I made it...

Now what? I am 36 weeks. A few contractions but nothing regular. I am ready to pop. I am off the anti-contraction meds and they really seemed to have done their job. I am ready. Ben's ready. The kids are ready. My Mom's ready. Come on Mason!

Biding my time...

(Ivan played in the pool for like 3 hours that day! No kidding. The kid is part fish!)

(Right before she got in trouble for giving Ethan wedgies and had to get out!)

(soaking up the sun)

(Where I spend the majority of my time these days)

Well I am finally taking a minute to sit down and update my blog. There has been a lot going on but if you have been following me on facebook...well you are pretty much caught up. But lets see what I can do...

This week I have tried to relax and take it easy. I am so grateful to my Mom because I have been able to lay down a lot. :) My doctor even let me know that she was spoiling me!

I have non-stress tests every Tuesday and Friday. These are supposed to be one hour long appts but have turned into 2-4 hours! It is taking it's toll and I am ready to be done with them.

After being in the hospital all last weekend, I had to go back on Tuesday. I was checked again and was having a lot of regular contractions while on the monitor. The dr. decided to have me admitted to the Mother Baby Unit and given a shot of medicine to stop the contractions. This did work and they resided for awhile.

Wednesday and Thursday I did a little more activity and was rewarded with some soreness and contractions.

Friday I went to a different dr. ( oh how I love military hospitals) and he was completely different than my other one. Personality wise. Very laid back and easy going. I wish I would have had him the whole time! He did an ultrasound and said three things that filled me with relief...1) Mason has really chunky legs! Why is that good? Because it means that he weighs enough! 2) Mason was "breathing". In the womb, they don't really breathe, but they do mimic it. Why is this good? It means his lungs have developed. 3) I have lots of amniotic fluid. Why is this good? Apparently with gestational diabetes babies that can be a problem. So even though my blood sugars weren't perfect...he is looking fabulous. So bring on labor...right?

Well...yesterday Mom and I took the kids to eat and play. Then I was home for a little bit and Ben and I went to Home Depot. Walking around made me so tired, that I opted to sit in the car while he ran into K-Mart. I felt sore and was having contractions so took it nice and easy for the evening.

Until 8:30 when contractions started full force. At first they were coming every 12 minutes. Then got down to 8..then 7. Ben was at a Hail and Farewell and I had to call him home! We made the decision to go to the hospital.

We got there and I got an IV of fluids, put on a monitor...you know all that good stuff! They checked my cervix and I am now between a 3-4. I am 60% effaced. However, because I am only 35 weeks they won't do anything to "help" the labor. In fact, they keep giving me drugs to stop it! We ended up coming home at about 2:30. Tired and still no baby!

So where does that leave us? I have keep taking my perscription. Ben has round 4 of his tests for his architects license on Tuesday. I am trying to wait until then so he can go take it. No promises though. The doctors have said that I can stop the perscription at 36 weeks which would be next Saturday. However...I am going to stop on Wed. I know I am not following doctors orders. But I really don't believe that 2 days will make a huge difference! All of these appts., perscriptions, going in and out of the hospital is taking it's toll. Physically and emotionally. I am done with this pregnancy, what can I say?

I know everyone has probably fallen asleep by now but that is what we have been doing around here. The kids have cabin fever as they have been stuck at the house. We did get them a pool the other day and they had a blast playing in it. So that is what the pictures are from. They are at each other's throats and I know are just getting sick of each other. I am going to "research" some summer boredom busters because they are driving us crazy! Hey, does anyone have a child who wants to have a pen pal? They could write some letters, that would be something fun.

Anyway, I am closing this novel of a post. I will keep you updated on Mason's big debut!

update

We had decided that if my Mom were ok with it, we were going to fly her out to help us when Mason made his debut. However, we weren't sure about the timing. I didn't want her here to early and just kind of waste her time, but I also didn't want it to be too late in case we headed to Japan or something.

Well after a week of contractions, and being told that I need to come in for non stress tests twice a week, we decided to get her out asap. Friday morning (around 2:30 am) we made our way home from the airport. We got a little sleep and than I had to go up to the hospital for a couple of routine tests. I also had an appt at 2:30. So with all the contractions that I had been having, I really wanted my cervix checked to see if I had dialated (sorry to all males or anyone who thinks it's TMI!). Ben was there with me and I think that is the only reason the doctor checked me. Anyway, he said I was between a 2-3. He wanted to do a test (by this time it was after 4) but the results wouldn't be in for an hour. If the result was positive, that would mean that I was dialating too fast and would need to come into the hospital.

