Having Fun Swanky Style!!

Moving On

2008-04-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Wow what a whirlwind the last two months have been. Selling our house and moving was an experience in itself. Autumn was a wonderful baby and I thought we were going to have this move done without any hitches. Then the drama started happening. This special day was two days before signing on the house. We were getting the last little things out of the house and was going to start cleaning so we ordered pizza. I asked September to put the boxes in the oven on low to keep them warm for when Kevin gets home. So she did so (the wonderful daughter she is). After a few minutes I smell something burning. I walk into the kitchen and think "PIZZA!!". I open the oven and the top box is on fire. September just piled the boxes in the oven without separating them on the racks. I grab the boxes and throw them in the sink. Then spray water on them because they actually have flame. Needless to say two out the three pizzas were ruined. All I can think of is I hope the oven is not ruined and I can get the smell out of the house by the walk through. I did:)

Kevin gets home and we eat our burnt pizza and load up our vehicles with the first of what is supposed to be many loads. We get a couple of miles from the rental and I stop at an intersection stop light. The light turns green and I start across the intersection picking up speed. Then our dog (Daisy) falls/jumps out of the moving vehicle. No, I am not joking. I immediately and instinctively pull the car over to the curb jump out and run to get my yelping dog out of the middle of the intersection. I have blood all over me and have no idea what part of Daisy is actually bleeding. Later I find out from Kevin, who was a couple cars behind, that the bystanders had their jaws hanging open in awe at what they just saw. I then run back to the car hand the pup over to September and speed home. Derek and September were with me and were crying and frantically asking me questions if Daisy was dying. I told them to stop it and that the best thing they could do right now for Daisy was to pray. I get in the driveway and rush Daisy into the house and lay her in the bath tub to examine her. She was really skinned up. Mainly on one leg (all you see is muscle) and she can not put any pressure on her other front leg. It did not feel broke but needed wrapped also. Surprisingly other than minor cuts she seemed ok but in shock. Kevin rushed to the store for first aid supplies. We all prayed for her and wrapped her wound. To make an even longer story short. Daisy is fine. She is healed and acting like her old self. It was truly a miracle for my children to see. I love when God allows us these opportunities to see miracles. They can be stressful and scary but if you trust in the Lord for all things he can do all things. My children were shown this through our little dog.

Through the last couple months we have also celebrated Wynters birthday and Easter. We tried to make both these occasions special during all the hecticness.

I have been trying so hard to get organized in this rental. I did not now what to do with myself the first couple of weeks. I was quite disoriented from not having a dishwasher and not having much space. I am finally getting organized and have my lists started. I am going to start a nutritional class for my children and have invited any of the home school parents from church who are interested. I will have my school for the coming year ordered next week and I feel like I am going to be getting back on track. We are having major plumbing problems right now but it should be taken care of tomorrow. They have to dig up the pipes in the back yard. We have lived most of the week having to watch how much water we put out.

All in all I am getting back on track. Lord willing our house will done in July. That sounds so very exciting to me.

I am unable to upload pictures right now. I will try soon.

February

2008-02-25T05:28:00.000-08:00

This has been quite a month for us. The kids and I had a wonderful time putting on a Valentine Party for the home school kids. It was a lot of fun. I was surprised how calm it was for the amount of children that were here in my little house. They were all excellent and we were able to have a good time.

September and I decorating for the party!

Our little group of home schooled children!

Our house has sold and we are in the process of moving. Yesterday we went and picked colors for the house we are going to have built. We are submitting the paperwork today and hopefully everything will go through without fail. We are quite excited, however, we are going to be moving into a rental that is absolutely tiny. It has to be no more than 750 square feet. Seriously!! It is a roof over our head until we have our home. We are really excited. I will give details once everything goes through.

My first couple days worth of packing!

September is really excited about all the changes and is very helpful with the packing and liked helping pick house colors with me. She let me know that we did not pick but one thing that she would have picked however. September is doing excellent with her piano and has started her next set of books.

Derek is very excited about the move also but his ankle and elbow are hurt. His cat Solo passed away this weekend and he is very sad. Solo was Dereks comfort alot of the time when he was hurt. Solo will be missed. Derek started guitar lessons this month also. He is learning with his daddy. Once we get in the rental and his elbow heals a bit more he will be able to continue. He is very excited over his new guitar and learning with his dad.

Wynter is just excited for change. We have been selling a few furniture items and have boxes here and there. She asked me if the new owners were going to keep our belongings along with the house. I assured her that we would be able to take her toys and our possessions. Selling her bed made it more real for her. She is taking it as an adventure.

Autumn is really growing. She is 19 pounds (she is a little chunk) and rolled over from her tummy to her back this month. She is an excellent baby. She had here first cereal and baby food this month also. She is a little piggy for sure. She likes her baby rice ok but is really enjoying her banana stage 1 baby food. We are about to try some other flavors here soon! Her hand eye coordination is getting quite good. She makes the cutest little face when she is concentrating on something. She has been alot of fun this month.

This month has been quite stressful and exciting all at the same time for Kevin and I. I know time will fly by and everything will be in place for school to start. My goal is to be in our new home before school starts so that everything can be organized. I am looking forward to that moment.

January

2008-01-30T18:28:00.000-08:00

Well Autumn has turned three months and life is getting back to a new normal. We took her to get her pictures taken and they turned out adorable. I will have to put them on when I receive them.

Kevin and I have put our house up on the market and hope it sells so we can be in a new house for the next school year. I am very excited to have more space. I have been very busy needless to say. Getting the house ready and keeping it perfect for prospective buyers keeps me on my toes.

School is finally going good and I am getting back to my lists and staying organized. Autumn is trying to roll over and batting at toys. She is a little chatter box and has the cutties little smile. We are really enjoying the precious little moments. She is already 15 lbs. She is my chubby little cherub.

My grandma Acree sent this outfit and made this little blanket and pillow set for Autumn.

I think it is beautiful.

A New Year 2007

2008-01-01T06:57:00.000-08:00

The last month of 2007 has been a doozy. We got hit with the ice storm and had a backyard full of downed limbs to clean up. Our house ended up having damage that had to be turned into insurance so we are in the process of getting this fixed. This was all the more disappointing because we had planned to put our house on the market January 3rd. We will end up putting it on the market in February or March now.

