Resting Sunday

After the full day yesterday and the not-so-great night of sleep last night, I was totally tired today. After church, we came home to yummy pot roast--a family fave for sure. Following lunch, everyone took a nap. That is such a rarity in our house!

I needed it for sure! Josh proceeded to put in an outlet outside in the front. His only little project he has planned for his vacation. It will certainly help at Christmas time with all of the Christmas lights!! I cleaned up the kitchen from lunch and did the dishes. Aliyah did school work. Why school today?? Well, we were busy Friday and didn't do school on Friday. I also did some other housework stuff/Sunday straighten up. Somehow on Sundays our house turns semi-disastrous and I couldn't tell you why.

We took a quick walk up to grandma and grandpa's to check in. They were happy to see us. Grandpa had another rough day. We (Josh & I) are wondering if his hypoglycemia is turning more towards diabetes. Many of the symptoms are things that Josh's grandpa experienced with diabetes. Whatever it is, hopefully it can get regulated and under control soon. He seemed pretty okay during our brief visit tonight, but the issues may return tomorrow (who knows). Grandma seems to be doing okay. She completed her exercises today so that is good. I'm sure that she will be happy to be finished with the walker.

I guess the baby wants to go to work tomorrow as she has stayed put this weekend in spite of me moving around quite a bit and working outside. Just hoping for her to be born while daddy is on vacation! Josh has a little list of things to work on and will be playing with the girls, working on their bike riding skills, doing school with them, and loving the break from work. We are all so happy to see him so much this week!!

Hope everyone's weekend went well!

Surge Saturday

Since I'm taking the doctor's advice of staying active, we stayed busy last night doing things around the house. That continued this morning. I got up at 6 am and shortly after began getting ready for the day. We decided to all go to a few garage sales. There simply hasn't been nearly as many this year. I think we had 7 or so that we were going to this morning. The first one was like 2 blocks down. We found a few things today and several really cute Gymboree outfits last night to make the sales totally worthwhile.

Following the sales, we stopped by grandma's to check in before heading to a giant breakfast buffet! We ate to our heart's content, got a few groceries for an awesome deal and headed on our way. The store had one of those promos going that if you buy 6 boxes of Cheerios @ $1.88 each, they take $10 off immediately at the checkout. Not only that, but each box had a $1.00 off coupon on them making your total spent just under $5. On top of all that, the register gives you a $6 coupon to use the next time you shop!! Totally cool!

We headed to Target to use some coupons there for baby stuff. Target has a wonderful thing they do and this really is in there coupon policy. You can "stack" coupons there. In other words, if you have a Target coupon and a manufacturer's coupon for the same item, you can use them at the same time! Target sends out coupons as well as the register coupons that print when you shop there. This has been especially advantageous for stocking up on diapers and now formula. Today's deals...$2.50 Target coupon & $2.50 manuf. on Huggies diapers making them $3.99! I had 4 Similac coupons at $5.00 each off that they sent to me a few days ago. I didn't have any "stack" coupons, but Target had several cans of Similac formula on clearance for $10.20 each making them each $5.20 a can. If you have checked formula prices lately, you know...great deal! Tide detergent (my favorite)...they had a bottle of 48 load on clearance for $8.91 plus my $1.50 manuf. and $1.00 Target coupon making it $6.41! That is only approximately .13/load!!
We bought more, but there's more to the day so I'm moving along...

Mom called and asked us to stop by grandma's house after Target because grandpa was having a really bad sick spell. If he doesn't eat the right food or if he eats something he shouldn't there can be big problems. Well, today was one of those almost diabetic-coma like days. He couldn't remember what day it was nor what happened to grandma and he must have asked those questions 4 times each at least. He kept coming close to passing out and was pretty emotional. Grandma hasn't been able to "take care" of him like usual with her hospital stay. Obviously, something he ate triggered a really bad spell. Grandma said he hasn't had one this bad for a long time. It may go on and off for several days.
Anyway, while we were there, we decided to work on the yard situation. I've decided that older folks find a particular item they like and plant them everywhere or let them spread because they like them so much. They may have been able to keep it under control, but suddenly age takes over and they cannot. Well, this is the case at their house. We had abundant "fields of lavendar", Jerusalem artichokes that were over 7 feet tall and probably going for a good 20 foot stretch, and many many Rose of Sharon bushes that have grown way past what they should. The problem...lots of bugs, overgrown stuff and well you get the idea. We set to work and quickly ran out of trash cans for the "brush". We purchased lawn bags and proceeded to fill them up. The artichokes are now mowed down and gone, the lavendar has been trimmed out (most of the way), and the rose of sharon has been trimmed (the HUGE one anyway). It was a lot of sweat, but I didn't even go into labor!! Grandma & grandpa even sat out under the awning while we worked. We finished up after several hours and put a roast on for their lunch tomorrow.

