To Catch You Up....

Because I haven't had the time in a while to sit down and upload pictures, I need to share several from the past two months that I have failed to bless you with :-)

I found this one as I was organizing- I thought it is just so sweet. Melia and her uncle Matt.

Because she is just such a hot shot... Note the big sister in the back left spotting me with her binoculars.... She told us she wants pink binoculars for her birthday so she can go hunting with Daddy. Pink to go along with her wish-list pink gun. (Did I already tell you this?)

Us in January when we went to see the elk at Oak Creek Feeding Station w/ my parents. The girls enjoyed it, especially the visitor center (it was warmer!) Freezing outside, but it was fun- TONS of elk, even a spotted calf!

Gabe took this of me while I was cooking dinner on Feb 6- yes, I know. I forgot. But Darcy has an even more recent one to show you. Darc? ;-) So this was belly @ 25 weeks, almost 4 weeks ago. See, black really is slendering! ;-)

This was Kiera on the night that Gabe left for Auburn and we had to stay home. We made brownies... comfort food.... yum!

I call this one "Bed Hog"


These call for an explanation: No, we no longer swaddle Kiera. But one night as I was tucking her in, Kiera was being exceptionally onery by throwing her blankets off. So I called Daddy, the Master Swaddler, and had him go to work. She got mad- it was great! But Daddy won, which is what she needs to learn- submission. One battle down... but the war ain't over yet.
Toddler Burrito

Interpreting Toddler-ese

Tonight, crossing the bridge coming home from Bible Study:

Kiera: That's up! That's up!
Momma: What?
K: Dance up! Mommy, dance up!
M: Kiera, what are you saying? I don't understand!
K: THATS UP! DANCE UP!
M: I don't know what you are trying to tell me!
K: FASTER MOMMY! FASTER!

Apparently, Kiera was VERY concerned that two cars had passed us, and she was literally yelling at me to "catch up!" It sounded exactly like above, and I surely thought she wanted me to turn the music up-- I had no idea it had to do with the fact that I was driving the speed limit, which was not nearly fast enough for her!

You Know...When....

You know I'm roly-poly prego when the laptop doesn't fit on my lap-top. *grin*

Aren't I clever? :-) hee hee

Drama Drama Drama...

Now that I am inspired to share something else other than prayers for my friend, I need to share our experience yesterday morning.

I'm sitting at the computer, reading updates on Lindsey, and Kiera brings me something. It startes me so greatly, I scream and jump back. Because I screamed, she drops it and starts to cry, scared of it. Gabe, snoozing in the next room, hears the scream, hears the item hit the floor, thinks "Oh, that's a *****," rolls over and goes back to sleep, leaving the screaming wife and crying daughter to fend for themselves.

It was a fired and full mousetrap.... gross.

Explanation: Kerzon started stalking the cabinet under our sink on Sunday morning-- we knew what that meant, and have since caught two mice. There's barely any "evidence," so hopefully we can curb the problem quickly before it becomes an issue. I feel so grateful for our dear Kerzon for hunting that mouse, even though it required patience and sitting too close to Ziva for his comfort.... :-) And yes, now Gabe knows that his darling wife would like her prince charming to come running when she screams, even if it means getting out of bed! ;-)

Baby Richmond is here!

Very few details, but praising God for what we do know!
4 lbs 4 oz, born at 9:36pm 2/24/09
in NICU, "looks good"

Thank you Lord, that You are so Good- and that You hold each of us in the palm of Your hand. Amen!!!!

Hopefully Welcoming Baby Richmond soon...

It looks like little mister can't wait-- Lindsey just posted to Pray, as he is coming today....

Lindsey Update

For all of you wondering about those vague and concerning comments... (they sure startled me since I was at work all day...)

My dear friend Lindsey is in Sacred Heart in Spokane because her water has ruptured at 33 weeks. The doctors are trying to hold off labor for at least another day to give baby man's lungs one last little bit to develop (along w/ some steriod shots). It sounds like the plan is now to let her labor tomorrow, so we should have a little darling arriving sometime in the next 2 days.

Your prayers are deeply appreciated for the health and peace of their entire family during this period of waiting and watching- Praise Him for the miracle of this pregnancy, and for the continued health and growth of our little friend! Thank you so much for your care and concern and desire to bless them with prayer and provision-- I will do my best to pass on what I learn.

