A New(er) Set of Wheels

The last time we bought a vehicle was 2002--a couple months after Avery was born. We had been functioning on 1 vehicle up until that time, our little 2-door Escort. I mainly drove the Escort while Mark biked all over Boise--to school, to Winco, and the Capitol building where he worked, and sometimes he'd even pop up on my doorstep at work. (That was a long bike-ride for him). It worked for awhile. Up until Avery was born and then things started becoming more complicated. Suddenly trying to fanangle two babies into a 2-door proved to be a bit daunting. Indeed, the whole crawling back and contorting our bodies in order to seatbelt Maryn, the wiggly toddler and Avery, the squealing infant in the back of the 2-door Escort started to wear on us. It only lasted a couple months and then we figured we needed something bigger--a family car if you will. Luckily we had Mark's Uncle Roy waiting in the wings with a solid, reliable white 1995 Windstar. It wasn't new, but it was a joy for us. He gave us a heck of deal and we were delighted to have more space and another set of wheels to depend upon.

That van has seen us through the long haul, I tell ya. We drove that baby all over Boise, Twin Falls, and then across country to live with us in Michigan. It even drove us here to our new home in Illinois. It has been through a lot with our family, and has really been quite a trusty mode of transport. It's had it's share of problems too, but nothing that ever wasn't impossible to fix and nothing that made us want to abandon it on the side of the road. The only problem I ever had with our Windstar has been my own vanity. It's not a pretty car. It's got bumps, scratches, dents (thanks to me!), and the interior has always had an unidentifiable mystery odor that no amount of car fresheners has been able to mask. When the brakes started squeaking it really started to take it's toll on my ego. We took it into car repair places a myriad of times to try and identify why they would squeak. Everyone was baffled, but still it squeaked. Every time I backed up or sometimes even braked too hard, they squeaked. I was embarrassed by my squeaky, outdated, stinky van. Am I a terrible, shallow person?!?

Anyway, just over the past few months the transmission is starting to fail. It just doesn't want to shift easily. It revs and refuses to shift past 15 or 20, and we've had it. We're ready for a new(er) set of wheels. Only problem is, we have no money...and a baby on the way...which means lots of ensuing medical bills on their way...and a new(er) vehicle just didn't seem prudent or possible at the time.

But once again, miracles happen and blessings pour from the heavens. (Thank you Sheffield family!!) And a way has been prepared for us to buy a new(er) vehicle. I can't tell you what a relief it is to be able to bring our new(er) baby home in our new(er) vehicle. It's so nice to know that I won't have to worry about breaking down on the side of the road with a baby in the backseat. (Not to mention the fact that it doesn't squeak, stink, or rev.)

Here's to hopefully many happy memories with our new(er) van. And if y'all know of anybody in the area who is looking for a 1995 Ford Windstar, let us know...we actually have to sell this thing now. Maybe I should use this post as advertisement on Ebay or Craig's List? Ha ha!!

Past the Point of Scary

So here it is...the 36th week. I'm finally past the point of scary. I feel very relieved (and very large...have I mentioned that lately?). And I'm more confused than ever. Nothing is really happening at this point. I've been having some contractions...mostly at night, some during the day. But nothing regular and nothing that stops you dead in your tracks. Just lots of those "balling" up of the belly, an ache in your lower back, and pressure in your pelvis feelings. Help me out y'all...is that anything to get excited about? It's been so long that I don't remember what they feel like or when to start my stopwatch or call the doctor. I think I need a refresher course.

Besides that, things are great. I'm off the couch with a vengeance. On Saturday I went to Maryn's game and then walked around Big Lots for awhile. Came home, did some laundry, some cleaning around the house, cooked dinner, etc. It felt weird, but good. Only problem was on Sunday morning when I tried to get up for Church. I was so sore!! My muscles rebelled big time and I realized that even though I can do whatever I want now, I am still 9 mos. pregnant and my body has gotten used to living a life of leisure. Guess I need to take it easier. So I've been doing more, just not as much as I normally do.

