Raindrops on Roses

...and whiskers on kittens

Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens

Brown paper packages tied up with strings

These are a few of my favorite things...

I love Julie Andrews in "The Sound of Music." (I hope you do, too, as this song now is stuck playing over and over in your mind!!) Today, I was remembering that song as I was enjoying one of MY VERY favorite things...

The treekids have a mild obsession with temporary tattoos. I guess they are like stickers - but they last longer? I am not sure why they like them so much, but it is one of THEIR favorite things.

I am not fond of tattoos. However, I know without a doubt what kind of tattoo I would get if ever I were to take the plunge. As a nursing mom - who truly enjoys nursing her babies, I find that there are many little things that I really enjoy about nursing. I like the closeness of the baby. I like the way that the baby is dependent on me to make all the nutrients for him or her. I like how simple the process is - not having to cart around formula and such. There are many many other things to like about nursing one's babe as well. However, there is one thing that I LOVE - absolutely without a doubt, L - O - V - E, love...

Ear prints.

Yes, ear prints on my forearm. A mom who is nursing her baby has the baby facing her chest instead of facing the ceiling, so, the side of baby's head is resting on the forearm at times. When the baby lays in this position long enough, an "ear print" is left on the arm. When you lift your baby, you notice this imprint left behind from your precious bundle. Perhaps you've had a print before and you never noticed. Perhaps you've seen the print but it didn't make an impression on your heart the same way it did on your arm.

Today, I noticed my first ear print from my newest bundle of love. His first noticeable mark. When they are so small, with soft and flexible ears, many times their ears are bent and don't leave a mark. Or the cartilage is still so soft that not much of a discernible ear mark is left. But, today, this evening actually... an ear print was left on my left forearm and I grinned... from ear to ear!!

So, in light of the treekids loving their temporary tattoos, I have to admit, that I, too, must like them. I don't know what it is exactly for me, but there is nothing quite like a "temporary tattoo" left behind from baby's ear. So, if ever I decided to take the plunge and get a permanent tattoo (don't look for this to happen in any foreseeable future!)... I would have one of my favorite things put on my forearm... a baby ear print.

So Very Thankful

for all my "butterballs"...

Large

Medium

Small

X-Small

Each of my treekids is such a blessing and enriches my life every day!! And without Pops, none of them would be possible...

I couldn't be more thankful to God for my family - what a treat they are!!

GO - kiss and hug all of your "butterballs" and don't forget to love on the one who you share them with!!!

Sleep...

when

the

baby

sleeps...

.........ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........

My Daybook, Entry #10 - New Baby Edition!!

FOR TODAY
Monday, Nov 23, 2009...

Outside my window... it is DARK, now. It is nearly 11:30 pm. All children are sleeping and I am headed to dreamland soon. Today was sunny and cool.

I am thinking... that a new baby's smell is THE BEST and I wish they could truly bottle that scent!

I am thankful for... the safe and healthy arrival of our newest little bundle!

From the learning rooms... I believe that we are "officially" on a baby break for a bit.

From the kitchen...

Monday: Beef Tenderloin Steaks on the grill

Tuesday: Keilbasa & Kraut

Wednesday: Spaghetti

Thursday: Sometime today we will feast on a turkey with all the fixin's

Friday: A local restaurant will feed us authentic Mexican Fare!

Saturday: Too far out to decide for now!

Sunday: So, we'll go with a plan later...

I am wearing... Cozy lounge wear and an abdominal support "item" - HOLY COW, even after baby was born the stress on my back muscles and abdominal muscles was ridiculous. Something about having an excessive amount of amniotic fluid and a good sized baby will do that to a girl and her body!

I am creating... peacefulness in my home. I hope it sticks!

I am going... to remember that my mom is here to help around our home and I need to take it easy and nap every day.

I am reading... a few magazines arrived in the mail last week and I saved them to take to the hospital and still haven't read through them. Family Fun, Better Homes & Gardens and Redbook have never waited so long to be read at my home!

I am hoping... that the swelling in my feet and ankles and calves begins to go down - and quickly. I am kind of not too "into" that whole swollen feeling.

I am hearing... the stirring of little baby squawks as a hungry fellow wakes to nurse again.

