Friday, December 29, 2006

We had an excursion last night... I went to the movies.
I was kinda nervous about it, but Brynn and I did really well. I think the fact that I am carrying her so high up is helping. Near the end of the movie, I started having a lot of contractions. So I ran to the ladies room while Sylvester Stallone was getting punched in the head repeatedly. When I came back, it was still going on. So it was a good time to leave.
Rocky Balboa was a GREAT movie. I loved it. Seriously. It was really good. We had tried to prepare ourselves by watching some Rocky archives at home the last couple of weeks... so we were ready.
So you should all go see it but not this weekend because this weekend is Prayer Storm.
I have taken the week off from crafty projects and was getting kind of bored... until my new books came! Hooray!

It has been an exceedingly slow blog week. Maybe next week will be an upswing.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Dear Toby,

Today is your first birthday. Last year, we waited and we wondered if we would ever get to hold you this side of heaven. Even a year ago, as I was preparing for your delivery, I couldn't wrap my mind around the reality of you. But that moment when I got to hold you and look at you.... it was all so worth it.

Your brothers left us so quickly. And our hearts were so shattered- there are pieces of us in heaven. So when we found out you were coming, we were excited and so scared. And so we prayed and we waited. And you.... you are just a little baby. But you have been salve to our hearts. You have been a minister of healing to us.

And now, as we pray and we wait for your sister, you are a reminder of the faithfulness of God.

About you: you aren't walking yet... although you do ocassionally stand up and look around. You crawl like a madman... you tuck your head down and go as fast as you can. You think your name is NoNo. You can say no no, dada, mama, hi, all done, bye, and a lot of things you think are speech. You love to dance to music, especially drums. Any time a drum solo comes on the radio, you stop what you're doing and bob your head.
You and your brother are the best of friends. You don't fight over toys, because Richy gives you whatever you want. You guys like to lay on the floor and wrestle very slowly. He is so gentle with you. And you bite him and pull his hair, and he laughs. We needed you around here.

You like to crawl on Daddy while he's praying. You climb on his back, and crawl under him when he's kneeling and peek at his face. And you like to climb on me and kiss me and kiss me... the more slobber the better.

You are a peaceful boy. You also wreak havoc. We are blessed.

Happy Birthday, my Tobias (believing God is good) Paxton (from the town of Peace).

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Off to get a shot, yo ho ho... Finally got some sleep and almost feel human again.
Eva got a digital camera... check out this subject:

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Here are my sock puppets... I started with a plain sock and made animals, mutants and what not... I found out I really like to sew (albeit by hand) and create... fun discovery about myself. The puppets were a big hit, and even though they might die young, they were being enjoyed a LOT the last times I saw them. Oh, and I made a cute horse puppet for R2 that didn't get his picture taken because he was hiding under the tree... later on, you'll see him.


It was a beautiful Christmas and fun fun. I SO enjoyed my boys... we nailed it on their presents and they were so excited... just makes me emotional thinking of how long I have waited for this. Toby is teaching his brother a lot... and it is so amazing.

I overdid it. I still feel pretty good, but I am going to be extra-good for the next few days to make up. That should work, right?
Later on, we'll locate the camera and the cable and I'll put up some pix on the picture blog.

Merry Un-Christmas to everybody!
And a very Happy Birthday to Graceson!!

Friday, December 22, 2006

happy birthday to Leah and Calvin!
And Caleb!!

I have a doctor's appointment I didn't know about today... just going to check in with Dr. Reed....

My laptop is fried. Kaput. Finito. Luckily, I have a warranty, so it should be fine. But I have to borrow R1's for now and thus, my computer time will be somewhat limited.

Toby will be one in a few days... and he is busy, busy, busy.









yum... trash

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGIA! WOO HOO! DON'T GO GET WASTED!!


here's a little 3d guide













































































AND A LATE BIRTHDAY SHOUT-OUT TO MR. ISAAC DIAZ! HAPPY 1!!





and now, off for my shot and a quick ultrasound. Updates later.

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Well, I am once again devoid of a power cord... so the laptop is
being used in small rations today.

Tonight is the RadRev Christmas party. You should all go and get your
dance on.
As for me and my house (well, most of my house), we shall go to bed.
Except, I am considering sending R2 because he loves parties so much.
As we speak, Toby is happily crunching some Apple Zings... R2 is
snoring, and Mama is making some cinnamon toast on homemade bread.
Mmmmm.

Today, I will take a break from puppets. At least for a few hours. I
have some other presents to make. I cannot believe that Christmas is
this weekend.

Monday, December 18, 2006

21 weeks

I did go to the Simplify party... it was good eatin. After a fairly short time, I got pretty tired and uncomfortable... I can't sit up that long. So Richy took me home and then went back and did a little karaoke.
I am having a hard time adjusting to him being gone... I need grace, because right now it's just 2 days a week, but soon it will be 5.... ugh
I'm sure once Brynn is born and I am up and around it will be easier... and once the paychecks start coming in.

Sigh. Robin without Batman kinda sucks.

Friday, December 15, 2006

I am being very still. Because I really really want to go to the Christmas party for Richy's new job tonight. No movee.
Boy oh boy.

Last night I was just sewing away and I got SO sick of puppet #4. I started hating him. So, I called it a night. He shall be resurrected later today and hopefully he looks okay. You know how things go when you start getting tired and frustrated. Or flusterated, if you prefer.
I wonder what all these tiny yarn scraps are doing to Toby's digestive system. Well, I guess I'll find out. Or Richy, rather. He was changing Toby this morning and he told him, "These dirty diapers disturb my spirit..." So, we'll see if Toby shapes up or just keeps 'em coming.

Josh, check out the song on my myspace.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

A very hairy little birdy told me it's Shannon's birthday today!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! and many more...





And a special thank you to MamaPC for the book money! I will have so much fun with that!!
More of the same today, folks. Lying down... making some crafty crafts.. but today I have my husband back! Woohoo!

Medically, I am doing really well. If you're praying, don't stop! If you aren't praying, may God have mercy on your soul.
I am off the medicine, except progesterone, and I am having very few contractions. So praise God! That makes bedrest much easier mentally.
About food: if you want to make us something, we will eat it! My mom is cooking on Mondays and Tuesdays, so we have leftovers through the week... but anything is great. If you want more clarification, let me know and I will post some foody-wants on my fantasy blog.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

gotta go get a shot... more later



Okay, I have now been shot. Ouch. Although Heather (may she live forever) is the best shot giver of all time. I hardly feel it...

Have you heard this song on KSBJ... with Cindy Cruse Ratcliff and Marcos Witt?? Sheez. Gor-g-ous. It sounds all foreign and operatic.
My Christmas crafts are getting oh so crafty. I shall now return to my craftiness.
What's up with you people? Do I have to summon bats and rats just to get some comments around here? Because, I personally consider all rodents and mutant types disgusting and worthy only of mockery.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Sorry for the delay in posting... Blogger is giving me trouble this morning.

So here's what we're thinking for her name...
Brynn Kathryn

Brynn means hopeful, and we have loved that name and tried to name our sons that ever since Richy... but they were sons.
Kathryn means pure, and Kathryn Kuhlman....

and here's what she might look like... lol!
Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

Monday, December 11, 2006

Marnin, all.
Today I am being very crafty. Not in a diabolical I'm going to take over the WORLD sense.... more of the sock-puppet making craftiness.
Oh, they are cute.
Yesterday I went to Walmart and rode in the wheelchair, to buy the supplies for my crafts. I knew Richy, being of the male variety, would have great difficulty procuring crafty items. We would have buttons, socks and easy cheese.
So, my kids went to the Clark fun-house, and I went to Walmart. It was exhausting. I think I shall never go again.

Richy started his job today. He looked so great in his work clothes. I am going to miss him insanely - he is always around, except when he leaves for weeks on end.
Oh, and I'm having a girl.

Friday, December 8, 2006

I did not know I would be this excited... I have been surfing the web looking at all the girl stuff...
Last night Leah brought over some tiny little dress shoes and a pink outfit. HA! I'm having a GIRL!

In a non-logical thought process, I feel sorry for the boy this baby is not... I would be excited, but I'm a mess, folks.

I have made another blog with the requested book list... am thinking about adding what I like to eat to that page as well.

Thangs


Believe it or not, I am looking forward to when I am no longer a center of attention.

Thursday, December 7, 2006

** UPDATE**

THINK PINK!! IT'S A SHE!!


Oh, and my cervix is fine... no worries!


So, yes, today is my ultrasound... and cervical check. And I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous.

Psalm 91

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of Yahweh, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust."

3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.

5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day;

6 nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you.

8 You will only look with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.

9 Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,

10 no evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.

11 For he will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways.

12 They will bear you up in their hands, so that you won't dash your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot.

14 "Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name.

