Four little Emmoreys

Four little Emmoreys

Friday, December 9, 2011

Whats up Friday

I want to start to do this post on fridays, to unload the week that just past and look forward to the week ahead.

1. I feel my patience is being tested daily with Elliot. He used to be so sweet and not naughty but lately, I want to pull my hair out. In September he gave up the diaper, almost cold turkey. Since then he's had very few accidents. We went away for thanksgiving and since then he's struggled. Today he flat out peed his pants. I think that was the last straw as I put a diaper on him and put him down for a nap. I realize a diaper may not be the right direction, but I"m so tired of this. I know he knows better at this point.... ugh!

2. Sophia is thriving in school. She has lots of friends and even a few boys that she palls around with. I'm not surprised as I have watched a little boy a few months younger than her since they were 9 and 4 months old. No surprise she plays with boys in school.

3. A girl who went to college with me is in surgery right now (as I type) to remove a stage 4 brain tumor. I have no words to express how this is making me feel. I feel so badly for her two young boys and her husband. I know Gods hands are on her body right now and only HE can heal her.

4. I"m excited to have another baby... someday.... not sure when though.

5. I had a crummy head cold this week. Took me down for a few days. What stinks being sick as a mom, you dont get 'sick days'. If I didn't do the laundry, it wouldn't be done.

6. Fridays are our library days. Pretty fun group of kids that my children love to be around.

7. I offered to help with Sophia's schools big event, the auction. Its going to be way more work than I thought or even expected. I'm a tad overwhelmed at it actually. They originally asked me to run it.... I had no idea what I was getting myself into at the time I said 'yes' THen I found out it would be more than I could handle. I am still helping with it. But still overwhelmed at it all.

8. I so want a vacation, a true vacation, where money wasn't an option. sigh maybe someday.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

God is in the small things

Ever wonder if God cares about you? If he cares about the tiny details of your life that you struggle with on a daily basis?

I was reading the other night in Exodus (yes, true story) and I was blown away by the detail God went into with Moses on how to sacrifce an animal. I mean, the tiny details were there. I was almost grossed out by the amount of detail to be honest.

I asked Randy about it, because I was amazed at the detail written down, that God wanted to be recorded and took the time to share with Moses. Well, his explanation was simple. God cares about the tiny details.

I had a rough day today, I let my bitter attitude win over and control me. Sometimes, things are just hard for me. Today was definately one of those days.

But in the future, I really hope to remember what I read the other night. And remember that God cares about the small things, the things that weigh us down without really meaning it too. The things that we dont want to 'bother' God with. But if He could go into such detail to Moses, then I truly believe He cares about the small details of your (my) life.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

My testimony..... its kind of long!

I was recently asked to give my testimoney at ladies bible study. I had about 10 days to prep for it. In that ten days, I thought about what I was going to share. I made notes in my mind of what I wanted to say and what I didnt want to say. I thought long and hard about it, prayed over it and just had to 'wing' it when it came time. There was more I wanted to say but didn't want to take more time than I already was taking. So I thought I would share here, for those who read my blog, to read my 'story' and maybe be encouraged from it.

I was born and raised into a christian family. I can remember going to church from my very earliest memories. To me, it was my lifestyle, not a choice, or an option. My parents went, so I went. When I was 12, I remember one sunday a man came to my moms sunday school class and called her into the hallway, she came back into the room crying. She wasn't just crying, she was sobbing. She grabbed her things and told me it was time to go. I didn't understand what was going on... I was very young and naive. I only learned the truth of the whole story not that long ago actually. Regardless, we were no longer attending that church after that sunday.

Talk about throwing my world upside down. I didn't want a different church. THAT was my church. My parents started attending a new church the following week. I went because they told me it wasn't an option, but I had to go. So I did, but I didn't want to. For a few months I went but never participated in the songs or even acted like I wanted to be there. That summer, I was at church camp and God got ahold of my heart. Basically, I realized church and christianity had to be MY choice and not what my parents wanted from me. I left that week with a new desire to be there, to grow my relationship with Jesus Christ, and to make some awesome christian friends.

From age 12-18 I attended this church, and the youth group where I went on as many events as I could, as many trips as I could and joined as many bible studies as I could. I had an awesome small group with friends I could trust and share with.

