What? Pregnancy Lasts 10 months?!?

37 weeks. Yep. I've made it that long. When you think that pregnancy last about 10 months, knowing that I'm literally days away from meeting my new little man, seems surreal. 

It is an exciting time in our house, but the anxieties are closing in on all of us. We've discussed the "what ifs," the "what are you most excited about", the "what are you most nervous about," and we have everything ready to go at a moments notice. 

We spent this weekend doing family things: going to a movie, going to lunch, going to the mall. . . All of us aware that it could very well be our last time doing those things just the four of us. 

I will say that being in public in general is very annoying at this point. I'm not sure what happens to people when they breathe the same air as 9 month pregnant ladies, but something odd happens. Their brains sort of become paralyzed, I think. 

At the beginning of my pregnancy, I found a Due in March message board that I frequented a lot to refresh my memory about all the pains and joys of pregnancy. It's nice to be able to go to a place and read what other people are going through at the same time. 

Some of the things that I've enjoyed reading is how many of the ladies are just as annoyed about the same things as I have been. Here's a What to Do and What NOT to Do List for those of you that maybe "forget" how to socially interact with people like "us." (all in good fun, so don't take it personal) I've gathered things from my own experiences as well as those that I have read: 

What NOT to SAY/DO: 

1. Do not call or text every few hours asking how they are feeling. Assume that they are in pain most of the time and ready to be comfortable again. We know you mean well, but . . . 

2. Do not say "Wow. You're still pregnant?" Think it. Don't SAY it. 

3. Do not ask "How's your fat?" Seriously. Would you say this to anyone who was overweight? 

4. Do not think that the "belly" is public domain. You do NOT have a right to touch just because it's out there. 

5. Do not ask a zillion times "When is your due date again?" If you don't remember just ask which month we're "shooting" for......

6. Do not say "It must be any day now." You may think this is comforting, but not for the lady that knows she still has WEEKS left. 

7. Never, ever say "You are HUGE!" Why would you do that to ANYONE? Really. Do pregnant ladies not have the same insecurities are normal people?! 

8. Don't leave an interaction by saying "Good luck with that" while pointing to the belly. Don't add "I mean that in a good way." 

9. Don't act like we don't exist when you are entering a store and let the door slam in our face.

10. Don't ask us if we know when baby will be here unless we have a scheduled section or induction. We don't know. You know as much as we do. We look ready to you? Imagine how we feel. . . .

What to Do/Say

1. Do say that said pregnant lady looks great. (even if you're LYING)

2. Do send "I'm thinking of you messages." It is nice to know 

3. Do ask to touch "the belly." Chances are most will let you - just ASK. 

4. Do talk to us about normal things. We don't necessarily need to talk about everything baby at this point. Ask us about normal things like dinner, movies, music, work. . . 

5. Do hold doors open for us. Do stop while we attempt crossing the street. We KNOW you KNOW we're obviously pregnant at this point. 

6. Do remember what your mother said about staring at people - especially 9 month pregnant people. 

7. Do offer your seat if you see us standing up waiting for a table or at the mall. 

8. Do feel free to tell funny (FUNNY not SCARY) stories of your birth experiences. 

9. Do know that even though this is the happiest time in our lives, we still have depressing days where we've cried all day. 

10. Do assume that we will call you the minute something is "happening." :) 

Lovin' Lovin' Lovin'

As you know Avery loves to make up words and phrases, love isn't any different. "Lovin' Lovin' Lovin'" is one of her favorites lately to explain anytime Jason and I hug or kiss in front of her. This phrase always makes me smile or giggle because of how much emotion she puts into it. 


Valentine's Day has never been huge in my book of holidays. Sure it was nice to get chocolates or flowers and my dad always got me something as a little girl. However, I'm not the type of girl that EXPECTS anyone to ever go all out for February 14th. I could take it or leave it, really. 


However, in honor of the day of love, I thought I would dedicate this post to the man I love. 

