Little Surfer Girls

We are truly enjoying some fun family time this week!  Jessie is getting his work done as quickly as possible so he can come play at the beach with us.  Abby & Katie are LOVING going out on the board with their daddy!  I took these pictures yesterday with my phone, but I really wish I had my camera this morning when we were out there.  Abby and Jess were on the board and two beautiful dolphins came by not even 15 feet away from them. The dolphins were splashing each other with their fins. Later, I wish I had seen it, but my girls were out there with my parents and they said the dolphins came back and were jumping and splashing their tails like they were playing and just showing off.  So fun!  

Ready to Read

Abigail, our 5 year old, has taken all of her skills she has learned in k4 and before, and is determined to read.  She is doing very well, with the exception of the pesky exceptions in American grammar.   I love seeing her "get it". 

Photo Op

Me and my 3!  I am one blessed mommy!!

Say Cheese

Ok, so I said the other day after my post about our crazy busy day that I would share the photos from our photo-shoot once the grandparents had seen them.  Well, here they are!  

Allow me to warn you though, this post is all about my 3 little ones...just lots of unbelievable cuteness [says their mother].  

 

 

         

"Tomorrow"

Our girls have been taking dance together this (school) year.  Abby & Katie know how to play!  They draw and play house or school most of every day.  But in-between, these girls dance!  Music or no music, they will break out into dance at any given time.  Katie (our 3yo) cannot walk from point A to point B without a hop or a twirl or exaggerated hand/arm movements.  It's hilarious!

This is Abby's 2nd year, but the 1st year Katie has been almost old enough, she started at 2 just before her 3rd birthday.  Tonight they had their dress rehearsal for the recital tomorrow.  

All dolled up for their ballet routine

We are not allowed to shoot photography or video during the recital, but we can at the dress rehearsal, so you get a sneak peak. This is their ballet routine to "Tomorrow".  The tap routine (which I will not be uploading for time-sake) is to "Mary Had a Little Lamb".  

I just love how Katie is watching Abby so closely.  It melts my heart!!

So, "Tomorrow" is their recital.  And "Tomorrow" will mark the end of their potential at becoming a professional dancer as we will not be continuing dance next school year.  That is, unless they express that they 'can't live without it'...but neither of them feel that way right now.  Actually, they are both very interested in gymnastics...we shall see.  However, they have learned some basic skills and had a great time together as they attended class each week.  They LOVE their teacher, and have made some great friends.  I too have enjoyed visiting with the other moms each week and making some good friends.  

It has been a fun year.

TuTu Cute

I had a little project I have been holding on to for a while.

The girls made their own tutus!

Abby got the hang of it very quickly!

She did all of the loops & knots by herself.  All I had to do was cut the tulle. 

I made the loops for Katie and she tightened the knots of the tulle.

She did a really good job!

They were very excited to wear them to dance class that night (until they realized how itchy they were).  We still have to embellish them with ribbons and things, but we were glad to get them finished in time for class.

In case you were wondering, these were just the shoes they picked to wear TO class, since we don't wear the dance shoes outside the school.

Update on my 3 little ones

Wesley is 7 1/2 weeks old now.  He hasn't had his 2 month check up yet, but when I weigh the difference on the scale with and without him (we won't talk about without him) he is a whopping 14 pounds!  He's long enough to balance it out so he doesn't look like a butterball turkey.

Katelyn, as you know from my most recent blog, had surgery on Monday.  She had her tonsils and adenoids removed.  She was so brave!  I was the first one in the recovery room.  They let me climb up on the bed and cuddle with her...she was pretty upset and a little fuzzy from the anesthesia.  The doctor said that her tonsils were so infected that they fell apart when he removed them!!  And her adenoids were very large too.  Despite their "rules" they let Jessie bring Abby back (Wesley was in my arms when I went back) so we could all be with her.  Katie loves her dad so much!  When she's upset, she'll let me know, but he's the one she wants to hold her.  I took her home and she laid down for all of maybe 5-10 minutes, then she got up and played the rest of the day away as if nothing happened and ate everything we gave her.  I know now that day 1 is referred to as "honeymoon day".

