What We Carry

I have to say, I am feeling a little rough.

The sore throat, yeah, and a stuffiness in both ears. But it's more the hormones, I think. Out of whack! And yet I'm pushing myself through it. Only eleven sleeps 'til Christmas! And I do have a lot to do, but I'm trying to do it in a slow, enjoy-the-ride kind of way. I'm hoping this loveliness doesn't all end in a mad acceleration to complete the race. But my gut says slow and steady, and, after all this time, I've learned to trust my gut.

So it hurts to yawn, and I'm yawning. I think I'll let the pictures tell the stories tonight. But first, I want to tell you that I was watching a kids Christmas show--with my kids, of course--and I heard the following line, which has been with me all week in spite of the urgent last-chance sale emails, the lack of my outdoor Christmas decorations, the realization that we may not see a flake of snow before or on Christmas.....

"Christmas is what we carry in our hearts."

It isn't the gifts, the holiday bling, the car with the red bow on top. It's love, family, friends, memories. It's Jesus, faith and hope.




Christmas is the look on our believing eight-year-old's face as Santa climbed aboard our car of the Santa Train....

Against the Tide

Daddy and his evermore mini-me Colby, after today's haircut

So, my last official workout was on Friday. I'm not sick, the kids aren't (that) sick. I'm not slammed with work. I'm just tired.

Today was a day of recovery. I threw a party here last night, so the house is twinkling, at least twinkling enough for me. The laundry demons are napping, and the dust bunnies holding tight to their steads. I think it might be because it's So. Darn. Cold. Seriously! I saw snow today.

And if I'd had the energy, it would have been a soup day. As it was, the "easy-peasy," always-pleasing spaghetti fit the bill.

The short story is, if I run like hell, think a million miles a minute, and generally commit to flying by the seat of my pants, I can do it all. Today, there was no urge to do any of those things. I napped when the babies napped, changed out of my pj's only after Luke peed on me during a diaper change. I spent some time on the phone, did minimal cleaning and dishes, managed to get the boys to the beauty shop for much-needed haircuts.

And I decided early that it really didn't feel like a day to attend Zumba class.

Momma's tired, and this day was hers. I had simple goals, and I met them. I cherished each of my kids. I smiled at my husband many times. I took the time to do the things that mattered.

I've learned that when I am tired of living my life in fast forward and against the tide, that I can rest.

Speaking of rest, I hear my bed calling my name. Warm sheets and soft, puffy blankets, I hear you! I am coming. I think I'll go fill up on some frosted mini-wheats and hope that maybe tomorrow, I'll be ready to don my supermom cape once again.

Deck the Halls

I've had a great weekend of friends, family, snow, shopping, decorating and getting reacquainted with my hunky husband. Life is so good, but I am exhausted.

So I'm going to serve you this photo of my loves in front of our decorated Christmas tree: today's biggest accomplishment. Thanks to my mom, I have a camera on loan to use until mine comes back from its second attempt at repair. (Thanks, Mom!)

Won't be long 'til Christmas, and we are almost ready! I hope to have at least a week or so to just relax and enjoy it!

Blogging About a Boy

Max and I waiting to find out the sex of the baby

I was surprised, I admit it, on Friday morning when Dave and I learned I am carrying another boy! I don't know why I was so sure it was a girl, but alas, we will welcome a fourth child who is a third son. I LOVE my boys, so this is a great surprise!

I do mourn the fact that Lily won't have a sister like I do, but she'll always have Julia, a cousin who is just four months younger. And so, a SON. The kids are excited, and I know Daddy is ELATED!

It's been a very productive weekend, and I'm beat. I'm going to sign out for now and hope I can spend more time here later this busy week!

Time to drift off to dream about my holding my newborn son...

Quiet on the Mind Front

So I feel a little bit like Lil looks in the photo above. I guess I'm a little burnt out on blogging right now, but I'm feeling pretty peaceful and comfortable in general.

I'm gaining weight, or at least gaining a belly. I tell ya, the fourth shows quickly. I'm bidding farewell to the first trimester, thanking the Lord for blessings in all areas of life, and trying to get myself back into the spirit of sharing more of it with all of you.

Hope all of you are just chillin', waitin' on me to recharge. =)

Ciao for now!