the sky is pink

Of course when things seem like they are going well, something has to change. This morning as I was trying to wake up, I had "the feeling." All women know "the feeling." So I jumped out of bed and hurried into the bathroom. My bleeding started again. After a good Wednesday and Thursday, I was hopeful that I would have a good Friday, too. So now my paranoia has begun again . I can't quite tell if I have morning sickness yet today, although I did gag when I brushed my teeth (which I don't normally do). My mother is supposed to visit me today. I guess I'll just hang out in bed today. No trips downstairs for dinner. I'd like to get a shower, too, but I think I'll wait until Joe returns from taking Jack to preschool and running errands. Update : I just talked to the nurse at my OB's office and she said that it sounds like old blood that I have now (deep red with clots, not the bright red I had Monday and Tuesday). She said the cramping I'm h...

Another peek into Spenser's room. I saw a dollhouse/bookshelf in a Pottery Barn Kids catalog, but refused to pay $400 for it. Joe's father built this. They gave it to her for her first birthday. There aren't a lot of books on it at the time because: a) she tries to eat all books and b) we are limited on girlie books. We have lots of boy books! And lots of bookshelves to prove it!

I woke up to a good morning. Minimal spotting today. Carter brought me breakfast in bed. Strawberry yogurt and an apple juice juice-box. Yummy. Then Joe brought me a blueberry muffin that he made yesterday. He has been so darn domestic lately! Cupcakes on Monday. Blueberry muffins on Wednesday. Chocolate chip cookies today. He even delivered a few warm cookies to my bed right before lunch. He was just trying to spoil my appetite. That's nearly impossible! Last night dear Sandy brought dinner to us. Chicken cacciatore, corn, bread, and brownies. She even joined us for dinner. It was very nice. I felt like I had gone to a restaurant. I had my dinner served to me (on the family room couch). I had nice dinner conversation with Sandy. I was waited on between Sandy and Joe. It was like a little bit of heaven, right from the comfort of my sofa. She even brought a "centerpiece." Lovely potted pink and yellow tulips so I can plant them this spring (or shall I say Joe will plant t...

My bleeding has really slowed down. I'm feeling sooo optimistic now. Joe stayed home again today, because he was too worried about leaving me until the bleeding stopped (or slowed down enough). I've been having morning sickness, so I'm happy about that ... I guess. I'm happy that I'm still pregnant, just wishing I didn't have nausea. At least it's a healthy sign and I am truly grateful. I have been so blessed. I have had so many phone calls from my friends and I appreciate them all so much. It can get lonely and bored sitting in bed all day. Last night Kathie called. I couldn't talk at the moment because we were getting the boys ready for bed so I asked if I could call her back in 10-15 minutes. She said, "if you're not busy." To which I replied, "the only thing I'm doing is going from my right side to my left side -- I'm not busy." We laughed. Sadly, it's mostly the truth. Besides word finds and talking ...

still. Hanging out in my bedroom. My first official full day of bedrest. I can tell this is going to be long. Even if it only lasts a week or so. (That little piece of lint or string on my bedroom floor is driving me nuts! I will be picking it up on my next venture out of bed.) I've left my bedroom only long enough to use the bathroom and to steal a quick shower this morning. I had another scary morning today. When I woke up, the pad I wore to bed was soaked through completely. When I went to the bathroom, the toilet water was so bloody that it was opaque and I couldn't see the bottom. I'm hoping it was just like that because I was dormant all night and the blood was just pooling. I think I've had a few twinges of nausea today, so that's good. Although with this cold and congestion, it's kind of hard to tell the source of the nausea. Anyway, I'm trying to keep in good spirits. My children are sweet and come in to "visit" me often. The boys all ...

This morning started the same as most school mornings. Breakfast, packing lunches, etc. As I was getting ready to walk Taylor & Carter outside for the bus, I decided to go to the bathroom. That's when things got scary. I realized I was bleeding. Not spotting. Bleeding. Trickling blood. This is not good for a pregnant person. I totally freaked out. Jack grabbed the phone for me and I called Joe. Then I called my OB, who suggested I get a sonogram ASAP. Luckily when I called, they had a 9:30 opening. We did receive good news and bad news. The good news is that the baby had a strong heartbeat (162 beats per minute) and the baby is measuring 13-15 weeks, when I should only be 11 weeks. While I only got to peek at the screen for a nanosecond, Joe said the baby was moving a lot and looked great. Okay. Now for the bad news. I have complete placenta previa and a large hematoma in my uterus above the baby. (I already had to explain the hematoma to my sister-in-law, so I will again, just...

