Happy Birthday Savannah!!

Savannah turned 6 on Friday and we celebrated today with a party at Chuck-E-Cheese. It was fun to "escape" from the details of our move and just enjoy an afternoon of chaos! As you can see by our Hawaiian themed party, we're just a little excited about our move! I took alot of pics and will try to post more at another time.

30.5 weeks

Okay, folks! I finally remembered to ask Lindsey to take a belly shot for me. It's been about 7 weeks since the last one. Tomorrow I will be 31 weeks and still plugging away!

I'm not sure how well you can see my growing belly, but in this last week (thanks to some great Superbowl food and lack of self-control on my part), this baby has decided to make her presence known and my tummy's starting to grow! Not that I have wanted to hide it, but there's no sucking it in now! ha

After we get to Hawaii, I'll be sure to have Chad take a picture or two and post them right away. Until next time......

We're leaving on a jet plane.....

....Don't know when I'll be back again (isn't that how the song goes?)..........

God brought us a renter and we are so excited to let everyone know we plan to be in Hawaii by March 1st!

Right now we are just waiting to hear back from the Navy to see when the movers can come pack up our home and ship it out. We're praying they can come in February since it's short notice. If not, it might be back to the drawing board.

For those of you who have requested "personal suites" at our next home, we'll be collecting donations to find a home that is accomodating to all of your needs! haha We are really praying God will provide a home for us to be able to entertain our family and friends who pay us enough to crash our pad for a week or so! (hmmmm...we could bank alot of $$$....JUST KIDDING) :) And, Whitney, paying me with Corona's and/or flattery isn't an option! A few Ben Franklin's and I'd be happy to make up a bed for you!

This month is going to feel like being in a tornado, but I'm excited for our next adventure. Thank you for all your prayers and support. God's timing is perfect, and I am excited to see everything unfold and fall into place..

New Hair

This morning I went down to my cousin's and got my hair done. I've had dark hair for a little over a year now, and felt it was time for a change, so I went blonde. Callie did a great job and I really like how it turned out. So, here are some pics of my new 'do:

Cakes

When we were in Montana, my good friend, Francine, asked me to make a cake for our friend Stacy's baby shower this past weekend. I was so excited, and had fun "creating" these individual cakes ( I ended up with 22). As usual whenever I make a cake(s), there were a few minor setbacks, but I was so excited how they turned out.



My good friend, Stacy (she's having a girl 1/31)

Lindsey and I eating delicious food!!

I think I had gone back for seconds when this picture was snapped....

Aloha, Chad

We just got back from taking Chad to the airport, and the kids are down for their naps...that's right and its not even 11am! We got them up at 5:30 and headed off to the airport, making a detour at Starbucks. It's wierd to think that in just a couple of hours, he'll be basking in the tropical Hawaiian sun while I bask in the cold drizzle of Seattle!

The kids and I are staying behind until 1 of 3 things happen: a) our condo sells b) our condo rents c) the baby is born. We're praying its one of the 1st 2 because April 14th seems far away.

Jackson is doing fine--he was just upset that he couldn't get on the plane and go to Hawaii. When we woke him up he jumped out of bed and his first question was "Can I watch movies on the plane?" Sorry, buddy. Not this time.... And, as soon as Chad went to board the plane, Jackson was asking to go back on the train.

Savannah, on the other hand, woke up and immediately started crying. The first day or two is always the hardest for her, and hard for me since I'm not emotional by nature. It takes alot in me to be compassionate and let her feelings run their course. This morning I give myself an "A" in that department (hopefully it will continue). Poor girl :( Good thing she'll be back in school tomorrow.

So, I have a question for all of you.....What are some ideas for activities to do with the kids in the afternoon/evening. I feel that time stands still every day from 4pm-8pm and sometimes, I swear the clock goes backwards, and the kids are in bed by 7:30! I want to do fun activities both at home and out in town. Any ideas would be great!

Montana

We spent 2 weeks in Montana over Christmas and New Year's, and I thought I'd share some pics.



Playing in the snow at the lake:



The lake from Grandpa & Grandma's living room window:



Christmas morning:


Savannah and her cupcake maker:

Jackson opening his shotgun from Grandpa & Grandma:

Drinking hot cocoa:

Ready for Christmas Eve at Church:

Sledding in the back yard:

Uncle KC and the kids:

Chad the bird hunter:

I know this is short, but with Chad leaving for Hawaii on Monday, we have alot to get checked off our list. My New Years Resolution this year with blogging is to blog more frequently! Lets see if I can keep up on it!

