Crabby Pants

So, the kids had fun in the tent last night. They'll sleep in it again tonight. They're already out there playing. I don't see how since it must be hotter than blazes in there. Last weekend when we were on our date we went to Home Depot. I showed Zach some fire pits. Today we bought one. It's just a small, cheaper one. Then as I'm reading our local news station online I see that they may be illegal in our town. Great. So let's hope nobody will call the fire department on us tonight! That's all I need. I'm already feeling really crabby right now. Probably a lack of sleep. I couldn't sleep at all last night and then I heard Zach & the kids come in at 6:30 this morning. He then came up at 7:30 asking if I was going to sleep all day. No, but it would've been nice to sleep after 8! Sigh. So I think my lack of zzzz's is catching up with me. Abby is super clingy still and I'm just done. I keep thinking I only have 10 days left until Zach leaves. I really need to try to get some 'breaks' away in there, but I don't see that happening. Even some sleep would be nice!

Holiday Weekends

Can be so overrated. I get so depressed. We don't have our family around to spend time with. We miss out on family events. Then I feel like we're just losers and loners. Seriously, its not just the hormones either because this always happens. I get to thinking about all the people we know. How come we never get together with them? I can't even remember the last time we've been invited to somebody's house as a family, aside from Bible study! I want to think it was within our first 3 months of living here and we've been here almost 2 years. It makes me sad. I LOVE to have people over and I admit we haven't done it as often with moving in, having Abby, settling in, Zach gone, winter and morning sickness. But we have had some people over. We've tried to have others. And I don't want to feel like people need to 'reciprocate' as that isn't true hospitality. It would just feel nice to feel loved once in awhile. I suppose we have 'too many kids' and that is a 'deterrent'. Sometimes being a military family is SO HARD. And living here in Iowa, not a lot of people understand the whole military card. Most are from here and have family nearby or have lived here for a long time and have their 'roots'. Sigh.

Then let's move on to my daughter. I feel SO bad for her. We have quite a few little girls in the neighborhood, all about her age. She used to play with the twins across the street quite often last summer but hasn't really had a chance to yet this spring. A gal down the street, K, she plays with the most, but that doesn't always happen either. And I see all these girls riding their bikes together, playing and I feel bad that Hannah is left out. Now, there's been a few times when I've told her to go on out but by the time she gets out there they're gone on another street or inside! She hasn't told me anything about how she feels, but I'm sure she feels it! I feel it as her Mama (and Miss Sensitive One)! I really, really, REALLY wish I could find a good friend or two for her! I think it is so important for girls to have close (GODLY) friends! I need to pray about this for her more often...

Ok, so that's all heavy on my heart tonight. Meanwhile, Abby is sleeping next to me in my bed. She had a fever a couple of days ago and has since been sleeping with us! Bad habit! Her appetite has been a bit weird, but today was improved so I'm not sure what's going on (although I did notice this evening that her throat looked red). The other kids are sleeping out in the tent with daddy in the backyard!! Fun for them! I hope they have a good time and stay out there all night! I don't want my sleep interrupted! I had a busy day of teaching and finished cleaning the basement and I just want some SLEEP!

Answered prayer

Wow, God is awesome!!! Just yesterday I was praying so much about the whole job thing with Zach. Last night we really sat down and just talked about it all, trying to figure out what he should do, going over pros and cons, etc. We couldn't make a decision and I said to just wait and see what happens, that God would show us. I know waiting is so hard!!! Then when I went to bed I wanted to read a Psalm and I scrolled on the screen on my iPod and came to chapter 37. Here are some verses that stuck out to me:

v. 3 Trust in the Lord and do good
v. 4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.
v. 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him
v. 23 If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm
v. 34 Wait for the Lord and keep his way.

Isn't it awesome how God speaks to us??? Wow! Then this morning I awoke and prayed right away and read a bit of my Bible again. This morning I prayed that God would just give us an answer TODAY regarding the job thing, that he would make it VERY clear. Wow, I checked my email this morning and there was one from Zach. Here's what it said:

FINALLY got some job info… I called to talked to agent L, but he and agent J (the two guys working my application) are both deployed…so I talked to agent N, and he said that a message came down 4 months ago saying that they weren’t accepting MSgts no more, but that could change in the future…looks like we got our answer!

Is that NOT crazy!?!? Talk about being SO clear! THANK YOU, GOD!!! I still have mixed feelings about it...but I know God is in control. So we're here for at least 2 more years. It's just so nice to know that, so we can just settle in and not wonder if we're moving in a year. Although I must say I'm still having a hard time accepting the fact that we're still gonna be crammed in this tiny house with yet one more body!!! Lord, give me contentment!!!

