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Monday, September 13, 2010
Guardian Batman...
Gorgeous Monday!
This weekend was a weekend of mixed blessings. We had a significant amount of "family time" (at least me and most of the kids) when we went to the air show on Saturday, and then we had a quiet day Sunday, when the kids all had their own plans, Eric was working, and I was left to my own devices. I got some things cleaned that needed cleaning, and I scrapped a project I was trying to start that just wasn't working for me (I need to order some new knitting needles from Knit Picks.com that have a sharper point). I spent some time Saturday remembering some life-changing events from the past, and thinking about Jim's mom, who died 16 years ago on the 11th; I also enjoyed some quality time with baby Skye.
We have resumed our normal summery temperatures, and the blue skies and white fluffy clouds are amazing, with just enough bite in the breezes to appreciate that fall is just around the corner. Eric is working a ton of overtime these last two weeks, and I am really looking forward to trying to have some "us" time tomorrow when he has his sole day off til Saturday. He also starts school this week, so Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights are now occupied again, with Wednesday nights reserved for Bowling. The kids start youth league again on Saturday as well, so my weekend mornings are firmly committed for the coming months. There are no firm plans as yet to when (or if) Brie will start working, and she is gonna be running around later to drop of and pick up more applications. I guess I will be babysitting while she does so (we are gonna need to work on asking versus assuming with regard to babysitting duties, not that I mind helping out--so far Skye is NOT a lot of work!)
I have been in sorta' a funk off and on the past few days, either up or down, with little in between. I have been engrossed in another series of fantasy fiction and have been easily enticed into while-ing away my hours in Dublin, Ireleand vs focusing on the here and now. I am a bit disappointed in myself for doing this, yet cannot seem to do otherwise either. I feel directionless and unmotivated to get moving right now. It's just too easy to just "be". I am liking it, but I am not... If I attempt to label it I could probably call it "passive avoidence" because there are things to be done, even things I enjoy and not just chores/obligations, but I cannot seem to get enthused about any of them at the moment. I feel like I am "on hold" at the moment; I get ready to start something, but something else comes up that sidetracks me, then when I go to get back on track, something else comes along, whether it's the baby, one of the kids needing something (like to be driven somewhere), or my own distractability. I need to make myself a schedule, then keep to it! This sense that I have all the time in the world to get to it is kicking my ass!
We have had a slight change in plans, and my mom, sister, and friend are NOT coming down to visit us any time soon. Liisa and Jesse, however, are planning to come down for Oct. 1st. Yes, Liisa and Jesse C. They are back together again, although I am not sure what exactly their status is. They haven't labelled it for us, and I am not asking. As long as they are working out their differences, and are content within their relationship, it's not my place to ask too many questions. I am glad about it though.
Anyhow, that is what's new around here. I think I need to go outside for a bit and soak up some vitamin D!
We have resumed our normal summery temperatures, and the blue skies and white fluffy clouds are amazing, with just enough bite in the breezes to appreciate that fall is just around the corner. Eric is working a ton of overtime these last two weeks, and I am really looking forward to trying to have some "us" time tomorrow when he has his sole day off til Saturday. He also starts school this week, so Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights are now occupied again, with Wednesday nights reserved for Bowling. The kids start youth league again on Saturday as well, so my weekend mornings are firmly committed for the coming months. There are no firm plans as yet to when (or if) Brie will start working, and she is gonna be running around later to drop of and pick up more applications. I guess I will be babysitting while she does so (we are gonna need to work on asking versus assuming with regard to babysitting duties, not that I mind helping out--so far Skye is NOT a lot of work!)
I have been in sorta' a funk off and on the past few days, either up or down, with little in between. I have been engrossed in another series of fantasy fiction and have been easily enticed into while-ing away my hours in Dublin, Ireleand vs focusing on the here and now. I am a bit disappointed in myself for doing this, yet cannot seem to do otherwise either. I feel directionless and unmotivated to get moving right now. It's just too easy to just "be". I am liking it, but I am not... If I attempt to label it I could probably call it "passive avoidence" because there are things to be done, even things I enjoy and not just chores/obligations, but I cannot seem to get enthused about any of them at the moment. I feel like I am "on hold" at the moment; I get ready to start something, but something else comes up that sidetracks me, then when I go to get back on track, something else comes along, whether it's the baby, one of the kids needing something (like to be driven somewhere), or my own distractability. I need to make myself a schedule, then keep to it! This sense that I have all the time in the world to get to it is kicking my ass!
