20 Weeks and counting

So many blog post, so little time. I have list on my phone, list in notebooks and list in my Bible of things I want to blog about yet some how I end up with little snippets that do not make a lot of since. Why you may ask well life is crazy. Let me give you a example. In one day I have a 8am ultrasound a hour from home, a 9:30 dental appointments for 3 kids and then pick up lunch before driving over a hour to speech. As soon as speech is over we have to dash back to post (45 minutes in the opposite direction) for a OB appointment. After that appointment we will have a snack and then do school until bedtime. This week was better because we only had 5 appointments. It was a GREAT slow week. Can you believe that I am 20 weeks pregnant! Two weeks ago I was told he weighed 10 ounces. I can hardly believe how fast it is going. Now that I have heard the heart beat and seen that little body it feels real. Shopping for baby boy clothes makes it feel real. Having my precious baby boy touch my belly and say baby thrills me. I do have a funny story. There is a lady at church who a couple of months ago told me that I had lost too much weight. That they (people at church) were talking about me during the week and had decided I had lost too much weight. Well last month she told me I did not look pregnant. So last night she makes a comment about my stomach and how I had gained weight. I said yes it needs to hurry and get bigger I am 5 months pregnant. She said “oh I thought you were just getting a big gut”. I about died. This has to be about the nicest lady you could ever meet. I have my next ultrasound next week, hoping to see his precious face. Last week he was facing backwards so no great pictures. Pamela

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Breakfast: sausage biscuits Snack: oranges Lunch: hot dogs, carrots Dinner: chicken alfredo Snack: popcorn Tuesday: Probably eating out all day. I have a 8am, 9:30am (for 3 kids), 1:30 and then 3pm. I already told my husband do not expect dinner Wednesday: Breakfast: eggs and toast Snack: rice cakes Lunch: veggie and fruit trays Dinner: cheeseburger soup Thursday: Breakfast: cereal Lunch: sandwiches, chips Dinner: hotdogs and birthday cake Snack: grapes Friday Breakfast: pancakes or frozen waffles Snack: fruit, whatever is left for the week Lunch: corn dogs Dinner: pizza Saturday Breakfast: eggs and sausage and biscuits Lunch: sandwhiches Dinner:- hot dogs and hamburgers and cook out food Snacks: birthday party treats Pamela Monday: Breakfast: sausage biscuits Snack: oranges Lunch: hot dogs, carrots Dinner: chicken alfredo Snack: popcorn Tuesday: Probably eating out all day. I have a 8am, 9:30am (for 3 kids), 1:30 and then 3pm. I already told my husband do not expect dinner Wednesday: Breakfast: eggs and toast Snack: rice cakes Lunch: veggie and fruit trays Dinner: cheeseburger soup Thursday: Breakfast: cereal Lunch: sandwiches, chips Dinner: hotdogs and birthday cake Snack: grapes Friday Breakfast: pancakes or frozen waffles Snack: fruit, whatever is left for the week Lunch: corn dogs Dinner: pizza Saturday Breakfast: eggs and sausage and biscuits Lunch: sandwhiches Dinner:- hot dogs and hamburgers and cook out food Snacks: birthday party treats

Miscellany Monday

Have I ever told you how my we love our hair stylist? We do, we really do. She listens to my girls and does anything they want. It is like therapy for the price of a hair cut. She is the one who gave me the encouragement to give Grace this amazing hair cut. I think spring has finally sprung. Which means that spider man is able to go to the play ground. It also means that the girls can collect creatures to bring home. Funny thing is I even had them ask the park ranger to see if they could. In hopes that he would say no. He sadly said yes. That’s okay because the next day dad took them fishing and they were able to return the creatures. Pamela

My Teenage Boy

I love this boy. He keeps me thinking and going and crying and laughing. I just wanted to show you some recent pictures of him. He loves playing outside with the kids and I love to watch him. He always comes up with some game. A game that is real but often has rule changes. He has never been one to understand the rules of a games and often changes them to make better since. Some days he struggles. Not depressed but needs extra assurance that he is okay. These days break my heart. These days I am grateful he still wants to talk to his parents and still needs us. Days when he wonders if his life will ever be like everyone else’s. We are in amazing therapy for the first time ever. Well therapy has always been there but I think these ladies get it. They have given us great ideas on how to work with him including this amazing book. I am tempted to order several and hand them out to all the parents I know who have children with Asperger’s. Michael is the first one to volunteer to help when asked. The other day I had a appointment and so did a friend so we drove together. On the way out the kids wanted to be carried. So Michael carried both of them out. It had to be the funniest thing because half way through the hospital he had to put one down. Pamela

