So, it finally occurred to me that I left y'all hanging regarding the "Big. Exciting. News."

I honestly didn't mean to do that.
It's just that I'm pretty much the world's worst blogger these days.
And I think I've finally figured out why . . .
{Ya know besides the fact that I am trying to raise four children, take care of them and my husband, squeeze in the basics, like laundry and general house chores, etc. etc.}
. . . other social media is SO MUCH EASIER.
I'm still not the greatest with Facebook, but oh my lands, Instagram is so easy peasy!
I love it.
And blogging . . . it just takes so much more time.
And I'm short on that most days.

Anyway . . .
On to the news.
While a new baby would be super exciting, I'm sorry to say that is not the exciting announcement.
We are, however, expecting puppies!
Words cannot describe how excited the girls are.
And I have to admit I'm pretty excited too.

Snuggly wuggly pups are in our very near future.
Stay tuned :)

And because I can't leave you without a picture . . . 

 

 

Sigh ♥ I love these girls.
 

 

 

 

 

Hi There

The last two weeks have felt more like 6 months.  But in a way, it's good, because it means that time isn't flying by me like it normally does. 

Some updates . . .

I had a follow up appointment with my doctor, and . . . no surgery.  Yay!  I'm also feeling much better after a round of antibiotics.  The bad news?  I'm pretty sure the antibiotics are bothering Miss Taylor's tummy :(  She's been struggling to put the weight on.  I was really hoping she'd be back up to birth weight tomorrow at her two week check, but that's not looking like it's going to happen.  Thankfully I'm off the meds now, so that should help.

Also . . . the whole clan has come down with colds :(  Kenners started us off, next came Sis, and last night I was up the whole night with a sniffly Kam.  We are praying {and praying hard} that Taylor doesn't come down with it.  It's nearly impossible to keep her away from the sickies.  Really, colds during summer?  So unfair.

Just wanted to mention again how much I appreciate the emails and comments checking in on us.  I'm always amazed at the friendships that can be made through blogging.  I have been horrible about keeping up with my inbox, but just know that all of the sweet thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.  I can't wait to catch up on my favorite blogs soon, it's just that I've been so tired lately.

We all have, see?

And . . .

Didja see my new header?  Oh my goodness, I am blessed.  I am seriously blessed.

Finding the Groove

Whew, it has been hard to find our groove this last week.  The first few days home from the hospital were busy.  We had a BBQ planned for Father's Day {and my birthday}, and we didn't want to cancel it completely, so we had my parents and Jeremy's parents over the day after coming home.  Taylor had a check up at the beginning of last week too.  She had lost a bit of weight after birth, and was fighting jaundice, so we wanted her to have a quick check.  We had a few visitors mid-week.  Lovely friends and family brought dinner to us.  And let me just say what an enormous blessing it is when friends bring food.  So nice to have one less thing to worry about during the evening hours, you know?

On Thursday evening the girls and I were eating dinner, and were completely surprised to see that my sister and her two littles had come up for a surprise visit.  They live in southern Oregon, and we don't get to see them as often as we like.  What a fun surprise!

After that things went a little . . . down hill.  I seemed to be having a hard time with recovery, but I just figured that's the way when you have four little ones at home.  Not much time for rest ;)  On Friday Jeremy went back to work, and I probably did a liiiiitle too much.  The house needed clean up, and the three "big girls" had gone next door to my mom and dad's to visit their cousins.  So I took advantage and cleaned, and then did a mini photo shoot with Taylor.  I need to emphasize "mini".  I got one pose and then I was just too exhausted to do much more.  Friday evening we went to my mom and dad's for dinner, and I really wasn't feeling well.  We got home, I took my temperature, found I had a fever, and I was set to get everyone into bed early so that we could rest.  But before we could make it, I had a little health issue {I'll spare the details} that made me think I should call the doctor.  I first called my mother in law to see what she thought, and she encouraged me to call.  Not long after, I found myself at the ER :(  Sooooo not where I wanted to be.  We got there around 10pm on Friday night, and didn't get home until nearly 4am Saturday morning, ugh.  But sweet Baby Taylor did so well.  She just snoozed through most of it! 

