Faith's Fashions

In January she's wearing her bathing suit...in July (98 degrees) she's dressed like this..

This was her "look" about 30 minutes into being outside. To begin with she was wearing snow boots, a winter hat, and her scarf. What's a mother to do????

Shaving Cream Fun

Great way to have the kids help with cleaning. Yesterday we did the outside toys. I also have them do this with the high chair, car seats, strollers, etc. They have a blast and it gets everything nice and clean!

Faith and her friend, Kylie, scrubbing the deck of their "pirate ship!"

Family Reunion 2008

Every other summer, my mom's side of the family gets together at Priest Lake, ID. This year we had almost 80+ people. Some are there the entire week and some just for a few days. The kids and I were fortunate to go for the entire time and Joe joined us for a few days in the middle. Faith loved playing with all of her cousins (15ish kids under 6 and 6 more under 13). "Cousins" (easier just to go by plain old cousin instead of first, second, third, etc.) come from all over for this event. Guatemala, Germany, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, Texas, Montana.

Highlights of the week included Faith's first jet-ski ride. In the picture she's riding with my "cousin" John. She loved the jet-ski and went on numerous rides until Joe threw me off riding with him. Then she was sure the thing was the devil reincarnated. Every night one family is responsible for dinner. This year we had a "Wedding shower" for three of the cousins getting married soon. Complete with goofy hats/veils, decorations, etc. For our dinner night we had Mexican food and topped off the fiesta with a Pinata.

Here are a few pictures from our fun week at the lake.

The Third is Coming

Nope, not some sequel to some exciting book I've written or movie I've produced. The third child!!! (Although, The Life of Joe, Kelly and the Kids would make a killer movie-watch out Jon and Kate). We're very excited to be adding to our family. "The Third," who will hopefully have another name by arrival, is due February 2nd.

I love my children beyond words and am thrilled to have another one, but to be honest, I do totally have my moments of panic at having three. Like yesterday, when I thought I was raising two demons. Or, this morning, when Faith hit Jensen on the back and tried to kick him in the head because she didn't "win" at getting dressed first. I can thank my husband for that fun game. Don't get me wrong, my kids are normally fantastic. However, moments like above leave me near tears, wondering what I did wrong.

Anyways, I have my first official appointment tomorrow. With Faith I was in there at conception. Jensen by 6 weeks. Number 3...I'm already 12 weeks. By waiting, I'm hoping for two things. One to avoid the pelvic exam...not possible, I know, but a hormonal girl can hope. Two, that my weight tracking begins tomorrow. Hence, leaving off the weight I've already gained.

It's so funny how different each pregnancy is in many ways. Take for example maternity clothes. I didn't show forever with Faith, yet I couldn't wait to wear those oversized tents and elastic pants that come up to your neck. I think when I first started wearing maternity clothes with Faith, I actually had to safety pin them to keep them up. With Jensen, I waited until about 9 weeks. I gained 9 pounds with him before I even knew I was pregnant. AND I found out at 4 weeks. So it was either buy a new waredrobe in a size bigger or wear maternity clothes. I'm cheap. Enough said. Now, here I am, 12+ weeks with the third. Noticably showing. Trying to cram myself into my current clothes. If only I can make it until fall I keep telling myself (fat chance).

Faith has decided that if the baby is a girl she will name it. Jensen will name it if it's a boy. Ella is her current girl's name of choice. When she questioned Jensen on his name of choice he said, "Ugh." You know. The grunting noise little kids make when they are going number "2." So, there you have it: Ella or "ugh." I could do Ella, but I'm thinking we may have to tweak the boy name a bit.