Coming Out of Survival Mode

We are slowly but surely returning to "normal" life around here.  Normal being relative with four kids and two college students that live with us.  :)  Here is what we have been up to...

We are getting more into a routine with our days.  Of course, I say that heading into the holiday season where everything is a little nutty.  Last week was Thanksgiving, this week we had two days of doctor appointments.  Usually our days "start" at 9am with breakfast at the table with Daddy.  Then he goes to work and the girls get dressed.  We either do school now or after naps, more on that in a minute.  Then we play and sing and dance.  Lunch is at 12pm and naps at 1pm.  After naps we either do school if we didn't do it earlier or color/draw/create for awhile.  I get dinner going.  The girls eat around 5pm.  We all eat together if Daddy is home, otherwise they eat early and I eat later at 7:30ish with him when he gets home from work.  Then we have some family time and it is off to bed for the girls.  The boys usually fall asleep around 10 for the night - give or take an hour.

School is around 30 minutes per day.  I am not a great planner (or a great crafter) so we are following the guidelines at http://allinonehomeschool.com/ and doing "Getting Ready 1" which features one letter per week.  There are also review weeks with colors and I believe numbers.  Grace has been enjoying it and is currently singing "B is a consonant, a letter in the alphabet".  Abi has been doing it with us but I care less if she gets it all :) 

I have also been meal planning and cooking dinner 3-4 times a week.  One of the other nights we usually go out and the others we do leftovers.  It has been going pretty well.  I've had a couple "eh, we don't need to make that again" nights but for the most part the dishes have been good.  My husband is an awesome cook so I prefer to leave the cooking to him, but he likes a hot dinner after working all day.  I guess he has a point :)  It's been fun and I think with practice I'll do better at it. 

My goals are to starting doing Thankful Thursdays again and also do a week in review of what we're doing, cooking, learning, etc.  We shall see!  I have big goals but that doesn't always mean they work out.

Hope life is treating you well!

Thankful Thursdays Top Ten #97

Here goes!

1. I am thankful for the lady who stopped my girls at the bookstore yesterday to tell them how wonderfully behaved they were.  They had done such a good job and it made me almost tear up listening to her praise them.  I'm thankful for her and their good behavior.

2. I am thankful the boys are growing well, sleeping well and doing great.

3. I am thankful for some extra time with Grace yesterday.  We needed it.

4. I am thankful for sales and specials allowing me to "spoil" my kids on a budget.

5. I am thankful for the ability to work from home.

6. I am thankful that my husband values our children being with us and not spending their days with other people.

7. I am thankful for Thursday night Bible study, friends and learning.

8. I am thankful for whispers from the Lord.  You are enough.

9. I am thankful when I'm having a rough day people understand and are encouraging.

10. I am thankful for my community.  I have no idea what I'd do without them.

Five Minute Friday: Grace

Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking

Five Minute Friday: Grace

Go.

my oldest daughter's name.

what gets me through the day.

forgiveness so undeserved.

a holy re-do of the tough moments.

without grace, where would i be?  i'm so thankful that i have salvation through grace and not through anything i could imagine to do on my own.  i am so short of where He is.  i'm thankful that He recognized that shortcoming and gave grace so that instead of living in the shame of our sin we could live free in Him. 

grace. underserved gift. unmerited favor. freedom.


Stop.

5 Minute Friday - Laundry

Laundry

Go.

Laundry is one of those things that makes me crazy. I'm all for clean clothes but doing laundry always seems like such effort - and it seems like the last load always needs to be put away at midnight.

I try to focus on the positives. We have clean clothes in overwhelming number. We have working machines to make it easier to tackle this beast. Yet I'm often left complaining.

The only time laundry doesn't get the better of me is when I think of it, like so many other chores, as a ministry to my family and not just another task to be done. Similarly to picking out clothes and choosing things they will like, I am restocking them with favorites and memories and that really ought to be enough.

The laundry beast will never be tamed but the stubbornness inside of me that does not want to allow this to be service is slowly being tempered.

Stop.

2 Weeks With My Guys

We have officially reached two weeks with our little guys!  The two questions I get asked most are: How are they sleeping? and How do you do it?  The first question is easy - most nights they are sleeping really well and we wake up between 1-4 times for bottles.  It just depends on the night, when they ate last before bed and how they are feeling.  Sometimes I feed one than the other which takes about 30-45 minutes start to finish including diaper changes.  Sometimes we double bottle feed which takes about 25 minutes start to finish.  They usually fall right back asleep after eating so I can too.  Occasionally one (or both) needs an extra cuddle, but that's not a big deal generally.

How do I do it?  One moment at a time.  We have had some really great days of clockwork schedules where everything just meshed...and some days of tantrum craziness where things felt crazy overwhelming.  And we just deal with it.  One moment at a time.  Truth be told as far as babies go, mine have all been really easy.  They generally don't cry a lot and they eat well.  Since we have those two things going for us, it makes it easier to enjoy them and easier to get things done.  I can't complain.

The girls are adjusting well.  Again, we have good days of helping with the brothers and days of "I just want you to play with ME and not the brothers", which I understand.  There is a little mommy guilt when I can't make everyone happy and it does feel like I favor giving attention to the boys - mainly because they need it more...but that will soon start to come together.  The girls are great about helping and we now have a permanent art and craft table set up so they entertain themselves a lot and are happy to do it.

Overall, I have great, easy kids and an amazing husband who is great with the kids and always willing to help.  If either of those factors were gone and I was left to my own devices I'm pretty sure it'd be a completely different picture.

I am going to start working on my weight loss/toning pretty soon although I do realize it took 9 months to stretch this belly out and things aren't going to snap right back into place.  I am 2-3 pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight, back in my regular jeans but my body is still a jiggly mess.  (And I'm totally ok with saying that on the internet!)  My goal is to get to a healthy weight but more so a healthy feel by Christmas so we'll see how that goes!  I want to make healthy choices but I'm also not so concerned with it that I'm going to go crazy at this stage either :)  This momma still needs her ice cream.

Happy two weeks boys!

Pictures of My Men (7 Days Old)

Jacob and Levi

Jacob and Levi

Jacob (top) and Levi

 

Levi

Levi

Levi

 

Jacob

Jacob

Jacob

Ok Mom, we're done now.

