My Monday

My Monday isn't going so hot. I spent the morning feeling ill and then throwing up--for the 2nd time this week of pregnancy and I am 12 weeks, 6 days pregnant. Pregnant long enough to feel better, in my book. So I am looking miserable and feeling miserable. Never fear those who think Brian and I are crazy, there will be no 5th baby. :) Anyway, I just looked at Beth Moore's blog and she posted about songs. I checked my ipod to see what I had and found my most favorite song. It made me cry--not that that is hard to do right now. So here's my song:

You are My Stronghold by Watermark
"Lord, You are my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear if You are near? And, Lord you are my peace when there is war all around me. And even here inside me, I will have no fear. Oh, Lord, You're my protection from my enemies. You set me high upon a rock and You defend my soul. And when their ways advance against me, I am confident that they can not make me less for You have made me whole. Oh Lord, You are my stronghold. You are my stronghold. Lord, You are my strength so let my head be lifted up that I may glory in the ways You've overcome. And Lord, You are my hope for You've created in me a heart that lives the victory that You've already won. Oh, Lord, You're my protection from my enemies. You set me high upon a rock and You defend my soul. And when their ways advance against me, I am confident that they can not make me less for You have made me whole. Oh Lord, You are my stronghold. You are my stronghold. "

You have no idea how much I need this song right now. Love it! It's based on Psalm 27, in case you need to know.

T-Ball is Done!

Lily up to bat.

Hunter running to 1st.

Samuel always had a good time at the games.

Weekend Recap

What a busy but good weekend. Brian and I had fun going out on Friday night. The fun continued on Saturday because Brian and I got to take a road trip on our own. We followed my Dad, Mom, all 3 of our kids and my niece to Blank Park Zoo. It was a hot, fun time there! We split up afterwards so Brian and I took off for Jordan Creek Mall and the rest of the family went to visit my Grandma. I hadn't been to that mall since my last road trip with Nichole and Sally to visit Lesa so it was a lot of fun! I found the perfect new purse--it's gorgeous. And then we ate at PF Chang's--a lifelong dream. It was worth the wait!! We made it home to swim a bit before taking our crew home to sleep. Sunday, of course, was Father's Day so it was busy but good. We spent some time at Brian's parents' house and caught up on sleep in the afternoon. The kids had written reasons they love their Daddy so much and it was very sweet and funny. He is adored by them!

Walking the swinging bridge in the Amazon.

Riding the train

Feeding giraffes

Samuel wouldn't move from this spot. He loved watching these monkeys. I guess technically they were "Japanese macaques". They looked like monkeys!

Lily and Lainey riding the camel. Lily just loves animals. I didn't attach the picture but she is the only willing one (child or adult!) who would pet the lizard and snake they were showing off. She also pet this gigantic steer that scared me so I didn't want her to get near it but she did.

Being prairie dogs

Feeding goats (and, later, chickens, llamas...)

Hanging out at Great-Grandma Hill's with their new stuffed animal from the zoo.

Cooling off. Samuel is at the water table for his form of swimming.

11 weeks, 2 days

Heard the heartbeat today. It took a second longer than I would have liked but the heartbeat was there. The doctor (not my usual) told me I was definitely pregnant so that's good to know! :)

I Found One!

I wanted to find a picture of Brian and I on our wedding day but I lacked the energy. I just went through the box quickly and found this one. Most of my photos are either professional or scrapbooked so this is the best I have to offer.

Samuel's Look

I had commented to Brian that I would love to get a picture of Samuel's face when he does something that either we told him not to do or that he thinks could be ornery. He makes the funniest, cutest face at us. Well, the other night I ran out and Brian was able to capture a number of photos and this video. It was a fearless experiment since it involves Brian saying 'no' while expecting Samuel to disobey. Not for every parent but we're fine with it for the purpose of memories. Ha! The video is short and it's towards the end that Samuel gives one version of this look.

Happy Anniversary

Yesterday was our 9th wedding anniversary!! And yet all the pictures on this post are of the children. Ha! That's how we spent our day, though. Brian was able to take it off and we attempted to have fun. Unfortunately, I still feel sick so I spent part of the day miserable on the couch. Don't feel bad for us, though, because the kids are shipped to my parents house Friday night so Brian and I can go out for real! :)

The famous "Hippo Park". I had never been there so the kids were happy to show it off. Unforunately, everything was so hot that we didn't stay long at all.

Samuel trying to scare his parents.

Samuel wanted nothing to do with the sprinkler nor the pool so he was pretty cranky but wanted to be outside.

Hunter and Lily enjoying the water.

Finally, after his nap, Samuel got in and cooled off.

Lily's Recital

Today was finally the big day for Lily. She couldn't have been more excited. She told us she was a star!! :) She was getting tired of practicing that same dance, though. It was such a fun recital. Thankfully, this dance place breaks up their recital into pieces so it was only an hour long and it was mainly little ones so that was a ton of fun. Hunter was so interested the whole time--I was impressed! Samuel was not as interested but we had two rows so he entertained himself going back and forth. Lily and her whole class did so well! At the beginning of the year, I couldn't imagine that she/the class would get up in front of a crowd and perform without any help from a teacher or older dancer. Even a few weeks before the recital, I wondered how it would go! But they pulled it off and it was sooooo fun! Brian and I both felt teary about the whole thing. Lily wants to do dance again in the fall--mainly to be on stage, I think! :)

Mom and Lily at dress rehearsal.

