To blogging, that is.  It was a hard time off.  When I couldn't sleep at night, I would think of all the blog entries I could write, but couldn't since I no longer had a blog in which to enter them!  How frustrating!

We have been in our new home for a little less than one month.  Schedules are either falling into place or I no longer care if there is one--I can't decide which is true.  For example: my big boys have been doing math for an hour and a half with no end in sight and I couldn't possibly care less!  On the other side, routine is starting to feel pretty good.

Our new church is absolutely wonderful!  Is it perfect?  Perfection, I'm sorry, does not exist.  And I wasn't asking for perfection so I am truly happy!  The worship service is so --well everything it ought to be.  I look forward to getting to know people better.  We also went to the Bible study last night and it was great too.  Lucien was not so sure about going.  Baby is teething and he headed back north to work this morning--hard to give away precious family time moments.  He was glad we went, however. 

Living in the South is different, but it isn't a bad different.  Living in the North is cold in more ways than one.  I still have a hard time getting through Wally world (Walmart), but its due to so many people wanting to comment on baby's beautiful eyes and nice how blessed I am comments.  So I can't really complain about that.

I've been trying, but I can not understand Coffee addiction.  Could someone enlighten me?  I like coffee.  Everyday?  How in the world would I drink all the water I'm supposed to besides if I had to have several cups of coffee?  I don't have time. 

Dream of the day:  Time to lie on the grass and feel the breeze gently brushing my cheek.

I didn't mean to imply that I don't care about the boys' math.  They have been doing so much better lately and yesterday being a gorgeous day out--I could understand why they were taking SO long!  I am happy we are almost done with the books.  We will then take a break until July 5, I think.  I've been making my lists for the new session and anxious to make that Rainbow Resource order!  Love when new books come! 

Baby is into everything lately.  She especially likes to eat paper.

I woke with this line from a song in my head "Emmanuel, God is with us, all is well."  I like mornings like that.  I think yesterday Bibbity Bobbity Boo from Cinderella was in my head--no idea why.  We haven't watched that in a VERY long time.  Its a 'girl' movie.   ho hum

Dream of the Day:  To one day see my granchildren.

I look forward to the nightly calls from my dear husband.  They are a time to connect and unload.  Last night, we had a bad connection.  So maybe I didn't hear him right when he said I need a girlfriend nearby that I can call and chat with.  He didn't say it meaning I can't talk to him--don't get me wrong.  I think he's just worried that I will continue to depend on the wonderful on-line friends I've made and not make an effort to make new friends.

A little background:  its been MONTHS since I have had an IRL friend actually NEARBY!  And, if I am honest, YEARS since I've really had like-minded friendship nearby.  I know without a doubt that I can find that where we now live.  However, I am NOT the type of person to just call up someone I've met once or twice and chatted with for about 5 minutes at a church function.  It takes more time for me since I'm a tad withdrawn.  I'm not really 'shy'--it just takes me a while sometimes.  I know I'll get there and, of course, I want a close friend nearby more than anything.

I also know I did not move here primarily for my social life so if it takes a few months to develop relationships--so be it.  Time is on my side.

Still doing the single mom thing and this week was no easier than last.  Some may say--well with 4 boys, you should expect a little chaos.  Sure, and I do.  But I'm tired. 

I'm not a big fan of ironing.  And, since, my dryer was just hooked up yesterday--I still have a pile of ironing to do.  When you hang laundry out, you have to expect to iron, I guess.  Whatever.  But the pile is getting to me.  Not to mention that I have not cleaned my bathroom this week yet (the boys' has been done several times-ugh) and I really should dry mop the 'bowling alley' (term for a long room with a wood floor that we plan to split into a bedroom and the dining room someday.)  Of course, the laundry is now going better and I ought to be able to catch up today.

I'm having problems with my phone hook up.  Apparently, I can't have more than one plugged in.  I've had little sleep for the past 2 nights.  Night before last was due to boy #3 vomiting from 2-almost 5 am.  Last night, it was a major thundershower.  In Maine, we usually have these thundershowers with under 10 lightning strikes and it lasts less than 1/2 an hour.  Here it is different!  I enjoyed it, but couldn't sleep until it was done for fear that one of the boys would be frightened and wake me up anyway. 

