• Feb. 27, 2007

It seems as if a bug has finally caught our family.  The girls are all sniffly, low fevers and just feeling pretty miserable.  We did get to go to Kentucky for the weekend to see our friends, but upon returning it all started in.  I was so blessed to be given tons of baby stuff while we were there.  I now have enough clothes for our new bundle that I can mark that off my list.  We had to stay inside the whole time we were there due to the rainy weather, but it was still wonderful to have that time of fellowship.  Our girls loved to have the play time as well. 

It looks like we may be closing on our house next week.  I am so amazed!  It seems like it has been a long journey to get to this point, so it seems like even more of a blessing.  I will be thrilled to open up all these boxes and see our stuff that has been packed for so long.  Especially my cookware!  I think the girls will be more excited about their toys that they've missed.  They didn't even get to play with some of their Christmas presents since we packed everything up right after the holiday.  Horrible, isn't it? 

We are off to run some errands, then we are back to get into our warm, naptime beds. 

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• Feb. 21, 2007
our daily "routine"

I thought it was time to post a "day in the life of" for our family. 

Our days start out around 6:30 when my alarm clock, also known as 2 year old, climbs into bed with us.  We usually snuggle for about 30 minutes until my hubby gets up to get ready for work.  We all head to the kitchen and make breakfast (cereal), at which time the big girls get up.  I think they have food sensors to ensure they don't miss a morsel.  I take the time while they are eating to catch up on email and hubby does his bible time. 

Around 7:45 hubby leaves for work and the girls get started on their services.  I head for the shower, and we meet back up around 9 for school.  Our school starts off with a prayer for the day.  We then do a reading from "Ergermeier's Bible Story Book".  I just love this book.  It is a very detailed kids study.   After we finish that, the big girls start on their math.  I try to read them a proverb relevant to that date during math or as soon as they are done, depending on how my voice is doing.  I am normally doing my computer and bible time during the girls math time.  We are using Horizons math for our second year.  We are at levels 1 and 3.  They can pretty much work on their own, but I am there to answer any questions if needed.  Graycie (2 yo) does her "school" as well, coloring next to the big girls. 

We usually finish our math around 10, and it is time for handwriting.  We are using "A Reason for Handwriting" this year.  We all like it very much.  We've tried 2 other programs, as well as none, but this one makes it more fun.  They practice the words from a verse all week, then on Friday they get to make a pretty plaque with the entire verse.  I love that it incorporates scripture, and is writing those verses on their hearts as well.  I quiz them on their weekly memory verse throughout the day, and on Fridays they have to stand and recite them to the family.  Their weekly verses are different than the ones they use for writing, so they are actually learning 2 per week, but we only test on the memory ones.  At this point, we are going through the alphabet with a verse for each letter.  We are on letter E this week, so they will be reciting 5 verses Friday.  After this week, I'm going to randomly choose verses for them say, probably only a total of 3.  We practice their speaking, as well as body language during the speeches.  Okay, back to our schedule -

Once handwriting is done, we start on our read-alouds.  We use Sonlight, which has been wonderful for our family.  We are on our 2nd year on this as well, but we went back to the core K for this year.  We did core 1 last year, but I wasn't ready for core 2, and it was a great choice.  The K is great for both big girls, and is holding their interests exceptionally well.  (Mine too!).  We are currently reading "The Apple and the Arrow" by .  We are also using Usborne's "Children's Encyclopedia".  On some days we read Eric Carle's "Animal's Animal's", and Mother Goose rhymes.   I normally do the encyclopedia last so the girls can look over the pictures themselves - if appropriate!  After the read-alouds, the girls head off to their readers.  Cassy (5yo) is doing the regular readers, while Shayla (7yo) is on the level 2 Advanced readers.  Cassy is reading the "Children's bible", while Shayla is reading "Shadrach".  I ask them a couple of questions when they finish to ensure they actually understood what they read.  By then, it is usually 11, so we have some free time while I figure out lunch. 

