The Winter Five-- Family Blog

Back-logged But Blessed

2011-09-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, I realize that it has been quite a while since my last post I will play a little catch-up here. f I have been so busy with so many blessings lately that I have only had time to do quick little snippets on Facebook.

First off, I have been so busy this weekend with Josiah's and my birthday marathon! Josiah turned 29 on Friday and we all went to Beef's to celebrate after his soccer game (which they won!). Yesterday evening, Josiah's students planned a surprise party for him at our house, so I was busy secretly cleaning all day for that. Lastly, today is my 30th birthday and my extremely, awesome in-laws planned a party for me after church. It was a great weekend!

Lydia and I are flying to Michigan first thing tomorrow morning to visit my family. We will be gone for a week and then my grandmother will be flying back with us the following Monday. I feel a huge weight of guilt leaving my husband home to fend for himself and the girls. It has been a huge job just trying to line up babysitters, prepping lunches, soccer and cheer outfits...so that everything is ready for the entire week I am gone.

My last huge bit of news is that Josiah and I officially in the process of adopting a baby boy! We passed our home study with flying colors and are waiting for a match. We are praying for the Lord to bring along the right birth mother!

That's all our big news!

My New Office!

2011-07-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

So I was surfing Craigslist the other night and stumbled upon some gorgeous office furniture. My old stuff was a hand-me-down from my parents which was purchased from a garage sale and in terrible costmetic condition. I was able to talk my wonderfully, awesome hubby into buying this beautiful stuff! The poor guy had to drive all the way out to Dale Mabry in the rain to carry it all downstairs. We got it all carried inside, towel dried, and assembled last night around 11pm. I am so amazed at how God provides for not only our needs, but also our wants. I think we got a great deal!!

I have to change the pink ribbon on the curtain to a green one to match my cute bins and lamp I found at Target. Mr. Matt, notice I hung the "Parlor" sign for you already! :) The guys have their room back...however, I think us ladies use the office way more these days.

Most of the shelves are pretty empty. I still haven't gone through all the nitty-gritty stuff to organize...dreading it too!

What We Did on our Summer Vacation

2011-06-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our cruise a few weeks ago. I have no idea why this font has decided to underline itself...oh, well!

Below is the girls closing their eyes the first time we walked into our room. It was their idea to be "surprised".

Dinner the first night.

Riding the water slides on the ship

Our date night, after pawning the kids off to the kids club

The girls projects they made in the kids area

Holding a turtle at the Turtle Farm in Grand Cayman

The shark tank

Unfortunately, we didn't notice that the camera was foggy from the temperature change

Our carriage ride through Cozumel

One Brave Kid

2011-06-17T11:00:00.001-07:00

We were in Tallahassee a few weekends ago for a Winter family reunion at the Tallahassee State Museum. There was a really neat animal show where the kids were able to see owls, snakes, and even a baby alligator. Esther is much braver than her mommy...that's for sure. If you know me at all, then you know I am deathly afraid of snakes. The last picture was actually taken from the other side of the room. Thanks goodness for good zooms on cameras because I wasn't getting anywhere near that huge snake!!!

Pounding the Pavement

2011-06-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I have made the final decision to run another half marathon. Who's with me? The race is the DisneyWorld Wine & Dine on Saturday, October 1st at 10pm. I looked today and we have 115 days to the BIG day and the race is 70% full, so if you are planning to run with me (and I know there are a few of you out there considering it), please let me know.

This morning I decided that I needed to start running again, and it was the first official time running since my last 13.1 miler. Whew!!! I forgot how much it hurts to really have to push yourself. I only ran 3.75 miles and it took me forever! Gunna have to do that a few times a week to get back in the groove! Hope some of you will join me!!

Picture of Lydia

2011-06-04T14:10:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Morales, the lady who took care of Lydia while we were gone on our cruise, took a gazillion pictures of her. Here is one of my favorites.

Hannah Update

2011-05-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share with those of you who have been on your knees with us, that Hannah's bald spot is continuing to grow new hairs! Everyday the hairs are growing longer. I did some research on Alopecia Areata, and I read that can be caused by a stressful situation. About a week before I first noticed the spot, she had a really rough time with getting her blood drawn for allergy testing. I am really hoping that that is what caused this and that she has no other reoccurances in the future. I cannot express to you all how much I appreciate all your prayers about this and the other matters that are going on in my life lately! I am so blessed to have your friendships! Please continue for my family, as things seem to continue to get worse.

Adventure Island Fun

2011-05-28T08:41:00.001-07:00

Josiah, the kids, and I joined the Winter family on an annual trip to Adventure Island yesterday. We had a great time!

Esther jumping off the cliffs

Lydia & Daddy

Hannah is doing awesome with her swimming and can now swim without the use of any floatation devices!

Hannah & Auntie Joy

Isaiah, Caleb, & Josiah

Lydia

Esther at Splash Attack...doesn't she look like a swimsuit model?

Lydia wearing out Grandpa Ken on the water slides.

After wearing out Grandpa, she proceded to wear out Aunt Grace too!

Grandma Sheila about to collapse after climbing all the steps up the water slide

After the water park closed, we went to a hole-in-wall (there are literally holes in walls) BBQ restraunt, where they actually serve bat. These are the boys bibs they brought out. Notice they are paper toilet seat covers.

All in all, it was a perfect day! I think everyone had a ton of fun and got a little sun burnt.

More Prayer Needed

2011-05-15T11:07:00.000-07:00

Well, we are in need of prayer again, so I am sharing this to ask for you to be praying with us. Earlier this week, I noticed a small bald spot on the top of Hannah's head. I thought that maybe she had pulled her ponytail holder out and ripped out the hair, but it was very smooth so I wasn't really sure. I tried to cover it up for several days, hoping no one would ask me why she has a bald spot, since I really had no explanation. I am so blessed to have so many friends in the medical field and was able to ask Kyle, who is PA in a Dermatology office. She recognized it right away as Alopecia Areata. She said that it can spread and lead to full baldness if left untreated. The treatment would be a few injections in the affected area. I am really upset about this, especially since Hannah had such a hard time with passing out and vomitting after having her blood drawn last week. She is such a sweetie and I hate to have to put through that pain.

My plan for now is to wait a few weeks, and pray earnestly that the Lord would heal her without have to get the injections. Even this morning, just hours after I learned her diagnosis, I noticed a few new hairs growing in the bald spot. Please pray with us that the Lord will work a miracle and she will be healed. I truly believe He has the power! Thanks All!

Birthdays and Bowling!

2011-05-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Esther, Hannah, and I were able to join my in-laws for Caleb's 15th birthday this evening. We went to Beef O'Brady's for dinner and then bowling. It was Esther and Hannah's first time bowling and they had a blast. Esther got 3 spares by the end of the second game! Hannah was hilarious. One of the pins actually stopped her ball without falling down. It was so cute!

