Me. Let's see the checklist:
x Extreme Fatigue
x Constant Nauseousness
x Sore Limbs
x Irritable (at times)
x Forgetful
x Acne
x Weight Gain
x Frequently using the Restroom
x Major Insomnia (this is a new one)
x Sore Breasts
Diagnosis: A new little baby will join our family in September!
I have been keeping it a secret for quite some time but more and more people are finding out so I figure I may as well finally post it. Plus my first ultrasound isn't until the end of February and I can't wait that long to spill the beans here.
I was really quite shocked to learn that I'm pregnant. I had a doctor appointment about 2 1/2 weeks ago for a yearly exam. Before I went I took a pregnancy test since I was late. Well, I messed up the first one (it is possible) and the second one I took at like 3 am. I didn't see a second line nad didn't wait around for it, assuming I wasn't pregnant. When I awoke again at 8 I decided to check out the test. Lo and behold, there was a faint second line. But not on the messed up one. What could this mean? Afterall, it says on the box not to pay attention to the results after 10 minutes. This was hours later. So I told the doctor and they did a blood test. I was shocked when he called and said it was positive! I honestly did not believe I could be pregnant! When I called Zach and told him he didn't believe me! When we told our children they were SO excited! That's what I love about them- they really want a baby in the house! Little Man clapped his hands, had the cutest look on his face and said, 'There's a baby in your belly'. A bit later he looked at me and said, "I'm so happy there's a baby in your belly!" Princess is wanting a sister, so she'll have two brothers and two sisters! Please keep this pregnancy in your prayers. For the most part I'm peaceful and trusting God in it but at times fear creeps in.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Who's the Sick One Now?
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
So Much to Blog About
Yet don't know where to begin. My mind is fried lately. I keep thinking of things to blog about but never get around to it. Maybe one of these days. One thing is that February looks like a pretty promising month. I was really worried about it, since last Feb. we lost Malachi. But it looks like we'll stay busy and have lots of things to look forward to. Such as,
- Zach's dad is coming to visit in the middle of the month. It is always nice to have family come and see us.
- We are supposed to find out where we're moving!!!! You all know I've been waiting for this news for quite some time. For awhile there it didn't look like we'd know until June which would mean we wouldn't move until the fall. But its looking promising that we will actually get to move this summer!!! I am SO ready to be out of this place it isn't even funny.
- We have many fun things we're doing with our homeschool groups that I'm looking forward to. It's always nice to do something different. We'll be taking a field trip to a local hospital, having a Valentine's Party (it will be a first for my children), park days, etc.
- At the very end of the month is the Above Rubies retreat. Not only do I get to go but I have the privilege of picking Nancy and her daughters (even some of the daughters she's adopted from Liberia, if not all) up from the airport, taking them to lunch and transporting them to the camp. Let me tell you that Nancy Campbell is like a celebrity to me and I am thrilled beyond measure;) She is an inspiring woman whom I have gleaned so much wisdom from (if only I applied it). The fact that I get to spend that time with she and her daughters thrills me, although also makes me a bit nervous! I think that one-on-one time will by itself be the highlight of my weekend! Although the wonderful teaching and fellowship is right up there!
Reading List
I certainly am getting into lists this year! I have seen this on various blogs and I thought it would be a great way for myself to keep track of the books I read through the year. So far I'm only on my third but the first two were at least 400 pages! *You can click on the title to find out more about each book.
