of us (one of whom was late). The pianists made fun of us for our huge tray of food. But at least the teasing was pretty mild. There was a middle-aged woman named Dolly who they really went TOO far with. She took it well. I probably would have smacked them.
At the end of the evening I drove everyone home (obviously not in my car). Then I spent the night at Linda's.
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