 

Levi and Jacob's Birth Story - October 4, 2013

October 4, 2013

Levi - 3:45pm
21.5in; 7lbs 3oz

 

Jacob - 4:06pm

21.5in; 7lbs 13oz

 

 

Hubs with Abi (2) and Jacob
Me with Grace (4) and Levi

The boys were scheduled to be induced on October 4th at 8am.  I was 39weeks +4 days and SO ready for them to arrive!  So of course, on the 3rd (Thursday night) we had Bible study at our house, ran some errands, ate ice cream, watched TV and generally killed time until 2am when we were both calm enough to try to sleep.  On Friday morning we got up early-ish and left the house at 7:45 to head to the hospital.  We took a "Game Time" picture that I'll have to get off my phone at some point.  Of course Aaron planned ahead and had "Eye of the Tiger" ready to go on his phone to play for our trip there.  We got checked in, got me and the babies hooked up to monitors and were ready to start the induction at 9:30am.  I felt like it may have been the day even if I hadn't been induced...but we won't get into those details :)

 

The day was a blur of upping the dosage of Pitocin and just hanging out waiting for things to happen...

11am - - 2cm

12:30pm - -  3cm & Doc broke water
1:15pm - - Epidural

2pm - - 4-5cm

2:50pm - - 6cm

 

I felt a lot of pressure at 2pm on and I seemed to be moving right along.  At 2:50 the nurse said she thought I'd be ready to deliver by 4pm.  Well at 3:20 I was really uncomfortable so she checked me again and I was at 9.5.  She said we need to call the Doctor - NOW.  And after that it was a mad rush of scrub hats, bunny suits (for the hubs), and getting wheeled down the hallway to the Operating Room (just in case).  I got in the room by 3:30pm and everyone was ready to go.  (We also got to listen to 80s rock during the delivery which was kind of fun!)

 

Levi was born first and quickly.  He was ready to come out at the point and take on the world!  I was told later he had great APGAR scores.  It was a little bittersweet because while I could see where he was, I couldn't really see him.  I got to give him a quick kiss before focusing on Jacob.

 

Jacob was NOT ready to come out and was still transverse right up near my rib cage.  We did a lot of pushing on my stomach and manipulating to get him ready to go.  We took a break at one point just to focus on oxygen and getting stabilized.  I worried about a C-section but my Doctor is awesome and I think she was as against it as I was (although willing to if we HAD to).  Finally he was ready to go and just took a little extra coaxing to come out. 

 

Aaron got to cut both cords and even got a lesson in placentas.  (My nurse then carried it around in what looked like an over sized yogurt container for awhile...it was kind of weird.)  I got to hold Levi while they cleaned Jacob up and then quickly the realization that there were two hit in full force as I got to hold them both as the wheeled me back to the recovery room. 

 

This was the first birth my mom didn't get to be there for the delivery (because of the operating room setting) so that was sad, but we were out of there within I would guess 10 minutes of Jacob's birth.  They were quick to get me back to the other room where we could really check out the boys.

 

I now have two beautiful sons and am so blessed as a momma.  I told them in the hospital that my prayer was they would love Jesus and be kind to girls.  I think most other things will naturally flow out of that.  

 

39 Weeks...and waiting :)

Today marks 39 weeks of pregnancy with these boys!  Other than being more physically uncomfortable here at the end this has STILL been my easiest pregnancy.  I am so thankful too because of all the things we have done, especially late in this pregnancy, that I don't think would have been possible if I'd felt poorly.

Tomorrow I go see my Doctor and hopefully will schedule an induction.  While I am usually not a huge fan of such things, I think that sooner is a bit better with twins and frankly, I'm uncomfortable enough that I'm ok with it.  I do know that my chances of a C-section are higher, but they are higher anyway with the twins so seems like a chance worth taking.

The girls are doing great.  They are super excited about the boys.  Levi seems to be the one Grace talks about often and Abi talks about Jacob a lot.  Not even born yet and they already have favorites!  :)  They are sweet girls.  Abi rubs my belly a lot, I think without realizing it, while I'm holding her.  Makes me smile (and tickles).

Hubs is doing well and our big kids are great.  I'm loving this set up and I still have not found it strange to come downstairs in the morning to a teen in our kitchen.  I felt like that would be weird but so far it's just been a good thing.  There have been hard moments and tough conversations but that's what family does right?  So excited to be in this part of our journey of life.

Hopefully the next post will be that the boys have arrived!  We shall see! :)

Elizabeth

To Abi, on your second birthday

Abi Ann,

I LOVE your smile.  You can light up a room faster than anyone I know.  All I have to do is point a camera at you and say cheese and you cooperate immediately.  You are a stubborn girl who knows what she wants - and I think that's a good thing!  You love to be cuddled and still like to curl up in my lap with your blankie.  Your speech is getting easier to understand and I think you like it that we can have conversations now.

Favorite Food: Pretzel or fruit
Least Favorite Food: Strawberries

Favorite Drink: Chocolate Milk
Lease Favorite Drink: I don't think you have a least favorite

Favorite Show: Daniel Tiger
Least Favorite Show: Anything mom or dad might want to watch

Favorite Doll: Your puppies

Favorite People: Your family!

Favorite Day of the Week: CHURCH DAY!  and GRANDMA DAY!

Favorite Toy: Ponies and the Cootie Bugs game - you like to build them and create different bugs

You are a delight and a joy.  You are such a sweetie and care about the people around you.  I'm so glad you're mine!

I will always be here for you and will always love you!

Love,
Momma

To Grace, on your 4th Birthday

Gracie Bug,

I feel like I tell you this often, but I LOVE YOU.  You are such an amazing, awesome kid and I am so glad you are MINE!  You learn things so quickly and are super smart and funny.  You love to make people smile and laugh.  I love to spend time with you.  I love the pictures you draw of our family - daddy with his spiky hair.  And I love that you are so excited to meet your brothers!

Favorite Food: Jelly Sandwich
Least Favorite Food: Meat

Favorite Drink: Chocolate Milk
Lease Favorite Drink: Pop

Favorite Show: Strawberry Shortcake (for now!)
Least Favorite Show: Anything mom or dad might want to watch

Favorite Doll: Depends on the day!

Favorite People: Your family!

Favorite Day of the Week: CHURCH DAY!  and GRANDMA DAY!

Favorite Toy: You really like to color and create things these days.

