Marley & Me

I just finished reading Marley & Me by John Grogan. It was such a wonderful tribute to a dog that I couldn't help but remember while reading it all the crazy antics of my family's dogs throughout my childhood.

I can't imagine dealing with the responsibility of owning a dog right now on top of the three kids and a baby on the way, but in other ways I'm impossibly sad about my kids not having those types of memories that only a dog owner can have. If things go as they are, they won't know the joy of a crisp autumn walk with a panting, excited dog by their side. They won't realize the satisfaction of training a dog and seeing the fruits of those labors. Somehow, the idea of curling up on a sofa with a dog at your feet and a good book in your hands seems like something few should miss.

Of course, of course, my kids are showered with good memories and I suspect looking back as adults they won't feel they've lacked much and, if they do, perhaps they can get their own dog someday. But after reading such a touching tribute to a badly behaved Labrador Retriever, it's hard not to think that a beloved family pet is worth the sacrifices it requires.

2009 Blogging

I think a common New Year's resolution of bloggers to to put more effort (and posts!) into their blog. I don't know that I ever verbalized that thought, but internally I thought to myself that maybe, new year, new blog commitment. And I think I meant it.

But then the first trimester of this pregnancy kicked in in earnest and I spend each day counting the hours until bedtime and feeling queasy all day long. Somehow blog posts entitled "Morning Sickness Strikes Again!" don't seem terribly interesting.

I'm still here. Eight weeks pregnant with an ultrasound picture of the baby and its beating heart hanging on my refrigerator and ridiculously and miserably sick. This too will pass and, I suspect, hardly remembered in the years to come. But for now it's interfering with any desire I might have to blog.

Happy New Year!

Since my kids think they're virtually perfect and don't understand why they would need to make a New Year's resolution, I thought I would offer up some sample resolutions for them, in case they were interested.

I, Madeleine, resolve that for the whole of 2009 I will not roll my eyes, sigh whenever my mother speaks or hide my dirty clothes under my bed, in my closet or under my bureau.

I, Hank, resolve that for the whole of 2009 I will not sneak candy, cookies or other forms of sugar unless I ask, and I will not overreact to any situation or news-- this includes the request to turn off my Wii-- by yelling, shrieking or stomping my feet.

I, Elisabeth, resolve that for the whole of 2009 I will not require stitches, larger than average Band-Aids, cold compresses or anything that involves greater than average care, and I especially resolve not to need to go to the ER this year for stitches. Especially twice in one year. I further resolve to open my eyes and realize that while I am the youngest child, I am not the only child, and I will behave accordingly.

I, the unborn baby, resolve to stop making mommy nauseous and tired. I further resolve to come out easily, on time and healthy.

There, those ought to help the house remain peaceful and happy in 2009.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Guess What!

Despite intentions to be so at times, I have never been one of those women who can contain her good news more than a day or so. I am, and always have been, an open book, and when I'm pregnant I want the world to know.

So, world, I am pregnant! Joe and I are expecting a baby in late summer of 2009. While I'm too tired to copy Madeleine's reaction to the news (she shrieked for joy upon hearing that she was to be a big sister again) inwardly I'm shrieking with excitement.

Nutcracker

We took the kids to see "The Nutcracker" on Saturday and in addition to the fun of all three kids enjoying the performance, it turned out that greeting in the lobby when we got there was Madeleine's friend Anna (the soldier closest to Madeleine). Elisabeth was a little scared of the mouse, as you can probably tell from her expression in the picture.

After the performance we headed out to one of our favorite local haunts which, according to Madeleine, wasn't that fancy because, as she informed us, "I've been to fancier." They did, however, have kiddie cocktails, so it eventually won all three kids over.  (Their combination of good food, proximity and acceptance of kids won Joe and me over a long time ago!)

What a fun day!

Eight Days to Go!

As most readers might have guessed I'm doing a lot of shopping, wrapping and baking and very little blogging. The good news is, though, that I'm feeling much more prepared for Christmas than I normally do. I have been determined this year to focus on and appreciate Advent without Christmas stress and, so far, I am succeeding. Blogging though, has suffered.

We're here though, safe and sound, buried under mounds of snow, enjoying our pretty Christmas tree, baking cookies and listening to Christmas carols and even attending three Christmas performances: Joe and I attended A Christmas Carol performed by the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Joe and I will attend the Milwaukee Symphony's "Cathedral Classics" performance this weekend with friends and Saturday we're taking the kids to see "The Nutcracker," which will be Elisabeth's first time seeing the production.

Only eight more days until Christmas, and I can't wait!

Madeleine's Christmas Wishes

Madeleine whipped out this list yesterday and slapped it on the fridge. Oh my goodness gracious; I don't think I started asking for a horse until I was ten or so, and even then it was one item on my Christmas list along with lots of toys.

