Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Longest Day Ever

Today has been the LONGEST day ever! The kids and I tried to find something to do to kill our time. After two playgrounds and a quick swim this morning I still find myself looking at my watch thinking today is going sooo slow:) We are ALL excited about tomorrow... it's the big day that God brings another little girl into this world. What picture would fit today's embrace the camera better than one of me and just the PB&J gang. 
 Poor Lucky our dog as he knows something is up and has been acting strange all week. He knows he's moving down the totem pole one more notch. He's going to have one more child to protect and more food to clean up off the floor... maybe he's resting up for his big responsibilities.  
One last picture before Scott ran into work this morning. I promise I won't be posting again without new pictures of Sunshine. 
Wish us luck and I'll be back soon:) 
Click here for details 

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The Anchor


We decided to have Jonas share a room with baby Sunshine. We debated it as Jonas loves to talk! He wakes up during the night sometimes just talking away or crying not able to find his passy only for a few minutes but enough that it could wake up a baby. But knowing he's not at all ready for a big boy bed it was the best option. If you remember, Jonas has a HUGE whale on the wall above his crib and after some thought we decided to put an anchor above Sunshine's crib. I picked the anchor to represent the Anchor or youngest one of the family and it went with the fun ocean theme we have going on. With a help of a friend she painted it on which I think turned out cute. It was funny, on Sunday I was enjoying my last morning to lay around before church watching TV and I caught a great sermon called Our Anchor in Times of Storms. It caught my attention because of the word Anchor .. and  he said it a hundred times.. I think it was a hint from God to listen to it. It was mainly about how a ship's anchor doesn't do any good unless it's lowered. The word of God can't impact you unless you take time to read it. We all live sinful lives and need to be grounded in the word or we will drift from our devotion to the Lord. So, we should anchor ourselves in his word so our faith holds firm, just as an anchor holds firmly to a seabed. His word will act as a compass to renew our minds with strength so regardless of what storm might come your way you are able to weather it with confidence and trust because you are deeply anchored into the solid rock of Jesus. 
Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters behind the curtain in the Most Holy place in heaven. 
I had no idea the word anchor was even mention in the bible but it just gave even more meaning now to the anchor on her wall. She will be a constant reminder to stay in the word.  Jonas' whale represented so much and so does her anchor now. Isn't it ironic that from the beginning of me writing this it was a hot sunny day out and now it's thunder storming? Pretty coincidental:) funny how God works.

Yes, their room is small but I would just like to call it super cozy. Oh the fun these two are going to have growing up in the same room. We are missing her name that will go across the anchor only 1 more day until you will find out what it is. 
UPDATE: The Dr. said today that I could go any minute but I do think I'm going to make it until Friday morning at 6 am where I will check into the hospital for my induction. We will see what God has planned but I do know there is LOTS of excitement going on around this house. 

Monday, June 27, 2011

Our Ballerina

Our sweet little Brooke had her recital this month. I can still remember mine when I was little, one of my fondest childhood memories. There is just something so special about dressing up in a fancy tutu and dancing the night away on stage. I was worried a little about Brooke because she is a little shy and kept telling me she was nervous about getting on stage. Well, she proved me wrong, she did great... just like a pro! There was 3 dances to perform. First one of the evening was ballet which I think she did the best in ... she nailed every move and looked so happy just glowing on stage. 
 Her class that has been practicing since Christmas an hour every week... all their hard work had paid off. 
It's so fun to see your child with her friends  
 It's such a sweet group of girls 
 She is concentrating  hard on her moves 
 Kaylee is one of Brooke's good friends .. their family has adopted a little boy from Ethiopia too, they have a very special bond.  
 Next is tap she was a little bashful in this one maybe because her cousins were cheering so loud for her:) 
 I didn't capture any fun Jazz pictures they were too blurry but I wanted to show how cute their outfits were.. 
This was their last performance of the evening 
She did great! I was so proud of her as she was one of the youngest in the group. Plus there was just so much to memorize and keep up with she never once would show us any moves at home so it was a complete surprise showing all that she had learned. At the end of each performance she was the best at holding her pose until the lights went down.  I think she's a much better dancer than I was when I was little.  I depended on watching the girl's feet in front of me the whole time. I don't think I was the only one proud... she was pretty proud of herself too. 

