Mama Turns 31

This birthday was quite an interesting one. It wasn't all about me. And, it was perfect in every way. I woke up late to hear the fuss in the house that Samuel had just lost his first tooth! This was the biggest deal imaginable for the little guy. He had been waiting so long for this rite of passage and it had finally come. It wasn't even that loose the night before. Then I spent the day building Annabelle's new loft bed. Here she is in it for the first time.

Nothing could have made me happier than seeing them sleeping in their room together that night.

I wanted to bring the boys out to dinner with us for my birthday. GranRan and Gigi stayed home with the girls. They had never been to an Indian restaurant and I thought they'd really like it. They LOVED it. It was a very special time with us and just the boys.

Sweet Samoo with his missing tooth.

My mom gave me these pearl earrings and necklace 10 years ago for my 21st birthday. I thought it was only appropriate to wear them for my 31st :) Amazing how my life has changed in 10 years.

Gigi had the kids fill out reasons why they love mommy. These will be cherished forever. Joseph wanted help with the spelling of his words, but Samuel wanted to do it all by himself. So precious.

I was taken off guard as to how fast Samuel lost his tooth so I stayed up late making him a tooth pillow for when he woke up.

I am so abundantly blessed. My birthday was an incredible reminder of just what my life has become. It was not glamorous or fancy, but it was perfect. I was able to spend a simple day with my family, they celebrated me and I was able to share in all their joys. Nothing else makes me happier than when my family is happy. It's been a wonderful 31 years of God's grace and mercy.

Girls Weekend / Boys Weekend

The boys went camping with Papa Bear while the girls stayed home. Annabelle and I had such a lovely weekend together. I will always cherish it. We had a full day on Saturday. A slip and slide party and a going away party during the day. There was a ton of leftover cake from the going away party so we brought some home for us and then to share with the boys. Our night was filled with chocolate cake and sewing. Perfect in every way. I love spending time with her one on one. She is maturing so much and I can really feel our relationship changing. I can't believe I'm getting glimpses of what our relationship with look like in the years to come while she's three, but it's happening. Time is flying.
 

Here she is modeling her new baby carrier. She wore it to church the next morning.

The boys after they got home.

Albemarle County Fair

The weather has just been incredible. I cannot get over how nice it's been. This particular Saturday we had just set aside to do housework... well there was no way we were going to stay inside with how gorgeous the weather was. So, we decided to hit up the county fair. I'm so glad we did. I just stayed up late that night to clean and got it mostly done. Definitely worth the loss of sleep.

Rosie slept almost the entire time we were there.

My dancing princess.

My two sons! Oh how I love them so!

But we did get her to take a picture being a pig.

We were able to watch some fun animal races, take a tractor ride, pet some cute animals, watch a bee keepers demonstration, look around at the 4H winners and have some yummy food. So thankful for Saturdays together as a family.

Belated Birthday Delivery

Papa Bear and Oma sent Annabelle an edible arrangements for her birthday after we got home from New York. She was through the roof excited. Well, the whole family was really. This was the best idea ever! Such a fun way to celebrate and so healthy.

Root Beer Float Day

We had another Root Beer Float Day with Miss Kim. We're not sure if we did one last year or not, so most likely this was Annabelle's first root beer float. She quickly fell in love with the tradition. We love summertime, because it means more time with Miss Kim!

Give Me Food!

Oh my, does this girl love to eat. She is by far the earliest lover of food of any of our children. She is currently into bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes and watermelon.

Joe Frog Pops

When Joseph realized that his Aunt Juju was coming the weekend after his birthday he wanted to save his birthday treat to celebrate with her. Good thing, because it took us both the entire afternoon to make his Mexican feast and frog pops. She is so fun to work with in the kitchen.

To cut down on artificial stuff, we juiced some spinach and added it to the chocolate to give it a green color, but once they were mixed together the chocolate got hard and we couldn't roll the pops in it, so we rolled it in the spinach juice after we rolled it in the chocolate. We actually thought it gave them a nice swampy feel :)

And he finally got a hair cut, woohoo!

Thoughts for Today

Even though I have not gotten out of my pajamas all day, it has been a very full day - I'm overwhelmed with emotions and since I don't have a personal journal active right now... I'm brain dumping here:

* Andy worked from home today (and yesterday) to give me some much needed relief. So blessed by this man and his willingness to do whatever it takes to take care of me and our children.