Anyway, here is Madeleine's list:

My Christmas Wishes

1. horse
2. pony
3. foal
4. horse in labor
5. stallion
6. saddle
7. bit
8. stirrups
9. horse shoes
10. oats

Both numbers four and ten made me laugh out loud the first time I saw the list.

I hate to be a naysayer, but it's doubtful Santa is going to be able to fit a laboring horse into his sleigh. Think Madeleine will be disappointed?

So much for a quiet cup of coffee...

Ah, is there anything that warms a parent's heart more than the sound of two children screaming at each other?

Peaceful Day

I came here to post about what a wonderful, peaceful day we are having. Everything that could go right has. The snow is falling gently outside, the kids and I are at home, safely, wrapped in our pajamas, bathrobes and slippers (and this at 11:28 a.m.!) yet we've had an amazingly successful day schooling already: catechism, math, spelling, reading, grammar, Latin, piano, handwriting; whatever was on my to-do list for school today is done.

And yet...

And yet I can't write the joyful post I had intended. When I checked my email moments ago I came across something that changed my mood entirely. I learned that somewhere out there a family I don't even know just lost their son, a newborn baby whose name is the same as my own son. I don't know the family; I don't even really know the family who posted the message from my dear list-serve of Lutheran home-schoolers, but I do know that somewhere out there a family has just lost their new son. And while I am still thankful for the wonderful day we've had and while I know that bad things happen every day in many different ways, I also know that some things touch us different days more than others and, today, this news touched me.

Today I will enjoy the peaceful day we're having, but I'm also reminded to hug my children a bit closer and to remember a grieving family out there-- somewhere-- who needs some extra prayers.

Stitches

A couple of months ago I made the ill-fated decision to take Elisabeth into the bathroom at our local CVS after already leaving the store. Why? Well, once in the parking lot she announced to me she had to go potty. I should have ignored her. After all, she had a Pull-Up on and she had frequently made such pronouncements in the past only to arrive in the bathroom and be more interested in turning on water faucets and inspecting toilet paper rolls than trying to use the toilet. But the fateful decision was made: an almost three-year-old in diapers should be taken to the bathroom, even if it's futile, if interest is expressed.

Once in CVS's bathroom Elisabeth did try her best to use the toilet. She did. She actually sat on the toilet for five seconds, at least. And that's when it happened. After her lightening fast potty session (in which nothing went into the toilet that is supposed to) she jumped off the toilet too fast for me to grab her. And she tripped and fell... and fell right into the corner of a baseboard heater.

As soon as I saw the blood I panicked. I ordered Madeleine to run outside and get Joe (this was, after all, the beginning of what was supposed to be a peaceful family walk; I had run inside quickly to fill a prescription). The cut was small, but deep, so we walked home rather briskly and rushed Elisabeth over to Children's Hospital. There a short, friendly brunette whose name escapes me carefully stitched Elisabeth's nose after more than a few hours of waiting and now, a few months later, the wound is healing nicely.

Elisabeth was the first of my three children to need stitches. One ER visit for stitches in eight years? I assumed I wouldn't need to repeat the adventure for another few years, at least.

Not so. Last night it was Elisabeth again. The kids were dancing in the kitchen. Hank was sliding more than dancing, really, and slid right into the rug on which Elisabeth was standing. The rug pulled out from under her, causing her to fall. She fell hard and fast and didn't have time to break her fall. Her chin broke open, though this time the would was larger, but less deep. Once again, we loaded her up into the van and headed over to Children's Hospital. This time Madeleine came along to see what all happens in an emergency room and how it is, exactly, that you stitch up a wound. The wait time for this visit was less, though the wet, snowy roads made the trip a bit more treacherous. The doctor was again, female, but taller with shorter hair. She also very carefully inserted stitches in Elisabeth's face, though three this time, instead of two, and in her chin instead of her nose.

I love Children's Hospital. I really do. The doctors are great, they're so good with the kids and everyone makes it as easy as possible to be there under stressful situations. But I really, really hope we have no occasion to go back again for a long, long time.

Thanksgiving

Did you have a nice Thanksgiving? We did.

Madeleine learned how to use her new sewing machine,

Hank got to do a little hunting with his dad, grandpa and uncles

and Elisabeth played with siblings and cousins until she couldn't prop her eyes open for one more second.

A good, good holiday.

No!

The picture, taken this past summer, shows Elisabeth perfectly. No, not what she looks like, but what she acts like. If you say up, she'll say no. If you say jump, she'll say no. If you say put that down, she'll say no. In fact, if you say anything, she'll say no. Can you hear me? Elisabeth, can you turn around so I can take your picture?

No!

Elf Yourself

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

So, it turns out this Elf Yourself site is just as much fun as it was last year. More, in fact, since now you can add up to five elves and choose different dances and things. Fun!

Empty House

Late last night Joe and Hank left for a few days of deer hunting.  Dad and Diana were nice enough to keep Madeleine and Elisabeth in Silver Lake one more night so I had an entire evening at home with no one else.  Believe it or not, it was the first opportunity I have had to be alone for an overnight in this house since we moved here over five years ago.

