busy week

 The weather this week has been very dramatic.  Flurries, 60s, 20mph winds, sunshine, storms...the whole show has been seen.  We have had a few days where we were able to be outside and get some Vitamin D.  The whole gang, too.  Kate will be so glad when Jack arrives, because I will be able to do more.  Even if it means just walking with her.  For now, Drake and Ezra have to be the chaperones.

 Since the swing set is still (ahem) unavailable for use, Kate has been the trampoline kid.  She has learned to do seat drops and forward rolls and spends time doing both.

 I did rally and get the energy to make cupcakes with Kate this weekend to take for dessert at a family dinner.  Kate was happy to help decorate and it was nice to do something we love to do together...baking.

 Mom came out to walk Norman and Drake and Kate went, too.  Jeb met up with them on his dirt bike and they stopped for a little photo opportunity.

 Kate helped me get Jack's room ready.  The decals will hopefully stay on the walls, but I really don't know since they are swirly plaster.  Looks good for now.  Fingers crossed.

 Some soccer time off the trampoline.  Later the ball went on the trampoline with her and she tried throwing it over the safety nets for about 20 minutes.  The wind was not working in her favor.

Neither was the static electricity, but who cares?  We had fun!

Fat Tuesday

Wish it was the other kind being celebrated here.

straight...like a princess

I guess we do always want what we don't have.  In Kate's case, it is long, straight hair.  Like. A. Princess.  I was putting on make-up and girlfriend came in to put on some of hers.  Since it was a home day, I let her go.  She asked what my straightener was (from me doing my hair earlier this week for the first time in...ages), and when I told her, she wanted to see what hers would look like.  We did it and the rest of the day was spent with her bangs hanging in her face but straight.  She didn't want a bow, she didn't want a ponytail.  She wanted long hair!  (Notice Drake in the background.  He follows me everywhere now.)

this girl

has my heart.  I hope and pray that she will know this later...after her brother is born and she remembers of her childhood.  I could not have asked for a daughter any better than Kate  Yes, I want to duct tape her mouth sometimes because she likes to talk (don't know where she gets that) and yes, I want to tie her in her room or playroom so that I can have a few minutes to watch a show, but I will never do either because I would be lost with out her.  Over the last few weeks she has grown into a sensitive, mature four-year-old.  She has allowed me to be the non-moving pregnant mommy on the couch/bed for most of the day.  She brings me the iPad to play games with her or books to read with her.  Anything so that we are together and she is next to me.  She is going to get her world rocked, we all know that, but for now, she is content just asking me questions about her brother and talking about what we are all going to do together.  And for that, I am the most thankful I have ever been.

Because of her "goodness," she was surprised with a choice of Target trip or frozen yogurt.  She chose the latter, and we went after dance one day...pushing nap time later.  She chose all that she wanted in her yogurt and still ended up eating mine.  She knew why she was getting special treatment -- because she had been kind and good.  Just like a princess!  :-)

This is a note Kate wrote me yesterday after I had corrected a little attitude (not quite perfect).  When I asked her what it said she said, "Dear Mama, I love you very much and will change my attitude.  I can't what for my baby brother who is with God right now.  Love, Kate"

And that is why she melts my heart daily.  I found this sign on Pinterest.  Sums up my girl.

week in review

 Marci sent this picture from long ago.  I sure feel like a cougar after seeing this picture.

 Happy Valentine's Day shirt for her party at school.

 36 weeks.  Ready!

 Fran gave me a needlepoint phone cover for Christmas (that she was going to needlepoint).  My otter box started letting water in, so I freehanded my initials and dots.  Not bad for a non-needlepointer.

New cookies:  kitchen sink cookies.  Made them with Kate.

back on the farm...

 We have had some nice days since returning from Florida.  This has helped keep Kate entertained more than I can right now.  She has been biking at my mom's and is so tired upon completion that she lays down in the driveway.  We thought it was funny the first time, but she does it each time and we have no idea why she rushes home to lay down.  Mom's dog always runs up to make sure she is ok, too.  Weird girl.

 Practicing cheerleading moves on the trampoline.

 We have been baking and making casseroles for the freezer.  The baking is way more fun though -- and these cookies (white chocolate chip, whole wheat raisin and oatmeal) were fantastic.  We would have added some Craisins if we had any.  Now we do, so I am sure they will be made this week.

 Just in case you didn't think I was really pregnant -- 35 weeks in this photo.

 Another jumping day...

 Marci came to babysit and that means one thing:  crafts!  I pull out all of the stuff for her to work her magic.  I came home to this beautiful creation.  I love elementary teachers!!

While Matt was away for work, Kate and I made homemade Valentines.  Sequins, pom-pons, glitter glue, foam stickers, and rhinestones.  All awesome to clean up!  :-)  It was a full evening activity, so I can't complain too much!