15 He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him.

16 I will satisfy him with long life, and show him my salvation."



I will update.... don't believe "me" unless I post update on the front page

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

Interesting topic brought up in yesterday's comments. Banning things...
I haven't thought it all the way through, but I have pretty much stopped boycotting/banning. It's just true that the light will get brighter and the darkness darker. So we can not really be surprised by these companies supporting homosexuality and whatever else...
Most of it is about the almighty dollar. Boycotting just doesn't seem effective anymore, and it puts the church in a bad light. What could we do instead? I mean, we could always reward the better behavior... i.e. this year WalMart is letting employees say Merry Christmas... instead of Happy Holidays... Target is donating generously to the Salvation Army... I know Kroger has the feed-the-hungry programs...
I don't know. I remember my dad used to carry on personal boycotts. He boycotted Hastings (for a few months at least) because they sold pornography. He boycotted Del Taco because they messed up his order twice and he told the manager he would never come back. He used to spit out the window of the car toward Del Taco... I don't know that his $1.59 shut them down, but for his conscience, that was the way to go.
Just thinking, you know... the Baptist Disney boycott were hallmark financial years for Disney... Maybe there is another way.

Tuesday, December 5, 2006

Well, Christmas is almost upon us. I have been having all sorts of crafty ideas for making presents... most of which I shall not do, as I am in my "confinement". But I have been reading these message boards with all these do it yourself ideas, and I think I shall learn to sew. After the baby is born, of course. Far too challenging in one's bed.
I would love to be able to sew my own curtains and comforters and of course, baby stuff... I am going back to the earth, a little.
I don't want an organic garden... I just want to cook my food from scratch and be crafty with making toys and such. But all this craftiness will have to wait until April.. or May, preferably. When QMC is born and I can be up and around... and I have my new minivan (wolf whistle).

So, what do you want for Christmas? Like, what's your big fantasy-the-ship-came-in-this-year-in-Jerusalem present? And then what are your normal ones??

And a Toby update: he seems MUCH improved this morning.

PS: a very happy birthday to any lurking schluters ... you know who you are =)

Monday, December 4, 2006

Well, all the sickies around here are improving... still quite a bit of coughing and hacking and so on, but Toby seems to really be responding to the asthma meds.
It's amazing how being 6 weeks early and then getting RSV did such a doozy on his lungs. The doctor told Richy that when we know a cold front is coming, to start using the nebulizer treatments ahead of time... interesting.. he has been getting sick and wheezy when the temp is about to change. Our little barometer. It's a seasonal thing we'll have to watch for a couple of years, but they usually outgrow it.
My 24 weeker, however, is a trooper. He hardly ever gets sick and when he does, he just carries on. Stanley genes, there.

Mama is fine. Normal. Or you know, relatively. If it was a stroke, it left no indicators... so the best possible outcome to a scary scenario.
She found out she was pregnant while she was in the hospital. While it has been a shock to the family, we all have rallied to support her.

Saturday, December 2, 2006

Friday, December 1, 2006

Well, it's December 1st. That means Christmas has officially begun around here.
I... uh... well, I will think Christmassy thoughts until someone around here has time to decorate.

Toby is sick. He and Daddy came home with a bag full of meds last night... Richy had to wait 2 1/2 hours in the waiting room... full of sick kids. He gave me kinda a guy-synopsis of the visit when he got home, so I am not really sure what's wrong with Toby. He has a cough and lung problems. He is on antibiotics, steroids, and multiple asthma meds... including a cute little baby inhaler of his own. I really hope it helps. He is pretty miserable. We are going to have to be really careful what he is exposed to. Basically, he needs to stay at home.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Richy took Toby to the doctor again today.... that poor baby. If anybody even has a runny nose around him, he gets sick. Sigh.

Laying in bed, listening to Rush Limbaugh... echoes of my childhood. Only this time, I have to lay down. Or lie down.

Here's my typical day... awake around 8:30 ish... listen to Toby whining while Richy makes his bottle
Eventually I go downstairs and eat something... oatmeal, maybe. Then I lay on the couch.
After a while I go back upstairs and lay in my bed and surf the web... when Toby takes a nap sometimes I sleep, too.
I don't read any books because I have read all the books here and I am waiting for new books at the library. Once or twice a week I watch a movie.
Back downstairs for lunch (I may be grounded to upstairs soon)
and so on. It's not as boring as it sounds. There are 3 couches that I could lay or lie on. And I can lay on my left or right side. Limitless possibilities, there.
And in my room I can look at the bathroom, the ceiling or the window. So, it's not that boring, see?

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

So yesterday the contractions... oy. Quite a few. We decided to go ahead and start the Terbutaline.
So I have all the side effects from that... heart racing, short of breath... just kinda blurry in general... BUT the contractions have slowed to like one every 3 hours! YAY!
Thanks so much to all of you for praying. Please keep us in your prayers as we are not out of the woods yet.

Also: R2 and Toby are sick. Kind of a miserable bunch around here this morning.

I have my shot at 10. Peace out.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Very, very soon here I will be having some blueberry muffins and bacon... one of Richy's specialties.... mmmmm

Yesterday was a pretty good day... I had contractions, but it seems like maybe fewer. I think I was being stricter about laying down though, too.
And I have been sleeping like a Chevy, man... this morning, the phone rang and woke up me and Toby. And you, phone caller, whoever you are...

and now, to dine. Good day.

Monday, November 27, 2006

Well, Richy's off to his second interview/meeting... I took a picture of him but the elusive camera cable...

Toby's 11 months tomorrow... wow.
I am still having contractions, laying down... if they aren't affecting anything, then I don't care. I just have to find out if they are affecting anything.

Ah, blank head. Sorry for the boring-ness.





















*Update*
He got the job! Hallelujah...

Friday, November 24, 2006

Over the years, I have gotten used to the little tang of holidays.... the bittersweetness of understanding everything is not as it should be. As a new young adult, years ago, it would hurt me that the day didn't just feel perfect... like when I was a child.
But you know, there is pain in beauty. It would be weak without pain.
So the rich sweetness of growing together and apart, of knowing it will never be just right this side of heaven... I am beginning to understand.
A three-stranded cord is not easily broken... and the legacy of Christ and His heritage is so interwoven in our story... the strength of love, and family, forgiveness, grace, and healing. I am blessed today.

Thursday, November 23, 2006

On August 1, 1620, the Mayflower set sail. It carried a total of 102 passengers, including forty Pilgrims led by William Bradford. On the journey, Bradford set up an agreement, a contract, that established just and equal laws for all members of the new community, irrespective of their religious beliefs. Where did the revolutionary ideas expressed in the Mayflower Compact come from? From the Bible. The Pilgrims were a people completely steeped in the lessons of the Old and New Testaments. They looked to the ancient Israelites for their example. And, because of the biblical precedents set forth in Scripture, they never doubted that their experiment would work.

"But this was no pleasure cruise, friends. The journey to the New World was a long and arduous one. And when the Pilgrims landed in New England in November, they found, according to Bradford's detailed journal, a cold, barren, desolate wilderness," destined to become the home of the Kennedy family. "There were no friends to greet them, he wrote. There were no houses to shelter them. There were no inns where they could refresh themselves. And the sacrifice they had made for freedom was just beginning. During the first winter, half the Pilgrims – including Bradford's own wife – died of either starvation, sickness or exposure.

"When spring finally came, Indians taught the settlers how to plant corn, fish for cod and skin beavers for coats." Yes, it was Indians that taught the white man how to skin beasts. "Life improved for the Pilgrims, but they did not yet prosper! This is important to understand because this is where modern American history lessons often end. "Thanksgiving is actually explained in some textbooks as a holiday for which the Pilgrims gave thanks to the Indians for saving their lives, rather than as a devout expression of gratitude grounded in the tradition of both the Old and New Testaments. Here is the part [of Thanksgiving] that has been omitted: The original contract the Pilgrims had entered into with their merchant-sponsors in London called for everything they produced to go into a common store, and each member of the community was entitled to one common share.

"All of the land they cleared and the houses they built belong to the community as well. They were going to distribute it equally. All of the land they cleared and the houses they built belonged to the community as well. Nobody owned anything. They just had a share in it. It was a commune, folks. It was the forerunner to the communes we saw in the '60s and '70s out in California – and it was complete with organic vegetables, by the way. Bradford, who had become the new governor of the colony, recognized that this form of collectivism was as costly and destructive to the Pilgrims as that first harsh winter, which had taken so many lives. He decided to take bold action. Bradford assigned a plot of land to each family to work and manage, thus turning loose the power of the marketplace.

"That's right. Long before Karl Marx was even born, the Pilgrims had discovered and experimented with what could only be described as socialism. And what happened? It didn't work! Surprise, surprise, huh? What Bradford and his community found was that the most creative and industrious people had no incentive to work any harder than anyone else, unless they could utilize the power of personal motivation! But while most of the rest of the world has been experimenting with socialism for well over a hundred years – trying to refine it, perfect it, and re-invent it – the Pilgrims decided early on to scrap it permanently. What Bradford wrote about this social experiment should be in every schoolchild's history lesson. If it were, we might prevent much needless suffering in the future.

