Ontology

Daybook January 21

2012-01-21T21:07:00.003-06:00

Outside my window...it is dark and cold. I can't really complain though as we've had really not that many truly cold days here at all, and even though I still groan on the days I wake up and it's 40 or less outside and not getting any warmer, those days are much farther apart.I am thinking...of a dear friend and how much I miss her and wish I could be with her right now. I am thankful for...doors

There Was a [Youngish!] Woman Who Lived in a Shoe...

2012-01-18T20:26:00.000-06:00

My Mum asked me the other day if I felt like the old woman who lived in a shoe and had so many children she didn't know what to do....today the answer to that question is an unequivocal, "yes!" And the sad thing is that technically we only spent most of the day time dealing with three of the children, but it was enough.It all began with us coming off of a lovely weekend that we spent with some

7 Quick Takes (vol. 25)

2012-01-06T20:55:00.003-06:00

#1 - Happy 2012 to all! I hope your new years eve celebration was better than mine. Mine consisted of sending the girls to bed at 8:30 and crashing early myself. I'm getting old. I hate to admit it, but its the truth.*****************#2 - I feel that my first post of 2012 should be full of wit and intelligence--deep thoughts, you know. So allow me to pontificate on Kung Fu Panda 2 which I

7 Quick Takes (vol. 24) - Pictures Style

2011-12-23T22:51:00.000-06:00

My December Thus Far--In Picture SummaryMy little helper....complete with temper tantrum-prelude face.#1 -*****************#2 - Had a birthday party first thing this month. Like my Hello Kitty cake?*****************Decorating for Christmas with decorations you've not bought is interesting. One never knows what might be lurking in a box. Both good and bad.#3 -*****************There is a

Daybook December 22

2011-12-22T21:42:00.001-06:00

Outside my window...it is a cold, dark night. The Christmas lights from the other cottages are twinkling. We got some Christmas decorations out on the outside of our cottage, but one of major attempts failed and we finally gave up, called it good enough for this year, and now know what we need for next.I am thinking...about 2012, what it might bring, what I desire to aim for, and how different it

7 Quick Takes (vol. 23)

2011-12-02T12:50:00.005-06:00

#1 - Well the Christmas season is getting into full swing on campus here. The inside of our cottage is decorated, the first Christmas party for the kids is tonight (I had my own first Christmas party yesterday--the ladies on campus all got together). Still need to decorate the outside of our cottage, but the Christmas spirit is in the air. Started on our Jesse tree last night. I think I'm going

Daybook - November 29

2011-11-29T19:45:00.004-06:00

Outside my window...is darkness and chill, crisp air. Finally feels like November. I am always amazed at how dark this campus is despite being "in" a town. So much country around--I love it.I am thinking...of what all I have to get done the next few days as we're back on tomorrow and also how crazy this month is going to be! I am thankful for...unexpected breaks. From the learning rooms...[or

PinUps and Pinspirations (Vol.3 )

2011-11-17T22:20:00.000-06:00

PinUps: My Top 5 Pins of the Week (in this particular case--week being a generic term for "the last few months"My first three are apparently themed:1. Source: etsy.com via Hanna on Pinterest2. Source: etsy.com via Hanna on Pinterest3. Source: etsy.com via Hanna on Pinterest4. This one, you either get it or you don't. Personally, it cracks me up.Source: imgfave.com via Hanna on Pinterest5. I will

Dabyook - November 15

2011-11-15T21:15:00.007-06:00

Outside my window...it is lightening, thundering, and bucketing rain.I am thinking...of plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not entirely sure on what those plans will be. But they are being considered! I am thankful for...our new home and job. Every job and place has bad points, but when I consider the good in comparison to the bad here, I am blessed. From the learning rooms...[or in our

Snippets of Memories...

