This kids and I are inside today because I woke up to 3 inches of snow and still going. It's almost May PEOPLE!!! Urghhh! But we decided to make lemonade out of lemons and have an inside day. We did a craft (Kynan wanted to work on his letters, hence the Popsicle stick signs), we painted Ava's toe nails (then had a minor incident with her stealing some cuticle oil and dumping it on the carpet), had some nutritious KD for lunch, and now it is nap time (AKA: clean up time for mom). It's been a fun morning, but now I am wiped. Still so much to do.

As for the lot front, we have listed our property in Summerland, reducing it by $20,000 to $209,000. So if you know anyone wanting to build, at that price, it truly is a steal. And we are currently looking for house here. We still have our rental feelers out, but I think we may be better off just finding a small modest home to hand our hats.

On the worried belly front, my appointment is in 4 days and counting. Still no major movements, except last night I swore I felt a kick, but I could not be certain it wasn't gas. So I am still a little worried, but a little more confident that things are fine.







Here are the kids playing around with the bambino belly. Kynan is so tender and I love the shot with him. It really shows his tenderness towards me and the baby. While in the last shot, Ava is getting up to pile drive me in the groin. Needless to say, the belly shots stopped.






Here is my latest belly shot taken by a world class photographer, Kynan John. Please no laughing...




Here are some shots from Easter. The bunny brought the kids some cool toys and a little bit of chocolate and mama made Easter Bunny Pancakes. The looked more like black bunnies because I can't cook and the icing I put on them made them look like cats, but there was effort made. LOL.

Cravings....

A good friend of mine just gave birth to her baby son, Trustin Emmanuel. He is perfect, she looks beautiful and I can't wait to see her next week. Last week, we were talking at our MOPS outing to It's a Blast. I laughed as we swapped stories of cravings. I shared that I have been craving a White Spot Chicken Supreme Burger for about a month now (only available in BC). She looked at me all serious and asked me to describe in detail. As I gave her a full description, both our mouths began to water and then we burst out laughing. I thought it was pretty funny. Outside my burger craving and the occasional ice cream craze, most of my cravings have been rather healthy. Like crispy veggies (no dip just the veg), chicken and lettuce sandwiches (seriously, I ate 3 in one sitting last week), and pickles (which is odd for me as I don't typically like pickles). My belly seems to be growing at warp speed. Some of you may be asking, why no belly shots yet? Well, while many of the moms-to-be have a tight perfect baby bump, mine is much more blubbery, stretch mark invested, with no belly button pop. I will work up some courage to do some bear belly shots. And soon I will post some other pictures.

Anyways, the biggest thing on my mind regarding the pregnancy has been heartbeat. I know this sounds silly and Dana has been constantly reassuring me, but ever since reading about another friend's worry of her own baby (which turned out great once she hit her 16 week appointment) I have been worrying. Laying extra still to try and catch a movement, being extra cautious in pools, and even getting Dana to put his ear to my belly. I know, slightly insane, but I worry. My next appointment is in a week, which seems like an eternity away. I just want to make sure everything is coming along ok. And is silly as this sound, with every day that I feel nauseous, I am thankful for that one little clue that things are fine. But please say a prayer for me and bambino anyways.

That's it. I'm out. It's 2am, Dana is snoring so loud I can hear him two rooms away, and I have to be up in 5 hours. So beddy by for me. Goodnight.

When Mom's Away... The Kids Will Play

Tonight was 'Gir;s Night' so when 7 rolled around, I strolled upstairs for my weekly date with the gals. Of course, being the excellent wife I am, didn't think twice about leaving my rambunctious children, who were at the time in the bath, with my exhausted and extremely tired husband. When I got home around midnight, I walked into a dreary looking Dana. Then he spilled what had happened only a few hours before. Kinda went like this.

Dana said while the kids were bathing, he decided to call Telus and activate his new (but used) phone as his old one had kicked the bucket (for all you worry warts out there- he of course was keeping a close eye on the water babies). He said he heard splashing and went in several times with warnings. Five minutes later, a naked Kynan is spinning around the apartment with no Ava in sight. He shouted at Kynan to go back in to the bathroom and put the toys away and help soap of some of the water. To which Kynan, who has been a delight the past few days (heavy sarcasm), said a prompt "NO". Dana asked again, and Kynan told him he didn't want to go in the "dirty" water. Dana went into find Ava in the tub (totally content) in a big tub of poohie water. That's right, Ava pooped in the tub.

