Can I just say, I am so grateful to have wonderful family around to help us out.
So, Day two, my Dad and Brother came out to help for a bit. Most all the posts were put up except for the big gate ones, and the one on the other side of the house. They got those put in then started the task of measuring and putting up three rows of 2by4's.
Then came the Pickets! Alex is a perfectionist, so they had to be perfectly lined up.
This is what the end of Day two looks like. 
So one of the things "lacking" when we bought this house was a fence. Probably not a big deal, we've gone without one this long..why even start? My answer...Kids. They just won't stay in the back. I tell them all the time, and they just won't mind. Well, I need some "peace of mind", especially since I'm moving onto my fourth kid, and there are no signs that we will be moving from here anytime soon.
So It is the first day of Spring Break. Alex has the whole week off, time to get started. I've spent weeks pricing fence and rental stuff. Thank heavens our brother-in-law was available to help!! There is No Way I could have helped Alex with this part!!
My Brother Derek was able to bring us some tools from my Dad and get in on some of the helping for a couple hours.
For all their wonderful help I BBQ'd! Perfect day for grilling!
I wish I could say it all went smoothly without a hitch, but we did cut a sprinkler line...GREAT! So Alex gets to figure that one out Monday, before we continue on with that side of the house.
All-in-all, the posts are mostly done and cemented in place. All the holes are dug. The weather this week is supposed to be super crappy, but I'm hoping we'll get some hours here and there with ok weather. More posts to come!
I know most of my friends who read this blog are probably not too political. I wouldn't say that I'm big into politics either, but in the last couple years I have become extremely interested in where is country is headed. Probably due to our terrible economic state. It has affected my family and friends personally and I feel it is directly related to our failing Government Institution, and the failing of our Constitution. I know there is a ton of controversy going on right now. I am definitely on the side of the "conservatives". I have noticed that "main-stream Media" is very "byes" with what they represent. I was very surprised to see anyone on CNN take a "hit" at our current...Corrupt....Presidency. Check this out, its pretty short.
So today was the day. The big reveal. I am 18 1/2 weeks along. We arrived on time, were seen a 1/2 hour late. Kids were all over the place and each had their own tantrum at different times. I was also in a bit of a bad mood due to "other" stuff, and the fact I hadn't had lunch yet. No matter! I get to find out what this little bundle is!
Baby was measured. Everything is looking good. Dr. put that ultrasound thing in the necessary area....and wouldn't you know, baby decided it was a good time to tuck itself up in to a tight corner and keep its legs crossed!! Oh yah, with umbilical chord tucked nicely between the legs! I moved to my left side, then to my right. We poked at little baby on my belly. " C'mon, uncross those legs." Bless the Dr., he tried really hard, but we were left with no definitive answer. So guess what? I get to wait another month. I did get a good look at the "hoo hoo" that was showing...and there was nothing "showing off" so chances are it could be a girl. I just want to hold all hope I have left that its a boy. So I will try really patiently to wait another month. Baby did wave HI. Here is the arm and hand.
This is the only time of year you will ever find me "going green".
For St. Patrick's Day, we made green chocolate chip cookies.
Ok, first off, I'm totally not good at taking pictures of myself. I don't know how to simply pose and smile. Here is my attempt.
I decided it is time for a little change in the "hair" department. I got some highlights to hide those unsightly greys! Yes, I have greys, tons.
Here is a pose I am much more comfortable with.
Ok, and for those of you who think I'm not showing.....
Oh Goodness! When I look at these pictures, I seriously don't know weather to laugh or cry real hard. Either way producing some serious tears! If you don't already know, I suffer from Vulvar Varicose Veins AND Varicose Veins in the legs....only....the suffering is pretty much contained to Pregnancy. They get worse with each child. So, for the next five or so months, I am in pain throughout the "hoo hoo" area, and in my legs. Not just little aches here and there, Pain. Swelling. Too much activity is no good. Lifting, bad idea. Intimacy, awful! Too much sitting around, not great but better. This, all in addition to regular pregnancy undesirables. I swore I would never be pregnant in the summer again. I guess things don't always happen as planned, leaving me to contemplate weather it is worth the investment to buy the MOTHER of all Granny Panties! I suffered with my other kids....should I do it again? Especially when I've decided this is my final pregnancy? These "Granny Panties" are called a V Brace made by Fembrace. They are supposed to remedy the pain through the vulva...which is way worse than the legs. But One pair.....75 to 80 BUCKS! Or you can get the "special"...2 for 100 Bucks! What to do?? Especially since I have found few testimonials on weather it really works. Of course, they would not be refundable. Also, how do you wear clothing over the top of these??? There is bulk everywhere??
So now I'm going to pose the question to all you Moms out there who: suffer, may have suffered, will suffer, or Do Not suffer from vulvar veins. What would you do??
I am pretty active in the summer, but I'm afraid if I just try to wait it out to the end I will just be a miserable mom to my three busy bodies.
Help!!
It probably means my little Mycah is into SOMETHING...
Ever since the nausea went away, I've been feeling pretty good physically. So good that its hard to know that I'm really pregnant. There are those reminders though.....like the protruding belly, the forgetfulness, and those moments of extreme fatigue. Today I was feeling great. My energy level was good. I showered and did my hair, then BAM!! I was so tired I just had to crawl in bed. I got a little 30 minute "rest". And now I'm sitting here slowly recovering.
Monday was a sunny day with a high of 59. A much needed change in my opinion. I decided to utilize my day doing some much needed yard prep. Although I must say, I didn't get nearly enough done. Ok, so all winter long, the dumb neighborhood cats have been using my flower and garden boxes as their personal litter boxes. Some of my bulbs have been pulled up and it is so frustrating to me. The box they liked the most had nothing in it, so I guess that was lucky for me. I spent a couple hours at least just "de-pooping" the boxes! It was NASTY! If I had a trap, I would catch those cats and go take them somewhere far away from here! It stunk really bad! After I was done I put chicken wire over the boxes. Hopefully they'll figure out they can't come and do their crapping here.
I was having the hardest time coming up with a "plan" for Mycah's 3rd Birthday. I wanted to do a party that involved cousins, but there are so many and our house is so small I just couldn't make any decisions. On Thursday the 25th (the Birthday), I realized that Both my sisters and their kids...plus my Grandma from Missouri were all going to be at my Mom's. So the party was planned. It turned out pretty fun for her. Her favorite gift was a sleeping bag from her Daddy.
I learned a lesson:
When having a Birthday Party that involves toddlers......
Keep them ALL away from the cake while singing "Happy Birtday".
He stole her Thunder....so we had to try again.
Take 2!