We came home and kinda collapsed into our chairs for a brief snooze. It was dinner time and we did that, got gas for our car since we don't want to be empty when labor starts =). After coming home, we just worked on stuff that needs done...roast is on for our own lunch as well, laundry is done and put away, dishes done, house straightened up, and now we sit. My mom says this is that "surge of energy" before you go into labor. I guess we shall see about that.
Have a happy, blessed Sunday everyone!

Thankful

Lest I forget the blessings of the week...
So many places, so many ways this week we have been blessed...little things, big things/minor things/major things.
I won't go into them all, but I will say...thank you God for sending us these people and provisions in totally unexpected ways to touch our lives!
Grandma is out of the hospital and seems to be doing well. Sometimes, she has to be reminded that she had hip surgery and still needs to just be...
Aliyah wouldn't leave her during the time mom was there to help them. She told her stories and probably yacked on forever. She paid attention during the nurse and therapist visits and told me all about them later.
I'm happy to spend extra time with Josh this week while he is on vacation. Normally, we would tkae off and go somewhere, but you know...we are waiting for little #3!.
Have a blessed weekend!

Samples N Praises

I was excited today to see a package on my doorstep from Similac. It had 2 samples--one large can of formula and one regular can plus 4-$5.00 off coupons. YAY--keep on sending it Similac. It will be put to great use. Formula is more expensive every time we have kids, so any samples/coupons that they send are more than welcome in this house!

Also, grandma got home today (this morning). The girls were beyond excited and apparently were sitting right in her chair with her. Silly grandma, when I went to her house since they were there with my mom, I mentioned that I was going to the grocery store and then we would visit later--she says...just leave the girls here. I said "no" for obvious reasons. It was good to see her up and moving around even if it is with a walker. I think the biggest reason she is happy to be home is the food (no more hospital food).

Well, we are going to eat dinner, water flowers, and go on our evening walk with a stop off at grandma's house. Tomorrow, Josh starts vacation so baby can come anytime! Dr. appt in the morning and we shall see what they say.

Cherish

I have been reminded over the last few weeks of the importance of appreciating every day and all of the moments that make up those days with children & family. With that in mind, my goal is to try to forget all of those nagging items on my list and live in the moment. The girls have been "helping" me do this this summer. Whenever we go on a walk, Aliyah always begs for a detour over to see her great-grandma. She does this even if she has already seen grandma that day. For me, I don't always feel like we have extra time to go visiting. This summer we have stopped by more than ever and I'm glad.

Aliyah and her great-grandma (my grandma) share a special bond that goes back to when she was a baby. Great-grandma has the gift of time to give. When I say time, I mean time to devote to listening to endless non-sense at times and time to watch the girls play outside, time to fix the requested food, time to play games, and just about anything they would request. It's a gift that I'll admit, I don't always have. For the last 8 years, Aliyah has had the unique opportunity due to being homeschooled of spending at least a couple of days a week with great-grandma. Given the choice of going somewhere with us (out to eat or shopping or whatever) or staying at grandma's, she would always choose to go to great-grandma's.

She has really missed going to grandma's these last few weeks and has enjoyed the times where she can visit her. She has endless things to say and talk about and grandma has time to listen. So, last night when my mom told me that grandma had some bad news from the doctor, this hit me even harder just because of that special bond they share. I didn't tell Aliyah about the news, but just asked her to continue to pray that grandma gets better. With that child-like faith, she continues to pray and fully believes that she will be better.

Fortunately, the oncologists report was very optimistic that age would get the best of her before this particular cancer. That is wonderful news absolutely! It certainly doesn't change the reminder that we have been served of living and enjoying each day with the loved ones. Aliyah will have memories to last a lifetime of the time that great grandma spent with her, and I want her to continue to enjoy those. You see, it is good for both of them. Aliyah is big on family. Everything to her is family. She makes toys into families and her big wish is to have all of her grandparents at her parties etc...Unfortunately, due to age and health limitations, that isn't possible. I love that about her heart. I love that our girls have been gifted with the rare gift of great-grandparents that they can spend time with. I've just been reminded to love each day for what it is and who it can't be spent with. TV doesn't matter, chores not so much, and whatever else...cherish the time that has been given before it is gone!

