Journal vol. 2 November 30, 2012

Outside my window: Cloudy, foggy, the thermometer is inching towards 40 degrees

 

Clothing myself in: black yoga pants, purple top with purple scarf and a black cardigan

 

Around the house: There are bits of chaos everywhere 'cause I can't quite keep up with the girls playing, changing clothes and leaving little piles here and there.  It isn't too bad other that the kitchen floor that I can't stand to look at ugh.  My mom (God bless her!) cleaned it when she was here and it hasn't been cleaned since.  Its been on my list.

 

The baby: Erik is cute, cuddly and pretty low maintenance for someone that counts on you to feed, change, and do everything for him.  He's sleeping at the moment.  I wanted to post these pictures on their own for What my BABY wore today over at One Simple Mama's blog but this will have to suffice for this go round because I just haven't been able to take the time to blog more this week.

 

Erik's wearing a Gerber white longsleeve onesie topped with a Carter's monkey onesie from Gramma and gray pants with monkey socks that I neglected to get in the picture.

But I did get one with his eyes open...though he doesn't look happy about it.

 Or if you prefer what he wore Sunday for his first Packers loss...

Packers waffle weave top and shirt with Packers socks that have probably been passed on from cousins who are now in college.  Evidently these socks are timeless in the fashion world!

 The kiddos:  I've been wanting to record a few Julia 'isms for the record here...lately if she can't have what she wants she'll reply, "waah!" it sounds like a fake baby cry but just spoken not cried.  She also will come in the door greeting everyone, "Hello, hello, hello!" in a sing song voice.  It's a hoot.  She's nearly potty trained but not poopy trained.  Tips?  She's done undies on her own terms since just before Erik's birth.  Usually keeping them dry all day long with little reminder to use the bathroom as she wants to do that 'myself'.  Other than the quantity of toilet paper used, this has been working for us.  The problem is she'll ask for a diaper to poop.  Ugh.  And she's not dry at night yet but that I don't mind diapering her for. 
Katie is the epitome of a big sister.  She LOVES holding the baby.  And volunteers constantly.  She'd like  to carry him around the house but is not allowed, yet.  She seems to have adjusted really well to having a baby around.  Though she has her moments of 'normal' 4 year old sass and has been timed out a time or two. 
The biggest struggle we've had is bedtime.  It's a work in progress.

In the kitchen:  We've been blessed with bountiful baby meals! Not having to plan meals has been wonderful! And delicious!

Bringing me joy:  Baby noises, sibling love, the coming of Advent, company coming to visit and meet the baby, my gratitude journaling, and physically feeling good.

Thinking about: getting ready for Advent/Christmas.  We need to get the stockings out for St. Nick's visit next week and I need to get to the store-- preferably without the girls.  We're also hosting Snyder Christmas and I've got some plans to decorate and get some space ready for Kurt's extended family--5 siblings, in-laws, 14 cousins and us! We're pretty ready for Advent...thanks to Monica's chain and the wrapped books I worked on earlier in November.  Dug out the wreath hopefully the candles will make it till Christmas.

Pictures to share:

At Home Journal (vol. 1)

So, I'm sure I won't be the last to try this but a few friends have been doing some online journaling and I thought I might give it a go.  I've never been much for journaling but  sometimes it would appear especially as things continue to be busy around here that it may be the way to get a blog post out and still keep family and friends updated. We shall see...

October 30, 2012
Outside my window:  Well, its chilly!  Fall in WI is definitely here to stay.  I'm grateful for the sun and the clear blue sky especially after all the Sandy Storm news from out east.  Guess, I'm also happy enough to be land locked.

Clothing myself in: maternity jeans, black long sleeve cotton top and gray and black scarf tied in a Celtic knot. 

Around the house:  Well, the girls are in the midst of playing house and they aren't the tidiest players.  So the living room even though I've picked up things numerous times in there is cluttered, again and so is the kitchen table, the counter tops and the sink.  I've got to empty the dishwasher before Kurt gets home.  That should help somewhat...at least in the kitchen.

