Christmas Eve...

I just realized that it has been since Halloween since I have posted. Life has changed so much since then around here. It has been an amazing journey with three children and we are just several months into it. Wow!

So as I sit here and hope to update you the rain is falling and I am accompanied by a cup of coffee and the smell of a wonderful Christmas candle burning on the stove. So I confess -I didn't get one single Christmas card out this year or for that matter I haven't even gotten a picture of the kids sitting around the Christmas tree - but I have enjoyed my children during this season. We have managed to bake some goodies and decorate the house. Isn't that what is important? I put so much pressure on myself for perfection - or at least my idea of the perfect Christmas. I want my children to have memories of a special time with family.

This year we decided in order to teach our children more about Christ and less about themselves at Christmas. We embraced a three gift rule. This means they will receive three gifts each - just like the wise men brought Jesus - three gifts. Honestly, it was completely freeing! I mean where does it end? Two gifts, five gifts or when the tree skirt can no longer be seen? Ugh! I want my children to recognize in their hearts and be joyful about the Christmas season remembering why Christ came to earth. Not be consumed about themselves and what they are going to get. I have really enjoyed shopping and knowing that we have a limit. We also will do small stocking stuffers and celebrate with singing Happy Birthday to Jesus complete with a cake and candle.

Paige - She is really growing up and has matured so much even since Luke has been born. She loves to comfort him, sing to him and is such a big help to me. She did awesome this semester in school and has been reading up a storm. She has been reading our Christmas nativity devotional. She is sensitive and caring - a perfectionist - and loves dessert. She is artistic and loves to make things for people.

Landri - Oh my Landri! She challenges me in more ways than one. She is my free spirit and teaches me everyday to relax and enjoy life. We watched Ramona and Beezus the other day and she reminds us so much of Ramona. It has been a transition for her to be the middle child, but I know that God created her to be the middle child in our family and he has purpose in that. She enjoys coloring, playing Barbies and loves to jump on the trampoline. She can hardly stand to wear shoes or underwear for that matter - ha! She is my beach baby - she is not a fan of winter. She can write her name and did great in preschool this semester. She is smart and witty and can always make us laugh with the things she says.

Luke - Our precious little boy. He has started to smile and respond more to us. He loves to be around people and noise. I guess he is used to it with his sisters. He loves to sleep in his swing and hates his carseat. He has begun to get the little fat rolls around his legs, arms and neck - they are so kissable. We call him "snuffleluffagus", "handsome" and "Lukers". Him and Coley enjoy snuggling together at the end of a long day on the couch. I love the boy clothes and am trying to just let it all soak in that we have a newborn again.

Coley - He has been really busy with work and God has blessed him richly. This is his 5th year back at Holt and 8 years altogether with Holt - so that makes 11 years as a diesel mechanic. He is a loving and caring father who takes the time to play with them and challenge them. Him and the girls can be busy outside for hours together - and I know he is looking forward to teaching them how to water ski this summer. He is a great husband and after 10 1/2 years of marriage he is still my best friend! I am thankful for his dedication to his family and the Lord.

Me - I am really trying to soak in this time with my children - in each of their unique seasons of life and love them through it as the Lord calls me to. I am busy with Harvest Kids at church which I love because it gives me an outlet and challenges me. I am looking forward to seeing all the God has in store for our family and how he will continue to shape me to be the woman he has called me to be. I am thankful for his grace and mercy and his word. So 2011 will challenge me to get back to pre-pregnancy weight and press on to do more to stay healthy!

This is beginning our 5th year back in Lockhart and it feels like home to our family. We have great neighbors and love our church!

Luke is beginning to wake from his nap in the swing so I am off to take care of him. Have a Merry Christmas!

A family of 5...

We welcomed Luke Easton Elkins on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 12:32 p.m. He weighed 8lbs 6 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. It was an incredible experience!