11 years!?!

Saturday we celebrated our 11 year anniversary! It is crazy to believe its been that long! Wow, where has the time gone! We went to America's Incredible Pizza for lunch. It's like a Chuck e Cheese, only better in my opinion. I have to admit our 'waitress' was very annoying. She must have had some sort of disability, but she wouldn't stop talking to us while we were trying to eat and she was just hovering over Zach's shoulder. I'd be talking to Zach and she'd just come up and interrupt! Very annoying! Then she said something about tips. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to tip you if you're going to start talking about getting good tips, especially when there are two long tables reserved for a birthday party- I'm sure you can get your tip that way!

I had probably about $30 left over from the last time we were there, before it opened to the public and we got the game cards for free so we didn't have to buy much in game cards! Zach and the three older kids did 2 go kart races and I took Abby on some little kid rides and did some little kiddie games with her. She got a kick out of throwing the ball...it was supposed to go in the fishes mouth but she just liked throwing it in the cage! I enjoyed watching her excitement over it! Last time we went all she could do was sit on some tiny carousel with one of her siblings! Zach and the kids had fun playing Guitar Hero. Zach's been wanting to buy it for quite some time, but I keep insisting we don't need it so he hasn't gotten it yet! I like the skee ball game and we all played some others as well. Zach and I also did a basketball 'competition'. We sure had a good time!

We ran to Toys R Us and got a slide for Abby. Since the other kids have grown up we've slowly gotten rid of the outdoor toddler toys, especially with moving! So she hasn't had much to play on in the backyard. She sure likes her slide!

I called the babysitter and Zach and I went out to dinner. We went to Outback and I'm so glad we did. I probably hadn't been there in almost two years. Oh yum, it was SOOO good! I ate ALL my salad, a bunch of bread, all my loaded baked potato and my steak (I think it was 10 oz)! Our waitress was awesome and then brought us a free dessert which I ate myself (Zach was like 'yuck' to the brownie)! We hadn't even told her it was our anniversary, she just said for being fun, good customers! Awesome! After than we walked around Home Depot, just looking at things we'd never buy and dreaming of bigger and better things that we really don't need! We also went to Wal-Mart and got a few groceries and then came home. We got the kids to bed and it was such a gorgeous evening we sat outside on our upstairs deck! What a wonderful day! Unfortunately the food I all gulped down didn't settle too well though!

Please keep me in your prayers. Lately I just have some anxiety over my pregnancy. I feel like its been awhile since I've been to the doctor and just worry a bit. I feel like I haven't gained weight in awhile, actually I feel like maybe I lost some (not sure if I did but I'm not sure how that would be possible seeing as I eat all the time). I would think that by now I'd be bigger and be feeling the baby's flutters but really I don't so I am just concerned. I go to the doctor June 2 and have my ultrasound and I'll be 18 weeks then. So please pray I have peace. And pray I feel my baby's movements!!!

We got an estimate on getting our basement completed but I'm not sure we will. As much as it would be nice I just don't think it'd be wise to spend THAT amount of money on something, especially not knowing how long we'll be here. We wish we'd get an answer on if Zach will get that other job or not as it'd give us somewhat of an idea of when we'd move (could be a year if he gets it, if not we could be here for 2 to 3 more). As much as I like Iowa and don't want to move there are reasons I DO want to move too! We have friends here, good neighbors, a good church and I like the weather (for the most part, I'm getting sick of the wind). We also live in a great town and really like the area. On the other hand, our house is so small and I would love to live in base housing again (dude we could have a 2 car garage plus our house could be doubled in size if we lived on base)! I miss having a military community around us. And I'm always ready for new adventures, to see new places! It's all in God's hands though! We'll just see what happens!

Today I've done some school outside with the kids, we ate lunch out there and then I put the sprinkler going. Now Zach aired up the pool and is filling that up. I bought what I thought was our normal one we get what seems to be every year but this thing is way bigger. It will be nice in ways, but not in other ways...especially with Abby, I didn't want something too big. The kids are having a blast though! I should either be outside in the sun or getting some much needed housework done, but first I wanted to update you again :) Thanks for reading!

Well...

So I WAS doing good blogging there for awhile, but then I guess I hit a rut. Actually I hadn't been on my computer much at all last week. When I needed to get online I'd just go on my iPod. It was actually nice as I didn't waste a bunch of time online! Speaking of iPods, yesterday we went to Best Buy and I checked out the iPad. Totallly cool! I had to get on this morning to do bills so here I've been on off and on all day while also teaching. It has been a LONG, LONG Monday in our house! I am so ready for school to be over and done with. I'm getting annoyed with it!