I'm kind of in a nesting frenzy lately. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I made Mark rearrange the sun-room furniture in like 5 different arrangements the other day. And then after all of that, told him to put it all back where it was. Yikes. I fully recognize what's happening to me, but I just feel compelled, ya know? I went downstairs and actually cleaned the girls' playroom this morning. Under normal circumstances I would make them do it, but I just needed to organize. It's the only thing that distracts me at this point.

I guess I had forgotten how it gets at this point...the end of the road. I remember lots of things about when I was pregnant with the girls, but you know how you tend to block out the bad stuff? Well, I guess I did some of that. I had forgotten how uncomfortable it really is at this point. (Insert whiney voice...) I just feel huge, and bloated!! I had all of these goals about keeping my weight gain to a respectable amount, but after the bedrest, it kind of all went downhill. When the calories have nowhere to go, they just settle in my behind and in my face. I had forgotten so many unpleasant things. I had forgotten how even though you're hungry you can't eat very much because there's just no room. I had forgotten how uncomfortable something as simple as breathing can be. I had forgotten how puffy and swollen my fingers, feet, and face could get. I had forgotten how forgetful you can be. I constantly feel like I'm forgetting something lately. AAGH! Save me!!

I know this is temporary. I know it will eventually get better and things will start feeling normal again. I just need to vent, so indulge me. I'm nervous, anxious, excited, happy, sad--all at the same time. I just can't believe this is happening!! After all of this waiting, it's finally time!! We are going to have a baby in our home, in our arms again. It makes me want to giggle and cry simultaneously. I couldn't be happier, but at the same time more scared. This is going to take some serious faith and prayer on my part. I want things to go as smoothly as possible and be in control, but I know that ultimately whatever happens happens, and will work out regardless of how much I worry or fret. It'll be fine. We've come this far and been blessed so much already. I know that I'm not alone. I am well taken care of.

So wish me luck peeps. I will try and post uplifting thoughts in the days and weeks ahead, hopefully more like days instead of weeks. :-)

And any advice you have is greatly appreciated (as always!!)

Soccer Star

Maryn started soccer this season and so far really loves it. Her first game was yesterday and they won!! I have to say that we really enjoyed the game. It kind of took us by surprise. Mark and I aren't very athletically oriented, but we were right there with the other soccer parents yelling at our kids to go, go go!! It was pretty hilarious. Soccer is just a lot more fast paced and kind of exciting than baseball (what Avery played this year), and the organization Maryn plays for is a lot more lively than the Tonica baseball leagues. First of all, her coaches are wild women. They were both screaming their lungs out at the kids and jumping up and down in both frustration and praise. It made things very entertaining. With Tonica baseball, the coaches just kind of stood in the outfield and pointed and grunted (not really, but compared to wild soccer women, it seems like that's what they were doing.) We'd go to Avery's games and most of the spectators just kind of sat in silence, and clapped politely for their kid/grandkid/niece/nephew (you remember that everyone is related, right?). A little weird.

Anyway, she did great and we're really proud of her. There were a few times she got distracted picking grass and flowers, but overall she kept her eye on the ball and made some pretty good blocks and kicks. She's still a little polite when it comes to "getting in there", but I don't know that Maryn will ever really have the killer instinct, and that's fine by me. It's all about having fun, right?

Way to go Maryn!!

First Day of School

Avery Jane starting the 2nd grade. She'll have Ms. Fiocchi this year. This is the same teacher Maryn had last year. She has a pretty tough reputation, but by the end of the year, Maryn really liked her. I guess you have to get on her good side. I hope Avery is able to...I mean who can't help but love Avery?!? I am sure that in no time she will have Ms. Fiocchi cracking more than a few smiles.



Maryn Elizabeth starting the 3rd grade. Her teacher is Mrs. Anderson. She is the Grandma to one of Maryn's classmates and friends, Emily. She is also the Aunt to another one of Maryn's classmates and friends, Sam. We live in a small town, and although I don't think there is in-breeding going on, everyone is definitely related somehow. Tonica residents are lifers, I think. We have heard great things about Mrs. Anderson and are looking forward to a great year for Maryn.



Nothing like a fresh start!! We have high hopes for 2009-2010!!

Change, The One True Constant

Remember that post I wrote about a week or so ago all about how much my life has changed in the past year? In looking back and reading my blog posts from the summer of 2008, I realized how much perspective I'd gained in seemingly such a short amount of time, and I was able to see how the major changes that took place have made me into a new person. Different in many ways from what I expected, but good nonetheless.