* I sent out an email to some friends last night asking for prayer - my inbox today has been overflowing with encouragement from all corners of the country! So blessed to have so many dear friends interceding on our behalf.

* A neighbor brought us some hot pumpkin apple bread. It was so yummy. She has 4 kids of her own, and is constantly blessing our family with baked goods.

* Got some very sad news from a dear friend. My heart is absolutely broken for her trials. I so desperately wish I could do something to relieve her pain. Praying she is reminded how infinitely loved her and her family are by their Creator and praying that they experience only the peace he can bring during such a painful season.

* A friend brought over some cupcakes from a bakery downtown that have apparently put 132 women in town into labor. I've tried just about everything under the sun to stir on labor, but this one is just about the tastiest one I've come across. Praying to be #133.

* I feel great today. First day in a long time that I am not in constant pain when on my feet. Brings much encouragement that if I've got to hold out for a few more days that physically I will be able to.

* A dear friend went grocery shopping for us tonight and brought us 3 healthy meals and some healthy snacks that are easy to prepare. She started a meal for us, brought the baby an adorable hat and then headed off to somewhere else.

* I've complete about 40+ feet of my braided rug. We've estimated that for a 7' x 4' rug I will need approximately 336 feet. So, making good progress! 

* Just completely numb over the events that have happened in CT. Don't even have words to process all that's stirring in my head.

* Humbled at how small my trials seem right now in light of the events of others today around the world. Pain and sorrow happens every day, but it's days like today that really get you thinking about what kind of world we truly live in and how desperately we need a Savior. Praise God he is coming back to redeem our broken world.

* Reminded that tonight, or any night for that matter, might be my last night pregnant, which is quite sad for me. I adore being pregnant. We do not know if this will be our last pregnancy or not, so these last few days have been bittersweet. I don't ever want to wish this season away, but when I'm in so much pain, it's easy to fall into that trap. Having this pregnancy last this long has been a nice reminder to cherish these times, because I might not ever have them again. Pregnancy and birth is such a miracle that many never have the blessing of experiencing.

* It is so easy to get stuck inside your own bubble and get bogged down with all the possible things to complain about, but days like today really shake me up and I'm reminded how so much bigger life is than the little momentary trials I might be facing.

* Annabelle's pregnancy so far has been my longest. 41 weeks and 2 days. Tomorrow this baby will tie the record.

* If this baby turns out to be a boy, which there is a small chance that it will be, we have absolutely no idea what we will name him.

* Would really like to have this precious baby in our arms sooner rather than later, but really am overwhelmed at God's provision during this season. I have experienced some low points of discouragement and pain, but I would have never experienced God in these unique and personal ways had I had the baby a couple of weeks ago.

* Not having family close is really hard. Especially during times like these. But, God has provided completely. I have had friends come over to help with laundry, dishes, dusting, meals, child care, grocery shopping, you name it. Rejoicing in how beautiful community can be and how blessed I am to be a part of such a wonderful body of believers.

* Pending some strange animal resemblance at birth, we've chosen the baby's animal name: Owl.

* Andy has also decided on a nickname for her, besides the obvious ones that will come out of her given name. Shin Lee Lau - it's her Japanese name he says. Everyone apparently needs one of those :)

* I have a lot of thoughts... I need to get back to journaling! Or better yet, just have the baby so I can get off couch rest and be more productive with my time.

Gingerbread Houses and a Stable

It's a yearly tradition now to get together with the neighborhood kids and make gingerbread houses around Christmas. Last year Andy was there and just Joe and Sam made them. This year, we had more kids making them and half the help.  Mama is not as good as Daddy, so we had some major structural issues but the important part is that they all had fun. Joe and Belle were content with flat roofs, but Sam was determined to figure out how to make a peaked roof.

Annabelle's stable

Joe's

Sam's

Jehovah - Jireh

A couple days ago I whispered a quick and simple prayer asking God for help to get me through this last hurdle of pregnancy in regards to making meals for our family... so far today, a friend has dropped off a meal, a neighbor baked me a delicious treat, another just contacted me about bringing a meal on Wednesday and we just received a huge Christmas delivery from Omaha Steaks!

