Waiting on Baby - Random Weekend Update

Just in case you were checking in on me, I decided to post a quick update. Friday and Saturday have been crazy busy and I haven't had time to stop. Now that I'm the last one up after watching Father of the Bride Part 2 (because it is nice to see labor and delivery portrayed in an unrealistic light with no screaming and thrashing before you have to go through it yourself). So,... I thought I would throw away the tissues and spend a moment on the laptop before turning out the light.

Updates:

My son went on his first youth retreat this weekend... all of the sudden-like, with no warning (someone got sick and gave him their spot). I'm still pining away for him to come home. Thankfully it wasn't summer camp. Not sure I could endure 5 days or a whole week.

A sweet lady at church brought me a few frozen meals so I don't have to cook that much next week. Since the stairs and getting up and down are not so easy any more, I'm sooooo thankful for any help I can get.

Morgan spent the night with friends Friday and went to a tea party today. I managed to get a few last minute photos of the girls when we picked her up - but most of them had already abandoned their frilly dresses and tiaras. Another photo op missed!

I went with hubby to work today and got to see his office. I read most of the labor and delivery chapters in "What to Expect When You're Expecting". Even old dogs need to learn new tricks. I actually DID gain a neat tip. Refrigerated witch hazel pads. Who would have thought?! I plan on putting my jar in an ice cooler.

We broke down and bought our bassinet at Target tonight. My feet are swollen and I had a ton more contractions today then any day since I have been having them... but I was so glad to get out of the house. Kev set up the bassinet/playpen combo and we marveled at all the new contraptions ... it came with a vibrating, sound and music infant sleeping area and an infant changing pad with a daiper bag - complete with a spot for a box of wipes and everything. Gotta love that!

I cut my loooong nails off after breaking one today. Now the baby won't be butchered at diaper time.

I have a bruised rib where Mr. Bam Bam the Viking pummeled me today. Hope it heals up before I have to do my hospital duty. He's definitely not a weakling, this one.

I forgot to mail the swap gift - again. Oops.

I managed to stay off the computer for nearly 24 hours. Now that's a feat. Kev asked me today "Why would anyone want wifi in the hospital?" I couldn't believe he had to ask. Sometimes I forget that some people aren't as addicted to being online as I am.


Well, that's it. I'm still pregnant. I'll let you know if something changes in that department. I'm assuming that it won't be much longer now. If the baby measures over 8lbs. at the doctor Tuesday (most likely he will since he was 7.5 last week), she might up my due date to March 11th for induction. That's not even two weeks from now and I'll be at 37 weeks exactly.

I've been in a really introspective mood lately as I ponder what it will be like when a newborn enters our world. What an adjustment after 8 years out of diapers. We're about to have one extra bee in our bonnet. I'm praying he's fully developed when he arrives and able to breathe without any 'help'.

There's more news of NEWBIES over at the Homeschool Post. Don't miss our March giveaways, introductions, new topics, and the March/April Homeschool Swap.

Have a great rest of your weekend!

Over and out... Mama Bee...




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A Prophetic Swap Gift?

So the Viking will be a messy boy? Looks like he'll be in to things according to my Jan/Feb Swap buddy, Karen. But hopefully he won't be a procrastinator like his mama... who hasn't mailed her swap gift yet!

Note to self: Bedrest is no excuse. Must send husband to post office.

Join us at the Homeschool Post for the March and April swap which will start soon! Don't miss the big announcement this Saturday over there, too!


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If Our Homeschool was a Reality Show

Here's a little glimpse of how homeschool goes while mom the 'caregiver' and 'teacher' is supposed to be resting with her feet up and gestating baby number three..... (don't ever say I haven't gotten nitty-gritty with the blogosphere, baby - this is the real deal):



This is the mama 'nest'. Complete with lots of back support, laptop, pens and pencils, water, paperwork, handy flat surfaces (in the form of chairs and the couch back), cords and blankets for elevating the keyboard so I can reach it over my mountainous belly.

Yesterday we did couch-school so we could make use of the TV and change up the scenery a little. Nice to be out of the bedroom. I figured some of you might want to know what a day of couch-school or bed-school might look like.

So here's our day in a nut shell:

Chores - the kids have been helping keep the house running: beds made, dishes done, laundry rotated, living areas picked up, bathrooms picked up, any help mom may need getting plugged in and set up to work in her 'nest'

Prayer Journals - took a timer and kids went outside for 15-20 minutes in the back yard to write their prayers and enjoy the 75 degree sunshine. Mom stayed in her nest doing paperwork and checking email. The stairs are not something I take lightly now days. Even for 75 degree sunshine.

Reading/Bible - Read 2 Samuel 1 out loud (Kaden read)

Reading/Devotional - Read about an 8 year old boy in the Philippines that was abducted and brutally murdered by the communist government there in an effort to stop his parents and uncles from preaching the gospel. (Jesus Freaks, Martyrs by DC Talk and Voice of the Martyrs)

Discussion

Reading/Science - Read about wind turbines and other ways to harness and gather electricity from nature (A Beka Science book)

Morgan takes sinus medication because she's sneezing and snorting. Mom sends one of her minions down for chocolate and a drink refill. Eating of York Patties and Andes Mints ensues. Someone finds the Civil War video and pops it in to the XBox.

History - Watch a documentary about the Civil War for about an hour or longer while Mom works on bills and checkbook.

Lunch - we all go down to cook and eat grilled cheese and tomato soup, kids stay behind to clean up the kitchen while mom slowly waddles painfully upstairs to put her feet up again. Beginning to think we need to install a ski-lift.

Mom makes plans with friend on the phone to come pick her up for doctor's appointment tomorrow. Kids giggle and get in trouble for wasting time downstairs while mom's not around. Threats of being grounded seem to help them finish the kitchen clean-up faster.

Science - Watch video about human heredity and the way genes and traits are passed down through chromosomes and DNA.

Discussion (particularly interesting due to the fact that we're all anxious to see what Viking-boy will look like)

Laundry rotated again... the pile on the bed grows...



Math - Mom finishes bills and budgeting while kids do their A Beka math page in their 5th and 6th grade workbooks.

Daddy gets home before we are done with school. Choir music isn't practiced, typing or GeeArt aren't done, we don't get our copywork done, and the last few chapters of our novel about historical times are left unread. The kids pick who gets to help make dinner and who gets to clean up afterwords and then free time on the computer begins for one of them...

Home Ec/Lifeskills - Off to cook dinner. Morgan and I clean out the spice cabinet and the cabinet that has all the baby stuff and vitamins in it. She helps gather all the ingredients for Lentil-Rice burritos and I cook.

The guys come down to eat. There's nice family discussion and fighting over the RC Cola. Mama wins. You don't come between me and my RC Cola.

