Halloween

Can I just say that Halloween is not my favorite holiday. Mostly because of the yucky stuff. I like the fun dress up and trick or treating is not bad, but I don't do scary.  So this year is a new tradition. We will be trick or treating at just a few houses of people we know, then we'll go to the high school choir fundraiser where they play games indoors in the warmth and light, and then come home to their own special bag of chocolate candy from mom and dad. Remember we don't live where there is a well lit subdivision to walk door to door to. I have enjoyed years past when we've had ward trunk or treats and people we know. And I love Fall weather! But scary stuff freaks me out!!! I'm a wimp sorry!
The weeks ahead are packed. Dr.'s appointments, 2birthdays, Thanksgiving, and a host of other activities. Hoping to stay busy, I am getting anxious and impatient for baby's arrival. Baby is still without a name. Winslow and I may just battle this to the bitter end.
My children have been super snippy with each other as of late. It is making me a little nervous for when the baby comes. I tend to have anxiety after I have babies, I like things quiet and calm. Hoping my older children will behave themselves!!!!

Of books and dishes

Jacob has been working hard the last few days. Not yet sure what has brought about the change, but I'll take it! He 's really been working on taking initiative. Earlier this week when I was so tired, he made sure his kitchen chores were done. And we had him babysit 2 nights this week. Both nights the house was clean and the kids were in bed. Last night the dishes were loaded and the big dishes washed. I asked Abby is she had done them, because Jacob has major texture issues when it comes to dishes. Nope, she said, she had a headache and went to bed, Jacob had totally done it all. way to go mister. Definitely tipping big for dishes done! I know he's a good kid, sometimes we just butt heads. It is so wonderful to be able to reward him for stepping up his game!
I took David, Rachel, and Abby to the library today. David picked out a book on Monster Trucks, Abby picked out Lewis Carrol's Alice in Wonderland, and Rachel got an Amelia Bedelia book. I am excited for Abby to be reading such a fun classic book. she has really picked up speed in reading. She read Harry Potter #3 in 3 days, Old Yeller in one day! I think she takes after her mother.
Rachel really surprised me this week. I found a fun book report sheet on Pinterest and told Rachel she could start doing book reports. The next morning when we got our school work, she brought out a Magic Treehouse book and read the whole first chapter!
Davis is now adding up to 10 in his head!!! He is obsessed with adding. I put together more math games and some beginning phonics for him this weekend, because oping just to keep up with is kid. He's only 4!
We are studying Joseph in the Old Testament. Gonna have to find a copy of Jospeh and the amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I've been singing it in my head for days!
Winslow was a trooper and took me to 2 parties this weekend. Boy did I need the out time. Thanks Hun for going out of your comfort zone to indulge your social wife!!!!
Down to just over 6 weeks left until our c-section. easing baby clothes and putting everything together. Exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time.

A little rest

So I got a small taste of bed rest today. I've been feeling a little under the weather the past few days. Nothing major, just not 100%. And today my body said enough. I took 3 naps, one in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, and laid in bed all afternoon and evening. Thankfully, I had put dinner in the crockpot before I crashed :). David was very cooperative and took a 3 hour nap this afternoon on my bed with me, thus facilitating my opportunity for some rest. Feeling tired still, but not exhausted like before. And the thought I had was, I am already past the point of bedrest for both of my boys, and I am so tickled to be still up and running, even if not at full capacity! Nice to be able to take it easy for a day, but I am so glad not to HAVE to be down.
I'm also grateful for new jammies. I know it's simple, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new jammies. They are so comfortable, "they are my p.j.'s" (NACHO LIBRE). And at the end of the day when I feel like I could crawl out of my skin, they are so comfy. Worth every penny!
We were in Phoenix over the weekend and I had to laugh when Rachel said "I never thought I would be cold HERE!" I was just so glad that we were there for the cool front and gone before the heat returned. It was just one day there, so it was a fast trip. Winslow had continuing education, so I got to spend a few hours with my sister Tamara and a few hours with my friend Aimee. So much fun. The kids had a great time. They were so sad to leave.
We have just 7 weeks left until our c section. I am getting anxious. Of Course! Pulled out baby clothes and gear to see what we needed. DIAPERS. Ha HA, I have one package already, hmm that will last a week. Wow babies go thru diapers fast! The kids are all excited. I love babies!

So it's been crazy

We have been leading a crazy life.
Let me hit the highlights.

Home school is in full swing-meaning I feel like I have a full time job!!! This year has brought challenges and new and exciting adventures,.

go away big green monster unit. So fun!!!

David is loving our Mommy preschool and I am hoping to get 2nd semester curriculum written before this baby is born!

Finally finished our Stake Humanitarian Aid project! What a success! Over 50 gowns and kimonos were made and donated for our Infant Loss Bereavement Project.

Jacob has finished football season, and we loved watching him catch 3 touchdown passes the last game of the season!
 I am nesting so bad, which means so many projects. My friend Arina and I tackled my poor kitchen table and redid the top with some help from Winslow. It Looks SO MUCH BETTER! Then we tackled all the touch up paint spots around the house.
Mike and Kara came up and were a huge help digging out the back and moving my fence.

I have been crocheting up a storm to keep up with all the babies being born, makes me super anxious for our little one. And I've had quite a few sewing projects going on.

this is me at 31 weeks

Our second ultrasound (we had to have a second for making sure baby was growing right so they could officially schedule the csection) revealed we are having a BOY!!!
David is ecstatic, so are the rest of us. Winslow and I are still working on a name.
Staying off bedrest so far and being so happy about that. But still taking things pretty easy physically to help.

David finished his Last Soccer game and made a goal :) Plus he got a medal, and his team won the sportsmanship award. He is hilarious when he plays soccer. He is so happy, and so determined to get the ball.
The girls are both taking Dance and I am teaching 2 days a week piano.

Fall has arrived and we are wearing sweaters in the morning and evenings and the trees are changing everywhere.

We had a fabulous General Conference weekend. The kids cut out pictures of the prophet and apostles and glued them on construction paper with conversation bubbles about their talk's topic.

I am moving into the super tired, and poor sleep phase. So I am either getting the world done, or wishing only for a nap. Ha Ha Ha.

We've begun a new system of only going to the grocery store once every two weeks. I was super stressed about trying it, but it has worked. We have eaten Awesome food, and saved $$$ on our grocery bill. I am also making all of our bread and yogurt and Breakfast foods from scratch.
We've canned Beans, Apples, and Chicken. I've been filling the freezer full of snacks and breakfast things. Hoping to have a stockpile on hand when the baby is born. I need to start planning and making a freezer meal every week between now and then, so I can be prepared.
Christmas and Birthday gifts are being made and stored away as well.
So if you've called and gotten no answer, this is probably why!!!! We are crazy over here! HA HA HA!