Jules is doing much better today, and it's a good thing, because we have to spend a few hours in the car. We're off to Georgia for our final few days in the house. Movers will be there tomorrow to pack everything up and deliver it to a storage facility for a few weeks. Incredibly, they will also take it out of storage and move it all into our new house in November! What an unbelievable relief and great fortune to not have to do all the packing, transporting and moving ourselves!
Six days to go until election and I am happy to say that while in Dublin today, I will go and cast my ballot for Barack Obama!
I'll be back on Friday and will post again then. Enjoy the rest of your week!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Ups and Downs
Just when we thought our family was together for the long haul once again...Pete was informed yesterday that he must pack up and head out to Missouri AGAIN for two more weeks...starting today! Good thing we are slightly used to the drill.
Juliana had a tough night last night. Around 2 am, I woke up as she was trying to crawl into bed with us. She fell out somehow and hit her ear on the corner of our nightstand. I didn't realize just how bad it was until I took her into the bathroom to take a look and I saw the blood all over my pajamas and her hair. I thought it was coming from her head at first- so pretty scary, but it turns out she got a pretty good gash along the crease in the cartilage of her outer ear. It didn't go all of the way through, or we would have taken her to the ER. I know they wouldn't have been able to give her stitches the way it is. After we tried to get her cleaned up, we settled her down with her favorite Backyardigans stories and she fell back to sleep. She woke up this morning telling Nate all about how she got hurt and her 'boo boo.' I think it will heal okay, she may have a bit of scaring though...It was tough for me too, I don't handle blood all that well apparently. While trying to clean her off and get a feel for how bad it was, I got really sweaty and clammy and started blacking out...I had to sit down as I felt like I was going to faint!
So we are once again on our own without Pete. At least we have a "Back to Georgia Trip" (to be there for the movers) planned for three days this week to help distract the kids. And yippee for the dogs, after being cooped up in a tiny apartment, they get to run around all they want in our big backyard for a few days!
By the way, I mistakenly left the cord needed to download photos to the computer in GA, so that is why my poor blog has been picture-less...hope you're all well!
Love, Kate
Juliana had a tough night last night. Around 2 am, I woke up as she was trying to crawl into bed with us. She fell out somehow and hit her ear on the corner of our nightstand. I didn't realize just how bad it was until I took her into the bathroom to take a look and I saw the blood all over my pajamas and her hair. I thought it was coming from her head at first- so pretty scary, but it turns out she got a pretty good gash along the crease in the cartilage of her outer ear. It didn't go all of the way through, or we would have taken her to the ER. I know they wouldn't have been able to give her stitches the way it is. After we tried to get her cleaned up, we settled her down with her favorite Backyardigans stories and she fell back to sleep. She woke up this morning telling Nate all about how she got hurt and her 'boo boo.' I think it will heal okay, she may have a bit of scaring though...It was tough for me too, I don't handle blood all that well apparently. While trying to clean her off and get a feel for how bad it was, I got really sweaty and clammy and started blacking out...I had to sit down as I felt like I was going to faint!
So we are once again on our own without Pete. At least we have a "Back to Georgia Trip" (to be there for the movers) planned for three days this week to help distract the kids. And yippee for the dogs, after being cooped up in a tiny apartment, they get to run around all they want in our big backyard for a few days!
By the way, I mistakenly left the cord needed to download photos to the computer in GA, so that is why my poor blog has been picture-less...hope you're all well!
Love, Kate
Monday, October 27, 2008
Eight Days to Go!
We had so much fun this weekend!!! We had a great time visiting with some friends (Liz from Infectious Chatter and her family) we hadn't seen a a long, long time! After a wonderful day at Columbia's Riverbank Zoo, and dinner together, it was hard to say goodbye. Our children had a so much fun- isn't it wonderful how children can meet for the first time and instantly become buds? Anyway, might I add ONE more time how good it feels to be somewhere again where the heartbeat of life pulsates all around you. I really do feel as though I am waking up my senses and my motivations.
