Good bye 2007 HELLOOO 2008!

I feel like I've been stuck in a whirlwind the last 2 months. So much has gone on. Sam turned one on December 5th. I can't believe how fast that year went by. He is running everywhere. I can't turn my back on him for 5 seconds!

It's amazing to think that this time last year I had a 3 week old baby! Unreal how much they change in one year. I love seeing Sam's personality coming out though. In mom and dad's color code we think he is a yellow. He is always going around giving people hugs and making funny faces so people will smile. Yellows are "smile checkers". He is such a wonderful baby. Here is a picture of his latest funny face.

In my next to last post I mentioned the "little angels" that I was in charge of for the Christmas program. Here are some of the pictures from then. The boys did a great job! This is the first year Eli has done it. Technically he isn't old enough until he is 4, but since I was in charge we made an exception. He did so awesome. This is the first year Nate hasn't hidden behind the bigger kids. I guess because this year he was the bigger kid. Next year he moves up to the big kid program. He is so excited! Anyway, here are the pics.

Greg's family visited in mid-December. We has so much fun staying on the beach with them. The kids love having family around. This Christmas was one Greg and I will not soon forget. Greg was in charge of the Christmas Eve service at 6pm. All went well. After church we went by Wendy's for dinner. We all ate and the boys opened their traditional Christmas pj's and went to bed. Around 8:30 I started to feel pretty bad. My stomach was very upset which it had been off and on for the last week or so. My first thought..."here comes baby #4!" Around 10pm the toilet and I started to get aquainted and we reamained close the rest of the night. When I heard Greg also making a move on the toilet around 2am I first felt sorry for him and them was totally relieved because I realized that baby #4 was not going to be making an appearance yet! WHEW!!! Anyway, we thought we had food poisoning, but realized it was probably a bug when Nate started throwing up a couple days later. Thankfully everyone was well by New Years Eve. We had a really fun time New Years Eve with our friends here. Here is a picture of Greg and I on new years.

Tonight at our Women's Bible study we were talking about Namaan's wife's maid servant. How she used her actions to show Namaan's family God. The lady teaching the study used the words, "She lived a life of joy, peace and purpose." That one sentence got me thinking. I have these revelation moments and vow to change, but life usually catches up with me the next day and it goes out the window. This time is going to be different. Years from now when I am gone, when my kids think about me I want them to think about how much joy and peace our home had. I don't want them to think about the times I yelled at them because I had told them 15 times to clean their room. I want my kids to know their purpose in life. As Christians we have all been put here for a reason and that reason is to glorify God and let others know what we know. I believe God sets up divine appointments for us everyday, whether it is with our kids or a complete stranger. How many of those appointments have I missed because I've been too wrapped up in myself? Worried about how I might sound, or scared because the person only speaks Spanish and mine isn't that great, or I just don't want to! My friend Beth and I were also talking about how hard it is in the stage of life we are in with kids to sit down at church and have a meaningful conversation with someone because we are constantly worried about the kids. It's just a stage, but it makes you think how many people have slipped through. Anyway, I'm rambling, but I just wanted to share my BIG new years resolution. Please pray for me as I try to make giant leaps toward the woman of God that I so desperately desire to be. Blessings and Happy New Year!

Why I am thankful!

In the spirit of the season I thought I should write down why I am thankful.

I am so thankful to know a God who is loving, kind, forgiving, almighty, enduring, faithful, awesome, and the list could go on forever! Without Him all things are meaningless!

I am thankful for my husband. For gifts that God has given to him. For the happiness he brings to my life. For the way he challenges me to become a better person (even though it hurts sometimes). I am thankful that he also knows the Lord. I'm thankful that he has given me three beautiful sons!

I am thankful for my sons! Nathan, Elijah and Samuel. I am so thankful that you have come into my life. I feel so priviledged to be your mommy. Everyday you teach me new things. It's the little things in life that really matter. Drawing with chalk on the sidewalk, stopping to watch the ant, picking flowers, snuggling on the couch. Thank you so much for all you have taught me.

I am thankful for my parents. They have taught me so much in my life. They have been examples to me. How to be a good mother. How to pick a good husband. How to have a wonderful marriage. I'm thankful that they raised me in a Christian home and introduced me to Jesus. As crazy as it may sound, I am thankful for the People Code. For what it has taught me over the last year. For the way it has changed every relationship in my life. For the way it is making me a better person.

I'm thankful for my inlaws that they taught Greg about Jesus. I'm thankful for the way they love us. For the way they adore my kids.

I'm thankful for my sisters (inlaws included)! Not only are they my sisters, but they are my best friends!

I'm thankful for my home and all the wonderful things that God has given me!

I'm thankful for my friends everywhere! I don't know what I would do without you guys!


Looking back on my list, I have a lot to be thankful for. God has blessed me beyond measure! Take a moment to stop and thank God for what he has given to you!

