On Being a Middle Kid

As I was rocking my little one J before his nap the other day, I thought how it will be only a few weeks and he won't be my baby anymore, but my middle kid. A middle kid myself, I know all too well the pros and cons that come with this place in the family, so I can sympathize with how many aspects of his life will be. It's probably one of the most non-descript positions out there, in yet the most important as well. (disclaimer: these are all opinions, and not necessarily absolutes or truths) Some of the pros of being in the middle, is that these kids tend to get along best with others, share the best and be the most well rounded over all. This is because they never have had or will have the spotlight, and often are are the peacemakers in a group of people. They rarely get new things, and if they do it's often because all the kids get something new, and, the fact is, that no ones cares even if they do get something new (clothes, toys, etc). When I was a child, I was a year younger than my sister, and got all her hand-me-downs, shared a room my whole life and hardly developed an imagination because of the bossiness my the older sister. Her ideas were always "better", so I just quit trying to even think anything up. I lived in her shadow most of my life, with teachers and strangers thinking that we were the same person much of the time. These things were hard as a child, but now that I'm an adult, I'm very thankful for my place in life. Many oldest children end up having issues with their parents once they grow up and have families of their own, as they seem to think that they "know more" than their parents did. Many youngests are very loving, but have no idea how to accept responsibilities of real life because they have never had to. But us middle kids, we just have mediocre expectations overall, so don't get too excited about much, and also don't get disappointed at much. We just live life day by day and take what it gives us without too much complaint (because we've learned that no one cares if we complain anyways). I also find it interesting that every family has at least one child of each birth order, and we all have our role in the world, and that things wouldn't function if we were all of the same. Nor can you change the family you were born into. (There are whole books written on this subject, but I have not read them, but hope to someday before my kids are grown)

For the Love of Breakfast

Anyone who knows me well, will know that I'm not a morning person. I don't really function at all before 8 am, and not well before 10. So the fact that I love getting up early just to go out to breakfast is something that doesn't quite fit my profile. But, for some reason you can get anything out of me if you promise me a good hearty breakfast. It all started my last year in Red Deer (AB) when 10 of my friends decided to get married the same year (I had already met my future husband at this time, but neither of us had clued in to this yet). One happened to be my sister, and 2 more were roommates. This of course left me with much time on my hands, since the ones I usually hung out with suddenly had other interests. On accident one Saturday morning I woke up early, and unable to get back to sleep decided to treat myself to breakfast. It was so enjoyable, that I started a habit of it every Saturday. (lesson #1 in going out for breakfast: always get there before 9 am. No matter where you go, it gets busy at 9) I'd bring my Bible, my journal and enjoy my food, whatever it may have been. Breakfast waitresses are always friendly, as are any other people in the restaurant. (the non-morning people are either still in bed, or poking down cold cereal to the best of their ability at home). The other people out for breakfast are typically those on vacation, who are happy no matter what they are doing. After we got married, G & I kept up the tradition (followed by a morning of garage saling), trying new places as often as we could, as well as frequenting our favorites too. (best food in Mesa, AZ: Crackers, cheapest: Little Mesa Cafe) and now up here we have explored many options too, although not every Saturday as we'd like. (our favorite is Fireside Cafe right here in Kalama, although it's closed right now due to flood damage, and our other favorite is Julie's at Dollars Corner near Battle Ground). It doesn't seem to matter what we eat or where we eat, but a day started by going out for breakfast is just going to be good!

Musical Ponderings

Yesterday as I was doing dishes, and listening to Allison Krauss again for the millionth time, I was thinking to myself, "why do I choose listening to her?... everyday?" It's not intentional, but if I pick out a cd or put a playlist on the computer, she happens to be on it, pretty much every time. This is not new, as I've been a fan for a decade at least. But I just never tire of her (and a few others, but her mostly). It came to me that I love her mostly because she relaxes me, and uplifts me, and her voice is just so soothing and refreshing at the same time. I certainly enjoy my life, but often the chaos and noise gets me frazzled, and Allison takes me away from that to whatever and wherever it is she is singing about. I like her gospel the best, but also her sad, sappy songs that make you want to cry. I love the upbeat ones that make you want to kick your shoes off, and also the instrumental ones that show off her amazing fiddling skills. I guess I just love them all. It also got me to thinking of why we listen to music. There are many reasons, but for me it's mostly relaxation and to get a boost when I need one. I don't care so much about the mechanics of it all, but if it lifts my spirits, I'm a fan. Recently while listening to a public sponsored radio program where they were soliciting fans for sponsorship, they mentioned "keep small town performers in business" by sending money. I really wondered though, if I don't send money will the musicians die out and go extinct? I think we too often rely on others for musical enjoyment, when if we didn't have the option, would we learn an instrument ourselves and find a way to get the same enjoyment? Music has been around since the beginning of time, but it's just recently that people have neglected using their own skills and relied on the "professionals" to entertain us (for the most part). A sad change, I do believe. Comments welcome.

