32 weeks

And so the countdown has started, at least in my mind! Technically we have 2 months, a little less than 8 weeks. But with the "official" diagnosis of gestational diabetes, I will probably be induced in about 6 weeks.  

Many people, including my own mom, have expressed apologies over the diabetes diagnosis, but it really hasn't phased me. I did have it with Aiden and Drew plus my family history is horrible.  Big surprise that I have it again. So I'm watching my sugars, what I eat, and how much weight I gain. (Which btw, is not TOO bad! I feel like I am doing much better than my two previous pregnancies. Yay me!)

So today was day 1 of testing my sugars. I'm wasting time right now because I need to go check my blood in about 30 minutes. :) And then clean.... maybe I'm really procrastinating.

This baby is nicknamed "Big Baby" (check the Celtics player-hahaha) already because he is already measuring at 35 weeks instead of 32. My ultrasound this week showed that he weighs 6 lbs. some ozs. I didn't quite catch the ounces as I was incredulous over the weight. Oh yeah, we're going early. I told my o.b. about Heather's 9 pounder that came 3 weeks early. The doctor wasn't too interested in having the baby's shoulders become an issue. We'll watch to induce early or even a c-section. 

AND.... we are playing a little naming game. I have had the hardest time picking a name for this baby. One Saturday morning, as Dave and I laid in bed, we were discussing names when I told him that I liked a certain one but couldn't imagine naming that baby that if he had blonde hair. Everything snowballed until Dave suggested naming the baby off of his hair color. :) We were dying laughing (like we're ever serious) and so that is what we are doing. We've picked 3 different names: one for a blonde, one for a brunette, one for a red head. If there is a discrepancy over the name, the nurses and doctor take a vote. :) And that's the story.

Unless I TOTALLY change my mind and decide whatever I want. 

And I can do that. I'm the mom. :)

frogs and force fields

I just took the kids on a short trip to South Carolina as one of my cousins was married (yay Erica and Matt!!!). Great time with my parents and extended family. :) I'm trying to post a video of Drew breaking it down to some jazz. Very funny as the dancing DOES NOT reflect the type of music, but very Drew-esque nonetheless!

As I was leaving my parents to make the 2 hour trip home last night, the boys and I discovered many a small tree frog in the car. Many, ahem, "guests" travel with us from my parents. Often they are wolf spiders (gross) and now these little frogs.  I felt one jump on my foot early on in the trip and shaking my leg soon entailed. :)

So night falls, Drew sleeps. I soon found this frog jumping on my dashboard. I pulled off the road, turned on the lights and tried to trap the frog to release it. I would rather deal with a frog over those wolf spiders (again, gross) but I think I was rather squeamish for Aiden.  Here's his advice:

"Mom. You just need to pray. Pray that God will give you a force field against the frog. Just say some words like,

 'Dear Jesus. Please give me a force field around me so that the frog can not jump on me.'

That's it mom. Just pray those words."

I am trying to stifle a laugh about my kid who combines Star Wars with theology. :) Awesome.

School Rules

School has started with plenty of rules. :) Aiden came home on Friday with his folder of work completed from the week. I was a bit taken back at this following picture, asked him about it, and then died laughing. 

Apparently the students and the teacher discussed what rules they should have for the class. (I'm used to this method, being a teacher myself, which the teacher eventually simplifies all suggestions to the basic 5 or so.)

Aiden's rule: "No Punching in the wewe."

Otherwise known as "Keep your hands and objects to yourself." 

Classic.

June

AND.... we've moved.  Yes, again.  This move has been to Port St. Lucie to be closer to our church (THE rockin' Calvary Chapel  of PSL) which gives us a shorter commute and more room!  Yea for more room. 

The house is great, and we are definitely loving the space: about 3 times the size of our townhouse plus a backyard to boot! The boys are enjoying the summer and also the house... have I mentioned the yard? Haha. Fun for all.  

I love the grass too and the mowing. Seriously. One of our praise band members owns a lawn mowing company and offered to come by whenever to help out. Very sweet, but I had to let him know that it has been at least 6 years since I mowed my own lawn! I actually joked with him about applying for a position with his company. The smell, the finished product... how can you not love it? :)

Now we just have to finish a couple of things like painting the baby's room and organizing Dave's office. Dave, who usually does a knock-up job at picking paints colors, completely bombed when he chose some random peachy skin color. Uh... no. Back to square one and whenever we have free time next. Maybe in August. 