So he sent me home, and than said if I didn't hear from him by 6, I was in the clear. I had maybe been home 20 minutes when he called and said I was to check into the hospital for a 48 hr stay. Oh joy! Luckily my Mom was here!

I went in Friday night and was poked, prodded, tested, monitored, drugged. It was a long night. Saturday was not as bad as I wasn't "chained to the bed". I did have a scare Friday night when 3 nurses came in and put oxygen on me and Mason's heart beat dropped. Luckily he was back up to his baseline very quickly.

Saturday night I had them rush in because I was having major contractions. They had given me a sleep aid and I hadn't even felt them!

Well today is Sunday for me. I was told if I hadn't had any change, they would send me home. I am on a perscription to help slow it down and apparently it worked. I was the same. So I was home by 11:30 and was very happy about that. So this is the rundown for now...

I am 34 weeks. I go in every Tues & Friday to get a non stress test. They will be checking my cervix at every appt. to check for dialation. If I go into "real labor" this prescription will not work. So there would be a possibility of going to Japan. BUT, while in the hospital I was given steroids to help his lungs develop, treated for Group B strep (just a precaution) and those are some of the biggest concerns. If this perscription does it's job and we make it to 36 weeks, then I can stop taking it and they will let nature take it's course. And we would be out of the woods with having to go to Japan.

So, phew that is what is going on. We will keep everyone posted!

Economics 101

(photo from stock photo's site)
I was laughing as my friend Beth shared a story about her son. His shoe had a hole in it, and he insisted that he didn't need a whole new pair, just one shoe. I thought it was cute, that someone so young had a sense of being frugal. I also wondered if my kids do...

Being military, being overseas, we have honestly not been that affected by the economy. We have noticed gas prices rise, the cost of groceries steadily rising but...it ends there. We are lucky, I know that. However just because we are "safe" from what is going on, it doesn't mean that we should just throw our $$ away right?

Yesterday, I had the great pleasure of taking all 4 of my kids to the commissary. I let them know the rules before we even went in. I must say, they did pretty well on the "not running in the aisles", "let people pass you, don't hurry to get by them", etc. The whole "don't ask Mommy for anything, if she wants to get you something she will" rule was the one that didn't quite take.

In my cart went, mini oreo's, ice cream, 3 boxes of cereal, yogurt for Ben, yogurt for Harmony, yogurt for the big boys and Dora yogurt for Ivan, spaghetti o's, frozen pizzas etc. I forgot how much junk we buy when we are all together.

Last night I poured out juice with dinner. I came into find the jug of apple juice almost completely gone. The three older kids had helped themselves to seconds. Filling the cups until almost completely full. Connor, after pouring, changed his mind and decided to just dump it out. AGHH! I caught him before he did though.

This morning I find Ethan chowing down 2 yogurts out of the 6 pack. AFTER I told him he could only have one. I pointed out that we had cereal, bagels, bananas, etc that would fill him up.

I can't believe how much money we have wasted on food, just by having them at home. They are in for a wake up call. I am getting tired of them wasting food & money...just because they can!

Is anyone else going through this? Ugh so annoying!

Energy...where are you?

With Mason's arrival rapidly approaching I find myself with a mile long to do list. Things that "need" to be done. Things I "want" to get done. And things that would probably fall more under a nesting category than anything else. However, my energy seems to be depleting. Today we worked for a couple of hours on unpacking. I also did a couple loads of dishes, made meals etc. But I was spent! Then a family trip to the store...yikes. I wasn't sure I was getting up from the couch. Why is it that something that gives you such a wonderful blessing, can make you so miserable? I am ready for this pregnancy to be done...as long as he is healthy of course!

Baptism

(the two tired, emotional Moms, when did our babies grow up?)

(family picture, do you just love Ivan's face?)

(Ethan with the Branch Pres. and yes, Ethan is almost the same height!)

(Big smiles...Harmony was giving me bunny ears)

(Ethan and Kaetlyn watching the font fill up)

Here in Guam ( or at least in our branch) kids are baptized the first Saturday of the month. Ethan's birthday fell on a Tuesday and so had to wait until June. Knowing this, I kind of put it off. In my mind I knew the day, but really didn't do any prep. Later I was talking to a friend of mine (in the commissary of course!) and realized that our kids would be having theirs together.

Fast forward until 2 weeks ago. I was released as 1st counselor and so how did I spend my Sunday? Chit chatting during class. I know I am awful. But we were trying to hammer out all the details for the baptism...amongst other topics!