So, I have a follow up appointment today, that will hopefully assure me that all I need is to finish the antibiotics I'm on {not have surgery}. 

All of that to say, I've missed catching up with you all.  And I hope to visit soon.  Things are just a little busy here ;)

Oh, and here's a photo of sweet baby girl.  Oh my goodness, is she just the most precious thing ever?
We think so too ;)

Checking In . . .

{Not in to the hospital ~ though I gotta be close, right?}

Yesterday I had another appointment.  Is it just me, or does it seem like I live at the doctors office?  Sierra and Makenna deicded that birthday shopping for Mama with Daddy might be more fun than tagging along to the doctor {who can blame 'em?!}, so it was just me and Kam.  I promised Sierra that I'd let the doctor check me.  {She is SOOO anxious for Little Miss to arrive}.  So I prepared myself for "you're still at a 2 1/2 hunny".  But much to my surprise, I'm between a 4 and 5!  What the what? 

A little background info . . . typically by the time I'm dilated to 4cm, I'm READY to have a baby.  Sierra was born several hours after the "4", When I got to the hospital with Kenners, I was dilated to 4.  Two hours later, she was in my arms.  Even Kam . . . when I got to a 4, they broke my water, and voila!  A baby girl a couple hours later.  So this "walking around at a 4cm" kinda has me freaking out that I'm not in any sort of active labor yet.  {It also has me freaking out that by the time I figure out I'm in active labor, I'm going to need to speed race to the hospital!  Hello, 40 minutes away!!!}  But I'm thinking I must be close, right?  RIGHT?!!

Whew! 

Other fun facts {if I haven't already mentioned.  And I probably have}.  Tomorrow {the 19th} is my birthday and Father's Day and my due date ;)  We have a smallish barbecue planned to honor our special dads.  {Think it'll be cancelled?}  Our dads are about as great as they come, and Jeremy is so wonderful with our girls.  Pretty much the most.fun.dad.ever.

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And one last thing . . . I gave in to a tummy shot.  I figured I may not have much time left to take one.  Sierra snapped this for me yesterday.  Can we all agree not to a. laugh  b. gasp at the enormity that is my stomach {and arms, and bum, and face.  yeah.}

Thankssomuch.

Hope you all enjoy this Father's Day weekend!

{And I hope to have someone to introduce you to soon!}

Doctor's Appointments and Other Updates

Last Friday I had {another} doctor's appointment. I've reached the weekly appointment stage. In some ways I can't believe that we're at the end of the pregnancy. And in other ways . . . well, I've affectionately named this the pregnancy that never ends ;) Kam was born just shy of 35 weeks, so it just seems that our newest little one should be here already!

Anyway ~ my doctor's appointment. I weighed in, sigh. And since I'm being honest here, I'm just going to share that I've gained nearly 40 pounds. ACK! I'm just not one of those women that gains 20 pounds during pregnancy. I gained 42 with Sierra, 37 with Kenners, and 34 with Kam {but remember, she was 5 1/2 weeks early}. I'm not cute pregnant, by the way. Nope. And I'm retaining quite a bit of water . . . pretty.

{warning: there may be times of overshare today.}

As soon as my midwife came in I jokingly asked when we could induce ;) And, YAY, she said that they would go ahead and schedule an induction by the 25th as long as I had already started "making progress". So then, of course, I worried that I won't have made any progress. I needn't have worried, though. She did a quick check, and I am almost 3cm and baby is at -1 station. I realize that's not any big deal, BUT, it does mean that even if nothing changes, I will still have a new baby girl by the end of June. We're pretty happy about that :)

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And in other baby news . . . we're still hemming and hawing over a name. I have my favorite and Jeremy has his. And we're still trying to come to an "agreement".