"'The experience that we had in this common course and condition, tried sundry years...that by taking away property, and bringing community into a common wealth, would make them happy and flourishing – as if they were wiser than God,' Bradford wrote. 'For this community [so far as it was] was found to breed much confusion and discontent, and retard much employment that would have been to their benefit and comfort. For young men that were most able and fit for labor and service did repine that they should spend their time and strength to work for other men's wives and children without any recompense...that was thought injustice.' Why should you work for other people when you can't work for yourself? What's the point?

"Do you hear what he was saying, ladies and gentlemen? The Pilgrims found that people could not be expected to do their best work without incentive. So what did Bradford's community try next? They unharnessed the power of good old free enterprise by invoking the undergirding capitalistic principle of private property. Every family was assigned its own plot of land to work and permitted to market its own crops and products. And what was the result? 'This had very good success,' wrote Bradford, 'for it made all hands industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been.' Bradford doesn't sound like much of a..." I wrote "Clintonite" then. He doesn't sound much like a liberal Democrat, "does he? Is it possible that supply-side economics could have existed before the 1980s? Yes.

"Read the story of Joseph and Pharaoh in Genesis 41. Following Joseph's suggestion (Gen 41:34), Pharaoh reduced the tax on Egyptians to 20% during the 'seven years of plenty' and the 'Earth brought forth in heaps.' (Gen. 41:47) In no time, the Pilgrims found they had more food than they could eat themselves.... So they set up trading posts and exchanged goods with the Indians. The profits allowed them to pay off their debts to the merchants in London. And the success and prosperity of the Plymouth settlement attracted more Europeans and began what came to be known as the 'Great Puritan Migration.'" Now, other than on this program every year, have you heard this story before? Is this lesson being taught to your kids today -- and if it isn't, why not?

Can you think of a more important lesson one could derive from the pilgrim experience? So in essence there was, thanks to the Indians, because they taught us how to skin beavers and how to plant corn when we arrived, but the real Thanksgiving was thanking the Lord for guidance and plenty -- and once they reformed their system and got rid of the communal bottle and started what was essentially free market capitalism, they produced more than they could possibly consume, and they invited the Indians to dinner, and voila, we got Thanksgiving, and that's what it was: inviting the Indians to dinner and giving thanks for all the plenty is the true story of Thanksgiving. The last two-thirds of this story simply are not told.

Now, I was just talking about the plenty of this country and how I'm awed by it. You can go to places where there are famines, and we usually get the story, "Well, look it, there are deserts, well, look it, Africa, I mean there's no water and nothing but sand and so forth." It's not the answer, folks. Those people don't have a prayer because they have no incentive. They live under tyrannical dictatorships and governments. The problem with the world is not too few resources. The problem with the world is an insufficient distribution of capitalism.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

It was a muggy day in July or August 1997 or 1998. We packed up little Mercedes and Madison, me, Steph, and Eva and headed for the murky shores of Galveston. It was a sandy day of fun in the partially overcast sun.
Late in the day, Stephanie and I decided to swim way out. So we did... further and further, past where our feet could touch. We were treading water and laughing and talking, carefree in the way of 19 year olds at the beach.... then suddenly Stephanie cried out "Ouch! What was that!" I was unconcerned until something brushed past my arm and ZAP... the sting. Panicked, we tried to swim away, only to find our gelatinous companions surrounding us on every side. Sting! Sting! Sting! Our arms and the back of our legs were the prey... We were screaming and waving our arms as we tried to swim out... Eva was on the shore, cheerily waving back and taking pictures. I said to Steph, "Here's a picture of Jess and Stephanie, right before they died..."

Well, you may not have guessed, but we made it to shore. Barely. And since that day, Stephanie and I are waders only. We shall leave the swimming to you, the naive.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

It's just dormant, see? But now I need the troops to rally - as once again, I am on bedrest and will use your comments as a source of entertainment.
So, if people ask you how I am doing... the condition of my uterus, cervix, etc... direct them here. Or if they are just nosy and like to be privy to the details of a person's life, right here on the internet... again, here.
And let the wit begin.

I wrote "let the pith begin" as in pithy, pithiness... but on further research, discovered that pith is part of a plant, or some sort of severing cattle parts. Not what I meant. So, I edited.

Please pray for me, continue.. my doctor is unavailable this week and the other doctors won't do anything as Question Mark is not "viable". So all I got is Jesus. (which is pretty good, no?)

Richy, testing Toby's strength














Is he cute...I ask you...

Monday, November 20, 2006

Well, the birthday party was a great success... they ate, they played football, they fell down the stairs (small people), they ate some more, and played Risk into the night... well into the night. It was great to have our house filled up with people.

I am still steadily having contractions... Dr Reed is out all week for Thanksgiving, so I am requesting a prescription for the hell-drug terbutaline without having to come in... we shall see if the other docs permit that.

Perhaps you wonder about my emotional state. I am either fine or in denial. I don't like having contractions. I wish they would stop. But I don't feel terribly worried about them right now. Still, please pray for them to stop.
I am doing a self-imposed (spouse-imposed) modified bedrest now... laying down most of the time and not picking up Toby, etc. Things, unless I am healed, will probably get stricter in the upcoming weeks.

The Yablonskis are coming for Thanksgiving... I will have to lay real still all Wednesday so I can laugh my head off on Thursday.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Well, I am ending my fast early as I miscalculated and was planning on ending this morning. Richy continues to fast. I've had a good day or two, very few contractions... I just need to be at peace no matter what my body is doing, you know?

Richy's interview went well... no word yet. Hopefully we'll hear something today.
17 weeks today! 20 weeks to go to be "full-term"! Not bad, eh?

Toby went to the doctor again yesterday. But not his doctor... just the one who was available. Very strange, I am older than a lot of doctors. Very very strange. So anyway, we got the new doctor. She said she just started practicing in February. Should they tell you this? Also she mentioned that she doesn't really know what works yet, so she just does what they did where she trained. Which is fine. But does not inspire confidence.
I like old male doctors who know a lot from experience. But still listen to what I read online and at least act like maybe I know something. Anyway, we got albuterol and steroids for breathing treatments every 4 hours. He LOVES the nebulizer. I have to take a picture of him smiling and chewing on the mouthpiece. He is already much better.

** I forgot to announce! Richy and Robert's birthday party! My house! 1:30 Sunday... I am making chili! All invited!

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Well, folkies, it's come to that stage of pregnancy where either a)I ignore it and end up in the hospital or b) we fast and pray.
I choose b.
Richy and I will be fasting and praying for this baby for 3 days. I, being pregnant, will fast the internet.

I have been having a lot of contractions/uterine irritability. Last time, I was hospitalized at 19 weeks... no thankee.
So please, pray with us.

Also: big news: R1 is getting a day job. He has an interview today at 10... pray for favor and $$$ ... ;-)

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Toby is sick. Sheesh. He's all snorky and grumpy... poor baby.
So here comes the mommy guilt... not about letting him eat a popsicle off the kitchen floor... that was after he was already sick, okay?
*WARNING- breastfeeding talk* No, this is the not-breastfeeding mommy guilt. I weaned Toby a month or so ago... the pregnancy was affecting my supply a lot, and the poor kid was hungry. And I miss nursing him. It was one of my favorite things.... But also, in the month and a half on formula, he has pretty much been sick the whole time, on and off. Thus, mommy guilt.
I made an apple pie last night. It was rockin. I think I shall have some for breakfast.

Monday, November 13, 2006

Well, the wedding was great... pictures over on my picture blog.
Josh- Bill was so happy... when they said man and wife, he started laughing and laughing... they got a standing ovation. It was so joyful.
Currently, the whine-o-meter is reading about 80% from Toby. He doesn't feel good. Neither do I, for that matter. But do you see me standing around in a soggy diaper, crying? HECK NO.

Birthday party for Richy and Rob, or Rob and Richy this Sunday... I cancelled it for yesterday and now it turns out to be a good thing as the Rob Clarks have the plague....

Skipping mommy group today.. I am tired and I miss my husband.

I'm starting to feel "normal" for this stage of pregnancy... including some contracting. I was hoping to not contract at all, and I'm still hoping to not have to do strict bedrest... so pray for my body to chill. Gracias.

Friday, November 10, 2006

** I posted this this morning, and it never showed up. If the other one arrives, disregard it.


Today... the alarm went off at 7:54. This was by no means the FIRST time the alarm went off... but it was the last. Simultaneously Toby started crying in the next room, and R2 pushed open our door.
Thus, Friday began.

Last night was Bill's wedding rehearsal, which went the way of wedding rehearsals. Although, to my knowledge, there were few shenanigans and THAT is different. Then it was off to Margaritas for the dinner. Now, I gotta get gut level with you here... Margaritas has, in the last few years, fallen from one of my favorites to one of my least favorites... I grade based primarily on salsa. And this bright red Pace- looking relative is not on the chart. Cinco has also fallen from grace, watering down a truly great recipe... (plus, just not great customer service...). Now, Rancho Grande... you might have heard me refer to this in my youth as Grand Raunchy... they have gone up to #1 as I discovered the best salsa. I could drink the stuff. Awesome... and secondarily, the lunch specials EVERY day. Masterful.
But I digress.
Margaritas, yesterday, however was great! We had a fajita buffet and the young fry feasted on beans and rice... it was very good. And I sat by Larry of the Reicherts and he concocted little mixtures for me to taste... a lemon salsa, a bean and cheese mixture. Good stuff. Fun was had by all.
And Bill is giddy. From moment to moment he could burst into tears or start skipping.

