A Great Christmas and One Month Already!

We had a really great Christmas celebration. We celebrated with Jeff's family on the 16th, which was a good time, especially with 6 little people running around - here's a pic of my in-laws and all their grandkids. We had a nice day - kept it simple, had pizza and opened gifts.

With little kids, I think that having Pizza was a good plan, as it is really hard for the kids to wait. I also think it is nice for the adults too - less work. But part of me (okay, about 99.9% of me) really savors the big meal - not so much for the food but for the tradition, which is why it is a good thing we had two more celebrations to go!

On Christmas Eve, we went to church at 4:00 with my entire family and my father in law (MIL had to work). I love all the carols and music and Pastor Jess' message was wonderful. We then went to my mom and dad's for dinner and gifts. They had a huge feast. Meatballs, potatoes, yams with marshmallows, corn, lefse, veggies, dressing and I brought the sweet breads, fudge, cookies and popcorn balls. It was a lot of fun...here's my side of the family. L - R: Steve (25) Lisa and I, Jeff with Alex, Lucas, Ross (26) Dad and Mom. With brothers as big as mine, you need lots of food!


We had a lot of fun talking and opening gifts, watching the kids enjoy the magic of Christmas. My brothers and I were commenting about how hectic it is with kids, but these are the fun years. My dad pointed out that 15 years from now, we'll all be sitting around quietly opening gifts and we'll really miss these years. I have to keep that in mind!

Christmas Day we headed up to see my Grandparents. Jeff and the boys stayed home, because it is a long trip to do in a day (4 hours one way = 8 hours total in the car) and Grandma was expecting 20 for Christmas. My grandpa is ill, and they will be down for grandpa's surgery next week, so we figured it was just best for everyone if Lis and I went up on our own. I drove and Mom and Dad rode with us up. We had a wonderful day. My cousin David was home from Tucson , AZ and all the cousins were there for the first time in 5 years. Grandma made ton of food (TON!) and it was so, so good. We spent a lot of time conversing with family and they all swooned over Lis. It was a blast. Ross, Steve and I also got to spend some time being kids again and had a great trip home. It isn't often that my brothers and I get four hours to talk! It was wonderful, especially because they leave again for Billings in 2 weeks and I won't see them until July. It really was a wonderful day.


And, as far as the last part of the title - Lisa is a month already! I can't believe how fast one month has gone. (Really, I can't believe that Christmas already came and went). Time is just flying by. We hope you all had a great holiday!

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Hello -

As many of us are in the midst of traveling home, I thought this song appropriate to summarize the weekend ---

I'm dreamin' tonight of a place I love
Even more then I usually do
And although I know it's a long road back
I promise you

I'll be home for Christmas
You can count on me
Please have snow and mistletoe
And presents under the tree
Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light beams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams

Christmas Eve will find me
Where the love light beams
I'll be home for Christmas
If only in my dreams
If only in my dreams

Have Yourself a Merry Little Chrismas...

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.

I Love this song, and thought I would post it today, as many of you start your holiday with school out until 2008!

Love to all you, my friends and family -

Proof that Toy Companies are WICKED!

Okay, quick post - but next time you are at a child's birthday party or Christmas where kids are also present - time how long it takes mom/dad or grandma/grandpa to get one freaking toy out of the box. Not only do they pack everything in those plastic containers that could probably withstand nuclear fallout and a scissors can't even cut through, they proceed to use those little metal twist ties about every inch, and twist the things so tight that a needle nose pliers should be packed with the item for removal. Then, to top it off, they cover every twist tie with the heaviest duty clear tape they make....

I mean really, has our society really gotten so corrupt that the companies have to protect from shoplifting to such an extent? It took me 45 minutes to get one of Lucas' Christmas gifts out of the box!

So, that's my rant for the day!

Really, Mom - this is Sooooo Boring

Despite the fact that every picture I try to take of Baby Girl is showing her yawning, life definitely has not been boring - it has been a zoo. We are officially out numbered, over worked and overwhelmed. The last two are a result of both of us trying to finish up our semesters this week. Jeff is done, done, done as of Thursday (YAY) and I am just trying to get into next semester without so many IP grades I won't be able to keep up! Which of course means that I have been working on the computer nonstop - and have written 5 papers in a week. 1 was 14 pages, 1 was 8, another was 10, the easiest was 2 and the whopper I got to spend today finishing was 28. Gee whiz - why do I do this to myself. I could have done the 3 largest 3 weeks ago when I didn't have 3 little people to care for! Procrastination - ain't it great! Jeff on the other hand, is in the midst of editing his group's 150 page Master's thesis (and my stuff from time to time too!) All I can really say is thank goodness we have wonderful parents who are willing to help out with the kiddos as we try to get this all done.

The only really crappy thing about all of this (okay, the fact that there is all of this is pretty crappy in of itself) is that we are not getting any real chance to enjoy the holiday season - but as of Sunday, I am so over this paper and will turn the carols up loud, take the kids to see Santa and go looking at Christmas lights --- I gotta remember to do that --- to step back and enjoy the season, and remind myself that if I were working, I would be even more swamped with even less time to enjoy the snow, sights and sounds...and maybe, just maybe in the next week or so, Baby Girl's yawn will be a little more like what's actually happening at home!

Happy Weekend!

Are you A SCROOGE???

A tag for Christmas - Happy Holidays? Oh, and more pics of Lisa coming soon!


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? With 3 kids now, gift bags, but someday, I'll return to my roots as a wrapper with bows!

2. Tree--Real or Artificial? Artificial, with lots of evergreen scented candles to try to trick my senses.

3. When do you put Christmas tree up? The day after Thanksgiving (blush!)

4. When do you take the tree down? January 1st

5. Like egg nog? NOPE - but my Grandma's Apple Cider is wonderful.

6. Do you have a nativity scene? Many! They are all over my house, out of reach of the kids.

7. Favorite gift received as a child? Cabbage Patch Doll

8. Hardest person to buy for? My Mother-In-Law

9. Easiest person to buy for? Kiddos, mom and Sister-in-Law

10.Worst Christmas present? I am pretty easy to please, but for the last few years, Jeff and I haven't exchanged, so that kind of sucks.

11. Mail or email a Christmas Card? Mail, first week of December

12. Favorite Christmas movie? This is a toughie - It's A Wonderful Life and Erin and Bill's "Go Elf Yourself" tie this year :)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually October

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think I have.