Autumn has turned 2 months and is becoming all smiles. I love when babies start smiling and could not wait for the moment she looked at me and smiled knowing it was her mother. She is a very good baby and very content. Something I desperately prayed for when I was pregnant knowing I was going to have alot on my plate after she was born. She is a blessing and I absolutely enjoy her.

2007 was a rough year for my family. I was pregnant and miserable for most of it and it really effected what our family was able to do. Derek was injured for the majority of the year and we had to stay in for almost 2 months because the kids all got the chicken pox one at a time.

Never the less we are looking forward to the new year. I have my goals set and hope to be in a new slightly larger house by summer. We are growing out of our first home. Everyone is ready for the change. Derek when he heard us talking about selling this house was quit sad. His eyes filled up with tears because he knows nothing else. He has lived here 8 out of his 9 years. He is very sentimental.

I am starting school back up and have no idea how I will have time in the day for everything. I am just going to stick to my lists and accomplish as much as possible without falling over from exhaustion.

My goal for 2007 sounds quite simple but it is going to be difficult for me. I have a fault that is usually only unleashed here in my house and only my family sees it. I can become quite the grouch. Especially when I get over whelmed. What comes with grouchiness? Yelling!! This is something I am going to have to over come for my families sake. I know when I am getting grouchy because I feel it all over. I have a plan to just take a breathe, slow down, and say a prayer. Hopefully this will work. Counting to 10 does not work for me and I know I need Gods help with this. Other than that I plan to continue to try and keep a healthy lifestyle and love my kids to pieces. September will be 12 this year and I want to build my relationship with her. I am not looking forward for her to becoming a young kid. It is only a step closer to her growing up and finding her own way. I am not ready for this for some reason it makes me sad. She is still my little girl. I think I have a problem with letting go, it just makes me sad. I will have to pray about that too I think. All I want for Derek is health. He is becoming a little man and I just want to show him as much love as possible. I want him to have a good year. Wynter I have to get on the ball. She should be reading in a couple months and I just want to find the time to give her the attention she needs. She is my most demanding child for sure. I have to have patience with her this year to teach her to be a young lady. Last but not least I just want to continue to build a loving relationship with my companion. I want to be a help meet to him in the faith and as his wife.

I really want to stay organized and I want to have a good school year.

One Month Old and Everything Girlie

2007-12-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

Autumn has turned one month old. Time has really flew by. I am trying to enjoy every moment. She is already changing tremendously. She is talking her baby babble and smiling to my voice. I am still waiting for that little giggle to come out. Autumn is a very good baby. She really only cries when she is in need of something. We are all enjoying her. She is growing like a weed. She weighs 11lbs 8ozs.

Well, I have to say my house seems more girlie than it did before. Pink and Purple seem to be on my mind every time I go shopping ( pink is winning out as you can see). To tell you the truth it is really fun. Autumn has been fairly easy to shop for. With Wynter I had a hard time finding everything pink but with Autumn it is a theme that is more popular so I have had a less challenging time.

Pink, Pink, Pink, don't you love it!!!

This play gym and bouncer were fun finds.

Autumn is sitting in her new swing from Meme & Pampa.
I fell in love with this pink and brown pattern as soon as I saw it.

This is the theme for our pack and play and stroller combo also.

Love It!!!

Reflecting

2007-12-05T06:19:00.000-08:00

Wow, how time flies when your having fun. I am so busy right now it is crazy. Derek is injured, Wynter is sick, and I have Autumn who is really quit good but still demanding all the same. Kevin, September, and me are all well at the moment.

I am trying to not let time get away from me but it is almost impossible. Autumn is already talking her baby talk, so sweet. She is looking me in the eye now and smiling at my voice. She is so adorable. I can't help but enjoy buying everything girlie for her. With Wynter is was hard to find pinks and purples but this time around it has been fun and easy.

I can not explain how thrilled and blessed I am to have a family with four children. I have always wanted at least four children and I have made it to this great place in my life.

Autumn's First Days

2007-11-16T06:45:00.000-08:00

I am sorry that it has taken so long for me to get back on my blog. I have been completely taken aback with getting back on my feet and having time for any thing but my family. I have not even left the house but a couple times out of necessity only. Today I finally get to go to town and shop.

Below are the pictures of my perfect little miracle. She has been a very good baby and we can't hardly put her down. She is already as spoiled as can be. There is more pictures to come soon.

New baby Autumn and mom. Isn't she precious.

Autumn's first day. She was 9lbs. 10 ounces.

Autumn's first picture with eye's open.
Autumn 21 inch's long
Autumn's first halloween as a peapod. 3 days old.

Girls Room

2007-10-09T12:47:00.001-07:00

I went ahead and took a few pics of the girls room.

Septembers Space
Wynter is quite proud of her space.
Just a few extra touches for fun!!

Time is Flying By

2007-10-06T15:52:00.000-07:00

Time has really been passing by quickly. I have not blogged because I have not had the time or energy to do so. This last week has been very busy. Kevin and I finally found the time and a day that I felt well enough to go on a date. We were unable to go out on our anniversary because Derek was hurt and I felt so bad. We had a wonderful time. Time alone needed between the two of us before the baby was born. We need to go out alone more often to stay connected to who we are as a couple. Kevin took me to a place I have been wanting to try for a while called the Melting Pot. It is a very romantic place that serves Fondue. It was a very interesting experience. My favorite course was the last course full of sweet treats that we dipped in chocolate. The rest of the meal was an experience full of dipping in cheeses, broths, and a pretty good salad. After we ate we walked the river and laughed a little. It was a good day.

We have finally gotten the kids rooms done. The girls love their room and feel like they have their own space which is important and hard to do when you have to share a room. Derek's room has changed the most and we all love how it turned out. It was a lot of work but worth it. Kevin really did the brunt of Dereks room. Thank you babe it looks great.

Pictures of Dereks Colorado Rockies Room!!!

The rest of the week was catching up everything around the house that was put on hold due to the rooms. I got all my cleaning caught up and school. It was quit a chore. I still have a few things left on my list because Derek injured his hand and wrist and it flared up on Wednesday. We have had a lot of bad nights since then and he could still use some prayers for healing. I can't even explain to everyone how much he has went through for only being 9 but he only had a week in between healing his ankles and this. Never the less he is healing and showing improvement day by day.