We have had a slight change in plans, and my mom, sister, and friend are NOT coming down to visit us any time soon. Liisa and Jesse, however, are planning to come down for Oct. 1st. Yes, Liisa and Jesse C. They are back together again, although I am not sure what exactly their status is. They haven't labelled it for us, and I am not asking. As long as they are working out their differences, and are content within their relationship, it's not my place to ask too many questions. I am glad about it though.
Anyhow, that is what's new around here. I think I need to go outside for a bit and soak up some vitamin D!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
A rainy Thursday
It's a gloomy, rainy day today, perfect for cocooning inside and hanging out. We are dealing with the fallout from tropical storm Hermine that left tornados in Dallas yesterday. The only really concerning part is that the air show is this weekend, and two years ago, the rain made for an uncrowded but muddy day... Eric is fussing with a cold, and I am just fussing, so we are making it a quiet day here in our bedroom (to minimize germs for the baby).
Yesterday Skye had a rough day. She wanted to nurse but she didn't; she wanted to sleep but she didn't, and poor Brie got a taste of what "fussy baby" is all about. It was hard on both of them, but they got through it (I spend a few hours helping to hold and cuddle just to give them both a break from feeling stressed). Skye is starting to fill out a bit, so my guess is she is gaining weight nicely. She has her first doctor's appointment next Thursday. Two weeks old today! The time really does go by fast.
Eric didn't do so well grade-wise last term and is frustrated with himself. This new term starts on Monday and he is planning to do a few things differently. Fortunately his work came around and he will continue to be on day shifts through December (to accommodate his evening classes). His initial request had been refused, but when he went through channels they reconsidered that decision. I am going to be talking to my school as well about maybe adding on another program to the one I have been in-- one with a focus on children and adolescents... I don't want to change my degree program exactly (I still want to do the internship) but from an applicability standpoint, perhaps this would help. I am going to also look into an LMFT focus and see if that would significantly change things around. Lots to consider!
I am thinking about making a trip up to Minneapolis the second week of October (that weekend) for Jesse's annual land party, and we'll see if that pans out or not. Jesse wants Rei to come up for it for sure, even offering to help fly him up, but I had told family I would try to come up then too when I was last there (in July), and I'd like to go, if that works out. Brie is looking at potentially having a job with a restaurant in Lebanon, but has no idea of hours or schedule yet. I am thinking she may need to ask for that time off if I go, so she can come too, as I will be her daycare (unless she wants me to just bring the baby with me--but that would mess up nursing); that is one of the factors that will play into my decision.
The kids are all doing fine, busy with their own schedules and activities. Nothing new or exciting to talk about there. Justin has started Kindergarten and "Loves school!" He is also playing peewee soccer with the park team up there. How I wish I could go to his games and practices! Alexis is bumming because she is NOT going to school and she really wants to go too; she will (hopefully) be going to preschool like Justin did, also at the park, a few days a week. I miss my little ones something fierce!
That's all I have on my mind for now! Time to curl up with a good book and relax again!
Yesterday Skye had a rough day. She wanted to nurse but she didn't; she wanted to sleep but she didn't, and poor Brie got a taste of what "fussy baby" is all about. It was hard on both of them, but they got through it (I spend a few hours helping to hold and cuddle just to give them both a break from feeling stressed). Skye is starting to fill out a bit, so my guess is she is gaining weight nicely. She has her first doctor's appointment next Thursday. Two weeks old today! The time really does go by fast.
Eric didn't do so well grade-wise last term and is frustrated with himself. This new term starts on Monday and he is planning to do a few things differently. Fortunately his work came around and he will continue to be on day shifts through December (to accommodate his evening classes). His initial request had been refused, but when he went through channels they reconsidered that decision. I am going to be talking to my school as well about maybe adding on another program to the one I have been in-- one with a focus on children and adolescents... I don't want to change my degree program exactly (I still want to do the internship) but from an applicability standpoint, perhaps this would help. I am going to also look into an LMFT focus and see if that would significantly change things around. Lots to consider!
I am thinking about making a trip up to Minneapolis the second week of October (that weekend) for Jesse's annual land party, and we'll see if that pans out or not. Jesse wants Rei to come up for it for sure, even offering to help fly him up, but I had told family I would try to come up then too when I was last there (in July), and I'd like to go, if that works out. Brie is looking at potentially having a job with a restaurant in Lebanon, but has no idea of hours or schedule yet. I am thinking she may need to ask for that time off if I go, so she can come too, as I will be her daycare (unless she wants me to just bring the baby with me--but that would mess up nursing); that is one of the factors that will play into my decision.