Kaden stays in the kitchen to clean up. I go back down to spend some mom-son time with him. I help him hand wash the crystal bowls we used for taco sides. He tells me that when he was younger and he read that "a man divorced of work is unhappy", he couldn't understand that... but now he feels good when he does a good job and he's glad to help out. He thanks me for coming downstairs and being with him. What mom wouldn't swoon over having her son ENJOY housework?! I have to choke back the tears of pride and joy.

We all go upstairs for free time: kids and dad revel in their video games (daughter also checks her G-mail - one day to become a blog fanatic like me, no doubt) and, of course, mom spends time blogging.

Later the kids tuck mom in because she's fallen pregnant and she can't get up. Mom's the last one to sleep after posting the meme at the Homeschool Post at midnight.

For bedrest, I consider that a full school day... and amazingly, it felt totally relaxed and successful despite the fact that we didn't get everything done I had planned. So maybe this isn't Charlotte Mason... maybe what we're doing is just part of the season of life we are in. Maybe we are just doing "flexible homeschool" or "relaxed homeschool". We are doing what we can.

Somehow I don't think the kids are missing out on anything. Certainly this will be a year to remember as they grow: the year that mom was pregnant with their baby brother. Despite my fears that homeschooling would be impossible during pregnancy, bed-rest and one day - through infancy and toddlerhood... I'm finding that God knows what he's doing. Slowing down and smelling the flowers really is the BEST way. God knew just what we needed in this waiting season.

Reality is not so scary - or gritty - after all.



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February Progress Report

Remember the LIST? And the Monthly BREAKDOWN of goals for January? Then the progress report for January? I never got around to breaking down the February goals for this year, but I have still been hard at work (big pregnant belly and all). I figure I'll go ahead and do my February progress report early this month since we only have a short few days left of the 'love' month. And I'll double up by telling you what I'm hoping to accomplish in March. Thanks for keeping me accountable (even if you aren't reading this list and couldn't care less). Nerds like me have to write it down or it won't ever get finished.

Previously, we discovered that I would need to get 9 projects per month done (not including the ones I added after counting and dividing up my tasks - so I would say I probably have to get about 12 done now to finish by December).

Although I didn't pick 9 projects for February, I'm sure I got at least 9 done. Here's how February measured up:

1. Refinance the house (leftover from January) = 100%
(done)

3. Paint and decorate baby/M's room (leftover from January) = 100%
(done)

4. Get donated crib (leftover from January) = 100%
(done - and I moved the bedding part of this job to its own line)

15. Catch up on grading and paperwork (leftover from January) = 80%
(Still working on this one...)

19. Nelda and Ammie's recipes (leftover from January) = 50%
(DONE on Nelda, but can't get Mrs. A to sit still long enough - she has an excuse - she's moving)

22. Put away Christmas = 100%
(done)

38. Organize school closet (leftover from January) = 60%
(partially done, but I want to deep clean it, so I'm leaving it on the list)

94. Print calendar pages & do annual letter (leftover from January) = 60%
(I printed through June, have the notes for the letter done, but still have to finish this)

106. Taxes sorted for '08 = 100%
(done)

NEW FOR FEB:

15. Clean out the garage = 100%
(done - and I moved the decorative stuff to its own line)

29. Throw a birthday party for the kids = 100%
(done)

59. Say no to something I can't do - without feeling guilty = 200%
(done and probably will continue to get more done)

66. Get a rubber kitchen brush set and a Pampered Chef Timer = 50%
(got the rubber brush set at IKEA for cheap, working on the PC Timer - anyone want to order something from my online party?)

76. Help Kaden display his Legos = 100%
(done ... now if we can get his rocks displayed and his room painted... )

106. Get taxes done for 2008 = 100%
(done... just waiting on the refund)

110. Wash and organize baby things = 80%
(done besides stuff from March family shower)

120. Plant my wildflowers = 100%
(done and can't wait to see them blooming in April, May & June!)

123. Add on more stuff to my list after the original 124 items = 100%
(yeah, this is a cheesy one, but I'm all about rewarding myself)

126. Plant trees in back yard and front = 100%
(done - Kev planted 3 oaks)

129. Get hospital bag ready for L&D = 90%
(just need those last minute bathroom items as we rush out the door - and the cameras charged...)

131. Invitations made for parties = 100%
(done)

So that's 9 things leftover from January as projects I had started and 12 things I began this month to finish. Not bad, eh? Being the teacher that I am, I figured I would give myself an averaged grade for this portion of the list. If I was only grading on these few items, my February score would be 99%. A+, baby.

As for dailies and weeklies, I would say that I was about the same as I was last month, though. This month I give myself a 28% completion rate for dailies and 63% for weeklies (again).

Total average for list completion progress as of the end of February 2009 = 63%

Another D for for me. But I can see that there is progress, and that's what matters. I need to focus on getting more of the daily and weekly stuff taken care of and not as much on the 'projects'... but it is hard with my nesting instinct at full-steam.

____________________________________

Below are my plans for March (some of these may be carried over from above if they aren't done yet):

2. pay off a credit card
5. redesign my blog
7. organize children's closets, rooms, toys
10. continue to read books with the kids (we're supposed to read 8 classics or chapter books a month to get to the magic 100 number - but that's a little steep, don't you think?)
13. have the baby and take pictures of his wrinkly feet
15. get caught up with grading, recording, filing, portfolios for school
17. seed the garden and get it in shape for the growing season (buying dirt soon!)
19. get Ammie's recipes (Chicken Parm, Parm pasta, Green beans, Artichoke dip...)
23. get homeschool groove cooking before baby gets here
27. work on bedtime goals
28. time each day with the Lord
30. finish GeeArt and start CE
36. more ways to make hubby happy
38. finish the school closet
47. redo school routine (get it written down on paper)
53. continue reading homeschool/teaching books
61. fix the king bed frame
65. keep up with menu plans and eat at home more
66. get Pampered Chef Timer
75. buy another must-have book for our home library
78. more give-aways on my blog
79. more recipes (3x per week) on Gathering Manna
82. continue to put school before housework
90. deep clean before baby comes
94. print July-December for calendar, make 2008 annual letter
97. have someone over for dinner this month
102. height and weight for kids (measure this week)
103. continue to do James copywork, proof-read when done
105. buy some more lamps and overhead lighting & install
107. read to the kids every day
108. have kids/dad read to baby in belly
109. baby shower for family
111. get playpen, car seat, stroller
115. get loose school papers in closet and binderize them
117. kids to cook a meal without help for March (Kaden still needs to do one for Feb.)
130. sell stuff (Xbox, games, books, curriculum, furniture)
132. cat door installed
133. make list of books for the kids (ones they are interested in reading)
134. make list of photos I want to snap at the hospital when the baby is born
137. fix dent in Kev's truck from the deer that ran in to him
140. finish indexing blog (or at least make progress)
146. buy baby book
147. go see home-bound friend
149. decorate M & baby's room
150. paint murals
153. work on getting authors for the Homeschool Post up and running


That's way more than 12 items... more like 46. That's a lot for 1 month. Think I can do it? I'm aiming for a better grade in March.