The summer after I graduated high school I had a whirlwind relationship with a friend. I thought I could marry him, and was ready to just settle for him. I was really wrestling with what to do with my life. To go to college, then what college to go to, and so many other things. This man would not have been a bad husband, I'm sure of it, but I just didn't feel like I was ready to make that decision. So I ended the relationship and cruised through my school year.

That year was another downward spiral for me. I let my ability to run influence my every decision and stopped going to church. My roommate kept asking me and I kept making excuses to why I wasn't going. After falling short of qualifying for nationals, I realized something had to change in my life. The first three weeks of summer break, I was a nanny for a family going through the hardest thing in life, losing a parent. God used that three weeks in my life to show me so much about myself. During those three weeks, I didn't go for a run, or workout at all. I realized I didn't need that to be center of my life anymore.

That was also the summer I met Randy. I wasn't looking for a relationship. I knew I should step back from dating and try to focus on myself and my relationship with God. Randy and I wrote letters, phone calls, and emails back and forth as we lived a few states away. I knew early on we were going to be married but wasn't sure how soon that would be. When my dad finally gave us our blessing, we began to plan our wedding.

We were married June 25, 2005, and I moved to Michigan to join him in his ministry that he was working in. I have to be honest and say, I was so lonely. We lived there for about a year before we found out we were pregnant with Sophia. I was an assitant preschool teacher and I loved my job, but that was about it. I was excited about being a mom but I was lonely. The teacher I worked with was a good friend, but I felt guilty for not enjoying church more.

In mid October, Randy called and asked what I thought about Clare. My first thoughts were "I"m not moving" and then after about a day I decided we should pray about it. That same week, we took a drive to Clare and checked out the town. Needless to say, we were packing up and moving Mid March. Sophia was due the first week of April. We moved none to soon thats for sure.

ok, so if you are still reading, you are thinking, nothing extremely fabulous here, just a boring story. Well, this past year, 2011 was very hard for me. I found myself stuck in a rutt if you will, couldn't shake the blues and just couldn't make myself happy. I was trying to make people and things make me happy. If I just had 'this' or 'that' I would be happy. Well, that wasn't working. Randy couldn't make me happy. Its been a year of tears and sadly, some anger.

I realized no one person or thing could make me happy. God was the only one who could fill that in my life. On Sweetest Day this year, Randy bought me a new iphone. I didn't think much of it... but was playing with it and have started reading the bible through in a year. I have read every single day since. I actually like reading and enjoy reading it. Shamefully, I haven't been this excited to read my bible everyday in a while. I know, thats so sad, being a pastors wife especially. Well, thats the truth.

So, thats where I am at. Things are finally looking up and up as I get my focus off myself and more on Christ and all He has done for me. I also joined a ladies bible study and that has been great. We are studying who God is and how wonderful He is. The study has come at the most perfect timing too.

If you are feeling down and out of it today, and need/want to talk about my relationship wtih Christ because you dont know what that is, please dont hesitate to call me! I would love to chat with you on how you too can build that wonderful relationship. People will fail you, but God will never fail you!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Sardines

Do you know the game of sardines? Where one person goes and hides and the rest of the group looks, and when they find the person 'it' they hide with them.

My children are champions of this game let me tell you. I was just talking on the phone (something that happens very rarely b/c of this reason) I kept getting up and walking to a new room, to get some quietness to talk to my sweet friend. Well, they found me every single time. I went to the bathroom, found, the bedroom, found me there too. Went to the kitchen table (yes I know obvious spot) surprise surprise, they found me there too. Finally I went to the playrom and they yet again followed me. It isn't like they follow me and just play, they follow me and want to talk and ask me for things. I need to teach them when I am on the phone to let me be for a few minutes unless someone is in danger.

Dont get me wrong, I adore my children and cherish the time with them. But a few minutes on the phone is not going to hurt them to play and let me talk.

Anyway, my children may just grow up to be profesionally sardine players. haha!

Oh, and people DO read my blog I found out today ;)

Thursday, November 3, 2011

A question to ponder

So, a few days ago my son turned 1. It was a bittersweet day for me as my baby was no longer a 'baby' and now is a 1 year old. But what I found more sad than that, the lack of communication between people I used to talk to alot.