Hannah's "bunny in a heart" balloon
Esther's monkey in a tree balloon

Caleb & Isaiah and their wing dinner (that's all they had--wings)

Kenny (my nephew) playing the drums in the

back of his truck in the bowling alley parking lot

Caleb (birthday boy...a.k.a. Spearmint Billy)

Isaiah and his lovely bowling socks

Kenny bowling

Hannah's Swimming Lessons

2011-05-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hannah has only had three swimming lessons and is coming along just "swimmingly" :) She loves being in the water and has no fear. We have the best instructor, Miss Marcia. She makes everything a game and makes Hannah love to be under the water!

Mother's Day Mayhem!

2011-05-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

I feel like I look at everyone else's pictures and their kids are all smiling and looking at the camera. This is just a few pictures we tried to take after dinner on Mother's Day. I had a great day, though. I had to stay home from church with Lydia since she had a goopy nose, and then we went out to eat with my in-laws to Sonny's BBQ (which is one of my favorite places). After, it was home for Sunday afternoon naps!

Prom 2011

2011-05-13T09:37:00.000-07:00

I believe that this year makes my hubby's and my 7th prom together. I believe that he has worn the same suit every time. I've really got to get him to spurge for a new suit! (He still looks amazingly hot, though!) We enjoyed a lovely evening with the Juniors and Seniors from his school. Special thanks to Auntie Joy for babysitting!

Who caught us kissing again?
My brother-in-law, Isaiah and his girlfriend, Peyton.

I voted us the best-looking old couple at the prom!

A Little Prayer Couldn't Hurt

2011-05-02T11:24:00.001-07:00

Hello to all my friends and family,

As some you already know, my family has been experiencing some tumultuous times. Yesterday, I was informed that things have taken a turn for the worse. I would like to ask all you to please be praying for us as we travel the rough roads ahead. I am so thankful that I have the Lord's comfort during this difficult time, as it seems to be the only thing gives me hope and comfort right now. My new favorite song should be playing for you right now, so I hope that it will encourage you as well.

My New Favorite Movies

2011-04-28T14:22:00.001-07:00

Well, I ended up laying around the house the entire day today, trying to recoup from my late night last night. My niece, Sammy, is on spring break this week and came over to hang out with me last night. Since she is 13, I was trying to find something for us to do that she would really enjoy, so we loaded up on the junk food and borrowed the three current Twilight movies. We didn't end up finishing until about 4am! I am normally in bed asleep by 11:00, so this really threw me for a loop. We had a really good time, though...and I have to apologize to my good friend Sarah for always teasing her about the movies with our husbands. They were awesome and we totally have a girl's night out at the movies, the night the 4th movie is released. I draw the line at Harry Potter, though, Sarah! :)

Easter Egg Fun

2011-04-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

Happy Resurrection Day!

2011-04-24T11:06:00.001-07:00

Sit up straight, look at mommy, don't touch your sister, smile pretty, keep your knees together...just way too many things for the girls to focus on when your taking a picture! These were the best we could do this morning on the way to church. When we walked into church, the greeter asked where we got all these pretty girls from. I answered, "At the pretty girl factory...me". Hope you all have had a wonderful Easter celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord!

My Darling Daughter

2011-04-10T10:43:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe that in just a few short weeks, my first baby will be graduating from Kindgarten at Grace Christian School. Sniff, Sniff! It is hard to believe how fast your kids grow up and how little time we have to teach them everything they need to know for adult life. Whenever I talk to my mother-in-law about problems that the kids are giving me...she always offers me this simple, yet encouraging thought. View this challenging time of (insert discipline problem here) as just a teaching opportunity. A time for you to train them the correct way to behave. I am so blessed to have so many wise mothers in my life to learn from!

Time for a New Swim Suit

2011-03-19T18:14:00.000-07:00

I bought a blow up pool from Walmart for the girls to use this summer. It was a great relaxing day with Hannah and Lydia in the water and me tanning on my free lawn chair my friend and I found during our walk the other night in Diamond Hill. I had to put a few pics of Lydia, whose new swim suit seems to be a bit short. Darn! I'm going to have to go shopping at Kohls to exchange it :)

March Update

2011-03-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

Well, baseball season has begun and if I wasn't already before, I am now a teacher/coach widow. Baseball season seems to be the most difficult time of the year for us. Josiah has to keep up the baseball field mostly himself during any free time that he has during the day. Which of course leaves no time left to get his tests graded, etc.

Lydia has a cold this week, thus limiting my time at the gym, since she can't go in the childcare area with green boogies. I was able to make it to two classes today, thanks to our surrogate grandmother Miss Shirley. I plan to attend the same two classes again tomorrow, keeping up my four classes a week comittment I made to myself. Lydia is walking like it's no big deal and I'm a bit sad she is growing up so quickly!

Esther had a private lesson at gymnastics on Wednesday and was able to learn two new skills! It was an amazing 1/2 hour!! Her teacher says she will most likely move up to level 3 in April. Bye, bye two a week lessons...3 day weeks are coming...competetions too!

Our newest bit of news is our biggest family addition yet...6 new baby chicks. Don't get too excited now...two of our chicks were hawk food the day after we got them, reducing our numbers to four. It was a somber afternoon after our loss of two family members. I think we were all a bit disappointed. 6 days later we still have the remianing 4 though! We named them after Disney Princesses...Jasmine, Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, Snow White, and Ariel. I'm not sure which one's got eaten, but Esther could tell you. She loves those chicks.

I have been working out in the yard a lot and am so excited that we are getting some landscape curbing and a pathway in our front yard. No more dirty shoes for all of you guests! Well, I guess that's all the new stuff going on these days!

The Finish Line

2011-03-09T17:54:00.000-08:00

I just found this picture of me crossing the finish line of my Half-Marathon. I was even more tired as I looked!

1, 2...13.1

2011-03-06T21:28:00.000-08:00

Well...here is the scoop on my half-marathon (13.1 miles). I have been training to run for the last six months and my goal was to finish in under 2 hours, 45 minutes and to complete it without stopping. However, I ended up have a little more than the 13.1 miles against me. We had to wake up at 2:45 am to get ready to go...however I was up every 15-20 minutes, all night with digestive issues (to put it nicely) from my nerves. I ended up having to run on an empty stomach, since nothing would stay down, much less go down. I was able to keep down about half an apple...not really the carbs I needed for prolonged energy. I was really nauseas all morning, but once I started running I felt unbelievable energetic...for the first four miles. It was pretty much all downhill from there. I was completely out of gas by mile 5 and had to take little walking breaks to be able to keep going. All in all, my final chip time was 2:45:21...I finished just 21 seconds past my goal! Being a runner with about 17,000 other people was a pretty cool feeling. When I would get tired, I would just look around and there were runners as far as I could see in front and behind me. It was a great experience that I definitely want to try again! Just not one I have to get so early for :) Special shout out of THANKS to our awesome cheerleaders Grace and my wonderfully awesome Hubby!! They were able to watch us run by at miles 3 and 7...I would tear up seeing them in the crowd. It meant the world to me and Joy that you were there!!!

My fun race factoid: I placed 6,421 out of the 13,107 runners that finished!