Blessings to all and have a wonderful thanksgiving!!!!

Time flies!!

I just got on here and it says I haven't written since May 4th!!!! I guess time flies whether you are having fun or not! Ok, well, a little update.

Things are crazy here right now. We've had sickness in the house for the last 2 weeks. First Sam had a fever, then I got sick, then Nate and Eli, then Sam had an ear infection and Eli had strep throat. We went back to the dr. yesterday because after 6 days on antibiotics Eli still had a fever. Apparently he is immune to ammoxicilin since he was given it so much when he was a baby for ear infections. So the dr. gave him zithromax lastnight. He is still pretty miserable. His temp was 102.5 this morning at 5am. Hopefully by tonight he will feel better.

Nate is doing homeschool still. I haven't been very good about doing it everyday, but I think part of the first year is getting to know what works and what doesn't. He knows his letters and can sound out some words on his own. He wants to draw and write all the time. He is doing simple addition and knows who the first president was and who our president is now. He is also playing soccer and loving it. He has his last game of the season on Saturday. Here is a picture of him with some of his team mates. He has really improved since the beginning of the season. He actually scored a goal a few weeks ago. It was after the ref blew the wistle, but it went in, so we are counting it.

Eli is also learning with homeschool. He can write his name now and his pictures are actually looking like something. He is wanting to learn right a long with Nate and I find that encouraging. Eli can't wait until the next fall soccer season when he can play too. Whenever we go to the field he always tells us he is sooooo hungry. He loves to eat the snacks from the consession stand. Right now he thinks kisses are yucky! I keep trying to tell him that mommy kisses aren't yucky, but I have yet to convince him.

Sam is growing and learning more everyday. He is starting to take steps on his own. He hates being away from his brothers. He wants to be right in the middle of all the action. I can't believe he will be one year old in a month. CRAZY!!! He is such a happy baby. It's nice because I know that if he cries something is wrong. He doesn't just cry to cry. He weighs 18lbs. 8 oz. and is 31 inches long. I guess that means he is kind of small weight wise, but you definately can't tell. He is such a joy as are all of my kids.

Things with the church have been good. We are getting ready to go calling tomorrow (if everyone is well) and hand out cookies to the people in the church. We want them to know that just like cookies have different ingredients to make them taste good, our church has to have different people to make it function right. We want them to know that our church wouldn't be the same without them.

With the holidays coming up things are getting crazy for Greg. He has so many different things to do this time of year. We just got finished with the fall festival on Sunday. The turnout was great. I heard over 400 people came! Here are the kids in their costumes. They looked so cute and loved dressing up. Nate wanted to wear his spiderman all the time!!! Greg is already starting to focus on the Christmas eve service. I am in charge of the "little angels" this year. Its 4 and 5 year olds and Eli dressed up as angels. We will sing a couple of songs before the older kids come out to do the Christmas program.

I am kind of sad this year we won't have any family here for Thanksgiving, but I am also looking forward to getting together with our friends the Ridgeways and the Deysels. Neither of these families has family nearby. All of the Ridgeways family is either in Florida or Indiana and the Deysels family is all in South Africa. We really get along well together and it is nice that we have each other to hang out with. Greg's family is coming around the 16th of December for a week. That will be nice to see them. And my mom is coming next week!!!! YAY!!! I wish my dad could come too though, but it will be nice to see my mom.

My photography business is somewhat taking off. I have done a couple shoots for friends. Hopefully soon I will feel confident enough to venture out and take pictures for actual clients and not just friends who are nice enough to humor me.

I guess that's about it. Hopefully it won't be 5 months before I write again. Blessings!!!!

Emily

LIFE IS GOOD!!

Life is good! A little crazy, but good. Life with 3 boys is awesome. Nate and Eli have adjusted very well to Sam. They love him so much! Sam is growing like crazy. He was 15lbs. 14 oz. at his last dr. appt. I had to take him in for pinkeye. His eye was completely swollen shut. Not a pretty sight. Thankfully he has recovered. He will be five months old tomorrow. It's amazing how quickly time passes! He is rolling over now. He loves to look at himself in the mirror. His newest thing is grabbing faces and pulling you toward him. I like to think that these are kisses. Sweet kisses!

Eli is doing great too! Growing everyday. He has turned 3 since I last wrote. He's gone from a baby to a little boy. He has slimmed down and is talking so well. He is very strong willed and we often butt heads. He likes to have the sippy cup he wants, if I give him the yellow plate he will cry until I give him the green plate (or whatever color he wants at the moment) or until I put my foot down. Sometimes the battle isn't worth it. As strongwilled as he is he is also so loving. I can't even count the number of times during the day he will come up to me and give hugs and kisses. Actually he is doing it as I type. So sweet!

