Sunday Afternoon

I've been busy this weekend...cleaning up and organizing. Yesterday I managed to match socks (all those ones that show up at the end of laundry day without a match). Then I matched mittens and checked to make sure everyone had mittens/gloves/hats/boots for the coming cold weather. I cleaned out some cupboards and drawers and went through some clothing someone had given me. It feels good to have that all taken care of!

The other week I got a copy of the new cookbook, "Fix-it-and-Forget-It Christmas" by Phyliss Pelman Good (www.goodbooks.com). Today I have the first recipe in the "Beverages" section cooking in the crockpot for an afternoon treat - Cider Snap.

The little boys are in bed resting/napping. Randy left again for the Midwest. Josiah's playing legos. The girls are playing dress-up with some old bridesmaids dresses and flowergirl dresses.

I have quite a few things this coming week - Matt's well-baby check-up and immunizations, getting together with some friends, MOPS, adoption/foster play group. Guess I need to make sure I maximize my time at home!

I could use a nap... :-)

Earlier this week

We enjoyed the warmer then average temperatures outside. This week we have had the windows open again and earlier it was quite humid. Today should be more like normal and in fact the 15 day forecast is predicting our temperatures to be cooler then average for the next couple of weeks.

Fall Festival - Historical Joanna Furnace

Josiah

Autumn

Autumn, Janae, Zach, & Mark painted pumpkins.

Janae enjoying the barrel train ride.

Wagon ride.

Mark

Just this morning...

Well, I transferred more photos from my camera to the computer so I can do photo posts now!

Today Autumn has a "PA History" Lunch at school. They were supposed to wear denim and bandannas...and she wanted to me to take her picture.

The first photo I took of her...she looks so woebegone!

Mark with one of his favorite books. "Goodnight, Gorilla" is a fun book with lots of pictures and minimal words.

And of course Zach wanted to join us also.

Real

For you all that sometimes think blogs are to unreal. And yes, I don't say everything to the general public out of respect for my husband/kids. Anyway....

• I'm exhausted. I do poorly when I my sleep is interrupted. So I should go to bed soon.
• The sink is piled up with dishes that I should be doing instead of sitting here relaxing.
• I've basically held kids all day or listened to them fuss whenever I needed to do something....my back and shoulders are complaining accordingly.
• I'm hoping they all feel better soon! And that the remaining 3 stay healthy!
• The laundry is piling up because the kids need a lot of extra attention right now....so I am thankful that we have plenty of clothes! :-)
• I've discovered that it's really hard for me to just right the negative things without giving a disclaimer that it's all okay or will be or something to be thankful for anyway.
• 3 year old's don't really appreciate when mom's attention is taken up by the teething, cranky baby all the time (well, 2 days, but to a 3yo it seems like all the time) and a puking 2 year old (who is much better as evidenced by his determination to throw everything down the steps from the living room into the basement).
• I ate way to much candy today....Zach's reward for going potty....I really should get him something that doesn't tempt me. :-)

"In everything give thanks...." I'm thankful that I have a family to care for. I'm thankful that God created our bodies with healing capabilities. I'm thankful my husband has work. I'm thankful that I'm able to be home with these sick children (I fully admit that I would make a miserable employee). I'm thankful for tea and chocolate! I'm thankful that even in my weakness God strengthens me to complete the day's tasks. And I'm thankful for these precious kids who call me mom...even when they're sick and cranky. :-)

Wednesday

Well, yesterday was interesting. As I mentioned Mark was sick. Then Matt woke up from his nap running a fever. I gave him Motrin and thankfully it was better by the time we went to Court. As nothing excuses you from court, I was quite thankful that my mom was still willing to keep the kids. Mark could not keep anything down until after supper. Then at 11:20 pm or so he woke up and would not settle until he had a drink and some crackers. This morning he is perfectly fine, although a bit tired. Matt is still cranky but I discovered that 1 molar is poking through on the top and so I think he is getting teeth. Right now he is protesting vigorously against napping....

