Many things..

Since no one really reads my blog anymore..maybe I can just pour my heart out a bit?

It's been almost 5 years since I lost my mama. July 24th. It still hurts..I find I think of her just about every day..and when things happen in life when I really wish I she were here so I could pour my heart out to her. I miss her voice ...oh so much.

And..it's been 18 months since my daddy died. I miss him so much. It's still hard to believe he's gone, too..and I can't just pick up the phone and tell him about Isaiah..or about my garden..or about Ethan getting his learners permit. It just seems unreal.

And it's been almost 9 months since my 15 yr old nephew Jaycob died. I didn't know Jaycob well..but I hurt just the same. I hurt for my brother and sister in law..for the huge, gaping, painful hole in their life now..

and I look at my oldest son who was the same age as Jaycob, and every time he hits a milestone I think of him..and it hurts..and that old familiar guilt creeps up. The same guilt I had when Wyatt died..and I had a healthy baby boy in my arms.

Jesus..please heal us!

I feel like I've had to stuff this grief down inside and bury it deep. Just keep it from consuming..and be thankful for the blessings the Lord has given us now.

Our sweet baby Isaiah..who came along 9 months after dad died..and just before Jaycob died. He is such a joy to all of us..I'm so thankful for my kids, and for my sweet husband.

And then I found out recently our house has lead paint. My baby has an elevated lead level. Big deal, you say? We all grew up around lead paint and we turned out ok, right? WRONG. It's a very big deal. It's poison..and affects kidney, liver and brain development..among other things. Three of my other children will be tested here soon..and if they are elevated..then the rest of my children will be tested. I'm just sick over this..sick over this house that has been slowly poisoning my kids for 13 years. And how in the world did it go on for so long without detection?

Lord, help me be thankful!

My husband is tired..he's been working on and fixing this house since the day we moved in..and it's been one thing after another..literally!

I've started running. I'm doing a 5k with my kids in August. I never thought I could do this..but I am. And I've discovered I love running. I love pounding my feet to the pavement and pushing my body harder than I've ever pushed it. It's a release..and a challenge..and it feels good. I pray..and I pound my frustrations, pain, hurt into the pavement..and I pray for His help..His healing..His provision..and I thank Him for this body that hurts when I run, because I'm alive. And I thank Him.

Maple syrup

It started with maple syrup.

 

I had to run to the store for potatoes before I could cook supper. I took baby with me. Just a quick run to the store after hubby came home from work.

 

I picked up the potatoes, and some cheese..and walked around trying to think of anything else before I left.

 

I stopped by the discount carts to see if there was anything I needed. Another woman was looking it over, too. She was probably in her 60's or 70's.

 

I picked up a small glass bottle of syrup and held it up. She asked what it was, so I showed her. She said her hubby and her used to tap maple syrup in the woods on their property in Wisconsin. He would ride the four wheeler to the trees..and pour the syrup in a bin on the back of the 4 wheeler. She canned 60 pints of syrup that last time..and sometimes when people would help them out, she'd give them a jar of syrup.

 

He passed away a couple years ago. I felt tears stings my eyes. I told her I was sorry. I could tell she really misses him.

 

We kept talking. I told her how I buy the fake syrup in large bottles at Costco..since we have eight children.

 

She had nine! One died at 2. They were all born in a span of 13 years.

 

She told me about the coffecake she used to bake that her kids loved for breakfast.

 

About all the work they had to do on their house..part of their home was 150 years old!

 

When her husband made their kids work on the walls of the house after they came home from school, before they could have their supper.

 

I just listened..and asked questions.

She asked me my name, and if I lived in the country. I told her where I lived...here in the middle of town. And how much I would love to be in the country.

 

They both came from large families. Her youngest grandchild is two..but there is another on the way.

