Simple Woman: September 5, 2010

For today... September 5, 2010 

Outside my window... is a pumpkin plant that came up voluntarily in part of our yard. It's taking over many square feet and *kinda sorta maybe* looks like it *might hopefully* have a pumpkin growing on it. Which would be a first for our black thumb kind of luck. The kids have no idea that pumpkins don't grow in grocery store bins.

I am thinking... about how this was possibly the coldest summer I've ever experienced. 60-some degrees most days. Roughly seven total days that went above 90. I don't generally like the heat, but still. 70s would have been nice, Mother Nature.

I am thankful for... Ziggy's baseball camp he went to last week. It met Monday through Friday, for three hours each day. Because it was the last week of summer break around here, the class size was super small, so Ziggy got a lot of one-on-one help from some really great guys. And he had so, so much fun.

From the learning rooms... we have finished four weeks of school. We are now in the middle of a four-week break while I recover from the miscarriage and pack for my trip to the Midwest.

From the kitchen... I've got plans to make cinnamon rolls. Comfort food. 

I am wearing... jeans being hooked together at the waist by a rubber band, or what I like to call "redneck maternity clothes." I'm really looking forward to my belly shrinking back down to the good ol' muffin top.

I am creating... a dent in the couch from all the "resting." Which you can imagine is right up my alley.

I am going... to spend the week watching Berkeley Square. BBC TV helps the medicine go down.

I am reading... about how it's very common to gain weight after having a D&C. Apparently, that's due to a mixture of hormones, hormones, and depressing hormones. I mean, I don't mind looking pregnant if I'm really pregnant, but I have a feeling I'm going to have a few uncomfortable conversations in the future. Right on.

I am hoping... to get a couple school-year field trips planned out this week. We have a great group of families we do field trips with each year, and each mom takes a turn heading up one or two trips. It works out well.

I am hearing... the sound of my three kids growing. Seriously. What was in that cold, summer air? Miracle Gro?

Around the house... is a well-used game of UNO. Definitely one of our favorite games right now. Even if it does send Pa and I to the brink of insanity while waiting for the boys to stop giggling and horsing around when they should be laying down a card. The thought! They're having fun!

One of my favorite things... is our local community center and all their reasonably-priced, kid-friendly classes. It's been a great summer of getting to know other kids and letting the boys be under the tutelage of other adults. And they both did well, which was really encouraging to me. Sometimes I wonder.

My plans for the week... include packing and prepping for a twelve-day trip to Indiana and Ohio. I leave this Friday with all three kids to visit family and friends back 'home.' Looking forward to it.

Here is picture I am sharing... of the kids have a picnic in their "spaceships" out in the backyard. I believe that was Campers' idea. As usual.

In Which Labor Day Weekend Takes On A Whole New Meaning

So the quick story is: I was pregnant. And now I am not.

-------------------------

I know!

And now for the long version. For the three of you still reading.

Yes. Imagine our surprise. A fourth child. That would come forth from the womb. 

We had always wanted a fourth child, and for those who've followed our story, have spent the last three years attempting to adopt from Taiwan. And then from Oregon. And then after much work and expense, we decided to shut all that down and shout from the rooftops that we were DONE DONE DONE and henceforth gave away nearly every single last baby item that we could.

Rookie mistake.

So. Once Pa and I got past the shock (and the shock, it was palpable), we finally moved on to acceptance--and dare I say it--excitement. Well, as excited as we get. You know. "Excited."

And because my body knows only one way to do pregnancy--the hibernation way--I outgrew my fat regular clothes at four weeks. FOUR WEEKS. When the child was the size of a pea. A PEA! 

We had held off telling the kids, well, most people really, until my nine-week appointment when I'd go to hear the heartbeat. Which at this point you've likely guessed--there was none. Wasn't really anything there to have a heartbeat, actually. 

My midwife, who was spectacular (I might add), sent me off for this ultrasound and that ultrasound and this test and that test and all points led to the same conclusion: no child. My body just hadn't got the message yet and was still acting (and looking, my word) pregnant. 

Knowing that we were heading into a holiday weekend, and that I'd be getting on a plane in a week to travel 'home' for a while--I knew my only option was to schedule a D&C. So that's how it went. This past Friday I had the surgery and have spent the rest of the weekend "laboring" to get my body de-pregnant. Which I am told will take two weeks. So you know, good times.

The happy news is that I got to entertain the nurses, anesthesiologists, doctors, and surgeons all along the way. If there's one thing I do well under stress, it's make people laugh. So that was oddly rewarding. And the other happy news is that I had friends who took good care of my kids at the last minute, day after day, while I buzzed in and out of my appointments. 

