Struggling

I just let almost a whole month go by without posting. But that pretty much sums up my life here lately. I've been behind in everything. I've been told that it's very possible I have/had mono and that would explain my...way of being, because I have been exhausted, emotional, nauseous, overwhelmed, and just completely broken down. It's been very hard just to pull off the little, absolutely-have-to-get-done type of things. I do think that I'm on the up side of the hill now and that before too much longer will be back at it, doing all the things that I usually do. Please don't leave me. Please don't give up on me. Please just let me have a little slack. I'll be back. I want to post about the girls' birthdays. Elaina turned nine (are you kidding me!!?) and Claire turned eight. I turned thirty-three. I also want to post about The Sunshine Box Project. It's pretty near and dear to my heart. I want to give an update on school and how Classical Conversations is going. I have so much to say so stick around. It's hard for me to go too long without being gabby. :)

Labor Day Fun

When we homeschool, I don't usually take off school for a lot of the normal one-day holidays. We end up skipping enough random days that it all balances out and the girls don't keep up with that sort of thing. So, this past Monday was looking to be a regular Monday. Get up, do school, clean the house, cook supper, go to bed. But then Jason's brother, Tommy, texted and asked if it would be a good time for him and his family to come visit. We had a lovely weekend.  They arrived late Saturday night and we visited for a few minutes and then went to bed. The next day we went to church, had a very relaxed and calm afternoon, and then went back to church for Elaina's baptism. I'm really glad it worked out for them to be able to be here for that. We came back home afterwards and put together a hodgepodge type of supper that was surprisingly pretty good, and then we put the kids to bed and visited a little more. Monday, we decided to go to downtown Fort Smith and ride the trolley and look at Judge Parker's courthouse.  We walked around the courthouse grounds until the trolley arrived and then took quite a long, hot, fun ride on the trolley. It was a nice, enjoyable day and a fun way to spend the holiday.

I'm kind of having a hard time today. I was going to write a nice post but I'm just too cranky to fake it.
We had a nice weekend with my brother and sis-in-law and I'll make a point to write about that soon. Until then, I'll try my best to not bite everyone's head off. 

8 years of deception

Apparently I like to roll with the unique kids:

Cholestasis occurs in about 1 out of 1,000 pregnancies but is more common in Swedish and Chilean ethnic groups. 

Pre Eclampsia can affect as many as 10% of pregnancies

When I was pregnant with Elaina, I ended up getting (having?) pre-eclampsia. I also had cholestasis of the liver. If I understand it correctly, that is when your pregnancy hormones affect your liver (I accidentally typed lover at first. And while that wasn't the word I was going for, it totally works in that sentence.) and you itch like crazy. Crazy is not even a strong enough word to describe the itching. It's in your ears, behind your eyeballs, all over your entire body- inside and out. And no matter how much you scratch, you can't get to the itch. So you scratch some more. And more. And more. Until you are bleeding all over but you don't care so you purchase a steel brush so that you can scratch even harder. It's all just loads of fun. I itched the most on my legs and so they got the most attention- scratching wise. I would wake up and find dried blood on the sheet where I had scratched in my sleep. I had a lovely design of scabs going on.
A few weeks after I gave birth, the itching mostly went away, except for on my legs. Pretty soon I noticed that the top of the lower half of my legs were covered with little white scars. So for eight years or so, I've told everyone that those spots are scars, not even considering that maybe they were something else. A month or two ago, I was getting a pedicure and I mentioned to the woman to just ignore the scar spots and she said, "Oh, I just thought you had a skin fungus."
oh. hmmmm    i never thought about that.     that makes so much more sense.  why did i never consider that?  maybe i should check on that. FUNGUS??!!! GROSS!!!

Well, since then I have noticed that I now have a few of these spots on my thighs and on my arms.
I HAVE FUNGUS IN MY BODY. Y'all, I don't do things like fungus very well.  I've grossed out over the thought many times since then. I called right away and scheduled an appointment but the earliest date open was a few weeks out. But I am here to happily announce that today is the day!  I am so happy. This is the best day of the year, so far; the day I can hopefully start taking something to get the fungus out of my body. Out! Out!Out, I say!
I'll let you know how it goes. I'm sure you'll all be on pins and needles until then since this is earth shattering information.

Third day in...

...and I'm still feeling like I can do this. We seem to be getting into some sort of routine and other than the math meltdown from Elaina this morning, all is going very smoothly. I haven't again resorted to using my phone as a distracting device for Nora. Instead, I have really tried to get her interested in working on some "school" projects. I am going to take Caitlin's advice and get her some school-only playdoh, stickers, etc... and I think that will majorly help.