Court yesterday - well, despite the scheduling of a time as opposed to everyone showing up at once, I still sat around a long time...seemed long anyway. Thankfully Matt did pretty well while waiting. We waited a little over 2 hours. Were in the court room for about 5 minutes, and then were done. I had left the phone off the hook downstairs at our house (and no one realized it) so I couldn't get through to the house to tell my mom I'd be so late. But it all worked out.

So yesterday I (1) held babies and (2) sat in court. That pretty much sums up the day.

This morning I took a meal to a friend from MOPS who had a baby recently. Otherwise we've been playing. Mark now imitates everything Zach does (both good and bad)...just think, in a few months I'll have 3 of them imitating each other! :-)

The older kids are all really enjoying school this year. And Janae is excitedly counting down the weeks/days to her birthday (in November).


***2 hours later:
Matt slept for about an hour tops, Mark maybe 1-1/2. The oil delivery truck across the street woke him I think...or else Matt did. Once Zach falls asleep, he sleeps well. Good nap day for him, not so good for the other boys...or for Mommy to accomplish anything. While Mark & Matt both seem better, they are both still rather clingy....so I am getting nothing done...but that's okay... I'm going to go drink a cup of tea. The kids are going to be home in about 20 minutes. I wanted to bake today but it is extremely humid again which does not bode well for baking. Hopefully tomorrow!

Tuesday

I woke up this morning at 4:00 to the sound of Mark "being sick" so the washer has already been run this morning. :-) He has a lot of sinus drainage right now so I think that his stomach problems are from that....but I'm sure we'll find out before the week is out!

He woke up again around 5:50 and then I tucked him back in around 6...I think he'll probably be up soon again...in fact, I hear someone now...No, I think that's Matt.

I was planning on going grocery shopping this morning but that may have to wait until tomorrow.

Today

• Zach did not sleep during his nap (he was in bed though for the required time).
• Later I found him "hiding"....and eating candy.
• No nap + plenty of sugar is not a good combination!
• He did well while the caseworker was here for a change....thanks to the prayers and a Little People DVD.
• The caseworker told me that court hearings are now by appointment. Very exciting as now Baby can take at least some of his nap before I go. And I shouldn't have to sit around as long....maybe.
• Bed time was a bit of a struggle tonight. Zach threw a nice fit (remember that sugar and lack of sleeping). After I got everyone settled I took him out to rock him and sing to him while he calmed down. Mark thought he should join us. And then after I thought everyone was settled again. Mark came out to the kitchen again. Now I just heard baby fussing but I think he will settle back down.
• Some days I get really annoyed with the bickering and fussing amongst the young fry and am ready to send them all to bed regardless of how early it is....I am convinced that raising children is as much to develop the parent's character as the child's! :-)

Another week

is here. We had a lovely weekend...getting stuff done around here, attending a fall festival with other agency foster families (pictures coming soon I hope), a relaxing Sunday.

Today (Monday) I will once again tackle the laundry. :-) This afternoon is our monthly visit with the caseworker (please pray for Zach who gets rather intense when she's here). Tomorrow afternoon is our Baby's regular review hearing (sit for hours for a very brief time in court). This will be slightly different as in now the children are required to be in the court room with us...Hope he does okay as it's over naptime...

Other fun things this week...hmm...pictures for baby, babysitting for a friend. I think I may have a fairly free week overall....perhaps I'll get something done...like those IFTA forms (related to trucking & fuel taxes) which the government needs by the end of the week. :-)

Have a lovely week!

Back to Prince Gallitzin

I realized that I never finished up about our last camping trip...anyway, I don't think I did. These pictures were taken Sunday morning. There was a mist hanging over the lake but it's a bit hard to see on the pictures.

Janae and Mark

Autumn, Zach, Josiah (and baby in the stroller behind the poles)

Randy

Today

I went to MOPS this morning....lovely! Matt didn't stay (in child care) the whole time, but he was fine with me the rest of the time. Naps didn't work out so great though...Matt fell asleep on the way home and transferred nicely, but by the time I got the other boys lunch and put them down, he was up again with no interest in sleeping longer.

I'm doing mounds of wash as normal... I need to pay bills tonight when the kids are in bed since it didn't work out during nap time.

Nothing out of the ordinary going on...lovely autumn day outside! Matt & Mark are playing with an oversize stuffed bear.

