Farwell My Faithful Pencil

By James

At the beginning of our homeschool year Mommy gave me a .5mm Zebra mechanical pencil - made in Japan. It was my first mechanical pencil. With this pencil I could write my chinese characters very acurately and do my math very quickly. I went really fast through my Saxon 6/5 mathbook. I even wore down the eraser. For Christmas I got a frying pan eraser and used it to erase mistakes, the pencil still worked. On March 21 I was about to do my math but my pencil had no lead. I tried to refill but it didn't work. I brought it to Mommy and we discovered it was jammed with little pieces of lead. We took it apart and tried to fix it but the metal got bent in the process. Then I felt very sad. As sad as if my best friend wasn't friends with me anymore. I felt sad all day, even in the night it was hard to sleep. I felt sad the next day. Mommy had the same pencil in her pattern drafting box and she gave it to me. I took this picture of my first pencil so I will never forget it. Now I hope my new pencil lasts longer.

Think Spring!

Here is the first of a pile of projects I have been finishing up. This one is first because I actually wanted her to get some wear out of it before it got too warm. I picked the fabric up from Habermans a few years ago and lined it with a hot pink Kaffe Fasstt print. The pattern is from girly style wardrobe.

This was a quick and fun project. I especially liked using my snap press for the first time (I got it over a month ago for my birthday but have been too sick to put it to use).

What it less impressive about this post is my lack of landscaping. Now that is where I need some real help. Maybe I should look into some Japanese landscape books. I seem to like the simplicity of Japanese style.

"Was it ever a living thing"?

William has a thing for reading the nutritional facts and ingredients on all his food. This recently led to a discussion on the origin of different foods. It turned into a game. Each taking turns pointing to things around the kitchen and asking "was it ever a living thing"? Someone brought up a LEGO brick. The kids said "no way it was ever a living thing". Paul then presented the argument that petroleum may have been used in manufacturing LEGOS and petroleum may be traced back to dinosaur remains. So Peter says "LEGOS are dead dinosaurs"!

This is typical of our mealtime entertainment. I am grateful when Paul is around to facilitate such fun because thinking too hard can interfere with my kitchen tasks. Another recent mealtime game the boys have enjoyed is: "can you find an un-named penisula"? off the kitchen map.

Thank you Nanny

Peter is a little sensitive guy. He has been having trouble sleeping due to all the changes and stress around here. Nanny made him this quilt and was going to bring it along on their visit later this Spring. She thought it might be better to send it sooner. She was right and now Peter is finally getting some rest.

Have you noticed that I just can't get him out of those Spiderman Jammies?

#26 -The North Star

James participated in The Raingutter Regatta this week. His Uncle and cousins helped him form the boat while he was still in Mapleton and I then let him decorate it in my bed with a pile of Sharpies (yikes!). James came up the concept on his own, "The North Star", and said it was inspired by this lesson. The sail is decorated with a compass, the big dipper, and Chinese characters for "north star".

James sure looks cute in his uniform - it suits his personality and own personal style.

Mommy's bad idea for the day

I am up and about now. Just not in sync with our regular routine. That is why yesterday we did not have breakfast until 10:00 and I did not get a shower until 11:30. So what do you do with two active girls when you need time to take care of yourself? I thought it would be a good idea to stick Clara in the tub (since I know she can't climb out) with a few toys and I could watch her while I showered. I did not even consider her turning the water on. Luckily it wasn't the hot water! I should have just let her take a real bath but at the time it seemed like too much work to undress her and fill up a tub. Maryanna decided to join her but had the sense and ability to undress herself. She was quite entertained by dumping water on Clara fully dressed. Peter then stepped into the bathroom and said "Hey- no fair! you never let me take a bath with my clothes on".

Active, Sweet, and Smart

Maryanna has a reputation of being very naughty - which is true at times but as I've slowed down I've been able to observe her in a different light. All the things which frustrate me are really just qualities that will develop into a individual capable of incredible works. These photos illustrate her unique presence.

Active- always jumping, dancing, climbing, rolling, running, and somersaulting

Sweet- since Maryanna returned home last Friday she has been cautious not to jump on me. Instead she has wrapped her blanket around my shoulders, rubbed my back, kissed my feet, and sung songs to the baby in my tummy.

