Poor puppy

She looks pitiful, doesn't she?

Formal Play Date

Who knew the sandbox had a dress code?

Prettiest bugs I have ever found in the back yard. :)

Julianne came home with us after soccer last Saturday to play. The girls were playing upstairs in the playroom until they came down to play in the sandbox. They had raided Ella's closet to dress for the occasion.

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

1. Tylenol- my back is killing me!
2. Grace loves school and likes soccer
3. Jonathon loves football and likes school
4. A very active baby
5. Consignment sales
6. Cooler weather
7. Les' softball season is ALMOST over- only 2 more games, I think.
8. Candy Corn
9. Wonderful friends who always come through for you.
10. The kids have their own cheering section!

Soccer!

Grace has had two soccer games, but I didn't take any pictures at the first, because I was coaching. She is doing great. Her favorite position is goalie (because she doesn't like to run and the boys won't pass her the ball).

She stopped everything kicked at her last game when she was in goal. Here she is doing a goal kick. She has a "foot".

Keeping up with the boys

Kick it, Grace. Go #6!

This last picture says it all. She is a one half girl. By the second half she is done! Tired and cranky.

Wordless Wednesday

This really doesn't need words, does it?

A Conversation with Ella

Ella - I'm hungry

Me - What do you want to eat?

I get no answer, but a few minutes later Ella walks up beside me and the conversation continues.

Ella - I can't find anything in the pantry for snack.

Me - You don't need a snack, I am getting ready to fix dinner.

Ella - But I'm not hungry!!

I know. I don't understand it either. :)

Overwhelmed!

*Warning* This post contains whining and self pity* Proceed at your own risk!*

Right now I feel extremely overwhelmed by my life. I am overwhelmed by the mess that always seems to be in my living room floor. I am overwhelmed by the never ending pile of laundry. I am overwhelmed by the crazy schedule our family is trying to keep. I am overwhelmed by the fact that all I feel like doing is sleeping or crying. I am overwhelmed by our finances. I am overwhelmed by the idea of taking care of a newborn when I can't seem to do a good job of taking care of the other three children I have. I am overwhelmed by the fact that no one in my family can do anything without my help. I am overwhelmed by how difficult our dog is. I am overwhelmed by my lack of energy and motivation. I am overwhelmed by the fact that I don't really care sometimes. I am overwhelmed. Completely overwhelmed. I hate this feeling and do not know how to shake it. I have fallen in to a "funk" and I can't find a way out. I feel like I am in a fight and life/ clutter/ schedules/ needs of others/ etc. are winning. I don't like feeling like this. This should be a happy time. I should be enjoying every minute of this pregnancy and watching my kids grow up. I should be focusing on the good and positive in our lives instead of the "overwhelming". Honestly, that is easier said than done. But I am trying, really I am.

Like sister, like sister

same dress, different girl- who is who?

Happy Birthday, Big Jon!

From the cutest little fellow

to big brother to one

then big brother to two

You have become an amazing young man.

We love you Big Jon! Happy Birthday! Its hard to believe 11 years have went by!

*this post was supposed to go on Sept. 19, but life happens!

Wordless Wednesday

Dirty face and all, she is a cutie!

Likes and Dislikes

Knowing what I am having is new territory for me. I keep finding that there are things I like about knowing and things I dislike about knowing. I like being able to talk to HIM and call HIM by name (at least the name of the day), I like being able to tell people, I like that Ella got over it before I had the baby, I like the idea of having a shower (I don't know if I am having one, this is just for instance) that I can receive clothes other than white, yellow or green.
I think my #1 dislike is we won't have that " It's a ..." moment in the delivery room. I dislike that I can' t come up with girl names (they are so much easier).
I may like and dislike lots of things, but I love being pregnant, and I can't wait to meet this little guy. Emphasis on the little, please! :)

Just Checking

Every day, Ella asks me if the baby is still in my tummy. I assured her that she would know when he came out. This is Ella just saying Hi to her little brother.

They should be sleeping!!

but instead they are letting Mom take pictures of them being silly before she sends them back to bed!

More football

Today was the first of what I believe will be many football games. Jonathon did well. He plays the whole game. The picture above is him kicking off. I was a little late with the shot, but trust me, his kicks were great! His team won 14-0. Good job, Wolfpack!

ready to go on defense!

taking a breather at half-time

listening to coach

Half Way!

We are half way there, baby!!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for the blessings God has given me- Les, Jonathon, Grace, Ella and "little man"