Because of how much I had going on that week, Tammy offered to make the food and print off a program. I was grateful to her for being willing to do everything, but it also came with a huge old helping of Mommy guilt!

As the week progressed and life got crazier by the minute, my gratitude level kept going up. I felt a little more relaxed knowing I wouldn't have any last minute food to prepare or anything else.

The day came and the kids were up at 5:15. They ran around and were going nuts until everyone else in the house was awake. Since this was also the day of the big move, I told them that, "since you want to be together so much, you can do it while packing boxes" I put them to work. I yelled, threw tantrums, complained, whined etc. etc.

I looked at Ethan helping pack and felt...AWFUL. My priorities on his big day were so out of whack it wasn't even funny. I started crying and tried to get myself in the right frame of mind. Still a struggle but I felt better.

The baptism was beautiful and although I was stressed out, I was able to feel the spirit. I *think* I was able to show & tell Ethan how much it meant to me.

Tammy did a great job with the food and the program and then...she sent us home with all the leftovers so we could have something to munch on during the day. She asked me if I wanted her to take Ethan's baptismal clothes home and wash them and I said no. I need to do something for Ethan's baptism. Ben was standing behind me and said, "...uhm when are you going to be back down here to drop them off?" I was like I don't know but I will take care of it. But now it was Tammy and her husband giving me a hard time about accepting service. She made me cry when she said, " you serve tirelessly in this branch. Let us serve you for once."

It was a long day but I was overwhelmed with emotion. Gratitude, humility, and more. I don't have the gene that makes it easy to accept help. So this was not easy for me. I still have Mommy guilt but I think that after buying Ethan a "Congratulations on your baptism" cake from Cold Stone, I am on his good side again! Although I don't think he noticed that Mom didn't do anything...

saying goodbye...

Today is it! The last day of school (for our kids anyway). We are leaving school around 1:00 ish. So join me as I say goodbye too...

**waking kids up at the crack of dawn
**making sure we always have clean uniforms
**looking for lost bus passes
**nightly homework
**projects that get sprung on you last minute
**huge messes at breakfast because everyone is rushing off to the bus and can't possibly clean it up
** saying, " do you have your lunch" 15 times only to have it left on the kitchen counter
**buying last minute lunchables
**signing behavior folders, homework sheets
**notes sent home, lost in the bottom of backpacks
**kids asking for $$ for the spirit store, bake sales, book fairs etc

Getting ready to say hello to....
**sleeping in
**not as rushed mornings
**not having to worry about lunches until lunch time
**kids home to take Astro out so I don't have too
**later nights for going on walks, family movie nights etc
**reading books into the night
** more down time
**popsicles by the dozen
**playing at the park
**time for crafts

Even though on Guam,the weather never changes...we are excited to welcome SUMMER

Whew...what a week!

(My sweet boy! More baptism pictures to come!)

(Ethan and Dad before)

(Ben getting a thank you from the coach for helping)

(Ethan with his coach)

(Connor with his coach)

(team huddle)

(brother love)

(Ethan's certificate)

( We love Ms. Gonzalez!)

(Connor with his certtificate)

I am not controlling. I just like things the way that I like them. And who doesn't, right? This is what I tell Ben all of the time. Well I can tell you that I would have not survived this week, had I not let go of some things. Seriously. I did things that I hardly ever do...asked for help, not been so anal about what the kids were doing, and a lot more. This week I have been accepting help hand over foot. It has been liberating and, dare I say, a little scary? But enough about me, here is the rundown of the week...

Monday was Harmony's last night of GS with this troop/leader. I thought she would be a little sad but she didn't seem to be!She has had so much fun being with them! Her best friend from GS moved a couple of weeks ago and I know it hasn't been the same since.

Tuesday I dropped Ivan off at school, and headed to the cafeteria for Connor's award assembly. They always sing cute little songs and than get their awards. He wanted to come home with me "since he had already been at school for a long time"...it was only 9:30 so I said no. I hurried home to do a few things, came and picked up Ivan, back home for a little bit, and than came back to the school for Ethan's assembly. Ben was able to come so that was nice. I had everyone ride home with me, instead of the bus and the boys told me they were so happy they didn't have to rush off to baseball!

Wednesday was long and tiring. Ben and Ivan came up here to get keys and do a walk through. I went to a dr. appt. and than met them up here. Ben unloaded cars, and I unloaded boxes. Don't worry, he didn't let me carry anything! We did this three times. We were so exaughsted when we got back but couldn't sleep at all. No fun. We were surprised with dinner that night and I was so grateful. Eating out every meal is over rated!

