On My Mind Monday

No, It's not the eggs. But I did want to show off the different shades of green and blue we've been getting out of our chickens. We also discovered a spot they have been secretly laying eggs. Of course we had to get rid of those, we have no idea how old they are, but we have been getting 3-5 a day, and it would be more if they would lay in 1 place.

What I've been stressing about is an upcoming ultra sound. My dr. does them at 18-19 weeks, and I'm 16 weeks tomorrow, so I'm guessing we'll be scheduling one at my appt next week. I almost don't want one. I don't want to know the sex, isn't that why most people have them?

So, I'm asking you. Is it a stressful event for you? I don't remember having anxiety about an US until after 4 of 5. I never thought "what if something is wrong" Until my subsequent pregnancies. Same thing with miscarriage. I never considered a mc until after the one I had between 4 and 5. Then this pregnancy and the last, I stressed until 12 weeks. I guess stress is the wrong word. But it did consume a good deal of my thoughts about being pregnant.

Is worrying about something not being right, saved for us that have dealt with birth defects? Either 1st hand, or 2nd? Or is it a common concern? I know "what if's" are useless. And I am not worried about the after finding out part. I feel like I could handle pretty much anything I was given. But there is still some anxiety, about getting to that point.

My dr. did tell me she was going to order a level ll, because of 4 of 5's problems, So if there are problems, we will know. With 4 of 5, the normal u/s didn't even show the 2 holes in her heart, or the extra skin behind the neck, that is a common marker for DS. But, I 'm sure they didn't look, because I was 27. Maybe they did know, and didn't say. That u/s took 70 minutes from the time they started until I was done. I have never been in one for more than 20. They kept coming back to check one more thing. WHo knows, who cares. But, I will feel better come May, when all is said and done.

Free Recipe Friday

HHHHH. (that's my sigh) Friday already. That means my kids are in school for 1 more week until they are off track for 4 (yes 4) weeks. I would LOVE some suggestions on what to do to keep them busy. My idea would be to give them chores from 8 am - 4 pm. That way my house would stay clean. And, they would be busy. But some how in the back of my mind... that doesn't seem quite nice. At least I'll have help keeping 4 of 5's hands off of 5 of 5. I'm sure they will be outside a lot, and at least there are a bunch of them, so they can play together. I think I will also tackle night training for 4 of 5. She got up at 9 last night and took her diaper off to go potty.
Now for the recipe.

Yummy Chicken Fingers

Crush 1 sleeve Ritz crackers and add what ever you like you chicken fingers seasoned with. Sometimes I use Italian seasoning, some times I like Tony's creole seasoning, sometimes I just use salt and pepper.
Cut up chicken breast into tenders
In bowl, combine 1 cup Mayo, minced onion ( I mince my own, but you can use dried onion) minced garlic and some pepper. This will be your wash.
Dip chicken in mayo then crackers and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes and serve with marinara, ranch BBQ sauce or honey mustard.
Sounds weird, I know, but you will never go back to a simple egg wash and flour after trying these.

And, congrats to Steph and Marty on their new baby boy. They were supposed to go in for an induction this morning, but went into labor early Thursday. 8 lbs 3 oz. Name is Eric. Which I love, I haven't heard it used in a long time, and I love when people don't follow the trend for that year. He will be the only one in his class.

This Is Our Final Atempt To Reach You

Are any of you getting these calls? At least 3 times a week I get a call from 386-677-3110. They are either getting ready to reclassify my car, or are trying to help me lower the interest rate on my credit card. ( I don't own a credit card) Press 1 to speak to a rep. So, I press 1, and end up getting someone who was trained in bring rude, and hanging up on you. I have tried nice, I have tried threats, I have tried asking for a manager. Every time, they hang up on me. I have put my name on the Do not call registry, I have even told them I am on it. Still they call. Who are these people, and how do I stop them. Now my blood boils every time I see the number on my caller ID.

Doesn't This Seem More Like It

I have decided, that canning season should fall in the winter. I spent the morning, (well, morning and afternoon, maybe evening) canning meat. I don't mind heating up the house when it's cold outside. Or hauling stuff up and down the stairs.

