HOMESTEADING IN THE COUNTRY (wishing one day soon...)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2009-10-31T22:07:00.004-05:00

Anna carved this one all by herself.

Cute kitty cat.

Karl's excellent carving technique!!

He tries to outdo himself each year and

I must say he continues to create something awesome!

This past Thursday the kids had a testing class at tae-kwon-do. Anna earned her brown stripe and she broke a thick board that other kids had trouble with. Way to go Anna!! Joshua earned his yellow belt!! This is his first big kids testing. Great job, Joshua!!!

Our annual pumpkin' carving.

Eric at 6.5 weeks!

MY THREE KIDS

2009-10-19T08:34:00.002-05:00

MY FIRST BATH

2009-10-19T08:14:00.003-05:00

AND I WASN'T TOO HAPPY ABOUT IT,
WATCH AND SEE...

The family got a good laugh!
He really needed it, too.
Poor thing was covered in spit-up
(and he smelled, too).

1 MONTH & 3 DAYS OLD!!!

2009-10-13T10:53:00.002-05:00

It has been exciting and exhausting. We love little Eric! Lots to share but have very little time. Eric is calling me right now. Gotta go!

ERIC HANS HAS ARRIVED!!

2009-09-18T12:48:00.011-05:00

Our beautiful children
Anna (9), Joshua (almost 6) and Eric (0)

Wow! It has been a whirlwind these past 7 days.

Eric arrived on September 10 at 9:15 pm.
He weighed exactly 7 lbs and is 18" long.

Here is a photo when Joshua was born in '03
and Anna was 3 years old. I don't have a newborn of Anna
(this was before we had a digital camera).

I did find the youngest photo of Anna on digital.
She is 6 months old.

I went in to see the OB for a routine check-up last week and I wasn't feeling all that great that day. I started vomiting and dry-heaving over Labor Day weekend and continued on through the week. When I went into the OB, I had to stop to do some more dry-heaving before I can be seen. My doctor sent me to the maternity ward for some liquids (3 bags) at about 2:30 pm. 6 o'clock rolled around and the nurse was about to discharge me when she noticed I was having 5 minute contractions. They didn't hurt but they were consistent. As soon as she walked out to notify the docs my contractions started to get good and strong. They weren't painful. Now, this is when everything changes....the nurse came back just in time to see me go into labor! Yes! I went into labor that fast. It was crazy. I never felt anything like it before. I was breathing heavy, my legs automatically pulled themselves up and I was pushing so hard; I couldn't control it. It was amazing! I am so thankful that I was able to experience labor. The nurse ran out so fast to call the doc that he didn't believe I was moving that fast. My doctor walks in and asks, "Whats going on?" I told him we are having a baby tonight. You would think I woman knows her body well enough to know what is going on. The doc checked me out and I dilated to a 1! Then, I had another major contraction...it didn't hurt...I just felt tightening, my legs moved up and I was pushing really hard...naturally. It was so cool. That is when the doc hurried to open up the OR room to get my c-section started.

We came home Sunday afternoon to return to the hospital on Monday. Eric needed to be admitted for his jaundice. We were able to come home late on Tuesday night. We are recovering well. Baby and I have somewhat of a schedule going. Overall, we're doing great. The family is adjusting to a new cute little brother. You should see my cankles....yuck! Can't wait to have my feet and legs looking normal and getting some sleep!!

We have been blessed with wonderful family and friends helping wherever needed. We really appreciate the prayers, phone calls and especially the awesome dinners! Thank you!

I have been thanking the Lord for a healthy baby and quick recovery and that is what we are doing. We have been blessed in so many ways I can't put into words. All I can say is, "Praise the Lord!"

THIS & THAT....

2009-09-10T10:16:00.006-05:00

Do you know Ralph?? If you don't; go to youtube and you will find out how funny he is. He is a local entertainer for children. Anna has seen him at the House of Blues a few years ago. Ralph was hired for a friend's birthday party and he was hilarious!