Let's see what else.  Oh, yes, and our health ins. does not cover us in VA.  Wonderful news.  I'm hoping the ER visit will be paid for as we were actually in TN but that could be a long shot.  Lucien has decided to come home next weekend as our benefits are gone anyway.  That way he can seriously look for work in the area.  It would be easier from here.  His cell hasn't been that dependable in Bar Harbor.  For all that we paid to 'total freedom' it ought to be dependable on the moon.

So it sounds like all I have are complaints.  Not really.  I'm just a little overwhelmed.  I am happy to be where we are and I have so many things to be thankful for--in fact, while I was getting up and down with Ethan the other night, I was strangely able to think of many of them.  Mimi was sleeping very well--helping Ethan would have been miserable if she'd been screaming.  Ethan WAS the ONLY one who got sick!  We have running water!  Comfortable beds!  A safe home!  There's really so much more that could go wrong.  God truly does help us through the rough spots.  I know He reminded me to be thankful and that being thankful for things really helped me through the night.  Emptying sickness buckets is NOT my favorite thing to do!  Its my #1 least favorite--#2 being lots of blood.  #3 is plugged toilets and #4 IRONING!!!  LOL

Well, Mimi is awake so I must get back to work.  Maybe I can toss that ironing in the dryer with a wet wash cloth.......

Yesterday morning, I half teasingly informed my husband that I quit and he'd have to find someone to replace me.  I was in tears.  Things were overwhelming to say the least.

Within an hour, the phone was fixed finally.  By the end of the day, other things were resolving themselves.  Not sure if I mentioned it, but Zeke wiped out on his bike Saturday so part of the problem was a knee that was giving him trouble.  A nice pharmacist at Walmart was kind enough to give me some very simple advice on what to do with it.  I've said some bad things about Walmart in the past and I still feel most of them are true, but I really loved Walmart yesterday.

Today, I've been able to clean the bathrooms and do some bill paying as well as change all my info at Ebay.  So I feel pretty well on top of things again.  Later, we have an appt, and I'm hoping it won't kill our progress!

I've been reading Acts lately.  Recently, I was sort of part of one of those 'free will' discussions where I merely inquired how does one ignore the many references to God's holding the power of choice.  I am not sure what people do with the story of Paul.  I suppose they could say he could've refused the in person invitation--but, honestly--who could?  Jesus tells Ananias a little further on that Saul/Paul is a chosen vessel of Mine.

About a year and a half ago, a little person began growing within me.  You might think that about 10 months ago when the cord was cut--the separation between us began.  Actually, no.  We've been joined at the hip -so to speak- ever since.   I love that.  I love that wonderful bond between infant and mom that no one else can fill.  Oh, she might really seem to love daddy and brothers as well now, but when the chips are down (or she's hungry) she looks for me. 

Well, I've noticed this week that the time for setting some boundaries has begun.  My hair is NOT to be used as a ROPE nor is my computer and the many wires behind meant to be a toy.  So I have to be firm and continually remove her from the situation.  It breaks our hearts.  Especially when she keeps making kissing noises in between setting boundary times--she's just too cute and I'd love to just let her have her way FOREVER, but my scalp is screaming!

So now instead of a mere extension or added appendage, she is becoming her own person.  Honestly, there are times I forget I'm holding her --she just seems part of me.  I will miss that feeling (and start being anxious to carry another blessing).  As a mom, I know there is one consolation.  There are now 5 people in the world, who, when about to set on unchartered territory--like first steps, first job, etc., look back for someone.  And guess who that is?  Its ME. 

They will search my face for approval, a smile, and strength.  My prayer is that I will be there--ready, willing, and able.

I think God must think I need some medic training or something.  I grow tired of patching up the wounded and the hydrogen peroxide, though I bought a huge bottle on Monday, runs very low!  WHAT NEXT!!???