Nate is getting ready to turn 5 next month. When did that happen?! He has learned all the letters in the alphabet and can recognize all of the capital letters. We are still working on the lower case. We will be driving around and he will ask, "Mom, what does VOGUE spell?" I was really impressed with that one! He is also learning what sounds the letters make. He is even reading Dick and Jane. What a smart kid!!

Greg and I are doing well too. We will be married 7 years next month! We've been together for 13 years in October! That's a long time. I guess that officially means I have been with him 1/2 of my life! That's crazy!!!!

I have decided to homeschool Nathan. I'm just taking it one year at a time. I'll will homeschool kindergarten and if it turns out to be too hard for me or if he doesn't like it, he will go to public school for first grade. If things go well, we will continue. I have many reasons for doing this and the more I pray about it and think about it the more convinced I become that it is the right thing for my family. I am really excited about taking this on.

Well, anyway, I have to get out the door for MOPS. I just wanted to give a quick update. I will try to write more often.

LIfe with 3 boys!

Well, Samuel is now 2 1/2 months old. I was really nervous about adjusting to life with 3 kids. I had heard both sides of the spectrum, that going from 2 to 3 was horrible and that it wasn't that bad. Thankfully I think I am one of the lucky ones. It has been a very smooth transition for me. It helps that Sam is just a wonderful baby. He only cries if he is tired. Then it's not really a cry, just griping. I have done a lot of reading this time around and I think that has made my life a lot easier. I've learned what signs to watch for from Sam. He has hungry signs, tired signs, I want to stretch signs, cuddle me signs. I know all babies do, but I don't feel like I was as in tune to the other boys signs as I am to Sam's. Nursing has been so much easier this time around. He has yet to have any formula and I'm going to try to keep it that way. He sleeps great at night. As a matter of fact, lastnight he slept from 10pm to 7am. Didn't wake up at all during the night. Usually he will go to bed around 10pm and sleep to 4 or 5 am, eat and then go back to sleep. Today he got up at 7 am, ate and went back down. He is just starting to stir again and it's 10:45am!!! What a good boy! Sam weighed in at 13lbs. 5oz. at his 2 month check up. Big boy!

Nate and Eli are adjusting well too. They love their little brother so much. They have been very gentle with him. They love to give him hugs and kisses. Nate likes to hold him, but only for about 2 seconds at a time. They are all three such good kids. Here is the latest picture of them.

Welcome to the world Samuel Malachi!

I'm not super proud of this birth story, but it is something I want Samuel to know about when he gets older. I am proud that I did it the way I did it, just not too proud of how I handled it. I'm so glad I experienced labor without medication, but in no way will I ever do it again. Labor without medication that it. I do plan on going through labor at least one more time.

Samuel Malachi
December 5th 1:48 pm
7 lbs. 5.9 oz. 20 inches


I went in for my induction at 7am. We sat in the waiting room until around 8am waiting for our room. I was taken in and asked a million questions. My dr. came in around 8:20 to break my water but the nurse hadn't started my IV yet so they had to wait. At 9:15 while I was waiting for my dr. to come back in they started my on pitocin. By 10:00 I was having regular contractions. My dr. came in around 10:30 and asked if I wanted to get the epidural before or after my water was broken. I told her I just wanted to make sure I got it while I still had time. My sister waited to late and had to deliver without medication. She said she would go ahead and call the anestheiologist and order my epidural before breaking my water. The epidural was really painful this time. Greg almost passed out on my twice. He literally had to leave the room. He was white as a ghost. I felt bad for him, but also thought it was pretty funny. When he got done with the epidural I had a feeling it wasn't right, but things were going numb, so I decided it was probably fine. The dr. came in and broke my water around 11:30. I was 3 cm dilated. I continued to feel pain in my back and pressure in my belly, so the anestheiologist was called back in. He said the baby was probably laying on my siatic nerve and the pain would go away as soon as he was past it. A few minutes later I told the nurse I felt like I had to push so she checked me and I was 4 cm. They turned me on my side to see if they could get the epidural to take effect everywhere. The pain only got worse with that. By this time I am really breathing hard through the contractions (with an epidural). Greg said he had never seen me like that. Again they called the anestheiologist back. My dr. came in at this time too. The anestheiologist told her that the pain was just my siactic. Greg asked the dr. if I could have IV drugs since the epidural wasn't working. I guess they gave me some, but not sure what they gave me. By this point I am starting to scream that I had to push. I felt so much pressure. The contractions were so painful. My dr. kept telling the anestheiologist that the pain I was having was not my siactic! They turned the pitocin off and I am yelling through every contraction. The dr. checks me and I am 6cm. I keep telling her I have to push. She said push it will help the rest of your cervix go away. The anestheiologist and the nurses are telling me to breathe through it and the dr. is telling them to shut up and for me to push. I felt the baby drop further down and started yelling that I didn't want to feel that again. The dr. said I know, but you have too. I don't know what time it was when the dr. checked me again, but she said, we need to get things ready or she is going to have this baby on the bed. About 7 nurses started running around my room getting things set up. It was a little scary, but I was in too much pain to care. Greg kept telling me of my progress. "Ok, his head is half way out, keep going". Ok, here comes the rest of it, ok, his head is out. " I was freaking out at this point, Begging God to help me and cussing like I've never cussed before at the same time. It felt like an out of body experience. My body was doing on thing while my mind was thinking another. It's almost like it couldn't control it. Finally the dr. said "Emily, look at me. One more push and he is out" So I gave it everything I had and out came Samuel Malachi at 1:48 pm. From first contraction to delivery it was 4 1/2 hours. Pretty darn fast. The medicine they gave me didn't take away any of the pain. I felt it all! I guess whatever they gave me through the IV did have and effect on me though because as soon as he was out I felt like I couldn't keep my eyes open. I was literally falling asleep on the bed. That only lasted until they put my beautiful boy in my arms. AMAZING! Thank God for a healthy baby!!