15. Favorite food to eat on Christmas? Aunt Linda's Cheeseball and Apricot Bread

16. Clear or colored tree lights? Clear

17. Favorite Christmas Songs? Do You Hear What I Hear, I'll Be Home for Christmas, Breath of Heaven and Mannheim Steamroller's Still, Still, Still

18. Travel during Christmas or Stay home? We stay in the FM area, but I do miss traveling to Rolette every year.

19. Can you name Santa's reindeer? Only with the song Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer.

20. Angel or Star on Tree top? Angel upstairs, Santa downstairs

21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? Some on Christmas Eve, Santa on Christmas morning, and anywhere during the last 2 weeks of December, depending on when we see all the families.

Erin, Laura - tag, your it!!!

Announcing Lisa

Hi!

She's here! Baby Girl was born November 26th at 2:43pm. She weighed in at 8 lbs. 8 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. Her big brothers are thrilled with her!





I was induced at 8:15 in the morning, and things went fairly well until noon, when I got my epidural. At that time, my blood pressure dropped and the baby had a little problem maintaining her heart rate after contractions. However, I had a fantastic nurse, who was able to keep everything going and in control.

I also had quite a time delivering her! Alex, at 10 lbs. 4 oz. was a breeze. Baby Girl decided to take her time!!! It took almost an hour of hard work, but she was perfect when she finally arrived at 2:43!

More pics coming soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Give thanks with a grateful heart!


Lucas - 3
Alex - 19 mo.
Baby - Due today, will be born on November 26th!


Happy Thanksgiving. We hope everyone has a special day. We will be spending the morning and early afternoon with my family and this evening with Jeff's. I am excited to spend some time with family, eat lots of food for the last time in quite awhile (after baby gets here - it's diet time for me :) and enjoy the snow that has been falling since Tuesday evening. There's not a lot of accumulation, but it still makes me think of white Christmases and special memories.

Yesterday, I was feeling pretty domesticated and made 4 pies and the boys made a mess with pudding while I was doing so. I felt very thankful that I have all I do in life, despite how long it took to clean up! We had a doctor appointment and if baby girl doesn't arrive over the weekend, we are scheduled for induction on Monday, November 26th. So next time I post may be regarding a birth-day!

I'd Rather Be Induced...

I started having symptoms of early labor yesterday. Contractions every 5 minutes, nothing makes them go away - except going up to the hospital to be monitored. We got there, and low and behold within 30 minutes of getting hooked up, the contractions quit. So, we got sent home. Contractions started again. I worked through them for 5 hours - back to the hospital. Same story!

So, today, I've been having contractions off and on all day. Some strong, some weak, none regular! Induction is WAY better. I've been doing this "early labor" stuff now for 24 hours. With Alex, I got hooked up to the Pitocin at 8:00am and he was born 6 hours and 46 minutes later! I did find out, though, that the hospital has been so busy, that they have been canceling elective inductions and elective C-sections, so maybe it's okay that I haven't been scheduled yet - I'd be pretty bummed if I was scheduled and got canceled. I see my doc tomorrow afternoon. We'll see what he says then. In the meantime, wish me luck!

Another Week - at Least

Hi All - Happy Friday!

I had my Doctor Appointment this morning - bumped again, so I saw his NP, Cindy (who is wonderful!) and found out that still no change, so as a result, we will not be inducing next week. Dr. D called me after he got back to the office and we scheduled my next appointment for November 21st (It's the day before my due date and Thanksgiving). I think Baby Girl will not be making her entrance until after Thanksgiving. The Birthing Center is expanding and adding on, so as a result, they don't have many rooms, which also means no elective inductions. After 40 weeks, an induction is no longer elective, so we'll be waiting until then I think. Let's start to bank on November 27th! However, December 3rd is only 11 days after my due date, and having all three kids on the 3rd of the month would be kind of neat - I am trying to see the silver lining here :)

Have a great weekend.

Long Day - No News

What a day. I was supposed to have an ultrasound and Doctor appointment Wednesday morning at 10:45 and 11:20. I got there at 10:40, and they told me he had just left, but that we would do the ultrasound. So, we did see that. Baby is about 8 pounds and looks good - about the 85% for size. And, it is a girl for sure!

After the ultrasound, they told me to come back at 3:50. I got there, they told me he was there and running on time, so I sat down to wait (after calling Jeff over from work!). Two minutes later, the nurse came out and said he had just been called to a delivery at the hospital and to come back at 4:30. Okay - not in tears yet but close.

4:35 - Dr. won't be back to the office, so can we reschedule for... Now the tears come!

So now my appointment, which I had hoped would lead to an induction and having a baby on the 15th is scheduled for Friday morning. I am his first appointment, so hopefully, I won't get bumped again.

I am so ready to have this baby, especially after seeing the 4D ultrasound yesterday. Wow, is that cool. She looks like Alex did when he was a baby - same chubby cheeks, and what I imagine his nose would have looked like minus the cleft. I tried with all my might to be patient yesterday, as I know when Lucas was born, his entire DAY got bumped (he was up at the hospital with us from 10am -5:30pm), but my anticipation was getting the best of me. Hopefully on Friday, we will have some news as to when Baby Girl will enter the world.

Halloween Pics

*** Check out the nursery below - I meant for that to post ahead of this, it didn't! ***


Just thought I would post a couple of more pics from Halloween.

This is Lucas and Alex with my brothers - Ross on the Left, Steve on the Right
Note: They are both big - nay - HUGE - guys, and the other day, Ross told me, as I arrived at my Mom and Dad's house "Holy Crap, Andrea - you are HUGE!!! So if Ross - who is a big guy thinks I am huge, I think that means it's time for baby to get here!!!



And this is Lucas and Alex with their cousins - from Left to Right
Mira (5 1/2), Jenai (3) Alex (18 mo.) Lucas (3) and Ian (4 1/2)

The Nursery

So, here it is - the nursery is just about finished.

The Crib - so this bedding is my super find of the year. The bumper, comforter and sheet were originally for sale at JCP for $170. If they had the crib ruffle, that would have been another $40.

I got it all for --- wait for it --- $30!!! I love deals like that! I bought the crib ruffle at Burlington Coat Factory for $10 and the canopy for $15 at Bed, Bath and Beyond - so the whole thing - $55! Sweet!!!



We are using the same furniture we've used for the boys. The brown on the wall is the same color I had painted the room when we moved in. But we did add the stripes. They are Sherwin Williams Colors "Childlike" and "Azalea." Total - $40!



I had searched everywhere - literally, I went to probably 80% of the stores in town and online - before I found the lamp at Menard's of all places. It's a pretty pink acrylic. All I have left to do is add some beading to the shade - total $29!


