Halloween

So after the party and fun at school these little children were still just as excited to go trick or treat around the neighborhood! It was really chilly and cool that night. We had several friends & neighbors doing some gatherings, but opted for staying inside till the last possible minute (or meaning Casey took them trick or treating and I stayed warm inside)! We had some sweet friends come over for some chili and the two dads walked them up and around the block for some treats!

 Ballerina and her homemade "batgirl" costume (yes she created this all on her own!) ready for some treats!

 Ballerina, batgirl & Darth Vader

 sweet Caroline (one of Mary Etta's best little friends) was Dora joining us to go in search of treats!

two little blue mouths enjoying their treats! we had a fun night full of sweet fellowship and fun with our dear friends the Davis'

Some October Fun!

So I haven't been posting much these days......I guess too much else going on so it's hard to find the time to sit down and do this. But since we are about 3 weeks away from meeting our baby girl I thought I'd play a little catch up from some fun things in October!

 A few weeks ago we got to go to the pumpkin patch with some school friends. Here is our animal lover loving the petting zoo! She was absolutely ecstatic to see all the animals!

 You would think this girl would be so excited to pose in a picture with her two sweet friends; nope....she I guess was not in a picture taking mood?? So this is what I got.

 These two boys had fun hanging out together. Sweet boys to have to hang out with all these girls! Friends and sisters.......lots of girls around them!

Reed was so amazed by this goat! I think it liked him too! He asked to have his picture made with it.

 The best picture we could get of us all........

Next was some Halloween fun! Their school had a parade on Halloween and then they had parties in their classrooms. So much fun with games, crafts, and yummy treats! They both had so much fun....and of course Mary Etta thought she was apart of the class too!

Emery-Claire's class

Reed's Class

Of course these two peas in the pod are as cute as ever! It's so fun watching them enjoy hanging out together!

 the mermaid enjoys the parade

darth vader strutting his stuff!

Ok this post ended up longer than I thought! I post more this week with our trick or treating pics and fun new pic up close of our baby girl......and finally our bathroom update! 

Happy Birthday to......

well, me......yes this past Sunday I turned the big 37....sheesh that just sounds so old! I feel like lately my eyes have bags or lines under them---or is it because I'm 8 months pregnant and tired all the time-ha! Who knows......kinda crazy to watch yourself look older and older, I know I sure don't look the same as that young 29 year old getting married anymore! 

birthday date out.....one of our favs Local Taco then some ice cream at Graeters

sweet friends and their husbands that came out with us....yes my friend on left (Sarah Jo)  is also pregnant--with twins would you believe! and my friend in the middle (Erin) looks amazing after having baby #2 about 3 months ago now! 

We had a nice date/family birthday weekend---well until the stomach bug hit our house. I think it possibly started the previous weekend with Emery-Claire running the on and off again fever for about 3 days. Then late Thursday night/early Friday morning I woke up not feeling so well.....and my stomach felt kinda off all weekend. But Casey and I still managed to have a date night with some friends and enjoy our family weekend. Until Sunday afternoon he was in bed and then shortly later.....well began the throwing up. First him, then Mary Etta around 9/9:30. It was  a long night to say the least with her.....poor thing was probably up every hour almost! At least I got her to do it in the toilet, which it made it so much better---well as good as dealing with a child throwing up is! Monday & Tuesday I felt I was playing catch up with sleep deprivation and pure exhaustion! My throat was hurting and my glands were swollen......so I ended up finding out I had strep throat! Seriously what a  past couple weeks of sickness it has been. But I think we are all on the mend, thankfully! 

the boys getting ready to head off to watch the Dawgs and the CATS play....was a very close game but they pulled through and won! Reed loved every minute of it!

my birthday with the girls....we couldn't get Reed to pose with us 

It is always so weird that another birthday comes and goes.......how so often, especially parenting small children, our days feel so long, but then you look back and how time flies at the same time. I know I'm so thankful and so blessed to have my sweet husband who loves us all so much and works so hard to provide and take care of us. Yes marriage is hard--who said it was easy??---but ultimately because of our commitment to the Lord we trust and rest in Him that He is at work in us both sculpting us into the the image He desires for us to be! And then there is our children.....such such abundant blessings I know! Some days can be so hard and tiring and repetitive with these young ages.....but they too are growing up so fast! I want to think I really try to savor them and the stages they are in...even when it's challenging. I do love them greatly and it seems hard to remember a day before them--life was definitely not quite as eventful!