Now I'm ahead of the game and ready for next month.

How are you doing on your list?


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Brought to You by the Letter F

F is for feet (in this case foot).

F is for feline (a Fine looking sweetheart resting with his mama).

F is for Fatigued.... and Flu (my poor mom has the flu and she was here last week when she got it).

F is for Fetus (Middle English from the 1300s-1400s: "fētus bringing forth of young, hence that which is born, offspring, young still in the womb" - dictionary.com).

F is for Fat (big and round belly that prevents me from moving). The bigger I get, the more irresistible the belly has become for strangers bent on 'Buddha rubbing'.

F is for Fear (as labor and delivery approach).

You'll have to excuse the swelling and the toenail paint-job... my 10 year old likes to blend colors and I can't reach my feet. I don't mind her painting them any way she likes as long as she's doing them for me. Getting a pedicure is one of my favorite things - just like having a purring cat cleaning itself while resting on the blankets my legs are under - the smell of baby lotion and sweet sleeping babies lying on you as you recline - etc.

I'll have to admit that while this picture was last week during a moment of bed-rest, I did get out of bed quite a bit this week. I did some cleaning, went on some errands, visited the doctor and hospital, and today - we picked up mural paint at Home Depot, stopped at the mall for 75% off slip-on tennis shoes (again, I can't reach my feet) and a nursing nightgown, and Daddy took us to eat at Pappasitos (best Mexican food in Texas - and made by Greeks).

It was a good day, but since the baby weighed in Friday at 7.5 lbs already (and I still have probably 4-5 weeks to go), I am not very comfortable doing ANYTHING. Yes, you heard right - 7.5 lbs, and 5 weeks to go. Sitting, standing, walking, reclining, even lying down - I'm uncomfortable. Even sleeping. My son was born at one ounce bigger than the Viking is currently. My belly is just about to pop. No fun (also starts with the letter F, but I'm not having any).

So I wait... hoping that there really isn't a 5 week wait ahead of me. If you are looking for some extra prayer requests, here are a few: My mom to get well, us to not get sick, and for God to not let me or the baby get too big (a speedy, manageable, and healthy delivery real soon!).


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Stuff You Need to Check Out

Today is all about cleaning out my bookmarks that I've been saving up for you. Not much else going on around here except being pregnant. Yesterday's high-point was playing with the white-balance and exposure on my camera so I could get a picture of the cat and my swollen feet. Big fun. That was before the hormonal meltdown that ended with me scrubbing baseboards, vacuuming the upstairs, rotating laundry, and cleaning out my daughter's closet. I guess I'm not so helpless after all, since I'm still pregnant today after all that "over-doing-it". I've got about 4 weeks, 5 days, 8 hours, 26 minutes, and 32 seconds left until induction... but who's counting?

Trying to keep my mind off of the Viking king who's constantly battling it out with my ribs and focus on my to-do list instead. One of those to-dos includes cleaning off the computer and cleaning out the email box. So you get to benefit!

Aside from these worksheets, forms, quizzes and templates that every homeschool mom should have on their bookmark list, I have a few other links that might be of interest for you mom-bloggers, homeschooling mamas, blog designer wanna-bes, and BlogHer queens:



Ever wanted Photoshop and couldn't afford it? I think that's about 80% of the problem with us wanna-be designer folks... we just can't afford the tools even though we have the desire. Well, if you are a homeschool mom (teacher), a student, or a college kid - you can get a super discount on software. Check out this particular deal from Gradware.com - a whopping $699.01 off the original price of the software (click the software image for more info). Now THAT is a discount. You can find other deals on software if you look around, too. Another great company to check out is Academic Superstore. They always have deals on the computer tools a homeschool mama (and wanna-be designer type) needs.



Did you know you can nominate your favorite 'Her' Blogger of the week? If you notice that a blog has BlogHer ads on the sidebar and you fall in love with a post, a photo, a video, or just the blogger herself - you can submit her to the contest (once a week!). Then she gets one of those cool blue ribbons for her site as a token of your affection. How sweet. Click the ribbon to nominate someone!



Google is doing an annual contest to allow students to draw their logo (click the logo for more info). They have a cute and informative video on their website explaining why they do the contest and what they expect students to benefit from participating. They welcome homeschool participants if you register with them. The deadline for registration is in early March, and the artwork must be sent in by mid-to-late March, so don't miss your window! Browse through some of their past winner's artwork and see some of Google's artistic ideas while you are at it. Even if you don't win - this project seems really fun!



Looking for a break from the dull science textbooks? Do a project! We joined up with Journey North this year and counted butterflies before sending out a packet with hand-colored butterfly artwork to Mexican students. The Monarch overwinters in Mexico each year and the Mexican school children love getting our artwork. They send us back a butterfly and some Spanish greetings and Journey North keeps us informed by emailing links to awesome videos and scientific migration updates. The link above (click the photo) is a cool FREE online video you can watch about the big migration for these papery, fragile creatures. It is just amazing to see God's creativity in action!



I found out about a cool free software you can download that boasts at being the best Bible software out there. You can't beat FREE. Check out Bible Explorer online.

Have fun surfing.


In Him,
Heather


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Wordless Wednesday: Reflection

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Laid-up Woman's Daybook

Journal notes for Monday Night, 2/16/09...

The view from where I sit includes the following: a laptop on pillows, cords for keyboard and mouse lying haphazardly over my swollen ankles and puffy feet, a sleeping cat curled up by a 5th Grade Math book which was abandoned for video games by a little girl who just turned 10...

...a pile of paperwork, some scattered pens and mechanical pencils, clean sheets in a wrinkled pile on the floor - left untended, an old newspaper, forgotten in the corner, my husband's bath robe hanging over the iron bedpost, and my hospital bag - unzipped and still awaiting the last minute items to be thrown in when labor begins.

I have been tweeting more than posting these days. Seems that 140 characters is much easier than 140 words or more. Especially for those with pregnancy dementia. I did mention the Captain Crunch story in here, didn't I? My son is still traumatized that his mother stomped back to bed and cried because he ate the last bowl of my peanut butter cereal. Hormones are not your friend, people.

I can tell you that the Viking seems real healthy. I've been relocating his body parts by force with my thumbs when he gets out of line. Poor fella - there's just no more room inside the belly. You might as well call me a manatee at this point... I move about that slow and my belly is larger than life. I graze and rest... that's about the extent of it. It took me nearly 4 minutes to recover after carrying something up the stairs today. I could feel my heart beating in my EARS.

