It was all set. Leave for the cabin on Friday afternoon. Stay until the next Saturday.
I neglected my friend Wednesday night. I am deeply sorry, Myrtle. She has worked over 40 hours in four days. Way too much for her. Thursday night , completely overwhelmed, Myrtle called. All the working and trying to pack was too much. She decided it was better to not come.
So today, I packed for just the weekend. Gary, the kids and I were still going to the cabin for the weekend. This afternoon after much sleep and reading a letter from me, she concluded that not going to the cabin was a poor decision. So, basically she frantically started packing to leave by 6:00. I had to rethink what I packed and grab more food and clothes for 6 more days.
She is currently en route to my house, Gary is currently en route to the cabin with the kids, and I am just waiting.
But we are still going to get our week away in the little cabin in the woods.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
My next notion
I mentioned that I was going to try not washing my hair as often. Well, I am actually going to try not washing my hair at all for 4 weeks. I read up on it, but unfortunately all I found so far was people's personal opinions. There were no expert opinions.
I last washed my hair on Tuesday morning. I am counting from Wednesday, so I am on day 3. It's greasy next to my ears, where I tuck it often. Otherwise, it's a little frizzy.
From what I've read, it will get worse before it gets better. Supposedly my hair will eventually balance itself out and go from greasy/frizz to luxurious locks. I have noticed that when I just wet it in the shower, there is way less hair in the drain.
I will make sure to keep you posted on it's progress.
I last washed my hair on Tuesday morning. I am counting from Wednesday, so I am on day 3. It's greasy next to my ears, where I tuck it often. Otherwise, it's a little frizzy.
From what I've read, it will get worse before it gets better. Supposedly my hair will eventually balance itself out and go from greasy/frizz to luxurious locks. I have noticed that when I just wet it in the shower, there is way less hair in the drain.
I will make sure to keep you posted on it's progress.
Friday, March 13, 2009
A Phenomenon
I have witnessed a phenomenon on several occasions upon rocking and putting my son down at nap and bed time. I already knew he just loved sucking on his blankie. But until recently I did not realize there was a precise way it had to be in his mouth. Oh no. He can not just stick it in his mouth. It usually takes at least 3 times to find the right way. He has on occasion had trouble determining the best way and has been quite put out. He has even attempted to enlist my help, but after trying to help once and failing, I tell him he has to find it himself. When he does locate the perfect blankie sucking spot, he settles his head on my shoulder and snuggles in. The entire process is most precious and humorous to watch.
Tonight it took him four times trying and upon finding the right way, he pointed to his mouth as if to say "I found it, Mama!"
Tonight it took him four times trying and upon finding the right way, he pointed to his mouth as if to say "I found it, Mama!"
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Family Day
Yesterday we took a walk downtown. Ellie rode her tricycle and Josh drove his car. We packed a lunch and ate at the quaint little town "square." From our vantage point, we gazed upon the beloved train station. And our little ones were gifted with two beloved choo-choos coming through town. We also saw several buses and motorcycles and many cars.We all sported our Phillies shirts. The time is soon upon us when Sunday afternoons will be spent watching the sport of baseball, waving our rally towels, cheering on our Phillies.
On our trip home, we stopped off at the local hardware store. The store has everything you could want and if you can't find it, they'll order it. They have great service. You barely get in the door, when an employee comes out of the woodwork and takes you directly to the item for which you are looking. On our trip today, we needed either a new spindle for a door knob or new knobs since the spindle wouldn't come out of the one knob.Gary was holding it and didn't even get a chance to say what he wanted. The employee said "Right there" while pointing to the rack next to us where the door knobs were hanging. He thought we wanted door knobs, but upon further investigation and helping get the spindle out and taking a look at the door knobs to make sure they weren't stripped, he went hunting for a spindle. They had one left. We bought it. Would Home depot have given us that kind of service? I think not.
We also visited the Philly pretzel shop and treated our taste buds to some warm twisted dough.
It was a beautiful day, and we had a great family time.
Updates
We have never had such a gush of soap from our dispenser as we have now with having replaced the inside parts. Watch out dishes!
I believe I have found an adequate deodorant. It is a liquid crystal roll-on. I could do without the wet application, but it does fairly well at odor protection. My next foray into more natural is shampoo and not washing my hair as often. I have heard it is better for hair to not be washed every day. Although I wash it every other day, I might try longer between washings.
We received adoption information today from Bethany Christian Services. We are researching information about adoption with no plans to move forward in the near future.