It's almost over.

Well, I've been off bedrest for over 3 weeks now and still no baby! Who would have ever thought that I would still be pregnant at the end of November?!! I never ever entertained the thought that I wouldn't have a baby in my arms for Thanksgiving. I guess that is something to be thankful for though because now I know he will be very healthy and he will come home from the hospital with me.

This has been a pretty difficult pregnancy for me. I don't know if it's because I have two little ones at home already or for some other reason. The bedrest was difficult, but it seems to have gotten harder since coming off the bedrest. I think having the doctor tell me so many times that she didn't expect me to make it to my next appt. has something to do with it too. She kept telling me that I would deliver Samuel before I delivered either of the boys. Well, she was wrong on that one. I've never gotten this far in a pregnancy before. I'll be 38 weeks tomorrow! UNREAL!! I'm so tired of not getting a good nights sleep. I know that won't change when the baby comes, but at least the sleep I will get will be comfortable sleep. Right now it's a battle to find a comfortable position to sleep in. I'm tired of being out of breath all the time, of having to squat so I can reach what is on the floor (sometimes it's still a struggle). I don't remember having all of these difficulties with Nate and Eli. Odd since I feel like I am smaller with this baby than with the boys.

As difficult as this pregnancy has been I feel extremely blessed that Samuel is coming to join our family. He is already teaching me so many things. Like patience!! Well, the wait is almost over. I went to the dr. on Monday and asked her is she would be so kind and to encourage this kid to come out. She has scheduled me for an induction on Tuesday, December 5th. So if Samuel decides to stay in until then his birthday will be December 5th. I'm so excited!! I can't wait to hold my precious baby boy! I can't wait to see if he looks like Nate or Eli or if he looks completely different. How big will he be? Will he have hair or be bald?
I'm also a little nervous about the delivery. Ok, I'm a lot nervous! I was laying in bed the other day thinking about the pain and then thinking about getting the epidural to get rid of the pain. OUCH!!! Thanks a lot EVE!! I told Greg the other day that child birth is the worst pain that we inflict on ourselves. There is nothing natural that is more painful, yet we keep going back for more. I'm not sure if that makes us stupid, ignorant, dumb, or the most loving creatures ever. Probably all of the above. Anyway, as the time for Samuel to enter the world draws near there are a few things I would like to say to him.

Samuel, even though we have not met face to face yet I want you to know that you have already brought me more joy that you know. With each little movement I am reminded what a miracle you are and how amazing our God is!! Even with all of the difficulties this pregnancy has held I wouldn't change a thing. Because of all of the uncertainty you are even that much more of a miracle. God has answered my prayers by allowing you to grow strong and healthy while remaining inside of me. When you come out to join our family and as you grow, please remember how much your mommy and daddy and big brothers love you, but most of all remember how much your heavenly Father loves you. He brought you into this world for a reason. It may take a long time to figure out what that reason is, but you have a purpose. I love you sweet boy and I can't wait to hold you in my arms and kiss your sweet little face! God Bless you little one!

NO MORE BEDREST!

Well, it's been a week since I've been off bedrest. Everyone thought I would have this baby a couple of days after I got up and around, but so far nothing. Nothing significant anyway. I've had a couple of nights this week that I thought for sure we were having a baby, but then teh contractions just quit. I did a little bit of research on something called prodromal labor and it seems to be what I have.

Often in the past prodromal labor has been given the misnomer "false labor", yet every woman experiencing it has said in frustration "There's nothing false about what I'm feeling!" The misunderstanding has arisen because prodromal labor can feel very much like active labor, yet is not consistently progressive; it does not lead without a break to the birth of the baby. It does, though, serve an important function in the birth process. Prodromal labor does the preliminary work of preparing the uterus, baby and cervix for birth. All of this work has to be done before the baby can be born. Some women's bodies do it all without her being aware of it. However, some women's bodies draw a great deal of attention to the work being done. Too much sometimes.