So here's your easy post for Monday... a quick daybook post. I think I can handle that.

Outside My Window... darkness and moisture. So glad it has rained on this parched land!

I am thinking... that tomorrow will be taxing since I have to drive the kids to choir and run errands - instead of keep my feet up like I have been. Hope the legs and feet don't revolt and swell back up again. I gained 5 lbs of water over last weekend!

I am thankful for... my husband - who worked all day, got groceries on his way home even though he hates to do that, bought me a cute espresso cup, cooked dinner for us tonight, and is exquisitely good-looking (even after 16+ years).

We are learning... about patience (and mom is trying not to complain while waiting), about blessings (God is so good), about martyrs in our devotional book, about lifeskills (since the kids have had to take on a lot more responsibility while mom is laid up in bed). Our next topic will be Ancient History. Looking forward to Egypt and hopefully going to see Tut in Dallas before they close up shop in May.

From the kitchen... Needing to make a menu, but tomorrow will most likely be Mexican.

I am wearing... (don't laugh) A bathing suit cover-up. If it weren't this, it would have to be a huge tablecloth or a moo-moo dress. I'm telling you people, I'm B I G.

I am creating... a new little people inside my belly.

I am going... on errands tomorrow... and hopefully to the labor and delivery wing at the hospital very soon!

I am reading... What to Expect When You're Expecting, The Heart of Wisdom Teaching Approach (Robin Sampson), and my Bible. And with the kids, I'm reading Shades of Grey (we'll be done in just a few chapters).

I am hoping... to finish my nesting projects before the baby comes, to get the bills paid, and to have a safe and uneventful labor and delivery in the next 4 weeks (painless would also be nice).

I am hearing... hubby and the kids play video games.

Around the house... there is evidence that mom has been in bed a lot lately.

One of my favorite things... my vanilla Softlips chapstick (feels like silk - I use it every day).

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Blog, pay bills, get our new authors at The Post set up to write, go to the OBGYN, mail my swap gift, grade papers, do school in bed with the kids ... and try to keep my feet up (without complaining) while I wait on this little babycake to get cooked.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...


That's my belly - inside out. Naw, just kidding... it isn't THAT bad.



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Why My Feet are Swollen

I'm in one of those seasons where blogging is on my mind, but I can't seem to find the time or energy to get to it. I'm constantly thinking about sharing tidbits of what is going on in these busy days, but somehow it just doesn't ever get blogged. Hate to miss these thoughts, events, and funny moments. If they don't get written down, they'll most certainly be lost. Pregnancy fog is not a good handicap to have when trying to remember things - that's for sure.

So I thought I would give you a quick update (for those of you who are stopping in for personal updates and not lost on some crazy Google search gone awry):



Last night we had a small slumber party (which I barely survived). The kids were limited to the amount of people they could invite and had a hard time narrowing it down... but mom was adamant that we weren't going to repeat last year's all-nighter fiasco. I learned a few lessons this time, even still:

1. "Just a FEW kids" can find a reason to stay up until 5:30AM.
2. It pays to order your cake more than 2 hours before the party starts. Or rather, YOU WILL PAY dearly if you don't (in cash, that is).
3. Slumber parties are better given when you aren't 8 months pregnant.

I feel like my cat (pictured above) and hope to be in a similarly relaxed position, napping for most of the rest of this week.

Not only did we give the slumber party yesterday, but we also tackled one of my procrastination projects that was on my 2009 List: The Garage. I was glad Kev took the day off. He was so helpful! It isn't completely finished the way I would like (with painted walls, ceilings, and slat-board for hanging tools, painted concrete with clear-coat and flecks, and a workstation for crafty/handy projects we might have in the future). It is CLEAN, though - and one of the vehicles can fit inside it. We got two heavy duty shelves for one wall and I was able to get all my gift-wrapping supplies, science chemicals and supplies, batteries, light-bulbs, Christmas tins, craft supplies and extra tupperware put in to one cabinet. The other is filled with paints, chemicals, lawn goodies, car washing supplies, power drills, bits, nails, screws, and other garage-type things. We emptied box after box and took a load to Good Will. It felt so great to declutter and purge. I'd love to get a shed in the back yard for the lawn mowers, weed eaters, rakes and shovels. Then I'd really have some room in there. I love a clean garage just like my man does. The kids and I would probably do more hands-on crafts if we had a space to paint, saw, hammer, and tinker. It would be nice to be able to sit out there and watch them ride bikes, too - with a playpen for the baby so he could get some sunshine.

I'm sure our party guests didn't care whether the garage was done (and my mom wasn't sure why we spent time on it, either)... but now Kevin has a spot to pull the truck in that's level (our driveway isn't) so he can change his breaks. That means I won't have to give up my car this week, so it's all good.

There was also furniture to arrange. Morgan's queen bed went downstairs to Chickie's room. Chickie's twin came up to Morgan and the baby's room. Now we have room for a crib in there... and it was perfect timing to fit a bunch of sleeping bags and giggling little girls on the floor (that didn't really sleep at all, regardless of whether they had room or not). I'm so thrilled that Morgan loves her walls after we finished painting. Everyone that has seen it likes the color. It's really cheerful. She bought a desk at IKEA with her birthday money that Grandma Betty and her Pawpaw & Nana gave her. It looks great with her room.



The pillow and blanket on Morgan's chair in this photo are for mom's room... but they are similar to what I'm aiming for as accents for the lime room. You can see quite a bit of the inspiration colors for the finished room in this picture: pine colored wood, white painted wood, and accent colors of chocolate brown, pale teal, white, a darker shade of green in the same family, and light orange. I also found a cute idea for hanging curtains and my mom is bringing over some white sheers next time she comes. I can't wait to paint the murals, get Morgan a new bedspread, headboard and quilt. Of course, the crib needs to be put up, too. We're making progress, though - even if we aren't near finished. I feel a lot better nearing delivery with at least this much done.

The sad thing about getting all those projects done is that it really was a stretch for me... and my backache and swollen legs and feet are proof that I should have spent more time resting instead of nesting. So... this week we'll be bedschooling as much as possible. I'll be 34 weeks Wednesday, and in the final few weeks before delivery, so we won't be driving much. Doc says that after 34 weeks she won't stop the baby from coming if he decides to make his debut a little early. My tummy and piggy feet would be much obliged if he decided to be an early bird. Even if his nest isn't quite feathered yet, he'd be more than welcome in our hearts and arms - and we would see to the unfinished details as quick as we could.

Who knows? With a belly as big as mine, I might get another February child. Or not.


