Financial Planning

I know I've mentioned in the past that Greg and I went through Financial Peace University last summer (FPU).  Well I'm proud to say that 12 months later we are still on budget, have a little over 50% of our debt paid off and have a small (but we're proud) emergency fund (it's actually probably more then most of America has).  I highly recommend the program!  

Did ya'll watch "UnBroke" last night?

It was really cute!  Greg and I got a good laugh.  This excerpt with Seth Green especially made us laugh:

Puzzeling

I'm "trying" to be super Mom and limit Wii playing and TV watching after school.  It's tough.  When everyone gets home the last thing I want is everyone looking at me, while I'm trying to make dinner, asking for ideas for entertainment.

Yesterday we made it through the entire afternoon without a single media source.  Granted I had to "bribe" Ethan (he got one caught you being good IF he completed an entire puzzle, he has to have 15 to go on a one-on-one date, so bribing him with one seemed like a good plan).  

Ethan's one of those kids who left to his own devices would NEVER do a puzzle.  I was SO proud of him for working on that thing.  He worked pretty diligently for about 2 hours.  I was impressed and he couldn't be more proud of his masterpiece:

He especially wanted everyone to see this:

100 pieces!!  That's huge when you are six!

In other puzzling news, we have no idea what to name this child.  The boys all have their own ideas.  I found this paper on the ground the other night, maybe Gabe is trying to tell me something:  

In other Gabe news, I'm going to be charging the doctor and tech that told us we were having a boy with Gabe's future therapy bills.  He keeps telling me that he will see our baby in heaven, the baby boy that used to be in my stomach.  YIKES!  Poor kid!

23 Weeks

I really should be taking more of these:

Today, I'm 23 weeks.  WOW!  That means, if all goes planned, we have 15 more weeks to go!  How exciting!  I'm starting to get ready, I've picked out a quilt pattern and fabric, my dear friend has agreed to make me bumpers and a crib skirt (still working on fabric for that), I've registered at Target and Babies R Us (which was kind of weird since the last time I registered was 8 years ago!), I'm looking at paint chips (I thought for sure I'd do pink, but pink seems a little overwhelming) and Mom and I have gotten a few outfits.  Baby girl is going to be here before we know it!

The Rest of The Story

Well as most of ya'll know we went for a gender check at 14 weeks 6 days.  The doctor (in this terrible shady office) told us he was 75% certain we were having a boy.  We went home that day and I grieved briefly.  I was actually more accepting then ever to be having ANOTHER boy.  

As a family we had kind of decided to name "him" Noah and we were making plans.  On May 13th I had my diagnostic ultrasound.  The tech took a look at my gall bladder (which looks great, BIG stone still there) and then began to look at "Noah".  "He" was measuring perfectly.  At the very end the tech began looking to confirm the gender.  She took this picture:  

And then mentioned that she wanted to go talk to the Radiologist because things didn't look quite right with "his" penis.  Basically our son was missing a scrotum.  YIKES!  As we sat in that little room we were freaking out in our own ways.  I was really quite, Greg was talking.  The tech came back, after what seemed like an eternity, and told us they wanted us to come back in 4 weeks for another ultrasound.  She told us the baby looked healthy but that she couldn't get a good look at the baby's spine and they wanted to check out the gender again.  She also mentioned that she had looked into a book and felt certain that we were having a boy with hypospadias (a condition that two of our other children have).  It's an easily "fixed" problem.  That morning we were told that the Radiologist was also looking into the "problem" and would write up his report which would be in my OB file.

We left the hospital and things started to sink in.  We possibly had a child with genital issues which can by symptomatic of other syndromes.  Of course I began to FREAK out but I felt like the radiologist's report would clear up the matter.  The following day I had an OB appointment, the doctor pulled up the report, which was very vague, and we decided a Level II ultrasound would be beneficial considering our history.  