Lunch can be pretty chaotic, and on special days, my mom comes over to join us.  We finish eating by 12:30 and Graycie lays down for her nap.  The girls have "quiet time".  I normally lay down for a quick nap as well.  On special days they get to watch a movie during this time.  We are reading about Moses this week, so on Friday they will get to watch "Prince of Egypt". 

After quiet time, we have another snack, then just play around until 4.  We try to do a quick clean of the house, and prepare dinner so everything is ready when daddy gets home.  We finish dinner around 6, and daddy usually cleans up the kitchen while I give the girls their baths and get them ready for bed.  Then, it is couch time for mommy and daddy.  We use that time to discuss our day, and the girls know they need to find something to do and let us speak.  A dear friend gave us this idea years ago, and it has been a huge blessing for our family.  (Thanks!).  After that, the girls go wild with daddy, then we put them to bed around 8. 

As you can see, our days are pretty relaxed, but quite full.  They will get even more full once our new little bundle comes and destroys our schedule!  We are also going to be adding in ballet, gymnastics, and family activities for the warmer months.  What a joy to be given this blessed life. 

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• Feb. 21, 2007
I'm learning

I was reading in a magazine about organic foods.  This is something I've never really put any thought into, odd, I know.  The author was listing which organic foods are most important to use, one of which is milk.  I had no idea.  Evidently, if you are a person who drinks large quantities of it, you should drink the organic because of the hormones they put into it.  I love milk.  I love cereal, my snack and dessert of choice.  Therefore, I am going to buy some organic white stuff tomorrow to try out.  It said it is especially important in young children and pregnant people, we fall into both of those!  I'm also going to try the fruits.  We aren't big meat eaters, so I think I can manage to skip that part.  I've been reading a lot on health foods.  I want to change our family eating habits.  We don't eat awful now, but I know with a few simple changes we can do much better.  One main thing is to serve more fruits and veggies with each meal.  I'm even going to plant a garden once we get our home.  I also saw there is a farmers market downtown from May to October, so I'll be there as well. 

My hubby's birthday is this weekend!  I love his birthday :)  My mom is going to watch the girls while we go out for a couple of hours for some much needed adult time.  We are also going to visit our dear friends in western Kentucky for a night.  It should be a very restful and fun weekend.  Probably the last one for a long time!  

My mom and I went shopping this weekend and purchased the crib for our little jelly bean.  I also picked out the bed set I want for her.  It is pink and brown with butterflies.  The best part, is it will match (somewhat) with my oldest daughters choice of bed linens - pink leopard print.  It should be an interesting contrast.  We ordered that bed set yesterday as well.  Can you tell I'm trying to nest without my own home?!    I'm now on the hunt for blankets for the middle girls room.  Their walls are a pretty green, and since I'm not a painter, I have to find a set to match. 

I've been on this computer way too long,  but now everyone knows what is going on around here :)  I hope everyone has a wonderful day/week. 

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• Feb. 14, 2007
Beatiful!

I just have to say, I didn't think the winter could get any more beautiful, and I was completely wrong!  We had a really big storm up here yesterday, and lots of people were (some still are) out of power.  We were very blessed to be one of the ones who kept ours.  There was lots of ice, and then lots of snow.  This morning, there are icicles everywhere, all the trees are covered in ice and there is at least 4 inches of snow on top of all that.  With the early morning sun shining on the ice, it looks like thousands of little rainbows on everything.  You can also hear the tiny cracking of the ice when the wind blows the trees.  It is just beautiful!  I am so thankful to be able to see all this.  I'm sure that some of you who have always lived in the snow regions may think I'm crazy, but I am so in love with winter!   I'm sure I'll be saying the same thing when spring comes!  Here are a couple of pictures - my camera fogged up, but you get the idea!

I'm going to let the kids out to play after school.  They received new round sleds from my mom for Valentines Day, so they should have a blast.  I hope to take some pictures without fog at that point!  The snow plow just went by, so he took some of the beauty with him.  I guess people need to be able to drive...  Oh well. 