I was induced around 8 a.m. and just over four hours later he made his arrival. Labor wasn't too bad and I am glad that part is over including pregnancy. I have the most amazing doctor! She listened to my concerns and plan for the birth and was on board all the way. I could not have more pleased with the level of care of the labor and delivery nurses and staff at the hospital. I did have some issues with the epidural which left me with no feeling in my legs until after 6 p.m. that night which was interesting, but once I got my legs back I was feeling pretty good.

Coley, my mom (Meme)and Heather (a.k.a. Aunt Bessie) were with me in the delivery room which was a blessing. Pepper, Ninna and Pappy had Ethan and the girls in the waiting room. We could not have done it without all their help. God worked out all the details and blessed us richly!

The girls were really excited to meet Luke and see what he was all about. Landri kept looking at my tummy and then would look at him in disbelief. Paige wanted to wrap him up and love him immediately. They did so good at the hospital as it was a really long day for them.

Coley was such a trooper. There were several times during the delivery that I got a bit short and said a few angry words at him. I later apologized and he told me that he didn't take it personally. He is such a good dad - from the moment each of our children have been born he has jumped in and took fathering seriously. I am so thankful to have a best friend and husband that considers our family a top priority in his life!

So the past two weeks have been interesting, exhausting, exciting and completely overwhelming at times. It has been great for our family of 5 to make this adjustment and spend lots of time together. Aunt Bessie and Ethan made the first few days from the hospital bearable and enjoyable - they helped and encouraged us so much.

There is so much to say...I am looking forward to finding out the plans that God has for Luke. I can't wait to see more of his personality, his likes, dislikes, passions, etc. He is a cutie who loves to be snuggled - but not swaddled- he loves his bassinet so far and somewhat likes his pacifer - he hates having his diaper changed - is adjusting to riding in the car - has watched his first World Series from his daddy's arms- loves to hear his sisters' talk to him - is sleeping really good throughout the night so far! - and is a joy to me! I am thankful to have this experience of motherhood again and this time with a boy.

Just a side note - Each of our children have been born on Wednesdays at around the same time of day - funny but neat. Paige was born at 1:43 p.m., Landri at 12:15 p.m. and Luke at 12:32 p.m.

Fall is here...baby must be near!

I absolutely love Fall! It is my favorite time of year! We took the first day of October with our homeschooling group and went to a pumpkin patch. It was a great experience. The girls had a ball in the real corn maze, shucking corn, painting pumpkins and exploring the more than 20 different types of pumpkins. It was a great day and something that I look forward to each year with the girls.

We are ready for Baby Luke to make his appearance! I am growing weary and anxious, but trusting that the Lord has his birth-day planned perfectly. It should be any day now...

Just 3 weeks OR less to go...

I haven't posted in over a month. Life has been busy around here. We are all ready for baby Luke to make his grand arrival! Especially me!

I think pregnancy gets harder the older you get...or maybe it is hard every time...hmmm...either way the reward is awesome. I am really looking forward to snuggling up with him and the girls together during the cool fall and winter months. I am praying that it will be a precious, peaceful time for our family. What a joy motherhood is!

Paige has commented several times that she is really nervous/anxious about his arrival. I think it is hard for her because she is a planner and needs advance notice of changes, etc. So it has been hard for her to digest that we are in waiting mode. I shared with her the other day that God has his birthday picked out and it is perfect! It will be a perfect surprise!

Landri is funny. She is constantly kissing and hugging my tummy and talks to Luke like he is outside of the womb. She hasn't shown any worry or concern about this transition in our family...however she is 4 so that makes a huge difference.

We are trying...okay...I am trying to stay up with our homeschooling and serving as Children's Director at church. Its been a little crazy coupled with the fact that I am exhausted most of the time. We did experience our first Sea World Homeschool Day last week with a total group of 29 from our church! It was so encouraging to me. This week we will tour a pumpkin farm and take all things of fall in. I soooo LOVE FALL!

