Blast!

I have already failed. I set a very high goal for myself back in the summer where I was going to ease back into writing and promised myself I would post at least once a month. I suck.
Goodbye October. Luckily, not too many interesting things happened in October '08 anyway.

In other news.

I spent the early part of this week diligently avoiding all media. I put myself on a media blackout hoping it would keep me from being anxious about the election. It worked a little bit.

I have some sort of cold/flu thing currently. I am also very pregnant (way more than I was back when I was only 3 months pregnant, then just a little pregnant you know) and it is getting hard to properly diagnose myself.

Tired? Yes, since April.
Achy? Why yes, since late September actually.
Irritable? Mind your own damn business.
Heartburn? Every 4 hours or so, my chest feels as if I just had a shot of cheap tequila but sadly I continue to be completely sober.
Stuffy nose? Well, I can now see how people get addicted to Afrin. Not me, of course, but my Mom really is and she says it all began with a bun in the oven AKA Anne, my little sister. At least one nostril has been blocked for over 3 months now and it is not alwys the same one. Tricky.

However, the fever is always a big clue that it is not just the normal pregnant fun I am feeling.

I am hoping recovery is soon, so I can get back to my regularly unscheduled life.

My boys are off camping with other dads and boys. I called Lee to check in and they are having a great time. He said they were having some beer and sangria (??) Not the kids, just the dads. The kids are having jello shooters, of course. I am trying to forget the call completely and not worry about all those poor boys with their dads all crazy with sangria (??) and s'mores. I am sure everything will be fine.

My girls are at my in-laws house being spoiled rotten. Since my MIL had to work, my FIL took the girls to some garage sales this morning. I had no idea he had ever been to a garage sale before. This was a strange revelation. They had McDonalds for lunch and have been watching way to many cartoons I am positive. They probably won't want to come home tomorrow.

I have spent the day on the couch drinking lots of fluids, reading and trying to rest. It has been eerily quiet. I enjoyed the peace and quiet until around 2pm and since then I have been lonely and bored. Trusty old Sparky has kept me company. He is a good companion, even if a little stinky. And of course my sweet Sara. She is always with me. She twists and stretches and hiccups often reminding me I am not really alone.

Beach Trip

We had a great end of summer trip to the Isle of Palms. Somehow we missed the hurricane hoopla and had incredible weather. We were joined by my in-laws. My sister in law is also pregnant and her baby is due in November. We compared our baby bumps!

The kids loved riding the waves in on a float and also learning how to body surf. The beach was full of shells and we gathered quite a collection. Joann would feel with her toes for an interesting shaped shell and Ryan would dive down with his goggles to retrieve the treasure. I spent my beach time mostly in one of those low surf chairs right on the edge of the tides. It was so relaxing!

In the evenings after dinner we played the new Wii game that Jake recieved for his birthday. 'Boom Blox' was fun for everyone. It really is one of those games that all ages can enjoy. Nancy and I went to bed pretty early most nights and I was able to get lots of sleep that week.

The kids made up 'surfer' names for us too. Jake=Tidepool, Ryan=Shellscanner, Luke=Whirlpool, Laine=Sugarwave, MC=Sandscooter, Dad=Thundercrest, Jojo=Palmbunny, Mom=Surfsitter!

Great thing about homeschooling #215

We are on vacation. In the middle of September we are at the beach with all of our kids, paying almost half of what it would have cost us to vacation here a mere week ago. Hee hee! The beaches are so quiet. I promise some pics next week.

Mary Clare goes to pre-school

Today was Mary Clare's first day of 3 yr. old pre-school. She began at our parish pre-school in January in a 2 day program. After our fall of homeschool, my first with 4 kids, I was desperate! I saw the director of the pre-school at mass around Christmas last year and I jokingly asked her if she had any spots for January. Amazingly she did have a spot for Mary Clare in the 2 year old room!

She loved her class last year and is thrilled to be returning. I am thrilled too. It is our 4th week of homeschool and it has been very challenging to keep Mary Clare occupied while the olders get working.

Returning

So, I have left this blog space for several months. There were many reasons why. One being that last fall we were in the midst of discerning a very important decision and there was little else that occupied my thoughts. This decision was a highly personal one and I felt I could not write it in such a public space. The decision was made. As is the case with lots of 'major' life decisions it brought a small amount of peace, but also a myriad of many more new decisions to be pondered!

Anyway, I feel compelled for many reasons (not the least being a prodding husband) to start posting again. He reminded me how fun it is to look back in the archives and read how our daily life was one or two years ago. He reminded me that many family members liked to check up on us here and to see pictures of the kids. He reminded me how much I enjoyed writing and clearing my thoughts.

Thanks for all of the gentle prodding, hon. I love you!