Well it's a .....

BOY!  It really didn't matter to us what the gender was, since we already have one of each.  Abigail, however, was a little disappointed.  She really wanted a baby sister, but she is still excited.  If we were more financially well off, we might would consider having a fourth child, but I don't think that is in the plans for us.  Austin doesn't really have any idea what is going on.  We are naming the new baby Jackson Lee.  Abigail wants to call him Jack Jack, like on the movie Incredibles.  We will all probably end up calling him that for a nickname.  I have been busy shopping around online looking for boy bedding and a stroller/car seat.  This makes it seem really real.  I still get really nervous every time we go for an ultrasound that they won't find a heartbeat.  Logically, I know everything is fine because I can feel him moving around inside me, but emotionally it's like returning to the scene of a tragedy every time I go into the ultrasound room.  For anyone reading this that doesn't know, I miscarried last June and found out during a routine ultrasound at 12 weeks that the heart was not beating and the baby had stopped growing.  We were crushed, obviously, but we leaned and trusted on God to get us through and now we are having a baby boy in August.  I don't think anyone is ever completely the same after going through something like that, but we are healing and grateful for everything God has given us.  We know he has our best interest in mind and we cannot possible understand why everything happens, but we still trust Him to take care of us.  I didn't mean for this to turn into a sermen.  I really just wanted to announce that we are having a boy and are truly thrilled and cannot wait for August.

Pitty Party!

I am blaming it on pregnancy hormones, but I am so frusterated with things lately.  It seems like things just never go right for us.  I feel like we do things right and try hard and get nothing to show for it.  I know I sound whiny, but I can't  help it.  I know I need to just give it over to God, but I am struggling with that too.  I just feel like we are always running, and never get a break.  I need to get over this before the baby is born, because things will only get more crazy then.  I need to concentrate on all the blessings in my life and be greatful for all God has given us.  My mind tells me to do that, but my heart has another plan.  I am not talking about anything specific, just life in general.  Money is tight, kids are crazy, husband works a lot, busy schedule, dirty house, starting to dislike my job a lot, etc.  Ugghhh
Ok pitty party is over now!  Hope I haven't ruined everyones day who reads this.  Just needed to vent.
Send up a prayer please!

Is it a boy or a girl?

Only six more days until we find out the gender of our last child.  We are sooo excited to find out.  We decided to bring Abigail to the doctor with us when we find out.  I don't have any feelings about what it is.  Mom is very sure it's a girl.  She is pretty much the only person who has a premonition about it.  Of course we don't care because we have one of each already.  All we want is a HAPPY healthy baby.  Notice the all capitals on happy.  This is because Austin was a pretty unhappy baby and I don't think I could do that again.  I keep saying that I don't think God would do that to me.  I guess we shall see. 

Oh I said I would update you on Abigail's first t-ball practice.  I totally forgot to take any pictures, but she was so cute.  She tried really hard.  She definitely was not the worse one out there, so that was a relief.  She really had a lot of fun and can't wait for practice tomorrow.  The funniest thing she did was run from third base to the pitchers mound.  The coach asked her where she was going and she said home plate.  Poor thing, her parents never taught her where the bases were.  It was really funny. 

Growing up fast!

Mom and I took the kids to see the movie Mars Needs Moms.  It was really good, even made mom cry.  The kids were so good.  Just another example of how grown up they are getting.  People keep saying now that out two kids are so easy, we are crazy to go and have another one and start over.  Oh well, it will seem like a blink of an eye and the new baby will seem all grown up too. 

Abigail has her first t-ball practice this afternoon.  That should be very interesting. I will let everyone know how it goes.  She is very excited. 

Shop till you drop!

I had a very productive, and fun day today.  My mom, my sister, and I went to three garage sales.  They were all a bust.  Then we went to the mall to do some shopping, where I spent too much money, but bought some much needed maternity clothes.  Next we had a yummie lunch.  Then we saw the movie Red Riding Hood.  It was pretty good.  Lastly we shopped a little bit more, and spent more money.  All and all it was a fun, expensive, tiring, great day.  I love spending quality time with the girls.  Now back home to the reality of motherhood and a dirty house. 

The kids are back from spending the night with Brent's mom.  They both had a blast as usual.  Even though I look forward to every other Friday getting a break from them.  I always start to miss them by Saturday afternoon.   We are thinking about going to the movies tomorrow with the kids to see Mars Needs Moms.  We haven't taken them to do something fun in a while.  I know they would love it. 

Now I am going to go put my feet up and relax.  The laundry can wait until tomorrow!

Lucky vs. Blessed

People are always telling me how lucky I am.  Not because of my beautiful house, stunning good looks, or amazing talent. (dripping with sarcasm)  No, people are always telling me how lucky I am when I tell them that my mom keeps Austin while I work.  As much as I would love to be a stay at home mom (one of my biggest dreams) there is just no way we can afford it.  But I really feel like I should be correcting these people who tell me that I am lucky.  I believe I am truly blessed.  God has blessed me with a mom who loves my kids and is willing to sacrifice so much of her time for them.  There are plenty of wonderful Grandmas out there who don't do this for their grandchildren, and I don't blame them.  They have raised their kids and earned their freedom.  Still my mom does what I am so very thankful for and hopefully one day I can pay her back a small fraction of what she has given to me. 