Pray

Please pray for my grandma and family. Grandma got some news yesterday of cancer which caused the hip breakage. We don't know much or the extent. She will find out more today. Unless something changes, she gets out of the hospital tomorrow.

Low Key

This is a day off which is wonderful, but we aren't doing a whole lot--in the way of running around I suppose. It's all a mish-mosh of strange items that need done.
We slept in until 9 today for the first time in literally 6-7 months. It was much needed especially since sleep will become a rare commodity soon.

We got the oil changed, more laundry going, homeschool done for the day, the sprinkler on a rotating start around the yard, lunch eaten, and more to come...

Since we now have a car seat graduate, I'm selling 4 car seats on craigslist. We certainly do not need 4 additional seats sitting around and we wouldn't have a need for them anyway. One is sold, and two others may be sold before the day is over--I hope.

I'm at the point where I'm trying to keep every bit of laundry and dishes caught up so that nothing is left undone. Last night, we did some paint touch-ups. It was great to have it done and I have no idea why we waited to do it aside from forgetting about it.

The girls are in full swing school now and we have a schedule set up. We will miss a few days once baby girl gets here, but nothing to worry about.

Grandma gets to come home on Thursday so they say. She is glad most of all and everyone else is as well. Hopefully, the transistion goes well for her and grandpa. Honestly, she will probably get better faster at home. Her hip seems to be great, it is the strep throat that she caught in the hospital that is hindering the most.

Well, back to funny little to-do's. The baby's seat is in the trunk of the car for whenver the time comes and I am packed aside from a couple of things. I'm guessing only a few more days, but I'm sure I will find out more on Friday. Our "target" is next week since Josh has vacation. That would put us at 38 weeks.

Accomplishment

...that's what I'm feeling at this moment. Not only did I get a nap on Saturday and Sunday (what a treat), but I have crossed off almost everything on that nagging to-do list. It feels awesome!! Today was a much lower key day. I served my last Sunday in the toddler nursery and next to last Sunday unless baby comes in 1st/2nd children's church.

We ate lunch at McAllister's. MMM. We came home for a snooze, although I think I was the only one snoozing. We went outside for some play time for the girls and watering/gardening for me. I am having an uphill battle with the yard this year and the keeping it watered. I water almost daily unless there is rain. The yard looks the worst is has in ages. There are brown dead/dying patches everywhere. At this point, I feel like giving up. While I was watering, a neighbor from down the block whom I haven't ever met until today came over and introduced himself. I have met his wife before, but we don't ever see them because they live on one end of the block and we live on the other--basically. Anyway, he had seen us using an impact sprinkler and noticed one day it was stuck going to one side. Well, I put it out and leave it out for awhile and usually wouldn't know if it is malfunctioning. Anyway, he works for the company that makes them and said they have had probs with the same sprinkler. Further, he had us come over to his house where he pulled out a variety of new sprinklers/hose attachments, and watering gear and gave them to us. WOW--that was cool. If only the yard would magically fix. He did mention that a large golf course in the next city over is having the same issues with their greens and such. That made me feel somewhat better.

We finished up outside and came inside so I could get on with other things...a.k.a. that Shutterfly book that I haven't been able to do all year. Well, I am happy to say...it is done!!! I am ready to order, I just want to ask Josh which type he prefers and DONE! I feel so glad to have it done. Aliyah loves the Shutterfly books and has been begging for one for several months. Now, I can finally say I am caught up on the pics.

Now, I'm off to wash some windows that are awful! I feel great about getting stuff done and even getting a bit of rest--all of it is much needed. Josh will be home soon and we may head to Chili's. YAY!

Nesting

Josh says this goes on all of the time haha. I decided to accomplish as much as possible that is hanging on my list of to-do's. You know, the more I've done, the more I discovered needed done. Right now, I am uploading a bazillion pictures to Shutterfly so I can make an album before baby girl is born. I haven't been able to make one for this whole year b/c of computer issues. Well, I need to complete this before baby is born. Once she is born, we will start a new book for her.