Let's see if I can hit on some highlights...I can't remember if I mentioned how Hannah got Abby to poop on the potty! Then Saturday Zach put her on her potty while I was getting ready for the day. She was kinda toddling around without a diaper up in our room for awhile and when he went to put her diaper on her he noticed her leg was wet on top. I looked and there was pee in her potty!!! I know I really should be working with her more but I seriously do not have time to do that right now. It is after 3 pm and we've been doing school since 9 this morning and we're not done. I need school to be done for the summer and then I'll tackle potty training! I feel like my housework is falling by the wayside and it is driving me crazy. I'm also trying to get ready for our yard sale. Yesterday I got most of the clothes sorted into sizes and priced so that was nice. I sure hope I make some money off of that thing or I'll be mad!

Pregnancy is going well. I normally don't feel too sick anymore, although I still am constantly starving! Especially at night! I can't believe in just a little over 2 weeks we'll find out the sex of the baby. I can't believe I even want to know this time around! I only want to know to have the proper clothing for him/her...otherwise I LOVE the surprise at the end! I still feel like its a boy, but I could be wrong about that! I thought Gabe was a girl the whole pregnancy and I remember walking through the hospital as I was going up to L&D and saying to Zach, "What if it IS a boy?" LOL

Ok, some boy is NOT working on his math even though I am sitting RIGHT next to him. I have NO idea what to do about how easily he is distracted...I am just at my ropes end with him. Did I mention it took him like 2 hours this morning to do 12 problems on his math sheet and he got them ALL wrong??? So, now he's sitting here redoing that sheet! I need a vacation!

Life

I was thinking last night I had something to blog about and do you really think I can remember what it is now! I hate that!

Zach took the day off today. I managed to do school with the kids and Zach went out and weed eated. He found a nest of 7 bunnies and the kids had so much fun playing with them! Poor things must be so cold- its freezing out there! I just hope Mama comes back to take care of them! So, we had science for the day :)

Last night I couldn't fall asleep so I was just praying and thanking God for all of His blessings. Then I was thinking about the baby and how blessed I feel to have another one. With 4 children as it is it's not like I have much time to sit and think about having a baby (not like when you're pregnant with your first)! We've talked about some names but I just kept going over them and trying to see if anything really 'stuck out' to go with our family! I'm still at a loss. It will be easier once we know if its a boy or girl, to come up with a name! This is the first time I've really wanted to find out the sex of the baby. I just don't have a lot of things for the season he or she will be born in and I really don't have many boy things at all. So, we'll find out and I'll really hit the garage sales!

Speaking of sales, we got our 'local' once-a-week paper today and in that paper alone 33 sales were listed in our town!!! WooHoo!!! I have to look them over yet and see if they're worth going to, but I love me some garage sales, as they'd say in the south!

Hmm...well my mind is blank so I guess that's it!

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

I just have to post on something. Yesterday Zach was saying how he needed to go to Walmart to buy me a gift and was asking what I want. Hannah suggested flowers and a card. Why is that so cliche to me? Sure, flowers and cards are nice, but that's what every man gets his wife (or so it seems). I'm thankful for what I get, truly I am, but sometimes I just wish men would put more thought into what their wives would really want, something specific that their wife would like, know what I mean? By the way, I got a handmade card and picture from Hannah, a feather from Gabe and a picture and candy from Josiah! I love them! Zach sent me an e-card which brought tears to my eyes (but it doesn't take much these days). Anyway, I told Zach not to 'waste' our money on cards, flowers and things like that. Honestly, how hard can it be for men to figure out what their wife wants? Finally I told him a manicure or pedicure would be nice, or a massage.

Please know I'm NOT trying to complain- I'm thankful for every flower I get and every funny and meaningful card given. It's just that sometimes I think us women would like more thought and work put into it all than just a trip to Walmart. I really, really hope this makes sense and if Zach reads this I hope he knows I mean no ill will toward him or anything, just stating some thoughts!!!

Happy Birthday Josiah

Wow, time FLIES! Josiah is 8 today! Where on earth did that go??? I can remember that day like it was yesterday. I think he had a good birthday. Last night we went to Hibachi and spent an arm, leg and ear it was so expensive (but sooooo good). Today we hit a few garage sales as I was on the hunt for maternity jeans (I found 2 pair). Then we came and played a bit and ate lunch and prepared for his party. He had a good party- 2 families showed up so 5 other kids. They colored their 'goody bags', played a "Lego game" (they got a baggie of Lego's and had to build something with it), and played musical chairs. Then Josiah opened his gifts and we had cake and ice cream. The kids all played for awhile and left. Josiah pretty much hid out in the basement building his new Bionicle, until Zach came home to take them to see Iron Man. I guess it wasn't as good as the first one (the second movies never are).

