Finally, a picture

Here is a shot from when I was couch-bound. Addie and Timmy did a good job of cuddling me. Honestly, I remember feeling a lot grosser than this picture makes me look, so yeah for this picture.

Out of the Mouth of Babes

I wanted to share a little conversation heard in our house last week, because we thought it was so precious. We have talked a lot with Addie about mommy being sick and the baby growing in mommy's womb, and all the other realities around her these days. But I was still surprised at her understanding of the situation, as evidenced in the following conversation:

Mommy to Daddy: "I feel pathetic. I'm tired of feeling pathetic."
Daughter, who was listening from nearby: "But God chose that for you!"
Mommy is silent with her jaw dropped open, feeling convicted by the three year old's comments.
Daughter continues: "Because we're getting a BABY!"
Mommy then begins to dry heave and daughter comes over and says
"I hope you feel better"
(she really does say this EVERY TIME she hears me dry heave.)

It's A Boy!

Well, it's official! We got to have our 18 week ultrasound yesterday and the doctor confirmed that we are having a boy! I am starting to think he might be a compliant boy too, because even though he was in the breech position with the ambilical cord between his legs, he still gave us a look. Just as the doctor was about to tell us "sorry, no luck getting a look," the little guy turned just right and we got our shot. What a good kid.

We all three went to the appointment and it was suppossed to be so exciting to find out the gender and for Addie to see the baby on the ultrasound, but the excitement was severely diminished by Niki having day 3 of a splitting headache (now on day 4), and Addie coming down with a fever while we were out.

Regardless of feeling yucky, we are still excited, and now can't wait to feel better and start getting ready for our son!

Two Steps Forward, Three Steps Back

We were doing so well....
Then at the end of last week, Greg and I both got what we are assuming was food poisoning. That is our best guess because it hit us hard in exactly the same way, but Addie didn't get it at all. We had eaten some take-out Chinese food, so it seems like a reasonable conclusion. Anyway, it was gross and no fun at all. Greg is back to normal and feeling fine. I am not feeling the effects of the food poisoning anymore, but it does seem I've been a little set back in my pregnancy sickness progress.
I am still having some times without being nauseous, and thank goodness for that. And my appetite is really healthy, so that is good too. But it's very unpredictable when I'll feel good, and when I won't. I've gone back to being very sick in the afternoons and evenings. I am back to needing my medication most every day, and haven't bounced back yet to being able to take care of Addie. It's a bummer, but I'm still hoping that with a little more time I'll regain the progress I had made.
On the bright side, I did make it to church yesterday morning. It was the first time there since before Christmas! Very exciting! Also, I've reached 18 weeks and we see the doctor this Thursday. We should be having the "gender check" ultrasound. Hopefully our little guy will cooperate and give us a good look, so we can keep saying "little guy" and be sure about it! We hope to bring Addie with us so she can see "brother." I think she'll really like the experience. We'll let you all know if we get a clear gender answer!

Seeing Some Improvement

Praise the Lord! We are starting to see some improvement!!!!

Though I still have rough days, we are starting to see an overall pattern of improvement. In the last week I've had:
2 yucky days (on the couch, but not horrid),
3 decent days (some waves of sickness, but feeling functional), and
2 great days (up and about, fixing lunch, tiding the house a little, tired, but CHIPPER).
Today is the second day of the last week that I've had Addie all by myself and I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be mommy again, even if only on some days. Today has been the best day so far, especially because we were able to go out in the sunshine and play and chat with the neighbors. I move slow, get tired, and sit a lot, but it feels sooooo good to not be sick all the time.

I can only guess what's ahead, but judging on the last pregnancy, I am starting to think that this is probably what it will be like until the end (some good days, some harder, with continuing times of nausea, just not constant). Only time will tell. I am hoping I'll regain at least a little energy and strength from this point so I can begin to take care of the house a little. I don't know if I'll be able to cook again for a long time (that seems like a far-off challenge right now). Anyway, we are encouraged by the improvement and hope it continues!

Week 16 Rollercoaster

Well, we've made it to week 16! It has been a week of big ups and downs. My belly has really popped out, which was fun.... we'll call that an up. Then came Tuesday. Tuesday was the worst day I have had to date. I was incredibly sick without stop all day and had a headache to boot. I can't even describe how this sick was worse than regular sick, but oh boy, it was.