1. Fire By Night (Refiner's Fire Series book #2) - Lynn Austin
2. A Light to My Path (Refiner's Fire Series book #3)- Lynn Austin
3. Between Sundays- Karen Kingsbury
4. Parenting From the Heart- Marilyn Boyer
5. Cape Refuge (Cape Refuge Series #1)- Terri Blackstock
6. Sins of the Fathers- James Scott Bell
7. The Choice- Nicholas Sparks
8. Three Weeks With My Brother- Nicholas Sparks
9. Sophie's Dilemma- Lauraine Snelling
10. The Passion Promise- John Avant
11. Southern Storm (Cape Refuge Series #2)- Terri Blackstock
12. A Bride Most Begrudging- Deeanne Gist
13. Someday- Karen Kingsbury
14. River's Edge (Cape Refuge Series #3)- Terri Blackstock
15. Breaker's Reef (Cape Refuge Series #4)- Terri Blackstock
16. A Treasury of Adoption Miracles- Karen Kingsbury
17. Children of Hope- Vernon Brewer
18. House- Frank Peretti, Ted Dekker
19. Two Little Girls- A Memoir of Adoption- Theresa Reid
20. The Memory Keeper's Daughter- Kim Edwards
21. Girl with a Pearl Earring- Tracy Chevalier
22. The Sweater Letter- Dave Distel
23. In Search of Eden- Linda Nichols
24. 90 Minutes in Heaven- Don Piper
25. Sandpebbles- Patricia Hickman
26. The Shack- William P. Young
27. A Test of Faith- Karen Ball
28. Shepherding A Child's Heart- Tedd Tripp
29. Nineteen Minutes- Jodi Picoult
30. Perfect Match- Jodi Picoult
31. Running with Scissors- Augusten Burroughs
32. Fallen Angels- Patricia Hickman
33. Nazareth's Song- Patricia Hickman
34. Whisper Town- Patricia Hickman
35. Sunset- Karen Kingsbury
36. Lies Homeschooling Moms Believe- Todd Wilson
37. The Breaking Point- Karen Ball
38. My Sister's Keeper- Jodi Picoult
39. Change of Heart- Jodi Picoult
40. Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope- Jenna Bush
41. Plain Truth- Jodi Picoult
42. Never Again Good-bye- Terri Blackstock
25. The Hunger Games- Suzanne Collins
26. How To Be Lost- Amanda Eyre Ward
27. The Weight of Silence- Heather Gudenkauf
28. Unlocked- Karen Kingsbury
29. Eve's Daughters- Lynn Austin
30. Catching Fire- Suzanne Collins
Sunday, January 27, 2008
You Could Hear a Pin Drop
Cuddly Boy has a cold so he and I stayed home from Awana tonight. It was so quiet with only one child in the house that I swear you could hear a pin drop! I tried to set up a video game for him that Zach has on the laptop but I couldn't figure it out. So we played Lego's, talked to Nanny, watched a bit of TV and ate a snack. It was so weird with just him, but it was really nice and enjoyable. And because I stayed home from church I'm able to watch Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I love that show and can't keep a dry eye when watching it- and I barely get to watch it since I'm on my way home from church at that time. It isn't over yet so I better go and finish it! So much for being too much of a bookworm today;)
Worms
I've been told before that I'm a worm. A bookworm that is. Until I finish this book I don't think I'll be blogging. It is so good and hard to put down. It's the third and last in the series that I started before Christmas. It shouldn't be too long before my nose appears out of the book. What books are you reading?
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
What's Up
For starters I want to ask you all to pray for Zach's cousin, Christian. His car got stuck in a ditch and he nearly froze to death. He was sent to the University of Michigan where he will receive the best treatment he can. He is in excruciating pain, as I'm sure you can imagine. Please pray for the family as well.
Secondly, where's the LOVE???? I had only 3 comments on my last post! Come on now stalkers...tell me you're here! I know people read my blog and I like to see comments from y'all.
I have been using this cookbook that we got Princess for Christmas.
We went to see Alvin & the Chipmunks this weekend for a birthday party. Zach wasn't impressed, but I grew up loving that cartoon and I thought it was pretty funny. I think I had more fun watching Cuddly Boy's face as he'd laugh at different parts though. He certainly enjoyed it! He is so much like Theodore!
I did pretty great with my Pampered Chef show. I still haven't figured out what I'd like for free though! Decisions, decisions.
Off to have a movie night! PLEASE show me some LOVE and comment;))
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Honoring a Hero
Today we had an opportunity to do something most people don't get to. It is not one that you look forward to, but at the same time you feel honored to be able to take part in it. Maj. Micheal Green died from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. I never knew him, never heard of him until my friends told me about the incident. He's from a nearby town and I was told there was to be a standing procession for him, honoring his service. It was something I knew we had to do. Today is a COLD day in South Mississippi, especially when you factor in the wind. Yet so many people turned out to honor this war hero (in spite of Mardi Gras parades).