For those concerned about our loss, I can assure you that this miscarriage was far less devastating than the first. It was still a loss, and one that will take a while to process, but we are doing well. And feeling particularly grateful for our health and the three kids we already have, who, I might mention, were superstars in taking care of me and have been helpful and kind through the whole roller coaster ride this has been.

(I decided to close comments on this post but if you want to e-mail me, you can.)

And that is all the news that is fit to print, this here Labor Day Weekend 2010.

Fish Tale

At the end of the school year, the kids and their homeschool friends (and families) went fishing at a stocked trout farm. Now, I don't know about you, but my memories of fishing include eight hours of searching for worms followed by eight hours of sitting in the hot sun. Where, I should mention, I was holding a heavy pole that I baited myself and was likely being eaten alive by mosquitoes.

But kids these days. Got it so easy.

We showed up at the farm where there were poles, buckets, and containers of worms ready and waiting to be used. And the pond was a virtual breeding ground of trouty goodness, which means every kid made a catch or two and therefore got to fish sans meltdown and tears.

What's the fun in that?

(Oh. I kid.)

Joking aside, it was a fun trip and a great way for the kids to fish without a bunch of hassle or expense. And we topped it all off with a group cookout on the grounds, where most families grilled their fresh fish, and we grilled a package of hot dogs. As Pa likes to say, "I like a little distance between me and my food." Me too, me too. 

(We ended up eating our three small fish at home the next day. Cooked them in the oven. As God intended.)

Summertime Boredom Buster

 

 

 

 

Deschutes River

You may not know this, or believe this, but the eastern two-thirds (rough math) of Oregon is desert. Desert! "High desert," officially, which I take to mean, "desert high up in the air." Not all floating around, mind you. Elevation-wise.

So some friends of ours, who also happened to be our neighbors at the last house, own some land and a small house out in the high desert and invited us for a get-together during the July 4th weekend. Along the way, we stopped at a rest stop so the adults kids could stretch their legs and go potty.

This is part of the long Deschutes River, with the beginnings of the desert in the background.

And this is a little four-year-old who was told to sit, sit still, sit right here on this rock and do not move.

(Notice: rocks in hand.)

And this is Campers, throwing stones, which also happened to look a lot like boulders. Because if there's one thing I've learned about boys, it's that they won't throw a small rock when a gargantuan one is nearby.

And for your viewing pleasure, this is what the desert looks like, but only around the river.

More to come.

Simple Woman: July 11, 2010

For today... July 11, 2010 

Outside my window... is a rose bush with its first yellow blooms. Seeing as yellow is my favorite color of rose, the flowers are a daily dose of happy. Now what would make me more happy is knowing how to take care of the plant so it lives on to keep making me happy. Two very difficult things to do.

I am thinking... about our Redbox movie marathon this past weekend. Invictus on Friday and The Young Victoria on Saturday. Both historical flicks. Wow. Geek-o-rama.

I am thankful for... thirteen years of marriage with one of the wisest guys on the planet. And I mean that both ways. Our anniversary is Monday the 12th.

From the learning rooms... sit most of our new books for next year. Resting. And waiting to be used.

From the kitchen... I made steak the other night the Alton Brown way. We rarely eat beef anymore, so that was a rare treat. And by "rare" I mean, "well-done."

I am wearing... shorts. Blessed yet blasted-gotta-shave-the-legs shorts. Summer finally showed up in the Pacific Northwest on the 7th of July and lasted approximately three days. Jeans back on the schedule this week.

I am creating... a list of 36 Latin root words for the kids to learn this next school year. Don't try and out-geek me!

I am going... to blog about our recent trip to the high desert region of Oregon. I will. I said I will and I will!

I am reading... lots and lots about organic church, homeschooling, and the travel spots of Oregon. Summer is a regrouping time for me, both a time of rest from the hustle of the school year and prep for the year to come.

I am hoping... to start meeting more of my new neighbors. Always takes a while, but I really like knowing and shooting the breeze with the people around me.

I am hearing... water squiring out from three Max Liquidator Eliminator. Easily one of our favorite summer toys. Five bucks each at Wal-Mart.

Around the house... are four extra mattresses (that were in the house when we moved in) being put to use. Pa and the kids used them to sleep in the basement when the temps got above 90. NINETY!

One of my favorite things... is the cool of a summer morning. Our breakfast table sits right by the backyard window, and I love cracking it open to enjoy the morning breeze. Ahhh...

