Outside my window...
It's COLD. Really cold. Single-digits, some days.I am thankful for...
My new treadmill. It happened something like this: We found out we're pregnant. I remembered the last time I was pregnant (which was only last year, I remind you) I did not work out consistently, and as a result could not make it half-way down my cul-de-sac without huffing and puffing as though I'd just climbed Mt. Everest by the end of my pregnancy. And then I realized that if I think it's hard to find time to work out now, with four children and only one baby, how much harder will it be to find time to work out after the babies are born, when there are six children and half of them are babies?And so I might have freaked out (you know, minimally), and said something like:
Oh my gosh! I'll never work out again! I mean, how am I going to exercise this winter? You're gone when it's light and the kids are all here and it's freaking FREEZING outside so who wants to walk outside anyway and now I'm going to be doomed to be out-of-shape for the rest of my pregnancy. And actually, for the rest of my life because who in their right mind can schedule visits to the gym with SIX kids when THREE of them are babies??? But then I'll have had three babies in two years and so HELLO, I'm going to need some exercise like I never have before, if you know what I mean.....!!!!
And I might have been frantic, just a little.
And my husband, who is not derailed whatsoever by tears nor frantic hysteria, cancelled his gym membership and bought me a treadmill. A nice one. And then he spent an entire Saturday moving it in all its nearly-300-pound glory, by himself, into our daylight basement and setting it up (I know, right? Swoon.). It's right downstairs in front of the TV, where I can hop on it while watching a Latin DVD with Prim, catching up on the latest Downton Abbey action, or finally getting around to that Teaching With Games seminar.
Yep. I'm spoiled.
I am thinking about...
Next school year. It sounds like some of you are, too. I'm planning the most bare-bones year we've ever had. Essentials only! Lots of time for the babies who will surely dominate our waking (and not-so-waking) hours. I want to talk about this, actually. I'll be back later this week and maybe we can discuss bare-bones-school-planning? Please?
In the Schoolroom...
Back at it. Oof. From the kitchen...
Andy. Well, I mean, he's not from the kitchen, but he's in the kitchen. My first-trimester-self can't handle food, see, so my husband has been making dinner and cleaning the kitchen every single night. And that's after he worked a long day. And did all of the extra-curricular running around, too.(Again, spoiled.)
(Think it has something to do with me growing him TWO babies this time?) :)
I am creating...
babies. :) (C'mon, you knew I'd write that, didn't you?) Oh, and I do have added incentive to create Posy's baby book and all the family albums up to speed before this summer. If I don't do them now, who knows when I'll get a chance!
I am working on...
Packing in enough calories- especially protein.Clicking Around...
I'm loving Auntie Leila's newest writing post. I'm a big IEW fan, so I'm not necessarily going to implement all of her ideas, but seriously, that lady gives darn good advice. For example:
If you are taking time away from your child's reading to teach him the mechanics of writing -- other than the ones I outlined here -- before he is in middle school, you are almost certainly wasting your time. For instance, if you are trying to get a third- or fourth-grader to learn the parts of speech, just stop.
I love that. Just stop. :)
I am reading...
Twinspiration by Cheryl LageTwins!
Queen's Own Fool by Jane Yolen (Prim loved it and thinks I'll like it too)
I am praying for...
New babies. Mine, yes, but others too!I am hearing...
Andy, reading me snippets of the paper while I write this.Around the house...
Pass. This is an unfair question in the first trimester. :POne of my favorite things...
Andy. See above. :)
A few plans for the rest of the week...
Nap, nap, nap, puke.Repeat.
A picture thought...
Oh gosh, I haven't even picked up my real camera since the new year. I'm pretty sure that's a cardinal sin. Or something. I'm not kidding about my fatigue, friends- it is LAYING ME OUT FLAT this round. I refuse to feel too guilty about the lack of photo-making this month. Come summer, I'll be snapping day and night just to get all that baby deliciousness caught on camera. :)
Meanwhile, here's something from the iPod:
I love it when she sits like this. It just cracks me up.
Hello Sarah
ReplyDeleteLovely to read about your week. Which Latin program do you use ? I am keen to start Latin with Sir N but have no idea on what to use
Blessings
We are using Latina Christiana 1 by Memoria Press. It is very well laid out, I think! Prim is 11 and she finds it challenging but not impossible. How old is your son?
