Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Baby Day!











Hi. This is dh. Here are some pics of new Baby Sophia!








Monday, February 26, 2007

I'm off to the hospital in an hour! We are very excited to finally meet this little girl. I'll have my dh upload photos as he is able.

Blessings,

Lisa

Saturday, February 24, 2007

No baby today.lol At least I have an end date. No later than Monday and I get to meet this reluctant little girl. The hospital moved the time up to 7:30am, so I'm pretty sure I'll meet her soon after.

Today Eric and I spent the day getting the baby things out and ready. We moved the bassinet beside my side of the bed and moved the changing table to our bedroom in the corner. We decided that for the first month or two it would be better to have it available. I also sterilized my new bre*stpump, some new binkies, and a few baby bottle nipples just in case my milk comes in a little late.

The kids spent the day with my parents. The older kids went skating with my dad and the littles ran around with my mom.lol They had a good time and got home just in time to have some leftovers before Allison had to go to our Church's Jam session that they hold each Sat. She really looks forward to this time with other musicians.

Well, I guess that's it. I've been trying to update my blog everyday so that you all don't think I've actually HAD this baby.LOL It's getting harder though, since I lead a very boring life.lol

Blessings,

Lisa

Friday, February 23, 2007

Well, I'm still pregnant. I've been getting a lot of calls and emails today so I figured I'd let you all know that NOTHING has happened.lol

I started today by going shopping at Kohl's this morning with Allison and Isaac. It's my mom's birthday today and we went in search for the perfect gift. We found a few things that we thought she'd like and I also remembered to buy Jon new underwear.LOL I don't know what it is with boys and underwear but it seems like his just "disappear" and before you know it he's wearing pairs that fit him 3 years ago but you KNOW that there is no possible way that he could have worn them but there they are dirty.LOLOL I think that they enter some sort of time/space thing and when they get back they are 3 years older.lolol

After Kohl's I called Mom and invited her to lunch, her pick. She decided on O'Charleys and it was really good! I've never been there before but everyone ate great and to me that's a sign of a good restaurant.lol Mom and I had fried shrimp, fries, and potato soup. Evie had shrimp, Jon had a Salmon sandwich, Allison had steak, and Isaac had Mac and Cheese. We even had dessert (huge pieces of triple chocolate cake) and I ate way too much. I was pretty miserable afterwards.lol While at the restaurant, we gave mom her gifts and she really liked them! We picked out a really nice table cloth, a few shirts, a photo album, and one of those photo boards.

Well, that's about it. After lunch we went to mom's house and then came home since I was not feeling that great.lol That'll teach me to eat that much.

Blessings,

Lisa

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Today's been a nice day. My mom called me early this morning and wanted to "do something" so off we went. We visited Walmart first and replenished our supply of undies and socks. We also bought a new outfit for the baby and a couple of odds and ends. After Walmart we were hungry and decided on Larry's Giant Subs. I really like that the kids eat so well there. It's hard to find a place where EVERYONE will eat.lol We went to Tuesday Morning afterwards and it was the first time I've gone there and not found anything. I was happy since I had spent so much at Walmart.lol We hung out at Mom's house until she had to leave for an appt and then headed home. I had the older kids help me clean the house up and I got some laundry started while the littles decompressed from being out all day. Then the older kids offered to take the littles outside where they've been ever since. It is an amazingly beautiful day and I'm glad that they are taking advantage of it. Who knows how long it'll last and I want them soaking up the sun as much as possible before we're stuck in the house again.

I want to thank everyone for praying for Evie. She was quite sick yesterday and last night but woke up feeling all better! She had a high fever and sore throat but this morning the fever was completely gone and she said she felt good. What a blessing! Now if only Eric could start feeling better. He was miserable last night.

Tomorrow is my due date and I'm hoping for a baby in the morning.LOL

Allison has another ballroom dance lesson tonight and she's really excited. She's always been my dancer so I'm glad that we've found something that she loves. Now if I could only find something for Jon. He's much harder to pin down.

That's it for now. Have a great day!

Lisa
Here's Jon. He was working on the bug house for Evie.


Here's Evie and her new bug house.
Here's Isaac still enjoying the trampoline.

Here are some photos that I've taken this week...