On a political note- only eight days away from electing our next President!
I will not go into any in depth analysis, I will leave that to my dear friend over at the current events corner (she really does do her research). I may have strayed from mentioning my political motivations in the past, okay, maybe not so much, but as some of your may know I am a supporter of Barack Obama. I have become more and more pleased with his goals and ideas regarding the desperately needed new direction for our country's government. I don't stick my neck out too often to try and persuade people one way or another, because I am not big into debating. So, I will not do that here either. However, if there is anyone person out there whom I can try and persuade to vote for Obama over McCain, please let me know and I will put in a call to you!!!!!
On a note of running mates, I read this morning that even Alaska's Anchorage Daily News, the largest newspaper in Palin's securely Republican state of Alaska, has chosen to endorse Obama, stating that Palin is simply "too risky" to be one step away from the Oval Office.
Interesting. Very interesting.
More for you later!
On a political note- only eight days away from electing our next President!
I will not go into any in depth analysis, I will leave that to my dear friend over at the current events corner (she really does do her research). I may have strayed from mentioning my political motivations in the past, okay, maybe not so much, but as some of your may know I am a supporter of Barack Obama. I have become more and more pleased with his goals and ideas regarding the desperately needed new direction for our country's government. I don't stick my neck out too often to try and persuade people one way or another, because I am not big into debating. So, I will not do that here either. However, if there is anyone person out there whom I can try and persuade to vote for Obama over McCain, please let me know and I will put in a call to you!!!!!
On a note of running mates, I read this morning that even Alaska's Anchorage Daily News, the largest newspaper in Palin's securely Republican state of Alaska, has chosen to endorse Obama, stating that Palin is simply "too risky" to be one step away from the Oval Office.
Interesting. Very interesting.
More for you later!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Back to Living
Wow, it really has been a LONG time since I last posted! So much has been going on and we have been accomplishing so much as well!
We are finally in SC, and here for good! Over the past two weeks, we've been tying up all of the loose ends that come along with selling an old home and purchasing a new one- inspections, mortgages and deeds...and of course all of the other fun things like exploring new turf, getting to shop again, and starting Nate at a new school! It feels so good to be back in a diverse community with a broad range of culture, outdoor recreation, shopping, children's activities, and complexity of beliefs and lifestyle! I feel so blessed to have experienced living in so many different types of communities in my lifetime (I have lived in 11 states and can't even count how many times I've moved) and as a result, I now feel that I can and will truly appreciate what Columbia and it's surrounding areas have to offer.
Although the Dublin, GA area is the place where our children were born and our family extended, it simply could not meet our personal aspirations and the desire for enrichment our family thrives upon. With that said, I am however, thankful for the friendships that were developed and despite some distance, hope they will continue to grow over time.
So, now that some dust has settled, I aim to get back to my long neglected blog, and hopefully haven't lost too many of you! Let's get back to living!
We are finally in SC, and here for good! Over the past two weeks, we've been tying up all of the loose ends that come along with selling an old home and purchasing a new one- inspections, mortgages and deeds...and of course all of the other fun things like exploring new turf, getting to shop again, and starting Nate at a new school! It feels so good to be back in a diverse community with a broad range of culture, outdoor recreation, shopping, children's activities, and complexity of beliefs and lifestyle! I feel so blessed to have experienced living in so many different types of communities in my lifetime (I have lived in 11 states and can't even count how many times I've moved) and as a result, I now feel that I can and will truly appreciate what Columbia and it's surrounding areas have to offer.
Although the Dublin, GA area is the place where our children were born and our family extended, it simply could not meet our personal aspirations and the desire for enrichment our family thrives upon. With that said, I am however, thankful for the friendships that were developed and despite some distance, hope they will continue to grow over time.
So, now that some dust has settled, I aim to get back to my long neglected blog, and hopefully haven't lost too many of you! Let's get back to living!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
So Long Georgia.....