DeleteYes, you are spoiled! That is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI'm not pregnant with twins but I have a set! Does that count for never wanting to answer the "around the house" question?? ;)
Hi Sarah! I was due August 1st this past year (with only one baby, of course, although #7 for us), so I was in your boat going into this school year, and having the same thoughts about keeping it simple. I may have a few thoughts on the subject, I look forward to the upcoming discussion!
ReplyDeleteI got a new treadmill too. Actually I bought it from my daughter and I LOVE it. Unlike you, I don't turn any music or tv on while I am on it. It is my own private thinking time. 30 minutes where no one asks anything of me. Even the dog is uniterested already. She used to try to lick the stupid thing every time I was on it. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I must add again, SIX CHILDREN!! Heehee.
That is great about the treadmill! I worry about working out time too. It just has to be a priority but when you have such little ones it is a huge challenge! The treadmill at home will make it so much easier.
ReplyDeleteYour basement must be significantly cleaner than mine. I can't go down there without spending three hours cleaning. I used to do that, but found that one week later it reverted to it's previous tornado state, so anything I need I send down a child or husband. It's just not on the every-night-before-dessert cleaning zone list until my 4th can pull some more weight. My treadmill is still down there somewhere. I never thought about multi-tasking with school DVDs because it seems everyone would wander down there and be too distracting. As always, you give me something to reconsider and your determination to carry on is inspiring!
ReplyDeleteWell, the basement is really half our living space. The only TV we have is down there in the family room (with the art center and toy shelves too ). It gets a lot of use so we have to keep it somewhat tidy, though it is the first room to get messy!
DeleteQuick comment Sarah. My mom bought me Twins! after my twins were born and I just really didn't find it very helpful. Mothering Multiples was good. And yes, Auntie Leila's posts are gold. Pure gold. And my oldest is halfway through third, so its just in time as panic can creep in.
ReplyDeleteI agree- the book isn't that helpful. It seems to me that most books about twins are written for first-time moms. I guess the rest of us ought to just rely on our common sense, huh? :)
DeleteI think most of the books on twins, yes, one could do without :) I found Mothering Multiples, published I think by La Leche League, to have some good tips, though I didn't read it cover to cover. Good tips and encouragement on breastfeeding twins. It does get hard, sometimes, or just time consuming. Some mothers feed one at a time but I almost always fed them a the same time. But then there's really nothing else you can do. Look at your babies would be best thing, I know, but we mothers often read or snack,etc.
Deletehttp://www.amazon.com/Mothering-Multiples-Breastfeeding-Caring-International/dp/0976896931
I think in general, yes, most of the mothering common sense works, but it is a very different experience. Your older kids are so much older than mine were ( I had two and my oldest turned 4 when the twins were 1 month old). You'll have more help, which will be great, but I didn't have as many academic needs for my PK/toddler, compared to your older learners. Its a balancing act I am still learning! Oh, one other thing- many multiple groups/books tend to speak of them as the only children. I think a lot of first time parents with twins must stop after them, or at least wait some time to have more children. I found more support among my regular community than seeking out mothers of twins/higher multiples. Of course, there are those times where no one will really understand or be able to empathize with you like another mother of twins. So tell us here in internet land and we'll encourage you! :)
When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads is a great read. It has great guidelines to keep you and your babies healthy.
ReplyDeleteOoooo need to hear how you like TWG. And I hope you kissed that soft spot on the back of P's neck. It is just crying out for some smooches.
ReplyDeleteWe've been thinking a treadmill would be so nice for years but without a basement to put it in I can't give in. I wish the ones that folded up actually worked well enough and fit in our closet! Good for you for getting one!
ReplyDeleteOoh. And you had me at bare bones. Now you're talking my language :)
This is my favorite post ever about simplifying homeschooling:
ReplyDeletehttp://gypsycaravan.typepad.com/a_gypsy_caravan/2009/08/the-basics.html
Hang in there friend! xo
Oh, how sweet of your husband to get you a treadmill! I could use one of those this morning. I do NOT want to go running outside in the cold right now!
ReplyDeleteUmmm...isn't THAT MANY BABIES exercise enough???? :)
ReplyDeleteI am new to your post, and I absolutely love it! Thanks for taking the time - I wonder if posting will have to be put on the back burner too for awhile?
Kim
Andy, you rock.
ReplyDeleteSarah - I have a feeling those twins will be a fancy workout. My friend who just had hers misses exercise but is skinnier than ever. Think of all those calories burned making milk for two!
So funny she sits like that so early!