deep thoughts

Just some 'deep' thoughts from Heather:

Recently, someone at our book study mentioned that she feels like being a mom/ wife/ homemaker takes so much energy out of her that she doesn't feel like there is time left for the other things and she asked the group if any of us feel the same way. And all, I can say is YES! YES! YES! There are so many things out there that I want to do, and sometimes feel pressured to do, like volunteering, social events with friends, and visiting family. Although, these are all great things.. I'm realizing that I can't do everything that I want to do even if my schedule is open. I feel like I must cut back on my activities (especially those with specific times). Last week, Wendell, Harlie and I hardly had anything on our calendar and it was one of the best weeks we've had in a long time. Why? Because I wasn't forcing two kids out the door to get somewhere at a certain time. We actually had a few mornings where we had nothing to do so we got to take our time, play, and just be a fun family. So, although most people are complaining about the sun going down early, I'm almost enjoying it because it makes me slow down and go home.

On another note, I thought I would report that I have my second ever 5k coming up in December. I ran one in August of 2008 after Phil and I started running and now being post baby then I'm getting back in the swing of it. Although, I can run the 3 miles, I am quite slow still. And, I still have about 10 pounds to lose to be pre-pregnancy so I think that's part of why I'm still slow. With winter coming though, I don't expect to improve my time too much and at this point, I just hope to not gain too much weight. On a good note, I can squeeze (literally) into my pre-pregnancy jeans so they will fit once I stretch them out a bit : ). Hopefully, I'll feel comfortable with going clothes shopping soon. I'd really like some new jeans and shirts but don't want to buy something that won't fit in two months.

One last thought. $$$ Why is it that every time about this time of year, we have no money? Phil works Friday night football to help pay for Christmas but the money is gone before we even start shopping. And he videotaped UNI football games this year to bring in extra $$$. It doesn't help that we've had unexpected car repairs, vet bills, and basically no pay check from me due to maternity leave but still.. every year we seem to have this? Instead of seasonal affective disorder, I think we have seasonal money disorder.

I suppose that's enough deep thoughts for now. I hope that everyone enjoys the Thanksgiving holidays and takes time to appreciate all the blessings God has given us .. like little babies and warm weather!

nothing

So I really have nothing to post about. I see that I haven't posted in awhile but I don't have any new pictures, video's, exciting stories, or drama in my life. We've been traveling a lot and last week we were busy with various things but really nothing too exciting. Wendell did get Harlie to laugh a couple of days ago playing peek-a-boo but I didn't get it on video nor has she repeated it since. Work hasn't been going so great but I have hopes that it will improve. Wendell and I continue to have our issues but it's getting better as well.

So I really have nothing to post about. Tomorrow is a new day and I'm sure I'll think of about three or four things to tell you.. so until then. Good night.

Halloween 2009

First we had to carve the pumpkin...

Then we had to get dressed up... Wendell was pretty brave going up to the houses but was awfully quiet when he said "trick or treat". Thankfully he had his younger cousin there to help him out.

And of course, enjoy the candy!

good books

For whatever reason, I like to keep track of books that I enjoyed reading. So here are some of the "good books" that I have read recently. Let me know if you have any recommendations as I like checking out different books.

Fiction
Home Another Way by Christa Parrish
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
Between Here and April by Deborah Copaken Kogan
All the Way Home by Ann Tatlock
I'll Watch the Moon by Ann Tatlock
Things We Once Held Dear by Ann Tatlock

Nonfiction
Labor of love: a midwife's memoir by Cara Muhlhahn