My plans for the week... include getting all five of us out the door by 7:30 AM (that's in the morning, by the way!) one day so we can take the van for an oil change. I know! Who was the dork who scheduled THAT?!      (me)

Here is picture I am sharing... of Suz and her two China-twin friends in town for a visit this past week. It was their first sleepover together. So, so, sweet. And yes, the Suz usually wears a barrette to keep the mop out of her face, for those who are wondering.

Breakfast Buddy

Every morning I start my day with a strong cup of coffee and a big ray of sunshine.

There is one girl in this family who *always* wakes up happy and it for sure and for certain isn't me.

Simple Woman: June 20, 2010

For today... June 20, 2010 

Outside my window... it is raining and in the 50s. Natives call this month "Junuary" and it is a common understanding that summer doesn't start until July.

I am thinking... about what sunshine and warmth feel like. It's been a while.

I am thankful for... free tickets for Pa and the boys to see Toy Story 3. Of course, these "free tickets" cost me 18 boxes of cereal, but who's counting? Better yet, the film had a little snafu in the middle of the movie (which got fixed, so the show did go on), but because of that--Pa scored three more free tickets to use at a different time. Two for the price of free!

From the learning rooms... I am closing out the most recent school year and ordering books for the next. This is always one of my most favorite and least favorite things to do. I love to plan and think about subjects and schedules, but wow--I sure can get buried in 8000 options. I'll be teaching three grades next year, because things are not crazy enough already.

From the kitchen... I've been on a homemade bread-making spree. With school being done for the year, I've had a little extra time on my hands--and the cold weather is certainly an inspiration for soup and bread. Mmm, Junuary.

I am wearing... jeans and a fleece. 'Nuf said.

I am creating... a school room for the kids. World map on the wall, desks (that were already at the house), and Legos. Well, Legos are everywhere. As usual.

I am going... to start thinking about some fun things to do this summer. No doubt "going to the library" will be high on the list. I know. Party.

I am reading... a bunch of Spanish-English resources--in hopes of finally starting the kids on a foreign language this year. ¿Es muy bueno, no?

I am hoping... to start a new habit of riding our stationary bike while watching Wheel of Fortune every weeknight. I placed the bike smack dab in front of the TV for this sole purpose. I've lived long enough to know that I excel at the Lazy And Geriatric Style of Exercise. Three cheers for me, and I'd like to buy a vowel. *clap clap clap*

I am hearing... the occasional sound of silence. Our current house has three levels which means I can more adequately hide from the noise. However, the house has squeaky floors thereby making my sneaking around more difficult. I will prevail.

Around the house... is an old set of patio chairs that Pa has salvaged and repainted. We're hoping to find some (cheap) cushions so that we can actually sit on the chairs. Crazy idea!

One of my favorite things... is this season of the TV show "So You Think You Can Dance." I know. It is awesome. And so am I.

My plans for the week... include transitioning the girly-dirl to her big-girl bed. We left our crib behind with our beloved neighbors, and the Suz has been sleeping in her pack-n-play ever since we moved. We wanted to let life settle in a bit before we started up the "stay in the bed" routine. Let's just say the pack-n-play is still up and that's where the Suz will sleep when she can't seem to stay in her bed. Good times.

Here is picture I am sharing... of our van that got broken into less than two weeks after we moved in. It was sitting outside our house, while I was home, and the person broke in in broad daylight--middle of the afternoon. I hear there's been a rash of these going around--I guess our number came up. Fortunately, after many phone calls, we were able to get the window replaced the next day. Unfortunately, it cost us $150 and one of our kids has had trouble sleeping ever since. Fortunately, it didn't rain while the window was taped up, and our annual deductible has now been met for this kind of damage. Awesome!

These Boys Have Some Plans

Right in the midst of Pa and I *freaking out* and making list after list in prep for our move, the boys got in on the action and compiled a list of their own:

Campers' job was to bark out ideas for play, and Ziggy was assigned as the scribe. (Too cute.)

The boys finally have a room of their own--meaning, they are no longer sharing a room with their sister. So now we have the boys in one room and Susie in another. Kids are sleeping well and playing well, right according to plan. Like mother, like son.

Mowin' The Back 40

My transition to becoming a full-blown Portlander is nearly complete.

Our 'new' house came with a mower. A mower which is probably as old as the house. But I'm going to use it and count it as exercise.

(Lots more info to come about our move, and birthdays...I promise. It's been a little crazy 'round these parts.)