Snapshot: February

Motivated to . . .

work out, get in shape, exercise, become healthier, otherwise known as "get off my bum". The count-down of our days until our Florida vacation is quickly passing and it will be here before I know it. Jason and I have embarked on a mission of getting in shape (at least a little) before we put our pasty-white bodies on the beach. I'm not sure if "mission" is the right word to use...maybe "recovery mission" might be more fitting. I'm fairly sure that 2 months of working out will not undo the last 10 years of doing nothing. :) We tried "country heat" which is a cardio/dance routine. It was very comical, each of us worked our abs so hard (by laughing at each other) that it turned out to be the most fun exercise I've ever done. I'm sure we looked like lunatics in the living room, but it felt so good to be doubled over in laughter with my hubby.

On The Watch/Read List . . .

The Life of Pi. Still. I've wanted to see this forever and January was so busy that I didn't watched a single movie the entire month. Not. Even. One. I guess the trade-off has been less movies, but more reading. Now that I think about it, that's not a bad trade. I've read through some good ones, fought my way through some dumb ones (and then cried "uncle" and shoved it aside) and muddled through some "meh" ones. The current two that I can't wait to pick up each day are The City of Ember and The Education of Nicholas Benedict...the first I'm reading out loud (mainly to Ben, Lily) and the latter with Ella.

Grateful . . . 

for Hattie's appointment at Children's Milwaukee to see the CVS specialist. I'm going to do a more in-depth post in the next few days, but it was worth the trip. I have been given hope again and the fight continues to wage forward as we try new meds and up some current ones.

Drinking . . .

iced peach black tea...cause I'm done with winter and I have spring fever something awful. Yes, I know it's only February...but I'm entirely over winter. Well...in all fairness, I was entirely over winter at about day 2...but still. I've put my time in, I'm sick of being cold, and I need some warmth. So I'm boycotting winter from here on out. And I'm clearly in denial that spring is still months away...hence
the iced tea.

Out my Window . . .

sunny, and yet freezing. I could either be happy or annoyed by this. I'm choosing the "glass is half full" route. It's something I'm trying out this year. ;)The sun is back out which it therapeutic for me. It had taken a vacation for 8 days and we were all so sick of clouds and gloom. Is it embarrassing to admit that yesterday I put my sunglasses on, found a sunny spot in the house, and lounged back with my eyes closed, dreaming it was summer? I almost, almost put on ocean sounds...but thought that might be feeding my psychosis even further. I can't be the only one who does this, can I?!

  
Buying . . .

Still on the lookout for sunshirts, swimsuits (for those that grew 3 inches in the past year), flip flops, and sunglasses for the family trip. I am itching to get to Florida in the worst way.

  
Trying . . .
To stay caught up on laundry/housework. Things are kinda sorta surface clean right now, but don't look too closely. Also tackling eating up what we have in the pantry and deep freeze...this is taking some creativity.

Enjoying . . .
The fact that I got new pics up of the kids. Look for them on the blog in the coming week. I love them. I couldn't be happier with the way they turned out. I know I might be a bit biased...but I have some really cute kids.

 Future plans I'm looking forward to . . .
 Ella and I are planning on taking part in a service project at church this Saturday. It is to help assemble shoes for children in Uganda, Africa. I want to be purposeful this year about getting more involved in serving others...and letting my kids experience the joy of doing something for someone else. Did I mention that I stepped up and have also volunteered to help with the kids choir spring musical?

In the kitchen . . .
A little of this and that. I have been making a huge effort to menu plan each week. I mostly hate it while I am putting it together, but reap the rewards as the week goes on. In an effort to save money by not eating out, menu planning has helped me in a huge-o way. I can no longer come up with the excuse that "I don't know what to make" or "I don't have much in the pantry" since the menu is staring at me from the fridge door and the groceries have been purchased specifically for said meals.

Realizing . . .

that a bulk of this snapshot has been me talking about wanting to be where it's warm. Sigh.