The kids are all doing fine, busy with their own schedules and activities. Nothing new or exciting to talk about there. Justin has started Kindergarten and "Loves school!" He is also playing peewee soccer with the park team up there. How I wish I could go to his games and practices! Alexis is bumming because she is NOT going to school and she really wants to go too; she will (hopefully) be going to preschool like Justin did, also at the park, a few days a week. I miss my little ones something fierce!
That's all I have on my mind for now! Time to curl up with a good book and relax again!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sunday afternoons are for...
relaxing, resting, reading, ruminating, and remembering, not necessarily in that order.
It is a beautiful weekend, weather-wise, and I have been spending as much time out-of-doors as I can. Eric and I went to historic St. Charles, MO yesterday for the afternoon and wandered the banks of the Missouri river, then checked out all the shops and boutiques of it's main street. Most of the buildings are national landmarks, and have been preserved for their historical significance on the outside, but the insides have all been made over into shops, antique stores, and gift outlets. There are some that specialize in handcraftsmenship, while others are more commericial in orientation, but I was thrilled to discover along that same stretch of road a quilt shop, a cross stitch shop, and a yarn shop! I made a purchase at the last one (yarn for another shawl I am contemplating), whereas I am well stocked at the moment on supplies from the others, but it did my heart good to just be in these places browsing and knowing that if need be, I could find my way back. Eric and I had lunch on an outdoor patio, and we sampled wine and cheese from a shop called "The Wine Cellar," a place featuring wines from around the area (primarily MO, but there were a couple from IL too). Before they closed we went back and bought three bottles, along with some cheese we had sampled and enjoyed. The weather couldn't have been better for such a day outside, and it reminded me of a cross between Stillwater, MN and Williamsburg, VA. I can't wait to go back sometime again in the not too distant future. It's about an hour drive, towards the route we used to take going to MN (just off I-70 west, first exit after you cross the MO river bridge). If I didn't hate driving the poplar street bridge as much as I do it would be likely that I would go more often than I will for now...
We went to church today, Brie, Skye, Eric, and I. It was disappointing to realize that the kids had been scheduled to serve today, and I was on fellowship duty (I did help with coffee and the dishes); for whatever reason I have misplaced the schedule and had no idea we had been on-deck today. It was still a nice service--Pastor Heidi always has a powerful message--and the baby was a huge hit with everyone. It felt odd having three of our family NOT there, but what else could we do? There are commitments all over the place, and we have to honor those too. Now Rei is off with his girlfriend, Brie is working in her room, Eric has taken Aurora bowling, and I am sitting here blogging while my clothes are washing.
I finished reading a good book today, the second in a sci-fi series (now I need to buy the next one, although on my Nook that isn't hard to do), so that has been how I have spent most of my afternoon thus far, outside, and sitting on my swing... It's a relaxing holiday weekend, and while I am sorry I can't be in MN for either the Renaissence Festival or the final weekend of the state fair, I can at least enjoy these glorious days of early fall/late summer!
It is a beautiful weekend, weather-wise, and I have been spending as much time out-of-doors as I can. Eric and I went to historic St. Charles, MO yesterday for the afternoon and wandered the banks of the Missouri river, then checked out all the shops and boutiques of it's main street. Most of the buildings are national landmarks, and have been preserved for their historical significance on the outside, but the insides have all been made over into shops, antique stores, and gift outlets. There are some that specialize in handcraftsmenship, while others are more commericial in orientation, but I was thrilled to discover along that same stretch of road a quilt shop, a cross stitch shop, and a yarn shop! I made a purchase at the last one (yarn for another shawl I am contemplating), whereas I am well stocked at the moment on supplies from the others, but it did my heart good to just be in these places browsing and knowing that if need be, I could find my way back. Eric and I had lunch on an outdoor patio, and we sampled wine and cheese from a shop called "The Wine Cellar," a place featuring wines from around the area (primarily MO, but there were a couple from IL too). Before they closed we went back and bought three bottles, along with some cheese we had sampled and enjoyed. The weather couldn't have been better for such a day outside, and it reminded me of a cross between Stillwater, MN and Williamsburg, VA. I can't wait to go back sometime again in the not too distant future. It's about an hour drive, towards the route we used to take going to MN (just off I-70 west, first exit after you cross the MO river bridge). If I didn't hate driving the poplar street bridge as much as I do it would be likely that I would go more often than I will for now...