Tomorrow night is my first Parent Information Meeting for our Classical Conversations campus. I'm not even nervous like I thought I would be. I'm just excited and eager to get our classes going. Right now we have ten students and there are two more that I'm hoping will be added before the year starts.

Jason comes home this weekend and he will get to stay home for a couple of weeks. Elaina joined the church last Sunday so we will have her baptism while he is home. We also will go on a date. As I've mentioned before, that's my very, very, very favorite thing to do.

Eily goes to the ENT doctor tomorrow to see about getting her tonsils and adenoids removed. I'm not at all excited about scheduling that surgery. Not on her behalf or mine. It sounds plain miserable. And from what I hear, it takes ten full days to recover. Let's just throw that in the mix with everything else, why don't we?

I hope you are having a lovely week. I'd love to hear what you have been doing.

First Day of School 2014-2015

This was a busy day but a really fun day.  Nora proved to be quite a handful- as I knew she would be- but I distracted her (handed her my phone. I know, bad parenting) for a little while and we flew through the schoolwork. The first day's work is always fairly easy. I'm looking forward to tomorrow but I'll have to come up with something else for Nora to do. I cannot use that method of distraction every day. I also cannot spend all my morning entertaining her. I'll figure out something...

I wasn't pinterest-y and didn't print out adorable signs for my children to hold. Instead, they held up fingers to represent their grades. Nora was supposed to hold up a zero but she got mad about that and eventually decided to copy Claire and hold up two fingers. Whatever. I was tuckered out by that time. It wasn't a battle I chose to fight.

She came up with pose all on her own.

I know it's a lot of photos that are very similar, but it's my blog and I liked them all. :)

Hello

Just a quick check-in to say hello and also document the last day of everyone seeming little. Tomorrow, we start our 2014-2015 school year. Elaina will be starting third grade, Claire will be starting second grade, Eily will be starting first grade, and Nora will be a big distraction. :)

We hurried up and ate supper and then the girls picked out what to wear tomorrow. Normally, I wouldn't care what they wore since we are just at home, but I plan on taking some first-day-of-school pictures and it just wouldn't do to have them standing and smiling in nothing but their panties. I'm joking.

Or maybe I'm not.

By the time we finally agreed on the clothing, they were all so excited that they had a hard time settling down and going to sleep. But the sandman finally won and the house is now calm and quiet. I've been sitting on the bed catching up on my CC director-ing stuff and making sure that I'm prepped for tomorrow. I have to get up earlier than the girls and I haven't made a point to do that since school let out in May. Bye bye sleeping in. You'll always be my very favorite thing. Except dates with Jason. That's my very, VERY favorite thing.

But I will get up early and be just as excited as they are and will make them chocolate chip pancakes per tradition because what's better than adding a little sugar high to the already crazy first day excitement? At least I also throw some chia and flax seeds in the batter. Maybe that will balance out the sugar. (wishful thinking)

I'm looking forward to telling you all about how it went and posting first day photos and finally updating those widgets on the right side of the page of the girls making snow angels. 

Girls Day Out

Jason travels a lot. A lot, a lot, a lot. Not this trip, but the one before, the girls and I were feeling particularly blue about his absence and we decided to spend a day in Fort Smith with only one agenda- to have stress-free fun together. (Yes, there is such a thing as stressful fun when you are a parent.) We started with lunch at our favorite restaurant, Panera Bread. The girls love to sit outside and we just happened to have very nice weather that day. 

                          

It took a little work on my part to get everyone in a happy mood but I finally succeeded and our day really started to have a care-free feel to it. 

                         

We spent time in the mall just walking around and looking at rings and clothes and toys. 

And then we made a quick stop at the nail salon for a little polish on our toes.

                                    

We ended the evening with dinner and a movie. Nora fell asleep on the way home so I put her straight to bed once we arrived and the other three went to sleep quickly and quietly. 

                                    

It really was a nice, fun day together and we made it even better by calling Jason periodically and letting him share in our fun as much as possible. It was a nice glimpse into how it will be hanging out with the girls when they are all a little bit older and able to better handle a whole day out and about. 

A Makeover is Happening

This picture was taken almost a year ago. It was before we moved into our house, and there was a lot of renovation work going on.

When we first moved in, I made this room the schoolroom and since I was burned out from painting, and our very large bookshelf was taking up most of the wall space, I didn't bother painting the paneling. 

Then we pulled the ol' switch-a-roo and Jason and I found ourselves in a very brown bedroom. Brown is okay, but it's never inspired me in a decorative sense. 