Ellie has announced she will be a doctor when she grows up. She has already practiced many times on Gary and me and enjoys being practiced upon. She is a firm believer in many shots.
I believe I have found an adequate deodorant. It is a liquid crystal roll-on. I could do without the wet application, but it does fairly well at odor protection. My next foray into more natural is shampoo and not washing my hair as often. I have heard it is better for hair to not be washed every day. Although I wash it every other day, I might try longer between washings.
We received adoption information today from Bethany Christian Services. We are researching information about adoption with no plans to move forward in the near future.
Ellie has announced she will be a doctor when she grows up. She has already practiced many times on Gary and me and enjoys being practiced upon. She is a firm believer in many shots.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
This is My Word
Our choir is singing Pepper Choplin's This is My Word. I believe it is one of my favorite anthems.
This is My Word
This is My Word
As the snow falls from heaven,
As it comes in swirling showers from the sky,
So is my Word.
As the rains bring the water to the earth that is thirsty and dry,
So is my Word.
And the Word of my mouth, it shall not return empty:
It will bless the earth wherever it is heard.
This is my Word.
As the rain brings renewal
And the tender buds begin to come alive,
So is my Word.
Giving seed to the sower,
And the bread to the hungry 'til they thrive,
So is my Word.
And the Word of my mouth, it shall not return empty;
It will bless the earth wherever it is heard.
This is my Word.
O Lord, when I am weary,
When I feel the days I'm living are in vain,
My God, help me be faithful to the Word You have given to proclaim.
Proclaim the Word, and you will go out in joy,
And be led forth in peace,
And the hills will break before you into song.
So be faithful, brave and true,
For I will go before you,
And when your earthly journey here is done.
I'll say well done, well done!
As the snow falls from heaven,
And the rain comes in showers from the sky,
This is my Word.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
The Flower Show
We had a lovely day today. It was our excursion to the flower show at the Philadelphia Convention Center. My parents, the kids and I drove down to the city, found a very expensive parking garage to park in, and walked to the convention center. We waited in the lobby for my sister to finish at her internship. We walked to the Reading Terminal Market for supper, drove my sister home and drove ourselves home. It was a fun day!Your minds are begging the question: "When did we get to the flower show?" A very good question, indeed. The answer is we didn't. The fellow who was giving my sister the tickets, never managed to actually get them to her.
Yesterday, it was the snow and school cancellations, today it was a broken down car. So for over two hours we sat in the convention center's lobby waiting for the tickets. We finally realized getting the tickets wasn't going to happen, so we just waited for Jess. Entertaining the children for that long was a feat in itself. I think we and the kids did a fantastic job.
I did however get some pictures of the pansies in the planter outside the convention center. I got to see some flowers, at least.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Visit with Myrtle Bernice
My dear friend P has nicknamed me Bettina Matilda. Why? I don't know. I decided she needed one too. I had come up with George, but that one didn't seem right. So I used the same initials as my nickname. And came up with Bernice Myrtle. However Myrtle Bernice flowed better, so that is what has stuck. And more importantly, she approves.
After the seminar, Gary took a train back home, while I drove to Myrtle's house. We had a slumber party. Though we actually didn't achieve much slumber. We drug our selves off to bed around the time I usually get up. But there were no children pining for attention, so it wasn't so bad. Though if you ask my body, I think it would object to it's bedtime.
We did however manage to slip in much game playing and FarScape. I think we both allowed a fair amount of wins and losses. We also had some good talk time.
And as much as Myrtle wanted the snow to keep me there, I was able to get home Sunday night. With me came Myrtle's former laptop, which I am typing on currently, and one of her former cameras. She updated her electronics, and she graciously passed them on to me. I am greatly appreciative. She also acquired a web cam for our use. Now we can watch while one of us slaughters the other in scrabble.
After the seminar, Gary took a train back home, while I drove to Myrtle's house. We had a slumber party. Though we actually didn't achieve much slumber. We drug our selves off to bed around the time I usually get up. But there were no children pining for attention, so it wasn't so bad. Though if you ask my body, I think it would object to it's bedtime.
We did however manage to slip in much game playing and FarScape. I think we both allowed a fair amount of wins and losses. We also had some good talk time.