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That's all I got.

Sierra and Makenna had a dance performance on Saturday at the annual Spring Fling. Most years the weather is gorgeous. One year? 92 degrees. This year? I don't know . . . 50? So we got our glitz on, bundled up, and headed over. And they did such a fantastic job!

I love this shot because Kam is always looking to her big sissies. She wants to do everything they do. I'm pretty sure we may have another one in dance soon ;)

We had a bit of a wait before it was the girls' turn to dance. So Gramps provided the perfect seating.

First Kenners' class . . .

Then Sierra's.

Then we took off because we were freezing to death ;)

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So . . . the laptop officially died {and I may have almost cried} :( And the desktop is barely holding on {and runs at the speed of a snail. Seriously, this one post took me FOREVER}, so I may not be around much. Just thought I'd mention it lest you all think I went into early labor ;)

Speaking of? We may just be closer to a name for this little girl. Whew!

Test Day!

Wow, things have been crazy busy here! What with holidays, visiting family, finishing up the end of our home school year, testing, and everyday odds and ends, I think we're in need of a vacation.

The other day I mentioned that Sierra was due for her required testing. Home school students in Oregon are required to be tested after grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. This was Sierra's first ever BIG test, and we were a little nervous. I had no worries about her meeting grade level requirements, but I did worry about her lack of experience with testing. We've done our own math tests and quizzes, but a good portion of the time Sierra is free to ask questions or obtain help. Besides, this test was at an unfamiliar testing center with an instructor whom she'd never met. All adding up to a situation that was nerve-wracking, to say the least.

Sierra and her best friend before testing began.

A small snack break between the Language Arts and Math portions.


And then . . . .

One of the best parts of the day! A celebratory lunch out with friends.

And this sweet "forever friends" necklace from a very dear friend.

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We were surprised and happy {and a little nervous!} to find out that results would be available by the time we were finished with lunch. So we swung back by the testing center and awaited the scores, as well as a short meeting with the instructor.

Sierra did so well. She was above grade level in all areas, and even tested at an end-of-5th-grade level for the math portion. Needless to say, we are all so very proud of her. And also breathing a small sigh of relief that it is over!

Our sweet girl is growing into such a beautiful, talented, and smart young lady.

This Is Going To Be A Long One

Just for my own journaling-peace-of-mind, I feel the need to get a few things out so that I can remember everything that is going on these days. I don't have the greatest memory anyway, but add "pregnancy brain" to it, and it's bad. So, feel free to click away today. I may just bore you to tears if you don't.

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I feel like I haven't documented this pregnancy at all. At least, compared to my pregnancy with Kam. I kept a journal on Storknet.com, and was required every week to submit an entry. I LOVE looking back on that time in my life, and I'm sad that I haven't taken the time to do it this time around. So, a few updates as far as that goes:

*I'm huge. Let's just get that out of the way now. I gained about 40 pounds with Sierra, and I am definitely going to make it there with this one. Sad, sad. The funny thing is, I am WAY more active this time around than I've ever been before. Hauling girls to dance classes twice a week, chasing after a two year old. I rarely sit down. {And please, please do not start in on "Well, you're older this time". A girl doesn't especially love to hear that she's old, mkay?} So . . . who's going to hold me accountable for getting my boot in gear to try to lose all this weight after she is born? C'mon, somebody step up.

*This little girl still has no name. And instead of narrowing the list down, we seem to keep adding names. We {the girls and I} all want to be able to call her by name, but Jeremy seems content to wait until she's born. I'm still making peace with it ;)