Around the house... Trying to find the new rhythm that will be ours in the next months.

One of my favorite things... teeny tiny brand new babies... mine. (I mean, ours, Pops... really "ours" - but that feeling of holding in my arms "MY teeny tiny brand new baby"... can't be beat!)

A few plans for the rest of the week... a few re-checks on baby and myself this week, a turkey feast on Thanksgiving, Grandpa (my dad) arrives this Friday, BLACK FRIDAY shopping is coming up - I will have to look online for those crazy sales offered there, I guess! Anyone have anything that they are planning to beat their neighbor to the store over? Have you been checking the Black Friday Ads websites to get your plan in order... I am having withdrawal symptoms this year - share the plans share YOUR plans!!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

To read more daybooks or to join in the fun, head over to Peggy's.

Meeting & Greeting

Bud, Branch and Blossom stopped by the hospital today with Geemah to meet their new little brother. They were super thrilled to meet and hold him and are very excited for us to come home soon!

It's a BOY!!

Just wanted to say, "HI!"

Date: November 20, 2009

Time: 11:53 pm

Weight: 8 lb. 5 oz.

Length: 20 3/4 in.

I was thoroughly enjoying my nice warm bath... and then the nurse decided it was time to get out. I think that was rotten.

And why to get out of that bath?? They stuck my heel to make sure my blood sugar was good. I could have told them it was just fine... I am as sweet as pie!

Mommy and I are doing fine. We are tired. No, make that exhausted. It was a LOOOONG day. More to share later!

My Daybook, Entry #9

Looks like clicking "publish" is important after all! "Save" will put it away for later - lucky for me!!

FOR TODAY
Monday, Nov 16, 2009...

Outside my window... a cold start today (38 degrees!!), but is warmed up nicely to 60 degrees and beautiful sunshine!!

I am thinking... that a November baby would be just as lovely as a December baby!!

I am thankful for... claw type hair clips. Some days, I just have to twist all this hair up and get it out of the way!

From the learning rooms... Week 13 in our plans and a break for "Along the Alphabet Path" with Blossom. She is losing enthusiasm, so we will bench it until we regain all that enthusiasm!!

From the kitchen...

Monday: Elk Roast, Spaghetti Squash, Peas, Salad

Tuesday: I think that

Wednesday: each day will

Thursday: be a challenge

Friday: for deciding what

Saturday: to make to eat.

Sunday: We will wing it!!

I am wearing... Jeans and a sweater.

I am creating... a BIG baby belly.

I am going... to try to take it easy. That is so much easier said than done.

I am reading... A few handouts from the OB office... what to pack to take to the hospital, how to spot signs of postpartum depression, ever-enlightening! Kind of done this a handful of times!

I am hoping... That you will all pray for a safe and healthy delivery of baby.

I am hearing... Not a whole lot... with the weather so nice, the kids are busy outside right now!

Around the house... It's beginning to look a lot like... a birthday - a new one, one that will bring us a new family member to hug and squeeze!!

One of my favorite things... HOT HOT HOT Showers.

A few plans for the rest of the week... tomorrow, we'll take that stray cat of Blossom's to the vet's office downtown to eliminate the possibility of kittens showing up on our doorstep, Geemah has bumped up her arrival date and will fly in on Wednesday afternoon, Bud has a Blue Knight Boy's Club meeting on Wednesday night, An appointment at the maternal-fetal specialist on Thursday...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

I think that we need to have a few photography lessons for Bud...

regarding holding the camera STILL when taking a picture!!

To read more daybooks or to join in the fun, head over to Peggy's.

A Box in the Mail!!

Geemah has been busy at her house sewing away for my girls. She sent this last week for Branch - do you think my girl liked it??

Yep! She loved it!! I should have taken an up close of the fabric... it is all western!!! I love it when my mom is feeling all inspired to be creative and sewing!!! She is busy like a bee and I will have lots of pictures to post of new fun things, soon, I am sure!!

A cute outfit was sent for Blossom a few days later - but, I had to send it back for some alterations!! More pics when it arrives here again!!