The baby:  I know, everyone is interested but the baby has definitely dropped and I have to go to the bathroom constantly it seems.  And this kid is certainly the most active child thus far.  Maybe it will have some sort of kicking in its future?  Yikes.  I actually got on the computer to print out an updated copy of our birth plan to bring to the clinic next week...yeah, I got side tracked.

The girls:  Have been playing really well together A LOT lately.  Mostly it is imagination play... they and their babies take on countless names identities and adventures.  Sometimes including, train trips to Grammazona (Julia's version of Arizona), bands, fire departments, dance parties, school...with names like Hannin, Mike, Kale, Totty, Lily, Ike and Nina.  They totally crack me up...of course, my identity changes, too,  usually I'm Gramma though.  Which gets confusing when they call for Mom and I'm not the Mom they want, oops!

This week is 'G week' for us...we've been talking goats and had grilled 'G'eese sandwiches for supper last night.  It is also green week at the library story hour which coincides nicely!

In the kitchen:  We've continued to process tomatoes (7 pints this weekend) and apples (still waiting in the canning kitchen...there may be a few fruit flies enjoying my procrastination) from our harvest.  I was pleasantly surprised with the quantity and quality of our late tomatoes this year.  Kurt, Dad and I picked a huge tote full for green ones before our first frost and nearly all of them in the past month have now turned a beautiful red.    I made some homemade tomato soup yesterday that was in my opinion delish!  Though it gave me terrible heartburn...

Bringing me joy:  I've not had nearly the back pain this pregnancy as the last!  My Kurt is so sweet and patient with me these days.  What blessing!  Also, the girls are so excited for Halloween- Katie, Captain Hook/pirate and Julia, Tinkerbell and the All Saints party we're hosting at our home on Thursday- Katie, St. George and Julia, St. Bernadette.  I'm handing out treats and wondering if there are any very pregnant saints I could be on Thursday without much effort...hmmm, two years ago my friend and I went as Elizabeth and Mary and acted out the Magnificat...I thought about the woman in Revelation *including wailing and moaning aloud!  But the costume is tricky for that one.  Ideas?

Thinking about: The election and upcoming birth of this baby...

Picture to share: Felt like this was out life here for awhile...just fruity!  Isn't this a pretty piece to have in the kitchen though?

Ok, best print out that birth plan and order a car seat online!  Tata!

Baby #3 Photo Shoot

I think I mentioned the baby pictures in my last post...I've finally scanned them but didn't crop them  so excuse the extra gray spots, please. 

There will probably be more pictures in August as I got called back to get another ultrasound (they didn't get a good picture of the heart).   Next week I'll have my 'third trimester' appointment- time is going too quickly.  Hopefully come November I'll be a bit more ready for baby to make his/her debut...right now it scares me!  My to do list is LONG and I feel out of practice with babies.  I am, much to my surprise, feeling great- better than I was my last pregnancy at this time.  I am so grateful as Julia continues to be a bit of a challenge some days.

Things, obviously from lack of posts, have been BUSY here.  The girls and I spent a WONDERFUL week up north at the lake with my family.  The garden has been bringing forth much fruit.  Thus far I've done two batches of fresh salsa (I need to post that recipe) 4 quarts each.  And this weekend I processed 9 quarts of  Portland Marinara Sauce (I need to post that recipe, too).  YUM!  We've also had homemade french fries, onion rings, Chinese cabbage salad...you get the picture.  We've also had company and are getting ready for more!   

Picking up where we left off...

Well, you may or may not have noticed a brief hiatus.  There are many reasons-
One is that ever elusive balance of a life as a stay at home mom and homemaker. 
Two is that I haven't hardly been able to make it though a day without a nap this pregnancy.  So when the girls go down I've been going down and then have to manage, supper, laundry, tidying and cleaning while they are awake which seems to perpetuate a cycle as I am more tired in the evenings...do you get the picture?
Three could be that there just has been a plethora of other things to do and keep busy with around here.  It is our first summer here and I must say I have tried to enjoy every minute of it.  Each day seems to bring a new discovery (most of which have been out doors). 