KNITTING CRAZE.....

I knitted these baby items for a friend's baby shower (the above and below photos). She knew she was a having a girl and I fun knitting these baby items. I haven't made anything for my baby because I don't know what color to use. The hat is my favorite!

I knitted my first pair of fingerless gloves and I JUST LOVE THEM!! I made a matching scarf and a small round bag with the same yarn. Can't wait to show them off.

The kids even got into the 'KNITTING CRAZE'. Here they are starting their new projects. They both made a scarf...all by themselves. Anna even learned to cast-on!

Even though we are in our 5th week of school...Classical Conversations started 2 weeks ago. Here is a photo of their 1st day of CC. Check out Joshua's backpack...I made it!! The sewing craze is also happening here at home.

The baby...here I am at 36 weeks! Now, I am playing the waiting game. Almost went in on Wednesday night with pain (that brought tears to my eyes). Then...it went away. Going in today for a check up and I hope NOT to come home!!

Baby update...

2009-08-17T18:42:00.003-05:00

I had an ultrasound last week at 32 weeks. The docs are estimating that the baby weighs 5.5 lbs! That puts me in the 35 week category. Do you think that they would up my due date of Oct. 4? Nope, not a chance! They think I will keep going. My maternal/instincts are telling me that my water will break (something that has never happened to me) on Sept. 9 or 16. Lets see how close I get to guessing my child's birthday.

Let the games begin! What are your guesses???

Old Wives' Tales

2009-08-17T18:30:00.002-05:00

Got this is my inbox and I had to share the outcome. I highlighted boy/girl that I felt was true.

Sleep Position

Pay attention to which way you lay down in bed tonight. If you prefer sleeping on your left side, you'll have a boy. Right side? Your pregnant with a girl.

Upset Stomach (I don't get)

Little girls aren't always sweet. Extreme nausea means you are having a daughter.

Soft or Dry Hands

If your hands are dry during pregnancy, you are having a boy; soft -- expect a girl.

Food Cravings

Your favorite pregnancy foods may tell you what sex the baby is. If you're craving citrus while pregnant, you're having a girl. Craving watermelons right now.

Adult Acne

If altering hormones makes your skin break out, expect a girl. No acne. Does that make it a boy??

Graceful or Clumsy Pregnancy

If you feel as though you're gliding through they day, you'll have a girl. Stumbling? It's a boy.

Face Weight Gain

If your face gets fuller, it means you're having a girl. Nope.

Sugar and Spice Food Cravings

Craving salt during pregnancy? Potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn means a boy is on the way. I did earlier in my pregnancy. Need a little something sweet? Ice cream, chocolate, and candy means you're having a girl. Ice cream sundaes almost nightly.

Mood Changes

If you're experiencing pregnant mood-swings, expect a baby girl to arrive soon.

High or Low Pregnant Belly

If you're carrying the baby low on your stomach, expect a boy. If it's high, you're having a girl.

Baby Weight

If you're carrying baby in front, it's a boy. Is the baby weight spaced all around your middle? It's a girl.

Pendulum Test

Dangle a chain with a charm over your palm. If it swings back and forth: boy. In a circle: girl.

Model Your Hands

"Show me your hands." If you would hold your hands palms up it's a girl. Down? You're having a boy.

Toddler Advice

Get baby advice from a nephew or friend's little boy. If a toddler boy shows interest in your belly, you'll have a girl. If he ignores you, it's a boy.

Eat Garlic

Guess the baby's sex by eating garlic. If the smell seeps out of your pores it's a boy. If there's no scent it's a little girl.

Key to Pregnancy

If you pick up a key by the round end, you're having a boy. If it's by the long end? A girl.

Even and Odd Numbers

If your age and year of conception are both even or odd, it's girl. One even, one odd means a boy.

Baby's Heartbeat

If the baby's heart beats more than 150 times per minute, you're pregnant with a girl. Less than 150, it's a boy.