You like to tell me about your wedding - who you're going to invite and how wonderful it will be.  I'm sorry though, you still can't marry Daddy, he's mine.  I'll help you find a great guy just like him ok? 

I love you pretty girl!  I am always on your team - don't forget that!

Love you,
Momma

Thankful Thursdays Top Ten #96

Happy Thursday! :)

I'm thankful this week and hope you are too.  I feel like there is so much crazy going on in the world that taking a couple minutes to remember the grace of our Lord is necessary.

1. I am thankful for my little girls who are celebrating birthdays - another year of being a mom, watching them grow, laughter, tears - it's all worth it.

2. I am thankful for my little boys who continue to grow healthy and strong.  There have been no complications so far and I am praying that we continue that through this pregnancy.

3. I am thankful for people who come together during hard times rather than turning on each other.  How great the world would be if we could be more supportive and less competitive.

4. I am thankful for a good month so far at work.  I'm hoping it continues through the end of the month!

5. I am thankful for my husband who is such an awesome leader.  I am so blessed to have him in my life and just how he pours his heart out for us.

6. I am thankful for my family - parents, grandparents, sister, etc.  I am reminded over and over again how easy I had it as a kid and how I didn't have to go through a lot of the stuff that teens we work with deal with.

7. I am thankful for my two "big girls" that live with us.  It is wonderful to be able to share in their lives, help them and learn from them!

8. I am thankful for my sis-in-law's baby boy who is also growing healthy and strong!  She is due next week and we are anxiously awaiting his arrival as well!

9. I am thankful for humor, laughter and fun.  It is so needed.

10. I am thankful for a God who sees all.  I know that we don't always understand what is going on around us, but how amazing to know Him who does and can make sense of it all.

Are you thankful?  Leave 'em in the comments!

36 Weeks, Birthdays and Fun

I am 36 weeks now!  Seems like we've come so far - especially since we found out we were expecting at 3.5 weeks!  I am so excited to meet these boys and trying to keep myself sane by remembering the longer they have to grow the better off they will be.  It can be hard though as I am battling thoughts like...

...MY BODY HURTS.
...I wish I could play more with the girls.
...How much tv in one day will really hurt the girls right now?
...they still know I love them right?
...Am I ready?
...What should I have done different?
...am I too whiny?

And on and on.  Overall Hubs says I've complained about logical things but haven't been a brat so I'll take that as a win :)  At the last ultrasound just shy of 36 weeks Baby A was 5lb 15oz and head down, Baby B was 6lbs 4oz and breech.  Now we just wait until they want to show up!  End of the day, I only have max of 4 weeks left and I can do anything for four weeks :)

The Girls
My girlies are growing up.  We celebrated Abi's birthday at the end of August.  I need to write her a birthday post still, but that will come!  She is getting so big, very verbal like her sister and still a daredevil.  I hope that spirit doesn't ever change (maybe gets pointed in the right direction though!).  Grace's birthday is coming up in 5 days and their birthday party is this weekend.  Grace is such a sweet kid although she is getting sassy these days.  It is fun to see her personality evolve but definitely will need to be tempered.

The Hubs
Hubs preached a couple weeks ago - I have a love/hate relationship with him preaching.  I LOVE that he bounces thoughts off me during the week and that his mind is just going constantly with thoughts.  I hate that his topics generally are very applicable to our lives so there is usually a pretty solid lesson that hits home in his sermons every time :)  He did a great job and I could not be more proud of him.  He also has a birthday at the end of August (day before Abi's) so we celebrated him too although without much fanfare.

Me
I'm good!  I'm still working 20 hours/week at the thrift store.  It's a lot of fun.  I think it is always interesting because I never know what will come across my desk.  Sometimes it takes quite a bit of research to figure out what I even have.  I'm ready to hand the job off to someone else for a bit when the boys arrive and excited to see that job continue to evolve as the boys settle into a schedule.

We are adjusting well to our new ministry situation.  We have two teen girls living with us right now and it is going REALLY well!  I am so thankful to have such amazing opportunities to be a part of their lives!

Overall, I have no complaints.  I'm tired and weary but I think that is par for the course.  I always struggle with remembering how fortunate we are and how blessed we are to have all our kids.  In the back of my mind is the doctor who told me I'd never have children.  Oh, how the Lord has other things planned for us!

30 Weeks....Moving...Life

First, a question.  If I sit here and stare at the blank page long enough will the words write themselves?  How about if I stare at the piles of things around our house, do you think they'll pack themselves?  No?  Well...alright then, good thing I have 7 hours of kid free work time today!

The Move
We are currently preparing for a move to a home where we will be house parents for up to 4 teen girls.  We could not be more excited although there is SO much to be done.  Our move date is in 6 days...it's coming soon!  (You can read more here: http://www.harvesthousedayton.com/2013/08/be-bold-and-go/)  In the future I will probably post from there to here as well, keeping this one for personal and ministry and that one strictly ministry.  Cannot wait.  Pray for the young lady that is currently living there as you think of it.  We know and love her but transitions can be rough!

Two Men and A Truck is donating the move for our family so while we are packing we thankfully will not have to actually do the move ourselves.  The local franchise collects donations for Harvest House every year and has been such a blessing.  I can't wait to get to know them better!

The Pregnancy
I am currently 30w +5 (30 weeks, 5 days for those of you who don't follow pregnancy shorthand) with 65 days to go - who's counting?  :)  The boys are doing great.  I continue to get fantastic updates at the doctor's office and ultrasounds.  I have two ultrasounds left and a handful of Doctor visits and the boys should be here!  Right now Baby A is breech and Baby B is head down so we are praying that Baby A flips since current positioning would require a C-section.  Either way, I want them here healthy and safe so I'm fine with whatever needs to be done! 

The girls love talking to and about "Brothers" and are excited to meet them.  I think Grace is going to make an excellent second mother and Abi...well, hopefully she will play nice since she now has someone smaller than her to pick on :) 

PS, all my 3D pictures are on my phone so if you want to see them, shoot me a text! :)  We aren't really sharing them online :)

The Girls
Grace got to go to VBS for the first time this year!  She LOVED it and tells me frequently she is very sad she doesn't get to keep going.  She learned some fun songs and I love listening to her sing to the Lord!  I pray her heart stays soft and she just continues to fall in love with Him.  Abi and I got to spend some quality time together and just had a fantastic week.   I was also shown a homeschool program that I think would work with Grace right now, requires very little prep and might be a good way for her and I to get some "alone" time each day.  We will see - I'm making no plans until the boys are here and I feel un-crazy.