I decked out the changing table with some pink sheers - mostly because it has SO seen better days! We got it on Ebay when I was pregnant with Lucas fo $30. So when you look at it from the side, you see pink, rather than icky, scratched up wood. The sheers - $16 at Target, rods, $6 at LNT.



And the window, 2 sets of sheers from Target make for a perfect match - $50!



So total cost - $202! That's less than all the bedding would have been originally!!!

I am also going to get a saying from Uppercase Living to put above the dresser - I am leaning towards " A dream is a wish your heart makes..." but if anybody has any other ideas, post them please...



All we have left to do is get new carpet (we are getting carpet for our room, the boy's and the nursery) which will be a pink thick frieze! Like I posted a few days ago - it's really feminine, so I really hope the ultrasound was right and it's a girl!!!

Could this be something???

This weekend, finally - FINALLY - I started having some contractions! On Friday night, I was in bed, and I thought I started feeling contractions. Now, of course, the fact that I am blogging today means that I am not in the hospital, but still, it was nice to have the start of contractions! Whew! But this is how pathetic I am. This is my third baby - I should know what it feels like, right??? Nope, I had to log on to the internet on Friday night to make sure that what I was experiencing was the real deal! I'll blame it on the fact that I have never gone into labor on my own. That's a fair excuse, right :)

So, yesterday, I cleaned the house from TOP to BOTTOM! Flipped the mattresses, cleaned the windows, scrubbed the floor (on my hands and knees) and got the baby's room set up. As a result of getting the nursery ready, Alex has had a big weekend! He moved into Lucas' room into a bed! We got the boys bunk beds this summer in anticipation of the new baby and on Friday evening I went to Walmart (ICKY!) and got a bed rail so he doesn't fall out of bed. He's made the transition so well! The only problem we have is Luke insists on waking him up! :) This morning, they were up at 4:30! Thank goodness I was able to get them back to sleep! But, they were so cute, both laying in Alex's bed, reading books. They are such good buddies - I hope it stays that way!

I'll have to post some pics of the nursery, as soon as I take some. It looks really cute, if I do say so myself- so feminine! And last night, I had a dream that the baby is a boy...

Conferences

We had Lucas' preschool conferences today, and I am happy to report that he is doing well and improving daily in his classroom behavior and development - I want to let out a sigh of relief. All fall I have been concerned that maybe we started him early, he wasn't ready, he may be too young, etc. But today, his teachers made us feel that he is making great strides and progressing very well! Whew!!! I feel that I can relax, just a bit - now I know that we don't have a problem child. Actually I always knew that, but as a parent who is in education, I was so worried about his behaviors, if he'd be labeled, and so on, but his teachers really drove home that he's a normal 3 year old boy! And, he's almost potty trained now too!!! That just happened in the last week -

I've been sort of struggling with these changes. As he grows, he grows away from me, independent and I go back to his room when he was a little baby, rocking him to sleep - call it nostalgia! But really, it's amazing how fast these years go. I have to take in every moment. And, as we await the arrival of a new baby, the fact that he is three and how much of a big boy he is will be even more pronounced.

So a prayer: God, help me to cherish every day, teach me how to hold on to memories, and lead me to help him grow and let go.

Erma -

My mom forwarded this to me today - and I thought I would share it. It was written by Erma Bombeck shortly after she learned she had terminal cancer.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn! With my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's'; more 'I'm sorry's.

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it.. live it and never give it back.

This is the one that gets me:

"Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle."

I am at the point now where I am getting so ready to be done with pregnancy, where I just want to meet the little one, and I need to remember that every moment of the next 1 day to 3 weeks (whatever it ends up being) are sacred. I am not so much wishing away the next few days/weeks - I just want to see her. So I needed this today!

I also was thinking about my miscarriages in regards to this - though they were hard to accept, and the emotional scars were (and sometimes still are) raw, even for those short times, and though they did not end the way I had hoped, it was a gift from God, to be able to be part of a miracle, if only for a short time.

Time Change -

Not much tonight, just noting how the time change totally throws me off!!! All day I've been out of it! Can't get used to it!

Today, mom and I went to the area Holiday Homes parade. Essentially, 5 homeowners open up their homes to the public in return for having the houses masterfully prepared/showcased in Holiday Glory! It was a lot of fun, there were a lot of great ideas for Christmas Decor, and each house was playing Mannheim Steamroller - which I love! However, I got to thinking how completely unfeasible it would EVER be for me to have half of the decorations in my house - my kiddos get into everything!!! But, there were some great ideas - and it kinda got me in the mood for Christmas - yes I know, it's still 8 weeks away...

so I came home and made Jeff put up the Christmas lights outside!!!

The ABC's of Me

Laura had this on her blog, and I thought I would give it a try. This is not necessarily one of my strong points (writing) but I was curious so here goes!!!

A - analytical
B - brave
C - curious
D - dreamer
E - evolving
F - faith
G - God - loving, praising
H - hoping my children do well
I - irritated by little things much to frequently
J - Jeff is the Love of my life, my soul mate - even on days I hate him!
K - kids have come to define me, and I am okay with that.
L - love my family and cherish my friends
M - Mother
N - not sure where life is taking us sometimes
O - ornery
P - practical is not me
Q - quiet moments take me by surprise, but I enjoy them
R - reveling in the fact that I have been so blessed in this life
S - student - and it is getting OLD!
T - teacher - I am always teaching my kids and I love teaching others
U - ultra- conservative (Yeah, Right!!!) Go Hillary.
V - vivacious (I hope - I tell myself I am that and not obnoxious)
W - Walsh is my mother's family, and I love them!
X - X-ray's make me very nervous, ever since I had to watch Lucas have one at 4 weeks old.
Y - young-looking (stealing from Laura) cause I am still, but I too, am starting to show my age!
Z - zealous about many aspects of life!

Impatient

I am trying to find a way to get through the next 2 - 3 weeks without losing my mind and driving my doctors crazy. I am so ready to meet this little bundle, but she is not ready to make her entrance into the world. Unlike the boys, who each tried to come early, she's taking her time. With Alex, my body was ready to go for weeks!!! Not so -

So, as I wait, I wonder what this may say about her personality, her character. Maybe she is a calm soul, introspective and quiet (like her daddy!) unlike myself and the boys! It's strange though, too, because I am not anxious for her to arrive - yes my patience is wearing thin with waiting, but at the same time, I am okay with the wait. Jeff and I have talked many times about how it doesn't seem like there is a baby only 2 weeks away - there's not all the anticipation and nerves - just calm. It only took us 3 times to get to this place!

