Third Trimester and Other Randomness

Well, it's here.  The last 12 weeks.  They look so much like the first 12 it is amazing.  Well, except for the massive swelling, moving the driver's seat back to "make room" for my belly, forgetting not to stand too close to the oven while I'm boiling water (Ouch), the audible grunts when standing and sitting, but otherwise yeah--it is so similar!!   Regardless,  this is the home stretch kid! The eviction notice will be coming soon--but hopefully not before a trip to Disney World, Halloween, Thanksgiving--and oh yeah, Emma's 4th birthday.  What if you shared your birthday with her???? I would hate that this year, but just because selfishly I feel like I would miss out celebrating with Emma, but I bet you and your sister would think it was really cool later on.

And to remind me of how this new angel is growing, this week he/she is about the size of a Chinese Cabbage.  I always find it so strange that the Baby Center emails compare your growing baby to vegetables.  Not to mention in the earlier pregnancy days I am even more confused as to whether a tomato qualifies as a fruit or a vegetable....ok, I digress.  

So, here's to you No. 3.  You are growing like a weed. Can't wait to see if you'll be as big as your brother or your sister.  8lb 9oz is the stat to beat!

But when we're not sitting around comparing the new baby to food, we try to take pictures before church. Sometimes they go well, but sometimes it is a take-what-you-can-get kind of day.  Can you BELIEVE how big Robert has gotten???? Melt my heart.

And this angel is no stranger to the camera, nor are her antics.  Incidentally, this dress is highly helpful when teaching the children's catechisms.

Q: How many persons is the one true God?

A: 1, 2, 3 

(ok, the answer is just "3", but we like to count them out)

Q: Can you name them?

A: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

And this is the face you HAVE to make while you answer.  Otherwise, it doesn't count.

Good thing we can also kick back and relax when we need to.  All that memorizing and dressing up makes a boy tired--and in need of some "man-tivities."  Like, running, sliding, digging, rolling in dirt, or propping up feet on furniture.

Finally, is there ever Christmas in September????  If there were, I would DEFINITELY ask for this.  It is a Christmas Advent Calendar like a Jesse Tree, which has devotional scripture verses for each day. It chronicles Jesus' lineage--much like our favorite children's Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones. What a cool way to count down the days to Christmas while demonstrating God's love for his children throughout the ENTIRE Bible, not just Luke 2.  I love things that remind me that the Bible is one continuous story of God's redemptive, merciful love for us.


I'm sure it should inspire me to make my own, but quite frankly, it just makes me tired to think about doing that right now.  But how cool is it???? I can already pick out so many of the people referenced from the picture.  Too bad the price tag looks a little prohibitive for Santa... but someone put some time and thought into this. What a great teaching tool for kids!!

P.S. I bet these things have been around 4eva, but it's the first really cute one I've seen--please share if you know of others!!!!!




















TTFN! And Merry early Christmas!

In the Beginning

Emma's memory verse for September is Genesis 1:1.

Nothing like being excited about The Word.

Hello Out There

So, I wouldn't say blogging is a "regular" activity around here lately, huh?  Oh well.  There are certainly more important things to do these days--like loving on my family--a preschooler who is 3 going-on-13, a full fledged toddler--tantrums and all--and the new bundle we're still waiting on to arrive.  Not to mention there has been the fun of the last few weeks of summer.  Trips to the splash pad, the McWane center, the zoo, you know, the usuals.

But, before I forget (and since I'll probably want to remember it), we got to hang out with my family at lake martin in early August--courtesy of Granddaddy and Meemaw.  It was hard to believe it was the first time my brothers, my dad and I have been all together in 6 years!  Needless to say, we had some new additions (my kids) and some grown up additions (Brooks' kids).

First up--a family pic.  Never would have guessed that E would be the uncooperative one.

And, the big group shot.

And for the first time--all the Roberts together. Things only got slightly confusing...

And did you notice blah blah in all the pictures??? If I had that great photoshop software, I would have an arrow labeling it--but it is the sock monkey Robert carries with him EVERYWHERE.  I'm not even attempting to fight that battle until after No. 3 is here and sleeping through the night (please, please Lord??).  Surely R won't take him to college...


And because I am a lover of all things ironic, here is the bedroom where J and I slept.  I think Jason pinched himself after the first night to make sure he was still alive.

Fast forward a few weeks (or a month, but who's counting) and it was time for Emma to start Preschool. Hard to believe huh????  Such a monmentous occassion meant it was time for me to dust off my sewing machine. And when this Chi O found this fabric here, how could I resist?

And so our little hoot was all ready for school.

Official with her bag, lunch box and all.

Actually, there wasn't any apprehension or nerves at all that morning.  Instead, she looked like she'd just bought a Toyota.  And honestly, I wouldn't complain about a swagger wagon these days myself--but I digress...

 And wasn't Robert kind to swing for a few minutes before saying good-bye?

They crack me up.

So what was Robert up to while sister was away??

Turns out Robert is now tall enough to reach the first shelf in the pantry.  And after cleaning up, and cleaning up some more, here's what I have on tap for some of my new found "free" time.  Because everyone needs some new clothes for fall/winter--especially my dear son who is outgrowing things like a weed!

Ok, was that enough for one post??  Hopefully I'll be back sooner rather than later!

TTFN