Number 6 is here!

At 3:37 a.m. I received the call: we're on our way to the hospital!

I was so excited I had a hard time falling back to sleep. Immediately I began to plan how/when we would pick up Madeleine, how we would get out of helping at the Bishop's Storehouse (which we had volunteered for), did Debra remember to pack a Sunday dress for Madeleine?, etc. Finally at about 5:00 a.m. I fell asleep.

I woke up at 7:00, hopped in the shower, then unable to wait another minute I called Randy: what's happening?

We have a baby!

I ran downstairs and told Audrey and Ray (son). Then I told Ray (husband), I don't want to go to the storehouse. I want to see that baby, and get Madeleine. We compromised, barely. We went to the storehouse and did the initial stocking of shelves before it was open, then we took off. Ray, Ray and I went to get Madeleine. Beth had packed Madeleine's bag, and remembered everything but socks. Luckily we figured that out before we left. We went straight from there to the hospital.

She's beautiful.

Diane Stearns Peck

January 30, 2010

7 lbs. 9 oz., 20 inches

Debra, Randy, Diane, Madeleine

And I have to say: I really like her name! Diane for me, Stearns for Jeanie, her other, most fabulous Grammy.

Ray and Diane

Ray and Diane

Diane and Diane

Thursday workday

Trish and I had another workday today. We completed three more sections of our Hometown Christmas quilt.

Section 10

Section 3

Section 11

It helps me to feel like I'm making progress is some part of my life to document this. My January, which started out with a bang, ended very slow. Pneumonia and a week in Kirkland really set me back. January became virtually invisible. I'm still not back to full energy, so I'm trying to be realistic about my accomplishments. Most days I'm happy to be up, exercise, and accomplish one thing a day. By 7:00 pm I'm ready for bed, and too tired to read. (That's probably the best barometer for how I feel.) It is getting better, but I'm at the stage where I really want to be all better, now.

Tradition

It's time to introduce a new generation to Worm Casserole.

Worm Casserole is an old favorite that we don't make as often anymore. It is not what you would call NC (nutritionally correct) these days. But every once in a while we still get a hankering for it. Tonight I asked Audrey what I should make for dinner. She suggested Worm Casserole. Ray seconded it.

As I began gathering the ingredients, Matthew asked what I was doing. I told him I was making dinner.

Matthew: What's for dinner?

Me: Worm Casserole

Matthew: Worm Casserole??

Me: Yes

--pause--

Matthew: Are there worms in it?

Me: Yes

--pause--

Matthew: Worms from the earth?

Me: No. Pretend worms.

--pause--

Matthew: Can I watch?

So we whipped up some Worm Casserole. I got the recipe originally from a Relief Society dinner about 25 years ago. It has cream of mushroom soup, cheese, noodles, and--wait for it--Spam. The original recipe called for ham, but one time I didn't have any, so used Spam. It became Worm Casserole one night when someone asked what was for dinner (the taboo question). I responded "Worm Casserole", and the name stuck.

Five of us nearly finished a 9X13 dish. I'd say it was a hit.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

This time around I decided to skip the Jane Austen wannabe books, and went straight for the real thing. I've never read Persuasion before.

I liked it fine, but not as well as Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Mansfield Park, and Emma. It wasn't quite as sharp and clever as those books. Perhaps because it was published after her death, and she never had the chance to really edit and refine it.

Several years ago I tried watching the movie version of this book. I never made it past the first 20 minutes - much too confusing. My girls tell me there is a much better version available now. I'll have to try it. Maybe having read the book will also help.

Work day

I started quilting about 17 years ago. My friend Michelle was a quilter, and I wanted to learn how. I've been sewing since I was about 10 years old, but quilting and sewing clothing are two different matters. Of course, quilting came a lot easier because I already knew how to sew.

Michelle, Trish, and I began quilting together. We started out making a small project together, then another. Our first big endeavor was a sampler quilt (some time I'll post some pictures of my older quilts). After that we were hooked. For several years we did our best to get together and sew once a week. One year it was on Wednesday, and the phrase "Wednesday work day" was coined. Ever since then my family has asked, "Was today a work day?" The joke being that they thought all we did was play when we were together, not work. All I have to say is I've produced a lot of quilts while playing with my friends.

