A week off, a week on

I'm enjoying not having to take Michelle to classes this week. I even canceled my OB appt for Wed so I wouldn't have to go out. :o) It stinks though that I have to get up and get the kids onto the bus. Just like next week will stink not to have to get the kids on the bus. Yet Michelle will still need me to drive her to classes.

Yesterday Drew and I ended up going into my parents' house. (so much for staying home lol) Drew housesat for them last week and it seems he didn't leave their computer desktop EXACTLY how they left it. With the computer being slightly intimidating to them...they don't like that. So we went in to visit and see if we could get it to an ok place.

Things have moved along fast for DS (church friend) right now. He ended up in emergency surgery on Thursday and is still in critical condition. I've heard a few reports of not so great things but I don't want to give out misinformation so won't mention them. (need to heard it from the family themselves) A few church families are helping out with the kids. They didn't want them to miss out on the egghunt at church so brought them. Another family was watching the baby, I'm not positive how often they have him. DS's parents came in, along with A's (his wife) sister to help out. I know it's a bit different but I can't help but be thrown back to Carrie's diagnosis and transplant. Which adds to my emotions (not to mention pg hormones helping out too)

PG wise this is a slow time. I weighed myself on my mom's scale and it seems my weight is that same. Although I'm not sure how their scale compares to the OB's. My sugar hasn't been so hot...especially the fasting ones. I'll probably be upping my nighttime dosage tonight. Of course if I ate more along the lines of how I did with Danielle's pg...the numbers might be a bit better. I'm not sleeping too well. Tom keeps bugging me to go to bed, rest, get some sleep. He says I'm going to get sick. I keep telling him...tell my body that! It won't listen to me.

Weatherwise we're like most of the country...CRAZY! We've been getting hit with Lake effect snow since late last week with 2 more storms expected this week. Saturday night 6+ inches fell on us. Freaky thing is that the village only got a dusting if that...it's 3 miles south of us! It's a bit chilly here today, I think we ran out of fuel. I was hoping the last delivery would last the rest of the season. Oh well we'll get one more delivery. At least we'll have fuel for the beginning of next season. I can't complain too much. We've only gone through 350 or 400 gals of oil all season. Good thing I didn't run out of oil last week since we were out of propane too. At least now I can bake something to help take the chill off of things.

Drew is in the mood to take care of some things around here. That means he's bugging me to help him. So guess that's my clue to end this. Can't turn down willing help when it's offered.

Life

It's so strong and just keeps on going. Whether we're ready for it to or not. This week we've been from one extreme to the other.

On Monday we found out one of our friends in the church was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. He's a dad to 8 kids. The oldest is almost 13, the youngest was born last fall. They all seem to be handling the news well. Although knowing from experience I'm sure they are functioning on survival mode. Luke, Carrie and Jake are good friends with their kids and spend a decent amount of time at their house. I'm especially watching Carrie in all this. She's been a little nervous of the "C" word since before this all happened.

She complained to me last week that a bump in the back of her head hurts. When she showed me where it was, my heart dropped. It's a lymph node she's had since her cancer diagnosis. It never went away like the others although was tiny in size. One time the nurse practioner mentioned it's probably where her relapse (if she did) would show up first. I'm thinking that it was enlarged due to the fact that she was just recouping from a stomach bug. Unfortunately Liz, not thinking, blurts out...It's CANCER! Trying to be funny. Carrie's eyes get huge and she looked at me. It was all I could do to put on a poker face and tell Liz she's not funny and it is NOT! Needless to say, we'll be getting that canceled appt to the hem/onc clinic made...really quick! I hate having those thoughts running through the back of MY mind...I certainly don't want them running through Carrie's!

On the other end of life's spectrum...My nephew and his wife had their baby yesterday!!! Woohooooo! Welcome to the world Sophia Rose! I haven't heard too many details yet, except she's beautiful! I LOVE the name...so does Tom. LOL Now that I don't have to think of a girl's name....I keep hearing all these beautiful names that I like. Big difference from Olivia's pg. WHY does that happen? As far as a boy's name goes...Tom has mentioned on particular name quite a bit in the last few days. He hasn't admitted that's what he wants. Maybe he's just trying it out. I'm not over the moon about it now but could see it growing on me. (One of the names is a name we had picked out for one of the older girls...before Luke and Jake were born)

On the daily aspect of life...we're plugging along. Today starts Michelle's spring break! YEAH! So I'm off taxi duty for the next 10 days or so. It's messed me up though. Yesterday I was thinking it was Thursday on and off. Then in a nap induced half awake haze I thought it was FRIDAY! LOL I hate when that happens. For some reason our school district officials were numbskulls this year. They scheduled our spring break the week AFTER everyone around us has it off. Yep, almost all the districts around us have next week (after Easter) off. We, we have to go to school all next week and THEN have the week off. I'm sure my sister's girls weren't happy to hear that since they usually spend a few days here on breaks.

Pg wise on the spectrum...things are kicking...and I mean that literally. This little guy is making his presence known. He's still a secret to everyone else though. No one has had the opportunity to feel him. Tom thought he MIGHT've felt some flutters one night but wasn't sure. My last appt went well. I had a sono to check everything out. Since we already knew what his sex was from the amnio we didn't waste too much time down there. Mostly it was checking all the vital organs and getting measurements for a baseline comparision later in my pg. He's measuring a few days ahead although we've kept my due date the same...fine by me. The more days he gets to cook the better. My next appt is next Wednesday.

I'm hoping to get some major work around here done. While it wouldn't take all of us too long to get this place picked up. It's all that's happened around here in a while. This place needs more, it needs the deep down nitty gritty stuff done that no one normally notices. The stuff that you feel like you wasted the whole day doing (like organizing closets, emptying drawers, going through clothes, etc). On the days I do have home (which aren't many) I tend to play catch-up instead of the deep down stuff. Unfortunately right now I'm finding it hard to do too much without feeling winded already. So I need some COOPERATION!!! Wish it came in pill form.

At least I can cross off one thing on my list...update my blog. :o) I'll try to not be such a stranger here during break. I keep telling myself...only 6 more weeks and then Michelle will be in summer break! I'm counting the days. :o)

Another dr appt....another update

Yikes! It's been 2wks since my last update. I've tried to get in here a few times to update but never seem to get it done. I had my 20wk dr appt yesterday and heard the results of my amnio. Everything came back NORMAL!!!! Everyone was dying to know if I'd find out what I was having. One nurse asked if I had an inkling of what it was or if I had a preference. I said No and No, although it'd be cool if it was a boy since we haven't had a baby boy in 11yrs. (Jake's 11th birthday is 5 days after my due date).

My blood pressure was fine and my weight is up...but I can't complain since I haven't gained a lot. Still it kind of bugs me since I know I haven't been eating as well as I should be. Hard to keep the carbs down when Spaghetti is the meal and snack of choice as much as possible.

The midwife came in and told me all tests came back normal. We talked about my insulin. I told her my numbers have been all over the place but I haven't been eating right or taking my insulin at times (can't seem to remember to do my evening shot). So I wanted to keep things where they are with me upping it if I feel the need. Then she asked....do you want to know what it is? YES! She walked over with my chart, flipped the paper on the report and showed me.... 46;XY. We are having a BOY!!!! Wooooooohoooooooooo! We found HIS heartbeat almost immediately...no chasing him today. She kept it on an extra long time. I told her I was wishing I could wear it 24/7. It's something you never get tired of hearing.

As I walked out of the exam room the nurses were standing there waiting to see the expression on my face. They were laughing at the huge smile I had on my face. I said you should see your faces....you're grinning like fools too! Thing is just hearing my baby and hearing about it put the smile on my face...I don't think the sex of it did. I'll probably have the same look after my next appt in 2wks since we get to do a full sono! :oD

Luke had a dr appt after me, then we picked up Michelle and grabbed something to eat at Burger King. I called Tom while waiting for Luke to be called into his appt. He was really happy but couldn't talk long. All the melting snow and rain has him working double shifts and running nonstop.

After the appt we decided to run to Marshalls so Michelle could look for jeans. Danielle and I headed to the baby section. I have a baby shower on Sunday for my nephew's wife and needed to find gender neutral things to buy. They don't know what they are having and aren't going to find out. Do you know how hard it is to find gender neutral things!! Yeah there are green and yellow clothes out there but they are always decorated in gender specific things (flowers, bugs, tools etc). I managed to find a nursery organizer and a set of 4 ecru with mint green receiving blankets. I think I might get a gift card for the rest of their present. (also have a mint green...I love my grandma bib and a feeding set put away). If I decide differently I'll try to get to Target before Sunday. Oh yeah and for myself I bought a 5pk of blue/boy print onsies..size Newborn and a 4pk of boyish receiving blankets.

While we were at the store my phone rings. It's Eileen, who had just walked in the door from school. She asks...Moooom when are you going to find out what you're having? Did you find out yet? I asked her if it had been bugging her all day and she said it had. I then asked what she was hoping it would be. She said a boy. I said Well YOU'RE RIGHT! Then there was a bunch of screaming in my ear as she tells everyone at home the news. So it's safe to say that everyone is pleased. :o)

There's more to talk about but I'll save it. Have to get kids out the door for the bus. TGIF!

My dr appt...17w6d...quick update

I had an appt at 2 today. Dr was at the hospital but wasn't too far behind me getting there...so the delay wasn't TOO long. Eileen wasn't feeling so hot so stayed home and went with us. Drew watched her and Danielle while I went in. He ended up leaving to pick up Michelle while I was still being seen. :o)

My blood pressure was perfect! 120/80 They are using a new scale now which is digital and EXACT to the tenths. I'm not sure how it compares to the old scale though so I can't say if I went up or down. I was 211.8. Which is about where I ended Danielle's pregnancy at. (dropped to 204 during pg before getting there though). I think I mentioned earlier that my sugar levels have been creeping up. Dr agreed my insulin needs to be split into 2 doses a day. So we're going with 20am/16pm (putting this here for my benefit above all else). I know I really need to eat better and keep better track of my numbers. And NOT misplace my meter! There are a few of them here so I can almost always find something to take it on. But then my numbers are scattered in different machines. The girls found my favorite meter that's been missing for a while in their room this weekend. I'm assuming I have Danielle to thank for that since I don't remember ever testing in their room before. (or have a reason to even think I would of tested in there)

I had my amnio done today. I think I freaked myself out more then it physically affected me. At one time the nurse asked if I was ok. She thought I looked a little whoozie. I admit I was bit light headed getting out of there. I made the mistake of going to Walmart afterwards and was a bit sore. Then nursing Danielle and carrying her to bed for a nap didn't help. I took a nap with her. :o) Tom said he's glad I did since he's thought I needed one for a while now. Me, I just see it as a waste of time...but I enjoyed it anyways. I'm a bit crampy here and there still. I hope tomorrow most of it is gone. The test results take 10 business days. I have an appt in 2wks. Not sure if the results will be in or not by then. I'm hoping they will.