So this week I will finish catching up and rest up to have this child. I have started to have morning sickness, all day, again and the normal I can't wait to get this over with feeling of aches and pains. Wednesday I will have 2 weeks left and I am completely thrilled to not have much longer to wait. Life does fly by so the time will be here sooner than later.

8 Months

2007-10-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hey Kris this is the last pregnant picture I have taken.

Girls Room Trial Wall

2007-09-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

One Month To Go Today!!!!!!!

2007-09-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have reached my one month mark. I am so excited. I am 46 inches round now and have gained 41 pounds. It is getting close to time and I am going to try and stay home and keep my house in order so that life is as easy as possible for my family after the baby is born. This is my goal. My husbands goal however is to paint the kids rooms and reorganize Derek's room. I think that this is a great idea. I love getting things put together and organized. I, however, had plans to keep house and rest. He is doing the majority of the work so I am going to take advantage and let him do it. I think their rooms will turn out great.

This weekend I did my major grocery shopping and boy do I feel the time coming near. I am slower than a turtle walking through these stores. I have to double the time I used to be able to shop in. It is amazing how your body just stops going even though your mind is saying lets do more. I am not having that horrible pain I had for the first seven months, which I am very thankful for, but I am totally exhausted. I am having the normal end of pregnancy woes [constant backache, pressure, wanting to sleep all the time, and big rear syndrome (hips aching and spreading)] lol. All to be expected. I look forward to the 2-3 braxton hix contractions everyday knowing that they are just getting me prepared. I am so ready that I am just waiting for some real pains to start (of course once they start I might change my mind). A month will go by quickly.

The kids are sensing the time nearing. Wynter asks me everyday if the baby will be here soon and how long will she have to stay at Meme and Pampa's. She tells me she wants to stay with me and that she will cry when she has to leave for me to have the baby. September and Derek are just ready for life to start with the new baby and to find out for sure what sex it is. Kevin, I think, is just ready to have the whole ordeal over with and to have his wife back. I think like every husband he has great concerns about the unknown for his family and is anxiously awaiting and praying for everything to turn out well.

IntelliGender Prediciton Test!! Girl????

2007-09-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

Sister Cherrie Bosch bought a couple of these IntelliGender Prediction tests after seeing Sister Trina's Blog on finding out the sex of her baby. We are all very curious if this is really accurate and I am the first one due to have their baby. I am due on Oct. 24. This morning Cherrie, the great friend that she is, woke up early, came over with one of the tests so that I could use my first morning urine (it is very hard to hold it in now-a-days). I have 2 girls and 1 boy so we were thinking boy. The test results say that we are wrong with the boy feeling and it says we are having a girl. Well, I am not banking everything on this little test but I read their web site and it seems to be fairly accurate. So we will see. I thought that since I still have not figured out a boy name that that in itself may be a sign that a girl was in our future. We will be excited either way and if anything this was a fun little test to take. Above it my actual result after taking the test. Very different from Sister Trina's color.

Friday

2007-09-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

Today is a beautiful Friday. The air is crisp and the weather will be beautiful today. I am going to take the kids to the park and let Wynter get some of her 4 year old energy out. Derek is starting to walk a bit and I am going to try and find him another ankle brace.

Kevin and I had our 12th anniversary this weekend. We went to church and went visiting. Nothing to exciting.

I have a little over a month left and I will finally be due to have my little one. He has decided that bedtime is the best time to really move around and keep me up but that is ok. I love feeling him move around and knowing that he is ok. He is big enough now that he has slowed down a bit and I am used to him moving all day. I think he is taking more naps getting ready for the big day.

What God Can Do

2007-08-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

When Derek was 4 he got hit in the head with a baseball. We were very concerned because of his hemophilia. It hit him on his left side of his head. We did not know what the ramifications of this would be. We did not know if he would have internal bleeding in his head. He never bruised up anywhere outwardly but the concern was still there.

A little after that he started complaining about his eyesight and we noticed that his left eye was becoming lazy especially when he was tired. We decided to take him to the optometrist who told us that he was legally blind in his left eye. His right eye was fine actually better than fine. The optometrist said that he had a form of ambliopia. We were crushed. The only option for us was prayer and to patch his good eye for a couple hours a day to try and strengthen his bad eye. We did the patch for 2 years and his eye did get a little better but he was still legally blind in that eye. He had went from 20/2400 to 20/2200. Perfect eyes are 20/20. He was still were he had to wear a very farsighted prescription. Over the passed couple years we have prayed for him, anointed him, and I know a lot of the brethren have prayed for his condition.

February of this year I took him for his yearly check-up for his eyes. His eye had gotten a little better and the optometrist had no explanation for it. Then just last week Derek told us that he could see better without his glass'. I took him for an eye exam and his eye has gotten progressively better. The optometrist was in awe. He said he had never seen someone with Derek's eye problem get better on it's own. I told him that we had done a lot of praying. He said that it must be working because he has no other explanation.

Derek is still a little farsighted but he has went from 20/2400 (legally blind) to 20/50. We consider this a miracle and a blessing. We will continue to pray that God will have mercy on our son. This has been very uplifting for Kevin and I. It is good for our children to see the miracles God can do for his people big or small.

7 Months and Bob's Big Day

2007-08-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

What a busy week this has been. Tuesday and Thursday I was busy putting together the poster boards for Bob's Birthday Party. I enjoyed putting them together it put me in the mood to start scrapbooking again. Thursday and Friday I did my monthly grocery shopping. While at Sams, Friday, I went to pick up Bob's birthday cake. I was very careful to make sure and put all my groceries in one cart and have an empty cart just for the cake which September was pushing. I made sure to get the cake last just as I was ready to leave. While I was putting my groceries up to be scanned I turned to look back at the kids. What do I see. A cake with a fingerprint in it. My beautiful little daughter decided that she needed to see the cake. She climbed on the side of the cart to get a better look and leaned over. From what she told me she smashed it with her thumb. Lovely, don't you think. I was quite upset to say the least and she got a tongue lashing right there. I checked out and went back to the bakery and they said they could fix it but I would have to pick it up Saturday. I was very thankful the lady was understanding and fixed it in time.

Bob's birthday party went over pretty well. There were around 20-30 people there to celebrate with us. The ice-cream was good and Bob seemed to really enjoy his day.