As for our house, the offer was accepted - woo hoo!  We are planning to close on March 5th, Lord willing.  This is a very exciting time for all of us, especially my mom who will finally get to move into her new condo!  I will be very thankful when the process is over.  Paperwork is overwhelming me. 

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• Feb. 11, 2007

I've learned quite a few things these last few days.  First of all, 2 year olds are excellent under bed stuff getters.  In case you have no idea what I mean (most likely), I'll explain.  I have been finding all kinds of neccesary things under my bed.  Especially shoes and clothes.  I have no idea how they get there, but they do.  Instead of trying to wiggle myself under there and never make it back out, I've enlisted my toddler to go get them.  It is wonderful!  I just tell her what I want and she brings it to me!  I suppose I could even make it educational by asking for colors or shapes.  

Secondly, those ridiculous looking knit caps (we call them beanies) everyone wears are quite wonderful.  They keep you nice and toasty, plus, as an added bonus, you don't have to do your hair!  I am used to just throwing mine up anyway, but that is proving impossible since my ears and neck then freeze.  So, these hats are the solution, a conclusion everyone else up here already came to.  I just love the north!  I am even starting to think they are cute, especially since the kids and I have them in pink with Colts logos.  :)   

Lastly, I've learned that buying a house isn't nearly as much fun as I thought it would be.  I imagined the joys of looking at all these wonderful homes, picking the ideal one for our family, and moving in.  Back to reality - there are a ton of houses out there, and the ones that are ideal for our family, are evidently also ideal for another family.  We are now on our 3rd, (actually 4th - but it was too expensive).  The first one someone else put a contract on before we could even get the word out, the 2nd one, we were scheduling a 2nd showing just to make sure it was that ideal and it sold before we could.  Yesterday, we looked at some more and even found 2 we really liked.  We decided to make an offer on one within an hour of seeing it.  Wouldn't you know, someone else did the same thing?  Now, we are awaiting the call from the owner to let us know whose "offer" was most pleasing.  Best of all, each of these homes have been on the market less than a week when we decide on them.  This is not the fun I envisioned.  At all.  The mortgage process is also quite aggravating!  Granted, the people helping us are simply wonderful, just the paperwork is icky. 

We are off to get groceries!

 

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• Feb. 6, 2007
Another snow day!

It looks like we are in for some heavy snow today - I am so excited!  Especially since I don't actually have to leave my home.  I will be praying for those on the roads (hubby & mom), because they appear to be a mess once this hits. 

I receive a daily encouragement email from Proverbs 31 ministries, and I received one last week that really touched me.  If you don't subsribe to this, you really should try it out ( www.proverbs31.org ).  It has been a blessing in my email box!  I was trying to figure out a way to share a little of the email, and finally today, I realized I could post about it.  To sum it up, it was written by Lysa TerKeurst, and it was about loving your husband.  The story was good, but the prayer at the end is what really got me.  It said "May I always understand that being married was not meant to just make me happy but make my character more holy. Help me remember being married is less about having the right partner and more about being the right partner.  Shape me into the wife my husband needs and deserves."  I think this is so important.  We tend to get caught up in the "me" part of our lives, instead of focusing on what God has called us to do.  It doesn't tell us it will be easy or that we only have to be the good wife when hubby is doing everything great.  Our actions do, although, bless us through our obedience, and that blessing is so special!    Our husbands are such a gift from God, created especially for us.  Thanks for letting me share that!  I just love being married, and I pray for everyone to share in that bliss :)

On to our household news - Our school has been going wonderful!  The books we are reading are holding our thoughts, we can't wait to start a new chapter!  That is my favorite part of schooling, when the kids want more!  (and I do too ;) )  We are still awaiting our new home.  The one we had picked out was under contract before we were able, so that wasn't the home God had planned for us.  We have found another one, which will suit us very well, so hopefully we can get the details worked out fairly soon.  I'd love to be moved in & organized at least a couple of months before our new little one arrives.  I am waiting to prepare for her until we get the rest of the family settled in. 