But, I have an appointment on Monday - we'll see where we are at then.

Happy Halloween!

Hello! We hope you have a wonderfully frightening Halloween!



And Yes, my cold is finally better! It was a sinus infection, so after a Z-pak, 2 pkg. of cold medicine and some extra strength Tylenol, I am doing much better!

My Teeth Hurt!!!

The cold has progressed from bad to worse - I officially feel pain in my teeth which means two things: the head pressure is worse and it's a sinus infection. Worse yet - I can't take anything for it!

On a lighter note - I had my Dr. appointment on Thursday - things are still looking good T - 4 weeks!

That's all for now - I am gonna go try to pop my ears! Maybe that will help!

Cold

I have the worst head cold! It's the kind where I can't breathe, my eyes feel like they are swollen shut, and my head is like a balloon ready to pop! I am so miserable. I suppose what makes it even more unbearable is the fact that I can not take a darn thing for it. Although, in my experience, taking meds doesn't seem to make much of a difference!

Last night, I was thinking that maybe, just maybe I'd make it through this one without the cough and sore throat, but this morning, low and behold, I can barely talk! This is miserable. Not that I want anyone to feel bad for me, but you all have had these kinds of colds before! Aren't they just the worst!


That's about all I can manage on this! Maybe next time I post it will be celebrating the fact that this cold is gone! But then, I suppose, it will have recycled back to the kids - a never ending cold :)

"Parenthood"

Have you all seen "Parenthood" with Steve Martin? There is a great analogy in there about a ferris wheel and a roller coaster. At one point, Mary Steenburgen says - "I happen to like the roller coaster." I agree.

It has been a long time since I have blogged and life has moved at such an amazingly fast yet slow pace. We have too much going on, not enough time to do any of it, and just enough time to drive each other nuts! Poor Jeff, and me too I suppose, but I am not the one trying to analyze a hormonal woman all the time, so I'll leave it at "Poor Jeff!"

We are both busy with school, Jeff's work, and I have commitments at church so between the three things, we see each other about 10 minutes a day! It's crazy. Remind me in the future not to over commit. I sometimes need to learn to say no!

Despite the busy life we lead, I am finding that I have really started to notice the little things the boys are doing that make me smile. I think that because there is so much rush, rush, rush, I am aware of the small moments and am trying to take them all in. Of course it could also be that I realize in 2-4 weeks our family dynamic is going to change, so I am savoring the little times with the boys as much as possible - I remember feeling like that when Alex was almost here - I spent lots of time just eating up Lucas!

So some high points with the kiddos, despite all of the craziness -

1) I was so emotional yesterday, feeling like a whale, huge, cranky, tired, and crying. My precious 3 year old came up to me, grabbed my face in his hands and said "You are so beautiful, mommy." Then I REALLY started to cry :) This guy is a charmer, and he just was what I needed at the time. Last night, I went into his room for a long time and just stared at him thanking God for the precious boy.

2) Alex has become our little clown. Anything he does makes me smile - he's always out for a laugh. A few days ago, he brought all of his cars to me and started driving them over my 35 week belly. I am sure the baby inside appreciated that! Well, if you have to be huge, you might as well be a mountain for you little child's imagination and adventures!

3) Alex wants to go to bed with a ball every night. I think some sports are in his future!

4) Lucas used blue crayon to "make tracks"for his trains all over our carpet - that had just been cleaned (and cost $230!!! But you know what, they are only little once, and if his imagination said he needed tracks, then I guess thats what we'll have!

5) Alex decided to help me clean today. I guess he thought the bathroom floor was dirty, because I came upstairs and all of the water that had been in the toilet, was all over the floor and sweet as he is, he was using a towel to clean!

I savor my little boys and realize how fleeting these precious moments are, so despite the craziness of our lives, I am so glad God is able to remind me to step back, take it all in and enjoy the ride.

Moving -

Last night, I was laying in bed, watching "House" when I noticed the baby starting to make a very slow, yet strong movement. I think she was turning over, and getting into a head down position. It was a strange sensation, in that I have felt her kick, punch and hiccup now for over 13 weeks, but this slow "roll" indicated to me that she's getting ready, positioning herself for her move into the world. I can't believe that in 8 - 9 weeks, we will have a new baby here. How the time has flown by.

The way and direction in which life moves us is very interesting to me. The fact that we really have no control or no knowledge of what is ahead is even more so. Tonight, I was over at my sister in law's. Her family is in the process of moving into their new home and we got to talking about how 3 years ago, they were going to stay in their present home for 10 years - but life changes, things happen, good and bad, and plans change. The direction and velocity of life moves us in directions we can not predict or be ready for. It was interesting tonight, because when they moved into that house 3 years ago, I first came over late in the evening, much like tonight, and it made me think that time is a cycle -

I have no way of knowing where our lives will move us in in the future - but I like to think (or at least hope) that I am always in a ready position.

Preschool

Today was a big day for us. Lucas started preschool this morning. Wow! I managed not to cry, which in itself was quite a feat. We got there, he went into his class and started playing right away.

I have so many worries about him in school. I worry that he may not be old enough, that he'll be teased, that he'll have an accident. I worry that he won't be quiet enough, calm enough. He is so busy and talkative and those qualities that we love so much about him are exactly the ones that make teachers a little crazy. When we picked him up from school, I asked how his day went and one of his teachers said "he was busy."

This makes me nervous, because I was like that, my brothers were like that, my mom was... and all of us turned out fine. None of us have ADD , but in school society today, it's so easy to label a kid, medicate them, so that the school day goes better - I hope and pray that his teachers will see his busy-ness as a blessing and not as a hindrance. I know that it takes a lot to get him to sit down and listen, but I also know that he JUST turned 3 a month ago. I will be praying very hard that his teachers are willing to accept these qualities about him and work with him, rather than become frustrated by him.

Erin wrote on her blog that she respects primary teachers because they have to teach kindergarten kids how to "be" in school. I am glad she wrote that and I was able to read that today, because that means that part of a pre-k teacher's role is to teach students how to "be" in school too, so maybe, just maybe, Lucas will be fine...

Actually, I know he will - I am just his mommy, and that's what mommy's do - worry.

Life Change!

Hello! Well it has been a crazy, wonderful up and down week and a half. Here's the story -

The day before we left for DC, Jeff received a call from a headhunter, inquiring if he would be interested in a position the h.h. had available. Jeff told him at the time that yes, he was interested, but because we were leaving the next day, he couldn't really do anything until he got back, but he agreed to send the guy a resume. Fast forward two weeks - Jeff had an interview with the new bank. It went very, very well. Last week Monday, they called and made him an offer and he accepted. He resigned from Wells today.