The HubsThis man works HARD.  That's all I have to say about it - he has been working more hours, prepping the house for the move and to be rented and has taken on everything I can't do.  Oh, and he is preaching on Sunday!  I'm so proud of him.  He never fails to amaze me.

Life
I'm so excited about all the things coming up and all the things that we are looking forward to.  I am just praying that God continues to speak clearly and purposefully in my life so I don't miss His direction.  For now, our current family "motto" is BE BOLD.

Proverbs 28
The wicked flee though no one pursues,
but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Thankful Thursdays Top Ten #95

It is my goal to start doing Thankfuls WAY more frequently.  I miss the weekly reminder to take joy in the big and little things so that is my challenge for myself, at least until the boys arrive.

1. I'm thankful for an awesome 4th of July with family and friends.  I love that they all love our kids (ours were the only two littles) and no one seemed to care if they got jumped on, had their food stolen or were otherwised asked to be entertainment.

2. I'm thankful that my girls are wearing superhero capes and want to rescue people!   And that they are pretending to be Super Readers. :)

3. I'm thankful for strong kicks from the boys.  Calms my heart to know they seem to be doing well!

4. I'm thankful that Hubs and I take time to go on dates and talk.  I'm so blessed.

5. I'm thankful that He does make all things new.

6. I am thankful for planning, excitement and dreaming big.

7. I am thankful for naps!

8. I am thankful for cuddling my kiddos.

9. I am thankful for great sleepers (for the most part!)

10.  I am thankful for goals.

26 Week Pregnancy Update and Not Getting It All Done

Hey all!  26 weeks!  Less than 100 days until due date!  That is counting to 40 weeks but I'm still kind of secretly hoping they come a little early :)  Someone was asking if we had the nursery all done - I laughed.  The plan is for them to sleep in our room for awhile and then when we move them we'll probably kick the girls out of the playroom.  We shall see! :)  I feel completely calm about it and ready for them to get here.  I do joke with Hubs that I will probably send him to Target with a shopping list while I'm in the hospital just to get it all finished up.  I'm not worried about it.

The Boys:
So far so good - no new news!  Here is a 3D picture of baby A at 24 weeks.

Sideways - cheek is lowest white part...you can see nose, mouth, eyes.

 And a profile of Baby B in "regular"....

He was feeling much less photogenic.

The Girls:
The girls have been doing well.  They are starting to make me nervous...ok, Abi is starting to make me nervous.  MY MOMMY comes out of her mouth a lot so I don't know how she is going to handle all this...but it is what it is and there's no going back now!  I think she'll do ok when the boys are here but I'm praying God would give us all calm.  Grace is a smartypants.  She finished her first "school" workbook and asks me when we'll get a new one.  :)  We are not going to do "formal" school until next year but it's fun to work with her on some concepts.  Hopefully we can get Abi involved too - that'd give them both some mom time I think they could use.

Hubs:
My Hubs is awesome.  Yesterday he helped set up church, played drums, preached a sermon, tore down, hung out while I napped (the girls were asleep too), informed me we were going on a road trip, took us all to explore and fish, came home and cooked dinner.  He spoils me :) 

Me:
I'm good.  I feel like I'm continuing to slow down which frustrates me, but it is just a season.  I am trying to use some of this time to figure out schedules and life and what I want our world to look like.  I feel like I have such a long way to go in the mom/homemaker areas and I'm thankful that my family is awesome.  We'll see how things go but I hope to continue to do better and better! (Pray for me if you think of it!). 

I'm super pumped for 4th of July and hoping it doesn't rain and isn't too hot.  We'll see! :) 

What I Want Them to Remember... (warning: photo bomb)

I was outside the other day, withstanding the heat to the best of my abilities, and thinking "I wonder what the girls will remember about this summer".  I really hope it isn't "mom just wanted to sit on the couch" even though that would be fairly accurate.  At 23 weeks I was measuring 28 weeks and frankly, I'm hot and tired and a bit hormonal :)  I feel great, I just get tired easy.  But what I want them to remember is the fun projects we did and fun places we went...

Coloring life sized "hugs" to send to our Great Grandmas!

Dressing up for a birthday party!

Picking out just the right bacon to wrap for Daddy on Father's Day

Fishing with the family

Hanging out with this awesome man!

Mom taking a million pictures!

Lake time!

Exploring!

Playing in the water and knowing that kids
are washable so go ahead, get dirty!

Cave dwelling!



 

I want them to remember the fun and anticipation of brothers.  Not all the things we didn't do or couldn't do.  I'm also SO thankful for Miss Sammi who has said once again she'll come over one day a week to hang out with my girls.  It's nice to know that even when I can't be outside for hours on end, they can have that opportunity with her too!

24 Weeks, Quiet and Life

My mom and dad watched the girls last night so Hubs and I could have some quiet time.  They have been going through a bit of a tantrum phase so we have to figure out how to beat that.  They are still crazy sweet girlies and I certainly wouldn't trade them!  :)

The Boys:
I am 24 weeks tomorrow.  Apparently this is a really big deal because if you go into labor or have preterm issues before 24 weeks doctors are reluctant to try to do anything to save the babies.  At 24 weeks they are considered "viable" so doctors will go to greater measures to help.  I have no preterm labor issues thus far, but am thankful that if something did come up they would pull out all the stops to help the babies.  They both were good at our last appointment and we have an ultrasound on Friday.  The techs have not yet been able to get a good picture of both of them at the same time but I'll try to get something up on here after this appointment.  There was a rumor of a 3D picture of their faces which I'd be excited about!

The Girls:
They've been a bit cranky lately, but maybe it's just my moods rubbing off on them.  Who knows.  We have been swimming, going to the park and playing outside (as much as I can tolerate the heat) and just enjoying our days.  They are getting SO big and it's crazy.  Abi talks constantly and more logically now.  Grace absorbs EVERYTHING and it cracks me up to hear what she has to say.  (Although I did hear her tell Abi she had to take a time out because she didn't listen and obey...occasionally I have to remind her that I'm the mom, not her.)  They are fun!