As we were sitting in our vehicle waiting for the procession I told the children why we were there and I just broke down crying. As the funeral procession slowly passed by I saw so many grieving people. Old, young, those in military uniform, those obviously grieving. And I cried for this family that lost a husband, son and friend. There was even a huge procession of motorcycles involved. And the whole thing was so silent. I think the tears really hit me when I realized how silent it was (besides my children asking questions). It was truly a chance that people had to honor a soldier.
Waiting for the humble moment to begin
Waving their flags!
Pictures of the Past
I was sent this cool email of pictures from the past of Michigan. I wanted to share with those of you also from Michigan. It is so weird to imagine the town I grew up in to look the way it did way back in the 1800s, but it is so cool. So have a look for yourself and enjoy!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Can you see it?
What a waste of time!!! I hope it works for everybody now. Now I have to add everything again. Good thing my links are still there or I'm sure I wouldn't remember everybody! Well, the munchkins are dying to go for a bike ride so off I go! Then I need to come home and clean up for my Pampered Chef party!
Blasted Blog
I am about to throw my computer out the window. Every single template I download I get an error message. Why oh why can I not just download a NICE template????? I want it done now!
my blog
So you all see 3 columns???? On both of our computers its only 2 columns. That is really strange. Looks like I may have to revamp again...
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Can You Read This
Ok, so somebody said that my columns overlap. Does anybody else have that problem? It doesn't on my screen but I don't want it to on yours! How do I fix it if its a problem? Also, I don't have the option in my layout to put a footer and I'd like to add my playlist back as well as my tickers. How do I do this???? I need some serious help!!!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Lazy Day
I awoke to the rain pattering on the roof and decided to roll over and keep on with the dream I was having. I wish I could remember it, it sure seemed like a good one at the time. We didn't roll out of bed until about 8:30. I decided to make the munchkins pancakes- they wolfed those things down. Oh, Princess helped me, for awhile and then got distracted with cartoons. I just putzed around the house and we didn't begin school until about 10:30! But we managed to get quite a bit done! Sometimes I just love those cold rainy days so you can just wear your sweatpants all day and be lazy! But I did have to change out of those sweatpants as we went to eat at Subway for dinner and then we ran to Walmart where Cuddly Boy got to pick out some 'tool' (his version of cool) new toys with a gift card he'd gotten. Other than that its been a quiet day, besides many phone calls to faraway friends. Now the little ones are in bed and I can enjoy some quiet before I join them!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Eating Egypt
One of history projects was to make an Egypt cake. I didn't do it back when we were supposed to because we had so many Christmas cookies. So yesterday we broke out the cake mix and set to work. It was fun and a great way to learn about Egypt!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Through the Lens of a Child
Little Man got a camera for Christmas. He likes to delete photos and I know there were some good ones and some funny ones he took but I don't have them. Well he was taking pictures of me 'working' today so I thought I'd snatch that camera and see what he had. Just thought I'd show you a glimpse of his photography!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The post with lots of ( ) and links
For Christmas Zach got an electronic dartboard. For the record, Mom, he said he thinks its the best gift he's ever gotten from you guys. So after we both burned off some calories on the treadmill (I went 2 miles) we played darts. I was much better last night than the first time we'd played! I won 4 out of 11 games. Not bad, huh? So now I'm thinking I'd like to turn our tiny playroom that doesn't get played in too often into a playroom for us! I'd like to get an overstuffed chair or a loveseat and a little TV to put in there (both used of course, I want to check our local freecycle). I think it would make a great place to play or study.
After feeling like I was so lazy yesterday (besides going my 2 miles), I had a productive day today. I folded clothes and got them put away (they'd been there since Thursday- are you shocked Canaan), went through the boys toys, vacuumed half of the upstairs (Princess did the rest) and did a few other little odds and ends around home.