Grandma seems to be better today. She's had a setback of sorts in the way of strep throat or something. One would think she is in a 3rd world hospital due to the fact that they tested her on Thursday and have yet to get results. She didn't do PT yesterday because she felt bad and I think it was getting her down. She did however do it today. We haven't seen her in several days because of her illness. I know the girls really miss her. They have been praying for her though!

Well, my guess is that there is approximately 1 1/2 weeks left before baby--only a guess. This would put her being born during Josh's vacation which would obviously be ideal. It seems that I have forgotten a few things such as what goes into a diaper bag. I started loading them up tonight only to think...what do I need to put in here. That further makes me bring out my pen and paper to jot down a few needed items. Her diaper bag from Etsy came in and it is adorable. I can't really show it because the name is embroidered on the front and SHHH...that's always a secret!

My co-workers surprised me with a little baby party on Friday morning. It was fun. They had my office all decorated in pink and white. Baby girl got some cute outfits! Thank you's are all written =).

The girls are busy playing with all of their birthday gifts. They do this for hours and it's great! We cleaned and organized their room this morning. I think I finally transitioned the last few items of theirs out of baby's closet. Also today, I cleaned the blinds, dusted, washed/folded/put away laundry, cleaned the kitchen, wrote t-you's, packed a diaper bag, finished a chair for baby's room, took a snooze, dusted wall hangings, organized/cleaned girl's room, and cleaned the floor. The items left on the list are minor I think and some of it Josh will help with!

Well, I think I need to upload round 2 of pics for this album. I don't know how I will ever sort through to make an album.

Delightful

This day was delightful all the way around! Delightful that grandma's surgery went well and she seemed to be in good spirits. The weather was delightful as the humidity broke and the temp went down making it much more pleasant for all and esp these people that have a lot of extra cargo out front =).

Church was delightful. We had great discussion and fellowship in Sunday School. Worship time was so uplifting and praise-filled and you could feel it!

Family lunch was delightful as we came home and ate leftovers from our party. Following that, we had a delightful time at the pool for the last pool day of the season. Aliyah even jumped off the high dive!!! I'm so proud of her. It was her idea. She's so tiny, she barely even makes a splash. They had a blast and I did too!

Our visit with grandma was delightful as well. The girls wanted to visit with grandpa since they can't see grandma. He told them stories and was putting a puzzle together with them. It gave him a break from hospital mundane I think. They were having fun and every time we checked on them, they ordered us out so the stories he makes up could continue. Grandma told us how glad she was for the epidural as once she had it everything felt fine. I had to agree as I have had two and plan on a third very soon =). Her dinner wasn't her cup of tea though. It came right as I arrived. Grandma and grandpa tend to eat quite healthy. I knew when I saw pancakes and sausage and coffee that it wouldn't be her thing. Her comment was "I couldn't tell you the last time I ate pancakes." She took one bite and I told her we could get her something else. She agreed to a roast beef sandwich as did grandpa. The only thing she ate from hospital dinner was her milk. She ate maybe half of the roast beef, but didn't have much of an appetite. She is looking forward to being home as she somehow thought that she would take care of laundry next week--haha. She may heal quickly, but I highly doubt that she will be taking stairs to go do laundry.

We came home and ran a few errands. It felt good to get them done. We had a delightful walk and basked in the comfortable weather. Especially yours truly...I feel like a heavy blanket has been lifted off my body! Our evening meal was simply a frozen pizza, but that's okay. We finished the post-party card sort, gift clean-up and put away and then got the house back in order. I have downloaded pics to the computer, but I am a wee bit frustrated as I cannot find the disc that is needed to download the Sony Webbie videos to the computer. It never worked with the old computer, but I'm positive it will now. We saw the disk not that long ago, but it seems to have gone missing.

I have decided that at some point this week, I will pack a bag for me as well as for the girls for when baby girl decides to grace us with her presence. There is less than a month left officially--I can't even believe it. Well, hopefully a bit earlier bedtime tonight as we are totally worn out from the big busy weekend that we just had! Now, to figure out a gift for grandpa as our August birthdays continue!
Love to all of you and thanks to everyone for coming to the party, helping clean up, gifting the girls with your love and gifts!! It made them have a wonderful time and feel very special and loved!!!