The famous Birthday cake!!

Bob with September, Wynter, and Derek.Temberly, Bob, Donna, and my honey Kevin.
The poster boards I put so much work into.

I have been feeling rather good here lately. I have been able to accomplish a lot. I also have learned my limits so that is always helpful. The baby is wild and getting very big. The baby turned about a week ago making bending over impossible. I can tell that he is getting more and more cramped. He is trying to stretch out and is getting into my hips and ribs. Tying my shoes is a lovely thing to see, almost impossible. I am can not believe how much this child moves. I don't think he ever sleeps.

Me Seven Months!!

We have no names picked out for this little one. Picking out the perfect name is so hard. Wynter was so funny this afternoon. She heard us talking about names and thought if we had a baby boy that Whoa-Dude would be perfect. We got a good laugh out of that one. lol.

Cousins

2007-08-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

My sisters and I all had baby girls within a year of each other. This is just a picture my sister requested to see. You can tell that it is late and we are all wore out. Between the three of us we had 9 children we were keeping up with.

Krista this is the best picture I could find with all the girls. I hope it is what you where thinking.

Krista with Allison 8 months, Michelle with Wynter 7 months, and Heather with Kyndal 3 months.

Finding Relief

2007-08-20T04:42:00.000-07:00

I have found something to ease my pains a bit. It is our aerobed. Kevin put it up for me last week and it actually has really helped me with my sleep and joint/pelvic pain. Every night for the last couple months I have been waking up every hour to turn over to relieve what ever side I was on. You know how your hips can ache when you are expecting. Well I would start out in one bed, then go to another bed, and then end up on the couch trying to just get some rest. Kevin decided to put up the aerobed for me. It is a queen size airbed that stands as tall as a regular bed once aired up. I felt pretty good after sleeping on it after one night but I was skeptical. Now I am sold after a week. I will be sleeping on it until I can not roll off of it anymore because of my awkward girth or until I have my little bundle. God has been good.

This weekend we were able to go to the zoo with the kids! Yeah! I did not think that I was going to be able to do anything like this again after the mall and bombing the house weekend. Nevertheless I thought that I would try. My poor children have been couped up in this house with me and I really felt sorry for them. So I said a prayer that the Lord would have mercy and away we went in the spur of a moment. I was extremely slow going but we all made it through. The kids had a lot of fun.

Wynter and Derek!

Wynter Lov'n the ride!

Derek enjoying the ride!

This is the end of the day. We were pretty tired.

God was good to me. I still had the energy to come home and make dinner. I woke up on the aerobed the next morning feeling pretty good and was able to go to church and do all my wifely duties for the day. This morning I am still able to praise God for his mercy. There is no aftermath from the zoo like I thought there would be.

I am going to go pick up September today and can not wait to see her and hear how much fun she had with her grandparents at Branson. I made it through the weekend without her.

Letting Go

2007-08-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

My children are growing up and my eldest daughter September reminds me of this everyday. Her grandparents invited her to go to Branson with them for the weekend. That is 2 nights and 2 1/2 days I will not have my little girl by my side. I am really excited for her but I find myself worrying about her being away from me. I loved going with my grandparents and have very fond memories of the times we had together. I stayed summers with my grandparents in Colorado. I want my children to have the same experiences with their grandparent. I just seem to miss my kids when they are away and I will not be able to watch out for her during this time. I know that this is only the first step and that there are many more milestones that I am going to have to have to just get over. As a mother this is not going to be an easy task for me. I don't think I will ever be able to let go completely. I have good kids and I trust that September will make the right decisions. Even though I know I will never let go completely I am going to have to let go a little at time.

Week 30

2007-08-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

Well I am now 30 weeks pregnant this week. I am 43 inch's round and have gained 30 pounds. 10 more weeks to go. Time has gone by fairly quickly. I am thankful for this. I am getting to the point of being excited but quite nervous about labor. This is the only pregnancy I have felt nervous about the labor. In the past I have been quite confident. I probably feel this way because I have had more time at home to think about it. Who knows?

This last month has been quite busy for me. I am keeping busy doing my normal daily duties and school. We did our monthly grocery shopping, which is always a killer. Then I let the kids each have a friend over to swim and play. We celebrated Kevin's 33rd birthday and September's 11th birthday. We took September shopping for the day and bombed the house that same weekend. I ended up paying for that one. Saturday we shopped all day. Sunday I went to church and scrubbed the floors, then Monday I deep cleaned from the bombing. I was in pain for the rest of the week. I don't think I learn my lessons very well. Now we are planning a get together at the church for Kevin's dad who is turning 60. It is going to be an ice cream social and I hope that it will turn out well.

I have been driving my husband crazy with the whole nesting thing. He does not like that I have dragged him into it. I have a small list of things that I would like to have done that I just am unable to do. One of these things is my half bath in my bedroom. I really wanted it painted and put together a little better. Kevin decided to do it and it looks really great. I love a freshly painted room. It feels cleaner. The bathroom has very little ventilation if any and my poor husband got terribly sick. He got a horrible headache and was throwing up that night. I felt really bad for him. I love him for doing it for me though.

This weekend was an at home weekend and I have felt the best I can. I hurt but not that excruciating pain. For some reason I have been getting nauseous in the mornings again. Oh well. It will be worth it to hold my baby boy (just a feeling). I will be thrilled with a girl but surprised. Wynter I new was a girl before we even conceived. I have no names as of yet. We may have a nameless baby. lol.

A Beautiful Morning

2007-07-19T04:39:00.001-07:00

This morning is a beautiful morning. I went out to water the garden and take in some fresh air with my coffee. There is a slight breeze and it is just beautiful right now. I think I am going to stay home do some laundry and relax today.

The last couple days have been better days. I still feel pregnant and still hurt but Monday I got a taste of what I could be going through all the time. I am thankful I don't feel like that on a daily basis. I can usually lie down and get relief and that was the first day during this pregnancy I had mental meltdown. I still won't be walking or shopping much but at least I can keep up the house and family.