This is Abigail and Nana.  Austin does not like taking pictures. 

I don't want to forget about my other blessing.  My mother-in-law is also an amazing help with the kids.  She works, but every other Friday night when she is off, the kids spend the night with her, giving me a much needed break.  The kids really look forward to the time they spend with Meme.  I am so very thankful to God that my kids have such wonderful women in their lives. 

This is Meme and Abigail around 18 months.  Meme hates taking pictures so this was very hard to find. 

Hair Cut

Abigail and I both got haircuts today.  I forgot to take a before and after picture of her.  I will post that later.  Here is my before picture with my horrible dead split ends.

 Here is my after picture, much better.

It's always an adventure when we get our hair done at Mrs. Vickies.  She is quite a character.  Every time we go she gives the kids big kisses on their faces and leave perfectly shaped lipstick.  They love it.   



40 Before 40

I have posted my 40 things I want to do before I turn 40 list.  Click on 40 Before 40 tab and check it out.  One down 39 to go!

Trains, Trains, and more Trains, plus a little American Idol

Austin wanted to take a picture with his trains.  These are all we could scrounge up in a few minutes.  I know he has more scattered about the house.  This boy loves his trains.  I never would have thought he would be into trains, considering I think the Thomas the Train show is so boring.  I never could understand why kids liked it, but he loves it. 

Are you watching American Idol this year?  I was skeptical too, but so far I am enjoying it. These are my favorites.

Lauren, I think has one of the best voices, but she is so young. I don't know if she is really ready.

I love Scotty's personality and his smirk while he sings.  I don't think he will win the whole thing but he will be here for a while.

Casey is just plain entertaining.  He is very musically talented, but sometimes his voices is a little to scruffy.

I don't know why I like Paul.  I just like watching him dance.  He has an interesting voice, but I wouldn't say it was that great.  I just like watching him. 

As for my prediction about who is going home tonight, I would have to say Karen.   

Gleeks/Awanas/Brent

I am a total gleek.  A gleek is someone who never misses the show Glee.  My sister and I watch it every Tuesday night.  We love the music parts the most.  Some of the story lines are getting a little out of our comfort zone, but we try and get past them. 

Tonight:
Every Wednesday night our church has Awanas.  I teach the cubbies (two years before kindergarten).  Abigail is a Spark (kindergarten - 2nd grade).  Austin is a Puggle (3year olds).  Brent teachers the TNT group which is 3rd-5th graders.  We really enjoy being able to teach these kids about God's love for us, but it can be exhausting.  By the time we get home we are all really tired, but it is a joy to be a part of.

Brent:
Brent is a highschool math teacher.  I know what your thinking 'Two teacher incomes how do you do it?'  Well it's not easy but we get by.  He also delivers pizza on the weekends for extra money.  We went through the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class, which motivated us to get our finances in order.  It might take a while, but I believe we are on the right track.  Brent is also helping coach the baseball team for one of the schools he teaches at.  He is a very busy guy.  He works really hard to support his family and I couldn't ask for a better husband or father for my children. 

The Kiddos

Abigail Kay, the princess, ballerina, pop star, smarty pants of the family.  It's hard for me to believe, but she is five years old and in Kindergarten.  She really is too smart for her own good.  She has a really sweet nature.  Everyone loves her.  She is a social butterfly and given the chance will talk your ear off.  Abigail is our sunshine.  I could talk about her for pages but I won't do that to you.

Austin Keith, the hard headed, tempermental, silly, grumpy, lovey, train lover of the family.  Austin is 3 years old and makes us laugh everyday.  It wasn't always that way.  For more than a year of his life he was a grumpy and hard to please little boy.  It has taken him a while to learn to express himself using language, but he seems to be improving everyday.  In fact I think he is going to be very smart.  As you can see from the picture, he absolutely LOVES trains.  We take a train with us everywhere.  It doesn't help that his Nana (my mom) buys him a train every time they visit Walmart.  It takes him a while to warm up to people, but when he does they can't help but love him. 

My kids are my life.  Sometimes they drive me crazy, but I wouldn't change a thing.  Brent and I try our best to raise them with christian values and background.   I want them to see how much I love God and how every blessing we have comes from Him.  I want them to love and care for others the way Jesus cares for us.  I pray daily for their salvations and their futures. 

Hello Blog World!

Hi!  I have recently become a fan of blogging.  I have been inspired and touched by a few specific blogs. So here I am, trying my hand at being a blogger.  I seriously doubt anyone but my husband will ever read this but I don't really care.  I thought it would be an interesting way for me to express myself, vent, gloat, or let out whatever serious or stupid thoughts I have going through my head.  I am going to keep this first post short.  I am just sort of testing the waters.  I hope that if you do read this you will leave knowing this one thing about me; I am truly blessed by an awesome God.  I give God the glory and praise for everything in my life, the good and the bad. 

Verse for the day: For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7