E news

I've been thinking about this post for awhile.

We are expecting a new baby in January! Following our naming tradition, this one will be named with an E. My mom always jokes about our getting to "Q," but it is only that, my mom's joke.

Early this year, I had a dream about this baby. I was holding a baby, a newborn, because it was naked and red, except for the diaper. Then I was changing the diaper. (I don't remember if it was a boy or a girl). Pretty soon it became clear to me whose baby this was, because I started nursing. That is all I remember from the dream, and it woke me up.

It was enough.

I am not quite sure why it was my baby. It would be so much easier to say that it was a memory rather than a forecast. But I knew and felt that child was mine. So we are proceeding in faith despite my doubts, and that my questions including "Are you sure?" and "how will I?" and "how can I?" will develop into understanding.

I love motherhood. It has grown on me over time, I didn't always see in it what I see now. I am excited for the friendship and relationship I am already forming with another precious person--someone willing to be my child.

Last week in one of my overwhelmed moments (there are many of these) I laid down on Andrew's bed and watched the kids play with each other. They were climbing up Andrew's short dresser and then jumping off. Diana, unable to jump alone, was offered assistance from first Andrew, and then Bryn. For a moment I felt joy and comfort that I will have their help. This feeling was confirmed by Andrew offering me another pillow. He said, "Take this one, it's more comfortable."

Teaching assistants, you might call them. I feel blessed to be surrounded by them. They are wonderful and teach me so much.

I love this quote about mothers. I remember it from a visiting teaching message a few years ago:
President David O. McKay (1873–1970): “[The] ability and willingness properly to rear children, the gift to love, and eagerness … to express it in soul development, make motherhood the noblest office or calling in the world. She who can paint a masterpiece or write a book that will influence millions deserves the admiration and the plaudits of mankind; but she who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters, whose influence will be felt through generations to come, … deserves the highest honor that man can give, and the choicest blessings of God.”

It meant a lot to me because I've always wanted to write something worth reading. One of the goals I never achieved was to write my first book by age 30. Perhaps I set my deadline too early, I tend to do that. Regardless,I know women like this--whose influence has been felt through generations, and I would like to be one, too.

Now, I feel like I am rambling, but there's one more thing. My childbearing years now extend to nearly a decade. In that time, I've come to know people who've suffered multiple miscarriages and infertility. My heart aches for them and their desire to create and bring about life, and increases my reverence for our privilege and responsibility. By sharing their grief and pain with me, these individuals have enhanced my perspective and refined my attitude. Thank you.

Tonight at family home evening, we told our children. So before they tell you, I am telling you.
Andrew's first question was, "Do you know if it's a boy or girl?"
Bryn's comment was: "I hope it's a boy."
Caitlin began to dance around the room.
We tried to get Diana to tell us if it was a boy or girl, and she said, "Baby."

2010 will be a busy year for us. Relocating to the career for which we've been working for over 9 years. A new baby. Maybe purchasing our first home? Beginning the process of paying off our student loans.

We will see and keep you posted along the way.

Cheers!

Favorite Part of the Day: Mexia

Today we had an enjoyable Sunday, different from our normal. Nathan had a speaking assignment in Mexia, TX, a small branch in our stake. We were encouraged to go with him when he has speaking assignments, so today we went. It took us an hour and a half to get there, and it was very small. Diana was the only child in nursery. Caitlin and Bryn had class combined with one other boy, and Andrew’s teachers were the missionaries. It brought back so memories of people and branches from my mission that I began crying with a flood of emotion. (I only served in branches on my mission, except for the 2 months of visa waiting in Las Vegas).

Today it took only two people to pass the sacrament, and was so reverent in the room. Nathan said there were 42 in Sacrament meeting. (6 of whom were us). The chapel had 4 side rooms which were open with extra seats during the sacrament meeting, but closed off and became classrooms during class time. Both the nursery and B & C’s classes were held in these. Relief Society was held in a small room as well. When I walked in, I thought out loud, “Will we all fit?” Of course, we did. I think it was 11 sisters.

I loved it and so did the kids. Both Bryn and Caitlin said their favorite part of the day was going there, and Andrew said he likes it better than our normal ward. Nathan gave a great talk about celestial marriage. The people were very friendly and welcoming, they were sad to learn we were only visitors and not moving in. More than one person told us to come back anytime, and a man tried selling Nathan some fresh eggs from his personal free range chickens. We declined, but I was envious when I saw the Elders walk off with a free dozen in their hands. But I’ve been there before, I had my turn. Someone in my mission gave me a freshly slaughtered rabbit. I promptly gave it to a sister in the ward who knew how to cook it. I couldn’t even open the package, because I didn’t know what I would do if I saw the fur. . . . I mean, really, what would YOU do?