Then yesterday, Wednesday, the exact opposite happened! I had the BEST day yet. I just didn't feel sick all day. It was amazing! (Well, a little bit in the afternoon and evening, but it was so little, it barely counts). I tidied up our bedroom, washed a few dishes, made myself some lunch (Addie was with our friends the Bruyninckx family that day). I was on cloud nine! I took it slow and was careful not to do too much, but I even got to sit outside with the sunshine on my face for awhile. Let me tell all you "well" people not to take that for granted- that is a wonderful feeling. Then, last night, I got to feel the baby moving. What fun! I've felt little movements over the last few days, but wasn't sure of them. Last night I was sure it was the baby. What a treat.

I'm not sure what to expect after yesterday. Was it just a good day and will stand alone? Is it the beginning of improvement? Of course, I hope the latter, but I'm trying to be ready for either. Today I do feel queasy, but just a little, and for now I am feeling pretty functional. I even changed a poopy diaper this morning.

Hopefully there will be more good news to post in the future!

15 Weeks

After our last doctor's visit, I've decided to count my weekly progress by Sundays instead of Wednesdays now, it's more in line with what the doctor says now. So yeah! I've hit 15 weeks!

I don't feel any better yet. This last week has been pretty long, with hardly any breaks. Two weeks ago I thought I was making progress, and now it doesn't really feel that way. Especially since I just had to stop typing to dry heave for awhile. Yuck. The only progress we are seeing is that I am starting to show. A little evidence that all this sick is getting me somewhere is nice.

Addie has been doing pretty well lately. I have especially enjoyed seeing her compassion show itself. When she sees me dry heave, she always says "Mommy, I am SO sorry." I love it because she says it spontaneously, not because she's been told to. I believe it's what I've said most often to her when her tummy hurts from reflux. My favorite moment came Saturday when I had a rotten headache. I rolled over to face the back of the couch and felt this little hand come over and start rubbing my back. It was the sweetest thing ever.

Sorry for the lack of pictures on the blog these days. We haven't been taking very many lately and the few we have taken are on our desktop and Greg would have to upload them. His time is otherwise occupied these days with runs to the store, keeping us in clean laundry, and getting the dishes washed (among other things). Hopefully we'll be back to normal one day and posting pictures again!

Same 'ol, Same 'ol

I haven't updated recently because everything is pretty much the same. This week has been a bit tougher since I haven't gotten any breaks up until now, but maybe today will be better! We saw the doctor yesterday and all seems fine. I have gained weight (yeah!) and am now back to what I weighed when I got pregnant. We got to have a quick ultrasound yesterday because the doctor had a hard time finding our kiddo in the womb with the heart beat monitor. Once we saw him on the ultrasound we heard the heartbeat going strong, which was a relief, and did another gender check. Still appears to be a boy, although not as clear a shot as last time. I am at 14 weeks along now, so we're making progress!

Medications and Progress

I've been on the new medication for almost a week now, and it's kinda hard to tell if it's helping or not. My best guess is that it isn't. But there is still some good news. I've started getting little breaks in the sickness- usually for about 45 minutes every three days or so. It's a little, but it's still helpful. We couldn't tell if the new meds were bringing on the breaks or not, because other times I was on them I felt pretty awful. In fact, over the weekend, both afternoons I was on BOTH medications and still dry heaving and feeling miserable. But yesterday was a very good day and helped give us some insight.

Amazingly, I was not nauseous throughout the morning and early afternoon yesterday! And I wasn't on any medication at all!!!! So I think the improvements aren't from the medication but maybe just from being in the second trimester. Yesterday I still felt weak and got tired, but was able to sit up most of the day. When I felt hungry I was just hungry, and not sick from being hungry. And after I ate, the food didn't make me feel sick again (which is what usually happens without the meds)! It was delightful. And I had a day like that two weeks ago too.

So I'm not up and around yet, still on the couch or in bed all day, but I'm hopeful that eventually the breaks will come more often and last longer. I'm trying to do little things when I can and sit up as much as possible. The second trimester headaches have begun and that affects things too, but it is nice to think of our little guy getting bigger every day. Thanks to all of you who are praying for us- we appreciate it so much!