Stress Test

A child tends to be of the same sex as the parent who is less stressed at the time of conception. That would be Karl...boy!

Dream Meanings

If you dream about having a girl while pregnant, you will wind up having a boy and vice versa. I have been dreaming a girl.

Breast Size

If your right breast is larger than the left while pregnant, you are having a girl. If the left is larger, it's a baby boy.

Lets tally up what I have found..to close to even count. I guess we will all have to wait when the baby is ready to join his/her family. This was fun!

boy=7
girl=6

Getting ready for a new school year...

2009-07-30T11:25:00.004-05:00

Between contractions, going to the bathroom every time I stand up; I have found time to plan out the 2009-2010 school year schedule. I am ready to get started. The kids and I need to start practicing our new routine BEFORE baby comes. This way we all know what is expected when I am too tired to remember what day it is.

I did add links to Anna's subjects, so you can see what books we will be using this upcoming year.

Tentatively, this is what Anna's (4th grade) schedule looks like:

Monday:
Bible time with mom (Proverbs) and a bible workbook from CLP, Math-U-See / Delta (2-4 pages a day), Spelling Skills ( a page a day), Reading (a book a month), Cursive Abeka Mastery (once a wk), Piano practice, Abeka Science (4x's a wk), Spanish (2x's a wk), and Classical Conversations (review 2x's wk)

Tuesday:
Math, Spelling Skills, CC, and Essentials (4x's a wk hmwk)

Wednesday:
Bible, Math, Spelling Skills, Reading, Essentials hmwk, Science, and Spanish

Thursday:
Bible, Math, Spelling Skills, CC, Reading, Essentials hmwk, Piano, Science

Friday:
Math, Spelling Skills, Reading, Map wkbk (once a wk), Essentials hmwk, Science

..................................................................................

Joshua's schedule is little bit more relaxed. Here is what we will be doing for 1st grade:

Math-U-See (daily), Sing, Spell, Read & Write (daily), Classical Conversations, Manuscript writing, Abeka Science (daily), Map workbook (once a week), and Piano.

Both kids are also involved in Tae-kwon-do, 3x's a week, an hour each day.

We have a busy year ahead of us. Did I tell you we will also add a newborn in September?!? The joys of motherhood, home schooling, life and Jesus' many blessings!!

SPOONER, WISCONSIN, A FAMILY AFFAIR

2009-07-23T08:52:00.009-05:00

John, Barbie, Chase, Karl, Anna, me, Joshua and Brandon.

I don't think Spooner was ready for our excitement and fun!! The family took a 9 day vacation up to Spooner with my nephews; Brandon and Chase. Our dear friends Andy, Martha and Christian (photos to come) did not tell us that they were vacationing a half hour further up north from us. It was a pleasant surprise. Karl's sister and husband joined us at the tail end of our vacation.

Karl found a real neat modern cabin to spend a week in. It was on a wooded 3 acre lot. Karl was in heaven. Here is a view of our pier from above. Beautiful.

This photo was taken on our last day. It really was that cold that I had on three layers of clothing. Who heard of fall in July? It was gorgeous when we first arrived and it slowly got colder each day we were there. We still made the most of it!

The boys (and Anna) had fun fishing every morning. Above, Karl is showing Brandon how to make a knot. John is an expert sailor.

Here is a wonderful photo of Brandon ALL WET! You ask, why is he wet?? Like most typical 14 year old, he was running on the pier, slid off the end and fell into the lake. Of course, his pockets were fully loaded with his cell phone, money and DS. We had a good laugh when he came up. Word to wise...empty your pockets before falling into the lake.

Way too much fun for a 5 year old.

Who has heard of a snowball fight in July?? I have! It is a family tradition on Karl's side to save a box of snowballs every winter and in July...there is a snowball fight! Barbie was waiting for the exact moment to bring them out but unfortunately it was actually too cold to soften up the 'ice balls'. They did soften up some and we had a good time getting Karl and John.

