Fresh Bread

I contest that there is nothing better then fresh, home-made bread, hot out of the oven. I just made a loaf of french bread to go with our dinner. I sliced a bit off right after taking out of the oven and it melted in my mouth! I don't think God created anything more delicious than that! I hope you get to enjoy this luxury some time soon! If you eat at our house the chances are in your favor!

Baby Duck

I have been thinking about this blog for a while, but obviously have not taken the time to write. Just want to give you an update on our little Ducky. We had an appointment on Oct. 23. Albert finally got to meet my doctor and we both really like her. The baby's heart rate was 146. This is right between where Canon and Boaz were at this time. So, my guess is a boy! We scheduled the ultrasound for November 21st and my next appointment is on Nov. 17. I felt the baby move a couple of weeks ago and have been feeling him move every few days. It is still very light, so I have to be laying on my stomach to feel him and know it is him. I think this is one of the most amazing parts of pregnancy. There's no other experience in live like feeling a baby move inside of you. I am thankful to experience this again. If you've never had a baby and wonder what it feels like, put your hand on your cheek, then rub your tongue against the inside of your cheek. This sort of resembles what baby movements feel like.... in a way. :) 

Almost every thinks or wants this little one to be a girl. I've had one friend say he/she is a puppy. I know he is wrong! Lisa said a boy and for now I agree with her. I don't think you guys are considering the facts this go around, you just want a little girl! So, if you haven't guessed yet, you only have a couple more weeks to get your guess in. Hurry up!

DADDY'S HOME!

I am happy to announce that Albert is back home. He got home Tuesday night around 7:30. This was about 4 hours late! But we were thrilled to have him walk through the door. We expected him to be home right around the time the boys woke up from their naps. Well, they both woke up early and we just sat around for a while twiddling our thumbs before deciding to go to the park. That turned out to be a good way to pass the time. He still wasn't ready (by work's standards) to come home, so we went home and started bath time. Right after the boys got in, Albert got home. They were so excited. Canon could hardly wait to get out of there! I let them stay up for a little while, then off to bed. Canon was sure to wake up at 5:15 to say good morning though. And, they were both up for a bit around 1:00 a.m. That was fun! We are thankful to have him back home though!

Get your guess in!

I had another doctor's appointment yesterday. I am very excited about my doctor! Albert got to meet her and he liked her too. Anyway, the baby's heart rate was 146 and I am 15 weeks today. At this same time, Boaz's heart rate was 140 and Canon's was between 167 and 148. So, now is the time to get your guess in. Do you think Baby Duck is a boy or a girl? Our ultrasound is November 21 at 9:00 a.m. You have until November 20 to get your guess in! Also, I think I felt the baby move a couple of days ago. I am looking forward to feeling him/her move more often! Hurry and guess!

Baby Duck

I have enjoyed keeping up with a few of my friend's who are having their first babies and have blogs dedicated to their pregnancy. I have not been able to keep track of this pregnancy well enough to have a separate blog about it, but will give little updates as the occur. Well, on 10.05.08 my belly seemed to jump out. I was just looking at the picture and I do not look as big in the pic as I felt that day. Though, I was likely holding my belly in for the pic. I don't think I've taken a single belly pic without tightening up my belly.... even at the end when it doesn't help. I guess it is just habit. So, today I am 14 weeks. I have a doctor's appointment next Thursday, which I am very excited about. At that appointment I will schedule the ultra-sound. I am really excited about this. So much sewing is hanging on that ultra-sound!