Coley winterized the boat this weekend and moved it to the winter storage - aka our backyard - so that I could begin parking in the garage again. I think he was a little heartbroken to move "Elvira" from her safe environment in the garage. This also symbolized that summer is officially over for us...I mean its not like we didn't take full advantage of summer. We spent lots of time on the lake and am looking forward to many more summers of being on the lake as a family.

I do love Sunday afternoons and Sundays in general with my family. It is a sweet time to serve and worship together then rest! Thank you Lord!

1st Day of School

We had our first day of school at the homeschooling co-op today. The girls were sooo excited! I am so thankful to be a part of such an encouraging learning environment with other parents who are on the same path as us. I also had my first day of teaching 4th grade math and it wasn't too bad. I had two boys who were very well behaved and excited to learn.

We made it there on time and I even had time to swing by Starbucks and get a latte. I would say that is success! ;)

Back to School...

Its incredible to me that this summer is almost over...well not the heat part...but the no school part!

We have had a super busy but fun filled summer. We've been on the lake most weekends and enjoyed getting to bed later and being able to sleep in.

The girls and I have been busy over the past week trying to wrap up summer and prepare for school to start on Monday. They are super excited as Paige will be starting 1st grade and Landri will be continuing pre-school. I will be teaching 4th grade math at the co-op which we will attend on Mondays and Wednesdays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays we will be doing our school work at home and Fridays will be our field trip/fun/rest day. I am also excited to be joined in the homeschooling journey by 6 other moms who attend our church. We have begun our own "support" group (that sounds funny) but we have a whole year's worth of activities and field trips planned. I am so encouraged by it!

Landri is hilarious! She always adds humor to my day and has begun to be more and more independent. She really challenges Paige which is funny to see play out. She still loves her thumb...not sure when we will lose the attachment to it.

Paige is growing up. She is changing so quickly and I see her personality, thoughts, words, etc. beginning to mature. Of course learning to read has opened up a whole new world for her...some things I wish she couldn't read...

Not to mention we are about 2 months away from baby boy's arrival. We still have lots to do to get ready. We need to paint his room and go through baby stuff. Hopefully, much of this can be accomplished during Labor Day weekend. He moves constantly - especially at night...the girls are always commenting on my belly. They are excited to be a part of the whole process.

Coley has been super busy at work. This is their busy season which means working 6 days a week and averaging 70 hours. With the heat he is worn out so we just try to make the most of our family time together.

The Lord has really laid on my heart lately to resonate joy not only in my role as a mom, wife, friend, children's director but most of all to Him for all he has done for me. I have been reading Crazy Love by Frances Chan and the Lord has used it to remind me of my daily walk and how much I still can learn about him. Very encouraging.

Psalm 63:3-5 "Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you."

We're having a boy!

It has almost taken me two weeks to get a quiet moment to sit down and write! We are really excited to announce that its a boy! We found out on June 4th and really have been in a state of shock almost. After having two girls you just figure your chances of having another girl...are well...pretty good. He is precious! They took a 3-D pic of his face and while it was pretty much just flesh on bone at 20 weeks, minus pudgy cheeks, he is completely adorable. Dr. said all looked healthy and good.

The girls are excited and have named him "Jackson" however, I keep reminding them that will probably not be his real name even though Jackson is cute. Landri told us tonight "that if its a boy we will bring him home". We laughed.

We have been on summer break for a month now and it seems to be flying by. I had lots of goals like Paige reading every day for at least 30 minutes. However, its been crazy busy. We did get the girls room painted and all fixed up so we can begin working on baby boy's room. We have been reading and the girls love the books on CD so I need to find more of them. Their favorite is Skippy Jon Jones.

We are looking forward to going on vacation next week with Heather, John and Ethan. Our annual week long trip to the coast. Its such a simple, sweet time with our family. We don't do anything huge just enjoy sand, sun, picking up seashells, swimming and grilling. We have learned that simple is good with the kids.

There is so much more to say...however by the end of the day I am at a lost for words...as I am a little more tired than usual.