The baby: doing well and kickin'. Well, not kicking as much as the boys did, leading Dave to believe it's a girl.  Who knows but God? So I don't want to lean one way or the other until we have that ultrasound... which might be at week 40. I really does feel like the doctors are having some communication issues. 

My doctor put a script in for an ultrasound 3 WEEKS AGO. I have called back and told them that I have not received a call from the specialist yet, and then they fax the script again. 3 times. So I head off to the ob/gyn for another visit on Tuesday. Maybe they can get it right. 

Besides that, we wait. We're also praying for an opportunity to get the rest of our stuff from Cleveland. I'm trying to be patient but it has been about 2 years!!! It's really the baby stuff and maternity clothes that are killing me.  I'm not really fond of throwing more money out the window when I have perfectly good stuff sitting in storage. Currently, I have only 2 pants of maternity clothes that fit me, and then I'm using this stretchy band over my regular clothes to hold me over until I can get my good stuff. Argh. I just don't want to spend money on new maternity clothes. I'd rather buy me a new pair of shoes!

Talking of the baby, I am at week 17 (18 on Tuesday). The wait continues!

Packing... again

Well, after 1 1/2 years we are moving again.  This time it's only 45 minutes north to Port St. Lucie and a much easier move than previous ones as it can be done in stages over a week or so.  Dave is spearheading this one up as much as possible since I'm still teaching.  Plus, I did most of the packing to Cleveland and then 6 months later to New Orleans.  For some reason, I don't feel so bad!  

So we started the process today.  Dave took apart the beds and moved the frames downstairs along with other larger pieces of furniture. I was washing loads of laundry and doing other household chores.  I was a little frustrated when a realtor showed up unexpectedly with a couple that I relatively know.  AUGH.  I DO NOT like it when  people come to my house and it is not in top shape.  (Which woman does? I would like to smack some sense in her...) 

At least in 1 week I'll be in a house with about 3 times the amount of space we have now. Gotta keep on truckin'.

****Which I must throw this in:  I thought we had saved all of our boxes from our New Orleans move. Apparently, Dave was kind enough to give them to some poor soul who needed them AHEM, and now we are back at square one.  Can you tell he is the giver between the two of us? And now we're looking for boxes..... again.******

Kindergarten Graduation

Aiden graduated this Friday from Kindergarten.  We had a great time watching both the kindergarten classes and the preschool perform their end-of-the-year programs.  So cute. 

The funniest part of the day was Aiden's speaking part.  Each student came to the microphone to announce what they wanted to be when they grew up.  Aiden told us that morning that this was going to happen and when I asked him what he was going to say, he told me that it was a surprise. 

And it was.  So different from what he has mentioned before.

So this sweet boy stepped to the mic, turned to look at Dave across the auditorium and said,

"Hello everyone. My name is Aiden Carroll and when I grow up I want to be a baseball player for the Red Sox. Third Base. Thank you."

We died laughing. 

Dave has been a Yankees fan since Miami didn't have a professional team when he was young.  While we watch different games on t.v., Aiden has apparently announced to Dave that he doesn't root for the Yankees, but instead the Red Sox. 

Go figure. 

Anyways, Dave's mom came up and attended the event with us. :) 

Grammy getting a kiss from Aiden.

Drew and his buddy from school. 

Drew and Mommy. 

Parental units with the graduate. Don't ask why we're all hunched over.  I think Dave initiated that one. 

Aiden on stage. He's the last one at the top. 

Aiden at the first part of the program during the song part.  I would have posted pictures of Drew but you would have asked where he was.  Good question. We couldn't see him either because of some huge horse of a kid in front of him.  Oh, well. 
 

fire alarm

I know it's been awhile since I've posted and part of that has been intentional as school is closing quickly. Plus, naps are in the agenda too! I really haven't had nausea or vomiting with this pregnancy but I've been extremely tired and had frequent headaches.

So today was quite eventful at school. Our school hosts an Art Festival each year as students from the county's private schools have pieces on display. I took my English classes down, at the request of the Art teacher, so that the students can see some of the displays.

It's such a wonderful festival and very organized too. There aremany activities: a professional sidewalk-chalk artist, upper ele. students performing folk dances, popsicles, and fun for all.

In the midst of all the organized chaos, we hear a distant bell of the fire alarm. That's strange. Usually fire alarms are announced ahead of time to the teachers for preparation.

I lead my class out to the field and we stand there for the 10 minutes.... extra distractions since the festival is going on and all fun had to stop momentarily.

Walking back to my class after the drill is released, I talked to an office worker who said it was probably a preschool student who pulled the alarm.

