There Were Hints

For the longest time, I thought that the woman I have become was not very much like the teenager I was. That girl was going to be a career woman, and here I am - mother of four. But, when I think about it, the stuff at the core of me now is very much like that girl I was. Here's what I mean:

Pro-Life - Way back in middle school, I did a research paper about abortion. I was very much against abortion then, but I didn't know that I would someday be tested in a way that rocked my very soul. When we found out that Julia had some brain abnormalities at our 20 week ultrasound, one of the options we were given was to terminate the pregnancy. And, I was so shaken and scared about what we'd learned, I felt like I just wanted to run. To further complicate things, we had to make a decision quickly because we could not terminate the pregnancy once we reached 22 weeks. So, for a couple of days, I felt like I had this enormous decision to make. Crazy thoughts went through my mind - could I be sedated if I terminated the pregnancy? Could the baby be sedated - after all, I'd felt her moving... For me, those awful days of trying to 'decide' still remain the most difficult part of our journey with Julia.

Then, I finally realized that there was no decision to be made. Although abortion was an option we'd been given, it really wasn't a choice for us at all. No matter what, we already loved this baby. And, it hit me - having this baby might change my life more than I could even understand then, but aborting our baby would destroy my life. So, yes, even when my faith was put to the test, I can say with 100% certainty that I am pro-life!

Part 2 and more to come.

Gotta Get It Done 'round the House

Editted to update on 10/6

1. Growth chart - to hang in the hallway just outside the kids' rooms - No Progress
2. Artwork Display - Wire and cool hangy thingies in the hallway just outside the bathroom - No Progress
3. Area by the cubbies - new light, paint the garage door, shelf with basket for stuff to go downstairs, better shoe/boot storage, maybe a solar tube - No Progress
4. Master bedroom and bathroom - complete decorative overhaul to include new flooring, new furniture, painting, new bedding - Nearly completed
5. Kitchen - remove wallpaper, paint back wall, decorate above cabinets, knobs for cabinets, under-cabinet lights, new canisters (and, it wouldn't hurt to re-organize the cabinets), new light over the kitchen table, maybe a solar tube - Purchased knobs for cabinets
6. Main bathroom - Shelving by mirror, knobs for cabinets, new flooring - Purchased knobs for cabinets and new toilet

Quote of the Day

"I wish trains could hug," said Luke longingly.

That boy sure does love his trains. We go over the tracks every day after dropping Alex off at school. Most people hope that the gates are up and the lights are not blinking. Not us. It makes the day if we actually see a train. Kids sure give you a different perspective on things.

Whooo, whooo - see ya down the tracks.

Top 10 Things I Love About Erica

1. She likes chocolate for breakfast. Specifically, crushed Oreo cookies on top of yogurt. It's crazy to think that we didn't let Alex have chocolate until he was two, and now we're letting the baby have it for breakfast. We've certainly eased up on our parenting standards over the years.

2. She is a snuggler. Nothing beats those little hands curling around your neck and her head nestled into your shoulder. Although, she does have a knack for wanting snuggle time during the busiest parts of the day. I guess you have to take it when you can get it.

3. Her eyes sparkle when she smiles. My dad always said that I 'talked' with my eyes. She does the exact same thing.

4. She loves her big sister. She's always ready to give Julia a big kiss, she squeals with delight when Julia gets home from school and she's a little helper, covering Julia with a blanket, bringing her toys and 'assisting' with giving Julia her meds.

5. She is very easy going. Maybe it's because she's the fourth child, but she is usually pretty willing to go with the flow.

6. She is so happy. She wakes up with a huge smile every day, and she keeps on smilin'.

7. Easy going and happy - yes. Pushover - no. She can go toe to toe with her brothers, she knows how to throw a good tantrum when she 'needs' to (complete with foot stomping and occasional lamp tipping) and she can be really loud when she wants to make a point. Way to stand up for yourself, little lady.

8. She is a daredevil. She loves to rough house with Daddy. With some coaching from big brother Alex, she started climbing up the slide and sliding back down by herself when she was about 15 months old. She enjoyed bumpy thrill ride on a trailer pulled by a tractor just after her first birthday -she hung over the front of the trailer giggling away while Luke cowered in his seat. We had a blast going sledding, even with snow flying in her face. She definitely likes to live on the wild side.

9. She's got a little bit of girly girl in her. Wearing a dress, fancy shoes, tights - yep, she loves it. But, she's got a good streak of tomboy in her. Pushing tractors, getting dirty, hanging out with the boys - it's all good. Just the perfect mix of sugar and spice. (And, I've gotta say it - I LOVE how your little ears stick out - too cute!)

10. She has an early love for two things I am passionate about - books and photos. Her first favorite book is 'My Car,' and she has nearly worn out the pages on the few family scrapbooks I've actually completed. Finally - someone to appreciate the 30,000+ photos I've taken.

I love you small fry, sweet potato! -Mom

Signing On

Here it is - the first of what I hope will be many posts. Goodness knows there is more than enough to write about. The gang is always up to or into something. So, here goes...the good, the not-so-good, the funny...the day-to-day in this crazy household.