Matt started walking last night. He walks a few steps, looks so proud of himself, plops down, and claps his hands. Sometimes he tries to walk but giggles so much he falls down. :-) Adorable! But a bit disconcerting to think of how soon he too will be able to run....

Janae had a fun field trip to the pumpkin farm yesterday. Autumn's on a field trip today.

Monday Musings

• Back to the laundry...and pile so it! Lots of washing, drying, folding & putting away on the agenda (again) today.
• Dentist appointment this morning - no cavities. They now take my blood pressure also as a complimentary health screening. Um, whatever! Anyway, 85/54 (or 84/55...can't remember). So I guess that's good....a bit low perhaps...I guess going to the dentist really relaxes me! My hygienist is my neighbor so I do enjoy seeing her....
• We had special services at church this past weekend...Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday morning. I was so blessed! The guest speaker from a local House of Prayer spoke on prayer and I was so glad we attended. I had contemplated sending Randy & the older kids and staying home with the little ones so they could get to bed on time...but I'm glad I made the effort. Even though I missed part of it by being in the nursery, I so appreciated what I did hear and was reminded of. Namely, that God loves me and longs to be with me (and each of us who know Him) and he is GLAD when he looks at me, not sad or angry. And without accepting that I can't truly worship God. That as New Testament believers we are Kings and Priests. That today's offerings are no longer fat and blood as in the Old Testament but are what those stood for...praise and intercession. That when we believe lies about God and who he is our worship and prayers are hindered. The minister suggested that the highest form of spiritual warfare faced by believers is when we worship and intercede with God...proclaiming His Word and that He is who He said He was. Anyway, I really appreciated the services!
• Busy week (in no particular order): dentist appointment (as mentioned above), play group, grocery shopping, MOPS, Babysitting, a foster parent fall event.
• Just received the greatest news about Matt's case....which of course I can't publicize....ask me in person. :-)
• I've been reading some great books, When the Hurt Runs Deep, by Kay Arthur and The Case For Faith, by Lee Strobel. I totally recommend both books...especially if you're grappling with issues of hurt in your own life or with the pain of life worldwide

Okay, back to the laundry....Have a lovely day!

Thursday

We did get to the store before it rained. Then we went to visit Grammy for a bit and have a cup of tea. Then we went to a friends house to play (Zach loves to play at their house!) and had another cup of tea. In the afternoon I worked like crazy to get stuff done (Avon order packed, laundry, general cleanup) because last night was our foster care Mandatory Meeting. My cousin's wife & I went together which made it much more fun! And I was thrilled to meet a family who is caring for my boys' half-brother. This is our LAST mandatory meeting as if/when the adoption goes through we will be closing with the agency. I'm ready to be done but at the same time will miss the connection with everyone....

I'm actually not sure what I will do today. The laundry is (amazingly!) mostly caught after. I'm sure I will do a load or 2 of yesterdays clothing but not as much as frequently needs done....unless I take the time to change some bedding which I really should do. Time to get blankets on those beds. I should bake too. Last night Grammy & Autumn baked cookies but they definitely won't last long.

I keep hearing little boys off and on (since 5:00 am). 15 more minutes to our official "you may now get up" time.....not sure if they'll last today...

Miscellaneous

The other day on a radio program on which the speaker was discussing high-speed living and the effects on our bodies a couple of things stood out. Actually, I'm sure I had heard this program before but I enjoyed hearing it again. Anyway, (1) if people are given the choice between high stress and low stress they generally pick high....another term for low stress is "bored". Also, high stress comes with high adrenalin which is addicting. We need to find a balance for the health of our mind and body. And (2) We tend to see the people in front of us as an obstacle to what we need to do/where we need to go. Jesus saw the people in front of him as an opportunity for Him to minister to them. This of course led me to think of my children...how often do I see them as an obstacle to MY agenda (laundry, cooking, cleaning up, business bookwork)? Not that I want to raise them to think they are the center of the world and that we all revolve around them, but making sure I do give them some intentional time throughout the day.

As for books, I've been "rereading" several recently. "Say Good-Bye To Stress" by Kevin Leman is one that I read again periodically to help me remember my priorities. Also "The 5 Love Languages for Children" by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell...especially the chapter relating to anger (in children).