I enjoyed the quiet when they were gone. Abby fell asleep on me and I watched trash on TV that I don't normally watch and fell asleep for a bit. Then we ate dinner and Abby got a bath and I got ready for bed. We played for a bit, talked to Nanny and then everyone came home. It was so nice and quiet with just her and I. She didn't really venture far from me and didn't play off of my lap. I think she thought it was weird that nobody else was here!

Now I am ready for bed. It seems I just don't slow down these days as there's always something to be done! I'm glad Josiah's birthday is over. Now I need to focus on finishing school and preparing for our garage sale.

I'm so thankful for Josiah. He's so creative with drawing, Lego's and Bionicles. He's really funny, always making us laugh about something (both of my boys are). He's been such a delight to watch grow these past 8 years! I'm thankful that he's healthy and growing!!!

Hump Day

School is winding down. Well, in some ways I feel like it will drag forever and in other ways it feels like its really ending soon. I'm not sure which it is, I don't have a set date to be done by, just whenever we're done I guess. Both Hannah and Josiah finished their English books, BUT we didn't do the writing chapters in those books as I had bought a different writing book to do. BUT they didn't like to do those exercises either so now we're going back to the writing chapters in their English books to write! They, especially Hannah, really struggle with writing and coming up with ideas for some reason!!! Although, her narrative for this week is going really well.

I don't know why but the only place I dream of that I've lived in (aside from growing up and college) is Minot. Last night I dreamed of Minot again! How weird is that!?!? I remember living in our house we'd lived in on Roaming Road, but I think we were just visiting? Whoever I was with, we walked down to the chapel but it wasn't the chapel but some other building where there was like a craft show and such. My cousin Sherry was there selling her Scentsy stuff, my cousin Darci was there working with the paramedics doing demonstrations. It was so weird!

Can you believe that I am 14 weeks today- in my second trimester!?!?!? I am sooo excited, although at the same time I just can't wait for my ultrasound at 18 weeks just to confirm (again) that everything is ok. Afterall, I was at a 15 week appointment when I found out Malachi had died. I just like to get past those 'humps'.

I am trying to plan Josiah's birthday party. I am having it Friday afternoon and we were going to go to a park but the weather looks cold, windy and possibly rainy so now I am having it here. I'm kinda bummed about that as its so much easier to have a bunch of kids running around at a park than my house!!!! lol That also means more planning on my part, figuring out about 2 games and such. Oh well, I know Josiah will be excited to have his friends celebrate his day with him. He also is going to see the new Iron Man movie that night with Zach, Hannah and Gabe. We're supposed to go eat dinner (he wants to go to the Japanese Steakhouse) but seeing as they're going to the movie I'm not sure how that will play out. Maybe we'll have to do that tomorrow night.

Ok, I am freezing and in need of a shower...Jamie this post was for you :)) More than 1 post in a week! I'm on a roll!

Where's Jamie?

Yesterday Zach asked the last time I've blogged...I couldn't remember! How sad is that. I haven't even been by to scope out my friend's blogs. I have been pretty busy with life in general though. Last week just seemed so crazy. I really am aiming to be done with school at a reasonable date (no idea when though). One of these days maybe we'll start doubling up on lessons, but we'll see. I haven't even been able to keep up on my housework- I seem dust caked on so many things and I just don't care right now. I'm too tired to deal with it! Between schooling, caring for the kids in general and everything else I just feel there's not much time! I can't wait for summer break!!! To do nothing! I'm also preparing for a garage sale so I finally made it in the basement last night to tackle some of that mess.

Speaking of garage sales, a friend and I went on Saturday. It was so fun to have somebody to go with, rather than alone or dragging out my kids! I don't know what I'll do when Zach's gone this summer because it's so much easier without the kids. Well, I did take Hannah and she took her daughter, but that's easy! We went to one neighborhood sale where there were like 23 houses having sales and SCORED! I took $40 with me and most of it was gone by the time we left there, 2 1/2 hours later! I came home with only $1 left! I bought some clothes for Abby, found a dress and jeans for Hannah and found some maternity clothes. I also found what I thought was a car seat cover for winter (I've never needed one) but turns out it goes in a cart. I thought about selling it in my sale, but maybe I'll keep it? We'll see. It's WAY nicer than the one I have. So, I guess at the next 'hunt' I'll be finding one of those car seat covers and some maternity jeans. I only have 2 pairs of those! Why I didn't buy any on Sat. is beyond me (I guess I didn't realize how little I have).