Friday

So here goes Friday.......probably our least productive day of the week! This mama is tired for sure! So I set my alarm for 5:35am.....yes you read that right. I thought I'd head to a Pure Barre class. I just started doing PB about a year and a half ago. Casey says it's "the rich ladies workout"--ha! It is awfully expensive; definitely more than what a membership at a gym would cost for sure! But I have to say I'm addicted! It's a whole body workout that addresses areas most women complain about......arms, seat, thighs and abs!

Pure Barre utilizes the ballet barre to perform small isometric movements!

Yes I'm 32 weeks pregnant but it's non-impact....and basically I'm fine doing it with some modifications; and of course I can't really do the ab section now.....I usually do a few other leg exercises and leave class a little early at this point. Though I can tell this far into my pregnancy that any exercise....PB, walking, my occasional kickboxing video I can only get so much out of them unfortunately. But I've stayed active for the most part in all my pregnancies, so it's hard for me to completely stop and do nothing. So I saved some of my spending money and bought some classes so I could go....and it's just motivation for me! Thankfully they have specials every now and then I can buy them, but overall I just go and take classes when I A)have the funds; and B) have the time! I'm already saving up for their "baby bounce back" package that I really want to get for an unlimited 3 months after baby when I'm ready for exercise again!

So I was home a little before 7am, and checked emails, etc. I think Emery-Claire came downstairs, then Reed maybe within 10 minutes or so of me being home. She was acting all pitiful and still saying she didn't feel well. I checked her temp and it was 99....so not super high. But I gave her motrin so she'd perk back up. We made some oatmeal and what we call "green lemonade".....green juice basically. This summer I did lots of smoothies because it was so hot and they were refreshing, but a few weeks ago I pulled back out my juicer and it's been so refreshing and yummy to use it again at least 2-3 times a week. It takes so much to give us all a little, so it can get expensive. So 2-3 times a week is about all I can do!y to change your body. Students see results in just 10 classes.

I think I could drink one of these every day though!

We cleaned up....kids were supposed to be doing their morning "jobs"......the morning seemed kinda all over the place. I needed to balance the checkbook, pay some bills, empty dishwasher, load dishwasher, make list for weekend needs at grocery........so I ultimately got distracted doing all that and not really attending to them and the fact that our house was seemingly being torn apart! I finally got everyone upstairs for room time with some music and I tried finishing those other tasks. It quickly approached 10-10:15ish......so put on some Sesame Street and gave them a snack. I was thinking I'd wrap up and after SS we'd head to the store! But then a sweet, dear friend called......and I'm a sucker for catching up briefly (Sarah if you read this I was so excited you called and delighted to hear your voice! I miss you dear friend and loved chatting with you.....even if my morning was whatever, it was better talking with you!)

So after getting off the phone and finally having the kids turn off the tv......our sick child was definitely perked up by now! It was approaching 11:30 so we decided to do lunch then head to the store. After lunch Casey came in to work some from home and so he was sweet and said I could leave Reed with him and only take the girls to the store. We did make a quick stop in Old Navy and then into Whole Foods for a few things we needed. The girls were quickly fading and Emery-Claire wasn't feeling well again I could tell. She wanted to ride in the shopping cart....not many 4 year olds want to ride in the cart, so I knew that meant she was ready to probably come home and crash!

