What a Day!

Maybe it's better said, "what a week...or even better, what a two weeks...!" Let's see if I can get it all:

-1 case of the stomach flu
-3 colds
-3 visits to the pediatrician
-562 calls to the nurses at the pediatrician's office
-1 trip to the hospital for a blood culture and back x-rays
-14 nights of interrupted sleep
-2 infected ears
-7,345 toddler meltdowns
-1 smashed up bumper
-a $500 deductible
-and a partridge in a pear tree.

But, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. In this case, no one was hurt in the minor accident (except the front of the car, the pole, and my pride) and our coverage covers a rental car.

Does this look like the face of a happy camper?



Not convinced? Try this.



And if you ever try to copy this hairstlye, please give Will the credit that is due.

For the record, this is not a pitty party. Just in case you were wondering. I've just been feeling at the end of my rope. Sick of wondering what the heck is wrong with my kid. Exhausted. And, pregnant with all emotions in full swing. Obviously.

Then, I read this verse today. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus!" Phillipians 4:6-7. Thank you Jesus for this whisper to my soul. You knew exactly what I needed to hear.

No more worrying about what sort of nasty disease might be making Will's back hurt. No more loosing sleep about the "what if's". Instead, more prayers to the One who already knows all the answers. Resting in the knowledge that my requests have been brought to God and that He has promised His peace. And here's to hoping for antibiotics that knock the ear infections silly, a back that quits hurting, and a little more sleep at night. I'm quite sure He wants that for all of us!

Now I lay me down to sleep

I pray the Lord my soul to keep.

Fever cheeks and all.

Introducing...

Our very healthy, ultrasound compliant, little girl!



I still cannot believe that we have been blessed with a daughter. And although I would have been very happy with another baby boy, way, way, way in the deep down place of my heart I loved the idea of having a little girl. A daughter. I think it has something to do with being one...a girl, and a daughter that is. You know, knowing what girls are like, how they think. Something I'm still trying to figure out when it comes to the "Y" chromosomes in our house. All three of them. That being said, I feel so honored to be the mother or two sons. To experience the unique relationship that mamas have with their boys has been awesome, eye opening, hilarious, even when at times I just don't get them. I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I am so looking forward to meeting our baby girl and developing a totally new kind of relationship; the mother-daughter kind. I'm pleased as punch that she has two older brothers to protect her (when they aren't beating up on her of course). I'm excited for the pink that has already invaded the house, and the thought of all the girly things that are yet to come. I love you sweet one; your daddy and brothers do too. We pray for you each day and we are so glad you are part of our family!

A sweet surprise

How is it that the shortest month of the year is quite possibly the longest month? There is no hope for Spring quite yet and we are really all quite sick of Winter at this point.

Currently, this is our reality.



(Ok, so the picture of the dog is from last year or maybe two years ago. If I weren't so lazy I might go outside and take a different picture, but it would look just the same. I decided not to risk falling on my rear trying to get the backyard to get another picture.)

12 inches of snow, lots of gray sky, and some stir crazy kids. Did I mention that this makes for a cranky mama?

A special package arrived the mail last Friday. Since then it has felt a lot more like Spring around here. Thank you Dave; I love you too!

Just hanging out

A little father-son bonding at the Holland Christian basketball game. I love these boys!

Deal of the Week

Since I'm a recent Savings Angel drop out, I'm constantly on the hunt for good deals when it comes to groceries. (And just for the record, I think Savings Angel is great, as long as you use it...) My best deal of the week was Coffee-Mate creamer. You know how much I love my French Vanilla cream (especially the Coffee-Mate variety).

So here's the deal for you West Michiganders (I'm not sure if Walgreen's sales are the same across the country, sorry.) Walgreen's Coffee-Mate cream is on sale, buy one, get one free (regularly $2.49 each for the small size). Just wait, it gets better with coupons. Go here to print a $1 off 1 coupon, but please print two. You'll have to register, but it just takes a second. If that doesn't work because you've already printed coupons from that site before, go here. Click on "Send a Cup of Confidence", fill out a nice little note, and print yourself two, one dollar off coupons. If you use both coupons you can get 2 creams for $0.49. That's a good deal! If you are a first time printer, you could go to both links and get yourself 4 creamers for less than a dollar. I'm pretty sure cream stays good for months in the fridge so no need to worry about them expiring.



Sorry, the cutie in the background is not part of the deal.

Many thanks to Sarah's Deals for the help in finding this deal. You can follow her blog or follow her on Facebook. She has lots of tips for big savings.

Hope you have a great day and happy coffee drinking!

Fashion Trends- 2010

You heard it here first. We've voted and found the hottest fashion trend for 2010.


Now, you better run out and get yourself some 'shundies' and tube socks before they're all sold out.