Speaking of maternity jeans, on Saturday I went to get dressed and couldn't fit in my normal pants!!! I have 2 pairs of jeans that are bigger so I wore one of those, but I'm no longer able to wear the normal ones. So, this weather either really needs to warm up because I have tons of summer clothes, or I need to hit some more sales and find some jeans!! Not bad to be pregnant for the 7th time (5th baby) and be needing maternity pants at 13 1/2 weeks!

Well, I'm going to try to rest while the kids are playing nicely. I'm exhausted since I was up so early. I hope to check in with you all soon!

Why don't I ever blog?

Our trip home was...stressful. It always is. I always say I'm not gonna do that again but of course I do! This time it was just that Zach & I were on two different pages with 'plans'. So that frustrated the crap out of me! It was nice to see my mom, though. I just wish we'd had more time together, at least alone. Since my stepdad is out of commission he was RIGHT there ALL the time! Everybody was happy to see us. We didn't travel an hour to see everyone, but people came to us and that helped w/stress! I was tired enough as it was! It was great seeing everyone we got to see, just wish we could've seen everyone!

It is so nice to be home. Nothing like going away to have you come home and feel good about your home! Although since I got here I've been sick. I haven't been taking Unisom at night, seeing if I could go without it (plus I didn't really want to take it when we were travelling because I didn't want to be overly tired). But yesterday we didn't eat on a normal schedule and I thought maybe that threw my off. By the time I'd eaten I was beyond hungry and then so sick. So as soon as I crawled into bed last night I had to run out because I got sick. This morning I awoke and had laundry started before 8:30 and was showered by 9! I was so thrilled, ready to tackle school and some other things. Well, I began to go downhill from there and felt so sick again. I did school from the couch and laid around all day. My stomach kept turning and feeling funny, I have no idea how I didn't get sick. Then as I was eating dinner (leftover spaghetti) I knew I was going to 'lose it'. Not fun at all! No idea why I'm so sick again but I'm going to start taking Unisom again! In Michigan I was getting to the point where I was craving things and everything sounded good. Not anymore! Boo!

Abby is just growing up. She was down to nursing once a night (at last) and the other night I paid attention if she was getting anything. She wasn't so I was just her pacifier so last night she got no 'boo' as she calls it. She only whined once for it. Last night she fell asleep in her own bed (with Hannah next to her) and awoke after 1 and I brought her into our bed. I was too tired/sick to try to get her back in her own bed and Zach wouldn't budge! Then today for her nap Hannah got her to sleep in her bed again!!! I think she's finally beginning to like her bed! I must admit though that I'm a bit sad that we'll never have that 'closeness' of nursing again. It's just such a special thing. Good thing I have another on the way! Now to get her sleeping through the night and in her own bed all night!!! She's so smart too. Copies everything. She eats like a pig now that she doesn't nurse- she'll eat anything from anyone! I'm thinking I may try to potty train her this summer. She's only 20 months but she's so smart and I normally can tell when she's about to poop. We'll see. She loves to give me kisses on the mouth, its so super sweet! She's beginning to 'sing' along to music! I love watching her discover new things every day. Oh and she LOVES puzzles!!!

Ok that's about all for now. I'm so tired.

We're so spontaneous

We decided on like Wednesday to go home to Michigan for a week, so here we are at 'home'. We got her Saturday and will only be here until Friday or Saturday. It will be short but good. I hadn't seen my mom since last summer when I was up here! She keeps wanting to come down to visit me but hasn't been able to with her nursing duties (my stepdad's broken ankle). I really hope she'll be able to make it down this summer when I'm home alone for 6 1/2 weeks. The kids sure love being in Michigan again. Not only do they get to see family but they have so much room to run around outside. And they don't mind the 'cold' like I do!

Yesterday we spent the day at Zach's dads. His sister and her family came up and we BBQ'd and had a good ol' time. We went out to Zach's Uncle Joey's house and he gave the kids a ride on a trailer on the back of his 4-wheeler and then they played in his pond looking for frogs, tadpoles and turtles. They had such a good time.

Well, I can't concentrate anymore on anything else I was going to say :) Too much commotion!

I CAN'T DO NOTHIN' RIGHT

Yep, guess I'm supposed to be SUPER DOOPER MOM! How I'm supposed to do it all and have it all together is beyond me. I'm so at the end of my rope. Nights are so rough. I'm just so frustrated and hormones must be hitting because I'm even in tears.

Weekend Recap

What a great weekend we had! Well, I really don't remember Friday. I think I felt pretty sick that night. Oh yeah, we went to eat at Godfather's. It's one of the only sit down pizza places in our town- sad that pizza has become only a thing of delivery or carry-out! Afterwards we ran to Walmart because I needed a few things for Hannah's party. When I walked in the door I noticed little orange "Wet Floor" signs or something but didn't pay attention until the greeter guy said, "Don't look." Of course then you look...I saw puke. I felt pukey enough as it was! I made sure we left out the other door. And as soon as I got home I ran upstairs and lost my dinner! At least I didn't' do it in Walmart!

