It's a good thing you're deaf!

That's what Bill said to me when we left church. Apparently as we were leaving he kept hearing people say things like, "My word, she looks like she's going to pop!" I was blissfully unaware of such things as I was leaving. Honestly I'm pretty used to it but it would be nice if people would say other things than to comment on how big I am. Just in the last week I've heard the same tired lines like, "You're going to have your hands full!" or "Don't you know what causes that?" and "Are you sure there's just one in there." My answers follow: 1. yes, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 2. Yes, I know what causes that...obviously we like it very much!" 3. Yes, there's only one. Deafness actually comes in handy many times. Bill's snoring has never bothered me. The stuff I catch the kids saying is band enough...I can't imagine hearing everything.

Anyway, I enclosed a picture of myself. I'm definitely close!

Cloth Diaper wishlist and other thoughts.

In the midst of all the stress of recent days I decided to shop at Cottonbabies. I love that store and decided to register there. A couple of people have asked what I would like for the baby. I basically have everything but this is a list of things that would be SO nice to have. Here's the link if you're interested. http://www.cottonbabies.com/1086.php.

We're still working on getting the kids healthy. We are doing what we can and praying about the rest. For a change I'm glad I'm still pregnant and not bringing a newborn into a potentially hazardous environment. I'm done with basic planning of school but haven't done much for the year plan. I may not get to it and once again fly by the seat of my pants! What a surprise!

I'm coming up on my 13th wedding anniversary! I'm getting to be an old married woman! Ha! It's funny because in some ways it feels like I've know Bill forever but in other ways I can't believe it's been 13 years. We have a lot to show for it. We have a house, 4.75 children, a dog, and a lot of laughter. Bill was bouncing around the house singing today. I think he's delirious at having a saturday off, getting to work with wood (he's making bunkbeds), and it's not soccer time yet. Our saturdays will be full from here on out until november! I should be cleaning but instead I'm doing laundry and blogging. I might make a recipe from my new Ben and Jerry's cookbook....chocolate makes everything more bearable.

What fun for me!

Well, not really. It looks like the kids may have MRSA. What that means is way more laundry and special bathing protocols for a while. The good news is that the kids don't seem to be bothered too much by it and I don't think me or Bill have it but what a pain. I'm already feeling behind on doing things.

I've been trying to find a dumb map of the U.S. during the French/Indian war but I can't after 2 hours of surfing find one. I just want something the kids can color but there aren't any to be had. I want to finish planning history out for the week but it's such slow going.

I look on the bright side though, at least I don't have a newborn yet to deal with while trying to contain the outbreak. I just hope it clears quickly.

One Old Vet

This is an interesting video that I found today. If you believe in Government run health care, go visit your local VA hospital or talk to someone in Cananda who's been on a waiting list for a life giving procedure. If you don't have a problem with illegal aliens please read about what happened to Rev. Scott Willis and his wife Janet who lost 6 of their nine children in a fiery car accident because the truck driver couldn't understand english enough to respond to repeated warnings that his truck had something dangling from it. Both political parties are corrupt and don't care to run the country according to conviction, only according to polls and money. Now I'm not so isolationist that I believe we shouldn't ever get involved with world affairs and/or am against all immigration. But I do believe we need to be wary of foreign entanglements (as warned to us by George Washington) and I believe immigrants should come here legally and learn english. People of different faiths are welcome here but this campaign to take God out of everything is ridiculous. The non-establishment clause was to protect the church against the state as our forefathers witnessed the Kings and Queens of different countries burning everyone of a different faith and then to have the pendulum swing back again.

I actually had a refugee ask me to figure out how she could take the citizenship test without learnng to read or speak english.....uh, no...sorry. I told her that was offensive to me as an American and pure laziness on her part. She didn't ask again.

I'd appreciate hearing your response to what this man says.

Eeek! Baby Gavin needs an extreme makeover!

Here's a picture of Gavin as made by this website that takes two pictures and combines it. I feel sorry for him if he really looks like this. Too funny. It's good for a laugh though.
What do you think about my little new baby Gavin?
MakeMeBabies.com - What will your baby look like?

Lee-HAm the Forth!

Here are some pics of Liam in Dylan's old cape. He loved running up and down the halls with it on and fluttering behind him. His face shows that he thinks he's such royalty. I love the combination of fat thighs, diaper, and gold, sparkly cape.

I just got back from the doctor and I'm 1-2 cm dialated and 50% effaced. It's not much but then I'm still early. Maybe this little guy will be more cooperative than the others. It could happen but I won't hold my breath either.

Last night Taylor treated me to a massage. She did my feet, legs, hands, arms, tummy, and shoulders. It was wonderful. I hadn't felt that good and relaxed in a long time. What a daughter I have. It was such a beautiful act of service.