This is really great news for us. The position, while it doesn't mean much of a pay increase, is only 7 minutes from home. Right now, he has an hour-long commute both ways - so he'll be much closer. He also will be doing something a little different, that meshes better with his personality type. He'll be able to structure his own hours to some extent, and be home about 15 hours more a week - we figured with his drive time and commitments related to Wells, he is away from home about 60 hours a week! So this has been great news! Now, all we can do is pray that when I am done with school, something - SOMETHING! - comes along for me.

An ode to Fall!

Oh how I dislike the end of summer, for a reason very different from why most people don't like the end. Most people do not want summer to end. They dread August because it is the end of summer. I on the other hand, dislike the end of summer, because I can not wait for fall to start. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE fall! And waiting for September to finally get here is awful for me.


Aren't I strange? My whole life, I've always been a fall person, but have yet to clearly pin point a reason...there are too many! I love the colors, warm and homey! I love the scents - dusty, and burning, apples and cinnamon! I love that I can put away the shorts and hide behind jeans and sweaters again - funny but true! I love "back to school" - I am always reminded of a line from You've Got Mail - "I would send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils." I love a football game on a cool crisp night. I love to cozy up to the fireplace and hear it crackle. I love pumpkins and jack-o- lanterns, and scarecrows. I love that fall, in my mind, means slowing down, reconnecting with friends and family after a busy summer, and just taking it easy... summer always seems to be such a whirlwind. And, I love getting ready for the holiday festivities...Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas - all come to quickly with such anticipation.

There is no doubt in my mind that that the next few months will come quickly and fly by. My classes begin in two weeks. Lucas starts preschool in three. Back to the church schedule, music team, etc. in two weeks. And, before we know it, baby will be arriving. I had my 26 week appt. on Monday and the NP and I were talking about how fast fall babies seem to arrive. I still can't believe that baby will be here in less than 14 weeks!

While I look forward to this fall, I do rejoice that our family had a wonderful summer. We got our puppy, and spent a lot of time as a family, outside. We were able to spend time at the lake, swimming and enjoying boat and jet ski rides. Jeff and I got to take a vacation, we had a great family reunion with my Dad's side and just really enjoyed summer.

So here's to the dog days - we hope summer has been good for you and that we can look forward to seeing all of our friends and family as fall approaches.

Three

Lucas at 6 months - February 2005



Today, another milestone in our house. It is Lucas' birthday, and our little guy is three. It's amazing to us how fast the years are going. He is such a wonderful little guy, with so much to say and so much he wants to do. He has a big year coming up - starting preschool and Sunday School, working on potty training, giving up the pacifier and becoming a big brother again!

It's so much fun to sit and listen to him talk and play. He is so creative and when he plays with his trains (which are his favorite!) he has stories and information about each train that is amazing. He is growing so fast, but is still my little boy. He loves his independence, but savors cuddling at night as he drifts off to sleep. He wants to do things himself, but still is very aware that mommy and daddy will be there to help him. What a guy.

Of course, on his birthday, my thoughts go back to the day he was born. Unlike Alex, Lucas' labor was a horrible, scary experience. He was in such distress that at one point my Dr. was ready to take me back for an emergency C-section. I still remember the panic as I could hear his heart rate dropping (into the 40's ) during each contraction, and my mom, Jeff and the nurses trying desperately to keep me calm. But oh, the joy when he was born, when I finally, finally held my first baby - I never will forget how long we waited for him, and how close we came to losing him (a few times) during my pregnancy and labor. Though his immediate two weeks were tough, he is worth all of the pain and suffering of the losses, the long weeks of bed rest and prayers, and even the worst days of tantrums!

Lucas on July 4 - 2007 - almost three

These toddler days are swift and fleeting and it is with so much love and admiration for my Lucas that I savor these precious moments and celebrate his birthday.

D.C in Eight Days

Hi Everybody!
We're back! We had such a wonderful trip, and saw so many places in a short time, it was a bit of a whirlwind. I would have liked to post while we were away, but with no laptop (yet) and no way to post pictures, there really wasn't the opportunity.

We arrived in D.C. last Sat (22nd) and immediately headed out to walk Embassy Row. What a neat part of D.C. We even saw a very lavish Cameroon wedding at that embassy. We also walked by the Islamic Center(below) and a great old part of Dupont Circle.
On Sunday, we went to Mt. Vernon, George Washington's home, and explored the mansion, slave quarters, riverside and his farm. What a beautiful place.

We also went to Arlington, but upon arriving there, we realized there were too many people, and I have a bit of a problem with walking around somewhere as sacred as a cemetery with 1000's of people. I do wonder how people who have loved one's buried there feel about all the people. We did walk over to the Marine Memorial (Iwo Jima) and after reading Flags of our Fathers, that had much more meaning. I don't think one can really appreciate that memorial without understanding the horrors of Iwo.

Monday we had our Capitol and Library of Congress Tour. Wow. What neat places (despite the fact that I question how well our gov't is working). The Library of Congress and its history were really, really amazing. And- absolutely gorgeous.



Tuesday was our anniversary (8 years!!!) and we celebrated by going to the Smithsonian Air and Space museum, as well as the Natural History Museum. Both places had so many things to see - and great history! We also got to go on a tour of the Pentagon - also interesting, even though you don't get to see much. We did see the 9/11 memorial and Chapel. 184 were killed there on that day, and it's amazing that had the plane hit anywhere else on the building the toll would have been much higher. At that time, the area his was under construction, so not all of the area was being used. The person who gave the tour told us that had that area been used to capacity, it could have been over 1000 killed! Unfortunately, there are no cameras allowed, so no pics of that tour - but here's Jeff at Air and Space (he loves the stuff on the Apollo Missions).