*This pregnancy is wearing me out! Okay, I'm going to try really hard not to complain too much, and also to remember how much I have to be thankful for. But, I just wouldn't be real if I didn't at least mention these aches and pains. {It's also important I document this for a year or two down the road when I'm having newborn envy}. I was in a car accident when I was young, and for as long as I can remember I've had back pain. It seems to get worse with each pregnancy, and I'm at a point now {probably the huge amount of extra weight isn't helping}, where I almost can't sit down, because if I do, I can't get back up. I have sharp lower back and leg pain all.the.time. Also, sweet baby girl is camped low. REALLY low. Like, the last time I was in at the doctor she said "Holy cow, she's really low!" Yes, thank you, my bladder knows this well. A bit of fun trivia: Makenna was the same way. Her head remained down and so low for such a long time, that poor little thing had quite the cone head right after she was born ;)

*I was hospitalized with Kam at 33 weeks and 1 day. I'm creeping up on that milestone in this pregnancy {actually, according to my own dates, I'm there}, and it has definitely made me think. I am so thankful that I've made it this far without any complications. Each day this little one grows stronger {and chubbier!}, and more healthy, and I am extremely grateful.

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Sierra is scheduled for her end of 3rd grade testing this Wednesday. Oregon requires home school students to be tested at the end of grades 3, 5, 8, and 10. I wish, wish, wish, we had taken it upon ourselves to test last year, just so that she'd have the experience, but alas, we didn't. I don't worry at all that Sierra is behind. In fact, I'm quite sure she is ahead in most areas. However, testing {especially at an unfamiliar facility} can be nerve-wracking, and while she does have tests at home, they aren't at all like the one she'll have this week. Any prayers for peace for her {and me!} would be greatly appreciated. She's a little apprehensive.

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And just a quick update to my resolution to read through the Bible. No, I am no where near completing this task. Actually, I'm still only in 1Kings. But it's progress. And with as crazy busy as life has been the last several months, I'm proud of it.

Ultrasound News

It's been a loooong day. A long, emotional day. Is it just me, or do emotions wear you out too? I'm so ready for bed, but Kam took a surprise nap this afternoon, so she is still WIDE awake ;)

Besides, if I'm going to mention that Wednesday is ultrasound day, I shouldn't leave you hanging.

This little pumpkin here . . .

{Yes, the one yawning. Isn't that the cutest??}

Is . . .

another girl.

It's been emotional. We are so blessed to be having another, healthy girl. I know this. And I love girls! The pink, the frilly, the bows.

But I always thought we would have a son too. That's all.

Updates

This is such a busy time of year for us {this year it's especially chaotic with the house building}, I feel like I don't have time to sit down for a minute, let alone gather my thoughts together for a blog post. I think, after this week's Countdown to Christmas recap, I might be due for a little break.

But not before a few updates . . .

On the Home Front:

We are getting closer to completion of the house-building project! We still have at least another month or two, but the end is in sight. All of the outside doors are on, the inside is sheetrocked, painted, the electrical pretty much complete {just have to buy and install some of the lighting fixtures}. And cabinets are to be installed this week! Jeremy has been so super busy. He stained hundreds of trim boards all by himself! Well, not completely by himself. My dad was here to help almost the entire time. We are so incredibly thankful for all of his help. Not just the last few days, but really through this whole process. And while I'm being grateful, I just have to say how proud I am of Jeremy. He took on the staining project whole heartedly, and didn't complain once. Not even after three days straight {and I do mean full 12-14 hour days} of lacquering and sanding. And the trim looks A-MAZING. Seriously, if we'd have hired it out professionally it wouldn't have turned out half as beautiful.

On the Baby-Front:

All is well. I'm still having days where I feel pretty miserable. But I think it's getting better. At least I have a day here and there that I'm not sick all day, so that's good. And I've hit the 12 {and a half, lol} week mark. At least. Of course, I had calculated that I was a little farther along {more like 14 weeks}, but who knows, the ultrasound tech wasn't budging on her date ;) I am a tiny bit nervous about the weight gain, however. I am thinking it's not appropriate to have gained this much weight this early on. Ay yi yi.

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And that's about all there is to report. We've been enjoying our daily Christmas activities, and are looking forward to Christmas day and all of the magic it brings. I still cannot believe how quickly this time of year passes us by! Hope you all are enjoying your own special moments.

