Down to a few days...

I can't believe that we are in our last weekend of being a family of 8.  Jonathan is coming in 4 days.  Aunt Lissa is convinced he is coming tomorrow.  Guess we will see!  I think he is going to wrap his toes around my ribs and continue to "fluff" for as long as possible.  I'm just hoping he doesn't get too fluffy.  Bekah was my biggest at 7 lbs, 12 oz.  I would be happy with a 7 lb baby.

The kids are so excited about their hayride tonight.  I'm just praying it doesn't rain.  If it does, everyone will just load up in our van. 

Well, I have to finish lunch.  Mike has some friends over finishing up the drywall.  Yay!  Love ya bunches!

This weather...

is NOT making for a productive day.  I would love to be piled up on the couch sleeping right now.  My little Jonathan will be here next week.. yes, NEXT WEEK.  I can't believe it!  I will be holding my newest little blessing in 8 days!  I have been so sleepy.  I think it might be my body's way of telling me to enjoy the sleep now, b/c it will be without it for a while.  LOL  Mike left for work at 2am, and he didn't wake me when he left.  grrrrrrrr!  He said I was sleeping so good on the couch that he didn't want to wake me.  I usually hear him stirring about, but not this morning.  He said he was being as quiet as possible.  He is too sweet, but I wish I could have kissed him goodbye.

I went to the doctor yesterday.  Everything is moving right along.  Apparently my annoying contractions are doing a little good.  He said my cervix seems to be softening and I'm probably dialated 1-2 cm.  YAY!  Andrew said, "Mama please don't tell me that your labor is starting.  Daddy is at work."  LOL  He is scared to death that he is going to have to drive me to the hospital.  At least he would be driving legally.
All the kids rode w/ me to the appointment, but they stayed in the van.  It was nice enough that they could let the windows down and read books, annoy Andrew, etc.  After a quick trip to Wally World, we went to see Grandpa Rex.  He kept commenting that he had not seen Luke since he started walking.  Okay, I can take a hint that it  had been a while since the kids had been there.  BUT, he doesn't realize that we don't go to Statesboro all the time.  I try to avoid the 'Boro like the plague... only going for my doctor appointments which are usually at 9am.  If I woke the little ones early enough to take them to those early appointments, they would be rattlesnakes by the time we got to Grandpa's house.  Yesterday's appointment was at 2pm.  We stayed about 45 minutes, I guess.  The kids were getting restless, so we left.  They came home, changed clothes, then went outside to run off some energy.

Well, I'm outta here for now.  Love ya bunches! 

What a day!

It has been a good day, but an emotional day.  I started the day by posting a nice little picture of Andrew in Bekah's pink princess robe on Facebook.  He had been tormenting me and Laura, so I thought a little payback was due for his birthday.  I love it!  He wasn't as excited about it as Laura and I were.  Mike woke him up at 2:30am to wish him a happy birthday before he headed off to work.  Andrew doesn't remember it.  Laura and I worked on the slideshow to the blog.  Talk about the tears flowing! 

The older three were playing a game of Monopoly before lunch.  Emily ran to her room.  When she came back to the table, she got in the chair next to Andrew and handed him $2 and said, "Happy Birthday Andrew!"  Andrew didn't want to take the money, but she insisted that it was his birthday present from her.  He told her thank you as she was climbing down.  Then her comment was, "I'm so sweet!  I'm such a good sister."  What a stinker!  I'm not sure if that was a Sarah or a Lissa moment... probably a little of both. 
Grandma Jean had a test done on her back yesterday, so she is suppose to be on bed rest until tomorrow.  I told her I would make supper for them tonight.  Andrew wanted ribs and rice & stewed tomatoes.  I let the birthday person pick the evening meal.  I was even nice and made him a pound cake.  He would have much preferred Grandma's choc. cake, but he knew she couldn't make him one today.  But don't think he is going to let her off that easy.  As soon as she has recovered, he will be expecting a cake.  Let me tell you, I am STUFFED.  It has been hours since we have finished eating, and I'm still miserable! 