Lily on stage!

The final pose.

Miss. Donna (her teacher and the owner of the studio) talking to the girls after dress rehearsal. I can't say enough good about Donna--loved her in class and out of class.

Lily and Macie. These 2 are so funny together. Both are characters. It helps that Macie's Mommy is my friend Stephanie. :)

Lily and her "lovely" flowers, as she kept calling them.

Samuel worn out from all that running between people during the recital!

Hunter was great about all the attention and gifts for Lily today. I would understand if that would be hard but he was a good sport!

Bravery

A few weeks ago, Lily decided she wanted to get her ears pierced. I have no idea where this came from but she asked repeatedly. After dance class one morning, I asked her if she wanted to take dance again in the fall. Her response: "No, I'd rather get my ears pierced." Ha! She was determined. My sister immediately volunteered because she's been wanting to get her daughter's ears pierced. Lily asked multiple times if today was the day Aunt Andrea was taking her to get her ears pierced. At dance class this week, her friend Macie told her, "It hurt a lot. I cried. You should get it done!". It was hilarious. It did not deter my little screamer. Today turned out to be the day! We went to Wal-Mart because the Claire's in town didn't have 2 people working. Lily did not want to go first. Lainey didn't either, for that matter. Lainey was very brave and Lily was excited to go next. She was nervous but when they did it she just said, "Oh, that hurt!" and that was it. No screaming, no crying. I was amazed. The power of prayer!! Both girls are so very proud--and have matching pink heart earrings. :)

Getting ready!

I love this picture of Lainey because you can see the tear in one eye. She didn't make a peep but her expression was priceless!

Lily looking a little nervous!

Here we go! I am smiling widely at her, trying to be positive! Maybe I was more nervous. I don't do shots with the kids--that's why Brian comes to the appointments.

That wasn't so bad! Brave little girl!!

Happy with the results!

Cousin love.

Wordless Wednesday

Outings

Brian took pity on me and stayed home Monday. The house was in bad shape. I had done little more than nothing since getting hit by morning sickness. Brian did what he could but in his words, "I am not the organizer.". Samuel had speech coming up (today, in fact) so we had a deadline to get these main rooms presentable. It didn't happen on the weekend since I was gone Saturday from noon to 8:30 for a baby shower. Sunday was out because I paid for the day of travel and road eating with major nausea all the day long. So, Monday, Brian stayed home and announced to us all that if we had things in order by supper, we could go to Coral Ridge Mall for supper and to ride the carousel. It worked! We all worked like crazy helping everyone with their mess. Who knew it would be so simple? I don't remember the last time I was at that mall although the kids went with my Dad for their birthday (November!)--he let them play in the playground, they announced to me. I still hate that playground and don't see why I would want my kids to go in that mosh pit. Anywho, we had fun walking the mall and riding the carousel and eating Panda Express--I've missed that place!! It was a fun reward for our hard work!

Samuel did not want to ride a horse or other animal but he did enjoy the carousel once it started. I let the kids pick one of the rides after the carousel and Samuel did not care for the car he chose once it started moving. He's just like Brian and I--we are not a fan of rides!! Hunter and Lily will have to go with Aunt Andrea or Aunt Lisa for any roller coasters in their future.

Hunter wearing his t-ball outfit--he loves to pick his own clothes--and he HAD to have the dragon, naturally.

Lily picks her own clothes when she realizes Hunter does it but I am thankful she did tone it down for the trip to the mall. She did have a black little jacket on top of this navy shirt, accessorized with every necklace and bracelet she owns. :) Anyway, she was happy to see the zebra.

Just Sharing

The tests my hematologist ordered all came back normal!

I had my 9 week appt today. Dr. Olson didn't try to hear a heartbeat since it's too early so I have to wait 2 more weeks. Everything else looked good, though.

Samuel just crawled up on the couch and fell asleep so I guess we'll have rest time now. Yes, he usually naps in the living room. There's a crazy tidbit about our family. He likes to have "rest time" in front of a movie with Hunter and Lily and he falls asleep the majority of the time so I'm okay with it. I nap most the time, too. I don't know what he'll do in the fall when the big kids are in school 3 days a week. On a sidenote, I was feeling bad about Samuel's crazy napping when I ran across pics of the twins at this age. Oh, that's right...I often laid down with them in my bed to get them to sleep. And they turned out all right. :)

I just started my new study last night. It's my first class at the House of Hope-- "Empowering, equipping, encouraging women to live well." The founder is Dr. Melody Graham, who is one of my favorite people. I can't even describe how much she has affected my life. The volunteers and teachers are great and I am really happy to take a class there. Anyway, it's called "Deep Unto Deep" and the format is right up my alley. I had to get a journal--say no more. I think it will be a great class.