It isn't raining yet so perhaps I'll squeak my shopping trip in before it starts....

Wednesday

• This morning I was cleaning & blanching broccoli we grew in the garden. One problem, lots of little worms or caterpillars are something that are the color of broccoli and turn white when cooked. Yeah, um, you may not want to eat broccoli at our house! This is the part I hate about homegrown food. And yet it seemed wasteful to just discard it all...so I dealt with it...
• Cheese curls are always messier (for the children) to eat then I remember.
• Zach seems a bit off today...I wonder if he's coming down with something...
• Tomorrow I need to go to Walmart again...and it's supposed to rain.
• My sister-in-law brought me a Vanilla Chai Latte and donut from DD....nice!
• I did mounds of laundry today also.
• I am currently surrounded by fundraisers. Two local elementary schools are having "race for education" fundraisers (5 forms requesting my donation), the MOPS group I attend is selling wildtree seasoning packets to raise funds for childcare (these are 100% peanut free, msg free, etc.), our foster parent association is simultaneously doing an Avon fundraiser and selling subs to raise funds for events they hold throughout the year.
• I have 2 weeks left to file Randy's IFTA taxes and fill out the apportioned form for next year....
• Janae keeps reminding me that her birthday is in 4-5 weeks. So I need to do some shopping within that time.
• I normally start baking Christmas cookies the beginning of November so that I have a nice selection by Christmas (and baking other things for us so we don't eat them all!)....that is in 2 weeks or so!
• We have lost 2 library books and I've been procrastinating dealing with them....so the fines are probably adding up....our donation to the library!
• It's time for bed. I wanted to be there by 10:00 tonight for something different....that gives me 5 minutes....

Have a lovely day!

Horseshoe Curve

from the parking lot looking up towards the overlook & tracks.

The plaque designating this a historic landmark. In the background are the steps to the overlook.

While we were in the small museum, a train went by. This was our view from the courtyard of it. I think I must've used my zoom as it seems closer in the picture than I remember....but maybe it's just the way it turned out...

Randy & Josiah took the steps up. The rest of us rode the funicular to the top. I took this while inside looking down.

Randy & Josiah waiting for us at the top.

From the top looking down

a funicular bringing people to the overlook.

waiting to see a train

watching....Josiah is in the front.

We saw around 6 trains (I can't remember exactly) and numerous groups of engines go past while we were there.

Prince Gallitzin State Park

We could see the lake through the trees from our campsite.

Janae & Mark

The lake at the State Park

We left Friday around 4:00 and arrived around 9:00 making this the longest trip we've taken with all the kids. We did make 2 stops...one for supper, and then an hour or so later for a potty break (and more coffee for Daddy). We ended up setting up in the dark but it went well anyway.

Mark, This Weekend

Today, 2 years ago, Mark joined our family! My foster care coordinator called me at 4:30 in the afternoon and said that they had located him and were getting the paperwork together to go get him immediately and would call me back when they had him. 1-1/2 to 2 hours later we met at the parking lot of a Sears at a local mall and received baby #5....and he's been with us ever since. I remember random things. Like I took Autumn & Janae & Zach with me and Zach fell asleep and I was so worried that he wouldn't sleep at night, but he stayed asleep and slept all night. Zach was 15 months old at the time. It's interesting receiving a child with no knowledge of sleeping patterns or eating patterns or anything....he has always been a quiet, contented child. But just the other week....he turned 2....things have changed! :-) He is now quite competent at throwing tantrums! And he's still tremendously sweet.

This weekend we went to Prince Gallitzin State Park in Western PA. We had this scheduled for quite a while but debated about doing it with the weather cooling down. We went with 2 other families we met through the county foster care agency. We had a lovely time and enjoyed seeing "Horseshoe Curve" on Saturday. Randy got home late Friday so we never got there until 9:00 Friday night...it was very dark, but setup went quickly and all went well. It was further away then I realized when we scheduled it! But we had wanted to go to Horseshoe Curve for some years now and it was nice to do that. We had a lovely time hanging out with our friends. We got home around 5:00 tonight as we took a slight detour to pick up Randy's truck that had some work done while we were gone. After supper, he left again for Indiana. Most of our things were unpacked before he left.

