Five Guys Burgers and Fries

This pregnancy has been difficult for the family as far as meals are concerned. Not too long ago, I just couldn't find any motivation to make dinner. Sean offered to make something for dinner when he got home. However, we got to talking and couldn't come up with anything quick and easy. 

"Does that come with Bacon?"

 The children suggested that we, "Go out for dinner." This made us laugh, because we rarely go out and it isn't exactly in our budget.
The boys fascination with Five Guys Burgers and Fries began last summer when they won 2 $25 gift certificates to Five Guys. They used the certificates when they went on a fishing trip with Papa and Granddad. Ever since then, the girls have wanted to go too.

Aaron taking care of Liberty

 I told the children, "I'm sorry we just can't." Aaron replied, "I can pay for me and Liberty."
Taylor said, "Yes! I will pay for me and Ian." and Erik chimed in, "I will pay for me and Ruby." So Papa said,"Great! I will pay for me and Mama!"
I have never seen the children move so quickly to get coats and shoes on and get buckled in the BRV. That may have been that it was after 7 and they were starving, however I think it was more likely motivated by the desire for a good burger.

Waiting for the food, so that they can serve others. 

 It was surprising to me how different each child acted when they were responsible for another sibling. Aaron carried Liberty in, helped her choose her meal, and then served her meal to her. Erik held the door for Ruby. When Ruby was disappointed that they were going to share a drink, he put his arm around her and walked her up to the register and bought  her her own drink.
Taylor was completely generous and let Ian order whatever he wanted, even the adult meal complete with fries and a drink. When Ian needed a napkin or ketchup she was quick to get it for him.

Ruby got her very own soda

 I also found it interesting that they wanted to sit with the person they purchased dinner for. There was no arguing over who was going to sit where, or if it wasn't their turn to get napkins. When Liberty ordered her junior bacon cheese burger she asked the cashier if it came with bacon. The cashier laughed and assured her that it did. Then, when Ruby ordered her junior bacon cheese burger, she said, "With Bacon." and confirmed, "Does that come with bacon?"
I guess we don't go out enough to know that a bacon cheese burger comes with bacon.
I loved my bacon cheese burger and Coke with lime. Of course, no outing would be complete without a spill. True to form, Liberty spilled her drink. It was completely out of character however that Aaron grabbed the napkins and started cleaning up the mess.
Each person spent right about $20. They were happy and cheerful to do so, and it was a fun evening.

The younger children were very gracious and said Thank you a dozen times. 

I never want to forget the generosity and compassion that I saw from my children. I feel like we got a glimpse of how they will treat their future spouses. It gave me hope. My boys showed that chivalry is not dead. AND I got a night off from dinner. 

Seventeen Years

 Last weekend Sean and I went away for 4 whole days to celebrate 17 years of marriage. Much thanks to my momm for watching the children so we could get away.

View from our room

 We never really 'dated' in fact, he asked me to marry him on our first date. We spent time together getting to know each other. Mostly at work and Bible Study. When we were engaged we lived 300 miles apart so this kept things pretty simple as far as how we expressed our love and commitment.

I was actually able to zip up Sean's coat.
However, he had to strap on my snowshoes for me. 

 This simplicity hasn't changed much over the past 17 years. I would say that in most things I am pretty low maintenance, while others I imagine that high maintenance would be a more accurate description. I knew that I really wanted to go away for our anniversary so I planned a little get away to Lake Chelan. I knew that we couldn't do anything too strenuous or thrilling, being 7 months pregnant and all.

Another photo to add to our collection of foot photos. 

 I planned for us to go Snowmobiling and Snowshoeing. However, when we got to Lake Chelan there was very little snow around. When I called to reserve the snowmobiles the man said that he hadn't rented them out at all this year.
We persevered and found enough snow to go snowshoeing. We did a 5K trail, and took it slower than I cared to admit. It was great to get out and be together in the fresh air and sunshine. It was fun to talk about the baby (names), plans for our future, where we have come from and where we want to go.

Gotta love that smile. 

 I especially loved not having to plan meals, or feed anyone else. We took advantage of the complimentary breakfast and hot soup, sandwiches and bread for dinner. The lady that served dinner was gracious and gave us the fresh hot cookies and ice cold milk. Although milk was not out for everyone, she had pity on me.
There was a Keurig in the room and about 18 pillows on the bed ~ Heaven for this pregnant mama.

Pregnancy cravings

 Sean was very accommodating with my choice of snacks.
We explored the local book stores, thrift stores, and restaurants for lunch. We slept in, watched a movie, a beautiful sunset over the lake, tried out the hot tub, and had time to rest, reconnect and feel amazingly refreshed.

Smooching

  On our snowshoeing adventure we came across 8 deer in a ravine just below us. They stopped and stared at us for the longest time.

Better Together 

The last 17 years have been a crazy ride. Some really difficult and more wonderful. Growing in our walk with God and each other. We are learning to be focused less on ourselves and more on each other.  I could not have asked for a better man to do life with. Looking forward to what's to come.

Baby Bump

It's difficult to know where to start when I have not blogged since September! I will give a quick update of my baby belly. 

October 2013

 Sean and I were both shocked and ecstatic to learn that we would be adding another baby to our family. I had morning sickness until about 24 weeks. I really think attitude has a lot to do with how I deal with it. Every time I was tempted to be discouraged or frustrated about my lack of appetite or ability to keep anything down I remembered how blessed I am to be able to carry a baby again.

October 2013

 The injections are part of it for me, the bruising isn't fun. Especially when my children seem to find the prime spot to bump, and bump it constantly. Again, just part of keeping me and baby healthy.

November 2013

 I am trying to be purposeful in documenting the growing belly, but since I am the one with the camera it seems vain to ask someone to take my photo. I am also terrible at the whole self portrait thing, so you will have to take what you can get!
I was sad when my doctor told me that I probably would not feel the baby move much since my placenta was attached on the front of my uterus. I could stare at my belly all day and I love it when other people want to feel the baby move. To my delight once I felt the baby move I have the privilege of feeling it all the time.

December 2013
The tag says: "Do not open until April 12, 2014"

 My children love to feel and will even compete over whose turn it is. Liberty is in love and will greet my belly before she hugs or kisses me. Sean, who has always been a bit freaked out by the baby is enjoying it more this time too. I love that. He likes to talk to the baby and see how close the baby comes to kicking him. We have a pretty accurate little one in there.

January 2014

 At my 30 week appointment I was already measuring 37 weeks and the ultrasound showed that the baby was 97%. The doctor made sure that I understood math and told me "That means that only 3% of babies are bigger than yours."
Yes, I understand. I talked them out of making me drink the horrible glucose drink and for my gestational diabetes test I ate a cream filled donut, flavored yogurt, and drank a flavored latte. I definitely do not have diabetes.

January 2014

 My initial weight dropped 10 pounds and now I am +10 of my original weight, so that isn't an issue either. I guess small babies just are not in our genes.
I have been reading and re reading Bible verses that discuss fear and what God requires of us instead. I am both eager and excited for labor and birth and paranoid about it. I have done this 7 times! 7 times. I am blessed.

January 2014
My attempt at a Self Portrait

This fall I attended 22 births and taught 3 different classes. Birth is in my blood. I know what I want. I know how I want it to go, who I want attending my birth and even when it would be convenient for the baby to arrive. I know that none of that is ultimately up to me.
For now, I will cherish being pregnant, feeling the baby move and the blessing God has so generously given us.