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Key Lime Pie on the Wall

I'm in love with this green. You could just eat it. And if it didn't smell like satin water-based paint, you would want to drink it! It's bright, happy, and peaceful - all things a new baby and his older sister need to share a room. Our accent colors are pale turquoise, white, chocolate brown, tan, and I'll probably use a touch of pale autumn orange. The baby room theme is owls and birds. I'm planning to paint a few trees with an owl and maybe a few branches on another wall with a bird.

Now if only I knew someone who would help me make a quilt or two. I'm not domestic enough to know how to quilt. One of these days...

I bet you can tell what we're doing today... taking the day to decorate the nursery/Morgan's room with grandma. I've been told that I can't go in the room to help paint, so I keep peeking to see how it looks. Every time the color makes me smile. I'm so glad Morgan and I agreed on the "Green Onion" at Wal-Mart. The paint man even let her use the machine to mix it herself and taught her how to add the pigment per the swatch instructions.

She's been dying to get her walls painted, so she helped us deep clean her room and closet yesterday to get rid of the clutter. Kaden gave up a little of his birthday to help his sister out. We made sure to reward him, though... he got donuts for breakfast, Jack-in-the-Box for lunch, Joe's Crabshack for Dinner, and some jeans at the mall. What else could a 12 year old boy need? Oh - chocolate. He got lots of chocolate from his sister (chocolate mints by the bagful). It's amazing he's alive after all that suger yesterday.

To top off a great family birthday, we had a super easy closing on our home refinance and some of the prettiest Texas weather of the year. Big-bright-happy events that make Morgan's key lime pie walls look even better.

Speaking of key lime pie... there's some in the refrigerator. It happens to be my 12 year old boy's favorite dessert. Maybe I can talk him in to a bite after lunch! It will go well with his paint splattered hair, clothes, and face!

Hope you are enjoying your Thursday! Sending you some of my happy green cheer to make your day brighter.


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Carnival of Homeschool: 9 Month Journey Edition

Welcome to the February 10, 2009 edition of carnival of homeschooling - the '9 Month Journey' episode in honor of human development in the womb. If you are a frequent visitor to my blog, you might know that I'm nearing the end of this journey (currently week 33 give or take a few...) and expecting another little 'bee' to join our hive soon. [Hopefully you aren't following my complaining on Twitter - because there's been PLENTY of it lately.] I thought I would share some development info with you all as a refresher as you make your way patiently (hopefully more patiently than I am waiting on my little one) through the carnival posts below!

But first....

Just what is a Carnival? A carnival is just a blog post - but it has the fingerprints of many bloggers... links to the best posts of all those who choose to participate, in fact. Anyone who has something to add to the homeschool community - whether informative, uplifting, humorous, or crafty... anyone who has something to say about educating kids in a homeschool friendly way can join in and be a voice in the Carnival of Homeschooling. Each of us is individual and unique, just like a tiny newborn baby. We all have something wonderfully varied and interesting to add to the homeschool blogosphere. So if you are a babe to the carnival scene, browse through these posts and read what other homeschoolers have to say... then check out the bottom of this post to see how you can join in (maybe next time?).

The 'development' of a carnival/baby...

Only 21 days after a baby is concieved, his teeny little heart has begun to beat and the foundations of his brain, spinal cord and nervous system are already established. By the end of the first four weeks, his muscles, arms, legs, eyes, and ears are showing as they develop. In the second month, teeth, taste buds, and the jaw forms. Some babies have been observed hiccuping as early as 6 weeks, and their tiny stomachs are already producing digestive juices as they begin to swallow amniotic fluid. By 8 weeks the 'embryo' looks like a miniature full-term baby's form even though he's not much larger than a gummy bear.

Concerning Kids
Tips And Idea To Help Child Proof Your Home
Good reminders for those of us adding infants and toddlers to the homeschool class.

Barbara Frank Online
Make Sewing Part of Homeschooling
Barbara says: "Learning to sew can be part of your homeschool, but it's easier if Mom learns to sew first."

The Homeschool Post
One Newbie Revealed! Blog Makeover Give-away!
The daily group blog (which also hosts the Homeschool Blog Awards), The Homeschool Post, has some new authors. Darcy of Life with My 3 Boybarians introduces herself as one of the newbies and offers a Valentines Blog Giveaway!

Cricket's Corner
Homeschool Midway Blues
How to fight off those pre-spring homeschool doldrums.

Teaching Your Children
Learning Parts of Speech
Games to play with the parts of speech.

Once Upon a Family
You're homeschooled?!
We know what questions adults ask about homeschooling, but what do traditionally schooled kids want to know about homeschoolers?

At 10 weeks, not only have babies eyelids and ears formed, but you can see fully formed tiny fingers and toes. Still attached to the yolk sack, the baby can already move - jerking and flexing his arms and legs.

MatchACollege.com
100+ Rankings to Pick Your School, City, Career, and More
Tons of links for those who are nearing college and career time.

Rational Jenn
Homeschool Legislation Round Up
Her warning: "This is a longish round up of legislation affecting homeschoolers (and in one case, students in school, too) in Georgia and across the nation."

Home School Dad
What would you ask or tell the President
Dave says, "My kids sent letters and pictures to Preident Obama last week. It got me wondering what other people would ask or tell the President if they had a chance."

"Glue on her fingers, dirt on her toes, she makes laughter wherever she goes"
Valentine's Day Unit Study Helps
Lots of love-ly links for heart day! Games, crafts, recipes and more.

Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers
Step-by-Step: Making a Paper Mache Earth Model
Is it a blue Mrs. Pacman eating a dot? Come see how these weird homeschoolers created the earth in their own home!

Home Spun Juggling
All Things Avian
Cristina's homeschool nature class studies birds!

By 12 weeks the baby can already suck his thumb or ball his little fists. Baby's face is being sculpted and his eyes have closed - not to open again until he is in to the seventh month of gestation.

Delighting in His Richness
PE Inside
Tips on staying fit when outdoor activity is not an option.

The Reluctant Homeschooler
Creative Writing: Winter
"The best way to learn to write is practice, practice, practice. And every Friday, I have my teens practice by writing on some topic I assign. I always enjoy reading the results."

Principled Discovery
Homeschooling not just for earth mamas and religious cults anymore
In case you care that some New York (I didn't say Yankee) magazine thinks all homeschoolers are "earth mamas teaching hippie spawn"...

Our Curious Home
Sometimes the Story of the World is Too Exciting
Having fun with a history lesson despite her headache.

Practice Makes Perfect
Learning Phonics With Music - Orble

Veronica Boulden
Helping Our Students Create a Realistic Frame of Reference
She shares, "Based on a brief passage from the book A Well Trained Mind, this post uses funny, sarcastic and finally, serious tones, to explore how students need to have a realistic "frame of reference" to succeed once they are grown. All educators, home and professional alike, may tend to censure their students' exposure to certain information or methods of instruction in an effort to shelter or influence them one way or another, but this may risk helping students create a false sense of reality, making them unable to rightly judge how their experiences and ideas measure up to any that differ."