One thing is true in this life--change happens, and that is a good thing. Also, we can become new and better people every day.

I've been following a blog for sometime. You may have heard of it...it's called the NieNie Dialogues. I found her via CJane (they're sisters). At first I didn't like NieNie. I thought she was incredibly egocentric...in love with herself, her looks, her husband (over the top), her charmed life. I was reading her long before her accident. And I was stunned along with millions of other readers as I observed all of the events unfold over the months following their August 2008 plane crash. For awhile, nobody was sure whether either of them would make it. But survive they did. And wow. What a story!! What an inspiration their little family has become--what an inspiration she has become. What they have overcome takes true faith and courage.

And what she did today is yet another huge milestone.
http://www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

I am so proud of how far she has come. She has never given up. She has overcome. One of her greatest fears was revealing her new appearance. I think she's never been more beautiful.

Isn't it true? What a difference a year can make. For all of us.

Confucious Say...

We went out for Chinese tonight at Avery's request. It's kinda funny considering she watched a Mexican cooking show with me earlier today (Mexico, One Plate At A Time with Rick Bayless, love it!!). During the show, she kept saying, "I want Chinese tonight". I guess "contrary" could possibly be a word to describe her personality...that and hilarious.

So we both got some pretty interesting fortunes in our cookies after our dinner.

Her's said:

"Ideas you believe are absurd ultimately lead to success!"

And she jumped around in excitement proclaiming that she would go home and invent something that would be A SUCCESS!!!!!! She cracks me up.

Mine said:

"Keep a green tree in your heart, and one day the singing bird will come."

But I didn't jump around in excitement like my funny 6 year old. I kind of curled up my lip and said, "huh?" What the heck is that supposed to mean? I'm usually never disappointed in my fortunes, but I have to admit that tonight's was a bit of a bummer.

Unless anybody has any bright ideas for decoding ancient Chinese secrets or feels like getting all deep and philosophical?

I'm all ears.

Until then...lucky numbers are: 12 43 44 4 54 26

How Does Your Garden Grow?

We have got some serious garden action going on in our backyard. Every day Mark returns from the garden with an armload of zucchini, cucumbers, and green peppers. (We also planted tomatoes, but it hasn't gotten hot enough yet for them to turn red...we are thinking after this weekend, we should be bringing in a truckload. Our temps are in the 90's with humidity indexes reaching the 100's...yikes!!) They started out small, but are getting more massive in size as well as numbers. The first few batches were reasonable. I'd make some spaghetti sauce with the zucchini, peppers, etc. And I tried a zucchini bread recipe that wasn't too bad (too much oil though). Mark and I like fresh cucumber salad with tomatoes, green peppers, and string cheese with some Italian dressing on it. Simple, cool, tasty...easy. Or so I thought.

But now, I need to get more creative. We're getting a little tired of the same old uses for our bounty and need to branch out. I've looked through my recipe books and found a few things to try for zucchini, but the cucumbers are kind of stumping me. What do you do with them?


As for the zucchini, I thought I'd share a few recipes I found from Pioneer Woman that are definitely keepers.

http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/chocolate-chip-zucchini-cookies/
(these were really tasty and kept well. the whole family gobbled these up.)

http://thepioneerwoman.com/tasty-kitchen/recipes/desserts/pineapple-zucchini-sheet-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/
(made this one today...really, really good. the frosting puts it over the top.)

I also tried a new zucchini bread recipe with less oil, and more spices and made muffins and mini-loaves with it. They are going straight into the freezer.

But what next??? Any recommendations???

P-Town and a Quick Update

Yesterday was my last trip to P-Town. (After listening to their local radio station while driving there, we discovered that this is what locals call Peoria.) Anyway, it was my last appt. with the Maternal Fetal Specialists there. I guess that's a good thing, but I have to admit I'm a little hesitant about it as well.

News was good. My cervical length has not only not changed, but lengthened out even more. I was up to almost the original length of 4 inches (3.8). Weird, huh? The human body is an amazing thing. I was surprised. I hadn't been feeling great this past week. Just really tired and feeling lots of contractions and generally uncomfortable. The whole things is a mystery. But whatever.