Thursday was more packing and moving. We were both exaughsted though and so only got in two trips instead of three. That night we had baseball awards. The boy's got trophies (Connor's broke before we left) and caricatures. The kids loved them and were excited to put them up in their rooms. The guy was paid by the hour so Harm got one too.

Friday was another long day of moving and packing. I waited around for the cable guy to come so I did get somewhat of a break. Harmony had her assembly this day and we decided it would be best to let Ben go while I stayed. She was very proud because she got 7 awards. She also loved singing "Proud to be an American" which is one of my favorites!

Saturday was...a roller coaster. After a late night, we were all up early.I thought the kids would sleep in...boy was I wrong. They were up at 5:15 and running around screaming their heads off. I told them since they wanted to be together so badly, they could all clean up. And they did. We worked to get more things packed up. I was grumpy and that put me in the wrong frame of mind for the next event of the day...Ethan's baptism. I am going to post about this seperatley though! Had it not been for my friend Tammy, whose daughter was also being baptized that day, I don't know what I would have done. Seriously. After the baptism, we all changed clothes and let the process begin again. This time with lots of help! By 5 I was looking at the clock because Harmony had to be at her GS awards assembly. I tried bribing her so we wouldn't have to go but she wouldn't take the deal!! Talk about letting things go...Harmony wore a t-shirt and shorts. What was she supposed to wear? Either a nice dress with her sash or her GS uniform. Didn't happen. I was supposed to bring a main dish. I didn't. And you know what? There was plenty of food, and lots of leftovers. I did forget my camera but one of the Mom's is emailing me pictures that she took of Harmony. Hooray for digital!

Sunday was spent cleaning, unpacking and all that fun stuff. Today is the last full day of school for the kids. My last day of washing uniforms and making lunches( ok not really but bagged lunches!)for the summer. We are all ready for a break! Goodbye to school year 08/09, it has been a long and tiring one!

moving day...

Well the week is finally upon us. We get the keys on Wed. and will be moving this week. Poor Ben has had to do the most as I have been...well you know! Anyway, with packing, moving and disconnecting the phone and internet, I will be off for the week, at least. We have a lot going on this week with all the kids having award programs, moving, Ethan's baptism on Sat and a bridging for Harmony at Girl Scouts. So I will update everything when we are somewhat settled at our new place.

I will check my email in the morning and evening so...that is still an option. Or of course you can call.

For those who are local and reading this, Ethan's baptism will be taking place at 10 am on Saturday the 6th. It is at Talisay and is open to everyone. We will be moving as soon as it is done, so we can use all the men (or young men) and trucks that we can get. Thanks everyone!

diabetes frustration

Have you ever felt perfectly fine, and than you go to the doctor and they tell you otherwise? That is how I am feeling. I went in on Tuesday and was told that my blood sugar journal was "highlighted all over the place". Meaning I had a lot of high ones. So I was put on an insulin pill. Well can I just tell you that the past couple of days have been awful? I mean awful.I have done my best, and tried really hard. But my blood sugars have been between 72 (that is low for a "normal" person) all the way up to 176!I have been nauseas, completely shakey, and just feeling awful. I felt better when I was doing nothing! I go back in on Tuesday and I am going to have a talk with the doctor. This has been awful!!

Lists of lists

(Awww...enjoying our alone time)
(kukabura)
(A crocodile burger...tasted like a turkey burger)
(sun coming up, view from our hotel)
(A very preggo me in front of the Great Barron Falls)
After going to my appt. on Tuesday, two things became abundantly clear...

1) I only have a "guarantee" of two weeks, after that it is a guessing game of when this baby makes his debut
2)and I have a ton to do!!

I am a total list maker. So here is what I am trying to do. One of the reasons I love blogs is the interaction. You can get ideas that you wouldn't have thought of, or maybe gentle reminders. Feel free to share. No, let me rephrase, please share. I know this is my 5th time around...but you can always learn more! Here goes:

-a list of what to bring to the hospital. I have never successfully packed a bag for the hospital. I have forgotten everything from changes of clothes to a contact case.- I don't know what all this hospital provides so...

-a list of what to bring for Mason. Yet another bag I have never been successful at packing fully. Forgetting items.

-a meal planish for the days and weeks after he comes home. Do I plan on making 5 course meals every night? Ha! I am thinking of survival mode here. What things to stock up on so that Ben can easily pull things from the freezer/fridge/pantry and make something. Any ideas? Foods that freeze well? Anything that saved you after just having a baby?

