Moving

Time for a fresh start, new name. Check me out here, Rich in Mercy.

Daybook: Halfway Through September

Right now...Kids should be eating breakfast, but they are playing in the front room instead.


Later today...I have to mow the lawn before we start lessons. Don't worry, it is the size a postage stamp. It will just take a few minutes. Not quite sure what the whole of today looks like. Definitely ballet this afternoon and a trip to the library.


Later this week...The usual. Anna may attend a Board Breaking Seminar on Saturday. 


Living the Liturgy...Padre Pio's feast is on Friday. I have always credited him with sending Anna our way. I was blessed with a relic of his just before I became pregnant with her. When she was born, the midwife I discovered that the umbilical cord had an unusual (and rare, so rare in fact, that she asked me if she could show any medical/nursing students the placenta. Um sure, show-and-tell all you want) attachment to the placenta. I honestly cannot remember what it was. We had no idea during the pregnancy. If things had not gone just right during delivery, things could have gotten a little dangerous. I'm sure Padre Pio kept me and Anna safe.


From the schoolroom...Ordered a couple more books as I feel out where all the kids want to be this year. I am extremely pleased with what Anna is doing this year. It is working out beautifully. I hope the friend who inspired me to let her do this reads this ;)


I am praying...this week it seems I've become aware of many people suffering with very serious illness, people suffering with pain. I'm offering up all my little and very minor discomforts this week for them.


I am grateful...for Carmen's soccer coach. Since my blogging has been so light over the past year, I never really shared much about her difficult seasons last year. One season was a coach that had never coached and whose knowledge of soccer was extremely limited (she knew that you had to kick the ball). The next season was a bad coach. I hate to say it, but there is no other way to put it. He constantly reminded Carmen how small she was, she didn't kick hard enough, and so on. She is not one to quit. She played as hard as ever and at least she really learned how to play defense extremely well. They only won one game. It was tough. We wondered what we would do come fall, considered changing leagues. In the end we decided that as long as we could assure she would never have that coach again, we'd stick where we were. I offered some fervent prayers to a sweet little saint in heaven. Oh my! The blessings that have come our way. An amazing coach, who plays and loves the game. Good friends for teammates. Other experienced players. A coach who sees what Carmen can do and smiles. Who trusts Carmen and only wants to help her play better and better.
They won on Saturday. Better than the win was Carmen's joy. Joy in a well played game. Trusting her teammates. Relying on her coach.


I am reading...
The Story of Charlotte's Web: E. B. White's Eccentric Life in Nature and the Birth of an American Classic
Little Way of Homeschooling
Three Cups of Tea
In the Garden of Beasts


I'm pondering....Where and how the sewing machine will fit in the schoolroom and plans. I think we definitely need a book to work through. I have a tiny fabric stash to start. Very tiny.


Around the house...I mentioned in passing to big people in my house that the first floor was a "disaster" last night. It is very nicely tidied this morning. Lovely :)


In the kitchen...Apple stuff. Hope to pick soon. Happily, Wegman's has some varieties for         $ .89/lb.


On the knitting needles...started a Milo for Aggie in fall colors. Saw a cool new yarn and adorable pattern at knitpicks that may become some gifts for Aggie and Kay.


I am creating...A good plan for Sam. 

Picture Thought...Graduating to Red Belt.

Daybook: Back to School

Right now...Kids are finishing up breakfast, though some who shall remain nameless have not emerged from their caves. Late start this morning.


Later today...The start of ballet for Kay and Aggie. Aggie is so so excited. I can hardly wait myself.


Later this week...Here we go! Everything is a go this week. And I am feeling so blessed with our schedule. It is busy, every afternoon. And yet, we are home, every morning and early afternoon. Glorious, peaceful time where learning is happening. More on that in a minute.


Living the Liturgy...A favorite, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. I have a simple lesson and beautiful icons.


From the schoolroom...Despite the state of the physical room, learning is happening. Not perfect, but joyful and peaceful. Truth is, there are a few things I'm still "planning" for some kids. Good thing is I have plenty of books to be read in this house. And math. But there are many thing working incredibly well. Aggie loves "school". Really I just think she loves being with me and Mara. Let me tell you, her enthusiasm and joy is infectious. Nothing like almost-five-year-old to inspire. And she does. Every day. Even when she's covered in hives like she was last week. (Probably allergic to cantaloupe.)
That is all very vague. If I have time maybe I'll pull together a post with more specifics.