The Hubs:
So thankful for this man!  He is such a great, patient dad.  He also cooked ME dinner last night which was his Fathers Day meal and overall has just been awesome when it comes to my pregnancy slow down.  He is so good with the girls and it melts my heart!

Me:
I feel good but I get tired really fast.  I was doing some work cleaning up a hallway and was ready for a nap :)  Overall I can't complain.  I just have to recognize (and accept) my limits and do what I can when I can.  At my appointment on Tuesday (23w +1) I was measuring what would be normal for 28 weeks and my doctor said to expect it to be obvious I'm having twins from here on out so I'm assuming the slow down will increase at this point.  Everything is measuring well though so I'm pleased that I'm having no issues so far with their growth and development!

21 Weeks, My Girls and More

It's been quiet around here.  I actually told my husband yesterday after a few days of not feeling great that I just wanted to sleep and not talk to anyone.  Today I feel better so figured I should jot down a few notes!

The Boys:
I am 21weeks and 2 days now.  I had an ultrasound last Friday.  They are 15oz each and 61st percentile.  (Read: I have HUGE babies)  I'm not sure what this will do for due dates...I'm hoping early but safe early - I'd rather keep them in if they need the time!  We shall see.  So far everything is looking great so I'm just getting really excited.  I've gained 11lbs so far which seems to be good (Dr is happy) so not bad!

The Girls:
They are getting over some summer colds so it has been a rough few days around here.  Today they seem to be in better moods so that's always more fun!  We did an art project to send to the great grandparents.  I had them lay down on paper (waist up) with their arms spread wide so we can "send hugs".  I saw it on a blog this morning and seemed like a great way to keep them busy while I cleaned up a bit.

The Hubs:
I have the best Hubs.  While I think he thinks I'm crazy, I think he is starting to get my crazy.  (For example, I cannot stop thinking about the things we need to prepare for these babies...which isn't much and could ALL be purchased by him while I'm in the hospital if need be...NOT a big deal, but it's stressing me out!)  Anyway, he has finished redoing our kitchen and bathroom floors.  I'm loving it!  He also set up our pool so I'm pretty pumped for the water to warm up a bit and then live in the pool.

Me:
I'm good. I am feeling a bit whiny although it is mainly just uncomfortable.  I don't take a lot of belly pictures but I think now I'm about the size that I am toward month 7-8.  My stomach is huge and heavy and some of my maternity clothes already don't fit!   We do a lot of clothes sharing so I've got a bucket to dig through to find some bigger sizes.  Other than that I am stressing about stupid things like pacifiers, closet arrangement, newbie photo props and bottles and the not so little things like breastfeeding, sleeping arrangements and how my girls will transition.  Prayer.  :) 

This has still been my easiest pregnancy so far so I am trying to not complain (or whine) because I know how very blessed we are.  I am so thankful for these boys and cannot wait to meet them!  Oh, and if I haven't shared, their names will be Levi James and Jacob Daniel.  :)  So crazy to see it in writing!

On with life - my goal is to get as much accomplished today as I can because I know tonight is date night with my man and I'll get to relax!! :)

Thankful Thursdays Top Ten #94

What a week!  On Tuesday Hubs and I talked about tearing out carpet and tiling the kitchen and dining room floors.  On Wednesday I had no carpet.  He is not a procrastinator.  I spent yesterday at my parents house and am spending the night again tonight.  Last night they were at my sister's house so it was just me and the girls...seriously felt like I was in the most luxury hotel EVER. Tonight it was fun to hang out with them and so nice to let my mom help calm Abi down when she was having a rough bed time.  And anyway...on with my thankfuls...

1. Thankful for an amazingly sweet text tonight from a woman I am blessed to call a friend.  We do not live close but I am grateful for her wisdom and gentleness.  I have loved watching her family grow and grow up and love her transparency in both successes and failures. 

2. I am thankful for my sweet man who has worked non stop.  I am so excited about these floors but at the same time I just love how much he loves his family.  I am proud to be his wife.

3. I am thankful for people who do good deeds in secret and are so humble and generous.

4. I am thankful for my girls both sleeping in big girl beds and doing a great job.  They really do well at night (still working on bed time).

5. I am thankful for our garden being dug up and hopefully we'll get some plants in soon :) 

6. I am thankful for time with friends, honest conversations and joy.

7. I am thankful for babies and celebration and Mothers Day but also the reminders to love on those who want but can't have babies, those who have lost babies and those who are not yet at that part of their life.

8. I am thankful for my momma.  Her honesty and love for people as well as her compassion.  She is such a strong woman and I hope that I turn out like her!

9. I am thankful for my parents opening their house for me and the girls while Hubs is working so hard on our floors.

10. I am thankful for the babies who are starting to kick me more and more.  I cannot wait to meet these boys and while it seems like it will be overwhelming at times, I know God is in control and His grace is enough!

Are you thankful this week!?

Thankful Thursday Top Ten #93

So many things to be thankful for!

1. I am thankful for all the cleaning and organizing that I got done yesterday.  Super tired today.  The boys now have a closet (which I think my mother is trying her best to fill - she is so fun!) and the girl's closet actually has some space in it.

2. I am thankful for Hub's hard work on our house.  He has just been going to town on repairing, cleaning and improving and I'm so blessed!

3. I am thankful for my Dr appts and ultrasounds scheduled every two weeks (each is 4 weeks apart, they just happen to fall every two weeks) so I get to see/hear my boys frequently.

4. I am thankful that we are not keeping these boys' names a secret!  That was soooo hard!

5. I am thankful for my Hub's because when I say, whatever you want, you're the boss - I can say it knowing he will make a great decision for our family.

6. I am also thankful that my Hub's asks for my input :)

7. I am thankful that Abi slept like a champ in a big girl bed last night and for nap today.  (Although twice I went in last night and her, her pillow, Elmo, her cup and blanket had squished into the bottom shelf of the changing table...weird)

8. I am thankful for impromptu Daddy & Daughter dates - I'm not even sure where they are off to but I get some quiet time!

9. I am thankful for my "Big Kids" (read teens that I love and consider family) and how sweet and helpful they are.

10. I am thankful for my best friend flying home a week from today after being gone for MONTHS!

11. I am thankful that Morgan graduated from BGSU!  I'm so proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  She gets to move to Michigan and be a big kid and I am so pumped for her and proud of her!! 

