Baby #4 - 39 Weeks

39 weeks pregnant and I've fielded calls from my mom, my mother-in-law and my dad and a few texts from friends in the past few days wondering if baby has arrived yet. I guess everyone else is as excited as we are to meet the little one.

I'm feeling good. Baby has dropped a little. I'm having random contractions, too. I would say we are getting closer. I had a midwife appointment earlier this week and everything looks good. I'm measuring right on for my 'due date' and baby is still really active.

Everything is ready on this end...birthing tub is blown up, midwife supplies are sitting here, there is extra food in the freezer and I have managed to stay on top of the laundry all week.

We will keep you all posted.

God bless!

Set Apart Conference

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Set Apart Conference with my dear friend, Alice.

It was two days of great fellowship with old friends and new friends and lots of wonderful preaching and teaching...both encouraging and convicting.

I managed to make it through the weekend feeling good...and only a couple of contractions.

I'm so glad I was able to go. With baby coming any time now, I won't be able to get away for too long for the next year or so.

Ann Voskamp spoke both Friday and Saturday morning and she was wonderful.

We got to meet her and got hugs Friday afternoon and I was able to track her down again on Saturday and had her sign my One Thousand Gifts book. 

She is just cute and sweet and humble.

Liz Curtis Higgs spoke both afternoon and she too was awesome and very funny.

The worship team was wonderful.

Thank you Alice for thinking of me and inviting me along.

God bless!

Baby #4 - 37 Weeks

Not a very good photo, but as you can tell baby is growing.

I'm about 37 weeks now and measuring about 2 weeks ahead. Which means nothing...at my appointment before then I was measuring a week behind. Baby is head down, but still very high.

I'm feeling well though and looking forward to meeting this little one.

Names are still up in the air and we will not decide until after the birth...stay tuned.

God bless!

Greenhouse - Planting Prep

Prep work is under way in the greenhouse for the upcoming growing season. 

I'm getting excited to get some things in the ground...yet it seems a little wrong since there is still so much snow on the ground outside. 

The kids did some rock picking...and were pretty proud of themselves.

 Temperatures vary widely. If the sun is shining, it warms up in there quickly.

 Tiling...tiling...tiling...

 Joe is bringing in some good compost to add to the soil base.

I'm hoping to get a few things in the ground yet this week...lettuce, peas, spinach and potatoes.

God bless!

My Helpers

I had a good looking bunch of helpers yesterday...

Charlie loaded the entire dishwasher by herself and did a wonderful job. 

She was able to cram just about as many dishes in there as her mama.

Joseph and Cori worked together on getting the entire main floor vacuumed. 

I love my Oreck...it's light weight enough that all the kids can push it around.

Cori and Charlie worked together and got the entire kitchen and dining room swept.

I'm so blessed to have these little ones around every day.

God bless!

Book Review - Unglued Devotional

Unglued Devotional by Lysa Terkeurst was an enjoyable and easy read. Each day begins with a verse and a thought for the day, then followed by a short couple of pages of a related personal story from the author.

The stories were easy to relate to and great reminders that all mothers have 'those days'. One of my favorite days was Day 11 and I thought the thought for the day was perfect - Feelings are indicators, not dictators.

Though the devotionals were not overly deep, I would recommend the book for any other mom in the day to day trenches.

I received the book through Booksneeze's blogger review program in exchange for an honest review.

God bless!

Saturday Snapshots

Daddy came home with a load of hay today.

After lunch, his little helpers headed outside with him to help unload.

 Charlie did a great job of rolling straps up tight.

 Joseph hauled and put away straps.

(...and yes, he does have pink boots on...)

 They all found some mud.

God bless!