Reminded today that God is not just a spiritual version of Santa Claus, one in whom we just go to and ask for things, but seeking him as the one who can meet our needs is certainly a part of his character.

Overwhelmed that my Lord, Jehovah-Jireh, answers even the littlest of prayers... in big ways!

Giving Thanks

This Thanksgiving was so different, but it ended up being just perfect for the season we are in.

We have three sets of parents and a sister between the two of us, and we weren't able to be with any of them for Thanksgiving since we have to stay put for baby's arrival. I was getting sad as it approached knowing we had no plans and was completely incapable of making a celebratory meal for our family.

My mom decided to completely blow me away and ordered us an entirely prepared meal from Whole Foods and then proceeded to have a sweet friend of ours, Kim, deliver it to us Thanksgiving morning and then stay the day! I've cried just thinking of what a blessing both of them were!

We had a big brunch with Kim full of cinnamon rolls, omelets, fruit and steel cut oats, watched a little of the parade for the first time as a family, and just hung out the whole day together. Well, we all hung out while Daddy worked on the flooring. Kim ended up heading over to another friend's home for dinner, but helped me get us all organized before she left.

My mom also sent us a gorgeous centerpiece for our table.

The kids made leaves and Kim and I wrote bible verses about being thankful on them and then Andy hid them all over. Once they found them all they brought them back and we read them together. Then we made a wreath to glue them all to.

I'm really struggling with discouragement. My pain is increasing by the day and the uncertainty of when I will actually have this baby just about puts me into a state of insanity. I could have her tonight, or in 23 days! So, having an entire day set aside to sit around as a family with one of our best friends to reflect on all that God has done, is doing, and promises he will do for us was just what was needed.

November Happenings

Gigi was able to squeeze in one more visit before Thanksgiving, and most likely the last visit before the birth (unless this creature decided to be super late, and then I'll probably beg her to come again). I needed back up pretty bad. She took care of the kids while I ran around town doing what I hope to be the last of my errands for awhile. She kept the kids busy with some fun outings and adorable crafts. What an angel she is in my life.

This is what it looks like seconds after Andy walks in the door most nights.

Andy snapped this adorable picture of Annabelle one night they were all playing outside together.

And here was the state of our home before Andy's mom came. A pile of clothes on their school table about 5 or so loads of clean laundry high. But, looking on the bright side, the clothes were clean, the pile is no longer there and it was especially helpful getting to our shrinking countdown chain for baby's arrival. I just adore this picture. It speaks a thousand words to me.

Andy is right in the middle of his busy season and needing to go into work on Saturdays. So, when a friend mentioned "Superhero Saturday" we were of course game! All you need is to be under 12 years old and in a superhero costume and you get free frozen yogurt. The kids woke up and immediately got dressed in their superhero costumes and waited patiently until I finally gave in around 11:30am to take them. They say it's going to be the second Saturday of each month. This will certainly be a monthly ritual in our home if they have anything to say about it. I have no objections.

 

Election night maps we were coloring in as we were watching the polls come in. I was too depressed the next morning to continue any lessons on the election, so here they sit unfinished.

The boys dropped off their boxes for Operation Christmas Child and much to their dismay, I forgot to take a picture of them with their boxes. So, here is Samuel with the sticker he got when we turned them in.

Annabelle is constantly sitting next to me on the couch with a pillow behind her back like I do. She asks "Mama, do girls always have pillows behind their backs when they sit on the couch?" She wants to know exactly what is and isn't appropriate girl behavior. I just love having a daughter!

Last Trip Before "New Baby"

We took one last road trip before the birth to Williamsburg to see Papa Bear and Oma. The kids were able to go on their first ferry ride to a pumpkin patch. Very exciting!

They thought this picture would be funny. And sure enough... it is!

This one, too!

Eating pumpkin ice cream! Fall is just not completely without it.

I just love this picture of Papa Bear and Joe.

They are even getting Annabelle in on the silly faces for pictures, oh joy!

Ferry ride home.

Oma and Annabelle reading away.

New Baby at 34 weeks.

It was a great trip. We had to head home a little early to prepare for the possibility of the hurricane hitting our area. We are so thankful we had minimal signs of it in our area.