I've already broken my rule of no television before school.  The girls woke up early, and caught us watching the weather, so we allowed them a little time of their own.  Hopefully, it won't ruin their attention span this early! 

 

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• Feb. 1, 2007
Creativity of kids

This afternoon as I was checking on my girls I noticed a weird line across their room with an Elmo doll hung in the middle of it.  They patiently explained to me that it was a "spit" to barbeque and Elmo was the meat.  We are reading "The Boxcar Children" and they adapted it with their own little imaginations.  I was so proud!  I love that aspect of homeschooling.  It is such a blessing to know they are paying attention and actually applying it. 

I am in the process of preparing a menu list for the next few weeks and trying to double up on some meals to freeze in preparation for our new little one and the busy weeks that will follow.  I did the once a month cooking for a couple of months before we moved, but it fell to the wayside during all the chaos.  I don't think I have the energy for a huge cooking session so I am just going to double or triple the evening meals I make.  We don't have a big freezer now either (that was left behind) so my space is limited to store them.  I hope to have our freezer back once we get settled, then I can stock up.

It is bath time - probably the hardest time of the day for me.  I tend to get stressed trying to bathe 3 kids.  It seems like everything goes out of control during this time of the evening.  My hubby is getting ready to pull out Shayla's (my oldest's) tooth, so I have to get out of here! 

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• Jan. 31, 2007

I lost my last post...  Oh well, it wasn't that interesting.  A quick update - hubby is starting his new job on Friday - his first in 5 months!  I have no idea how I'm going to cope without him all day :(  I've gotten so used to his constant presence.  What a blessing this time has been.  We went to my first OB appt. yesterday and got to see our little bundle. Her heart looked good, and everything seemed to be going good.  I am almost 6 months - where has the time gone?  This has been the quickest seeming pregnancy I've ever had.  I am just now starting to look at baby stuff (we gave everything away after our last one of course!).  There are so many cute pink accessories these days!  We have found the house we want, now we just have to wait and see if all the little details work out for us to have it.  We are supposed to get bunches of snow tonight, so we are off to shop for some warm clothes!

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• Jan. 20, 2007
another entry?

I know, it is unbelievable for me to have posted twice in a week.  I just had to come on really quickly and tell everyone I'm sorry!  I had somehow turned off my comment settings, so I missed all of your wonderful comments from the last months... Oops...  Anyway, I'm trying to play catch up, and thank you all for your encouragement! 

On another note, and since I'm already posting - It is finally supposed to snow tonight - and stick!  Yay!  I guess I have to get some shopping done today.  Long johns are at the top of the list, although I have no idea how I'll squeeze into any.  I've also heard to stock up on milk and bread, kind of like hurricane preperation in Florida.  Only much colder.  Ah, the joy of transition!

 

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• Jan. 18, 2007
another week goes by

I cannot believe how quickly time is going by these days.  Normally, when I'm pregnant, time crawls.  I am already 21 weeks - woo hoo!  After 3 attempts I even found my new doctor's office.  I am definitely getting situated around here.  I am still feeling great - a few more weeks until the bigness really sets in.  I do have a bit of trouble sleeping, but I am chalking that up to a smaller bed during our condo stay.  We are used to a big king, so a queen is taking some adjusting. 

We went to get our new tag and driver's license's yesterday.  The tag went well.  I was able to get one that says "In God We Trust".  Isn't that wonderful?!  They passed a law allowing it to be written on tags here - the free ones even!  I just love this place.  When we tried to get our licenses, it was a bit more tricky.  We had to take a written test, needless to say, both hubby and I failed.  It was hard!  They make you know the road signs just by their shape!  We had a good laugh over that one.  We are headed back today after studying last night.  We thought it would be common sense, which it was, but we were not at all prepared.  The office was wonderful too, we are used to at least an hour wait, but there was no one there.  And people were so friendly!  It almost makes going back for the re-test acceptable... Almost.  It was a good lesson for our kids about studying :)

We received our new school books in the mail yesterday.  We do our school year from year to year, not the traditional school year, so we are starting a bit late, but we will officially get to it on Monday.  The kids were already begging to read the books as soon as we opened the box.  I confess, I wanted to as well, but it makes starting "school" that much better. 