A little bit o' random

Wow. A whole week has gone by without even a glance to poor ol' blog here.

In my defense we have been battling some horrible stomach bug . . . YUCK! The first few days I couldn't pick myself up off the floor, let alone turn on a computer. But I think we're finally on the mend.

In other news, our sheetrock is finished, and the inside of our house is completely painted. Also, our garage door was installed on Wednesday. YAY! Next up, we lay the underfloor in preparation for the cabinets and flooring that will all be installed within the next month or so. It's so fun to walk through and actually get a good idea of where things will go. We're starting to envision ourselves living there someday ;)

I can't believe Thanksgiving is six days away! Seriously, where does the time go? We're going to hit the grocery store today, so I've had my cookbooks out. My mouth is watering just looking at some of these yummy recipes. And that's a good thing, because I haven't had much in my stomach lately.

We're trying to plan our Countdown to Christmas this year. Last year we had such fun with a special activity, outing, or craft each day of December, I knew we'd have to continue the tradition. If anyone is interested in linking up again this year, let me know. Otherwise I'll probably just do a regular post on our activities, and maybe a few tutorials on our chosen crafts.

That's all! What's been keeping you busy?

Catchin' Up

I feel like I'm constantly playing "catch up" around here. Well, actually, not just around here, but regarding life in general. I guess it's just one of those seasons. We're busy, and happy to be. It means that we're healthy and able to be on the go. It's a good thing :)

Just wanted to take a minute to say thank you for all of the sweet words and prayers for my brother. He was released from the hospital last week, and is doing very well. Praise God! I am hoping this is truly his road to recovery. He deserves so much more than the life he's been living.

Kenners and I went in to see the oral surgeon last week, and she is officially scheduled for surgery this Friday. I was worried that she may be nervous, but I think she's actually excited. The nurse mentioned that she would only be able to eat soft foods, then proceeded to list pudding and ice cream as some popular choices ;) Kenners perked right up at that news. I think we'll be going grocery shopping for treats on Thursday. Afterward we'll hit the library to find movies to rent. It should be a relaxing weekend. Of course, any prayers are welcome. This mama is a little nervous ;)

Nothing too exciting on the new-home front. We did have gutters installed on Saturday, and exterior painting was supposed to have started today, but with all the rain we've been having, it'll have to wait. We're hoping for a few dry days this weekend. Jeremy has been working on the electrical on his days off, but it's slow going. I keep reminding myself that next year at this time it will all be a memory, and we'll be enjoying our new home.

Short on Time

I tell ya, the more I have to blog about, the less time I have to blog! Computer time has been cut WAY back due to life interfering again ;) Honestly? it's been quite nice. But then I get to missin' y'all, so I have to sneak on here. Anyway.

We've been keeping busy as usual. It cracks me up that I was worried about boredom creeping in this summer. Yeah. Not so much. With birthdays and shopping and outings and library days, we're anything but bored.

Some updates:

HVAC is offically finished {until after sheetrock, anyway}, and our siding was delivered today. After siding {and that could take awhile being that we're doing it ourselves. Yipes!}, we will start on electrical. We're progressing. Slowly, but it's progress.

The girls have been enjoying the trampoline. The only reason I share this super exciting update with you is because I want to post these hilarious pictures of Sierra:

Sorry, but I seriously crack up every time I look at them!

Oh yeah, we've also had a little visitor. Peanut, here, has been a part of the family for a couple of years now. One of Jeremy's friends found this little darling when he was a baby. His mama had died {the squirrel, not Jeremy's friend}, and Jeremy thought that maybe I could take care of him until he was big enough to head off on his own ;) I know better than to think that a human can take care of a wild animal, but I gave it my best shot, and after a few weeks we felt he was big enough and strong enough to be set free {that and he was starting to get a little snippy}. So, we set him in our oak tree, and there he stayed for several months. Then he took off, and we would see him from time to time, but we hadn't seen him in a long while. Surprise! He's back! We saw him sippin' some water out of Kitty's water bowl, and he's taken up residence on my tire. So we've been feeding him some sunflower seeds, and he LOVES it! Hmmm, that was a long story. Sorry.