First Trimester: Complete!

Yesterday was supposedly the 12 week mark, the end of my first trimester. I say supposedly because every different source gives you a different day-count. The doctor says one thing, the ultrasound another, and the ticker on this blog still another! They're all within a week or so of each other, so what does it matter. Anyway, I'm counting yesterday as the landmark day.

My new prescription was called in yesterday and will be picked up today. I look forward to giving it a try. I don't expect immediate relief even if it IS effective. I'm hoping for improvement within a week or so. (And trying to be prepared for it if there is no improvement too).

Yesterday I had a little break in the sick feeling for a little over an hour. I was able to get up and heat some soup up for myself without any problem and that was fun. I had a day like that last week too- a break from it all around lunch/ early afternoon. That must be my good time of day! It is usually when I have the best appetite. Then 4 o clock rolls around and everything changes. I am finding I can eat bigger portions of the things that sound good, so I might be gaining some weight! That's the good news. The bad news is that the late afternoons and evenings are stinky. The sick feeling during that time is more intense now than it was before.

Addie is feeling much, much better. She is back to her chipper little self. Greg looked at her this morning and thought she looked bigger, so he measured her and she was an inch and a half above the last mark on the growth chart!

I'll try and post in a few days about how the new medication is going. Hopefully I'll have good news!

Rough Weekend

Whew! We are glad to have survived this last weekend! Addie woke up at 5 am on Saturday morning and started puking. Not what we wanted at this house, but we were glad it happened while Greg was able to be here with her. He spent Saturday morning holding her while she puked and cleaning up the mess. I stayed upstairs in bed to try to avoid catching it. I had yet to spend an entire day in the bed- I usually get downstairs to the couch at some point- so it was a loooong day for everyone. Greg was so great with Addie and I was glad he was taking care of her. It killed me not to be there for her. During one of the episodes I sat at the top of the stairs where I could see her, just so I could encourage her through it. Greg just held her most of the day, when he wasn't taking care of me and doing 4 loads of laundry. Anyway, she stopped puking by the afternoon and slowly perked up. She is doing much better now, just showing the residual effects of a tummy bug (which always sets of her reflux for the next 2 weeks). I am so grateful that it hit on the weekend, that Greg is such an amazing dad, and for the Netflix subscription that kept us all entertained all day. :)

Wednesday- Celebration Day

Today marks 11 weeks! Yahoo!
Much is still the same. I have gotten a bit pickier in what I can eat, but I think my portions have gotten slightly bigger on the things that are working. Right now the only thing I can always eat is fresh pineapple. So funny. But there are a lot of other things that work sometimes or most of the time. One new addition is Mexican Food- like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. It's a good way to sneak in some meat, so that is great.
Since Sunday, the days have been harder and I was feeling worse, but I'm hoping today will be different.
I was so blessed by our neighbors yesterday. It being Greg's birthday and wanting so much to do something for him, yet not being able was no fun. Then THREE different neighbors came by last night- the first, the Ballards, had Addie all day and brought her back with cupcakes for Greg and a birthday card from her (that he loves and says he's keeping forever). Then the Myer's brought by a cake for him too and the Kropfs stopped by with a pot of a special tea Greg loves. I got all teary over it all. What a blessing to Greg and me both. Thanks neighbors!
So we are just chugging through. I still don't like it all, but am finding there is so much to be thankful for and that God is providing even beyond what we could have asked. We really are being sustained by Him each day!

Happy Birthday Greg!

I must admit, Greg's birthday is really getting shafted this year. He turns 34 today, and will be celebrating by working hard, then coming home to be a single parent, and take care of his sick wife. Well, he WILL get to choose the take-out for dinner tonight! And thanks to Ashley, I was able to order him a gift and have it shipped here. (Thank you internet shopping!!!!). But still, the way he has taken care of everything right now, he deserves the grandest, greatest birthday ever. So honey, I love you. And when this is over, I'm gonna spoil you rotten!!!!

It Makes it All Worth It

We had a really great visit to the doctor today! I was nervous about the appointment because I can barely sit up, let alone get to the car, ride for 40 minutes, get into the doctor's office, etc. And yes, I felt pretty crummy and I dry heaved plenty. I had to wait in a back room because I couldn't do the waiting room, but once we saw the doctor it was aaaaallll worth it!

