We're here... really.

Has anyone else had trouble with blogger lately? I've done a few posts, only to lose them as they are trying to publish. And pictures just haven't been uploading.... gack.

What were my posts on, you say? Oh, how much fun we are having with snow, with pregnancy, and Christmas preps. Oh, and one really good deal on chicken, but I don't want to mention now because you can't get it too. Bummer.

So, because the prego thing is the quickest, I will try to recap! This time around my gag reflex is really kicking in! Is it proper to warn you not to sit across the table from me? Or maybe not even at the same table? It's really quite a suprise, I don't know it's coming most of the time. For instance, yesterday at work, I was out shopping on my lunch, and decided to sample some samples. The first one? Multigrain chips with pico de gallo. Normally something I would LOVE. But for some reason, this time, the tomatos hit me just wrong, and I desperately had to try to not look like I was going to puke on the poor sample lady, who in the meantime just kept talking up a storm about how she can't eat these chips because she has diverticulitis and if she gets the flaxseed in something or other she is in real trouble.... and I don't know what that is, and I don't care, because all I want is a garbage can to throw the offending tomatos away in or to toss my cookies in, if they don't go down the way they're supposed to.

I hope you're laughing. And I hope this is a boy. He sure kicks a lot too. And pokes me. At 18 weeks, he's poking me. Isn't that supposed to be impossible? He's only as big as a bell pepper, but he's moving around a LOT. (Don't get me wrong, I am loving all this! Well, except the gagging. Some parts are just so different, it's like experiencing something completely new, and sometimes slightly unpredictable! :-)

'Tis the Season

I have so much to share, and never any time to share it! But really quick, tonight was Melia's Preschool Christmas program, and, boy, I had no idea how HILARIOUS it would be. I know there are some funny kids in there, but I should have made Gabe video it because I know my video will be a bit... bouncy....

Melia as the most darling Mary ever.

Gettin' into the motions. (Third one in from the left.)

A little stand down on stage.

Kiera, lovin' every minute... and every bite of frosting!

One of the things I Love about My Husband!

He makes me laugh. He's so much more clever than I am.

This was our conversation last night. We bought our Christmas tree, went inside the store to pick up a few things to finish up dinner, and came upon Oreos-BOGO. So we splurged. I never buy these. NEVER. But we did, just for fun. He got Golden, I got Double Stuf. Later that night, after the girls were in bed, we were enjoying an episode of NCIS, and I hopped up to grab some- I had almost forgotten our special treat. So, place us in the kitchen pouring a glass of milk, and picking Oreos out of a brand new package....

Me: This is one of those flavors I'm gonna personally request in Heaven.
Gabe: (chuckle) Yea, but Oreos won't be allowed.
Me: Why?
Gabe: 'Cause they're sinful.
Me: (giggle giggle)

Need some Motivation...Oh, yea, maybe I should get some Christmas stuff done....

I have good days and bad days. Still trying to get over this cold- I slept better last night, but still the discomfort of nose yuckies. Yesterday I purposed to stay busy and active so I would be more tired, but I am not sure it made a difference, except to say that today, I just want to sit...

Anyway, some random happenings from our house:

Melia has taken to seeing pictures of things on the computer. She wanted to know what cauliflower looked like whole, so we found her a picture and she got to see the green leaves. Hence, a few days ago, frustrated by her own cold, she wanted to see a picture of the annoying "flem" that was clogging her respiratory system. I said no- told her it looked like her boogers.

Our "new" pellet stove that we installed last spring is wonderful! We can keep it running on low overnight and it keeps the middle of the house 76-78*. We like to think we are instilling in our children a healthy love of all things warm and toasty :-) A tradition I am personally passing on? Getting out of the bath or shower and cuddling up in a towel next to a hot stove! (Yes I used to do this all the time growing up...)

And, as in the picture, Kiera has been so funny with her little bag of cauliflower. I gave it to her after seperating out the carrots for me, and she carries it around, munching on her cauliflower. (Thanks Chelsea and Celeste!)