These photos are from Barbie's camera. I will load up more photos as I get them from my loving husband's fancy camera.

Seeing God

2009-07-23T08:41:00.002-05:00

Last night during our family dinner we had an interesting conversation. Anna was getting real frustrated not knowing if she is having a little sister or brother. She wanted to know what she was having. I told her that I truly have been enjoying not knowing. It's been fun watching my belly grow and learning what the baby is doing each month. I told her this is great way to be patient and watch God working in our little blessing...

ANNA: I wish I can read God's mind and know what He gave us.

MOM & DAD: We cannot read God's mind. That's not how He works.

JOSHUA: Yes, you can read God's mind. Just read the bible.

What do you say to that! Wow, out of the mouth of babes. I am amazed to see God working right there in front of me. You think I wouldn't be surprised. I am. I love the way He reminds me how powerful He is through faith. Through being a faithful servant and sharing His words with my children AND to see His words coming out of my children. We are so truly blessed...in so many ways, that I cannot put into words.

Creating and more...

2009-06-18T09:59:00.005-05:00

Let me start by sharing the photos Karl took with his new camera. These photos are cool!!! He bought a G10 (I don't know what that is but I do know that I want to borrow it!).

Above he is playing with the filters in photoshop.

Another great recital from Miss Allison's piano classes. The kids did a great job. There were quite few first timers. Anna and Lydia, keep up the great work!

Here my two dollies that I knitted for my niece and nephew for their first birthday. I had fun making these.

Below is my attempt at trying to do an 'easy' quilt for Anna. I have been working on it for maybe over a month and still have quite of bit of work ahead of me. Anna picked out the colors and fabric. I love the color combo.

I had to first cut 8 strips of each 8 colors and sew 4 strips together. Let me tell you that the cutting of the strips sound easy BUT its NOT. Below is a sample of the strips sewn together.

Then you take the strips and cut across the four colors and voile you have 4 squares! It does take time to cut these strips as well. I am still cutting. I have lost speed with this project and moved on to quicker projects...

onto purses!! I found 2 great free patterns online and gave them a try. The green purse is actually a dress my mother in law gave me. It was an old halter dress that I knew I would use the material for something. Karl thought it would make a great gift for Oma. I wonder if she would recognize the fabric...hmmmmmm.

I have enough material to make 2 more purses. Anna and I both want one for ourselves!!

Where I have gotten my inspiration began with a sewing class that I took 2 weeks ago. I learned how to make pajama bottoms. I had to make a 'really' big pair for me AND the cool thing about my bottom....is that i can take them in when I am done with my pregancy!! I got carried away and made a pair for the kids!

I also made a nightgown for Anna with my left over fabric from my pants. So, she and I can match.

I whipped up this backpack/tote for Anna's cousin as a birthday gift. Boy, Anna was green with evny. I can't make everything for her ;>)

Here is the other purse pattern I found online. This purse is for ME!! I used a 'fat quarter' from the store and left over fabric and voile...a purse.

My biggest (pun intended) creation...the baby!! Here is a photo of me at 23 weeks and I am finally feeling better!! Hence all the sewing. I told Karl just to take a photo of my belly, otherwise I would of put some make-up on. Here I am, all natural.

St. Louis, Birthday, Fair, ultrasound...

2009-05-28T17:58:00.008-05:00

Last month the kids and went to St. Louis with Miss Sara and her girls. We packed the van and headed south for 5 days of fun and relaxation (and some vomiting). I have never been to Springfield and we were stopping there on the way. We stopped at Lincoln's Museum and we all had a great time. The movie part was the best!!! Did you notice how we squeezed in...some learning? The moms are so smart.

Next stop...St. Louis Zoo. More learning squeezed in on this. The zoo was free (the best part) and it was really a nice zoo. They even had a bear I never existed. Right now I can't remember the name of the bear. Sara, help me here.