2011-10-28T19:51:00.004-05:00

To my Blueberry--moments I don't want to lose:You play happily for 5 minutes and then suddenly stop, toddle over, give my knee a kiss with a large "mwah" to accompany it, and resume your game.The tender way you hold your baby dolls, teddy bears, anything that might possibly be construed as a teddy bear/baby doll/crayon, bestowing lots of kissesThe look of concentration on your face as you

7 Quick Takes (vol. 22)

2011-10-07T09:34:00.003-05:00

#1 - It's Friday and we're off duty as of this morning. thank goodness. This has been the world's longest week. Lots of activities, one girl down sick for 5 days, and add in a heavy dose of the crazies, and I'm exhausted! On a positive note, though, I've been feeling re-energized about unpacking again, so progress if getting made in a fashion that makes me feel content.*****************#2 -

Odd Moments

2011-09-19T14:52:00.004-05:00

Sitting in my own house in Springfield looking at some furniture that used to be mine but isn't...rooms that used to be filled with my belongings but aren't...my brain telling me the house should smell one way but it doesn't....Very, very odd.We are back in Missouri for a few days. Well, about 48 hours really. Drove down this morning, will spend all day Tuesday here, and then will drive back

Daybook September 2

2011-09-02T21:33:00.003-05:00

Outside my window...it is dark; however, I know that there is a small pond close by, many trees, hills, and a lot of natural beauty that I'm very enjoying living around.I am thinking...of an upcoming trip back to Missouri. Get to see some friends if even for a few hours. Yay! I am thankful for...bike helmets. I fell off my bike today with Blueberry on it. Jammed my elbow pretty badly; however,

Meet My Girls

2011-09-02T07:26:00.000-05:00

We are obviously limited on what we can share/say about the four young ladies who we currently claim as "ours"; however, I can still introduce you to some degree to them. In getting to know them, Chris and I have both come up with an animal nickname for each of them, so here they are: Mama Bear--Mama Bear is the oldest of the girls. She is our only middle schooler and is diving headlong into

Catching up on Blueberry

2011-08-27T05:55:00.001-05:00

The world of Blueberry has greatly changed the last few weeks. For those who care, here are some updates on my darling little girl. She is now one years old and most definitely a toddler. She began to attempt walking the week we started packing up to move here, and while she still sits down hard on occasion when walking she is walking probably 90% of the time now and enjoying it immensely. You

Almost a month?

2011-08-24T11:58:00.004-05:00

I cannot believe it has been nearly four weeks since I posted last. The time has just flown by. Sadly, I cannot report that my house is completely unpacked and we are settled. I can, however, report that it improves daily--albeit slowly. So what have we been doing the last 3.5 weeks? Week 1 -- Training week. This whole first week we bounced back and forth between training sessions, shadowing

We're Moved and Related News

2011-08-01T20:48:00.003-05:00

I'm sitting in bed resting my poor, exhausted feet and legs, looking at a very box-y, just moved in looking bedroom. Pandora is playing soothing tunes, and Blueberry is (thankfully) snoozing blissfully in her room.The last few days have been exhausting, stressful, crazy, glorious, and insane all rolled into one.Saturday: We did the amazing and moved our entire house into the U-Haul in 3 hours.

7 Quick Takes (vol. 21)

2011-07-29T19:37:00.001-05:00

#1 - Well, I kind of had my day off. Wound up paying bills much of the day, but I did not pack one single box, so that was good. Also had a friend hang out some of the afternoon, and that was a nice blessing. Now Blueberry is sleeping (poor lamb was becoming beastly by 6pm--put her to bed and she conked out so fast--thank goodness. Her mommy was about to go ballistic!). .... Update-- I love

Daybook July 26

2011-07-24T06:38:00.008-05:00

Outside my window...It is hot and sunny. Not quite as hot as it has been, but definitely still way to warm to be lugging boxes around outside. Chris got up at 6am this morning for the sole purpose of working on the boxes in the garage--bless him.I am thinking...about how it's Tuesday (not Wednesday--thank goodness--I keep thinking it's Wednesday. I'm not ready yet for Wednesday, so it's with a

7 Quick Takes (vol. 20)

2011-07-19T15:10:00.005-05:00

#1 - So in between packing boxes, selling cars, renting a house, renting a U-haul, planning a birthday party, setting up ways to see friends/family, changing addresses, canceling appointments, getting referrals, and acquiring packing supplies, I've been doing a little bit of research on our new home town. So far Hot Springs is rather lacking in the Asian food department. Several Chinese

The Whirlwind

2011-07-18T19:06:00.000-05:00

As I sit here ridiculously early this morning, I am trying to gather my thoughts and process everything that has happened to us this last week. As I haven't breathed a word of most of this on here--I now get to spill the beans per say. And such beans they are!Let's begin with last Monday. On that day I received an email that depressed me greatly as yet another one of my friends informed me that