I have to call the dr's office tomorrow. From what I've read online I think I was suppose to get a Rhogam shot after the test(I'm RH-). And I didn't. So maybe I'll have to run in tomorrow and get one. NO big deal since I have to pick up Michelle anyways but I'm not happy if they did forget.

I forgot I was suppose to take it easy after the amnio. So one whole day/night of getting ready for Luke's party is gone. I'll see how I feel tomorrow before I decide whether I tackle it full force or not. Hate to leave it all for Friday since I have his cake to make and such.

Well off to bed now that I've updated. I can hardly keep my eyes open.

Musings of a lurker

While surfing around the net I find myself thinking...

I'm OLD and my family is HUGE! I know, big news huh? Thing is I just don't normally feel like that. Yes, sometimes when everyone wants me at once it hits me but normally...nope, I'm just a mom to some kids. Maybe it's the places I visit online. Maybe it's cause it's the truth. Skimming through one of my old large family haunts found me rolling my eyes about how LARGE their families were...most were having #3, 4 or 5! I did see a few 8 kidders and of course the resident MEGA family who's already thinking about the next baby (you know who you are you nut! I love you!!!) Venturing on the expecting boards is even WORSE! The ladies above would be thought to have HUGE families. LOL

How does it make me feel old? Well, noticing the ages of everyone's kids and how many years married everyone was. I've been married almost as long as some of those moms have been alive!!! Let alone see anyone dealing with 20+yo kids.

Something I saw rubbed me the wrong way though. Women were describing themselves as a pregaholics. Pregaholic? Someone's who's addicted to pregnancy or compulsively needs to be pregnant? I guess it rubbed me the wrong way because we're (large family parents) already seen as thoughtless breeders. To give that excuse as the reason for your large family? Since when was enjoying 9mos of pregnancy compulsion enough to endure a lifeftime of blood sweat and tears? Over and over and over again.

Don't get me wrong. I LOVE being pregnant, even with its complications. With Danielle's pg I was the healthiest I've been in decades. I love having a little secret all to myself. To be able to sit there and enjoy the baby's flutters and kicks. (but not yet this time...I'm so ready for it) To know that this baby is ALL mine for the time being and I don't have to share. Seeing some of my online friends near the end of their pregnancy it hit me. I rarely WANT my pregnancies to end. Yes, there have been a few where I couldn't walk (sciatica) or was micromanaged so bad that I just wanted to be done. But for the most part...I'll stay pregnant (these words will probably come back to haunt me). I know I'll probably feel better after the birth but in truth it's a lot easier to take care of the baby while I can carry it inside then in my arms. I'll admit it's not as fun though. :o)

K, musings done...onto life

Pregnancywise I'm doing ok. My blood pressure has been GREAT (120s/70 or 80s). BUT it always has to be something. Now my sugar has decided it wants some attention. My fasting numbers have been creeping up so I upped my insulin another 4units (had permission to do it on my own) 2 days ago. Today I woke up to see it hit 122. :o( I haven't seen that in a while. I think it's time to go to a 2x dose instead of upping my one dose a day. At least a small dose at night to cover my morning numbers. Tomorrow is my appt. For the first time I'm actually having an amnio done. I don't know why this time I decided differently. Maybe it's my age, maybe it's that things haven't been as smooth as I'd like. I'm not really worried about it but do find the procedure creeping into my thoughts more and more as it gets closer. I know tomorrow I'll probably be a nervous wreck.

Familywise everyone is doing well. A few are finishing up on a gross cold but that's par for the course. Island week has ended and the kids are back to school. Sunday night it started snowing a decent amount. Everyone was wondering if the joked about snowday on Monday would be a reality. It didn't last long enough and everything was running on time.

We've jumped from Island week to the start of Birthday week. Friday is Luke's 14th birthday then Olivia turns 7 on Tuesday and Val turns 17 on the following Friday. It looks like we'll have a houseful of boys on Friday. Drew (and maybe Pat) will be helping Luke have an X-box party. I'd thought about taking them bowling or to laser tag but they're both pretty expensive. This way I can spend the money on some yummy food (there again with the food) and let the boys mellow out infront of their games all night. It's how they'd prefer to spend the time anyways. I haven't even started thinking about Olivia's or Val's birthday. Most of the time I don't have to think about Val's...she comes up with the plans.

Danielle has turned into a motormouth. Only problem is...her vocabulary hasn't caught up with her desire to communicate. It's mostly gibberish to us right now (I'm sure she KNOWS what she's saying lol) It's adorable and luckily it isn't frustrating to her to not be understood. Her siblings are doing their part...teaching her irritating and snotty things. Yesterday while walking through the frozen section of Walmart I noticed a man chuckling at Danielle. I look down and see her with her tongue sticking out, nose in the air, head wagging back and forth and her saying...nyaaaah nyah nyaaah in perfect queen brat fashion. *heavy sigh* I can't wait until they have kids of their own and I can repay the favor.

Had a funny moment while shopping at BJs yesterday. Drew was with me and had taken Danielle out of our original cart (groceries were in a new cart). While taking her away from the register he laid her on the register's rollers and pushed her a tiny bit. She was laughing and I was scolding...she could get something pinched ya know! The clerks were giggling and said...she liked that DAD! Drew stiffened up and got a funny look on his face. I corrected them that he was her brother. Their jaws dropped to the ground and they went on and on about how he was the BIG brother and the difference in their age. I didn't bother shocking them even more and saying there were 9 more kids in between them. lol As we walked away I shot over my shoulder to Drew...Come on Honey, we've got to get home before the kids from school get there. For some reason he didn't think I was very funny.

My brain has been driving me crazy. I keep looking around and seeing everything I want to start. Not to mention all the projects that need finishing first. At least the house isn't as bad as it's been. I'm hoping this week to put a big dent into my todo list. I really want to get into my room, clean and paint it so Tom and I can have a place to relax away from the kids (well as much as Danielle will allow it lol). Still have to figure out what to do with Danielle when the baby gets here too. She's in our bed as of now and I don't really have anywhere else to put her. Maybe a few older kids will move out by then, freeing up a room (there's been talk). I'm not counting on it though.

Time to put my body to work and let it try to catch up with my brain. All this thinking of doing things is making me exhausted before I even start!

Trying to get this out without destroying my keyboard or killing blogger.    I've been having a hard time getting my posts to format right for some reason.  I'm blaming the "new" blogger since I hardly ever had problems with blogger before.    I'm looking to see if I want to move my blog but I'm not sure where to go.     Not to mention I don't have tons of time to redo everything.   :o(

We've been getting hit with tons of snow in the last 2 wks.    The schools schedule 5 extra days to be used for snow days.   I can't remember if we've used 5 or 6 of them.  If we're up to 6 that means we'll either have a staff development day taken away later in the year.  Or the kids will have to go an extra day at the end of the year.  

Liz took pictures after the Nor'eastern came through on Wed.  I took the second pic of the same tree and picnic table on Fri morning after the lake effect had hit us with another 18+ inches.    



The kids were a bit bummed to see snow days this week since they canceled their V-day parties Wed.   I  didn't mind, especially since the last 3 snowdays comes on the heel of mid-winter break.     Helloooo extended vacation!     With Mid-winter break comes out annual Island week celebration.  We've been getting the house ready slowly but surely.  It's looking the best it's looked in quite a while.  :o)    Friday the kids started decorating.   Michelle made an really cool banner for the wall.    It's about 18ft long with HAPPY ISLAND WEEK written in block letters across it.  Each letter is decorated differently (rainbow, flowers, I looks like a dock, S looks like a water slide)    In between each letter she's drawn one of us doing something (Tom in a boat, me waving to him, Drew and Pat playing frisbee with on either side of a palm tree "P", Jake fishing from a hammock strung across the top of the "W"...etc)  I tried to take a pic of it and they didn't come out well.  Maybe once it's down and I can control the lighting a bit more it'll be ok.  

We've had lots of good food as always.  I sometimes wonder if we have an unhealthy relationship with food.  If I'm creating problems in my kids after they become adults...especially with Type 2 diabetes risks so great in their lives.   Thing is, having a large family....you don't go very many places as a group.  You can't always be doling out money to do things as a group.   Even a simple thing like a daytrip to the zoo can cost a pretty penny.   But it's ok to spend a little extra money on food to enjoy as a group.   You have to eat, why not make it fun too!    I guess I just have to trust that I taught them good everyday choices skills.    

So far we've had....

Sat...Roasted Sticky Chicken
Sun...Peach BBQ Porkloin Roast (ended up being bottled bbq sauce with peaches thrown in lol)
Mon...Chicken nuggets (things got away from me that day lol)
Tues...Easy Island Chicken
Wed...Fried Flounder and clam strips

Planned for the rest of the week....

Thurs... Sweet and Sour Meatballs(Yoshida's Hawaiian Sweet and Sour sauce over a crockpot full of frozen meatballs)
Fri.... Pork Chops (think I'm going with teryaki but not sure)
Sat....Hawaiian Pizza and wings
Sun...Chicken Skewers (seasoning unknown as of yet)

Things might get bogged up a bit on Thursday since we're heading out the door bright and early with no idea of when we'll return.  We may end up getting dinner on the road.  If that's the case then we'll move the meatballs to Fri and forget the chops.  Where are we going you ask?  We're going to use our family membership to the MOST (museum of science and technology) that my mom got us for Christmas.   Everyone is excited!  Especially Tom.  He's never been there.  I was there when it was just the discovery center (almost 20yrs ago! ....no comparision to what it is now).   The kids have all gone on school field trips there over the years.    I hope everyone else on break doesn't have the same idea.