This is where we stayed, on the family farm!! It was beautiful there and the weather was perfect! They had chickens! The highlight of my whole trip. We got to see all the different color eggs the different chickens laid. The kids had fun looking for the eggs on the ground. They also saw baby ducks and they just had a great time. I had a blast. I hope we can go there again.

We squeezed in a day of school. Who says you can't learn on vacation?

Here is another example of learning. The St. Louis Arch. They had a museum and a movie to watch how it all began. We also got in these egg shaped vehicle to take us to the top! Talk about feeling like Mork from Ork. Once we got to the top you can walk around and look down!!

My first born turns 9!!

I think she is 4 in this photo. I use to love doing 'photo shoots' with her. See her hair?? This is when she actually let me do her hair. I miss those days.

Now, look at my big girl!!

Anna wanted to have a birthday 'tea party' with a few of her closest friends. She also wanted to use our good china. I was nervouse at first and then I agreed. Nothing got broken :>) Here is the table that I set up for Anna and her lovely guests. They each had individual votive candles and gift bags displayed by each table setting.

They were wonderful. I had fun wearing my apron and going to each guest asking what they would like to eat. They started out with muffins; then they had a choice of chicken nuggets, miniature quiche and/or pizza rolls. I served fruit on the side and of course finished with the cupcakes shaped like a flower.

Look how beautiful they all look!!
Hannah, Cousin Brittany, Birthday Girl, Marah and Lydia

We had to do a fun photo!

Academic Fair

Every year our home school group NPLH hosts an Academic Fair where the kids get to share what they have been learning all year long. They also have a kindergarten and 8th grade graduation ceremony. This year my big 5.5 year old graduated from kindergarten (sniff, sniff). The kids stood up front and they were prayed over and blessed for their upcoming years in school. They even received certificates!

This year the kids chose to do a combined project on tae-kwondo. It was great to watch my kids work together as a team!!

Last, but not least my ultrasound that took 2 hours! Don't ask me why, it just did. All I can say is that from what I can tell the baby looks good. He/she had all it limbs, fingers and toes. It was fun to see the baby sucking its thumb and bouncing all over the place.

The BEST Mother's Day

2009-05-11T19:19:00.002-05:00

I woke up with breakfast in bed. Anna got up early in the morning to start cooking. She even set her alarm and got up! Karl heard her tinkering away in the kitchen and got up to help her while I stayed in bed...relaxing. To my surprise, I got a card, fruit, scrambled eggs, refried beans, salsa and a tortilla!!! It may not sound like the best breakfast for you, but for me it was YUMMY!!! They also gave me a bell to ring when I was done with my breakfast. Yet, another surprise...I was to use the bell ALL DAY!!! Now, would I take advantage of my kids and husband...you better believe that I did!!

We got ready for church and I brought the bell with us. I kind of felt silly and yes, I left the bell in the car during worship. It was fun ringing the bell and watching Karl get all animated to see what he can do for me. I haven't laughed so hard since I have been pregnant! It felt good to have some hard laughs. The kids would come running to see how they can help me out.

We went to the garden and I had Karl bring me chair while I delegated where to plant the seeds. It turned out to be a beautiful day.

Thank you Lord for my wonderful family, your many blessings and providing for us!! We have put all our trust in you, Lord.

I did try the bell on Monday morning to see what would happen....guess what....I was reminded that Mother's Day was over. Should I tell my kids that I am their mom, every day of their life??

Beautiful Saturday morning...

2009-05-09T08:20:00.003-05:00

I am tring to keep you all updated in our homestead but as we all know...LIFE, keeps us all busy.

Monday will begin my 19th week of pregnancy! Where does the time go?? I am almost half way through my pregnancy. I can't believe how fast this is going. It was slow in the beginning and now, time is flying by. I am feeling much better these days. The nausea is about gone. Headaches come and go and my legs started to swell. If it isn't one thing, it is definitely another with this lovely, 'fun' pregnancy. This baby keeps me on my toes.