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Jason - "healer"


Here are some reasons that I love him in no particular order: 
1. He is a great dad. Being with the girls for 5 minutes while they play with him makes that entirely obvious. I know Jace will be one of the luckiest little boys to have such a great male role model. 
2. He can sing. :) I love when he sings to me - he does this at least once a week. 
3. He may work a 12 hour day, but still comes home and helps out with dinner, dishes, or the girls. 
4. His favorite thing in the summer is to take the girls and I to the park and play "jailhouse" at 8 pm. 
5. He will get up early &  drink coffee with me! 
6. He really is the guy version of my personality - when we set our minds to something we see it through until the end; if we are stressed we like to exercise; we both enjoy doing "kid" things like having snowball fights. 
7. He makes me get up early so we can read our Love Dare book and pray together. 
8. No matter how I look he always tells me I'm beautiful. 
9. He makes time for us and never lets a misunderstanding go longer than a few minutes. 
10. He tells me no. Yes - this is a good thing. ;) 
11. My world could be falling apart, but having his arms around me immediately makes the world right again. 
12. He knows when something is wrong - even if he is miles away. He keeps me accountable and doesn't let me "think" too much. 
13. He will wrestle with Avery for an hour even after a long day at work. 
14. He can do the girls hair! :) :) :) This is a HUGE thing! 
15. He's a gentleman. He still opens and closes the door for me. 
16. He doesn't take life too serious. I joke or tease and he does it right back. 
17. He's great at social settings and can talk to just about anyone about anything. 
18. He will get out of bed to get me whatever pregnancy craving sets in for the night. 
19. He likes to do his own thing and definitely isn't tech savvy. 
20. He puts up with me! :) 
These are just 20 of the bazillion reasons that I love Jason. I celebrate my love for him everyday - not just once a year - and embrace every minute that I have with him. 

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My hope for the girls is that they find a love like the one Jason and I share. I enjoy being able to show them the kind of relationship that they deserve. I'm sure they will go through as many heartbreaks as I did, if not more. However, my wish is that they continue to hold out until they share a love like this with someone like Jason. 

Happy Valentine's Day 2010! 

Conversations with a 4 year old

I don't think anyone could ever imagine a conversation with Avery unless you actually have had one before. 

Here are some funny things she's conversed with us about lately: 

Me: If you don't do what I asked on the 2nd time, you'll go back to "time out." 

Avery: That's ok! I like time-out! 

___________________________

Avery: Bubba (Jace) is growing. 

Me: Yes, he is. 

Avery: Let me see your belly button. (I do)

Avery: Mamacita! Your belly button looks crazy! 

___________________________

Me: "Maddie! The game is on!" 

Avery: Maddie isn't coming like she said she would. 

Me: It's ok, she doesn't really like sports anyway.

Avery: She is NOT minding. 

___________________________

Me: Avery, you really should do your Valentine cards for preschool. Do you want to do that tonight?

Avery: No. 

___________________________

Avery: Papi, no matter what you think I'm still a girl. 

Jason: You act like a boy. 

Avery: No, I'm a woman. 

Jason: Stop crying like a little girl, then. 

___________________________

Scene: Evil black cat creeping around the corner. 

Avery pulls out her Webkinz kitty. She pokes it out and says "Meow." Evil black cat runs away. 

___________________________

Avery: Papi! Papi! Lift me up and exercise. (Jason bench presses her)

Avery: Do it again! Do it again!

Avery: I'm gonna wrestle you for a week. 

Jason: No, fool. We need to take a break. 
___________________________
Waitress: How's the food?
Me: Great! 
Avery: This macaroni and cheese tastes weird. I don't like it. 
___________________________
After burning her mouth from hot chocolate delivered by a new waiter instead of our regular waitress, she cried. 
Me: Calm down. I put ice in your cup to cool it off. 
Avery: I am NEVER come back to this place again. 

___________________________

Avery: I smell something. 

Jason: It's your upper lip. 

Avery: No, it's YOUR upper lip. 

___________________________

Avery: Is today-tomorrow preschool? 

Me: Tomorrow you go to preschool, yes. 

Avery: Today-tomorrow? 

Me: Yes, tomorrow.

Avery: Today-tomorrow when I wake up. 

Me: YES. 

___________________________

These conversations are non-stop all day everyday.........Needless to say it's an adventure with her no matter what we are doing and she can always find something silly to laugh about, which is a daily reminder for us to not take life so seriously! 

Back Where I Come From. . .

This past week someone stated "There are 2 times in your life that you should never make drastic decisions: during a birth or a death."


Then, my friend "T" wrote about her childhood and going back home. (here) I love T's blogs. They always resinate with me. I think she and I are more alike than we even know. (love ya, T)


So, how are those related you ask? 


Well, I believe there are 2 times in life that we become the most sentimental: during the end of something and during a beginning. 