I am praying...For all the sorrows of September.


My sister-in-law as she defends her dissertation.


Students all around the world. 


I am grateful...God's grace that knows best how to plan my days.


Inspiration in the schoolroom.


I am reading...Never Let Me Go
The Story of Charlotte's Web: E. B. White's Eccentric Life in Nature and the Birth of an American Classic
Little Way of Homeschooling


I think there's more, but school needs to start soon.


I'm pondering....The chapter on competition in Ten Habits. 


Around the house...Since the mega laundry work before our beach trip, we are staying pretty well caught up. I can't tell you what a comfort that is. My schoolroom is a disaster. This must get rectified this week since co-op is at my house and there will be 12 other children needing to use the table currently covered in stuff. And, oh yeah, the last bench from the van is still in the living room from when we took it out for the beach trip.I am amazed by how little this bothers me at this point.


In the kitchen...Meals that work with busy afternoons. The crockpot is my friend. And a teen that can cook.


On the knitting needles...Nothing. I finished a Milo vest for Johnny. It is darling. I really like the pattern. Aggie wants one so perhaps I'll get started on that. I'm feeling like I need some inspiration. Maybe a new yarn just for a special project...Lilly wants a sweater, Maddy a shawl...hmmm.


I am creating...Art. Really. I am doing art with co-op and this means doing it with them. It is hard to let myself go, to draw, sketch and experiment. Also, this time, we really will make the Alphabet Path saints. I mean it.


And sewing...Sigh. I have a sewing machine. I know how to use it. I have even made a few garments here and there. Every year around Halloween I am furiously sewing something. And then there is Carmen. Who wants to sew. Begs to sew. For over a year. She is so upset with me and is becoming cynical. I have to sew with her this year. Especially since it is clear God has given me the schedule to do it. The sewing machine will come live in the schoolroom. I can do this.

Picture Thought...I was looking for a recent picture of Mara, but found this one of Maddy and Lilly.
Made my heart melt. Where did the time go?

On the Eve

I'm not sure that I have ever written much on the 9/11 Anniversaries. I can never seem to find the right words. Even now, I struggle. I write a sentence, then delete the whole thing.

But I want to try. I want to try because of Anna. My daughter Anna will turn ten years old in December. As this anniversary has approached I have found myself thinking about her a great deal. Perhaps it is because my most vivid memories associated with that day was how aware I was of her rolling and kicking in my belly. And the sad feeling that this baby was to be born into a completely different world than the one that existed just one day earlier. She would come into a world at war.

I have little true personal connection with the immense tragedy so many families suffered that day. Peace was my casualty. I remember calling my parents, being on the phone with my father as the reports of the plane hitting the Pentagon started to come through. The Pentagon? Really? How was that possible? Having grown up in Northern Virginia, I was used to the stream of military families constantly moving through the area. I'm certain I had friends growing up whose father's worked at the Pentagon. It was surreal. I remember thinking that my youngest sister had just recently flown out to California and flown out of Dulles. The thought made me ill.

Completely unrelated to 9/11, my parents happen to be in New York City this weekend. Its scary. My brother lives there. Its scary. We go on, we live our lives. We try harder to love. We carry the shared grief for so much life lost, for our peace shattered. We try try harder to live each day intentionally. We go on. That baby I worried about earned a new belt in Tae Kwon Do today. We go on. We remember. We pray.

Suds and Soccer

I started this post earlier and it quickly become rambly and incoherent.

You see, I was caught up in the thrill of the US Women's Soccer team win over France.They go on to the final for the Women's World Cup on Sunday. As I wrote, I realized that the post had warped into one about the game they played on Sunday against Brazil. If you love soccer, you know about That Game. (If you don't, goggle it.) Carmen is our soccer player. She loves soccer. Loves. The truth is, as thrilling as Sunday's and today's games were on their own, experienced through eyes of my daughter makes them even more amazing. And I guess this post is just about soccer in general too, isn't it?