Back to today . . . it was so hot in our car that the cheese in our sandwiches melted even though the food was in a cooler. No ice, so we could have prevented that, but we’ve had 100 degree weather all week. We saw a crop on the side of the road that we couldn’t identify, we should have asked a local. We saw two fields of it, growing about knee high with 5-6 inches of seed at the top. Nathan’s guess was tobacco, but I don’t think the leaves were big enough, however, I didn’t venture a guess. Any takers?

On the drive we also saw donkeys, goats, many horses, cattle hiding in whatever shade they could find, a Brahma bull, and several homes with plenty of dilapidated, rusty vehicles and tractors sitting outside. We saw gorgeous, sprawling new brick homes right next to worn out wood frame homes and trailers. We saw the sign on Disco 84, Open for Dancing and BYOB.” In Mexia itself we passed 5 churches and the swimming pool before arriving at our own. Aunt Lucy’s Day care, open 5:30 am to 5:30 pm. Can you believe anyone is up for day care at 5:30 am? Ugh. Makes me want to go to bed!

If I had been smart enough to take my camera, I would include a photo of the cattle lying nearly on top of each other trying to get a piece of the shade. I personally feel a 10 degree difference during the middle of the day if I am in shade or not, so you can’t blame the cattle for packing themselves in tight. Sitting between sweaty cows doesn’t sound 10 degrees cooler. I guess it is all about survival.

We left our house at 8:15am and got back at 3:15pm, so we will not be going back often. But when we do, we will welcome the opportunity for a little more Mexia.

Here's a little TX trivia for you: Mexia is pronounced Ma-HAY-ya, stress on the 2nd syllable.

P.S. I think my father in law was right, I am pretty sure it was sorghum we saw.
Click here for more info on Sorghum.

Sweet dreams

A long time coming . . . .

I bought this fabric over 1000 miles away and at least 2 years ago. I planned to make my own PJ's after making and giving Nathan some for Christmas. Needless to say, this project is one I am happy to cross off my list. My goal was to make something I would wear. I figured PJ's were a good place to start, because no one will see them except my family.

Now, you've seen them, so I consider you family.

Happy finished 1st serger project! Buying thread for #2 tomorrow!

Can't Stop Moving

Not sure what to title this one yet . . . .

This morning we had a ward activity at the "Splash pad." I know of 4 splash pads in our town and the neighboring one. I guess it is survival for the heat. These FREE parks have tons of water squirting and dumping from all kinds of places . . . until it goes off, that is. Today while we were there it went off without explanation, and didn't come back on. It was OK, because we really needed to be on to the next activity of the morning.

I had a really hard time getting a photo of Diana. She wouldn't stop moving long enough to look at the camera. Maybe that's a good title. "Can't stop moving." Pretty accurately describes 2/3 of our family. Her expression shows you how she feels about time spent at the splash pad.



We can't keep time from moving, either. This week was busy with a 3 day fever for Bryn, 3 days of Cub scout day camp for Andrew and I, and lots of 90 degree weather. The next activity this morning was stopping in at Day Camp for Family Day with sailboats, magic show, our favorite weatherman, and pony rides. Tonight is a date out for Nathan and I, to the resident graduation. First time we've been to a resident graduation other than Loyola. So glad to not be the residents anymore!

In other news, we think (fingers crossed) that the air conditioning in the minivan is fixed. Hoping it "stays cool" through lots of hot miles in July. Gotta go, can't stop moving!

Searching for Dinner Salads S.O.S.

Tonight dinner was Chinese Chicken Salad, pictured below. My older kids love it, especially because I added Mandarin Oranges tonight. The younger ones still have a hard time with the dressing, but filled up on the Chow Mein Noodles and cucumbers we served on the side.



I've been in a bit of a cooking funk, and so I am searching for your favorite dinner salads. Using the electricity as little as possible is a desirable thing. In your comments, please post a favorite, send me a link to a great recipe or site, or an email. My husband, family, and self would greatly appreciate a new idea or two.

p.s. I'm not really a fan of cold pasta salads, so save those for someone who is.

70 degrees

My favorite temperature.

"And it came to pass"

You don't have to read very much of the Book of Mormon to become familiar with this phrase. This week, Caitlin learned how to read these words all together. As a result, it is her turn whenever "And it came to pass," comes up.

Last night she read Alma 19:11-12
"And it came to pass that she . . ." followed by
"And it came to pass that he . . ."

So exciting to see her reading progress. She's very excited to be "becoming a reader."
I'm hoping to engage her older siblings in teaching her a few new words in their spare time this summer.