Sunday, January 11

I had meant to take a picture of the girls in their new church duds this morning, but time got away from me...as well as the idea of doing so...and I didn't. So, instead my pictures for today show us...ALL of us for once!...enjoying two of our favorite pastimes, in a Sunday night tradition: Zaxby's and 24.

I got my first baby-related gift today from Nanny, my mother-in-law. And finally, a week after finding out the news, I think both of us are seeing this as the miracle that it is and are truly excited and happy.

On the dissertation front, Daryl is setting his defense for Spring Break! Finally a deadline! I think we have decided that Daryl is going to take Josh and the girls and I will head to the lake(if Grandma and Grandpa will be there) for some fun in the sun!

Shopping with Grandma

The girls--the big girls, that is--had a great day shopping with Grandma today. Grandma started the tradition a few years ago of taking the kids on a shopping spree for their birthday instead of buying them a gift. This quickly became a favorite pastime of my children, and up to six months before their birthdays arrive, they are often heard to be saying, "When I get my shopping spree..." They are indeed my children! Here are my beautiful mother, Maddy, and Sarah before they left.

This was Sarah's favorite purchase. While I don't always like her choices in this department, the girl clearly shares my love of footwear!

And here is Sarah, modeling her new green sweater...isn't she pretty???

Here is my favorite outfit that Maddy bought today...and here is Maddy modeling it, looking like she just might peruse the pages of fashion magazines!

And because Maddy didn't like the picture of herself with the sweater on, I told her I would post a picture of her without it. I'm not sure I like this picture...she looks way to old!

I, on the other hand had a day full of a whole lot of nothing and it was WONDERFUL! I stayed in yoga pants and a t-shirt all day except when I went out to get Maddy and to the post office. I took a good nap and did some laundry and a whole lot of lounging around on the computer. I love love love lazy weekends!

Backpack, Backpack

Hannah had been sitting at the computer watching Dora for a good half hour before she started looking for her own backpack that she got for Christmas. She filled it with her favorite "stuffs" and had me snap it. Then she turned it backwards and flipped it over her head and onto her back. I've seen her do this with her coat too. Must be something Kay Kay taught her. I marvel every day at how smart she is!

Friday, January 9 Bo-o-o-oring!

I don't remember which celebrity coined that phrase, but I distinctly remember it from my childhood. Maybe it was just my mother! Anyways, that pretty much sums up our day today...normal from start to finish!

It started with a boo-boo....

Which healed as soon as she was able to help Daddy with his coffee...

Maddy is all ready to go to school, and then to Katie's house afterwards to spend the night!

Proof that Josh really does still exist...just is rarely home!

And of course, my willing model, Sarah...

Hannah's all ready to go to Kay-Kay's house!

After school, Maddy went home with Katie, and Josh went out with the girl, so it was just us four doing what we do best....lounging.

and of course, Hannah, watching Dora on the computer!

A first for me...

I don't think that in all of my 41 years I have done anything to make people's jaws drop, but I sure have now. I watched all day as people unbelievingly heard our good news and subsequently opened their mouths in disbelief. I had a few who were genuinely thrilled for us, but overall, it was dismay and shock. It hurt my feelings at first, but then I realized that I, too, had reacted that way...along with a few tears.

I didn't think, when I started this blog, that it was going to be so hard to find something to take a picture of each day, yet, today I found myself in that situation, wishing Hannah would do something new or funny. Or that Maddy would give us one of her fashion shows, or that Sarah would perform, or that Josh would volunteer to pose.

So in search of a good photo, I grabbed my camera as Hannah got out of the tub and voila! a great picture of two of my favorite girls!

First Day Back to School 2009

It was the first day back to school today for the kids at ELCA. You can tell how excited the kids were to get back in the swing of things!

And to end our day, we announced our EXTREME surprise pregnancy to the kids. It went much better than expected. For the most part, they were excited--the girls moreso than Josh. I will admit that it took me totally by surprise and it took me a good three days before I could utter the words to anyone other than Daryl. I am praying for a much better pregnancy than last time and a NON-colicky baby!

The Great Camera Search 2009

Well, my kids wouldn't let me give up my New Year's resolution after only 6 days. Thus ensued the Great Stone Camera Search 2009, with a pack of m&m's for the winner.

After searching everywhere, we figured it had to be inside the couch somewhere. A quite embarrassing thing to admit...and even more embarassing to show all of the "treasures" we found under there. But among the treasures, there it was...my camera!!!! Maddy and Sarah spotted it simultaneously.

Sarah and Maddy with their prize! Josh just went and got his own. Oh well, we needed to get rid of them anyways!

Hannah did not look for the camera, but she enjoyed climbing up on the back of the couch.

Back tomorrow with pictures of back to school!