We had a busy week this week: Tae-kwondo (year round); went to my last NPLH (No Place Like Home) meeting of the year (support group for homeschooling mamas); planted seeds in our garden; OAMC (once a month cooking) with Miss Frannie; Anna took the 3rd grade IL Stanford Test (2 days of testing) AND both kids had their Tae-kwondo testing (Joshua has his red stripe and Anna received her blue stripe on her green belt)!! Phew!! I was exhausted by the end of each day. I even squeezed in a few garage sales early Friday morning.

My body is not use to all this moving around. In a few weeks I will be getting my Level 2 Ultrasound, to make sure the baby is doing fine. NO, WE ARE NOT FINDING OUT THE SEX. You will all have to wait right along with us, to find out what we are having!! I think this is more fun! Oooooo, the anticipation.

Today is Karl's birthday and he turned....(drum roll please)....a whopping....39!! His last year in the 3's. It's about time that man gets....older. Guess what he is doing right now??? You won't believe what he was looking forward to doing this morning at 7 am on his birthday. WEEDING!! That is what he likes to do, to be outdoors with nature...weeding. Not me.

3 MONTHS & counting...

2009-03-21T17:54:00.003-05:00

I know it has been awhile since I have blogged. But, if you felt the way I have been feeling this month; you wouldn't have blogged. It has been a tough few week. Just a few weeks? It really feels like 2 months. This first trimester has really turned our house upside down, literally!! My poor husband as been asking for his wife! I want Lisa back! I want her back. I think I am finally on the downhill slope.

The meds the docs put me on has helped me be functional (meaning: I can get out of bed between naps). I am still nauseous (just not every second of the day). Oh, BTW, I had my 3 month check-up and everything looks all right except....they keeping an eye on my weight. Really??? What is that suppose to mean?? I am pregnant! I had to eat because I was so nauseous. I had to eat because I kept vomiting. I had to eat because, because it gave me something to do. Now, that I got that off my chest I can move on.

I am feeling much better these days. I even started to do the laundry AND it was such a sunny day I even hung them to dry!! But, I better be careful because Karl has been tired of 'store bought bread' and calls 'fake bread' every time I bring into the house. This means that he has been spoiled with my freshly homemade baked breads. Which at this time I still do not have the energy to think about making/baking. Sorry honey, yo will need to wait a little longer.

I will try to get the kids to take a photo of my growing belly for you all to see!

God Bless and enjoy spring!!

vOMITing • sleeping • eating • nausea • restless

2009-02-22T17:17:00.002-06:00

Let me start off by saying, "I WANT TO OMIT 'VOMITING' IN MY PREGNANCY!" It is enough to feel hungry and nausous at the SAME TIME; yucky feelings. It has only been a week of all this 'fun' stuff rolled into one body or should I say one tiney, cute, little baby :>)

Some of you may say that I asked for this. I asked for the blessing NOT the sickness. I know it all goes together so.....technically I am not complaining. Off the record....I am complaining. My poor stomach is in sooooo much pain. My head hurts. I am hungry. I can't look at food. It tastes better the first time around NOT the second time....aargh. I really needed to get that off my chest.

Tomorrow begins week number 8....what can I say. After some thought, I think this sickness is a reminder of the gift that the Lord has blessed us with. It is a reminder that LIFE isn't easy. LIFE begins at conception and ends when the Lord calls us. The miracle of LIFE is hard. Preparing for this little baby is a lifetime commitment to this baby and to our Father. I look at my 2 oldest and they have been a blessing the day I have set my eyes on them. I can't take my eyes of them. I love how the Lord works in each of us. To see how he brings family and friends closer. Or how He touches our Life individually when we don't even realize it.

I enjoy preparing for this little baby with new eyes, with the guidance of our Father. Thank you Lord for this miracle, for this sickness that comes with a developing child, with love from our hearts. Amen.