5 Question Friday

1. Who drives when your family is together, you or your spouse? My husband, always. He never lets me drive. I have friends who always drive and I think WOW! Seriously, part of it is he knows I dislike driving and part of it is he likes driving. I think actually part of it is that if he is driving he does not have to deal with the kids. 2. Are you an introvert or extrovert? 3. Are you married to an introvert or extrovert? Hmm, when you first meet him you would think he was not very outgoing but spend any time with him and you realize he is. Or do a activity he is good at and he is all about telling you how to do it. 4. What's your favorite type of social media? I use to say face book but too much spam and drama on there. So instagram is my favorite, I love all the pictures. Although, I do wonder if people think I am nuts for taking so many pictures. 5. What's your favorite way to "recharge"? A nap on clean sheets, in a clean room. Or to set on my porch and read a good book with a cold drink and a good snack. Or to go out with friends and watch a funny movie with a large bucket of popcorn and then go for dessert afterwards so we can laugh some more. Pamela

Feeling Beachie

This week’s statements: The color _purple/lavender_ reminds me of _relaxing and calming.__ Lately _this baby__ is _kicking up a storm__ so __I finally feel very pregnant. _ Does the sound of breaking glass make you __jump or just sigh because you know another plate just got broken_________? When I wander _what will happen______ I __turn to God and ask him to explain____? Pamela

Miscellany Monday

I have started a new Bible Study last week. I am doing So Long Insecurities by Beth Moore. Man oh man this book is looking like a rainbow with all of my underlines. If you have done this study I would love to hear how you enjoyed it. Oh, oh, I forgot to tell you the best. This weekend we went to buy a couple of truckloads of dirt and they had fresh strawberries. She said we would be able to come out and pick by Mother’s Day. I love picking strawberries. Pamela

Who Do Your Children Look Up To

I love our church. It is not a big church and does not have a lot of extras like a big church does. But the one thing the congregation has is love. This Chapel has loved on my family over the last three years. Whenever we had a need they were there. Rather we knew we had the need or not. Sometimes that need was just to be loved and not judged. On Easter Jason was so excited to be able to wear this suit. The suit that had hung in his closet waiting for him to fit for over a year. He could not wait to show the Chaplain. Every Sunday the children are brought up to the front and prayed over. Last Sunday I noticed Jason was touching the other kids instead of praying. This is not typical of him. Then I noticed that this same Chaplain was laying hands on two of the children as he prayed. I do not think he even realized he was doing it. So Jason was doing the same. A couple of weeks ago I was working in the kitchen when the kids asked for a big bowl. There teacher was teaching them about the meaning of foot washing. Only she was not just telling them about it. She was showing them the love of having someone wash your feet. I am so grateful for men and women who are there for my children. Who will walk beside them and encourage them. Who will stand up for them. Pamela

Who looks up to You

This little girl has been very lucky that the little ones around her are snugglers because she cannot keep her hands off of them. The other side of her likes to boss them around. You will often find her teaching one of the boys how to clean a bathroom or sort laundry. They think it is the best thing ever and she enjoys telling someone what to do. Pamela

Feeling Beachie

This week’s statements: 1. I hate _feeling like I have not done enough for other people, if I had the money I would spend the whole day driving around helping homeless and people broke down on the side of the road._ 2. I used to love playing _school____ as a kid 3. Common sense says _don‘t over load your schedule_____, but I tend to _think I can add one more thing and still have breathing room___________ 4. Once, I was surprised to find myself __learning to shoot a gun and taking a carry and conceal class________________. Pamela