I had to make a trip to W*Mart (I've only been there ONE time since we've gotten back from Michigan if you can believe it) today and I also wanted to do something special with one of the kiddos. Princess and Little Man rarely have the chance to use their Book It coupons so I thought I'd take them for pizza. It was so much fun! They were excited to order their own kind of pizza- P got bacon and LM pineapple. Then it was off to do some shopping.
Princess helped me cook dinner (Cincinnati Style Chili- my recipe is a bit different from this). In college I spent two of my Spring Breaks at Mt. Mission School (if you click on their site you can hear great music from their choir) in Grundy Virginia. On the way we stopped in Cincinnati and ate the best 'chili' ever! After dinner Princess and I put our rotting bananas to good use and made Banana Bread. I think I found a new recipe (in HER cookbook). This bread is way better than the recipe I've been using for the past 8 years!
Recently Rebecca posted about her daughter's cute mispronunciations. I love the way my Cuddly Boy mispronounces things. He says 'wubbo me'. He loves his belly, leg, arm to be rubbed as he falls asleep. He likes to watch 'partoons' which are Cartoons. He liked my boonana bread. There are so many more but I can't think right now. It's late and this post is long enough! Hope I didn't bore y'all to death (I was just trying to pass time while Zach watched football all day...oh yeah way to go Packers).
It Just Makes Me SO Angry!
I heard about this on Tuesday or Wednesday and was just baffled. Just because you get in an argument with your wife (which is what I'd read one of those days) you do that to your children? I guess that is what happens when you're addicted to drugs (another thing I remember reading). I have been checking our local news station online for updates. Well, Zach is watching football today (he's happy the Packers are whooping butt) and updates keep coming on about the case. When I heard that they found the infants body I just lost it. I couldn't help but break into tears (and I still am periodically). That poor child. Those poor children. What were those poor babies thinking when their daddy held them over the open water, so far below? And I must admit that I can't help but keep saying I hope that man rots in hell. Really I know he needs Jesus but I think he deserves 100 times worse than what he did to those babies. And so my heart is breaking tonight as I think about that poor mama. Boy, I hope she knows Jesus.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Ode to Blogland
Not really...
I'm so grateful for it though for I feel I have so many wonderful friends that I wouldn't have if it weren't for this addicting blogging. My point being, my dear friend Angel whom I've never met in person had quite the blessed day today. They recently became licensed foster parents and you've got to look what God brought their way! I'm so happy for her family!!! Congrats Angel! Continuing to pray for you!
Oh and by the way...I WANT one of those soon...
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
A Fresh Look
I finally found something I think I like! I was really wanting a change! Of course I lost a lot of goodies on my sidebar (hope I can remember what so I can put them back). Tell me what you think!
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
How CAN it be January?
When the person behind our house is MOWING their lawn!?!? And its been in the 70s. It just doesn't seem like January, ya know? I have windows open today!
We began our normal school routine yesterday. It is nice to be getting back to 'normal' (if there is a normal). We read about Samson in History today and the kids are drawing a picture of him. Then we will move on to Math. We have friends coming to visit this afternoon but the kiddos don't know yet. They'll be thrilled to play with their friends!
Well they're finishing up so I better get ready for Math time!
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Point of Grace - How You Live
I think this is my new favorite song. I LOVE it. Make sure you turn my playlist off below before you listen to it!
A Wish
This was going to be a post on 2007 but if you want to know what happened through the year you'll just have to go through the archives;) It was a difficult year for our family as we lost our son/brother, but it also drew us nearer to one another. It also opened the door to our adoption! And of course there was so much more that happened, but those are the highlights.
For 2008 I'm hoping that our daughter will come home. I'm wishing to have a healthy pregnancy. I'm praying that I'll be a more gentle mother and more giving wife. I'm desiring that there is a move in store for our family. I'm looking forward to drawing nearer to the Lord and by being blessed by the friends He's given me, both in real life and through the internet.