The doctor was extremely compassionate and kind, even putting off some tests that are normally done now but can wait 'till later in the pregnancy when I might feel better. He said some very encouraging things, like that since taking my prenatal vitamins make me feel worse, I was doing the best thing NOT to take them because we don't want me in the hospital. It was so nice to hear because I feel guilty about eating so poorly and not taking the prenatals, like I'm not giving our kiddo the best, so to be told I was doing the very best thing was really nice to hear. It probably sounds silly to you guys but trust me, it was music to my ears.

We also talked about another drug for the nausea that might help, but decided to wait 2 more weeks until I'm into the second trimester when it is a little safer to take. He let that be my decision and I wanted to stick it out and wait the two more weeks to play it safe.

AND THEN came the good part! Even though he was running behind and didn't have to at all, he did another ultrasound just for kicks (and encouragement really). We got not just a look at the baby, but 15 minutes of watching the baby! We couldn't believe how much the baby has grown since four weeks ago when it just looked like a little bean. Now it's a BABY! We saw it's tummy and it's toes. We heard and watched it's heart beating away. We saw it just chilling out and floating and moving it's arms and legs. And that bold little thing also clearly flashed us!
The doctor asked if we wanted a gender guesstimate and I was shocked he would even offer at 10 weeks, but the baby gave us a CLEAR shot of two legs and a third appendage. The doctor was careful to tell us that it is too early to be certain and that they have had "tricksters" before, but it appears at this point to be a boy! Now, we are totally excited either way. I'm thrilled it is a boy (I really think it is), but if it turns out later to be a girl, that's GREAT too. For now, we are calling him "he."

I couldn't believe how helpful that time seeing the baby was. I was in tears watching him move on the ultrasound and wondering away at our Creator. It really gave me the encouragement that this is all worth it and we will have a wonderful new person in our family soon. All the good parts at the end of this junk became really real for the first time. What a huge blessing it was to see him and to have a doctor who was caring enough to do that for us. What a great doctor's visit.

Birthday the 3rd

Addie's 3rd birthday was a pretty laid-bask affair. It was just a little too warm and dry for our original plan, which was a snow-day in the nearby mountains.

Instead, we invited all the kids in the complex to come over decorate thier own snowman cookies













Some of the decoration items were M&Ms, jelly beans, gumdrops, marshmellows, Alpha-Bits cereal, pretzel sticks, rainbow striped taffy and an assortment of sprinkles.

When the grandparents come..

About a month ago, Niki's folks came down for a visit for Christmas and Addie's 3rd bithday. When they come, it's often a go-go-go experience. However, this time around, we slowed the pace down to save Linda's knee and because of Niki's decreasing energy and strength with her blossoming pregnancy.

What did we do with the time? As far as Addie was concerned, it was 24/7 Poppi playtime.

"A baloon? Look! I can catch it! Another fingertip catch by Addie Spangler"







"Ride faster, Poppi."








"Ok, Poppi, sit right here."

Overdue updates

The posts haven't been updated n a long time, especially ones with any pictures. So, as time permits, I (Greg) will try to catch you all up to date on some of our happenings before Niki's pregnancy took center-stage in our life.

So, the first post should come up tonight, or maybe tomorrow.

Week 9

Every Wednesday gives me a reason to celebrate! I am 9 weeks along now; one more week finished. Nothing much has changed physically- still CAN eat, though I'm very picky and the amounts are small. Still very weak (from not eating much) and dizzy (from laying down all day). Oddly enough, the mornings are better than the afternoons and evenings, which gives me the chance to get out of bed, dressed, and downstairs. I am thankful to not be isolated in the bedroom all day.
This last week Greg returned to work, but it turned out he only had to work two days. Our dear friends Dee and Lori helped on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, and they were a blessing and a joy. Good company is good medicine you know! We are in the midst of lining up care for next week- it is Greg's first full week back at work, and I will admit I'm a little nervous for the weeks to come without Greg home. But I have had to choose to trust God to provide all our needs and also I am learning to choose thankfulness throughout each day. I have been so encouraged and strengthened spiritually by a sermon I listened to this last week by John Piper on suffering, and also by reading the book "Because He Loves Me" by Elyse Fitzpatrick.
We've been recieving meals from our neighbors and church family every other night and boy, is that a blessing to Greg. The visits from friends and neighbors are a joy too and a nice distraction. We will keep you updated to any changes. Thanks for all your prayers and support.