Trying to balance on top of the sit-n-spin

"I didn't lose my twirl" ~Katie

That night was a different story.  She woke me up at 1:30am, her head burning up with fever (I gave her medicine, prayed over her, and a cold rag)..and she cuddled in bed by her daddy.  At 4:30am she woke me up hot all over, so I took her to the tub to cool her down and more medicine.  PS: Wesley woke up both times to eat right after I got her settled down.  The next few days we had a difficult time getting her to eat and were happy if she had 2 spoonfuls of ice cream.  Today, she is much better...eating and playing and almost back to her normal self.  The most difficult thing for us now is tolerating the rancid smell from the healing wounds in her throat, but we don't tell her that.  I know she's hurting and not telling me because she doesn't like the medicine...because she let it slip that her head and throat hurt.  (Administering her meds has been a battle.)  However, she is definitely on the better side of recovery!  Thank you all for your prayers!!

Abigail is such a great kid!  Since Wesley came she has been a great helper, soothing him when I'm busy and making my way to him for his feedings. And she has been playing so great with Katie--which she does anyway, but it's still a great help to me that they play so well together.  Since Katie has had a lot of special treatment this week, eating whatever she wants and getting a few "get well" gifts, it has been a little tough for Abby to understand.  So, there have been a couple times that I gave her ice cream in the middle of the day too.  Today was Abby's last day of pre-school.  She finished K-4 and loved every minute of it!  She's putting all she has learned to work and has been sounding out words. It takes a lot of patience, but when she gets it, it is so neat to see her face light up understanding what she just read, "The box is big.  The fox is not big.  The fox is in the box"!!  I'm SO proud of her.

First day of school Aug 2010

My little Squaw at the Thanksgiving Feast

Christmas Program 2010

Easter Party at the Park 2011

Abby and her friend Lindsey at Cypress Gardens field trip 2011

Abby is a natural "mommy" with her baby brother

My Beautiful Abigail!

I'm still here

I have had every intention to pick my blogging pen back up, but I have been kind of busy these last...umm...5-6 weeks??  It seems longer.  I don't mean that in a bad way--well, maybe just a little.  I'll explain.

Jessie and I are so blessed with 3 really great children.  They have their moments and I have mine.  As long as we're not having our "moments" at the same time, we're all good.  Just before Wesley was born, we got a couple bugs in our house.  There were some ear infections, sinus infections, even a ruptured eardrum.  While in the hospital, my husband somehow got pink eye and had to leave me in the hospital for a day so he wouldn't contaminate anyone.  A week after we got home and thought the pink eye fiasco was over, Katie got it...then we passed it around a little again.  Shortly after, Katie had another double ear infection as well as strep throat.  There were random fevers and...well, you get the picture.  We were hit from all sides.  I was recovering from a c-section and toting all 3 children to doctors appointments.  So, I had to adjust quickly to managing 3 children under 5 years old, but was overwhelmed by sickness!!

In observation of lots of little ailments and symptoms that Katie has had, we and the ENT have determined that she needs to have her tonsils & adenoids removed.  Her tonsils are what they refer to as "kissing" meaning they are so large they touch the uvula in the back of the throat.  So, my baby girl will have surgery in just over a week.  This should also reduce or even eliminate the ear infections, strep, snoring, persistent cough, and minor speech and hearing issues.

Now that everyone is well.  We have been dealing with vehicle issues.  Our gently used minivan has been in the shop for an unexpected week and a half.  And I do believe a diagnosis and cure are in the works and we will get it back early this week--I'm hoping.  I'm also hoping we will be reimbursed for this expense by the company who supposedly fixed this same issue under its previous ownership--we shall see.  Meanwhile our 'working' vehicle is making some funny noises.  Sigh!!