That about updates our going ons.  We have looked at a few houses, but so far, we haven't made any concrete decisions.  We have only viewed the inside of one, but we are trying to see another tonight or Saturday.  We'll see!

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• Jan. 10, 2007

This move has been wonderful.  Each day we wake up and I am so thankful the Lord blessed us to be able to come up here.  We still haven't seen snow, but I'm hoping that happens soon.  We are probably one of the few people up here who desire it!  We are finally settled in I think.  At least physically.  I still feel like we are on vacation.  We have to get new licenses, which means taking a written test and eye exam.  I am not looking forward to that.  I don't even like testing my children.  Oh well, it should be interesting.  I passed it on my first try in florida, how many will it take now that I am older and.... wiser?

Last night we went to dinner at this really nice restaurant a little ways out of town.  It was located in a little town called Story, population of 5.  Well, the food was really good, but the place itself was simply awesome.  All kinds of old stuff, and it was located in a little bed and breakfast type inn.  Anyway, on the way home through the curvy, hilly back roads we saw 18 deer!  It was definitely something we haven't experienced before! 

 

 

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• Jan. 5, 2007
we finally made it

We are hoosiers at last!  We arrived up here on New Year's Day, an appropriate day for a huge new start to our family.  Since then, it has been more and more exciting!    Each day we find something else that blesses us.  The actual logistics of the move have been rather challenging.  Trying to change all the addresses, figuring out where places are, and simply making us fit.  I never knew how wonderful a garage could be!  We haven't had one since having children, and wow, it is just awesome!  It makes our home so much less cluttered. 

One thing we found out about living up north last night ~ they don't sell little fans during the winter.  They are "seasonal" merchandise.  The thing is, we sleep with a fan just for the noise.  Unfortunately, I am such a light sleeper that this is truly aggravating!  I am going to have to find one online today to order!

My hubby has been simply wonderful during this process.  He has unpacked, organized and just been supportive the entire time.  I am truly blessed to be married to him.  The girls have been little troopers as well.  They have adjusted quickly.  Only my 2 year old has asked for her cousin, and her best friend.  Our cat settled in within an hour, and rode in my truck without a peep for 1000 miles.  We did have to leave our dog until we can find a home here to accomodate him. 

We dearly miss our family back in Florida, but we also know that this is where we need to be at this point in our lives.  I can't wait until we get our own home and can have visitors up all the time!  God has been so good to us, I would love to share our blessings with others. 

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• Dec. 27, 2006
a busy month

I've taken too long to post yet again...  We've had so much going on, that it seemed like I didn't even know where to start, so I didn't.  :)  So, this is a long, try to bear with me. Thanks!

First of all, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.  We definitely did.  I can't believe it, but we forgot to make Jesus' birthday cake!  I have no idea where my head was (or is lately).  It looks like we are going to be making it tonight.  Better late than never.  We were all given brand new bikes by my mother in law and hubby's aunt!  I cannot wait to use them.  My hubby still has to put his together, so I'm not really sure when we'll actually start as a family, maybe June?  Anyway, I haven't had a new bike in 15 years, so I felt like a kid again.  Mine even has one of those big comfy seats.  The kids like theirs too, but I think the adults were most excited!  Our 2 year old even received one.  Too cute. 

