Summer Celebration

We celebrated my 30th birthday by going to the carnival (just like almost every other year for the last 20 years).  The kids had a BLAST!  The kids rode 6 rides (even Grayson!) and I am sure they would have been more than willing and happy to ride on a few more, even if they were repeats, but we had to cut them off since tickets weren't cheap (a dollar a ticket, and each ride cost 2 or 3 tickets each kid...it adds up fast).  But this Momma was more than happy to see the kids ride in my place.  

In years past I used to favor the "Zipper", "Mean Machine" and the "Til-A-Whirl".  My siblings and I would ride 'til our hearts were content or until a rain storm would come and break up the fun.  For years my Mom and Dad would get us wrist passes for an evening and boy did we get our money's worth of rides.  I think in a year or two we may just have to get passes for the kids if we want to continue this birthday/4th of July tradition.

We decided to go crazy and attend the Belle Fourche (10 minutes from Spearfish) Parade instead of the short parade in Spearfish. Belle Fourche's parade was 90 minute long (far too long). Pretty sure everyone and their neighbor from all around came out to view it, just like they do every year.  People begin lining the streets 3 hours BEFORE the parade even started!  NUTS, but oh so fun.  I wouldn't trade this small town living for anything.  I am super content and happy to stay right here.

My heart was moved a little more this year as we celebrated America, her freedom and all those that fight for her freedom.  Brad Limbo (married to my younger sister Alesha) is being deployed overseas for 10 months; his activation (he's with national guards) ceremony is today (7/6/2012) in Sioux Falls, SD.   Brad and Alesha have a set of twins, Torin (L) and Tristan (R) and their 3rd baby is due July 26th (3 weeks away).  If you think of Brad, Alesha and kids, pray for them as this is a very difficult season for them to endure.  Brad will be unable to return for baby #3's birth, but hopefully he will be able to be apart of it via Skype.  He is being sent overseas on July 26th (Alesha's due date), so if you would, stand in agreement with us that this baby will be born earlier than the 26th so Brad doesn't have to miss out on the big day (even if it's via Skype).

You're our Hero, Brad!

Time Flies...

Time flies...when you have a billion things to do!!  Holy smokes, you should see our to-do list right about now.  Summer always brings out the big projects with us, and this Summer is no different.  With Baby #4 on its way and due in August, we are cramming our days with raising three busy, entertaining children that demand a whole lot of our attention, along with that we are trying to finish up 2 bedrooms downstairs for Grayson and the twins.

Grayson's room has been "mostly" done for awhile, but the closet, built-in dresser, and carpet are a few things that still need to be done.  Once the carpet is laid and the closet door is hung, Grayson will have a new room to sleep in.  Our plan of attack is to move Grayson and twins into their new rooms the 1st of August that way they have time to transition to their new rooms before we add family member #6 to our everyday life.

Josh and Saray's room has come alive in the last 50 days - its transformation is amazing!  We are nearly finished with the painting of the walls, then its onto the carpet being laid (by a professional, thank goodness!) and doors all need to be painted & hung (4 doors to be exact), shelves for the half wall & and ledge for the window need to be routed, painted and nailed in place.  Oh and don't forget all the trim, make window coverings, forget that, I think I'll just buy a blackout blind for now.  Light figures and pictures need to be hung.  And the best part yet, bunk beds need to be put together for the little sleepers/jumpers Josh and Saray.

After all the furniture has been moved around, we'll be able to put together/organize the nursery which is near our room, currently it's Josh and Saray's room.  (Oh, you're probably wondering where Grayson has been all this time...he's been in our walk-in closet, perfect fit for a crib and a young one.)  Let's just hope that we can get everything, or almost everything, done before this baby decides to arrive!!  It's a race - will our projects be done before the baby arrives, or will baby beat our projects?!  Yikes! Talk about just a little pressure.

Baby #4 is quite active, but not as fierce of a kicker/puncher like Grayson and Saray were.  Praying that means the temperament of this little one will be easy-going.   I hit the 30 week mark on Monday (June 18th) - hard to believe!!  I am at the point of having doctor visits every two weeks (We have 3 OB doctors, so there's a rotation visit schedule).

All I can say is that I am so thankful God knows what our family needs, and I know that this little one will be a great addition to our already great family.  I am also thankful that I am not called to do anything on my own strength...it's a good thing, cause when I think about doing it in my own strength I mildly freak out.  I think God knows I need a good and solid reason to sit several times a day to nurse after the baby arrives...right now I hardly get the chance to sit and rest my feet (#1 cause for the varicose veins I am dealing with.)

Big news: I am turning 30 on July 2nd!  The country is celebrating with me by shooting off plenty of fireworks, having a few parades and bringing in the carnival.  ;) Lucky me!  What a big birthday celebration!!  My kids are super excited for my birthday, mostly due to the fact that it means they get to ride on the carnival rides, watch a few parades, eat a few extra pieces of candy, and stay up late and watch the firework display after the evening dusk.  Oh, one must love a birthday around the holidays.  ;)

Farewell 'til next time!  Happy 4th of July!