 

Soon we were interrupted by someone else shopping..and I told her it was nice to visit with her. I never did get her name.  I knew I had to get going...we had been chatting for a good 20 minutes or so. It was one of those conversations that happen that you feel there is a deeper meaning..you're not quite sure what it is..but it happened and you can't quit thinking about it.

 

I'm really glad he forgot to stop for potatoes on the way home. And I will always remember the lady who use to tap maple syrup with her hubby on their farm in Wisconsin.



Isaiah Valour

Where has the time gone?
Isaiah Valour entered the world on August 28th at 630am!! It's been a bit of a slow recovery for me. I am so thankful that Gabe took 3 weeks off work.

Sweet Isaiah is just so precious..everyone constantly wants to hold him!

 

 

 

3 weeks old

 

4 weeks pics....coming soon!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almost 38 weeks..

My 37 week appointment went really well. I was pretty tired. Last Sunday, I woke to contractions at 2am..and they last till late afternoon. I really thought it was the 'real deal'..even though they hurt, they didn't pick up in intensity, so we didn't head in. I'm glad Isaiah waited though..it was a bit too early yet.
At my appt I was about 1-2cm dilated, halfway effaced with anterior cervix. (more than you wanted to know? lol) Those numbers don't mean much though..all of it could change pretty quickly.

Depending on the due date I go by..I'm either 38 wks on Friday or on Sunday..so I just say 'this weekend'. :) Due dates shmue dates. Babies come when they're ready! Anytime AFTER 38 weeks is fine by me..I know the longer he stays in..the better for him. I'm so anxious for him to be here in my arms..then again, I'm really trying to revel in these last days of carrying a baby in my womb.

We discussed his name on our way home from the appointment on Monday...and both agreed we want to shorten it to "Isaiah Valour'...

Next appointment is scheduled for August 27th...if we make it till then! :)

It's finally August!!

It's finally August! Yippeeee!!

We celebrated Mikey's 8th birthday on July 30th. He's such a big kid now!

 Here is sweet Isaiah at 35 weeks. I'm almost 36 weeks now. Each weekend marks a new week.
Not much longer now..could be two weeks..could be four. Aunt Angie says Sept 4th! lol We shall see!

Speaking of Aunt Angie..she suprised us with a sweet place for Isaiah to sleep..a brand new pack n play arrived yesterday via UPS! I love monkeys!!!!!

Every time I walk by in the living room...I'm giddy with excitement. It's the same whether it's your first or your eighth..it's still exciting! I can't wait to meet this little one. We're going to have a baby!

I've been nesting like crazy the last couple days. Caught up on laundry. Eliahna's room is clean. Baby's area is ready in our room and the living room. All clothes are washed. Taking care of what I can. I still have a list of things we need to get....but it'll have to wait. I think the entire city of Spring Valley is gasping for air after receiving our utility bills in the mail today! Oy. I am thankful it's not 105 degrees with 70% humidity anymore!

I would LOVE to go for walks again, but Gabe won't take me on any more until after Aug.17th (38wks) He just does not want to take any chances. Every time we go for a walk now, I get intense contractions, and pain/pressure...and it continues on for hours. I don't know whether I could go into labor or not just from walking..but we're not going to try right now!

After my afternoon cuppa coffee..I'll be tackling the little boys' room. It's pretty scary in there!

My next appointment is August 13th!!

Yogurt pops!

One of our new favorite summer treats is homemade frozen yogurt popsicles.
So easy, and super cheap if you make your own yogurt. I haven't made yogurt lately..but I bought some Yoplait on sale so it wasn't too bad.

I used about 3/4 large container of vanilla yogurt (or about 2 1/2-3 cups hm yogurt)
(if using plain yogurt..add a bit of sugar or honey to sweeten!)

2 large bananas

1 cup of frozen fruit. We used blueberries.

about 1 cup water.

blender in a food processor till smooth..pour into popsicle molds and freeze for a day.

Better than 'kool-aid' popsicles from the store!

30 weeks!