Regardless, you're due for an update from our life on the Mississippi....

The garden is in full bloom.  And with Kurt's encouragement and perseverance on both our part is it the best looking garden we've had yet!  Weeds be gone! 

The Trumpeting Vines are announcing the beginning of June!

Everything in the landscaping has got at least a year to prove/show itself.  These massive trellises of Trumpeting Vines were a big question mark but they look BEAUTIFUL full of flowers.

Our orchard was spared frost this season and the apples, pears and plums are coming in like CrAzY!  With the mild winter and early spring here we'll be harvesting before we know it! 

Parties interested in helping with the harvest will be paid in fruit!

And in the fruits of the fruit...this is the beginnings of something old

Being made 'new'

Kurt purchased this cider press for his birthday while we were in MI and is in the process of restoring the basket and a few other pieces.  We were in awe of the size and are excited to see it evolve.

The idea is something like this but more on the antique scale.  I'll try to have a few more updating posts...I've had some painting done.  We've been to the zoo, MI, MN and celebrated two birthdays and an anniversary since I've last posted!

Quick Takes 11-11-11

1- As H week wraps up we are anticipating a visit from one of our favorite H's, my cousin, Heidi!  She's always a fun house guest and the girls are tickled that she'll be spending the weekend with us.  Hopefully we can get her some needed R&R away from the college life.  And her and Kate are requesting more SNOW!

We had our first round of snow this week and Katie loved every minute of it.  She was out in it not long after the day began!

2-Well I think that we're through the HFM and the disease never really seemed to take over as I expected.  Though 8 days of keeping the girls home was certainly enough in this mom's book!  Neither girl has a blister and there are just dwindling signs of the rash that plagued them.  I am grateful that it wasn't worse. 

3-FREE Things!  Really excited to see this printable at Catholic Icing not only for my own kiddos but for Religious Ed classes locally.  Really helpful, really handy and FREE! And just received a reminder about Advent Adventure from Holy Heroes, another FREE faith opportunity.  We really enjoyed the things they did for Lent last year and are definitely looking forward to Advent with joyful anticipation now!

4- We attended Wool Day at a local farm with the Home Education Network (HEN).  It was a big hit for Kate.  I was quite impressed with it too.  The family hosting had sheep that they showed how to sheer (though just a bit because a wool coat comes in handy this time of year), then a local artisan brought wool samples and supplies and showed the kids how they could each felt their own ball.  For the older kids she did spinning lessons and more.  Kate and I were quite happy with our felted ball.  And I was particularly pleased to meet a few other moms for potential networking

Katie took the pictures of our ball to post on the blog.

She also picked out the colors herself- blue, black and glitter sparkle (which you can't really see from her shot).

5-We did this act of thanksgiving today (and H is for Hands!).  I case you're wondering, it is a tree with hand print leaves that note things we're thankful for on the hands.  I have to once again put a plug in for Small Steps for Catholic Moms, It was the act of the "Think, Pray, Act" today.  I highly recommend this book for moms particularly ones with small children who struggle to fit prayer and apply it to daily life.   It has been a continual blessing to my days. 

Katie is thankful for- Grampa, Gramma, Mom and Heidi.  She traced her hands and wrote all the names herself!

Julia is thankful for "Boos" aka her pacifier, Cock-a-doodle-do aka roosters, and babies.  Mom is thankful for Dad, Our Church and coffee especially at today's 5 AM wake up.  I think I live with roosters!

6-And speaking of gratitude...ladies do you dare to try this?  I'm giving A Heart of Gratitude a go (started yesterday with my own adjusted version) but wow, I think Betty's right on the money in these remarks.  However, what a great lead in to Thanksgiving or just practice in gratitude and love!  I know I've seen a few folks listing things they're particularly thankful for on Facebook, too.  I dare not try that, I'd be on there way too much!