And paneling for sure hasn't.

look. i didn't even bother removing the white board. i was in decorating denial.

I really, really wanted to paint the walls, but I didn't want to do it alone because painting paneling is such time consuming and very tedious work. I kept putting it off and putting it off until I JUST COULDN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE.

So yesterday, I rounded up my paint and supplies and decided that since it always takes me one full day to completely paint a room, I should just suck it up and get it over with.  By this time the next night I would be sleeping peacefully in a "brand-new" room.

HA!

I worked from nine last night until one-thirty this morning and almost finished one wall. 

One. Wall.

 I have now changed my goal of completing this project from one day to one weekend. I am determined to get the task finished by tomorrow evening. This paneling just soaks in the paint and the edging takes FOREVER. I have to give the walls three coats and even edge the sides three times. I worked all day today and and I am just now half-way through the job.

Also, I decided that if I was going to do this, then I was really going to do this and I'm making myself paint all the furniture that needs repainting and I'm finally painting the girls' rocking horses. 

With my cousin's help, I was able to get the shelves and brackets above my desk put up and then I just threw some random decorations on them. I still have to paint that desk black and then organize and truly decorate the shelves, but it's nice to see a small part of the room finally looking like it's coming together. 

I have had a suggestion to paint the desk a yellow similar to the one below. I'm not totally sold on the idea, although I think the dresser in the photo is adorable. 

I'm just afraid it will take away from the picture I have in my head. There will be a black shelf above our bed that will be across the wall from the desk. Also, we have one black dresser. The nightstands and the other dresser are the gray color that you can see in the photos at the top of the post. 

What do you think? I would really like to hear your opinions.  

By the time you're 30

One of my sisters and I were talking yesterday about how there are certain things a woman should have by the time she is thirty. I continued thinking about it after our conversation had ended and came up with a few more things. Of course,this list is a bit silly and not at all meant to make anyone over 30 who hasn't achieved these things feel bad. It's just a few fun thoughts.

- A signature scent. I actually have two, and one of them I just discovered within the past two weeks so really it's a soon-to-be signature scent. For normal "I'm headed to Target" type days, I like to wear Eau So Sexy from Victoria's Secret. 

It is the perfect blend of sweet and musky and has a very light and fresh feeling. 

For more special occasions like a wedding or date night, I like to wear Very Sexy for Her by Victoria's Secret. I know, I know, there is a definite trend in the names and I promise- it has no bearing on my original decision to try out the scent. :)

This smell is a bit more spicy and bold. It's not one that you want to spray more than once since a little goes a long way. But I've gotten compliments on it many times and it makes me feel like I'm headed out the door for something really special. 

- A set style for her home

Now, I'm not saying that your home should actually resemble this style, but in your head, you should know what you like. My home is far, far from what I want, but I'm to the point that I like waiting to get what I really want instead of getting some filler item that will just end up being replaced. 

To find your style, I recommend starting a Pinterest board and for about two months, pin everything you like. 

Then, after you have a pretty good collection of pictures pinned, go back and edit your board. Delete what doesn't resound with you the second time around. Then repeat the process all over again. As you are deleting the second or third time, you should start to notice a similarity between what pictures you have kept. The pictures that make the cut two or three times should really tell you what look you are drawn towards. I had always thought I was a color-on-the-walls type of girl. I had painted our homes very bold colors time and time again. But guess what? Almost every pin I deleted was of colored walls and almost every pin I kept was of clean, white walls. In our current home, I am/have painted almost all of the walls white and I have never been happier with the outcome. I realize that trends come and go, but I really think by the age of thirty, a woman should know her base design for her home, and work the trends in (and then out) as they happen. 

- Knowing Her Flaws

So this one -for me- is easier said than done, but I have picked up on some ways and habits that I need to kick to the curb. 

I need to be better about waking up before the girls. I like my sleep, people. I also need to be better about letting the girls make messes. My girls know how to clean and they do it well, so there ought to be times that I just let them play and don't panic about the amount of work that will follow. I won't be cleaning it alone- or as is often the case, at all. 

I have more but I don't want to air them here. 

- Being able to hold her tongue

Look, you are a grownup now. Start acting like one. Back when I worked in a business, I was constantly amazed and appalled by how childish and petty some of the other woman in the office would act. It was really disturbing at times. 

So, that's what I've thought of so far. I'm sure there are a lot more. Tell me readers, do you agree with what I wrote? What achievements can you think of, silly or serious? Any tips on reaching those accomplishments? 