Thursday, November 9, 2006

Something about having Daddy home is making these children sleep in the mornings... nice. Of course, last night at 11:30 Toby was wired... climbing on us and laughing and rolling around and pinching and biting... very cute stuff. He was so offended when I put him in his bed and closed the door. He screamed.. like, mad screamed for approximately 1.5 minute before he was asleep... ha.

Doctor's appointment yesterday was uneventful... everything looks good. I start getting shots next week. But I will have to drive to her office for that instead of having a home nurse... and then drive home with my aching "lower hip"....
A big ultrasound scheduled for that day that will live in infamy... December 7th... so you will all be able to buy gender-appropriate Christmas presents for little Question Mark Clark.

Toby just shut the door to my bedroom and now he is very mad at whoever locked him in here...

Tonight is Bill's rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. I am so, so, SO happy for my friend... he has found Twu Wuv and this is going to be fun!

Wednesday, November 8, 2006

Welcome to years of liberal lunacy... what an election. Sheesh. At least Texas came out all right.

I have a doctor's appointment today, but not until 3:40... and no ultrasound. So not going to be very interesting. To y'all, anyway. Next week I start getting progesterone shots. Ouch. Owee ouch. But hey, that means I'm 4 months! Yay!

I am so glad to have my spice back... (definition: kinda like a spouse, only spicier) . In other marriage news, Britney Spears has filed for divorce. This is another one of those things... I know God hates divorce... but man, I wish that kid could get some freedom. Maybe it's the ex-youth pastor in me... I feel a lot of compassion for her, despite her Jezebellian tendencies.

Toby slept till 9 am today. Glorious.

Tuesday, November 7, 2006

So last night after dinner... I am happily internetting away... my boys are playing on the floor. As these things go, I don't notice when they leave. I am just chatting, surfing...
After a while Richy starts coming and pointing... since this is almost a momentary ocassion in our house, I ignore him. He comes back, again, and again. Finally I hear Toby behind me and turn around. He is BLUE from head to toe. Not death/not breathing kinda blue... a soft powdery silver blue. I panicked and ran over there... I could not figure out what he had gotten in to! But he was COVERED! I look in the bathroom and there it is... an old makeup kit... needless to say, he finished it off. It was a creme based eyeshadow, and it took some serious scrubbing... I was just laughing and laughing because, come on! What is cuter than a Silver Moonlight faced Toby? A confused one?
Our first mishap of this kind. Cabinet latches, anyone?

Ah, and today. YOU MUST VOTE. This election is critically important. There are voter guides at CTK and the library, if you're the researching type. Or, if you're the pregnant type alone with 2 kids - go ahead and vote straight Republican! Very quick!

Happy happy phone call at 6 am... "Come open the door!" YAY!

Monday, November 6, 2006

• Ted Haggard scandal.... this is so sad. For one thing, when it came out, I dismissed it. Not him. And to hear the talk radio hosts joke about it and see it on the headlines... what a disgrace to Jesus. It weighs on me. I hate Christianity getting known for this kind of hypocrisy, and I hate the destruction sin causes. Could be any one of us, I know. But when it's from a platform like that, it's public.

• Saddam verdict... evidently another 2 months of appeals and then, if the verdict stands, he will be hung within 30 days. This is history happening. Amazing. Is it wrong to want this evil man to die? Because that seems the just way.

• Richy is coming home... they are driving 15 hours today and then I don't know tomorrow... they plan to arrive and set up for Radrev at 4. It's been a long 11 days. And a lot of poopy diapers. I need a vacation.

• Birthday party/lunch for Richy and Rob this weekend. Sunday to be exact. My casa grande.

• Mommy meeting today.. and then the mommies are coming to lunch over here. I am making split pea soup in the crock pot. I hope it works.

• My brain feels like it's turning back on. I guess I have 6 months or so until I have new-baby brain again for a while.

• A crash downstairs. No tears. And yet, I should investigate.

Saturday, November 4, 2006




Friday, November 3, 2006

Well, I made Toby stay awake last night until 10... made him skip his evening nap to my own hurt... and gained 5 extra minutes... 6:23 a.m., folks.

Interesting topic MPC addressed...eating at home. The thing is, when I feel good I love to cook. I make up all kind of things. The problem is, everything moves so fast,,, sometimes there's not time to thaw and cut and bake and so forth... you know? Life just goes screeching by and if you don't grab a burger, you go hungry. Seems that way, anyway.

I thouroughly enjoyed Target yesterday. Christmas has begun.

Ah, and a new baby week... hope I start getting fat soon. Sheesh.


Week Fifteen

•You may begin to feel some fluttering movements as baby kicks, flails, twists and turns (but don't panic if you don't yet). She can also grasp, squint, frown, grimace and maybe suck her thumb!

•Your baby's legs have grown longer than the arms and the body is now longer than the head.

•And you'll be happy to note that he is moving those arms and legs often!

•His skin is very thin -- so thin blood vessel are visible. It's covered by a fine, soft layer of hair called lanugo. Lanugo comes from a Latin word meaning "down." This hair is thought to help insulate your little boy.

•The three tiny bones in his middle ear have begun to harden. The auditory centers in your baby's brain haven't developed yet, so she might not really understand what you say but her hearing capacity is in the process of developing.

•Fingernails and toenails are growing.

•Eyebrows are beginning to grow and even the hair his head is sprouting. It will probably change color and texture after birth.

•All this and your little one is an amazing 3.98 inches (10.1cm) long and may weigh 2.47 ounces (70gm).

Thursday, November 2, 2006


Talked to Richy this morning... they are with the Cause... at the old Heritage USA. Rick Joyner has bought the property and restored a lot of it...
But Richy went for a walk last night and just looked at some of the ruins. Amazing. The hotel is going to cost 5 million to restore. Man. I wonder what it all looked like back then.
Just had to be food for thought, Christian ruins.

Today they drive to Virginia Beach. I wish I had gone for this part. I would have loved to hang with the Cause peeps and the Virginia peeps... my friends. But you know, it's ok. I'm going to Target. So that's pretty fun.

Wednesday, November 1, 2006

Hola, bloggerati!
I MISSED YOU! EVEN THAT HAIRY GUY!
The fast was good... not really the explosive thing I was hoping for, but some steps nonetheless.

I'll think of more to say later... Toby was up at 5 something this morning.

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

I will be fasting the internet until Weds morning 11/1 ... starting in a few minutes. So y'all feel free to fill this blog up with comments...

I need a breakthrough. I think this is the way.

I won't be checking email, either. So you'll have to call if you really need to reach me. But I probably won't answer as I do not like running and diving for the phone and then instantly into a conversation. Not my bag. But please leave a message and I will call you back. Unless you are just saying hi or something. Then I will acknowledge your greeting and ponder it in my heart.

Pray for me, folkies. Something's gotta give. L8r.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

I had a good day. And I laughed hard every time I read that blog. I
still think it's funny. And a very interesting fact that kidneys
cannot, in fact, explode. But if you operated on someone, and put an
incendiary device inside their kidneys, and you had the detonator...
it could still be a very real risk.
So don't be too cocky, Pam.
Today is Tuesday... that = getting ready for Radrev day around
here... except I'm thinking about hitting Walmart. My Walmart is
beginning to grow on me, now that I figured out where most of the
stuff is.
Toby is now saying No No back to me ... funny stuff.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Top o the Mundee to ya...
Thinking a little last night about "worst case scenario". What a load of bunk.
People never say the real worst case scenario.
"Worst case, you have to go next door and borrow some flour..." or something. I just can't say it. I know the worst case scenario is a wolf breaks down the back door and eats the family, then knocks something over and burns the house down. Now that's a worse case.
I mean, there is some seriously bad stuff that could happen... meteors, galactic realignments... nuclear explosions. Not to mention your basic natural disasters... tornadoes and such. Or getting burnt up by the sun. Or what if you are getting gas in your car, and you are talking on your cell phone because that is a MYTH, and it's not a myth and you blow up the whole gas station while you're on hold with the dentist? What if you're walking, and your kidneys explode? Tell me that.

So look on the bright side, folks. It could definitely get worse.

Friday, October 20, 2006

Well, I didn't review this last week... in case anybody hadn't seen
it yet.
One Night With the King: 2 stars. For costumes.
Really. The costumes were beautiful.
If you haven't read Hadassah, Tommy Tenney's book... you should. It
was great. The movie is pretty weak in comparison.

The thing is, it's this gorgeous, epic story. Esther is, I mean. It's
funny and suspenseful and tragic and redemptive. I could make a kick-
butt script just from the Bible. But they had all this politics and
history they were trying to teach during the movie and somehow, you
can just never connect. It wasn't AWFUL. It was just disappointing
because there was so much to work with. Do you know what I mean?