I decided to make a list of the things I am thankful for today. I am thankful I have a wonderful husband who puts up with me and helps me through each day. Thank you honey. I know you are truly concerned for me and love me. I am thankful for my children who are healthy. We do not have any major drama going on at this moment. Thank you September for all your help to mama. Thank you Wynter for making me laugh. Thank you Derek for always being so concerned for me and asking me if I need anything. I am thankful that I am not bed ridden, I can feel my baby moving, and I can keep up my daily life. I am thankful that God is with me everyday and hears my prayers. He can even answer them in an instant on occasion. I am thankful for my sisters for being there for me when I need someone to lean on and for listening to things I would not tell anyone else. I am thankful for my sisters in the faith who are my true friends and who I know will be there for me in my times of need. Thank you to all my sisters. I have plenty more to be thankful for but the list could get extremely long. These are the things I am thankful for today.

The kids are finally over the chicken pox completely. I am glad to have that over and done with. I am looking forward to getting around my sisters and get back to church. I missed those things. Yesterday I was able to get out with a few of the girls. We meet at Sis. Cherrie's. They cleaned their vans and I watched. It is not like me not to pitch in but really truly the girls understood and I just enjoyed the visiting. The kids had a lot of fun. September helped me make lunch for the kids. Thank you sis. I was tired just from sitting out in the heat. I know the girls had to be exhausted. They were all beat red from working so hard.

Today has started out as a good day. I hope everyone else can have a great day!!

HELP! I CAN'T GET UP!!

2007-07-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had decided to groom Daisey. Well normally I will sit on the floor to do this but the last couple of months it has gotten very hard to get up off the floor. So I thought I would use a little step stool to sit on. Wrong decision. It takes 30 minutes to an 1 hour to groom Daisey properly. She is pretty good about sitting and letting me have my way. Never the less, I get ready to get up from the position I have been in for 45 minutes and nothing happened. My upper thigh muscles and muscles around my pelvis would not respond. I was stuck. Luckily it was the weekend and Kevin was home. I had to have the kids go get him for me and he had to pull me up. The pain was excruciating. I have vowed to not do that again to myself. To look back it was slightly comical though.

Today I feel miserable. The pelvic pain won't let up even when I am still. Today I could just have a good cry but that would do me no good. Most days I can bear the pain. I just have to lie down and not move between chores.

Due to this mishap and the way I feel today I have decided to write this letter to myself. A reminder of what this pregnancy has been like and why I should not carry any more children. Not because I wouldn't love one or two more but because I really don't think I can physically carry anymore.

I will start out with the things I enjoy. I love knowing I am creating a new life. One that I will love tremendously and that will give me so much joy back. Having children is a true miracle.

All the things I remember enjoying with my other pregnancy's has been zapped with all the crazy new issues I have had with this pregnancy. I started out with the normal morning sickness. Not a big deal, well expected. Then came the headaches out of the blue. I very seldom have headaches so this was very abnormal for me. Thank goodness God allowed for them to go away. They hit me in the middle of morning sickness so my house, I have to say, was on the back burner. All I could do was lie still and in the moments that I felt half way like myself take care of who and what I could. Not good moments.

My morning sickness went away after the second month. The headaches were gone by the third. Then came the pelvic pain. I have been hurting since the third month with this. As my swollen tummy grew the pain got worse. I had some pain with Wynter that was similar but different. With Wynter it only hurt when I walked too much. I pretty much stopped my walking routine with her and it was much better. This time, however, it has only gotten worse. In the third month the pain was just nagging. Then it started affecting my walking and at times my right leg just did not want to move very well. I kind of just got numb to the pain and went about my life. I just pushed through. Now nearing my sixth month I know that it will be only through the grace of God that I will be able to make to the end of this pregnancy without being bed ridden.

In my really bad moments I say prayers and God does give me relief now and then. I know that this is something that I have to go through. I received a prophecy right before I found out I was expecting. It told me that I would have a trial and that I would have to do a lot of praying. I feel this is part of that trial and that I will make it through. I hope it makes me stronger and will give me knowledge to help someone else that crosses my life path. I am very excited to meet my little one and will do my best to get through this with flying colors. I pray that God will continue to have mercy and allow me to be able to take care of my family.

Almost Done with Chicken Pox

2007-07-11T05:38:00.000-07:00

Well all my children are going to get this chicken pox thing over with. I am thrilled. I ,however being pregnant, will have to worry about one more child getting it. Should not be a big deal with just one though.

Derek is absolutely covered. Even worse than September was. He has chicken pox on top of chicken pox literally. He has been pretty miserable.

Wynter has a very light case. We found two Monday night and about six more Tuesday. This morning she looks like she has a few more but nothing major. She still has time to break out with more but still nothing compared to my other two. Hopefully she has it enough not to catch it again.

Fun, fun, fun at the Swank's.

My Coffee Buddy

2007-07-09T11:18:00.000-07:00

I like to start my morning eating a high fiber cereal and a glass of juice as soon as I wake up. Then I allow myself a cup of coffee. As long as it is not really bad out I like to go outside and sip my coffee. Enjoying the morning air and the outdoor noises (bird chirping ect.).

Many morning I enjoy this quite moment with my youngest daughter Wynter. Ever since she was itty bitty she has loved a sip of mama's coffee. Some may disagree with this but it used to be just that a sip. No harm done. Now she would finish the whole cup off for me if I let her. Which I do not. Never the less I enjoy these little moments with my daughter. It is something that only Wynter and I have together. Almost a little daily routine.

Wynter is very talkative and loves to watch the birds fly from tree to tree. A definite animal lover. I love just to sit and hold her, have 4 year old conversations, and watch the world through her eyes. Special moments with my special little girl.

A Full Weekend

2007-07-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

Well, this weekend was a pretty good weekend. Saturday we stuck around the house doing chores, swimming, and having a little family time. Kevin went to help his dad build some stairs.

Saturday night I found a chicken pox behind Derek's ear. I told him by morning he would be covered. He was in denial. He woke up with the spots so I have another couple weeks in again. He was running a fever and feeling pretty awful. He has a hurt ankle to so he is pretty miserable right now. He did sleep through the night though. I was very thankful for that.

Saturday at midnight my brother called me (this was way too late for me) and said that he was going to be down Sunday. He was taking a weekend trip with his friend Tim McCracken. They drove over for the Vici hayride and it was such a quick trip I did not expect to see them. They got here for lunch around one and we had an excellent visit and played Farckle. I love when my family gets to come see me. I don't have any of my family here and I don't always realize how much I miss them until they are here and they leave again.