Lots of cold germs are floating around our house. I think Joe and I are the worse at the moment. Others have some symptoms, but not all, like we do. And I think Joe and I are at the same stage of our colds -- day for day. Today my niece and nephew, Alana and Timmy, were "baptized" into a different religion. These are the children of my sister, Kristen, who was killed in a car accident 3 1/2 years ago. I found this quite upsetting. They were baptized at the request of their new step-mother. I think my sister wouldn't be very happy about any of this, as she would want her own children raised with the same religious background as she was raised. Nevertheless, there was nothing we could do about it, except attend the service in support of Alana and Timmy. I forgot to mention yesterday that we attended the school's "Spring Fling" after the pinewood derby. The boys were so excited on our way there. Especially Mason. At this Spring Fling, they have different games ...

We've all been suffering with colds. Spenser has made everyone sick. She was the first one to get it. Then Mason, Joe and I. Taylor complained yesterday (Friday) that he was suffering from "allergies." I gave him some medicine before school and sent him anyway. I thought if I told him I thought it was a cold, he would want to stay home. Last night for "family movie night" we watched March of the Penguins . It was a very cute movie. All the children enjoyed it ... even Spenser. She loves to look at animals. This morning was Taylor's cub scout "pinewood derby." Taylor won the "best looking award." His was a copperhead. I think he really had a good time. Cousin, Alejandro, won 1st place. (in this picture Taylor is 2nd from the left and Alejandro is next to him on the right) This afternoon I decided to get my sewing machine back out. I've been wanting to make a few maternity skirts, but have been unable to find any pattern that I like eno...

It's Thursday. It's time for "Corners of My Home." Today's corner is an actual corner in Spenser's bedroom. I love her room. I think of how blue (literally) it was when the boys slept in there. Now it's all girl. I think about helping Joe with the wainscoting and painting, painting, and painting everything. I think I was 9 months pregnant with her. Now, this little corner holds a lot of memories. The little dress on the left was a Polly Flinders dress of mine when I was a baby. The dress to the right was the dress that Spenser wore when she was blessed. The little wicker furniture on top of the shelf was bought for Spenser (by me) as a reminder of the wicker furniture my dear Aunt Robin had given me when I was a child. I'm nostalgic that way!

Last night at 9:00 p.m. Taylor informed us that the project we thought was due on Thursday (3/23) was actually due today ! It's true that we've known about it for 2-3 weeks and I kept asking him if he was working on it. It just never really got done. Rough drafts of this project were drawn. Supplies were purchased. That's all. So then it started. From scratch. A miniature "parade float" on the state of Delaware. Luckily Taylor had been doing the research and could spout off many state facts. We just had to put it in 3-D. The floats will be on display in the school cafeteria on Friday from 2-3 p.m. Taylor will be with his float, ready to answer any questions one may have about Delaware. Then today, while Jack, Mason, Spenser and I were eating lunch, the school called to say Carter was in the health room with a bellyache. I went to pick him up (he grinned and seemed okay, but I brought him home anyway) and as we were about to walk out of the office, Taylor was walki...

Taylor and Carter had their karate exam tonight for advancement. Both boys started this session as orang e belts. After completing their third session tonight (and this only being their second exam) they advanced! Carter is now a yellow belt and Taylor is a red belt (he advanced two belts). Woo Hoo!! They only earned certificates tonight, but will get their belts at the beginning of the next session, which begins April 11th. (The instructor did not have the children's sizes to get them in advance.) We are soooooo proud of our little men. Despite the look on their faces, they were both very excited. They were too excited to smile simultaneously and this was the only picture that was in focus and they were both looking at the camera.

The past few nights I have not slept well. I guess that explains why I was nearly comatose last night -- it had finally caught up to me. Well, my poor baby girl has been sick. She started coughing a little on Thursday night (and didn't sleep well that night), coughed a little Friday during the day (but slept all night long). On Saturday she awoke with a fever, yucky nose, and bad cough. Sunday was no better for her, neither was Monday. Last night I fell asleep early, so when Spenser woke up, Joe went in to comfort her (she had another messy diaper). A few hours later, she awoke again, and I went in to get her (which I vaguely recall) and put her in bed with us. At 5:00 a.m., I heard a loud thump and then a cry. She had rolled to the foot of our bed and rolled right out. I accused Joe of putting her in bed with us and not putting her back. Then I had a slight recollection of doing it myself! Poor baby girl. She is still sleeping, so I will have to wait to see if she has any battle ...

a big sister!! Joe and I are expecting baby #6 mid-October. The boys are very excited! Spenser doesn't understand yet.