7- You'll be seeing a new look on the blog in the near future!  Be patient as I try to have patience!  Here's to a great weekend!

Head over to Conversion Diary as she hosts "Quick Takes" every Friday!

7 quick takes (not on Friday)

I haven't done one of these in awhile and it seemingly will fit my needs at the moment as a bit of catch-up here in Kieler.  Since I'm ready before Friday I'll post it now and if I remember link it to Jen's at Conversion Diary on Friday.

1- We've had some company here in Kieler.  My aunt Katie and cousin Heidi paid us a visit in September.  It was fun to have them for the weekend.  We hit Galena to do some window shopping and just enjoyed a visit.  Heidi even stayed to watch the Packers that afternoon! 

2- As you may or may not have been wondering.  I made it to Norway and back.  I returned with some special treats for our Moms Group.  Here are the pictures recording our celebration.  I can't imagine life in Kieler without these ladies from the environs.  They are such blessings to me as friends, sounding boards, support, and comic relief.

3- We harvested our pumpkins a few weeks back.  There were some dandys!  I haven't decided if I am going to process them for pie or just enjoy them for seasonal decoration.  Kurt says according to his favorite t.v. show that pumpkin is the one thing you need not make from scratch for the best taste/most effort. Hmmm.

Isn't she a posing pumpkin?

4- We've been enjoying the fall sports season here in Wisconsin.  The reigning Super Bowl Champs aren't doing so bad, the Badgers had a great win this past weekend and the Brewers- we're not the only ones rooting for them!

Notice Katie's hat?

Root, root, root!!

5- We've as mentioned started our way down the Alphabet Path here at home.  It has been a work in progress for me but that'll have to be a whole post in itself.  Beyond Elizabeth Foss' Serendipity site with all its Alphabet Path links and book recommendations I have been reading her book, Real Learning- Education In the Heart of the Home.   I also must mention that I have found these sites and the work of these folks very helpful and insightful--

On Montessori, Homeschooling, Reading/Literacy, and More-- Heidi's blogs at Work And Play, Day By Day and Work, Play, Read are gems that I continue to return to over and over.

Here's Julia having some sensory play with cornmeal.  She LOVED it!

On all the extras, crafts and fun stuff Catholic as well as great links for Religious Ed--Lacy at Catholic Icing is worth reading.

On trying things out for the first time, Monica and I have found ourselves in similar experiences.  She is full of ideas and as always is keeping it real.

6- We spent some time up north the end of September.  This is the only picture I took. It is my littlest nephew snitching some waffle, that Julia snitched from her cousin Kaylee.  He can't walk yet but was totally cruising on her so he could have a taste or two. 

We came home on Wednesday and brought Kaylee with us!  It was such a treat for the three girls to play together for an extended stay.  They were really well behaved.  We had so much fun!  My folks and family came down for the annual Kieler Parade (have you read about it the past three years?).  The weekend weather was pleasant.  The kiddos just wanted to play and for the most part that was fine by us.  The parade was the best yet in our opinion.  I enjoyed it to the fullest not taking one picture the whole weekend (shame).  Perhaps, this will entice others to come check out this one of Kieler's main events- you'll have to see it for yourself!

7- I found this at The Badger Catholic's blog.  I had to repost it here because nearly half of the people in it are from Kieler (or environs) and/or I know them!  Very fun! 

St. Pauls promo video from Backflip Films on Vimeo.

A Post to about the lack of posts...

I'm working on some great material here folks...
I have a camera full of pictures and all sorts of things brewing in the brain. The problem is I have a clingy 7 mo. old, who's teething and who's mother is her only source of consolation. I also have a busy husband who works and I only get a few evening to spend with him sans homework, fireman's meeting or him going to sleep early. Oh, I know excuses, excuses...

So, my dear readers...if all goes well, I will post again tomorrow and I promise more posts to follow with much to ponder and pics to boot.

Film

OK, I previously mentioned that I had out the trusty film camera for the wedding. The neat thing about film is that it is a secret until developed. A sort of tiny time capsule. For example take that roll, there were four surprise pictures....


