Time at the Y

I finally remembered to take my camera to the water park at the YMCA (again, thanks to the generosity of friends who gave us a summer family membership)! Clay got to join us today, and it was a ball of fun for all.

J loves the frog slide...the first 3 photos show him going down and then cheering for himself! E was a bit more tentative today...just hanging out on the side of the pool and even moping because she didn't want to get wet. She finally decided that jumping to Daddy sounded fun, and she was unstoppable after that. Clay didn't much of a break from our two little fish...


They couldn't wait to get back out so they could jump back in!

Gettin' some major air!


With about 10 minutes left to play, E decided she needed to play in the sprinklers. She removed her life jacket, asked me to take her ponytail down, and headed for the fun. First she gets her hair wet, then she runs through, runs to me and says, "I get wet!", then repeats.

New inhabitants

We had been wondering...and last night it was confirmed -



We knew the mama bunny had been a bit too brazen and hanging too close to the house not to be keeping watch. Little did we know she had 4 little children under her care - in our jasmine right outside our front door! The little ones were brave last night venturing out into the great unknown. It was fun to watch the kids and we got to see babies nurse! The first picture is a little blurry, but is the best one of them nursing. Mama Bunny didn't take her eyes off us, but she finally hopped away so I got a good shot of the 4 little ones trying to figure out how to get back in the jasmine. Something tells me this will not help our grass growing problem!

Swimming at home

Splurged on a $10 pool at Wal-Mart yesterday for those days I just don't want to pack us up to play at the YMCA water park. I added the sprinkler thing we got from some friends last summer and the kids had a blast - E has become quite the little fish since Aunt Claire convinced her the pool was a great place to be. I took a few pictures of our fun before I got wet myself! (I played with a few settings on the camera too as you can tell.)

Musings

It's been a good day. It started earlier than I desired, but they pretty much all do these days. I got busy after getting the kids settled with breakfast. I don't know why I don't do that more often; it always makes me feel better about the day. Grannylou came over to play with the kids while I helped at our church's health fair (Clay was mowing yards with my dad), but I wasn't gone all that long. I hadn't volunteered for a particular area because I didn't know for sure I would have childcare, and they didn't need my help. The kids ate lunch and then we all rested - what a nice Saturday treat! I worked a little more on cleaning out the girls' closet to get ready for our new arrival before we headed to swim with friends. It was fun watching our kids enjoy the water. The girl has become quite the fish (thanks to Aunt Claire coaxing her into the water last weekend), and she spent a lot of the time jumping in to her daddy. The boy split time jumping in (finally doing it without holding someone's hand) and swimming around. It's a good thing they love the water since it's so hot here - heat index today was 108!!! We headed back to our friends' home for dinner and more water time in their kiddie pool. Others joined us for a grand ol' time. Now the kids are in bed, Clay is back out hanging with some guys, and I'm enjoying the quiet.

I've reached that point in pregnancy that I'm ready to meet this little gal (M). Clay and I had a special moment last night as she became quite active once I laid down. Her movements are so different than the boy (J) and the girl (E). They seem to be calmer, more of a sweeping motion than a kick or punch. I sat in church last week with my arms laid across the top of my belly; and for about 5 minutes she just ran some appendage back and forth across my arm. I love that connection. It is my favorite part of pregnancy, and this time I find myself more sentimental about it. Perhaps because it's been a couple of years or perhaps because I know this could be my last time to experience this joy. I do not desire to rush her coming. I long for her to be healthy, but I'm ready for it to be late July knowing her arrival could be at any time. I'm ready to hold her, study her, nurse her, cuddle her, and just have her in my arms. There is much to do between now and then - celebrate J's 4th birthday, celebrate the 4th of July, celebrate my niece's 9th birthday, celebrate Lauren's 3rd birthday, clean out closets, wash baby clothes, get out all the baby equipment, help Clay as he begins his new career, and simply enjoy the summer. I do not wish to rush through these events, but I am so anxious to hold my littlest gal. I wonder if these feelings aren't intensified by the number of people I know that haven't had that joy in the last year or two. They were expecting joyful bundles, but for one reason or another those bundles never breathed their first breath or they breathed far too few for one little life. I've found it interesting that I've worried more about this child than I did my other two. I would have thought I would have been a wreck when I was pregnant with J, but I wasn't. In my naivety, I couldn't fathom God asking to me to walk that road after waiting so long for a child (but I know those whom He has asked to walk such a road). I was so in shock about being pregnant with E that I don't think I thought about losing her, but this time is different. I was so thankful for our 20 week sonogram that showed M healthy and growing right on schedule. I am thankful for every movement that reminds me she is still with us. I treasure hearing her heartbeat unlike I did with the other two. I seem to be more aware of the preciousness of the gifts God has given me this time around.