Well, I'm off to put some clothes in the dryer.  Love ya bunches!

A few random thoughts

I have been sitting here for the past hour working on a slideshow for Andrew's 15th birthday.  I started thinking of those years.  I just have no clue where they have gone.  I look at Andrew and see a young man standing in front of me.  How did this happen?!  Where did my mischievous little boy go?  All too soon, he will be gone from my "nest" to live life as he feels he should.  Will he live it perfectly?  No, I'm sure he will stumble.  I just have to pray and trust in God that all the values we have taught him will lead him to follow God's plan for his life. 

As we get ready to add another little blessing into our family in a couple of weeks, I see how fast this time flies by.  We will have blessings from newborn to 15 years old.  What a combination!  I sit back and watch the older two interact w/ the younger ones.  What a blessing it is to have Andrew and Laura!  I can catch a glimpse of the type of parents they will be one day.  I see how the little ones adore their big brother and sister and how they look up to them.  It reminds me that Andrew and Laura are watching Mike and me.  We have to live our lives as an example to them. 

I read Lori Beck's blog a few minutes ago, and she posted yesterday how I have been feeling for a while.  My head is so full of what I need to do, what I think I need to do, and what everyone else thinks I need to do.  Mike has been telling me for years that I am one person, and I can't be everything to everyone.  So many nights, I go to bed w/ my mind still ticking away w/ things I didn't get accomplished, things to do the next day, etc.  I wake up the next morning just as stressed as I went to bed.  I get so caught up in everything, that I too don't take the time to hear what God has to say.  David made a comment Sunday that he said he heard from another pastor.  It was something to the effect of, 'God will give you enough time in a day to do what He wants you to do and the ability to do it graciously.'  How many times do I wake up w/ my own agenda to accomplish and I don't ask God what He wants me to accomplish that day?  Too many!  We live in a world where all the modern conveniences of life end up causing more stress than the "old ways."  We have accepted the thinking that we can do it all, and then wonder why our stress levels are so high.  Over the past couple years, I have tried to slow down and do what I feel is right for my family.  I am accountable for how I raise my kids.  How can they learn to be content w/ what God wants for us when I'm running around like a crazy woman trying to please everyone else?  If we are running from one thing to another, how can they learn to enjoy life at home with family?  Sometimes we do get super busy w/ things, and our attitudes suffer.  Those are the times when I have to stop and ask God what He wants us to do. 

Okay, I HAVE to wash some clothes and bake a pound cake for Andrew's birthday.  Love ya bunches!

Happy 15th Birthday Andrew!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Two more weeks?!

Can you believe that?!  I'm having a hard time believing it.  There isn't much more waiting to be done.  I'm having contractions off and on, but they will not get regular.  It is beginning to be quiet annoying.  Andrew is hoping I go into labor tomorrow... his birthday.
Andrew will be 15 tomorrow.  I don't know where the years have gone.  He is so excited about getting his learner's permit to drive.  Mike is planning to take him on Friday.  The DDS is closed tomorrow for a furlough day.  What a bummer!
JJ shared something w/ us tonight that happened at one of his flag football games.  He said one of his friends from his football team gave him the ball during the game.  When he got it, he told everyone, "See ya later, gator.  Then I runned and got a touch down."  What a stinker!

I got to see ultrasound pics of my nephew, Logan, this morning.  I also got to see pics of Adam, Kara, and Makenna.  Kara emailed them last night or this morning.  Everyone looked great.  We are getting excited about seeing them at Christmas.

Well, I have some things to do before I go to bed.  Love ya bunches!