Wednesday we went to more museums, and back to Arlington. We were blessed to be surrounded by MUCH fewer people and were able to walk the area in peace and quiet. We also located the headstone of one of Jeff's relatives and saw Gen. Lee's mansion on the hill. Later that day we got to go to the Bureau of Engraving (where our money is made), which I have to say, was probably one of the coolest places to see. And, the fact that the workers have such a sense of humor was also neat. Again no pics, but above one of the machines, a sign was posted stating "I print more money in one day than I make in a year ... and you think your job sucks!" and another saying "Tomorrow - free samples to all employees" Funny, but I guess you'd have to be there! We did get the boys some cool gifts from there. We also got to see how much we're worth in height. So, in the following picture, I am the height equivalent of that much money when it's stacked up (In 100's)


Thursday was a "free day" as in we didn't have much planned, so we walked to National Cathedral - WOW! What an amazing, gorgeous place. The pictures didn't turn out so well, but really - it was breathtaking. We hit Ford's Theater (Where Lincoln was assassinated) as well - Jeff really enjoyed that. We also went back to some of the museums to get gifts for the boys and family members. We would have liked to go back to the memorials, but we were SO tired and it was really humid that day. I am glad we saw all of the memorials when we were there in 2002, so I didn't feel so bad about missing those.

We did see WWII memorial though. It is amazing and at the same time so sad, that our country did not recognize the efforts of the Greatest Generation until way to late. Those who served in WWII did so with grace and valor, and were not recognized until a few years ago. It is sad, but at least there is now something - except for the fact that most of our WWII vets have either passed away or are too old and ill to make the trip to see such a great monument to their efforts. One such monument is a bench there which states "Americans came to Liberate, not Conquer, to Restore Freedom and to End Tyranny." So true of that time. There is also a quote from Roosevelt on the wall, which I did take a picture of, in reference to the women of WWII -

Finally, Friday - we rented a car and drove to Colonial Williamsburg, VA. We had also wanted to see Jamestown, given it is the 400th Anniversary of the European arrival, but a huge thunderstorm broke out right as we arrived. I was so, so disappointed, because I had really wanted to see that - given the year. Instead, we took the scenic route back, along Chesapeake Bay. We didn't get back into DC until late, but it was neat to drive in a different place - made me miss ND though! Saturday we were READY to get home! We made it (despite my panic attack at the Chicago Airport - LONG STORY) and got to Mpls. at 3:15 - and drove straight home!

We had a great time on this trip. We learned a few things:

1.We really enjoy each other's company, even after all the years. So often, once people have kids, it becomes very easy to forget that you have anything in common (besides the kids). But I think this trip gave us that chance to see that we are really best friends. At home, everything is about work, school, diapers, laundry, errands, finances, and on and on, and on. It gets stressful.

In DC, we had such a great time together, enjoyed each other's company and were allowed to just be us. It was wonderful. I think - no, I know - that EVERYONE who is married, especially once children are in the picture - needs to make the effort, find the time, find the cash - to rediscover why they're together and those little things that made you fall in love. That said...

2. We missed our kids TOO much to ever be away that long again! By Tuesday night we were both really homesick for them! We so enjoyed the time to ourselves, but man, Lucas and Alex are really the most important people in our lives!

3. Home is ND/MN. We may like to see other places, but this is it... I don't think I ever want to leave this area. There is much to be said about the low population and MN/ND nice.

SO hope you enjoy the pics!

How does your Garden Grow?

Our garden is (was - more in a minute) looking fabulous. We have four tall gorgeous tomato plants and the fruit is there - just needs to ripen. Our pepper plants are also growing, and we can see the itty bitty peppers that will soon grow to an edible size. The peas are so sweet and tender, and the zucchini and summer squash plants are huge - take a look at my first EVER veggies from my garden - three great looking, great tasting zucchinis!!! (And a cutie pie too :)





I am going to shred and freeze these three for use when we get back - zucchini bread sounds so good - just no time to make it this week...

So, on to the was --- Sunday night a monstrous storm rolled through our area. Lots of wind (clocked at 60+ mph) and a community north of us had softball size hail. Some areas in the north-central part of our county were absolutely devastated. There was not a confirmed tornado, but lots of rotation with the storm, and some farmers in that area lost their entire crop, which because of the ethanol craze, is corn.

On Monday morning, I got up to let Molly out and noticed that my corn, which had been four beautiful, statueseque rows just ready to start producing cobs, was flattened...FLATTENED! A few stalks towards the very end, the tallest and strongest, were still standing. But it literally looked like something had come and driven over it with a steamroller. I was instantly depressed and very sad, because when you have put time, effort, love and anticipation into something, to see it destroyed is difficult. We were so happy with our FIRST gardening effort, and how well it was coming...and its gone. And this got me thinking. This corn, my small 4 x20 plot is a hobby - it is not my livelihood. How - HOW devastating it must be for farmers to lose their entire year in one 15 minute storm. To see their hard work, their effort, their time, and their financial means gone

I was expressing how I felt to my mom the other day and she told me a story from when she was a child:

It was mid-August 1967 and her aunt and uncle had driven up to visit for the weekend. They were having a great time, when the storm clouds moved in, and hail began to fall. She remembers them all watching the storm from the kitchen window and seeing the feelings of despair on my grandpa's face. Harvest was set to begin in within a week - and in a moment, it was all gone...She said that in an instant his face just fell. She remembers this and she was only 13 at the time. So, while I may be upset about this, and feel sadness, I feel for the farmers.

Movement

Baby girl has been moving a lot. There is something so peaceful about laying in bed at night, feeling her flutter and kick. She's starting to get big enough where I can feel her turn and get a sense of where her head and rump are. The acute awareness that only I get to experience this (and that I have been blessed to experience it 3 times) is wonderful. It is a joy and sensation that only mothers get to experience, and it truly makes me realize how blessed I am to be a woman, to have the opportunity to grow a baby, and give life to a child.

I am also saddened by the fact that this is it. No more after this. I have, I noticed, been savoring her every movement, relishing the calm movements and the little bumps that let me know my baby girl is there. All to soon, she will be here, and in that very first, blessed moment, she will begin her transition to an individual, independent human being...

Fourth of July

Happy 4th of July from Lucas and Alex (and their mom and dad!)




We hope everyone had a great Fourth of July. We had a nice day, even though it was right in the middle of the week! Jeff was busy with the parade in Erhard, but we still were able to enjoy lake time, swimming, boating, and jet skiing. My aunt, uncle and cousin joined us for the afternoon, and we had a nice visit.

Here are some pictures from our day:

Lucas and Alex both had so much fun swimming. I got in the water too, despite an odd fitting swimsuit. Swimsuit season is not my favorite. That fact is exacerbated when I am pregnant! And, given the above, no pictures of me in a swimsuit made the cut for the blog!!!






The boys love to play with Molly, as you can see from below! She is a good dog, despite the fact that she still messes in the house, ate a dead mouse today, and insists on waking up at 5:00 am!



Our Little Patriot!



Daddy and Alex - if only dad would open that water for him!