Only about 10 weeks or less to go! It's been a long couple weeks though. I slipped and fell down the stairs on Father's day, June 17th. I did not go into L&D to get checked out, since baby was moving fine. But I had a very large bruise on my backside and plenty of strain and aches..it's been just over a week and I do feel alot better. However, last night I had a bleeding episode in the evening. Scared me, since I had fallen..I was worried about the placenta or something. Isaiah was still moving around fine. I have had alot of contractions..mostly braxton-hicks, normal for me.
Although I hadn't had any more bleeding today, I was finally convinced to call a nurse. Of course..they wanted me to come in and get checked out. Isaiah's heartrate was GREAT and he was kicking the monitors. I was checked by the midwife on duty..no more signs of bleeding at all..but my cervix is thin. She said 'about 1/2 in'..thinner than normal at 30 weeks..but she didn't know what normal would be for a 30 week woman having her 8th baby! I'm on complete pelvic rest till 34 weeks, and am supposed to do kick counts and watch for any more bleeding or change in contractions. Gabe wants me to buy an emergency birth kit to have on hand....just in case. I went kinda fast with Caleb. ;o)
So..there's out latest update!

One year ago..

One year ago...

we were in Washington state, staying at my dad's home and visiting with family. I can't believe a whole year has gone by, and within that year..we lost dad, and grampa. So many changes..
I was looking over some pictures of the trip today..I am SO thankful I snapped away and took as many as I could. I even took video of dad rotatilling the garden..and pulling Eliahna and Caleb in the wagon.

I can't go back..but I can look at these pictures and soak up the memories and keep them in my heart forever.

We left dad's house on May 6th. I took a picture of him walking back to the house as we were driving away...the last time I saw him.

May 6th is a hard day anyway..the day my Gramma died, 17 years ago.

I'm so thankful for the blessings in in my life. My precious children..my wonderful husband..and all the family we have who love us unconditionally. I'm thankful for the Lord..who 'healeth up my broken heart..and bindeth up my wounds'..as in Psalms..

We are having a.....

Looks like I'll be needing to come up with a new title for my blog since we're having...another baby BOY!!! Ultrasound yesterday shows a healthy, strong little boy. We are naming him Christian Valour.

Name change...we're naming him Isaiah Christian Valour Watson!

A strong name for a strong little boy. 7 boys...wow!!!

16 weeks

Baby W is doing GREAT. At my appointment yesterday, the heartrate was in the 140's. Ultrasound is scheduled for April 19th!! I've been feeling soft kicks. I found out I haven't gained as much as I thought. Our scales are off by 8lbs! I've only gained 11lbs..not nearly 20!

I almost have Ethan's 4 year high school plan all together. There are a few electives he needs to choose. We just really need to settle on grade 9 subjects.. I'm so glad we can use whatever we please! There are SO many options out there..it's almost overwhelming!

:)

Started my day at 445am..

I awoke early this morning and couldn't go back to sleep. Part of it was worry..about finances (minor worry) and a friend who may have metastacized cancer -she's a mama to 5 young'uns. (major worry) Her name is Stacey if you'd like to keep her in prayer. She's in Oregon.

So I gave up and came downstairs, knowing Gabe hadn't left for work just yet. He leaves at 5am. He's always glad to see me before he leaves! It hasn't happened since I became preggy. I do love getting up early. It's 7am now and the children will be waking soon...but to have those two hours of quiet in the house...ahhhhh!