Pregnancy wise things have been up and down.   The beginning of the month saw my blood pressure go through the roof.  I called and asked to be seen a day early when I woke up with a reading of 200/110.   It went down before I got there but it wasn't at a great level.  I was feeling like garbage and dr decided I had a stomach bug.    I probably did but wasn't the one to throw up, that was reserved for 3 of the kids that night. lol    I took it easy until my next appt and things seem to have calmed down a bit.  It's still a tiny bit elevated but we can live with where they are right now.   

I'm feeling a bit out of sorts already.  For some reason my legs and feet have decided they need to stay on the brink of a full blown cramp.  So one wrong move makes them cramp up.   When that's not happening they feel achey and tight.   I'm trying to make sure I'm drinking MORE water (then my 64oz a day), taking my cal/mag/zinc supplement, and my potassium prescription.  It doesn't seem to be helping.   I really need to be more active!!!  Once the kids get back into school I'm hoping to break out my WATP dvd I haven't used yet.  *blush*

I postedmy first belly pic on the LOK pg/ttc board (link to the board in my sidebar).   The story is that I threw on my bathingsuit in honor of Island week.  Since this is as naked as I'll get in public...it was a good thing to take a belly pic in.  My excuse for the harried look is...I was in the middle of doing the dishes and hadn't brushed my hair that day (only threw it up in a semi bun).  Maybe next time we'll do a glamour shot. lol


16w2d with #12

Well, I've wrestled with this stupid text box long enough.   Off to get some breakfast!   Have a great day...HAPPY ISLAND WEEK!

 

Trying something new....

 I'm finding myself a bit overwhelmed here.   My house is a mess and I have no idea where to start...so I don't.  The lack of motivation is depressing (you'd think having little 4 footed visitors would be motivation enough!)  I KNOW things have to be done around here and have to be done now.  To get me started I've decided to try something different.  

Instead of writing out a list of all the things I need/want to get done.  I'm writing ONE thing at a time.   Getting that done, then giving myself a certain amount of time for a break with the next goal written down (along with the starting time).    I'm onto the 3rd goal already which starts at 11:45.  

I'd like to keep thing going all weekend and get caught up here...even hitting my room (oh there's a pipedream if ever I did hear it).   I'm thinking of trying to keep track of my progress throughout the day here (editing this post at each break maybe).    So far it looks like this...

General cleaning up of the livingroom floor (thorough one to be done later) - finished at 10:45
11:00 - sort laundry and throw a load in - finished at 11:25
11:45 - load the dishwasher - finished at 12:17  (removed the counters...it's a goal in itself)
12:30 - another load of laundry, clean bathrooms (laundry, bathrooms started but put on hold....have  a toddler who very badly needs lunch and a nap) - finished 2:13....Danielle down, grabbed a snack (sugar was going low), finished the bathrooms and switched laundry,  time for me to eat a real lunch now.
3:30 - back into the kitchen for 30mins of work on odd jobs. (lunch greatly delayed...added an extra 30mins on until start time)

added at 12:17 - Why I think I need to do this today....
* I'm not discouraged by a long list I know won't get done.
* I know exactly what I'm doing next.  Prevents me from planning and doing the jobs in my head, making me "exhausted" from doing all that work already. ;o)
* It stops me from taking a break, going  online and allowing  internet time to suck away hours in a blink of an eye. (getting the best of both worlds without the guilt lol)
* I'm not flitting from one thing to another yet not getting any one thing accomplished.
* I'm not going like gangbusters in one area and then getting burnt out for the rest of the work that needs to be done.
* I'm pacing myself.  I've been getting achey and crampy at night, hoping to eliminate this a bit.

added at 3:43 - OK....kids are home from school so I'm NOT going to do the scheduled kitchen work now.  I haven't gotten this much done in one day in quite a while.  So it worked while I was doing it.   As usual I was hoping to get more then the basics done.  BUT I guess I should be happy I at least got that done.   My body is saying...TAKE A NAP!   My schedule says....pick up Val at volleyball instead.  Guess who wins.  Stupid schedule!  

Midnight Mouscapades

First let me correct my rudeness from last night. THANK YOU to everyone for their condolenses to Tom. He truly appreciates them. My heart goes out to anyone who's also suffered a loss, especially recently.

Secondly....I forgot to congratulate my best online friend MA! Last Wednesday she had 12th baby. She's absolutely beautiful!!! Congratulations ma and family!!

Now onto the story. As I mentioned we got pretty aggressive with the mousetraps last night. Having the mice in the house hasn't really bothered so much. I know we can easily get overrun with them if we don't do anything. So in my eyes it was a...they're here, we have to deal with it, so we will...type of thing. That was, until last night!!!

I climbed into bed after finishing my post here. Within a few minutes of my head hitting the pillow I heard the mousetrap snap. Not a big deal, it's a good thing. Then I heard movement like the thing was trying to get away. I thought...oh no! What if it didn't get caught in the trap all the way, what if it's going to go crazy and try to escape all night!? I woke up Tom (who wasn't very happy, he doesn't wake well) and he said there wasn't too much he could do. I asked if I could turn on the light and check that it was dead. That's all I needed...to know it was dead and not be trying to seek revenge on us. lol He agreed, I did and the mouse was dead as a doornail. Back to bed I go.

UNTIL....in my ear (and it did seem to be right next to my head) I hear loud massive paper shredding. Now I sleep with my back up against the wood sides of the frame. My goal is to sleep with Danielle as far from Tom as possible. It really bothers him if Danielle touches him during the night. (she sleeps in the middle, between us so she doesn't fall off the bed). I know that if that mouse, who seems to be right next to my head, decides to climb onto my bed. It HAS to go over me to achieve it. Ontop of being upset over the first mouse I started freaking out. I sat up crying to Tom about it. He really didn't know what to do. I calmed down a bit, said I was ok and laid back down. I laid there for a while trying to decide if I should just get back up and come back online. I didn't feel right leaving Danielle to fend for herself against the big bad mouse...so I stayed. Eventually I started to fall asleep.

THEN it happened...the mouse who seemed right next to my bed made this REALLY loud and manic scratching sound across something plastic. It was so loud that it woke Tom up on the other side of the bed. I jumped up, landing in the middle of the bed crying hysterically. He jumped up and decided he'd set a few more traps. He turned on the light and I tried to see if I could figure where the stupid things was. No luck. He set 2 more traps and climbed back into bed. I apologized to him if Danielle bugged him tonight but there was NO way I was sleeping along the edge of the bed tonight. And I climbed into the middle of the bed hugging Danielle to me closely and finally fell soundly asleep.

The morning found the extra traps undisturbed but the trap in the big girls closet caught one. So our count hit 10 overnight. While the kids were getting ready for school this morning (they had a 2hr delay) it seems a kitchen trap caught a dumb one in the hindquarters, allowing it to try to drag itself back home. I eventually figured out a way to scoop it up, trap and all and throw it out the door. I really do NOT care whether it was ok or not, or if one of the cats found it. I just want them all gone...NOW! 11 down (unless the traps in the basement caught some...didn't check them...Tom will when he gets home) only half a gazillion (or so it seems) to go!

I am such a dunce!

Or more like...I forget I'm not 20 anymore. We were hit hard with lake effect snow today. Between leaving the house a bit after 11am and getting home about 3:30pm about a foot of snow fell. At the college...21miles away...it was blue skies and sunny. Actually it was like that FIVE miles away...fickle lake effect!

Drew and Luke had started shoveling enough for me to pull the van in. THEN the plow came by for the first time and we had a huge mess at the end of the driveway. Drew went in the house for a break so Michelle and I started shoveling.

OMG!!! I am SO sore! My sciatica is killing me so much that I can barely walk and walking while carrying Danielle at the same time is totally out of the question! It's been acting up here and there but not this bad. I am SO hoping that tomorrow morning is a snow day. The county has a travel advisory out until 7:30am so I'm thinking they'll have at least an hour delay. This put me in a quandry as to how to get Michelle to classes by 9:30 when the hr delayed bus will be here at the same time. 10:30 if they're delayed 2hrs. Luckily Pat came to the rescue. He has to be at work by 10 so he'll leave a bit early and drop her off. The mall is only 5miles from the college.

On the mousefront we've gotten a few more. The count now is at 8 and I KNOW there are more around...including in my bedroom near the head of MY side of the bed. Last night Tom set 4 traps in the cellar and 2 of them had mice in them today. We caught one under the christmas tree. I'm afraid if I take the tree down (it's fake) we'll stop getting the mice...it's our best catch spot. I got even a bit more aggressive tonight with the traps. I've layed at least one in each bedroom on the lower floor. It's funny that Danielle has figured out they are owie just by seeing the mice in them. The first mouse we caught had her running around the house yelling Mou DEAD! DEAD! Mou! My SIL D suggested we might want to hire someone to come in and take care of things. I know we've made a huge dent in their activity. We just need to keep on being aggressive about it. Guess that's what I get for being complacent about ONE little mouse living in the wall of the girl's room. LOL

I wanted to brag on Drew's band a bit. (he's the bass player) They've been really busy playing every weekend this month all over Central NY. On the 2nd they are playing at a local tex mex place and then it looks like they'll have a bit of a break until St Patty's Day. Don't get me wrong...I don't think they'll be doing huge venues soon. It's just that they're a great group of guys that work hard and put on a good show...doing what they love, having fun and getting a few bucks to boot. They finally put one of their songs (it's an original) onto their myspace page. It just happens to be the one I like the best. So go...visit...listen. :o) (I tried to put the song on here but myspace is picky about taking music off their site for use on another one...go figure)

Val is still sick. She seems to be doing better although sometimes I wonder. She's really weak. Whenever she sits up she gets dizzy and it sometimes makes her throw up. I said I wonder because tonight she was complaining of a headache again and her neck hurting. I tend to get nervous when those two are mentioned together. Flashbacks of Carrie's meningitis came flooding in. It's really bothering her that she's missing so much school. It's another reason why I hope tomorrow is a snow day. To take some pressure off of her. She has been working on her research project and homework that Liz has brought home...so that's good. She wants me to call tomorrow and get some Math homework sent home. Her volleyball coach called today to see how she was. Val was bummed because tonight's game was Senior night (even though she's not a senior, it's still a special night) and she was going to miss it. It was cancelled due to the snow.