A Soft Answer Turneth Away Wrath "It is in the home that our behavior is most significant. It is the place where our actions have the greatest impact, for good or ill. Sometimes we are so much 'at home' that we no longer guard our words. We forget simple civility. If we are not on guard, we can fall into the habit of criticizing one another, losing our tempers, or behaving selfishly. Because they love us, our spouses and children may be quick to forgive, but they often carry away in silence unseen injuries and unspoken heartache. . . . "When we feel anger or contention in our homes, we should immediately recognize what power has taken control of our lives and what Satan is endeavoring to accomplish. Solomon provided us this wise formula: 'A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger' (Prov. 15:1). "Our home should ideally be a refuge where each member feels safe, secure, loved, and insulated from harsh criticism and contention that w...

It's been somber in the life of Lera the past few days. Everyone in my family hates me. Everyone . Since Thursday. Do you know how hard it is to wake up in the morning, knowing your family hates you?! It hasn't been easy getting out of bed.Yet, I have to put on a happy face for my children and pretend that everything is normal. Well, maybe this is normal. Anyway, I was just returning from my sister's baby shower (with camera in hand) and noticed some pretty flowers out front. They cheered me up and I had to take their picture! They look like crocuses, but I don't think I've ever seen red crocuses before. Usually they are purple and yellow. I thought they were just lovely. And as I was walking around to see if there were anymore, I spied ... Bluebells!! Aaahhh, bluebells! This is one of my very favorite flowers. I am always happy to see bluebells. I think it's because they come out so early in the spring and I get hopeful for spring and warm weather. When we bou...

I know this is just a light, but it really isn't . There is a really neat story behind this light, and I intend to tell it. When Joe and I were completing our formal dining and red rooms, we struggled with lighting terribly. We could not find anything we liked enough. (Luckily Mom found the perfect one for our red room.) We went to many stores looking for the "perfect" light, but it could not be found. One day, my mother-in-law told us how the house that her grandmother lived in (and she, herself, lived in) was being torn down. She went down to walk through the house "one last time." When she walked through, this light fixture was hanging up in the house. She remembered it from her childhood. The owner of the house told her she could have the light, so her father went back to the house with his screwdriver and removed it. So, while my mother-in-law has never lived in our house, a little bit of her past is in our house.

This is Spenser in her newest summer dress. I bought it at Marshall's last night for only $12.99. She had to wear it right away and she is completely adorable in it. Already this morning she has "eh-eh"-ed to wear it. (She has to wait until after breakfast!) Taylor and Carter after karate on Tuesday. This Tuesday (3/21) is the exam to see if they will advance to the next belt (or two). We're very nervous for them, because we don't know the moves well enough to help them practice! Mason and Jack needed their turn, too! Jack with my cush pillow on his head. He looks like a mushroom. (The other night after the Jack and Mason peed on my couch, I knew they wouldn't sleep at night. When I was getting into bed, I heard them laughing and giggling in their room. When I went into their room, they both had their cush pillows on their heads. They looked hysterical, but they still got in trouble for being so loud at 10:30 p.m.)

This is good news and deserves its own entry. My father went to his oncologist this week and received good news! His cancer has not grown and everything looks good! This is after six months of chemo that ended September 2005. We are all very pleased with this news and will continue to pray for his health and strength.

While I was upstairs dusting my bedroom (with Spenser running by my feet), I left Jack and Mason downstairs to watch TV. When I came downstairs, both boys were sleeping. It was against my better judgement to let them sleep because they may not want to sleep tonight, but they were both so grumpy today that I thought a little nap might do them well. This is my couch. Those are wet spots. Jack woke up first, groaned, and covered himself with a blanket. I became suspicious and pulled back the blanket to reveal that he wet his pants during his nap. When I yelled "get up!" Mason woke up and revealed his wet spot. Yep. Two for the price of one! And this is where boys who pee their pants while sleeping on my couch are banished:

This is salsa. On my ceiling ! Yes, I dropped a bowl of salsa and was covered in it. It not only covered me (head to toe), but it covered the walls, the refrigerator, the floor , the security alarm, etc. A few hours later, I found it on the ceiling of my kitchen. There was even a chunk of onion stuck up there! A few days later, I noticed a spot on the pantry door latch. Oh my! I just came back from the dentist -- I broke one of my back teeth this morning eating a pumpkin seed. I had to pick up Taylor & Carter "early" from school and forgot they had Afterschool Clubs today. They were a little upset they were going to miss it, but the instructors gave them stuff to make their own butter. They shook their cream all the way to town. Then Jandro, Sheyla, Camryn and Mimi shook it. It was a family affair. They were so excited when it started to thicken and turn yellow.

Mason sporting his Superman sweatshirt again ! This is Carter (on Saturday) demonstrating how he jumped his way to first place. He is using the new jumprope he won from the contest. Spenser in her "pixie" ballerina outfit. She was trying so desperately to get outside with the boys and join in on the fun. We are still awaiting a few spindles on the one side of the deck (near the smokehouse), another handrail, and a gate for the top. Spenser dressed for church this morning. She was wearing her new Laura Ashley dress (that I bought last summer) and her new pink shoes (and new tights -- she finally outgrew her 6-12 months). Taylor painting his pinewood derby car. It's now painted as a copperhead. Watch out, Jandro! No pictures of Jack. I think he was playing with legos at the time. And, poor Jack, I forgot to register him for kindergarten last week! And I'm so excited about him going! It's all day next year!