Me and my bro!

Wynter cheez'n it up with her Uncle Steven.

Uncle Steven, Derek (w/chicken pox), Wynter, and September.

Steven and Tim on their road trip.

My weekend turned out to be a good weekend. I feel sorry for Derek and hope that he can feel better soon. September felt pretty rough for three days so that is what I am expecting for him. I hope Wynter comes down with them in the next couple days so that there won't be any more worry about getting out and infecting anyone else.

I am glad I decided to keep school going through the summer so that we can take a brake when the baby is born. The kids have been able to stay pretty busy and not be too bored with us having to be home so much. I am looking forward to enjoying this baby and taking in all those little moments.

Insomnia

2007-07-06T06:23:00.001-07:00

I think I am officially in the phase of getting little or no sleep at night. I was hoping it was a one night thing but it has continued. I never have gotten great sleep during this pregnancy but this is just ridiculous. Oh well, you have to role with the punches and pray.

My dear husband has been very good to me, however, and has tried to let me sleep or at least rest in the mornings instead of having me get up to make his lunch. He has had a lot of patience with this pregnancy also. It is a joint effort even if I am the one carrying the baby. He tries to do his part along side me.

I love you honey. Thank you for loving me so much.

Dear September,

2007-07-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

You are now becoming a little lady. You are going to be 11 in a month and oh all the changes you have went through throughout the years. Being the first sibling is not always the easiest but you have taken the role gracefully. Mom understands because I was the eldest also. You are the one that your dad and I get to try things out on and have to say no to the first time out on things. I am glad that you are a strong, understanding young lady.

This year has been a full year for you. You are excelling in your school work and with your piano. You are a natural at the piano. You are flying through your lessons with no repeats. You have your mama's and grandma Acree's hands. Long beautiful fingers to play the piano with.

You have a beautiful voice and love music. I can catch you at any moment singing with your mp3 player in your ear. You are a definite bookworm and love to draw. If you are not doing school or chores you are either listening to music and drawing or reading one of your favorite books. Right now that is Nancy Drew. You are kind and loving to your brother and sister. Even though you do have your moments when you want your space or they get into your things.

You take very good care of your dog Daisey. You are very responsible with her and I don't usually have to help out with her to much. Even though she is your dog she is loved by the whole family.

You are very excited about mom having this baby. You are ready to be a second mom to the baby. You tell me how excited you are to help out by rocking, playing, and even changing the babies diapers. You brave little soul. You have been a tremendous help to me since I have felt so bad this pregnancy. You are learning to do laundry and can pick up the house really well for me. You are learning to cook. Right now you could make a couple of meals, if need be, on your own. I am very proud of you and thankful for all of your help. You very seldom complain and I want you to know how much I truly appreciate having you as my daughter.

I hope that we can have a closeness throughout the years. I don't need to be your best friend. You are going to have girlfriends throughout your life to fill that role. I do want to be your confidant and hope that you always feel you can trust me. Even though some of your hardest years are still to come I pray that God can prepare us for those times. September baby we have a lot in common. One of those things is our stubbornness and independence. Qualities I myself are proud to have. My prayers are that you can become a smart, strong, faithful women who wants to serve God and who loves her family. You are on your way there sweetheart.

Your Loving and Proud Mother

Fourth of July and Sleeplessness

2007-07-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

Last night I officially had the worst night of my pregnancy. I could not fall into REM sleep for nothing. The baby was beating me up all night and I just could not get comfortable.

I had a very full week. September is finally not contagious and my other children have not had any signs of the chicken pox. Kevin had the beginning of the week off so I convinced him to get us out of the house. We shopped all day Tuesday. I had not been out for over a month. I found some really good deals on maternity clothes. I love clearance shopping. I found some very cute maternity jeans for $8.99 and some other really good deals. Yeah!!

The Fourth was full of cleaning and preparing for company. Kevin's family came over for dinner and fireworks. The guys had fun playing ping-pong. We also had homemade ice-cream. Kevin and I made peanut butter cup ice cream. We bought our first ice-cream maker this weekend. Our ice-cream turned out perfect. It was really good. We were quite impressed with ourselves.

The kids enjoyed doing fireworks. This is Wynter doing sparklers. We let off a couple big fireworks and asked her what she thought of it. Her response was, "It didn't do it for me yet." What is she twenty-five or something. It was hilarious to hear these words come from a four year old. We all had a good laugh. She enjoyed every bit of it.

This is Derek enjoying being a boy playing with fire. This is one of the first years that he has really had fun with the fireworks. Up until he was around seven he was always very sensitive to the loud noises and dreaded doing fireworks.

This is September helping light the fireworks. She enjoyed being able to be in control of letting off a majority of the fireworks. Control is a key word here.

Pictures of everyone at the house.

Well, after all this we went to bed and I could not go to sleep. I tried 2 beds and the couch. We did, however, have a really good day and evening for the fourth.

Dear Derek,

2007-07-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

Derek you are my brave little man. Though you are young you inspire me. I see everyday, through you, how to love God no matter what trials we have to go through. You are my soft hearted little man.

You are very smart but you always question yourself in school. You double check every answer to make sure it is right. You can not handle getting wrong answers or to get anything but an A plus. You will get so upset you will cry over a bad grade, which you get seldom.

You love your cat Solo. He is your baby. Whenever you are feeling down or sad you go out and cuddle him and he makes you feel better. Whenever you are having a bleed you can count on Solo to help the pain go away for the moment. Emotionally you are very soft hearted. This is a personality trait that I want you to keep. Being a sensitive man is very important. Your dad and I just have to help you with being confident and then you will be brilliant. Physically, scrawny as you are, you are very strong. You deal with so much being a Hemophiliac. I can not even explain to you how much it hurts me to know that you have inherited this from me. I can only tell you son that God has great things for some of us to do and go through. Though a great trial, this is one that God has chosen for you to have. I know that God only gives us as much as we can handle and that God must have such a wonderful plan for you. I pray everyday that I am able to teach you the things that you will need to follow the straight path so that you can do the great things he has for you to do.

Your life however does not only consist of hemophilia. You love anything Star Wars. You have quite a collection going on between your dad's boyhood collection and your own collection. You love to play video games, baseball (very carefully), ride your bike, swim, and to play with your sisters. You love your new bike and scare me half to death when you ride it.