We came home and both girls quickly crashed.  I got Reed settled with his rest time instruction. I then sat down to check email, etc. This is often my procrastination when I'm tired and not so motivated to do the things I need to do around the house! But finally I was up and working on some pumpkin muffins.......

Reed came out and was diving into them quickly......I think he ate more than I realized! The girls were still sleeping at around 4:30 and I was about to go get them when Emery-Claire came downstairs crying again......Again she had another 101.7 temp. So I gave her some more motrin and some cold water. She also wanted a couple muffins. She just wanted to lay down so I put on Cinderella for her to watch. She was pretty pathetic looking. Poor thing. I guess she's just fighting off some sort of virus. Hoping and praying the rest of stay well, and no other yucky symptoms arise! 

I then begin working on our pizza for dinner.......it turned out pretty good. I did buy pre-made crust; though sometimes I like making my own.  But I knew today I wasn't exactly up for it. 

Finally our decision on a sink vanity was made in the past week. As I'm sure some of you saw WEEKS ago I posted a couple pics of our bath update! Yes we did start demolition back in May and the bulk of the work was done in July and August....and yes it is October......I know we are kinda ridiculous! We just could not make up our minds! But we finally did and today Casey picked it up! Hopefully next week we'll have sink top cut and put on and our plumber will be back to hook it all up and we can start using this bath!!! When it's all put together (hopefully in next couple weeks it will be officially completed) I'll post the final pics!! We sure are ready. 

And I was excited to see these fun things in the mail today........woohooo! I have some of the Tom's ballet flats, but never owned the more casual, comfy ones......I've been walking around the house in them and I think I am going to like these!

Casey just got a last minute call from a friend to come and bring Reed down to watch Big Blue Madness.....a big tradition around here to kickoff basketball season! Is it seriously already time for basketball??!! 

Casey & Reed at Big Blue Madness

So I've been letting the girls catch up on some fun ballet videos they love (while I cleaned up the kitchen and write up the bulk of this day's blog).........

very serious ballerinas!

So now the ballet video is over, my house is a disaster, and I'm going to tuck in these girls after I read a couple books and teeth are brushed! Then to clean up a bit and work on peeling and cutting some apples for applesauce making on Saturday! Happy Friday!

Thursday

Well, I think I get more slowed down on Thursdays after long and busy Tuesdays and Wednesdays! I intended to let this be my "sleep in day"......but after multiple early morning wakings in a row my body was wide awake (of course) at 6am. I tried fighting it and not getting up, but after about 15 minutes or so I just decided to make some coffee and have some quiet time in the word! After starting the coffee pot I heard Emery-Claire crying/talking......not quite sure what she was doing but it was only 6:25......I went up to check and I think she was half asleep, so I told her quietly to lay down and rest more b/c it was way too early to get up yet!

a little pumpkin spice coffee with some Galatians 

So I had some nice quiet time till Reed came down around 7:20 or so.....I made him look at some books so I could finish up and then around 7:40 he said Mary Etta was crying. So off to get her and start breakfast. We did eggs and some cinnamon toast for them (EC is still asleep!). They ate and I think around 8:20 or so EC came downstairs crying and kinda not looking like herself. She felt slightly warm (oh no I thought b/c some kids and her teacher had been sick in her class this week). She said she still wanted to eat, but was saying she didn't feel good; so I took the gamble and let her. Meanwhile the other two were dressing and doing morning jobs.....well, things didn't seem to move so smoothly this morning b/c before I knew it, it was 9:00! I sent them upstairs with music on and play time so I could finish getting ready and gather school stuff together (that I was too tired to do the night before). I think finally by close to 10:00 we finally sat down to start our routine.....calendar, weather, Bible time, catechisms, etc. EC was not quite her usual perky self, but she did eat, was dressed, and wanted to do some work......so her 99 temp wasn't affecting her too terribly. I also gave her a little tylenol too hoping that would perk her up.

excited to do some school time....can't you tell!