Have a great weekend! We have lots of projects on our list, and we already have 3 done for today. This week will be Crazy, with Jeff busy until late most nights, and gone next weekend. But on the bright side, two weeks from RIGHT NOW - we'll be wingin' our way to our DC vacation!

The End

First session ended today. Whew!!! Thank goodness. Though I have some work to do yet, I am glad that classes are done. I learned a lot, challenged myself, and really had the opportunity to think about things I hadn't previously considered.

In one of my classes, we discussed cultural literacy. We had the opportunity to take some cultural literacy tests. Here is the link...how did you do???

http://www.readfaster.com/culturalliteracy.asp

Have a good weekend!

Reason's to Wear Sunscreen

Okay, so there is some debate over the real benefit of sunscreen - however after the disaster that is my back and arms from golf on Sunday, I think I am re-subscribing to the Sunscreen camp -

So, here's my top five:

1) It doesn't feel good when the surface of skin feels like "Extra-Crispy" chicken

2) "Lobster Red" is not a good color for anyone.

3) You can not get your own shirt off or on, without extreme caution or pain.

4) Laying down to sleep at night requires ginger motions and strange positions resulting in a strained back and sore arms so as to avoid pain all night.

5) Yelping like a dog every time someone touches you is so not HOT!

So, WEAR SUNSCREEN - un-burned skin is health skin!!!

Pictures of Molly

Lucas wants to sleep in Molly's kennel with her!



Alex loves laying next to Molly


Mommy and Molly

A Week Ending with Molly!

What a week! Tuesday my roommate from college, Laura, came to visit. It was SO wonderful to see her again...and the fact that it had only been 3 months made me feel like we are gradually making progress at getting together more often :) We had such a wonderful visit, and could have talked for hours, and hours, and hours...We just have to get together again soon - I am sure we will! Thursday was the ultrasound, which I already posted on, Friday was LOTS of homework, and then it was the weekend. Thank goodness!

We had a great weekend - busy and hot, but great nonetheless. Saturday morning, Jeff got up and played golf. I stayed home and relaxed with the boys. My sister-in-law asked me to help them paint a couple of the rooms in their new house. It was fun, frustrating and hot! Sherill had chosen a green color for Jenai's room, and it just wasn't turning out, so we headed to the paint store, got another color, and worked on that...frustrating - because it isn't fun when colors don't look like you think they will! Ian's bathroom turned out fun. They're using a "Cars" theme, and all of the walls look kind of like flames! After a bristling day painting with no breeze and lots of sweat, I went home and Jeff and I took Lucas to a movie - he made it about 45 minutes! We won't be going to a movie again with kids for about - oh - 10 years!

Sunday Jeff went golfing again, came home, mowed the yard, and then we went golfing with Lisa and Steve. It was hot! Windy! We all felt like we had windburn. Much like frostbite, except you are just HOT! Lis and I decided that from now on, we won't think when we golf, and our game will improve :) Despite the heat and wind, we had such a good time! After golf, we drove out to get our new puppy, Molly! She is so cute, and already somewhat trained. She hasn't messed in the house yet, and only cried for about 1 hour last night when we put her in her kennel for bed. The boys just love her. We'll have to work on the gentleness thing, though. They are a little rough, and though they're just trying to play, the poor thing needs a break! I'll have to post pictures later this week. The camera has been doing some weird stuff lately, so we have to get that figured out before our DC trip. Hopefully some new, better quality batteries will be the answer.

This is the last week for my summer classes, so I have a lot of homework to do. I have learned a lot over the past few weeks. Despite the frustrations, I value the fact that I am able to further my education. We'll see if I still feel that way after all the work is done!!!

Have a good week!

Ultrasound

We had our ultrasound today. All went very well. My doctor is very happy with how the baby looks. Healthy, big for it's age, no cleft, no other problems - just good! I was so happy to hear that. It's so strange to me that after two kids, I was still a nervous wreck heading into that ultrasound room today. I was shaking, my heart was pounding, I was even biting my nails - I NEVER bite my nails! I think with the boys' history, I just wanted to know if everything looked okay, and it did! Whew! Even though there are 20 weeks to go (or so) I feel better now, just knowing.

We'll give a pink bubblegum cigar to anyone who can guess what we are (pretty sure) having!

Next Question

So I read this tonight in one of my old "Famous Quote Books"

"There are people who, instead of listening to what is being said... are already listening to what they are going to say themselves." --Albert Guinon

I think ALL people do this from time to time. Anyhow - the quesiton

Should teachers of elementary students (let's say K - 3, cause even by 5 - 6 grade, there's more leeway) teach topics that are very controversial, without knowing where the school board and parents stand? For all current and potential parents, what would you do if your first grader came home and asked you about something they learned in school - something you felt adamantly was wrong/bad/against your beliefs?

Everyone reading this will sure appreciate it when I go back to the lighthearted stuff :)

I Recant

So, last night I started thinking that I should maybe be a little more open-minded to these two very loud people. I recant. There is not, should not, can not be room for people who don't listen. Today they had me in tears. Literally. I started to cry. Within the first 5 minutes of class. I felt totally defeated, and I didn't even get to finish what I was saying. We were talking about family life, social class and education and where kids come from. I got the following words out of my mouth. "When you see newborns laying in the hospital, they all seem to have the same chance at life...

Immediately, I was interrupted by "That's not true," "Not all kids start with the same chances" "What about prenatal care" "What about crack babies" "What about low birth weight kids." I didn't even get to finish. My response was, "You know, I had a low-birth weight preemie and a child born with a birth defect. I know about kids not starting with an equal shot. I'm just not going to try to say anything" and then the tears started. I didn't say a word for an hour. I was trying to control my tears from turning into sobs. The tears were not so much about not being heard, but more, I think, about being keenly aware of the struggles my babies had, and feeling my experience, my feelings were not respected. And, if they would have heard me out, maybe, just maybe, I could have explained myself better...no, no one wants to listen.

If some people in class would have listened, if they would have let me finish, I would have concluded by saying that so much is out of our control. We can't control the homes they go to, the life they have, if they'll suffer abuse, domestic, physical, or sexual; we can't control if they will suffer pain, if they'll lose a parent, if they'll become wards of the state; if they'll get a disease, start drugs, be exposed to so many bad things. As educators, we don't have that control. In many ways, babies have a lot going for them when they are born. But, take two "normal" "healthy" 8 pound babies, send them to different homes, and it's all up in the air. Their lives can go down two very, very different paths, through no fault of their own.