Um.... I have a preschooler....

5 minutes later, the president of the school came by and confirmed THAT IT WAS INDEED DREW who pulled the alarm!!!! She said it was so funny to see him on the video, testing out the handle, pulling it, and then trying to get it to stop.

Here's the cool thing though: when asked if he did it, he confessed that it was he. Now, I know that It's not a good thing to go around pulling alarms, AND he is a 4 year old, inquisitive boy. But I am so proud that he told the truth and did not lie. We've been working on that at home, making sure that he confesses when he does something wrong.

So here's to the truth-telling rebel..... love you babe.

Plus baby makes 5....

We're expecting! :) Totally excited and looking forward to adding a new little one to the family. It's been awhile since we're had a baby in the family as Aiden is almost 6 and Drew is almost 5.

Date? We're not positive but sometime in November-ish.  I still need to head to the doctor and confirm the date. 

PLUS: my twin sister Heather is also pregnant, due in September.  I am looking forward to traveling to see the birth of another beautiful niece/nephew. It'll be exciting to have a cousin close to this baby's age.  My boys are a bit older than the next cousin in line and are the only grandkids on the other side of the family. 

Praise the Lord for a WONDERFUL blessing.  Dave and I are praying His promises over this little one that God may use him/her for His glory!

spring break

Spring break!  Love it.  I know, I know: a little early.  This works out perfectly in my book at least.  Last week was minimester where students sign up for a week-long class.  The seniors go on their senior trip, the sophomores go on the college tour, others on a mission trip to the D.R., etc. 

This year I attended the college tour with the sophomores and had a blast!  For the most part, the students were very well behaved (some started a new nickname for me: kitty carroll-figure that one out.  i think it sounds like some hooker name and thus, i've discouraged the use of it. we'll see if it continues into the school day..).  

We went to PBA, FAU, Southeastern, Rollins,

 Stetson, UCF, and UF.  Fun, fun.  

We took the students to go see Cirque du Soliel. WONDERFUL SHOW.  I can not emphasis enough how great this performance was!!!  What a twist on the circus and a ballet with a European funky flair. FABULOUS. These kind of shows always make the little girl in me dream of flying through the air.... I could do that. Then my dream is burst upon the reality of my mom-bod. Uh, no.  I couldn't do that. 

So spring break is now upon me.  Time to catch up on my Esther Bible Study (thank you Beth Moore, yet again) and run errands that I normally don't have time to complete. Already I've gone to have my oil changed, ran to the doctor (Aiden and his ears: a recurring enjoyment), grocery shopped, haircuts for the boys before going to grandma's (no shaggy-ness allowed, thank you), laundry, the bank, and Target. 

The rest of this week will be a great time for Dave and me to catch up with some friends in North Louisiana.  A previous student will be married and a friend is volunteering to fly us out to go to the ceremony. Thank you God for yet another blessing.  We are looking forward to spending time with friends and celebrating nuptials! 

And the weather will be great: cold.  I'll bust out my kelly-green coat.  LOVE IT!!! Rockin' the fashion in Vivian.  Watch out, fashionistas.

 

"U" is for underwear

An interesting day:

Aiden and Drew had a program at school today in which they sang two different songs.  The preschool and kindergarten were dressed in hawaiian print shirts with leis adorned.  

Cute. Fun. Memorable. 

At the end of the school day, I went to pick Drew up first from aftercare only to get a full rundown about how Drew was put into timeout. 

OK, shoot.  Tell me the details.

Apparently, Drew yelled out to Dave, "Hey, Dad!!! I have UNDERWEAR in my "U"-bag!!!!"

Not the most socially acceptable thing to yell out in front of a room full of adults.  (Let me preface: neither Dave and I heard the comment even though we were present at the event.)  Drew's teacher obviously did not appreciate this bit of news.

Dave and I, however, think this is HILARIOUS as it truly shows the humor in our family.  You see, these letter bags are a constant thorn in our flesh.  For more than a year, we (Dave and myself) have been filling these weekly bags with objects that start with the letter assigned for that week.  We fulfilled this obligation all last year and has continued through this year with Drew in preschool. Unnerving. Annoying.... insert other random adjectives that describe mundane tasks parents are forced to endure.

This week's letter is "U."  Dave explained to me how the boys had a discussion about what to put in the "U" bag, leaving the suggestion of 'underwear' a laughter ensuing example.  

Only, little did Dave know that Aiden did indeed put underwear in Drew's bag. Can you blame Drew for shouting this observation out to the whole world?  