Mary Etta wasn't quite as motivated to do her work boxes, so I let her watch the last half of Sesame Street while the other 2 worked. We kinda got off course after that b/c I had a couple phone calls I had to take and deal with.......so I think they got more wound up after all that! It was approaching lunchtime.....so I gave them a fun fall craft with stickers my mom had sent them so they could calm down and do something constructive while I fixed lunch and started a load of laundry.

they did enjoy their craft

 EC kept laying her head down on the table, but again she did eat lunch. After lunch we went upstairs to read a couple books....and I tried making her rest for about 30 minutes while working through some laundry and the other two having some play time-----writing this I feel this day is half over & I'm so out of sorts?!! She didn't sleep so everyone wanted to color and cut some more, or mainly Reed, and the girls did briefly and then played dress up till naptime.

We started rest time at around 2pm......I decided to try something a little new today. EC has CD books for first hour; then special rest time boxes for 2nd hour. Though when I went up there to check on her at close to 3pm, she was asleep on Reed's bed....poor girl obviously didn't feel well. Mary Etta laid down at 2pm for her nap; and from 2-3pm Reed is getting some computer time with the timer on, then he can do something else quietly---color, draw, legos, etc. At 3pm he has to go to my room for an hour to listen to books or look at them quietly......I did let him keep drawing (he loves to draw these days!). At around 3:30 EC woke up and I got her one of the rest time boxes for the next half hour. I think she barely played with it b/c when Reed got up at 4 I had him check on her and she was asleep again!

ok i don't love "belly" shots of myself......i take them for journaling/keepsake for my babies to look back on; but i figured i need one for 30/31 week (I'm actually 31 weeks today--and tomorrow--Friday, I turn 32 weeks) so here it is; my probably one and only belly shot on the blog!

working on the roman shade

So during rest/naptime.....I was actually really productive today! I cleaned our family room---dusting, sweeping, mopping, etc. Shoo I forget how long it takes me just to clean that room! No wonder the rest of the house gets neglected! I also changed out more laundry, and worked some more on this pinterest project.....making roman shade from mini blind!

When EC came downstairs she was not looking good and was very warm! So I took her temp....101.6-yikes! I let them all eat a little snack and watch a little tv, EC got some motrin. I worked in kitchen and cleaned up dishes, emptied dishwasher, etc.

I had to meet a friend to go get some apples she picked up for me to do another batch of homemade applesauce. We made one batch a few weeks ago and it was soooooo yummy and I had more jars so I wanted to make some more! I picked up some take out for everyone while I was out.....then we ate, cleaned up, did baths/shower, read a few books and off to bed. Emery-Claire perked up after her dose of motrin and seemed more like herself. After the kids were in bed I folded up some laundry and finally felt like I sat down for the first time today. Casey turned on the debate and I didn't last for very long, so decided to head to bed close to 10---which then EC was up again and her fever spiked again to 102...so we gave her some more medicine. I headed to bed after that!

Wednesday

***and of course actually posting Thursday morning : )
Ok typing this post on Wednesday (as I just finished Tuesdays -ha!) I don't know how people that blog everyday manage to do so.......my blog posts have gotten few and far between lately I know b/c it takes me forever to actually sit down at the computer and think/type anything it seems these days! So here goes our Wednesday............

I was up at 6am....needed to shower, wash hair, ready, etc. before getting kids up and ready for school. I was done at around 7:10 and Emery-Claire and Reed had actually already gotten up and made their beds. This is typically unusual because usually they are so tired from their previous day of school they are sleeping till I wake them! We quickly got dressed and came downstairs for breakfast....a little cereal and some apple juice, while I made their lunches (since I crashed so early Tuesday it didn't get done the night before). Mary Etta was struggling this morning......lots of crying and not wanting this or that. Seems she sometimes has hard time on these earlier mornings and everything seems to upset her.