The baby is about 6 inches long by the time he's 16 weeks. The gender of the baby is able to be detected. Mom begins to have a hard time zipping her jeans. [Wanna see my 15 week ultrasound?]

Epi Kardia Home Education
The Big Transition: Homeschool to College
Dana says, "With the trepidation so many have about homeschooling high school, it is reassuring to read current research findings regarding homeschoolers' transition into college..."

The Bit Maelstrom
Homeschooling and Subversion
Excellent post for the homeschool parent who prides themselves on being able to think freely. A quote, "The answer is, yes, you are teaching subversion. There is no way around this, and there's really no political angle to it either: Conservative or liberal, if you are homeschooling you are saying that the state-run school is not adequate to the task it sets for itself."

SharpBrains
Learning about Learning: an Interview with Joshua Waitzkin
Alvaro shares... "a human brain in full display."

The Thinking Mother
Love the Homeschooling Lifestyle Not Necessarily the Lessons
"Christine of The Thinking Mother shares why her kids say they love homeschooling but not always the academic lessons (and why she thinks that is okay)."

Homeschooling High School
Teach Your Teens Real Life Money Skills
Sue admonishes us to "teach kids real life money management skills"

Make It From Scratch
Firsts on the First - Making a Map Cake
"The most delicious map ever" and a great way to mix two subjects in to one: home-ec and geography!

At 24 weeks, our little man has fully developed eyes and is forming fingerprints and footprints all his own. One of the earliest babies to survive was just 22 weeks old and not much longer than a ball-point pen. The baby can hear starting in weeks 17-22, has a startle reflex, and can make many different facial expressions. Studies have shown that fetal heart rate slows in response to mom's voice and that babies actually remember music they hear before birth. When my son was born twelve years ago, my husband had read Dr. Seuss to my belly before bed at night when he was most active. On the delivery table, he was wailing and my husband began to talk soothingly to him. Instantly, he stopped crying, opened his eyes, and looked around to find the familiar voice. I truly believe that talking, reading, and singing to babies in utero is the way to go!

A Guide to Raising Great Kids
Leadership - Key Competences
Because academics are only academic. Character is king. What are your goals for your children? Do you want them to be leaders? This article has some great points and offers lots of food for thought.

Kim's Play Place
What Are You Going to be When You Grow Up?
Kim shares about "why pestering kids with that question is so great".

Kids Love Learning
Teaching Your Child to Read: Our Favorite Curriculum
Hey, I used some of those curriculum and books with my own kids! Check out this thoughtful review of some fantastic products.

Sometimes I'm Actually Coherent
Eureka!!! Um, I Mean, Ewwwww...
Tim says, "Our tendency to write, speak, and think in euphemisms--especially when contemplating squeamish topics, like the human digestive system--hinders our ability to educate our children."

The Life Without School Community Blog
Peace Through Breakfast
Laureen shares, "It never occurred to me that breakfast itself is a learning opportunity... the meal we begin a day with might bring us closer to understanding people..."

At 26 through 28 weeks the baby's brain is in a state of rapid growth. He can open and shut his eyes, and his lungs are beginning to develop rapidly. As the seventh month mark approaches, baby is running out of elbow room. His kicks begin to turn to squirms and rolls across the inside of mom's belly.

Walking Randomly
Quadraflakes, Pentaflakes, Hexaflakes and more
Mike shares his first submission to the Homeschool Carnival. He says, "The post considers a particular type of Fractal that is constructed in an easy to reproduce manner. It could be used to demonstrate the ideas of recursion and self-similarity in math lessons. Alternatively it could just be used to demonstrate to children that mathematics isn't JUST about numbers and equations."

Petticoat Government
Narration Trepidation
Catherine says, "Narration appears to be a very promising method to help younger children understand material and develop critical thinking and expression skills, but one mother is concerned about when and how to begin using it formally in her homeschool."

Homeschool & Education News
Children: Recess Found to Improve Behavior
Love this quote: " If the kids are squirrely... out they go! If they are spacey... out they go! If they are completely lost and frustrated... out they go! They return refreshed and ready to learn (MOST of the time)."

Universities and Colleges
Walden, and 99 other Free Online Books
A long list of free online books that "Every Student of Humanity Should Read".

Practical Homeschooling
Is a Public School Education Even Worth It?
A video worth watching... just what are we filling our kids brains with?

Beverly’s Homeschooling Blog (About.com)
Homeschool friendly Doodle 4 Google Contest
Homeschooled students are invited to participate in the annual Doodle 4 Google contest.

Amazingly, even in utero, at 30-32 weeks gestation, a baby has already begun to practice breathing movements. His little body has begun to take over many bodily functions such as nervous system control and body temperature. Baby is packing on the 'love handles' as his growth focuses on body weight now that most of his internal systems are fully functioning. Soon his nails will reach the end of his finger tips and all the fine protective hair on his skin will begin to vanish, leaving him 'smooth' and soft for delivery. Technically in the medical field, a doctor will consider the baby full-term at 37 weeks, but most doctors will not induce until week 39. After 34 weeks, most physicians feel confident that the baby can live with minimal support and sometimes without any assistance at all.

The Informed Parent
Homeschool IRS Changes Proposed by Vitter (Again)
Mary is as informed as ever!

Inspiration for Mothers
The Secret to Effective Discipline in 3 Simple Steps
Quote: "the best way to win a conflict is to prevent it before it starts." Some great steps for keeping the peace at home.

Life Of Kristen
Choosing a Summer Camp for Your Child
Kristen says, "Summer camp can be a memory that lasts for a lifetime, good or bad, for a child. Hopefully this article can help make it a good memory!"

No Fighting, No Biting!
Piece of Cake
Their 6th baby arrives in a few weeks, and while they may be old pros at parenting and infant care, mama is still worried about fitting baby in to the school routine.

Wired For Noise
Another Reason I'm Glad I Homeschool: Bullies On The Bus
Summer shares about finding out a bullied child and how it gave her more comfort in not sending the kids to to public school.

As baby's lungs fully develop and he gains his pudgy figure, mom impatiently endures the last lingering weeks of pregnancy. She anxiously awaits the day she will meet her tiny progeny and frets over her expectations and fears of the coming labor and delivery. After baby has entered the world and parents have finally seen their child, his first arduous breaths seal his heart's atria and this miraculous little person begins to function completely independent of mom's watery womb. The tired, wrinkled, little sweetheart rests on mother's chest and peeks at his new family with squinting, shiny eyes. How precious to be part of this miracle of life.

Camping Tips
Traditional vs. Rustic Camp Sites
Gary says that "an increasing number of campgrounds are offering visitors the choice of both traditional and rustic campsites."