Happy Trails!

2011-02-21T09:58:00.000-08:00

My dad calls me today and says he and Esther will be here in a half an hour. I look out the window and see him and Esther riding down the driveway on Paco and Molly, my dad's horses. They had ridden here all the way from my parent's house, which is about 7 miles away. They were having a blast. I put a video of Esther riding at the bottom of all the pictures.

Esther on Paco

Hannah on Molly with Grandpa

A Bun in the Oven

2011-02-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

Yes! There is a "bun in the oven"...just not my oven (PTL!). My brother and his girlfriend are expecting a baby in July and we had a little family party to reveal the sex of the baby. We all were sitting around the table awaiting the cutting of the cake. The inside icing would be either pink or blue, indicating what the baby is. It was BLUE! I am really excited to have another little boy around here. Now I can buy some blue clothes and not have to pack them away from for maybe someday!

Just Turn Your Head

2011-02-17T06:32:00.000-08:00

We went to Kobe's Japanese Steakhouse last night for Esther's birthday dinner. We had a ton of fun. The hat they brought out was way too big for her and kept falling down over head. Esther is so excited to be 6 now and kept making "6" hands in all the posed pictures. I tried unsuccessfully to get the one picture to flip clockwise and the computer keeps unflipping it when I upload to the site. Oh well...just turn your head! :)

Another 1st Birthday Party

2011-02-16T08:57:00.003-08:00

Lydia turned one on January 30th. Here are some pictures of her party! I don't know who my photographer was here, but Thank You!

Fun times

2011-02-16T08:35:00.000-08:00

Above is a picture of Rachel, Hannah, Esther, & Lydia coincidentally dressed in the same outfits. The lady at Target thought they were all mine...I probably will have another girl someday to dress all four alike :)

Esther and Hannah went to a Rodeo with Grandma Sheila and Grandpa Ken. They dressed the part!

I took the below picture of Lydia crying while I was laughing hysterically. She had just begged me to get her out of the tub (where Hannah was still bathing). As soon as I changed her into her jammies, she crawled right back into the bathroom and fell into the tub. She wasn't hurt at all, but was screaming at the top of her lungs. It was hilarious!

One week, 4 days!!!

2011-02-16T07:25:00.000-08:00

The final countdown is upon me...11 days til run time! I have been diligently training (and overtraining) for this Half Marathon race. I cannot wait for it to start, just so it can be over. I have been so nervous the last few months at just the thought of running 13.1 miles at any one given time. However, my wonderful hubby has ran my last two runs with me and has really built up my confidence. Our first last week was about 4 miles and I felt great! Then, Saturday night he ran with me on my final 11 mile run and we finished in 2 hrs 15 minutes. I was really proud of myself. That was the fastest time I have ever been able to run one of my "long distances". It's amazing to me that he can be that much of an encouragement!

I also have a partner change in my big endeavor. My friend Sarah, who was supposed to be running with me, hurt her knee and is unable to run. She offered for me sister-in-law, Joy, to take her spot. Poor Joy only had 2-1/2 weeks to train, but I know she's going to do awesome!!!

My goal time all along has been to finish in under 3 hours, but after my run the other night, I am really going to shoot for 2hrs, 45 mins!

Disney World...here we come!!! :)

5K Distance Challenge???

2011-02-16T07:16:00.000-08:00

We are all holding our finisher's prizes: stawberries!

So last week, Caleb, Isaiah, Joy, and I ran in the Strawberry Distance Challenge for a fundraiser. I have to laugh that it was labeled a "distance challenge" since a 5K is only 3.1 miles, which is my lowest training distance. We had to get up early, of course, which seems to be a common race theme, but we had a lot of fun. Caleb finished in like 23minutes and took 1st place for his age group. I was hoping to finish in under 30 minutes, but ended up taking 32min, 34 sec. Oh well! I have been training for distance not speed, right? :)

A Yucky Day Turned Cute

2011-01-11T19:39:00.000-08:00

Oh, what a day! It began with Lydia having some sort of stomach bug...she was vomitting all morning, all over everything. I felt like crying for hours, feeling so helpless to make her feel better, and helpless to do anything but clean up the pukey aftermath...since she gave me no indication before upchucking. However, by mid-afternoon she was doing much better. We decided to go ahead with the plans I had made yesterday and go get the girl's hair cut. I have to say that they look adorable. Hannah's bangs ended up a little short, but they grow so fast, I know they'll be fine in a few days. Esther wants to grow her bangs out so now we have to pin them back until they will stay out of her face.

I am just pleading with God now that none of the rest of us will catch Lydia's stomach bug. Please pray for us!!!

Enjoying the Weather

2011-01-11T19:22:00.000-08:00

We have really been enjoying the gorgeous weather the last few months. The girls have been getting a lot of use out of our playset in the back yard. I'm dreading the 95 degree heat waves that will be upon us soon, forcing us to stay inside.

Celebrating Christ's Birthday

2011-01-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas day this year! We actually had to wake the girls up around 7:45 to get the day started. My family was coming over around 9:00 so we had to start our family tradition. We always read some sort of Christmas story book before we open presents. This year it was The Legend of the Candy Cane. The girls always get new toothbrushes in their stockings. There were only two different varities of girly toothbrushes on sale at the time I purchased them, so Lydia got a Spiderman one. She loves it! It has a bright blinking light!

The girl's big present was a new play kitchen. Lydia was really excited!

I don't have any pictures from later in the day, but my whole family came over for breakfast and opened presents. After a quick nap, we headed over to Josiah's parent's house for more presents. We then all went to eat at the Columbia Restraunt in Ybor City. It was a great day!

Miscellaneous Pictures of the Girls

2011-01-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

The girls dressed Hannah up to play school. She was even wearing Esther's school shoes!

Chirstmas Picture Fun

2010-12-13T06:26:00.001-08:00

So last night we decided to take some pictures to put in our Christmas cards. You haven't had fun until you've tried to take a family picture with three kids under the age of 5! We took over 200 pictures and were never able to get one without someone's eyes closed, looking away, someone's underwear showing, someone pouting, or crying. What a stressful evening!

Tomorrow is our 8th wedding anniversary and I still love kissing my hubby. We weren't even under the mistletoe!

Lydia's Christmas jammies

Big sisters!

I cannot get Esther to relax for a posed picture. AT EASE!

I had kept a straight face long enough through the madness!

Christmas Fun Meet

2010-12-13T04:41:00.000-08:00

Esther and Hannah had a Fun Meet at gymnastics this past Saturday. Here are some of their pics! The one's of Lydia are the best, I think!

For All My Running Buddies

2010-12-03T19:05:00.000-08:00

This is an post for all my fellow runners: I was talking to a friend today that told me about this awesome website runningmaps.com (I also found mapmyrun.com to be cool too). It allows you to easily map out your runs and tells you the exact distances from point to point and the inclines/declines, etc. I had a blast this evening mapping out tomorrow's run.