Daybook July 14

2011-07-14T18:47:00.006-05:00

Outside my window...it is baking hot and sunny. My vegetable garden is growing nicely and I have the first fruits of my labor. Well, first pepper of my labor would be more accurate. One jalapeno pepper. What to make? Such decisions!I am thinking...about Mara Jade and Calista--our two puppies. Calista is currently stretched out at my feet. Mara Jade, sadly, is no more. We've wrestled for a long

Words to live by right now

2011-07-04T21:15:00.001-05:00

“That which we persist in doing becomes easier for us to do; not that the nature of the thing is changed, but that our power to do is increased” -Heber J. Grant

Daybook July 3

2011-07-03T20:00:00.004-05:00

Outside my window...the wind is blowing up a storm. Rain keeps falling on and off all day in-between brilliant sunshine. My garden has four tomatoes growing and one jalapeno pepper. All very exciting. I hope the storm doesn't crush anything.I am thinking...of a paper I just finished editing for the Doctoral program I free lance for. Phew--fun citations on that one. My head is now very tired. I am

Daybook June 27

2011-06-27T10:04:00.003-05:00

Outside my window...sunshine keeps flashing through the clouds but ominous dark clouds hover nearby. Expecting rain to come pouring down any minute. But we'll see. This is the Ozarks after all and the weather is unpredictable at best.I am thinking...about trust and faith. Sometimes the two hardest things in my world I believe. I am thankful for...sister-in-laws who nicely fold my daughter's

PinUps and Pinspirations (Vol. 2)

2011-06-25T06:38:00.000-05:00

PinUps: My Top 5 Pins of the Week1. Words to live by in my new phase of life:Source: catchingfireflies.com via Hanna on Pinterest2. I want this. I love it.Source: yourstylerocks.com via Hanna on Pinterest3. I also want this for Blueberry. How cute can you possibly get?Source: etsy.com via Hanna on Pinterest4. For some reason this really tickled my funny bone. I think I may have to have a baby in

7 Quick Takes (vol. 19) - In Which I Have a Minor Pity Fest

2011-06-24T06:58:00.000-05:00

#1 - As of Thursday night, my living room now looks like this: *****************#2 - My dining room now looks like this:*****************#3 - And my garage now looks like this:*****************#4 - The Story: 5 am I go to Blueberry's room to nurse her and stop half-way through the dining room, arrested by an odd sound. Insert eye roll. "Chris must have left the water running again."

Daybook - June 22

2011-06-22T10:28:00.005-05:00

Outside my window...the sun is shining brilliantly. However, the air is delightfully cool (in comparison to what it has been at least). Perfect day. Outside my back window is a garden that is finally growing! At least we're hoping it's growing. There are plants in it either way. Now to just keep them all alive...I am thankful for...a friend who I can talk to about anything and everything and who

On the Subject of Food

2011-06-21T14:40:00.002-05:00

Just got back from grocery shopping. Very tired now. Blueberry is down for a nap, I'm eating a rather late lunch, and decided to take a few moments to write.I attempted price matching at WalMart today. It went rather well. Granted, I wasn't price matching a whole bunch of stuff, but the few items that I had to match went pretty smoothly. The only minor hiccup I had was when I gave them a catalina

Quck Take #8--in which poop features strongly

2011-06-17T15:43:00.003-05:00

I had to post an additional Quick Take today because I need to get this out of my system. Or I shall cry. And I'd rather not cry. I prefer to laugh. And if I can make myself laugh by writing--all the better.Little Miss Blueberry has not been at all obliging with her naps today. Basically it went like this. She gets very sleep. We go through nap time routine. I put her down. And she proceeds to

7 Quick Takes (vol. 18)

2011-06-17T10:18:00.003-05:00

#1 - She's only 10 months old and she's already discovered the prize in the bottom of the cereal box. Which she proceeded to try to eat (the prize not the cereal--incidentally the box was empty).*****************#2 - This week has been crazy for me. Recitals every night (including last Saturday). The bad thing is that because of the constant adrenaline rush backstage of getting the kidlets

PinUps

2011-06-13T07:59:00.002-05:00

OK, ok, I know. You're sick of hearing about Pinterest. Well, to bad. Because you're probably going to be hearing about it on a regular basis because I love this website!One of the reasons I'm finding I really enjoy it is I feel like it's another outlet of expression. Pinning the pictures of things that intrigue me, that I enjoy, that evoke some kind of emotional response in me...I feel like it's

Price-Matching

2011-06-11T22:17:00.000-05:00

So I'm considering a new venture in the world of coupon and money saving. The problem I've run into of late is that I just don't have the time to go to a number of stores. But if the good prices are scattered at different stores--how do I manage to keep our costs down (especially now as it seems like every time I go to the grocery store, the prices have gone up)? The only solution I have come up

Double Digits

2011-06-09T14:53:00.002-05:00

My Blueberry turned 10 months old today. I find this frightening. Because that means in 2 months she's going to turn 1 year old. How is that possible? Where did this year go? My baby will no longer be my baby. I'm going to have a toddler!Heaven help me.That's all I have to say.