I changed my facebook profile picture to a picture of me from last year when I was ready to pop (literally). I had people comment on my picture, asking if I was pregnant again. One friend even thought she missed my entire pregnancy and thought I was currently that pregnant again.

I'm not upset at these people, but it just goes to show how much we dont communicate anymore. We rely on 1-2 lines on a 'facebook status' or a 'tweet' to get our information instead of talking to these 'friends'. How many friends are on your facebook? I have 338 and I can guarantee more than half I dont talk to in real life ever. I once did talk to them either in school or are family, but not on a regular basis.

I'm not saying to ditch facebook because it does bring a level of value when you can stay in contact with alot of people. But, when you stop caring about a person and simply use facebook to judge how they are doing in life, then we have a problem.

So, go through your friends on facebook and look at each name and ask yourself, how is that person doing? Make an effort to reach out to more people, beyond facebook.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

My day with Elliot

Lately, I've been busy with little ones and with running Sophia to school and picking her up I feel like my son Elliot has been lost in the shuffle. I love him and I give him attention and love on him but I feel like the one on one time is few and far between. Andrew is still very much a baby and still needs me and Sophia gets my attention going to school and back. Yesterday however, was all about Elliot.

I did have a little one here, but she took a few hour nap in the afternoon so while the babies napped, I let Elliot 'be in charge'.

First, we went to the mailbox to get the mail.


Then we had to check out the pumpkins on the front steps.


Then we had to do some jumps in the driveway.


Of course we had to play soccer. And let me tell you, this boy sure loves to run and kick the ball! I've watched him and he is fast and can keep the ball (mostly) under control!


Then I raked leaves. He didn't really want to jump in them, but he wanted to ride his quad through them!



He then rode his quad around the house a few more times. He kept going hard ways, up the hill, around the big tree, in and out of a small patch of trees. He is such a boy!



AFter we spent time outside we went in and watched a little bit of a movie. Then of course we went back outside and waited for Sophia to come home from school.

I never regret having my children close in age. I just know how important it is to make each one feel special by giving them individual time. I had a blast with Elliot. I look forward to the next time we have like this.

Friday, July 8, 2011

July 7, 2003

July 7, 2003 started off like any other monday morning. Woke up, got dressed, ate breakfast and headed off to Slippery Rock Baptist Camp. I had a few things running through my head as I picked up my cousin on my way. We had a conversation on being content and waiting on God. Not just for finding our mates in life but in life in general. We pulled into the camp and about 10 minutes later a big blue van started pulling in. Usually when ministry teams joined us for a week of camp they through off the flow of our regular staff. This team was supposed to come later in the summer but due to a cancellation, Pastor Dave invited this team to join us for an extra week.

After seeing some of the team members get out of the van, my friend Julia and I decided to go greet them. There were thre girls and three guys. Two of the guys had blonde curly hair, the other had blonde hair but had a hat on. We introduced ourselves to him but he was very distracted. Oh well, we tried to be nice.

Later in staff meeting Pastor Dave told the girls on the team to find me and I would give them a brief run down on where their cabins were and what to expect this week. The leader of the team, then came and found me after to also talk to me about the same things.

The leader of the team, Randy Emmorey. Small world right? Randy doesn't remember meeting me either of those two times, but later is his first memory of me.

I was walking looking for a staff shirt and to find someone to add an extra bunk in my bed due to the number of campers I had. I kept walking past where he was standing and he kept trying to get my attention. Saying things like "How am I going to remember your name if you keep changing your shirt" I didn't have the rigth staff shirt for the day and so they kept giving me a different one and I kept changing. He was right, I kept changing my shirt and he was having a hard time remembering what I had on. He tells people, the cut off jean shorts, white t shirt and the red flip flops was forever engrained into his mind of what I was wearing the first time he met me.

So, that day, 8 year ago, played a huge role in my life. I didn't expect God to bring my husband to me the same day I let go of the reigns. Very thankful that I was willing to trust someone coming through on a summer ministry team.

July 7, 2003, isn't the date we got engaged, or the day we got married, but it was the day that changed my life forever by meeting my husband.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Mama said there'd be days like this....

So, I had a post all ready to go, took me a good half an hour to write due to stopping to deal with children and then when I hit publish... poof ... gone.