Trialing . . . 
 Ella has been taking Topamax for her migraines for the past few weeks. It took Jason and I a long time to agree to trial this drug as it can be sort of a nasty one as far as side-effects. We are watching her closely, but with 4+  headaches a week, we felt we needed to try the next thing to help with her quality of life. Her migraines, much like mine, reach their ugly hands into everyday life and effect how much she gets out there and takes part in things. This week starts a big jump in the med for the next 2 week trial.

Grappling with . . .

Contentment. Specifically winter. (As clearly witnessed from this post alone). I really struggle with winter. I really don't like being cold. My body literally runs a degree cooler than most people and with my hypothyroidism, I have an intolerability to cold. (Look it up.) I feel so trapped and cooped up in the house all winter long, I can barely convince myself I should go out in the cold where the air hurts my face. Seriously, it can hurt...and sting...and burn. I know that if it wasn't for family, I would have petitioned to move out of this state a long time ago. (Although I do enjoy the other 3 seasons...maybe I should just winter somewhere else?) Here's my dilemma: I see Jill and Joren absolutely loving where they live. They just LOVE it. Like in love with it. They moved to Duluth from Brainerd last year. Brainerd was ok, it was fine, nothing special, but nothing notable wonderful either. Life was ho-hum. But now....now they live somewhere that they just can't get enough of it. They are sooooo content there. It was such a good move for them and it fits them perfectly in regards to the things they really enjoy spending time doing. They are peaceful and overjoyed at living there. I want that. I want to love where I live. All the time. Not just in the summer. And then dread 5-6 months of cold...just waiting to get through it. Not that I need to be happy all the time or even come close to deserving that...but where do you draw the line of "just be content" and "there's no reason to purposefully be miserable, life is too short for that." This, my friends, is where I am at...

And just so I don't leave on a "downer" note . . .

My Brood

Snapshot: January

Considering . . . volunteering to help with the children's spring musical at church. Watching the Christmas one just made me want to get in there and join the fun.

Reading . . . some are still on the request list at the library as I am in a long line of "holds"!

• Night by Elie Wiesel - I had a recommendation for this one. I picked it up from the library and after reading the summary, put it back down. I can tell it's not for the faint of heart and I'm not ready to start my year off with a book of that magnitude.
• The Power of One Thing: How to Intentionally Change Your Life by Randy Carlson.
• Falling Free: Rescued from the Life I Always Wanted by Shannan Martin - I have heard good things about this book so I hope it lives up to the hype.
• The Expats by Chris Pavone - meh
• Love and Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch
• Hands Free Mama by Rachel Macy Stafford- I read this a while back, but only made it through half the book. What I read was very good so I want to finish it up.
• Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple - supposed to be quirky and I could use a light, feel-good read
• The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo - maybe 2017 will be the year I get a handle on my house? Hey...stranger things have happened!
• Notes from a Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenreider - another one I started, gleaned good things from, and never finished...I'm on a mission to see this one through this time.

Looking Forward To . . . Getting the tree and Christmas décor put away tonight. I'm so sick of the extra clutter. I wanted to take it down a few days after Christmas, but Jason told me that I would be too "grinchy" if I did that.

On The Watch List . . . The Life of Pi. I got this on blu-ray for Jason for Christmas and I'm itching to see it. Here's to hoping we get the kids down for bed early one night and we can set up camp in front of the projector downstairs. We watched the new Jungle Book over the holiday break and I thought the movie was excellent, although quite intense at times!

Admitting . . . I'm feeling beaten and battered in regards to dealing with my headaches. They seem to be an almost-constant companion and I'm not really liking the company. I'm not sure if they have gotten worse or if after 30+ years of chronic pain, I'm really feeling the toll they take on me. Either way, staying positive seems to be elusive to me these days.

Anticipating . . . Hattie's appointment at Children's Milwaukee to see the CVS specialist on January 24. This appointment is 7 months in the making. Her tummy has been ramping up again and daily tummy pain is the norm. Praying that they have something for us that might help. It about kills me to see her in chronic pain as I know what that can do to a person over time.

Thankful . . . for car pool in the afternoons for Ben (I have the morning shift which gets it done and out of the way for the rest of the day).

