Bi-weekly Rewind 2/01-2/14/09

Yes, this "rewind" will cover 2 weeks instead of just one. We've been quite busy trying to prepare for precious Claire's arrival, and the time has passed so quickly. Amidst the hard work, though, we've been able to have some fun, too. Here are some highlights and pictures from the past couple weeks!

~Last weekend, Mountain Man and I took Scribe and Little Big Man out for a date. It was the first time we've been out with the older boys alone, and we had a wonderful time. We first saw the movie "Despereaux," which was supposedly based on the book. Scribe made a point to "read" the story first (we downloaded the original, unabridged story from audible.com), and he was quite disappointed with the movie. There was so much left out and so much added. His review: "just plain dumb." Scribe did enjoy the book, however.

After the movie, we ate dinner at Black Angus, and Little Big Man kept us laughing. We gently reminded him that this steakhouse wasn't the place to demonstrate his fine Mountain Man way of eating.:) Perhaps his steak was just a bit tough, for he had to attack it with a vengeance, leaving his poor green beans flying across the table. The best part of the meal was the laughter!

~I had my final visit with the dermatologist for now regarding the MOHS that was done on my nose. She believes the site has healed as much as it will, so I'll begin laser treatments a couple of months from now. That in itself will be a process requiring patience. We'll be able to do one treatment a month for about 6 months, and then we have to "wait and see" if the treatments have been beneficial.

~We love Valentine's Day at our home. This year, however, I just didn't get it together to have the big celebration that I like to give. The day was still wonderful, though, and we treated the children to dinner and then ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery. Can you believe this Queen Mom walked out of there ordering nothing? Scribe just looked at Mountain Man and said, "It's the pregnancy." (That excuse won't be working soon!)

~Each year we try to schedule dates for the children and Mountain Man. Whistler had the first date with Daddy this year, attending a free Lowe's woodworking event and building this lovely heart box. Great job, Whistler!

~Whistler also got her hair cut yesterday. Here she is in her cute and simple bob.

~Before we left on our family date yesterday, we spent time cleaning and crossing things off of our "to do" list. Here Little Bit and Boo take a snack break and do what they're so good at--just being adorable

~God willing, Claire arrives in less than 48 hours. I've never been one to ask for prayer that things just "go well." I really like bringing specific requests before the LORD! So, here are several things that we would love to have you pray for:

-that I would have a calm spirit and not be anxious before the delivery

-that Claire would be healthy and pass all hospital tests with flying colors

-that there would be no complications from the c-section and that I would not be sick during the delivery

-that the anesthesiologist and the nurses would be both competent and kind

-that the hospital staff would be respectful of the fact that this will be our seventh child, and as a result, would recognize that we might know a thing or two about caring for our precious baby

-that our precious children would be safe at home, enjoy one another and have servants' hearts

-that God would bless dear Caity and Marissa for selflessly giving of their time and staying with our children while we're in the hospital

-that Mountain Man and I would bring glory to God in whatever we say and do and praise for His goodness and mercy would continually be on our lips

~We were pleasantly surprised this week when Mountain Man's co-workers gave us a baby shower. They blessed him with a delicious lunch and gave us a generous gift card to Target, as well as a couple of outfits for Claire. This was such a great blessing, and we are so thankful for their kindness.

~QUESTION HEARD EVERY DAY THIS WEEK: "When will baby sister be here?" After an answer is given, squeals of excitement echo throughout the house. :)

We love you all! Scribe will post information about Claire on Tuesday after the delivery, and we'll put pictures up as soon as we get home from the hospital (ah, the advantages of having a laptop...which we obviously don't have.:) Thank you for praying for us!

Love,

Queen Mom for all of us

"Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise; be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations."

Psalm 100