And as much as Myrtle wanted the snow to keep me there, I was able to get home Sunday night. With me came Myrtle's former laptop, which I am typing on currently, and one of her former cameras. She updated her electronics, and she graciously passed them on to me. I am greatly appreciative. She also acquired a web cam for our use. Now we can watch while one of us slaughters the other in scrabble.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
The Heart
This past weekend Gary and I went to a Shepherding a Child's Heart seminar. We found it to be very helpful in raising our children. I find it overwhelming to try to put to computer blog what I learned, save for that if you want your child's behavior to change, look at what's in his heart. You will probably find foolishness. And read these scripture verses: Proverbs 4:23, Proverbs 22:15, Proverbs 23:13-14, Proverbs 29:15, Matthew 12:34b. And teach your children godly attitudes, some of which include: entrusting to God, humility, love for others, generosity, peace-making, and submission. And watch for idols of the heart - power, pride, possessions, to name some. We are currently teaching Ellie and Josh this passage: Ephesians 6:1-3.
If you truly want to learn what we have, I suggest these books: Shepherding a Child's Heart and Instructing a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp, Don't Make me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman, and the Bible. The Bible holds so much instruction to help you train up your child in the way that he should go - God's way. If you train your child other than God's way, he just might turn from it when he is older.
Thank you Jocelyn for telling me about these books. They have shown me how to use the Word God has given us.
Oh, one more thing. You must have your heart in the right place in order to train your child's heart. You must be dazzled by God, to dazzle your kids.
If you truly want to learn what we have, I suggest these books: Shepherding a Child's Heart and Instructing a Child's Heart by Tedd Tripp, Don't Make me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman, and the Bible. The Bible holds so much instruction to help you train up your child in the way that he should go - God's way. If you train your child other than God's way, he just might turn from it when he is older.
Thank you Jocelyn for telling me about these books. They have shown me how to use the Word God has given us.
Oh, one more thing. You must have your heart in the right place in order to train your child's heart. You must be dazzled by God, to dazzle your kids.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
For Free
Our faucet system has a soap dispenser. It is my opinion that it never worked properly since we have been using it. And it has gotten worse. This past week it started not pumping soap. A task I felt it should accomplish since it is a soap dispenser. I got quite annoyed at it and pumped it a mite too hard many times. I managed to break the inside plastic part. So now it really won't pump.
I found the paperwork left by the previous owner and read that the lifetime warranty was only effective for the original purchaser. I looked up on Moen's website for a replacement dispenser and discovered a new one would cost $41.00, a price I am not willing to pay. I then called Moen to see if I could purchase just the plastic part that broke. The very helpful man at Moen took my mailing information and asked what the problem was. I was forth coming about the tragic ending of my soap dispenser, but he still said he would send a new one out right away. I thanked him and felt inclined not to remind him that I was not the original owner, nor that even though it wouldn't pump, I am the cause of it being in more pieces than originally designed.
Either way I am hopefully the recipient of a new soap dispenser, though I need to wait several weeks for its arrival.
I found the paperwork left by the previous owner and read that the lifetime warranty was only effective for the original purchaser. I looked up on Moen's website for a replacement dispenser and discovered a new one would cost $41.00, a price I am not willing to pay. I then called Moen to see if I could purchase just the plastic part that broke. The very helpful man at Moen took my mailing information and asked what the problem was. I was forth coming about the tragic ending of my soap dispenser, but he still said he would send a new one out right away. I thanked him and felt inclined not to remind him that I was not the original owner, nor that even though it wouldn't pump, I am the cause of it being in more pieces than originally designed.
Either way I am hopefully the recipient of a new soap dispenser, though I need to wait several weeks for its arrival.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I wonder why things happen, but I know God is sovereign
Although I don't always know why things happen, I know God has a plan. And for now, His plan is for us to only have two children. My hormone level dropped significantly. I was told to go for more blood work until my numbers are back to zero.
My plan has always been to have more than two children. Maybe I still will, somehow. But right now it hurts, and I grieve to know that this my child was carried for such a short time, and that she was my last. I also feel selfish in that I'd like a third child, while some women do not even have one child to love.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
My plan has always been to have more than two children. Maybe I still will, somehow. But right now it hurts, and I grieve to know that this my child was carried for such a short time, and that she was my last. I also feel selfish in that I'd like a third child, while some women do not even have one child to love.
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Cabin
We went to the cabin this weekend. The plan was to leave Friday night after a dinner party. Well, the dinner went far later than we planned, and my lower back and hips (a new symptom with this pregnancy) were aching me. There was no way I could sit for another two hours in the car, and we were both tired. So we went to bed and left after breakfast on Saturday.
