Random Thoughts

I think the only kind of thoughts one has 1 week postpartum is random?  Maybe it's just me?

I always wonder how my friends are doing after adding to their family, so I've decided to give a brief synopsis of how I am doing.

I am well........

I went to church today.  We took the kids to Home Depot Sat. to do the free kids project.  It was our first outing as a family of 6, and we all survived and some even had fun. :)

So far in my experience; I find caring for a healthy newborn to be an easier task than being 8 and 9 months pregnant.  I find I get longer stretches of sleep, though not frequent or long, and my body feels much more able for the task.

I have found myself thankful on numerous occasions for my bladders ability to once again fill to max capacity.  This is saving me much time, and my hands are grateful to not be so dry from all the washing.

Salem is a joy. She is such a sweet little doll. I call her little sister.  She likes it. She makes the funniest faces often.  I find myself chuckling at them even in the wee hours of the morn.  The most frequent is the brow furrow.  I find myself wondering if it is related to generational sin, on her mom's side.  During her pregnancy I found myself doubting often, struggling with cynicism. Her furrow reminds me of my attitude, and may be something that we will get to work though together some day, though I have gotten a head start on the matter, I will certainly be able to relate if in fact it does follow her as she grows.

The kids love her.  They ask to hold her and kiss her often.  They are diligent to wash their hands before asking, knowing I will ask them before I allow them to touch.  Every time Aggie see's her she says "Baby".  I'll take that as acknowledgement of the little sister.  She's not allowed to touch, she doesn't know how to be gentle. We are working on that.

Mike's been helpful while on "baby leave".  He is back to work tomorrow, but has a lot of days off he needs to use up between now and his separation from the Corp this summer, so we are hopeful to get to see more of him.  He got caught up on a lot of "man chores" while home, our hallway bathroom is in much better order now.  The toilet is fixed, the towel rack is hung at a kid friendly level, the walls are painted a pretty color and I even picked out a new shower curtain, which is really a treat around here.

Our church family has been bringing us meals, and i am so grateful for it!!!  They will continue though this week, which will be a great help while trying to find my new groove.

Induction

I had an OB check up today.  I am scheduled to be induced on Tuesday.  It is not for medical reasons.
Here are the real reasons in no particular order.
1. My Dr. doesn't seem to want to be delivering me on Christmas.
2. I want to be home on Christmas.
3. Mike will get a few extra days off work, but the bulk of his "baby leave" will overlap with "christmas leave".
4. My older brother and family will be in MO from France, and I want my parents to feel the freedom and have the time to be both here for the birth, and back to home in time to see my brother's family before they return to France.  I'd feel pretty badly if they didn't get to see them. I'm bummed enough that I don't get to see them.
I do fully realize that this is not the ideal way to labor, and in all likely hood am prolonging my labor, but I feel like it is a more practical choice given our current circumstances.  I am however prayerful that she will come on her own before Tuesday. Stranger things have happened.

OK..... I think I'm ready?

All Christmas gifts are purchased and wrapped
All Bedding is clean
Bathrooms clean
Baby/guest room in order
All unused children clothing is properly stored or given away
Fulfilled promise to kids to bake gingerbread men
Eyebrows are waxed
Toes painted red

All the important stuff...
Oh wait, I still need to change the fishes water.
I also plan to execute a week full of appointments, but if we miss those they can be rescheduled, I don't think we'll miss them. :)
By next weekend my only appointment or obligation is to have this baby girl, it almost feels like a relief to think of giving birth and sitting in a hospital room for a couple days compared to the schedule we've been keeping at home and away.

Email

My hotmail account has locked me out of my email.  They think someone else is using my account and need to confirm I am me. It takes 5-7 days for this to happen.  This has been a bit frustrating as I rely heavily on email for communication, and have some information stored in folders that make my life a bit more simple. If I am allowed back in the account, I will likely get my information and close the account. My new email address is schlossclan@gmail.com.

Women's Conference

I was blessed to be able to attend the 2012 Gospel Coalition Women's Conference in Orlando, FL last weekend.  It was certainly a refreshment for my soul. Though it was packed with so much good teaching I felt as if I were drinking from a fire hose.  I think they said if we had attended every session possible through the weekend there would have been 19 in all.  I think I missed 4?