Daybook - June 6

2011-06-06T15:06:00.003-05:00

Outside my window...the sun is shining brightly and very warmly. Need to go outside when Blueberry wakes up.I am thinking...of all the things I "should" be doing while I'm busy writing this. And then I'm thinking that I'm enjoying writing, so the "should do's" are just going to have to get over it. I am thankful for...some new dresses. I love dresses, and my wardrobe has needed some serious help

In the household news...

2011-06-05T19:42:00.005-05:00

Since Blueberry's surgery (and my last blog)....1. Blueberry is doing much better. The first few days were pretty rough, but she seems to be healing nicely. She has an inch plus scar, but when her pediatrician saw it a few days ago, she commented that she didn't think it would stay a permanent scar.In fact, since the surgery, Blueberry is more mobile than ever. We're thinking that the hernia was

Mommyhood--The Downside

2011-05-26T19:20:00.007-05:00

So the last 24ish hours have been rough. Very rough.Let me start with the following picture.Yup. That's my Blueberry with needles coming out of her head.The story basically goes that Tuesday Blueberry was on the fussy side on and off and not eating a whole lot. Wednesday it was worse. Way worse. Not wanting to eat much. Would not take a morning nap at all. Finally took a brief 30 minute afternoon

A Morning of Pins

2011-05-23T10:43:00.003-05:00

So having nursed Blueberry at 3:30ish this morning, I then stayed up to say goodbye to my APs who flew off to Thailand. They've been staying with me the last two weeks as we had weddings and showers and baby dedications. I've really loved having them in the same country as me for the last two years. Spoiled me a bit, to be honest. But the time has come and once again we will have not just a few

7 Quick Takes (Vol. 17)

2011-04-29T14:47:00.004-05:00

#1 - I have come to the conclusion that 2 hour baby naps are one of the best gifts. As my Mum expressed it once to me: "Children: love them when they're awake. Love them even more when they're asleep!"*****************#2 - Yes, I did watch the Royal Wedding this morning. I know. I'm crazy. Especially given how sleep deprived I've been lately. But really, how often do I get to see a royal wedding?

After a very long, emotionally crazy day...

2011-04-04T22:30:00.002-05:00

...I turned on my "Vineyard" Pandora station and the first song that came up was the below song. Much needed.As morning dawns and evening fades You inspire songs of praise That rise from earth to touch Your heart and glorify Your Name Your Name is a strong and mighty tower Your Name is a shelter like no other Your Name, let the nations sing it louder 'Cause nothing has the power to save But Your

Daybook March 26

2011-03-26T14:08:00.004-05:00

Outside my window...it is rainy and gray and gross and cold. However, I do have a beautiful white tree in my front yard and some lovely red flowers coming out on a nicely-greening bush across the street. So that makes up for the yuckiness a little. This week has really been a typical Missouri week. Gorgeous sunshine and 80s one minute, cold, wet, rainy the next.I am thinking...that I'm

In Blueberry News

2011-03-23T10:21:00.002-05:00

We'll begin the week before we left for Arizona. Blueberry had a fussy week, particularly with sleeping again. Could have been that she's been really mastering this sitting up thing. We also figured she seemed to be going through a wake-times change. In the last few weeks, as Chris described it, you can look into her eyes and see something there that wasn't there before--connections are being

On the First Day Back

2011-03-21T16:12:00.002-05:00

So we flew back from Phoenix last night. Feels like I've hit the ground running. Since I got up this morning (thankfully Blueberry slept in this morning which meant I got to sleep in a bit as well) I've unpacked the suitcases and tidied up the mess, planned dinner, called the pediatrician and booked an appointment, went to said appointment (more on all that later), stopped to get Chris' glasses