We had a great time. According to Josh, we saw Bambi's Da-da. Many of them in fact, though all actually does. And Ellie. My sweet, sweet girl. She saw chickens out her bedroom window (also known as wild turkeys.) She also discovered the electrodes in her electric blanket. She came out of her room to inform us that "there are things in my bed that I felt with my fingers. They're kind of like lip balm." These two discoveries were in the name of avoiding nap time.
We had our own dinner entertainment in the Lawerence Welk show. Ellie muted one man singing because "that man's mouth doesn't sing very well." But a lady received this reaction: "I want to hear this girl. She's pretty."
Gary had the privilege of discarding a dead mouse. We had two fires, but that round wood just doesn't care to burn. It needs to be split.
I was all set with videos and DVDs. But would you know that the VHS I brought had viewing issues, and that DVD player wouldn't release it's hold on the DVD deck? So there was no movie viewing. And we could have gotten in many a Stargate SG-1 episode, too.
Sunday night we all said goodbye to our little cabin and drove back home.
We had a great time. According to Josh, we saw Bambi's Da-da. Many of them in fact, though all actually does. And Ellie. My sweet, sweet girl. She saw chickens out her bedroom window (also known as wild turkeys.) She also discovered the electrodes in her electric blanket. She came out of her room to inform us that "there are things in my bed that I felt with my fingers. They're kind of like lip balm." These two discoveries were in the name of avoiding nap time.
We had our own dinner entertainment in the Lawerence Welk show. Ellie muted one man singing because "that man's mouth doesn't sing very well." But a lady received this reaction: "I want to hear this girl. She's pretty."
Gary had the privilege of discarding a dead mouse. We had two fires, but that round wood just doesn't care to burn. It needs to be split.
I was all set with videos and DVDs. But would you know that the VHS I brought had viewing issues, and that DVD player wouldn't release it's hold on the DVD deck? So there was no movie viewing. And we could have gotten in many a Stargate SG-1 episode, too.
Sunday night we all said goodbye to our little cabin and drove back home.
Friday, February 20, 2009
My Mom
My mom has lost her job. The pharmacy where she worked closed. Even though I know she needs to earn a paycheck for my parents' finances, I am enjoying the time she now has to come over.
A while back Mom had Fridays off, and we'd hang out and do stuff. Than her hours changed, and she had to work everyday. Now she can come over again during the day. Her last day was the 9th of February, and I got to see her every other day that week. It was fun to have her here. We've had lunch, I helped her apply for unemployment, we worked on her resume, she helped with Ellie and Josh, and just yesterday we started watching "Lie to Me" on hulu.com. Mom's coming again today to pick up Hunter so we don't have to take him to the cabin. I have it all ready to start up where we left off. [Shh . . . I already watched the ending, but I'll watch it again with her anyway.] I know eventually this will end, but I am enjoying time with my mom until than.
A while back Mom had Fridays off, and we'd hang out and do stuff. Than her hours changed, and she had to work everyday. Now she can come over again during the day. Her last day was the 9th of February, and I got to see her every other day that week. It was fun to have her here. We've had lunch, I helped her apply for unemployment, we worked on her resume, she helped with Ellie and Josh, and just yesterday we started watching "Lie to Me" on hulu.com. Mom's coming again today to pick up Hunter so we don't have to take him to the cabin. I have it all ready to start up where we left off. [Shh . . . I already watched the ending, but I'll watch it again with her anyway.] I know eventually this will end, but I am enjoying time with my mom until than.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Rising Numbers
My hormone levels increased as they should. So I am on my way to a larger me.
I have already purchased my first "maternity" wear, 15 -20 firm support hose. If you didn't know, my legs ache, and I get spider veins and varicose veins during pregnancy. It was worse with Josh than with Ellie, so I am guessing that it will be even worse with this pregnancy. I have already been exhorted by P and Gary to put my legs up now and buy those stupid hose. Well, I can't promise anything, but I'll try to wear them regularly. When summer comes around, though, I do not know if I can handle support hose and humidity. I'll just have to sit around all summer with my feet up.
I have already purchased my first "maternity" wear, 15 -20 firm support hose. If you didn't know, my legs ache, and I get spider veins and varicose veins during pregnancy. It was worse with Josh than with Ellie, so I am guessing that it will be even worse with this pregnancy. I have already been exhorted by P and Gary to put my legs up now and buy those stupid hose. Well, I can't promise anything, but I'll try to wear them regularly. When summer comes around, though, I do not know if I can handle support hose and humidity. I'll just have to sit around all summer with my feet up.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
I got the call
I am pregnant! Thank you for all your prayers! Not just that I would become pregnant, but that we will trust in God's plan for us no matter what it is.