My couch has become a playground. Its an oversized couch, with pillows as the back instead of built in cushions. My children like to remove all the cushions and play on the couch. Problem is, I find cars and other small toys wedged in there. There is even a rip in the top of the couch that I have found cars wedged in there as well, thank you Elliot. I have asked for a new couch over and over again, something nicer, maybe leather, that isn't a big eyesore to our living room. THen I think about it and dont want my children to ruin a couch we spent any amount of money on. The couch /loveseat we have were given to us. They match each other and match the room (sorta) so I shouldn't complain right?

They all like to sit on the back of the couch too and use the window sill as a ledge to run cars on. Or to watch the neighbors come and go.

Another favorite activity is to throw all the pillows (there are 9) on the floor and then jump off the top of the couch onto the floor. Not a favorite activity of mine for sure, but you know it happens.

Who needs a swingset when we have an old beat up couch?

Friday, April 15, 2011

What my weeks look like.

Its friday night, I'm home with the kids because Randy is at a funeral. It was supposed to be over at 7, the dinner to follow then he was coming right home. Its been a long week. I'm ready to put the kids to bed and take a long hot shower. I can't remember the last time I've been able to shower without being walked in or or interupted for whatever reason.

Mondays are Randys day off. We try to spend it as a family if possible.

Tuesdays normally stink b/c the kids are in daddy withdrawal.

Wednesday are rough as well because Randy goes to work and comes home for dinner but has to leave again for church.

Thursday we are just pushign to the weekend.

Fridays, I'm exhausted. The kids are ready for their daddy to be home for the weekend and so am I.

Saturdays we spend as a family. We try to guard that day to be a true family day.

Sundays are always hectic with church and trying to get up and out the door. Randy leaves earlier and so I'm the one getting the kids fed and ready and to church ontime. We mostly make it by 915 every week. Sunday nights he invites the youth over almost every week, so I clean the house up during the afternoon.

Is it all worth it? Every bit of it. I love my life and what I do. There are days I wish I could just take a nap and a shower but for the most part, I really love it.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Just stop and think

Somedays I wish I had a job outside the home. I wish I got up, got my kids ready, dropped them off at daycare and went to work. Then picked them up later and heard all about their day but never got to live it.

Really? Not really. I know there are days that are hard, but would I trade it for a 9-5 job? No way.

I can't even go the bathroom without a follower. Showers, no way, I always get interupted by my children. I wake up in the morning to one or two of my children standing next to my side of the bed asking if its time to wake up yet. I sit down to eat my lunch and I hear one of my children ask for a drink or a snack. I clean up lunch and one of them will say "I"m stil hungry"

There are so many moments in my day that I want to throw in the towel.

But on the flip side....

The random I love yous, and the random hugs, and hearing my children play together all make me know I'm doing the right thing. I wouldn't trade what I do for anything. These days are going to go by fast enough. I dont want to miss a day of it.

Sophia, Elliot, and Andrew are three awesome kids. I wasn't sure we could handle one, then I wasn't sure we could handle two, then the third came along. I'm not sure we'll have anymore, but I do know the three I have I am enjoying!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

4 years later...

So let me back up about 4.5 years ago. We were living in a cute little house about 45 minutes away from where we are now. I was working at a preschool and I loved it. I had a great lead teacher I worked with. I was on the way home when I saw Randy had called, a few times, and left a message. So I called him back just as soon as I could and he said "What do you think about Clare?" My first response, "Who's Claire?" He laughed and said, "No no the town of Clare" I never realy thought of it much other than driving past to go to the mall in Midland. Well the conversation turned serious when he said he was considering taking a pastor position at a church.

Randy was a senior pastor at a church and it was going, but not the best fit for us. In my opinion, the church needed an older pastor, with more experience. Randy was 26 at the time and had a lot on his plate. ( I was only 23 with a baby on the way )

SO I said no way, Absolutely not was I moving when I was pregnant and starting over. No. Then later that day, I said, well maybe we should pray over it. Thats exactly what we did. In our excitement, we took a drive to Clare to check out the town. It was definately something that interested us.

Needless to say, we started the process, met with the pastor and the board at the church. I got bigger and bigger with our baby and we got more excited about this possibility.

Well, we made the decision and got ready to move. At first, Randy was driving to work everyday and leaving me at home. Well that wasn't working, so we decided to find a place to rent and move to Clare. Yup, the moving day came, March 17, the day of the irish festival in town. We packed up our house the night before and moved the next day. I was 37 weeks pregnant and uncomfortable.

