Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Going to See a Man About a Van

It's been 2 weeks since my last post, and I feel like I don't have a ton to write about this week.

Some big news for our family - 

Last Thursday we bought a mini van! It's a 2002 Honda Odyssey.  The boys love it, and I'm finding myself locking the car (when I remember) because even Ezekiel tries to go outside just to play in it.  

Saturday afternoon Byron took Caleb to a Family Adventure Day at the local rec center.  They had 8 different activities and if you completed 5 of them in 3 hours, you earned a "swag bag".  They had a ton of fun getting to try out indoor kayaking and paddle boarding, the rock climbing wall, archery, casting, and bicycling.  Caleb has been talking about it non-stop and wears the (Men's) XL t-shirt to bed every night.  He's swimming in it, and accidentally put his head in the arm hole while getting ready for bed last night, but he loves it and is so proud of it.

Our new toy organization system has finally clicked with the boys and I no longer have toys scattered to the far corners of my house.  They are really great at picking up about 95% of the toys that belong in the bin they have out before putting it back and getting a new one out.  It has saved me hours of cleaning and I am thrilled that it will definitely be a habit for them by the time the twins come.

Friday evening I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in a musical performance based on the parable of the 10 Virgins.  For those of you who know me well, I do not like performing in front of people, to the point that I don't even play charades, and had I known acting skills were required, I may not have agreed to participate, but I'm so very glad I did. Leading up to the performance it was hilarious to me that my pregnant self was portraying a virgin, but it was, quite possibly, one of the most incredible testimony building experiences I have ever had.  The performance was unique in that it took the time to really flesh out each of the 10 virgins.  The 5 that were wise were the women that, even in the hustle and bustle of their daily lives, took the time to regularly visit the shopkeeper and refill their stores of oil so that their lamp would continue to burn whenever they might need it.  The 5 that were foolish each had a reason (that anyone could relate to) for not having the time to make it to the top of the hill. It was so beautiful.  Growing up I had never taken much time to ponder and reflect on the parable, feeling like the lesson was so obvious, of course you needed to be prepared for whatever might happen and it was foolish not to be, but this time it seemed like so much more.  The shopkeeper took the time to painstakingly create a lamp for each individual woman based on her personality and needs.  He was always available to listen when he was visited for more oil, and was so sorry for the women who did not come often enough, for he yearned to hear from them.  I'm not sure I can express just how wonderful it was, but the spirit was so strong, and everything was amazing.  I feel so blessed to have been a part of it, and wish it was a movie I could share with my husband and children.

Other tidbits of fun:  I got to attend a baby shower for my Aunt Liz and her sweet new baby Patricia the week before last.  It was so fun, and I loved getting to spend some time snuggling a new tiny baby.  I can't wait to have some of my own this fall!

The following Sunday I got to visit my cousin Katrina in the hospital for a little bit.  She just gave birth to baby Copeland and it was nice getting to just sit and chat with her for a little bit.  I felt a little selfish being there, but was grateful for the time I got to spend with her.  I think she's pretty amazing. 

I had an OB appointment near the end of last week. I've been dealing with a little bit of Health insurance junk and spent most of the time focusing on that.  My health insurance is cutting my OB-GYN and the hospital I've been using for nearly 6 years out of network, so I'm trying to get all the paperwork filled out and turned in for a continuance of care so I can stay in network through the remainder of my pregnancy.  Since I'm considered high risk and already in my second trimester I'm a good candidate for it, but it's so frustrating that we're having to deal with it at all.  The twins are still growing, their heartbeats are strong, and I am so looking forward to their next ultrasound so I can see their tiny features again.  Sometimes I feel like this pregnancy thing is so surreal.  How could I possibly be having twins?? Are there really two tiny babies growing in me?  I am so excited to meet them both, and can't wait to get to know their personalities.  On Sunday Gabrielle mentioned how funny my boys are and how each of them are so different. My mom's response ran something along the lines of "It's just proof that their spirits existed before they came to earth" and the truth of that definitely struck home.  

Caleb loves learning and can't wait for school to start this fall.

David can't wait for the babies to come.  He loves being a big brother, and wants to be a big helper like Caleb "Gentle and brave".  I love hearing the words he uses to describe things from his point of view.  They almost always surprise me, but are always so sweet.  

Ezekiel is finally starting to talk.  He knows the word "NO" really well, but calls everything else "Ca-Caw!" Though we have heard phrases like "Okay go ahead" and "I want it" as well - I may be applying for the local Help Me Grow program in the near future. I guess we'll see if I make the time to do it. :P

I think that's all I have for now.  I love you all and always enjoy reading the updates I get from everyone else. 

Cheerio!

The complete cast from the performance.  There were 10 virgins, and a narrarator

Sandra - a dear friend of the family, and one of the sisters I have
the privilege of visiting teaching to each month.

Byron said the last two he felt a little rushed on and didn't get to do as well with

Caleb's cheesy grin

The swag bag holding the T-shirt Caleb tries to live in. 

I am still putting bows on my boys from time to time.
I'm sure they'll be relieved when Baby Hannah joins us.

Auntie Brie tried to save him from the Uncle and brother that were chasing him.
So he climbed right up to the highest point.
Crazy bugger

Somehow Ezekiel managed to get a hold of about a third of a loaf of cinnamon crumb bread
and was just going to town on it.  Caleb was trying to help him out.

Our new mini van!

Some beautiful baby ballet slipper my mom crocheted for Hannah. <3


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