It amazes me that no one else has come down with it! You'd think we'd all be in bed with the flu by now. I thought I was on the verge of getting it (aches and pains, minor headache, tired) on Saturday and Sunday but I seem to have fought it off. (slept a good bit) I feel fine today!

Well I think I'll take my sore hips and buttocks into bed. Try to update tomorrow. Oh BTW...I didn't accomplish ANYTHING this weekend like I knew would happen. I did jobs here or there but it was just normal everyday stuff that gets lost as soon as you finish it. My goal this week is to get this livingroom in shape so I can start doing my Walk Away the Pounds DVD on Feb 1st (if my hips cooperate). A snow day would REALLY help me get closer to that goal. Let the slaves...I mean kids stay home!

Back in the saddle again

Thank you for all the notes of concern about my absence. Things are as well as could be expected here. I'm doing fine pgwise. Had a dr appt today and we heard the heartbeat for the first time YEAH!!!!! Little bugger was a bit elusive at first but my OB managed to hunt it down. We didn't take the time to count beats (it was moving around a lot and was on the verge of losing it almost as soon as we found it) but it was LOUD and clear! I've lost a few pounds and my sugar and blood pressure are doing ok. The dr has been nice enough to allow me to wait 2wks between visits this pg which is nice.

Michelle started classes again on Monday and I've put on my chauffeur hat again. In some aspects this semester's schedule is easier since I have time to go home between pickup and dropoff on Tues/Thurs and only a few hour stay on Mon/Wed (no classes on Fri...woohoo!) BUT (there's always a but isn't there) on Tues/Thurs she has to be to classes by 9:30 which is really hard to do. Especially if the weather delays the buses for the school kids. So far we seem to be managing though.

While we haven't been REALLY sick. We have had some viruses go through the house since Christmas (which was VERY nice BTW!) Right now we're finishing up (I hope!) sharing a Strep A bug. Up on deck is the flu. Val has been sick since Monday with a fever of 104degrees, aches, exhaustion and a cough. So I'm expecting at least some of the others to have a turn at it also. Guess we'll see if Danielle's flu shot (the only one in the house to get it) makes a difference. I HOPE SO!

As I said, Christmas was nice. Everyone got what they wanted and wanted what they got. I managed to stay within the boundaries I set for myself moneywise. There were times when missing my MIL or grandmother came to the forefront. Overall I think everyone pulled through relatively easy.

Unfortunately Tom and his siblings had to go through another loss a week after the new year started. His dad had a major stroke which the dr's couldn't do anything about (even though he got immediate treatment). He passed away on the 7th. :o( No one expected him to pass like that. It was always assumed the cancer would eventually win. Everyone is not pulling through this relatively easy or well. Tom is really having a rough time. On Friday he'll be having a sleepover at his brother's house. :o) I hope it helps them both.

Between FIL's death and the illnesses it feels like there has been a LOT of school missed. I can't remember the last time EVERYONE went to school. I know Eileen has fallen behind but she'll have no problem catching up (whoda thunk that'd be said about her! :o)) Liz went in today to make up work even though she had half the day off.

We have visitors and they aren't the welcome kind. We seem to be the mice motel around here. I hear them in my room, behind the fiberglass tub and refrigerator, under the furniture and sinks. One night they were having a field day in the livingroom and kitchen. They were using my shoe shelves as a playground. They'd climb it, run across a certain shelf, jump off and do a flip, landing on the floor so that they could scurry back to the shoe shelf and start all over again. I bought a LOT of traps and set them up one or two nights ago. We've caught 3 so far. About 5mins ago I heard a snap from under the kitchen sink so I'm going to assume our 4th one has been taken care of. Only a zillion more to go!

Oh, I stepped down from the Largerfamilies blog this week. I've had "writer's block" across the board and didn't feel I was or could continue to hold up my end of the deal there. The guilt even kept me from here at times. Writing on topic and on schedule was kind of hard for me but it was good to do. I learned a lot doing it. Wishing the ladies over there all the best in the future.

It looks like I'll be moving to the new blogger. I've been avoiding it like the plague but they've put me on notice that I HAVE to! So it looks like I'll be attempting that move this weekend. I'm still considering getting my own personal corner of the web, but not at the moment. Need to get back into the swing of things here first.

I have some pics that the girls have taken that I'd like to share. (the 3 oldest got dig cams for Christmas) I'll try to get those up this weekend too. Hmmm I think I might be overplanning for the weekend since I also plan to get this place back in shape! Guess we'll see what I have to report on Monday. How many of you are putting your money in the NAST (not a stinking thing!) category? There's where mine is going! ;o)

It's good to be back. Now that I've been sitting here doing it, I've missed it. It feels good. Hopefully now I can stop the noise in my head as I was constantly composing my next blog post mentally. Although I still have stuff running through my head...it'll just have to wait for another time. Wonder if it'll ever stop!

Changing things up a bit this time

The Largerfamilies blog decided to invite guest bloggers to join us with a post about the holidays. Being really busy with seasonal and last of the semester driving I never got a chance to ask any bloggers to take my day. Being desperate I asked my dad (1 of 13) if he wanted to write something for me. He declined since he's not a writer. He suggested one of his sisters. Knowing she's a Type A personality with a schedule full enough for 10 people, I decided not to try. I then turned to Tom...HEY! You're one of 7 kids. Do you want to write a piece for me? He said he'd think about it and never said anything else.

Last night (Thursday) I tried to gather my thoughts on what I was going to write about on Friday. Nothing really jumped out at me and I was pretty tired so decided to wait until morning. Well my morning was hopping and a bopping and I never got the chance to think about it, much less write it. About 2ish Tom called and asked if I still needed his story. He warned me it was short (not a bad thing) and read it to me over the phone. I said call me back when you have a few extra minutes and dictate it to me so I can put it up! So he did. And it's up. Introducing Tom's first ever blog post (actually first time he's done ANYTHING on the net).

Tom's Christmas Story/A Girl Named Sue

Making plans

Today is the first day I've been home this week. I'd decided I was going to get some wrapping done if it was the last thing I did. Danielle had been up for a while so I set the plan in motion....

Get Danielle down for a nap
Throw in a load of laundry
Clean up the livingroom floor
Grab some gifts out of the van while the kids were in school
Do some wrapping
Switch laundry
Do some more laundry

Danielle cooperated and feel asleep about 12:30. I started wrapping about 1ish and got a few things done. Then Danielle woke up again....45 mins!!! She slept a total of 45 mins! Trying to sit on the livingroom floor and wrap with her was like wrestling an octopus. First she had the tape dispenser and was freely liberating it from the roll. Then it was the wrapping paper that made tons of noise when your feet squinched it up. Can't ignore all the cool boxes of things mom had stacked up waiting to be wrapped. I absentmindedly ignored her for a while when she wasn't bothering me. She reappeared with marker all over her face and hands. I'm not sure WHICH room she found it, but at least I could wrap in peace. lol No one has screamed about their green whatnot yet. So I think I'm safe. I finished wrapping the last present I'd planned on doing just as the 1st trip kids got home at 3. :o) I didn't get tons done but put a dent into it.

After putting things away I realized I felt lightheaded and nauseated. I think I was fighting low sugar all day. While wrapping Danielle brought me an orange to peel which I gladly shared with her. Then I grabbed a tub of smoked turkey to gnaw on. I sat in the rocker and had Carrie hand me my meter....77 and quickly falling if how I felt was any indication. Carrie asked if I wanted her to make me something to eat and made me a turkey sandwich which I devoured! I was still feeling near the low end even though I was 90ish when I retested. While Tom and I were going over my lists I broke into the leftover candy from the bazaar.

Monday was Michelle's last day of classes. Danielle and I went to Walmart to grab some gifts. The little booger wanted to get out of the cart and play with the toys. I have Liz to thank for that one. Last time we were in there she let her get out and play. I think Danielle was also not feeling so great and was tired too. She was off the whole time we were in the store. We left WM parking lot and I headed to Big Lots. While driving there I thought...what am I CRAZY!?!? I just got done wrestling her in WM, not I'm going to torture her in Big Lots? So I went the long way back to the campus. By the time I got there Danielle was snoozing. Unfortunately as I pulled into a parking spot I realized...I HAVE TO PEE! There was NO way I was going to drive somewhere, wake up Danielle and drag her half asleep into a public bathroom. So I sat and suffered while I did a sudoku puzzle. Her nap didn't last long and we were heading to Big Lots to potty and run through the store. I pulled into the college parking lot about 5 mins before Michelle got out of class. She jumped in and we headed back to WM so she could do some Christmas shopping before heading home.

Tuesday Michelle and I spent the day at my parents' house. My mom had asked us in to help frost the 250 anise cutout cookies she'd made. Usually my grandmother is the one that helps her do it. I didn't want her to do it alone so we went in. We had a nice time talking and frosting...when I wasn't chasing Danielle that is. Luckily Danielle decided a nap would be a good thing to do so I could give frosting my full attention. Michelle and I were suppose to be home for dinner but my parents ordere pizza. I rearranged rides for kids that had activities to do and had the evening free. My dad decided we should take advantage of it and do some shopping. We didn't buy much but had fun walking through the stores anyways.

Tomorrow (Thurs) night we're going to a Christmas party. The TODAY study group is having it and hasinvited the whole family. I guess it's a catered dinner, so yeah for me! lol It's going to take a bit working of the schedules but we'll manage, we usually do. Tom will be getting out of work a bit early, Val will have to miss some of her volleyball practice, and we'll have to leave almost as soon as the 2nd trip kids get off the bus. The kids are really excited. I hope it lives up to their expectations. Either way I'm sure we'll have fun.