I'm feeling good today and finally feeling like things are falling in place with our transition to SC. Pete has been home for the weekend after being gone for two weeks, and it has been nice to relax at home with the kids and plan for our new home and community. Now that a lot of the stress has passed, I am getting so excited again! Pete heads to Atlanta tonight for a week long training session there. The kids and I will stay here until Wednesday and then head up there to spend two nights with him. After that, we're off to Columbia SC to our new temporary abode!
Adios Dudley, GA! .....Now if we can only find the right house and buy it!!!
In the meanwhile, it has been fun to follow our future engineer/rocket builder Nate around as he creates his fascinating machines!!
Hope your week begins well!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Finding Inspiration
In figuring out what to post today, I decided to take a quick peak at some of my friend's blogs and I realized (for the hundredth time) how incredible and amazing they are! I am at such a pivotal place in life, emotions swirling all around me...so I am going to stop there and highlight some of the places I go to get a quick lift, sense of encouragement, inspiration and yes, even a good old laugh sometimes....
Infectious Chatter
Testosterhome
Of Boys and Critters
Have fun checking them out if you don't already and please share with me some of the blogs and sites that help to lift you up when you need it most!
Infectious Chatter
Testosterhome
Of Boys and Critters
Have fun checking them out if you don't already and please share with me some of the blogs and sites that help to lift you up when you need it most!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Putting Kate Back Together Again
I have had a tough past week...but I am better! I am motivated and inspired to get back into gear and stay focused on the end result here-moving our family to a community better suited for us.
I have been doing some real soul searching as well and am continually coming back to the notion that in order to be a better mother to my children, I need to be better to myself as a person.
I have come to the realization that I don't handle certain types of stress well and in the future, I need to do things a lot differently. I have realized that I have been doing some things horribly wrong and my health and general well being have taken the brunt of it. In figuring out all of this, I am taking some time (whenever I can!) to try and come up with a better plan for me as an individual. Unfortunately, it has taken falling apart to understand that some big changes need to be made. I guess that is usually how it works.
Some of the best advice my mother ever gave me about motherhood involves the safety procedure for passengers on a crashing airplane. The flight attendant explains to us that in order to better help our children, we need to first put the oxygen mask on ourselves, and then assist them. If we cannot breath properly, we cannot help them to do so either.... this is where I have faltered greatly in the past weeks. I have not taken proper care of myself and it has hindered me from being the kind of mother I want and need to be.
Anyway, now that things are coming to a slower pace around here, I aim to begin establishing some new goals and methods of getting things accomplished. I begin by making a list of 10 things that I can do in under 10 minutes that will help me to relax and breath right again....
1. read a chapter of a book
2. watch HGTV or The Food Network channel
3. play with the kids outside
4. read my friend's blogs
5. bake something (obviously this may take longer!)
6. play with the dogs
7. have a glass of wine (sorry- I had to put it down!)
8. paint- not walls
9. work in the garden
10. dance with the kids to some music
That was easier than I thought it would be! What do you to relax and to take better care of yourself? Any other suggestions for me? Thanks!
I have been doing some real soul searching as well and am continually coming back to the notion that in order to be a better mother to my children, I need to be better to myself as a person.
I have come to the realization that I don't handle certain types of stress well and in the future, I need to do things a lot differently. I have realized that I have been doing some things horribly wrong and my health and general well being have taken the brunt of it. In figuring out all of this, I am taking some time (whenever I can!) to try and come up with a better plan for me as an individual. Unfortunately, it has taken falling apart to understand that some big changes need to be made. I guess that is usually how it works.
Some of the best advice my mother ever gave me about motherhood involves the safety procedure for passengers on a crashing airplane. The flight attendant explains to us that in order to better help our children, we need to first put the oxygen mask on ourselves, and then assist them. If we cannot breath properly, we cannot help them to do so either.... this is where I have faltered greatly in the past weeks. I have not taken proper care of myself and it has hindered me from being the kind of mother I want and need to be.