Michelle is still in Washington, but Trish and I are both here together in Utah. We have resurrected the work day, and had so much fun getting stuff done! Mostly we work on our own projects, but once in a while we'll still do a project together (we each make the same quilt). We did that last year with these quilts.

Today we started another quilt together. We bought the kits for this quilt before I ever moved here. We both thought we'd have them long before now, but as usual we were a little too optimistic. So with our quilting resolution of 2010 to make up the quilts we already have the materials for, we started right in on this one. It is by Thimbleberries, and is called Hometown Christmas Quilt.

There are twelve total sections, plus sashing, and borders. The finished quilt will be 96 inches by 108 inches. Large and cozy, just right for wrapping up in on a cold winter day. The bonus is that I already have all the fabric to finish the quilt - even the backing. At this point the only expense will be my time.

Here are the first three sections that we finished today:

Final quilt project of 2009

After squeaking out Matthew's and Madeleine's birthday quilts just in the nick of time, I pushed the envelope too far, and did not get Trish's birthday present done in time for her birthday (the 29th). But I did finish it before the new year began.

It's a sewing machine cover - so that the machine doesn't get so dusty so quickly (well, at least my machine gets dusty quickly). I got the idea from something I saw on Moda Bake Shop, then tweaked it to fit what I wanted. Here's the cover I made for Trish:

I liked it so much that I made one for myself. We have the same machine, so it was easy to make sure hers would fit without having to sneak over and try it on her machine. Here's mine:

Where did that hair come from?

Elizabeth is my youngest grandchild. For a few weeks, anyway. Her hair has always had a mind of its own, and today is no exception. I love it.

I wonder if she will love it when she's a teenager. I hope so.

Love Letters

We met Anita and Ray when we first moved to Kirkland, Washington in the fall of 1985. They have been a fine example in all walks of life to us, but especially in love of family. We are pleased to count them as true friends.

It turns out Anita has cancer. Ray sent out some letters via email to let us and many others know about the cancer, and to keep us up on what is happening. I'm thankful for those letters; I want to know and keep them in my prayers. Each time I read a letter I am struck by the love of that family, and the love of Ray and Anita for one another. When she shaved her head because she was losing all her hair from the chemo, all the men (husband, sons, sons-in-law, and others) shaved their heads. They had a party for it, and invited everyone to come. Lot's of people do this, I know, but somehow I could feel the support of her family through the letter that told about it.

Another letter came this week. She is having surgery on Friday. Ray sent a letter requesting prayers for her and her surgeons. I'll be happy to send many their way.

He signed the letter, "Anita's loving (and albeit rough around the edges) devoted husband of 39 years, Ray."

Letters about and full of love. My favorite kind.

The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood by Susan Wittig Albert

This is the third in The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter collection. I liked it just as well as the first two.

There are now three more books in this series, and two additional ones are planned. I also discovered that Albert has a new mystery series coming out this summer. I can't wait! You can check out her website here.

Each of Susan Wittig Albert's mystery series are completely different from one another. I like the individual flavors.

Important health tip: Mysteries and bed rest go well together.

The Tale of Holly How by Susan Wittig Albert

I have yet to find a book of Susan Wittig Albert's that I didn't like. I think I've read all but 3 of her mystery books.

This book is second in The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter series. I don't know why it took me so long to get to it, because I thoroughly enjoyed the first book. I think it's one of the books that was perpetually in my traveling pile and I kept thinking that I'd get to it on my next trip.

Albert does a great job researching her historical facts, and mixes facts and fiction very well, which is what I loved about her series about Kate Ardleigh. (I talked about these series here.)

This Beatrix Potter mystery series is great for adult and young adult readers.

I Feel Bad about My Neck: and Other Thoughts on Being a Woman by Nora Ephron

This book and a certificate were my graduation awards from Travelin'Oma's School Days seminar that I did last fall.

Being laid up with pneumonia is a great way to start making a dent - no, a dimple - in my stack of books-to-read. I picked this one up, hoping for some humor (found it), and some stuff I can relate to (found that also). This book is a series of essays/thoughts on being a woman. A woman in my stage of life.