"This is driving me crazy," one pregnant mother sighed. "I've been having contractions off and on now for three days. Just when I think it's time to call my midwife, they completely stop again!"

Length:

Prodromal labor contractions may begin hours or even days before active labor.
Contractions:

The contractions may feel like Braxton Hicks contractions or they may be quite a bit stronger.


They are irregular in length, frequency and intensity. The key word here is irregular. In general though, they are not longer than a minute and not more frequent than 7 to 10 minutes apart. They shouldn't be so intense that they take your breath away.


They may or may not be affected by your activity. The wisest course is to vary your activity level, alternating periods of mild activity with rest.

Physical Effects:

The cervix is moving from a posterior (back) position to an anterior (forward) position.


The cervix is softening.


The cervix is beginning its effacement or thinning. It may thin anywhere from 0% to 50% during this stage.


You may lose your mucous plug from the cervix.


Your cervix may begin to dilate, opening anywhere from 1 to 4 centimeters.
Emotional Effects:

You may be quite excited when you first feel these contractions, especially if they are stronger than any you've had until now.


As time goes on and the contractions continue without any apparent progress you may feel let down and eventually become quite tired and discouraged.


This described exactly how I've been feeling. Once the contractions were so strong I was in tears. I'm encouraging this kiddo to make is appearance by being really active. Lots of cleaning and walking. And other things I won't mention. I even made "labor brownies" today. The ingredients are the same as in regular brownies, so I'm not putting much hope in these. Although I am convinced that eating BBQ pork ribs sent me into labor with Eli. Maybe I'll try that again. I still have 4 weeks to go in the pregnancy, so I still have some time, I'm just getting impatient because I expected him to be here already. I am 35 weeks 3 days today. Nate was born at 35 weeks 3 days and Eli at 36 weeks 6 days, so I'm pretty sure we will have a baby within the next 2 weeks. He could surprise me though.

I'm just so happy to finally be able to get off the couch and clean my kitchen and do the laundry and spank the kids! Who thought I'd ever say that?!! I think the kdis are probably happy to have their mom back too. Greg did an awesome job playing Mr. Mom, but I know he was getting sick of it. He is probably the happiest of us all!!! Thanks honey!






I think tomorrow I am going to make a trip out to the shed and get out our Christmas decorations. The kids and I will put up everything but the tree and the outside lights. Greg gets the honor of putting up the lights (his least favorite job ever!). I'm kind of thinking it would be fun to wait until Sam is born to put up the tree. Unless he decides to wait until after Thanksgiving. If he isn't here by then we are putting it up without him. Sorry buddy. I'm so anxious for Christmas. I also need to see if I can find my non-maternity clothes. I looked the other day, but didn't see them. I think I missed about 3 boxes though, so hopefully they are in there. If not I guess I'll just have to go buy some new ones. Not too many though. Greg and I are planning on going on a diet after Sam comes. Val wrote out for us what she had done and we are going to follow that. Val has lost a lot of weight and she looks awesome! WAY TO GO VAL!!! Ok, I think that is it for now. See ya!

Bedrest Update

Well, I went to the dr. this morning. She is keeping me on bedrest for the next 5 1/2 weeks. She will take me off at 34 weeks (around Nov. 2nd) She expects the baby to come not long after that. Hopefully the next few weeks will fly by and before I know it I will be holding a happy and healthy baby Samuel in my arms.

Bedrest!

Well, it's happened again. Sunday I went to the hospital in Harlingen for a Sibling Education class with Nathan. He was going to learn how to change a diaper and help out with his new baby brother. I got there and found out the class hadn't been scheduled. So Nate and I headed out to get icecream. I had been having a lot of contractions that day and decided to call my dr. while I was in Harlingen so just in case she wanted to me to go to the hospital I wouldn't have to drive all the way from Brownsville again. Well, she did tell me to go in. They hooked me up to the monitors (watches for contractions and keeps baby heartbeat). I was showing what the oncall dr. called irritability, but no contractions. She called my dr. and she wanted to admit me. Miss Nikki (the children's minister at Central) came and picked Nate up and I was transfered to the postpartum unit to be monitored. I was told that I would have steroid shots to help mature Sam's lungs faster and I would be monitored every 8 hours for 30 minutes to check on the contractions. The first night I got about 3 hours sleep with the nurses coming in to take my blood pressure and temp. And the contractions were keeping me awake, but none of them were showing up when they would put the monitors on. WIERD and ANNOYING!! Finally I got a nurse who told me that they trust what moms say over the monitors, especially if it is not their first baby. In other words, I know when I'm having a contration. Been there done that! On Tuesday I finished the steroid shots and talked to the dr. around 6:00pm. She told me that I hadn't been kept because of preterm labor, but because while I was at the hospital she wanted to go ahead and give me the steroid shots because of my history with preterm labor. I was really thankful for this and was going to ask her about it at my next appt. Anyway, I have been put on complete bedrest. All I can do it take a shower and go to the bathroom!! Really fun when you have a 4 and 2 year old at home! Greg has been awesome through all of this. He is doing the dishes and laundry and taking care of the kids. My MOPS group and a few ladies from the church have been providing meals for us. I have really been blessed by the caring and concern that people have shown us. I go to the dr. tomorrow for a reevaluation. She is going to ask about my contractions and probably make sure I haven't started to dialate. If she thinks I'm ok, then she may take me off bedrest. Truthfully I doubt that will happen though because I'm going to have to tell her that I can definately tell a difference in the contractions when I am laying down and when I get up to take a shower (or fold the occasional load of laundry. SHHHHH!). Yesterday I had to go to the store with Greg to get my WIC voucher food. I am the only one who can sign for it and I needed milk. I felt horrible for the rest of the night. We were only at the store maybe 20 minutes too. Anyway, just wanted to give you all an update. I'll update again after tomorrow appt.