As soon as I got home I began calling to make my appointment.  Unfortunately the Army health system can be VERY slow.  By Monday (our ultrasound was the previous Wednesday) I was beside myself.  When I finally got ahold of the right department they got an earful when they told me that my situation was not "ASAP" and that it would be 4-5 weeks before I would be able to get in.  I was now to the point of sobbing, especially when a well intentioned nurse told me that I just needed to "have hope" and "drink a glass of water".  Thankfully, I have an amazing husband and a great network of doctors on my side.  Greg took Tuesday morning off and with his amazing persuasion skills got us in for an appointment on the following Thursday. 

Now let's rewind to my birthday, on Sunday May 17th, the Sunday between my two ultrasounds.  Greg knew how upset I was about the situation at hand.  I wasn't sleeping well and was pretty snippy with everyone.  For my birthday gift, my sweet husband, scheduled another Gender check at a really nice facility.  It felt good to be doing something.  The techs at the ultrasound place assured us that they were never wrong and always found what they were looking for.  They escorted us into a beautiful room and got us all set up.  Within a couple of minutes we were told that they were 100% certain that we were having a girl.  I was shocked!  I bawled. WHAT?!  I wanted desperately to believe that there was nothing wrong with our baby and that the absence of a scrotum was simply the fact that we were having a girl.  I couldn't totally believe it.  I knew I wouldn't believe it with my heart and soul until we had confirmation from a specialist.  I allowed myself to buy one little pink outfit (we have NOTHING pink) and told a few friends and family but it was really news I wanted to keep under my hat until we knew FOR SURE.  The boys reaction that day was priceless.  They were so excited for us.  Sam said "This is perfect, she found out on her birthday".  I have the sweetest five men on the planet!

From Monday until Thursday I slept even more fitfully.  I was up every hour, pottying and looking at the clock.  Every morning I was up and at em' at 6:00, which is totally not like me.  I thought Thursday would NEVER get there.  On Thursday morning, my sweet friend Connie took my youngest boys, we got the big boys on the bus and we headed up to Bethesda.  We had to wait over an hour to see the doctor, in that time I went to the bathroom SIX times, it was beginning to get embarrassing.  By the time they took us back I thought I was going to just have to live in the bathroom.  

The doctor took our history and then began to look at the baby.  When she got down to the "money shots" she kept writing "gender".  YIKES!!  At that point I was certain we must be having a hermaphrodite.  I nearly fell off the bed when she told us she wanted to consult with another doctor.  When the other doctor came him he stuck the wand on my belly and within about 30 seconds said "Well, girls always take care of you in your old age".  I cried again.  Just to calm our fears the doctor even showed us her uterus, which floored us...I guess we figured they grew those later!  

We are thrilled to know that our baby is perfect and their is a great reason why "he" is missing a scrotum.  I definitely think this story will have to go in her baby book.

I am totally overwhelmed.  I have been perusing the internet for nursery ideas.  With five children we are on a pretty tight budget so there will be nothing extravagant.  I can't wait to hit the yard sales and consignment sales in the area!  I don't even know where to begin when it comes to colors, fabrics, etc.  I actually began hyperventilating one evening while checking out crib bedding sets, pathetic, huh?!  

I am so thankful the Lord has answered our prayers for a girl and for a healthy baby!  Thanks for all the congrats!  It's been an great unexpected couple of weeks!

Never So Glad for A Doctor to Be Wrong

We are emotionally exhausted but I just had to post our FANTASTIC news! I will tell the whole story tomorrow BUT I just had to let everyone know that we are having a perfectly healthy, perfectly normal BABY GIRL!! I cried, as did my Mom, Dad and Mother-in-Law. I just cannot believe it is true! Thank you Lord!!

Stay tuned for the story of our emotional roller coaster!

Quotable Quotes

Nothing exciting here today.  The boys and I spent the morning at the dentist and all are still members of the No-Cavity Club!  YAY!  Our Level II ultrasound should be Thursday at 11:00 hoping to have exciting news that day!