Time to go figure out outfits for tomorrow and the party.

Forgot a few things!

DUH! I can't believe I forgot to mention 2 key things from Dec 1st. Most important is....Patrick turned 21!!! I feel a bit bad since his celebration was a tad subdued. He worked until 6 or 7 and then went out for beer and wings with his friends. They came back here and spent the night hanging out in his room having fun. I was so busy with the bazaar and couldn't participate in the adult aspect of celebrating so didn't spend too much time up there with them. I do have to get his birth story written...last one...until this summer that is.

I'm a bit behind in touting my contribution to the Larger Families Blog. Things were so crazy here last month that for the first time, I had to blow off writing a piece at Thanksgiving time. I feel bad but you have to do what you have to do. The topic has been traveling. On the 1st I wrote... Make Sure You Pee Before We Go. Don't forget that you can find a menu of and links to my articles over there -------------> in my sidebar

Things are churning along....

The bazaar went well. I sold about half the things I brought. Although I didn't sell a single plate. Weird how one year they fly off the table and the next you can't give them away. I think next year I'll go back to non holiday fabrics (funky ones). I had tons of plans for when we got home Saturday. Instead I fell asleep on the couch and slept on and off for a few hours. I'm feeling icky more and more. Today I had cramping that was a bit disconcerting but it's gone now. Of course I'm a constant TP checker and am always relieved to see no blood.

This week is Michelle's last full week of the fall semester. Thurs is her last Tues/Thurs class, Mon is her last class...period. She was suppose to take a final next Tues in Math. Her average is so good that she's been excused from it. Although she has to take a quiz in the class on Monday. I can't believe I only have 1 day of driving her to Jess's house and one day of driving her to school left. It'll be so weird to not HAVE to go out the door everymorning. Well, with Christmas prep stuff needing to be done I don't know how much leisure time I'll have at home. I do feel like I'm doing well on my shopping. I still have to go through my prize closet and figure out exactly who gets what and how many small things I need for BILs house.

Today at Walmart there was a lady infront of us at the checkout. She reminded me SO much of my MIL!!!! She had curly red hair turning light strawberry with a tiny touch of gray. She was super friendly and talked to everyone. She was going gaagaa over Danielle. She bragged on her 5 grandkids. (after giving me a Puff's tissue for Danielle's obvious sore runny nose). It made me happy and sad at the same time. I wanted to bag her up and take her home with me, ask her to adopt me and my kids! I miss MIL a lot lately. :o(

I realized today that I hadn't seen Olivia's snack calendar for December (each child is assigned a certain day to bring in snack). When I got home I asked Olivia and she brought it to me. Her snack day is TOMORROW! PHEW! I didn't miss it. Although I'll probably have to give away all our bananas or oranges....haven't decided yet.

I don't know why but I've put off calling the OB. Part of it is that I've been out and about. But really that's not excuse since I have his number in my cell phone. I keep thinking I'll do it in the morning. Next thing I know tomorrow is gone and it's time for bed. TOMORROW I'll call and try to get in for Monday.

Karen...thanks for tagging me. I'll try to get to it soon. Right now it's too much thinking for this tired noggin. It won't be tomorrow since I'm hoping to organize my prize closet, start wrapping and get caught up on housework around here.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I was still around and things are going fine. Hope to be more active here since I SHOULD be home more often now.

It's bazaar time again

This year none of us ladies at church signed up for a table at the school Christmas bazaar. We've had a table each year for about the last ten years. One of the ladies at church got a call from the organizer. It seems they have space available...were we interested? Today after the meeting we decided to go for it. I agreed to it figuring I had 13 days to get things done. I didn't realize that the first Saturday of December was THIS Saturday...giving us 6 days to make things. YIKES!

Tonight I worked on fabric backed glass plates. 6 of them are drying now. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get some sealer and finish them. I'm also hoping to get some of my lightbulb snowmen started tomorrow. I'd have worked on them tonight but everything is in my bedroom and Tom was in bed by the time I was ready to dig everthing out. Tuesday I'll probably make up a batch of gingerbread dough ornaments, dipping them in cinnamon wax Wednesday evening. On Friday I'll make up a bunch of the candy mugs.

I'm thinking of doing a bit of sewing this year. I have some funky fabric samples that I want to make into small purses. I'm also hoping to get some lap blankets made. I have some cheerful children's fabric that will do well with the fleece I bought this summer when Hancock Fabric was closing. Maybe even making a Christmas stocking or two. :o)

I'm looking for other things to do quickly. The girls have crafts on Friday and we thought it would be nice if they could do something simple and quick then. So I'm on a search for them.

Pregnancywise, all the kids know (Carrie was told today...she was gone this weekend). I told my mom on Saturday. She didn't say congrats and was a bit reserved. I'm sure she's probably thinking I'm getting old and chances are it'll be a m/c again. Was a bit hard to swallow though since she's the one of my parents that congratulates me and acts happy when she hears it. It also made me miss my MIL all that more. I can't call and tell her about it! :o(

I was EXHAUSTED this morning and thought...what a change since yesterday! Then about 2ish I started getting a headache and it hit me...I never had any coffee this morning before church. So I'm not sure what the exhaustion was from now. The need to snack often is here and I've had one brief episode of feeling icky. Unlike with Danielle's pg where m/s made me uneasy. I'm really hoping it shows up and lets me know I'm pregnant!

What I bought this morning.....

NO! It wasn't used when I bought it. It took all my self control NOT to break the box open and run into the bathroom at Denny's after we finished up shopping. Good girl that I am, waited until I got home to use it.

I'm finding myself a bit reserved with the excitement. I didn't tell the kids right away like I normally do. Although they know tonight. I had the hpt in my skirt pocket and it fell out. Eileen found it before I could and figured it out. Some are excited. Some are reserved. Some asked if this baby can'/will die like the last one, :o( Some older ones wanted to know if I tried to get pg on purpose (not sure why that matters). Others were plugging their ears and singing lalalalala cause THAT is NOT an activity you want to know your parents are participating in. There was talk of the possiblity of me having babies when Drew and Allison do...in a few years. Told them it was my goal in life. lol

My edd looks to be August 2nd. I'll probably deliver 2wks early which puts me around Eileen's birthday...July 16th. She's excited. Says if I don't have it on her birthday, I can have it on Daddy's birthday (July 11th). So a 23mo age gap with Danielle.

Update....tired rambling may ensue

Thanks for all the hugs and such over my grandmother's passing. We're all doing well but I think we're still in survival/shocked mode also. Tomorrow (Sunday) will most likely be a hard day. Tom, Drew and I are headed to her apartment with my parents. We're packing up all her stuff and storing it in my parents' basement. There's tons of stuff to go through and pack up. I know it's going to be really hard for my mom. I feel like it's too soon but everything needs to be out of there by the 27th.

This lack of online time is really bugging me! I want to be able to just sit and surf all day! On Tuesday I usually have the computer no matter who's using it (unless it's a school assignment). It's just a given....Tues night...TOK chat time for mom! I was SICK with a major headache!!!!! So sick I spent most of the day in bed, sleeping. I'd planned on going to my mom's to visit my family from out of town but couldn't do it. It's the last thing they needed was to be dealing with an illness ontop of grieving too. In my weakened state I totally forgot it was Tuesday and I had chat. I couldn't have tolerated the brightness of the monitor anyways.

The headache was mostly gone by Wednesday morning. I was really worried that I'd be too sick to attend the service for my grandmother. But I did, and we made it on time, although it was pretty tight timewise. Tom totally underestimates the amount of time it takes to get on the other side of the city from here. There wasn't enough room for all of us to be seated in the viewing room. Some of the younger kids sat in an adjoining room. Danielle wanted to nurse so I stood in the other room with the kids and nursed her. I could look across the hall and see everything better then if I was sitting in my seat.

After the service we headed to my parents'. I'd given Allison a list of things that I wanted them to do to set up. When I informed my dad that they were immediately leaving the service to go set up he told me my brother was doing it. OK. Well he started. Guess who had to finish. I busted my rump getting and keeping everything in order/filled. Luckily my nieces love holding and watching Danielle so I didn't have to worry about her. :o)

Thursday was parent/teacher conferences...joy of all joys! Actually they didn't end up being half bad. Eileen's teacher had been out sick with the stomach bug all week. She called and rescheduled for this Tuesday afternoon. With that conference gone it allowed me to get out of school half an hour early. Luckily Olivia's teacher (last conference) was available early for me to talk to or I'd have had to wait. If Luke continues playing his homework games I might find myself a bit more compture time....since he'll be GROUNDED off of it! LOL

Friday found Carrie and I gone from 8:30am until 3pm at her TODAY clinic appointment. It's what they call a supervisit. She does fasting bloodwork, a glucose tolerance test (GTT), physical test on a bike and gets a DEXA x-ray (full body) ontop of answering lots of surveys and filling out tons of forms. Everyone there tries to make it as easy for us as they can. Danielle wasn't feeling so great so made it difficult at times. Poor Carrie the GTT totally wiped her out. I couldn't believe the difference in how she was. One second talking and smiling, the next half asleep, in a stupor and on the verge of crying. It effected her the whole day. I've never heard how her numbers are during that but I'd love to find out. We stopped by my parents' so I could see how my mom was faring. We didn't stay too long since the kids needed to be a kids crafts at church after dinner.

After the kids got back from church Tom decided he'd watch Danielle. It was my turn to go watch Drew perform at a local bar. Other then the fact that it was my son performing, I had NO desire to go but I went anyways. Pat drove so I could have a drink or two which was nice. They put on a great show! I got to see Drew sing 2 songs I've never seen before, both Collective Soul songs. After we left the bar we went to a local diner where I had a nice juicy burger and fries! YUM!

Tom had ulterior motives for staying home. He was planning on going hunting at teh crack of dawn. The guy got his sportsman license for the first time in quite a few years. He came back empty handed but saw a few deer. He might've taken a shot if he had a doe permit but he doesn't. I'm not sure if he's planning on going out before we leave tomorrow or not.