Right after Hank and Joe left I walked around my quiet, peaceful, empty house and reveled in the the sheer emptiness and absolute quiet.  For twenty hours at least, any mess that would be made would be mine (Joe's coat wouldn't be slung over the living room chair!  Legos wouldn't be underfoot!  No American Girl dolls hair salons in the bathroom!), any noise I heard would be created by me (No whining!  No complaining!  No tattling!) and for that small amount of time my time would be my own.

It hit me right around 11 p.m., after I had spent the better part of my evening absorbed in a most excellent book, that I could have gone out if I'd wanted to.  I could have called friends. I could have gone out for a nice dinner. I could have gone to see a movie.  Heck, I could have done anything and I wondered if maybe there was something wrong with me because as much as I love my friends and eating out and seeing movies and as much I would have enjoyed doing any number of things, I never even questioned-- nary a thought crossed my mind-- that once the house was my own I would stay there, utterly and perfectly alone for however long my family would allow it.

My girls are back now, and new messes are being made and their shouts and laughter are ringing throughout the house and yet I don't regret staying in and spending an evening alone here, even if that does mean there's something wrong with me.

Cold Weather and Food

You know what the worst part of my sixty-seven degree house with old drafty windows besides being chilled all the time? It's being hungry all the time for things like mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh, warm bread and all sorts of other kinds of stick-to-your-ribs types of food. Yeah, I can hide under bulky sweaters now because I need to to not turn into an icicle, but gee whiz, if I keep eating like this and feeling so starving all the time, what happens in June?

Please tell me there are others out there in freezing areas who are feeling hungrier than usual!

Settle This Debate

If you're a pickle person, what brand is your favorite? I am practically addicted to Classen Kosher Dill pickles. Joe, on the other hand, is a Milwaukee's pickles guy while I think they're so inferior to Classen's pickles that I hesitate to entertain debate on the matter.

So, settle the debate. Which brand makes a better pickle?

Birthday Wishes

A few weeks ago we made our annual pilgrimage to Door County to celebrate Hank and Elisabeth's sixth and third birthdays. The weekend was, as it always is, extremely relaxing and fun.

But one of the trip's highlights for me is the following picture. Hank has been asking for a Wii since last Christmas. And when I say ask I really mean talking about nonstop for ten months.  That boy really, really wanted a Wii more than almost anything that exists on earth.

So look, here he is, receiving his greatest wish as a birthday gift. The only question I have is who looks more excited, Hank or Superdad?

What We Did

I bet you're all sitting on the edges of your seats wondering what we ended up doing the other night. Why in the world hasn't she posted about what she and Madeleine did yet the other night?! I can't eat, I can't sleep...

No? You really weren't that interested? Hmm.

In any case, I ended up deciding simple was better. We already had an exciting Saturday in Chicago planned and were stuck in WFB anyway until Saturday morning because of an afore agreed upon carpooling arrangement with our friends, so I thought the emphasis should just be on being together. First off we went to Madeleine's favorite restaurant for dinner which, thankfully, is not McDonald's anymore (it's now Noodles and Co., if anyone really wants to know). We had such a terrific time. Madeleine barely stopped talking to eat and the entire time she kept smiling and sighing and saying Isn't it fun to have just us here? Madeleine then chose to go shopping (she wanted/needed new jeans) and then home for popcorn and the end of The Wizard of Oz.

It was a very low key evening, but we both agreed it was a tremendously fun time and something we wanted to do again soon.

What Should We Do?

Tomorrow Madeleine and I are going down to Chicago with a pair of friends (a friend for me and a friend for Madeleine, who happen to be another mother/daughter pair). Joe saw this as an opportunity to head north and prepare for the opening of gun deer season next weekend (apparently some Wisconsin hunters have been bow hunting for weeks) by checking his deer stand, sighting-in his new scope and all sorts of other things I don't really understand and probably never will.

But he, Hank and Elisabeth are leaving tonight leaving Madeleine and me with a night on our own. I have some ideas of what I want to do with her, but this is such a rare opportunity we have that I want to make sure I've vetted all my options.

What would you do if you and your oldest girl were left alone for a night? Would you go out? Where would you go? Would you stay in? What would you do?

Defunct Battery

Apparently lithium batteries don't hold their charge forever even when you diligently drain and recharge them, a lesson I've learned the hard way in regards to my now ancient Canon Powershot S410 (it used to seem so cutting edge-- and that was only four years ago!). My archaic batteries now take, at most, one picture even at full strength.

Do you know how easy it is to get a new lithium battery? Of course you do. Probably everyone does but me who seems to prefer complaining about the problem rather than proactively seeking a solution. Yeah, it's easy. Really easy.

So, hopefully, in a matter of days with a little help from the UPS delivery man and Amazon, I will be able to chronicle our lives digitally, once again.