Midweek update

Thank you Lord for the showers of rain!  We have had almost 2 inches of rain today.  It wasn't easy to get out of bed this morning, but it was nice to have the rain on our thirsty lawn.  Andrew is groaning b/c he knows the lawn will need to be mowed again.  Another reason I was excited to see the rain is b/c I know the cooler weather is on its way.  YAY!  I'm looking forward to the break from the south Georgia heat.
Emily and JJ ask every day when Jonathan is going to be born.  They are asking, 'How many more days?!'   They are getting as excited as I am.  We have finally decided that his name will be Jonathan David.  We were stuck between David and Eli as the middle name.  A majority of us liked David better, so the decision was made. 
Mike and Andrew mowed the lawn yesterday after they replaced a broken belt.  I moved storage boxes of clothes back into the shed (with Andrew's help.)  I let the little ones play outside b/c I knew rainy weather and cooler temps were coming.  They had a wonderful time running around w/o getting too hot.  Ian came over to play with them for a few minutes. 
Well, I have a desk to finish cleaning.  Love ya bunches! 

A sneak peak!

I have an ultrasound this morning.  Jonathan actually halfway cooperated for a 4D picture.  Trying to get his weight and measurements was another story.  The best measurement we could get puts him weighing about 5 lb, 9 oz. right now.  I still have 3 weeks until my induction, so I'm thinking he will be around 7 lbs at birth.  Dr. Palmer did say that at this point, he will not stop my labor if I go early.  YAY!!! 

I think Jonathan looks a lot like Bekah when she is sleeping.  He does seem to have Papa Harold's pug nose, just like JJ.  Looking at these pics really makes me ready to have him and hold him in my arms.  This pregnancy has flown by, but I'm sure it will start dragging now that I'm so anxious to see him.

A new look for the Hillians blog!

First, the Book Fairy pays a visit to the Hillian home this week.  Then, the Blog Fairy gave us a new look.  How blessed is that?!  Laura is already awwwing over the new look.  Now, we are just waiting on another blessing to make his appearance.  It should be interesting to see who makes it to the hospital w/ their camera first... Lissa or Julie.  Jonathan will look like he has been in the tanning bed by the time those two are finished w/ pics.  LOL 
As I'm typing this, there is a movie trailer for the movie Where The Wild Things Are.  JJ is jumping up and down w/ excitement.  The book was Andrew and JJ's favorite.  They both wore out a paperback copy each.  Luke is just now getting to where he will sit down for about two seconds to listen to someone read.  I'm sure he will love the book also.
And just a note... Andrew finished that book Friday night.  Thank you Lissa for the books and new blog layout.  Love ya bunches! 

A Visit from the Book Fairy...

The kids had a nice surprise this morning.  The Book Fairy had sent her Book Elf (I'm sure Tracy loves to be referred to as an elf) to our house.  I heard him as he was driving off.  Yes, I slept in today.  My body is exhausted at this point, so I am going to get sleep when I can.  I got the books out of the van mid-morning and gave Mike the book that Andrew had been waiting for.  You should have seen the look on Andrew's face when Mike walked out of our bedroom w/ the book and sat down on the couch to start reading.  Of course, Andrew grabbed up the book as soon as Mike left for work.  I'm sure he won't sleep much tonight, b/c he wants to finish the book before his daddy.  Laura grabbed up a couple books and has been reading all afternoon.  Emi was so excited about her Fancy Nancy books.  JJ loved his Mater book.  Bekah found a book about a fairy named Lily and said it was her 'fave-ette.'  She went running through the house to find her 'nudder one' w/ Lily.  Lukey walked from one to another looking at their books before claiming the little monster book & stuffed monster and monkey & book as his own.  Thank you Book Fairy!!!!  I would say that the kids were excited, but that would be a major understatement.  Love ya bunches!

Another week almost gone...