I have lots of pictures of gorgeous fall scenery but as Matt slept badly Friday night and Mark slept badly last night...and Matt woke early....I think I'll just get myself to bed early and upload the pictures another time....

On the schedule for Wednesday: Lots of laundry! And finish the unpacking....

Phil. 4:14

I love the book of Philippians in the Bible...chock full of helpful and encouraging info...but this morning I read Phil. 4 again and this verse stood out...I don't know that I had ever really noticed it before. "Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles." Ahh, so simply sharing in someones troubles is good. In this case the Philippians had given money to Paul when he was in need. He calls it "good". Sometimes I get the impression that "only" giving money to a need is inferior to going and helping directly...but both are "good" and both are needed. And in other cases, simply "sharing" in the troubles is important.....listening, a hug, a meal, a note, whatever we can do. It is GOOD when we share in each others troubles.

Anyway, those are my thoughts this morning....now off to pay the bills before the littles wake up!

Because I'm still thinking Randomly...

• yesterday I was ambitious and organized
• today I was not (let's hope things improve tomorrow!)
• Zach has been a bit more...umm...uptight (for lack of a better, kind word) recently...perhaps related to the sudden decrease of time to play outside due to plentiful rainfall?
• Autumn has made her last potholder for the time being...she has used up all the loops....to any family member reading this, be prepared to receive one at Christmas! :-) She has already pulled out her latchhook to start working on that next.
• My "Joseph's Coat Prayer Shawl" has consumed the ends of numerous shades of colored yarn....I'm afraid it will look positively horrible when it is completed! Autumn is lobbying for it so if I'm to embarrassed to give it to anyone then she will get it.
• Josiah has nearly read the entire "Boxcar Children" series.
• Matt is standing up independently in the middle of the floor....he looks so proud of himself
• I am pleased that I have finally located that other shoe so he has a pair to wear and I don't need to purchase another pair. It was by its lonesome in a corner of a box of Mark's outgrown clothing.
• Mark's favorite activity right now after playing with cars/trucks is hitting his siblings on the head with said vehicles....yeah, we need to work on that!
• Janae has more scrapes then you can shake a stick at....seems just when one heals she gets another.
• Where did that saying "more...then you can shake a stick at" come from?
• Very glad God created our bodies to heal themselves of so many things....
• Randy's work is crazy busy....
• This list is rather lame....

Anyway, looking forward to MOPS tomorrow!

Janae

Today Janae & I went to JC Penneys for her 6-year photos. Her birthday is not for another 6 weeks or so but I wanted them done (1) before the Christmas rush and (2) in time for her to have by the time her friends at school have their pictures to hand out.

I also picked up Mark's pictures which turned out quite nicely. Janae's should be ready in a few weeks at which point I will take Matt in for updated pictures. His were last taken at 3 months. This time I'll do 10-1/2 months and then skip the year photos and do them again at 18 months.

Anyway, here's my beautiful nearly 6 year old (already!) girl:

I absolutely loved this photo of her....but since I narrowed it down to 2 I ended up choosing the other for the package since it was a head shot and would look better on a wallet sized photo....I do hope they send a sheet of this pose back with the extras they always try to sell me when I pick them up.

As always, I just ordered a package (of a photo not shown above) but am showing you some of the other options that I had but didn't buy. I do love this new option they give me to have access to all the pictures for 90 days....because then I can enjoy them on my blog!

Random

• I keep changing the header photo - can't quite settle on anything - and the blurred flowers in the butterfly photo bugged me....
• A sweet 3-year-old today was cracking himself up by whispering in my ear, giggling, and clasping his hands over his mouth. It was so sweet....and I have no idea what he was saying!
• Baby actually went to sleep after about 15 seconds of crying. I just heard him again for a couple of minutes but he settled again.
• It's raining....and our yard is a mess because we forgot to clean up in the midst of our impromptu excursion yesterday....wet boots, scooters, toys....
• I need to fold more laundry and figure out what I'm making for supper

Photos

The Trail

Along the trail

part of the lake

At the overlook

Walking back

Across the lake at a picnic area

(Kim, this is at the Millstone Trail picnic area)

After lunch we tried to take a little trail to the pond, but after all the rain it was a bit muddy and we ended up turning back.