Thankful Thursdays Top Ten #92

1. I am super duper excited and thankful for my ultrasound tomorrow where I should find out if we are team pink or team blue!  AAAAAAAHHHHH!  So pumped.

2. I'm thankful for the nice lady at the park who gave me a tissue when my allergies were going nuts and I hadn't packed any.

3. I am thankful for Grace's date with her Daddy and their boat ride.  She had a blast.

4. I am thankful for some one-on-one time with Abi this week.  We don't get a lot of that.

5. I am thankful for my girls who generally play so well together.

6. I am thankful for my husband who understand (or at least pretends to be understanding) when I tell him two babies multiple times a day.

7. I am thankful for simplicity.

8. I am thankful for my Tuesday night Bible study girls.

9. I'm thankful for meeting and exceeding some work goals.

10. I'm thankful for the busy weekend I have coming up!

Five Minute Friday: Jump

Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking

Five Minute Friday: Jump

Go.

lately i feel like i'm doing a lot of jumping.  jumping into the world of multiples, large families, needing to be super organized.  i also know that God is presenting us with opportunities and chances to be faithful and we need to jump at those as well. 

at our wedding we had someone sing a song with they lyrics "if You say go, we will go.  if You say wait, we will wait.  if You say step out on the water, and they say it can't be one, we'll lift our eyes to You and we will come."

i think that is really what our life generally is but always should be.  willingness to jump when God presents the opportunities.  and having the relationship with Him so that we know when it is His voice calling us.

Stop.

Thankful Thursdays Top Ten #91

I'm only a day late! :)

1. I'm thankful for two babies who are growing healthy and strong from all we can tell!  I'm also super thankful for my two big girls.  What an amazing family I've got!

2. I'm thankful that my husband likes to cook for me!

3. I'm thankful for a job that I enjoy and that I'm only away from the home part time (although sometimes that still feels like a lot!)

4. I'm thankful for Duck Dynasty - because it's awesome.

5. I'm thankful for good discussions about life and where we're going.  I'm excited to see what is down the road for us.

6. I'm thankful for a date night with my mom this weekend!

7. I'm thankful that in the midst of tragedy our country seems to generally come together.

8. I'm thankful for park dates and playing outside.

9. I'm thankful that my kid is too young to grasp that not all people are good and that strangers can actually be dangerous (that being said I keep a very watchful eye on her!)

10.  I'm thankful for new personal goals and hopefully some changes coming soon.

11.  I'm thankful for spur of the moment Youngs Dairy dates with my girls and ice cream for lunch.

12. I am thankful that my migraines/headaches seem to be gone (a little sad I have to be careful on sugars but that's ok right?)

13. I'm thankful I get to see the babies next Friday and might even get to find out genders!!

Ch ch ch changes....

I wish I had a little head to keyboard recorder (sometimes) so that when I had posts to write I could think them out and then they'd just appear rather than hoping I'll find time and that the words will still be there when I get to it.  Usually by the time I sit down to write, the words are gone and I stare at a mostly empty screen before deleting it. 

I'm thinking of deleting the blog.  Well, making it private I suppose would be a better option.  I feel like life has catapulted me into all these new categories that I didn't anticipate - large family, mom of multiples, home school, etc.  I want to be able to explore all those things and possibly (possibly)  try to expand my audience and share a bit more with the world.  I just think I'd like a fresh start to do that.  We shall see.

Currently I am working on figuring out a few things...

...home school for Grace.  My first "effort" was a flop and not for lack of enthusiasm on her part.  I do think she was too young for anything structured so that knowledge helps but I just feel like there are so many options and ways and ideas that I need to really buckle down and figure out my goals and then how I want to get there.

...schedules.  This is a recurring theme in my life.  I usually come up with schedules and systems that last for a few weeks but my resolve to stick to them usually fades quickly.  Frankly, I need to put on my big girl pants and just decide how I want to do life and let the pieces fall where they may.  And I need to get better at doing laundry with any consistency before there are six of us.  :)


I don't know.  I have a lot on my mind but that's enough for today.  I am ready for the weather to stay warm - we all do better when we spend the mornings outside. 

Pregnancy #4

Yup, Pregnant.  That word never fails to amaze me.
(We are still not 'facebook official' so no comments on there please!)

Stole from an Etsy site.  I've seen these on
CafePress though, going to buy it one of these days!

So first, let's recap.

Pregnancy 1: Miscarriage at 7 weeks.  Can't wait to meet this baby one day!
Pregnancy 2: Miss Grace born Sept 2009.  Hard pregnancy, hard birth but totally worth it!
Pregnancy 3: Miss Abi born August 2011.  Easier pregnancy, easy birth totally worth it!
Pregnancy 4: Due October 7, 2013 ...so far so good!
                 ...and yes, this is about 2 weeks after Grace's Birthday so they'd all be about 4 weeks total span depending on actual arrival dates.

Here is the timeline so far.

January 24th:
Took a +/- pregnancy test.  When Aaron got home I told him I had taken a test but the results were inconclusive at best.  So I went out and bought a digital test. 

So that answered that question.  I did the obligatory nurse visit where they asked questions about every family member I know exists.  Turns out we're a pretty healthy bunch so that doesn't take too long.  I left and was schedule for an ultrasound a week or so later for dating purposes.

February 14:
Well.....

Yes, this is my actual ultrasound with my information cut off.

Happy Valentines Day!  Assuming all goes well, in October time frame I will have a four year old, a two year old and two newborns.  I CANNOT WAIT!  I'm sure there will be feelings of "oh my goodness, how is this going to work?!?"  and "Can I do it?!?" but right now I'm elated and hoping to ride out the happy hormones as long as I can!

We are currently praying for healthy and strong babies (because there are TWO!) and calm and joyful hearts for Aaron and me.  I tend to worry, especially having lost a baby early before, but right now I just feel so much peace that God is in control. 

I never expected this.  It was such a fun surprise and a great Valentine for both of us!  Physically the first hour of my day is rough with morning sickness, but compared to previous pregnancies that is not bad at all!  If I remember to get up and eat something right away I can usually cut the uncomfortable time down to about 15 minutes.  During the day I eat CONSTANTLY and not because I'm using the "I'm eating for THREE" excuse but because I am legit hungry pretty much every couple of hours.  I generally eat "real" food (hamburger, spaghetti, chicken and rice) but in small portions to help keep it healthy and not snacky.  I have not really gained weight as far as I can tell (still hanging out at -14 my "starting point" when I was working on losing weight) but I feel as though my pants have begun to betray me.  Ah well :) 

I'm so excited to be on this journey, still prayerful about it all and trusting in the Lord for His perfect will.