As I prepare for Jace's arrival, the closer it gets, the more sentimental I get. The more I want to see friends from long ago, the more I crave going back to the place that is most familiar to my past. 

Like, T, I too long for a trip "back where I come from." 

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While driving on on the toll road passing the big orange "T" that charges me an arm and a leg to go through, I looked to my right and saw trees, farm land, cows, even. To my left, houses, restaurants, construction. 

I continued to drive along and listen to my new favorite app on my phone (Pandora). Then, a domino of songs came on that reminded me of "back home." 

Just to See You Smile - Tim McGraw

Back Where I Came From - Kenny Chesney

Red Dirt Road - Brooks and Dunn

Meet in the Middle - Diamond Rio

The Dance - Garth Brooks

Yeah, I'm in a country kind of mood lately. Hello?! I grew up in the country. Every once in a while I realize that you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl. 

As Maddie and I sat down to eat at one of many of our favorite restaurants, I wonder if I could ever leave the "metroplex" for small town life. Granted, I live in a small town right outside of the metroplex, but this small town is so close to the big cities it doesn't really compare to the "map dot" where I grew up. 

Then I begin to wonder about all my classmates that did stay in Small Town, Texas USA. Do they wonder what it would be like to live in a place that provided organic foods at every grocery store? Do they long for the shopping options we have here? Do they wish they could experience the "busy life" that takes over everyone's lives here? 
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I often joke with my "city boy" husband that we will move back to my hometown someday and he thinks I've definitely gone off the deep end. He thought moving here was the country. :) I guess to a Houston city boy, 30 miles from Dallas is the country. 


However, those of us back where I came from know different. 


Here are some of the things I've been missing from back home. Some are still there, some aren't, but either way like always my memory portrays them as some of the "best" things in life. 
You haven't lived until you've: 

• visited Paula's Mexican food place - I still strive to make chicken tacos like she did
• made a trip to Wal-Mart and took an extra hour to shop because you've ran into at least 10 people you know well enough to have a 10 minute conversation
• experienced a snow cone from the former Sweets with Elegance ladies - fresh lemon squeeze is my staple and not a trip goes by that I don't get one while passing through town - yes Bahama Bucks is good, and the Snow Cone Lady rocks, but nobody does snow cones like these. 
• driven on the "drag" - you would hit almost every light in town, make a stop at least once at Sonic, do the little "circle" around town that took a whole 5 minutes and start all over again
• driven on at least real dirt road. who knows where it lead, but you still thought it would be fun to "explore"
• been to a rodeo - not the MESQUITE RODEO - the small town Rodeo (yes, I even once wore boots)
• been on your way home (probably 5 minutes later than you planned) to pick up a burrito or chimichange from Allsup's. My senior year, I decided to start adding Cheetos and Mountain Dew to this order 
• been able to go to one of the TWO Dairy Queens that use to be open. Nachos with jalepenos is still my favorite. And they don't use ORGANIC cheese. ;) 
• had days from school off just because it was stock show week! 
• been to at least one Seminole Trade Days
• spent an entire weekend, sometimes every weekend either playing co-ed softball or sitting in the stands watching softball during the summer
• spotted a tornado or two a few miles out of town
• ran into a few tarantulas and/or rattle snakes. (pretty sure my girls would freak at this)

Oh, the list goes on and on.(feel free to share yours below) The bottom line, though? 

No matter how our childhoods were, what we were lacking, how much we were made fun of (yes - me with glasses and braces), how many friends we did or didn't have, if a boy ever asked us out, or what tragedies occurred during that time: 

We all have at least a few happy memories from our hometowns. 

Chances are we will reminisce about them every once in a while. 

Some say it's a backward place
Narrow minds on a narrow way
I make it a point to say
That that's where I come from

      Kenny Chesney

Timeless

I love timeless items. You know things that never get old, out of date, or shipped off to Good Will. 


I've written about my love for music, but as my girls grow older, I realize how much my love for music has created their love for music. 


We often listen to Pandora in the car and have created stations like Disney, Taylor Swift, Tree 63, Laurie Berkner.......


While listening every once in a while, a song will come on that I remember singing to my girls when they were little. 


I Hope You Dance...........


Madison still remembers a video we took of ourselves dancing to this song when she was 6 months old. She loves to watch things like that over and over. 


Avery aspires to be a singer and has a talent for knowing exactly who is singing a certain song and remembering all the lyrics....


Party in the USA - Miley Cyrus.........