Life Nurturing Education
The Great Backyard Bird Count
"One bird, two bird, red bird, blue bird."

Learning at Home
Would you like mercury with that?
People worry about mercury in vaccines and in fish….but did you know it has been found in common convenience foods too? You might want to put down that Coca Cola before you read this!

The waiting is over. Now the education begins. When you think about it, ALL parenting is 'homeschooling'. Have fun marveling over the continuing growth and development of your homeschool 'babies'. Enjoy every moment you have with them until they spread their wings and fly.

Quick Links from Why Homeschool about the Carnival:

Submissions for CoH

CoH Archive

CoH Schedule

CREDITS:
Graphics courtesy of Healthline.com

Gestational data courtesy of the following...
www.healthline.com, ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia
A Chronology of Life in the Womb by Human Life Alliance
A Child is Born by Lennart Nilsson (The Completely New Edition) copyright 1990
What to Expect When You are Expecting - Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg & Sandee Hathaway, B.S.N. (Third Edition first printing) copyright 2002
...and my very own OBGYN who will be delivering my little 'bee' soon!


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Tagged: A Bloggish Interview

Dawn at My Home Sweet Home (who I wish was my neighbor) tagged me for this meme about blogging a long time ago and it got burried in my nearly 1,000 emails for months. I'm one of those people who's email program asks me if I want to archive every time I open it. And you just don't want to know how many emails I have in G-mail. It's embarrassing. Not sure pregnancy is even able to excuse that one. It's beyond bad.

Dawn and I agree about most things and have quite a bit in common (although I'm way behind her in family additions)... and she's right-on-the-money when she said in her post: "All bloggers like to analyze and talk about blogging". I'm no exception. Blogging is my thing - I just can't help myself. Who would have known four years ago that I would still be doing it?!

So here are the rules to the tag:

1. Write about 5 specific ways blogging has affected you, either positively or negatively.
2. link back to the person who tagged you
3. link back to this parent post
4. tag a few friends or five, or none at all
5. post these rules— or just have fun breaking them

I also loved Dawn's interview questions. I think I'll borrow them and continue her trend of rule-breaking (sorry, Dawn - but these questions were just too good to pass up on). My husband always said I had a "criminal mind". I'm just sayin'.

1. How long have you been blogging?

I started steadily blogging in June 2005 as a random comment on someone else's blog - accidentally creating my own Blogger account. I think my first post was some sort of beatnik poem.

Man.

Yeah.

Any advice to beginners?

If you start blogging, start it for the right reasons - do it for YOURSELF. Don't compare yourself to other bloggers. Do it regularly - otherwise you will get discouraged and quit. Decide ahead of time how personal you want to get and what topics you do/don't want to breach. Blogging is even better if you have a purpose, but random personal sites are also fun. Just do what comes natural for YOU.

2. What are the good things blogging has brought to your life?

"Invisible friends" (as my husband calls them), a forum for my writing, photography, and a place to share what's on my mind, a sense of community and connection to other homeschooling mom bloggers and Christian mom bloggers, and it has introduced me to endless resources for my children's education (it's fun to get free stuff to review)

3. What would you consider the pitfalls?

Time away from other priorities. Having to deal with people that are offended by things you write on occasion. Having to deal with spam comments (what a sad waste of time). A gazillion-trillion more emails than you normally would have to deal with.

4. Tell us about your blog name. Ever think of changing it? If so, to what? Why?

My blog name was a nickname my husband gave me when dating. It was totally absent of any pre-meditated thought. I named my blog in the same random moment that I created that blogger account while commenting on someone else's blog in June '05. I have thought of changing it, but the longer you blog, the harder that becomes. I would advise anyone starting out to think about branding and the future before they list that name with their host!

5. Knowing what you know now, was starting a blog a good thing for you? Why or why not?


Yes. I'm glad that I did it. My husband wasn't really happy about it at first, but he began to come around when the free curriculum and small financial perks started to come in. He also realized that writing is my 'thing' and it was a real blessing for me to have an outlet. Sometimes it seems like a burden (when I have a deadline or when I get writer's block and would rather be doing anything else), but I always seem to snap out of it eventually and the joy comes back. I think turning it over to God as a way to share my life in Him with others is what keeps it fresh for me.

6. How do you think blogging, bloggers, or the blogosphere has changed since you started?

There are a lot more blogs now than there used to be. I felt like I was coming in on the tail end of things in 2005, but blogging has grown leaps and bounds since then. I get lost trying to keep up with all my favorites and am jealous when I see my buddies going to blogger conferences and getting to meet each other. It is like another world out there that you feel very a part of - even though you are in your own home. With my latest pregnancy, I've been very preoccupied with life in the real world... but one day I hope to be able to do more and get more involved in my blogosphere bubble. The conferences are really intriguing and I'm looking forward to doing more than just local blog meet-ups (as I participated in this past holiday season). There's such a great network of social networkers out there and since I love blogging so much, I'm really interested in getting more involved.

8. Ultimately, what would you like your blog to accomplish for you or others?

SCRAPBOOK: My first reason for blogging was always to have a record of my thoughts and our lives and homeschooling accomplishments for my children to keep. I planned to some day make a book of it - whether it would be a public or private book I never even considered. I just wanted to pass it on to my children as a legacy of love for them from their mom.

INSPIRING OTHERS: I realized after starting blogging that my personal records of our lives was something that was inspiring to other homeschoolers and other stay-at-home moms of young kids. I began to keep better records of our educational activities and long lists of links that I had found to help out with their journey to raise their kids as well. It felt good to know that my time blogging was benefiting not only me (and one day my kids), but other moms who needed inspiration.

CONSUMER ADVOCATE: As blogging began to be a part of my daily life that I couldn't imagine parting with, the sponsors, advertising, contests, and reviews started to be more available to me. I found that I really enjoyed offering these services to the blogging community and was blessed to be able to benefit from them as well. Living on one income, it has truly helped us out. Not to mention I have met so many great bloggers through this sort of networking. It is great to be a part of technology that is influencing the consumer world for the better and giving a voice to moms.

FRIENDS AND PERSONAL FULFILLMENT: The best part about blogging is the connections I have made with other bloggers and the creative outlet I have found online. This is especially true because I am a mom that spends a good deal of my week at home.


Who are you really -

1. Name something or a few things that bug you and expound. We want your unfettered opinion(s). Shouldn’t be blog related.

I have to copy Dawn on this one: "Restaurants that don’t serve sweet tea, especially in the South, where they should know better." Amen, sistah! I order water EVERY time a restaurant doesn't have sweet tea. I'm beginning to think most of the restaurant owners down here came from 'the North' or another country. Good thing I don't mind eating Tex-Mex with a tall glass of ice water.

