A Few Things

It's the most wonderful time of the year...
No, I don't mean Christmas. The beginning of AUTUMN!
Sweaters (I have a massive collection...or did, I "weeded" this summer, but intend to bolster it again!), decorating with leaves, brown, gold, and orange (you can use these colors with abandon, and not be accused of living in the 70's), afternoon walks with leaves falling all around, jumping in leaf piles, gathering nuts, picking pumpkins, apples & pears, corduroy on little boys, baking--cinnamon rolls, apple pie...
Halloween!
We got our costumes all figured out now. Baby Payge will be wearing
the pink one. Too cute! Scored it at a yard sale this summer. By the way, this style is gone (sold out) so you can't order it new, either.

Chayce has decided that she wants to be a ballerina. This works well, since Grandma T. made her a tutu when she came to visit when Payge was born. And, I found some pink leotards at a yard sale this summer. (I love good yard sales, can you tell?)

Zach was more of a challenge. He kept changing his mind, and finally settled on being a turtle. While in the car, I said, "Hey, if we don't find a good turtle costume, is there anything else you would be willing to be? (Me, not wanting to sew at the moment)"
"Oh, sure mom...I'd be willing to be a tortoise!"
Hmmmm, not the answer I was looking for. BUT, on the upside, his faith was rewarded. We walked into St Vincent's Thrift Store (to get foam & fabric if nothing else) and what do I see? A strap on turtle shell looking at me! I'll get real photos up when Halloween gets closer.

I told the kids I was dressing as a princess this year. "But Moooooom, you're married! You can't be a princess! You have to be a queen!" I like how they think. What I'd really love to do is dress to match our house...Victorian era, and decorate in authentic, era appropriate decorations.

Off to read to my wee ones. Ahhhh, Fall.

Ithaca

On my way home from Montreal, I stopped at my Friend Mark's house in Ithaca NY. Here are some great pictures from the middle of the North side of the city around the Cornell campus. The last picture is taken from the shopping center of town. I thing I like it...k...I love it.

Potty, Humor

The toilet in my hotel was rectangular. Quite comfortable, since that was what I know you are thinking. The next picture is that of the floor mat in the elavator...it says 'exploration.' ... Yeah ... That was quick.

Montreal

Here is a picture of Montreal. I am at an observation point looking south on Montreal island.








In the next picture I am standing in front of the McGill University Faculty club, where my conference to place. The remaining pictures are inside. Chayce - the mermaids are for you. It was interesting to note that the tops of the columns in the meeting room were held up by male/female pairs, each equally sharing the weight (not pictured).

My two favorite views in Montreal

I had a great time in Montreal (more pics soon) and met a lot of people who are/will be interested in me as a job applicant, but these two pictures sum up what I was thinking about when I wasn't talking with others at the conference.

Sentimental

Today is a game day, so there is a lot of ND stuff going on all weekend. There are huge tail gating parties, even down town South Bend gets into the action with outdoor concerts and festivals. This song (see video below) is played often. However, while many fans picture the football field as this song plays--I picture graduation. Not just because it will be over (part of me is sad that it will be), but I envision the day that the graduation takes place. The graduates marching forward into the world, taking it on--head on. They've been given an excellent education, and should feel empowered to take on any troubles that come. With all the talk of the economy falling, I'm amazed that I still feel at peace. Maybe I don't understand the magnitude of this "economic failure" or maybe I just feel really prepared. I feel blessed to have been prompted to come to a school where they take care of their own, where even the families of the students matter. Plus, what other school has such an awesome song?

Dollhouse Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Dollhouse Frock GIVEAWAY !!!!!!!

Someday, I'll win one of these. Perhaps the dollhouse, too? I know, I'm dreaming.

5 Years Ago...

Five years ago, I was on bed rest...waiting to find out how my first baby was doing. He came into the world 4 pounds 15.5 oz, 21 inches long. But, he was breathing on his own, completely developed. He rolled over in the first few minutes of life--scared the doctor! My parents were there, and I was very glad. The story is long, and it's a whirlwind to tell...but the emotions have sort of calmed down a bit. I mean, it HAS been five years.
In the past five years, Zach has learned to do a lot. He started reading at three, and now he doesn't go to bed when told (there is a stack of books up on the top bunk), well, I take that back. He goes to bed, but doesn't sleep. He's hilarious, and keeps us laughing.

