Well, we had our
ultrasound for our newest addition…and guess what? Baby #5 is
a….baby!
We chose not to find out so, we’ll discover sometime in August what
God has given us. It was a hard decision, as part of me wanted to
know and part of me didn’t. But in the end, we decided not to find
out, and I’m fine with that too. Baby is growing well, the
ultrasound showed no abnormalities or concerns, so we are thankful
for that. We realize that each child is a gift from God, and we are
blessed to once again be welcoming a child into our family. The boys
are praying for a “girl” baby, but I’ve been trying to gently
tell them that God might give us another boy. Garett wants to know
why God would do that…”We already have enough of those, mom!”
Well….I’m just trying to prepare you!
I’ve been staying active
with this pregnancy, in part, simply because I have four other
children to take care of also!
I’ve really been trying to exercise and eat right but the scale
still seems to be winning at a horrific rate!
I need to just come to the conclusion that I need to do my best to
eat right and exercise, and I’ll ask God to help me get the weight
back off when the time comes! I’ve been having a lot of back pain
with this pregnancy, but that could be due to the fact that I have
other children that want mommy to pick them up and cuddle them!
Spring has been slow in
coming this year. This week was full of rain, snow, sleet, and
moments of “cabin fever”! I ran out of creative ideas, and today
I was tired of the increasing questions to “Can I go outside?”
So, the boys went out! We went through multiple pairs of went socks,
pants, and gloves, but they had a great time! The laundry is never
ending anyways, so I might as well let them add to it! We built
forts, made craft projects, played in the basement, and even took an
excursion to the McDonald's playland! BUT...I'm ready for some
sunshine!!
Last
Saturday, I was able to go grocery shopping and run some errands
without all the boys. I just took Chandler, and we had a “date”.
I truly enjoy spending time with them in this way as when I
have all four of them along, it's a tad overwhelming for all of us!
It's amazing how much talking he likes to do and how fast he's
growing when I have those one-on-one moments. I loved it! Tomorrow is
Garett's turn and he is VERY excited about his “date”! I treasure
the time I'll get to spend with him, and am thankful for an amazing
husband who cheerfully and willing watches the other boys, so that I
can enjoy these moments. I am blessed!
I realize that every
family has different struggles at different times, but as spring-time
approaches, I've been discovering that our boys have a struggle of
learning stewardship. I don't want the boys to think that life is
about “stuff”, or keeping the house picked up, or not tracking in
mud; however, I want them to realize that we are to be wise stewards
of what God has blessed us with. This seems to be difficult to teach!
I feel like I am constantly reminding them to put things away, or to
go back and hang up your coat, put your boots away, etc. It gets
tiring for all of us, but lately I've just been setting the timer for
them to pick up. I look at the mess and estimate how long I think it
should take them to pick up. Whatever isn't picked up, becomes mine
for however long I feel necessary. The older two lost their bike
privileges (but this week they couldn't ride them anyways!). I feel
overwhelmed with all that goes into teaching responsible stewardship.
Did you take it out to the car?...you bring it in! Did you wear it?
….hang it up! Did you play with it?...put it back! Part of the
problem, is that with four close in age, you often feel like you
repeat yourself constantly...and I do...but usually it's to a
different child! So, on we plug with trying to be consistent, setting
a good example, trying to maintain patience and grace when I'd rather
just do it myself because it's faster and easier! So, in keeping it
real...that's been our struggle of late!
April has also given me
the urge to do some spring-cleaning. I've been moving furniture,
emptying out closets, throwing away junk so much that when I asked
one of the kids to bring me a garbage sack earlier this week, he
asked what I was going to put in it very suspiciously! I managed to
get one rather large piece of furniture stuck on the stairs to the
basement so badly that Roger had to finish moving it when he came
home from work. He says he doesn't like coming home in the dark for
fear he won't be able to find his bed because the furniture is moved
around! :) Pictures of our progress will be coming in a later post!
Blessings on you all,
Sarah