I mean gee whiz. I want to be madly in love with this king. He's a
bad boy... He's executing people and has concubines and wild parties
and banishes queens... he's rough. And there's this gorgeous innocent
and he is just blown away by her... and they are so in love that he
loses his pride and is willing to give anything for her. Good stuff.

But nope. It feels like Sci-fi.

BTW: I am 13 weeks today. Again. Second trimester. Next week, I will
be further along than what I thought I was before I got demoted last
week.

Oh, and you are totally welcome to disagree with me and my movie
review. I don't care. Just, this is my blog so I get the front page
MUAHAHAHAHA

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Very sleepy this morning... Toby has a cough and did not want to sleep last night... ever.

Just had an opening at the doctor's office. I'm outta here.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006


You were only 15 when I first heard you sing
And I said, Girl, someday I'm gonna marry you
We were so young, just having a little fun
but little did I know my words would come true

Sweet 16, and a drama queen
you were a little too much in love with the Lion King
But that's okay, I would say
Because I knew someday it would be me
And in my heart I would say

Sunflower girl, you light up my world
With your laughter and smile, you make life worthwile
and in the years to come, and all we'll go through
every day will get sweeter, being with you

17, the wedding bells ring
And I hear your voice say I do
with our hands held tight and our futures bright
we run into the joy we've been called to

Now you're 22 and we're saying "I still do"
I'm enjoying every minute just being with you
Having fun with our new son
And I'm more convinced than ever that I am so in love with you

Sunflower girl, you light up my world
With your laughter and smile, you make life worthwile
After all these years, and all we've been through
Still every day just gets sweeter, being with you

Every day just gets sweeter
And I'm more convinced than ever
That I'm so in love with you

Maybe someday, we'll be old and gray
Just holding each other with not much left to say
Looking back on a life fully lived, and looking forward to that day
And God your Father in heaven will say...

Sunflower girl, you light up my world
With your laughter and smile, you made it all worthwile
After all these years, and all we've been through
every day has been sweet, being with you
And every day will just get sweeter being with you

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

28 years ago, I took my first breath. And I've been breathing ever
since. I love my birthday. I used to start making birthday lists for
mama and daddy in August... just getting them ready. I'd submit
revised copies along the way.
One year, I must have been 4 or so, I got an Annie doll, and a
locket, and a red polka dot dress. Glory. I remember BEING Annie. You couldn't stop the Tomorrow.

28. Sounds so old. My apologies to the over-28 crowd... you don't
sound old. Just me. I still forget and think I'm 20 or so.

So here's to a new year...

Monday, October 16, 2006

Thanks for the pix, Beth!
SURPRISE


Ha! Leah threw a surprise party for me last night... fun fun fun... it was all girls at La Madeleine... And of course I wore a tiara and a boa... It was hilariously fun. And then I took my new gift cards for a test drive at Borders... YAY! And yes, I was surprised.

Updates... on my date Friday (oh solo mio) I did as planned, went to babies R Us... half price, salvation army. Fun was had by all and 11 dollars spent on an armload of books... such a happy feeling. I can't wait till I get bookshelves here and just get to gaze at all my new purchases in a row. Salvation Army stinks. Literally and the prices. I have heard tell from the resale queen (mama) that the Woodlands actually has some good stuff, so I will be checking out Upscale Resale, and of course, Rags to Riches.

R2 had his first soccer "practice" on Saturday. It was very very cute.... pix later. We are going to have to work on his volunteer though.. she's pretty low key and he just hangs with her... I want him to try new stuff.

Mommy meeting today. And glorious rain.

Friday, October 13, 2006

I posted this a week or so ago... but by ultrasound, I am 12 weeks today. So there you go.
**********************

Week Twelve

  • Vocal cords begin to form - While perhaps not quite ready to be introduced to the nearest opera stage, your infant will use these immediately following the moment of birth. Bet you can't wait to hear that first cry!
  • Those precious eyes begin to move closer together - Are you wondering if he will have mommy's crystal green eyes, daddy's laughing brown ones, or maybe out of the gene pool will emerge grandma's clear blue!
  • Ears shift to their normal place on the side of the head
  • Intestines move farther into your child's body
  • His or her liver begins to function - Responsible for cleansing the blood, storing nutrients, and providing needed chemicals, this is an important event!
  • The pancreas begins to produce insulin
  • Guess what? Your baby's average size is now at a whopping length: 2.13 inches (5.4cm) and weight: 0.49 ounce (14gm)




******************

Friday the 13th.... I get my 3 hours of personal time during the day today... I think I am going to drive to 1960 and go to Babies R Us (cue heavenly music) and Half Price Books (cue Metallica) and I don't know.... Salvation Army, maybe? Nice.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Well, after sleeping on it... I don't know.
Those ultrasounds actually are funny.. one looks like a girl, one looks like a boy.
It really is too early to tell, though.

But you know what? When we found out Toby was a boy, for a split second I was sad. This girl expectation had built up, and I was a little disappointed. (By the time we walked to the car, I was happy) But this time, when we saw what appeared to be a "male anatomy"... I was just excited... either way, this is really fun to me.

Toby is crawling like a madman these days. Just figuratively, of course. I have never seen a madman crawl. Oh, well, maybe at Christ the King during the renewal 1994-ish... saw quite a bit those days. But I digress. He is crawling really fast and ocassionally bottoms out and face-plants. He is also pulling up and cruising on the furniture... and falling over A LOT. I think he needs a helmet. Or maybe a Valium. Or maybe that's me.

I don't know if any Reicherts read this blog... but if so, HAPPY birthday to Larry.

oh, and I am changing my backup blog in case of MORE blogger failures to Jessica's Auxilary
Bookmark it when you get there, folks. Google has bought Blogger and I won't be surprised if there is a MONSTER crash in the offing.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006



Well, despite the hacker posing as me earlier.... I am just now reporting in.... with conflicting ultrasounds. But a feeling....

I am not as far along as I thought, only 11 and a half weeks. Due date 4/27. Everything looks good!

the New Clark will be
a boy
a girl
Multiple babies...all bets are off!
Free polls from Pollhost.com




My appointment is this afternoon.... it is probably too early to tell.... unless this is a boy.


Week Thirteen

  • Your infant is about 2.91 inches (7.4cm) and weighs around 0.81 ounce (23gm) - This is about the same weight as 4 quarters.
  • If you could peek in again you may spot your baby as he begins to practice inhaling and exhaling movements
  • Eyes and ears continue to move and develop
  • Baby's neck is getting longer, and the chin no longer is resting on his chest
  • Her hands are becoming more functional - Your baby may find it comforting to start playing with her fist.
  • At this point all nourishment is received from the placenta
  • On your next doctor visit you should be able to hear heartbeat with a Doppler by now - (Don't worry though if you can't, the heartbeat can be confirmed through U/S). Your baby's heartbeat is much rapider than your own and may remind you of the race towards birth that he is running!




  • Doe vs. Bolton... denied without comment. Sad. We'll have to appeal to a Higher Court, folks.

    Tuesday, October 10, 2006


    I have to scan in Richy's basketball picture.. so cute. His final
    "game" was Saturday. They had moonwalks and giant beach balls and in
    general, managed chaos.
    All of the kids have had a Buddy through the season that works
    specifically with them....Richy's buddy was late so he got to hang
    out with a few random ladies and charm them. He was so excited about
    all the party stuff. He was jumping and laughing and having a blast.
    It was a blast just watching him. He got a certificate and a few
    prizes... he didn't seem excited about it until we got home and I
    explained what his certificate said. "Good job, Richy, playing
    basketball!" (so it was a paraphrase)
    Now he is so proud of that paper. I'm going to have to frame it and
    put it up in his room.


    On to the next sport.... SOCCER... starts this Saturday. How cute is
    he going to be in his soccer uniform... This one is pretty exciting
    because actual soccer players are involved with the kids... fun fun fun.
    I think I'll just put the baby poll up tomorrow since my appointment
    is not until 3 anyway. You- shall have to wait.

    Sunday, October 8, 2006

    Friday, October 6, 2006

    Just rolling right along here... funny how fast a pregnancy goes when you are too busy to think about it. I am definitely feeling better... usually feel sick after I eat for a while...
    I have a belly but I have gained no weight. I guess it's because I am still nursing Tobias. Emotionally... I am starting to "get" this baby... and I am thinking it is a girl.
    Disclaimer: I was so sure Toby was a girl I already bought pink shoes by this point. I was wrong. Hard to trust a feeling after that. Nonetheless, I think this baby is a girl.
    Richy and the team led worship at a conference in MD last night, then drove to DC to stand on the Supreme Court steps with the Cause guys... no update yet. I imagine they are a) leading worship or b) sleeping. I plan on calling him in a minute.

    I am not lonely or forlorn. I miss my man, sure. But man.... solitude is my bag sometimes. Both kids are sleeping now... it's quiet and just so nice.

    Thursday, October 5, 2006

    PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL ON TO OTHER INTERCESSORS!

    I am here in Washington, DC where 70 – 100 intercessors have been
    standing 24 hours a day before the Supreme Court since Monday (Yom
    Kippur).