I am just so ready to meet her.

I love her already... 8 weeks and counting... I know having three kids ages 4 and under will be insanity at times, but I am ready. I am ready for our family to be all together. I am ready for the challenges, the joys, the tears, and the laughter. My heart overflows that I am getting to walk this road all over again...

So proud

**Update: He passed tonight's test with flying colors!**

Have I mentioned how proud I am of my husband these days? I'm always proud, but it's cranked up a few notches over the last weeks. He's studying like a fiend. (I'm not sure I saw him put this much effort into his classes in college.) He's not content just to pass the test; he desires to blow it out of the water. He did so last week...and I have no doubt it will be a repeat tomorrow night. Then it's just waiting on paperwork to get finalized before he is officially a Farmers Insurance Agent.

Not only is he embarking on a new career, he's been doing odd and end jobs to help stretch our savings. He's been mowing yards with my dad, built a wall display for our church, and working with a guy who cuts downs & trims trees. No job is below him as long as it helps provide for his family. Not all guys are like that.

He's a gem...and he's my partner in this journey of life.

I am one blessed woman.

Calloused knees

I thought they would go away with more moisturizing. I was wrong.

I thought more time in the sun would help them darken. I was still wrong.

My knees (specifically the knee caps) are rough and possibly permanently calloused. I am not overly excited about this - especially since 90+ degree temps and pregnancy demand shorts be worn.

Then I had a revelation.

My knees are calloused because I spend a lot of time on the floor with my children. Guess it could be added to list of "honorable badges of motherhood" along with stretch marks, baby bangs, and more.

Then God reminded me that even more important than being on the floor with my children is being on my knees FOR my children in prayer.

Now those callouses are well worth having...

So random

It's 1:51 a.m. and I can't sleep. I'm sitting in the pitch black, minus the glow of the laptop, next to my comatose husband (good thing since he has to leave in 5 hours) trying to tire myself into sleep. I'm guessing the 2 hour nap I took today wasn't the best idea - but it sure felt good. I've tried my usual tricks, and nothing has worked. My mind can't stop and that is a dangerous thing for me - especially when the lights go out. I am thankful that the thinking isn't producing chest-gripping fear, but there are definitely plenty of unknowns for my vivid imagination to explore. Tonight it's been mostly about the details of finances as we find ourselves 2 months since the last official paycheck and embarking on a new career journey. Throw in the fact that I am 31 weeks pregnant today and that'll really stir up the waters. My God is big and supplies all our needs - man I wish I could rest in that every moment of every day. I hate it when my flesh takes over. I am much less of a control freak than I used to be...these last 2 months have looked nothing like 8 years ago when Clay found himself without a job (and we had the "security" of my full-time job and no kids at that time). I was a wreck thanks to such infantile faith. I'm thankful I've grown; but mercy, I would think I wouldn't question a thing after all my God has done for us and others I know. O Lord, help me in my unbelief!

I should so be sleeping right now. The kids will probably wake up in 5-6 hours...we'll attempt more pictures with Aunt Claire before she hits the road...and then I'm on my own with them after a very full and fun weekend. They've been staying up late, playing hard, and had the undivided attention of their aunt who loves them immensely. It's been a good weekend.

Did I mention our newest addition will arrive in like 9 weeks? If this one is like the last one, it's more like 7. THAT'S INSANE!

I-N-S-A-N-E!!!!

The first trimester seemed to drag along as we kept our mouths shut waiting until Christmas to tell family and friends. Then it seems like I blinked and we were in the 3rd trimester. I'm ready to meet her. It hit home when we visited some dear friends in the hospital after they welcomed their second daughter into the world. I am ready for those little toes...the tiny cries...the ball she will be in the first weeks before she realizes she can stretch out. I'm ready to see what she looks like and what her personality will be. I'm ready for the sweet moments in the middle of the night when everyone else is asleep. I'm ready to watch the girl be a big sister (she's already such a little mama) and capture pictures of the boy and girl holding their new sister. We don't have any pictures of the boy holding the girl...he was too young to understand or care about her really. This time will be totally different. (And I guess I'll have to figure out new things to call them on the blog since there will be 2 girls.) I am ready...but obviously want her to wait until at least July 19th when I'm 37 weeks. And there is so much to be done around here...cleaning out the boy's closet so I can move stuff from the girls' closet into it to make room for baby clothes. The baby clothes that are still in boxes in the attic - along with the all the other paraphernalia that will be "needed"! But I will definitely miss feeling her move inside me - that connection that only she and I share. She's been so different than the other two and that has been quite fun. This pregnancy has been tougher in a lot of ways (thanks to a lot of external stress), but I truly do enjoy being pregnant. I enjoy the excitement, the wonder, and the unique connection I have with my child. Sure I would love to skip constantly being hot, swelling feet and hands, the hormones, the heartburn, the joint pain, but it is so worth it. I am still amazed that I've gotten to do this 3 times...and even more amazed that we can even discuss if there will be more (my hubby is eager to continue to add to our brood, but I am a bit more reserved!)!!!! To think that 5 years ago we were starting to see fertility specialists after initial attempts by my OB and other docs proved unsuccessful.