Today I was planning on getting tons done around here but managed to do very little. I just needed a slow no stress day. Cleaned bedrooms are highly overrated anyways. lol I was so lax that I failed to help Jake bake the pumpkin muffins for his Native American project. (yep the same ones I mentioned making with Carrie for her project 2yrs ago) I wanted to get it done today so I wouldn't have to worry about getting it done before leaving tomorrow. So now I have to squeeze that in before I walk out the door at 10am. Shouldn't take too long. (I know, famous last words!)

The kids only have 2 days of school this week. I SO wish they could have the whole week off! It seems like a waste of a week to only go for 2 days! LOL Doesn't help that mom doesn't want to get laundry done so they'll have clean clothes. Mt Washmore isn't at the screaming WASH ME NOW! phase yet. ;o)

OK...enough rambling for now. Need to get to bed!

As life would have it...

I've got the goods but can't use them! DSL isn't worth a lick if you don't have the time to sit down and click or type. Life has been insanely crazy here. ATM I'm dealing with the loss of my maternal grandmother this weekend. :o( She passed away quietly in her livingroom chair after having her coffee and toast Saturday morning. They found her late Saturday night after my aunt from VA couldn't get ahold of her all day by phone. Danielle and I spent all day Sunday at my mom's house with people coming and going. My mom is the oldest of 4....My mom and her baby brother are local, sister in Virginia, brother in Tennesse. My uncle came in Sunday afternoon, my aunt will be here Tues night.

My grandma didn't want a wake so we're having a private service on Wednesday night. It'll be a late night since we'll go to my parents' house afterwards. Luckily most of the kids have a half day of school so I'm not sweating them getting up in the morning. Liz and Val have a full day though so they'll have to as will the college kids.

Today on the way home from Michelle's classes I stopped and ordered two sets of flowers. I hate making decisions for a group of people! I know I'm not going to please everyone and it bugs me. I had to order one from the grandkids (there's 10 of us (I'm the oldest)...3, 3, 2 and 2) and another from the great-grandkids (16, all my mom's grandkids, 11 of them are mine lol). It's an interesting makeup with the grandkids. My mom and aunt both had 3 and we're similar in ages, my aunt's being a tiny bit younger then us. Then my uncles each had 2 and they are similar in age to my older kids. So while we've done things with them, we haven't been pals. Although my kids IM them once in a while and keep me up to date on what they're up to. lol

I felt like a heel waiting to hear when services would be. I just don't have time for a funeral! And of course life isn't going to slow down or stop even if I wanted it with all my heart. (the continuing pulse is a good thing though). A prime example of how things have been around here...

I found out at 8:30 this morning that Val needed to have a test done. I asked the receptionist is she could schedule it for 1:38 tomorrow afternoon. Oh yeah, it would be nice if it was over with by 1:40. lol She called me back 15mins later and told me her appt was at 10! ARGH! Oh well, breakfast/coffee is highly overrated.

As usual things worked out ok and I knew they would for the funeral. At least for me, I know my sister has to reschedule one parent/teacher conference that was set for Wed night. Luckily I have all 5 of mine on Thursday afternoon. Especially since I managed to schedule Carrie's all day TODAY clinic appt for Friday which was the other day (and the little kids have off, not the highschoolers). I told Val if she needs more tests or dr appts she'll have to wait until next week.

What's up with Val? She's been having on and off back pain in the kidney area since she passes a kidney stone in Mar '05. 2 or 3 wks ago the pain become a constant dull ache with frequent sharp episodes. I got her into the urologist last Friday. Her blood pressure was up, her output is weird, her culture came back negative for UTI. So today we had to do a renal u/s and more bloodwork. I'm hoping to hear on it in the morning. I'm a bit worried this might put a damper on her volleyball season which just started last week. She's a bit more optimistic.

Carrie is plugging along. She's complained that her knee with no bump hurts and I ran her into the ped's office QUICK! He thinks she just strained it. With this freaking lump growth thing, I didn't want to take any chances. I certainly didn't feel comfy waiting until her speicialist appt on Dec 1st. So we're in wait and see mode with that right now.

Me, I'm beating myself up. I'm eating for comfort/stress relief and don't even know it! I weigh just about what I did at the end of Danielle's pregnancy. (which was actually lower then my all time high, where I started the pregnancy at). I've also been pretty bad bout remembering my meds. I jumped on the machine at WM this week and saw a 15X/103 reading. :o( The little girls noticed my pill box hadn't or couldn't have been touched and were on my case about it. I have NO idea why I'm sabotaging myself like this. It's not like I want to die. I have too much going on to do that. ;o) How hypocritical of me....to be on Carrie's case about testing her sugar and not forgetting her meds.

Danielle is getting cuter by the second. She's turned into a little monkey and copies everything and everyone. She's a jabber but doesn't have tons of words. She still manages to get her point across to everyone well. She's keeping me busy with her exploring and getting into everything. I'm too tired to gush anymore about her so I'll save it for a later date (and shorter post). I will include a picture of her someone sent us. It was taken at our church harvest feast the Sunday before Halloween.

Look at me!

I'm faster then a speeding bullet! Able to leap tall videos in a single click. My new best friend from the telephone company came by today and hooked us up big time. YEAH DSL! I can now see all the graphics, videos and sounds that I've been missing all these years.

We've already been by youtube to watch a few videos including this wiggles video.

I'm also enjoying my brand spankin' new computer. The deal was too hard to pass up. Get superfast internet (1mbps) with a new computer for $20 more a month then what I was paying for a second phone line and dial up (24kbps). Even if I figure it was just for the computer...where am I going to get a new one of those for $240? (2yr commitment required)

Our livingroom now looks like a computer lab. On the coffee table behind me are my and Allison's computers. Unfortunately it means that wires are all over the place. Eventually we'll be wireless but for now we're all willing to live with the mess.

This whole week has been busy. On Tuesday I picked up the school kids after their parades and parties and headed to my parents' house. I'd bought a bunch of lunchmeat so we could have subs. YUM! I had Val, Janna, Luke, Carrie, Jake, Eileen, Olivia and Danielle. My sister had her 2 youngest. My brother had his 2 kids. One of Tom's brother had 1. We made quite a group but it was fun. We traveled the mile around my parents' block, hit the firebarn for cider and donuts and then back to my parents'. Total time....1hr. Total candy...just enough.

Monday night Carrie complained that her arm hurt and it had a bump on it. She'd shown me a "bug bite" earlier. I told her it was fine and to go to bed. Tuesday she complained and showed it to me again. This time I really looked at it. It wasn't a bump...it was a BUMP! Her whole upper arm was huge. She looked like she'd gotten a shot recently, or was on steriods. OOPS! Guess I shouldn't have blown it off the night before.

I took her to the dr's on Wednesday morning. We were there for about 2.5hrs. She was sent off for x-rays and then bloodwork while we waited for the x-ray report. The dr wanted to check for relapse or secondary cancer without coming right out and saying it in front of Carrie. I was getting nervous when the nurses started being really social with us in the waiting room. Her counts were fine! The nurses were just bored during their lunch hour. lol Unfortunately the x-ray showed the bump is calcified/solid like the bruise on her knee. Unlike the knee we have no idea where the shoulder bump came from. "S" at the KNOT (long term cancer survivors) clinic mentioned something about growths post transplant. So now I'm wondering. We're waiting on a referral to a specialists.

This morning I got a phone call from the TODAY study coordinator. Seems I forgot Carrie's ALL day (need to be fasting) appointment today. *blush* I HATE when that happens! I didn't put it into my calendar/planner because it's written on her log book which theoretically we should be updating everyday. Early this morning I had the thought...I have to check Carrie's logbook and see when her next appointment is. I thought it was in the beginning of December. We've rescheduled it for the 17th.

Pat had orientation at his new job this afternoon. :oD I haven't talked to him yet so not sure how it went. This weekend looks be busy with 2 birthday parties...one from 12-4. The other one is an overnighter at a local hotel. My sister invited me to bring the girls Liz age on down. I haven't decided if I'll go yet. Oh yeah and there's pie baking too, don't think we'll make that at all. On Sunday I'm thinking of going to an auction of a furniture store's overstock. What I really need to do is stay home and do some WORK! (or surf on my new computer lol)

I was this [ ] close!

On Sunday I almost did it. I almost had all my hampers empty! Note that I didn't say I almost had all my laundry done, just my hampers empty. I'm sure there were dirty clothes in the bedrooms, I know I have some in mine. According to the hampers though I only had ONE load of light clothes to do by Sunday afternoon. Unfortunately time ran out on me and we had to leave for the Harvest feast at church. By the time I got back there were darks and lights dirty again. So I'm back to normal with clothes in all the hampers lol.

Oh yeah and before I forget...I posted again over at Largerfamilies.com. I answered a readers question about the comments we hear. It's a revised edition of a post I wrote here in March. Q&A...How do you deal with comments and questions? I'll be posting again this Friday. The topic is how we deal with all the activities and commitments the kids have.

Saturday was a pretty productive day. Besides doing tons of laundry I made bread, rearranged furniture, started cleaning little kids bedrooms, helped devise costumes, cleaned in the nooks and crannies where it doesn't show. Tom was gone ALL day until after 2AM. He was working on the van at one of his friend's house. It's not all completely done but rides a LOT better (and safer). I still need to buy 2 new front tires, maybe Wednesday.

Sunday was a FUN day! The youth kids made it a great day for all the little kids. The Harvest feast started out with a children's meeting. It was followed by wheelbarrow races, games for all ages (including the adults...have to give them opportunities to make fools of themselves lol), pizza dinner and then trick or treating door to door in one of the dorms. Costumes this year were...