Saturday Zach took the boys fishing and I prepared for Hannah's party. She had 4 girls come over, which was a perfect number! We played the "Hannah game" where I asked questions about her from birth on up- a great way for the girls to get to know her! We then played a 'nail polish' game I found online. You spin the bottle of nail polish and whoever it lands on paints a nail that color, then they spin, etc so they end up w/different color painted nails. We did one hand for each girl and then they just painted the other hand whatever colors they wanted. Then we opened gifts- Hannah got some real nice gifts. It was time to decorate cupcakes. The girls had a blast putting their own icing on the cupcakes- piling it way high! They were like, "This is a once in a lifetime chance!" Haha After the cake and ice cream we planted some seeds for them to take home. Then they had about 20 minutes to play. I had most of the party outside and didn't even get the house messy! It was perfect! Parties for 10 year old girls are way easier than for littler kids or even boys! I guess the boys didn't catch one fish- in 4 hours of fishing! At least they got out and had some fun! I was pretty beat after the party so Zach, Abby and I took a nap while the older kids watched a movie.

Today we went to the early service at church. I really like going to that service because then we have the whole rest of the day free! Although today we were like, "What are we going to do?" It was decent weather outside so we knew we wanted to do something. Abby wouldn't nap so I suggested we just go for a ride and maybe she'd sleep. We drove through some areas of Ankeny we've never been through before. Then Zach said he'd take the kids to Petsmart to see the animals so I ventured to Kohl's which is in the same shopping plaza! I wanted to find a spring/summer coat since I don't really have a decent/nice one. Plus I had $10 in Kohl's cash to use. I found a nice coat, a shirt for myself and a white onesie for Abby. She's got a few denim jumpers and I didn't have anything to wear under them so I thought that was perfect. I really could have spent much more money, looking at all the baby clothes and stuff! Afterwards we came home and the kids played in the backyard. I took Abby in the front to ride her bike and she saw our neighbors on the corner out with their slide and jump house so she started heading that way! It was nice to visit with them again- I haven't seen them since fall! Abby had fun playing (their little boy is exactly 2 weeks younger than her). It is so nice to be able to hang out outside, I just wish the wind wouldn't blow so much! Yesterday was supposed to be about 70 but it wasn't that warm at all and with the wind felt even cooler.

I've been weaning Abby. She doesn't' nurse at all during the day and there's been a night or two I haven't nursed her before she fell asleep. I try to put her in her room to go to sleep but sometimes its difficult if I don't feel well. Last night I didn't nurse her, she fell asleep in her room and once she woke up I think she only nursed maybe two times during the night, so I think she's finally getting it! I feel bad because she's so cute when she asks for it or tries to get in my shirt! Hopefully she'll be weaned soon and start sleeping through the night and then in her own bed! My goal is to have her in her own bed all night before Zach's gone this summer.

She has to do whatever her siblings do. If they eat, she has to be sitting eating also. The other day they went to play in the basement and she normally doesn't ask to go down there, but she begged to go down. It is not finished and there are many toys for her to play with down there but there's also some that are too little for her. So I had Hannah watch and play with her while I cleaned up from lunch. If the kids go outside Abby has to go outside. And every time she goes outside she goes to the basement door until we get her shoes and to the closet for her jacket. Smart girl! The other night at Godfather's she was so super cute. These teen boys sat at a booth across from us and she kept looking back at them and smiling. The one boy finally noticed her and smiled back. She started waving and saying, "Hi" and she'd look at us and laugh about it! It was so cute how she was flirting with him! When we left I told her to give him a hug and she went to put her head on his leg to 'hug' him but then hit her head on the table and got freaked out! It was so funny though!

Well, speaking of Abby she's finally napping on me and my arm is killing so I better get off. Plus Hannah's been begging me to see which clothes of hers don't fit her so it's time to go through her clothes!