    Please join me tonight on the phone (Thursday, Oct. 5) at 10 PM
    Eastern (7 PM Pacific) for an emergency prayer phone call…We are
    sending out this alert to over 20,000 people, but we only have 800
    phone lines available.

    Please register right away to reserve your spot.
    http://www.Bound4life.com/emergency

    **The next 24 hours are CRITICAL for the Supreme Court!**

    THIS IS THE LAST CHANCE FOR THIS COURT TO DECIDE….

    They must decide by tomorrow whether or not they will hear Doe v.
    Bolton, the companion case to Roe v. Wade that made abortion on
    demand legal and is a cornerstone of legalized abortion.

    If they decide not to hear this case, it cannot be revisited for 8
    more years!

    Two years ago, they refused to hear Roe. It was "denied without
    comment." We can’t let this happen again!

    To read more about this case, go to http://www.Bound4life.com/doe
    The lawyer on this case, Alan Parker from the Justice Foundation, has
    specifically asked us to pray for them.

    They will be presenting over 5,300 pages of evidence and sworn
    testimony from 1,000 women hurt by abortion as well as sworn
    testimony by abortion facility workers, scientific and medical
    experts, and over 300 citations from scientific and medical articles.
    The motion also asks that Roe v. Wade be reversed and is accompanied
    by the affidavit of Norma McCorvey, who was “Jane Roe” of Roe v.
    Wade.

    Two nights ago, a prayer activist at JHOP had a very clear dream that
    indicated to us that Justice Scalia was going to be key in the
    decision of whether or not to hear this case. Please pray fervently
    for this man as well as for the three other justices who need to
    concur with him in order for this case to be heard.

    We feel that God is giving us the opportunity to agree with His heart
    and shift this Court to righteousness and justice.

    I have much more to share with you… Please join me on the call
    tonight at 10 PM Eastern (7 PM Pacific). Register right now to
    reserve your spot.
    http://www.Bound4life.com/emergency

    These next few hours are make-or-break for this critically important
    case.

    For LIFE,

    Lou

    PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL ON TO EVERY OTHER INTERCESSOR YOU KNOW!

    --
    If you do not want to receive any more newsletters, this link

    To update your preferences and to unsubscribe visit this link

    The Cause USA | 209 Pennsylvania Ave SE | Washington | DC | 20003

    Marnin, bloggers.
    Toby has been fighting sleep until 11 or so... but he's sleeping till 9.... I think it's a pretty good trade-off.
    I am 12 weeks now... 3 months.

    Week Twelve




    • Vocal cords begin to form - While perhaps not quite ready to be introduced to the nearest opera stage, your infant will use these immediately following the moment of birth. Bet you can't wait to hear that first cry!
    • Those precious eyes begin to move closer together - Are you wondering if he will have mommy's crystal green eyes, daddy's laughing brown ones, or maybe out of the gene pool will emerge grandma's clear blue!
    • Ears shift to their normal place on the side of the head
    • Intestines move farther in to your child's body
    • His or her liver begins to function - Responsible for cleansing the blood, storing nutrients, and providing needed chemicals, this is an important event!
    • The pancreas begins to produce insulin
    • Guess what? Your baby's average size is now at a whopping length: 2.13 inches (5.4cm) and weight: 0.49 ounce (14gm)





    I wish I had sparkling green eyes... like Ariel... but hey, maybe this will be a redhead with green eyes... always my favorite. That's how I colored Barbies in my coloring books and everything.
    Less than a week until ultrasound 1... I am getting my hopes down about being able to tell much... probably too early.

    Okay, Toby arises. Peace.

    Wednesday, October 4, 2006

    Let's just have a courtesy guys day till noon today...

    so, Josh. It's all yours unless you can scare up some menfolks.

    Tuesday, October 3, 2006

    Last night, on my date... I went to the library... alone.
    Then I went to see Facing the Giants. I gotta tell you, in the interest of full disclosure... I was expecting a stinker.
    (shocked expressions all around) Well, come on! When is the last time you saw a Christian movie that didn't make you kinda cringe inside? The writing, the acting... the computer animated Lake of Fire complete with cartoony devil type character.... If you are feeling stunned and thinking about how much you LOVED Megiddo, I'm sorry. I got nothing for you here.

    But anyhoo, it was not a stinker. It was good. True, there were moments of questionable acting.. plenty of them. But hey, Flicka, you know? I mean, questionable acting is by no means only a Christian street...
    But several times, the movie really got my heart. I cried. And I don't cry much. Pretty much anytime I cry, I report it here on the blog. That kinda thing.
    But these guys (Baptists) raised 100,000 bucks from their church to shoot this movie with an all-volunteer cast. And it is pretty good. Definitely worth supporting.

    In other news, for the first time in a long long time, I have a bathroom in my bedroom. Very handy for the 5 million trips a night (pregnant)... However, not turning the light on at night has re-surfaced one of my great fears... brought to my attention by Dave Barry.... squirrels in the toilet. I kid you not, I think about it every time. You must read. Squirrel in the toilet...

    Monday, October 2, 2006


    Happy Birthday, Kai... yesterday! It was a fast year...

    Man. Life has been a challenge lately. I am so tired and so grouchy... and I have children. So I just have to keep going and going. I am a whinybutt. I mean it. I am so glad none of you have to live with me. On the other hand, why don't you move in and take care of these kids so I can sleep?

    Today, Monday Morning Mommy Meeting. Then, I don't know. Tonight... 3 hours to myself. What shall I do?? I don't know yet, but it will be glorious.

    Friday, September 29, 2006

    Well. Stubb's is a little heavier on the BAR than the b-cue.... but it was outdoors so it wasn't too bad...

    Recap? Well, if you insist. We pulled into Austin around 5:30... checked into our hotel (you do get what you pay for, but at least it's clean). Fought over the remote... tv is a novelty. Then, off to the concert. Waited in line, yada yada...
    So we are waiting, waiting... Daddy has Toby in the Bjorn and he goes to sleep. Nice. There was an opening act guy. Poor little guy. Kinda wussy, plus I always feel sorry for openers who aren't billed. People feel hostile about waiting when they don't expect an opener. So he plays, and then sound guys wander around in their band shirts and little ponytails and turn the lights on and off and check mikes and such. For a LONG time. I was thinking about contacting my Congressman... has to be some kind of torture. Toby wakes up, gets mad, has a bottle.
    Finally, well after 9:00 Jonny Lang comes out. He was forgiven the second he opened his mouth. I.have.NEVER.seen.anything.like.it. He OWNS the guitar. He was sweating by the end of the first song... he ripped it up. We were both just incredulous. We have heard about the wonderkid.... but my gosh. You can't understand until you see him do his thing.
    Richy and I were just giddy looking at each other. It was amazing. He played for 2 hours or so, old songs, new songs... for the encore, an instrumental I Love You Lord....
    He makes guitar faces, all kinds of faces... he is 100% in the music. Fun fun fun.

    The later it got, the drunker everyone around us got and the cuter they thought Toby was.

    Observation: there is something normal about a drunk 20-something. Not Good. But kinda normal. Drunk, dancing 20-somethings? Kinda expected. But drunk dancing 40-somethings? Not normal. Odd. Embarassing. Drunk 40 something women dancing alone?

    Overall: everyone should see Jonny Lang live.

    Thursday, September 28, 2006

    You know, when you move to a new pad... you have to find your grocery store. I am so stinking close to the 242 Walmart.... but man... I just don't like it.

    You know who has a good format? Kroger. Just straight aisles all the way front to back, and the organization usually makes sense... mostly food, then not food. But stinky produce. I never like their wimpy little produce.

    HEB is my favorite, for stuff. It used to be the ghetto, so I never went there unless it was my only option. But they have upped the ante, and most HEBs are super nice now. The problem? WACK store design. It's like an obstacle course. You have to go in at produce (or the other side), and then curve around curve again JUST to get to the main store.... then there's the massive middle deli thing - basically you have to hike the whole entire store just to get back around to the cash register. Very inconvenient... maybe it makes people buy more? And then the checkout lanes are pretty tight. Not like good tight. Like a little squeezy. BUT great produce, and pretty good organization, like yeah, that's where the cleaning supplies should be and so on.

    But this 242 walmart is a pain. Spotty wimpy produce, although the fruit is pretty good... but I can't find anything! Yesterday me and the boys just went up and down every grocery aisle to get acquainted.... still seems wacky. I looked everywhere for popcorn. Oh, yeah, it's back in the beverage department. Well. Of course it is. And then, next to grocery, is the kids clothes? And then shoes? And then crafts? And way way over by the front off to the side near the pharmacy is the office supplies. But in front of that the greeting cards, and cosmetics. Of course. And a few clearance lanes. Oh, and a candy aisle, next to housewares. Are you confused yet?

    The dilemma is, do I give in and just go back to HEB, approximately 12 miles away.... or just suck it up because at least Walmart has clear paths to the cash registers????