Well, its been 4 years and so many changes! We not only had one baby, we had 3 babies! Our house is bursting at the seams with creativity and love. I couldn't be happier in our situation now.

Monday, March 14, 2011

A not so brief update on us.

I always think I'm going to stay up with my blog, and then a week or two will pass and I'll remember I wanted to post more. So much for that.

I wanted to update about my children, since they grow and change every single day.

Sophia:

Sophia is a constant battle. She is so strong willed and independent. I love her to pieces and everything about her, but there are days when she is overwhelming. I am trying to do a little preschool activity at home with her but I'm not sure I'm a good teacher for her. I feel as though there are days I have no patience with her. She is very smart and her imagination grows every day. We are planning a birthday party for her in less than 2 weeks. I can't believe my baby will be 4 years old soon. Just doesn't seem possible. The day I took the pregnancy test with her feels like yesterday and now its been 4 years. I feel as though God has blessed me with her!

Elliot:

What can I say about Elliot. He is starting to talk more, which is a huge relief. I was a little worried/concerned about his lack of speech. But all the sudden, like so many said would happen, he is just bursting with words. He is very attached to his dad and cries daily when Randy goes to leave. My heart aches everyday when Randy has to leave because I know it will break Elliots heart. Yesterday in church, the nursery worker was wearing a sweater just like the one I was wearing that day, he went over to her, touched her arm and said "my mama". The worker couldn't figure out what he was saying or what he meant by that until she saw me and put the pieces together. Makes me worry less about his speech when I hear things like that. He is getting it =) He is very busy and likes to help as well. When I clean, he cleans. I give him a wet rag and he goes along with me and helps.

Andrew:

Andrew is now 4.5 months old. He is not sleeping through the night like my other two were at this point but I'm ok with it. I know how fast it goes and I can sleep later. He is also very much a mamas boy. He will sometimes take a long nap for me, but somedays he gets woken up by life happenings in the house. He is content to lay on the floor and watch what goes on around him. He is by far my most snuggly baby and I love that about him. Overall, I would say he is my most easy going baby out of the three.

Randy and I:

Randy and I are doing fine. There are days that are better than others. But we always seem to talk and work things out. Marriage is something you have to work at every single day. Its not easy but I wouldn't have it any other way.

I seem to cry daily over things I can't change or for sheer exhaustion. But God is good, and God is faithful and he hears our crys and our prayers.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Single parenthood--not for me!

There is one thing in this life I dont want... to be a single parent. I dont think I could do it. I know God will always provide and if I'm in that situation I would be ok, but wowsers!

Randy and I haven't seen each other much the past few weeks. Between working, substitute teaching and working out, I feel like I see him 8 hours a day and 7 of them are spent sleeping.

Yesterday, I had to do some errands and he was busy all day. So that meant I had to take the kids with me... all three of them. It wasn't *that* bad but it was sure not the easiest thing I've ever done.

I had to get a birth certificate for Andrew. Got to the county building, got Andrew in the stroller and Sophia and Ellito out of the van, walked up to the building to see stairs inside the door. Went back to the van, ditched the stroller and put my muscles on.... lugged Andrew up the stairs with Sophia and Elliot in tow. Got to the window, realized I didn't ahve the money, so back out to the van we went. Down the steps, outside, got the money back inside up the steps and back to the lady. Whew. Got the birth certificate no problem. Back to the van.

Next stop. Elliots flu shot.

Already uneasy about giving him the second dose of the flu shot anyway but we already gave him the first so now we have to give him the second. I prayed there would be a close parking spot and there was! It was a new and expectant mommy spot... I think I qualify for that! Get the stroller out again, this time I knew I could use it! Get the kids to the building and up to the doctors office. OF course the waiting room is packed and all I could think about was the sick babies that my kids were around. yuck! Flu shot took all of 1 minute and then we had to wait 15 minutes in the waiting room. Got finished with that and back out to the van we went.

Now, I see this car parking in the new and expectant mommy spot, and out gets two older men.... neither was an expectant mom or a new mom. I wanted to say something but refrained. They both seemed annoyed that I was trying to get out of the building as they were trying to come in.... oh my.