Smart- this one surprised me the most. I told her she could only stay in my bed this morning if she sat very still. So I gave her a pencil and some paper to entertain herself as I drifted in and out of sleep. I heard her singing and talking to herself but what caught my attention was her repitition in saying the letters M-O-M. I asked her what she was doing and she said "I draw a picture you mom". The picture was just piles of scribbles but I was a little freaked out to see the letters M-0-M (although scattered around). I didn't even realize she knew any letters let alone how to spell and write. I'm guessing it is from the boys who went crazy with the label maker my mom gave me - they labled all our seats in the kitchen and that is where she sees the letters M-O-M everyday. So I guess as long as I can get her to sit still she will have the capacity to learn just like her brothers. And I also realize I shouldn't be so hard on her but instead have more patience in nurturing her in her many talents and abilities. So I'm officially removing her "difficult child" label.

More on Kid Style

These pictures were taken of James and William over a year ago shortly after Clara was born. I asked them to get ready for church all by themselves. I was impressed by their obedience and even more entertained by the outcome. You can truly see their personalities here. After taking their pictures I casually altered their outfits, celebrating the fact that they were so independent and obedient in their actions.

As part of preparing for the arrival of our baby I have set aside outfits for both church and hospital visits.

A Style of Her Own

Little MooMoo loves life! It manifests itself in many ways and now I see it in the way she dresses. These pictures were taken before I got really sick and was just starting to "let things go". Typically I dress her, though more so out of entertainment than a task. It was amusing for me to see what she came up with on her own but I wonder if she will ever let me dress her again.

In the first outfit she is sporting an out grown T-shirt from Querolets - a great shoe shop in Barcelona. They gave us the t-shirt when we purchased her last year's summer sandals. It is paired with my favorite hand-me-down pants from Cheryl.

The second outfit starts with a bright orange bucket hat that Nanny sent in a get well package - she loves it so much that she wears it inside as well. Also suited here is a knit top from Naartijie and some striped Carter's pj bottoms that she probably just didn't take off from the night before.

My issues with dressing kids is this: I want them to have freedom but at the same time I don't want them looking like rugrats. Maybe I should make the rule that if we are home they can wear what they want but if we are out I am allowed more direction. I am just sensitive to the rugrat thing because it is intesified by they number of children tagging along.

Too much time for blogging

I typically give myself 15-20 mins. a day for computer time. I've got way too much time on my hands today. It has been fun though catching up on friends blogs.

I was reading through my friend Alexis' blog and didn't notice she "tagged" me here. The problem is I have books piled up all around me, some of which are all in Japanese and I can't even read them, I just use them.

Here are the official rules:
Find the book closest to you with at least 123 pages.
Turn to page 123.
Find the fifth sentence.
Post the next 3 sentences.
Tag 5 people.

I'm not going to follow them. I will however share the words from my bookmark which always inspires me even if I am reading a mindless book.

To be a righteous woman is a glorious thing in any age. To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling.

The righteous woman's strength and influence today can be tenfold what it might be in more tranquil times.

Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help save the home which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know of in the storm and strife -Spencer W. Kimball

I tag anyone who feels like playing along.

I just can't resist

I am not a stay in bed person. Including my time in the hospital it has been 5 days so far that I have been in bed. I don't know how some women do this for weeks and even months.

Yesterday I read blog after blog, half a book, and a couple of magazines. I still can't knit because my hand is a bit sore from some stitches so I had Paul bring out my project bucket. Good thing I drafted all those patterns last week because that would have been impossible without a hard surface. So I'm cutting out patterns on my bed while I lay on my side. Hope I don't cut through my bedding. And I especially hope I'll be up and able to whip these up before the baby comes because it is getting warmer and Maryanna needs some Spring clothes.

These will be some gray linen cuffed bloomers. A knock off of what I saw here.

Baker's Dozen

So I'm on strict bedrest right now. Well at least for the week until I'm fully recovered from the weekend trauma. Cheryl took all my kids yesterday plus hers = 13 kids under the age of 13. Her husband and babysitter were not available to help so the super of all super moms did it on her own. When I asked her how it went she replied "I don't know how mom did it - no wonder our house was a mess and our hair was not always combed". But the kids had a blast just as we did growing up.

