My Girlie

I have come to realize that Isabel is going to be better dressed than I am! Not necessarily by choice (I LOVE nice clothes), but due to the generosity of friends, family, and coworkers. Check out the adorable hand-made items she received today from Mrs. Zuzik and Mrs. Stough! I need to direct your attention to the hangers as well. Linda said that she had saved them from the time she was a baby, so that she could give them to her own daughters some day. Since neither of her daughters have children, she generously gave me two "antique" hangers. They are amazing in and of themselves!!

Post #3

Maybe I've had too much time on my hands today...or maybe I just haven't blogged in a while. Regardless of the reason, here is post #3!

After Krista mentioned "Plain Truth" by Jodi Picoult, I had to read it. I loved "My Sister's Keeper," but hadn't read anything else by the author. I picked up "Plain Truth" at the library and really enjoyed the read. Though it did contain a few foul words, the book was well worth the read. Entertaining and easy, just what I needed as I ticked away the minutes on the elliptical. Picoult gave a vivid description of the Amish community, and dispelled many of the myths I had previously held about the Plain people. It is truly a fascinating culture, one which defies the selfishness and pride of our nation. If for no other reason, the book is worth the read to learn about the Amish community of Lancaster County. In true Picoult style, there was a major twist in the novel. This time, however, Picoult saved the "ohmygoodness" moment for the very last page of the book. Something about that is just not right!!!!

After this light read, I feel like I could use a really deep, need-a-dictionary novel. Any suggestions?

Fall recipe

I love fall-mainly because it's the season for making many of my favorite foods! I posted this recipe in 2005, but thought it could use another nod three years later.

Jewish Apple Cake

4 Lg. apples (anything crunchy will do just fine-I usually use Granny Smith and Red Delicious)
5 T. sugar
2 t. cinnamon

3 C. flour
2 C. sugar
3 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
4 eggs
1 C. oil
1/3 C. Orange Juice
2 1/2 t. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel, core, and thinly slice apples. In a bowl combine apples with sugar and cinnamon. Let sit while prepping batter.

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Pour liquid ingredients over dry. Mix well.

In a greased and floured tube pan (or bundt), layer batter and apples, starting and ending with batter. Make sure the batter is covered with the apples, but not too thickly or it won't bake through.

Bake for 1 1/2 hours. At times I've needed to bake for almost 2 hours.

our bags are packed and we're....

Waiting...=) I wish we were off to some exotic location for a week long getaway! However, the suitcase is my hospital bag, and the trip is only a 20 minute drive to York Hospital. I spent this weekend further preparing for Isabel and that included packing my hospital bag. I know we're three weeks away yet, but I like to be prepared. What can I say?!

I have a list that I packed from, yet I wonder what I will REALLY need. Any pointers? What do you wish you had thought to pack? What item was most helpful to you during your short 48 hour stay in the hospital?

For Laura

Raccoon and I go way back. Sort of like my friendship with the Jacobs family. Laura and I met while playing hopscotch in "K Ct." I remember that day like it was yesterday. I also remember the day that Beth thought it would be a grand idea to torture my fragile little soul. We were vacationing together as families in Ocean City, MD. Our condo was up several flights and overlooked the ocean. Beth was, how shall I say, downright mean to Laura and me. Just ask her, she'd admit that!

It was early in the morning, and Laura, Raccoon and I had sneaked out onto the balcony before anyone was awake. Beth came up behind me and asked to see Raccoon. Naively, I let her hold my dear stuffed animal. A sly grin spread across her face as she dangled him over the balcony. As I screamed for her to stop, she let Raccoon go. He soared down to the ground, until I was no longer able to see him. I was convinced that she had killed him; and I was about to kill her. Laura and I ran inside-me to tell my parents and her to tell her parents. I don't quite remember the sequence of events, but I know that it ended with Beth being scolded and Raccoon being rescued.

Isabel will NOT be allowed to share her raccoon with Cameron OR Beth's newest little one. Ever.

Raccoon

With exactly one month left until Isabel's arrival, I have begun to feel incredibly overwhelmed. Over the last two days, I have been surrounded by friends, coworkers and family to help celebrate this little one's arrival. I have sat back in awe at God's amazing goodness to us. He has richly provided EVERYTHING she will need to settle into our home. I was in bed Saturday night and began crying (I am sure you're shocked!) as I recalled those who have made lasting imprints on my life. Almost all of those women attended one of my baby showers. Amazing grace. Even more amazing that they will be a part of my daughter's life as well.

Though we received a TON of gifts, I have several favorites-shhh....
1. The Pink Chucks from my cousin.
2. The smocked dress from my aunt.
3. The RACCOON from my mom!!!!