"Hey, Dad!!!! I have UNDERWEAR in my "U"-bag!!!!" 

Totally deserving of the time-out. Kudos to my 4-year old.  That is truly funny. 

Dr. Angela Hunt

On Friday, the Christian teachers in Palm Beach County met for a day of inservice.  Honestly, it was quite long and was difficult to sit for most of the day.  I did win $25 Lowe's gift card in a drawing, promptly handing it to my husband when I returned home.  I know my place.

One of the speakers was Dr. Angela Hunt, author of multiple non-fiction, children's, and fiction books. I was so impressed with her presence and poise as she spoke to a room full of educators.  She was funny, yet articulate. Not only did she speak on Plot Structure during a workshop, but she also shared her thoughts on 'calling' vs. 'tasks.'   

As Christians, we are 'called' to love the Lord and to serve Him.  Our TASKS are the things in which we are currently involved.  I am CALLED as a Christian to love the Lord, but my current TASK is a pastor's wife, mother, and teacher.  Our TASKS can change, but our CALLING remains the same.  

I enjoyed her message with the spattering of humor.  Anyone who knows me realizes how humor is one of my valued traits.  If you are truly funny-without being crude- then I appreciate you as a person. Aren't you grateful?!?!

 

Dr. Angela Hunt

Check her out.  I heard one of her books was made into a movie for T.V. and was played over Christmas break. I love the fact that a Christian author is successful and is making a difference in the world.  

the man i married

And this is the man I married......

He is TOTALLY crazy.  I love it.

dentist

Clean teeth at the dentist! It constantly amazes me how much quicker the children's side is compared to the adult side.  I guess it makes sense as children don't usually need crowns and such. 

So this is what we did this Friday afternoon following school. :) 

Aiden getting ready to start. 

Both boys having their teeth cleaned at the same time. Aiden is on the left and Drew on the right.

I love the fact that the facility has stuff for kids!  Aiden was playing some video game waiting for his turn.

Drew dog with his great, big smile. Love it. 

snow day

SNOW DAY!!! This is what we Floridians call snow: shaved ice. The boys had a great time with classmates enjoying the snow.  I think they had more fun with their Daddy, personally. 

The preparation...

Drew chucking snow at Dave. 

Aiden and his daddy.

Dave held Aiden in the hose and had him drenched!!! I was a little slow with camera and only captured the end.  Those who know Aiden know that he was not so pleased with the shot of snow to the face!

Drew looking to throw one at Mommy. 

Drew chasing Dave. 

We had a blast!  I'm so thankful Dave has a job where he has some freedom to come and make snow day.  By the way, my family in Ohio thinks this is ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS.  They can't believe what they are seeing. Well, seeing is believing.  We pay for snow.

:)

guess who got a camera from christmas money?  :)  that would be me!  so i'm now very excited about taking pictures of the boys again after about 2 years of a very inconsistent camera. enjoy some shots of the past couple days.  just randomness....

me and my love trying out the new camera. 

the boys at a jcs basketball game.  it was so sweet because aiden reached out to hug drew spontaneously.  i just had to capture the moment.  poor drew was so tired from a day of school and his big brother loved on him.  melts my heart!

wasting time at the doctor's office. what a little stinker.

snow pictures to come!  the school paid to have snow "brought" in.  dave and i both took some time off to watch the kids play in the snow.  my cousin from ohio thinks this is absolutely the funniest thing she ever saw.  i'll post later this week.  love to all! amy

aiden's first time shooting

dave had an invite from our friends, the garcias, to take aiden shooting for the first time.  check out the garcia's blog to see some more pics from the shoot.  you can click on jen's blog to the right: growing up garcia.

aiden and ethan giving a thumbs up after a successful shoot. 

aiden's very first shot.  not too bad! (notice the fro: dave took him for a haircut on the way home!  what a great husband i have. )

brian garcia giving aiden the pointers. apparently, aiden took 3 shots on the table and then was allowed to shoot standing up.  he did very well!  makes me laugh as dave is more of a fisherman instead of a hunter.  

drew and i hung out today. just some mommy time at mcdonalds and then some errands. of course, buying a bakugan for a treat helped too!

school starts monday.  please be praying as we finish this second half of the school year.  we especially need to make some decisions regarding the sell of the house here in jupiter and then move up to port st. lucie.  

happy new year!  by the way, please email me at daveandamyc@yahoo.com with your addresses as i've lost my address book in the moves.  thanks!