Shopping with my Posse

Went to Costco the other day.

I was waiting in line and happened to see a mom with her two little girls and their grandma.  The adults were dressed as if they belonged to a prestigious golf club, and the adorable girls (both sitting in the cart, perfectly behaved) were dressed in the latest boutique clothes with matching hair accessories.  

They were the image of controlled perfection.

And then there was...us.

My hair in a messy bun with a large belly and (I'm sure) some sort of stain on that large belly.

My crazy, curly haired little girl who likes to make her siblings laugh.

Three energy filled boys.

A giggling pre-teen.

And two carts.

I perspired through the line, and we all made it back to the Monster Marshmallow (the affectionate name for our new-to-us 15 passenger van) in one piece.  

I loaded the two carts worth of stuff into the enormous vehicle and lugged my large self into the driver's seat.

Looking in the mirror, I realized I had a booger in my nose.

My thoughts went back to the golf club family, and I laughed at the juxtaposition.
  

Then I thought...

I'd rather have this.

Big belly, messy hair, wildness and all (except, maybe, the booger.)

This is my joy-filled life.

And I am thankful!

Giving Thanks for...Laundry

"...always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

 

 

Feeling grateful and thankful this morning as I fold mounds of laundry and hear the washing machine and dryer continue on.

 

I don't always feel this way about laundry, but today I can't help but think...

 

We are so blessed.

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I woke up really early this morning (strange pregnancy hormones) and have already gotten a boat-load of stuff done before the kids have awaken.

 

Or maybe it's because I'm so spiritual.  ;)

 

Either way, I am GIVING THANKS to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ for all He has given.

 

Even laundry.

 

Happy Due Date to Me...

40 weeks today.

No signs of labor.

Typical.

We "celebrated" today.

The morning excitement was a snapping turtle making its way across our yard.

 Then we went to the library to turn in the kids' reading programs.  They were looking forward to turning these in since they got them!  They each got a book and a bag with coupons and small goodies in it.

I'm glad we no longer are keeping track of their reading time.  ;)

Then we headed to our friends' house.  They're out of town for the week, but offered us the use of their pool.  Since it was such a hot day, we enjoyed our swim.

After swimming and jumping on the trampoline (the latter done by only the kids, not me - although, maybe I should have tried it!), we went to get ice cream at our small town's ice cream shop.  Yummy.

Then we came home and the kids colored on their boxes (that we picked up at Costco the last time we were there) while I read them a book.

About 3 chapters into the book, I fell asleep.  What can I say?  I'm 40 weeks pregnant.

While I was dozing, a dear friend came over to drop off some cookies.  Just because.  So sweet (the cookies and the friend)!  

After polishing off the cookies, the kids and I watched some old Zorro episodes.  I remember watching the reruns when I was younger.  It's been fun to share them with the kids.

I sat and drank tea, still trying to wake up from my nap.

But, you know, when you're a mom with a 3 year old, you can't just sit by yourself...

We ended the evening by playing in the aforementioned pool with the aforementioned dear friend and her family. 

All in all, it was a very nice day, and I'm thankful to the Lord for providing it.

No baby, but that was to be expected.

She'll be here within 2 weeks or so (Lord willing).

Until then...I'll try to be patient.

This Moment...

Emilia's favorite thing:

Moments to Remember

Nothing says, "We homeschool" like being at a park during school hours.  :)

It was pretty hot, but the kids and I had a lot of fun enjoying the weather and each other. 

I linked up to 1+1+1=1 with my homeschool moments to remember from this week!

This Moment in our Week

Linking up to SouleMama with This Moment from our week.

"{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember." ~SouleMama

This Moment in Our Day

Trying to finish my coffee before it's cold.

Emilia and Jonny playing Connect Four.  Matthew watching. 

 Baby (not so much of a baby anymore...) napping. 

Already done:  Bible time, a little math, a little reading, a lot of other necessary stuff that takes time...

Still to do:  More math, more reading, spelling, language lessons, copywork, science, this online keyboard typing game for kids, loving on these four wonderful children, savoring this spring-like day in January, thanking the Lord for His goodness in my life...

Oops...my coffee is cold.