Focusing on the positive

I have realized that my attitude has not been the best lately. I could make all sorts of excuses but really I've just been in a funk. I heard this audio selection from Grace GEms that really put it into perspective for me. http://playmp3.sa-media.com/filearea/81308211683/81308211683.mp3 REally life is too short to go about harboring resentment for little things. If Christ could look upon his executioners with forgiveness then shouldn't I be able to get over my frustrations over rudeness and inconsideration? I can through Christ who strengthens me.

I've realized too that my quiet times have been erratic and not as long as I'd like and this has affecting things for me too. If you think of it you could pray for me. The time for the new baby is short and I'd like to be positive for everyone's sake.

The Meanest most lame Mom ever!

I guess it's my turn to be one of those! Today my dd called me lame because I won't let her pick out my next set of checks. I told her she could pick out her own set but now I'm lame because I only pick out lame things.

My ds's eyes were completely bloodshot and he was flopping all over the couch due to fatigue and I sent him to bed at 8:30, thus I am the meanest most unfair mom ever.

They say I live to give demerits....hmmm....it would be a different story if they would do what they need to like put their stuff away. I know I've been a horrible role model for that one though so I guess I can't blame them too much.

Anyway, I guess I've officially crossed over to the parent who doesn't know anything category. I'm sure it doesn't help that my dd programs my cellphone for me and picks out my avatar. I probably could do these things if I had patience but I don't. She told me the other day that she so enjoyed shopping with Nana because she has taste in clothes and I don't. Ouch! I bit back the comment in my head about letting that be a priority over other things! Oy!

Parenting is an unusual journey. It starts out being so physically demanding that you don't know which end is up because you're so sleep deprived and exhausted. It transitions into nights of full sleep for a while and then goes back to sleepless nights because you're wondering where they are.

I keep hoping that by doing things for them they won't think I'm so bad. Yesterday Taylor got to invite a friend swimming, I played several matches of boggle with Dylan, and I played horse with Austin. I'm under the delusion that by doing these things it will produce happy children. I now know all you can do is the best you can and in the end the good will outweigh the bad in their memories. I'm not perfect and neither are they.

On the bright side Taylor made me a bracelet, Austin offered to help with Liam, and Dylan took Liam roller blading. I guess maybe I should be the one to focus on what's right and not the occasional bonehead comment that comes out of their mouth. Lord knows I had my share!

Dealing with Discouragement

I'm having a tough time this week. I've been working very hard to purge, organize, and get ready for 4 weeks now but it never seems to be enough. I'm constantly swimming on a tidal wave of junk and feel like I"m spinning my wheels. My one son I have disciplined every day for leaving stuff out and talking back but it doesn't seem to be helping....he's still scattering his things everywhere. I found a cloth napkin in someone's lego box and there were pool toys all over the blue room (the ones no one plays with). I feel like gathering it all and starting a bonfire in my front yard! My neighbors would like that, especially when someone called the County on us for stacking plywood against the house and hoarding tree limbs in our front yard! Urrr!

One of my sons is sick and just wants to sleep all day, definitely not typical for him. So we're stuck at home and my other children and whining about having to stay here with nothing to do (oh yeah, what about all the toys we have that you never play with?) I know this phase will pass but it is frustrating.

I'm trying to set up a class with homeschoolers (all of them contacted ME to say they were interested) but when it came time to commit I haven't heard from many of them. This is why I gave up trying to have the blooming class in the first place because I can't stand the, "oh yeah, I want to take that class" and then they never show up. Last year I had 4 people sign up for sewing class and then NONE of them showed up. One did offer to pay for it anyway but then never sent the check. Oy! It makes me not want to initiate anything with these people...oh yeah, I didn't they came to ME!

Okay, I know I'm hormonal and tired so things aren't looking up for me right now but that will change. When I was praying about it I felt like the Lord was saying, "You're so focused on what everyone's doing wrong instead of what everyone's doing right." Oops, okay. I guess I'll need help with that one!

Mr. Big Eyes

Liam does this funny thing now that we call big eyes. He tries to force his eyes really big and then waits for us all to laugh. These pictures don't capture it completely but they give you an idea. He's such a ham.

Last night I told him to tell Dylan good night and he said very clearly, "Night, night Dylan!" and gave him a hug. It was so cute. He says a new word every day now. He also pulls up my shirt to see baby Gavin and rub my tummy. Little does he know how much his life is about to change in about a month. For now he's just blissfully unaware.

To do list before the baby comes:

• Here's a list of all the things I want to do in the next three weeks.
  
  1. Make 3 more small and 3 more large diaper covers
  2. Plan school year
  3. Do study guides for reading
  4. Set up French class Tried but failed
  5. Set up sewing class Ditto
  6. Make closet organizer
  7. make dress for Taylor
  8. Make leotard for Taylor
  9. Make diaper bag
  10. Organize blue room and donate all the stuff I've accumulated.
  11. Buy 2 more bum genius newborn diapers, 4 smalls, and 4 medium.
  12. Make 10 liners/stuffers for diapers
  13. Finish shorts for the boys (get blue thread from Melanie!)
  14. Set up schedule for school year.
  15. Most of all, cover the year in prayer!
  Toodles!