Thankful Thursday- Dates with Dad part two

Do you remember me telling you about date night with Grace well Hope was counting minutes until her date. She thought we should take different vehicles to church so they leave church early to have more time together. She decided she wanted to go play mini golf because that is what her daddy and I did on our first date. Rob says she was just like me and hit the ball too hard the first time. Only instead of hers hitting a car it landed in the pond. After mini golf they went to the batting cages. They stopped by the store and then came home. She was not thrilled with that. She thought they should be out all day. The next date is with Faith. I cannot wait to see what they do together. Does your husband take your daughters out. I try to take Michael out, it gives us to talk without the little kids. A time to talk about what he is interested in and what is going on in his life. Pamela

Wordless Wednesday

My husband thinks it is funny that I always have flour or sugar on my phone. He wonders if I am sending baked goods via text message. Pamela

Baby update-week 18

Today was a great day. I was sent off post for a ultrasound. It seemed odd that they were sending me off post for a ultrasound but I did not mind because it meant we would not have a appointment in the middle of the night. Yesterday I received a confirmation call. Only they said your appointment is with Dr. ???. I said with a DR, she said yes. Again that seemed weird. That was until I arrived at the office and realized that he was a Perinatologist. We took all 6 kids and I think at first I thought it overwhelmed the tech. But as soon as we were settled in the room I think she enjoyed it. She took all the shots and talked to us for a long time. Then she left to get the doctor. The doctor was amazing. I had all but 2 of the girls go to the waiting room with my husband. The doctor was amazing. He talked to me about all the testing available. He did not pressure me when I said I did not want them. He did tell me there is a new blood test that checks for Down’s with 99% accuracy. I still denied it because it does not change anything to me. He said the baby looks great and weighs about 10 ounces. Said that I look great. He reminded me several times of my age and history. In the end it was decided that he would see me every 2 weeks to check the baby and my cervix. He told me if my cervix starts changing he could put in a stitch. I have never had a problem with my cervix. He was thrilled to know that I am getting progesterone shots. So for now the plan is to see him twice a month, go to my doctors office weekly for my shot, see my OB regularly and then my endocrinologist does blood work once a month and then has a exam once a month. If my levels stay stable she will spread it out for 2 months. Needless to say this baby is already getting plenty of attention. I do not mind, it is worth it to keep it growing to full term. I got a ton of pictures today but the baby is facing my back so not a good head shot. My girls did get a shot of the goop on my belly. She said it looks like a clear worm. I have gained about 14 pounds already. I am now feeling this baby daily. I have never felt the others this early. It is a great reminder that it is growing strong. Last little up date. We did find out that this tiny blessing is a ???????????? I will tell you later this week. Pamela

A Family Day

As a large family we do not go out often. One day my husband decided we needed a family day. So off we went we started with shopping for new dresses for the girls. Just so you know finding modest clothing for pre teens is crazy. Why do they think they only need half there body covered. Then we went to the movies. I was shocked the kids did well. Even if the big kids set at the front of the theatre without us. Even the baby did well. After the movies everyone was hungry. I do not know how they were hungry since we must have ate ten pounds of popcorn. WAIT! Maybe I ate that much. So we went to Red Robin. Again that went smoother than I remember. I have a ritual when we first walk in I grab a menu and write out what each person wants to eat and drink. That way when the waitress comes to the table I can give her a list. No changing what you want, no hearing specials and second guessing your order. The other advantage to this is that she has the entire order at the beginning and can put it in before bringing us our drinks. I do not know why it worries me to go out as a family. We have done it a ton and always enjoy it. We do a lot of things together like going to the park but not so many things where we are confined to small places By the way we saw Wreck It Ralph and enjoyed it. My teen did not complain and my little one was entertained. Pamela