***didn't do well taking many pictures for the day; so this is more narrative; oh well I tried.

We seemed to get out the door later today---issues with clothing and jackets again; brushing teeth, hair, etc. seemed to take longer too.....I don't know why these things are so hard for them sometimes?? Emery-Claire had left her uniform navy sweater at school and A) wasn't happy about the LS button down shirt she had to wear; and B) wasn't happy with the coat choice I grabbed for her---but I had to constantly tell her this was her only option b/c it was cold outside this morning and hopefully we'd find her navy sweater once we arrived at school!

I think we arrived at school at around 8:30 exactly! I walked them in so we could find her sweater.....of course it was in her box under some school books, so she was pleased! Then Mary Etta and I headed down the road so I could get a cup of coffee before heading to Bible study at church. We got to church later too.....I think it was about 9:10 or so. sigh.....such are my mornings trying to get anywhere on time; doesn't seem to matter what I do. We are studying Galations, using Tim Keller's study. It's really good....I did it with some sweet friends when I was single about 10 years ago (wow 10 years ago...was it really that long ago??!!---I think that was 2003, so yeah 9 years ago-wow!)

So after Bible study, Mary Etta and I headed home. I made her some lunch and got ready to head to my OB appointment at 1:00.  Casey came home to do some work from here so I didn't have to take Mary Etta with me, and she could take her nap. It was a quick in and out appointment (baby heartbeat, measurements, blood pressure check, weight, etc.). I think I was in and out of there in 30-40 minutes. So I ran a few errands before going to pick up the big kids for school. 

One errand included picking up this little cutie's birthday present. Yes this is adorable baby Rett (as he is referred to in our home).....my youngest sister's sweet little baby boy who turns 1 on Saturday! We are so sad to miss his party......but at 32 weeks (officially on Friday I'm 32 weeks) pregnant my back is getting to me these days so I think a drive over 3 hours feels overwhelming right now. Sad to miss this sweet boy's party....because I'm sure it will be so fun watching him with cake and presents! 

Then it was time to pick up the big kids.....I wanted to write a couple hilarious comments from these two from their teachers..........

Reed: as his teacher was discussing Christopher Columbus on Tuesday and giving them facts and details about this major piece of history, she asked the children where did they think he was going. My son's response "to see the Colts".......yes we are definitely having football brain around here! And then he also later told her "the other night was a very bad night!" she asked why......his response, "because Georgia lost to the chickens!" (we all assumed he meant the "gamecocks" of South Carolina). 

Emery-Claire is not without the crazy comments/stories as well.......she had pet share time; so I sent a picture of our pet fish "Nemo" (yes original I know!). She stood up and told the entire class that her fish had died and the Holy Spirit had taken him up to heaven. We've only had 1 fish and he is very much alive???!!! Not sure where/why she told this one. Then the other day they had a student who's parent had moved up to kindergarten--he was already older and teachers felt he was more ready for kindergarten than parents initially thought. So my child told her teacher "you have to be able to click your tongue and snap your fingers to go to kindergarten. I can't do that yet so I'll just have to stay in preschool!" She is definitely a character and so full of spunk and life! 

The rest of our day was pretty much same as Tuesday. We did run by the post office to mail Rett's package; then home and the kids had a small snack while watching a show. I fixed them just simple supper and they played a little outside......but it was getting cool so we had them come in. They did a little game playing with Daddy

Then it was time to get ready for bed (no baths tonight....we'll tackle tomorrow since we'll just be home and no rush out the door---thankfully!) When I send Emery-Claire upstairs to dress herself she often comes down looking alot like this

yes this is how we roll......our hair out of ponytail/bow---it gets a little crazy you could say! the best part of this combination (I think she may have put it on after I took picture) was the hot pink socks and the light pink princess slippers!

Teeth brushed and read a couple books then off to bed! I think I got to cleaning up the kitchen and sent a couple emails.....then I kinda crashed on the couch, again. Happy Wednesday it was!