3/3/13
Today is the first day I haven't really felt that well.  I think so far this has been the easiest pregnancy and I'm really looking forward to going to the Doctor just to get confirmation that everything is good.  God has definitely used people in just the right moments to say "We're praying" and asking how my heart is.  I'm so grateful He does not forget us.  Hubs said he had a dream we had twin boys.  We asked Grace if she would one day want a brother or sister.  She said, without thinking about it much, TWO brothers.  Who knows!  I live in a house of prophets :)  Can't wait to find out - that'll be about 11 weeks out as I am 9 weeks on 3/4.

3/29/13
Yesterday we had the 12 week ultrasound and both babies are growing strong!  Heartrates are 157 and 160.  They are measuring slightly ahead of my due date (and I'm ok with that!).  I cannot wait to meet these little people.  God is so good!

Thankful Thursdays Top Ten #90

This week has seemed to be all about settling into a new routine.  I finally have a written schedule for work that covers all of my hours so I'm not desperately trying to get a few done here and there.  Hubs and I also finished the playroom so that has been great for the girls and has helped make the whole house feel calmer.  All in all a pretty good week!

Around the Playroom!  We also added a TV in there too.

I keep calling it my "grown up" living room!

1. I am thankful for the playroom being done, being useful and keeping the girls' attention!  They are loving the freedom and I'm loving not having toys all over my living room.

2. I am thankful for Monday's cooking 'spree' of roasted chicken, chicken broth and jelly.  Monday was productive so Tuesday I did pretty much nothing :)

3. I am thankful for naps.  I try to rest each day for just a bit and I'm thankful for the difference it has seemed to make in my energy level.

4. I'm thankful that I don't feel like I'm at war with my body during this pregnancy.  I have been much less sick and tired then in the past so I'm grateful for that.  (I have given myself permission to talk about it on here since few people read these, but it still isn't Facebook Official :)

5. I am thankful for a wonderful date night with my husband last night at a delicious Italian place nearby.

6. I am thankful for two surprise visits during the day from friends this week and the freedom to say "yes, come on over!".

7. I am thankful for encouragement and wisdom from friends.  It is always nice to know I'm not in this life thing alone!

8. I am thankful for Bible study that is hopefully starting SOON!

9. I am thankful for quiet peace.

10. I am thankful for family breakfasts every morning this week sitting around the table.  Potentially the best start to any day!

Done-ish

I'm currently writing this from my new work station in the living room.  Pumped.  My living room makes it look like adults live in the house too - not just kids.  It's kind of amazing.  My books are in here (although I do wonder if people are going to question how many copies of "Every Young Woman's Battle" a girl actually needs...I used them for a Bible study, but it makes me laugh).  The office is mostly cleared of office stuff.  Hubs will take the desk and filing cabinet to the thrift store this week and then we'll get finished stocking it with toys. I do realize the novelty will wear off but the girls played SO well in there this morning.  I was quite pleased.

I think this morning Hubs and I are both paying for all our hard work last night.  I definitely am feeling a bit bleh this morning but its the first time I've had real issues so I can't complain AT ALL.  I'm so thankful for Hub's hard work and all the changes we made.  I think he is nesting as much as I am :)

I'll post pictures soon once the rest of the office furniture is out!

working hard...

I'm taking a break.  Don't tell.

I am in the process of cleaning out 6+ years worth of files and cell phones and computer junk and books and memories out of my office.  Let me tell you, it is slow going.  I feel like for every step forward I take the pile of stuff left to do actually gets bigger.  Literally.  Bigger.

The good news is when it is done it will be a playroom then a nursery so I can't complain too much but holy moly I have a LOT of stuff.  I told Hubs I'd work on it dilligently, and I'm really trying to but man oh man the stuff I have!

Say some prayers for me, it's a jungle in here.  Pictures to come.

Thankful Thursday Top Ten #89

This week I'm thankful for...

1. A little more "normal".  Last week was a flurry of appointments and craziness.  I'm ok with that but I'm also good with things being more relaxed!

2. Teamwork.  My Hubs is awesome.  I had a hankering for Chicken Cordon Bleu (which sounds impressive but is relatively simple to make).  I have NO problem doing prep work so I got the chicken ready to go then I went to work.  When I got home dinner was cooked and ready to put on the table.  He.Is.My.Hero.

3. Pre-prep.  On Monday I browned a ton of ground beef and made a pot of chili.  I used the other half to pre-prep shepherd's pie for today.  I also prepped the chicken for that night. Today I just had to mix ingredients and I was ready to go for dinner tonight.

4. Crepes.  I LOVE "That Crepe Place" at the Greene, but I made a batter to make at home today and fill with bananas and chocolate.  (Or ham and cheese for my Hubs who is not a fan of sweets)

5. I made two loaves of bread today and four and a half jars of strawberry-kiwi jelly.  Good in theory but we are giving one of the loaves to my parents because they rock and the girls and I ate half of the other loaf for a snack.

(Has anyone else noticed that there seems to be a food trend here?!?)

6. Hart of Dixie.  Ok, so I found this on Netflix...um, yes?  I may be a bit addicted and MAY have watched 5 episodes in the past couple of days.  Apparently there are only 16 episodes available so I'm going to TRY to space them out...but.  If anyone has any good Netflix suggestions let me know!

7. Sleep.  I've taken a couple naps this week and it's been delightful.

8. My best friend is coming back to town sooooooon!  This shall remain on the list until I get to see her!

9. I am thankful for my parents babysitting.  I love that Hubs and I get regular date nights and time to hang out. 

10. A calm and joyful heart.

Thankful Thursdays Top Ten #88

I am so so thankful this week.  I can't even begin to describe it.  This has been a long, hard week in a lot of respects between youth ministry stuff and just some different situations but I'm so thankful. 