This one is Isaac learning about chocolate pudding for the first time. He was SURE that it was fingerpaint.lol

Here is Isaac early this morning making a collage out of copious amounts of glue and a little bit of paper.
Here is Allison and Isaac on the trampoline enjoying the beautiful day we are having today.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Yesterday was such a beautiful day that I went nuts and took all the kids to Walmart to get some play sand. $88.00 later, the kids ended up spending the whole day outside.lol I have absolutely no will power when it comes to summer stuff. We got 3 bags of sand, a package of bubble wands, 2 bags of those ball pit balls for the trampoline (we have a net that keeps everyone and everything ON the trampoline), 2 plastic golf club sets (for the littles to beat each other with...lol) and of course a brand new selection of sand toys. I basically had to drag everyone inside when it started getting dark.lol

This morning I went to my dr's appt and before I even left they were asking if they could go outside as soon as they were all dressed.lol Today also was a beautiful day! Out they went for most of the morning. My appt didn't go as I had hoped but I now have an end date for this pregnancy. Evidently, the baby is head down but NOT engaged and the dr is concerned. He has decided to induce me if I don't have this baby by Monday. So at the latest, this baby will be born on Monday! I'm excited but a little nervous. I would be extremely grateful for prayers for the baby's safety and that she decides to show up before Monday.

Well, after the appt, I decided to take everyone to the park. My mom and brother came by while we were there and stayed with us. The littles had SUCH a great time! They are both pretty tired out and I'm hoping they'll sleep well tonight.

Unfortunately, once we got home, Evie started acting funny. I thought it was just the fresh air and sun but no, she's come down with the cold that Jon had. If you all could pray for healing for the whole family, I'd be grateful. Eric is sick, now Evie, and I'm getting the sore throat. UGH! Not good. I had really hoped that we would skip this illness but I also knew that we haven't skipped any illnesses this whole pregnancy so I guess we'll just have to live...lolol I just can't imagine going into labor with a sore throat. That does not sound like fun.

Well, that's our day. I really enjoyed getting out and I know that the kids did too. After all that excitement, I took a nap.lolol Here's praying that this baby's here tomorrow.

Blessings,

Lisa

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Three more days until I go into "overtime." Do I get paid extra for that?

I had really hoped I'd be done by now but God's plan is always better than mine anyway.lol I've been having much more contractions and they are harder than what they used to be and I've lost my plug so I'm guessing it won't be too much longer.

I want to THANK all of you for your continued prayers and support! I feel so much more calm about having this baby knowing that I'm covered in prayer. What a blessing you all are!

I've been working on next years curriculum for the older kids. I'm thinking about gearing it more towards their gifts and interests. We'll see.

I had the day off yesterday! My mil took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese and then to her house to play. They all had a good time and went to bed easy last night.LOL I read a book and spent quite a lot of time on the computer trying to figure out what curriculum to use next year.

Today is supposed to warm up and if it does, we'll be heading outside. These little ones are going nuts in this cold weather! They can't seem to stay out long enough to wear themselves out when it's cold so hopefully the warmer weather will help.lol Tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer and if it is, I'll see if mom wants to join me at the park. I don't feel comfortable being at the park alone but with company it should be fine.lol

Well, Jon is finally getting over his cold. He's still got the cough but I can tell he's feeling better. Unfortunately, my dh was not feeling well last night. I think that he's catching the illness but I'm praying that he'll get over it quickly and that I'll be spared this close to delivery. We just can't seem to stay well this year.

I guess that's it for now. I've been a little nervous about running around, so I haven't been up to much. I'm just completely bored!lolol

Blessings,

Lisa

Sunday, February 18, 2007

So much for this weekend being "the time."LOL Here it is Sunday and I'm still here, pregnant and horribly uncomfortable. We've been keeping fairly busy so I guess I'm o.k. with another couple of days.lol

I've been observing my dh's diet lately and I noticed something that I can't believe that I was missing. He's been doing the same thing that De'Etta was doing. He's been restricting his food intake but then, unlike De'Etta, he's been gorging himself on bad things at night. So I've put him on the 12 servings of fruits and veggies diet. Yesterday was his first day and he said that he couldn't even think of snacking last night.lolol I'm going shopping today and will replenish our fruits and veggies and hopefully he'll keep it up. I'm guessing he'll start losing some weight and he'll start feeling better in a week or two. We are going to purchase The Magic Bullet today sometime to make it easier for him to make smoothies in the morning.

Well, here's my menu for the week and I sincerely hope this is the very last menu that I'll have to prepare on my own and then shop for, for the next month or so.LOLOL

Blessings,

Lisa


My Menu for this week...


Lunch

Lunchables
Sandwiches


Dinner

grilled chicken, rice, and veggies
hamburgers, french fries, and salad
salmon, rice, and veggies
spaghetti, garlic toast, and salad
heavenly chicken
leftovers


Enjoy!