It is such a beautiful sport. A game played on big fields, yet centimeters can mean the difference between a win and a loss as a ball just slips past the fingertips of the keeper. A game of stamina where players don't stop moving, don't take timeouts and have to be ready for the long haul knowing that the right shot, even in the final seconds can spell victory or defeat. A game where the best athletes bring their hearts onto the field and are ready to play until they burst.

The US Women play with so much heart. So does Carmen. She gives every bit of herself to the game. And yet through it all, she is joyful. Just because she gets to play.

And why suds? Carmen, my tough as nails soccer player has long begged to take a "classic bath" (that is her expression, she is full of quirky phrases). She means a fill the tub with warm water (and maybe bubbles) and soak bath. Maybe even read. In our busy busy home, where hot water can come at a premium, and the goal is just get 'em washed and in bed, a "classic bath" seems a luxury. She begged, even asked for her birthday (its coming up). And so, this weekend, Dave bought a stopper for the drain and last night Carmen soaked in a silky lavender and chamomile bubble bath.

And why do these things all go together? I guess, in the end, this post is really just about Carmen.

Go Laugh

I know, I know. What a totally random thing to pop back in and blog.
But it is so funny.
http://www.creativeminorityreport.com/2011/06/major-announcement-we-are-gods.html

(I'm doing this from my iPod, so forgive the lack of eloquence or elegance. By the way, I find it totally hysterical how the iPod autocorrects my spelling if iPod. Darn you if you don't capitalize the p.)

Worth Doing Right

No picture.

I am starting over.

I got through to the end of the decreases and I somehow ended up with way to many rows. I somehow must have increased too many stitches on row 11. I was happy to live with, but after "reading" my knitting thus far, I also realized my stitch count was off, leaving me with differing numbers of stitches on either side of the diagonals. That might have been okay too.

Except.

I was frustrated. It wasn't right. I know part of knitting is accepting those imperfections, but right now, for this project, it is not okay. I don't want perfection, but I do want a finished project that reflects careful attention and beauty.

Plus, I hated the yarn. Oh my. Am I yarn snob? Maybe. All I know is, the blanket I am still working on for Mara is with an absolutely beautiful yarn, a merino wool blend that feels luxurious between my fingers and moves wonderfully on my needles. I love holding this yarn. The blanket is stitched on small needles, a tiny little seed stitch that I never tire of. Knit, purl, knit , purl...

There is something to be said for seeking the best materials to work with. The acrylic yarn felt fake, plastic. And I've realized that with these materials, I put less attention and care into what I was doing.

I could write extensively on what this has taught me about real life. About prayer.

When I start my day, hurried and flustered, without the effort of prayer, I am less attentive to my children, my husband, my duties. I know I have the perfect pattern to follow, the Divine Office, the prayer of the Church that marks the hours, that keeps me from dropping stitches (so to speak). It ensures I don't add anything that shouldn't be there either. For me, that means whining or asking for things the good Lord know I do not need. Follow the pattern and the product, an authentic life of prayer and God's grace, will come together. God's mercy covers the imperfections, the dropped stitches, the odd seams. 

When creating something beautiful, meant for someone we love, it is worth doing right, with the best we can offer. As I work to create a home, a life for the people I love, it is worth doing right, all the time. With God as my helper, I'm learning, even while I knit.

(I hope to catch up quickly. I have plenty of time to knit at the pool with th baby in the sling and Johnny and Aggie happily playing in the baby pool. First I need to order some yarn. Some really nice yarn.)

Where I Knit My First Garment

 

About 17 years ago I taught myself how to crochet. I was amazed how quickly I picked it up and how much I loved it. But it seems it is in my blood. My grandmother (on my mother's side) crochets. She still does, in her 80's creating beautiful and intricate lace placemats and whole tablecloths. 

About 3 or 4 years ago I taught myself how to knit. The internet is really amzing. Everything I needed to know was right there. I love knitting. But I am lazy and generally hate following patterns (this was true of crocheting as well) so I have never knitted or crocheted more than scarves, blankets and the occasional hat (actually I have only crocheted hats).

So, here I am, working my first garment. This is yarn I had on hand, an acrylic that I got at the local craft store, leftover from a crochet project years ago. I *think* it is worsted weight. I am using size 8, 24 inch circular needles. I am so very lazy, I could care less about the specific sizing this time around since I figure it will fit the baby at some point. Didn't bother with a swatch. Lazy, remember? I could probably do with a slightly longer cable, but I don't have one and well, on top of being lazy I am also cheap frugal.