In the midst of it all, I have to remain hopeful that these things will pass and that while we are trusting God for healing and direction, that our faith will only grow stronger.  So I have to turn on my praise music and think on "these things" (Philippians 4:8).  Our children are so precious.  I could sit and stare at Wesley all day long and watch him stare back, and smile, and grow.  Katie and Abby have been playing together better than ever since their brother was born.  And they absolutely adore him!  Abby loves to hold & cuddle him.  Katie likes to come up and softly say (in the cutest voice ever) "Heeeyy  Boyee" or "Hiii handsome boy".  Abby is keeping a count of the number of smiles Wesley has given her, she's up to 5!  And they have the best daddy anyone could ever wish for--my husband is the best!!  We dedicated Wesley to the Lord at church on Mother's Day Sunday, which just put it all in perspective for me. We are raising our children for a greater purpose, and I will remain faithful to the role where God has placed me as I care for them each day.  "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me" Philippians 4:13 

30 Days

In 30 days I will be holding my little man in my arms.  He'll be swaddled by the nurses so tight that he looks like he's all baby head.  I'll be able to relax for a few days: no computer, our girls with my parents, and a nurse who (if I prefer) will bring the baby to me when he needs to eat and take him back to the nursery so she can take care of any diapers or nighttime tears.  Hospital Bliss!

Abby & Katie riding the hospital bed.

This past Tuesday, Jessie and I took the girls to the hospital where we will have Wesley.  A labor & deliver nurse moderated a sibling class & tour.  There were about a dozen children participating.  It was a really cute way to prepare the older siblings for their role and what to expect out of the new baby--which they narrowed down to crying, eating, and burping.  They had "circle time" where the nurse went around the circle asking them if they were having a boy or girl, what kinds of things are in the babies room, etc.  They had snack time and watched a video.  The children all brought their own dolls or stuffed animals from home.  After the video they each got to diaper their babies and swaddle them with a receiving blanket.  We then proceeded to the tour of the labor and delivery floor.  The kids got to peak in the nursery window looking for any new babies.  We spent some time in a delivery room where the nurse allowed the kids to "ride the bed"!  She did explain that they would not be able to when they come back with mommy.  She raised it all the way up then down like a "flying carpet".  I won't be spending any time in one of these beautiful rooms since I will be having a c-section, but they are really nice!  We then went to see a postpartum room, which is where I will have my mini-vaca with Jessie after we have Wesley.  I'm serious!  This is the calm before reality of bringing the new little one home. Only a mom of at least 1 can truly appreciate this hospital time.

We're actually very excited about bringing Wesley home.  The girls are super-excited about their baby brother too.   They will give me a kiss, then kiss my belly.  Abby will say "I love you baby" to my belly.  They are going to be such sweet big sisters and great helpers.  Tonight they helped me work in the nursery a little bit.  I have yet to set up the crib, paint or any "fun" decorative stuff.  That is a project I hope we will get to this weekend; then I will really feel ready to bring our baby home.  We have a lot of creative ideas for his room!  I can't wait to share pictures of the progress as it unfolds.

30 days....30 days and counting.  I cannot wait to see Wesley's little face...his little fingers. To experience that love that expands from somewhere deep within.  To see my husband in a new light as he cuddles our new baby.  To see Katie as a big sister for the very first time.  And to see Abby adoring and proud and a little more secure in her role as the oldest child--she's VERY good at it!  I cannot wait to be a family of 5!

miscellany monday

5

Today was early registration for current students at Abby's school.  I dropped Abby off this morning thinking I would run into the office to register her for next year.  To my surprise the parking lot was packed and the gymnasium was swarming with parents!  I walked forward to a sign up sheet where I signed my name next to number 64!!  Parents had been there since as early as 3:30am.  Needless to say, I missed the 1st 18 slots for her K-5 class and am now #2 on the waiting list.

4

I love when the Bradford Pear trees bloom, but my goodness am I the only one who thinks they reek like fish guts!!

3

We recently purchased a used minivan.  It doesn't have hidden storage or buttons to make doors open automatically, but I am loving it!  Our girls have been sitting in the back row, which I built up to be a privilege for big girls who could buckle themselves in their booster seats. :)  It will really allow room for the new baby in the more reachable middle seat when he arrives.

2

Wesley will be here via c-section 5 weeks from today.  We are taking the girls tomorrow night for a sibling tour of the hospital nursery and a short class to talk to them about the new baby.  They get to bring their own baby dolls for the demonstration.  It should be fun!