Full day

The day started early after missing a few hours of sleep right in the midst of 2-4:30 am for me. So, when the phone rang before 7, my body was in a sleep stupor that somehow incorporated the ringing with my dream. Sadly, it was news that my grandma had broken her hip. This was surprising to me as I probably wouldn't have expected it to be her. She's pretty active, little and overall pretty energetic for someone of her age.
Fortunately, my uncle (her son) got things under control which is wonderful considering grandpa could potentially have a hard time with this since grandma waits on him and makes sure he "stays in line" lol. The thing is, he has hypoglycemia and she is pretty fervent about watching what/how often he eats. He has to have something every 2 hours or he will pass out. Yes, he can "skip" unless she is reminding him.
Anyway, of course this day was already set out to be very busy for us as the girl's birthday party was in the afternoon. I knew that the girls couldn't go visit b/c they do not allow children on the surgical floor. I also knew that they limit visitors pretty much to 2 and that my mom, aunt, and uncle and grandpa would be there most of the day. Well, unfortunately, I acquired knowledge like this because about 6 weeks ago, Josh's grandma fell and broke her hip as well.
We left the house early and headed to a grocery store in the next city to pick up the cakes that the girl's picked out. The cake itself was good, but the coloring in the frosting was yikes--overkill. The cakes were gorgeous, though! Aliyah picked a stack of birthday presents cake and Keirah picked the fairies cake. Works of art they were. We also enjoyed breakfast while we were there. The morning continued with picking up balloons, sandwiches and such and then party set-up. The day was HOT as has been the trend this summer. Stifling, humid heat was today's game once again.
By the time the party started, we 4 King's plus baby were already starting the melting process. I probably lost 5 pounds just in sweat. We played a few games and tried to move along due to the heat. By the time present-opening time came Aliyah was excited but losing steam. Cards went unopened and even a few gifts and she disappeared inside to read a few books and cool off. Keirah stayed outside eating cake. Oh yeah, the cakes were probably outside about 5 minutes before the sliding began. All in all, aside from me feeling horrible about having everyone endure the temps, it was great. The girls had fun and enjoyed seeing everyone. We did as well. They love their gifts, and are enjoying them much more inside the air conditioned house than outside.
Fortunately for me (since I didn't take any pics), the party guests came through! I'm sure that I'm a wilted/melted mess, but that's okay. Thanks everyone!! We so appreciate everything! They even took over cleaning which is horrible too on my part, but they didn't want an early birth I guess =).
Following the party, we cooled off a bit indoors and then headed to eat some yummy pizza. On we went to visit grandma. She was awake and said that the pain was under control and we talked with her just like any other time. I was glad to see her in good spirits. She was pretty much her normal acting self, just lying in a hospital bed on painkillers. After visiting awhile we stopped and picked up the girls who stayed with their grandpa just down the street and headed to our next stop.
Today, is another birthday in our week of birthdays as it is Josh's mom's birthday. His brother and family were also here visiting. We visited until the 3 girls were tired and mama was yawning as well. Home we came to the living room where a birthday party threw up. That just means that the gifts/cards/bags/etc...were scattered everywhere! The girls looked and played some more while I tried to sort and daddy did dishes and organized. I'm tired to say the least and tomorrow promises once again to be busy.
OH yeah, grandpa turns 80 on Tuesday (husband of granmda who broke her hip). So, August birthdays continue. Now, we need to get him a birthday present!! May the fun continue, but WOW am I tired!!

Birthday Time

We have officially begun birthday season and our busiest birthday week of the year. It started yesterday with Josh's birthday. He is 33, but often people think he is MUCH younger than he is...despite a few grays. He gets better by the year! Lucky for him, he can still eat like there is no tomorrow and no one would really know. Well, he is pretty active. He doesn't belong to a gym, but work is his gym/workout. When he isn't there he stays pretty busy at home with projects/tasks. I love him more than I can ever express and he is the most wonderful, amazing, loving husband that one could dream of--you know the kind you read about in fairytales or see in a wonderfully romantic movie.