Drinking . . . warm rooiboos tea...cause I'm constantly freezing and ain't nobody got time for that. (insert: I'm sooooo sick of winter)

Out my Window . . .it must have rained a bit over night before the 7 degree weather made it's appearance because it literally looks like a skating rink outside right now. The sidewalk, driveway, cul-de-sac...pure ice. I'm glad to be home today.

Countdown . . . to our family trip to Florida in March. Flight tickets have been purchased and rental has been secured. Now just to figure out lodging, activities, menu (since we will most likely cook most of our meals there), and packing lists. Good thing I still have some time. ;)

Snapshot #6

Okay...so I just discovered this in my drafts folder, barely started. It's from October 2016...

...So I'm gonna publish it anyway...completely out of sequence...because of 2 reasons:

1. It's a testament to how crazy life can get at times and things get pushed to the wayside.

2. I don't want to lose a single memory just because it's out of order.






Snapshot #6

Outside my window: darkness. It's 11:25pm and I finally have a few quiet moments to think. Prime-time blog writing time...that's what they say...isn't it?!? The seasons are changing and fall has been ushered in. It's starting to get dark so early and I noticed last night that by around 7pm it was completely, utterly dark out there. Only a few more weeks until day light savings time and the clocks get rolled back.

I am thankful for: Tuesday Art lessons. Ella, Lily, and Cora have grown so much in their art abilities. I'm amazed at how much they have learned. I'm also amazed at how much angst and tears it has brought too. Ella doesn't feel like she can measure up to Lily and Cora and I'm constantly telling her not to compare herself to those two...who clearly have been given an artistic gift and can easily outdraw anyone I know. With that gift, comes a perfectionistic quality from Lily. She is a true artist who doesn't like to be told what she should draw and finds it difficult (and I would venture to guess "uninspiring") to have something specific to sketch. Everything needs to be perfect or she's in a pile of tears and frustration.

Future plans I'm looking forward to: Ella and Ben are headed up north with Grammie to Fertile on Thursday and Friday (over MEA) to visit their friends. While they are off galavanting, Lily, Cora, Hattie, and I are off to Duluth to visit Jill and Jory. We are super excited and I'm excited to only have 3 kids to put to bed that night! (Why did I ever complain that 3 kids were a lot of work?!?)

Snapshot #5

Snapshot #5

Outside my window: bright, bright sunshine and piles of melting snow...love hearing the dripping water coming off the roof. There's talk of 50+ degree weather coming our way next week! Crazy to think that at the beginning of this week we have -13 below windchills. Hoping that kind of craziness is gone until next winter.

I am thinking: about my sweet girlies. Cora and Lily both woke in the middle of the night not feeling well. Upon further inspection this morning, they are both rocking 102 degree fevers. Their room has been set up with mattresses on the floor and a laptop playing movies. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that quarantining them might keep this from the rest of us.

I am thankful for: baths, pedicures, walking, ability to carry Hattie again, etc. - all things I could not do while healing from surgery. But not that I am almost 11 weeks post op (woot, woot) things are starting to return to normal around here. Full recovery is expected to take a year, but I am so thankful for where I am at now.

Future plans I'm looking forward to: Jason and I are taking a trip to Orlando! We are excited to have some time alone to rejuvenate and I'm thrilled to breathe in warm air and lounge poolside. We are also planning a day trip to Cocoa Beach...the ocean is calling my name.

Last 3 purchases: Veneer for the face of the fireplace downstairs, doors for the basement, and a new swimsuit for Orlando. I made my life easy on that last one. I bought 4 swimsuits from Kohl's online and got free shipping. Low and behold, one of them became a quick favorite...and I didn't even have to leave my house! Now just to return the others that didn't make the cut.

I am reading: The Happiness of Pursuit and Hands Free Mama is queued up next. The Happiness of Pursuit is giving me some ideas for a quest. Well, to be honest, I've got a few in mind. One for the family and one for me personally. Once I nail it down, I'll share more. :)

In the kitchen: Leftovers...gotta love not having to make another meal!