1. I am thankful for my Husband.  I could dedicate this entire page to him but I am so thankful that he cooks for me (and listens to random comments about food that sounds good and makes THAT!), I"m thankful he puts our family first ALWAYS, I'm thankful that he makes me feel treasured, I am thankful that he puts up with my crazy and I am so thankful that he picked me.  :)

2. I am thankful for some productive Dr appointments this week.  Abi is sick again but at least we know now it is just a bad cold and not something that settled into her lungs.  Will keep trying to get her fixed up.

3. I am SO thankful for my friends who just jump to rally around me.  I would not trade this group of people that I do life with for anything.

4. I am thankful I got to talk to my best bud who is far far away.  They finally had working phones so I got to chat with her for a bit AND she'll be home for a visit soon!

5. I am thankful that my parents live close by and are letting my girlies spend the night there tonight.  This momma could use a good night's sleep.

6. I am thankful for a reduced work schedule and flexibility.

7. I am thankful for our new church location.  It has been more 'work' but has been going great and I'm just pumped.  Last week's music was stellar!  (And the drummer was awesome!)

8. I am thankful for people who say 'if you need anything just ask' and absolutely mean it.

9. I am thankful for getting to hang out with my friend's kiddos.  She and her hubs have 5 AWESOME kids and it was great to give them a night out.

10. Speaking of, I am thankful that on Tuesday when I posted "bread pudding and trail mix sound really good right now" my friend had BOTH for me at her house on Tuesday night when I watched her kids.  Now that is love.

11. I am so thankful for the girls in the picture at the top.  Those are our graduating princess girls and they are so amazing!

Five Minute Friday: Bare

Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking

Five Minute Friday: Bare

Go.

i have never had truly bare cupboards.  empty shelves mocking me.  a fridge void of milk, cheese and other 'essentials'.  i have never known what it is like to have to skip a meal or worse not be able to feed my children.  i have never had to make the tough choice between eggs or milk with money only for one. 

i hardly ever remember that this is such a privilege.  i almost never think about the people who don't have these luxuries.  my world is so completely insulated sometimes that i forget about people who face these harsh realities of life.  it saddens me that i am so blind to these things sometimes.

i may not have all of my wants, but i certainly have every single one of my needs met and so much more. 

Stop.

Thankful Thursday Top Ten #87

Thankful this week for...

1. Preschool - how much fun this has been!  I love when my kiddo wakes up and says "I want to do more school!"

2. Strawberry/chocolate/caramel/peanut butter smoothies.  My stomach doesn't love a ton of stuff right now so this is nice.

3. Gilmore Girls.  Can't wait till Grace is old enough.

4. Daddy taking the girlies outside to play!

5. Figuring out my new work schedule.

6. Secrets.

7. Princess Day on Sunday!  I get to take some amazing girls out to a wonderful dinner - so excited!

8. Our new church building.  It's going to be a lot of work moving stuff in and out every week but hopefully it'll work well.  Grace does NOT like the new building because she tripped and smacked her head HARD last week but hopefully she'll get over that :)

9. Abi's clean bill of health.  Finally.  She had a cold, double ear infection, allergy to penicillin and I think that was it.  Doing better now.

10. Peace.

Preschool and More

First day of preschool!  2/4/13

This has been a fun week.  I've gotten a lot baked, celebrated with people, started preschool with my kiddo and a whole lot more!  It's been a blast!  I've also had to spend some time figuring out some hard stuff and that's ok too.  I am so pleased to have a husband who gives me time and space to figure out whats rolling around in my head.

First day of preschool included a "treasure hunt" for school supplies.  She also got her very own chore list that day which is why she is still in PJs in the picture.  Getting dressed was on her chore list and we hadn't gotten there yet!  This week we are doing "X marks the spot" focusing on the letter X.  It also cracks me up that on her own Grace switches from calling me Mom/Mommy to Teacher while she is doing "school time".  So funny.

With her treasure hunt school supplies!

Day two included a hunt for rectangles wit her binoculars.



And we are working on the fine art of keeping the one year old busy for a short period of time.  This will probably take practice :)

 

 

 

I am using God's Little Explorers from Motherhood On A Dime for our Preschool right now!

 



So long January...

January was a CRAZY month.  It was a rather emotional month starting with January 1st when we announced the Attic would be closing at the end of the month.  That of course started a flurry of activity of bands wanting to book their last show as well as kind and not so kind messages from a variety of people.  Lets just say the nice ones made me cry and the not so nice ones made me very frustrated.

This past week we finished cleaning out the building and this morning we held our church services for the first time in the new location.  All went well and I am thankful God continues to be at work and is not confined by buildings.

All these changes of course mean a lot of impact for me.  We are still working out my schedule but since I now have some more time we are going to be starting preschool at home tomorrow.  Yes, I do have a reason for starting now and not waiting till the fall...we'll talk about that later.

Hopefully this will mean more blog posts, more meaningful blog posts and I am contemplating a change in blog location but that will depend on if I actually share the link with people or simply continue to write for myself and a few close friends.  We shall see.

Some right now life basics...

Here is what is going on in my world...

What I am thinking about...
Preschool for Grace
Meal Planning
Daily schedules

What I am working on...
Concerts, shows, benefits and more
Earning free money on shopkick
Couponing

What is distracting me...
"Miss Invisible" by someone...I should probalby look that up
Gray's Anatomy
White Collar (next week)

What I'm loving...
My husband's wisdom
My girlies learning so much
Figuring out what Abi is 'saying'

What melts my heart...
Sister love
Jesus Loves Me sung to Grandparents
Grace telling me Jesus is in her heart

What I'm trying to figure out...
My kid's sleep issues
Some long term goals
How awkward it'd be to send out my Christmas cards now


Hope you all are doing well and learning and working and loving! 

Five Minute Friday: Cherished

Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking

Five Minute Friday: Cherished

Go.

i feel like lately i have been thinking in Bible verses.  it is amazing the things that come to mind when i need them the most.  it is also amazing the lies that truth can replace when i do not allow it a foothold in my life.

i think that to me cherished is a word we use with memories, family and loved ones.  but really what sticks out to me is kids.  my kids.  me in relation to the Father.  kids who are alone and need to feel loved and cherished.

i am so thankful that my Father in heaven loves me enough to whisper in my ear when i need His truth to replace whatever I am facing each day.  i am so thankful that He has given me wisdom to whisper truth into my girls' ears when they need truth to replace lies each day.  i love getting to work with teens and being able to cherish them and give them truth in their days as well. 

i am a Princess. i am a daughter of The King.

Stop.