What's been going on.

I have been so completely busy lately. Last Friday I was able to spend the entire day with my very best friend (who lives in Louisiana) shopping, introducing her to sushi (she liked it!), grabbing Starbucks, and having lots and lots of girl talk. I only get to see her a couple of times per year, so it's always special hanging out with her when the opportunity arises. We both have families to take care of, children to homeschool, and lives that keep us continuously preoccupied. Someday, though, that will change. Until then, I can manage this way... even though I miss her. Anyhow, we had an awesome time and early the next morning she had to head back home with her three boys to attend a funeral. She wasn't able to stay for the Blessingway because of that, but she did bless me with some incredible gifts; the cutest diaper bag ever, an embroidered onesie and matching pants set, cloth wipes in cool designs, a multi-colored cloth toy block, and a reversible mai tai (everything but the diaper bag was made by her). It was perfect and the fact that she made nearly all of it herself made it that much better.


Saturday came and my Blessingway was indescribable. From the professional massages to the personal blessings from my friends, it was so much fun and so heart warming for me. Everyone had a great time! I was gifted with all kinds of wonderful things, but my favorite part of the entire day was knowing that we were all enjoying ourselves so much. Everyone should have parties like that! My friends made sure to relay just how much they care for me and went out of their way to do whatever they could in order to prove it. Each of them had their own way of making me feel so good and so loved; from Tanya's masterpiece of a sushi cake (because she knows just how addicted I am to the stuff!), to Allison's hard work hosting the party, and Ashley's beautiful, tear-filled story of how we met and how she thanks God for me left me speechless. I don't know what good I've done in the 26 years I've been alive on this earth to deserve such golden people in my life, but somehow I lucked out. I can only give God the praise for that.


Right now I feel more rested than I have in a very long time. I'm grateful. Getting up to pee literally every single hour really takes a toll on a person's rest. Not to mention that it's becoming a challenge in these latter weeks when it comes to positioning my big ol' pregnant belly comfortably in the bed. Otherwise, I'm still feeling good. Very motivated to accomplish tasks before baby arrives and having no physical aches and pains. This is definitely the best second half of any pregnancy I've experienced thus far. I've been washing sweet little baby clothes, cloth diapers, and wool. I'm getting so excited to meet my boy! I have all of the homebirth supplies that I need and the midwives will be over for their home visit next week. It's about that time!


This weekend we're throwing Jasper's 3rd birthday party here at the house. We're doing a water theme and the kids will play in kiddie pools, sprinklers, and a slip 'n slide outside. I also plan to have a big bubble station set up with wands for added entertainment. We have a small pavilion with picnic table on our property that we plan to use for cake cutting and gift opening. The kids should have a blast. We're having his party 2 weeks early (his actual birthday is on the 16th) because I'd rather be attempting rest and/or final preparations for the baby at 38 weeks along. Understandable, I'm sure. The weekend of the 8th we're having a family weekend away in Hot Springs as a way to sort of enjoy being a family of four for the little time that's left. I booked a family package at a historical hotel on the main strip and we plan to swim, do plenty of fun activities, and treat ourselves the entire weekend. And on the Sunday we'll be there, I'm having a few hours alone at the spa! I'm getting a facial and a massage at a delightful spa right on Lake Hamilton while Robby and the kids have some time to themselves. I'm looking forward to it.