Biggest Achievement for the Week: Transitioning Hattie to her toddler bed. She's been sleeping on a mattress on the floor next to Ella since my surgery. I finally took the leap and dismantled her crib. I was a bit melancholy. I've had to use that crib in one capacity or another for over 10 years now. To take it down is closing a chapter in my life. I have truly loved having a baby in the house.

Watching: We saw The Drop Box on Thursday night and it was worth the 9:30pm showing. It was thought provoking, inspiring, heart wrenching, and convicting all at the same time. It has really challenged me to think about what I am doing for kids who don't have a family to call their own. It's so easy to get stuck in our own little bubbles where everything seems fine and dandy. To avert our eyes to the troubles of the world because it's just easier to pretend they don't exist and we can go about our daily lives.  But the fact is that there are children out there hurting and alone...and what am I going to do about it? My answer can't be "nothing."

 

Rest-of-the-day plans: nursing sick kiddos back to health, painting stair skirt boards for the basement, and hopefully sitting down to do a little vacation planning.

Snapshot #4

Outside my window: Warm, summer-like weather. Today is supposed to be 75 degrees and the weekend will reach 80! So glad that summer is making a comeback. The season was entirely too short for my liking. Going to be soaking up these next few days outside. We may take a "snow day"...since as a homeschooler, a snow-storm that stops public schoolers doesn't do a thing for us. Why not use those days the other kids get off by actually enjoying the weather instead of being stuck inside!

I am thinking: That the sounds of kids' laughter and happy voices playing outside is music to my ears.

 

I am thankful for: Lily's 6th birthday this past Tuesday. I can't believe that she is growing up so fast. She had a lovely day. We started it off with swimming at the YMCA with our friends and then a fab supper with the menu hand-picked by the birthday girl herself. As always, she picked homemade split pea and ham soup, homemade rosemary buns, and Japanese cheesecake with berries and whip cream for dessert.

Dinner plans: Just bought some Cajun seasoning...was planning on Cajun chicken alfredo, but now that I see the weather shaping up so nicely, I may be persuaded to do some brats on the grill with a side of veggies and watermelon.   I'm guessing there's not too many days left to stay in denial that summer is over and pretend that winter isn't coming.

Future plans I'm looking forward to: Jason and I are going to a marriage enrichment seminar at church next month. I'm so excited...I haven't gone to anything like that since...hmmmm...well....before children. So I guess that makes 10 years.

 

Something you didn't know: I told the kids they couldn't eat the last carmel roll because we were going to save it for Daddy. Unbeknownst to them, I brewed myself a delicious cup of tea and enjoyed the whole thing myself while they were sleeping. Sorry honey.

In the kitchen: In the spirit of being honest...it looks like a bomb hit it. I didn't feel that great yesterday and spent some extra time just sitting and resting on the couch. Whew...you let even one meal slide and you have a complete disaster in the kitchen that takes days to get ahold of. My poor dishwasher will be going no-stop today.

Reading: We are off to the library today. New books!! One of my favorite days because it will keep the kids quiet and entertained for hours. The big kids and I are reading The One and Only Ivan right now. We picked it up at the library for .25 cents a few weeks back on the "for sale" shelf. Seems cute so far.

Watching: Downton Abbey. Thank goodness for amazon prime. We don't have to sit through commercials and we can zip through a season in record time. The drama takes place in the early 1900's. I love this! Many people don't know that I'm sort of an "old soul" at heart.

Snacking on: Hmmm...I would love to say peanut m&m's or carmel rolls or chips ahoy cookies or chocolate cupcakes or 7 layer bars or brownies or chocolate zucchini cake... or anything with sugar in it really. Yes, I realize this is a problem...which is why I am trying to turn a new leaf. Today's snack is flax crackers and hummus.

Rest-of-the-day-plans: Enjoy the weather, which means it's time for me to get off the computer and get myself outside. And yes, I understand this may impede my ability to get my kitchen back in working order by day's end. Hattie has also been working on molars and her demeanor is a little less then stellar at the moment. Hoping the fresh air cheers my baby up a bit. Sometimes a distraction is needed.