    ***
    In other news, I shall be leaving in a few hours to go to Austin... Toby's first concert. Well, except for Radiant. Jonny is playing at Stubb's... which is a barbecue restaurant. And the tickets say outdoors... nice. 57 degrees is the low tonight in our great capital. VERY exciting.
    Oh, and my appointment was good. Non-eventful. How many babies have you had, any diabetes, are you taking prenatals, no sushi, etc. Yawn. I could have given that speech.
    I was pregnant in December of 2003
    through June of 2004.
    May of 2005 through December 2005
    Now, August 2006 through 2007... hopefully April.
    I know how to be pregnant.
    Oh, and Cletus? Now the size of a large lime.

    Wednesday, September 27, 2006

    Typical. Awake at 7 this morning, because, you know. I have to be somewhere at 10. This infernal brain.

    I summoned Georgia, did you see? It worked!

    Toby is getting at least one tooth on top. Ouch. He has been a little high maintenance... But hey, if I was cutting teeth I would be demanding, too.
    On the agenda today: shower
    peanut butter toast
    Appointment... just an interview... wish I was getting my ultrasound today.
    Pre lunch snack
    Lunch
    Then: who knows?

    BUT TOMORROW>... road trip! Off to Austin to see the great Jonny Lang! VERY fun... Hope Toby likes the blues. Although, since Jonny got saved, he ain't so blue. But I hope there's a little blues up in there ... at least maybe his guitar is still just a little sad.

    Tuesday, September 26, 2006

    Well, yesterday my insurance card came in the mail.... 25 days and approximately 10 phone calls later. Actually, two came. Whatever.

    So I have scheduled my interview tomorrow... wherein they interview me; and my first OB appointment October 11; wherein they do other things, including an ultrasound. Which is always exciting but especially because I will be like 13 or 14 weeks pregnant, and if this child is a male, I should be able to tell! (Girls, I have heard, tend to be more modest)
    So, finally, eh?

    Ended up not going to the memorial service... Tobias. He was threatening me with all out war. So, we stayed home. With the gorgeous weather and the windows open. I want to kiss this weather. It is so great.

    By the way, since I am a jerk, I wished not a happy birthday to clam, nor a happy anniversary, nor a happy birthday to Servant. My bad. I love you guys and wish you TRIPLE happies.

    Hey. Where is my sister? Geeeeeorgia. I need wit.

    Monday, September 25, 2006

    Feeling much more human today.... sheesh. I have not been that sick in a LONG time. What misery.
    And what mommy would find a salty snotty baby kiss gross? Even in my weakened condition that sounded like a good thing. I guess that makes me a bona-fide mom.

    Saturday, I took Richy to basketball. A very aggressive little kid knocked him down once. He didn't even cry. He was kinda concerned about it, but then he just went back to practicing his dribbling. That's an athlete. He also got his picture taken, for a trading card. Quite cute. I mean tough.

    Currently, I am debating getting out of bed and getting ready for a busy day of running around. But I don't wannnnnaaaaaa....
    Toby is sporting a pajama cape, as I never put his feet back in after his diaper change. He is currently lurking around my left leg, ocassionally taking a little bite while trying to get this laptop. Richy is kneeling on the floor by my right leg, clearing his throat over and over ( his morning routine) and randomly pointing toward the stairs where he hopes some Apple Zings and Milk are coming right up.

    Whine. I don't wannnnnnnna..........


    Okay, see y'all.

    Friday, September 22, 2006

    last night, around 7, me and the mister both started feeling queasy. By 9, I was fully engaged in the battle and then threw up all night long... every hour or hour and a half. And I still feel rotten. REALLY rotten.

    Thursday, September 21, 2006

    One of Toby's new things is playing in his brother's room... he gets dropped off in there by me, and immediately goes to the bass drum pedal. He then grabs the kick part with his hand, and in a kneeling position, plays the drum. This is good for literally minutes of entertainment. But, every time, he gets overconfident and ends up falling over. Which, between you and me, is not that big of a deal... no head bonking, just a nice soft faceplant in the carpet. BUT, every day, it is met with screams of rage and betrayal. It sounds like Jerry Springer in there. So, I come in and pick him up. And he cries and lunges for the drum. When I put him down he assumes the kneeling drummer position again, and again, and again. Very entertaining.

    Last night we went to Old Navy. I told Richy if I have a girl, he's in trouble. I may have to spend everything he makes on all these little peasant shirts and flowered jeans and so on. Fo-rizzle.

    Wednesday, September 20, 2006

    Well, according to Babycenter, if I am 10 weeks pregnant... (I think I may be more like 12)... but if I am 10, my baby is the size of a kumquat. What? Can I have that measurement in AMERICAN fruit?
    We used to have a kumquat tree outside our house when I was a kid... can you eat them? I never did. Huh. Seems to me they were about the size (circumference) of a Nilla Wafer. So, there you have it.
    This week your fetus is the size of a Nilla Wafer!
    Man, I have this gorgeous house covered in laundry. CLEAN laundry that has to be folded and put away... I hate this part. I wish a) the laundry would automatically go back to the proper drawers or b) we could just throw it away and buy some new clothes or c) I had a maid. This is not a solicitation for poor morning sick Jessica. This is just whining from your standard model Lazy Jess.

    Hey, and where is everybody? Do I need to stir up some controversy? Maybe put a picture of the Rock for Stephanie's pick?

    Tuesday, September 19, 2006

    Babies have it good with the whole whining thing. Imagine if we, as adults, just sat on the floor and kept up a steady moan... aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa and so forth. Would someone come rushing to our aid with mashed up veggies and toys and so on? HECK NO. Nada. Zip.
    But oh the whining.... it hits this central nerve right in between my ears. It sends a sharp spike of pain through my brain matter and then travels through my nervous system. And I am a slave to its bidding.

    In other news, no news. Have yet to receive my insurance... I have given up and am waiting semi-patiently 7-14 days for it to arrive. Morning sickness is lifting, nice. No weight gain yet, although I am getting a little poochy. Toby is getting a bottle of formula at night, and basically sleeping through... he wakes up once but goes back to sleep. He is also eating table food now, which is quite entertaining to me...

    How do I feel? Well, grumpy right now. I need breakfast.

    Monday, September 18, 2006

    Woke up this morning in a semi-panic, as the clock said it was after 10.... and I was missing my Monday Morning Mommy Meeting! But, of course, after I jumped out of bed and woke up Toby, I found out the clock was wrong.
    Ain't that the way of it?

    So, I'm off.

    Saturday, September 16, 2006

    If you check this again, hi! I love you! Have fun in Weimar!!

    Friday, September 15, 2006

    Hi, You've reached Amerigroup, please listen carefully as *BOOP*.
    If you are a provider, press *BOOP*
    If you *BOOP*
    If *BOOP*
    Please wait as we transfer you to a customer representative. (Cheerful soundtrack with woman talking. Have you heard about our Baby and Me program? Your call is important to us... blah blah blah)
    This is Ingrid/Carmen/Dolores/etc. Can I get your member number?
    Me: I don't have a member number. That's why I am calling.
    Name? Address? (I have a new address, please enter the new address every time I call for 2 weeks and never hit save so I have to update it the next time I call)
    Phone number? (ditto)
    Oh, you've been terminated. In March.
    me: That was a different pregnancy. I have a new account.
    Oh, well, I don't see anything here. Let me look.
    (here's where it varies) No, you aren't in here at all. Sorry./ Oh, here you are. Sure, you've been re-enrolled. It's all good. Card's in the mail./ No, you were terminated in March./ Oh, well, you will have to re-enroll. No, I can't do that here. You will have to call the other number and it's getting pretty late. Maybe tomorrow. / Huh. I don't see you in here. Terminated in March?/ Yeah, you will have to re-enroll and that probably takes like 4 or 5 weeks. Sorry. / Well, the system shows you were re-enrolled back on September 1st. You haven't gotten a card yet? Hmm. Yep. Here you are.
    (finally today for the love of God)
    I will send you another card. 7-14 days.
    *BOOOOOOOOOOOOP*

    Thursday, September 14, 2006

    So, we decided it would be better to have Sane Rested Mommy instead of Crazy Attachment Parenting Mommy. I broke all my rules. Fed the kid a bottle of formula and made him sleep in his own room.... and, get this. He sleeps all night and we both wake up happy. Crazy.
    I don't know what I want to do long term... but I forgot what it feels like to wake up rested. This is good stuff.

    Also last night I went to the movies alone again... I am digging this. I like going to chick flicks and such. Looks like we're going to make it a once a week thing.

    So, spirits are up. And horseriding today.... hopefully it won't be too hot and he can ride in the arena instead of in the woods.

    You MUST go see all the Toby pix from Picture People on my pix blog.

    Wednesday, September 13, 2006

    Captain's Log.... stardate blah blah blah
    You know what? I have never watched an episode of Star Trek all the way through. And I never care to. Because they stink.
    Am I feeling punchy? You better believe it. No sleep. No sleep. Same song, different verse.

    Richy made breakfast, that helped. But if anybody wants to fight me, bring it on.

    Tuesday, September 12, 2006

    The wireless signal here is SLOWER than dial up. Is God trying to develop patience, perseverance and proven character in me? Cause I wish He would knock it off.