On the trail...

We came out the entrance of the trail.

Zach wanted me to take his picture. I asked him to smile....this is what I got.

Sunday - Late Afternoon, Evening

I took the kids (& friend) to an impromptu picnic/easy hike at "Project 70".....pictures to come soon. I'm babysitting until 9:00 tonight so they might come another time. Right now everyone except me and the baby are outside playing in the twilight....hmm....maybe I could load those photos now.....no, here they come....

No longer frustrated

My frustration level has come down to non-existant...by simply giving up. We'll try again tomorrow. Mark woke up while I was typing the previous post with a fussy baby across my lap. Matt was also only becoming more and more alert, at first he was sleepy, but not anymore. Anyway, they are both playing nicely (getting into stuff!) and I am going to drink that cup of tea (Irish Breakfast Tea).... I will keep trying though, until he gets the point that from 12-2 is rest time.....

Frustrated

I am so frustrated with nap times right now. My (nearly) 10 month old does not want to nap. Today, for instance, I let him cry himself to sleep. After 20-30 minutes of standing up and screaming and me going in every 5 minutes or so and laying him down he went to sleep....or so I thought. The other 2 boys fell asleep. 20 minutes later Matt woke back up. And ever since (45 minutes and counting) I've been trying to get him to sleep. Several times I thought he was asleep but the minute I stood up from the rocker to put him to bed he would be restless, I would lay him down and up popped his head. I cannot let him scream or I would have 3 boys awake and cranky....and it's hard to get an infant who does not want to sleep to sleep without any crying/screaming. Then I am cranky with my other kids because every time they want something that further perks him up making him less likely to sleep. The boys had been all sleeping well and I was so happy to have an hour in the afternoon to get caught up on things like dishes....and now everything is awful again. By the time I do get him to sleep the other boys will be awake....if he ever goes to sleep. And if he doesn't, he won't sleep the rest of the day. 10 months old children should take naps! This has been a pattern for several days and so some days he has little to no nap....and I am having trouble getting anything done because then he is cranky and wants to be held. Trying later in the day has not been successful either...he simply screams and screams.

Oh well, I've been through this before and I know it's a phase, but it's a very, very frustrating one! It's hard when I don't get to do what I had planned/scheduled. :-)

Maybe I'd better make a cup of calming tea....but to do so I'd have to give up and let him play....

Sunday Afternoon

Going back a bit, yesterday was a lovely day. We spent the morning hanging out with Daddy at the shop while he worked on his truck. In the afternoon the girls and I went for groceries and then I cleaned up quickly and made Chili for supper. My family (parents, siblings & their families) went to a photographer and got a group photo...I'm anxious to see it! Then we all came back here for supper (except my youngest brother). Lovely, lovely time! And I finally got to see Baby Owen.

This morning we went to church. I was in the nursery for all of Sunday School and most of Church but I could hear most of the service. We had communion today. After lunch, Randy left for the Midwest. Josiah's friend came along home from church so the older kids are playing downstairs and the younger ones are sleeping (I think).

I am checking blogs and drank a cup of coffee (with chocolate caramel creamer). I checked the book "Emilie Barnes' 15 Minute Home and Family Organizer" out of the church library and plan to browse through that. I've read it before, but I thought I should read it again...perhaps there is something else that I'd like to put into practice. I have her book "More Hours in My Day" which I read about once a year or so. Of course, some things I choose not to do, but some things I do find helpful. Maybe I'll drink a cup of tea while doing that. :-)

This coming week is not terribly busy. I am taking Janae for pictures and we have MOPS but otherwise I should be home to tend to my home. :-) I like when I have plenty of time at home but also have some reasons to get out of the house too.

Autumn has been making potholders with a loom set she got from Grandma. She's made probably 7 or 8 this weekend already. I get to finish them off for her. She now makes patterns with the colors instead of just randomly making them.

Well, I'm off to read a book before the boys are up again.