The weekend

As has been the tradition in the past, our family tries to get away 'one last time' before our newest baby comes. This time we decided to head east, thinking that there would be less rain, and G wanted to check out a few places along the way. Our destination was Pendleton, childhood home of my Grandma K. We left Friday after work, drove all eve (about 4 hours) and arrived there at bedtime (after supper and stops). L had been waiting to go to a motel all week, but did not make it there awake. He had declared that he wasn't going to sleep, but the lull of the car and the darkness apparently overrode that. We had a good nights rest, and in the morning headed out to find the church Grandma went to as a girl. It was a few miles out of town, but I have a very vague map to find it (the roads have different names now, so there was some discrepancy that didn't add up). But, being the bald prairie that it is, we were able to see the church from miles away, once we got near. The church is now deserted and fenced off, kept up by the Historical Society, so we didn't get to see inside. We then hoped to find the cemetary, where some of her relatives are buried, but had no idea how to find that. So we just started driving a few miles in each direction, and on the second try came across it. That was neat to see the old headstones, and the farmland surrounding is just beautiful. We then tried to find out more information in the nearby town, but the library was closed. So, back to town we went and visited the museum, which was a wealth of information on different topics, one of them the church, so that was great. There was an old caboose, which was a big hit with the boys, as well as a replica of the old train station. We then went for lunch at Hamley's (a very old cowboy restaurant and site of where G's favorite singer Ian Tyson has sung in the past). We then proceeded to check out the Pendleton Woolen Mills, and then back to the motel for a much needed nap, went for a drive, got some pizza and then had a relaxing evening. In the morning we headed west on the WA side, stopping at the Stonehendge (very windy) and then the Maryhill Museum (which I haven't been to since I was a kid, so that was enjoyable too, although it was coming on nap time so we had to rush a bit as the boys were getting antsy). They had peacocks at the museum gardens which were the highlights for the boys. We got back in the car and headed home, stopping at Trader Joe's in Vancouver for some more dark chocolate, as my stash has been running low. The boys were pretty happy to be out of their car seats, and ran around all evening long, although L was pretty disappointed that we weren't staying at the motel forever. All in all it was a very relaxing and enjoyable weekend. G and I just love driving and visiting, so we got plenty of time to do that, and we also love exploring new country, which we got a chance for as well. G loves to visit with the locals, so we did get a chance to meet a few people that he got a chance to learn from. (no pictures, as they are all on our 35mm)

It's Not Always Easy poem

I was digging in my hope chest this morning (trying to cram more stuff in it, but I think it's been full for a while) and came across this poem that I thought worth sharing.

It's Not Always Easy by Glenda Fulton Davis

It's not always easy to smile and be nice
When we are called to sacrifice.

It's not always easy to put others first,
Especially when tired and feeling our worst

It's not always easy to do the Father's will.
It wasn't so easy to climb Calvary's hill.

Be we as His children, should learn to obey;
Not seeking our own, but seeking His way.

It's not always easy to fight the good fight.
But it is always good, and it is always right!

Thankful hearts

Today I'm writing 2 blogs, not because I'm so inspired, but because 2 things are on my mind, and I have the time. Lately as pregnancy has progressed, I've gotten physically more uncomfortable and do like to bemoan this fact. I like to have a bit of pity (as we all do, right?) and anyone with kids knows that it does get rather uncomfortable near the end. That's our motivation to get that baby out of there when the time comes, I believe. Anyways, a couple days ago my hips were hurting everytime I walked or layed down, and I couldn't sleep for the baby was wiggling so much that I was getting rather frustrated with it all. I jumped on facebook and found that a couple who was due 2 days after me had just lost their baby. Wow! I hadn't thought about that in a while. I know it happens, but it's rare and after the first trimester, usually we're in the clear. But that really hit home. So now instead of complaining when my wiggling baby is still wiggling at 1 am, I try to be thankful he/she is alive and has the ability. And when my belly is getting so big that my boys can't sit on my lap, I try to be thankful as that means the baby is growing as it should. It's so easy to lose perspective, but it seems there are ways of getting it back real quick too. Keep this family in your prayers, as this is a very difficult time for them. (I don't know them personally, but have 2 friends who do)

Spring??