Braeburns: $.38/lb

Almost forgot, today Food Pavilions here in Wenatchee have their one day produce sale, and they have Braeburns for $.38/lb. :-) Just in case you're needing apples this week!

Talent, Prego, Bumpers, and Fruit Tidbits

Last night Melia and I were able to attend the 12th Annual Janice Franz talent show fundraiser with my mom, (Thank you Annie and Mark for watching Kiera!) and what fun! Me, the normal critic, couldn't help but notice that they always need someone better on the sound board, but the acts were all pretty well done and entertaining! Of course, my cousin Chelsea's "Steemp" act was the best, but we're not biased or anything! And to be honest, the Young Crew dance team was very impressive- their timing and energy transfers were right on! Melia even said by the end, "I want to be up there someday...." :-) Which led to Mommy prayers last night that we would be blessed with wisdom to help her achieve this with God getting the glory and not necessarily any booty shakin'. Please Lord, no booty...

This morning, the last dream I had before I woke up is surely classified as a "prego" dream... My belly button split open, and babies starting squeezing out. Babies, as in four. Three girls, one boy. And, ahem... the boy was black. The distressing part was that I was only as far along as I am now, so only one girl lived. ugh. Not the best way to start a morning.

But this email from my Grandma lightened the load-- "The greatest bumper sticker ever!"
I'll keep my God, my freedom, my guns, and my money. You can keep "the Change."
Amen to that one!

And, if anyone else out there is thinking about getting some fruit trees, Costco has theirs in now, so you will want to check them out and pick them out before they come out of hibernation-- every time I buy blueberries that have already "started," bringing them home shocks them and they die. Regular trees are like $10.69, and the grafted one (3 varieties on one tree) are $11.99. But please leave that Red Gold Nectarine there for me! ;-)

Kiera Quotes

In nursery, to Lynn, because she was getting tired and ready for mom to come get her:
"My mommy's crying."
Lynn: Why do you say that?
K: Cause she misses me.

To me, after I cleaned the ashes out of the pellet stove, with soot all over my arms:
"Bad mommy! You go wash your hands in my sink right now!"

Prior to going potty:
"I go poop for candies!" (Poop means pee, I just think she likes saying it better...)

Gabe and I were talking last night about the trouble I have with disciplining Kiera. I know this isn't necessarily what moms are supposed to say, especially when I can see right through her act, but I let her cuteness get to me. She puts on her cheesy grin, wags her head from side to side, and gets away with murder. Bad Mommy, I know! I need to be more consistent, because after each day of her not obeying, my patience is really thin. If I handled situations properly starting right off every morning, this would improve greatly. The one consistency? Everyone else thinks she's the cutest thing ever too, so her magic works on everybody :-) Is this a second child thing? Or just a young manipulator thing? ;-) Or a tired, distracted mommy thing?

Sewing Day, Now Day at Home!

WHew! Yesterday wore me out! I haven't had a day like that in a while, where we started early in the morning and didn't quit until bedtime- Thankfully, we are mellow at home today, Melia at preschool, w/ cubbies and bible study tonight. I've got Kiera parked in front of lady and the tramp so I can finish up my bible study :-) TV is a crutch, but it sure works good! When sissy is gone she can really be clingy, and bible study doesn't allow for that much....

Anyway, some projects I want to finish today...
1. Clean Kitchen
2. Finish painting wall.

Yep, that's it. I might start in on some sewing... Yesterday all we really got done on my pieces were a little cutting. My mind was gone by the time we got up to Gabe's parents' house, so it really took a while and some in depth brainstorming to decide what I really wanted to do, and if it was possible with the amount of material I had purchased. But I believe we came up with some really fun ideas, and it should be possible for me to do, plus I received Annie's permission to make her a wild and crazy cart cover with this fantastic pink and lime paisley material we found :-) (If you don't know Annie, she's a bit afraid of color, so pink and lime is way beyond her comfort zone!) Anyway, off to work on Bible study, and if I get a chance, I may check in later w/ pics. Have a great day!