Also, drumroll!!!! I see the next Muddy Buddies date is April 11, 2010 in Orlando! Anyone ready to join me this time around? Let me know. I am defintely planning to compete! If your wondering what this is, just scroll down to my previous blogs to read all about it.

WISHING YOU HAVE HAPPY RUNS!

A Turkey Trot...or A Turkey Trudge

2010-12-03T09:53:00.001-08:00

So, while most people enjoy sleeping in and eating all day on Thanksgiving, me and two fellow runners decided to run in the Turkey Trot at Clearwater High School. It was our first 10K (6.2 miles) race. Before the race, I was full of confidence that it should be no big deal since I had already ran 7 miles the Saturday before as per my regular training schedule. Well, I was certainly fooled as I am used to running in Dover which is completely flat! I don't know how it mathematically worked out this way, but I swear it was uphill the entire way. Yes, there were a few downhill moments, but they always seemed to be followed up with another incline. Anyways, I finished in 1 hour 13 minutes. I'm slow, but steady and had a ton of fun reguardless!

I have been working really hard since this race to get my self used to running faster. I have to run 9 miles this week and plan to run down Hwy 60 and Valrico Road to give myself a few inclines...just in case Disney isn't as flat as I remember. :)

Before the big race

My friend Sarah was the first of us to cross the finish line!

My sister-in-law Joy was next

Me last!

The spot where I dropped afterwards :) We're still smiling, though!

Muddy Buddies--Partners in Grime!

2010-11-23T07:59:00.001-08:00

This past Sunday my dad and I competed in the Muddy buddy race in Miami. If you have never heard of it, I'll explain how it works. You and a partner take turns riding a bike and running. One person starts off running and one riding. After the first mile, the person riding gets to the obstacle first and drops their bike, completes the obstacle, and begins running the next mile. The runner reaches the 1st obstacle, completes it, and begins riding the next mile to the next obstacle. You continue "relaying" for approx. 6 miles. Our obstacles were a rock climbing wall, a low crawl under some nets, balance beams, and an inflatable slide. You meet up with your buddy at the end and have to complete the final obstacle together...the giant mudpit, through which you must crawl on your belly. We had a blast! Can't wait til next years!!!!

The mud pit!

Ready for the big race

Rethinking the race at this point

Me trying to cheat a little by lifting up the flags so my face wouldn't get so gross

The community shower

My Little Piggies

2010-11-23T07:27:00.000-08:00

For Halloween this year, my girls dressed up as the three little pigs. We went to Josiah's parent's church in Plant City for a Fall Festival and ended up ton of candy.

Esther's School's Sports-a-thon

2010-11-23T06:36:00.000-08:00

It was a hot, sunny day in October....we ran...and ran...and ran! I was due, according to my training schedule, to run four miles that day, but I think I ran more. We had an hour to see how many laps we could run. Esther ran 52 laps! I was really proud of her!

A Pork Pig out

2010-11-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

With having my grandmother and two aunts in town, my dad decided to have us all over for one of his pork rib pig-outs. He cooks them all day in this contraption outside and they are nothing short of DIVINE! The kids love them too!

I'm not quite sure the horsey (Devin) can breathe!

Hannah's 3rd Birthday Party

2010-11-23T05:18:00.000-08:00

Hannah's birthday party ended up being a hit! We had a great turn out with three great-grandparents, two sets of grandparents, parents, friends, a great auntie from Michigan, cousins, aunts, uncles, and a surrogate grandmother. It was so loud...perfect for 3 year old fun!

Daddy showing off his juggling abilities he learned in Equador when he was 13.

Great Aunt Diana and Lydia

Aunt Grace, Joy, and Mommy

Esther, Hannah, Kate, & another Hannah

Esther, Hannah, and Cousin Sammy

This is Gunna Take A While

2010-11-23T04:44:00.000-08:00

Well, I have been gone a lot and this has definitely thrown my usual routine into an even more crazy spin. Two weeks ago my mom and I went on a cruise to Grand Cayman and Mexico. It was great getting away, just us girls. I don't think I've done that since I had Esther. Here are some pics of Esther's gym meet from September. She was so proud that she got all 9's and above!

The Guys 4-Peat and a little update.

2010-11-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

Yes! My hubby's soccer won state the other night for the fourth year in a row and are currently in Tennessee at Nationals. Here is a picture of our crazy family after the game. We all painted our faces and wore the school's colors.

I am actually enjoying having Josiah gone for a few days. You wouldn't believe the things I can accomplish between the hours of 8pm and 2 am after the kids are asleep. My mom and painted an accent wall in both my living room and dining room. I have to say that they look exceptional!

My dad came over today bearing another wonderful gift...3 window sills!!! Only 2 bare ones to go! If you have ever visited our house, you would know that there are still a few "cosmetic" things that are still uncompleted. Now I can check this one off the list. PTL!

I have been catching up on a little couponing, cleaning deep-down dirt, and am about to embark on a few sewing projects. I am going to my dining room curtains this evening to make them hang on a traditional curtain rod. And, my diaper bag needs a new zipper. This should be interesting, as I am not a very experienced seamstress and have never sewn a zipper in my life.

Tomorrow and Friday I have a babysitter during the day and plan to shovel out under the kids playset and lay down mulch. It is such a pain to have to mow under so I figure this will save me the hassle and it should look a little "cleaner" out there without have tall weeds needing to be weed-whipped all the time. I also have plans to clean out the attic and run 3 and 4 miles those days.

Josiah will be back sometime early Saturday morning and my mom and I are leaving out of Tampa on a 5 day cruise. I am having a really hard time being excited about the vacation, as I feel very guilty leaving my hubby with the kids the whole time. I know they will be fine and I have help to watch the little ones when Josiah's at work, but I can't stop feeling bad about all the extra work my absence is causing everyone. I need to pray about it some more.

Esther, Hannah, and Lydia are all doing great! I moved Esther into a new class at gymnastics and she is doing much better. She has been struggling the last few months with staying focused, so this change has been really good for her. Hannah is learning new things everyday and can't wait to go to school next fall. She asks everyday when daddy and sister leaves if she can go too. We do some school work everyday at home and she really looks forward to our time together. Lydia is full of all kinds of new tricks these days. She loves to clap and wave. She will usally combine the two talents with a clap, clap followed by a wave, wave. She also gave me her first high-five today. It was awesome! We went to the doctor for Lydia's 9 month check-up the other day and got a little bit of a sad report, though. Her frenulum (the little piece of skin the goes between the upper lip and attaches above the front teeth) is very low and thick. We are being advised to see an ENT doctor in a few months and she will probably have to have it clipped. :(

Whew! That's about all that's new with us!

Special Thanks to Mr. Matt

2010-10-15T10:06:00.001-07:00

Whew! We have been without internet for over a week now and thanks to Mr. Matt, we are up and running again. My faith in Verizon has seriously been altered forever, though! :) Well, here are some pics of Lydia. She loves taking baths in the kitchen sink...and since I'm not too fond of bathing my children, it works out nicely. I think these will make some great yearbook photos her Senior year of high school. And, if your wondering if those big eyes are really that blue, Yes they are! She's going to be a knock-out! Load your guns, Daddy!