-along with that is a list of other things to help us get by. For example, paper plates, cups, etc. Dishes are my most hated chore so I want to make my life easier.

-packing bags for the kids to stay over somewhere (if in the middle of the night)

-making arrangements for babysitting, and lots of back ups (making sure to get cell numbers)

I am sure there are tons of others...but this is what is on my mind right now. Ideas and advice gladly appreciated!

And since I have yet to post about my trip, here are some pics. Although if you are on Facebook with me, you have probably seen them!

Before I get in trouble...

I apologize for my lack of posting. It is just so, so, so busy! But I wanted to post about my appt. today so that everyone is caught up! And no, I haven't forgot that I still need to post about Cairns!

So I went today and got some info! First off, we will start with the diabetes factor. Blood sugar levels are still high (no I am not suprised)and I am going to start taking an insulin pill 2x's a day. No fun, but it is supposed to help. Meanwhile I need to do much better about being on a low carb diet. (Right there with you Susan!)I was too late today to get the perscription so will start tomorrow. Excitement! Not really but...

Mr Mason is measuring at 32 weeks! Yikes, give me my 2 weeks back! I went from having about a month(if we have him at 35 weeks like the others) to having around 3 weeks. Possibly more...but you know what I mean. The dr. checked my cervix and nothing is happening yet. So he told me he can pretty much guarantee me 2 more weeks.

I have an appt. again next Tuesday. But than the week after I have to start going 2x's a week. It will be a lot of work...especially considering that the kiddo's will be out of school, and the move.

I am probably forgetting stuff but there is somewhat of an update!

We are home...and busy!

It is amazing how fast you have to get back to real life, after a vacation isn't it? I woke up with an "oh crap, it's 7:20!" Yeah the kids bus comes at 7:40. I was lucky that the kid's clothes had been washed and I had bought plenty of lunch stuff before I left. Honestly, I don't think I have ever got the kids out the door that fast!

I do want to blog about our fabulous time in Cairns, but like I said it was back to reality...fast! The boys are headed to a father/son campout tonight. Harmony and I are headed out for a girls night out. Saturday is baseball games. We are trying to get all the packing done so that we can move. Plus there is still more baseball practices (we are almost done, the end is in sight!!)Girl Scouts, Dr. appts, finishing up school, packing, oh and did I mention that we are going to have a baby coming pretty soon? Yeah, lots going on.

I have an appt. on Tuesday. After that they will start checking me ( I believe once a week but not exactly sure). Connor and Ivan both came at 35 weeks, which believe it or not, is only 5 weeks from now. This pregnancy has gone by so fast. As for the diabetes, well I just got done reading my sisters blog, and I now how she feels. I have certainly not been the best patient when it comes to testing, recording, avoiding the wrong foods etc. Having said that though, I have been feeling fine. The weather right now is AWFUL, as hot as hot can be, and so that has made things worse.
Mostly I just feel dehydrated faster. So I have been drinking more gatorade and water to up my fluid intake. Other than that, things are going well.

Well I have a house to clean, clothes to unpack, a picnic dinner to make for my campers and more. I will try to update with our trip this weekend.

Leavin' on a jet plane...

( Picture stolen from "Travel Journals website)

A little over 2 full days before we leave to go to Australia!! I am looking at a mile long to do/to pack list...so much to do. For posterity reasons, here is my list:

*prepare sharing time for this week
*dinner tonight for Girl Scouts & will try to stop at a dinner for a friend who is leaving
*laundry
*dishes
*clean house
*grocery shop ( I am trying very hard to help Ericka out by having food for the kids)
*write out a grocery list and hope I don't forget anything
*pack for all the kids:
underwear, socks, pj's, uniforms, tooth brushes/paste, shoes, school backpacks,
temporary bus passes, lunch bags x 3 school aged kids
*pack for Ivan who won't be going to school that week
*pack for myself, remembering passport, itinerary, adaptors, ipod, cell phone, and chargers for all those items that need it!
*Make sure all the clothes that Ben wants to take are clean
*Double check that my friend is going to dog sit Astro
*Make sure he has dog food, his bed, his kennel etc
*watch Bones & CSI:NY season finales (yep that is a must)
*pick up magazine for Ben to read on the plane ( we have only found it in 2 stores on this whole island!!)
*download missed episodes of favorite shows to watch on the plane

Hmmm...is that it? I am sure I am forgetting things! I know it will all be worth it, once all is said and done. But why does it have to be so stressful to get everything ready for a trip?

a quiet moment...

