Lake Time

We went to the lake over the weekend. It started off kind of rocky but it ended up to be a really fun day with pretty much perfect weather!  We invited some friends along for the fun.  The kids always have a blast but I think the grown ups enjoyed themselves too!  It was probably the last lake trip before our new little gal arrives.  I was hoping the bumpy boat ride would kick start something but no, nothing.  Maybe it won't be the last boat ride???

stuff going on :)

 37 weeks

*The end is approaching and I'm getting really anxious. Not only to not be pregnant but to hold this little babe in my arms. 

*It's getting harder and harder to sleep at night between the tossing and turning, constant bathroom trips and occasional hunger pains.

*The kids are getting excited and they can tell that it's getting close.

*Still haven't committed to a name yet but I have a couple in mind.

*My back is killing me.  

*I can't stand for long periods of time or else my legs feel like jello.

*I've only had one major leg cramp but I'm constantly feeling like there's  one about to come.

*Been having inconsistent contractions.  More painful than I remember them being in my past pregnancies.

*I've been given to option for an induction, still debating on whether or not to wait and go into natural labor or opt for the induction. I must say for someone who likes to plan things out the induction is sounding pretty nice.  But, on the other hand I'm curious as to how different it would be going into natural labor.

*Baby Girl still moves constantly (which is bittersweet)  She feels like she weighs 10 lbs already!

*Carly loves to tell the baby good-night and good-bye before she goes to school. Sam just follows along. 

 The outside of the house was finally finished yesterday.  I couldn't find a good before picture without the addition so these will have to do.  There are still things we want to do such as remove the power pole in front and landscaping so you can't see under the porch. (it's funny how after I moved to Texas I always said I would NEVER live in a Pier and Beam home.  Look at me now)

 I just had to post these because it's so cool.  Because we live in such an old home there are always surprises that we are finding.  They tore down the ceilings in the hallway (it was really nasty looking white, cardboard tile looking things.) This is what was found underneath.  We realized we have the same ceiling in our kitchen and bedroom. Hopefully one day I will have the ceiling in our room redone, sanded and stained. I think it would look awesome!  

 Carly and another Critter.  She started off with three and ended up with just this one.  She loved putting it on her face!

 Spring pictures at Carly's school.  

 The wild blackberries are here again! The kids LOVE to go pick blackberries and would do it everyday!  Last year we didn't get very much because of the drought but this year they have been amazing!

 Translation: " I see Dad. I see me. I see Mom. I see Sharise.  We are in the forest of no return. I see lots of faces in the forest."

Translation: " I see me and Sam. We are fighting. I see birds. I see insects. I see ........ We are having fun. Sam not you .......... (that's the best I could do in translating.)

House addition update

Sam and Grandpa Great

It's finally done! (Except for some minor small things like doorknobs) I took the above picture the day they were pouring the cement blocks. It was so cute to see that boys never change!

These are some pictures of everything done. If you've been to our house, it'll make sense where it is.

The before and after. The wall you see in the first picture was the kids closet. That obviously was cut open and made into a hallway to the new bedroom. Now, all that is needed is a new closet built in the old bedroom. We laid carpet down over the wood floors in the hallway.

This is a picture taken standing by our kitchen. You can see the old kids bedroom, looking down into the new hallway. The white tape will be replaced withe a trim piece once we sand the wood floors in that little area.

I have pictures of the outside still to put up but it's not quite finished on the outside. Still needs a little bit of paint in some areas.

The kids got to sleep in the new room last night and they were so excited! They have been waiting so patiently through all of this (although it only took two weeks, that's a lifetime in their eyes) I am mostly excited to have more space!

Have I mentioned I love my ward! A couple friends from church threw a combined baby shower for me and another friend of mine who is pregnant. I really didn't need much since I saved most everything from Carly but it was sure nice to get a head start supply of diapers and wipes and some cute outfits! It was an open house shower so we didn't open gifts there. I thought it would be fun to let Carly and Sam open the presents for the baby. I never knew they could get so excited over wipes, and Carly kept saying "oh, how cute!!" I am so grateful for good friends!

Easter

Easter was great this year, it was pretty low key which was just what this pregnant lady needed! I posted some similar pictures to facebook already so sorry for the double exposure. :)

This was after church, we had a little Easter Egg hunt for these two little bunnies. They love to go "Easter Egging"
In the morning I attempted making bunny pancakes, I think they turned out pretty good. Thank goodness for 11:30 church or this never would've happened! :)

The next few pictures were taken before church. My children love posing for the camera, that's for sure! I sure do love them and I'm grateful for their spunky personalities!



I love my family. I can't wait to meet our next little one! I still feel so blessed that I am even pregnant! I still can't believe it sometimes. Pregnancy is a miracle! I am so grateful to my heavenly father who allowed me another sweet (and most likely spunky) little one to come to our family!

Love this! Sharise caught this picture. We did not tell Sam to do this, that is just how they were standing. :)
Me and my kiddos. As hard as it is to be a mother, I wouldn't trade it for anything! I am so grateful for them and how much they have taught me. They are huge examples to me of patience and love because no matter how crazy I can get some days I know they still love me!!

"The best day Ever" -Carly

Carly had an Easter party at school today. She was so excited and kept saying to her friends "This is the best day ever!" It was so cute!

They had two Easter Bunnies walking around the school, an Easter egg race, some Easter snacks and then finished off with the Bunny Hop. It was a cute party and Sam even got to participate. I love that I am able to go and be a part of the fun and see the excitement on Carly's face, It makes me feel good knowing that she wants me to be there!

**Our house addition is coming along. I will get pictures up in the next day or two. They are done with the outside other than some painting. They have put up Sheetrock, next step is texture, painting, wood trim, and then carpet. It's been fun to watch the process but it has just made us anxious to re-do the bathroom now! :)