Run, Run, pant, pant, Run Some More

We are now home "for good." Whatever that means. The bulk of out traveling has been completed (excluding Jason) and now we will be trying to establish a summer routine. Kind of late, I know, but you just work with what the situation is, you know? Let me catch you up a little bit since my last post.  

We were home for a day and a half before we got the call that Jason's grandfather had passed away. We waited until the next morning before leaving to go back to Tennessee and made the trip in a quick 10 hours or so. We got there late Sunday night and spent the next few days visiting with the family and attending the visitation and the funeral. 

We returned home (extremely spent and exhausted) on Thursday afternoon. Jason dropped us off at the house and I quickly unpacked and then repacked the girls. I ran Elaina and Eily to the doctor; Eily for an infected toe that was causing red streaks up her foot and Elaina for swimmer's ear. (Or in her case, bathtub ear.) Then I dropped the girls off at Mom's house and Jason and I headed for Farmington. We stayed that night with my sister and then woke up bright and early and went to the hospital in Bentonville so that Jason could get permanent tubes put in his ears. 

Then we skedaddled home so that Jason could get some rest and I could get busy cleaning the house because we had company coming in late that night and I hadn't really been home to clean in over a month. I was very doubtful that I could pull off a hefty grocery trip, deep house cleaning, and catching up the laundry- but I did it before any of the company showed up at the house. It helped that it was pretty late by the time anyone arrived.  

The next morning, friends and relatives from my dad's side of the family came together and celebrated my grandfather's 90th birthday. I didn't think to take many photos but I did catch this sweet moment between Elaina and Grandpa. She had just come over to give him a hug and a kiss and wish him a happy birthday. 

Sunday was very low-key, in such a wonderful way, and we rested up and recuperated from all the business. 

This week has been mainly spent at the city pool and the Geek Squad desk at Best Buy. The girls have started swimming lessons and Nora comes home every day a little upset that they won't just let her swim alone because, "Look how big I am now! I'm grown all up!" I keep assuring her that when the time comes, the teacher will let her know and until then she needs to just keep practicing her arm movements and kicks. 

If you have noticed that Claire hasn't been in any of the photos so far, that's because she stayed in Tennessee and then went home to Mississippi with her cousin, Lily. Aunt Abby has been texting me photos all week of all the fun things they have been doing. Lily has a cousin, Charlie, on her mama's side of the family that is Claire's good friend and I know they've been able to play together quite a bit, too.

Claire and Lily making a craft at the Farmer's Market

Claire- sporting her new haircut and enjoying a smore's at Uncle Tommy and Aunt Kara's house

Lily, Claire, Nora Strevel, Charlie Strevel
I love this photo so much

More splash pad fun in Mississippi

This last photo was taken in Tennessee. Abby, Kara, and I brought the kids home early from the visitation. We were going to take them to the backyard and let them burn off some energy but it was raining, so...

Nadia, Elaina, Nora, David, Claire, Eily, Lily

Traveling

We've been doing a lot of traveling this month. We spent the last few days with Jason's family in Tennessee. 

The girls and I went to the Discovery Center in Murfreesboro one afternoon. It's always a big hit.  

We are a little road weary but happy to be home. 

(Nora has gum in her mouth, not black teeth.)

We have a very full week ahead of us so I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row as soon as possible. Jason is doing the same at his studio. I'll try to keep you all updated as we zoom along. :)

Harmony Hill 2014 and other Things

We have been home from camp for a few days now.
I"m not sure why, but I have had a really hard time bouncing back this year. I have been sleepy. Super, duper sleepy. There have been years where I have had much less sleep, and years where the temperatures were so hot that it took all my energy just to walk, but never have I come back feeling so exhausted. I'm just going to chalk it up to getting older because I don't know what else it could be.

Imani

If I stay on schedule with my chore list for today, I should have all the Harmony Hill equipment put away and all the laundry washed and folded. I will count this as a major accomplishment. Because it is.

Teague

I'm attending my first Classical Conversations Practicum this weekend. I'm very excited about it because I feel like I signed up to be the director but haven't really done anything to learn how to be the director.

Ryan

Since we've been home, I've been trying to go as long as possible without buying groceries. At first, it seemed as if we had nothing to eat, but I'm figuring out how to be creative and we have had some really yummy, filling meals.

Claire, Elaina, and Lillie

 These pictures were taken on our "nice" camera and obviously, I only thought to bring it with me on one day. But that's ok. Maybe next year I'll do better. Enjoy what few photos I did take.

A wind-blown Nora

Claire

Nora and Elaina

Eily and Catherine Palmer

Lukey

Claire and Eily

Teague

Weird shadow photo of Ryan and Nora

Josie Claire

Aunt Pretty and Eily