By the time we finally got home I was exhausted. Two stops and it wore me out!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Our upcoming vacation

My children are growing to fast. Sophia just came up to me and asked me how many days till she can go to preschool because she is so excited to go and learn. I'm not sure how she got so big. I pick her up and she seems so long and lean that she hardly fits to be held. Then there is Elliot who is a bruiser. He likes to play and be rough but there are times he likes to curl up on my lap and snuggle. Andrew is still little, so seeing his personality is hard yet. But I have a feeling he'll be rough and tough like Elliot but also caring and loving.

I am a planner, and like to have things all figured out. (yet I can wait to find out if I'm having a boy or girl till the baby is born). We are going on vacation on monday and I"m already so stressed about it. Getting through the airport with three kids, getting on the plan, the flight, then fitting into the car once we are in FL. All things that have me stressed. I want to go and I know we'll have a fun time but its just a lot to get there! My mother in law is so kind and caring and has gotten things ready for us and is highly anticipating us coming. She hasn't met Andrew yet so I know she can't wait. He'll be almost 4 months old before she meets him for the first time!

We are packing light and planning to do laundry. I have a luandry basket full of clothes and plan to cut it in half even still! Only taking one suitcase for the five of us and then a back pack, the diaper bag, and the camera bag. PLUS a double stroller, a single umbrella stroller and then two car seats that will be checked with the suitcase as well as the infant carrier. Sounds like a lot of stuff. Yes, it is, but we truly are packing light! They need car seats, so thats a given, and then the stroller is a given as well. When you have small children, the stuff adds up fast. The older they get the less stuff they need! Not ready for those days but looking forward to traveling light!

Just a couple more days till we leave. I think we are leaving sunday night instead of getting up super early on monday to leave in time to catch our 830 flight. Getting a cheap hotel the night before and then still getting up early but not as early to drive the 3 hours the night before.

Vacations are always fun but for me stressful!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Another day in paradise

Have you ever had one of those days where you hit the floor running. Today, was one of them.

Randy had a substitute teaching job so he was up early, so was Sophia and she kindly went and woke Elliot up.... all was up at 630 this morning. I used to be a morning person, but I remember when I would wake early, I never had to deal with people. Today, I had to deal with people. Oh my. The day just took off from there.

I got a few loads of laundry folded, and put away, which is always good. Not much needed to get done with that. Then I cleaned up the kitchen and even wiped everything down.... nice to have that done. I checked the clock, it was only 10 AM. The day was dragging on!

Fed the kids an early lunch, tator tots and chicken nuggets, always a big hit around the house. They all went down for naps easily which was a blessing.

I was actually able to sit and read for a few minutes which turned into an hour and almost 50 pages later. Whew, it was nice. I can't remember the last night I sat and read a book for fun. Its been a while.

What I'm trying to say in my ramble of a post.... I wouldn't trade these days for anything. They may be crazy moments at that, but its love for sure. My children are so precious to me and so wonderful. Despite how many times I walk into the kitchen to find Elliot sitting on the counter.... yup had a few of those today as well.

All in all, it was just another day in paradise!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Christian Education

Randy and I are soon to be facing a big milestone in Sophia's life. School. This fall she is going to preschool. Just not sure where. There are two christian schools within 40 minutes. Not ideal, but the one we have a few friends who could car pool with and it wouldn't be as bad of a drive. There are also the public schools. I'm not against public school at all, but I really feel burdened to at least look into the christian school world and see if its an option for us.

The cost shouldnt' be an issue but being a pastor, we would recieve a discount. I think Sophia would do fine in either setting but I dont want her to be influenced negatively like she would be at public school. Could she be wrongly influenced at a christian school, yes. But I pray that wont happen.

So here are the options.

Carpooling with a few other friends tues-friday for preschool. OR driving 2 miles to the local free preschool. You would think the second option is what I am leaning towards but I'm not. I know the teacher at the christian school. She is a close friend of mine and I know she would always be honest with me about my daughters education and her progress. I dont know the other teachers at the free preschool. I love the idea of her getting the christian school education.

So much to think and pray about! As a parent, I want to do the very very best for my children. Always.

They mean so much to me and I value their education. Not just to learn but to be taught the Bible as well.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

My first Zumba

Two posts in one day.... for real....crazy.