You are excited about the new babies arrival. You don't say much but you are always asking me if the baby is moving so you can feel it. You hope for a boy so that you can teach him how to be a good brother. If he has hemophilia you say you will teach him how to be careful and will protect him. If he is not a hemophiliac you will just be a good brother and be happy there is another boy in the family. It is very important to you that the boys catch-up to the girls in numbers. If it is a girl you will love it but will probably be slightly disappointed. We will wait and see though.

Derek I love you will all my heart. I could not ask for a braver or more loving little boy. I am thankful God gave you to me.

Your Loving and Proud Mother

Dear Wynter,

2007-06-30T12:19:00.000-07:00

Wynter you are my outgoing little bombshell. You already think you are it. I think so too! You love people and you are very opinionated. "SASSY" is the word for you baby girl and you are only 4!! You love shaking your booty to the music and singing your little heart out (even if you do not know the words). Singing and dancing are two things you love. You also love your TY stuffed animals (you play with constantly), your barnyard with animals, Polly Pockets, and movies. Everybody you meet is your best friend. You love playing with your brother and sister but you also have an active imagination to play alone for hours. You can be my Little Miss Priss shopping for clothes, wanting to dress up, and wear mommy make-up. You love getting your nails done. Then again you know how to play hard and get dirty any day. You love watching mommy cook (you are a food lover) and want to pitch in there and help when you can. You are a great helper. Really you are a lot of fun and make me laugh all the time. I am going to have to stop thinking everything you do is so darn cute, though. I think it is going to your head.

You are my little me!! lol! You are the spitting image of me as a little girl. Mama had the same beautiful blonde/white hair and had a very outgoing personality. Indapendence runs on my side of the family for us women. You are on your way sweetie.

We have started structured preschool the last couple months. No more just doing what you want and then stopping because your attention span can't handle it. It is going okay. You are adjusting to it. You would rather have a tea party with mom, however.

You have been really funny since I have been pregnant. Your first reaction was not so good. I asked you what you thought about mommy having a baby. Your response was startling, " I will pick it up and throw it." Those are my sweet 4 year olds words. Now that my pregnancy has progressed and you have watched mommy's tummy grow. Things look a little different to you now. You tell me, "Mommy I love your baby," while putting your arms around my belly. You also love to talk to my belly and try to get the baby to move. You are always asking the baby what it thinks and if it likes toys etc. Not that there is ever a response other than mommy pretending to answer for the baby. It can be quite entertaining at times.

All in all I think you are going to be prepared for this little one. You will probably try to mother it a lot and want to help with everything. You are hoping I have twins. A boy and girl would be ideal for you. I try to explain to you that it will only be one and that God will decided whether it is a boy or girl. We will wait and see. I think once it is here it really won't matter what sex it is. This child, I have no doubt, will be loved tremendously by my little bombshell.

Wynter sweetie you are my little angel. I could not love you any more than I do. No matter what life swings our way you will always have a piece of my heart that can be filled with no other.

Your Loving and Proud Mother

5 Months and Still Going

2007-06-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I have already started the nesting phase of pregnancy. I have been for the last month at least. I am hoping since I have started early maybe I can have my last month to just rest. I have cleaned all my light fixtures and fans, walls, baseboards, closets, reorganized cupboards, and have an extensive to do list for my husband. I am getting ready to wash all my blinds and window coverings. If I can get motivated enough I want to wash all my windows inside and out. This for me is one thing that takes a lot of motivation. I think I will get to it, though. The bigger I get the less mobile I become. I am sure most all you mothers out there can understand.

I have now broken the 40 inch waist mark. To some that may be small for me that is getting out there. I have gained 15 pounds which is really good for me. I am on a record to gain the least out of all my pregnancy's so far. My other children I gained any where from 50-60 pounds. I have really trying to keep the weight off in fear of not being able to take it off as easily. I realize I am getting a little older and have been warned of how it gets harder to loose the weight. I have never really had to diet so I think I would like to keep it that way.

I am over the half-way mark now and am very excited. I have not been able to thoroughly enjoy this pregnancy but the last couple weeks have been better. The baby is already trying to kick and push its way out making me very sore. My whole family enjoys this part of my pregnancy. Being able to feel and see a life growing inside me. It makes it so real. The baby has been so active I have not had to do the cookie and milk test at all. I am sure the baby is being stimulated by all the voices and commotion in the house.

The last month I have started feeling the braxton hicks contractions. Sometimes surprisingly strong for this early in my pregnancy. I guess that's good though. Hopefully my body will be prepared for this labor.

My husband has been so good to me through this pregnancy. He has been so understanding. I am just now feeling like I am putting my house and myself back together. Between morning sickness, headaches, and other pregnancy woes this has been my hardest pregnancy. I am thankful to be able to have good days now. I am finally putting my make-up on everyday again and fixing my hair not just throwing it up out of my face. It feels good.

I am very thankful for the mercy of God so far this pregnancy. Prayer has been my friend. I am excited to hold my little one in just a few months from now. It is funny how you fall in love with your child before you even get to see them.

My Little Runner

2007-06-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

Wynter is my little runner. Whenever she gets hurt or injured she does not cry or run to any one for sympathy. She just runs and hides.

Today she was wrestling around with her brother and hit her head on the door. I saw it happen so I went to pick her up to make sure that she did not have a bad bump. She looked at me and ran. I followed her into her room and she just hid under a pillow, peeking out the corner. I really don't like this behavior. The harder I try to be extra sympathetic the more she will run and hide and even get angry if pursued. I think she does this out of embarrassment. She ended up being okay.

She has gotten better over the years. I have been working with her on this and talking to her about it now that she is old enough to comprehend our conversations. Some day we will look back and laugh at this little quirk of hers. I will never forget Wynter's running days.

Derek the Birthday Boy!!

2007-06-27T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well today is Derek's birthday. He is so excited. I am excited for him. Last night I woke up around 1:00am not feeling so well with my heart. I fell back asleep eventually. Today will definitely have to be a more down key kind of day. We already decided not to have anyone over since we have the chicken pox women in the house. lol.