Menu Plan Monday

I did some cooking this weekend but no where near what I had planned. I have turkey burger and turkey chops sat out to cook tomorrow. We did grill chickens and pork ribs this weekend. Monday- Breakfast- scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits (going to make eggs for another day). Lunch- hot dogs and grapes Dinner- pork ribs, green beans and maybe mash potatoes Snacks- I have lots of pastries that were given to us, apples Tuesday- Breakfast- cereal Lunch- eating out, we have a 8:45, 10:45 and 1:30 appointments Dinner- chicken breast with salad Snacks- will pack peanut butter crackers and maybe granola bars for the car Wednesday- Breakfast- eggs and turkey sausage Lunch-sandwiches and apples Dinner- have no idea we will eat at church Snacks- probably left over pastries and bananas Thursday- Breakfast-cereal, should I tell you that I bought a ton of ceral last year when I found it on sale and I still have about 4 cases that are either expired or on the verge of being expired. Lunch- hotdogs- quick and easy Dinner-turkey chops, salad and baked potatoes Snacks- bananas and cheese sticks Friday- Breakfast- cereal or eggs depends upon how tired I am Lunch- veggie and fruit trays- I will take a picture, I do this often. I just make mini veggie plates and fruit trays for each child. Dinner- spaghetti or tacos, I will make the meat on Monday and just re heat it Snacks- rice cakes, smoothies I cannot wait to see what everyone else makes. I need to expand our menu some. We are trying to eat more salad and less potatoes. But honestly a baked potato is easy to make and easy to clean up. Pamela

Miscellany Monday

Before I tell you about this week did you hear about the fun I had on Home Grown Families. This week I had my second progesterone shot. I cracked up because the first time Grace went with me and asked to ride the escalator. This week Michael went with me and guess what he asked to do. I love this boy. He had a hard week and I ask you to pray for him as he continues to go through some things. As we help him through this. This week I cooked for church. It was actually potluck. I made hot dogs. I have done this before. I cook the hot dogs and then go ahead and put them in buns and put them in the oven. That way I can let them stay warm while I listen to the sermon. So this morning I arrive early and cook the hot dogs only I got side tracked and over cooked the hot dogs. Do you know what happens to hot dogs when you over cook them? They explode. This week my husband made my kids a swing and a tight rope. I have no idea why but they love it and act like little monkeys hanging from it. Pamela

Shopping with my girls and one little boy

A couple of weeks ago I took the girls shopping. I wanted to get them new dresses. Sadly these are the dresses they picked out (the blue jean ones). I let them buy them but it was driving me batty. A couple of days later I took them out and found much cuter dresses that even they liked more. After we went shopping we went for pedicures. I even splurged for designs. Poor Jason tagged along. I felt so bad for him. He was just thrilled I let him play on the IPOD. I save his IPOD time for when I have meetings and shopping for girl stuff. These are the dresses that we ended up keeping. I try to pick my battles so as long as what they pick is modest I am not super picky. But these dresses just drove me batty. So I was thrilled when they picked these. Oh I almost forgot to tell you after we got pedicures I decided to run to Motherhood Maternity. I do not think I have ever bought maternity clothes before. The girls had a great time playing dress up with me. It was fun when the lady showed me the pillow. She assured me that I would be this big in three months. I hope she is right. I love being big and pregnant. Pamela

5 Question Friday

1. Where do you hide things from your kids at? In my shoes, in my underwear drawer, in the cookie jar because they know I do not keep cookies in there. 2. What is your favorite rainy day activity for bored toddlers? Play dough, there is nothing like making a fresh batch of play dough and letting them play 3. Are you a punctual person or are you always running a few minutes (or more!) late?? Oh, it is horrible. I am always early as in really early. I often park down the street and have to wait 20 minutes before arriving. Someone once told me that being that early is as rude as being late. 4. When eating out, do you prefer off the beaten path "Mom and Pop" cafes or tried and true national food chains? I have not found that many mom and pop places, But I do like small restaurants like small burger places or Mexican places instead of big restaurants. 5. Does your significant other snore? Do YOU snore? Yes it is horrible, he does wear a sleep apnea machine and that changes everything. So instead of snoring I hear a constant humming noise and if he gets too close then I feel the cold air. Pamela

Feeling Beachie

This week’s statements: 1. I don’t like to _smoke cigars but I love the smell of someone else smoking a good cigar.___ 2. I love to _lay in the bed under the blankets when the house is cold and quiet__ in the mornings 3. If I could change one thing in my life it would be _that my son would not have to deal with the effects of Asperger . I love him just the way he is but wish others felt the same way and understood him better.______ 4. If I was better at _taking critism____, I would _probably have gone father in the world.____ Seriously, my life is not all doom and gloom but I sure did make it sound this way tonight. Pamela