The week before Christmas was way too eventful.  Last Sunday my middle girl woke up with a really high fever and kept me up all night soothing her.  Then, our oldest daughter was running through the house (a definite no-no) and fell rather loudly.  I saw it happen and just shook my head thinking, "there she goes again", because she is rather clumsy.  About the time I had that thought she started screaming for Daddy, a good thing since I am useless in emergencies.  Chad ran in there and saw what had happened, and immediately told me we were going to the hospital.  Evidently, she had hit her head on our tv armoir and it was pretty severe.  Hubby had to put pressure on it to stop the bleeding, then relegated me to the task while he called his aunt (a nurse) that lives next door.  By the time his aunt got here I was extremely close to passing out since I was stupid enough to actually look at the boo-boo.  I am not good with injuries, but especially since this pregnancy, I've had the weakest stomach.  So, my poor child is laying on the bed in misery, and I can't even comfort her...  We had to take her to the er to get stitches and she was a trooper.  We get home, get back to nursing my middle baby, and take the rest of the day as easy as possible.  Monday, I am woken up by 2 little girls with raging fevers, my 2 yo decided to get in on the fun.  Hubby and I had a doctors appointment for an ultrasound to check if our baby had downs, (I took that awful screening test).  So, my mil comes to babysit while we go there.  Of course, while we are gone, the 2 girls get ridiculously sick.  Throwing up, lethargic, etc.  We get home too late for the doctor, so we get up Tuesday and take all 3, since my oldest joined in.  Come to find out they all had strep and bronchitis.  Then, my middle one got worse after the antibiotics, so we had to get chest xrays and find out she had bronchiolitis witha  touch of rsv.  She started breathing treatments and is finally much better. Enough information?  By Christmas we were exhausted. 

We still have not  moved.  The person buying it is having to wait on their lender for a closing date, which seems to be taking way too long.  We had the appraisal last week, so we are now simply waiting.  I was hoping to be in Indiana by now, but alas, here we are, thankfully with our good doctors at least! 

Lastly, our sonogram went wonderfully.  Our baby had a 1 in 5 chance of having downs according to the screening test.  Some serum marker thing.  Anyway, the sonographer and doctor were able to check 4 of the 5 "markers" for downs and all were great.  They said I still have a 10-15% chance of the baby having it, but we will be going back in a month for another sonogram to check the last marker, the heart.  That was a harrowing experience to say the least.  Regardless, we are resting in the good Lord's faithfulness and grace.  He will take care of us and this little precious life. 

Also, it's a GIRL!  Our 4th girl!  we are so blessed beyond measure. 

It is finally cold here, only in the 60's and 70's.  How will we survive?

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• Dec. 12, 2006
busy weekend

I just love the new blog pages!  It seems to be a little more user friendly, at least for me.  I did have a bit of trouble trying to remember my password.  :)  You'd think I'd know it by now, but no, it took me forever to log in.  I actually wrote it down this time.  They sell these really cute books at christianbook.com that are called password keepers.  Probably not the best idea if someone breaks into your home, but I'm hoping I don't have to worry about that. 

We had a wonderful weekend.  We were able to see the shuttle lift off at night.  It was absolutely breathtaking.  The idea of having men on that shuttle able to leave this earth and fly into space is fascninating.  Our 2 year old was watching and said "flyman go to the star".  It was too cute.  For those of you who have never seen a night launch, when the shuttle first takes off it lights up the entire eastern sky.  A truly amazing sight.  We were so thankful first of all that the astronauts made it safely to space, but also to be able to watch it firsthand with our children.  We came home and watched NASA television for all the different camera angles of the launch.  If you are ever in Florida when a launch is scheduled, you should definitely try to see it.  Just bear in mind that they tend to be scrubbed quite frequently. 

We finally started packing yesterday.  We were able to finish the playroom closet.  It sounds like a small accomplishment, but it was actually a great feat.  Today we cleaned off our computer desk.  At this rate we should be packed by March. 

I hope everyone has a great week.  We have lots of ballet practices and a Christmas show on Friday night.  I love this time of year!