My thoughts have wandered today to the coming of spring. What does this mean? My eldest boy keeps asking me "is it spring yet?" and I have to keep answering "No, but it's coming soon". That's at least what the calendar says, and my crocuses are blooming. So I hope so. For me as a child spring meant Easter morning. The sun shining, our nicest dresses (and a picture if we weren't late for church), and that smell of wet dirt that has been sitting under the snow all winter. It also meant baby calves, rafting in our very dirty pond made from the runoff of the melting snow, catching tadpoles and hoping we could raise some frogs but they always died first, Easter vacation (yes, it was called that, not the modern "spring break") spent with cousins either at our place or theirs. Hmm. We have none of that stuff here. The temperature just warms up a couple degrees, if we're lucky the sun shines more, and eventually the leaves will appear on the trees (the indicator I used to tell my boy he'll know it's spring). And...this year our new baby will be here (spring better get here by then, April 23). I'm thankful for winter and the coziness it brings, but come this time of year, I think we all are ready for warmth and that refreshing word - Spring!!

Three vs Two

Yesterday I was asked the question if having 3 kids is going to be harder than 2. Well, as of yet, I don't know the answer but can only guess it will be yes. When home, I'm thinking 3 will be easier, as I have a almost-4 year old to help me. Run errands, keep an eye on the 2 yr old mischief maker, and help with chores. He doesn't do that much, but what he does he does well and it helps my day run smoother. But out in town and on errands, I do wonder how I'll manage 3. Yesterday also, trying to steer 2 little ones was a challenge across the parking lot, how will I do it with not as many arms as children. But I conclude that many people have way more than 3 kids, so I know it can be done. Training and discipline are the first steps I suppose and then guardian angels for when your eyes can't be everywhere at once. I'm excited for our new baby to get here, but then also not ready as that is when 24 hour duty also starts and I have always felt like I'm a 911 operator responding to cries of help at all hours of the day and night for the first few months. Time will sort it all out, and we Moms are made for adaptability. As soon as we get used to "normal", it changes and requires a new "normal".

The Cat Conundrum

Since living in the Pacific Northwest, we've had a variety of experiences. The first one in this series, I'll call the Mouse Massacre. Let's just say about a month before J was born, we discovered many traces of these little creatures in every nook and cranny of our house. This involved a major cupboard cleaning (at 8 months pregnant, you can picture reaching into the back of my furthest most cupboards). We trapped 8, I think, and then my dear husband sprayed foam insulation into every crevice he could find. Thankfully, we haven't had any since, and hope it remains that way. The next in the series could be labelled the Chipmunk Chorus, as we thought there was only one, until we found 2, then 3 and 4 and finally 5 (I think it was that were finally eliminated). Chipmunks are cute little guys, or so I thought. This little one would come eat peanuts off the deck railing, and the boys loved watching his antics. That is until he got in the house one day last summer when a screen was left open. Then, not so cute when he's under my stove and won't come out. We (L and I) finally steered him out the laundry room, with a detour behind the washer and dryer for a while. After that we decided he needed to go. So, dear husband again was called upon for annialation. He eventually killed 5 of them, and we decided they are cute someplace else. The latest excitement (if you can call it that) has been a noise under the house that we always hear early in the morning. After investigation we found out that one of the vents under the house was broken out, so now we just needed to figure out who broke it, and if the animal was inside or out. We got a live trap, and last night around midnight the trap went off. So, G & I lay there wondering what to do. Do we (him mostly) want to deal with a possum or raccoon at this hour, or do we want to leave it in the trap until morning, with the possible sounds keeping us awake. So, we wait and listen to the noises, and then decide to trudge outside (myself only for moral support, and the flashlight holder) and find an empty trap. The noises sounded definitely cat-like which is a relief, but also a pain, because we didn't catch it. We don't want to seal the hole if the cat has kittens under the house, but if it's catching mice, that might not be such a bad thing. Anyways, we'll see what happens tonight...wish us luck.