I've really been struggling in my faith the last few months. I am certain it was magnified by early pregnancy hormones, which made many things difficult for me to decipher.  I often felt myself feeling overwhelmed in my life and circumstances.  And the thought that the Lord had seen fit to add another child to an already overwhelming life seemed nearly more than I could bear.  Thinking though the logistics of being married to a man with long work hours, and minimal hours at home for meals let alone help of any kind.  Thinking of grocery store trips with 4 children, and the possibility of two of them not being able to walk, at a minimum not walk well enough to zoom through the store at the rate I often do. I thought of the fact that though I have not had an uninterrupted night of rest in over 2 years, my 24 hour schedule was going to be filling up even more with another little one in the house..... but how tired I already am.  I sometimes get the "I don't know how you do it?" question from those close to me that know the fullness of the schedule we keep.  For that matter, I often get if from others as well that only know a fraction of it, and think to myself 'if you only knew'.  The answer to that question is of course, the Lord is sustaining me and giving me grace one step at a time. But I often thought in agreement with their thinking in those times,...... 'I'm not really sure how i'm doing it?'.  I've had some days where I was overcome with sadness and tears as I dealt with fear and doubt in my heart.  I began to think that the rest of my life would only be filled with an unmanageable work load, hard circumstances and sorrow.  I've been battling depression I think.  I was unable to see the good in anything, and felt the preverbal dark cloud over me all day and night.

When Mike and I went to Colorado I of course took my sin with me, it does after all dwell with in my heart.  I also took a book with me called "Surrender", knowing that my thoughts and heart were not joyfully accepting the circumstances God had willed in my life.  The book walked me through something I did not anticipate.  The surrender of sleep.....  I always thought of sleep as a basic human need, and in some ways it is, but if God is calling me to a life that does not abundantly supply me with this "need" then I should surrender it knowing that He provides for ALL my needs.

At the conference last weekend, God lovingly reminded me more about Himself and His ability to redeem.  I did not doubt His ability to redeem lost souls, after all He has been gracious to me in this. The redemption I was doubting was His ability to redeem circumstances..... my circumstances.  It is true that the rest of my life may look very much like it does presently and the only redemption I may have to gaze upon is in eternity?  But it is possible that the Lord may have some blessing for me in this life, that my present circumstances could be redeemed for good.  As we looked at different faucets of God and His ability to redeem through different attributes of His character He did a redeeming work in my heart.  He softened my hard heart and increased my faith that I certainly have a hope in heaven, but not all hope here on earth is to be lost either.  He is my redeemer.

Tag...... we're it!

We are excited to announce the Lord has entrusted us with yet another little being. Schloss baby number four is baking in the oven and is expected to be complete this November or December. We will have to wait for an ultrasound for more details.

Tomfoolery 11x3=33-1+1

Ok..... I've been tagged by 2 friends to play the same blog game. Though I have decided to amend the rules for my own personal preference, as my human heart insists rules to be broken, yet participate, lest my good friends not be amused. :) Here you go girls.

The Rules

1. You must post the rules. (I followed this one)
2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post. (followed this one)
3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged. (followed half of this one, twice)
4. Tag eleven people and link them on your post. (absolutely refuse to do this)
5. Let them know you've been tagged! ( also refused by nature of #4's objections)

11 mysterious things about me
1. I hate for my ears to be touched.
2. I love clean sheets, really love them!
3. I sleep with covers over my ears for fear a bug will fly in them.
4. My favorite meal is BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes and peas.
5. I was convinced that I would die before I was able to get my drivers license. It seemed like such a lofty dream to me
6. I am the only blue eyed member of my family, everyone else has brown.
7. I really dislike large group gatherings. I usually feel a little nervous.
8. I love animals, but I'm highly allergic to them.
9. I ran a stop sign once on purpose to see what the thrill was about running stop signs, and got a ticket.
10. I was a lazy student and cheated often. Bad, I know!
11. I don't like anyone to touch my pillow, if they do i find it necessary to put a clean case on it.

Question from CS

1.What is your earliest childhood memory?

My older brother's birthday party, it was late and I had to go to bed.

2.What is your worst/most embarrassing childhood memory?

In high school I walked down several very long hallways to a class with my skirt caught up in the waist of my panty hose. I'm still embarrassed about that.