In addition to fun essays, I got a glimpse of Nora Ephron herself, and her life. That's always a bonus to me.

My favorite essay by far was On Rapture, (you can read it here) which is her thoughts about books and reading. I wanted to pull out a few quotes to put in here, but there are too many. One thing I liked was how she said she "surfaced" from reading a book. What a great way to describe it! Another fun thing for me is when I read about books that have influenced someone else's life, and I've read most of those same books. It's especially great when those were books that influenced me also. (She mentions The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon. I have to say I did not like that book, and in fact did not finish it. I did like Chabon's Summerland.)

I don't know how much this book would appeal to a younger audience. Part of the charm is being able to relate to what she's talking about.

Sleep, glorious sleep

I treasure my sleep. I was born that way. My mom tells me that I was an easy sleeper from day one. As a baby, I went to bed by 7:30 p.m., and slept a full twelve hours. I had two naps of about two hours each. When I went to kindergarten I liked nap time lying on my little towel on the ground. (I don't think they do that anymore), and even occasionally came home from school and had another nap.

My sister Cheryl came along two years after me. Not such a sleeper, I hear. I remember being resentful that I had a nap, and she didn't. The resentment only lasted until I fell asleep. Then in third grade, the crowning injustice: I had to go to bed a full half an hour earlier than my first grade sister! My mom's not so soothing remark: she doesn't need the sleep, you do.

I am naturally a morning person. So getting to bed early is my cup of tea. In high school and college I had some late nights, but nothing drastic. No one wants to be around me when I don't have enough sleep, so I had to balance a social life with people still wanting to socialize with me.

Then I had children.

I became obsessed by the amount of sleep I was getting at night - or not getting, depending on the night. From the minute I lay my head on the pillow I knew just how much sleep I was going to get that night. Every time I had to get up with a child, I automatically subtracted that time from my original amount. Now I'm only going to get six hours of sleep! Now I'm only going to get five hours and 23 minutes of sleep! etc. etc. I don't think my math has ever been so accurate before or since in my life.

Finally, no more children waking me up all night long. Then age factors set in. I lie in bed, looking at the clock, going through the same mathematical processes as when babies were getting me up. So when I get a full night's sleep, and also manage to sleep in, it is a great night.

Last night I went to bed early. Drugged by my Herculean strength prescription cough syrup. I woke up a few hours later, very briefly. I had some interesting, perhaps somewhat drug-induced thoughts. I felt as though I were wrapped in a very warm cocoon, and I did not want to move a muscle. I thought, this must be how Ray felt! (Background: when Ray O had his surgery, as he was coming out of his anesthetic, he said to me: I think I could enjoy doing drugs. This feels great! I said: All the effects are not worth it, and you could never afford it (a little joke). He replied: Oh, I would just do recreational drugs, you know at a club or something. But no need to worry, mom, I would first have to overcome my great fear of clubs!) Then I remembered when I had jaw surgery and they tried to rouse me from the anesthetic. I argued with the nurse, begging her to just let me continue sleeping as long as possible. That's probably how Ray felt too.

I lay there wondering if I never opened my eyes, would this warm feeling stay forever? Finally my bladder spoke up and I realized I'd better dash to the bathroom. Then I wondered, if I keep my eyes closed the whole time will I be able to get back to sleep more easily? Quickly my real brain stepped in and I realized that was taking my life in my hands. Let's just say my room is not as neat as it could be. So I got up, and when I went back to bed, I went right back to sleep.

Except for that brief interlude, last night I got a full 12 hours of sleep. Thank you cough syrup! Good thing there are no refills on it. And for sure I won't share it with Ray.

Good news, bad news

The good news is there is a reason I feel crummy. The bad news is there is a reason I feel crummy.

I remember when my children were small, the big Friday-with-sick-kids debate - do I take them in to the doctor today, even though they don't seem that sick, or risk that they'll be okay until Monday? I probably hit about 50% accuracy on that one. Yesterday I debated whether I should go to the doctor, or just wait and see if I felt better by Monday. I decided to wait. Today I went into the Urgent Care.