To start off his birthday, we had a dr. appt. Since we have been having appointments that take forever either because we have to wait forever or whatever, we dropped the girls by my grandma's house. This appt was our first appt close to home and only about 20 minutes away. We got right in actually and I was seeing the doc who delivered Keirah. Since the doc who delivered Aliyah no longer delivers babies, I am hoping to get Dr. M. Anyway, after my pig-out, constant hunger weeks since the last appointment, I lost 2 pounds. Don't even ask me how that worked. I have no clue. I feel like I've been eating more than I ever ever eat. Blood pressure started out a little high to which I chuckled and the nurse had me lay on my side. It went promptly down to 110/78. Yes, I get that white-coat syndrome thing going on each time I guess. Baby's heart rate was 152 and she measures right on target. It appears she is staying put for the time being, but really only 2-4 weeks left!! We were in out and in the car within 30 minutes--yay! We picked up the girls to head over to pick up food for the big party.

We had a lot to pick up, but Josh and I snagged some breakfast at the local grocery store. Sounds weird, but it is SUPER food! After our gathering of party food and stuff, off we went again to bring it all home. We didn't stay home long and headed out for more fun. We had plans of going to the pool, but time was short and we wanted to catch dinner at Texas Roadhouse.
Dinner was yummy as always and Josh got to sit in the saddle and hear the big YEE HAW. He got strawberry cheesecake which was beyond wonderful and his meal was free--thanks to our friend that runs TR.

Tomorrow, our first born turns a whopping 8 years old!! She doesn't look it because she is pretty tiny. Most people guess 5 years old. She gets to graduate from her carseat finally! In Illinois, they have to ride in a seat until 8 years or 80 lbs. At this rate, she will be 80 lbs by high school. She is mid-40's right now lol! She is beyond excited and has been counting the days. Aliyah gets REALLY excited about birthdays. It doesn't matter if it is hers or anyone else's--she loves it and she loves parties. Her big request was to have a big party this year. Since baby girl is due around Keirah's birthday, we are having a combined party this weekend. They picked out really cute cakes and we have a couple of fun games for the kids to play as well as goodies for them to take home. It has been fun to plan and she gets right into the planning and helping as well. My major concern at this point is weather. Will it rain--hopefully not until it is over. The heat has been stifling, so I'm hoping for any kind of breeze and lower temps. I think I will put out a pool of water for the kids to splash themselves. We have drinks galore and food as well. Gotta keep them all hydrated!!

Anyway, back to Aliyah...she is a sweet little energetic girl who loves animals, her family, Jesus, books, and stuffed animals. Each night she loves to come upstairs and have what she calls "meetings" with me. It is cute and many times, she prays for various things during "meeting time". I love her zest for life and her ability to make people feel special. She is one of those kids who could see the world's most homely child and sincerely have something kind to say about how sweet and cute it is. She is the same way about animals. I love her heart! I remember falling in love with her the minute she was born--overwhelmingly! Sometimes, I think she is too smart for her own good. She knows things that Josh nor I knew at her age due to her constant fact gathering and un-ending reading.

Well, what else...baby girl's room is set up and waiting. It is funny that I constantly run across things that we need to get for her. I am content to let her grow for a few more weeks because there is still plenty to get done! The very end of August or very early Sept. sounds good to me! That is when Josh is on vacation. After that, there is a closed vacation period where he can't take vacation days if she is born then. He can be off, but no pay. So, we are kind of hoping it works out well in that aspect.

I'm worn out and tired. It has been so hot, but we went on a walk tonight to keep me in some sort of shape. I know one thing...during flower watering I was sweating something fierce! The girls did school tonight. We have been slowly easing into school so that come Sept. if we need to take a few days off, it isn't any big deal. Off to rest!

Great day!

The day started early since I awoke around 4:45 am and couldn't go back to sleep...as much as I wanted to and know I needed to. We got the girls ready for VBS and headed there to drop them off. It gave Josh and I a few hours to do some all important birthday shopping (without them seeing what we purchased). We have finished their shopping! It was fun!

We were excited to find that they have started making the Snoopy Sno Cone maker again. I had one as a little girl and LOVED it!! So, we bought one for Aliyah hoping she will enjoy it as well. We attempted to order the cakes from Trefzger's for their party, however they are on vacation for like another week. I'm not sure if they will have time to fill our order for the party or not, but we really hope so as their cakes are really cute and tasty!

I'm so thankful for God's protection today as well. We pulled into the church parking lot to pick the girls up and a van was backing up as we were driving down the parking aisle. Josh didn't see them, but fortunately I did just in time to yell for him to stop and for me to lay on the horn so that they didn't back right into us. I'm suprised I didn't go into labor or have heart failure right there. My blood pressure surely went through the roof. I could only imagine a trip to the hospital since it was closest to me. Once again...thank you God for your protection!!