Guess what else we've been doing . . .

Garage Saling!

Gramps, Sierra, and I headed out on Friday morning.

Sis found a princess alarm clock she just had to have.

Then it was lunch at McDonald's ;)

And a few more stops.

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I've been trying to get a little bit of reading in. I love to read, and it's always put on the back burner {shocking, I know}, but I've been making time for it ~ even if only for a few minutes a day. I want to talk more about this, but I'm thinking it's a post of its own!

Now it's on to preparations for Sierra's birthday {coming up shortly}, and then we'll be getting ready for school! How did this happen so quickly?

Housekeeping

♥ Oh my goodness, it's been a long week and it's only Wednesday. This blog is in definite need of some housekeeping, so bear with me while I put my jumbled thoughts out here, and try to wrap a few things up ;) ♥

♥ First let me say THANK YOU for the "weather prayers". It has been sunny and dry! YAY! On the home front~ the trusses came yesterday, and everything went smooth as silk. What a blessing! Give me a day or two to go through {the millions of} pictures, and I'll post a couple of our "house". It's looking more and more like one each day, and it is so exciting. ♥

♥ My sister and her little sugarplums are coming for a visit TOMORROW! Ahhh! We can hardly contain ourselves. We can't wait to see them! ♥

♥ Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the super sweet birthday wishes! Guess what, 30 isn't as bad as I thought ;) I had a wonderful birthday. My parents and Jeremy's parents came over, Jeremy grilled the yummiest ribs I've ever had {and I didn't even think I liked ribs! Who knew!} the girls sang me the sweetest birthday song {Kam included!}. It was the loveliest day. ♥

{A few pics . . . I had to!}

Check out these yummy kabobs the girls put together.

Somebody got a new patio set for her birthday ;) {I cannot wait to put it on our new back porch! Squeal!}

Sorry about this blurry orange-y photo. I hadn't changed the settings before handing it off ;)

Kam had to sneak a little taste ;)

♥ Also, just want to say a GIANT thank you to Miss V ;) I won a $25 gift card to Wal-mart at her place last week. Thanks, Girl! ♥

Updates amidst the chaos

I'm not going to lie, it's a little bit chaotic around here. {Fingers crossed} tomorrow we start the framing on our house. It's so hard for me to believe that in a few short weeks our house is going to actually look like . . . a house! And that means, whether you like it or not, there will be more building pictures to come :) Stay tuned for those. Or don't. The choice is yours ;)

We are officially done with our school year! Sierra will be in 3rd grade next year {um, how did this happen?}, and Makenna will start Kindergarten. Oh my my. I am going to have my hands full. I am so proud of all that Sierra has accomplished this year. She tested at a 6th grade reading level, and is solving 4 digit borrowing/carrying, and has {almost} all of her multiplication facts down pat. Third grade, here we come!

Amid the constant errands, {trying to keep up on} the housework, and chasing after the littles, I've tried to get back into a craft groove. Saturday is the end of the year dance recital, and my little tap class has been working so hard. I wanted to do something special for them. I found the cutest little ballet slipper pendants {yeah, I know, I teach tap, not ballet, but tap shoe pendants were nowhere to be found, I tell ya}, and I can't wait to show you what I made for my little tappers. The challenge? We have a little boy in our class. No problem, I made him a unique gift all his own. I will try to snap some pics to show y'all soon.

This end of the year stuff is insane! This week, alone, we have Sierra's last jazz class, my last tap class, shopping for last minute odds and ends for the recital {plus I have got to start thinking about Father's Day!!}, a dr. appointment for moi, and finally, Saturday's recital. Whew! How are y'all keeping busy?

P.S. Did ya notice my new header? It was about time, don'tcha think?