Pregnant and almost 30...

I am exhausted - mentally, physically, emotionally...I am joyfully pregnant exhausted. Does that make sense? Seriously, I will spare you a pic but I feel and look like I am at least 6 months pregnant and yet I am not quite 5 months. Its crazy but I am afraid of having a 10 pounder come October. Maybe its because I am older??? The puky feeling is getting much, much better. We will find out on June 4th what sex the baby is. I can't wait. This is a first for us. We didn't find out with the girls.

As I enter this last week in my 20's its kind of funny that I have been thinking about turning 30. I am not sad about life in my 20s being over...its funny but I never thought about being in my 30s. It always seemed so far away. Hilarious!

I am thankful for the last 29 years and feel incredibly blessed to be married to the same man, a mom of two - almost three, a daughter, a sister, a friend and a daughter of the King.

Speaking of...Coley and I had a great early anniversary getaway to our favorite close by coastal destination. It was great to sleep late, take naps, eat good seafood without entertaining our children during mealtime, and enjoy some sun and sand. We enjoy being together and can still laugh at one another. After almost 10 years we also have realized that fighting just isn't worth the effort and coming to a solution is always more fun. He is my best friend.

And because I am exhausted...just staying up waiting for my hubby to get home from work...I am beginning to ramble. Good night.

"Be the Church"

This morning we didn't have church as usual. We were the "church" outside of the church walls on a Sunday morning. Novel idea, huh? Well actually...it was first written about in the book of Acts.

Anyway, it was awesome! We had about 100 folks show up and we went into a neighborhood and cleaned it up, worked on people's houses, loved on them and fed them lunch. We totally got our sweat on! It was neat to see everyone working- worshiping - because it wasn't about them...

We had a specific kids area where we played games and then planted flowers into pots. The kids then broke up into groups and headed out to deliver the flowers to the neighbors. They got so into it, loved getting dirty and then being able to give something they had worked on.

I especially loved the example of their parents and involving our children into serving one another in our community even though we didn't know them.

I love it that "church" can happen anywhere at anytime...even on Sunday morning! Its good to be reminded of that.

Kindergarten Successful!

We are wrapping our first semester of homeschooling this week and Paige's kindergarten year. It has flown by! I have been thinking alot lately about how I just dreaded sending her off last summer to the big world of "school" and how God changed our course midway and set us on a new path. I have also been mindful that as a parent just because I make a decision today doesn't mean that I have to stick with that decision forever. It can be for a season or a few seasons. That's hard for me because I am a planner and want to see the road ahead of me.

This semester hasn't been the easiest - especially with me being pregnant and puky - but we made it! Yeah! I love the flexibility that homeschooling and being part of a co-op gives our family. We aren't tied into the "school schedule" and I do love being with my children...well except when they are emotional (got girls anyone?), or a little grumpy and need a good spanking. Ha! Good thing is that they put up with me on days like that as well...I still laugh at the fact that I am a mom - a stay at home mom - at that. Its never what I envisioned - but we don't always see the plans God has for us do we?

Paige's teacher at the co-op gave her an evaluation on end of year Kinder math and language arts to which Paige completely mastered. She said that she is already on a 1st grade reading level and is ready to take on 1st grade. 1st grade? What? I thought that I would never get out of potty training alive!

Our girl Landri is a hoot! She keeps us laughing and I am so jealous of her already olive skin. She looks like she has been tanning for months. She revealed to me on Saturday that Paige is her best friend. She is always wanting to rub my belly and tell the baby "Hi".

I am horrible with taking pics of the girls regularly. ;) Malinda took the above pic of Coley and the girls on his 31st birthday. We had a good day with Malinda and Wayne and enjoyed all the sights of the hill country in the spring. Fun day.

Ethan's Prediction - Girl or Boy?

My sweet nephew Ethan has not only officially made his prediction of the what the baby will be but has named it also. It is so precious!