Check out the custom stitch markers ;)

 So far so good, I think...I hope. I was surprised how quickly I was able to work these first 10 rows.

Too Blessed to Count

Mara, born April 5.

One More Week

So many blessings I can count this week, but the best of all is just that, one more week.

One more week for my little girl to stay tucked up inside under my heart, one more week of feeling her stretch her limbs, one more week of seeing her on ultrasound, always with one arm right by her face. One more week, my body still a safe haven.

The Begining of Lent

A week ago I was in the hospital. I had contractions that needed several doses of medication to come to a stop and some abnormal blood work that prompted the doctors to want to monitor me closely. I spent three days there. Things improved and I was able to come home. It was SO good to be home.

But now I must be patient. I must be still. I must let my husband and children do many things for me. I must let friends and family help me. I want my baby girl to have as long as she can to develop. Other complications may still interfere and make outside safer than inside before she is full term. I have accepted that.

In the meantime, I must be still. It is frustrating. It is difficult. The truth is, I generally feel fine. Since leaving the hospital, contractions have been minimal. But I know, the moment I push myself just that little bit too far, even if it is going up and down the stairs just one time too many during the day, they will start again. I must die to myself, to my need to constantly move and do in this busy house and I must be still.

Lent has begun. We did not hide the Alleluia. I do not have the mantle letters spelling "Repent" out. I couldn't make our traditional pretzels yesterday. I have not printed out any calendars to help my little ones mark the days. I don't have any particular book or devotion ready to go. Does it matter?

My children have spent the last two weeks laying themselves down to serve me and each other. They know what Lent means. God has shown me how I must be still, how I must pray, how His grace is sufficient to carry me through every crisis and concern. God has whispered to my heart that the best way to prepare is to spend time in His word. So I will find a simple way to do this. All I really need is a bible and the prayer of the church. I have been humbled by my husband's tender love and care for me and our sweet girl. 

This is Lent. It is good.

Simply Waiting

Soon I will welcome a new daughter. This time my preparations have been marked by careful vigilance of my health with the awareness I may be holding her sooner than expected.

I find myself having to slow down and prepare in simple ways every day. A little load of baby laundry here, pulling out slings there, having a small bag ready with at least the essentials for the hospital.

And prayer. Lots of prayer. My sister reminds me almost every time I talk with her over the phone, she is praying. I know it, I feel it. Her prayers and many people dear to me. When I lose sight of that, I feel the anxiety.

The simplest preparation after all is prayer.

Small Steps Together: Contagious Joy

My almost 15 year old daughter has been teaching me about joy. Yes, teens can be sullen, moody and silent. She definitely has her moments. But the past few weeks she has resolved to be helpful and attentive to the needs of everyone in this house. But more than that, I have seen her embrace this resolution with JOY. When she comes home from being away for a day, she rushes to greet her 2 year old brother with JOY. Every day, in some small way, she is teaching me this wonderful way to carry on, when I'm tired, when I ache, when I just want to be left alone. I think of this beautiful teen in my house, resolved to bring her energy and JOY to all of us.

Daybook on the March for Life

Right now...I am attempting to post from my itouch. This will probably be shorter than usual.

In a little while...Need to put some real clothes on, drop teens at church, find something fun, maybe artsy to do with my little girls (and boy).

This week...we're in a comfortable pace right now. It's nice to be moving somewhat peacefully through the week, with no activities overwhelming us. I want to use this time to gather fortitude and grace. Soon I will need to be visiting doctors with more frequency and watching my health even more carefully. It still feels somewhat to think we'll be welcoming a new little girl soon...very soon.

Living the liturgy...Preparing for Candlemas, Johnny's original due date, a day that filled me with such hope as I faced those difficult days during that pregnancy. Still filled with great hope and joy.

I am praying...All those facing difficult circumstances during pregnancy and all women who have been mortally wounded by the lie of abortion.

I am thankful...I really want to start in on Ann's Multitude Mondays series. Can't link with the app I'm using. For today these 3 things:
Lilly playing basketball
Dave grocery shopping with me
Football with Johnny

On my Kindle...One Thousand Gifts. I also downloaded Democracy in America. Read bits of it in high school, just felt inspired to read it all. Also Light of the World. Have I mentioned how thrilling it is to be able to carry so many books around with my Kindle?