I also really don't like my house being dirty. Or the fact that banks charge you 35$ overdrafts on 2$ cups of coffee and tally all your transactions from biggest to smallest (so that there are at least 5 small purchases that will make them 35$ each when you happen to be short on cash). The low-down-dirty-varmits. I don't like it when Congress robs the American people, either... but that's for another post.


2. Tell us about one of your best childhood memories.

My best memories are mostly since I met my husband, but I remember a lot of fun that was had out on my grandparent's farm as a kid. I used to ride on top of my grandpa's Chevy truck to feed the cows across the pasture... catch tiny frogs at the pond and chase the barn cats with my cousins... lay out on the trampoline at night looking at the huge Texas sky with its Milky Way veil and bright stars... drink chocolate milk on Saturday morning and watch comics before the adults got up.... and I also remember staying up late watching Johnny Carson with my grandpa - who would always let us have coke or rootbeer floats with Blue Bell vanilla ice-cream. I loved hearing him laugh.

3. Describe your perfect day.

My perfect day is mostly a day spent with a proper focus on the Lord, my husband, and my kids. I enjoy it when we tackle a project and complete it (like the garden we put in last year). It's fun when we lounge around all day and do our own thing - then get dressed and go out to eat or to a movie together. Lazy Saturdays or busy Sundays - really doesn't matter... just the way we all work together and enjoy each other's company - that's what makes it perfect. I also love doing things with our family and friends.

4. Do you have hobby that you love? Tell us all about it, make us love it too.

Blogging you already know about. I also love anything creative and artsy. Photography, drawing, scrapbooking, quilling, painting, decorating, daydreaming about all of the above... etc. I'd also love to learn how to do quilting and embroidery. My grandmother used to win quilt shows up in the far Northwest.

Another thing I'm crazy about, but don't spend enough time on is learning to design blogs and learning how to use new creative software packages. Learning to design has been a spare-time project of mine forever, but I finally decided that I needed to jump in and just get my feet wet. My first template I did myself was my food blog. I was thrilled by the experience. I'll probably design the kids' blogs next - before I tackle my own blog. In the mean time, I'm hoping to talk a designing blogger buddy in to helping me with this site - which has needed some updating since about 3 years ago!

5. Tell us the best or the worst thing about being you.

Well, aside from being just weeks away from labor and delivery (the last few weeks of pregnancy are not easy and childbirth isn't my idea of a fun time), I'd say being a perfectionist is my worst shortcoming. I tend to create too much work for myself, set unrealistic goals for myself, push my kids too hard, and get overwhelmed often. I absolutely LOVE organization and it drives me crazy that it comes with so much difficulty for me. I eat, sleep, and breathe my dayplanner and calendar. Without them, I would be turning in circles, scratching my head in confusion.

Best:
The best thing is being a forgiven child of God. I often wonder at how my life is so amazing - my husband, my kids, my family, my friends, my passions and the opportunities I have had to fulfill them... it is such an irony looking back at the street-punk teenager I was. I'm a walking testimony that Christ is alive and well. I couldn't be more blessed.

6. What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you? We want all the details.

I'm one to talk before thinking and I tend to rush in to things without mulling over the long-term consequences. I've left my purse in a Casino in Louisiana and had to drive back to go get it in the middle of the night because my apartment keys and wallet were in it and I wouldn't be able to go home or to work the next day... I've forgotten to pick my son up from daycare once while I was working full time - and left him at a bus stop when we were on a field trip with friends in Downtown Little Rock. Pathetically embarrassing moments seek me out, baby. Probably the most recent embarrassing thing that happened to me was the "fry snatching" incident. I can't believe I blogged about it. But then, that's what bloggers do.


Personal - (please answer them all)

Vital Statistics –

How old are you? 36 (too old to be starting over with an infant - but very thankful for the blessing)
Married? yes
Children? this next one will make 3 who are here with us
If so, homeschool, private, or public? homeschool
Favorite season? In Texas the seasons are a bit different. We have HOT season and cool season. I like the cool season the best - which includes fall, winter and spring. It lasts from the END of November through the beginning of March (if I'm lucky). From mid-March through mid-November, it is SUMMMER in Texas. I love the flowers and sunshine, but without A/C, the weather here is just unfriendly-like.
Favorite past time? blogging, photography, reading, looking at home-decor magazines and hanging out with friends... oh, and eating at Pappasitos when I get the rare opportunity
Favorite color? dayglo orange (as seen in the sunset) and soft lime greens (I love almost every color - it's really hard for me to choose just a few)
Favorite movie? Fireproof, the Matrix, Bladerunner, Sound of Music, Emporer's new Groove, Gods and Generals... I could go on all day.
Favorite song? Lately I'm in an ambient mood. I love Lemon Jelly, Cold Play, and David Nevue. I also love Randy Travis' gospel albums, retro, techno, and contemporary Christian. I like most music - even some rap! LaCrae has some groovy rap songs. I love Will Smith's "Just the Two of Us", too. I used to go to clubs with my husband for years before we had kids. I loved dancing. Now I just do it while I clean the house.
What kind of car do you drive? In reality – an SUV with a third-row seat (it guzzles the gas, but has come in so handy carting friends, family and stuff whereever we need to go)
Mac or PC? PC (dreaming of one day getting a Mac)
Dog or Cat? cat person (have 2, but won't make that mistake again - I'm a 1-cat kind of gal)
Salt or Pepper? both (mostly salt) However, I'm a spice nut - so I can't limit it to just salt and pepper. I have racks and racks of spices. Boxes and bins and shelves of them.
Vanilla or Chocolate? Both. Who can resist white cake with buttercream icing? However, dark chocolate is my weakness. I'm really not big on ice-cream either way... unless it's imported from Italy.
Diet Coke, Sweet Tea or Evian? Sweet tea (not too sweet) is probably my very favorite drink... but I love regular coke and iced cold RO filtered water with small ice cubes - perfect for crunching.
Steak, Chicken or Shrimp? chicken (we rarely eat any steak or shrimp, but I also like fish and chopped or ground beef - and amazingly, I use lentils a lot instead of meat in dishes) Great. Now I'm hungry for a cheeseburger and don't have anyone to bring one over.

If you actually read all that stuff, you are a true friend. Either that, or you have too much time on your hands. So, since you aren't busy, can you run through the drive-thru for me and get me a cheeseburger?

Thanks, Dawn, for the tag. That was fun. Gave this hippo-sized, pregnant, 'on-bed-rest" mama something to post about on a rainy Monday when I should be paying my bills and homeschooling my kids. Ah, sweet distraction. That's what blogging is.

I tag the following blog-addicts:

Darcy (My3Boybarians)

Lori (All You Have to Give)

Bev (PF Mommy)

Beth (Pages of our Life)

Hallie (My Crazy Life)



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