Baby Update

We had an appointment today to meet our doctor, go through medical history, and determine the due date for our baby. The doctor was very confused about the due date because my initial two ultrasounds showed such difference. After contemplating for what seemed like forever, he decided to do another ultrasound right then and there in the office to measure this baby for himself. And of course, we were just excited to have more pictures to bring home! The doctor decided to move my due date to April 18th...yes, Cindee, we're due the same day!! Here's the latest picture...

Some Recent Visitors

We have company at our house...uninvited, self-assuming guests. They love our trellis out back and have made themselves at home. This morning there were at least twelves webs that they had spun during the night, working hard while we all slept. While I'm sure they were not in competition with each other to win the "best looking house", "the most effective food-catcher" or "the handsomest spider" awards, they were pretty magnificent to watch! I wish there was a good way to capture how intricately they had woven their webs all through the sides and upper part of the trellis, connecting each web with the others as if they were all family or something. But here are a few pictures of their handiwork...

Fall Is In the Air!

My favorite season is upon us. Fall is in the air and my house smells like ginger pumpkin! Mmmm...I just love this time of year.

A Trip to the Fair

Recently we enjoyed a fun family day at the nearby fair. Elizabeth and Jaden went with us, too. When I was growing up, I participated in several 4H clubs (including fair competitions) so it was really fun to show the kids the animals and explain what the kids were doing with them. Sarah couldn't believe that they actually had a 4H club for cats!

This is the view from the top of the ferris wheel. I love the huge shadow on the ground! No fair is complete without a ride on the ferris wheel.


I was "pouting" at the bottom since I couldn't go on the ferris wheel this year. = )


The kids enjoyed the free face painting. Rachel wasn't sure about the whole thing at first, but in the end she loved her "sticker" (that's what we called it so she wouldn't be scared).


Sarah enjoyed meeting the Backyardigans. Benjamin and Rachel weren't so sure about them. In fact, Benjamin kept asking the same question, "Are you SURE those are just people dressed up?"


Garth loved going on a few rides with the kids. Since I am pregnant, Rachel and I stood on the ground waving at Sarah and Bubba (what she calls Benjamin).


Our fun day ended with the traditional fair treat...a funnel cake.

Playing in the Dirt

My younger two children LOVE to play in the dirt! However, this is not typically something I let them do because 1) it puts holes in the yard that are never the same again and 2) they get beyond filthy. But one day last week when I was feeling extra-nauseated, I was looking for a fun activity that would keep them both busy for a while (Sarah was finishing school). So I told them they could play in the dirt! They played so nicely together for over an hour before I told them it was time to get cleaned up and come inside. They were both quite dirty, but Rachel was COVERED from head to toe in dirt and mud. Her hair was such a mess. I turned the garden hose on so they could spray off before coming in the house and went inside to get towels and run bath water. When I came back out, Benjamin was standing there stark naked hosing himself down! Apparently he did not understand the need to keep clothing ON while hosing down! I quickly helped him into the house while saying a silent thank you in my mind for lots of trees in the backyard to shield the neighbors' eyes from what was happening. It took a shower and two baths to get all of the dirt out of Rachel's hair and Benjamin said while getting out of the tub, "Whew! I'm never playing in that dirt again! It makes me so tired!"

A New Bed for the "Baby"

My baby girl is getting so big and really isn't much of a baby at all anymore. She communicates really well (though not always through spoken words) and is showing more independence every day. A couple of weeks ago, we moved her into her toddler bed. She was very excited about "big bed" (as she called it). She waits in her bed each morning, calling Mommy or Daddy or Sarah. Then when someone tells her she can get up, she climbs right out and is on her way with blankets in tow.

Results of Today's Ultrasound

Well, the big news is that we are expecting ONE baby in April. The second gestational sac is absorbing back into my uterus. It is so awesome to me to think that the little one that I miscarried was welcomed into heaven by three brothers or sisters! It will be neat to tell our baby that he or she was a twin. We are so thankful to the Lord that we have one baby still in the womb and are looking forward to April when we will meet this little one. My heart is overflowing with the joy of God's goodness!

GULP...a Family Update

Due to some issues I had Monday afternoon, the doctor wanted to do an ultrasound on Tuesday. We were apprehensive but trying to remain steadfast in the Lord. I have a history of miscarriages (had 3 between Sarah and Benjamin) so it was difficult not to just assume that was what was happening again.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD."

At the ultrasound, the technician quickly found TWO gestational sacs. The tech was very patient and thorough as she looked at everything. In one sac, she found a teeny baby and with patient, careful looking she finally found the heartbeat! In the other sac, she couldn't see anything but she was careful to explain that it may just be a bit too early yet. She went on to say that sometimes one baby is a little slower to develop in the beginning and with such an early ultrasound, the probe may just not have been able to pick it up. The other possibility is that I have miscarried one twin. I have another ultrasound next Thursday to see the progress and we will know more at that point.

Get Paid to Shop

If you do any online shopping, I want to be sure you know about Ebates. I just received a check in the mail for $9.69 from Ebates. Now, I know that is not a very significant amount of money (although we could go to McDonalds and eat off the dollar menu!), but every bit helps! In the last year, I have made $87.66 from Ebates. Now that I have you wondering what in the world Ebates is, let me tell you!

Ebates is a referral service for many companies such as Home Depot, Target, Walmart, Office Depot (just to name a few). The benefits of Ebates include:

* Up to 25% Cash Back on all purchases
* Hundreds of exclusive coupons and free shipping offers
* TRUSTe certified to protect your privacy
* Excellent customer service


So...back to my $9.69 check...I got that in the mail by only buying what I had already planned to buy online, simply by going through the Ebates site and selecting the store I wanted to shop at.

If this interests you, please sign up with this link. Just for signing up, you automatically get $5! If you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them as well.

"A Place of Quiet Rest" by Dave Mincy

Garth's former band teacher from Guam is doing something incredible! He's offering his CD, "A Place of Quiet Rest" for FREE downloads through Friday. Dave is an incredible pianist and seeks to honor the Lord with his playing. This CD is composed of quiet, peaceful hymnplaying to help focus your thoughts on the Lord. You can download the entire CD for free through this Friday. We highly recommend it!