Wacky Words Wednesday

Blossom, our boisterous (read: loud voice that carries for miles) and dramatic treekid climbed on my lap and whispered the wackiest thing to me this morning as I was sitting in the rocking chair watching her being silly...

"Shhhhhhhhh. Mommy, if you be very very quiet, I will give you a dollar!"

Maybe that is how we will accomplish learning to use an "indoor" voice...

A dollar a day will keep the volume away?

No Photos, Please!!

Sometimes a baby's fist is chubby and dimpled nearly 4 weeks before we were expecting that it would be!!

The ultrasonographer is estimating the current weight of our baby at 8 lb. 1 oz.

My Daybook, Entry #8

FOR TODAY
Monday, Nov 9, 2009...

Outside my window... 47 degrees, cloudy and breezy

I am thinking... That I had the MOST lovely time at the baby shower that Jessica threw (click on the link to go see all the pictures that she posted!! I was too busy at the shower to even take ONE picture!) in celebration of our baby on the way! THANK YOU so much, Jessica, and to everyone who was there!!!

I am thankful for... self-restraint. I still have a little bit left - I nearly ate Bud and Blossom this morning. Some mamma bears don't have that much restraint and the cubs would have been toast!

From the learning rooms... Week 12 in our plans and "F" week for "Along the Alphabet Path"

From the kitchen...

Monday: Pizza

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe's

Wednesday: Roast - or some crockpot concoction

Thursday: Breakfast - Pops is out of town

Friday: Steaks

Saturday: Chili

Sunday: Any good ideas?? Chicken Scampi or Stir-fry sound yummy!!

I am wearing... Jeans, long sleeved t-shirt, flip-flops (I just let the dog out) and my glasses - I need to go find my contacts!

I am creating... A baby sling/pouch for myself! My gift one turned out well!!!

I am going... To my midwife's office today for an ultrasound and "regular appt." I am measuring big, so they are trying to get a feel for how baby is growing... slow down, baby! You have another few weeks to cook!!

I am reading... How to prepare "Hansel & Gretle's Tasty Children Stew."

I am hoping... That all goes well with the rest of this pregnancy.

I am hearing... The dishwasher running. I miss our old dishwasher - from 2 1/2 years ago. It was soooo quiet. This is a "pretty" Amana, but it isn't as quiet or as good at the actual cleaning.

Around the house... Preparing for baby's arrival!!

One of my favorite things... Honeycrisp or Pink Lady Apples. YUM.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Breathe. And then, think about what we'll do the rest of the week!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Bud's photo of a deer on the hunting trip.

To read more daybooks or to join in the fun, head over to Peggy's.

At Camp

Out on the hunt, the guys also were camping. No posh lodging for them. Although, that was exciting for Bud. I think that the camping part was as appealing as following on the hunt!

Peering in, nothing appears too fancy...

Bud was sort of tired after all that hiking!

Upon closer look, we see that they weren't hurting too badly... a nice toasty warm heat stove!!

Because the girls knew there was camping involved, they were slightly bummed to be missing that. So, in honor of "d"iva week, I invited them to a slumber party! We watched movies, ate popcorn, brushed hair, ate scones and

they crashed... HARD! The girls had fun, but it was a late night for them!!

Seems as though my "other" little diva even joined the fun. She was not impressed by the flash on the camera! OK, girls... sleep tight!

Wordless Wednesday

More of the Hunting Trip (Perfectly Safe for Weak Stomachs!!)

So, when people head out to hunt... they get to take in some pretty awesome scenery! I totally "get" that part of hunting! I think it would have been fun to tag along to take some pictures - although I would have preferred a posh hotel with a super soft bed with a feather comforter. Mmmm, doesn't that sound lovely?

Anyway, on the way out to Joseph and Enterprise in northeastern Oregon, my boys found a few opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery!

Sometimes, I think that my kids are as great a part of the scenery as the trees around them...

An occasional bovine creature never hurt the scenery in my book!

I wonder if you can tell why they call these mountains the Bear Claws?

I loved the movement of the water in this one...

It seems as though Pops wasn't the only one taking pictures of the scenery!!

Bud received a camera for his birthday from Grandpa and Grandma in Nebraska, and he brought it along to "shoot" his own elk! Before they ever got to the designated hunting area, he appears to have "shot" something! I'll have to bug him to get me his camera so that I can download his pictures and share this hunting trip from his view, too!