I have been slightly concerned about this pregnancy though. Obviously it has made me more of a worrier and much more likely to cry. With Canon I felt pretty normal, hormonally speaking. With Boaz I was grouchy and irritable more than I was with Canon, but still felt pretty good. With this little one I am more teary, but feel completely normal other than my belly swelling a little. In fact, at my first doctor's appointment, my doctor asked me if I was sure I was pregnant. I had been wondering the same thing and it still crosses my mind some days. With both of the boys I was sick sort of randomly. With Canon it was mainly at the beginning and Boaz was any time of day, but it would hit and be gone. I have only hugged the toilet one time with this pregnancy and it was just precautionary! That has been a huge blessing, but it makes me feel uncertain. After two doctor's appointments and two ultra-sounds, I have not heard a strong heartbeat or been giving a heart rate number. This is not comfortable. I am anxious to start feeling the baby moving and know that everything is OK. So, anyway, please pray that this baby is healthy and strong. I know that every pregnancy is different, but this one doesn't feel like a pregnancy at all. Maybe it's a girl or a boy! Ha! We'll just have to see. Until then, here is Baby Duck's first appearance. Treasure it because it will be a little while before another belly pic appears.

The Walker's Visit

Here are some pictures from our friend's visit. We had a great time... as you can see!

New Ride

This is our new ride. Actually, we bought it about two months ago and I have just uploaded the pictures..... but it still feels new! I researched double strollers for about a year or more when this beauty revealed itself to me. This stroller did cross my path while researching, but it seemed too expensive and a little cumbersome with buying the single stroller and the added seat. Well, our neighbor's bought it and gave me a demo. I liked it right away. A month or more later, our neighbor let us borrow their stroller for a couple of days so we could really try it out. Albert took it for a jog and I took it for a walk or two. It was so easy to push and use. I could not believe how smooth the ride was, especially for a double! So, after much conversation, we took the plunge and brought this ride home. It has been just the right stroller for us. My father-in-law asked if there was a way to attach a trailer to it....well, there's not, but Canon is learning to walk beside me or the stroller and learning the rules of walking freedom. So, enjoy the pics! Baby Bo hangs out in the front seat whenever Canon will have the option of walking or riding. He really enjoys both seats though.
This is one way to use the stroller with two toddlers or when both children are over 6 months old.
Here is another configuration. Bo was supposed to take a nap while we were out, so I went ahead and laid him in the bottom to protect him from the weather and let him get some rest.
Here is Baby Bo sleeping behind Canon.

Canon Says:

"Canon ride in back seat of car."

breath

"Canon put on seatbelt."

breath

"Canon drive to Papaw's house."

These sorts of post might become more frequent as his vocabulary and conversational skills increase! They are so fun for me.

F.Y.I.

The dryer works better when you turn it on!

I've been tagged!

I must admit that I was secretly hoping to be tagged! I saw this on a ladies blog that I don't actually know, so I knew she wouldn't tag me, and I was thinking of just starting a fresh game, when I was tagged by Erica! Hope you enjoy.

THE RULES:* Link your tagger and list these rules on your blog.* Share 7 little known facts about yourself on your blog.* Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.* Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.


Hmmm..... The 7 facts are tricky!

1. I got my belly button pierced on my 18th birthday while visiting a friend out of state. This makes for a lovely belly button when pregnant! I took the ring out just before I met Albert and it has closed up on the inside, but not the outside. Oh yes, it looks nice to have two holes doing weird things on a big ole belly!

2. I have always wanted to have 3 boys and 1 little girl at the end! I am now anxious to see what God has in store for our family.

3. I've lived in 16 houses and 9 states in my life time.

4. I do not like to be alone.

5. I had softly wavy hair until puberty and now it changes curliness with each pregnancy. Along with my hair falling out and growing back in, it is really looking good!

6. I have been pregnant and/or nursing since November 2005.

7. I love ballet and am teaching a couple of small classes for friends on Thursdays.

Now I tag:

1. Kim

2. Lisa

3. Lindsay

4. Leatrice

5. Charlotte

6. Jill

7. Tara

Some of these guys don't know that I read their blogs, I hope they don't mind being tagged! I just realized that I mainly read blogs of people that I don't actually know.....Some of you need to hop to it!

Canon Says:

"Good job fire mama!"