2010-10-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

Well, after an extremely tiring morning of pulling weeds at a local children's home with Josiah's junior class, I had to up my milage today. Before last week, I had never run more than 3 miles without stopping and I just completed 4 miles non-stop! My friend and I got these snazzy Nike/I-pod thingys thats basically a pedometer on steriods. I, of course, had to get an Ipod to be able to work it and was so excited to have a valid excuse to get one. There is a micro-chip that I hook onto my shoe laces and a tiny reciever that plug into my ipod and it counted my distance for me as I ran...which will come in handy on my upcoming long distance runs. There was a voice that interupted my music and told my each mile completed and counted down my last mile. It was awesome!!!!

My sister in law, Joy, my friend, Sarah and I just signed up for a 10k on Thanksgiving day. It's called the Turkey Trot. I am really excited!

Also, my dad and I are going to be Muddy Buddies in Miami this November as well. It looks like a ton of fun...running, biking, obstacles, and a world-class giant mud pit that you have to crawl though to reach the finish line. You even dress up in crazy costumes.

Man! I am blessed to have such wonderful health!!!

Technical Difficulties

2010-09-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

I cannot figure out how to zoom our banner picture out...anyone know how to fix this problem? The whole picture shows up fine when I add it in my "settings" (and I selected "shrink to fit"), but after I click apply it looks like this. Help!

My first 5K

2010-09-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, my friend Sarah and I conquered our first 5K run (3.1 miles). I had to walk about 1/10th of last mile, Sarah made it the entire time running. Way to go Sarah!!! We had a ton of fun and are already talking about training for the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February. Yes, I know we are crazy, but it really is kinda fun. I figure it should be a good way to drop the last few baby pounds...and then some more! Here is our picture of us after our run...and we're still smiling.

Bar Routine

2010-09-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

Esther's Bar Routine. She scored a 9.1!

Bean routine

2010-09-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

Esther's Level 3 Beam routine from Saturday's meet. She scored a 9.225!

On the way to Port Charlotte

2010-09-22T16:38:00.000-07:00

Here is the pic of dad on the way to Esther's gym meet on Saturday. Notice the spacious, empty seat in front of him.

Four Ladies

2010-09-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my girls and I last Sunday morning before church. Hannah had a fat, black lip from tripping and bashing her mouth into my nightstand. I'm not quite sure what's up with Esther's militaristic stance. :)

So Proud!...of me this time!

2010-09-22T04:50:00.000-07:00

I hestitated when I first thought of posting this, but decided who cares? Anyone who has ever tried to lose weight can appreciate where I am coming from and may be inspired to do the same, so here I go:

Last week, I finally put my foot down on my weight watchers diet (which I have been doing for a while, but not counting every bite). I got a super-good deal on their website to join online. I weighed in and began tracking every bite that entered my mouth and boy did it pay off! I lost 3.2 lbs this week!!! Yeah for Mommy! Only 6 more to go to my pre-Lydia weight. (Then I get to work off Esther and Hannah's).

I figured posting my losses (and I do plan on only having losses) each week will help keep me accountable to more than just myself.

My good friend Sarah and I are doing our first 5k together on Saturday, so it's off to the gym to do some running and pump some iron in my Body Pump class. I'll post some pics of us running later!

So Proud!

2010-09-21T11:34:00.000-07:00

Esther had her first gymnastics meet of the season on Saturday. We had to drive all the way to Port Charlotte, but it was a really nice trip. My dad went with us and squished in the back of the van with Esther and Hannah all the way there. I think he was having more fun than they were.

Esther took 3rd place overall! She is only 5 years old and was competing against 31 other kids that were probably ages 4-11. I was amazed at her results! She got all 9.0's and above. She has never won all blue ribbons before. As the person who drives her 3 times a week, sits through hours of practice, and drills her at home every spare minute, it felt like it was a reward for me as well. Hooray for Esther!

I have a million pictures that my dad took at the meet and I will try to get some up here as soon as I get them from him.

My Couponing Obsession

2010-09-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

I counted the other day and I have over 40 boxes of cereal. I think my crazy couponing went awry. How can I resist when I am getting them for less than $1 a box sometimes! Below is my overflow cupboard of Josiah's favorite cereal, Raisin Nut Bran. He used to refer to it as "vacation cereal" because it's usually $4.29 a box and we could only afford it on special occasions. Ouch! No way were we going to pay that! But, thanks to my couponing, I am able to get it at my stock-up price of $1.60 a box. For you other couponers out there, $1.60 still seems a bit high for cereal...but my hubby's worth it, and I never have to cook him a hot breakfast. Woo hoo!

Esther's School Pictures

2010-09-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, I was so exicted to help with Esther's school pictures. They all got their pictures taken in the Kindergarten graduation gowns and caps. They were all pumped. It was adorable and a ton of fun!

Miscellaneous Pictures of Lydia

2010-09-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

Snazzy new car seat!

Pulling an All-nighter

2010-09-11T12:38:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken after Hannah and mommy's all-nighter we pulled. She had an ear infection last Saturday night and was up crying a ton so we didn't really get any sleep. She fell asleep while eating lunch after we got home from the clinic. I was afraid she was going to fall out of the chair, but not afraid enough to run and get the camera.

Ready to Party

2010-09-11T12:30:00.000-07:00

Lydia is already to celebrate her big sister's 3rd birthday party!

Exercise

2010-09-11T09:14:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine introduced me to Jillian Michael's workout dvd, and here are some pics of the girls exercizing with me. Josiah gave the girls cans to substitute for weights. He's so inventive!

Hannah's First Day of Gymnastics

2010-09-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

After class, they all get stamps on their hands and feet. It's the highlight of the day!

Hannah insists to do the beam without help!

So...I'm a little behind here...

2010-07-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been a little behind in my blogging lately. This summer has been a whirlwind of events and vacations. And since I learned to do "extreme couponing" as I call it, every free minute I have is devoted to that. Here's what's going on with us lately...

Josiah is busy working on his rentals this summer and helping me recover from the 9 months of the school year where I am pretty much a single parent.

Esther is still working on her gymnastics really hard this summer and just tested today to see if she is ready to advance to level 3 trainers. She made it!!! I am so proud of her, but a little bummed at the fact she will have to be going to practice 3 days a week for 2 hours at a time. More time and running on my part, but I guess that's my job :) She has been doing a lot of reading this summer and is getting really good at it. Gone are the days that Josiah and I could spell something so the kids wouldn't know what we are talking about!

Hannah has learned "survival swimming" this summer. She is so funny and fearless when it comes to the water. She can just barely keep he head above water til she gets to the side of the pool. She also started gymnastics and is in the Firecrackers class. She loves it!!! Her birthday is in 2 weeks and she is constantly bragging about it.

Lydia is 6 months old tomorrow and growing like a weed. She has her two bottom teeth and is now working on 4 on the top! They'll probably all break though in the next week...poor baby!