Ivan decided to kick his Mom and was sent to his room, because "we don't kick in our house." So it is almost completely silent down here. All I can hear is the wind blowing in the palm trees. So I thought I would take a moment to give you an insanely long run down of what has been going on around here!

We will start with...last Tuesday. Ethan turned 8 on Cinco de Mayo! I can't believe how fast time has flown by with him. I know that is cliche but...there is a reason everyone says it! One minute he was a not so teeny baby and now he is a not so teeny 8 year old. The time just flew by. He got a new scooter, Pokemon game, a Wii fit (he wants to be more active), Diary of a Wimpy kid book, Indiana Jones comic books etc. His baptism will actually be in June. Out here they schedule them the first Saturday of every month. Since his b-day fell after that, he is waiting for June. We will keep you posted on details.

Thursday I was invited to an ice cream social in Ivan's pre-k class. Ivan had no idea what was going on. He did not understand that Mommy would be going to his class because, "Mommy, you no go in there!" When I got in there, they were singing. It was interesting to watch him go from ok to not ok in about 30 seconds. His pre-k and spec. ed teacher were right there though. He went back to his other classroom where he didn't feel so overwhelmed and enjoyed his ice cream.

The next day I went to a Mothers Day tea for Ethan. We walked into the cafeteria and all the 2nd graders were on stage ready to sing. I couldn't see him! I blame Ben for the fact that at all concerts my children are in the very back with kids standing right in front of them! I finally found him and he pointed out my seat. There was a place mat with all the gifts that he made me...A "links of love" necklace ( I will be sharing it later) a headdress, a poem, a portrait of Ethan and I( with a nice big circle on my stomach labeled "Mason") cookies and more. He sang and than performed in a dance, which he did not even tell me he was in!!

That evening the boys had their "bridging ceremony" for scouts. It was our very, very last thing with this pack. Connor actually recieved his Tiger badge a while ago,but Ethan (along with all the boys in my den) recieved their Wolf badge. The boys were so excited. They really enjoyed Scouts this year. I have to be honest and admit I was glad that Scouts had come to an end for me! We ended the night waiting for 45 minutes to get a breathalizer test. By the time we got up there, traffic was so bad that they just started waving people through. After 45 minutes I almost made them to do it, so as to not waste my time!

Saturday morning we had Ethan's birthday party at the bowling alley. We got there, and I was a little worried when they asked me a few times what name the party was under. I had also been told over the phone that they provided cake. I was thrilled because it seemed like such a good deal. When I got there,I decided to ask again. Uh no, no cake provided.So Ivan and I rushed to the commissary to get whatever they had in the display case! Ethan had 13 kids come and lots of parents stayed around and chit chatted. His teacher, who both of us love and adore, came also! It was a fun but busy morning!

After about a 30 minute break, we headed out to a district primary activity. Ben had to go to the airport otherwise I might have made him come with me. I was completely worn out (can't imagine why?!) and had no energy to chase Ivan around. After that, we headed to the store to get chocolate for the primary Mother's day gift (I was in charge of that). I was so completely worn out that...I didn't close my van door. It was open the whole time we were in the store. Luckily everything was still in it!

Mothers Day was well...same old, same old. Get kids ready for church, fight with them to behave during church and than go to primary to do my calling. I tried to take a nap but had little interuptions the whole time! Basically I am celebrating next Sunday by leaving for Australia!

Harmony made me a very cute bracelet at GS, Ivan gave me 2 potted flowers and Connor gave me cute cards and a bouquet of paper flowers. It was all very sweet and makes me smile.

So there you have it. Our wrap up. Lots going on for the rest of the week before we head out on Sunday. I am so excited I can barely stand it!

I am scheduling my next dr. appt for right after we get back. I know Ben is a *tad* nervous about me going on a trip but I am sure we will be fine. We aren't even really going to be gone that long! At 32 weeks they are going to start checking me every week. It is so hard to believe that it is almost time for Mason to make his debut!

This is insanely long so I am ending!

Happy Mothers Day

Older kids: "Mom what do you want for Mothers Day?
Me: "For you to go one whole day without fighting. I don't want to have to break up any fights or send anyone to time out."

Harmony: "Are you SURE you don't want something else?"

To all the sisters, aunts, cousins, friends, Grandma's, who make our lives better just by being a part of it....

Happy Mothers Day!