Snapshot #3

Outside my window: Warm, humid, windy weather. My kind of summer. Love it when it's like this. The sun is behind a ton of clouds so no worries of sunblock vs. a sunburn dilemma, squinting, or sun headaches. Hmmm...is that how you spell "dilemma"...I'm sure not, but I'm too tired to spellcheck it.

I am thinking: that there's only 4 more days until vacation!! I am in dire need of one and I'm totally psyched about going to the Dells!

 

I am thankful for: breast pumps. I spent a majority of the night not sleeping well because of a plugged duct. The dam broke today and the milk came flowing finally. I was so worried I was going to end up with mastitis. I can't even tell you the relief (both emotionally and physically) it is to have this off my plate. Too much information, I know. I'm a nursing mom...what can I say. My life revolves around children, diapers, and breastfeeding.

Dinner plans: hmm, something with rotisserie chicken.  Not sure what I'll create. Oh, and it should include brussel sprouts, avocados, rice, and strawberries. Why, yes, I am cleaning out the fridge.

Future plans I'm looking forward to: Did I mention I'm going to the Dells??!!

 

Something you didn't know: I just got pulled away to kill a spider. All. By. Myself. Yes, I've gotten much braver when it comes to those 8 legged freaks. My mentality is this: I kill you before you can eat my children. It was a daddy long leg crawling on the dog. Eeeww. I almost picked it up with my bare hands...glad I got my wits about me before anything crazy happened.

In the kitchen: Leftover chinese food. I am on a trial period right now...slowly ramping up my gluten intake to see if my body can handle it. It's been a few weeks and I have worked my way up to some stirfry made with soy sauce. Who knew soy sauce was 50% wheat?? Gluten is everywhere, my friend. I can't even begin to tell you the nirvana I felt as I slowly and meticulously chewed my food. It tasted amazing. Without even knowing it, I had put my head in my hands and sat there quietly enjoying my meal. Ella interrupted and said "Mom, are you ok?" "Yeah...sorry, just enjoying my food!"

Reading: Do children's books count? We went to the library yesterday and left with four book bags filled to the brim. Ben got his own library card while there. Now he and Ella have their own so I can make them pay for their own late fees. Life lessons, right? Anyway, I'm sure I have no less than 80 or 90 library books that the kids are just waiting to have read to them.

Watching: I haven't watched tv in what feels like forever. Thanks to the fleas, I'm either vacuuming once the kids go to bed or am dead asleep in my bed. No time for tv here, folks.

Snacking on: My favorite...peanut butter with chocolate chips in it. I made a trip to Maple Grove the other day and made a stop at Trader Joe's. Love their peanut butter...and chocolate chips just send me over the moon. Oh, and a v-8..cause life can't all be about pb and chocolate.

Rest-of-the-day-plans: I've been a busy girl since 6:37 this morning and am determined to finish folding the last 3 loads of laundry sitting in my dining room. I'm hoping to unearth my desk when all is said and done. And hopefully find Hattie's missing swimsuit that I haven't been able to locate for a month now. And yes, I was that mom, and simply cried "uncle" and went and bought her a new one cause I was sick of looking for the dumb thing.

Snapshot #2

Outside my window: Dreary, but warmer. I don't mind if the sun doesn't shine as long as it is 35+ degrees outside!

I am thinking: that I must be at least a few days behind in sleep for the week. Hattie has been working on her first tooth (at least that's what I am blaming for the rough nights of sleep) and I have been up with her at least 2 hours of each night, off and on, for 3-4 days now.

 

I am thankful for: daylight savings time coming this weekend! I am looking forward to it being lighter later. We don't plan on changing things for the kids...as far as their internal clock goes. So instead of the clock saying 8pm...it will now say 9pm. I'm hoping that they will now stay up later and night and sleep in later in the morning. I'm exciting that the kids will get more "daddy" time in the eveings soon.

 

Last 3 purchases: Do groceries count? I haven't been out this week. My only purchase was a stainless steel sippy cup for Hattie. Which took me 45 minutes to decide to buy. Why? Cause those things are expensive. I've been reading that whatever they have replaced the BPA with in plastic cups is actually no better than the BPA that was originally in there. Truth be told, I lean a little more towards the crunchy, granola life with each passing day.