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Showered with Love

When I moved here over 4 1/2 years ago, when the twins were a month old, I was so worried I would never meet girlfriends with one month year old twins. I thought it would be impossible to meet people while taking care of babies all day long. I didn't know anyone coming here... the first month was really hard, but then God started to slowly pour girlfriends in my life. Not just any ordinary girlfriends, friends that loved the Lord and challenged me to be a better person. God gave me a desire to start bible studies which is pretty funny as I didn't even pray out loud very well without feeling nervous. God wanted me to lead something ... haha too funny I couldn't even pronounce half the words in the bible. But I knew if I was going to make it here then I needed to step up and gather people together and pray for God to give me the wisdom.  Within a few months we started  a couples group, these girls below were there at the start of it all. We all shared our struggles with marriage and challenges that life was bringing us. Our bond grew quickly and Scott and I had a strong foundation of great friendships starting here. What a blessing it was!  Many of the girls, almost all of them, had struggled with some kind of infertility which I know is not a mistake, we were walking the journey together.  Throughout the years every one of us... me being the last one, had a surprise miracle pregnancy after the odds were against us. Isn't God amazing?! It's funny too that at least one of us has been pregnant in the group through the 4 years.   I was pretty choked up leaving this night just in awe of all that Lord has done in just the time we have known each other. Even though we don't meet anymore, our core foundation will always be there between us all. When we get together we instantly act like we just saw one another yesterday. We are so open with each other and have shared so much.
 Neely one of my sweet friends had this small gathering at her house to celebrate little miss Sunshine.
 It was a special night sharing stories and catching up... and realizing how far we have come with Gods help.  


I'm so excited to get some fun goodies, I can't wait for Sunshine to use:) 
Thank you everyone:) 
 The hostess Neely, they have recently decided to adopt from Ethiopia but I will share her story another time. It's so exciting to have one of my best friends take the leap of faith and follow God's call. 

Now about this group of girls...I was craving a women's morning group so a few of my friends from church and I started one up. After a few attempts of meeting at my house it was just too hard for mom's to have the extra time during a week night to meet. So, I asked the church and we organized childcare to meet on Tuesday mornings. It was prefect and had about 15 girls the first season. A lot of the girls above are from our core group the first fall season. With Vanessa's help... she was my wisdom given by God (the girl in purple on the left) we lead the study together. Our group grew quickly throughout the 3 years and has now reach about 50 women that have come in and out of our group. It's been exciting to see this unfold. This past year I had to step down from organizing and passed the reins on. This group has prayed for me and been such a support. I don't think I could have clearly seen God's plan for my life without them speaking such truth to me.  We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful group of girls. I didn't really want a shower as I had felt bad for just doing something to celebrate Jonas last year but Amy (below) convinced me it would be fun Any excuse to get a few of us together, which it was. There are two girls that came that are from our new couples study now that we go to.  It was a fun night with lots of good laughs and girls talking the night away. I left that night feeling so loved!! 
Thanks Amy for such a fun night, one I can't wait to share with Sunshine ..
 It's crazy to think that I was worried that I wouldn't have any friends here. I can't imagine my life really in any other place. God knew exactly what he was doing moving us here. I am truly one lucky girl to have so many awesome girlfriends.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

You look like you're about to ....

 
 POP! This is the comment I get from everyone just about everyday. Truly, I can't go into one store without someone saying it. I did get my 1st "are you having twins?" last week. Really people who says that? Even if you think it why would you tell a complete stranger that? It's not to help their self esteem.  In returned I said no I already had twins. The best is telling people this is my 4th child they say wow then you look great for your 4th and I just let them believe I have birthed 4 separate children, but if I'm in the mood I throw them off and say no this is only my second pregnancy and walk away leaving them hanging. People are just too funny, for me I just can't imagine even asking a pregnant lady any questions or making comments. To each their own I guess:)
He's saying Weeeee on our front porch swing 
Look how grown up he looks ... how time is just flying by.
 He turned 21 months this week 
 It's sad to say he won't be the baby anymore 


For an update, I went to the doctor today I'm 38 1/2 weeks pregnant and really do feel like I'm going to POP..haha the people weren't lying. I'm 3cm dilated and really they can't tell me much more than that...I do feel some fun pressure going on.  I was induced with the twins at almost 38 weeks past full term which is unheard of... I really had a text book pregnancy with them no problems at all. This time around I definitely feel a little older as I have a few more aches and pains but for the most part I feel pretty good. Crazy to think I only gained about 8 more pounds with the twins another thing I would like to blame on my age. So, really the guessing game begins as we really don't have any idea when this baby will enter into this world. For those of you that don't know my due date is July 4th but sad to say she won't be coming that date as we have a scheduled induction for Friday July 1st. There was nothing available after my due date for the hospital because of the fun holiday and me waiting too long to schedule. Which one nurse said it will be nice to not have it on the actually holiday because everyone will be out of town too busy with their families for future birthdays:) Who knows but I do know I won't be going any later than July 1st which is only 9 days from now!! Crazy 
Now that you know the facts what are your guesses? 
A few friends have put their guesses in:
Courtney- June 29th 10am natural 21 inches 8lbs 3oz 
Rebecca - June 25 11pm natural 8lbs 21" 
Michelle- June 28th 4pm natural 7lbs 6 oz 19.5 
I said even before knowing the induction date ..... 
Heidi- July 1st 4pm induced 8lbs 5oz. 20" 
So what are your guesses? If you guess right there might be a surprise for you :))) 
Yes there might be one really cool give away just for you the lucky person that guesses the birthday, time, natural or induced, weight and length. My first official giveaway to celebrate our sweet sunshine. So don't be shy and let this be fun, post in comments what you think .. 
It will be something I can add to her baby book. 