8 Weeks and Counting

Well, the good news is that I have now completed 8 weeks of pregnancy. Being two months closer to the end of the sickness is very encouraging. It does still feel like a loooooong journey ahead of us, but we're trying to keep our eye on the prize. :)

My condition is about the same. I am still able to eat, and very thankful for that. The timing of my eating and what I'm eating is far from normal, but it's going in and staying down, and that's the important part. Just like my pregnancy with Addie, anything involving a tomato seems to work well and strangely enough, fresh pineapple is a constant too. McDonald's french fries are also a winner any time. I am having a very hard time eating any meat, so my protein intake is really low (like 2-3 small bites a day). I never imagined I would turn into a vegetarian! I'm still only able to eat very small amounts of food, but something is better than nothing.

Having this last week together with Greg home has been such a blessing. He has kept very busy taking care of Addie, keeping up with my requests for odd food all the time, and trying to keep the house together at the same time. I must say he has done a very good job!

Thank you to all of you who have volunteered your help. We have turned down quite a few offers this week just because Greg was handling it, but I promise when he goes back to work, we will take you up on your offers! We are trying to spare you for now, knowing the time will come when we will be on the verge of abusing you. This coming week Greg will work a few days and then be off a few days, and we've got help lined up for Monday and Tuesday when he is working. I am so thankful for the Christmas and New Years break and all the time home that allows Greg to be home!

That's about it! We'll keep you posted as the time progresses!

Update

Already so much has changed! Over the last week we have had to make a lot of adjustments, as (unfortunately) I got sicker every day. By Tuesday I had lost four pounds already and was just so miserable, so we called in for the prescription the doctor had me on last time. It really has helped. Though still pretty limited in what I can eat, at least I CAN eat some. I just can only eat a very little before my body revolts on me. I actually eat less than Addie now! But seriously, we are thankful for the medication- it makes a critical difference. It does make me sleepy, so if you happen to call and hear me using slurred speech, just know that's what's going on.



We are already so blessed by our friends and neighbors. We've had meals brought, laundry done, bathrooms cleaned, and most importantly, Addie cared for. That is the biggest struggle for me- because of the nausea and also because of the weakness from not eating, I am not able to care for Addie alone. I am really sad about that and trusting the Lord to take care of that situation in His way. For all of you who have said you are praying for us, THANK YOU. And for those who are local and want to help, we will gratefully accept it with thanksgiving! Greg is off for this coming week, so we are happy to be home together and mostly self-sufficient. We had to cancel our plans to go to Phoenix for Christmas, so we'll stay home for a quiet celebration this year.



Some of you have asked when I am due. The date we have now is July 30th, but I expect it may change a few times since I am only 7 weeks along. We will try to keep the blog updated as things progress. Thanks again for your prayers!

Big Announcement

Please read our Christmas letter in the post below for a big announcement.

Happy Birthday Addie

Can you believe it? Addie turns THREE YEARS OLD today!

Spangler Christmas Letter

This is the time of year when we summarize the last year of our life for those who aren’t part of the day-to-day operations around here (or those who are, and just don’t pay attention and need a recap).
It’s been a good, relatively calm year at our house. Mostly because Addie and Niki were sick much less this year, praise God. Not only were there fewer illness, but because of that we were also able to be out and about more this year, having a lot of fun!
We’ve enjoyed all the things we love about Southern California- being out in the sun, going to Disneyland and several botanical gardens, local eateries and landmarks. We went on our first camping trip as a family, and to the beach several times, where Greg surfed for the first time. We visited Greg’s family in Phoenix this Spring, then Greg and I took a short trip to San Diego for our anniversary. We went to Seattle twice; once for Niki’s Grandma’s funeral in the spring, and again in late summer for Niki’s mom’s 60th birthday. Greg also had a Grandparent pass away this year, and was glad to be able to go to Pennsylvania for his grandfather’s funeral and some quality time with his family. We were so glad for the chance to take these trips, even the non-vacations ones.
We had a double visit from Greg’s parents this spring. Once for pleasure, then Greg’s mom returned a few weeks later to help when we all got really sick at the same time. What a lifesaver! She got to see Addie covered in red dots from roseola- she was a sight. We also welcomed Niki’s cousin Julie for a visit over the Fourth of July and had such a great time with her.