My Daybook, Entry #7

FOR TODAY
Monday, Nov 2, 2009...

Outside my window... 45 degrees, sunshine. Should get to the mid-sixties today.

I am thinking... That it is going to be getting dark too soon in the evening.

I am thankful for... a brood of healthy and happy children who realized this past week that they really like each other and miss each other when they aren't all together!

From the learning rooms... Back to school... Week 11 in our plans and "E" week for "Along the Alphabet Path"

From the kitchen...

Monday: Pops put a roast in the crock pot... it smells good. I think that is what we'll have tonight - hope he wasn't planning something else with that!!

Tuesday: Deviled Eggs with something... ham. That sounds good together, I think.

Wednesday: Breakfast for Supper!! Poached eggs and Pops' cheesy scrambled eggs!

Thursday: Chicken Tenders

Friday: OUT! (Please!!)

Saturday: Chili

Sunday: Spaghetti

I am wearing... Comfy non-restricting clothes. NOthing spectacular... just comfy. We're staying home today and it SHOWS!! Please, please, please... no one come to the door today!!

I am creating... A baby sling/pouch and an embellished baby onesie for a family member's recently delivered newborn.

I am going... To tidy and organize the loft/school area this week and make room for a "Moses Basket" that I purchased for this new little bundle!

I am reading... How to make a custom baby sling/pouch!

I am hoping... That this week goes really smoothly!

I am hearing... A discussion about what a chili dog is. Lunch is quickly approaching and that is what is on today's lunch menu... with a side of pickle... Claussen - is there any other?

Around the house... need to tidy and tidy and tidy and clean floors. Sweep, Mop, Vacuum...

One of my favorite things... snuggling under a big thick quilt with a hot cuppa sumpthin'. The hot beverage depends on the time of day!!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Learning, cleaning, regular ob appt, possible trip near the end of the week, a lovely baby celebration for baby on the way - hosted by Jessica - how sweet, eh?

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

Trick Or Treat!

Branch: A Beautiful Fairy

Blossom: Ariel, The Little Mermaid, as a Bride Marrying Prince Eric

Bud: Not pictured, attended the OSU game with Pops and trick or treated in a different town as an "Elk Hunter"

To read more daybooks or to join in the fun, head over to Peggy's.

The Boys are Back in Town!!

And they had a great time!

Now, in the picture below... the boys just shot their bull elk. They are 347 yard across the canyon from their beast. So, where is it? OK, here I go... Look between Pops and Bud's head, follow a line up into the snow where there are two black dots (those are tree stumps). OK - found the black dots? OK, now focussing on the one on the left side, look up the snow path (that goes up and to the left) just a hair and there is a brownish-yellowish dot/blob. THAT is the 5X5 bull elk. Yes, it is - trust me... I zooooomed in really tight to have a look and it is a bull elk! Promise, cross my heart!!

Since I know that you were DOUBTING me, here it is all zoomed in. Now, keep in mind that this grouping of pictures was taken with a small point and shoot type camera, not my fancy pants Nikon with a zoom lens. So, the clarity is a bit lacking zoomed in this tight, but you can clearly see the two tree stumps and the brown lump of bull elk that rolled and slid down the steep mountain-side! You need never doubt me again!!

There was quite a trip to get to their prize after shooting it. Back up their own steep incline, across a ridge, back into the truck, drive around on a small logging road to the other side of the canyon (while they snarf down some sandwiches!), stop, pile out, hike down the steep mountainside that they watched the elk roll and slide down - only stopping as it tangled in a down tree!

AH! There it is...

The trophy with the weary hunters.

How to get that beast out of there with all that steep incline? Mmmmhhhhmmm.

Quarter, clean, gut in the field (ick, sorry.) Pack out half the first day, the other half the next morning. I will edit in a few days and will add some of that later on this post... So, if you might have a weak stomach and don't want to see any more of this part of the trip - well, you are warned. Don't view this post again by the end of the week! HOWEVER, if you are "into" hunting and all that - come back and have a look at all the things that Bud thought I needed to see from that part of the experience! OH, JOY!