But we're not out of the woods just yet. I'm still on bedrest. This time because my amniotic fluid is getting low. It's under the normal levels and since I have another 6-ish weeks to go, I'm supposed to take it easy so that it doesn't get any lower and jump-start labor again. Gee-whiz, it's always something.

As we were leaving the appointment Mark told me that my uterus should be nicknamed "Quasimodo". The more I think about it, the more I think that's pretty appropriate. Mishapen, with a big hump on the left side, smallish, kind of funny looking, mysterious, but still doing it's job the best it can. (TMI???)

The other news is that Baby girl is still breech and at this point cannot turn. No room and not enough fluid, so C-section here I come. I'm fine with it, I just don't want an emergency situation. And from the looks of things, it shouldn't need to be. Luckily she doesn't have either foot dangling down near the cervix. She's actually kneeling on her lower legs. It looked like she was praying quite honestly. (Maybe that she'll stay in there as long as possible, maybe that we'll get our acts together before she gets here...who knows!?!) She was sleeping when we got there, and would not wake up for anything. Which is totally not like her. Usually she is squirming and twitching pretty regularly all day. At least while she slept we were able to get a better look at her face. Adorable. She has the Day chin...we can already tell. Her jawline actually reminded me of Avery a little bit.

After our appt. we said our goodbyes to Dr. Gross and staff and hussled our little behinds over to Qdoba. Mark dropped his business card in the fishbowl the last time we were there, and we actually won 2 free entrees!! So lunch cost us around $8 for the girls kid's meals. Saweet!!

After lunch, we hit the P-Town Mall to get my nursing bra's and some back-to-school outfits for the girls. We found really cute things and were able to get some good deals as well. I'm glad we didn't have to give up that fun tradition. They will both have new outfits, shoes, and backpacks and hopefully feel like they aren't totally taking a backseat to Baby girl. Now we just need to figure out what to do about Avery's birthday. This is her year to have a party. I was thinking of just waiting until after her bday, but what to do about the actual party? Any ideas?

Commencement Ceremonies

My kids crack me up sometimes. They are so creative and funny that it kind of takes me by surprise. It's one of my favorite things. Hearing them crack up, cracking up together, or having them make me crack up...truly one of life's simple joys.

One of my goals for this past summer was to keep "school stuff" fresh in their minds. I didn't want to let their little brains turn into mush, or fall victim to endless days of Spongebob and Hannah Montana. So I instituted "summer school". Each day after breakfast and chores I would have them do about an hour or so of school stuff. They had brought home Math and English workbooks that weren't even half filled up, so we started there. On Mondays and Wednesdays, they'd do primarily Math with a little bit of free reading at the end. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they'd do spelling, writing exercises, and more free reading (often with a trip to the Library on Tuesdays). Friday's we took off and did something "fun"...a field trip or an outing of some sort.

For the most part our summer school went pretty smoothly. At first they really enjoyed it and it seemed to be kind of fun for them to play school at home. Then the novelty wore off, and there was much whining, complaining, and bargaining taking place. Even after I was put on bedrest I persisted because I felt like it was a battle worth fighting for, and something that would ultimately benefit them in the end. Plus it gave us at least an hour of time together before they took off to the backyard, basement, or their bedroom...whilst I languished on the couch and didn't really seem them for the rest of the day. One of my favorite parts was when Avery would lay next to me on the couch to do her free reading and read to Baby girl in my belly. Those kind of moments made the not so pleasant moments worth it.

Well, our summer school is drawing to a close. I told them that they could have the last week before real school actually starts off. I told them this the last week of July, and they don't start school until August 20th. They were so overjoyed that they kind of jumped the gun on congratulating themselves for a job well done (we still have another week left). After school one morning last week, they disappeared into their bedroom and the next thing I knew I was being summoned for a "graduation program" to be held in their bedroom asap. Seeing the fruits of their creative little juices kind of took me off guard. The whole thing (albeit random) was actually really cute and cracked me up. From the makeshift podium down to the costumes, I was laughing the whole time.

So without any further adieu...(they even had Pomp and Circumstance playing on their CD player when I walked in...where they found it, I have no clue.)