Talk

I forgot to mention that I had 'the talk' with Hannah. I believe it was Thursday night. I figured it was 'fresh' on both our minds so I better just do it. Whew. I first of all made very, VERY clear that she not talk about the stuff I tell her with anyone- not her brothers, not friends. If she had anything to say or ask to come to me. That's all I need is her to go and tell her friends how babies are made! I told her about how her body will change and what will happen and explained how babies are 'made'. She had some questions. Some were funny. "You mean you and dad took your shorts off and did that?" "Well when I get married will you be mad when I do that?" "Will dad spank me after I'm married and I do that?" She also thought you waited awhile after you were married, saying something about months later and how will people know, will she get a belly? Then I explained that just because you're intimate doesn't mean you get pregnant, that there's only a certain time of the month that can happen. I think she got quite an education! She hasn't brought it up since we've had the discussion. She did seem rather weirded out by it, wondering how it could be 'enjoyable'. I told her that's normal for kids to feel that way, but as she got older she'd understand! It really wasn't as bad as I'd anticipated. She did know a bit about menstruation and stuff due to reading the Old Testament. Kudos to the Bible :)

Already!?!

Ok, so Saturday I realized that my belly must have grown over night! That's weird too because Friday night I was sooooo sick! But I could've sworn on Saturday that my tummy was just a bit bigger. And yesterday I noticed it too. I'm 9 1/2 weeks. Wow, it seems so early, especially considering how tiny the baby is! I don't mind though! I remember with Hannah I was like 9 months pregnant and barely looked pregnant at all! I hated it! It was my first and I wanted to look pregnant! I guess by the time I've been pregnant so many times I'm bound to get 'fat' sooner! Even the other day when I was walking in Kohl's I almost felt like I had a bit of a waddle! I know, I must have been exaggerating but still.

We had a good weekend. Like I said Friday I was really sick. Zach got home and I don't know what the deal was. I don't remember feeling that awful the whole pregnancy. Finally about 8 I took some Unisom and went to bed. Saturday I wanted to head out to this kid's consignment shop so we all went out. It was nice to get out and I managed to find some things for Abby and a few things for Josiah (my two most in 'need'). The kids enjoy looking at the animals around the store (they have fish, turtles, guinea pigs, etc). Always a fun time! I thought with everyone there I would feel rushed to look but I wasn't at all. We then drove to Barnes and Noble where Hannah exchanged a book and then we drove by the lake to see if it was unfrozen. Zach thought about taking the boys fishing, but then decided it was too windy. When we got home Hannah & I went to Kohl's where I found a few more things for A & J. Then I treated Hannah to some YUMMY custard at Culver's. I haven't been able to eat a whole lot of sweets so far this pregnancy but that sounded so delicious to me. I saved $112 at Kohl's! I LOVE saving money like that!!!

Yesterday we had a good day, much better than what I'd anticipated. I hate spending holidays alone, without family. It really, really bites to be away from family on holidays. And I really miss living near/on a base where you have others in the same boat so you all get together. I really didn't want to spend another holiday alone. Sometimes it just gets so depressing. We went to church, which was PACKED and then Zach went to Wal-mart because he decided he was going to cook a dinner! He made a delicious salad for us for lunch and then for dinner made Chicken Alfredo. It was so sweet of him to do that! We have noodles coming out of our ears he made so much food! At least I don't have to worry about what to eat when I get hungry!

To make the day even better my friend, Jenn, and her kids stopped by! It was great to see them and Abby loved the baby! She even 'helped' me give the baby her bottle! Then the weather was gorgeous so we sat outside for awhile. Our neighbors were out too, so eventually I ended up over there to hold their not even month old grandson! Two babies in one day!!! THEN I had another surprise, which I cannot disclose yet. It was a GREAT day and I'm thankful to God for the people he provided to keep me 'company' during the day! Hope you all had a blessed Resurrection Day as well!

I wish I could say today was a good day. For some reason I didn't get enough sleep or awoke on the wrong side of the bed. I am a grouch (I admit it). My kids are driving me nuts. Right now poor Abby is so tired. She was asleep on the floor until the kids were going crazy being hyper. Now she's awake and just crying. I know she wants to go back to sleep but is fighting it. Poor baby. I've tried rocking her, singing to her, etc and she just doesn't know what she wants. I must go and put some laundry in the dryer. How we ended up with SO many dirty clothes is beyond me!

Baby #7!

So yesterday I had my first appointment, as you know from my last blog post. All went well and it was such a relief! I was still in shock, even after seeing the baby! It's such a blessing to be given the chance to raise another child for the Lord! He is so good to see us fit to bless us with another baby! I'm so thankful!

I've been thinking about the birth of this baby and wondering if I'd need another c-section. I know they're so anti-VBAC these days, even after one section, much less after two. I have to admit I'm almost ok with another c-section. I'm wondering if it's a 'God thing' because I never considered that with my other children. The doctor talked to me about having my 5th baby and how that really increases my chances of uterine rupture, especially since my body has been through this so many times now. He also said, "If you were my wife I'd definitely recommend a c-section." He was very open to checking into it all if I wanted a VBAC, to checking with the hospital and all that (he was talking about it before I said anything about it). That was when I told him I wasn't completely opposed to another c-section. Like I said, I wonder if God has kinda made me think this way for some reason, because normally I'd be opposed. And I have many, MANY friends who are WAY opposed to c-sections and I really don't want to hear any 'stats' or anything on it- it is a choice Zach & I have to make that will work best for us.