I found this quote recently and thought it was worth posting.  It's been on my fridge and I read it several times a day:

I spent a long time trying to come to grips with my doubts, when suddenly I realized I had better come to grips with what I believe.  I have since moved from the agony of questions that I cannot answer, to the reality of answers that I cannot escape...and it's a great relief.

- Tom Skinner

Stay tuned Thursday afternoon!  Hoping we have some answers and an official announcement!

Random Musings

It's a random sort of day. Joel, Gabe and I are being lazy. It's wonderful. We started the day with this:



Greg and I LOVE this song (ya'll know we're from Kentucky, right?!). I heard it at the bus stop as I was dropping the boys off. When we're together Greg and I always roll down all the windows and sing at the top of our lungs. How can you not smile? (You don't have to watch the ENTIRE video, he goes on to introduce his band, etc).

On Sunday I'm turning 30. I cannot believe it. Where did my 20's go?? I swear I blinked and they were over. 30...WOW...!

On Wednesday, we had our ultrasound. Our baby is good, but something isn't quite right. We are anxiously awaiting scheduling a Level II ultrasound. As of right now we are not 100% sure if we are having a boy or a girl. I have been running through Psalm 139:13-16 a lot:

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of the came to be.

The good news is, heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach, etc, all seem to be in good working order. We will post more when we know more! We don't think this is a big deal, but please keep us in your prayers.

Lastly, I had the sweetest comment the other day from a gal named Lacey. So sweet! It made my day. Girl, if you are near Woodbridge we should get together!

All the Little Things they Say...

I know I give a disproportionate amount of Gabeisms on this blog...but four year olds say the FUNNIEST things!

Gabe and I often play the I love you game.  He says I love you, I say (very adamantly) I love you, and it goes back in forth until one of us gives up...usually me.  Last week he grew exasperated very quickly, looked at me very seriously and yelled "WHY DON'T YOU JUST LET ME LOVE YOU".  I melted!

Gabe has been taking swim lessons since January and has been progressing nicely.  He has a bad habit of running from place to place which drives me batty as a former lifeguard.  Last week while hopping, skipping and jumping he took a nasty spill on the tile floor.  After class I was examining his forehead.  

Me:  "Gabe that's a nasty bump on your forehead"

Gabe:  "Mommy, why do they call it a forehead"

Me:  "Hmmm....I'm not sure Gabe"

Gabe:  "Why don't they just call it a onehead"

This kids smarter then I give him credit for, HA!

I have been slowly reading this book:

It's by Lisa Whelchel who played Blaire on the Facts of Life.  It's a bit of an overwhelming book because it offers a million ideas of things you COULD be doing with your children, which makes me feel like a slug (which she totally warns against).  Overall though, it has some good ideas.

One of the things she suggests is having a high/low talk with your children just before you tuck the in at night.  I've always had the boys give me one good thing and one bad thing that happened at school as soon they come off the bus (otherwise it's impossible to get boys to talk).  I kind of liked the idea of having a more intimate time with the boys one on one as I tucked them in mainly because I hoped they would be a little more open if they didn't feel like their brothers were listening.

It has been nice spending that quite time with them, talking and praying with each of them right before bed.  The first night was by far the best.  I knelt down beside Sam's bed and took both of his not-so-little-anymore hands in mine and he told me a little about his day.  Nothing monumental or earth shattering but I loved having that quite moment with my babies.  I prayed with him and as I kissed him he sheepishly looked at me and said, "Mommy, you smell good".  It was one of the nicest things they have ever said to me.  He got really embarrassed when I asked him what I smelled like.  He couldn't give me an answer.  I have a feeling it was a mixture of Woolite, Dream Angels body spray and the bacon and brownies I had made earlier in the day.  Regardless I was thrilled that he thought I smelled great.  I'm still walking on air a little on this one!!  (Crazy, huh?!)  I guess it's because sensory memories are some of the strongest, and I hope he thinks of me when ever there is a trigger (even if it's bacon).  

Have a FABULOUS weekend!!  The suns out here, for now, and I want to enjoy it!