 

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• Dec. 7, 2006

I went to the doctor yesterday and everything is going great with my jelly bean.  I am 15 weeks, so I can't find out what the baby is for a few more weeks.  We are those impatient people who simply cannot wait until the baby is born to know what it is.  I am a planner, so I like having everything ready for the arrival.  I do plan on having the person doing the sonogram write the gender on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope so my hubby and I can open it in private.  Yesterday, my doctor decided it would be fun to tease me and say it was a boy since the heartbeat was so slow.  Keep in mind, this is the doctor that has delivered all 3 of my girls and never gave an inkling to what they were.  He puts no credit into the old wives tales, but just for fun I decided to take some of their tests.  I honestly don't care whether it is a boy or girl, I just like the guessing game.  So, here are the results.  If all the wives tales are true, then i would be having a boy.  I figure I can prove most of them wrong in a few weeks if it is a girl.  I already discredited the way you carry the baby as being a boy or girl.  I carried differently with each of my girls and they were obviously all girls.  The ones I didn't know about were craving salty foods, and having severe morning sickness.  I developed a huge sweet tooth with all my girls, and the sickness was nothing like this.  The baby's heartbeat was 140, so it was right on the line of choosing between a boy and a girl.  I do remember my girls usually being around 160, but I've read that is based on fetal age, not gender.  I can't remember most of the other tales, those were just the ones that struck my memory as funny.  I can't wait to find out and share the results! 

 

We did another Sea World trip yesterday.  There was hardly anyone in the whole park!  It was simply wonderful.  We let the girls choose one souvernier since we probably won't be returning for a while, and they chose an educational dvd about killer whales.  Isn't that wonderful?!  If you are ever on vacation here in sunny, warm Florida, you have to make a day for Sea World.  They have the largest playground and kiddie rides for the younger set that is amazing.  They even have a roller coaster my 5 and 7 yo's could go on!  I will miss the perks of living in Central Florida, but I feel like I'm going to be gaining so much more by moving. 

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• Dec. 6, 2006

A little bit about school today.  Imagine that, blogging about homeschooling!  ;) 

 

We recently started the "book it" program with pizza hut.  The girls read a certain amount of books per month, (set by me), then I award them with a free pizza certificate.  This has been great for motivating my 5yo, but my 7yo is having a much harder time.  We've asked her to write book reports instead of just reading because she flies through books.  I wanted a way to ensure she is "getting" it.  Well, she is not fond of writing.  I have not yet used a formal language or spelling program and I think it is time.    She loves to read and draw, but when it comes to actually writing anything, she balks.  She used to cry when she did her handwriting books!  We eventually just stopped those because it made us so crazy to force her.  Any suggestions for the relucant writer?

 

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• Dec. 4, 2006
first tooth

Last night my oldest dd lost her first tooth.  It was quite a feat.  It has been loose for a couple of weeks, and another big one was already coming in behind it, so it was ready to be out.  Unfortunately, my hubby was playing with her and hit her chin which knocked it really loose.  He had to go ahead and pull it out.  Where was mommy?  I was hiding in the kitchen trying very hard not to get physically sick over the whole ordeal.  Isn't that awful?  I couldn't even look into her little mouth!  I'm sick now thinking of it.  Evidently, I have a very weak stomach.  Good thing I'm not a doctor!  The worst part about it, was we didn't have anything prepared for her to put under her pillow.  She know the tooth fairy isn't real, but we still wanted to mark the event.  I guess we'll try to figure out something today for her. 

 

I wore my first maternity clothes this weekend, so I guess I am officially pregnant.  I'm in my 4th month already. 

 

2 posts in 2 days, simply amazing! 

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• Dec. 3, 2006
still around

I know, it seems like I am never posting anymore, but I have a really great excuse - it has been chaos around here!  I'll touch on the big ones, but basically we are just going in a thousand directions. 