Today was overcast, wet, and cool.  After supper was cleaned up, it finally began to look a bit bright, and, you know by that time of day, its time to send boys OUTSIDE!  So I suggested they ride their bikes.  They were off as quick as could be.  Sadly, by the time Mimi and I ambled out to swing....what did I see in the distance?  Elijah carrying Ethan home and saying --we've got another one down, Mom!  YIKES!!!! 

Now, Ethan is a bit like me and when he saw the blood coming out of his knee--he started losing it!  We've cleaned him up and he's lying on the couch watching Croc Hunter, but he says he can't even pick up the remote (his elbows are a tiny bit skun up)--*poor Ethan.*

My sweet other half is now in CT.  He'll be here to clean wounds in the morning.  YAY!!!  That isn't the only reason I'm happy he's coming, btw! 

Dream of the Day (sorry I've been lax about these):  To find a place that makes really good mocha latte cheesecake and eat some slowly while watching Wives and Daughters (if you don't know this a movie sort of like Pride and Prejudice which I also love.)

Oh--I completely forgot to share about dh's homecoming!  I didn't sleep well knowing he was driving and tired so sometimes when I woke I'd call--other times I would pray.  Around 4 am, I called him and figured I would be awake from there on, but at 5:40 I woke suddenly.  I could hear voices --thought it was janitors or something arriving at the school down the street.  Then I realized I had figured dh to arrive home by 5:30!  I jumped up and hurried to the door only to be disappointed--no car.  But as I stood there--hmmmm...  are those lights I see?  I am convinced all this is providential--that God woke me in time to meet hubby at the door!  What a wonderful daybreak that was--most daybreaks I am not so happy to witness!

Crunch time on the job front--please pray he can find something soon.  There is a guy who wants to hire him, but the job is just setting up so in the meantime....

Baby is having trouble with #6 tooth.  Strange how some bother her and others don't.  She is now insistent on eating with us.  I got the grinder out last night and she ate some soup with us.  I've learned over the years to wait until baby shows true interest--otherwise it just frustrates everyone!  I do not buy baby food needless to say.  I bought the grinder at a health food store when #4 was a baby and it has more than paid for itself (around $12.)

Zeke will be 12 on Sunday.  Episode 3 is all we hear about these days--dh, Zeke, and Elijah will catch a matinee maybe on Friday.  I will try to make home made pizza for dinner.  That'll be the birthday bash. 

Ethan woke with strange spots--a cross between bug bites and chicken pox <update: a mild case of chicken pox>.  They are fading already and he is otherwise his energetic little self so not worried.  Zeke mentioned maybe a reaction to dairy since we had ice cream last night?  I'm thinking he's right.  Pretty smart, huh?

Eran Grant (he's almost 4) seems to be having the worst time adjusting.  He asked the other day if we could go home.  We weren't sure where he meant.  Bar Harbor?  Greene?  Any ideas to help him feel at home?

Am I the only one being slowly driven insane by Star Wars lately?  It is EVERYWHERE I look!  The boys wear the t-shirts, they play scenes from the different episodes outside with their light sabers (don't even ask about the insanity that occurs should someone get his fingers hit with one), they play the Star Wars interactive video game, and start various discussions about the movies' merits throughout the day.  I can't go shopping--almost every isle contains something bearing the logo.

It isn't that I dislike Star Wars.  I think its ok.  I don't mind watching it once in a while.  It began to get very old the other day when I found myself in the middle of an argument about how Qui-Gon died in Episode 1.  Normally, I wouldn't have allowed such an argument, but, having been forced to watch Episode 1 just days earlier, I knew for a fact (if graphics are facts) that I saw the light saber go through his chest.  AAARRRGGHH!

I am considering taking a brief break from it all.  My only hope, I believe, is to go down to Sugar Hollow Park and take the path through the trees that ends up on a nice high hill.  There I can listen to the birds and enjoy the scenery and hopefully no one will walk by wearing an Episode 3 t-shirt.

Dream of the Day:  ONE WHOLE DAY where the boys talk about NEITHER Star Wars NOR Lord of the Rings (I love LOTR also, but hey, I can only take SO MUCH!!!!!)