"Good job fire truck mama!"

"Good job fire fighter mama!"

On Saturday a fire truck parade came past our house. We ran outside to watch the trucks. Later that day we went over to the fire house for Sparky's birthday party and a free lunch. Canon was able to sit on a fire truck and look at the firefighters. We even got the see them get dressed quickly and head out with their lights on for a power outage. On Wednesday we were in the back yard and noticed a class leaving the fire house. We waved to Sparky and a few firefighters, then decided to walk over. We were given the VIP treatment. Canon was able to give Sparky a high-five and take a picture with him. He was given the grand tour of the fire truck and the firefighter turned on the siren while Canon was in the seat. We even received a plastic fire fighter hat! Canon cannot get enough of this hat. Again, pictures will come later, but we have enjoyed Fire Prevention week.

Special Visit

We had a very special visit yesterday and today. We were thankful to host part of the Walker family in our home these past two days. We were stationed with Nate and Lindsay in Enid, for pilot training. They have been living in Washington since she was first pregnant with their little girl and I was about 5 months pregnant with Canon. We have tried to cross paths in Colorado a few times, but it just hasn't worked out. Well, thankfully, he was sent back down here for a few weeks of training and the family came along. We were so excited to have Lindsay and Alyssa come to our home yesterday. The kiddos played great together and I truly enjoyed catching up with Lindsay. We went to the park a couple of times and just hung out together. Between naps and eating, there wasn't much time for traveling the city!



God blessed us with some great connections and amazing friends during our time in Enid and I have been so thankful to keep in touch with so many of them so well. This is now the 6th family to visit us from Enid. Some came together, while they still lived there, on family stopped by while on a 5 hour layover in the city, and the Walkers came during training. We love reconnecting with these dear friends and seeing how much all of our families have grown. The original group has certainly multiplied! I'll post some pics from this special visit in the next few days. Here is a pic of all of our friends (minus 4 from church) from Enid with only one little one present.
To this group would now be added at least 10 babies and two in the oven in just 2 1/2 years!

Safe in the Fold

Jesus my rock, my refuge, my all

In you will I trust, in you will I call

And praise you forever for blessings untold,

Your right hand upholds me

Though stormy the way

Though thunders may roll

Your spirit of peace shines in my soul

The sky may be cloudy and the night may be cold,

Yet under your watch care

I'm safe in the fold

Your right hand upholds me,

I'm safe in the fold

I'm safe in the fold

All glory to you

I look to the day when I enter through

The gates to the kingdom and worship to you

There I will ever be

Safe in the fold

Your right hand upholds me

I'm safe in the fold

I'm safe in the fold

Your right hand upholds me

I'm safe in the fold (repeat)

-Sons of Thunder

This song has been an amazing source of comfort through trials and celebrations over the last few months. Some of the times that I have cried out this song the most have to do with the expectancy of our newest little one and Albert's deployments. The truth in this song has brought me so much comfort.

Albert's deployments are always a challenge. I tend to sing this song, on repeat, after we have dropped him off or am just having a really hard day. I seem to feel wrapped in Jesus' arms when this song is pouring out of my heart.