Check it out here...http://the-beatty-bunch.blogspot.com/2010/04/ethans-prediction.html

By the way, the girls are rooting for a brother but I don't think that they will be disappointed with a girl. We should find out soon what the sex of the baby is. Can't wait!

Happy Birthday Hubby!

Tomorrow we will celebrate Coley's 31st Birthday! I don't write about him too much on this blog but I wanted to let you know what is going on with him as he approaches 31.

He works really hard. It always amazes me. The type of physical, rough, tough work where you have dirt and grease pretty much everywhere by the end of the day. He laughs because he has to get undressed in the garage and then run inside wearing only his undies. This policy has been established in an effort to save our flooring, furniture, etc. from the result of his work day. He is like the little boys you see completely delighted to dig in the dirt with their favorite Tonka truck - except he gets to do it on huge machines using huge tools with his big truck. Ever since he graduated college in 1999 he has been in love with his career. Completely at peace and looks forward to working on CAT's every day. He has also taught Paige and Landri the correct names for each piece of construction machinery in operation today. He started early with Caterpillar bedtime stories that read "A" is for "Articulated Truck" and took them often to ride on the machines.

He is a great dad who loves to teach the girls new things like how to ride a bike, huge tire (see post below), drive the boat, wash the boat, dry the boat...you get the point. He loves doing things as a family and loves to sit down at the table at night and share a meal with us. He has always been the king of "bath time" since Paige was born and loved spending those few hours at the end of the day with them. He isn't bothered by being the only guy in the house.

As a husband he is constantly in my corner cheering me on. He humbly serves alongside me each Sunday at church in our children's area, loves that I am at home with the girls to take care of them, teach them and grow them. He was for it before I was and has been such an encourager to me in all stages of motherhood. He has a deep love for his family and for serving our Lord together even when it meant tough decisions had to be made. He is so patient with me through pregnancy ;) and can laugh at the challenges to come. Even more so we have stuck it out together for almost 10 years! He is my best friend and my sense of humor.

He enjoys TV "Deadliest Catch", "Ultimate Fighter", all the logging shows, "Pawn Stars"; music - Zac Brown Band, Newsboys, Air1; loves searching Craiglist for boats, boat parts, etc.; loves a good home-cooked hearty meat and potato meal, Chuy's Elvis Presley Chicken Fried Chicken with Boom-Boom Sauce and the best ever Spinach Dip from the Gristmill; being out on the lake or for that matter anything to do with being in the water; Rockport; going to eat dinner with me so we can actually chat without the girls!; a Saturday off; his tempur-pedic mattress; good black coffee from Central Market; and the most favorite thing - Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ice Cream.

He is simple, compassionate, loving, funny and clearly now in his 30's! :) Happy Birthday Handsome!

Just a little redneck fun...

We were able to get outside for a bit this afternoon between rain storms and have a little redneck fun.
Coley brought home a tire tube out of a vibratory compactor, aired it up and decided to show the girls a thing or two. Paige decided to go first, then Landri and finally Coley. It was hilarious!

Science Project

Last week we become annual members of a great zoo nearby. I thought it would be a great homeschooling adventure with endless things to explore and learn about. So over the last week we have been working on our first "project". The girls and I visited the zoo and throughout the day they took pictures of their favorite animals. At the end of the day I asked them to select their favorite animal from the trip and that would be the animal we would learn more about.

Landri chose the giraffe and flamingo. Flamingos are her all-time favorite and she looks forward to seeing them each trip. This trip, the flamingos were really vocal and were all standing up "engaging" with one another. I figured out it was mating season. Oh the joy! Landri could not get over how loud they were.

Paige chose the Blue-Breasted Kingfisher (an African bird). She took pictures and was really pumped to learn more. She also wanted to learn more about Lorikeets, a type of parrot. We fed the Lorikeets some nectar by hand which the girls loved. I had several attack me, which I did not love. ;0)


We went to the library and checked out books about the animals they choose. Then we spend an afternoon on the couch reading and learning more about the animals and what makes them unique. I learned alot too. We made a list summarizing the fun and interesting characteristics about the animals and have been reviewing them.