We went to church today, Brie, Skye, Eric, and I. It was disappointing to realize that the kids had been scheduled to serve today, and I was on fellowship duty (I did help with coffee and the dishes); for whatever reason I have misplaced the schedule and had no idea we had been on-deck today. It was still a nice service--Pastor Heidi always has a powerful message--and the baby was a huge hit with everyone. It felt odd having three of our family NOT there, but what else could we do? There are commitments all over the place, and we have to honor those too. Now Rei is off with his girlfriend, Brie is working in her room, Eric has taken Aurora bowling, and I am sitting here blogging while my clothes are washing.
I finished reading a good book today, the second in a sci-fi series (now I need to buy the next one, although on my Nook that isn't hard to do), so that has been how I have spent most of my afternoon thus far, outside, and sitting on my swing... It's a relaxing holiday weekend, and while I am sorry I can't be in MN for either the Renaissence Festival or the final weekend of the state fair, I can at least enjoy these glorious days of early fall/late summer!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Proud Uncles
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Raindrops on roses...
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September Rain...
It's a rainy, gloomy day today--definitely feels like fall outside, albeit warmer. That's ok though. I need a day just to be inside guilt-free. There are many things I have on my to-do list, and it's time I started wading through some of them rather than spending the day visiting on the phone, holding the baby, or reading (not that there is anything wrong with those activities either!)
It's just been a week of changes and reflection, on life, on love, on death, and on how quickly time passes by. Jill and Dann's aunt Mabel lost her fight with Lymphoma a week ago, and her funeral was yesterday up in Minneapolis. I would have given almost anything to be there with them, but with our lives down here being as chaotic as they are, I needed to stay home. Fortunately, I have a fantastic eldest daughter who stood in for me, filled with love and compassion and joy, and I know she was a comfort to them, as she is to me. Liisa is an amazing girl and I am so very proud of her. My friend Cindy's mom also died, going on 2 weeks ago now as well, and my heart has hurt for all of them. I have been where they are now, and I pray that God will work to fill the holes in their hearts that they are currently experiencing.
Today is a day of changes too for other family members. Justin starts kindergarten today, and Andrea is experiencing the growing pains of letting her baby make his first foray into the world of public education; Kristi and Rollie are taking my niece Jocelyn up to her college dorm today and are letting her spread her wings for the first time without them; my friend Deb is sending her baby out the door for her last year of high school and is feeling the angst similar to Andrea, albeit at the other end of the spectrum; and other friends too are watching their young take their first steps into the world of adulthood as they enter college too. There is a part of me that is so thankful I still have a house that is full of laughter, young people, and chaos, and yet there is another part of me that is looking forward to tidiness, quiet, and space, something we currently seem to have in short supply!
I am also coming up on all the "anniversaries of the heart" that I experience every fall, and so far anyway they haven't been as much on my mind as they have been in years past. Probably in part because there are so many other things going on this year to keep my mind occupied and busy. I may or may not blog about them as those days cross the calendar; those of you who have been "family" forever know what they are and it isn't necessary to rehash them in great detail. I just need to acknowledge them in my heart, and mentally give them room to "be" there, then move on. The heart holds on to what it holds on to, with no coaxing, encouragement (or discouragement) from my rational mind and I have to accept that!
On a totally separate subject:
Baby Skye is doing wonderfully. She is eating well, sleeping ok (all things considered), and she has wonderful periods of wakefulness where she looks around, studies things, and really seems to be absorbing the world around her. When it is just Brie and I she spends more time "down"--meaning we don't hold her 24/7, but when Auntie Aurora is here, she is in arms more often than not. We had her at the hospital for a bilirubin recheck and it was fantastic (especially for a breast fed baby!) and the nurse, who was also our childbirth instructor, was thrilled (she is also a lactation counselor). Her weight had dropped a bit, so she was 5 lbs 15 oz at that checkup, but totally healthy and looking great. She is such a pretty baby, with delicate, dainty features. Her fingers and toes are unbelievably long, and she appears tall for how little she is, but she is healthy, very proportional, and so sweet. Brie is showing all signs of being an excellant mother, and I am quite proud of her!
Eric finished his school term, and now has a two week break, which I hope he really enjoys. He had a wonderful vacation and was blessed to be home for all of Brie's lying-in; he and I were so glad we could share in Skye's birth with Brie. It has created a very special bond between us. Patrick is working more/longer hours at McDonald's these day, and I had taken him with us on a run to the book store the other day, so when he isn't working or hanging with friends, my guess is he will have his nose in a book... Reimond is testing limits a bit as far as not being home very much. Part of it is he does have an active social life, but part of it is that he is struggling with something, and I just haven't been able to put my finger on what it is. It looks like he is keeping his grades up at school so far, and is on top of homework. His mood and attitude have been "iffy" though, and I worry a bit when he keeps himself so distant. Aurora is loving being an Auntie, and she is a big help to Brie. She is also working really hard at school, and has been focused on doing her best there.
