Lousy Pictures

We've actually been doing things that should mean good pictures, but (I don't know why) I haven't dragged my camera along very often..  Oh well.

Last Saturday the girls had pictures for their tap recital in May.  It. was. cold.

 Halle's dance is to the Muppet's song(s), and Cate's is Do Re Mi from the Sound of Music:

 Posing:

(Anyone who knows me can probably sense my eyes rolling, just looking at those costumes*...)

 

We watched the Toppers' baseball game last week- Ty plopped down in a nice dirt pile and played with his cars.  For a LONG time:

 He so loves Mater:

(Those pics were from my phone.)

 

Yesterday I finished up some baby gifts, and got a wild hair to start BabyBoy's quilt.  So I did:

 And for a peek at what the house really looks like when I sew:

(Just keepin it real.)

There you go.  We're off on a last minute trip to Arkansas- I'll surely get some good pictures there!  :)

*About Halle's costume: When they were handed out a few months ago, Halle's teacher came to find me in the waiting room to appologize.  I had no idea why until she told me that Halle had said, "Oh man.  My mom really doesn't like feathers!"  HAHA!  I've got to be more careful about what I mumble in front of her!  (Last year another class had feathery tutus and I made a comment about being glad Halle wasn't wearing that.)  :)

 

PS- Those state prints from my last post came in the mail today- I love them more than I thought I would!  I totally recommend using mpix.com to print your pictures- I've used them for the past year and I will never go back to Walmart or Walgreens again.  (Unless I need something in a hour!)  :)  Just so you know.

home

Remember when I said I was going to add some color to my house?  Yeah, I've done nothing.  Of course, all that inspiration came before I knew baby (BOY!) would be coming.  Before I got so sick and couldn't keep up with normal chores.  *shudder*

Well, I'm back to as close to normal as I'm going to get for awhile.  But...we're moving.  So no projects right now.  (Plus, I still need to finish painting Cate's bed before I start anything else.)

But in the mean time- I DID get these altered and ready to print:

The colors I chose are meaningful.  As are the quotes.  I love them. 

And the moving thing?  Well, the people that own this house need to sell it.  So we're on the hunt for a new place.  We have loved this house and wish we could stay, but with a house we still can't sell in Arkansas, we're in no position to buy.  The rental options are super-slim around here, but we're hopeful something will open up and be perfect for us. 

(last summer in front of the house:)

We're using this process as a lesson in thankfulness.  We are thankful that we got 2 years here.  We are thankful that we are in a position (with our house) to understand the owner's need to sell, and we're thankful that we can honestly pray with them that it sells quickly and they get what they hope.  We are thankful that we have so many people making calls for us about new homes.  We are thankful that we do not have to stress or worry about anything, but in everything with prayer and thanksgiving we can present our requests to God and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding is guarding our hearts and minds. 

It's an awesome thing to have a God you can trust.  Even when things look hard.  That peace is For Real.

The baby.

Exactly three weeks ago I had an appointment that was supposed to be routine- weight, bp, heartbeat, etc.  Except the doctor couldn't find it.  The heartbeat.  She sent me directly to the ultrasound room.  I can not describe how relived I felt when immediately I heard that strong, fast heart on the screen.

When the lady said, "Well, would you like to know what you're having?!"  I said yes, and she looked for a minute before laughing and saying, "It's a GIRL!!"  I can't remember what I said or did- I was still listening to the heartbeat, I think.  And then I looked at Ty (he was the only one with me) and he was grinning like he knew what was going on.  Or maybe because he had a baggie full of goldfish and craisins. 

So we went to get the girls from JD's office and I told them all- showed them the pictures.  Halle was beyond happy.  Cate was not.  She has stuck to her guns from the beginning that she wants a boy.  She wants even numbers and she's said, "I have a best friend (Halle) and Ty needs one too!"  We've tried to convince her that Ty can have a girl best friend, but she hasn't bought it.

We told a select few people, keeping it to ourselves until the "real" u/s (today) and we just liked enjoying it by ourselves for awhile.

JD went with me today- no kids- it was like a date. (How sad is that??)  We saw the same ultrasound tech- heard the heart- everything is healthy and right on target- nothing to indicate any kind of problem.  And the best news of the day? 

Easy- the placenta is beautifully out of the way! 

 (Remember I had Placenta Previa with Ty that required a c-section?) 

Oh - and it's a boy.

She said, "Will you hate me if I was wrong the first time?"

My face hurt from grinning and we both started laughing when I looked at JD.  I think he even gave me a five.

A girl would be great- I've had it in my head for 3 weeks, and it's a little sad to let that thought go, but I think from the very beginning I've hoped for a boy.  Me and Cate. 

The program we almost missed

-we had no idea it was last night until about 10 minutes before!  Oops.  Good thing we live right down the street!  So, you'll have to forgive the horrible seats which = shaky, held-above-my-head camera.

You can't see it, but those aren't really solos they sing- there are a couple of microphones being handed to other kids too.  (You can't hear Halle's voice at all.)

Can't leave the boy out- here is his own personal concert:

Halle and Cate taught him that song.  :)

Birthday Boy

 Cake batter pancakes- not as good as they sound.  (The kids loved them.)

 Ty's birthday requests-  "'Tocolate cake and Gaterade":

We had a "Just Us Party" -Halle's words:

 Yum- Triple Chocolate Cake with Cream Cheese frosting and Reese's Pieces (and blue M&M's)

  "Presents!":

(From Cate):

Happy Birthday, Buddy!   

We love you beyond words.

Click to see-

Halle's 2nd birthday

Cate's 2nd birthday

Ty's Birth Day

Ty's 1st birthday

A New Era

The Mini-Van. 

*Sigh* 

It's here.

 Obviously, it was inevitable.  I mean, when you're about to have a 4th child, there are only so many options available for transportation.  And a non-gas-guzzler was a must.

 I'm not going to lie.  This mini-van has been awesome.  As dumb (and old) as I feel driving it, it is heaven to have space between the kids.  Ty took a two hour nap on the way home from Batesville and Cate fell asleep for the night at 8:15 in the middle of a movie.  Both of those things used to be impossible.  (Cate in the middle seat was never ideal- she doesn't respect anyone's personal space.)

 It is also a HUGE answer to prayer.  It's in incredible shape, doesn't have a ton of miles on it, and let me tell you- the price was right.  We have been blessed over and over and over again.  God has been so faithful to provide for us exactly what we need, exactly when we need it. 

We are very thankful.  And if you hear me whining about driving a mini-van, hit me.  Hard. 

PS- That toolbox has come in handy.



Sunday Afternoon-

Mema and Papa Coffman & The Great-s:

 Facinated with Papa's "moving chair": 

They call this "Jon David's Swing Set."  My kids call it "Mema's Park."  :)

 Ty wanted this car to "GO FAST!!" so badly.  It didn't move at all. 

 Big Boy Parker (2 1/2):

Surveying her kingdom:

 Caleb (10) & Jake (11): 

 Cousins:

Jake wanted a good dunking picture:

:)

 "Ty Turn!" -over and over

Sunday afternoons with family are my favorites.

PS- Ty left that bowtie on ALL DAY.  I was shocked.  :)