1

Today is my spiritual birthday!  I asked Jesus to come into my heart at the age of 4....20+ years ago.  Ok, 29 years ago, yikes!  I remember praying with my dad when he came home that day because I wanted Jesus in my heart.  Of course, in my memory it was dark, as most of my early childhood memories are--except for a lamp nearby.  I remember thinking at times that I didn't have a testimony because I was saved before I actually went through anything.  In fact, I have sometimes found myself a teensy bit envious of those who "have a testimony", who are madly in love with their Savior because of what He has brought them through, who are zealous and hungry for the Word of God because they have never heard these things before.  But praise God--He saved me from having to go through those things!  The core if my heart is focused on a relationship that started with Jesus Christ at the age of 4.  You might assume that after 29 years of being a born again believer that I would have it all together spiritually.  But that is not the case--at all!  Do I take the Word of God for granted at times? Yes.  Do I mess up?  Most definitely.  But thank God that His mercy is new every single morning! [Lamentations 3:22-23]

Change of Seasons

I just love this time of year! I can see the tiny buds of new leaves forming on the trees, my daylilies are poking up through last years dried up pine straw. I especially love seeing those perennials that look like they have shriveled up and died through the winter come back year after year. It's so exciting--and I paid for them years ago so it's free spring decor!! I will not be surprised if we get one final cold spell--we usually do, but spring is definitely underway. Granted, it's only February, but an early spring is very welcome since spring and fall are my favorite seasons!

This spring will bring a new addition to our family. April 4th we will be welcoming our little boy Wesley into this world. He is already so loved! Abigail and Katelyn walk by and randomly kiss my belly and tell their brother they love him. This has been a fun pregnancy since our girls are old enough to understand and get excited about having a new baby in the house.

Other changes include Jessie's job that he started last October. It has really been such a blessing to have a great job with great insurance. I would say 'it took long enough', but God's timing is always right. After over a year and a half living off of what was intended to be our "side" business, we saw God provide in ways we never could have imagined (that experience is a book in itself). While searching for full-time employment through that time, my husband had applications pending in several work environments outside of his comfort zone: steel mill, police department, etc.  But God provided a job in the food distribution business that we didn't even know about.  After accepting this job, he changed his pursuit of a job with Dorchester County Sheriff's Dept to a reserve position, since this was still something that he really wanted to do.  This is a long process, but one that will be quite rewarding!

Another new "season" we are experiencing as parents is making decisions regarding school. Who knew how difficult this would be. I have to remember to not allow myself to fret and stress over this decision, but trust God that He will give us wisdom and discernment as we seek Him...in everything, but particularly in regard to school. For 5 years, we have had Abigail (our oldest daughter) close under our wing, allowing her to experience new things under our supervision. One of us has always been there to comfort her, answer tough questions, explain situations...and while we will never stop doing that, her little world is expanding just a bit---and that's a tough pill to swallow as a parent. We have prayed over her, and done everything in our ability to protect her precious heart and teach her to make good choices--again, something we will always do!

Just this past week, on February 22nd, Abigail prayed with her daddy and asked Jesus to come into her heart. She said often that He was already in her heart because "I ask Him every night". We told her that you only have to ask Him one time...and she said she wanted Jesus in her heart. She asks questions often about Heaven, and what happens to people who don't know Jesus. She has said that she wants to sing on stage to kids so they can know about Jesus. This has been an ongoing bits-n-pieces conversation for some time now. Her faith is so basic, but the Word says that we should all be like that [Matthew 18:2]. Salvation isn't complicated, Romans 10:9 says "if you declare with your mouth "Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. It is really that simple! If you allow Him to guide your heart, He will fill you with a peace and reassurance like no other. As Jessie tucked her in that night, she asked "Daddy, Jesus is in my heart now?", "yes" he replied...and she smiled!

Okay, so like anyone else, I tend to worry at times over things such as where our children will go to school, or how I will manage 3 children, our side business, and our home, not to mention my husband out in the field as a volunteer police officer. However, when I get my focus on God and His desires, that peace which surpasses all understanding will guard my mind and heart [Philipians 4:7] and my will then lines up with His will. So yes, salvation is simple, living it out and overcoming your own desire to fix things yourself is the tough part. As this new season of life brings lots of changes in our little family, my desire is to stop trying to figure it all out and to trust God that He will direct our paths.

Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.