Wow!  I can't believe it is Thursday already.  It seems like the weeks are flying by.  Some days drag, but then the week is over when I blink my eyes.  I'm not complaining, b/c that means I'm closer to holding our newest little man in my arms.  I am getting so excited!  I just have this overwhelming excitement to see who he looks like and to watch his little personality unfold.  It is so amazing how each child has his/her own personality.  I can see personality traits of different family members... parents, siblings, etc.  Can't wait to see who little Jonathan will act like.
I have sent Laura and the little ones outside to play for a bit.  It isn't too warm, and I need a few minutes of quiet to get somethings done.... like blogging. :o)  Mike and Andrew are on the tractor filling in holes in our driveway.  I think they are planning on working outside today while the sun is shining.  I do enjoy the days that Mike is home, even if it doesn't do much for the school schedule.  He is able to teach our boys so much about daily life and providing for a family.
Well, I'm off to get a load of jeans washed so they can dry on the clothesline... ya know, one of those old fashioned things that Aunt Charity does.  Love ya bunches!
 

Repeat Monday

Today felt like another Monday.  I am still dragging from the weekend.  JJ started running a high fever late yesterday afternoon.  He was asleep on the couch which let me know something was wrong.  I looked in his ears w/ a flashlight and knew that is what it was going to be.  I made his appointment this morning, and I was right!  He had infection in both ears.  Of course, when we got to the doctor's office, he had NO FEVER and was acting like himself.  He will be on antibiotics for 10 days, but I'm just happy it wasn't the flu or a virus. 
I ran some errands while I was out.  I knew that as soon as I got home, I was putting the pjs back on.  You know... our school uniform! :o)  Mike was awake when I got back.  He is working night shift for the next two weeks.  During a conversation, I mentioned that I would love to have some laying hens for fresh eggs.  He gave me a "project" to do today... look up info on them.  He is also driving me crazy about building a greenhouse.  I would love a greenhouse for fresh veggies year round, but right now, all I can think about it the painting that needs to be done.  It will all get done in its own time.
Papa Harold called late this afternoon and asked if any of the kids wanted to ride to the stockyard w/ him and Grandma.  Andrew, Laura, and Luke went.  At least I got a little breather from chasing Luke around.  Andrew said he loved looking at all the cows.  If only I could have taken another nap while they were gone.
Well, I have some research to do, laundry to wash, and dishes to put away.  Love y'all bunches! 

I know... I know...

Okay... I know I haven't posted in a while, but can I please get a pass this time.  I have so much to do that I don't know what to do next.  I have made a list of some projects that I need to accomplish in the next 4 weeks, and I will get them done.  It is all stuff that I want to do myself.  Last night, I started going through my pantry and straightening the shelves.  When we go grocery shopping, the kids usually put the food away when we get home.  I guess some would say I am too layed back b/c I don't care how they get it in there, as long as it is done.  Julie Moye would absolutely die from the lack of organization.  LOL  I also packed away all of the clothes that Bekah has outgrown.... or so I thought.  I went to switch a load of laundry from the washer to the dryer, and there was a bunch of clothes hanging on the rod that needed to be put w/ the other clothes that were almost overflowing from the storage container.  **sighs**
The sheetrock is still not finished in the little boys' room, our bedroom, and the kids' bathroom.  I think Mike is getting a little frustrated with it... causing him to drag his feet.  I am trying to be a good wife and not nag, but I really need it finished.  I have 4 weeks until Jonathan is born, and I have a lot of painting to do before then.  The guys did put up a mirror for me in the living room today before Mike left for work.  I keep looking at it when I walk through, and I'm thinking I told them to put it up too high.  But if we lower it much, the peg board I have under it will be too low... causing it to be a little too tempting for my little monkey to play with the pretties that hang from it. 
The rain today has been wonderful.  We have had almost 2" since 1:30am.  It seemed like during the night, each time it would rain hard I would have to drag out of bed to potty.  Gotta love the thimble-sized bladders of late pregnancy. :o) 
I am off to be productive.  The kids are scheduled for flag football/cheerleading practice, but I'm thinking that isn't going to be happening with the rain.  Yay!  I won't have to change outta my pj's.  Love y'all bunches!