New Baby Shields

We all went to the ultrasound for baby #5 on Thursday morning. We found out that there is a baby girl in our future. She looked healthy, which was the most important. We should be welcoming her into the world the beginning of August. We are super excited to meet her!

Good Read Aloud

If you know me you know I'm always looking for good books to read with my kiddos. This one was a big hit with Tessa (10). I'd recommend it!

Family Night Fiasco

MY CRAZY KID

So last week for family night, Tessa helped Tyler prepare his lesson. They worked really hard on it and even practiced in Tyler's room a couple of times. Tyler told Tessa, "this is going to be the best family night I've ever given!"

The lesson was about holding to the iron rod. They got out a long rope but left it on the ground. They wanted to demonstrate that it's much easier to get where we want to go if we hold to the rod (rope).

Tessa tied a blindfold on Tyler, spun him around and told him to walk across the room. He practically ran head first straight into our big TV, knocking over one of the huge stereo speakers, which hit the wall so hard that a huge vase/flower arrangement came crashing down on his head. This hurt him and shook him up, poor small feller. I guess you could say he really figured out how damaging it can be to not hold to the iron rod.

Tessa felt awful. I comforted him, but it was so hard. Maybe you had to be there, but the whole scene was so funny. While everyone else was laughing into their sleeves I had to keep it together. I gotta say, it was really hard not to bust up laughing.

Needless to say, we didn't end up finishing the family night lesson. Tyler was NOT happy. It's one of those moments we'll retell and laugh until we cry someday, but that day won't be anytime soon for Tyler.

Keepin' it Real

Tessa took this picture with her new Christmas camera.

Most of my entries are about the best times we have as a family. This one, I'm keepin' it real. After lots of thought, Jeff and I decided to try to have one more kiddo. As you know, Nathan is over 6 years younger than Tyler. We both wanted him to have a sibling to grow up with.

I am 9 weeks pregnant. We are super excited that our plan is working out. This baby is due the beginning of August. I am sick (as you all could've guessed). I'm pretty much home-bound and in survival mode.

Jeff and the kids are a HUGE help when they are home. When they are not, Nathan is into lots. With me spending most of my time on the couch, I've learned about how many items can be placed in the toilet from the garbage, how much dirt can be removed from a single plant, how many dishes can be removed from the dishwasher and every drawer in reach and how much dog food can be placed in the water bowl.

As hard as it is, he does brighten my days so much. He has such a sweet disposition and more than once his whole-mouth open kisses have made my entire day. I just have to remind myself that all the suffering of nausea and shots will be worth it in the end. That's the way I've gotten through all of it every time. I would do it again for each of my kids. You just can't put a price on sharing your life with each individual member of your family. For me, these relationships are what life's all about.

(HUGE) Christmas Tree Cutting Adventure

We (everyone but Jeff for some reason) LOVE going up into the mountains and cutting our tree each year. We sing carols, play in the snow, eat donuts, drink hot chocolate and watch Dad do the work. This year we went with our friends, the Gambills. It was awesome!!!

Playing in the snow with "Flash"

Getting Stuck

(gotta love those rednecks saving you)

Our big ol' tree (it really is HUGE) - Jeff is the one who picked it (not us)

Kiddos enjoying the trip

Trunk or Treat

GREAT QUOTE

FIRST CHANGE MYSELF

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits I dreamed of changing the world.

As I grew older and wiser I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I entered my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I sought to change only my family, those closest to me, but alas! they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed and realize (perhaps for the first time) that if only I’d changed myself first, then by example I may have influenced my family and with their encouragement and support may have bettered my country, and who knows, I may have changed the world.

—Inscribed on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop (1100 A.D) in the crypt at Westminster Abbey in London