Jason even turns to the 80s music channel on TV. I make fun of him for this, but my guess is because it brings back memories for him and soothes his soul. The 80's did have some great tunes.  


So today a song that I remember from long ago came on and I smiled while I sang: 

Then after I got home, I came across this: 

Tim McGraw circa 1997

I took this concert photo in Odessa, Texas during his Everywhere tour. I remember how thrilled I was to get to go see him in concert. Who knows how we got tickets so close, but I'm so glad I kept those photos! 

I have such great memories of 1997 and Tim has become part of that memory. Now he's moved on to bigger and better things like The Blind Side, but no matter where I am, what I'm doing or how I'm feeling once an Everywhere song comes on, I stop and remember those days with fondness. 

I love that music can touch our souls over time backtracking all that we've been through and take us back to a place in time. 

Timeless Music. Priceless. 

Relax? What's that?

Someone told me today that I haven't been blogging a lot lately and that they worry when I post a blog like my last (Regrets.) 


Honestly, when I write I don't think anyone really knows the source of what prompted the blog except me. Like anything else, we can read what we want to in pieces of writing. All in all I'm thankful for all the broken roads that have lead me to this exact spot. 


And while I'm being honest here, lately I've had a lot more on my mind than blogging. Imagine that! 


I didn't mean for life to get in the way of something I love, but recently it has anyway. 


My mind races all the time: How much longer until Jace arrives? What do I need to get now in order to be ready? Will I actually be able to handle life with three? 


Then, there's work. Since I'm going on maternity leave you can imagine how busy I am right now cramming all I can in the next 4 weeks. And since teachers actually get rewarded for spending time with me, I rarely have an hour of down time. I love my job, but there are days that I know I could do a better job if I wasn't carrying around an extra person. :) 


Truthfully, none of us should let life get in the way of relaxing, but we all do it. . . .


*bills
*work
*kids
*responsibilities
*worries
*caring for others
*volunteering
*cooking
*shopping
*cleaning


If we let them, theses things can take our joy away. 


"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it."  - Sydney J. Harris

I don't know about you, but relaxing brings me joy. 

If my mind is focused on any one thing, my heart and soul are not open to what my fingers could blog about. 


Tonight, I've taken time to RELAX. My body hurts, I'm going on 5 hrs of sleep, and there's always tons to do, but I decided it was a must. If I don't make relaxing and reconnecting with my soul a priority, no one else will. I'm a MUCH better mom, friend, wife, and employee when I take care of myself. 


Here are some things I enjoy doing to help me relax, many are things I did tonight: 


*burning essential lavender oil around the house
*turning the lights low
*lighting a fire
*snuggling with the girls before bed
*doing yoga and breathing deeply
*listening to soothing music
*listening to Jason play xbox (volume turned down)
*taking in each raindrop that hits the window


What about YOU? What do you like to do to relax your mind, take a break from your day or rejuvenate your soul?

Over and over again. . .Regrets

Lately I've had too much time to think. I need to practice "being still" and "silent." 


Saturday, as I sat waiting on Madison to get out of a birthday party, I heard this song again. 



I heard it when it first came out and remember thinking that it was catchy and how surprised I was with Tim McGraw. I started really listening to the lyrics and thinking about regrets in general. Specifically, with the following lyrics: 


I think about it over and over again
I replay it over and over again
(yea) And I can’t take it, (yea) I can’t shake it no


Through other blog reading lately, conversations with friends, or even my own life I see that even though we all mean to live without regrets, somehow many of us still end up looking back and realize we didn't do what we intended and now regret it. Or we look back and realize we did do something but the consequences of that were much greater than we expected. 


-meaning to say goodbye
-meaning to go visit
-meaning to say "I love you more"
-meaning to forgive
-meaning to apologize for behavior
- meaning to be a better _____(you fill in the blank)


-saying something out of anger
-not saying anything at all
-not keeping in touch
- talking to those people that are really not good influences in life
- spreading rumors
-spreading negative attitudes
-judging others


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Sitting in church yesterday I realize that we all are the same - maybe not at the exact time in our lives, but we all strive to live in the present. We all end up with at least a few regrets - big or small - not that it really matters - regrets are regrets. 


Instead of thinking about them over and over again, we must move on. We must shake those feelings and live for now, love now, befriend now, help now, celebrate now, say what we mean now - We never really know how much time we have to do these things. 


Don't let the past steal your present.  
~Cherralea Morgen