I bottled some beef I had in the freezer that needed to be used, some corned beef from the stock pile we got when it was 1.29 a lb, and some of the soup I am making for dinner. The corned beef and soup are just an experiment to see how they turn out. I have decided that I love my pressure cooker. I was intimidated before I used it, and I made husband do it for me so I could watch the first time. Now, I'll pretty much pressure cook anything that fits in a bottle. I wish I could find one that fit 20 or more bottles. (know where I can get one of those)

My News

Can you tell by my background what happened today? I've known for a few weeks, and was just waiting official release. And today was the day. I'm happy, sad, excited for what's next. There have been a few big things happen in the ward lately, that will effect the YW's program. Part of me wishes I could go take care of these girls. But I can't. Although, I know they are in good hands. The secretary is moving in 2 weeks, so other than that, it was just musical chairs. 1st is now president. 2nd is now 1st. camp director is now 2nd. A past YW pres. is now secretary. And, they have a camp director. Nice. I don't think I had one of those for more than a few months. Ever. It's good. I'm putting my name in the hat for the Primary Pianist calling that just opened up.... hint hint, husband.
There's my news..... a new chapter opened.

Free Recipe Friday

Yes, I know it's still Thursday, But we are close to Friday, right?
So here is my recipe for a good evening, with no fighting.
Take 2 of your older kids, who are willing to play with their little siblings.

And your 2 youngest kids, willing to be entertained by said siblings.

Give them a few vehicles, anything with wheels will do.

Then take time to smell the flowers.

LOL

There is no other way to describe this. 1 and 2 of 5 bring their spelling list home on Monday, and we do a test every day after school. Check out #10. I just thought it was funny because he really has been a pre-teenanger, lately. And, what part of teenager, sounds like teen anger?

Back In The Saddle

I finally did it. I was tired of what my body was starting to do. No, it wasn't because i was pregnant, it was because I had stopped running, and started eating wrong. So, this morning after weeks of wrestling with the idea, I did it. I got back on my treadmill. I dreaded the thought of getting on and suffering through a mile. But, that didn't happen. I got on intending to walk 2 miles, 1/2 a mile into it, I thought this isn't too bad and picked up the pace to a fast jog slow run. I ended up doing 1 1/2 miles running. I could have kept going, but I decided to take it easy since I hadn't run in 8 weeks. I NEED to do this, to keep my blood sugar under control. And I think it will help in during delivery since I'm hoping to go natural this time. Maybe that'll keep this baby under the 9 lb mark. I will probably keep my running to about 3 miles, until I am too big, then I'll ease up and walk, but for now, I can run. The best thing about it, I HAVE to shower. No more letting the day get away before I get one.
Here's another uplifting bit. For all of you that have little ones with DS, here's Morgan who is now 6 and in Kindergarten. This made me so happy. This is one of my favorite families, we have a few things in common, like our kids with DS are both #4, then we had 2 more after...... Such a cute family. I'm so proud of Morgan, and I think her mom is awesome. I'm sure it has a lot to do with her. I hope my 4 of 5 will be able to do this.

On My Mind Monday

A traveler passed a stone quarry and saw three men working. He asked each man what he was doing. Each man’s answer revealed a different attitude toward the same job. “I am cutting stone,” the first man answered. The second replied, “I am earning three gold pieces per day.” The third man smiled and said, “I am helping to build a house of God.”

Any of you that teach YW lessons will recognise this from the lesson taught a few weeks ago. It had all but left my mind, until last night when I read this blog. Then It reminded me of this blog.

I can see the out look on life these families have, which helps them weather these storms. And come out unscathed. I know these things are painful. I know everyone has painful experiences. Some pain is more than I could, our would want to bare. I know these things were not asked for. These families are helping others through their painful experiences, and turning them into something helpful and uplifting to others. I have also seen experiences turn people bitter. It would be hard not to feel the tug of bitterness after loosing something so precious. I have felt the bitterness, from different experiences and it stayed for a long time. (4 of 5 was not that experience) It ultimately is up to us, and how we see our journey, and how we want to feel.