23 Weeks

I know it's been awhile since I posted a belly pic--Savannah and I tried to take a few, but they never turned out just right. Now that Chad's home, I had him take a pic--it's hard trying to "pose" at just the right angle. In this picture I look as stiff as a board! ha

I'm still feeling good and the baby's moving and kicking like crazy. No cravings yet. I have come to the conclusion that I am a "grazer" and have been munching lately on Christmas goodies. Unfortunately, I have developed an intolerance to milk, and the cookies just don't taste the same with water! My heartburn is alot better and I'm down to taking Tagement 1 or 2 times a week.

Matthew 19:14

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

As I look forward to Chad coming home tomorrow after being gone for a month, I realize we are all ready for him to come back....

Today the kids had an amazing amount of energy--both good and bad. One minute they were playing, the next fighting, and the next bouncing all over the furniture. I know the furniture issue shouldn't be one, but it's hard to swallow when you only have one couch and it's been ripped up a couple of different times. I lacked patience today, the kids didn't nap, and quiet time was a disaster. I feel all the consistency with obeying and manners has gone out the window (and yet I forget they are 5 and 3), and it makes me even more excited for Chad to come home and play with them. I have a hard time getting down on the floor and playing games, reading, and spending time with them. I don't know why. It's not like I am on the go all the time or have so much going on at home that I can't spend 5, 10, or 20 minutes with them. And, yet, I make myself the priority.

Tonight, they were in bed by 6:45. I don't think they've ever gone to bed that early before. I was enjoying the peace and quiet while reading blogs, when I read one from Mary Beth Chapman (Steven Curtis Chapman's wife), and was immedietly convicted. Let me share a portion of it with you:

"As I anticipate Christmas 2008, I have many thoughts flying through my heart and head. The last several days, my mind has not been able to stop thinking about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Pregnant and scared, knowing that the baby she was carrying eventually would pay the ultimate price of His life. How would I have lived differently if I knew that my time with Maria was going to be this short? Regretfully, I would have lived much differently. I would have purposely hugged and kissed more. I would have tried to memorize and lock away in my heart certain smells and smiles. I would have colored more and worked less. I would have laughed more and fussed less. Bedtime wouldn’t have become a chore to check off the list of things to get done. Instead it would have been more of an opportunity to listen about the day and offer whatever words were needed. The swimming pool wouldn’t have been too cold to swim in. The flowers in the garden would have all been picked, and definitely more ice cream would have been consumed!"

I am so thankful I have my children here with me and am even more grateful for God's unfailing grace and mercy and second chances. I don't want to sweat the small stuff and when its too late wish I had taken time to ENJOY my children more........

Jesus created them in HIS image and gave them the personalities they have, and I want to be more like HIM--letting the kids come to me and making them feel important, not second to Facebook.....although I am ready for Chad to come home!

You know........

You are pregnant when you.......

• Are out of breath from pushing the stroller from the parking lot into the mall!
• Go to Victoria Secret to buy a bra that fits, and end up walking out with 2 that look more like the Playtex Cross Your Heart Full Coverage Bras than the cute lacy ones on the mannequins.....But really, who was I kidding anyways?!?!

You are in denial about your pregnancy when you.....

• Purchase ANYTHING from Victoria Secret anytime during those 9 months!!!
• Shop for your Christmas outfit in the regular section of department stores, refusing to walk past the maternity section! Gotta love those stretch shirts and pants! **Take note--stay away from pleated skirts! Words cannot describe the shape it takes once you put it on**
• Try on an Audrey Hepburn style dress and actually contemplate buying it in a small size (in hopes of wearing it post-baby), not taking time to think if you can even sit down in a church pew THIS Christmas Eve without busting out the zipper or pulling a muscle or 2 in your belly (if I even have those anymore)! Did I mention it was expensive, too?!

And finally......You don't know whether or not to take it as a compliment or run to the kitchen for some pita chips and spinach artichoke dip when people tell you how good you look now compared to this summer before becoming pregnant........ I'm definitely taking it as a compliment!!! :)

All I have to say is thank goodness my feet don't swell or grow and I can wear cute stylish shoes--they will never betray me! Or so I hope.......