Danielle - unicorn (costume I bought 75% off last year after Halloween)
Olivia - angel (kimono that was a christmas gift last year, wings and feather crown from the dollar store)
Eileen - cheerleader (skorts and tshirt with pompoms from the dollar store)
Jake - Pirate (vest with stuffed parrot velcro'ed to it, cardboard hat, sword and eye patch from the dollarstore)
Carrie - princess (Val's prom dress from the thrift store, crown from the dollar store)
Luke - karate student (his grandpa's old Gi, green bathrobe belt lol)
Liz - Gorilla (Drew's gorilla mask, all black clothes)
Me - parrot (multicolored feather mask from the dollarstore, homemade parrot outfit I made 2 or 3 yrs ago for Luke)

Jake will be using the Gorilla mask at school on Tuesday (only elementary kids...3 youngest, dress up for school) His attitude is, if you can't bring a sword to school what's the sense of being a pirate? lol He'll switch back to a pirate for T or T'ing though. Liz is going to be a fairy for T or T'ing. I bought her wings at the dollarstore tonight. She'll be wearing a dress she bought this summer for a friend's wedding. We'll be T or T'ing around my parents' neighborhood. My sister with 2 of her girls will be going with us.

It looks to be a beautiful day for T or T'ing. Today was absolutely wonderful! After having lows in the mid 40s for almost 2wks it seemed like summer again. The van became downright hot at times. Danielle took a nap after lunch and I enjoyed reading my book. I also enjoyed a short 15min powernap.

We received some exciting news here today. Pat called this afternoon and told me he now has a job!!!! :o) It's good to see him excited about it. He visited the college last week about getting a waiver for his financial aid. Now he has to write a letter explaining why he should be given it (I think that's what it has to be about). He'll have to do that soon. He has to know whether he qualifies for funding for the January semester before he registers.

Also we are getting DSL!!! I don't have to surf the net by horse and buggy anymore! By Friday evening I should be FLYING around here! I'll be able to see whole pages, pictures and videos! Woohooo!!! The promotion right now is that with a 2yr commitment we get a free computer! It's almost 3x as fast as the one I'm using now. That means we'll have 2 machines and I won't have to share as much anymore. (not sure how long it takes to arrive though) It'll be even sweeter if Drew and Michelle buy their own computers/laptops like they've been talking about.

Well my extra hour this weekend is starting to catch up. I just rescued my forehead from meeting my keyboard. Hope everyone stays safe while/if they're T or T'ing.

Sunday Morning Musings

First an update on my FIL. He's doing ok and has double pneumonia. I hate to say it but PHEW! Not that I'm glad he has it but I'm glad that's what it is. What was going on was SO much worse in my mind. (relapse or myelodysplasia...yep the same thing Carrie had). There's talk of him being discharged on Wed. :o)

Tom told me something someone said to him concerning this blog. They said they've read my blog and I paint our life all rosey and great. Ummm guy....this is MY blog!!! I decide what goes in here. If I decide that I'm only going to write about everytime I fart....that's my perogative! If you don't want to read it....that's your's.

I admit I don't share all the nitty gritty stuff here. Reason being...it's the internet! (no offense to my cyberfriends) I try my hardest to not bash my husband in public so I certainly try not to do it here. My kids, especially the teens, have their own lives and a right to their privacy...I respect that. Also this is ONE side/version of the story. I would hope that anyone reading this would realize that.

Believe me there have been times when it would've been SO easy to come and just let everything out here. But that wouldn't have been fair to those involved. There were times when I couldn't blog because heavy private things were too close to the surface and effected me so much. I'd try to write but I felt the situation always showed through in my words...so I'd delete.

So X, if you're reading this. You're right to a degree. And no, I won't change a thing. It's your call whether you want to read this or not. I'm not really sure why you'd want to though, since you have an upclose and personal view of the whole thing (not to mention your own opinion on it that you've freely shared).

Now I'm off to clear off the mounds of things on my computer table. Have a good day :o)

Debunking the myths

The current topic over at largerfamilies.com is putting some myths about large families to rest. I picked the older kids are mini parents as my myth. So head on over to LF.com and read Mini Parents

Look out world!

Here she comes! Danielle is walking!!! She started on Saturday, taking 4-6 steps between things and people. On Sunday she spent all day walking around whenever she could. One of the kids asked me....why is Danielle walking around everywhere? I asked how they got around? She's having tons of fun with it. She even stands back up when she falls. BUT if there's something she REALLY wants...as soon as she falls it's crawling all the way. LOL

Today's been a busy and nerve wracking day. In the middle of my errands Pat called me to let me know Janna was in the ER of the local hospital. I knew she'd gone home (Val called me) but didn't know why. I called the school and asked them to have Val call me. Then I stopped by the ER to see if Janna or her mom needed anything. She was really glad we stopped by and was just telling her mom she wished we were there. Val called when I was there and asked to be picked up so she could be at the ER with Janna, so I did. They think she passed a kidney stone during the day and still has one in her opposite kidney. We were joking that she just wanted to be like Val and a copycat. lol She's resting peacefully at home now.

Ontop of that Tom's dad has been running a really low grade fever which spiked a bit today. With his counts low he's suppose to report ANY fever at all. He's in the hospital and not doing so great. Everyone is a mess. (why I'm still up at such a horrible hour of the morning!) I'd appreciate any prayers and positive thoughts you could send for Tom, his dad and his family.

I was thinking there was more I wanted to share but can't think of it ATM. I'll post more tomorrow if I think of it.

Found some photos

Drew downloaded Allison's camera onto my computer. I'm snitching some to share since I don't have any of my own to share.

The first is Drew's band. They were playing at the local Marina's good-bye party (last day opened for the season).


Drew on bass, Brian on vocals, Nate on drums and Mitch on guitar

Of course I HAVE to share a pic of Danielle whenever I can. So here's a pic of her with her first ice cream cone.

Status Symbol?

I posted last week that the current topic at largerfamilies.com was how and when to know you're done. Luckily for me that weekend the blog was featured in an article on larger families being a new status symbol. The hit count soared at LF.com and here. I got a negative comment or two about my irresponsibilty toward society and the earth.

I don't get how kids can be used as a status symbol. If they are, they are one of the most costliest symbols around. Not only in the all mighty dollar but in blood, sweat and tears. WHY would anyone put 18yrs worth of responsibilty infront of them just to up their standing amongst their friends? Not to mention while it might be cool to have a larger family now, it hasn't and won't always be. So what happens when the status isn't such a great thing anymore? They can't be thrown away, sold or pushed into the back of the closet. These are kids' lives they are trivializing!!!! Thanks for making my "extra" 8 or 9 kids seem like props. I'm sure they appreciate it.

There's something else people forget when they make having a family that goes above society's norm whimsical and fun. People lose a lot because of their decision to have a larger family.

* They're subjected to every Tom, Dick and Harry's opinion about their lifestyle decision because it's so apparent. Everyone seems to think that because of this they are free to voice their opinions or wisecracks. (Oh the things people say) I don't know of any other life choice that is so obvious and has this happen. (I'm most likely mistaken and am willing to be corrected)

* They lose friends, invitations to social events, etc. People think they can't relate to them anymore. The idea of including so many people into a social event is daunting so they're overlooked. People assume because you have so many kids you don't have the time or money to socialize/participate. We can be seen as too stupid to be bothered with or "intimidating" and are avoided by others in a social setting.

* Time and time again other TOK (tons of kids) moms have mentioned how their families put them down for their decision. They've even had family break all ties with them because it. :o(

Yep, we're just trying to out do our friends and neighbors. After all, that's what's most important in life.

Bullet Time!

*** It's an invasion!
Yep Sunday was the start of the annual "lady bug" invasion. My mom told me if she'd known they were out she wouldn't have come for a visit. They (the ladybugs, not my parents) are stinky and pesky. They land on and in everything including food, drinks and faces. I told her it had just started and was getting worse by the hour. Luckily they've calmed down and have mostly settled into their corners.

*** Never assume
Tuesday I heard a truck pull up to the house, then a tiny knock on the door. I assumed it was Tom with his hands full. I ran to the door, whipped it open and yelled...Waddaya waa.... Standing there staring at me was a tiny timid Fed Ex man with a package in his hands. I was so embarrassed! I was also laughing so hard that I couldn't get a proper I'm sorry or an explanation out. Bet he's hoping we don't get anymore deliveries for a while. LOL

*** I found it!
I found a Walk Away the Pounds Express DVD yesterday! I've been wanting for it for a while. Last year I'd ordered it from someone online and never received it. Everytime I'd looked in WM they didn't have it. I figured since it was an older program it'd never come in. I even started looking for it in the 2 for $11 bin. LOL Our Super Walmart has gone through a huge renovation which makes that section of the sports department easy to get to. On a whim I decided to check to see if they had something I'd want and there it was! I was a happy shopper!

*** One chore off my list
I hate tire shopping. I feel like I'm going to get taken for a ride. Then there's all those extra fees involved. I never know which I need. My van really needed new back tires at least. They kept getting soft and one was almost bald. I put it off and put it off although I'd been browsing the ads for prices. Finally I decided to bite the bullet and run over to the tire store to get a quote. They didn't have any extra charges and the price was right. So now I have 2 new back tires and the van is driving great. Although it was bit hard to tell with the monster winds throwing me around like a paper cup yesterday.

*** I'm not ready!!!
Yep, it's that time of the year again. Time for the dreaded white stuff to start flying. I'm not ready for it! Well I'm more ready for it coatwise then I've been in a while. Bootwise I'm not sure about but that can wait. Mentally though...NO! Take it away! I don't want to see the stuff! I want everyday to be like last weekend....blue skies, sunny and mid 70s.

***Let the stripping begin
Danielle is learning to take off her clothes. She fights me tooth and nail over wearing shoes....takes after her mother. lol They don't last long and then it's time for the socks to start flying. Running errands while waiting for Michelle yesterday I had to put her socks on 4 times. Then while she was sitting in the cart at Big Lots she tried to take off her shirt. Luckily she's not too adept at that yet. It's gonna be tons of fun trying to keep her bundled in the van while waiting for Michelle this winter.

How things have been faring lately

My posts have been sporadic and mostly about how I haven't been handling things well. Now that I can catch my breath and think straight I thought I'd update about how everyone's been doing here.