Lifetime of Lasts

When I found out I was pregnant with Nate, my mom began telling me to enjoy every moment because life goes by so fast. She has reminded me of this throughout the last four years. Other too have told me how fast your children grow up. "You'll blink and they will be graduating high school." Because I have heard this so much I have really tried to treasure the moments with my boys. I told a friend the other day that I didn't want to send Nate to school yet because I knew that was the beginning of the lightning years. Once school starts it seems like life is going to go by ten times faster. I know there is nothing that I can do about it, so I have decided to enjoy my sons. Squeeze them a little tighter and hold them a little longer during hugs. Let them splash a little longer in the tub, even if it is a huge mess to clean up later. When they want my attention to turn off the TV, or let the dishes sit in the sink, or let the laundry pile up a little and listen to what their sweet voices have to say. My mom in all her wisdom has taught me to cherish my children. I can never thank her enough for that lesson. Thank you momma!

That being said, I have been reading a series of books by Karen Kingsbury with Gary Smalley. It is called the Redemption Series and I definately recommend it for anyone wanting a good read. In the fourth book of this series a mother writes a poem to her only son on the night before his wedding. As I read this poem I cried. Not just a tear here and there. I was sobbing. I read the poem to Greg and he couldn't understand half of it because I was crying so hard. I think every mom has regrets when the kids are all moved out of the house, but I am determined to have a minimal amount of them. We'll see how that works out in 20 years or so. Anyway, here is the poem. Don't let it make you sad, just let it make you appreciate your children more. Blessings to all!!

Long ago you came to me, a miracle of firsts
First smiles and teeth and baby steps, a sunbeam on the burst.
But one day you will move away and leave me to your past,
And I will be left thinking of a lifetime of your lasts.

The last time that I held a bottle to your baby lips…
Last time that I lifted you and held you on my hip…
Last time when you had a binky stuck inside your mouth…
The last time that you crawled across the floor of this old house.

Last time when you ran to me still small enough to hold,
Last time when you said you’d marry me when you grew old.
Precious, simple moments and bright flashes from the past,
Would I have held you longer if I’d known they were the last?”

Your last few hours of kindergarten, last days of first grade…
Last at bat in Little League, last colored paper made.
Last time that I tucked you in for one last midday nap…
Last time when you wore your beat-up Green Bay Packers cap.

Last time that you caught a frog in that old backyard pond…
Last time when you can barefoot across our fresh-cut lawn.
Silly scattered images to represent your past.
Would I have taken pictures if I’d known they were the last?

The last dark night you slipped in bed and slept between us two,
When last I read to you of God or Horton Hears a Who!
Last time that I smelled your hair and prayed after your shower…
Last time that we held devotions in the evening hours.

The last time you were M.J. in our games of give-and-go…
Last time that you made an angel in the melting snow.
I never even said good-bye to yesterdays long passed.
Would I have marked the moments if I’d known they were the last?

Last Piano lesson, and last soccer goal you kicked…
The last few weeks of middle school, last flowers that you picked.
Last time that you needed me for rides from here to there…
Last time that you spent the night with that old tattered bear.

Last time that I helped you with a math or spelling test,
Last time when I shouted that your room was still a mess.
Time and life moved quicker, taking pieces of your past.
Would I have stretched the moments if I’d known they were the last?

The last time that you needed help with details of a dance…
Last time that you asked me for advice about romance.
Last time that you talked to me about your hopes and dreams.
Last time that you wore a jersey for your high school team.

I watched you grow and never noticed seasons as they passed.
I wish I could’ve frozen time to hold on to your lasts.
For come tomorrow morning life will never be the same.
You’ll pledge forever to your girl, and she will take your name.

And I will watch you knowing God had blessed you with this day
I never would have wanted, son, to somehow make you stay.
They say a son’s a son until he takes for him a wife.
You’re grown-up now; it’s time to go and start your brand-new life.