See - my God is BIG and I should so trust Him more than my feeble mind and heart often do.

I couldn't understand all those years ago why He hadn't given us a child, but looking back I see such wisdom in His plan - and that is only from the minute perspective I have. He knows what is best for me, and I long to rest in that continually.

"There is none so high and holy.
King of Kings the One and Only
You are adored
And You are the Lord of all."

Wow - I've been all over the map tonight, but I've just been downloading a lot of what's in the brain (minus some details)...maybe now I can get some sleep...if only my brain had an off button like this computer.

One down, one to go

I'm so proud of my man. Tonight he passed his Property & Casualty Insurance License exam! He is one step closer to beginning his new career as an insurance agent. His dedication to learning this new trade has been inspiring. This week he had 3 days of class (10 hours each day), listened to audio CDs of the material on his way to and from class (it was a nice 45 minute commute), spent hours studying each night after class (and playing with the kids), and spent hours today studying before taking the test tonight. I've always known he's dedicated to providing for our family, but I am awestruck seeing it so tangibly this week.

He repeats the process next week with slightly shorter class hours for his 2nd license - Life, Accident & Health. Once that's done, he will begin his new career. His excitement is contagious. God's confirmation of this path is reassuring. It has been a long road, and we are eager to see what God does through this new adventure.

For tonight, we are off to rest. It's been a long week for all of us.

Disclaimer please

Saw a commercial today that ended with this on the screen:

"Misplacing objects in unusual places - 1 of 10 warning signs of Alzheimers."

Uh, guess I'm in trouble...or else someone needs to add the following disclaimers at the end:

"This may also be a sign of being pregnant or having multiple small children or simply having so much external stress that you are thankful your head is on your shoulders otherwise who knows where you might find it!"

Safety song

This is mainly for Mimi, Grandaddy, Aunt Claire, and Mom (my grandmother)... just a few videos of the kids (mainly the girl) dancing to the "Safety Song" after watching an episode of Clifford.

May fun

This month has held a lot of fun. I've blogged a lot of it, but there is always more. I found a few pictures my mom took on our anniversary and there are pictures of our first trip to the YMCA's water park (we were blessed with a summer membership by a friend who wanted us to be able to play). Then today the kids helped Clay wash the minivan. They loved being outside and being helpers. Enjoy the pictures... they capture the fun better than any words. Here is a rundown of what you will see:

Two pictures before our anniversary celebration**Two dear friends that helped pull off that wonderful night - don't they look beautiful?!**The boy going down the frog slide at the Y**Playing at the water park**Playing with his buddy at the water park**The kids were SO EXCITED to go outside to wash the car. You can just hear them saying, "CHEESE!!!"**The boy telling me what he's going to do**The girl posing again**Two attempts to get a shot of the 3 workers - neither successful**The boy was distracted from his target**The girl takin' a turn**Playing' in the water & actually sharing**Driving!!**Picture of the future, the boy driving and the girl adjusting the air or radio or something!

11 or 77

You pick - 11 weeks or 77 days.

That's the countdown - if she waits until her due date (August 9th).

It could be less...

Someone around here should get busy.

