Thursday 13---Things I LOVE About This Time of Year

Over at Happy to be @ Home, they do a series call Thursday Thirteen. You pick a top and list 13 things on it.

This week I am doing my on the Thirteen Things I love about this time of year. It is--by far---my favorite time of the year.....here's why:

I love:

1. The sound of a baseball cracking off a bat.
2. The soft breeze that comes through the windows I can now open all day.
3. Average temperature----low 70's.....PERFECT! Warm enough to wear short or capris but cool enough that I am not overheating.
4. Taking walks with my Honey.
5. All the beautiful colors I see around me....the purple flowers, the white trees, hanging plants, blue skies, green grass....I just love it all!!
6. The kids being able to play outside (with minimal effort....no boots, gloves or hats to find).
7. Cookouts!!
8. Watermelon, corn-on-the-cob, potato salad....these are a few of my favorite things : )
9. Family trips to the zoo.
10. Sunshine!!!!
11. Seeing my girls in their spring dresses.
12. Waking up to the sound of the birds singing outside.
13. And last.....NO MORE SNOW!!!!

CJ Baseball

CJ came home Tuesday night with this......

My boy is a letterman!!!

Not bad for a homeschool sophomore!!! The town we live in allows homeschoolers to play sports on their high school team. I remember when I first wanted to homeschool, one of my husband's biggest questions was whether or not CJ would be able to play sports in high school (CJ was going into 4th grade at the time). I did research and found out the in MA it is a town-by-town decision. I then looked up colleges and gave Chris a list of over 100 top colleges that did accept homeschoolers. This relived Chris' concerns.

Now you might be asking----"are sports really THAT important". The only way I can answer this is by telling you that it matters the circumstances. You see, in general I would say No, sports are not that important. BUT, Chris and I, along with CJ truly believe, 100% that CJ's sports ability is given by God, the same way that some are inclined to a musical instrument.

We have seen God use CJ, in his sport capacity, to bring glory to Him.

Kris Allen---Winner of American Idol

Kris Allen, the winner of American Idol. I would love for him to come out with a worship album. Here is a video that has been going around the net.

It's Her Birthday!

It's My Mom's 29th Birthday!!!!

(Or 36th.......But who's counting??) ;)

Love Ya Mom!

Happy B-day!

~CJ~

20 Week Update-----Late.

Sorry I am late with my 20 week update. I am feeling a little better than I was last week but I am also not doing a whole heck of alot. Most of my day is sitting. But that is all about to change, atleast for the next 21 hours.

I went today and got "wired up"----I have a heart monitor on me for 24 hours. I was told during this time to do normal activities. Looks like I can't hide from doing the laundry now : )

My emotions are ALL over. I can start crying very easily (and have been) and the pregnancy monster has reared its ugly head a few (too many) times. I think part of my emotions I am feeling is from the fact that I feel overwhelmed right now. I have had about 2 weeks of feeling good so far. Since January I feel like my house is such a mess, like I can never catch up. Then, of course, is the character issues with the kids. When I am not feeling good I am not on top of it like I should be. There has been times that I tell the kids (and myself) that Chris will discipline them when he gets home and then I forget. Too many times of me forgetting equals kids who think they can now get away with things.

Tomorrow is a new day. God has gotten me through today (which was a tough one). One thing I can say though is, I can see areas that we need to improve upon. Areas like a schedule and chores. It is like God is giving me a gentle whack-up-side-my-head. I have know for years that I need to have more of a schedule. I know that it is from God, but you see......I obviously haven't listened. So know things are coming to a head. God tried showing me gently...now it is time for Him to get tough. Prayer---- God, I am listening. I know better to deal with this now then in September when I am laid up from having Nicholas. I give over to you.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!!!! I hope all the moms out there have a wonderful, relaxing day.

Not a Happy Camper

I got back from the cardiologist a few hours ago. Boy, I am not a happy camper. Basically he told me there is no magic pill he can give me. He could give me something to slow my heart rate but he doesn't really like giving pregnant woman medication.

I explained to him that this happened with my last pregnancy 10 years ago and I was put a on a monitor and medication. Still, nothing. All I got from him was he will run a few tests and see me back in 2 weeks. He said having a rapid heart rate (about 106 at rest), palpitations, shortness of breath and dizziness won't hurt me and since I haven't passed out lets just wait. He then said it is just part of my pregnancy, this is how my body responds to the hormones and stuff. I asked him what I should do then....you ready for this........"just take it easy".

I just got off the phone with one of the midwives at my OB office. She said they can not prescribe cardiac meds, that is why they sent me to a cardiologist. She is going to run it by the doctor. I told her the name of the cardiologist I saw 10 years ago that took a more aggressive approach. Her office is going to set up an appointment with him. I have no idea how long that is going to take.

At this point, all I want to do is cry. I feel like no one is listening or cares very much. I guess until I pass out everything is alright in their eyes.

Please pray. I am very discouraged at this point. I have wanted to be pregnant for so long. I feel like every place I turn something is trying to rob my joy. Out of 14 1/2 weeks since I found out I was pregnant (I found out at 5 weeks) I would say I have had a good 2 weeks. It is very tough to spend 12 weeks not feeling good. And who knows how much longer I won't be feeling good. All I know is I can't imagine feeling like this until September, then have a c-section and recover from that. So what, I can look forward to October : (

Prayer Request

I am not feeling to good today. I have been dealing with tachycardia (fast heart rate, over 100) for a few weeks now. When I told my OB about it almost 3 weeks ago it had only happened a couple of times. Now it is at the point that I consistently feel like I have run around the block a few times---my heart races, I am out of breath and then my head starts swirling.

I had a cardio appointment scheduled for Wednesday but switched it tomorrow morning. I spoke to the nurse there and she said to take it easy between now and then and if it gets worse to go to the ER.

I don't want to have to resort to the ER. I do think I can hold out to tomorrow morning but that means I am going to have to sit my butt down on the couch or bed until then. Easier said then done. I end up feeling guilty about that. I am a mom after all.

So I am asking for prayer. I would like prayer for safety for me and baby Nicholas. Prayer that I would have wisdom in all I do. Prayer that the doctor will have wisdom on how to deal with this (which BTW, I dealt with when I was pregnant with Zachary. The reason back then was increased blood volume). And prayer for the family, especially my hubby who will have to do more around here.

Thanks!

We're Having a...........

Tonight we had the great opportunity to go to an ultrasound place to find out if we were having a boy or girl. The doctor's office does an ultrasound at 20 weeks (I'm scheduled on my birthday, May 13th), but they only allow my hubby in with one child at a time. We are trying to keep all the kids as involved as possible, especially since some are adopted and this is new territory for them. In fact, twice while we at the ultrasound place Alex mentioned how he was not born from my tummy.

Everyone had a good time. The tech was really good. She pointed out everything to the kids--the heart, head, hands, face, spine, arms, legs.....it was wild!!!! Afterwards we went out for dinner to celebrate the new addition.

19 Weeks

All of us in the room right before we found out.
L to R---CJ, Zachary, Me, Chris holding Emily, Alex, Jessie and Mom

Introducing......Nicholas!!!!!!
Yes, a BOY!!!!

For those who aren't sure what they are looking at, that is his face (profile) with his arm coming up to his face. He kept sucking on his fingers. We could actually see him opening and closing his mouth.

I waited a long time for this. God is so good.