Even at home, we had a blast this year. Greg has joined me in an interest of cooking (and eating) and we’ve really enjoyed trying new things and working together. Greg even prepared the Thanksgiving turkey this year.
Addie has kept us entertained. Her strengths lie in her verbal abilities. Her athletic abilities… well, that will keep her humble throughout her life I think. She loves books and is even starting to read- sounding out words like cat, dog, stop and such. We were so shocked when she started to do this! She also likes music and cuddling.
We’ve had a great time with our neighbors this year. They are more than neighbors, and are some of our closest friends. We’ve had several potlucks and parties together throughout the year- at Labor Day, Fourth of July, and Halloween especially. We appreciate the little community here so much. Addie’s 3 closest friend live just doors away and they play together almost every day.

And now, a special reward for those of you who have read this far. Actually, it’s for those of you who either have gotten our Christmas card and went to the effort to check out our blog, or are just a regular to our blog. Our thanks for your interest is that you get to be some of the first for this announcement: I am pregnant! We just found out a few weeks ago and we are excited, though since I have already become quite sick, that takes some of the enthusiasm out of things. I was very sick during my pregnancy with Addie, and had to be medicated all nine months, so we know there’s a chance that we’re in this for the long haul. Regardless, this will just be a season, and well worth it for the payoff of another Spangler in the family! We’ll keep you updated as another great year unfolds, even if the updates consist of “Niki still sick, still laying on couch.”
Oh yeah, and Merry Christmas!

I See You Too

I know the posts have been spread thin lately. Partly because I've had a bit of a cold and some other health issues, and partly because I've been swamped getting prepared for Thanksgiving, my parent's visit, Addie's Birthday, and Christmas gifts (in that order).

Thanksgiving is over. We had a wonderful time at the Kropf's home. Greg made the turkey all by himself, since my cold was raging at that point. It was juicy and delicious! What a nice day to give thanks for God for all His goodness to us. Following tradition, Chris Kropf read Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving proclamation (which is really great if you've never read it), and Greg read this prayer, from Peter Marshall:
"Father, we around this table thank Thee:
for Thy great gift of life,
that Thy love for us is not dependent upon any worthiness of ours,
for good health,
that we know neither hunger nor want,
for warm clothes to wear,
for those who love us best,
for friends whose words of encouragement have often chased away dark clouds,
for the zest of living,
for many an answered prayer,
for kindly providences that have preserved us from danger and harm.

We thank Thee that still we live in a land bountifully able to supply all our needs, a land which still by Thy Providence knows peace, whose skies are not darkened by the machines of the enemy, whose fields and woodlands are still unblasted by the flames of war, a land with peaceful valleys and smiling meadows still serene.

O help us to appreciate all that we have, to be content with it, to be grateful for it, to be proud of it- not in an arrogant pride that boasts, but in grateful pride that strives to be more worthy.

In Thy name, to whose bounty we owe these blessings spread before us, to Thee we give our gratitude. Amen."


Anyway, after a nice day, we spent the rest of the weekend putting up the Christmas decorations, and taking the family Christmas picture. We can't wait to show it to all of you! Greg caught the cold too, but he and I are both recovering. Now it's on to finalizing the gift buying and welcoming my parents for a visit in a little over a week. Whew! December is always so busy but always so fun too. We'll try to keep you updated as the party unfolds.

Greg's Pie

Our church has an annual tradition at Thanksgiving time called "Turkeys, Tarts, & Testimonies." It's a special service where the congregation shares the wonderful things God has done for them in the last year (the testimonies). Also, the MEN compete in a pie-baking contest (the tarts), and the awards for the winners are turkeys (self-explanatory I think).