Last night the boys and I enjoyed our family movie night. We watched the new and ultra-exciting Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire . It was long, but we all liked it. The boys gave it a thumbs up. (Joe came home from work about 20 minutes before it ended. hmmm.) The boys have been out jumping on the trampoline this morning. It's so nice and beautiful. Taylor claimed he saw a snake by the trampoline near a candy bar wrapper. It must be the season. I was clearing off the front porch (I'm hoping we won't need our snow shovel anymore this season) and when I stepped outside, I actually wanted to be outside. Now this comes from a person who would rather be inside in a heated or air-conditioned environment (and it runs in my family, from Dad, to Craig and Emily). Every spring I think I want to be outside, when I really don't. Anyway, I walked around to the back deck and looked around at the beautiful signs of spring. More snowdrops everwhere. My irises are about ...

Carter won first place in the jumprope contest at school today for first grade. He jumped for 2 minutes and 5 seconds. He said everyone was calling his name and cheering for him. I'm very happy for him. This morning as they were leaving for school, I noticed his pants were half falling down around his waist. I wasn't very happy that he was dressing for school that way, especially when he knew about this jumping contest, but I didn't realize it until he was leaving for the bus. When he came home today, I asked him how his pants were while he was jumping. He said he made his belly "full" and jumped so his pants wouldn't fall down! I guess it worked!

he wasn't alone!!! I went inside shortly after this photo!

As I was squatting to admire the daffodils, I heard an unwelcomingly familiar noise (and I was all alone out front). I immediately became aware of where my feet were (in flipflops at the edge of the flower bed) and looked around to follow the noise. At the bottom of the window well, you will see part of a snake curling around. A few minutes later (as my attention was diverted again to the daffodils) I heard it "drop" into the window well. THEN ...

I think these are called "snowdrops," but I'm not sure. Hey, Kim, do you know?!?!? These come out at the end of winter. Usually way before the daffodils. I have them throughout our flowerbeds and also scattered randomly in the backyard. (They must spread, because they are in some pretty odd places out back.) These must have been planted by Joe's Aunt Kate.

Lovely daffodils that just blossomed today! I looked at them yesterday and they were still buds.

This is a little nook in my formal "red room." We have a collection of old family photos. The black and white photo on the left is Joe's maternal grandparents, on their wedding day! The sepia photo in the center are my paternal grandparents. I really love this picture. The little color photo in front of my paternal grandparents is of my maternal grandparents. Mom-Mom is still alive and kicking at nearly 93 years of age. The large "color" photo on the end right is of Joe's maternal grandmother's family. She is one of the little girls in that picture. Also in that photo are Aunt Lettie (our all-time favorite) and Aunt Kate (from whom we bought our house). Some of the other old photos are from Joe's family. There is an old Army picture of one of his ancestors and one of his great-grandmothers (who's surname was Hale -- like Carter's middle name).

Taylor after losing the championship game on Saturday. He still received a medal after the game, as well as a trophy (like Carter's) from the basketball awards banquet. I don't think he cared that they lost. Look at that cool medal!!! By the way, he really wasn't this "down" after losing. I think he was more "down" that I kept trying to take his picture. The gym lighting is terrible and people kept getting in the way... (I think I'm smiling more than they are! Basketball season is over! )

This is Carter at the basketball awards banquet Saturday morning. He was very happy to get a trophy.

I have been having a lot of weird dreams lately. Maybe I need more sleep??? The other night I dreamed we had a metal cage, in which we caught a stray cat. For some unknown reason, the caged cat was in my family room. (I do not like cats -- and that's being nice.) As I knelt down on the floor to look at this cat (which I would never do), the cat turned into Spenser. As I looked at her, I thought, " It (not she) is so cute. I think I want to keep her." And then I tried to think of ways to convince Joe to let me keep her. Somehow she got out of her cage and I hugged her. I still didn't realize she was my daughter, or even human. It was very odd. Then, the same night I dreamed I made friends with a rhinoceros. Some little blonde-haired boy (either Carter, or my brother Craig when he was a child) made the rhino mad and the rhino started to charge him. I stopped him from doing so, and then hugged him. When I hugged him, he turned into a very large and very p...

Just three old jugs passed down through Joe's maternal grandmother's family. The biggest was given to us by his grandmother and the two smaller ones were given to us by his Great-Aunt Lettie (and I do mean she's great !)