The Case of the White Dresser

In an attempt to make my spare room more useable (and nice looking at the same time), I decided that I needed a dresser. I really was open to anything that would fit in the space, for the right price, but also secretly hoped that it would look decent. So, one day on my way to Longview, I saw one outside an antique store in Kalama. After stopping to examine it and ask the price, I decided this one would work perfect. It was old, sturdy, in very good condition and within my price range. Since I was in a hurry, I told the lady that I'd pick it up on my way home when I had some cash and more time. She said fine, since it was a rainy Thursday in October, likely there wouldn't be anyone else wanting it. I headed back home in the afternoon, and since the dresser was still there 1/2 hr before G came through with his truck, I passed by so that he could do the heaving to get it home, rather than trying to cram it in the van somehow. But....when he came through a while later, the dresser was gone. Sold. When I talked to the lady of the shop, she said she had tried to talk a woman out of buying it (as she knew I was coming back), but since I hadn't left a down payment or name and number, she ended up having to sell it. How discouraging. Those thoughts had flitted across my mind, but I thought, "who would be shopping for the same kind of dresser as me on a rainy Thursday in Kalama?" Anyways, since then I've been on a mission to find myself one, of the same caliber and price. I've scoured craigslist, ads, antique stores, and found nothing near my price range. I was about to give up when last week I was at a Goodwill and low and behold there is something that caught my eye. Turns out the bottom drawer is broken, but it also helped me barter to get the price lower, and my dear husband said it'll be no problem to fix. All in all, I think I got the better deal (less than half of the original dresser price) and sturdy, white, fits-in-the-space and will meet my needs for years to come. Yay!! I guess patience (whether planned or forced) is a virtue that is worth having. I often wonder.

Something inspiring??

I wish I could write a bit more often, but it seems lately nothing interesting nor inspiring has come to mind. And since humor is not usually part of my day, unfortunately, I can't even tell a funny story. As my sister in law K mentioned on facebook the other day, once in a while something funny comes out of her mouth by accident, but that's about it. Same here. I feel that this is the area of my marriage I would most love to improve on, since it brightens many a day. The other night our family went to a birthday party, and many good friends were there (aka: a good audience). My husband told humorous stories the whole night, and had the guys laughing around the table the whole evening we were there. I hadn't seen him laugh like that in a very long time and it made me happy to see him so happy, but also sad that I cannot help him fulfill that aspect of life. I guess we need to spend more time with those people who bring out that side of him, since there are many areas where he doesn't feel that comfortable to be himself. I pondered for many years how to be more funny, but finally concluded that I just don't have it in me. I'll be the listener to the jokes and tales, because if everyone were the funny one, then there is no one to listen. And the person to make G laugh the most is his brother, and there is absolutely no way I could ever try to match him in the humor dept. So, I'll just settle for who I am, and invite people over who make my husband laugh so that he can get his quota regularly.

Monday challenge

So today one of the things on my "to do" list was to put a new zipper in an article of clothing that needed one. It's a favorite that can't be replaced, so after putting it off for a year or so now, I am supposed to be doing that right now. Thinking back, I haven't put a zipper in anything since high school home ec, so am in a way looking forward to the challenge, and on the other hand dreading the potential results. After I decided that it was time to actually tackle this project, the zipper handle broke off my favorite hoodie sweatshirt, and either needs a zipper or replacement. Hmm. If it goes good today, I'll attempt it, but if it's a disaster, a new sweatshirt may be in order. This is the time in my life where I actually have time to do all these projects that willingly wait for me to get to them. My kids are old enough they can entertain themselves for quite a while, it's winter and we're inside anyways, and my organization is at one of it's better stages overall. (my house is not clean, by any stretch of the imagination, but could be easily if I wanted it to be). I'm trying to catch up on all those things that have been waiting, because once the new baby gets here, that stage will be over for a couple more years, I'm sure. (I've done babybooks, organized all clothes, hopechest, cleaned all my kitchen appliances, filed all papers, etc.) Now all I need is a dresser for the spare room so I can put away all that I've organized. I'll close now and get my littlest kiddo for nap so I can attempt the dreaded zipper insertion. Later...

"My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers

A warning which needs to be repeated is that "the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches," and the lust for other things, will choke out the life of God in us (Matthew 13:22). We are never free from the recurring waves of this invasion. If the frontline of attack is not about clothes and food, it may be about money or the lack of money; or friends or lack of friends; or the line may be drawn over difficult circumstances. It is one steady invasion, and these things will come in like a flood, unless we allow the Spirit of God to raise up the banner against it.

"I say to you, do not worry about your life . . . ." Our Lord says to be careful only about one thing-our relationship to Him. But our common sense shouts loudly and says, "That is absurd, I must consider how I am going to live, and I must consider what I am going to eat and drink." Jesus says you must not. Beware of allowing yourself to think that He says this while not understanding your circumstances. Jesus Christ knows our circumstances better than we do, and He says we must not think about these things to the point where they become the primary concern of our life. Whenever there are competing concerns in your life, be sure you always put your relationship to God first.

"Sufficient for the day is its own trouble" (Matthew 6:34). How much trouble has begun to threaten you today? What kind of mean little demons have been looking into your life and saying, "What are your plans for next month— or next summer?" Jesus tells us not to worry about any of these things. Look again and think. Keep your mind on the "much more" of your heavenly Father (Matthew 6:30).