Nathaniel's Here!

Announcing our newest son, Nathaniel Thomas, born May 19th.

I'll write more of the birth story when I have a free few minutes.  In a nutshell, it was relatively easy (as easy as labor can be) and Nathaniel arrived ready for the world. His brothers and sisters are so happy to have him home and we are all adjusting to being a family of 7.  I love it!  All I can say is that I see God when I look at this sweet face and in the faces of all my gifts.  All children are miracles and truly gifts from the Lord.

Are You A Good Person?

I've seen this before on other blogs and the Living Waters website.  It's so good.  I just feel compelled to share.

Off To The Races

Yesterday was the Annual Pinewood Derby for Will's Cub Scout pack.  Everyone had such a great time.

Kate and Anna entered their cars and won 1st and 3rd place for the Open Division for siblings.

Will's car is the armored Jeep with a machine gun on the back.  Oddly enough, it was quite aerodynamic and he won a few races.  He ended up placing 2nd in his den and also won Scout's Choice.

As a leader in the pack, Jim doesn't feel comfortable when the children win so many trophies.  However, it was their design and they did a lot of work on the cars.  It's a good lesson in winning gracefully and not boasting.

So much going on this week.  It's supposed to be close to 90 degrees here today, so the kids are having friends over this afternoon to swim and I get to enjoy some time visiting with the moms who are dear friends.  Will and Anna have routine dentist appointments tomorrow.  I have a doctor's appointment on Friday, a baby shower on Saturday and then it's Mother's Day on Sunday.  My mom, sister, sister-in-law and niece will come over to celebrate both Mother's Day and Will's and Dan's birthday.

The baby is happy as can be and doesn't look like he's coming anytime soon.  I'm about 3 1/2 wks from my due date.  3 out of my 4 children were early, so I'm expecting and hoping he'll be early too. Ultimately, he'll come when he's ready and it's his time.  Since my other 2 boys were born on the same day, May 11th, we're all wondering if this boy will be born on May 11th as well.  Wouldn't that be amazing!  I think it's a bit early, though.  We'll see...  Have a great week!

He Is Risen

He is risen indeed!!  What a wonderful Easter day we had.  We started our day early as Will was the Old Testament reader at church for both services.  I think Jim and I were more nervous about it than Will.  He did great!  Then we headed off to Jim's sister's house for Easter celebrations.  I was able to get some pictures of the kids before we left.

It's so hard to get a good one of everyone and it's just going to get harder as we add more little ones.  That's ok.  I just love to see their individual expressions and personalities in these pictures. 

Our niece once again organized her wonderful Easter egg hunt and the kids had so much fun.  We ate too much and enjoyed a relaxing day visiting with family. 

The older children are gaining a better understanding of the great importance of this day in their lives.  When we have our nightly discussions during Holy Week I appreciate their thoughtful questions and comments.  I look forward to watching them grow in their faith.  

Only 2 more weeks of schooling and the baby is due in about 4 weeks.  Where did the time go?  We're all looking forward to the baby's arrival and enjoying our summer.  In the meantime, we have 3 dentist appts, 3 doctor appts (not including my own), Cub Scout Pinewood Derby, Will's and Dan's birthdays to celebrate, Cub Scout camp out and many small projects around the house to complete in the next 3 weeks.  Yikes!!  But there is nothing else I'd rather be doing than homeschooling my children, guiding and guarding their hearts and spending our days in the Lord's plan.

Baby Shower, Construction and a Birthday Party

What a week it has been!  First, the dear ladies at my homeschool group gave me a lovely baby shower at the park.  Good food and fellowship.  What a blessing they all are to me.

 The conversion of the former playroom to Will's room was also completed this week.  Thank goodness!  It's hard to keep a house clean and the young one (aka Daniel) away from the tools.  Here's a progression of the project.

We are very happy to have this extra bedroom; especially Will.  He's already moved in.  It comfortably holds his bed, chest-of-drawers, desk and chair.  He spent his first night in his new room on Friday.  Then... on Saturday we had a pool party to celebrate Kate's 6th birthday.  It was unseasonably warm that day; about 90 degrees, so it was perfect for the pool.  She had a few friends over and I believe all had a good time.  The theme was Barbie and my mother made a beautiful, delicious Barbie cake. 

She received many Barbies for her birthday, which is perfect.  She has played with all of them already and enjoys and appreciates each one. 

She also received many art supplies which is perfect because art in any form is part of her daily activities.  Finally, her friend Autumn gave her a special doll which Kate made a bed for last night.  So cute!

By the time our guests left for the day, we were beat.  It's been a long week, but a good week.  So many blessings this week as time spent with friends and family.  I also feel pleased with all the projects that were completed this week.  Still more work on the new playroom (aka garage), but it is so close to being done.  There are a few more things to do to get ready for the baby, but having these big ones done is such a relief.  Just 5 1/2 weeks till my due date.   I have an OB appt this week and my last (hopefully) ultrasound next week.

More importantly, this week is Holy Week as we remember Jesus's celebratory entrance into Jerusalem, his persecution, death and resurrection.  Such an important week for me and my family to remember his sacrifice and reflect on the core of his ministry.  How are we continuing the loving ministry that Jesus commanded here on earth to care for the afflicted, hungry, orphaned and lost?  What Jesus sacrificed for us was truly a gift to us that can never be repaid by our works, yet it is with joy and reverence that we do those works.  For God so loved us, so should we lovingly care for others.  This Easter season means so much more to me this year as I strive to walk closer with my Lord.  No matter the circumstances, the Lord is working in my life and knowing that brings me comfort in all situations.  May you have that comfort this Easter season and throughout the year.

Where Did The Week Go?

Wow!  I can't believe it's Sunday already.  After fasting from the Internet on Wednesday, I kinda enjoyed it, so haven't been around much.  I love reading inspiring blogs, tending to my own budding blog and emailing friends, but boy is the Internet a time suck!  I guess I never realized just how much time I was spending on it.  So, I've decided to cut way back.  I think I need to.  The time can be much better spent with my precious little ones and taking care of the many tasks that need to be handled during the day. 

On a separate note, I had an ultrasound on Thursday.  All is well.  Baby is estimated at 4 1/2 lbs and is happy as a clam in there.  Here's the latest 4D picture of him.  Poor kid.  He still doesn't have a definitive name. 

Tomorrow, our carpenter comes back to put up some walls in the playroom and create a doorway from the living room, so Will will have his own bedroom now.  The garage project is still in progress.  I plan to have some pictures up this week of how it's going as well as some before and after pictures of Will's room.  It's supposed to only take about 7 - 8 days.  We'll see!  Hope you're having a wonderful Sabbath Day and have a blessed week ahead.

Time for Fasting and Prayers

As the story of Kirill and the Davis family continue to make its way around the bloggy and adoption world, my friend Linny at A Place Called Simplicity  has called a day of fasting and prayer for this Wednesday, March 30th.  It is so important that we all, as the body of Christ, participate in this opportunity to come before our almighty God with this urgent request.  If you are not able to completely fast for medical reasons (or pregnant like me :)) there are other opportunities to give up something on this day: TV, a meal or 2, certain foods, the Internet, anything that focuses your attention on this special day... and spend that time in prayer instead.  Everyone can do this.  Even my children will be giving up something that day.  So, please, join with us this Wednesday and be a part of something great.