I leave you with a few pictures of the kids...

Grayson - 2 yrs old

Grayson biking with his cousin Tristan

Grayson and Josh

Saray - 3.5 yrs old

Gray and Josh...what a picture!

Joshua - 3.5 yrs old

Grayson and his new style.

Baby bump (28 weeks) and Saray

Saray loves worms, ladybugs, grasshoppers, butterflies, and more.

Grayson's 2nd Year

How is it possible that my little baby has turned two?  When did he trade nursing for every kind of table food?  When did he stop sucking his two middle fingers on his left hand?  How does a baby change to a toddler so very fast?!  I blinked and he's running, chasing after every kind of ball, jumping, skipping, talking, counts to 15, learning to ride an orange Strider bike (Just a fun fyi: the guy that invented the Strider bike is from Rapid City SD and the headquarters is also in Rapid City).

Grayson is funny, charming, loves to hug and kiss, super out-going (says hi and bye to everyone), very athletic.  He keeps us laughing and he delights in being a ham for anyone.  He's a great addition to our family.

We kept his birthday simple; we had a birthday breakfast and wished him a happy birthday.  He was so thrilled to blow out his 2 candles and wanted to do it a few times just to make sure it was the real deal.  We had a simple "let's hang out" kind of birthday party at a park the day after his birthday.  I made some football cupcakes and Daddy made a small balloon banner.  He loved running around the park and climbing up to the highest slide at the park.  Simple is the best, and easy for this Momma.

Happy birthday, Grayson.  We love you!  

Grayson and his new ball and his birthday balloon banner.

Happy little kiddo. 

Grayson and Saray

What a fantastic trio!

Happy 2nd birthday, Grayson!

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Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

FINALLY(!!) finished Joshua's 3rd year photo book!  Just in time...now its time to start Grayson's 2nd year photo book...before I know it will be time to make Josh and Saray's 4th year books.  Phew.  One project at a time...no matter how long it takes to get each one done.   Enjoy!

A Little Conversation

The other day before our 20 week ultrasound, Saray and I had a bit of a chat.  It was mostly a series of questions asked by me and answered by my 3.5 year old, Saray.

Mom: "How does a baby get into a Mommy's tummy?"

Saray: "God puts it there."  (Why of course!)

Mom: "How does God choose which baby to put in Mommy's tummy?"

Saray: He goes to the babies store and looks around to see which baby will go best with Josh, Grayson and me."

Mom:  How does a baby get its food in Mommy's tummy?"

Saray: "You (Mommy) take a bite and then the baby eats it, like a baby bird."

Mom: "How does the baby get bigger in Mommy's tummy?"

Saray: "It just grows."

Mom: "Is the baby in my tummy a sister or a brother?

Saray: "It's my baby sister, you know."  (She knew all along, and even told us so in a-matter-fact kind of way, every single time we'd ask.)

Mom: Who will teach this baby how to walk & talk?"

Saray: "Me, of course!  I can't wait to teach her how to walk at the hospital."  Oh dear...

And that about sums up that little conversation.

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I love conversations with my kids, they make me laugh and they make me think, they challenge my faith to be more child-like, simple and steadfast.  God teach me how to be more like my children ...teach me Lord to be steadfast and unmovable when I know I've heard your voice.  Teach me to how be more carefree, lighthearted and to laugh with ease.

Baby #4

We had our 20 week ultrasound yesterday; everything is progressing perfectly, and baby Chapeau is quite active.  During the ultrasound baby Chapeau was laying just for us to see baby's profile.  There was lots of hand/arm action and the baby noticeably had the hiccups during part of the ultrasound (which is incredible if you think about it!).

Watching this little one actively twisting and turning inside, made something in my heart sigh, a sigh of contentment and praise to God.  How could I ever grow tired of God's miracles?!  Help me, Lord, to always see life (all  stages) through Your eyes.  I never want to grow cold to Your gift of breath and life.

Oh you're probably wondering if we found out if we are having a girl or boy this time.   Well it was as clear as day (just like it was with our other 3 kids)... it's a GIRL!  Yep, we will now have two boys and two girls.  But then again, Saray already knew we were having a girl.  She has stated from the beginning that we are having a girl - how do kids do that?  They just know, and hang on to it with that child-like faith, it's so inspiring!  I pray my children will always have sensitive ears to hear the voice of God and the ability to stand strong on the things He has said, no matter what is said around them. 
 I wavered constantly, nearly everyday!   Lord, teach me to be more like a child at heart.

Capture A Memory

My heart is consumed with love for these rascals and a Godly reminder on how to be more selfless...it's a work in progress learning and submitting to selflessness...

We had a blast on Easter Sunday with my family here in Spearfish. 

"Can we wear Daddy's t-shirts?"  Sure why not! 

How in the world did she turn into a little girl?!?

Grayson checking out the hot tub...he loves swimming and throwing around his beach ball. 

Josh and his tractor and trucks.

5 eggs each + 90 minutes of coloring = very cracked and very colorful Easter eggs!

Painting Easter Eggs

Having a blast!!

Our Trio!