Lucky #7

Jellybean joined our family December 3rd, a bit earlier than her Christmas due date. My rising blood pressure and other signs of pre-eclampsia meant she was served an eviction notice. 

She is such a sweet little baby. Loves to snuggle. A head full of gorgeous thick black hair, the longest fingers and toes. Such a perfect addition to our family.

Though, if you don't mind sparing a prayer. She isn't gaining weight as fast as she is supposed to. And this mama could use some peace of mind while we do all the things to help her grow. 

Love You Grandma

I grew up with strong and amazing women surrounding me. I am glad I was able to say goodbye in person to one of them last week before she passed.

Each new baby I had and brought to met my grandmother, for some reason I was surprised all over again to rediscover she was a bit of a baby hog. And there are oh so many pictures of her holding and smiling down on her grandchildren. Her obituary said she had 117 grandchildren, including the greats. 66 grandchildren and 51 great grandchildren. 

She told me how she loved us. That every day she prayed for her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren. That she was thankful and grateful. I honestly can't remember her saying anything bad about anyone. She changed the direction of conversations if they steered towards gossip. She was optimistic even in hard times.

She handmade rosaries from wooden beads she got from taking apart seat covers. The earliest versions held together with baling twine. They are made to last, and I have 7 around my house.

When I was little I was proud to have a pirate Grandmother. I'm not sure how old I was to realize that eye patch does not equate pirate. I loved hearing her stories. I never left her house feeling worse than when I came, always better and more at peace.

She discribed herself as being spoiled and managing to  get her way a lot. She could have also been described as being capable of being stubborn. She did what she set her mind to do. She grew beautiful plants, flowers, and gardens. Her library was filled with stories of the Saints. She giggled and stayed up late laughing and talking with her sister like they were still kids themselves. 

She was devout and had a strong deep faith. Her homes were always so fun to explore. There was generally a puzzle you sit down in front of and help work on. She had a photogenic memory, and could share so many things. And I loved her very much. 

Sugar and Spice...and everything Hair?

Random perk of parenting. Bear lets me play with her hair and practice hairstyles and has the ability to hold still.

My other little girls sometimes want me to do their hair, but holding still is hit and miss.  Maybe by the time school starts in the Fall I will have mastered some cute styles with staying power. The Twinks hair is very fine and straight and nothing stays in. As it grows out I will play with some styling product.  However I except they will come home looking like wild mares by the end of the day.

2021 Calving Season Begins

1st calf has hit the ground. I am down the road on the text chain, so a better picture will hopefully be captured tonight. I have not yet heard if it is a bull or a heifer calf. My source is driving water truck at the moment and doesn't have first hand knowledge. 

When the Hubby gets off work, we will all go with him to the farm for evening chores. And to ooh and ahhh over the new baby.  Much to his annoyance I will have the kids name him/her. Its a tradition he doesn't appreciate, but the first calf needs a name. 2020 saw a bull calf named Haywire. Maybe this will be the year we branch out from Hay related names? But calves are also dubbed with a moniker. (Boo, Thumb, Haybale, Haystack, Haystack II, and I think there was a Haystick)

Sunday we went to check out baby goats. March brings calves! Night time checking routines will begin, the kids will stake out watching the calving camera. Its beginning to feel like Spring! 

Six Siblings Share a Room

Six kids in a room? How do you do it? 2021 Verision.

Yesterday we added a triple bunk bed to the mix. The room has gone over multiple arrangements and changes over the years. In its current form, all 6 kids have a twin bed and 3-4ish have their clothes in the room.

The twinks share a 3 drawer dresser/entertainment console in the living room. Their dresses and other hanging clothes are in the kids' bedroom closet.  Sunshine has a Plastic 3 drawer dresser like thing, that doubles as an end table in the living room. Basically a place for Mom to put her coffee.

My oldest 3 share this 10 drawer dresser. With hanging clothes in the closet.

The boys have the wooden bunk bed. Bear and the Twinks get the new bunk. They ALL got the bed they wanted. A miracle really. 

The closest generally is bit tidier. When the kids put their hampers away 4 fit perfectly. Then I wash all clothes, one hamper at a time and eliminate the need to sort. For the most part all the kids but the 2 year old can put their own clothes away. Winning!

Next on my agenda is a fresh coat of paint for the walls. I have scrubbed a lot of crayon, marker and pen off the walls over the last decade and at this point more paint comes off the toddler artistic expression. I would also like to take up the carpet and refinish the hardwood floors (which are in marvelous condition) and put a nice big rug (that is also washable). I am also playing with the idea of removable wallpaper. 

We have been reading the Chronicles of Narnia Books 📚. There are 7. We staryed the 4th in the series this week.. Anyway, with that in mind I have been dying to put  wallpaper similar to below inside the closet.

The idea of removable wallpaper also has me considering an accent wall or maybe all the walls! The Hubby isn't convinced, though the closet is still doable.

The bottom left I would actually love to do in dining room, with the chair rail. Now the floral might be a bit too feminine for a room with boys, but they will be getting their own room in the basement. What do you think? Would you give wallpaper a go?