I am super busy keeping up with the kids and doing my couponing, cleaning house, etc. I have been taking a bootcamp this summer and lost about 10 pounds since the end of April. Weight loss sure is slow when your breastfeeding...I don't care what the experts say! I have a new motivation now though...my 10 year class reunion is at the end of August and I am hoping to loose another 5 lbs before it. Anyone wanna join me in a big diet and exercise month??? It's always funner with a friend (is funner a word?)

That's about all for now! I'll try to get some pics up later!

Busch Gardens Fun

2010-04-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

Josiah had to drive the bus for a field trip yesterday to Busch Gardens, so we decided to meet him up there for a few hours. The girls had a blast! It was the first time we hae visited since the new Sesame Street part opened.

CONGRATULATIONS, ESTHER! 1ST PLACE!

2010-04-29T06:27:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, Esther had her final meet of the season in Lakeland. She won three second place medals and tied for third. Best of all, she took first place for her age group overall (all four events combined). We are so proud of our little gymnast! This was her best meet yet.

We are hoping that after her evaluation in a few weeks, she will move up to Level 3!

Esther's Spring Fling Gymnastics Meet

2010-04-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of Esther's gym meet a few weeks ago. I'm a little behind in updating as things have been crazy here. My uncle passed away last week and Lydia made a quick trip up to Indiana for the funeral.

At this meet, our girls won first place for our gym...the trophy was taller than they are. They were so proud!

Wow! Am I good!

2010-04-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

Here's an update on what's going on with us lately:

Well, I have moved into the year 2010 finally. I thought I was doing good having a blog, but now I'm really cool! I have a Facebook thingy too! It is so cool seeing pictures of some of my friends from years ago. Technology, I tell ya! What will they think of next.

For our family out there...Esther has her final gymnastics meet of the season on Saturday morning at the Lakeland Center at 9am. If you're interested in coming to see our future Olympian, gimme a call.

Hannah is doing really great at going "tinkle-potty"! We are yet to master the poopies though. I read in one of my training books to try hosing her off outside after pooping in her pants, in hopes that will discourage her from doing it again. Josiah tried it last night but no luck though! We're getting there slow but sure.

Lydia is doing awesome! She is still nursing every three hours during the day, but sleeping about 8 hours at night. She is 11 weeks now and in four days can start going to the "kids club" at the gym! I am so excited!!!! I have to say that I am a little obsessed with exercise these days.

Josiah's ribs are healing wonderfully from his smack down a few weeks ago. He is able do quite a bit now without being in terrible pain.

I am just trying to keep up with my three little ladies. They keep me busy all day long (notice this posting is long after bedtime)! I am trying really hard to get to my pre-Lydia weight before the end of the summer and am working hard at the gym to accomplish this goal. I am taking a Bootcamp class two nights a week and have already lost two pounds in the first week!

I hope you all are doing as well as us! We are blessed!

My Flower Gardens

2010-04-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

I have just finished my flower gardens. I paid my brother-in-law to help me spread the 40 bags of mulch, which I highly recommend! It was back-breaking work. I am so glad to have it all done! It looks really pretty!

A Back Walkover

2010-04-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

Esther is finally able to do a back walkover. I am so proud of her! She's really been practicing hard!!!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

2010-04-07T10:31:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday! After church we went to Buddy Freddy's for a breakfast buffet. The best thing was that we got there about 20 minutes before they switched it to a lunch buffet so we got a "two-fer". Hope you had a great day celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus!!!

Lydia loves to smile

2010-04-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of Lydia that I took the other day while she hung out with daddy in bed. That's about the only place Josiah's been the last two days.

Baseball Adventure

2010-04-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Josiah's baseball team that came over the other night after their game. This was taken right before "The Great Fall of Josiah". As many of you know, in the past, Josiah was pretty much undefeated in his wrestling matches. Well, I have to report that Thursday night he was taken down by a 7th grader! He was wrestling one of the older kids on his team, when a younger one jumped on his back. He tried to "body slam" Colby, the 7th greader, and landed on his ribs.

After passing out once while trying to get up, we decided to take him to the ER and didn't get home until 5am. What a night, and all on the first day of Spring break! Mr. Winter will never live this one down!!

Esther's Tee-Ball

2010-03-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Esther's tee-ball game the other day. She really doesn't care about being in the field. She has played three games now and is yet to move when the ball is hit in her vicinity. She has a ton of fun, though.

Prettee Lydee

2010-03-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

Some cute pics of Lydia enjoying her new quilt that her great-grandma Nita made for her. I am so excited to have her in this outfit, as it is finally warm enough to enjoy all of our cute cun outfits. This was Esther's outfit that she wore on her first day at church when she was five days old.

My diaper cake.

2010-03-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

I know it seems a little wierd, but I was really proud of the diaper cake I made the other day for a friend's baby shower. I'm not all too crafty so I really inmpressed myself with how cute it turned out... plus I had a ton of fun doing it!

Lydia's Room

2010-03-01T12:13:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished Lydia's room decor. Most of it is "left-over" from when it was Hannah's room, but Grandma Deb bought Lydia a new bedroom set. It is adorable! Excuse the pics, as I am not very good at taking good shots.

Miscellaneous Pictures

2010-03-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

Lydia wearing her adorable hat that Aunt Grace knitted for her.

Esther's awards after her meet last weekend. She did awesome!

Hannah after having one of Grandpa Ken's Ring Pops. He thinks it great to drop in at any time and spoil them with their favorite candy. :) Can you guess what color this one was?

This is Lydia dead asleep on my lap when she's supposed to be eating.

A Winter Update

2010-02-18T06:02:00.000-08:00

All is going awesome around the Winter household lately! We are all adjusting to having a new person living with us. So far, I have to say this has been the easiest adjustment of the three births (knock on wood!).

Esther turned 5 on Tuesday and is assuming a new role as a "big girl". She has been working harder at gymnastics and is eagerly awaiting to find out if she is going to be moving up to Level 3 at the beginning of the summer. She has another meet in Tampa on Saturday morning and I am excited to see how she does as she has really been improving lately.

Hannah is potty training again and we are finally having success! She goes pee-pee really well when we're at home (forget it when we're out!). The new trick to get her to go...peanut-butter M&M's. She loves them and will go about three times an hour if it means she'll get a few more treats. She has a pretty bad cold, but we are trying to get rid of it without having to go to the doctor.

Lydia is the definition of a perfect baby. She nurses well, has put herself on a 3 hour schedule, and sleeps like a teenager. She only gets up one time eat in the middle of the night and goes right back to sleep after. She is growing like a weed. She hasn't been tested again for her jaundice since we last got the word that she had gone down a little. I assume it's much better though because she doesn't look so orange anymore. I was calling her my "fake-bake".

On Tuesday, Josiah's JV basketball team lost in the quarter finals to Ocala Christian by only two points. I would be excited that the season is finally over, but it doesn't really matter because now it baseball time! No time for breaks around here! I can't believe that the school year is going to be over in just a few short months.