This morning I had a nightmare that seemed so real. I was standing by the front door with Josiah and then realized I had to go to the bathroom. Not to give TMI, but when I wiped I was spotting and I just FREAKED out. I was a bit nervous to get out of bed and go to the bathroom this morning. Luckily it was just a really, really bad dream. I'm thankful for even having a dream though because that means I got sleep!

I've been struggling with insomnia many nights with this pregnancy. The night before last I couldn't sleep AT ALL. It was so frustrating! Yesterday was such a busy day and by evening I was just worn right out! And I had to come home, make sure the kids were bathed and get them to bed! It was nice to crawl into bed at a decent hour and actually get some sleep! I was so thankful!

Ok, speaking of baby I'm really hungry so I better find me some food before I get too much hungrier. I've been puking, but not every day- not even every other day- thankfully! I certainly feel like I could a lot more often though. I hate being hungry but nothing sounds good- that's the worst.

Bad blogging mom!

I didn't get on my blog yesterday to wish Hannah a HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY!!!! How is it that my 'baby' is 10??? I remember that day like it was yesterday. I'm so thankful for the young lady Hannah is becoming- I couldn't ask for a better daughter! God has blessed us!

Here's how her birthday went down: She woke up and we ate breakfast and then she opened her gifts. She was excited to get new bedding from Nanny & Papa. We'd gone on Saturday when Zach was still in town and gotten her ears pierced with a $35 gift card to Claire's I'd given her. We also went to Bass Pro Shop and ate at their restaurant. I asked the waitress about birthdays and she said they normally don't do anything but she'd ask her manager. She came back with a sundae for Hannah and said the boss paid for it. That was SO nice!!! What a little treat! Anyway, back to yesterday...

The kids also watched TV, whatever Hannah wanted to watch. They also got to play outside. We ate lunch and then sang Happy Birthday and had cake. I picked up the babysitter to watch teh younger three and Hannah came to my first OB appointment with me. I was so excited to take her! When I was filling out a form that asked about your last period she read it and asked, "Does that mean like a period at the end of a sentence?" LOL I briefly reminded her what it was, because I've briefly told her about it before. So, we finally make it in the back and WOOHOO I get my ultrasound! It was such a relief to see the baby! The doctor gave the first picture to Hannah to keep! I thought that was so special! It was amazing how you could already see baby's arm and leg buds!

The appointment went well, I'll try to write more on that on another post. I had to go and get my blood drawn and while waiting Hannah asked me how babies get in mommy's bellies. Oh boy! Seriously!?! I was having a hard enough time with her turning 10, do I really have to explain that too! I told her the mommy and daddy sleep together and she asked, "Do they touch each other or what?" So, she's on the right track... I just need to find a time to sit and explain it all to her, I guess. Phew, my little girl is growing up!

I was so thankful Hannah was able to come to my appointment with me! It was so special! I hope she thought it was special also! After we brought the babysitter home we came home and the kids got to ride their scooters out front for awhile. They wanted their bikes but I wasn't about to try to haul them out of the shed! Then we went out for Chinese, per Hannah's request for her birthday dinner. I wasn't sure I'd be able to handle it but I just ate rice and ragoons! We came home and they played outside and watched some more TV. Hannah wanted to play with one of her friends but that didn't work out. We then went to Bible study where the 'babysitter' planned an Easter egg hunt for the kids. They all sure liked that! That was sweet of them to do that!

We then came home and had baths and went to bed. Then I went and lay in Hannah's bed with her and asked if she had a good birthday and prayed over her. She said she had a special day and I'm glad. I plan to try to have a birthday party for her on the 10th, just a little one.

Happy 10th birthday my big girl!!!

No way

Ok, so I totally should blog about my retreat this weekend. Instead I'm going to gripe. Friday night while I was gone Zach took all 4 kids to the movie. I'm thankful they did the 2D and not the 3D but I found out the next day they made him pay for Abby!!!! She watched the previews and slept through the movie. She's 19 months and he had to pay FULL price!!! I think I should call the theater and complain about that. That's bull crap!

Yay

My cord came in today! Earlier than I thought it would! I'm so happy! Every time I'd type on Zach's computer I'd have so many issues, which is one reason I never blogged. I hate that computer! Just like the Dell laptop I bought last year and had problems with. So, I'm back. Hopefully I can blog a REAL post real soon :)