Free recipe Friday

For today, I am just going to send you over to a new blog that I found. It has really yummy recipes, and since I have been looking for an update to my dinner ritual, It has been a perfect save. It looks really fancy, but most of the stuff you can find in you pantry fridge, freezer.
I tried the red beans and rice last night, and the kids LOVED it. Well, all but 2 of 5, but there is always one. Saturday I am trying the Thai peanut noodles. Sorry, I would have put a link to these recipes, but I don't think there is a (I'm at a loss for the right word) thing to put in a key word, and it finds it for you. You'll want to browse through all the recipes anyway. It give you great ideas.
I would also like to put a few blogs out there that I have been reading. I don't know a few of them personally, but I'm a blog reader. I love to look for blogs through others blogs. Since I am part of the DS community, I know quiet a few moms with kids with DS. Some personally, some just through the blog world. DS blogs will usually lead you to CHD blogs, who are refered to as heart friends. Doing this, has open my eyes to a whole world of birth defect, and trisomies, heart issues, cancer, and anything else out there, imaginable and unimaginable. Somethings you may know about, somethings you may not have wanted to know about. I love to see the roads others walk. I love to know their struggles, trials, and successes. There are people all over, who win, and who have more heart ache than you would think one person could handle, I am grateful for MY trials, and my blessing, they are one in the same. I am almost as grateful for my hard days, as I am my shining days.
Take a minute to peek into a few other lives, if not only to see that there is way more going on than we will ever know, but to empathise, and hope for these families.
Elaina is a little girl I have been following for about 6 months now. She is a month older than 5 of 5, and has spent all but about 2 months in the hospital. She is a CDH baby.
Then there is Carter. He is a baby I met in the hospital when he was about 3 weeks old. I got to meet him and his family working as the newborn contact for the UDSF. He has had a few set backs, but is a cute happy little guy. And I am so excited about how he is growning and learning.
The last one, is a little girl named Mercy. She has what's called Charge Syndrome. I don't know if any of you have heard of it, I hadn't. Here is the link to the web site, that tells you about it. She is having a few set backs right now, I hope for her family, that things work out the best for her. I hope she gets her strength back, and recovers.

A Day in the Life of a My Vacuum

As I mentioned before, i have had some vacuum problems. Nothing major, and as I've come to find out over the past few days, the vacuum is a pretty simple machine. If it's not running properly, it's usually 1 of a few things. My was smoking, and smelled like burning belt. I turned it on, looked underneath, and the brush wasn't turning. No biggie, the belt was bad. SO I packed up the 3 kids that were home, and hauled them to Valley Vacuum. Love these guys. The only place I can find bags, belts, and such things for my Simplicity. I bought 2 belts, I wanted one extra just in case, and went to buy my kids and husband a donut, the kids because they were really good, and 3 of 5 was very helpful in getting 4 of 5 buckled. Usually it's this long battle over I don't wanna, and do I have to, and why do I have to do EVERYTHING. And for husband, because his wife had a bad few days, and he stayed patient with her. Okay, back to story. So I get home, put on the belt, start the things, and it starts smoking again Down 1 belt. At this point, I realize, if it's not the belt, bag, brush or motor, it is husband deal. So he gets home, and instead of working on the bathroom, he gets to diagnosing the vacuum. Turns out it was a bearing in the brush. Duh, why couldn't I get that? (I didn't even know there were bearings in the brush, now I do, although, even after he explained it to me, I don't get what happened) So, that was fixed. SO I thought. The next day, I go to vacuum the rooms and hall and the bag light comes on. I change the bag and start it back up. The light come on again. I figured since the bag was new, and it was saying it was clogged, it must be a hair ball ( a BIG one) in the hose. I got to get the screw driver that fits my vacuum, and it's gone. I hunt for about 20 minutes, with no luck. I resort to the little one 2 of 5 got husband for Christmas. Pull everything apart, and can't see anything. I then haul it out to the garage to suck the hose out with the shop vac, bring it back in, put it back together, and start it up. Light comes on. Now, I have to call husband. I don't want to do this, I just want to do it one my own, it's a vacuum for Pete's sake. I get a hold of him, and he says take it apart, (then tells me an easier way to do that) and shove something in the hose, like a spoon or butter knife and push the clog out the other end. So I follow his instructions. What ever is in there is big, and not budging. I finally pull the hose all the way off, (praying it is supposed to do that) and out falls the missing screw driver. 4 of 5 shoved it in there while her dad was greasing the bearing. Long story, well, long, make sure your tools are accounted for before putting your vacuum back together. Or maybe that's just they type of thing that 4 of 5 does......
On a shorter note, I haven't had any luck keeping my fasting blood sugars below where my dr. wants them, so back on the gestational diabetes diet I go. 5+ months of counting carbs and avoiding sugar. I'm bummed.