Today was the wrap up on these animals. I asked them to build the animals we learned about out of play-doh. It was hilarious. They tried as best as possible to stay true to the characteristics of each animal.

A change of pace...

Since coming home from the hospital I have scaled way back and have felt better just being at home and getting rest. I am eating and drinking! The naseau is still there and is almost unbearable at night.

We laugh because Coley has been working until around 8 p.m. and after he gets home its not only the girls bedtime but mine as well. We have been communicating in shifts. The other night I was in bed at my normal time - 8:30 - and Coley got in the shower and then came and got in bed with me. I looked at him and was like "what are you doing?" He said I just want to hang out with my wife and began telling me about what was going on in his life. Ha! Such a concept as we share our life together. Its just been crazy. I ended up falling asleep in the middle of our conversation and I am sure that he has already forgiven me for it. However, it meant the world that he came and just wanted to be my side even if I couldn't stay awake. Speaking of...I am awake a little later tonight hanging out on the couch with the hubby while he eats his nightly ritual of ice cream.

Coley and I also got to go to service today at church together for the first time in 9 months! It was awesome to sit next to him in service and worship together. Thank you Chris and Kristina! :) Serving as a children's director at our church is a family commitment which means that we are often in different places on Sunday. We love worshiping God through our service and loving on kids but it was also good to have a Sunday with Coley. I even told Scott, our pastor, at lunch today that I really enjoy his sermons - they are always a treat and fresh! He just laughed.

I have been reminded of God's faithfulness over the past month and half. Pregnancy is always so humbling. :) I read Isaiah 43 yesterday and was blessed to be reminded that it isn't if we will go through hardship, illness, tough days, it is when - but more importantly that God is steadfast and will not let it drown us.
Isaiah 43:1-3a
1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I am posting pics soon...my girls have grown so much. I promise!

Out of the Hospital

I made it out of the hospital and am resting at home this morning. My mom is here and her and the girls are at the grocery store getting us all stocked up. Huge blessing. I think it about killed the girls me being in the hospital. When Coley brought them to see me in the hospital they would cry when they got there and then cry when they left. It probably didn't help that I looked like death and had all this stuff hooked up to me. They are so funny. Landri kept asking me where the baby was. She has already related the fact that if you go to the hospital you are supposed to come home with a baby. So that was fun explaining. She would just pat me and hug me and wanted to be sitting next to me the whole time. Paige was more cautious and scared. I told her it was okay to be close to mommy.

Dr. said that I need to scale way back. Way, way back until at least I am 20 weeks or feeling like I am over this phase. Fatigue it a major trigger to putting me back in the hospital with the hyperemesis. So, as it is with me that is difficult to do but I am praying about what that looks like. Between church and homeschooling obligations that pretty much fills my plate. I am looking for some help with housework, laundry, etc. Coley actually begged me to get some help in this area...he told me to make it a priority. Pretty awesome! Yeah, I can find someone to do laundry, clean, etc. I am basically hiring out my "job". No worries there. :)

Celebration of March Birthdays and Pregnancy

As I write this post I am sitting in hospital room hooked up to IV machines (poor me). Yes - its that time of the pregnancy again however this one is a record - it only took 10 weeks to get me here. With Paige I was hospitialized at 16 wks and Landri at 13 wks. Its that yucky thing they call hyperemesis gravadium which basically means that I can't keep any food or fluids down. So its been since Sunday evening that anything has touched my lips...I am okay. At least I know what this is all about. Its funny. I have totally been here before and it is all too familiar. You know that you forget things about pregnancy and childbirth. I am convinced that if we truely remembered all the gruesome details we might, just might get cold feet on having more kids. Is it worth it? Absolutely! Come October I will have no regrets. One of my awesome ob docs told me and Coley tonight that we are totally having another girl(her educated guess)! We just laughed. Paige and Landri thought it was funny too. Good thing is that my dr.'s have got a plan. So hopefully this is a just a bump in the road.