Morning sickness, flu, dry-heaves....

2009-02-16T08:59:00.004-06:00

Week 7 arrived with a BANG! Last week we all had the stomach flu (except for Karl) and thankfully it left has quickly has it arrived.

Now, in my 7th week; I am having trouble brushing my teeth, eating, resting and lots of nausea! I don't know which is better....not to eat too much, eat small meals often, or just snack. I found I love trail mix!!! Found out that I don't like my favorite spinach salad anymore :(

The dry-heaves...what can I say about the dry-heaves, other than it...hurts. I don't actually vomit (yet), sometimes I wish I could. Hopefully, this won't last long. With Anna and Joshua, I was sick with them both. With Anna I really did vomit, often. Joshua....well, I think I dry-heaved with him for 6 months (it felt longer). Lets see what baby number 3 does to me...

Morning sickness for me is all day! It comes and goes throughout the day. I mostly feel the worst at the end of the day. I believe I was like that with Anna. Maybe it's a girl???? Hmmmmmmm...

HEARTBEAT

2009-02-10T06:44:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, the family and Oma all went to my 1st ultrasound. I was a little worried because it is too early for an ultrasound. Can they see this tiny baby?? Is everything OK? What are they looking for? All these questions were running through my mind as I waited for this appointment to arrive.

It was fun to have the gang with me. I also had to drink a ton of water to be ready. That was hard for me to hold that much water. As I was laying on the table the nurse put the wand on my belly and all I can think about is....when can I go to the bathroom? It was very uncomfortable. Then you saw it, a black blob on the screen. The baby sac! Then you saw something very tiny. Is that the baby? Yes, it is and you can see the heart beating! It was the coolest thing ever. I am so glad that I am able to share this whole experience with the kids. They were so excited. We also all heard the heart beating. God is good.

Karl asked the one question that has been bothering him, "how many babies do you see?" The nurse said, "there is one baby". WHEW!

I have to brag

2009-02-05T09:06:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was a big day for us. My blood count doubled and Joshua read his first book!!! Something I wasn't even ready for. I know was prepping him and teaching his letters but I didn't expect him to pick up his first Phonetic Storybook Reader 1. We weren't suppose to get to the book for another 2 weeks. He read 22 pages in one sitting. We are very proud of him. He has been very diligent in his studies.

We are using the Sing, Spell, Read & Write 1st grade program. I thought it would take us a few years to go through but I think he will finish right on time next year. We decided to start kindergarten early because he was showing signs of readiness. I truly wasn't sure if he was ready but he has proved himself. I told him if he can read by summer, then he can go into first grade this fall. I can see he is like his mom. When we put our minds to accomplish a goal; we go after it!

GOOD NEWS!!

2009-02-04T15:08:00.002-06:00

Good news!! I spoke with the nurse just a little while ago and my blood counts are right where they should be!! Thank you Lord! Thank you all for your prayers and please continue to pray through my journey. My 'quant' count on Monday was 31oo and today it is...drum roll please....6200! It doubled. I believe this is what it is suppose to do. The nurse said everything looks great. My first actual doctor visit is on February 25th. I will keep you posted as this cute little baby continues to grow!

I feel like I have been holding my breath for 2 days and now I can breath.

Monday a little crazy...

2009-02-03T15:56:00.003-06:00

Monday was a little crazy. It started out normal. Anna goes to co-op at 9 am for science. Well, around 10 am I went potty and I saw blood. I was scared. The moms quickly offered to watch the kids while I did what I needed to do. Which was call the doctor ASAP! They said it was too early to tell why I was bleeding. I do know that being O negative causes some problems. I did have these problems with Anna. With all that said...I went in for some blood work and I need to go back on Wednesday for more blood work so that they can compare numbers. We want the numbers to go up!! I will continue to post my ups and downs of this wonderful blessings. According to the doctors calendar I am 5 weeks and 3 days prego. By the numbers they told me on Monday shows that I am 6 weeks and 3 days prego. I will confirm as soon as I know how big this little baby is!! His/her microscopic heart is beating! What a blessing to share this with my husband and children. God is good.