Several years ago, Greg's "Raspberry Cloud" pie won the grand prize, but the last few years he's not competed. Partly because of schedule, partly because his wife gets too competitive. Well, this year he made a "Five Star Peachy Cream" pie and won 3rd place in the best taste category! He took home a turkey Hungry Man microwave dinner. I was so proud.

Bargain Hunting is a way of life for some

I woke up this morning and joined the millions of other early-bird shoppers on the prowl for a discount. For us, it was a new Christmas tree. Our 6-year old artificial tree was $15 at a church garage sale. So a new tree had to be of a similar value to us. My first stop proved to be unfruitful, as they did not carry the full-range of door-buster deals that a full-sized store would have. I was met with satisfaction when one of our other frequent big-box retailers had a similar tree for a better price. Later in the day I pondered the discount-drive that my wife’s family has. I decided that the Stevens tribe has a deep-seeded genetic drive to secure discounts and bargains of all kinds. Here is my tribute to the Lynnwood Band of Stevens bargainers. The Chief of this tribe who I call “Grey Discount” has leaped into the 21st century and has set a family record in scouring the Internet for vehicles online. His squaw “Walks With Sharp Eye” is somewhat of a multi-mode connoisseur of deal-hunting. “Walks With Sharp Eye” frequents the antique mall, consignment store, and auction. Princess “Card In Hand” is a main-stream value vixen. “Card In Hand” has probably subscribed to every discount email alert system from every major retailer in the lower 48, and one form Alaska. With the updates “Card In Hand” gets on her Blackberry in real-time, she can adjust quickly to a changing economic climate. I was permitted to join this tribe by barter and fair trade by marrying “Bargains With Strength” , a skilled urban and sub-urban deal finder. Garage sales and the best thrift stores are treasure troves of dollar saving goodness. Later, this nomadic group of penny-wise spenders sits around the proverbial village fire to tell tales of their trials, tribulations and success. My hats off to this noble tribe, Happy hunting

Tony Stanza

So... we have two cars. One that I drive mostly, and one that Greg drives to work and back, which is a very short drive. That short drive is why Greg's car, an 18 year old beauty named Tony Stanza, has survived as long as it has. Tony is a special car, kind of like an ugly dog. No one out of the family would like it much, but if you know it, and it's part of your family, you love it.

It's the car Greg drove when we were dating, and every time I ride in it I am transported back and riding shotgun next to my boyfriend. It's the car I learned to drive stick on. We love it extra because it just won't die- and that's a great thing for us.

One of Tony's many unique qualities is that it makes a really loud, shrill squeek when it turns a corner in first gear. Sure, it's embarassing when you're driving it, and as the squeek has gotten louder lately, Greg's reported many a funny look or gesture. But Addie and I have grown to love the squeek, because it's the sound of Greg coming home. As he turns the corner into our driveway and garage, we can hear him from inside. Just yesterday, Addie heard the car and excitedly shouted "Daddy's home!"

Well, Greg decided he was done with the squeek, and sent me this Suessian email today:

The car squeak is gone
this much is true
I learnt how to fix it
from a website or two

They said "look at this"
or "look at that there"
"look for some leakage"
or "a wire that's bare"

the serpentine belt
that is the cause
of the squeaky-squeak sound
that gives bystanders pause

so with a small wrench
I opened the hood
and did what I did
and did what I could

with a turn of the bolt
a dozen times or so
I tightened the belt
then started to go

I turned the brown car
to the left and the right
no noise to be heard
no "check engine" light

the squeak is all gone
I'm sure that you're sad
cause now you can't hear
the car that brings Dad

It made me laugh, and I thought a few of you would enjoy it too!

Halloween in the Courtyard

So, I've heard that some of you think that we live in a pretty great apartment complex, and I'd like to agree. And I'll bet that the next few posts will really convince you of that if you weren't sure already. See, last night's Halloween festivites captured some of the best of living here.

First of all, I'm not the biggest fan of Halloween, and have spent the last month or so averting Addie's eyes from all the ghosts, ghouls, and other assorted death decorations everywhere we go. And if we lived in a "normal" neighborhood, I would consider boycotting Halloween altogether. But we don't live in a normal neighborhood. I'm glad Addie could still have the fun of dressing up and getting candy without any of the general evil associated with this night.