Last week I managed to hold it together pretty well and was able to travel to MeMe and Pepper's where we met up with Little MeMe, Aunt Bessie and Ethan and Uncle Tanner. It was great...I have no pics because I felt so puky the whole time. They put me to bed at the same time as the kids each night. Most importantly, we celebrated Little MeMe's 85th, Paige's 6th and Ethan's 3rd birthdays. It was a sweet time. Plus Uncle Tann-o being there made it great. I haven't seen him in about 10 months since they moved to Denver.

I am rambling...its the medicine and dehydration. I will post more soon...hopefully when I am feeling better.

Happy New Year! 2010

Ha! Really? This is horrible to say but I haven't posted since 2009. Our lives are just as busy as yours which means I have to be selective about what I am doing with my time. I went to a motherhood conference a few weeks ago and she said "in each season of motherhood learn what you can live with and learn to relax and let the other stuff go." I have thought alot about her simple but profound message. So true. So in this season of being a new homeschool mom (yeah!), pregnant with that pretty much constant puky feeling, children's director, mom of Paige and Landri, and wife to Coley I am taking things in stride. I have so missed my blog and took it offline for a while. I am back!

Hopefully, I can write more often. So with that I will attempt to catch you up. I am almost 9 weeks pregnant and am having the usual symptoms that I experience (no details needed). Landri would be the most excited. She always asks me when I am going to the hospital to get the baby out. She is convinced it is a girl however Paige disagrees and thinks it is a boy. Coley said he will be thrilled either way as long as I can make it through the first 20 weeks. He has been a trooper. He cooks either pot pies or ramien noodles for dinner each night and has been doing lots of dishes. I am due in mid-October.

We started a co-op for homeschool in January and I love it! It has been a huge answered prayer for our family and I love being an integral part of my child's education. I am teaching Kinder/1st grade History. We go to class two days a week and then we are home the rest of the time...well sort of. That is the goal. Church keeps us busy, but its great to be serving the Lord as a family. My children are learning early what it means to serve in a body of believers.

Paige turned 6 on March 3rd. Crazy. It has flown by. She is our driven child. Very motivated but very emotional. She has advanced so much at her schoolwork that she is moving up to Level 1st grade reading already! Landri is 3 1/2 and makes me laugh daily. God knew I would need a child very different than myself - lighthearted, laid back and care free. She makes me stop and remember that life can be fun and not at all organized.

Oh yes! How could I forget. Coley finally purchased a boat - his adulthood dream. So we will be enjoying it this summer. We've already been out twice during the winter. Fun times. Fun family times.

Time to celebrate...Christmas, changes, family

What a month! We have all been sick pretty much since the last week in November. At this point, its just me that can't seem to get well. I started feeling bad last Saturday and ended up with a nasty sinus and ear infection. Hopefully, hopefully we will all be well through Christmas including me! That would be the best Christmas ever!

Paige ended out her first semester of Kinder with straight A's - her overall average was a 95. We are really excited...as we are going to change pace and have decided that we will be joining a local homeschooling coop and working at home two days a week then going to a coop learning program with other families two days a week. So Fridays will be our really fun day! I have missed her sooo much this semester and God just kept opening up the doors for us to be able to do this. I was never at total peace with sending my child off to be taught by someone else. I am really excited about the balance of home school and classroom time. We will get started mid-January! Landri is super excited as well! Coley is so supportive and encouraging - he works so hard and loves his family deeply. He actually told me when we were making the decision - that he was for homeschooling long before I was! It made me smile. :)

We have been partying it up like rock stars and this is our first night at home this week. I am glad to be here sitting on the couch, drinking hot tea and enjoying being in my home. I love to be at home!