Friday, February 16, 2007

How exciting! I'm at the one week mark for my due date! I've noticed that my body seems to be getting ready so I don't think I have much longer to wait. I don't think I got very nervous with my other children but I REMEMBER what it was like to have my last two and it's not helping me to look forward to the process.LOL Everyone thinks that this one will come quickly because it'll be my third in a row and I'm praying that they are right.lol If you all feel led, I would be grateful for prayers of safety for both me and my little one as we labor together. I would also like to ask you to pray that I can labor naturally again since I really seem to bounce back a whole lot easier, although if I'm meant for an epidural I'll take it.LOL

I finished my breakfast/freezer cooking yesterday! I now have around a month's worth of breakfasts in the freezer! Whoohoo!

We went to my mom's for dinner last night and I was thankful. I've been running low on energy the last few days and it was nice not to have to cook.

Allison had her second lesson in ballroom dancing last night and was paired with the instructors teenaged son. She said that she still had a good time.lol She said he's in her bible study class and that he was as inexperienced as she was so it worked out well.

Today we spent the morning cleaning Isaac and Evie's rooms. Eric and Allison have been trying to keep up with the mess for me but things had taken a turn for the worse.LOL Isaac's room looks great now and Evie's room can at least be walked into without breaking something now.lol I'm thinking I need to go through all her stuff sometime a make a trip to Goodwill but I think it'll have to wait until after the baby gets here.

Saturday our church is going to be hosting a Jam Session for all musicians of all ages and Allison is very excited to go! I'm hoping that we'll get her there no matter if the baby comes. She is quite good on her guitar and I'm sure she'd love to play with other muscians. They will be having these sessions every Saturday night from now on and I'm hoping it'll give her experience playing with others. Pretty cool! Really, this church has been an enormous blessing to all of us! It seems like we've finally found a good home.

Well, I guess that's it! I'm hoping that my next post will be photos of our new little one.

Blessings,

Lisa

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Happy Valentines Day!!!


I started the day just like any hopeless romantic would, by going to an early Dr's appt.LOL Good news, I am beginning to dialate and the dr said he'd be surprised if I lasted through the weekend! I like to hear good news but I'm tempering what he said with reality, because I never go early. I do like to hear the word, "progress" though.lol

The littles are with my mom today. Isaac especially was very excited to spend some time out and about with my mom. Genevieve was in a stinky mood and I offered to keep her but mom didn't care about the current state of Evie's mind and took her anyway.LOL I'm sure they are having fun.

We all went to lunch and after Allison and I got home, we cleaned the torn apart house up and are now enjoying some time to ourselves. I may even nap.lol

I received my shipment of Sing, Spell, Read, and Write in the mail yesterday and it looks good. I think Evie will enjoy all the activities and games that this phonics program offers. I noticed that she was getting a little bored of the preschool stuff we had been doing and realized that she was ready for the next step. www.starfall.com is definitely what I need to thank the most for her steady progress. She loves that web-site and will play around with it most mornings. It has cemented the letters and even some of the sounds in the past few months and I was going to try my old standby 100 Easy Lessons but she is much more of a bells and whistles kind of child so I decided to try SSRW instead.

I was going to work on the remaining breakfast items today but I think I'm going to take the day off. I can always work on it tomorrow.lol

I can't wait to give the kids their valentines stuff! We are waiting for Daddy to be home first but it's killing me.LOLOL Eric and I tried hard to get the kids things that they would really appreciate instead of just the usual box of chocolates. For one, I didn't want Evie to have a bunch of unFeingold food and for another, the kids will like what we got so much better. I think I may even make a "from scratch" cake to celebrate.

Well, that's it. It's pretty quiet here right now and I'm going to take advantage of it.LOL

Blessings,

Lisa

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Today's been a pretty good day. I ran to the store early this morning because we are supposed to be getting some really yucky storms this afternoon and I didn't want to get caught in it. I forgot to adjust the amount of milk we would be using this week since I'm cooking breakfast for the freezer and Jon is ill and doesn't drink very good unless it's flavored drinks. I don't usually buy juice and such but since he's sick I'll make an exception.LOL I know how awful water can taste when you're not feeling well.

The littles have been eating extremely well today! They must be growing.LOL So far, they've eaten 2 freezer pancakes, yogurt, a turkey sandwich, 2 clementines, 2 biscuits, and Isaac has had in addition to that above, a banana, and a piece of bacon and Evie has had an apple.LOL I didn't think they could hold that much!