We Courtyard moms got together and decided to add some fun games to the regular candy swapping that goes on around here. We ended up with almost all the neighbors outside, laughing, talking, playing, eating, and having a great time. That is, except for Brooke, who spent the evening in Urgent Care with some kind of tummy virus or something. That meant we got to have Grant join our family for the evening, which is always a treat. (By the way, Brooke is going to be just fine). And we really did have fun.

Here's Addie, the bee.

And Grant, trick or treating with his construction-man lunchbox (we added this to his costume and are feeling pretty proud of ourselves).

Jen helps Addie go "fishing." The Ballard family hosted a game of fishing over their porch railing. Lindsay made individual cookies for each child with their name written on them, and they would fish and catch their personalized treat.


Here Grant reels in his catch.

Bobbing for Apples

The Myers-sponsored event for the night was bobbing for apples. Evidently, none of the kids had heard of this before, because as Ben was explaining it to them, they looked at hime like he was nuts. Stick my head in a bucket of water? Is this a prank? Finally, Tim Starr demonstrated for them, still wearing his big afro wig, and Addie really loved it. How do I know? Because she's told me about 10 times today that Mr. Starr got an apple and he was sooooo funny.

Here's Grant, contemplating this situation. He was veeeeery skeptical about sticking his head down there.

Finally convinced, he was helped by Ben Myers who lifted an apple up for him.

And for Addie too.

Here they are, eating apples (instead of candy) on Halloween night. They have some MEAN parents, huh? (Addie was pointing out clouds, by the way)

Doughnuts!

OK, so my weakness is doughnuts. Man, do I love doughnuts. So when we chose the Spangler-sponsored event for the night, it was doughnuts on a string. Because it sounded fun and interesting, I decided to try making the doughnuts myself. The recipe sounded easy, and it was, just time consuming. But it was well worth it!
Here's a batch, fresh from the fry pan. Then I coated them in powdered sugar.
We put the kids in groups of like age. Here's half of the 2-3 group, ready to go....
And they sure tried! Lydia, second from left, has her tongue way out, and Addie is just standing there licking the powdered sugar off her lips.
Here's the rest of the 2-3 year olds. Notice Lukas' super-cute superman costume!

More Doughnut Eating

Here's a group of the older kids, just starting in.
Now, I wish I had video of this round. This was the men's advanced doughnut-eating-on-a-string. This was serious business. As Greg nibbled away, our neighbor Kempis pushed his doughnut up against the fence and went to town, then Tim Starr's doughnut fell to the ground and he went down on his knees, hands still behind his back, and ate it like a chicken with seed. I laughed so hard I almost cried.
Here's the adult snack table with treats and hot apple cider.
Addie found these goggles on the ground and put them on herself. Hee hee.

Costumes

Grant as "Bob the Builder" aka: construction man, with our bee girl.
Our friends the Espinos- Lukas was superman, mom and dad were Lois Lane and Lex Luther. Lewis shaved his head just for this! That's dedication.
The newlyweds of the complex: the Kelleys and the Starrs. Two couples without children (yet) who love all our children. We love them. Lisa, on the left, had my favorite costume of the night. A pregnant woman with pickles and peanut butter. Considering the amount of young families in this complex, and the fact that there's almost always a pregnant woman around, it was very funny.
A group shot- about 3/4 of the kids- in assorted costumes. Cowboys, princesses, a dog, an elephant, all having a great time.

Bee Honest

"Look into my eyes, deeeeeep into my eyes....."
"Now tell me the truth, does this costume make me look fat? Seriously, you can tell me."

OK, there's something about her face in this picture that made me think she was asking that.
I'm pretty sure the beekeeper costume wasn't flattering MY figure, but it was fun anyway.
Don't we look excited? Well, I was at least. And once she figured out that saying one little phrase made people give her candy, she was too.

Pumpkin Carving

We had an impromptu pumpkin carving gathering in the Courtyard a few nights ago. I guess Jen knew that if you spread out newspaper, we will come. Despite that it was dark and we were carving on the ground with children playing wildly around us, it was fun- and no one got hurt.
Rachel and Jen with their onlookers.

Yes, it was warm enough outside just a few days ago for me to be wearing shorts and a short-sleeve shirt.


And here's the finished project- a kitty with the "S" for Spangler in it.