So, to Zachary! Happy birthday, baby!

Diamonds

So, I'm sitting here holding a baby with a tummy ache. I've changed twice now--there's just so much (ahem) "fluid" one shirt will hold. Poor little baby. To get my mind off it (she's resting, but I have to hold her--in case it starts again) I started reading frugal blogs...a pastime of mine. I found this link...read it: You'll never look at the pretty stone on your hand (or at the jeweler) the same again.

On the road

This post is mostly to show pictures of dad's trip to Zachary and Chayce, but I'll also list a few things I've learned. First, border crossing into Canada is easy. We'll see whether the US will let me back in. Second, driving 100 kilometers per hour sounds fast until you realize it is only 60 miles per hour. Third, Canadians systematically ignore the speed limit and go 120 kilometers per hour. Fourth, gas looks cheep at 1.16 until you remember that you are buy liters and not gallons. Fifth, never trust grapefruit juice with French labeling.

Below are pictures of the sunrise around Flint Michigan, the bridge to Ontario over the southern tip of lake Huron, me at the Canadian border station, the skyline of downtown Toronto, and the deceptively 'cheap' gasoline.

Motherhood Lesson #1027

Never believe that while you are gardening in the front yard, the children are playing nicely in the sandbox in the back yard.







No, I now assume they will find something to get into. I also have learned that even the smallest pile of dirt left on the edge of the sidewalk will turn into mud--glorious mud, that children will find irresistible.

Addendum: A day of Art, Music, & Literacy

And here are pictures of the colored hair.

An Olde Tyme Activity

If you know much about me, you know that I love old things. If time could stand still, but I could move on, that would be ideal. Obviously, I'm not as far into the fantasy of the past as the women who get featured on Time Warp. But, I digress. The reason for this post was to share this fun activity for children that I found. Those who can handle a pair of scissors, preferably.

http://www.victoriana.com/antiquetoys/boysgames-print.htm

A Day of Art, Music & Literacy

We woke up bright & early this morning, ready to head out to the Jim Gill concert. Upon arriving at the Open Book festival at our library (the concert was to take place in the basement auditorium), we ran into Little Critter, Clifford the Big Red Dog & Curious George. We then scoured the tables of free books (yes, to keep, forever!) and headed down to see Jim. He's a wonderful musician, and really keeps the kids entertained.

We then headed over to the Rum Village Family Fair, where we got free Krispy Creme doughnuts (oh, and did I mention, the library also handed our family a stack of coupons for free ones?), balloons, jumped on those big inflatable toys, and had our hair painted. I'll put those photos up once I get my hands on Stephen's phone. We did so much...yet this seems like such a short post. It was a wonderful day (oh, and it wore the kids out...early bedtime! Yay!)

Kid in the Candy Store

I'm throwing this out there because, well, I want to. It's late at night and I'm looking at maps. I'm looking at job descriptions. I'm looking at pictures of the kids, and watching a family movie that has clips of extended family as well as just us. I'm thinking. In a short amount of time (one more year, maybe less) Stephen will have completed his degree program. No more school--for him. Now, the question begs to be answered: Where do we go from here?

Do we take on the job of professor? What kind of professor? He could teach stats in many different departments, or be specifically a quant psych prof. We could go into private industry--do we want to? Where do we want to be? Do we like the east coast? Yes. Do we want to live in Idaho or Utah...well, yes and no. There are positives (family, for one), and negatives (I don't want to discuss that right this minute, let's just say they exist). I should feel blessed that we have many options. Options that even others who are looking to be a professor don't have (yay for the quant psych field!), and I DO feel blessed. But I also feel as overwhelmed as a kid in a candy shop. Everything looks wonderful...even staying here longer and just doing research would be just fine. We like it here.

But, I can't be everywhere, even though everywhere seems just fine to me. I have no strong preferences about where or what, as long as my kids and husband are with me. I'm usually so opinionated, but I don't have one right now. Tsk, tsk. What to do? Where to start? I posted a poll...lets see how many of our family members actually read this, that may help me decide. ;)

Turtle wranglers

This is a cute picture from August when we went to the zoo. Zachary Looks old, doesn't he? Payge looks a little concerned, and Chayce is just having fun.

That's Life!