This could be our last picture together before Jonas becomes a big brother!
Click here for details 

Monday, June 20, 2011

Another Sweet Girl Home

Our close friends have brought home their 6th child! 
The last Mom in our small Ethiopian group..... for now:) 
I think our group might be getting a little bigger with a few new friends wanting to adopt.
 I just love how adoption is contagious! 
Rahel is just one sweet girl, her soul seems so tender and gentle. 
I can't wait to get to know her more but for right now we just share smiles and waves as she seems a little shy. 
Jessica tells me she reads the bible at night right before bed... isn't that sweet.  
Jessica made this journey look so easy as it's her second time... I think she's a pro. 
I do think it was harder for her to be away from her other children this time as she was over there much longer.
The family of 8 finally together! 
Reunited with her friends from the orphanage
This is a before picture in Ethiopia, now everyone in this picture is finally home. God is just so Good! We get to watch them all grow up together in the same town. Here is Rahel homecoming video... 


One of the reasons Jessica was there for so long was to visit Trees of Glory to take them blankets, letters, and care packages from their sponsored families. 
You can read more about their trip HERE and the well project they need our help with. 
Our sponsored girl Tigist 

She got some wonderful pictures of our girl Tigist. What a beautiful girl she is! She was wearing the shirt I had gotten her last time. I don't know if you have ever thought about it but you too should sponsor a child... what a wonderful feeling to being able to watch her grow up into a precious young lady. 
Just blogging about Ethiopia gets me missing it and hoping I can return one day, all those precious children in need I love so many miles away. Until I can return I will always be praying as a piece of my heart is there forever. At least we get to share in Rahel being home as she is an awesome taste of Ethiopia. Welcome home sweet Rahel, can't wait to be a part of your life. 

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day

Some days you may not realize just how blessed you are. I guess that is why Hallmark made this holiday, to stop and appreciate the little things your parents do. I hope PB&J know that they are truly loved by their daddy. God choose one special person to be their dad.  There is nothing he wouldn't do for them, like looking up on the internet how to make the perfect paper airplane, taking them crabbing on the beach way passed their bedtime, making them their Saturday pancakes with some secret ingredient only the kids know about, building monster truck courses in the sand on the beach that all the kids can enjoy, taking the kids on long bike rides exploring new places, taking Lucky to the dog park to play hide n seek with our dog, doing what it takes to always get a smile or laugh, building homemade hot wheels race tracks, very proudly showing off his children to others around him, and my favorite always telling them "he loves them... more than you know". You know when you marry a man you really don't know how your husband will be as a father, well this man has exceeded my dreams. He truly is so hands on and such a great partner in raising our children. I couldn't do it without him and his support.  


We are all very blessed to have you. You're one awesome dad making a difference in our children's lives everyday! Happy Father's Day to the best DAD I know! 

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Torture

Do you think that Brooke is ready for her little sister to get here? 
Poor Jonas was forced to dress in Brooke's bathing suit top at the beach. I think this picture could be used for future blackmail. He really does make a very cute little girl:)  I think we all are getting ready for our sweet sunshine to arrive (btw we are not naming her Sunshine as a few of you have asked, it's just her nickname:) We just got back into town .. let the laundry begin but the nesting has kicked in also.  If I put something away I seem to always just empty the drawer or area and re-organize it. I have been tearing up my house and putting it all back together again.. oh how it feels good to organize. 
Brooke is hanging on as she is just so excited to finally meet her little sister. 

Thursday, June 9, 2011

The Beach

 Most of you guessed it... we went to the beach for a nice full week of sun and water. There is a beach a little over an hour away that all the locals head too when they can. It was a prefect vacation with only one morning of rain and nonstop sunshine the rest of the time. We went with 5 other families which means Parker and Brooke never had a dull moment... they had so many friends to play with. Even Jonas had 4 friends around his age to play with.
 Everyone got along great, it truly is the best family vacation we have ever taken.
The last night after dinner, our only family picture ... I'm 9 months pregnant:) 
 Parker for the 1st two days was very nervous about the waves but then he quickly figured out they were fun to catch a wave on his boogie board...
then we couldn't get him out of the ocean.
 Brooke enjoyed catching all the sea creatures .. sand crabs, sand fleas, perrywikles, tiny water crabs, and small fish.. she would be busy for hours building her collection.
 Jonas liked the water and tried his best to hang with the big kids. He wasn't a huge fan of the sand but loved the ocean water and pool.
This is most of the kids we spent the week with... although we are missing a few in this picture. 

We are slowly getting settled back from our vacation but not for long as we have another small trip to take before baby Sunshine is here. I have loads to update you on as we have been busy bees around here... Stay tuned for many cute pictures to come... plus only 3 weeks away until our baby girl is here!
 I will be back next week with an update:)