Story of raccoon: Yesterday, at my church shower, I received a box from my mom, labeled "continuing a Turek tradition." Inside was a stuffed raccoon. Why? Well, as a baby, I received a stuffed raccoon that I slept with until the week of my wedding. No kidding. I had to slowly wean myself off before my wedding night. First Raccoon (yes, that is his name) slept on my pillow instead of under my arm. The next night he slept by my side, then at my feet, and then on the floor. Now, he rests securely in the closet. I was honestly considering bringing him out to watch over Isabel. Now, Isabel will have her own raccoon to love and sleep with until she is married!

Gotcha

For those of you who don't know Miguel, it may come as a surprise that he is quite the practical joker. He loves to scare people, just ask Josh Jones! For years, Miguel has played pranks on friends, coworkers, and anyone else who will fall for his antics.

This past weekend was my turn. I borrowed a plastic spider from my nephew, Oren, after he scared me with it. My sole intent was to "get" Miguel. As we were heading out Saturday morning, I put the spider on the handle of his truck, knowing that he would see it as he went to get in the truck. Much to my dismay, he grabbed the handle and the spider fell off. No reaction. He didn't see the spider and had to run back into the house. I discreetly grabbed the spider off the ground and placed it back on the handle for another try. Again, he opened the door and the spider fell off. Darn, I thought I had failed. However, he saw it fall, raised his hands in the air and gave a shriek.

Mission accomplished! Ahh, I laughed so hard. Gotcha babe!

Did I hear that right?!

I must be a magnet for odd and inappropriate pregnant comments....

Coworker 1: I think I saw your bellybutton popping out. How cute.
Coworker 2: And, I have to say, I saw you waddling when you came in. You said you wouldn't waddle.
Me: You can stop talking to me now.

HELLO????! First of all, I don't waddle, I swear. Second of all, even if I did, do you think I'd need someone to tell me?!

Me to one of my students: Do you want to feel the baby?
Student, after feeling my belly: Oh, she's CUTE!
Me: How do you know? You can see her.
Student: She FEELS cute.

How sweet. Odd, but sweet.

What's the most bizarre thing anyone said or did to you while pregnant?

manicures

Every Wednesday, we take our class to an assisted living home, called the Lutheran Home. The students help clear the dining hall from lunch, set it up for dinner, and then they play card games with several of the residents. I was all set for a nice leisurely afternoon, supervising a game of Rummy. However, upon arrival, one of the ladies asked a student to paint her nails. I promptly volunteered to paint her nails, knowing full well that the student would end up painting her entire hand.

Moments later, one of the employees comes out with two HUGE bins of nail care products. Not only was I painting, but I was to file, soak, clean, push cuticles, paint AND dry these ladies' nails. WOW! I had 1.25 hours and only managed to get through three women. My calling in life is surely not to be a manicurist. But, I did hear some fascinating stories. One woman turns 100 next week. Another was a war bride and lost her first daughter at age 6 to a rare intestinal problem. The last woman just wanted to remind me NOT to paint her nails, as it makes them split. Just file them down; they're really strong and so it might be tough work going.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with these women, and realize I have much to learn from past generations.

All I can say is....

Go RAVENS!!!!!!

Say WHAT?!?!

There is a woman at work who is....interesting...to say the least. I wish I could post a picture, you might have a better appreciation of the following interaction.

Co-Worker: I wanted to let you know that I always buy baby gifts after the baby arrives.

Me thinking: Where is this going?!

Co-Worker: I do that since she might NOT be born. And then you'd have gifts to remind you of the fact that she wasn't born. And you'd have to deal with the psychological ramifications of having gifts. And I don't want to have to counsel you.

Me: *Stunned silence*

Unbelievable. There are certain things that you just don't say to a pregnant woman who is 7 weeks from delivery!!

Long weekend

It's been a long, exhausting, but fun weekend. Here are some pictures from Emily and Matt's rehearsal...









and wedding...









and a day trip to Washington, D.C....








I am BEYOND exhausted!!!!

kid funnies

My class this year is easy, almost too easy. Easy as in BORING, easy. Though I don't have problem behaviors to keep me entertained, I do have my kids' silly and bizarre sayings to keep me laughing and shaking my head through the days.

T., as we affectionately call my student with Downs, is hilarious. He has two older brothers, and I am convinced half of the stuff that T says is learned from them. This however, seems to be from his own observations of babies and their habits. Every time someone comes into our classroom or says hello in the halls he quickly tells them, "Ms. B's having a baby. Ms. B's fat. Baby's crying." I wonder if T has supersonic hearing, and perhaps Isabel really is crying?!