Woot for Shopping Deals

2011-03-13T14:06:00.000-05:00

I've been in need of some shopping motivation. The last months I've really been focusing on trying to get back into the swing of deal shopping.This week was a good reminder of why I actually enjoy this shopping game (never mind the necessity party of doing it)!First came Staples. I am the first to admit that if I let myself, I would be an office-supply junkie. I just love office stores. Don't ask

Of Mice and Men

2011-03-12T08:38:00.003-06:00

It's been an "of mice and men" sort of week for me. Not a bad week just all my plans going "aft agley."Monday was my 30th birthday. Which I celebrated in the morning by spending 1.5 hours at the WIC office and then went grocery shopping for much needed groceries. About three and a half hours in, Blueberry finally succumbed to sleep for about 20 minutes after this abrupt change in nap schedule.

2011-03-09T20:50:00.001-06:00

If you have never said "Excuse me" to a parking meter or bashed your shins on a fireplug, you are probably wasting too much valuable reading time. ~Sherri Chasin Calvo

Daybook - March 4

2011-03-04T15:15:00.004-06:00

Outside my window...it was brilliant sunshine. I have the windows and doors open to let in the warm(er) air. However, it is now getting darker and darker and a chill is beginning to make itself known (unwelcome visitor that it is), and so the predicted rainstorms/potential snow storms might be on their way.I am thinking...that I need to take a basic math class. I had planned out our meals for

Daybook - February 27

2011-02-27T14:15:00.002-06:00

Outside my window...is a balmy 70 degree day; although, the cloud cover and wind makes me think the current balm might soon be replaced by the threatened storms. Just so long as we avoid any tornadoes.I am thinking...that the next few months are shaping up to be ridiculously busy ones. I'm also thinking about commitments and what constitutes healthy commitments and how some commitments--while not

Three Simple Rules

2011-02-25T13:09:00.003-06:00

Sleep has been a topic of much thought for me for the last six months. Not to go into great detail, let's just say it's been challenging to say the least. After a lot of reading and studying and experimenting, Blueberry suddenly began to respond really well at night and now goes to sleep beautifully in the evening for 12 hours (give or take an hour or so for feedings).Naps have been a different

Oh Me, Oh My

2011-02-20T15:25:00.006-06:00

I fear I am a woman of contradictions.I want to be efficient, but my perfectionism stops me from accomplishing efficiency because being efficient doesn't necessarily equal being perfect.I feel lonely and depressed when I'm on my own and have had no contact with anyone (thus feeling like no one cares), but I also procrastinate on contacting others, and I crave alone time and get irritable when I

Daybook 2/14/11

2011-02-14T18:54:00.005-06:00

Outside my window...it is dark and getting cold again. However, it was nice enough earlier today that Blueberry and I went for a walk. So nice.I am thinking...that while I agree that Valentine's Day has become a rather over-commercialized holiday (although one might ask what holiday's haven't), I'm a little tired of people claiming it as a "greeting card holiday" only. I am thankful for...sister

7 Quick Takes (Vol. 16)

2011-02-11T09:25:00.002-06:00

#1 - We woke up this morning to discover our mailbox decapitated and spread across the lawn. Fortunately, the executioners were very nice and put a note by our door saying sorry and explaining that they slid off the road and leaving their phone number. Sigh. Add it to the list of things to do. Hope they weren't too banged up by the experience as they slid straight into our rather deep ditch.The

Lessons from my 6 Month Old

2011-02-09T07:18:00.001-06:00

Yup! That's right, folks. Blueberry turns 6 months today. I know! It's crazy. I cannot possibly be the mother of a 6 month old. And yet I am. I have also been the recipient of a number of lessons via this same 6 month old. Sometimes I wonder who is learning more--her or me?So what have I been learning?Lesson #1: Patience. With myself. I make mistakes; I have bad days; I can't figure it all out

Go Packers!

2011-02-06T13:29:00.000-06:00

Baby-Led Feeding

2011-02-03T16:02:00.003-06:00

So I've been looking into the concept of baby-led feeding (also have found it called baby-led weaning--no idea what the difference is or if there is one) as an approach to starting baby food. So far, Blueberry has started to show interest in grown-up food but really more as a curiosity thing than an actual, "I need more food" thing. This got me thinking about starting solids and when to start

Presumptive! Mere Churchianity not C. S. Lewis Standards

2011-02-03T10:54:00.003-06:00