Speaking of the stove, we are now hunting for another cast iron kettle to place on top. We had one, but learned just why it was sitting out in someone's free pile..... So if you know of one needing a good home that doesn't leak, let us know :-)

1 Corinthians 13 for Mothers

If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,
but have not love,
I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.

If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,
but have not love,
my children learn cleanliness, ­not godliness.

If I scream at my children for every infraction,
and fault them for every mess they make,
but have not love,
my children become people-pleasers, not obedient children.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.
Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.
Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.
Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love accepts the fact that I am the ever-present "mommy,"
the taxi-driver to every childhood event,
the counselor when my children fail or are hurt.

Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler,
and runs with the child,
then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.

Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection.
Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.

All the projections I had for my house and my children
have faded away into insignificance,
And what remain are the memories of my kids.

Now there abides in my home scratches on most of the furniture,
dishes with missing place settings,
and bedroom walls full of stickers, posters and markings,

But the greatest of all is the Love
that permeates my relationships with my children.

-Adapted by Jim Fowler
-Copied from http://www.momoflittles.com/ because it is just too good not to share!

Serious Warning: Sock Monkeys

Someone warned me when I was pregnant with Melia that Sock Monkeys truly do exist. I laughed it off as being silly, but now that I have two children who never have socks, I know she was right, and I am passing on the warning.

However, I am proud to say that I have scored a big one over the Sock Monkeys. Prior to this last weekend, I think the score was probably at least Sock Monkeys 40+, to me.... let's say 10. (Read this as to socks gone missing to socks recovered.)

I had noticed a few times that Melia's socks would be wrapped up in her blankets on her bed, but nearly always *near* her pillow. After a few times, I was inspired (because it takes inspiration to be so brave) and looked behind her bed. Behold! The Sock Monkeys Lair!

Now, the score is closer- and my washer is full of socks getting cleaned, eager to return to their mates. My, those poor socks, they'd been seperated for months I am sure- almost like military sock monkeys were in control...

Sock Monkeys: 40+
Me: 35
It is a game I will never win, but at least I can put up a good fight!

Can I Just Say?

That this is my favorite time of year? And you know what is best about it?

Even though we get so busy and the holiday season passes SO fast, the one thing that I never miss out on, and always get to fully enjoy...

Christmas Music on the radio.

Especially KLOVE! More Christ-oriented Christmas music. (I love the other Christmas music too, but I love keeping Christ at the center of my holiday season!) I even heard Trans-Siberian Orchestra twice today! What fun!

Remember that coat rack?

I told you about it, the one I bought at Prospector Liquidators a LONG time ago? Like 8 months ago? I finally got around to painting it... And boy, was it a chore.

Not the painting. The deciding.

I didn't know if I wanted it to match the coffee table and dark wall, or to paint it cute kid colors. So I asked Gabe. He said he didn't care. So I asked the girls. They quickly decided on pink, but Gabe immediately vetoed the idea. But he said he didn't care, right? Well, let him clarify: "Kid colors are red, blue, green, yellow. Not pink."

So, to compromise, I bought spray paint to match the rosewood we have, and bought foam girly stickers to let the girls customize it.

I think it turned out great.

What do you think? :-)

15 Weeks Today, Because I'm Suffering...

... apparently from third child syndrome, I'm told. I kinda... well.... for about the last week and a half, I, uh, I didn't know how far along I was. I lost track. I guess this is normal? And, to quote, "...it only gets worse."

:-) But now I know. 15 weeks. 3 weeks, 6 days until ultrasound! I am so grateful for a good working relationship with my doctor!

Two Magazine Subs: $5 each, up for grabs

So, today I signed up for Family Fun magazine. I've been wanting to for a while, but hadn't gotten around to doing it. After I finished the process, it gave me the option to "give" some subs to friends and family, 10 issues (1 year) for $5.

If you are interested, I will sign you up. I only have two, so the first two people to tell me for sure get 'em!

Edited: Sorry, forgot to mention that I am offering to sign you up for this subscription for this price, and you pay me back! :-)