The children made up their own version of the game...no money needed to have an amazing house (they immediately moved into the retirement mansions that are supposed to be at the end of the game), have many children of the gender they chose, and spinning was just for fun. (I'm so glad they aren't voting in this year's election! Ha ha.)

I suppose if things don't change, I'll end up taking care of myself in my old age, despite my motherly efforts, since I was told (as I was loading the washing machine) that they had decided my person (I was playing too, but had to go check laundry progress) had to live in the van, while they occupied the nice houses. Nothing personal, they said, there just wasn't room.

Thank heaven, later in the "game" Zach had a change of heart & said I could live with him. Nice.

Oh My!

Who knew rinsing the dishes could be so amazing? Stephen captured this photo as I was rinsing the dishes (while holding Payge). She was finding the process captivating. Since we caught her making this face, we find she does it whenever seeing something new.

Calling Cloth Diaper Mamas!!!

Ok, all of you who cloth diaper. I have a problem. I bought some wonderful cloth diapers when #2 was born (in 2005). Have used them since. Problem is, they are losing their waterproofing. #3 is 6 months, so here is my dilemma: Do I attempt to re-waterproof these covers (and how?), or switch over to disposable? On the other hand, would it be better to get a bunch of new covers since I have lots of prefolds? There will also be a two month period where I have to use disposables anyway...due to travel (I will not do cloth on a vacation). Just thought I'd ask. Leave a comment!

Sleeping Six Months

Wee Payge hit the half-way mark today...half a year, that is. Six months old, already. She has made it to 13 pounds 14 oz, 22 inches long. Below is a comparison of birth to today. Still sweet as ever.


A few hours old: 8 lbs 5 oz


6 months old: 13 lbs 14 oz

Whoa!

It all started with a walk to the park. I decided the two eldest kids were big enough to walk & that I would get the one seated stroller back out for Payge to ride in (lack of walking ability, you know). It's a good thing I brought the wrap...after a long day at the park, running & climbing, their little legs were ready to rest. So, Payge went in the wrap, and Zach derived a scheme to get them home with little effort (on their part). Have you ever pushed 60 pounds (while wearing 13) up a hill as steep as the one to our house? Think the hill by the Logan temple. Whew! Needless to say, I skipped the treadmill...that was definitely enough for me!

The SPIDER

AAAAAACK! This spider (three of them, actually) was in my HOUSE. Ug. For size comparison, I stuck it by a quarter on the floor after I squashed it. See below.

Why?

Mommy, why did you put me down? This is the face I got when trying to get a cute shot of her as she wore size 6 month clothes for the first time.

Happy!

Wow

So last year, Jillian had us get cell phones since she was gestating #3 and I had no office phone. I've paced myself on playing with all the features of the phone, and have made it to its video player - and the phone has a better picture than our (rarely used) TV.

I'm ABD

On Wednesday, I passed my oral preliminary exam - wahoo! I went and sat in a room with 4 faculty from my program, was asked a bunch of statistics questions for almost 2 hours, and then they said that they considered me qualified to work on my dissertation. This is also called being a doctoral candidate or ABD (all but dissertation).

Since graduate training varies a lot from program to program and I have received several questions on what all I have to do to finish this degree, I'll put the whole story here:
(i) master's thesis proposal (I did this at USU)
(ii) master's thesis defense (also at USU)
(iii) course work (a big number, I don't feel like recounting at the moment)
(iv) written preliminary (passed last week)
(v) oral preliminary (passed this week)
(vi) doctoral dissertation proposal (I hope to do by the end of the year)
(vii) doctoral dissertation defense (I hope to do sometime next year)

Good Egg

Now that I have stopped laughing (and I'm up off the floor...) I can post this conversation.
Setting: The kids were practicing brushing their teeth by brushing eggs that had been colored (the color comes off with toothpaste & just the right amount of pressure...the pressure that should be used on our teeth! Hence, the practice.) Anyhow, C dropped hers, and the following conversation ensued:

C: Whoops! Oh, the egg did a good job.
Z: Did it break?
C: No, it just cracked all over itself.

That egg was probably pretty scared...scared enough to "crack all over itself!"

Why we didn't make it to the library...

I just couldn't mover her, she was content to sleep this way...for awhile. I don't know how she kept her arms up there while sleeping. I don't know how she fell asleep with her brother awake...