Our van is at the "doctor" (that's what we tell the girls) again. The internal computer is having to be replaced for the 5th time now. It is a bit frustrating but we are really thankful that Grandma Deb is out of town and can use her car til we get ours back. We have decided that it's about time to start looking for a new van as ours is falling apart. I am really excited at the possibly getting rid of my "happy-mobile" and moving on to something that doesn't bounce up and down the street.

I re-joined the gym last night and did my first Body Step class with my friends Sarah and Jill. I'm still not allowed to do the sit-ups and other Ab stuff yet, but it felt great to get back to class.

We are extremely blessed!!!

More Prayers Needed for Lydia

2010-02-04T16:55:00.000-08:00

I am seeking prayer, yet again, for Baby Lydia. She has been having trouble with jaundice for the past few days and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. She has been stuck unsuccessfully in the heels several times over the past few days, as they have been trying to get enough blood to be able to test the bilirubin levels. Today she had to have two more heel sticks and two "needle" blood draws, one in each hand.

The ARNP said today that if her levels were at 16 or higher, she would have to be admitted to the hospital for "phototherapy". We scrapped by today with levels at 15.3, and have to get her blood drawn again on Saturday for a recheck.

Please join us in praying that her levels will have decreased and we won't have to go into the hospital. Thanks All!

Lydia's Birth Story

2010-02-03T17:59:00.005-08:00

You may be wondering why I would post all the details of Lydia's birth...because it's a crazy story! Here's how it went:

Saturday morning I woke up not really having the best nights' sleep. My contractions seemed a little stronger than normal but after a few hours they hadn't gotten any closer together or stronger. One of the midwives had told me that I would know the difference between the "practice" contractions that I had been having since I was about 20 weeks and the real ones. Since I wasn't feeling that different, I didn't really think that I was in early labor.

We called our midwife around 10am to inform her that the contractions were all over the place ranging from 7-10 minutes apart, but not intentsifying. She had me take some herbs and go lie down to rest to see if they would go away. About an hour and a half later, the contractions we still the same so the midwife wanted me to get up and moving again to see if they would get stronger. Well...instantly I had 3 really intense contractions about 5 minutes apart and called Josiah and the midwife to have them get here quickly. Josiah made it home about 5 minutes later when the contractions were about 2 minutes apart and I was feeling like I needed to push. Only another 4 or 5 contractions and Baby Lydia Grace was here...not waiting for the midwife or her assistant. The entire labor and delivery was documented as lasting approximately 53 minutes.

The Lord was good and the birth happened completely natural with no complications! She was delivered by her mommy, her daddy who was on the phone getting step-by-step instructions, her Grandma Sheila who wrapped her in a blanket, and her Grandma Deb who was scurrying around to hand us everything we were calling for. She is a blessing and a wonderful baby who currently (knock on wood) loves to sleep.

Thank you all for your prayers!

Lydia'

2010-02-03T17:59:00.003-08:00

Lydia'

2010-02-03T17:59:00.001-08:00

Baby Charlie is....

2010-01-30T10:39:00.000-08:00

a GIRL!!!! Lydia Grace was born at 12:53 or so they think. Katie and baby are doing well. Katie will post more when she can, but I (Sarah) got Josiah's permission to announce the birth and couldn't wait.

A Bonfire in the Stix

2010-01-28T05:03:00.000-08:00

I am still struggling to get videos to upload to this blog since our internet seems to be a little on the slower side. We still can't get Verizon to run Fios down our road. Here is a link for it on youtube that our friends sent Josiah. It is awesome and totally worth your time! Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvlqUD_51FM

A good report...still patiently waiting

2010-01-27T04:52:00.000-08:00

I went to visit my midwife yesterday and both Charlie and I have a clean Bill of Health. He/she is VERY low my midwife seems pretty convinced that we shouldn't still be pregnant by my next appointment on Tuesday. However, if I am, I have to start going to an OB every three days for non-stress tests. These are just to make sure that the baby and placenta are still in good health. I am definitely praying that I don't have to start these, as our insurance doesn't cover any of this and it's all coming out of our pocket.

Thanks for all your prayers!

A positive outlook!

2010-01-26T04:48:00.000-08:00

I don't usually get on this blog and simply write my thoughts...which I guess that is the definition of a blog, but yesterday the Lord really spoke to me and I thought I would share.

As most of you know, I am on day four of being past my due date to have Baby Charlie. The last few weeks have been a roller-coaster ride of emotions ranging from being patient and wanting God's timing, to begging God to let me deliver, to tears of frustration from the pain and discomfort I am temporarily experiencing. If you have ever had the pleasure of waiting and waiting for a baby to decide it's time to be born, you know exactly where I am coming from.

I have had good days and bad days, but it always seems that my good days are brought down by other people's negative comments to me. At first I didn't realize how much all of the "Oh, you look miserable", or "When is that baby going to come...you're huge", or "You poor thing" comments were affecting my mood towards the entire situation. I know there are so many people that are really excited to hear the good news that the baby is born, so I know all of the comments are not meant to bring me down. However, I have really allowed them to cloud my mind and believe everything that the people are saying, rather than continue being content in state of waiting.

The Lord brought this verse to me in a devotional yesterday and it really changed my attitude. I have found that every time I started feeling sorry for myself, I would read it and instantly my spirits were lifted and I felt renewed.

The passage is found in Phil. 4:6-7... "Be anxious for nothing (stop worrying Katie and wait patiently), but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving (continue praying and thanking God for all your millions of blessings), let your requests be made known to God (yes Lord, I REALLY would like to deliver this baby); and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding (His plan really is better than mine, we both know it), will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (So sit back and enjoy the ride!)

Anyways, I hope you all are having as blessed of a day as I am. I have an appointment today with my midwife so hopefully all will continue to be good news!

Prayer Update

2010-01-23T07:56:00.001-08:00

I first want to thank you for your prayers. It is so nice to have others praying for you when, at times, you feel you have prayed yourself out and don't even know what else to pray for. I "hit the wall" several times this week in my prayer life when it came to praying for myself, so I turned my focus to praying for many of you and your needs. It's amazing how many needs there are out there without even focusing on myself and my own situation. It really does lift your spirits when you can pray for some else and forget about yourself for a little while.

Anyway, we had our 4th ultrasound of this pregnancy yesterday and our prayers have been answered. No baby yet...(that is still a huge prayer), but everything is looking great. The placenta has a little breakdown, but nothing that isn't typical for it's gestational age. There is plenty of amniotic fluid and the baby's heartrate is back into the 140's where it had been running the entire pregnancy. They are guessing that it weighs about 8-1/2 lbs at this point, has long legs, and chubby cheeks. Hopefully it will come in the next few days as not to gain too much more weight!!!

I am having stronger contractions, but still no pain or consistency with them. Believe it or not, my new mantra is "bring on the pain!" I have another appointment on Tuesday (should the baby continue in hiding until then), so I will post another update on our family blog with the results.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers...they are still needed!

Follow the Light!