I have been working out with ladies from church on tuesday/thursday nights. Tonight we tried zumba for the first time. Wow. Its a lot of dance moves and well, I'm not a dancer. I'm not coordinated at all. This is why I ran track, making left turns every 100 meters.

It was fun though and I smiled and laughed a lot. I felt like I got a workout! My sides were aching and cramping (which means it was a good workout!) No one was great at the moves, excpet for the leader, and thats what made it fun =)

I remember in college we would try to dance and be goofy in the dorms.... I was never good at it and would just laugh. I went to high school dances and never danced, ever. I just couldn't do it.

So lets just say, zumba isn't my favorite, but I got out of the house without my children and got to be around other ladies. I call it a succesful night!

Andrew Tyler Emmorey

I would like to introduce you... to my wonderful son... Andrew Tyler.

When we found out we were expecing again, I was so scared. Was I going to be able to handle three children all 3 and under? Well, I wasn't sure, but I was going to find out.

The pregnancy went great. No big hiccups. I started to get wildy uncomfortable at the end and was worried I was having another big baby. At my 38 week appointment, my doctor offered to induce me. I was so torn on the taking the offer. I watned to go on my own but was anxious about it. I knew it would be easier to have the children already with my friends and not worry about going into labor on my own and rushing around. So after some prayer, we decided to go ahead and be induced. I was disappointed in myself but I live with no regrets.

We went trick or treating as a family on October 31, 2010, came home, had a snack and waited. Randy had a meeting that when he was done with, we would drop the kids off at the Grosss' house and then head to the hospital. I was to arrive around 9 PM.

The doctor on call wondered why we didn't start in the morning, but my doctor wanted to start me the night before. The doctor did an u/s to make sure head was down and estimated about a 6-7 lb baby. He inserted the cervadil and I waited.

I sat there and wondered if this was the right thing or not. Contractions were not intense or anything. Randy was able to fall asleep and I know I closed my eyes, I never truly fell asleep all night. The night nurse was wonderful and re-assured me that being induced was ok.

Around 6 AM the contractions started. I remember waking Randy up and telling him they were picking up some. By 630 I could definately tell I was in labor. The doctor came in around 7 and checked me and I was only between a 2-3 CM. Very discouraging to be feeling so many contractions and not be very progressed. He said they were going to send me home to clear a bed for another induction, but since my contractions picked up on their own they would keep me. Praise the Lord! He said he would be back in an hour to break my water.

I was excited for that hour, so we went and walked laps around the OB floor. At 8:30 the doctor came back in and broke my water. Around 9 I was really wanting to shower and be on my feet, so I got in the shower and Randy went home for a few minutes to take care of a few bills and to get a shower himself. By 930 I was back in my bed and the contractions were picking up. The nurse came in and said the contractions were showing up every 1-1.5 minutes. I could tell! I quickly called Randy and told him to hurry that things were progressing and I needed him back ASAP. He got back around 10 and never left my side again.

I was slowly progressing but the pain was intense. At 10:30 I was maybe a 4 but I was asking for drugs. The nurse gave me half dose of nubain and that was wonderful. I was in an out of la-la land for an hour. I was so loopy but the pain was at least bearable. When that dose was wearing off Randy asked the nurse for another dose. She checked me but I dont remember where I was at that point. At 11:30 I got a second dose of nubain. That dose didn't do much as the first did.

I can remember when they started to get the room ready for me to push.... I was in a foggy daze from 10:30-1 from the nubain but that started to wear off and my head came with it. I remember screaming that I wanted to push and everyone kept telling me not to. Pretty hard to not push when my body was taking over like that. The doctor was hurrying about to get me ready but Andrew plowed his way through. Finally at 1:31 PM, Andrew was born. It was one of the happiest moments of my life.

My sweet husband however, didn't fare so well. He did fine during Sophia's labor, was so-so with Elliot, but with Andrew, he just couldn't take it. Andrews birth was more intense for both of us because it happened so fast.

They laid him up on my chest and I was in love. Of course, we waited to find out we were having a boy and I was very very surprised he was a boy. I remember asking to check again!

Three months later, I'm growing more and more in love with this little boy. He isn't sleeping through the night (both my other two were at this point) but I"m ok with that. I'm loving every day!

Andrew Tyler Emmorey November 1, 2011, 8 lbs 8 oz 20.5 inches