One last hug, one last good-bye, one quick and hurried kiss…
One last time to understand just how much you’ll be missed.
I’ll watch you leave and think how quickly childhood sped past.
Would I have held on longer if I’d know it was your last?

Things have been busy around here. Since I wrote last, we have gone to Arizona on vacation.

We went to Arizona to see Greg's grandparents, but we took a little detour. It was great, but I think I would enjoy it more if I would leave the kids with grandparents and not have to worry about them getting too close to the edge. It's a little scary for a momma. They boys enjoyed it so much too. They were both made Jr. Park Rangers. This was such an honor, especially for Nate who would go around sticking his chest out (to show everyone his Jr. Park Ranger badge) telling everyone he was a Jr. Park Ranger. When we would stop at different areas through the Oak River canyon he would always ask if there were signs. He loved looking at all of the informational signs. It really was cute!! Here is a picture of the Jr. Park Rangers. The day after visiting the Grand Canyon we were on our way home. We had to be at the airport at 4:30 because of the new restrictions they were putting on people about having liquids on the plane. Thankfully we had no trouble getting through security. Everything was fine until we got to the Houston airport. We were supposed to have about 35 minutes to catch our last flight. When we arrived we looked around at the TV's trying to figure out which gate we were supposed to be at. Our flight wasn't listed. We found a worker and asked for help. She called someone and we found out our flight had left 20 minutes earlier. I guess that's what you get when you book though expedia. We were put on the next flight to San Antonio which was leaving 2 hours later. It was frustrating having to wait another two hours. We had been up since 3:00 am and it was now 3:30 pm. I was tired, the boys were tired and we still had a 4-5 hour drive once we go into San Antonio. Everything worked out though and we pulled into our drive way around midnight.

Now that all of our traveling is over for awhile it is time to get ready for the baby's arrival. Since I went into labor early with Nate and Eli I want to make sure everything is ready with plenty of time to spare just in case history repeats itself. I am 9 weeks away from when I went into labor with Nate and was put on bedrest until his arrival. We started painting the boys room. All 3 of them will be in the same room. I think we have a floor plan that will give us enough room to walk around. Greg is supposed to help me finish the painting today. We'll see! I have all of the baby's clothes washed. Most of them are hanging in the closet already. Nate is getting really excited. Nate likes to come up to me and put his head on my belly. He asks if he is moving and then kisses my belly. Eli has started telling people how old he is. He will say "I'm 2, Nathan is 4, and Samuel." He can't leave out Samuel even though he doesn't have a number. It's sweet.

Last night Greg was in the 2nd Annual Gospel Music Explosion. He had to send in a demo and then go play for them. He was really excited that he made the cut. We went early with him since we only have one car and it was in Harlingen. We arrived at the church around 4:00. The program started at 6:00. Our car started to overheat on our way there, so I let it cool down and then took a speeding trip to O'Reilly to see if i could get it fixed. They told me it was a dealer only part, so we will have to take it in tomorrow. We arrived back at the church around 5:45. The program started at 6:00. At 7:00 the first act had still not come on. The preacher had been talking and had a guest preacher talk and there had been some praise and worship. I assumed we ould be home around 9:00. At 9:45 there were still 4 acts to go. Ones with multiple selections as opposed to selections. I figured it could be another 45 minutes before the thing was over. We had not eaten dinner before we left. Some people from church were coming that we had not seen in awhile, so we figured we would go out to dinner with them afterward. Needless to say the kids were starving and so was I, not to mention they were so tired of sitting there they were about to go crazy. I took the kids outside. Greg followed. I told him I couldn't sit there another hour, so we were going to get food. I called my mom from the parking lot at Dairy Queen in tears. It seems like everytime we do one of these things they ended up lasting 3 hours or more. In my opinion, that is kindof overdoing it. Especially when over half the people who were there in the beginning are gone. The preacher there said, "If you are sitting there looking at your watch, you are a weak Christian". I couldn't believe he said that. As people were walking out he was calling them weak Christians. I think a lot of feelings were hurt. Maybe I am weak. But I have been here since 4:00. I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old who didn't get their full naps today. I am 7 months pregnant and none of us had dinner before we came. If we had known this thing was going to last so long we would not have come. I think sometimes people need to be more sensitive to other's time. Had Greg not been a part of the program we would have left. Anyway, I was just a bit upset. Not to mention I felt like a horrible person because I wanted to leave. We ended up leaving the church around 11:15. At 12:00 we finally crawled into bed exhausted. The program went a full 5 hours. Greg told me the people doing the program thought it went too long too which made me feel better. They didn't expect it to take that long. I just hope some things are changed for next year or I will not be attending the 3rd Annual Gospel Explosion. Sorry, didn't mean to get on a tantrum there. Greg did a great job by the way. I always get so nervous when he performs. Maybe more nervous than he is. Sometimes I find myself holding my breathe until he is done.