Sewing Day

Ok, so today was supposed to be my recoup day, after working two days, I normally need Tuesday to do laundry and dishes and just gather myself. But not today! Tomorrow is sewing day at MIL's w/ SIL :-) for the upcoming cousins. So I needed to go fabric hunting! And guess who is really picky and couldn't find anything she liked. Me. I will include pictures sometime soon, but right now our main computer is down and I don't want to overload this one :-) but I ended up choosing a beigey-tan base color, and two leaf patterns to go with it. I know. So bizarre. But everything was too babyish, too girly, too busy, take your pick. And nothing with baby forest animals, which Gabe informed me that he would prefer over baby jungle animals (which really ended up being to babyish anyway for me) So we are doing a simple camo-ish neutral room theme, so anything else will probably go with it :-)

Plus Melia's museum field trip w/ preschool is tomorrow, so I am heading to bed as early as possible tonight. Not very, I know, since it is 9:50, but I am on my way. Just thought you'd like to know how suddenly picky I am about this little man's new bedroom furnishings.... ;-) later!

Still a fever, but I'm much better

Since getting to spend time together with Gabe a little over the past 24 hours, at least I feel like I'm past the melancholy point :-) Melia's feeling much better, but she still is mid 99's. I finished several posts on KI yesterday while Gabe was at youth group, so I felt very productive! I am only 1.5 weeks behind now! Which is good, since this is the last class week of Revelation I before the final, so I'd better catch up... And last night I got the best sleep in at least a week.... So, on the upswing...

A funny? The girls have been running into my belly lately. Like they aim to go around my legs but then clothesline themselves on the belly :-) Or I'll run into them with it. I'm sure they will be as ready for him to make his entrance as I am!

Apparently, while I was painting, Kiera somehow got paint on one of her polly dolls. I noticed it yesterday and pointed it out to her. She told her dolly "Bad dolly. Bad girl." and gave her a spankin'. :-)

Early Sunday Morning

Well, Gabe made it home late last night (later than I went to bed...) I had a rough night- one of those where you're terrified subconciously that you're going to miss your alarm? Yea, like that, waking up every hour or two, sure that it's now 6am and I'm late for work.... Because yes, I am opening this morning.

Hopefully I can get a nap in this afternoon... Melia still has a fever. Got pretty high in early evening, in between Tylenols :-( 103.8 But after that dose she hasn't had any more and is staying around 100. Maybe on our way out of this... She snoring so loud right now she sounds like she's in the room with me, only she's 2/3rds of the house away!

Anyway, later. I did enjoy the pizza very much, while watching Seven Brides for Seven Brothers with the girls :-) That was our Valentine experience. Unless you count the three other movies they (Melia) watched, and the nap.... I got a lot of painting done. Their bathroom is completely redone :-) Have a good day!

Trying not to let the Mopey's get me down

OK, so I am past the tears part, now just trying to get past this day where I was supposed to be eating a nice breakfast with the love of my life, visiting IKEA, doing some baby shopping, and going to his meeting and socializing with a bunch of great people we see only a few times a year. But, I can do it!

I am considering starting to paint our bathroom.... I know I need to do some posts on KI, but that has to wait until Kiera is down for nap. I need to wash the kitchen floor, since Ziva brought in some slightly muddy footprints... And repaint the girls' bathroom since the second coat ended up being a tad lighter and looks terrible, if you've noticed.

Meanwhile, Melia is still running a fever...
And, if anyone is running to Costco today, I would really like a box of those frozen margarita pizzas, and they are on coupon. We only eat them when Gabe is gone, because the girls and I can finish a whole one ourselves! It sounded really good last night, but I can't go today either because of the fever.... So if you want to pick me up one :-) I would be forever grateful!

Frustrating Circumstances

Melia now has a low fever, so I will not be going with Gabe to Seattle. I know this is just a small thing in the midst of life, and I'm not really mad, just brokenhearted. I was looking forward to our night away for so long, especially knowing that life will just get busier and it's not like it's easy to get away alone as it is anyway.

He is going over to spend the night before his meeting tomorrow, even though he doesn't need to, because priceline isn't refundable/transferable. So I will have his report back to you about how we felt it worked. Meanwhile, we are trying to make the best of it, cleaning and organizing our pantries while he's home. Sometimes I can't help the tears, but I know I should be joyful that at least it's just a fever instead of a more serious problem- but that's more irritating too, that it's just a dumb fever.