 

Dinner plans: Since it's the end of the week and I'm plum tired...left-overs it is. I made 9 chicken breasts last night for supper (extras for today) knowing that I would be thankful for a night off from cooking. Three cheers for mustard glazed chicken breasts, rice, and brussel sprouts. Bonus that the kids love this meal.

 

Future plans I'm looking forward to: Parade of Homes. I'm hoping to get out for a bit tomorrow and look for some ideas for the basement. Jason will most likely be working so I am going to need something to keep the kids busy with.

 

Kid Funny: Lily came down the stairs the other day, crying, saying that Cora had thrown a toy and hit her in the head. When Cora came down the stairs, I asked her if it was true. She threw her hands up in the air and said "YES! I threw it at her head and it bounced off right into the bin!!" She couldn't have been prouder of her accomplishment and was mistified why I couldn't see the sheer genius behind this idea.

 

I am reading: Gone-Away Lake. With Ella. At bedtime. This book is so cute and I am really loving it.

 

In the kitchen: homemade (gluten free) monkey muffins. It's the first batch of muffins I've made without coconut flour in the past 6+ weeks. I forgot what a fluffy muffin is like. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. And judging by the sighs and mmmm's at the table, I think my children did too.

 

Watching: State High School Hockey tournaments. I'm not allowed to change the channel, Jason's orders. :)

 

Snacking on: coconut flakes with chocolate chips, my newest obsession. Or peanut butter with chocolate chips, the ol' stand-by. And bone bront...cause I gotta be healthy for some part of my day.

**Disclaimer: And if this font size, layout, etc looks goofy...blame blogger. It's not my friend lately.

Snapshot #1

 

Outside my window: Cloudy, dreary and cold! Did I mention cold? Cause it is. This morning it was a balmy -11, with an air feel of -21. I guess I should be glad it's now 4 above and only feels like -12 out there.


I am thinking: that it's Friday which means it's chore day and my house will finally get some much neeed attention.


I am thankful for: the fact that this week is coming to a close. It has been so incredibly hard having to say good-bye to Doodle. When you have a pet for so many years, it's touch to wake up to them not being here. I truly lost a dear friend this week and I really miss him. 

Last 3 purchases: chocolate raspberry truffle k-cups, ingredients for some hearty homemade soup, and a fireplace permit. Did I mention it's cold outside?

Dinner plans: Italian sausage with peppers, onions, and mushrooms over some gluten free pasta. It's Ben's specialty and he's in charge of making supper tonight. :)

 

 

Future plans I'm looking forward to: My lovely cousin and her family coming next weekend. I so enjoy her company. Her kids are so loveable and her dear husband is going to help work on our basement. Bless that dear man's heart.

 

Kid Funny: At bedtime last night, Ella asked Jason when we could get another pet. (I think she, too, feels the loss and the lonely feeling that the house now has.) She said that she would like 3 pets. Ella then asked Jason what animal he would like. He answered "a shrimp!" Then Lily chimed in "Then we can eat it!" Followed by "FOR BREAKFAST!!" in an even louder voice. Ella didn't think this idea was so funny.

I am reading:  This question made me laugh at first...free time to read an adult book for myself?!? But I did just go to the library on Wednesday and I picked up some books Ella had on hold. One of them looks pretty good so we are going to start reading it together at bedtime. It's a recommendation from Auntie Jill called Gone Away Lake. Any excuse to snuggle in with Ella is welcomed. Soon she'll be too old for little-kid things like that. Savoring these moments while I still have them!

In the kitchen: Homemade split pea and ham soup ready for lunch. All my kids devour this soup. And it's so much tastier than the silly Campbell's version in a can. It's from The Barefoot Contessa.

 

Watching: Duck Dynasty...I love this show.

Snacking on: does coffee count as a snack?

Rest-of-the-day-plans: vacuuming, mopping the floor, dusting, laundry, and cleaning some bathrooms. Sounds fun, doesn't it? Oh...and that's in between taking care of 5 children. :)