From the schoolroom...Little girls wrapping up a mini Viking study. On to knights and castles. I am always so motivated and inspired by Carmen. That girl just loves to learn, to really soak up knowledge and ponder it. We are going to use this time well. So grateful I have well planned weeks ahead.

Woohoo Packers!

Reflecting the Love of God

A conversation Lilly and I had the other day centered on who I would entrust the care of my children with should something tragic happen to me and Dave. It really was not morbid at all and led to a wonderful insight on my part. The question was, apart from family, how would I feel about the children being cared for by some of the families we are blessed to have as  part of our lives. The answer, which made me oh so happy, was pretty darn good. The answer really is so simple. These people I have let into my heart, into my life, love my children. I would not doubt for one moment that they would love and care for my children, that would continue to help them grow closer to God and win the race to Heaven. Truly, what more can I ask for.

I know. I would ask that they would know how grateful I am to have them in my life. I would ask that, by God's grace, they would see the love of God reflected in me for their dear children and that I too long to share the beatific vision with them. I would ask that whatever is lacking in me be filled with God's grace. And of course, I long for this within my family as well.

I want to live this year, my whole life, with this reflection ever present. Do I bring the Light of Christ, to everyone? All the time? May the Lord have mercy on me and help me to be ever more transparent.

More About the Middle Ages

I've updated the page on where we are in our Middle Ages Study. Its a work in progress and I hope I can add more links of resources and materials we're actually using. Mostly because I want to keep a good record of all this so I don't have to reinvent the wheel in a few years with my next crop of students.

New Year's Daybook

Right now...kids are getting dressed, breakfast cleaned up. We woke a little late this morning. One teen has yet to emerge. (Ah, here she is.)

In a little while...school, doctor, school, ballet. In that order.

This week...Celebrating the Epiphany with the sleepover at Abuela's house. My children refuse to celebrate it on the Sunday. Epiphany is on the 6th and that is that. This morning Elizabeth linked over to this and I think it makes a whole bunch of sense. I think it also marks the anniversary of my baptism. Basketball, Tae Kwon Do and 1 ballet class start up again. Sigh.

I am praying for...mothers who have to say goodbye to children.

I am thankful for...babies. My little babies and my teens and everyone in between. Sweet nephews and nieces. Dear friends' children I've grown to love.

Living the Liturgy...Lots this week, wow! Our focus will be on the Epiphany/Theophany of Our Lord. A favorite feast in our family, always marked with a big celebration at my parents. Hard to believe the Christmas season is coming to a close. It flew by this year. Well, technically don't I really have to Candlemas to take the tree down?

On the Kindle...One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. And lots of other good stuff. Free stuff. Lots and lots of great free stuff for the Kindle.

In the schoolroom...So pleased I've gotten a good amount laid out and planned for the next few months. I'm not done yet, but I'm bolstered by my progress so far.

Johnny...now he's 2! and if you ask him, he loves to tell you. And he loves to tell you his name...Johnny John Bom, a mish-mash of some of the nicknames we have for him. Did  I tell you he's 2? Yeah, every bit of 2, including now daily fits to figure out exactly what he wants for breakfast. How is it little boys come to love superheroes so easily? Johnny is already devoted to Batman and Spiderman.

Please excuse my chocolaty fingers.

 My word for 2011...Eucharisteo. Elizabeth explains very well why. The day she posted this, I had a similar post in draft. Ann's book is really a must read to start the new year.

Nearly Christmas Daybook

Right now...kids are getting breakfast. I woke very early and was able to do the Office and Morning Prayer right from my bed (thank you itouch). Johnny woke up soon after and I snuggled with him. As he pressed his little warm body next to me, all I could think was how he was worth every minute of illness I went through 2 years ago.

In a little while...more holiday baking begins! Lots planned for today. And a dinner with friends in the evening. The crockpot is my friend.

This week...Heh, Christmas! Christmas Eve will have at the early mass (Lilly is singing) and then dinner and celebration at my parent's house. We have SO much to celebrate this year. 

On December 11, my father had a mild heart attack. It was a shock and very frightening. But modern medicine is truly a miracle and he was home within a few days and better than ever. There is so much more I could tell you about it all, and maybe I will, but not here.

