YIKES!!!..whew!!

Its after two pm and Im so thankful they day is looking up...
My morning was filled with tons of stuff I hate dealing with. God is faithful to remind me of Him as my comfort, not an easy life.
But, rest assurred, I wasn't singing His praises a couple hours ago.

Little Vara caught a throw-up bug that Reid had earlier this week..so you know how that goes. Everything from the floor to the couch to clothes gets washed a lot! Also, I had an apt with the midwife this morning. I HAD to go because I missed it last week and Im due for my second Glucola testing.
I took the kids with me, hoping the car would remain vomit-free (it did!). Reid was a rascal during the visit, pushing Vara, climbing on things....so that filled my heart with complaints. I did pass my test, though (woo-hoo!,) but we had to talk about my weight. Ive gained 30lbs already!! I have ten weeks left to go and was encouraged to watch my carb/sweet intake. Baby is measuring great and its heart is healthy despite my hugeness.

So, after the apt, I called to see if Marks parents still wanted the kids for the night. (Did I mention we were celebrating our 7th this weekend?? Mark and I reserved a room at a B&B at the oceanfront.) I didnt want to drop Var off sick like that...understandibly they said "no". So, of course, that didnt go well with me either. "I NEED this get-away from my hard life!"

I quickly realized my hope was in the "get-away", not my loving Father. So, after praying and sobing pitifully, God gave me peace about it and I took a nap.
I woke to a vomit free girl (yay!) and a message from Mark saying tonight was still on, that his parents changed their minds about keeping the kids. Yay!!

Now, off to packing things up and finishing a few dishes. I am thankful for this window into my heart and hope that I can hold secure to Christ despite my circumstances. Thanks for listening-

update

Well, come Valentine's Day, Mark and I both got sick. Thankfully, his parent took the kids that night until Sunday! I would have been a HORRIBLE mother to them. Its such a blessing to know they were having fun away from our germs and they were well cared for-thanks mom and dad!!!
So, for three days, we lay in our own suffering. Because Im pregnant, there was no releif with meds which led to some sleepless nights. You know the drill.
On Tuesday, Mark took us out for some family fun to celebrate post-valentine's. We simply went to the McArthur for dinner and play time. We had so much fun laughing together. It really was a perfect night.
Also, because we were sick, we had to cancel our trip to Williamsburg for the Marriage Retreat--stink. We thought about still going and just being sick in a nice hotel, but we couldn't think to make the drive. God still used that weekend to reveal His grace in our marriage. I was excited to learn last night that we will get a copy of all the sermons mailed to us!

So, that has been my life in the past week...now Im just happy to have my kiddies back and to be busy again.

As soon as I have a memory card to a camera I am borrowing I will post pictures--Im sure you all miss seeing us!! :) A belly shot will follow, too.

Take care!

Statue obsession

Some of you may know, my son goes through phases of interests. For the past couple of weeks, he's been very interested in the planets and volcanos. But, steadily over the past few months, he's had a growing love for the "Statue of Liberty"--or as he says "Liverty"
It has come from impersonating her with homemade torches and "recipe" tablets to getting books on her from the librabry.
So, little Var comes along side and takes interest, too. She yells "statue!" anytime we see it. But today, as she was eating a cookie in her highchair, she stood up, raised her arm with cookie in hand and proclaimed "STATUE!!"
I asked her, "statue of what?", hoping she would answer "livey" as she usually does. This time she says "Statue of Cookie!"

baby news..

Tuesday, Mark and I went in for an ultrasound of our new baby Perron. It was so cute!! They all look the same to me in utero, but it really was!
Everything is measuring GREAT, and it has a very long torso. The wiggle worm was all over the place. At one point, the baby arched it's back like a cat.
Needless to say, it was an amazing time. God blows my mind with all His work. I was so glad to come back and have a picture for the kiddies to see (Vara didnt pay much attention).
For those who may not know by now, we do not know the sex of the baby. It'll be a great surprise after all the work of having it.

Id love to post a picture of my HUGE self, but of course, the camera's still hiding. 21 weeks down....19 to go!

banana splits....for breakfast!

For Christmas, Reid received a subscription to "High Five" magazine (a younger version of "Highlights"). We have really enjoyed the stories and crafts from it. This morning, Reid and I made healthy Banana Splits for breakfast. Here's the recipe if you'd like to try with your kiddies...

**Banana Split Breakfast
Yogurt (we used plain, sweetened with cinnamon and maple syrup)
frozen berries
ripe banana
granola (or other cereal)


-the night before, freeze the yogurt
-In the am, take out the yogurt and berries and set on the counter for 15-20 min. Let your child set the timer and listen for it.
-With a butter knife, help your child cut the bananas and put them in the bowls
-When ready, scoop the yogurt onto the bananas.
-Let your child scoop the berries and granola on top.

Enjoy!

Sickness

We all know Vit C is helpful for our immune system. I just have to share this tip since so many are getting sick.

****Take 1000 mg Vitamin C EVERY HOUR****

I use the powder form to drink. It taste awful but is really worth it. It hits your system much faster, too.
Whenever I feel something coming on, I do this for a day (along with healthy eatting) and by the next day, NOTHING! I am amazed every time.

Last week, I had flu symptoms one morning. I drank this through the day and by the next day, I was fine! No suffering for a week with kiddies to care for.
It works just as good for colds.

The powder for cost me about $10.00 from the Vitamin Shoppe
It has lasted us over a year now and we use it a lot! The kids even take half a dose when they need to.

I hope all of you who feel bad are helped by this. It has relieved us many many times!

no camera latley

My camera is missing, lost in the house somewhere Im sure. There are lots of things to share but no pictures to go with it. I was really bummed about it on christmas. Also, on the the morning Reid and Var met Santa and Reid sang "Jingle Bells" into his fist in front of a crowd.
I wanted to also do a fun News Years card, but dont see that happening either.
Anyway--just a breif update. We are all well and had a great holiday remembering Gods amazing love for us. I hope to get pictures up soon. Happy New Year everyone!