Today I decided to get some protein in the freezer. I was going to do waffles but decided to work on the egg biscuits instead. I used 12 eggs, 3/4 cup whole milk, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and one slice of crisp bacon. I baked this contraption until set in a 9x13 glass pan, cut it into 15 squares and let cool. I then made 20 biscuits using a biscuit mix from LLL and used 4 1/2 cups mix to 1 1/3 cup whole milk. That gave me 15 egg biscuits for the freezer and 5 biscuits for the kids to enjoy. I now have 3 freezer bags of pancakes, 1 of french toast and 2 of egg biscuits. Tomorrow I'll work on the waffles and leftover french toast. I'm hoping that this will last me around a month. We'll see.LOL I'm noticing that they are eating much better with so much in the freezer. I'm not sure if it's because of the novelty or if they are just growing.

I never got the laundry done yesterday so I've been chipping away at it all day today. I think that I'll probably do a load everyday from now on until the baby comes. I'd hate for someone to run out of undies while I'm in the hospital.lol The kids will be staying with my parents while I'm there and knowing the kids, if it's not in their drawers they won't remember to bring it. lolol

I have my next dr's appointment tomorrow and I'm hoping for some better news.LOL I'll let you know how it goes.

Blessings,

Lisa

Monday, February 12, 2007

First of all can I just say, why is it that I can't go into Target without spending an arm and a leg?!!? Eric and I started our weekend by going to Target "just for some valentines" and left with a whole van full of different things that we "needed."LOL I think it's some sort of vortex that sucks you in and doesn't let you leave until you've spent at least $100.


Today has been a very productive day so far. Especially since I only got around 4 hours of sleep last night.lol So far, I've made 3 gallon freezer bags full of plain and chocolate chip pancakes and 1 bag full of french toast. I also made probably a whole freezer bag worth of pancakes that the kids inhaled for breakfast while I was cooking.lol Tomorrow, I'll work on the waffles and one more bag of french toast. I just couldn't do anymore today. I also managed to pour milk on Isaac's head and all over the floor. Don't ask.lolol I did get them both cleaned up though, so that should count for something.lol

It's now noon and I'm just about to start the wash but I wanted to post my recipe for Beef Noodle Soup so that I can remember how I make it since it seems to be the littles favorite soup right now.

Beef Noodle Soup
by ME!

1/2 pound or so of leftover beef (can be roast, steak, whatever)
4 cups or so of beef stock (can be leftover from potroast or canned)
2 cups frozen veggies (we like corn, peas, greenbeans, carrots, lima beans)
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 rib celery, chopped
2 cups water
1 cup canned tomato, chopped(1/2 the can)
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp dried dill
1 tsp salt
a generous helping of pepper

Cook all this for about an 1/2 hour on med heat. Add a grain. I used egg noodles but I think leftover rice would be good too. Even leftover whole grain rice would be good in this. I also think barley or potatoes would be good. Cook until noodles or whatever are done. Serve with a nice crusty bread and a nice green salad.

Blessings,

Lisa in Jax

Friday, February 09, 2007

First of all, Allison loved the ballroom dance lesson. She said there were only two men in the whole class so all the ladies were paired together and she felt much better.lol I wouldn't have minded joining the class if I weren't about ready to pop. lol She's planning on going next week if this baby isn't here.

Tonight is confirmation class for the older kids so I'm getting dinner ready early in hopes that the evening chaos that we usually have won't be too much for me to handle by myself.

Here is our menu for this week:

Breakfast

I am doubling each of these and freezing them for while I'm not able to make breakfast.

Waffles
pancakes
french toast
eggs and biscuits (I plan on making sandwiches and wrapping them in plastic wrap)

these are on the menu but won't be doubled for obvious reasons

oatmeal
cheerios

Lunch

sandwiches
chili dogs and mac and cheese
tuna noodle cassarole
PBJ

Dinner

beef noodle veggie soup, bread, salad (the beef is leftover from last week's roast)
Spaghetti, salad
split pea soup, bread
roast chicken, rice, steamed veggies
beef stroganoff, salad
pork chops, rice, salad
chicken soup (made from the leftover roast chicken)


We got our shopping done earlier this morning, glad to have that over.lol We've also spent a large portion of our day outside. It's been so beautiful the past 4 days and I've wanted to take advantage of it before it's gone again. Tomorrow the cold front comes in so I'm glad I didn't waste these days!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Lisa

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Today was a good day! It was so nice out that we spent most of the time outside. I think we all needed the fresh air and sunshine. I even took a walk!!! Although I couldn't feel my leg for a good hour afterwards.lol I think my days of walking around like that are numbered until this baby gets here.

I had my dr's appt this morning and yep, I'm still pregnant.LOL The dr says the baby's head-down and engaged but I'm not even remotely showing signs of eminent labor. He said he'd see me next week. Bummer.LOL (Couldn't I have been just a little bit dialated? Is that too much to ask?LOL)

I am just today starting to feel better from whatever hit me this weekend. I am so thankful that I'm on the mend. Tummy troubles are not good when you barely have a tummy left.LOL I'm so thankful for everyone's prayers.