We have a baptism and a graduation party that need to occur, but for right now dates are on the fence, as we have so many schedules to coordinate with to make them happen. I will post dates as I know them. We are also looking forward to having family come down from MN to visit in the near future, so that too is awaiting finalization. Lots to look forward to in the months to come, and I am gonna just take it step by step!
Anyhow, that is the update for what's new at our house!
It's just been a week of changes and reflection, on life, on love, on death, and on how quickly time passes by. Jill and Dann's aunt Mabel lost her fight with Lymphoma a week ago, and her funeral was yesterday up in Minneapolis. I would have given almost anything to be there with them, but with our lives down here being as chaotic as they are, I needed to stay home. Fortunately, I have a fantastic eldest daughter who stood in for me, filled with love and compassion and joy, and I know she was a comfort to them, as she is to me. Liisa is an amazing girl and I am so very proud of her. My friend Cindy's mom also died, going on 2 weeks ago now as well, and my heart has hurt for all of them. I have been where they are now, and I pray that God will work to fill the holes in their hearts that they are currently experiencing.
Today is a day of changes too for other family members. Justin starts kindergarten today, and Andrea is experiencing the growing pains of letting her baby make his first foray into the world of public education; Kristi and Rollie are taking my niece Jocelyn up to her college dorm today and are letting her spread her wings for the first time without them; my friend Deb is sending her baby out the door for her last year of high school and is feeling the angst similar to Andrea, albeit at the other end of the spectrum; and other friends too are watching their young take their first steps into the world of adulthood as they enter college too. There is a part of me that is so thankful I still have a house that is full of laughter, young people, and chaos, and yet there is another part of me that is looking forward to tidiness, quiet, and space, something we currently seem to have in short supply!
I am also coming up on all the "anniversaries of the heart" that I experience every fall, and so far anyway they haven't been as much on my mind as they have been in years past. Probably in part because there are so many other things going on this year to keep my mind occupied and busy. I may or may not blog about them as those days cross the calendar; those of you who have been "family" forever know what they are and it isn't necessary to rehash them in great detail. I just need to acknowledge them in my heart, and mentally give them room to "be" there, then move on. The heart holds on to what it holds on to, with no coaxing, encouragement (or discouragement) from my rational mind and I have to accept that!
On a totally separate subject:
Baby Skye is doing wonderfully. She is eating well, sleeping ok (all things considered), and she has wonderful periods of wakefulness where she looks around, studies things, and really seems to be absorbing the world around her. When it is just Brie and I she spends more time "down"--meaning we don't hold her 24/7, but when Auntie Aurora is here, she is in arms more often than not. We had her at the hospital for a bilirubin recheck and it was fantastic (especially for a breast fed baby!) and the nurse, who was also our childbirth instructor, was thrilled (she is also a lactation counselor). Her weight had dropped a bit, so she was 5 lbs 15 oz at that checkup, but totally healthy and looking great. She is such a pretty baby, with delicate, dainty features. Her fingers and toes are unbelievably long, and she appears tall for how little she is, but she is healthy, very proportional, and so sweet. Brie is showing all signs of being an excellant mother, and I am quite proud of her!
Eric finished his school term, and now has a two week break, which I hope he really enjoys. He had a wonderful vacation and was blessed to be home for all of Brie's lying-in; he and I were so glad we could share in Skye's birth with Brie. It has created a very special bond between us. Patrick is working more/longer hours at McDonald's these day, and I had taken him with us on a run to the book store the other day, so when he isn't working or hanging with friends, my guess is he will have his nose in a book... Reimond is testing limits a bit as far as not being home very much. Part of it is he does have an active social life, but part of it is that he is struggling with something, and I just haven't been able to put my finger on what it is. It looks like he is keeping his grades up at school so far, and is on top of homework. His mood and attitude have been "iffy" though, and I worry a bit when he keeps himself so distant. Aurora is loving being an Auntie, and she is a big help to Brie. She is also working really hard at school, and has been focused on doing her best there.
We have a baptism and a graduation party that need to occur, but for right now dates are on the fence, as we have so many schedules to coordinate with to make them happen. I will post dates as I know them. We are also looking forward to having family come down from MN to visit in the near future, so that too is awaiting finalization. Lots to look forward to in the months to come, and I am gonna just take it step by step!
Anyhow, that is the update for what's new at our house!
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