It's just so frustrating, that 75% of the times they get sick (which is pretty rare anyway) it's when we had special plans. Is this normal with young children? The time parents desperately need away is taken because of illness? I ranted earlier, asking God what purpose does this serve? And I know staying home is the right choice, but that doesn't make my heart feel much better. It just stinks all around. Makes me cry more than that stupid skunk a few years back....

Fred Meyer: 50% off Last Marked Clearance...

While these aren't rock bottom prices, they are pretty good and I picked up a few items I had been eyeing for a while :-) I kinda figure if it's lower than what I would pay at Costco, I'll consider it!

I got one sleeper for $6, two nicer onesies for $3/each, and one two piece outfit for $6. Baby stuff *grin* And several pairs of girls gloves- $.75/pair-- not sure I could have enough of these...

A Blessed Morning

I just have to share that I feel God has really blessed me this morning. My heart is joyful and wants to glorify Him! I love the snow, even if it is just a smidge- so fresh, clean, white! I feel productive, motivated- ready for what He has for me :-) We have shopping to do, and I'm hoping to take Gabe lunch (he's working a different job - Range Safety Officer - today, all day instead of tonight's normal shift). Yesterday I got our taxes done, e-filed, and received approval all before bed.

And while waiting in line to drop Melia off, we were blessed with the Newsboys' new song on KLOVE again- I just feel like my heart's bursting! Thank you LORD- You reign down new blessings every day, and I thank you for opening my heart that I may see them and honor You! You are Good to us- I pray that You would share these blessings with everyone reading this- open their hearts and give them a fresh glimpse of Your Glory today! Amen!

adding two more blessings I forgot! we received Gabe's Valentine's gift in the mail yesterday, which was a surprise because it is not scheduled to be released until tomorrow! I bought him Ray Comfort's new book "You can lead an Atheist to Evidence, But You can't make Him Think" hee hee- we really agree with most all of Ray's stuff- that conviction of the heart is required to be more effective than just presenting the gospel alone... And, I received an email stating that my Gurney's garden order is being shipped- the irony? as I was reading the email, it is snowing outside.... Smiles all around! :-) I have another one to share, but because it's longer, I will do a seperate post... later!

HELLO PEOPLE!

How am I the first to know about Newsboys coming to the Town Toyota Center on March 26th? Or did you all know and just not tell me!??!!!

I am There! So excited, especially since hearing a new song by them on KLOVE-- WOOOHOOOO!!!!

Fever, Day four

Melia never had fevers that went longer than a day, but Kiera is really stretching this one out! Thankfully the last three days have not included any spiking, but she maintains a 99-100 most of the time. Now she has a yucky cough, but not a persistant one, just when she laughs or hollers at sissy :-)

Interesting Quote for Today

"In the eyes of conservative forces, these changes mean that the family is in crisis. In crisis? More than a crisis, we are in the presence of a weakening of the patriarchal structure, as a result of the disappearance of the economic base that sustains it and because of the rise of new values centered in the recognition of fundamental human rights."
UNFPA representative Arie Hoekman denounced the idea that high rates of divorce and out-of-wedlock births represent a social crisis, claiming that they represent instead the triumph of “human rights” against “patriarchy.” (UNFPA: United Nations Population Fund)

Hmmmm.....I'm not sure it's worth bothering to give my opinion on that one, other than "gee, that sounds awfully familiar..."

Your thoughts?

Quick Kiera update

She is feeling much more perky, but is still maintaining a mild fever. She got pretty high yesterday (103*) and we had to dole out the Tylenol twice. But no more movies- she has much more important things to do today! (like playdoh and other messy stuff!)

Priceline: First Time

OK, based on Kari using hotwire, I kinda looked into the sites she used to understand how they work, and I booked a hotel for our quick little jaunt over the mountains for Gabe's meeting next weekend. I wondered if it would work, since it is Valentines Day and all, but I was booking for Fri night, not Saturday. Here's my results:

Clarion Hotel, Federal Way
$50/night, plus $13.89 in taxes/fees.

I am a little nervous (I have really bad luck booking hotels online!), but this seems to be a nicer one and their site lists the prices for that night starting at $95. I just didn't like that once you put in your information and submit your bid, you're done- no backing out. Hopefully it will all work out well!