After the tears started, the professor attempted to point out that this class is supposed to be welcoming, it's about hearing other people out, because that is THE ONLY way that multicultural education can ever, will ever work. How can we expect our education system, our nation, to become open to things, if we aren't even respectful enough to listen to what someone has to say. After class, I heard Prof. ask another student why she isn't participating more, and basically the student answered that she has very different opinions from the class - in short, she would be trumped and defeated - this student is the one I defended yesterday regarding teaching same sex education in Kindergarten - she hasn't said a word since yesterday morning.

I'm still in tears. Alex could have gone to any other home. Some parents abort babies because of clefts. He could have had a very, very, very different life, because of his family, his surroundings. And that's all I was trying to say...

Now that I'm Done Ranting...

So, I've gotten over my frustration from my earlier post. Of course we'll have to see how tomorrow goes! Isn't it funny how when we are able to spill something out on paper (or in my case, on web) it helps us relax, and also to analyze how we felt and reassess where we were coming from? Man, if I would have realized long ago that this writing is so therapeutic, I'd have started much sooner.

So, as I reread my post, I started to think that maybe I'm not open to their perspectives. And it's possible that in some ways that was part of it. Class started with me feeling very insulted by #1's comment on mom's - it was very hurtful, especially because I was making an argument/defense for ALL women- how it's just an example of inequality. I wasn't even referring to myself. So, I wonder if I didn't channel some of that anger and sadness into a bit of a more narrow mind.

And, I do agree with their views, in some ways. If we don't educate our students on homosexuality, sex ed, equality, etc., then our society continues to stay the way it is - we don't progress. So I understand where they are coming from. But, I think they failed to understand the argument the rest of us were making. I wonder if they didn't perceive our ideas of why we wouldn't teach Kindergarteners the topic as an unwillingness - a denial - to teach about a very real and integral part of society.

So I guess, I sit here tonight wondering if I am close-minded too. I agree with some of what they brought up and many of their points, but I think that between two people having a debate, there has to be some give and take. Like I wrote previously, in order to feel valid and valued, one has to feel that they are being heard, that the words are being assessed, and that a response is given thoughtfully. There didn't seem to be much thought coming from these two.

But I do have a question, mainly for Laura (ask Adam too!) and Erin (and Bill - don't know when you'll get a chance to read this again :) What's your take on this? As a nontenured teacher, would you broach a controversial subject not in the curriculum without a student bringing it up? If you felt your career would be at risk, would you teach a controversial topic? And, how do you think that these two people's response to fellow educators affects or represents all that is right or wrong with education? I'm really interested to hear what you have to say, er...post!

School Headaches

I am taking summer classes this term, continuing work on my Master's. While it's great to be learning and working my brain, I find myself a little irritated by a few nuances.

First, I wonder if I have become the SOTA - you know, the Student Older Than Average, that drives everyone nuts. I hope not. I know that I am a little conservative on some subjects, and have very liberal views on others. I know that I feel very strongly about my role as a mom, and what I want to get out of my education, so it worries me that I may be viewed in the wrong light.

BUT, what irritates me more, is the two very loudmouthed, extremely liberal people in both of my classes. They seem to have taken it upon themselves to disagree with everything I and others say in the class, and basically spew out their ultra- liberal, ultra-excessive, ultra-forward points at every moment. I thought that the point of learning, and continuing one's education was to open your mind, and see from other's point of view. I guess that's not the case when one thinks they are always right.

Case in point 1:

Today, we were discussing Multi-cultural Education, and the topic of women came up. I made the statement that outside of education, there is a real double standard. Women are not valued for having children. In fact, oftentimes, if a women has children it is harder to get hired, promoted, and raises. This is TRUE. This has been studied. It's been written about. It's part of the glass ceiling and part of the inequality against women. But, Loudmouth 1 insisted on pointing out that I was very wrong, and that as a teacher, she is always expected to be on every committee to stay late, and give more time. It was really insulting for a few reasons - first I had clarified "OUTSIDE EDUCATION." Second - many of us moms may leave right after the school day, but often we work until 12:00am to assure out work gets done. Third - I don't care how many kids I have...when and if I ever teach again, I will be at school late, get there early, advise, coach and participate as much as the next person. I felt that it was a slap in the face to me and all of the moms out there, who successfully juggle it all.

Case in Point 2:

We were discussing multicultural ed and a very well read member of the course stated that unless it came up, she wouldn't teach same-sex marriage to her Kindergarten students. Both Loudmouth's jumped all over her for this, chastising her for her feelings. She went on to explain that as an un-tenured teacher, she's in self-preservation mode. She said that if the opportunity arose, if a teachable moment came up, she would absolutely teach the subject...but it wasn't good enough for them. When I and another student attempted to point out that it's a hot topic right now, and society isn't ready, these two kept referring to desegregation. Ya know something, society wasn't ready then...it was MANDATED by the Government. When a student in the class who is in administration tried to defend us, saying that a lot of what we can and can't teach is mandated by the administrators, state and school boards, these two attempted to make us believe that they would spit in the face of all and do what they wanted. However, when further questioned,it became clear that if their jobs were on the line, they probably wouldn't be so cavalier.

It's so frustrating. It makes for good debate, but it also makes one wonder about education. It's great to want to change society, but it requires a open minded conversation and dialouge, not one in which you chastise others and criticize their very real and understandable reasons for why they may not teach something. If these two had been open to other points of view - not agree, but express understanding, then class would have been a bit more welcoming. It will be interesting to see how the semester wraps up.

Let me conclude by saying if these two were ultra-conservative I would feel the same. It basically revolves around the unwillingness to listen and think about where others are coming from. I agreed with many of their points, and so did others in the class. However, they did not afford us the same luxury.

One Year Later

It's hard to believe that it's been a year since Alex's lip repair surgery. One year ago, we were getting ready to go to bed so we could be at the hospital early for surgery. He was only 10 weeks old, and we had so many concerns and worries about how he tolerate surgery, how he'd feel, eat, sleep, breathe, etc. I was so concerned with how different he would look, and I was surprised afterwards that he looked so different, but was still my baby! So today, a look back at Alex. We've taken lots of pictures throughout the year - some from right before surgery, and others as his healing progressed. To our baby on the one year anniversary of his life-changing surgery!



In the days leading up to his surgery - I loved his WIDE smile! (1o weeks old)




The day after surgery, and one week after (June 13, 06 and June 20, 06)




Six months after surgery (December, 06).




One Year Later (Today, June 11, 2007)



He is such a precious boy! We cherish his smile now, and the pictures of his smile before.