Putting it out there...

Somewhere, sometime, I read an interesting little tidbit. That when there is something that we are in need of (big or small) to throw it out there. Tell people what it is you are looking for and you quite possibly might find it.

For example, we were looking to replace Harmony's bed while we lived in Norfolk. Money was tight (isn't it always) and we didn't want to buy something. I mentioned this to my friend Candy. And guess what? Her daughter was getting rid of a perfectly good loft bed. She was off to college and so was getting a brand new bed set. How much was I charged for this bed? Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. As long as we picked it up, it was ours. Perfect condition. It has a desk that goes under it, and because she loves me, she threw in a desk chair too.

So here is what I am looking for. If you can help, great. If not, I tried! :)

Ben and I went out to South Finn yesterday to look around. We chose a house that is right next to the park. I can see the park from the living room and kitchen window. I was ecstatic. But I started thinking about how I am sure it will not be easy to get my kids to come in. So I would like to find a Fisher Price type table to put outside. I have a small one that is only a 2 seater. I know this is moving season around here so if you have one (or any yard toys really) that you are garage saling, getting rid of, or know someone who is, pass them my name will yah?

Second, Harmony and Ethan are growing like weeds. Every new uniform that I have bought for Ethan...holes. One pair of shorts had a huge hole in the bum! Harmony is getting really tall also. If you are moving and getting rid of uniforms, I would love to have them! Harmony wears about a size 10-11. Ethan...about the same.

And last but not least, all you who aren't local and can in no way send me a fisher price table, you can help with this one! :) I have sharing time this Sunday. But of course it is Mothers Day. I had an idea, but am not sure if I will have enough time to pull it off. So, any good ideas out there? Ones that you have done, or recieved or read about? Help a girl out ok?

And that is it. That is my list to send out in the universe! :)

It's Great to be Eight...

( the birthday boy!)
if he makes it that long!! Yesterday morning, a wild and crazy Ethan woke up and said, "Tomorrow is my birthday!!" And from that moment on, had every child and dog riled up to no end. I finally pushed him out of the door and to the bus stop before I strangled his little neck. He came home from school, still as wild and crazy as in the morning.

He came to me and said, "you know I think I should open my gifts early. Like right now." I told him no, because he had already recieved one of his gifts last Saturday, and he could wait one more day. His mood went from wild and crazy to pouting and obnoxious in about 10 seconds. Crying, pouting, throwing himself on the couch etc. Ethan does not usually act this way but boy was he on one!

He let me know that I could set my alarm, and get up early and make him a surprise breakfast and put candles in it. Aren't I lucky? He let me know his plans about 10 times in one day!

This morning, he woke up his brothers before 6 am because, " I am 8 today!!" When I got out of the shower (at 6:20) he was appalled that I had not made his "surprise" breakfast. I had bought some Pillsbury Cinnabon cinnamon rolls and they take almost half an hour to bake! I also found lunchables for .35 the day before. So there was nothing but free time. The kids ran around the house, riled up Astro, and drove me crazy until I finally sent them all to their rooms. It was too much!

They were finally allowed to eat their cinnamon rolls and than all 3 were kicked out the door. Phew! So tonight after baseball, we are going to have tacos, spanish rice, chips and salsa and birthday cake and presents.

His big party, we are trying to get on an every other year schedule for friend parties, is on Saturday. We are having it at the bowling alley.

My camera batteries are dead and so I have no pictures of him with his cinnamon roll that had the 8 candle in it. Bummer...

But this party is far from over!

Thorry Thue

AKA..."Sorry Sue". I just got a comment from my sister to "stop leaving cryptic messages on Facebook and tell us what is going on" So in order to stay as her favorite little sister, I will share with you all. It is long. It is involved. And we don't have all the answers yet. So if you ask for anything further, you will get...NOTHING. That is my warning. Here we go...

First of all, so that no one is worrying, Mason is fine. This has nothing to do with him.

A few months ago, Ben came home with the news that they wanted to transfer him to the Anderson Air Force Base. Basically, I describe to people who haven't been here, that Guam is made up of 3 parts (for me anyway) "our end" of the island which includes the Navy base, the middle area that is more of the tourist-y area, and than the Air Force base at the other end of the island. We have one major highway. We have no freeways. So when you add in traffic, distance, that the highway speed limit ranges from 25 miles-50 mph...well the drive can actually take up to half an hour to 45 minutes a day. If not longer...