When Derek awoke Wynter and I made waffles for him. We put a candle on them and sang, "Happy Birthday." The rest of his day will consist of freedom from chores and school. Then he will get to blow out candles on his favorite homemade dessert, homemade donuts. Then open presents. We wanted Derek to have a little something just for him on his special day, so, his daddy will be taking him to the theater. Hopefully he will have a good birthday despite being stuck home most of the time.

Happy 9th birthday my little baby boy!!! Mama loves you always and forever!

Snakes

2007-06-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

Today my husband found a harmless Garden Snake in our front yard. I myself want little to do with anything like that. My children totally surprised me. Derek was the first to handle the little thing. Such a boy thing so not too big a deal. He even wanted to keep it. NOT!! September, still spotted with chicken pox, had to have her turn happily. Wynter on the other hand was much more girlie about it. She looked at it and squealed a couple times. Then she became intrigued that her sister and brother had no problem with it. They eventually coaxed her to hold it, with two fingers only of course. I even had time to take pictures before I had them put it back were it belonged (away from me).

I decided to use this moment to explain to the kids to never touch any snakes without an adult around. Here in Oklahoma there are many poisonous snakes that could harm and even kill them. You can never be too careful.

Spotted All Over (Chicken Pox)

2007-06-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

Well we officially have came down with the chicken pox. I could not believe that my daughter, September, has them. She had a headache Friday and by Saturday afternoon she started having a few spots on her collar bone. We thought they were bug bites at first but then they started popping up everywhere. She is on day two of the break-out phase and is feeling pretty itchy. I bought some Aveeno Oatmeal Bath and Calamine Lotion which seems to be soothing most of the unpleasantness. I hope that Derek and Wynter come down with it here in the next couple days so we can just be done with it.

It is quite ironic that when I new we were exposed, two other times in the past, we never came down with them. However, this time I have no clue where or who she got them from. Oh well, at least they are young.

My son Derek's birthday is this week. We were going to have a swim party for him. September was quite distraught by this. She does not want any of the young boys who we were going to invite, some which are her age, to see her with her spots. I thought, "What a little lady already thinking of what the boys are going to think about what she looks like." A vision of things to come I am sure. She was relieved when she found out we would have to plan the swim party for another time. Derek on the other hand was upset at first but being an understanding brother decided it was ok to wait a little longer.

Sisters

2007-06-22T19:05:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful that my life is filled with with so many sisters.

I have my dear sister Krista who lives in Oregon and my sister Heather who lives in Colorado. We are very close. We tell each other everything and talk on the phone nearly everyday. Even if it is just for 5 minutes to make sure everything is ok with each other. I feel truly blest to have them as my confidants and my support. I hope they know how much they mean to me and my sanity at times. I also have my 18 year old sister in California. My hopes are to become closer to her and I would love for her to come and stay with me out here in Oklahoma.

I am the eldest and have always tried to be there for them. It is funny being the eldest. As my sisters got married and started having children they seemed to go through so many of the same issues as I had gone through. I could help them with the answers. They have been there for me during my hard times. The faith is a priority for all of us and I am very thankful for that. I have watched so many fall away from the faith. I feel it is important that we keep faithful people near us during those hard times.

Then I have all my sisters in the faith. I find it uplifting that we all have such different personalities and outlooks on life but we are all striving for the same things. I feel like each personality helps us through different trials in life. I am surrounded by many sisters here in Sapulpa whom I have grown close to. They each have given me strength in my time of need at different moments. I cherish each one of them in a different way. I am thankful to have them. I don't have any immediate family here in Oklahoma but I am surrounded by my family in the faith. It would be a much harder and dimmer life without all of my dear sisters.

September's Recital

2007-06-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

These Are Days To Remember

2007-06-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

These are truly days to remember. There are so many things happening that I don't want to forget. Today September received a letter in the mail saying that she was excepted into the Tulsa Opera. Kevin and I were so very proud of her because she had never tried out for something like this and was quite nervous. She did so well!! We however are going to have to decline because one of the main productions are going to be around my due date. She was very understanding and is excited to try out again next year. She also had her piano recital and did great. She looked so beautiful up there at the piano and so mature. She is growing up fast. I feel the teenager years creeping up quickly.

Derek's birthday is this month and we are going to plan something small for him. He is going to be 9. He is so excited. I can not believe that I am going to have a soon to be 11 year old and 9 year old. Derek is right now making his birthday list full of Star Wars, of course.

Wynter is growing like crazy. I love her beautiful blond hair. She is starting to not want to be cuddled as much and this make me sad. I will have another to cuddle soon however.

I have not been able to do much since I have been expecting. It seems I have been hit with one pregnancy issue after another. Some I have never had with any of my other three and then some I did have. I feel confined to my home. I think it has been good though. Helping me reflect on my life. Teaching me to slow down and take my family in. The pain I am in is not something I would wish on anyone. It is funny how it is teaching me that my priority right now is my little family and that I don't need to over do outside of the home. I know that God has a plan for us and that I have works to do outside my home. When he gives me these works I will definitely follow and know he will give me strength.

Fathers Day was a fun day. Kevin was selfless and wanted to take the kids to Incredible Pizza for his Fathers Day meal. We had so much fun. We were completely exhausted.

Watching all these days fly by, my family growing, watching my children with their accomplishments and watching them mature, these are truly days to remember.

Mother's Day

2007-05-14T05:39:00.000-07:00

I had such a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday. Each of my children picked me an individual gift this year and they were all so excited. My little Wynter bought me some Oil of Olay lotion. She was quit impressed with her purchase and just about could not hold back telling me before giving it to me. Derek, my handsome little gentlemen, bought me a heart necklace. It is very pretty and I will treasure it always because he picked it out for me. September, who I was told was very indecisive in picking out my gift, gave me a very pretty gold watch with a heart shape face. She knows her mama well. they also gave me a card that they each colored pieces of and took an hour to make. They made it with lots of love and care. I loved all of my gifts especially the hugs and kisses. My husband of course surprised me. I have been wanting to go to a musical called Mama Mia!. It is full of Abba songs, which I grew up on, and is a comedy. Well I had given up on going because Mother's Day weekend was its last showing. Kevin got tickets for the last showing Sunday evening. Yay!! We had a wonderful night laughing and enjoying the musical. I would recommend it to anyone who has the opportunity to go see it. Kevin and the kids made this Mothers Day memorable. I felt very loved and appreciated this Mothers Day!