At this point in his story, I am laughing pretty hard. I feel a tiny bit bad Dana, but I am laughing at how udderly disturbing to Dana this is. I think about the many times I have cleaned poohie water, or pukie beds. It just makes me laugh.

Anyways, after cleaning out the tub and Ava, both this kids I guess refused to go to bed. Dana fought with them until 10:30pm. I guess he finally broke their will as they were sleeping peacefully when I got home. But I guess it just goes to show that when mom's away, the kids will play.

Needless to say, Dana crashed. And I am sure he didn't appreciate my laughing either, but who wouldn't given the circumstances.

Have a good weekend.

A Thankful Heart, Slightly Clouded...

I thought I would post an update about our lives.... of course post about the kids is what you really want, but this is what happened yesterday.

We have been desperately trying to find an affordable larger place to live over the last few months, especially finding out about bambino #3. We have applied to several places, but as it is in most places, nobody is moving, and rentals are extremely hard to come by. We had a viewing of a 4-plex yesterday, which was my hope to be an answer to prayer. 3 bedrooms, good area, backs onto a green space, but we were sorrily disappointed. The lady who lives there know smokes and the entire place is carpeted. Somehow I don't think they will replace the carpet for us and smoke is a hard thing to get rid of. And we can't risk it with Kynan and his asthma. So I slugged back to the car, cried all afternoon, and felt rather hopeless. But I have to say that God is faithful and he always walks along side us in our sorrow... and always. We had caregroup last night where we talked about giving, and where are treasures are also. It made me ponder why is this SO important to me. We are all healthy, we have a roof over our heads, and food in our bellies. We are extremely blessed to have what we have. It made me have a new found appreciation for my sister-in-law who has been living in a one bedroom loft since before her son was born. It made me think of all the things I took for granted when I had them. Then the group prayed for Dana and I as a couple and I felt a weight being lifted. I came home, wondering where do we go from here. I called my mom, and I felt incredibly lifted after talking to her. She encouraged me to stay strong, and these hard times draw you closer to each other (and the Lord) if you let it, and that there are always options.

So today I contacted a realtor back in Summerland to start putting some possible prices together for our lot that will make competitive without us losing a ton. If we can sell the lot it will free us up to buy something here with sound mind. So I think there is where are efforts are going to lie for now. All other rental doors have been opened and now we just need to pray for patience, perspective in the day to day, and solutions. So if the mood swings you (and even if it doesn't) please please send a little prayer ups for our family as we wait upon the Lord to work.

Thanks so much.

a Walk in the Park...

Yesterday, I was feeling rather ill so Dana came home and took the kids for a walk in the park. It was plus 18 and felt like the beginning of summer. Kynan rode his bike and Ava walked. Apparently, they just loved it. Dana played photographer for the event as I was in peaceful slumber at home. I am so thankful to have an amazing husband that is willing to chip and rescue me. This kids like it too.

Enjoy the pictures.

Things That Make You Wanna...

This week with talking to my sister-in-law, I was "encouraged" to start blogging again. I have to admit that I have missed just documenting the little treasured moments with my children. One thing about the internet is that it's always there. So I have decided to take it back up, but with less pressure than before. No pressure to write 5 times a week. No pressure as to what I am writing. And no pressure as to who is reading. After all, I am sure I have 'zero' readers after my sabbatical.

To get back into the swing of things, I wanted to share something that happened a few nights ago with Kynan. It was bed time, and we were getting all tucked in, when he took off his shirt, laid on his belly, and asked for a back "message". I smiled and commenced rubbing his back, when he quickly stopped me to remind me to use the lotion. I giggled to myself, and then started telling him how I use to do this all the time when we was just a little baby and how he loved it. He nonchalantly says to me: "I know. I liked it." Which makes me smile even bigger. When I was done and about to kiss him goodnight, he asked if I wanted one. Does he not just melt your heart? Kynan is definitely my lovey dovey son lately, filled with hugs and kisses. He often tells me he is going to take care of me and the baby, brings me cars when I am not feeling better (because those always make him feel better), and holds on a little tighter during our traditional afternoon nap together in Mommy's bed. It's things like this that make me want to blog again and share what amazing children I have.

Happy Easter and God Bless.