I don't think I've expressed the emotional journey I've been on the last couple of months. I feel like I am on the right path now, but I was stubborn in getting here! When we first thought we were pregnant the test was not strongly positive or negative. Since I only take tests when I am pretty sure (very late) I am pregnant, so that I'm not wasting money, I was very surprised and saddened. A week later I took another test and I was shocked by the result. Yes, I am a woman who is still working on having self-control over my emotions! I laughed out loud and the questions for God started rolling. There were several times that I was at home and in a semi state of panic and turned this song on. I know the words of this song are true. I know that God has a plan for our family and this baby, but I could not shake the questions. The responses we have received from people we know and complete strangers has not been completely encouraging either! I often think "are we in a relationship close enough for you to say that?" or "maybe I should just smile and change the subject." I don't think I've seen eyes get any bigger or questions about birth control and surprise shoot out of people's mouths any faster then over the last several weeks. Well, while I've been having a pitty party God has continued His work. Thankfully! He has humbled me again and again and again. So much so that I sometimes find myself slipping into the opposite mind frame of "I'm not worthy!" Well, I'm not worthy and I know that I cannot make it through one day with out completely relying on HIM. He has reminded me of dear friends who desperately want a baby and has shown me families with 5 children 5 and under, 5 children 4 and under, added 6 children in three years to the previous 4 children.....making 10 children. I'm not even sure how I found some of these blogs and women. God has truly led me to some of the work He is doing. It has been so humbling and encouraging. These blogs have made me feel like a wimp and capable. I'm not saying that I won't dip on the roller coaster of life. I am still a sinner, but at this point I am able to be safe in the fold of my Father's wing knowing that He is in control and I am happy about it!

Please don't feel that we are unhappy about our Little Duck's arrival. I can hardly wait for him/her to arrive. I already have great plans for the bedding and am brainstorming coming home outfits, rearranging drawers and closets.....I just was very over whelmed thinking of how I was going to survive in my own strength. Well, I'm not going to survive in my own strength! This family is something that only God can handle and He is willing to take the lead from me! What a blessing!

Potty Training!

Here is another small update on potty training. It is going quite well, though not complete. Canon has been dry for several days now including nap time and night time! At first I thought he was only staying dry at night because he woke up like four nights in a row and went potty in the middle of the night. But, he slept all night last night and was dry this morning. He also seems to be holding it longer during the day. I say that we are not completely done yet, because he is not initiating having to go. Sometimes he does, but usually I prompt him. This doesn't bother me though. Wet underwear is easier to change than a diaper. The one thing that keeps me on edge is underwear while sleeping. He has been taking his naps in underwear for a while and has stayed dry. But at night, I just can't go there yet. I mean, I don't think he'd care. He probably would wake up crying if he had an accident though. The main thing that I don't like is changing the sheets on the bunk beds! I mean, I love the bunks and think they were/are the most practical option for our family, but changing the sheets is a pain. So, I am preventing accidents by having Canon sleep in a diaper so that I don't have to change the sheets as often. Maybe this is lazy, but I have to stay sane somehow and changing the sheets makes me grumpy!

Sickness

We have been passing around quite an ugly cough over the last couple of weeks. I started out with a cough, sore throat and runny nose. Canon received this and added a fever in the middle of the night. Boaz now has the cough which sounds like it is ripping his throat open. Please pray that we are all well by the time Daddy is home. (and maybe a little before)

Canon's funny words cont.

Here are a few more funny things that Canon can be heard saying these days:

"Don't eat my pizza Lauren." This phrase came after a friend visited for dinner and he was not in the mood to share. It has come with correction!

"Good Job Mama!"

I need to write these down during the day so I can remember them! He is always cracking me up. One of the sweet things he says is, "Go see Daddy." A couple of weeks ago I woke the boys up about an hour after I laid them down, to pick up Albert. Now Canon would like to pick him up every night. I would too!

"Papaw fix it."

"Canon park more."

"Canon not potty anymore."

"Canon not play part anymore."

"Don't spank my anymore." This one is reprimanded!

I'll have to keep thinking.......

Election

I promise not to get very deep with this, but I just have to say something. I am always a little overwhelmed with politicians and election time. I hate the commercials and "pick a side" mentality that lasts so long before the big day arrives. I do not enjoy the bickering back and forth and pointing out each other's weaknesses and failures. Is this how I want my children to interact? NOO! Personally, I'd rather hear exactly what each person wants to do and I can figure out the differences between the candidates.

Any who, a friend recently said something along these lines and it really has stuck with me: With the economy the way it is and the election coming up, maybe Americans need to realize that Christ is the only stable thing that we can rely on.