Last week, another student Rachael, was walking to her gym class. A teacher stopped to say hello. Rachael would not face her, but merely glanced at the teacher over her shoulder. Rachael went on to tell the teacher, "I can't talk to you this year. I am half popular." She promptly walked away. I wonder why the UNpopular half couldn't take a moment to still say hello?!

Appointments

Just a quick update on both of my appointments today. The neurologist appointment was quick and painless. She confirmed my thoughts-migraines. The doctor recommended giving up caffeine *sob* and diet soda *weep*. How will I ever make it through the next 9 weeks?! Unless my symptoms change or become worse, the doctor does not see reason for further testing.

After leaving that appointment, Miguel met me for the ultrasound. Though I am measuring small, Isabel is just perfect! We saw all ten toes and fingers, heard and saw a strong heartbeat, and were reassured that she is growing right on target. She weighed in at 3 pounds 6 ounces. I honestly think she hated all of the poking, pushing and prodding. I haven't been kicked that much in a long time! I had a hard time not laughing.

It's September, have you ordered your cute lunch bag yet?!

Every year, come September 1st, I am stalking Lean Cuisine's website. This year, I didn't remember THE sale until today. Check out the lunch bags:













The super cute, insulated lunch bags are only $9.95, tax and shipping included. Five dollars of that goes to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Last year, I bought three and used two as gifts. This year, I think I'll buy one of each and do the same!! I can't decide which I like best, though the pink with white swirls is definitely calling my name.

It's been a while since a "real" post

It's amazing how one small occurrence (the start of school) can throw off my blogging. I have so many things that I'd like to blog, but just haven't had the time for. Like a recipe for veggie sloppy joes, pictures of our summer, and funny stories from my kiddos. I guess I'll settle for giving a short update on Isabel and her growth.

First, I think we decided to spell her name the Spanish way-Isabel. Who knows!!!? Our little girl is now 30 weeks, weighs 3 pounds and is 15.7" long. It's amazing to me to think that she fits inside of my belly!! Which, by the way, has expanded greatly over the last two weeks. Friday, ladies at work were remarking that I seem bigger. On that note, I have been measuring small, which doesn't concern the doctor BUT did manage to get us a second ultrasound. We are excited to see our baby girl again before she arrives.






















(This was taken early in the morning, hence the "not-quite-awake" look and puffiness!!)

I have two appointments scheduled for Wednesday-a neurology appointment, finally, and the ultrasound appointment. I am praying that the neuro appointment confirms my current line of thinking: vision migraines. Please pray that my symptoms are just that and nothing more.

We had our hospital tour on Thursday, and while York Hospital is nothing fantastic, the staff are wonderful from what we hear. As we were walking onto the Labor and Delivery unit, a newborn was being wheeled to the nursery. She was so new that she hadn't even been weighed or measured yet! I started tearing up.

The nearness of motherhood is becoming reality. Daily, I grow in size, but mainly in anticipation of our baby's birth and the new role of "mommy."

TAG

Rules of the game:
- Choose a singer/band/group
- Answer using ONLY titles of songs by that singer/band/group

Sarah McLaughlin

1. Are you male or female?
"Perfect Girl"

2. Describe yourself.
"Train Wreck"

3. How do people feel when they're around you?
"Building a Mystery"

4. How would you describe your previous relationships?
"I Will Remember you"

5. Describe your current relationship.
"Full of Grace"

6. Something you want to say to your significant other?
"I Love You"

7. How do you feel about love?
"Dirty Little Secret"

8. What's your life like?
"Sweet Surrender"

9. What would you ask for if you had only one wish?
"Ice Cream"

10. Say something wise.
"Do What You Have to Do"

Can I just say that I love Sarah McLaughlin?!

Mercy

Ps. 51:1 "Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your unfailing love; according to Your great compassion blot out my transgressions."

As Spurgeon said this morning, "How sweet the remembrance that inexhaustible mercy is waiting to be gracious, to restore our backsliding, and to make our broken bones rejoice!"

What an amazingly kind God I serve. New mercies are mine this morning!

First Day

Well, to quote my teacher friend Kristin, "No one died; no one cried. It was a success." That about sums up my first day back to school with the kids! All survived and no tears were shed, not even by me. However, I forgot what it was like to be on my feet all day. I am utterly exhausted, but realize how blessed I am to have four students this year. The dynamic between them was great, especially since my trouble maker moved on to the high school this year. I think the next 58 days until my retirement will fly by!

Word of the Day

I learned a new word today. Did you know that a primigravida is a woman who is pregnant for the first time? I certainly did not.