2010-01-21T05:09:00.000-08:00

Well, still no Baby Charlie after two days of aggressive walking and every other means that the midwives have to offer at this point. I keep telling the baby to "follow the light!"

My friend, Sarah, and I even walked the entire morning at Busch Gardens to try to get the contractions more frequent and strong. All I think we accomplished was a little education on just about every animal that's there. But hey, on the bright side, we did get to see a lioness up pretty close :)

Our ultrasound is tomorrow at 11am to check the amount of amniotic fluid and see how well the placenta is functioning. The midwives say there are still a few more aggressive actions that they can take if the baby needs to be delivered soon, before we have to go to the hospital. That makes me feel much better! Thanks for all your prayers guys!

Please pray for Baby Charlie!

2010-01-19T12:21:00.001-08:00

I would like to ask you all to please be praying for Baby Charlie. I know there is a lot of "medical jargon" in here or TMI for some of you guys, but some of you like to know what's happening so I included it all...

At my appointment today, the baby's heart rate is considerably lower than what it has been running and is low enough that the midwife thinks I need to be delivered in the next few days. She isn't able to confirm it but believes that the placenta is getting too old to be supporting the baby for an extended period of time.

If I don't go into labor on my own with the few things she did today, then I will have to have another ultrasound on Friday to check the placenta and amniotic fluid. I will be evaluated further after getting those results.

I am just praying that I will go into labor on my own in the next day or two, in hopes to avoid having to go the hospital.

No baby yet, but we do have a name!

2010-01-15T05:34:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd sit and plead with you all to pray that I will go into labor soon, or that God will give me patience. I am walking, eating spicy food, and even doing that other thing that everyone says your supposed to be doing and NOTHING! :)

Josiah and I did finally decide on a girl name, though. If it's a boy, it will be our third shot at Elijah James. If it's a girl, it will be Lydia Grace. It wasn't my first choice, but Josiah thinks that Bridgett sounds like an exotic dancer's name. (Sorry if there are any Bridgett's out there reading this). I have a peace about the name Lydia anyway, however hopefully we won't get to use it!

Baby Charlie Update

2010-01-13T17:48:00.000-08:00

We are now officially 38-1/2 weeks along and we are really ready to have a baby. By "we", I mean Josiah and I both...He says he wants his nice, sweet wife back. I'm not sure what he means by that, but I did see the episode of Friends when Rachel was ready to deliver and she was unbearable grouchy and irritable. I guess maybe that's me at times. :)

I had an appointment today with a new midwife that has joined our group and I am much more at peace with her than the other one whom she replaced. Charlie is doing awesome and measuring 3 weeks post-term! Yes, I realize that is crazy! The head is really low in my pelvis and I am 1 cm dialated and 60% effaced. She thinks the baby is about 8 lbs now, but is not worried since I've already delivered an 8 pounder.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we are in the home stretch....any day now!!!

All of Dover Ablaze!

2010-01-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

Our 4th Annual Christmas tree fire took place last night and with over 100 tress, it was quite a success. We had a great turnout of well over 50 people here to watch either the coolest fire yet, or watch us burn our house down. Praise the Lord nothing burnt that wasn't supposed to!

It all started with a small tree, which was hooked to a "zip-line" from our rooftop, which was lit by a Roman candle (see pic #1). It slid down the line into a line of trees that was supposed to have a domino effect of lighting (see pic#2). It all ended with about 60 trees stacked inside, around, and on top of one of our dead orange trees. It was awesome. I am going to try to get the video on here for you.

If you weren't here, you definitely missed out!

Contractions!

2010-01-05T05:46:00.000-08:00

Yes, last night I was having some discomfort with some contractions. They were about 8 minutes apart. Unfortunately, I fell asleep while all this was happening and have no baby this morning, so I guess it was just more Braxton-Hicks. Mom and I have been walking in the evenings trying to get the baby moving. Hopefully it will start to pay off here soon!

In the mean time, I have my "home visit" with my mid-wife tomorrow and am frantically trying to get the house in order so she doesn't think we're slobbish people. Any other mom's feel like you perpetually tidy-up, only to find that everything is back on the floor five minutes later? :) I know I'm not the only one out there!

Christmas Vacation Boredom

2010-01-05T05:27:00.000-08:00

My girls have apparently been very bored over the Christmas break. They got into their swim drawer and put about everything on...except for the bottoms to their suits that they said they couldn't find. I guess panties work just the same. They have been asking to go swimming; they don't care that it's only 50 degress outside.

Bulging Bellies

2010-01-05T05:15:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of my friend, Diane, and I on New Year's Eve. We are due only three weeks apart. It has been such a blessing to have a friend pregnant at the same time to share my complaints with. I know she understands just how I'm feeling! At the time of this picture, Diane has only 6 days til her due date and I have only three and a half weeks! Who looks bigger?

Christmas Eve

2009-12-26T09:52:00.000-08:00

I know these posts are a little out of order, but here are some pics of us making cookies at Uncle Mike's house with Sammy and Christina.

Riding Molly

2009-12-26T06:53:00.000-08:00

The girls got to ride Molly, one of my parent's horses, the other day. They were so cute until Hannah fell off and decided she did not want to get back on. She didn't get hurt at all...she actually landed on her feet, but it scared her of course. Tough, yet wise, old Grandpa Cliff insisted she get back on and she eventually was laughing and having a good time again.

Big Momma on the Wii

2009-12-26T06:48:00.000-08:00

My mom got a Wii fit and here are some pics of me trying it for the first time. It says I am really unbalanced, but we'll blame it on the fact that I am seriously "front heavy".

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T06:01:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful day!!! Not only were we able to celebrate the birth our Jesus Christ, but we were able to do it our families. Our day started early at 7am. We opened presents just the 4-8/9th's of us. Our girls are at such a fun age for opening presents. They recieved new toothbrushes, some toys, and last but not least, daddy's huge surprise present...a jumper thing, as Esther calls it (also known to most of us a trampline).

We headed over to the Gatewood's for a yummy breakfast and more presents. I think the girl's most special present they recieved all day was their first official Bibles and little carrying bags for taking them to church. It was great getting to see both of my brothers and their families on Christmas day.

We were able to take a nap in the afternoon before headigng for our third, but not least, present opening with the Winter family. The girls both got new "big girl" panties and I am looking forward to getting Hannah into them as a little incentive. We ate dinner at the Pelagia Restraunt at the International Mall and it was awesome! I wasn't able able to read most of the menu, since it didn't contain words like "spaghetti" or "Macaroni & Cheese", but it was still really nice to get the whole Winter family together, no matter what was in the food we were eating.

We hope you all had as blessed Christmas as we did! Looking forward to the New Year and what it brings!!!

The Big Switch

2009-12-26T05:57:00.000-08:00

So here we go! I am venturing away from Wordpress and starting my new blog here. This is a huge change for me as I am not really "computer" wise. This site allows me to upload more pictures in much less time and also allows free video. I'll try to update this one more often since it won't take 5 minutes per pic! If you would like to see my old pics, you can visit us at jkwinter.wordpress.com.