All over the place

I'm finding myself in one of those moods that is hard to describe much less figure out how to best utilize my day. If I allowed my hormones to win, I could feel pretty lonely and disconnected this afternoon. I could also easily crawl into a hole about all that has been going on with life and the remaining uncertainty of so much...all while staring down the barrel of a gun named McKenna, who's arrival is about 11 weeks away at best. There is so much to do around here to get ready for her, and honestly to just reclaim this house. I'm realizing how lazy I have become in the last few years. I claim I'm focusing on my kids, but I waste so much time. It's pathetic. I could wallow in the sorrow for friends who lost their young daughter Thursday after only meeting her 2 weeks prior. I could rejoice with our dear friends who welcomed their 2nd daughter into the world last night. My emotions are all over the place. I am so blessed, but there is so much of life that isn't how I want it to be right now. So I keep plugging through each day trying to remember that there IS eternal significance to what I'm doing (although I had to be reminded today by a dear friend's email). Knowing that falling on my face before God each day is the key to survival, I fight my fleshly selfishness to make that a priority - yet I fail more days than I succeed. And then I look into the eyes of two youngsters curious about their world and realize that there is a lot of life is exactly how I dreamed it would be.

Lovin' me some new songs

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know how music speaks to me. What a gift when others seem to pen words that echo my heart. I am thankful for those that help lead us to His feet - whether it be weekly in a service, at a special event, or through their recordings. I wanted to share 2 new songs (to me) in hopes they may encourage you or strengthen you.

(I've added both to my player at the bottom so you can enjoy them.)

I heard this first song, "Always" by Building 429, today in the car (I'm still enjoying the satellite radio that came with our van...I really figured the subscription would have expired by now!). I immediately thought of some friends who are watching their young daughter, just 2 weeks old, struggle for life knowing her homegoing is imminent. They have been heavy on my heart as I cannot fathom the road they are walking. I've been asking God to be so big for them and to give them the faith they need to continue to trust Him as they walk this road. I've been praying similar prayers for our family. Regardless where we are and what is happening, our Savior never fails. NEVER. And He is with us always. ALWAYS.

"Always" by Building 429

I was standing in the pouring rain one dark November night
Fighting off the bitter cold when she caught my eye
Her face was taught and her eyes were filled, and to my surprise
She pulled out a photograph and my heart just stopped inside
She said, “He would’ve been three today I miss his smile, I miss his face”
What was I supposed to say, but

I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always

He was living in a broken world, dreaming of a home
His heart was barely keeping pace when I found him all alone
Remembering the way he felt when his daddy said goodbye
Fighting just to keep the tears and the anger locked inside
He’s barely holding onto faith
But deliverance is on its way, cause

I believe always, always
Our Savior never fails
Even when all hope is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
He will be with you always

Friend, I don’t know where you are and I don’t know where you’ve been
Maybe you’re fighting for your life or just about to throw the towel in
But if you’re crying out for mercy, if there’s no hope left at all
If you’ve given everything you’ve got and you’re still about to fall
Well hold on, hold on, hold on, cause
I believe always, always
Our savior never fails
Even when all faith is gone
God knows our pain and his promise remains
Always, always, He will be with you always

******************************************
Then there's "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller. I first heard this song in the movie "Fireproof", then was reminded about it by a friend who's father was fighting cancer (but is now cancer free!). I heard it again today on the radio, and was challenged to wait actively instead of just wallowing in the silence. John Waller writes the following about the birth of the song: "The explanation for this song is simple, I was waiting on God and I was hurting when I wrote the lyrics. I probably wouldn’t have written a song if my friend, Mike, hadn’t encouraged me to document what I was going through during that time. I’m sure there are few people who can’t relate to this song, but the important thing to remember while we’re waiting on God is to not just wait but to actively wait. Serve, worship and be faithful with what you have, where you are… “even while (you) wait.”

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

Renewing our vows

Clay (with the help of dear friends) pulled together a small, intimate vow renewal ceremony for us last night. We had talked about how special that would be, but I was truly blown away by how special he made it. There were so many small touches that made the night special - our wedding photo and album on a table headed into the "chapel" (in the backyard), a bouquet of Calla lillies (the flowers I wanted for our wedding, but didn't get thanks to a lack of rain in South America), and everything in our colors. After the ceremony, we had a sit down reception with some of my favorites - "wedding" cake included! The night concluded watching our wedding video - and everyone enjoying seeing Clay with hair! It was fun to relive our special day with friends we didn't know then...and to hear funny stories from their special day (which happens to be the exact same date...and time!). What a wonderful way to celebrate the road of the last 10 years and to recommit ourselves for this next chapter of our lives.


My man is good.

The table before entering the chapel.

Walking in.

The view from behind the toole.

Saying our vows.

The happy couple - once again!

The traditional groomsmen/bridesmaids shot.
Zack, Paul, Clay, Kaci, Kristina, Abby
(I'm loving that the girls color coordinated without even knowing it!)

Now by couples

The girls

The guys

The "wedding" cake

Cheesy cake eating shot (because Zack made us)