Can you figure out this equation?

2009-01-28T11:14:00.003-06:00

My prayers have been answered!!! Yesterday we found out that we are having another baby!!!! I have added a pregnancy tracker (to the right) so you can see how the baby is growing. We have been blessed...and I have been somewhat speechless.

With all that said....I have donated all of my maternity clothes and baby stuff. We do have a crib. So, if you know of anyone giving away their baby stuff and maternity clothes... I am happy to accept donations!

Joshua says...

2008-12-23T09:56:00.002-06:00

Joshua came up to me (after I was complaining how messy their rooms were) says, "Mom, if you are mean to us, you will be put on the naughty list" and walked away. He told me.

As we were cuddling in my bed, Joshua says, "Mom, you are more cuddler then daddy. And softer too."

After his procedure at the hospital, Karl was helping Joshua into his pj's when he noticed a bandage on his foot (where they put the IV). "Whoa, whoa, whoa, I don't remember that!" Karl had to tell him that he was falling asleep when they put the IV in his foot.

Catching up before Christmas...

2008-12-23T09:04:00.008-06:00

I had to quickly share. My mom brought over an old latch hook project that I never finished. As you can see I was almost done. I taught Anna how to do it and hopefully, she will finish it for me.

Yes, I know Christmas Eve is tomorrow. So, I thought I better get moving. We have been busy or should I say, I have been busy. You have no idea what I have decided to tackle as gifts this year. I cannot share too much...I don't want to give it away. I can share that I have been busy; knitting, sewing (yes, I have taken up sewing), baking and as always canning.

I have dreamed that I would learn how to quilt for 2 years now and I yet have to learn! BUT, I have a new friend, Miss Allison, who's mom knows how to quilt. What a blessing to me :>) Allison's mom, Carol and I will start lessons after the new year. I have picked out my pattern and can't wait to get started. I know, patience is a virtue.

I will share photos of my Christmas gifts to family and friends AFTER they have opened it. I will do my best to remember my camera. So, if I give you something I made, remind me to take a picture of you.

Here are some photos from Thanksgiving:

The carvers of the family: Opa, John and the cute one is my husband, Karl.

Karl with God son, Jack

Auntie Carie, selecting prizes for gumdrop creations.
They were all winners.

DECEMBER...

We had the neighbor girls come over (so mom and dad can shop) and they made this lovely gingerbread house. The older girls were very helpful to the little ones. Audrey and Joshua each did a roof. Lydia and Anna decorated the sides.

I had to share this photo. I saw the door closed to the dog room/art room and thought the girls were painting and hanging out. I believe some cute little boy accidentally (yea, right) locked the girls. As I was walking away the girls saw me and held up the signs above. I kind of laughed and walked away. Just look at those faces.

This year was Joshua's turn to put the angel on the tree.

I turned 42 years young and went to Chuck E Cheese.

Classical Conversations had their Christmas party and Chuck E Cheese. It was nice to have the whole place to ourselves. I had a good time talking the moms and seeing the kids again.

Afterwards, Sara, Allison and I went to Caribou for 'mommy coffee time'. Becky, Abby and Nana (Cynthia) joined us and I got a really cool knitting bag! Thanks, Becky!

Chuckie E Cheese to Caribou and a small break in between then off to Sara's for 'fun'due or fondue. We donned on our aprons and I taught Sara how to do cheese fondue. The boys...what were they doing?

Don't we make a cute couple?

What is this contraption?? I asked the same question when I saw this come out of the basement. It is a coffee maker. I believe its french? It really did make good coffee. We ended the evening talking science.

PS - I don't know where the underline thing came from. I don't even have an option for that.