Last weekend we met Coley's parents and brother to celebrate Christmas. We went to Sea World and spent the day together. A very pleasant time...weather made it feel Christmas-like and the girls got to show them around Sea World.

I will post more soon...just wanted to say that we are looking forward to Christmas. We asked Landri tonight what Christmas was for and she replied "so that I get presents" and Paige chimmed in "its to celebrate the birth of Christ". We have been reading and doing a nightly devotional "What God wants for Christmas". The girls really love it and I think that it is something they look forward to each year. I will also post pics soon.

A few months in a few words...

I can't believe the last time I was on here was in October! So much has happened with the Elkins' fam. Its been C-R-A-Z-Y! I really thought that life would be calmer, slower, and just easier once we got into a routine with Paige being in school. Boy was I wrong! So here's an attempt to give you the highlights!

Over the last two months we've had a good time with Mom, Bessie and Ethan as they came and celebrated Mom's birthday. It was a sweet couple of days. The very next week we had new flooring put in our home. We love it! It was just miserable getting all the dust out of our house from the renovation and I am still getting used to it. It is soooo kid friendly! Paige had her first report card and got straight "A's"! We were so proud of her. I didn't expect anything less since she is our over achiever/perfectionist. This will be an advantage to her, however we are working with her to let go of some things and relax.

Landri has done so awesome in tumbling that she got to move up to the 6 to 8 year old class with Paige. Its funny...actually its more fun for her than anything and not competitive at all. She is a natural. So is Paige. They both love it. There is no pressure to perform or "win" just fun.

Landri is still struggling with allergies and Paige is doing okay. The ENT suggested that Landri have her adnoids removed this month as she has had two sinus infections already this fall. This is her history from about November to April - nasty sinus infections. So we will be taking her in on the 29th.

We had our first Thanksgiving away from family - but had an awesome day with our church family celebrating. It was great! I can't even begin to express how blessed we are by our church family...its amazing!

I wanted to do something special for Coley. He works hard always - no matter the weather, time of day, or day of the week. He comes home exhausted most days after working 12 hours. Good news is that he is the chief CAT mechanic on the new toll road project so he is close to home. We have been able to drop by and take him lunch. The girls love seeing him work on the machines. So...me and the girls bought him a new 52" LCD TV complete with entertainment center, HD channels, etc. It was an early Christmas present. He has been in awe! Its funny - he will be watching something and say "look you can really see that guy's chin hairs!" The girls each made him a Christmas card and we put a big red bow on it. The guys from church delivered it and helped to set it up. He was speechless! So worth it!

We got to visit our best pals now for almost 10 years! JD, Melinda and Allie! It was so good to hang out. We just pick up where we leave off each time. They have a beautiful new home and Melinda made an awesome dinner! Our trip to their house inspired Coley to get a Wii.

Some friends and I made our 2nd Annual Midnight Madness Shopping Trip. This year we stayed out from 11 p.m. Thanksgiving night to 7:30 a.m. Friday morning. It was fun! I didn't do a ton of shopping - just got the deals I had scoped out. It was fun to people watch and take it all in. Coley had been saving some $$ and wanted me to get him a Wii when I was out. The girls LOVE it! They are really good at it. So the girls and Coley have been sporting it up on the Wii!

Things are busy at church and God has been changing the path that we are currently on. But I am excited about it! We are doing church like never before- modeled by the first church as recorded in Acts! That is exciting in and of itself especially when you know the Holy Spirit is moving. Still a humbling experience? Yes!

I am doing a new study "Created to Be His Help Meet" which is encouraging me to fulfill the role that God has created me for in Him and as a wife and mom. It has been a good study and I am anxious to see how God will continue to reveal his plan for me in this area.

I talked Coley into buying another Nissan Quest Minivan. We kept the Explorer but needed something that got better gas mileage and would be more friendly for kids to get in and out of. We love it! Its so mom-like but I don't care. I guess I am finally over that!

I will post more soon! Amanda