Daniellewise...she's growing by leaps and bounds. She's at such a fun age! My latest walker she's taken a few tenative steps from here to there but not walking yet. Give her a pushtoy or something to put her hand on though and she's off like a rocket. She's so cautious I'm sure once she does start walking she'll be pretty sure footed which is fine by me. She's turned into a little monkey and mimics everyone and everything around her. While she's a little girls and likes to play with her dishes and babies, her favorite toy is a little car....complete with appropriate sounds while she drives it over everything.

Schoolwise...We've been to the school quite a few times with open house celebrations. This year homework has been going well for everyone!!!! Which hasn't happened in quite a while. Luke is continuing to do his homework well on his own (started it midyear last year). Carrie has joined him and is doing great! I haven't had to get on her case about starting it yet and she's always done early enough to participate in youth activities at church. (unlike last year when she would sneak it into bed to finish). It makes for a much more relaxed evening. Jake, Eileen and Olivia are naturally pretty self motivated so no problems on that end.

Last week I actually had Pat take over a few days of driving Michelle to school for me. It made a HUGE difference in how I felt and what I accomplished around here. I even started digging out my bedroom (always the last room I attack). I'm feeling ready to face the chore of driving again.

Drew's band is pretty sought after. They're booked for quite a few weekends in the next month or so. They even have a date set in January and for St Patrick's day. Between going to school, band practice and seeing Allison he's staying really busy and isn't home much. Allison is in her last year of school and has mentioned going abroad to teach English. I guess she really enjoyed Italy last semester. Drew asked what I thought about them moving overseas. I told them I'd miss them but if that's what they want and can do, then go for it! As of right now I'm thinking we'll be having a wedding next summer.

We couldn't have asked for a better 3 day weekend weatherwise. Tom took the kids to the apple farm, bird sanctuary and a playground on Saturday. The kids took advantage of it and were in and out all day. It led to Danielle throwing a few fits because she wanted to be big and go outside too. I don't want to see this weather end. I actually heard the "S" word in the forecast for the coming weekend. Waaaah!

I brought my book into the house tonight. It's Fannie Flagg's "Standing in the Rainbow". The main character is Neighbor Dorothy who was a character in her book..."Welcome to the World Baby Girl!". I'm just starting it but it's good like most of her work. D has already read it and just finished the next one in line called "Can't Wait to get to Heaven". She's wanting me to hurry up so we can talk about them.

Something that made me go hmmm while reading the book. Dorothy is what was called a "radio homemaker". A housewife who ran a daily 1 hour long radio show out of her home. In the book it's described as someone who dispenses tips on child rearing, home, garden, cooking. Someone who talks about news and entertains. Most of all it was a daily visit from a good friend. I thought....hey! that's what bloggers do and are!

I've had a chance to do some blog touring this weekend. It's nice to catch up with some good friends that I've missed in the last month.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh!

I seem to have caught up with things around the house. Having company (my parents) is a great motivator. :o) Tomorrow most of us have a day off. I don't have to drive Michelle to classes!!!! Yeah me! It'll be nice to get up and not have to think about where to start around here. I'm actually sitting here thinking about baking cookies and apple pies, revving up my sewing machine, starting some projects to sell on ebay or to give for Christmas presents. Believe it or not I'm even thinking of bringing my "waiting for Michelle" book into the house and disappearing into it.

Don't get me wrong, things aren't perfect here. I have things to do. But it's better then it's been in a long time! I even managed to do 8 loads of laundry today(may even do more before bed). That means I have less then 3 loads waiting for me to wash! If tomorrow is as nice as today I'm hoping to wash all the bedding and hang it. Nothing like climbing into a bed with line dried sheets.

We had a nice visit with my parents. My mom brought us the scrapbook she made of our trip to Orlando and all the area parks in Oct '99. It was Carrie's Make a Wish wish. The kids had a ball going through it and remembering everything. They all got a kick out of how little they looked. Tom and Pat BBQ 4 chickens for dinner. Even though we had 6 extra people here to feed we ended up with enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow. :o) My dad brought me out some more plants for my garden including YUMMY smelling Russian Sage! Tom's preparing my circle garden to act as a nursery until next spring. My dad has offered to sit down with me and map out exactly what to do and where. I'm always at such a loss where to put things even though I have tons of choices (we own 7+ acres)

Last Monday we celebrated Michelle's birthday (Her birth story). Actually she had a multiday celebration. lol We had pizza and wings on Sunday while C (her boyfriend) was here. He was heading back to school on Monday morning. Monday we had her birthday dinner (she picked cheeseburgers) along with cake and ice cream. Wednesdays I took Michelle, Val, Janna and Kat to the mall. We hit a great sale at Wet Seal...buy 1 clearance item, get 1 free. I wanted to go back and do some Christmas shopping!!! I bought Danielle some much needed clothes at the Children's Place...additional 50% off clearance prices. Poor thing, most of her clothes were geared toward summer.

I'm starting to think that I might have a handle on things now. Just in time for the hoiday craziness to start! LOL Hey! Isn't Columbus Day the new "first day of the Christmas shopping season"? Let the jolliness begin! :oD

Michelle's birth story

Her Stats....

Michelle Lynn
October 2, 1987
7:10pm
8lbs 15oz

For my pregnancy with Michelle I went to my regular family practice dr. I LOVE this guy! He's so laid back and easy to talk to. I'd have had all the rest of my kids with him but the HMO is was through would only allow OBs to deliver babies shortly after Michelle's birth.

I had my first ever sonogram. The tech said it was girl then told me....I can only be 75% sure of a girl. It might be a boy who's parts haven't descended yet. I then went on to have a dream that I had quads....3 girls and 1 boy. lol

About 7mos into the pregnancy while visiting my parents I suddenly announced that Valerie didn't sound right this pregnancy. We'd had Valerie picked out for our girl's name when I was pg for Drew and Pat. Tom was shocked since he really loved Valerie. He asked what name I did want to use? I don't know is the only answer I could give him. My dad was standing at the stove cooking dinner and said...I've always like Michelle. You never hear it used very much anymore. I jumped up and shouted...THAT'S IT! I like it, let's name this baby Michelle! Tom agreed. :o)

As was par for the course for me I was still very pregnant as my due date came and went. After being overdue for 16 days my dr decided he'd admit me the next day for an induction.

I arrived at the hospital bright and early like a good little patient and found that there wasn't really any room for me. They decided that they'd make room and put me into one of two birthing rooms they had at the time. (they considered it substandard lol) I was given an IV, hooked up to the monitors, checked and told nothing remarkable was happening. The pitocin was started about 9am and we were on our way...or so I thought. Tom and I sat around all day and NOTHING happened. I'd feel a small contraction here or there but nothing to report.

My dr came in to check on me after office hours were over. (5pm'ish) He asked if I was tired and wanted to take a break for the night. I told him I wasn't tired...all I'd done is laid in bed all day. Let's go for it! Around 5:45 he broke my water, announced he was heading home to grab a bowl of cereal and would be back soon. 15 minutes later the contractions started...and they were huge! I was having a hard time concentrating through them. The nurse came in and told me that I needed oxygen and placed the cannula. I told her...I needed to throw up and did! lol

Around 6:30 I decided I'd had enough and asked for some pain medication. They told me that I'd just started labor and it was too soon. I waited about 15 mins and asked for it again. They checked me, declared I was a 4cm and it might be ok to give me some but they'd have to call my dr to see.

I started feeling pressure around 7'ish (and still without my pain medication I might add). I told Tom he should probably go out and tell someone that I think I might be ready to push. He said I can't be ready, they said it was too soon. I convinced him to go out and tell someone anyways...they said they'd be right there. He walked back in the room, I then grunted and said...Tell them I need them NOW!!!! He ran back out into the hallway and yelled for someone to come NOW!

A nurse saunter into the room, took one look at me, lifted my sheet and yelled.... I NEED SOME HELP NOW!!!! We have a head here!!!! All hell broke loose and everyone flew into action. A resident came in and told me to go ahead and push. I did but nothing happened. He told me to push again....I did again and nothing happened. While holding Michelle's head he placed his second hand just under my ribcage and PUSHED! I SCREAMED!!!! He then did it a few more times and the rest of Michelle was born.

Just a little side note. The room I was in was seldom used. It was also right behind the admitting desk. While all the above was happening a very pregnant young girl in labor was sitting at this desk getting admitted. They'd put a screen up to block her view but she could hear EVERYTHING and I knew it. After I would grunt loudly or scream I would then say....oh that poor girl. I'm so sorry. I'm probably scaring that poor thing to death. Oh that poor girl.

We were told that my uterus had shut down after I delivered her head. I wasn't contracting anymore. They had to push on my stomach to help expell the placenta. I was bleeding quite a bit and they were working pretty hard. They opened up the pit all the way, gave me a shot in my bottom and massaged my stomach trying to get my uterus to contract. They swept my uterus a few times just for good measure. Each time they'd push, knead or sweep I'd give a yelp and then an apology.

Michelle was beautiful....full, round and bald! Her scalp did show a tiny hint of red hair which tickled my MIL who was always hoping for a redheaded grandchild to be born...it never happened. I noticed that all the girls in the nursery had pink bows in their hair, except Michelle. I asked my nurse why that was and she told me she didn't have enough hair to put one in. :o( Next time they brought her to me though she had a bow attached to a few stray strands of hair. I was instructed to not breath on it or it would fall out!

After delivery my blood pressure started going up and wouldn't come down. I was put on bedrest and given meds to help. After 4 days it started coming down and I was discharged. We headed to my parents' house for a few days (they'd been taking care of Drew and Pat) While there I started running a fever, I had mastitis. The dr called in an antibiotic and I lived with hotpacks. Then we headed to our trailer. I left their house in tears because I knew that our trailer was going to be cold since it hadn't had a fire in it for days. It didn't help that I was also dealing with a mean case of the post pregnancy blues. Luckily it only lasted a few days.

As is par for the course....I'm behind

Michelle celebrated her 19th birthday on Monday. I have to write out her birth story yet. Hopefully by the end of the weekend. We're heading over to church for the weekend. It's the October/Canadian Thanksgiving Conference.

It's my friday at Largerfamilies.com. The topic is knowing when you're done growing your family. Hear my lifestory at I've learned never to say never