I am so lucky to have my sisters here to help. Now they are in Mapleton with Emily. She has 5 kids still at home so that only makes 10 kids with the addition of mine. It is sure to be fun! Hopefully I'll be back on my feet by Sat.

Thanks again to my amazing sisters who know just how to handle a load.

Free toys from the hospital

I went through a few of these barf trays over the weekend. The inspiration came to me just as the nurse saw my quesy condition and shoved the tray in front of me. It is kind of weird but as I was vomitting all I could think about was Peter's little Spiderman guy and how this tray would make a perfect bath for him. Peter loves bringing Spiderman in the big bath but now Spiderman could have his own bath! So upon discharge I requested a fresh barf tray from the nurse "just in case" I needed it on the way home. Good thing I didn't need it because Peter is having so much fun with it. I think it would work great for Polly's or Barbies as well. So if you are planning an up coming visit to the hospital try to bring a few home and offer them as presents when you are reunited with your kids.

I just wish I had a good excuse to request a fresh measuring cylinder for urine. Now that would have been cool for James and William's science box. But they were just as thrilled with the large plastic drinking mug and flexible straw that sounds like a whistle when you blow through it.

Patients learn Patience

And a whole lot more. So much for trying to be the invincible super-mom. I have been in the hospital for three days now due to a major rash. It is thought that I may have reacted to some Codeine that I was given for the horrible flu I had a few weeks ago or maybe just a reaction to the virus. The diagnosis is still non-conclusive but the good news is I am getting better. I don't look too great in the picture but when I came in on Saturday I was unrecognizable.

I thought I would only be in for a few hours of evaluation so I drove myself to the hospital and told Paul I'd be back later in the day. I guess my apperance was quite impressive because I was immediately admitted and the doctors were soon taking pictures of my "impressive" condition. My initial thought and response to being admitted was ..."this is great - now I don't have to cook dinner". But I wasn't prepared for the drama that was to soon follow. I won't go into the details but I had even more reactions to the steroids that were given to stop the swelling and then started going into pre-term labor. But I'm happy to say that I am quite stable now and may even go home later this afternoon. I just need to force myself to rest and be prepared in case the baby does come early.

Just a few more random thoughts that may be added to my lessons learned in 2008.

1. Be well groomed always! If you go the hospital even if you don't think you will be admitted make sure you are well groomed. I must not have been feeling good the morning I went because I took a quick shower without washing my hair and was careless in only shaving one leg.

2. Gratitude for modern medicine, hospitals, doctors, midwives, and nurses. When you don't really need them it is hard to appriciate their great care, experience, knowledge, and compassion. It really is a thankless job especially when you are spending all night on your feet taking care of those in need.

3. Gratitude for family who make sacrifices in their own lives to help each other when in need. I can't believe my mom still has energy to dress 5 kids and get them all to 9:00 am church then sit with them through Sacrament meeting by herself. Even I need Paul's help with that. Also the doctors in my family who were able to visit, consult and really push the doctors through the care I needed. And of course Paul who showed up at the hospital for a short visit then ended up staying for two nights and two days giving up much sleep in order to comfort me like no one else could have.

4. Life is a precious gift. We may be in control of so many things in our lives but the most important things we have...our breath, beating heart, and functioning brain are not ours to own. They are given to us for a purpose, not to be idle or distracted by frivolous things. We must make the most of them in making this world a better place, that is why we are here and that is why I feel I was spared during this whole ordeal.

Lost in Translation

I spent the last few days tracing and drafting patterns from these Japanese sewing books. The kids were funny and super impressed by the project - James said "wow Mom, that looks like the hardest thing you have ever done". But since I have experience in pattern drafting it is really not that hard - it just looks confusing at first glance with all the lines and Japanese characters plied on top of each other. It was helpful though to spend a few afternoons with Yuka (a Japanese Student at U of U). I helped her sew her dress while she helped me with some translation. I'm excited about the projects that are now ready to be cut out and hope to post some of them by the end of the week.

I like how Yuka's dress turned out but I will say it was somewhat humbling fitting a skinny Japanese girl while I am 8 months pregnant. That is why most of my sewing projects are for the little girls and not myself.