I don't exactly remember when I started it but it was, well awhile back...like before I became a mom, got married or well even engaged. Here's what I've deducted thus far from the shots. Did you look closely?


The first one, is a self portrait of Rachael and I. Where? I am uncertain. Some possible guesses...a Brewers game? A movie theater? Some place with a small crowd of people I don't know behind us.


The second shot is a pic of Rachael and Paula, I think that I took it at the Acoustic Cafe in Winona. I am guessing that because of the background bricks. Kurt also noted that there are two extra boobs in the shot. He's a real detective. Did you see 'em?


The third shot is an ad for no smoking with Kurt as the poster child. Kurt noticed that he's wearing his favorite blue Dickies shirt and it is in good condition. It now has the sleeves riped off and numerous paint spots and holes which helps us in estimating a date. Taken at a hotel? A university? I don't know but I sure like his cute grin.


The last picture posted I've got a date for June 2006, that's Kurt and I at Fr. Brian Sutton's Mass of Thanksgiving. Aren't we the cute dating couple?


Have you done any super-sleuthing to figure out more from this tiny time capsule of my life? Any clues or theories you have would be appreciated....

A week in review 'cause there isn't time for more at the moment

Our weekend was a full one. Kurt and I were able to finish/start a few projects on Saturday. Kurt gave me a special treat in the morning. He took Katie shopping with him! And I got a leisurely shower! I also started my bread to rising and reorganizing. And yes, I took pictures as proof (though none of me in the shower come on people!).

Sunday was a visiting day...hit the FFFF and visited with our friends at the Wisconsin House (if you're ever looking for a great B&B when you visit us here's our recommendation). Also stopped out at the community garden and got a PILE of tomatoes. The season is over, sadly but I've got a dozen jars of salsa and two pints of spaghetti sauce in the pantry! Our day ended at a birthday party for our goddaughter Miri. She turned two! My how time flies...Kurt and I were still dating when we became her godparents.

This week has been full of preparations for what's rumored to be the wedding party of the year. Packing and planning have been crucial as we're traveling north for the occasion. It will be Katie's first hotel stay. Look for pictures eventually....the whole fam will be dressed to the 9's

Also going on this week...adventures in teething. At least that's what I think is going on. Did you know that kids get a diaper rash when they teethe? I didn't! Yikes! Let's just say its as red as the Pope's shoes. Poor kid! I guess I'm assuming it wasn't something I ate but it could have been the bran muffins. Thanks Fr. Derek for the recent picture for my simile direct from Rome. They're Prada if you didn't know.

Finally, we had the opportunity to hang out with one of Kate's favorite uncles. John was taking a class in Madison this week and we met him for supper and beers at The Grumpy Troll Brewery in Mt. Horeb on Tuesday night. He tried without success to get Katie laughing like he has in the past but all she wanted to do was chew on the coasters. Which had me laughing. I thought it would make a good ad for The Grumpy Troll. The beer was TASTY by the way. Wow! Both Kurt and I were impressed and have plans to stop and pick some up when we head north on other occasions.

Signing off from Kieler...that's the week in review.

Day Two- One person's trash, another one's treasure

I did pretty well at finishing some of the chores off of my list today. So, Kurt says I can blog!

I must say, one of the things that is good (and maybe I should add it to my list) is thrift shopping. I found some great deals today with my mother-in-law as we headed to a few local shops. It was providential that we hit SALES- half price everything at one place and a bag sale at the other. Not too shabby. We didn't find the egg beater but we found some cute outfits for Katie and Miriam.

I also received a treasure today. A box of books! My mother-in-law had a box stowed away in the basement and wanted to get rid of them. Some off them are real prizes- one that Kurt labeled with his name in grade school, a copy of Uncle Tom's Cabin (that I have been in the midst of reading before this), and a few books of Fairy Tales that were my mother-in-law's when she was young. They're my favorites of the find. I am hoping my librarian connection can help me to mend them and sustain them for Katie's use and that of more little ones God willing.