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