I'm not sure if that's exactly what she said, but that has been my thought each time I hear about the race. I do have to wonder what it is going to take for each individual, American and Immigrant, to realize that Jesus Christ is the only one we can count on. If it means Senator Obama is president, then God's will be done. If it means Senator McCain is president, then God's will be done. If it means we all have to rent because no one can pay their mortgage, then God's will be done. What is the focus of our lives? Is it serving Christ? Or is it seeking the "American Dream"? Is anyone really living "The American Dream"? When Moses left Pharaoh's house and visited the Hebrews, he left the American Dream and counted it a blessing to be tortured and banished for Christ's sake. What are we willing to sacrifice for Jesus Christ?

Also, I think we need to strive to be debt free. Maybe we all need a little lifestyle change!

Manager of my home

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about several books that I have been reading. Well, I've put most of them down and decided to read one at a time. This is a much better plan as my crazy brain cannot remember where I left off and bookmarks seem to disappear. So, while I have not finished Managers of Their Homes, I am trying to continue to implement the concepts. It has been a great source of organization for my days. Sometimes they still seem long and like they start off in a hurry and fully loaded, but we seem to be accomplishing something.

In the past week I have gotten my sewing machine out on a few occasions. I accumulated a ton of material while in Colorado this summer and have been waiting for this deployment to put it all together. Well, obviously I have also been putting it off. So, a few days ago I put my fears aside and got the machine out. I have some great anxiety about my machine, I feel very nervous and unsure of myself when I think about using it. But, when I actually get it out, I can figure it out. So, anyway, one night I cut most of the materiel. Over the course of a few different sittings, I have put a lot of it together. I've made baby blankets and burp cloths and my Halloween costume. I still have some work to do, but this is great progress.

So, with the help of Managers of Their Homes, I have organized my evening activities. This has been such a relief. We already have our baths and things like that scheduled, but I felt like I was still floundering a bit after the boys went to bed. So, now I am cleaning and prepping for the next day for about 30 minutes. (This actually was not scheduled but seems to happen anyway.) Then, every third night I either read, sew, or visit the computer. This plan has relieved me of some guilt of wanting to read and sew as often as possible and has helped me restrict my computer time. I think I am enjoying it already!

Just Teasing.....

The other night when I wrote like 10 blogs, I also read a ton. That's what sparked so many ideas. One of the blogs I read had 330 comments on one post. I can not even seem to get one comment! I don't know if this lady is famous or just well known or what, but obviously people have more to say to her then my readers have to say to me.......or maybe no one's reading my blog. Who knows, but I do enjoy comments. It makes me feel like I'm not just talking to my self. I think 330 is an extremely far stretch.....but maybe I'll hear from some of you! :)

So sweet and sad

Canon seems to have come down with quite a cold. I was sick last week with a sore throat and cough and he seems to have caught it. His eyes have been red and a little droopy and he has had MUCH less energy then normal. Tonight I was giving the boys a bath and Canon kept fussing at Boaz and just was not enjoying his bath, which is very out of the ordinary for him. So, I washed him quickly and wrapped him in a towel. I held him in my arms to settle him down and before I knew it, he was asleep! Naked, wrapped in a towel, with his brother still in the tub, sleeping. It was such a sweet moment. It took me a little while to decide what to do. I couldn't very well leave Boaz in the tub to lay Canon in bed. I didn't want to wake Canon up until I was ready to dress him and lay him down. I finally decided to lay Canon on the rug, wash Boaz quickly and take them both to bed. It's a good thing that was my choice because the water was cold! Canon is a little snuggler, but he almost never falls asleep in my arms any more. It was such a sweet moment that I hated to let it pass. After I got him dressed I asked him to just lay in his bed until I gave Boaz his bottle and laid him down, then I would rock him if he was still awake. Well, he was asleep of course. And my heart was a little sad. I hate it when he is sick, but I do enjoy his snuggles. Please pray that he feels better soon.