My parents are coming here on Sept. 10th. Mom wanted to fly on the 11th, but that didn't sound good to me. Anyway, they will be here in the evening and are staying until the evening of the 14th. I can't wait for them to see the house and all that we have done with it. I miss them so much. It will be so good to see them again. I can't wait!!!

Well, I guess that is all for now. I'll write again soon. Hopefully!

Well, things have been super busy since my last post. We went to Joplin on Sunday July 2nd. After church we came home to take quick naps before our flight left at 5:40. I was trying to sleep but heard Greg talking to Nate. I went in to see what was going on. Greg was taking sheets off Nate's bed and putting them in the washing machine. Apparently Nate threw up. I thought it was just a fluke and maybe he was just excited. He was running around acting fine. Then I was in the bathroom doing my hair when he ran in and said "Mommy I have to throw up". Luckily he made it to the toilet. Then he was running around again. He threw up a couple more times before we left for the airport. Thankfully Greg had enough foresight to put a trashcan in the car for the 30 minute drive to the airport. More throwing up in the car by Nate and this time I joined him. I think mine was just motion sickness and baby. We were standing in line to board when we again had to make a mad dash for the bathroom. I think we used about 8 barf bags on the planes. We finally arrived in Tulsa around 9:30pm. Nate was so excited to see Grandmama and Grandaddy. He was walking really fast down the long hallway when out of the blue, BARF AGAIN!!! UGGGGG!!!! Thankfully that was the last of it. He fell asleep on the way home and the next morning was perfectly fine.



The morning of the 3rd Val came over with her family. It was the first time I got to meet my new neice Addelyn Demetria. She was one month old. She is absolutely beautiful and looks just like her momma. Ari had grown so much and it was so fun to have her say "Auntie Em!" and then reach up for me. I miss them both terribly. Greg's mom and dad came over in the morning. His mom made a breakfast casserole for us. It was great!

The night of the 3rd we were having all of our best friends over to my parents for a BBQ. Valery and Stef and I went to get some fireworks for that night. On the way there I started feeling queasy. I figured it was motion sickness again. I get it really bad! We got home again and the friends were starting to arrive. I started hugging everyone, but couldn't shake the queasiness. About an hour later it was my turn!! I was so sick all night and some of the next day. It was miserable. I almost had my dad take me to the hospital because I was scared of dehydration with the baby. I missed all of the fun with the friends that night. I was so disappointed. Everyone seemed to still have a good time though.

On the 4th the whole Benson clan was there. Mom and Dad, Me and my family, Val and her family, Holly and hubby and Stef. We had so much fun. Just being together was awesome. Eli had gotten sick early in the morning, but his only lasted about 3 hours and he was fine. While shooting off fireworks Greg got sick. He only threw up once though and he was finished. We thought about cancelling his flight that was supposed to leave the next morning, but he assured us he would be fine.

The next days were full of shopping, hanging out at the pool, Texas Hold 'Em, and just enjoying each others company.

Another Precious Baby Boy!!

We found out yesterday that we are expecting another baby BOY!!!! I really thought this baby was a girl, but it's pretty obvious that I was wrong. His name will be Samuel Malachi. People keep saying, "Aww, I know you wanted that girl."
No, not necessarily. How could I go wrong with another boy! I just wanted a healthy baby and it looks like God is giving me that, so I am thrilled!!!

My new business idea!

I'm going to work on my photography skills. I love taking pictures of the kids and some of them are pretty good! Here's an example. It's just something I like to do and a few people have told me they are pretty good. Anyway, here it is.

We've made a decision!

We decided on names for the baby. For those of you who say they will change, THEY WILL NOT!!! (Valery)
Ok, so here they are.








Are you ready?








Are you sure?












Do you really want to know?











Oh, never mind!












Just Kidding!!


We will be finding out at the end of July if this baby is a boy or girl. If it is a boy his name will be



Samuel Malachi

and if its a girl her name will be

Claire Elizabeth


So, what do you think? Answer: You love both names. No seriously, let me know what you think. WARNING: Your opinion will not change the names!!

We actually gave the boys the choice of the boy name (we gave them 2 to choose from) and they picked Samuel. Elizabeth was my great-great grandmothers middle name. Claire and Malachi just because I like them.

6 years!!

Six years ago on June 3rd. I married the love of my life!! I can't believe it's been six years!! How time flies!! It's been a great six years and I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful man to share my life with. I love you Greg!

I'm an Aunt again!!!

Valery had her second daughter on June 1st!!! Addelyn Demetria. She is beautiful!!! It's hard to be so far away, but I will get to see her in 4 weeks!! I can't wait!! Ari seems so proud to be a big sister!! What fun!!! Valery had an all natural labor. Her water was broken at 8:00 and she delivered at 10:37!!! That's fast!! No medicine! MY HERO! Here is a picture of the new beautiful sweetheart!! Auntie Em loves you Addy! And Ari!!