I made out a new seven day crock pot menu yesterday. Seven days to be repeated the next week, lasting until next payday. I planned out suppers and lunches, and some choices for breakfast. I made out my shopping list yesterday afternoon, since we were going shopping last night after work. I was excited that I had a menu to go by again, and easy one to boot!
Food prices are making me crazy, though. I always feel so bummed when I can't get everything on my list. I'll have to do some tweaking of my menu now, cutting out some meals that require beef, and cheese. Our pantry is full, our fridge..not so much. Which this morning I realize may be a blessing in disguise..Gabe mentioned how warm the fridge seemed when he woke this morning. I think it's days are numbered.
I know we are richer than many, many people in other countries. Sometimes it's SO frustrating to be shopping so carefully to buy inexpensive things to feed my family, meaning I need to cook from scratch and plan  ..and I see people filling their carts with 'cr*p' (aka-frozen boxed foods, sodas and chips) and paying with an EBT card. Considering we do qualify for SNAP benefits and choose not to use them, ya..I'm a little judgy-wudgy this morning. Maybe I need another cup of coffee. (see how rich I am? I get to drink coffee..with milk! Sitting in a nice chair, in a home that's warm- or cool when I want it to be..and the FREEDOM to read my Bible and not have to worry about being arrested for owning one. Yeah..there's bigger things in this world to be fretting over.)

Lord forgive me for being judgemental, and for worrying..and complaining. I know You provide for our every need...and even for our wants! Forgive me for coveting the ease that others seem to have. Help me to be a better steward of our resources..to share with others. Thank you for these blessings that surround our table...the joy they bring to our lives. When our numbered days are over..our CHILDREN are the only thing we leave behind on this earth that matter. What a blessing it is to have our quiver full.

New things and old things. (Kefir and FB)

New Things:
A friend from online shared some of her Kefir Grains with me (via mail). I was a bit intimidated at first...but the process if very easy! I'm not sure I can stand to drink plain kefir milk. It reminds me of the milk that used to sit out at my best friend's dairy parlor. If you've been in a dairy, you know what I'm talking about.

There so SO many ways to use kefir milk though. A few I found on THIS site. First on my list to make is bread and smoothies.

Old Things:
After a bit of prayer and discussion, we decided to dip our toe back into the world of Facebook. I'm really not interested in cultivated a huge 'friends' list full of people I do not know, nor engaging in discussions that draw my mind and attention away from what is most important (my family and the Lord).
So far we just have family and a couple local friends. I wanted to keep in better contact with my siblings (since they are all on FB now)..follow my brother's restoration project (36 Dodge truck)..and just take each 'friend request' as it comes. We won't be uploading pictures to FB though, which makes us rather boring, since most people just want to snoop at pictures anyway. (and yes, we're guilty of this too :P )

And Pinterest. Something that was introduced to me a while back, but with great disappointment realized I couldn't 'Pin' since I didn't have a FB account. My mother-in-love walked me through the steps..and I'm on my way to 'Pinning' all my interests to my boards. Lotsa fun. It's like a gigantic Favorites webpage complete with pictures to remind me what the link is about .

I think that's about it for now. Sweet toddler is running water in the sink upstairs, so I think I had better scoot up there quickly!

A Psalm While Packing Books

Yogurt..more homemade goodness

It's been over 3 years since I've blogged about making my own yogurt. I do it a bit differently now...it's SO easy though. There are many different ways to go about it..but here's what I do:

I use whole or 2% milk. It makes a thicker yogurt.

I do about 3 quarts at a time. I slowly heat the milk in a pot, checking the temperature and stirring occasionally, till it reaches about 180 degrees. Then I remove it from the burner and let it cool to below 110. If it's too hot, it will kill the yogurt starter.

I used Dannon plain yogurt as starter when I don't have my homemade yogurt on hand. I add about half a cup or so into the cooled milk and whisk well. Then I pour the milk into 3 clean quart jars.
I put the jars somewhere warm..right now that is on my counter near the heating vent in my kitchen. I cover them with a warm towel and let sit overnight. They'll be set up by morning. You do not want them to get too warm, or you will kill the yogurt starter. In the winter, I keep the jars covered inside my oven, with the oven light on overnight.
You can let them sit a bit longer if you want it thicker, or more tart.
Cover and store in the fridge.

I use it in homemade smoothies, or over frozen blueberries, and drizzled with honey.

Good stuff! Easy. Much cheaper than store bought.
:)