I will let you know... I don't think we've done a Clarion before. But for $50, it beats Motel 6, Super 8, or Days Inn ;-)

Kiera's yucky morning

Kiera has a fever this morning. When Melia woke up, they were playing together, and then for whatever reason, Kiera "urped" a little on the floor and proceeded to scream. She said her mouth hurt and Gabe couldn't get anything else out of her. After she settled down a bit, I got her to show me what hurt her mouth- she led me to the pile :-) Poor thing. And not a bad fever, just around 100*. Enough that she doesn't want to eat... Ah well, I needed to do laundry anyway ;-)

Updated: She's sleeping now- thankfully Gabe is home so I can just run and pick up Melia without bothering her. Very very quiet house. Kiera watched Nemo, then proceeded to fall asleep when Toy Story started. Most of the time TV makes me feel guilty, but I sure like it when they are not feeling so well- nothing else will slow her down enough that she could actually fall asleep if she was tired!
I am also thankful that just the last few days I have really been blessed with a renewed sense of purpose about being an at-home mom-because not that I didn't know this before, but the world seems to slowly change our perspectives, and a renewing is vital to keeping us His path for us. For me-- that this is my greatest responsiblity and honor, so folding clothes and watching cartoons while I have a sick baby on the couch has purpose, not a lack of it. Thank you Lord, for Your blessings, new every morning!

Ugh.

I had my appointment today-- I am 25 weeks, measuring 29 cms. So no matter what everyone keeps saying, I am not that big :-) Somewhat large, but dr's not concerned at this point.

However, they did give me my paperwork for the glucose test to do in the next two weeks, so when I was done I called Gabe and asked if I could just hang around and get it done today so I don't have to come back again until my next appt. No problem, so I went and drank the yucky orange stuff (it was warm this time- gag!blech!) and drove down to browse Encouraging Words since I was child-free for another hour... Speaking of which, they have lots of stuff I like, but I just can't afford it! It is so overpriced! But it did get me thinking about stuff for my birthday list, so I suppose that was helpful ;-) I want a Sh'ma for our house, maybe like on a plaque, in English and/or Hebrew, preferably both... so if you find one somewhere, let Gabe or my mom know! And I need a good Bible cover...

So then, by the end of the hour, I really had a good headache going and was feeling fairly nauseated. I asked the gal drawing my blood if that was a common complaint- she said yes. What I wanted to ask, but was afraid to, was if it was a "bad sign," like does it correlate at all w/ testing positive for gestational diabetes.

Now, I have had a protein packed lunch (2egg and bacon sandwich) and am trying to recoup. A nap is probably in order. Good night :-)

It's on the Calendar....

March 18th- my consultation visit with Dr Fine in Spokane on whether I am a good candidate for VBA2C or not.... Finally, and yet so far away :-) I will be 31 weeks.

Hair Cuts

Melia took most of hers off the top- the end result makes me think of Hayley Mills in the original Parent Trap movie. It kinda frames her face.... still makes me sad though!

You can just barely see Kiera's damage- on the right side of the photo, she has a straight cut through that piece. Really, probably no one would even notice. Except me.

And now poor Kerzon thinks he is skinnier than he is. He is really happy about it. Can't you tell? Now he will be more of a clutz than ever. The right side is even shorter than the left, but you can't see it very good because of the window light. Someday he will learn that he should have never traded mommy's bed for Melia's...

The really thoughtful part of all this was that Gabe did not call me at work with the bad news- He waited until I had sat down at Gramps house and rested a few minutes, all the while not really noticing their hair before breaking it to me. I really really appreciated this- if I had had any time at all to ponder it I would have been expecting the worst and probably crying. This way, I had already seen it and not gone crazy. Wasn't that nice of him? I know, just another thing to love about my man ;-)

Rite of Passage

Gabe and I officially passed through one of the giant obstacles that you know is coming, but can never quite predict when you are parents of girls.

They cut their own hair.

I was at work, and everyone was napping at home. Apparently, the girls woke up before Gabe, and when he woke up he caught Kiera just as she was taking the first big slice out of hers. Melia's damage had already been done. And poor Kerzon was collateral damage....

Pictures on the way.