The Homestretch

The end, or the beginning, is finally in sight! My doctors are telling me that if I can make it to 34 weeks, they will probably go ahead and take these boys. That's crazy because that is only a week and a half away! The longest they would make me go is to the 20th of February, but that is still right around the corner.

It is so amazing to me how quickly this pregnancy has gone by. So many times, when I was sick, tired, feeling huge or any number of things, I would find myself wishing away the time until the boys were here. But now that it is upon me, I find myself feeling sad that it is almost over. I pray that I don't do the same thing as these boys grow up. I know there are times that I will think I am losing my mind, but I just need to remember how I feel now and how ridiculously fast the time goes by.

Last night was the first time I really felt like a mother to these boys and it was an amazing feeling. I couldn't sleep, as usual, but not for the typical reasons. The boys almost always seem to go to sleep when I lay down at night. But for some reason, they thought there was some kind of party going on. They kept me awake for hours kicking, punching and pretty much driving me crazy. I finally got out of bed and went to the rocker in the hall. After rocking for just a little bit, they calmed right down and let me sleep. It was just unbelievable to me that I could have that kind of impact on them while they are still inside of me. It made all of this seem very REAL.

What a joy we have as women to experience all of this. We are blessed.

Our Boys

Please pray for our two sweet little ones, Benjamin James and McLean Alexander. It seems as though they are ready to join us here but we all want them to stay put for just a little bit longer! I think they are just running out of room as McLean is already 4 lbs and Ben is right behind him at 3 lbs 1 oz. Last night they released me from the hospital after a short stay and lots of drugs. They would like to wait to deliver the boys until 34 weeks, so that is about 3 1/2 weeks from now. In the meantime, I will be doing my part of staying off of my feet and letting people pamper me :). Thanks to everyone who has been praying and for all of our great friend's and family's support!

Christmas Festivities

Birthday Extravaganza!

Well not quite, but it was a wonderful evening. Thanks to all my friends and husband who made it a special day.

I even had help with my candles!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all of our family and friends.

We love each of you very much!

Christmas Fun

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy this entire post and paste it into your own post. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then tag someone else!

If you haven't already done this, consider yourself tagged!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper - I love to wrap gifts and pretty presents under the tree is one of my favorite things about Christmas.

2. Real or artificial tree? We had an artificial tree growing up because my dad and I are both allergic to real ones. But Gene always had a real tree and thinks it is very important SO we will compromise when the boys are old enough and have a real tree so they can have the experience of picking out a Christmas tree.

3. When do you put up the tree? As soon as possible after Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? New Years Day if we are not too busy

5. Do you like eggnog? It's okay, it's kind of a family tradition so I usually have a little.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? The gift I remember getting the most excited about was my first pair of tall riding boots.

7. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, a couple. But I would really like to have the Willow Tree nativity scene.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Probably my dad

9. Easiest person to buy for? Gene

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I can't think of one

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A White Christmas - I love old movies

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? It just depends. I start picking things up as soon as I know what I want to buy.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? All of the Christmas goodies - cookies, pies, buckeyes, chocolate covered pretzels, etc.

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear/white

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Gene and I have always traveled, but this year everyone will be coming to us. Once the boys are born I think it is very important that they wake up Chistmas morning at our house, so we may not be traveling again for awhile.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? dasher,dancer,prancer,vixen,comet,cupid,donner,blitzen,RUDOLPH

20. What's on the tree top? A gold star with red and green crystals

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Growing up we usually opened one gift Christmas Eve - it was usually pajamas.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Trying to accomodate both families

23. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme or color? No, we have many different ornaments collected from our childhood and everywhere we have traveled. However, I try to unify the tree with ribbon and a collection of red and gold ornaments.

24. What do/did you leave for Santa? Cookies and milk

25. What were any traditions you had growing up? We usually spent Christmas at home. We would always go to the Christmas Eve service, eat dinner and then open one gift. Then we would watch a Christmas movie, usually A White Christmas. Christmas Day was the usual, open gifts, have a big meal, etc. We always would sing Happy Birthday to Jesus that night and have Angel Food cake for His birthday cake.

Sunday School Shower

Last weekend we were so blessed by the girls in my Sunday School class who held a shower for me and the boys. It was at the home of a great friend and she was an amazing hostess. The food was delicious and the flowers and decorations were gorgeous! All of the girls were so generous, I appreciate it so much! I even had some great friends and family members from out of town come to the shower. It was so wonderful to get to spend some time with them as well. Thank you so much everyone. I love and appreciate each one of you so much!