On that note, Congratulations Zach~ today marks 9 years that he's been enlisted in the Air Force! It is so hard to believe its been that long, in so many ways it seems like just yesterday. Next month he should test for Master Sergeant! He's already been studying quite a bit and it would be a huge blessing both financially and career-wise.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
I've always wanted one of these
Not like I ever win these things, but I have been wanting one of these for some time.
A Cowboy’s Wife is having a contest on her food blog! You can win a Hamilton Beach® Stand Mixer and she’ll ship anywhere so everyone is eligible!
The Prize:
The winner will receive a brand new Hamilton Beach 4.5-qt. Eclectrics Stand Mixer, Pineapple Yellow!!
About the mixer:
From Hamilton Beach’s “Eclectrics” line, this all-metal stand mixer comes with a host of accessories - a Flat Beater for cakes and cookies, a Dough Hook for bread and a Wire Whisk for whipped cream or pudding. The 4.5-qt. stainless steel bowl comes with a Pouring Shield that helps prevent splattering while in operation. The pouring shield has a built-in chute for adding ingredients. Powered by 400 watts, the stand mixer has a two-way mixing action to ensure all ingredients are incorporated into the mix. The quick-release, tilt-up head assists when removing the bowl. 9 x 14 x 14-in. When you’re ready for a kitchen re-do, don’t call in the carpenters! Instead, “counterscape” your kitchen with Hamilton Beach’s retro-designed, affordably priced electrics in happy, sun-saturated colors. Their “Eclectrics” line includes updates to those classic appliances from the 1950s. All of their “Eclectrics” are available in six colors: Apple Green, Moroccan Red, Pineapple Yellow, Intrigue Blue, Sugar White and Licorice Black.
What a great contest, huh? You can join in too!!!
WHAT is IT?
Nope, its not what you're thinking.
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No baby.
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We haven't gotten a referral yet.
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It's not a new puppy or anything like that.
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Well, what could it be????
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A 2008 Suburban! We were really outgrowing our van (the trip to Michigan proved it). It was also on its last leg. It had been a great vehicle for almost 6 years but it was time to get something bigger- with more people space and cargo space. And it had begun to leak oil (which was only one of the minor problems with it...there were other things that would soon need attention). It is still weird to me to have it- its huge and I am kinda freaked out driving it! But boy is it nice! The kids LOVE it! We're enjoying the XM radio and every time we get in it (which hasn't been often, we really need to conserve on gas now) we discover something new! Oh, maybe its so exciting because our van was so basic- no power anything!
Friday, January 04, 2008
Trip up North
We got to see Zach's mom. We went sledding with her. It wasn't even that cold! I had planned to go along to take pictures but ended up sledding too! My stepdad, Kim, ended up coming along as we went on somebody's property and he had to show us where to go! It was so fun!!
Christmas morning the kiddos had fun opening their gifts. Princess was thrilled to finally get her American Girl Doll. Cuddly Boy wasn't all that thrilled with a drum he received and Little Man got a digital camera and can't stop snapping pictures!
I had fun making some Christmas dishes to share at our dinner on Christmas. They were a huge hit, thankfully! It was nice to hang out with my mom. Zach got to go and visit with his dad and friends a bit, but I pretty much hung around 'home' with family. Oh, I did see some old friends at church on Sunday and that was awesome! These are friends from youth group that I hadn't seen in forever~ Henry, Zach & Lisa, Josh & Bethany, Mike G not to mention their parents and all the others!
On our drive back to MS we stopped in Green Bay at Lambeau Field. That was fun but crazy! It was the day before game day and so it was packed! We did manage to buy some paraphernalia though!
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Snow Much Fun
Here are the first of many pictures. I'm only going to highlight a few here and there and I'll post a link to my web album also for you to see them all. The kiddos all had fun in the snow. Who am I kidding, Zach and I did too! It had been awhile since I'd romped in the snow and went sledding! It was so much fun and surprisingly not too cold. Cuddly Boy didn't like trying to walk in the snow at first, but it didn't stop him from playing in it pretty much every day.
Little Man tasting a bit of snow
Princess is having fun sledding for the first time in Nanny's yard. It was much better when we found some decent hills to go down, but this suited them fine for the time!
Self-portrait