The girls were happy as larks again when we picked them up. They happily told of their day and showed us what they made. We had lunch at Chili's then came home. By that time, I was SOOOOO tired from less than 5 hours of sleep that a nap was in order! It was a wonderful rest!

We have been doing various things around the house and today we actually found THE rug for baby's room. It took awhile to find it, but we did. It has cute multi-colored polka dots that match baby's room. We LOVE it. We have also been sanitizing bottles and pacifiers. In doing so, I realized we need some newborn pacifiers.

I'm so excited that the power company sent their tree cutters our way a few days ago. I came home pleasantly surprised to find that they had cut a large portion of our ugly tree out. We had tried to get it removed, however the trucks were too big to fit. So, there is now less!

On a happy note, the humidity has all but disappeared much to my sheer delight. You know how humidity feels normally, well for me this summer it has felt extra heavy and overbearing. Baby has settled into a different position which is a bit uncomfortable today, but with that also is the reminder that there are only like 3-5 weeks left!

The girls have been doing school a few times a week and so far it is great! We started slowly/early so that when baby is born we don't get behind.

Well, we ate at a local place called "Sweet Shop" tonight. Due to the caloric intake that I'm sure occurred for me, we will be taking our walk soon. I have been hungry a lot more than usual lately, but I also don't need to gain 20 lbs in the last few weeks either. The walk should be pleasant with the cooler temps and lessened humidity PLUS my sweetie is home with us as well.

Next week starts our week of birthdays!! It is non-stop fun for sure. The girls are soooooooo excited about their party. I am too! We have the party favors and the menu is decided as well!

Have a great week!

Little Stuff

I have probably mentioned before that little (maybe big) odd things get me excited. Let me elaborate...

the street sweeper coming by to clean up the garbage that magically gathers along the curbs. We live on a corner so there's lots of curb to clean/weed along and it gets tedious at times.

The power company's tree trimming truck (only happens every 4 years)...this is one of the years and they are in our neighborhood. I hope they feel extra trim happy when they visit our tree.

Clean windows...the window washing guy came to work today and the windows are so clean they just sparkle. This is the best they have looked in a long time!

Getting things organized or home improvement projects. They may be tough work, but the end results are awesome. I also love seeing projects that various neighbors have been working on this summer...new siding/house painting/landscaping etc... It is always nice to see improvements and fun to watch progress.

Feeling a little dolphin move around...as much as I can't wait to see her, I will miss this when it is all over. There's nothing like it in the world!

Listening to my girls chatter excitedly about their day at VBS today. They had a lot of fun and it was fun having them go through the highlights. I think I need to join VBS lol!

Getting a call from my sweet love to just see how the day is going and him telling me he misses me. We always look forward to time off together.

Little girls snuggling up with me or running around and doing sweet things for me without being asked. Keirah (supreme organizer) is so funny. When I get ready for bed, I take off my necklace, earrings, watch etc...and she always moves them to their spot (without me mentioning a word). She also takes the dirty clothes and puts them away and will bring pajamas to me.

Well, little things and in some cases big...they make my heart sing!

To-do's

So, since the thought has occurred to me that there are 3-5 weeks left before baby girl arrives, I am trying to tie up loose ends. There are days when I am very tired due to lack of being able to sleep or getting up several times per night and not being able to fall back to sleep or what not. Fortunately, some nights I fall asleep and can go back to sleep after waking up the 3-5 times per night.

We finished the baby room with the exception of like 2 items. It looks very pretty and I love going in there and looking at it. It is so calming and I love the colors!

I am trying to make sure the gifts are purchased or figured out for the many August events coming up as well as September. There are a few loose ends to tie up for the party.

Trying to stay on top of laundry and household chores so it isn't behind when she arrives.

We are still walking each night (at least the girls and I). Still tending the flowers and weeding (bending over is quite a challenge.

Oh yeah, we have been doing school with the girls here and there. I don't want us to be behind in September once the baby arrives so we are working into it slowly, but doing well! It is all organized and ready to go!

I finished my last lesson for teaching in children's church last Sunday. Life with work, homeschooling, and a newborn plus other duties will keep me busy enough!

So...everywhere I look I'm trying to get stuff done!