3.Name one of your greatest strengths and one of your greatest weaknesses. (That isn't exactly phrased as a question but you get the point.)

I think I'm a hard worker and independent. This too is my weakness as I should be dependent on Christ, and not striving to earn my own righteous. Christ is sufficient.

4.10 years ago, where did you see yourself today? How is real life like or different from your vision?

I was seeking a career as a nurse practitioner, and resolved to be completely content as a single women wrapped up in a rewarding career. Very different!

5.Duggars- love them or hate them?

Love

6.What is one charity or cause that you are especially passionate about?

Heart Cry Missions

7.What is the hobby that you wish you had time/money to pursue, but don't?

running/scrap-booking/sewing- any hobby really

8.Who is the person in your life who has had the greatest impact on who you are?

Jesus Christ

9.If you met President Obama and had the opportunity to ask him one question, what would it be?

Why do you think killing babies should be legal? Aren't you glad your mom didn't kill you?

10.What book, besides the Bible, has influenced you the most?

"Knowledge of the Holy" A.W. Tozer

11.If I gave you $100 right now, with no strings attached except that you had to spend it, what would you do with it?

Get a massage and my eyebrows waxed, and if I still had some left I'd get a frappachino on the way home.

Questions from CR

1. Worst Habit?

according to whom? My mom...crunching ice, Myself ...... time on the computer.

2. Where did you meet your spouse? I want details.

Blind date to the marine corp ball..... A friend knew we'd be perfect for each other. After not taking her seriously several times for the reason listed in CS's 4th question, my friend needed someone to ride with her to OK for a marine corp ball, and by the way this "happy bald man needed a date".

3. If you could sit down and eat dinner with one person who would it be? They can be living or dead.

My husband

4. What's your favorite side dish at Thanksgiving?

Mash potatoes and gravy

5. What's your dream vacation?

I honestly don't know. It would probably be somewhere where I could be active and outdoors in fair weather with people i love.

6. What book has influenced you most?

The Bible

7. Why don't you like brussel sprouts? If you do like them, how do you prepare them?

I've only had them once, and didn't mind them. I was a kid, but I'm pretty sure they had lot's a butter on them.

8. What do you wish you would have spent more time doing 5 years ago?

Learning how to cook.
9. If you live to be 90 years old what will have been most important to you?

That all the people I love would know their need of Christ, and be following Him.
10. What's the first thing you do when you wake up?

Try really hard not to be awake. Then throw my covers off me realizing the couter-productivenss of my first action.

11. What's the last thing you do before you shut off the lights?

Pray with my man and kiss him goodnight.

coupons

So after owning a binder for 2 years, and many pep talks later I tried my hand at couponing for the 1st time today. I got the binder organized over the weekend. Bought my 2 papers, the kids helped me clip, (good practice) and away we went to the stores today.

I didn't take pictures, but here's my stats.

CVS

Spent $37.53 Saved $44.22

Walgreens

Spent $59.63 Saved $41.64

Wal-Mart

Saved $8.30

Not bad for a newbie. I bought all stuff we would use and normally would buy, with the exception of trying a couple new brands on random items, like mayo and rice. Doesn't hurt to try, especially when you are paying significantly less for the item.

Lessons learned were:

1. Go to Walgreens on Thursday not Monday it's Military Appreciation Day and I would have got an additional 15% off. Oops.

2. Wal-Mart will not except coupons that they can not scan. Good to know, only lost $.90 though.

I have a lot more to learn I'm sure, like how to trim down my planning time, but I hope that this serves our family's budget well.

Amusement

We've been amusing ourselves lately......

I got my sewing machine out and tried my luck with the "pillowcase dresses" I've been hearing so much about. I found a cute pattern on pinterest that was very simple. I made Shiloh 2 dresses, and had enough extra fabric to make 2 for her dolls, and one for my little doll. She really likes it. :) This would be a perfect project for a beginning seamstress, or someone learning. It is quick, easy and fruitful.

On to other exciting things.......