Thanks To You

After my rant yesterday.... I feel better today. Sometimes you need to just get it off your chest. You know what makes me feel the best. Part is the fact that I won't be lonely in the loony bin, part is knowing that you have ALL had days like this. I find comfort in knowing I'm not all by myself in my frustration. I appreciate all the comments and uplifting words, and "I know how you feel"'s. It does pass, it does get better, I love my job. I DO find joy in this journey. Every last aspect of it. From a daughter with a disability, to a husband with a stressful job and busy calling. From an 8 year old who doesn't like anything but candy, to a 6 year old who hasn't said more than 2 nice things to me in days. It's all part of what makes my life mine, and makes me, well, me. From the daughter that colors on herself when she runs across a pen, and no paper to go with it. (although it is getting better, she can now ask for a paper, and I can understand her) to a 1 year old who's new favorite thing.... the tupperware and sippy cup cupboard.
I ran into a friend yesterday, and her house looked like mine, and she looked as frazzled as I feel most times. I wish I could have done something for her, all I could offer was, "I know how you feel". There really is no better comfort than knowing and seeing, you are not alone. That's where I find joy in this. The friendships, the commonalities, the understanding, I get from those around me. Thank you.

On My Mind Monday

She's started walking. Not consistently, but she will walk in between 2 people, or she'll be standing at something and turn to walk someplace. She usually makes it about 5-6 steps before falling. Not too bad, she turned 13 months today. I thought when she turned 1, it would only be a few weeks. I just want her to walk because her pants get so dirty from crawling on my floor. We went and did family pictures on Saturday and her legs were grody before we got in to take them. Not only from our house, but I couldn't keep her on my lap for the 30 minutes we had to wait. I guess my other kids were clean.
I'm getting nauseous again. I had been feeling fine for the past 3 weeks, now all of the sudden sick again. I'm thinking it's the new vitamins, I ought to switch again. I'd rather not take them at all, then be sick.
Congratulations to Kristy, on her new baby. He was born 3-6-09. Kind of cool. Only in labor for 24 hrs!. I was laughing because she said they were going to induce her slowly, and I said, there is no slow with us, once they start the pitocin, it'll be 4 hrs tops. When I talked to her 18 hrs later, they hadn't started the pitocin and she was mad because we had all told her our labors were 4-5 hrs long. Well, after the pitocin was started, it took about 4 more hrs. Next time, just start with the pitocin. My other sister is due in July, so that is the next mile stone. Then it's my turn. In between now and then, I have about 6 Friends also having babies. Anyone else out there wanting to make an announcement. (Stamps, shouldn't you be having another one???)
Got my peas in the ground on Saturday, and some grass seed spread. Hopefully I was not seeing things when I saw a 60 on the weather forcast for Saturday.
Nothing else on my mind. I will have something big to say next week, so you'll have to tune in later. Until then, big piles of laundry, missionaries coming to eat, I long awaited trip to the temple with husband, and life in between.
Have a good day.

Free Recipe Friday

This is a recipe for frosting I made up to go with those brownies I told you about a few days ago. Just as a recap, the brownies were one large box of instant pudding, which you mix according to package directions. Then add 1 cake mix to it. I added an extra half cup of milk too, to thin it a bit. Spread on to greased cookie sheet. Then for a frosting I brought to a boil 2 cups of whipping cream and removed from heat. Put one bag of mint Hershey kisses into it and mixed until blended. Put into the fridge for 6-8 hrs. Then with a beater whipped it up. It was truly yummy. So easy, and so yummy.