Anyway, now that things are coming to a slower pace around here, I aim to begin establishing some new goals and methods of getting things accomplished. I begin by making a list of 10 things that I can do in under 10 minutes that will help me to relax and breath right again....
1. read a chapter of a book
2. watch HGTV or The Food Network channel
3. play with the kids outside
4. read my friend's blogs
5. bake something (obviously this may take longer!)
6. play with the dogs
7. have a glass of wine (sorry- I had to put it down!)
8. paint- not walls
9. work in the garden
10. dance with the kids to some music
That was easier than I thought it would be! What do you to relax and to take better care of yourself? Any other suggestions for me? Thanks!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Missing Daddy
Once again, we are off to Columbia SC to have a second look at some of the houses we looked at last week. I am excited that this is all coming together so quickly and I hope things will continue to progress in the same smooth manner!
Pete's latest departure has really taken it's toll on Nate. Every day Nate tells me that he is going to work and that he will be gone for a while. He says he'll miss me but that he will call me on the computer every night (we do Skype with Pete)! It is so sad! And then, a few times now he has attempted to pack up all of his belongings (and I do mean all of them including clothes and blankets from the bed) and he says he needs to put them into Daddy's truck!
Oh, I can't wait until this is all over!
Pete's latest departure has really taken it's toll on Nate. Every day Nate tells me that he is going to work and that he will be gone for a while. He says he'll miss me but that he will call me on the computer every night (we do Skype with Pete)! It is so sad! And then, a few times now he has attempted to pack up all of his belongings (and I do mean all of them including clothes and blankets from the bed) and he says he needs to put them into Daddy's truck!
Oh, I can't wait until this is all over!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Becoming a Better Person (in the midst of craziness!)
The last few days have been a whirlwind of phone calls, appointments and errands and crossing this and that of of an ever growing list. The relocation process of our family from one state to another has hit high gear and we are in constant motion trying to make it all occur smoothly. I feel good about most things, especially how incredibly fortunate we are to have our house have sold in just four weeks on the market! Before getting into our next house however, it looks like we will have to spend some time in transition in an apartment in SC. We have a few houses in mind to buy, but I can't see that it will happen in the timing in which we need to go directly from one house to another.
In the midst of the craziness, I have been trying my best to eat, sleep and be a patient (single) mom (Pete is out of town again for two weeks). I have done my best to stay current with the ever stunning ups and downs on wall street and decision making in Congress- which just for the record, I am in full agreement of their rejection of the $700 billion (fat cat) bailout...I truly believe that there are a tremendous amount of incredibly intelligent people in Washington, most of whom we, the people of this country, placed in their positions. They must be able to come up with an alternative solution that will help jump start our economy without having to keep the pockets of wealthy wall street tycoons stuffed. Okay, I had my say about that! I'll keep moving in my original direction...
While waiting to see the doctor at one of the appointments I had earlier this week, I noticed Juliana (yes, I had to bring both kids with me, ugh!) needed a new diaper (in a bad way). So, we grabbed all of our belongings, and hand in hand, all three of us headed back out to the car so as not to make those in the waiting area suffer through what I knew would be pretty ugly. I opened up the hatch door of the back of the Pilot and loaded everyone and everything inside. As I struggled to remove the pants of an incredibly squirmy baby, I noticed a man walk by. Although he kept heading in the direction away from me, he walked slow and caught my attention. I then returned my focus to the diaper situation in front of me. A moment later however, there he was again, standing at my side, asking if he could bother me for a minute. As he began talking, I struggled to hear him as I tried to keep Nate from swinging from the side of the car and Juliana from kicking the wipes out of my hand.
"Excuse me," I asked him.
"Can I bother you for a minute?" he asked again.
"What is it sir?" I responded.
He studdered and had paused a moment before what appeared to be a huge effort to express his collected thoughts.
"I'm temporarily homeless and I wonder if you can spare any money to help me out," he asked while looking at the ground.