 

We are still in the process of selling our home.  At this point we are just waiting on an appraisal, then we will get to close and head up north to Indiana.  After many prayers and discussions, we feel that this is where God wants us at this point in our lives.  I've had many times when I ask myself what we are doing, but then I just pray again, and hope we are doing the right thing.  It will definitely be a big change for us!  We are hoping to be up there before Christmas.  Needless to say, I haven't even started packing because I want to ensure the appraisal goes well.  We've just been driving around saying good-bye to places we've known our entire lives.  It is a very exciting time around here.  We are tentatively planning on moving around the 16th.  We will be staying in my mom's new condo with her until we can find a home for us.  The funniest part about that, is my mom is closing on the 15th, so we'll be moving in with her at the same time she is trying to get settled.  It should be lots of fun. 

 

On a different chaotic note, we have been doing all the fun ballet stuff that keeps us busy this time of year.  My big girls were in a parade Saturday morning, and then they have an extra practice each week until their Christmas show on the 15th.  The parade was so neat.  I was so proud of my little darlings to be such big girls in front of all those people.  My oldest, who is 7, was marching and dancing, while my 5 yo was riding on the float.  Too cute.  There were ridiculously hot after since it was about 85 degrees and sunny.  Kind of sad when you think about blizzards everywhere else.  I'm definitely ready for a cool down. 

 

As for our Christmas this year, it is just going to be very relaxing.  We will be packing all of our decorations and tree, so we'll be using my moms.  Our stuff is going to stay in storage until we find a home, hopefully soon!  I've already done all my shopping, so we are going to give our families here their presents before we leave, then we'll take our kids stuff up north to open on Christmas morning.  At least one thing will be normal.  I'm going to try to maintain a few of our traditions as best we can.  We'll still make a birthday cake for Jesus, see the lights on Christmas eve, and hopefully bake cookies.  Other than that, the festivities will be off until next year.  I do hope to see a few tourist things before we leave here.  We will probably go to Disney to see their light display (completely fantastic!), as well as Sea World.  I doubt we'll be coming back anytime soon to visit the parks, so we have to pack it in. 

 

Okay, this was so long, but I needed to catch everyone up on our lives.  I'll try to keep a steady blog, but no promises.  I don't even know if we'll have internet access up there for a while!

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• Nov. 9, 2006

I went to the doctor again yesterday, and I got to see a new picture of my little jelly bean.  It already has little bitty arms and legs, with a giant head!  You'd think after having 3 kids that this would be almost repetitive, but I feel like it is my first!  I am constantly amazed that God can create something so awesome in my belly.  I am now 11 weeks along.  That is amazing as well! 

 

The girls are doing their morning "services" so I have a few moments to catch up on email.  My darling hubby allowed me to sleep in this morning, and I even had a few quiet moments to do a bible study before being bombarded.  It was such a luxurious blessing.  I am definitely in better "spirits" after my time with God. 

 

Last night I was working on our Christmas cards, which I planned to make, and while searching the internet for ideas, I stumbled upon a free holiday planner on Family Fun's website.  It is so neat, as are all their crafts!  It has lists for menus, cards, crafts, gifts.  All things I make lists of anyway, but now I have them organized into a handy red binder, and I even placed my Thanksgiving crafts in the back.  I have been saving pages out of magazines of fun things I wanted to do this holiday season, and they were being piled, rather unorganized, onto my desk.  I ended up taping them to pages in my planner so I would have easy access to them without digging through piles of junk.  I am rather impressed with the easiness of it, and embarrassed that I didn't think of it myself. 

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• Nov. 5, 2006

We've had a busy weekend!  Yesterday we went to have our kids portraits done with their cousins.  It was a blast!  The pictures were taken by my sister in laws brother, who is especially talented.  He took our pictures a couple of years ago, and they are still my most treasured ones.  Anyway, back to the present, the pictures are priceless!  I just can't wait to mail them with our Christmas cards.  They will be an extra special treasure when we are all moved away.  At this point in time we live next door to each other :) . 

 

Today was my oldest nephews birthday.  He turned 10 years old!  I simply cannot believe how quickly he has grown.  We had a wonderfully comfortable family get together and at the end all the big guys and kids played a challenging match of frisbee.  A great way to end the weekend.  

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