So Much For Peas

I love snow. I love it even more when it happens in March, April May, and even June. Except for the ones after I've put my garden in, and I have to cover things. But, I love to wake up to a white blanket of snow, and then by 2, it's melted. That is my perfect storm. I got the ground ready for my first planting of peas yesterday, hopefully it will melt in time to get those in the ground today. I forgot how hard it was to get things done in a timely manner, with little kids. I was also busy yesterday preparing an activity for our combined YW Activity Days meeting last night. Which went really well, might I add. I talked about talents, and developing talents, then let the girls share their talent in a mini talent show. I was very impressed with some of the things these girls could do, things I had no idea they did. Some crocheted. Some made doll clothes, cross stitched, a lot played instruments. My favorite part, was when one of my Laurels did a monologue from Hamlet. Such a cool evening. Then I spent the next hr with the Bishop and a friend from the Primary, putting together a special musical number for Sacrament Meeting. I haven't played my violin since he got called as bishop a year ago. It was fun, I forgot how much I enjoyed playing. Especially in a group. If I had more time, I would find a group to play with, so I could develop my talent.

Okay Brenda, Had To Do It

3 of 5 has a cousin that he shares a birthday with. She was born 1 year earlier. The weirdest thing about it. They look like they could be siblings. I'm hoping my SIL will post some baby pictures of her, so I can see if her baby pictures look like 3 of 5, or even 5 of 5, because 5 of 5 looks just like a little 3 of 5. Even weirder, they have very similar personalities. They were both our thumb suckers. Any way tell me what you think.

Do any of your kids have cousins that look more like siblings than cousins? I just think the gene pool is a cool thing.

Warmer Days Ahead

I was just thumbing through old pictures, and ran across this from last April. (Ignore the tub on the patio, it's no long there. it's on the side of the yard now. Hoping to fill with dirt, then strawberries) So excited for warm, and planting. Better not get too excited, forecast said snow tonight.

Yes, Another 4 of 5 Post

I just got off the phone with 4 of 5's speech therapist. I got an IEP form home from school last week stating that she had not met her goals for her IEP. Well, I wrote a note back asking for a meeting to discuss her next set of goal, and to see what I could do to help her. I got a call from her to set a meeting and she told me that we didn't really need a meeting because the reason she didn't make her goals was because they set the goals too high. She told me that with the progress she was making, if they had 3 more months to work with her, she would be able to make her goals. Then she told me (well reminded me) of her goals, being, form complete sentences that we intelligible. This coming from the beginning of the year, when she was almost completely non verbal. I remember thinking, yeah, good luck. She also told me that she had made 18 months of progress in the 6 months she had worked for with her, and she was able to grasp concepts easier than any of the other kids with DS that she had worked with. I thought maybe she was just trying to make me feel good, but then I realized, what good would that do anyone? The EI therapist told us the same thing when she was coming to the house from 0-3 years old.
I let myself be proud of her, I know she is bright, and I know that she is capable. Then the reality set in. I realize that the more she is aware of, the more she will be aware of what she cannot do, or may not ever do. Date, drive, I would say read, but After today, I know she will do that. Probably with a lot of extra help, but that's what I'm here for. I don't worry about those things, for my sake. But, for her, will that make her sad, will she care. I know these things are better not worried about right now, but I have found through out her life, I have projected a lot with her. It is easier for me to live in the moment with my other 4. But I tend to "what if" a lot with her. Only when I get progress reports for her, other times I can just let her be who she is, and not worry about 10-15 years down the road.
So for right now, way to go 4 of 5. I have always been proud of her. I am grateful for the ability to raise her, and I'm honored that she chose to be part of our little family.

Dog Hair

Okay, any of you veteren dog owners. I need tips on how to keep a dogs fur from 1, matting and 2 stinking. I'm hoping that in the next few weeks my sense of smell goes back to normal, but for right now, everything stinks. She didn't smell when we got her, but she had just had a bath. It's too cold out side to bathe her, and I don't want all the dog hair in the tub. Then, how do you get a dogs' hair from matting? We brush her everyday, but she still gets the clumps. Then, she looses the clumps in big wads all over the place. What do you do? Or is this just what happens?