He wore jeans, clean white sneakers, a polo shirt and a baseball cap. His hair was short and he was shaven. He didn't look as though he'd just lost a $200,000 house, but he certainly didn't appear to have been homeless for very long.
"I'm sorry," I said shaking my head, "my family is on a pretty tight budget right now, I wish I could help you, but...."
He began walking away, very fast this time, and while I got back to giving my baby a clean diaper and restraining my toddler from jumping into the parking lot, I couldn't help but regret my decision to not help this man. I'm not a big fan of just handing out cash to the homeless, but something seemed different about this guy.
It seemed so hard for him to approach me and I could see the humiliation in his eyes at having to ask a stranger for financial help. Despite the fact that, yes, we really are on a budget right now, most families are now a days, but I know I had spare change in the car and at least a dollar bill in my purse somewhere. I could have spared that at least to help make his situation a little less uncomfortable. Since then, he has entered my thoughts many times this week and I have decided that community involvement needs to be a priority once again in my family's lives when we get to SC. I saw a quote the other day that read, "To better the world, improve yourself."
Simple as that.
In the midst of the craziness, I have been trying my best to eat, sleep and be a patient (single) mom (Pete is out of town again for two weeks). I have done my best to stay current with the ever stunning ups and downs on wall street and decision making in Congress- which just for the record, I am in full agreement of their rejection of the $700 billion (fat cat) bailout...I truly believe that there are a tremendous amount of incredibly intelligent people in Washington, most of whom we, the people of this country, placed in their positions. They must be able to come up with an alternative solution that will help jump start our economy without having to keep the pockets of wealthy wall street tycoons stuffed. Okay, I had my say about that! I'll keep moving in my original direction...
While waiting to see the doctor at one of the appointments I had earlier this week, I noticed Juliana (yes, I had to bring both kids with me, ugh!) needed a new diaper (in a bad way). So, we grabbed all of our belongings, and hand in hand, all three of us headed back out to the car so as not to make those in the waiting area suffer through what I knew would be pretty ugly. I opened up the hatch door of the back of the Pilot and loaded everyone and everything inside. As I struggled to remove the pants of an incredibly squirmy baby, I noticed a man walk by. Although he kept heading in the direction away from me, he walked slow and caught my attention. I then returned my focus to the diaper situation in front of me. A moment later however, there he was again, standing at my side, asking if he could bother me for a minute. As he began talking, I struggled to hear him as I tried to keep Nate from swinging from the side of the car and Juliana from kicking the wipes out of my hand.
"Excuse me," I asked him.
"Can I bother you for a minute?" he asked again.
"What is it sir?" I responded.
He studdered and had paused a moment before what appeared to be a huge effort to express his collected thoughts.
"I'm temporarily homeless and I wonder if you can spare any money to help me out," he asked while looking at the ground.
He wore jeans, clean white sneakers, a polo shirt and a baseball cap. His hair was short and he was shaven. He didn't look as though he'd just lost a $200,000 house, but he certainly didn't appear to have been homeless for very long.
"I'm sorry," I said shaking my head, "my family is on a pretty tight budget right now, I wish I could help you, but...."
He began walking away, very fast this time, and while I got back to giving my baby a clean diaper and restraining my toddler from jumping into the parking lot, I couldn't help but regret my decision to not help this man. I'm not a big fan of just handing out cash to the homeless, but something seemed different about this guy.
It seemed so hard for him to approach me and I could see the humiliation in his eyes at having to ask a stranger for financial help. Despite the fact that, yes, we really are on a budget right now, most families are now a days, but I know I had spare change in the car and at least a dollar bill in my purse somewhere. I could have spared that at least to help make his situation a little less uncomfortable. Since then, he has entered my thoughts many times this week and I have decided that community involvement needs to be a priority once again in my family's lives when we get to SC. I saw a quote the other day that read, "To better the world, improve yourself."
Simple as that.
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