We were not happy with this news. Ben would have to do a lot of commuting, and we would not get to see him very much. I would basically have no help if the kids were involved in after school activities. And did I mention we have a baby coming? So, we decided to look into some different housing. It is called "South Fynn". It is closer to AAFB, so it would cut his commute time by ALOT. Well...it would also mean the kids would change schools,a new ward, starting all over with new scout dens, GS troops etc.

In the long run, we decided that it would not be worth it. Although we wouldn't see Ben very much, we weren't interested in uprooting everyone for a year. Ecspecially Ivan. The main reason we decided to stay? Ivan's Special Ed teacher. She is amazing and I don't know how we would have got through this first year without her.

When we first got here, the only 4 bedroom housing units that were available were the ones we are in now, New Apra. They were tearing down and rebuilding Old Apra. They are (I think) 1000 sq ft bigger than we have now. With a 2 car garage. I have not actually seen them. Ben won't let me because he didn't want me to be dissapointed if we didn't get in!! But, we decided to petition housing to be moved over. Ben feels while we have a good shot(with #5 coming soon) we also have 1)we already live in housing and 2) we only have one year left. While others who are getting in, don't have those issues. We were waiting around to hear from housing when...

I get a call from Ivan's teacher. She is leaving the island. What?! I can't even begin to explain how upsetting this was. I got off the phone and bawled! Ivan's teacher has been working with us since last summer. The first time she called, I talked to her for almost 2 hours. That is how I knew we would get along great! She has worked with him every step of the way. He has made huge improvements. Any time we have a struggle (him running off, dealing with tantrums, going to the park without us, etc) she has worked with him and given us solutions to help him. If I have a frustrating day with him, she lets me cry and vent. She wants to know what it is like to deal with everything so that she can help. His aid is fabulous too. He loves her...but he doesn't quite respond the same way.

Ms. Allison has fought to get Ivan into a regular pre-k class. He goes in once a week and has one on one with her during that day. He loves it. He has thrived in there. His progress report showed him doing better in that class than in his regular class. But she fought tooth and nail to get him in.

So she is leaving. I am like ok, where does that leave Ivan? Is he back in her class (called PSCD) or does he move on to Pre-k? Does he need a one on one teacher to be able to go into a regular ed class? I had about 1000 questions, and zero answers. I asked her and told her to be brutally honest. Please don't tip toe around anything. I wanted straight from the hip answers, not pie in the sky answers.

She let me know that because of a variety of reasons (that are personal to Ivan & I) but also because of so many upcoming staff changes, that he would be better served up at the school on AAFB.

So right now, we are looking to move out to South Fynn. We have not heard back from housing yet, and now it is the weekend. So we won't until Monday. But, we can't leave in May, so it will have to be June. One month before Mason makes his debut. This means we will begin "a whole new life" up there. New schools, teachers, home, friends, church, job (Ben)...and all of this for only a year. Then we will be off of Guam and back to the states. It is a crazy time for us.

The kids are NOT happy. They love their school, teachers, friends etc. Harmony has let me know that, " I can't believe we all have to change just for Ivan. Why can't just he go?" I am struggling with doing what is right for all of us. But I honestly think that right now, Ivan's education is very important. If he can become more self reliant, able to express himself, and get to the point where he doesn't need one on one, it will benefit our whole family. It is just hard to see it that way right now. The kids feel like we are spoiling him. What they don't understand is, if it was them, we would do the same thing.

So there you have it. We don't have any more details than that. May is shaping up to be a very busy month. We are finishing up scouts (this coming Friday) but we still have lots of baseball (games & practices), GS, mothers day events at school, spouse club stuff, a baby shower, our trip to Australia, babysitting, sharing time all month, should I go on or stop there? I feel up to my eyeballs in activities. Maybe moving away will slow things down...

In limbo...

(My clingy little guy)
I have to make this quick because I have a little boy who keeps saying, "I play the 'puter Mommy? Can I, can I ,can I?" This is also the same boy who came into the bathroom while I was taking a shower and said," ok I naked,I take shower too." He has been a little...can we say...clingy lately? I think the idea of Mason coming soon might be influencing him a bit!

This week I have felt tired, unmotivated, stressed ... A little bit of everything. It has been a busy one (and not over yet) but that is not the reason. We have had a lot of things in limbo. And I hate being in that place. The place where you don't know what is going to happen and you can't make any decisions until you get a decision about something else. I don't like that feeling, and it has left me grumpy!

We finally got one answer today. And now like dominos, we can make other decisions. A lot of changes will be coming our way. I hope I am up to the challenge. I will keep you posted....