On December 19 my sister welcomed her third child, Martin Andres. He is adorable (of course). I miss her and her family more than ever.

Christmas morning is breakfast at Dave's cousin's house. 

We'll come home and open presents and have a quiet dinner at home.

Sunday we celebrate Johnny's 2nd birthday! I can hardly believe it. We will also possibly be at the beginnings of a blizzard in our area.

There's more fun and celebrations next week too. But I'll tell you about them next week.

I am grateful for...my father, my sister and little Martin, my dear children, friends who support me in prayer, good health for everyone in my family, my husband...oh I could go on and on. I think reading this book, One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are is affecting me in the best way possible. Its available for Kindle instantly, right now. And so is Elizabeth's book, Small Steps for Catholic Moms. I'll tell you a secret. I have a print copy. Its dear to me, but I'm getting the Kindle copy too. Seems to me that a daily devotional is a near perfect format for the Kindle. It always know right where you left off and I can add my own thoughts as notes and almost create myself a little e-journal. Oh, I'm grateful for Elizabeth and Ann too :)

Praying for...this would be nearly identical to the list above.

Living the Liturgy...I love love love how my parish decorates for Christmas. Every year it takes my breath away when I walk in. Lilly will be soloing a verse of Silent Night in Spanish tomorrow night. I'm sure I will be a weepy mess. This is one of my father's favorites. Just typing this right now, I'm overcome with emotion. Deep breath. God is good.

From the kitchen...cookies, cookies, cookies. I always feel spoiled this time of year. I'm not responsible for any major holiday cooking. Even dinner for our friends tonight is a casual affair and they're bringing dessert. So I get to have fun and be creative. Here's the list:

Lemon Orange Anise biscotti and Almond biscotti  (both these recipes use canola oil and mostly egg whites, so they are heart healthy)

Meringues and cocoa meringues (again, heart healthy)

Lemon Ricotta cookies (Lilly baked these, oh my, are they ever delicious)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies (I changed up the recipe, made the dough all chocolate and used the candy cane kisses instead)

Decorated sugar cookies

Candied cranberries

Alfajores (a Peruvian cookie, a special request from Dave's cousin)

and depending on how things go today I also feel like making some kind of gingersnap. We'll see.

Around the house...not too bad, if I pretend not to see all the laundry that needs to be done. I feel like I'm in a constant battle to keep "stuff" from accumulating in piles all over the house. In a few days we'll be adding in all new "stuff". Oh well.

Johnny...loves Batman. And basketball. He is all boy. He's learned to say me and mine in the past few weeks. And "I poop".

I'm finding it hard to believe that I'll be updating about another baby in a few months. For now, everything is going great. I'm feeling good, if not suddenly much bigger and everything medically is normal. We like normal.

Happy Feast!

Chaplet of the Immaculate Conception

Sign of the Cross

V. O God, come to my aid;

R. O Lord make haste to help me in my time of need.

First Group of Beads: I thank thee, O eternal Father, For having by Thy Almighty power preserved Mary, most holy, Thy blessed daughter, from the stain of original sin.

On the large bead pray one Our Father.

On the four small beads pray four Hail Marys, adding each time:

Blessed be the pure, most holy, and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Second Group of Beads: I thank Thee, O Eternal Son, for having by Thy wisdom preserved Mary, most holy, Thy blessed mother, from the stain of original sin.

On the large bead pray one Our Father.

On the four small beads pray four Hail Marys, adding each time:

Blessed be the pure, most holy, and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Third Group of Beads: I thank Thee, O Holy Spirit Eternal, for having by Thy love preserved Mary, most holy, Thy Blessed Spouse, from the stain of original sin.

On the large bead pray one Our Father.

On the four small beads pray four Hail Marys, adding each time:

Blessed be the pure, most holy, and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Conclude with:

Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Composed by St. Berchmans, S.J. to obtain the grace never to commit any sin against the virtue of purity.

Thanksgiving

...is a day early in our house.

Ultrasound shows a very healthy, measuring perfect for dates little...girl! And all is looking very good for me right now.

For whatever reason we were all very sure it was boy, so even in this house with 6 girls, we were actually surprised. Imagine that!

Have a wonderful holiday!