This may not appear to be much to the random on looker, but my boy, until recently has refused to try and write his name. Since he is not yet kindergarten age I didn't push him. I want learning to be fun for him, not a fight between us. Though that may come someday. Any who....... he's been sitting in on "school" more lately, ( i give him the choice) I usually copy him a page to color or something if he's interested. A new skill is emerging, he's been trying to write his name on the top of his page just like his big sister does. The first occurrence was super cute, he was so proud of himself. He showed me as if it were a big surprise gift for me "look mommy I wrote my name". With a gleaming grin! I loved it. A perfect present.

Last but not least......

This has become a regular morning activity for the children. Thrilling....... Who needs a Jack-N-the-Box when we have a toaster. They crack me up.

Silliness

Mike and I went to an ugly sweater Christmas party for his squadron. We won the contest! It was a loudest cheer crowd vote of about 50 people. We are so proud of our dressing up skills:)

Tacky Christmas Attire

This year I've been invited to two Christmas parties where the instructions are to wear "Tacky Christmas Attire". The first was a girls only party and it was a blast. I got 2nd place, thank you local thrift stores for making this possible. This Sat. is #2, and Mike will be joining in on the fun. I don't know why dressing up is so exhilarating, but it sure does bring out the silly in me. Mike allowed me to leave early for the party so I could finish up some Christmas shopping, I wore my outfit to 4 different stores and the looks and comments I got were quite amusing. I would get back in the van and chuckle. He he!

Sickness, ugh

Well after 4 weeks and 3 days of cough and congestion and a variety of treatment; perscribed, herbal, over the counter and other wise, I went back to the Dr. I was last there about 10 days ago(at the 3 week of symptoms mark) and was treated for "allergies" which I have had my whole life, and was certain what I was experiencing was not allergies. Why would I go to the Dr. for that? I saw someone different this time, which happens with sick call at a navy clinic. The person who saw me said "oh you poor thing" on more than one occasion. So I am proud to report I am being treated for a sinus infection and an ear infection. I'm not proud b/c I have them, but rather that I'm being treated! I'm really looking forward to no more headaches, night sweats, being able to hear properly, decrease mucus production and no more cough, etc. The thought of wellness overwhelms me to nearly to tears. Mike is flying late tonight, so it will be a date with the dishes and early to bed for me.

Da' Girls

I was blessed to be released from my normal duties to spend about 24hrs. away at a beach resort to celebrate a friends 30th birthday. It was a lovely time to celebrate a sweet woman, do some shopping, eat good food, and soak up some rays. I was eager to get back to the clan this afternoon, and thankful for my time of refreshment.

30 Weeks!!

Well I had a check up today. #3's heart stays near 150 so far. 30 weeks and 5 days. Depending upon which due date we decided to go with, my Dr. can't decided to stick with my original date July 20th, the date his wheel says July 18th or the ultra-sound measurements, July 25th. I told him that I trust is will come out eventually, they can't stay in there forever. I also informed my Dr. upon his entering my room and asking how I was that "I'm as healthy as an ox." He laughed of course. But as he was looking through my chart at my vital signs for today, and the labs they drew.... including the 1 hr. glucose test, he said things like " Your BP is looking great, your not swelling, I've never seen a glucose test that low (a good thing), you measure normal" And I just said, I told you I'm as healthy as an ox, he laughed again. Then I confessed, I know i've already gained "too much weight", but what can i do at this point? He didn't seem concerned. This is an age old pregnancy problem for me, i can't say my diet or activity change much, but my body loves to pack on the lbs. "THEY" recommend 30 lbs for the whole pregnancy. I'm already there with 10 weeks to go. I usually end up about 50lbs positive by the end of the game, not to sure why? God in His kindness usually allows me to return back to my "normal size" whatever that may be. Which basically means I get to wear my old cloths eventually. I went to get my brows waxed today and the lady said, "so your expecting" , I said "yes, it will be my 3rd", she replied with "why did you do that?" I commented back "b/c children are a blessing", since then I've found myself wanting to yell it out and proclaim it to the world, "CHILDREN ARE A BLESSING FROM THE LORD!" Just in case someone else has forgotten or maybe never knew.

Who loves the mommy?

Sometimes when Hosea wakes up from rest he wants to cuddle, so this day I took the opportunity to enjoy it and put my feet up for a bit, Mike caught us loving on each other. So sweet!

New Hair

I know some people would like to see my new do, and well I want them to see it before my roots are visible. I'm enjoying the new look.