    Kidding. Kinda.

    Toby woke up silly and very cheerful at 5 this morning. He climbed on us and chewed on our faces and cooed and so forth.
    He is also figuring out "real" crawling, although I was counting the scooting as real. Now I see the difference.

    New pix! ------------------------------------------------------>
    link is over here somewhere

    No insurance card, no doctor's appointment. The saga continues.

    Monday, September 11, 2006

    Can you believe it has been 5 years since 9/11?
    I was homeschooling Mercedes through first grade... we were just kinda waking up and starting the day when Rob called and told us to turn on the TV. And of course, at first we just thought it was a crazy accident. Until we saw the plane hit the second tower. What an insane day. And life in America has changed as a result.

    In other news, I am still sick. My mail was not forwarded, so I don't have my insurance card, so I can't make a doctor's appointment. I am learning patience. At least I'm not throwing up. I am just energy zapped nauseated until I can't move laying around kinda morning (ha) sickness. And this is pretty close to what all my pregnancies have been, not quite as strong as my sickness with the twins.
    I am also an emotional basketcase. But overall, doing ok.

    Monday Morning Mommy Meeting today... I shall drag my carcass to the church.

    Also, make sure you rinse your sheets. I thought mine would be okay when my washer broke during the rinse cycle, and now I look like a leper. Well, only more like a leper with chicken pox. But I figured it out last night and changed the sheets so hopefully the rash will disappear.

    I heard Mike shook it up yesterday with his message. Awesome. We'll have to get a copy.

    Friday, September 8, 2006

    Yo. I have missed you peeps. Sorry the blog went down... blogger. pluh.
    Lots to report... morning sickness, giant new house, washing machine broken, Special Champions basketball, more horseriding... hmmmm
    But my brain is too foggy. Hopefully it will catch up soon.

    Tuesday, September 5, 2006

    I have a tiny little signal from some neighbor... just saying hi and
    so on.
    More tomorrow when I have my real internet.

    Friday, September 1, 2006

    Well, this is it. Saying goodbye to Radiantville today... sheesh.
    And hello to the Battleship.... woo-hoo!

    Lots of nostalgia floating around the brain cavity... but I am too tired to process it.
    Richy (the small one) rode a horse again yesterday. He was excited in the car and then did really well. He rode a smaller horse, and seemed to have better balance.

    Last night Julie and Stephanie (the controversial one) came and packed the rest of everything... amazing.
    Anyone who wants to help us move call our landline... Our cells don't work in the country. We only have one helper during the daytime... sounds like more this evening and mañana...

    No internet at the new place until Wednesday. Miss me, miss me, now you better not kiss me.

    Thursday, August 31, 2006

    I seem to be good at it. At least, mild controversy. Understand, the
    comments I made about men and women and the word "hot" are
    generalizations. I know women are capable of sleazy thoughts, and men
    are capable of objective thought. I was just saying, and I have had
    this conversation with lots of people, actually. (I used to spend
    8-12 hours a day in a van in mixed company) that GENERALLY a man
    using "hot" as a reference is more sexual than a woman using "hot" as
    a reference.

    I would also like to say, for the record, that I do not find Tom
    Selleck attractive. He is too hairy.

    Now, on to my real topic. Tonight will be my last night in my little
    house in the woods. Feeling a little nostalgic. When we moved in here
    in December of 2002, it was just one room. The only door inside was
    the bathroom. Then we built a laundry room.... and lived for a couple
    years. Then I started going nuts and they built the new bedrooms and
    the deck. What a pretty little cottage it is now.
    I will miss you, little house. I will miss my purple kitchen. I will
    miss my pretty little room with all the windows. I will miss the rain
    on the roof- badly.
    I will miss a house that has the memory of all of my babies, so far.
    I will miss Juan and Sandy and the camaraderie and friendship. I will
    miss not having rent. I will miss being far enough away that no one
    ever drops in.
    You have been a good little house. Thanks.

    Wednesday, August 30, 2006

    Last night I fed Toby rice cereal when we got home at midnight. He
    loved it. He was smacking his lips and talking, etc. etc. Then I
    nursed him to sleep.
    He then woke up around 3, 5, 7 and 8 for meals. So much for the
    cereal theory.

    I am never going to sleep through the night again. Ever.

    Tuesday, August 29, 2006

    Well, the offer is still out there. Perfectly good yet annoying
    Siamese kitten available. MamaPC is considering the offer...

    Yesterday, my very good type A friend came over and packed 75% of my
    house. And brought dinner. Wooooohoooo.... and it was good. Julie
    Davis, you say? Bingo!
    So that is a huge relief and today we have radrev... which kinda
    takes the whole day.

    Except... my poor little Richy has a dental appointment... I am
    dreading it for him. Maybe it will be easy. Maybe...

    If you have not been to RadRev yet, shame on you! Come tonight!

    Monday, August 28, 2006

    No blog this marnin. I am tired.
    Monday Morning Mommy Meeting today... fun.

    mas later.

    Sunday, August 27, 2006

    When we got Sing-Sing... I was apprehensive. In my younger days, I was a cat person... I have evolved with age into a general disliker-of-animalkind.
    They're pretty and all. I just don't want them to touch me and so forth.
    But SingSing won the hearts of the males around here and so, I tolerated her.

    But she is a cat. A very cat. She chases everything and jumps out of corners and climbs on the table and knocks things down and goes on neurotic Siamese rampages where she runs at lightning speed all over the house.
    She's a good cat. I just don't want a cat.
    Now, with a 3rd baby coming and the emotions and all the changes.... I really don't want a cat.
    So, Sing-Sing is available to a good home. She has her shots, except rabies.

    Come on now. Somebody really wants this cat.

    Friday, August 25, 2006

    Okay, so yesterday afternoon, the gents and Lentil and I went out. Soon, this will not be such an undertaking, because we will live closer to "out". On the other hand, I will have 3 children. It's a tradeoff.
    First stop... the bank. Not interesting. Second, the library, where R2 and I checked out a book about horses. "See the horse, Richy? You're going to meet a real horse today!" Flapping, page turning, etc. General agreement.
    Then, we were off to the Y. Richy read (well, you know) his book and I got lost. For some reason, I thought the Y was on 2854. Luckily, I have been through Issues enough times to plan for enough time to get lost and still be there on time. So, a few minutes early, we pulled up at the stables.
    We walked out there... man, it had to be 100 degrees and it was 6:00! I had Tobes in the stroller with a bottle of water. We had to wait our turn, so we watched the horses. MAN! Those suckers are huge! We finally sat at the table with a few other specials... they had their helmets and so on. So cute. Paperwork, paperwork.

    The whole time R2 is pointing at the horse... like, "I thought you said I was going to get on the horse..."
    Finally it was his turn. They talked him through everything, put on a little helmet... he was a little nervous about that. Then they walked up this big ramp so he was standing right by the top of the horse. By this point, I had a mad overheated Toby in the Bjorn, and I was taking pictures. They helped him climb up on the horse, and then they walked the horse through the ramp while they both held R from the side.


    He seemed really intent. He wasn't flapping or talking or smiling, but I could tell he was really into it. They walked him around a few laps... They would stop and change his position a little, focusing on different muscles and such. Then they helped him dismount... and he came back to me.
    His little head was so sweaty from the helmet, and he was really flushed. It was just so neat because he was really thinking about what had just happened. He looked bigger, somehow.
    So they will be seeing him every Thursday for 45 minutes or so. Very exciting.

    Thursday, August 24, 2006

    Last night I went on a date... by myself.
    VKG kept the young--uns... except for little Lentil... and I went to the movies... where I ordered nachos with jalapenos and milk duds. It was great. Watched a little Hilary Duff chickflick... which I laughed very loudly at.... sometimes stuff is funnier when you are by yourself.
    Then Lentil and I went to Borders and had a bread bowl of pasta fagioli... which is kinda funny to say... and it wasn't that good. But, protein in there and whatnot. Then I wandered around Borders for a few minutes and purchased this book... of babies... on clearance for 5.99!
    Fun was had by all... I like me.


    Tonight is R2's evaluation for the horseriding therapy program... Leap of Faith. Very exciting stuff.

    Wednesday, August 23, 2006

    Today, the radiants are recording. I am not very sick yet... I should cook some stuff and freeze it. And clean my house.
    Or, lay around and read books.
    Debatable.
    Anybody want a cat?

    I am so tired. So wewwy wewwy tiwed. Waaaaaaaaaaa!

    Okay: blogging.
    You know when you're finished with one thing and ready to go to the next thing but you have to WAIT? That's me. I am so ready to go get in my new house... so exciting. And it's only 8 days or so. But you know, a watched pot and so on...
    And of course, very little is packed. And the radiants are recording until Sunday. Handy. But don't worry your maternal hearts... I do not exert much effort when un-pregnant... I will certainly not strain a single muscle when pregnant. I might put books in a box. That should be acceptable. I have two appointments with Type-A's coming up to come and help clean and pack. How embarassing... I need to pre-clean and pre-pack.
    Or, lay around and read books.
     
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