Pneumonia on the right side. Luckily it is not an extreme case. So,

1 breathing treatment

1 chest x-ray

1 shot (ouch)

and

1 prescription

later, they let me go home - admonished to take it easy. That's another blessing of having the children grown. I don't have to worry about them. After 24 to 48 hours I won't be contagious anymore, so I can venture forth as desired then - still admonished to not overdo (like that's hard for me?)

I'm off to bed, book in hand, ready for another nap.

The Convenient Marriage by Georgette Heyer

I think this is one of her Regency Romance books. It was okay - I like other books of hers that I've read better. The Grand Sophy, for instance.

One thing great about all the Heyer books I've read so far - they are very clean. This book was written in 1934, so that may account for it, but current writers should take a look and realize the story is really what it is all about. Maybe that is the problem with current romance writers - they cover up their lack of plot and character building with sex and language.

Mormon Women Portraits and Conversations by James N. Kimball & Kent Miles

Another Christmas gift!

In this book, Kimball and Miles have interviewed several Mormon women from all over the world who have done interesting things in their lives. Some are single, some are married. All are singular women.

I think the common thread among these diverse women is the fact that they never thought they couldn't accomplish something, no matter their age. They just dug in and did it. I would like to be more that way.

Catherine M. Stokes was the most interesting to me. I'd like to meet her someday.

Thank you, Marsha

Taking a break from nap time

This morning I got up, made my bed, had a shower, and thought I was going to die of exhaustion. Back to bed I went, which is where I've spent the majority of my time for the last three days.

Tuesday I began coughing. I thought it was my allergies acting up. Wednesday morning my sister and her family returned to Hawaii, and I collapsed. I have been coughing and hacking my way through the days and nights since then. My entire core hurts from coughing. My back feels crummy for being in bed so long. I get up and walk around for a few minutes and go back to bed. I tried sitting in my favorite chair, and that didn't feel any better. I even gave up going out to lunch and to bowling. That really tells it like it is.

I've had five very productive days in January so far. Let's just say I've had to dial down the expectations for the last few days. Still, I've gotten some reading done, and watched an old movie -- How to Marry a Millionaire with Lauren Bacall, Betty Grable, and Marilyn Monroe. It was fine, but I needed something a little more distracting. If you can believe it, they are all supposed to be about 25 years old in that movie. Ha! They look almost as old as I am, and I have kids in their twenties. Fun clothes, though.

My nap time break is almost over. I'll try to get a couple of book reviews done first, then back to bed I go. Why is it when I have no time for a nap, I long for it so? Although it will be a relief to crawl back under the covers.

The Angels of Morgan Hill by Donna VanLiere

My friend Karen gave me a couple of books for Christmas, with this note: Short, easy but very enjoyable reads. Hope you enjoy them as I did.

I did enjoy them. First I read Christmas Rose by Robyn Buttars, then The Angels of Morgan Hill by Donna VanLiere.

I especially liked Angels. It was just the sort of read I needed right now. I thought the story was good, and kept me wanting to read more.

Thank you Karen! They were just what I needed.

Two down, 363 to go

landsend.com

So far I've had a great new year. I feel like it started last Monday (the 28th). I've been a whirlwind of activity and some organization. I've made a couple of lists of things I'd like to get done, and made some resolutions of things to do and be.

The last two days have been great - a wonderful balance of getting things accomplished, and being with family (people time is my favorite time). At least I've got two good days under my belt!

Although I hesitate to share specifics on my goals, here are a few general areas I have set my sights on improving in my life (by writing it down publicly it may make me more accountable to myself):

Economics: Ray and I are on a new spending plan - the hope of not spending much!

Spirituality: Continue to attend the temple regularly, and improve on scripture reading and prayer.

Fitness: Exercise more regularly, and improve our eating habits.

Family: Continue to spend time together, and improve on having family meal times together.

Family History: Continue researching ancestors, and start writing down my own personal history.

Friends: Continue to foster friendships, and perhaps find some new ones!

These are general areas, but I have made some very specific goals in some of them, and not so specific goals in others. I would like to have most of them at the back of my mind most of the time so that hopefully they might influence the actions of my days. We'll see. I'll have to revisit this post and check up on myself.

Happy New Year!