We've been having "issues" with Evie and scissors.LOL My mom has had to fix her hair because of the chunks missing. All I can say is that she's a lot harder to convince not to do this than the first two were.LOL I'm guessing she may be bald sometime soon.LOL

Isaac will now go potty on demand!!! I just wish that he would notice when he actually NEEDS to go. I keep forgetting.lol I've never had one so young be this far along before, maybe in a month or two he'll notice when he needs to go and that will be the end of diapers for him. What a blessing!

Allison begins Ballroom dance lessons tomorrow evening. They are having this at our new church and she's been dying to take lessons for a long time but I couldn't find a studio anywhere near us so this is such a blessing! These lessons really showed Allison that this church is where God wants us and that he's meeting all our needs through this wonderful fellowship.

Well, since we lead such an exciting life, this is all I could come up with to write about.lol I know that the exciting part is coming up so I'm more than happy to take things easy for now.

Blessings,

Lisa

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Here are some photos that Jon took yesterday. We gave him my old camera for Christmas and he really treasures it.

Isaac in his car being cool.LOL I just have to talk about this car. Eric and I bought this car when Allison, my 14yo was about to turn 2. We got it at a garage sale from a lady who said her dd had loved it but finally outgrown it. We used it while our first two kids were little, basically until Jon turned 4, then we gave it to my parents to use when my sister's dd came to visit. Well, the car was really forgotten about. It sat in my parents backyard for YEARS, in wind and rain and sun. When I got pregnant with Evie my parents came to visit and sure enough, they brought the car. It's a little faded but still going strong after spending 12 years with us and who knows how long with the first owner.LOL What a deal!!! I wish they made things that well these days...




Can Evie be any sweeter than in this picture? She sure is going to knock the guys out as she gets older.LOL

Sunday, February 04, 2007

My Menu for this week...

Dinner

Heavenly Chicken w/fruit and salad
Potato Bar w/salad
Tuna Noodle Cassarole w/salad
Black Beans and Rice
Grilled Chicken w/rice and steamed veggies
Roast w/potatoes, carrots, and onions
Salsbury Steak w/mashed potatoes and asparagus


Today I'm not feeling that great so I stayed home from church while Eric took all the kids. I'm grateful for the quiet and I'm hoping I'll feel better soon. I have a lot of food sensitivities and I'm afraid that I ate something that was a no-no without realizing it.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

Take care,

Lisa

Friday, February 02, 2007

Here's one of my favorite photos of Isaac with dh, Eric in the background.
Here he is today. The little rascal.lol

Alright, you ladies wanted scary. This is me right before Isaac was born. I have never weighed this much in my whole life.LOL


And here's me being handed the little beast after 5 hours of natural labor. That's my dh and boy was he proud of this guy.lol He had the biggest head I've ever seen and that's exactly what I said after he was born. Instead of some endearing loving statement, I said He's huge!!!!lolol

This is totally NOT helping me.lolol
Lisa

O.k. here's a photo taken of me today. I don't know why it's blurry, maybe because of my enormity.LOL Normally, I pretend that these kids just show up and that this never happened so having a photo is not helping my mental state right now.
Blessings,
Lisa

Thursday, February 01, 2007

Today has been the nicest day we've had in a long time. It just beautiful outside! We are having a very short warm up and the kids have been outside for most of the day. I would take them to the park but everything is wet and we've found the park not to work well for the littles when it's like that. The ground there is made of wood chips and last time they both had sore ankles afterwards. I am sooo thankful for this warm up even though it'll be gone by tomorrow. This is the coldest winter we've experienced in many years!

I've been doing some reading lately. I love to read but usually don't have the time but since my body is wearing down from this pregancy it is opening up some time for laying around with a good book.LOL I just finished Roald Dahl's autobiography called "Going Solo" and it was quite absorbing. It details his life right before and during WWII. He became a RAF pilot and it was pretty exciting. I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 8-10.

The second book I've just started is Bruchko. It details Bruce Olson's call to help the Motilone Indians in South America. What an amazing life he's led and what a testament to God's protection and faithfulness to those who serve Him. I'm really enjoying this book and will probably finish it tonight even though I started it yesterday.LOL I would recommend this book to teens and up. There is quite a lot of violence and suffering. Nothing too graphic but I like to keep my youngers away from this until at least the teen years.

Well, I guess that's everything for today. I spend most of my time trying not to do too much but balancing that with keeping up with those things that HAVE to be done.LOL

Blessings,

Lisa