I have more blood work tomorrow and Friday. Hopefully my hormone numbers continue to increase. Two times ago I had a positive result (even though I was bleeding,) but the next blood work showed that the hormone levels dropped, and I wasn't pregnant anymore.
So pray that the levels keep increasing, and the baby keeps growing.
Ellie was very excited when I told her I had a baby in my belly and made it known many times thereafter. Josh really had no comment. I also asked them what we should name the baby. Ellie's response was Ella or Ellie, and Josh's response was cow. We won't be leaving it up to them to name our next child.
I have more blood work tomorrow and Friday. Hopefully my hormone numbers continue to increase. Two times ago I had a positive result (even though I was bleeding,) but the next blood work showed that the hormone levels dropped, and I wasn't pregnant anymore.
So pray that the levels keep increasing, and the baby keeps growing.
Ellie was very excited when I told her I had a baby in my belly and made it known many times thereafter. Josh really had no comment. I also asked them what we should name the baby. Ellie's response was Ella or Ellie, and Josh's response was cow. We won't be leaving it up to them to name our next child.
Still waiting
While waiting I remind myself of these verses:
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4: 6-7
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29: 11-13
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4: 6-7
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29: 11-13
Monday, February 16, 2009
Ten Days
The last ten days have been filled with much praying. About our little embryo attaching itself and staying put for 40 weeks.
My emotions have gone high and low. Crying to laughing.
Today was the day to find out if the little guy stuck around. I have been nervous all day. Alas, no call was forthcoming from Abington. So I called them, they had not received my blood results yet. When the call did come, it was to find out that they sent my blood to Quest Diagnostics, and I'd have to wait until morning to learn if I am pregnant.
Let the waiting continue.
My emotions have gone high and low. Crying to laughing.
Today was the day to find out if the little guy stuck around. I have been nervous all day. Alas, no call was forthcoming from Abington. So I called them, they had not received my blood results yet. When the call did come, it was to find out that they sent my blood to Quest Diagnostics, and I'd have to wait until morning to learn if I am pregnant.
Let the waiting continue.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
I have time, but no where to go.
The kids and I have been ill for the past 5 days. It started with me on Saturday with an ever increasing sore throat and a cough, than weakness and a dazed feeling on Sunday. Josh had a cough on Sunday. And since then there have been fevers, coughing, and much tissue use amongst the three of us.
I've had five days of sick children at home all day. And guess what? Tomorrow promises to be another one, with Ellie going to bed with a fever. No school for her this week. Now, she wouldn't have had school on Wednesday anyway, though, because it was a snow day. But I couldn't even take them out to play in it.
Did I mention five days with sick kids and me inside? Let's see, we've watched Bambi (Josh's constant request) numerous times, The Lion King (another Josh favorite,) Tinkerbell, various Veggie Tales shows, an Elmo video on sharing, The Little Mermaid, Prince of Egypt, Curious George and Frog and Toad, Beauty and The Beast, Pooh's Grand Adventure, Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving and Christmas, Real Trains for Kids 2. There are probably more, but I think you get the idea. We have played some games and looked at books, but movie watching has been the main event.
One more day until reinforcement arrives. Grandparents are taking the kids for the weekend, while Gary and I go to Abington for our last IVF transfer attempt. We pray the transfer will take place. The embryo needs to survive thawing, than attach itself and grow. Then I need a positive pregnancy test 10 days later. That's the order of events.
Pray.
I've had five days of sick children at home all day. And guess what? Tomorrow promises to be another one, with Ellie going to bed with a fever. No school for her this week. Now, she wouldn't have had school on Wednesday anyway, though, because it was a snow day. But I couldn't even take them out to play in it.
Did I mention five days with sick kids and me inside? Let's see, we've watched Bambi (Josh's constant request) numerous times, The Lion King (another Josh favorite,) Tinkerbell, various Veggie Tales shows, an Elmo video on sharing, The Little Mermaid, Prince of Egypt, Curious George and Frog and Toad, Beauty and The Beast, Pooh's Grand Adventure, Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving and Christmas, Real Trains for Kids 2. There are probably more, but I think you get the idea. We have played some games and looked at books, but movie watching has been the main event.
One more day until reinforcement arrives. Grandparents are taking the kids for the weekend, while Gary and I go to Abington for our last IVF transfer attempt. We pray the transfer will take place. The embryo needs to survive thawing, than attach itself and grow. Then I need a positive pregnancy test 10 days later. That's the order of events.
Pray.
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