Names

I have a terrible time naming babies. I usually hand the birth certificate to the front desk as I am wheeled out of the hospital, hoping I got it right. This little one has been particularly tough, with each person in our house giving an opinion. So, here is the list so far.
Sam - Anna
Zach - Betty or Betsy if he remembers right
Maggie - Whatever I say at the time that I like
Casey - at Christmas time it was Fanny Bright, but now it is Betsy because of Zach's influence
Jill - China, whatever?
Ron - Gretchen
Katie - still up in the air, I hate having this kind of authority

So, we will see. Maybe she will just be baby for a while.

One more week (or so)

I'm starting to think that at 39 weeks, it is time to start seriously thinking about this baby being here. In a lot of ways, this pregnancy has gone by really fast. I pretty much ignored that I was pregnant for the first half and didn't see the doctor until 22 weeks. There were lots of holidays to fill time, and the Olympics has helped the last week. But, in other ways, it seems like I have been pregnant forever. To look back and realize that I have only known Missouri as a pregnant person really puts things into perspective. I'm sure everyone here thinks I am lazy and cranky and a completely disagreeable person. Yet, all in all, this has been a typical pregnancy for me. Hideous weight gain, dreading such frequent trips to the doctor, and the ever present knife-in-the-back pain. But, after six, I pretty much know what to expect when I'm expecting. (The nurse was a little offended when I declined the free "What To Expect When You're Expecting" book at my first appointment.) However, this one has been different because I have older kids to join in the excitement and I, myself, am older. I have noticed that I ache a little bit more and want a lot more sleep. Hopefully, the aching will be gone in a short time, but I know the sleep deprivation will only be magnified. I was talking with some others about new babies and one comment made me realize that although pregnancy is not my favorite, I do look forward to meeting our new little Jensen girl. I am excited to share her with Ron and the kids and to get to know her personality and quirks. So, counting down, one more week (or so) and we should be able to share some really great news.

Funny Casey

Well, today was our third straight day of no school for "snow." The kids were all feeling a little cooped up and cabin fever had set in. I told the kids if there was a Peter Piper Pizza in town, we could do that for fun today. I also told them if there was one in Mountain Home, AR, I would even drive down there today. After about 20 seconds, Casey said, "Why did we move here, anyway?" First I laughed, then I longed for a little more entertainment choices in small town, USA.

Yet again

There is a dusting of snow on the ground and more to come today, so no school.
So far Pet Shops have been providing the fun.

It doesn't matter

I never knew Jill was such a wise girl. This morning she came to the door of the room I was sitting in, carrying her pajamas, and proclaimed, "It doesn't matter." Then she walked off and I presume put her pajamas in her room. I don't know what prompted the advice, but I've had little crazy things happen in the last few days and I needed the wise advice from my little Jilly.

Happy 100th Day of School x3

Maggie has celebrated 100 day with 100 hairbands for 3 straight years. I was surprised when she requested the hairdo again, but she did ask that they not stick up as much as they have in the past. I loved looking at 2008 and 2009, and can't believe how fast time goes by.
It has been a much different 100 days of school this year with pleas of homeschool, tears, joy, and nervousness. But, with all of the changes, I have been amazed with how much inner strength, resolve, and independence Maggie has. Good luck with the next 74. I can't wait for summer.

Two more snow days

More lies have been spewed my direction. Phrases such as, "We never get this much snow," or "We haven't had a winter like this for years," have caused me to not believe anyone anymore. We had a big snow storm come through on Thursday/Friday and we got dumped on. So, no school Friday or Monday. I can't believe we went back to school today because my dirt road is still covered. But, the kids loved it while it lasted. Friday they treated themselves to my Diet Dr. Pepper and made snow cones. Ron closed shop for the second half of the day and helped them make mountains of snow. Saturday, we went to the Wood's for lunch (the best chicken and pasta - I'll have to post the recipe when I get it) and a sledding party. As Ron pulled into their neighborhood, I told him that Michele can't get up her hill in the snow, but he was assured we would make it. Well, we didn't and Ron, deservedly, got teased because we got stuck twice. Sunday, New Beginnings was postponed because of people stuck and so forth. And, Monday, was reading day around here. So, two more days will have to be made up at the end of the school year, and I guess I should be looking for clearance snow gear that I was assured that I would not need.