Gosh...I get sooo far behind!

Everyday I think "MAN I need to post on my blog"....followed by the thought...."Oh but it takes SOO much work". I know it's pathetic isn't it. It really isn't that hard to post, it just seems like it takes awhile and well I haven't had "awhile" lately.

I don't know about you but I am TIRED of the rain. I am WEARY of it. Yeah, yeah, I know "April Showers bring May Flowers" but it's May and it's STILL raining!

Since April 16th, the date of my last post, we've been busy, busy, busy. The boys started back to school after spring break. Two weeks later Greg was able to take a week of leave, we are in use or lose territory, bleh, so we are using!! (I'm not too sure we don't still have leave built up from when he was deployed last.) On the first weekend of his leave we woke up and decided that we needed to take a mini vacation! We surprised the boys with GREAT WOLF LODGE! They don't remember the last time we went (Sam was 3, Ethan was 18 months and Gabe was in utero, they hated it that year). This year we had a blast!! Joel even enjoyed drowning himself on the slide. You should have seen the looks people were giving us, you would have thought we were the worst parents ever sending him down that slide, oh but he loved it! We did deserve the dirty looks when he christined the entire slide with one long diarreah streak. We're hoping no one saw that! Oh man was it disgusting! I couldn't believe I was one of "those" parents...hoping no one got ecoli that day...

The boys slept really well that night:


This was our first experience with bunk beds. There was only one set and everyone wanted to sleep in the "kid cabin" so Ethan and Gabe slept together. Everyone did a great job. We have the best kids!

The next morning we got up and went to one of the hundreds of pancake joints in Williamsburg. No kidding there is probably one on every corner in that town! Here are the boys right before we left, aren't they precious:

I LOVE that Gabe is waving with that goofy grin on his face!

After Great Wolf Lodge we drove down to the more colonial area of Williamsburg. It was a dream. I love going to old areas especially if they have yummy restaurants. We also enjoyed checking out all the quaint little shops. I was able to shop ahead for the boys annual Christmas ornament, which is always a delight and we fully stuffed ourselves with samples from The Peanut Shop at Williamsburg. I highly recommed anything from their store or website! It was so fun to get away, I'm so glad we got a chance to take the boys out of their normal routine and surprise them with a little trip.

The rest of Greg's leave was spent spring cleaning. I'll tell ya my husband is a crazy man. We got SO much done! You wouldn't really know it by looking at my house now, but we were able to spring clean most of it as well as get the outside "stuff" in order. We also sold a few things on Craigslist. Anybody in the market for:

Antique Rockers

A double baby jogger....OR...

a baby walker?

Greg's been out of town so I haven't reposted them, but I'm hoping they sell the second time around!

Can I just tell you, I meet some VERY intersting people on Craigslist! I sold a high chair to a lady who was pregnant with triplets. From the way she spoke I thought these were her first and I just assumed that she was probably an older Mom and had been on fertility treatments. I know, I know, bad of me to assume...yeah, yeah. Now let me tell you the REAL story. She was super sweet and super pregnant. She has a seven year old and a five year old (both girls), she also has two year old twin girls and now she is pregnant with TRIPLETS (two boys and a girl) all, by the way, conceived naturally!! YOZERS!! That's six girls and one boy under the age of seven. I nearly fell over.

The second gal I met was also pregnant, she was buying one of my other double strollers. She told me how much an answer to prayers the stroller was (which was nice to hear) and how her husband was in theater, about to get laid off and they were moving to Evansville, IN (which is pretty close to my home town). I was so glad to know that my stroller was going to a good home.

We also purchased a Ballard Design desk for a great deal from another pregnant lady (it must be in the water around here). I went on a Women's Retreat this weekend, which was AMAZING and while I was gone Greg set me up an entire craft area. I'll take pics for the next post, stay tuned!!

P.S. I was playing around with font size and colors and somehow this post took on a life of it's own. I cannot fix it....So sorry it looks so goofy!