Biking fun!

Believe it or not it is really cool today. It's actually too cold to go swimming. I suggested that the kids take a bike ride and take Liam in the trailer too. They had a great time although Taylor said she felt like a noodle afterwards. I'm jealous that they can go because I can't right now. I love to take the kids biking. Maybe in another two months?

I can't get over this weather though, it's way too nice for this part of the country in the middle of August. We had a picnic lunch today too where Taylor made finger sandwiches, chips, and fruit. We had a blast just enjoying the day the Lord made and each other. Right now the boys are making mud pies outside. Austin's trying to see how big of a mud lump (uh...brick) he can make. Boys! They're so dirty.

Who loves Spongebob?

Taylor of course. Actually all my kids love Spongebob. We own two different seasons of it! Oy! This is a Valentine mailbox Taylor made of the guy last year and she won a prize for it. I took a picture of it before we threw it away to the landfill (I can only take so much Spongebob myself!). It was part of our purge the kitchen week!

Here's a funny quote: "There are people for whom the glass is half full. For some the glass is half empty. Then there are guys who say, 'That glass is dirty, I ain't drinking that!'" That's something that they say at Bill's work about somebody there. We laugh about it.

The Olympics and other thoughts.

We've been enjoying watching the Olympics on t.v. together. It's been fun to see the kids really getting into it with me instead of moaning that it's not a Disney cartoon. Austin dreams of going someday for swimming or diving. You should see that kid dive.

We also got a surprise visit from Uncle Brett and Aunt Thea this weekend. It was wonderful to see Cousin Lily and go swimming at Nana's pool together. They came to cheer mom up after she lost her dog Shane. It was so sweet of them to come on such short notice.

The OB said that I'm going to go soon. I have six weeks at the most. That seems unbelievable to me! I told my brother that the next time I saw him I would have another baby! Wow! My sister in law commented on how much room I still had in my van. I laughed and said I would find a way to fill it. I don't know if God will bless us with anymore children but there will always be room for friends!

What we did today.

Well, it's been a fun and eventful day. First off, we went to Cottonbabies to help my friend Lesley buy cloth diapers for her girlfriend. It was great fun. I love buying cloth diapering things! Then I was toying with the idea of buying the Moby Wrap. I've seen someone at church wearing their baby like that and it seems so much snugger than the sling I have. It's $40 so I decided to wait and see if I could sell some things first to pay for it. Lesley then grabbed it out of my hands and bought it for me. She said now she knew what I wanted/needed and she could just get it. Thanks Lesley!!!!!!

We then went to lunch at Cici's pizza, always my kids favorite place to go. They gorged on pizza and snacks....too fun.

Liam took a 2.5 hour nap! Whoo-hoo! I got 3 diapers sewn today for Gavin. Only 13 more to go! We then picked up Anna, one of the kids' friends and went to the pool. They had a blast and Liam enjoyed floating in the pool with me.

AFterwards Anna stayed for dinner and showed the kids tricks with string. Taylor realized that she'd left her purity ring in the stroller and asked if I had it. No, in fact, I didn't realize that it was in there and so folded the stroller and put it in the trunk. We searched the van and didn't find it anywhere. It was probably back at the pool. Taylor was so upset and felt just awful for losing it. I told her to pray about it. I've seen in the past when I've prayed about finding something that inevitably things show up! She prayed right then and we loaded Liam up in the car and drove to find it. Sure enough there it was in our parking space, in perfect condition. We knew it was our space because it was marked with cheerios and dorito crumbs. Taylor immediately looked up and thanked God for letting her find the ring. She finally relaxed for the first time today!

Whew! WE're tired now. The baby's dropped and I'm 33 weeks! 7 more to go at the most! Yeah!

HEre are some pics of Taylor modeling the MOby wrap. She picked out the color and is so excited to use it on the new baby!

Kid's rock

This is the funniest video I've seen in the longest time. I just had to share.

Changes, changes

Here are some pictures of what Taylor decided to do one day for fun. If you've even seen my basement, it's called the pit of despair. For the life of me I can't figure out why they can't watch a dvd or video and not put it back when they're done. Well, Taylor decided to put all of them in the cases and line them up so you can read the spine. She picked up all trash on the floor and lined up all shoes neatly. It was such a blessing. She's really kept her room cleaned too. I wish that I had taken some before pictures so you could really get an appreciation of her work. She said her goal is to be a "little nana" . Well...we'll see.


What do you do after a hard days work? Play wedding and torture your brothers with dress up of course.

A homeschool family....

Here's a video that I've seen before about homeschoolers. It's corny but cute. As Dana would say, "They're freaks!" More and more I can relate. OUr neighbors definitely think we're cooky. You should have seen Marilyn's look when we pulled up in our new 12 passenger van. It was hilarious. She's gotten to the point where she just shakes her head at us.