The unexpected snow day

So today, I had my plans to catch up on a few things. I decided to skip my normal tuesday morning bible study and work on a few things that need to be done. I get Cora and Ethan to school and I am surprised to find out that they do not have school due to a building problem.

Another mom and I looked at each other and said Great at the exact same time - on with the day.
Today I was thinking though, what if I had to go to work, what would I have done? I was again just so thankful that I am able to stay home and take care of my family. My kids don't know the value of having a mom with the ministry of availability. But I do.

so what have we been doing all day. Well, first we went to the grocery store, as I had planned. Ethan and Brayden played in the basement for a while, before I knew it, it was lunch time, and nap for Brayden. Cora and Ethan did some reading, which was really nice to spend time with each of them while Makenna and Brayden napped.
Now they are watching 101 Dalmations.

Everyone keeps saying to me I don't know how you do it. I want to encourage all of you out there who want more than the standard two kids, but feel overwhelmed by the idea of it all. You may feel spread thin at times, but God gives the strength you need. ( I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me ) vs. romans...something I think. Another way that I deal with it all is that I am committed to making our household work, without having to have my mind on other things - such as a job to report to, or other distractions.

I suppose you all would also like to know how Makenna is doing.
Yesterday, we went to the doctor, she is now 9 pounds 11 ounces at 2 months of age. She was in the 25th percentile overal. She is a really sweet baby. She gives an occasional smile, but isn't overly smiley. She seems to deal with not being held constantly well, as she is often times in her swing or bouncy seat so that I can get everyone ready to go in the morning or while I'm cooking a meal, etc. If she's not content to be there, there is always a sister or a brother that wants to hold her.
It seems to me that her blue eyes are going to stay. they are a real pretty dark blue right now. Brayden's are very light blue, so they seem different from each other. She also has barely a dusting of hair. I'll be glad when it starts coming in a bit, so I can tell what color it will be. She sleeps pretty well at night. Last night she slept from around 11:30 - 7:30! That was great!

here are some of the details of her birth story.
On November 19th, I was totally cooked and called my midwife to see if there was anything we could do. She suggested Castor oil - again. I have 1 word for that suggestion - NEVERAGAIN. I took it in the morning and no labor. I went in to see her around 4 PM and she suggested breaking my water. Brent and I went to dinner, then to the hospital. I was nervous and had a hard time eating, but Brent had no problem scarfing down his steak, appetizer and whatever else he had. We arrived at the hospital, they got me set up in a room. They broke my water at 8 PM. I smiled an said no I didn't want anything for pain. I would live to regret that decision! the labor kicked in pretty much immediately. I'll spare the details of the in between. I could tell she was coming fast. She was born at 10:45 PM - Just 2 hours and 45 minutes after my water was broken! It was amazingly, scary fast!
She had the cord around her neck as she came out, which really scared me. Praise the good Lord she was fine though and has been healthy ever since. At first her face was purple from comng out so quickly. She has been a real doll ever since. I knew all along that she would be a great baby. She sure is...
So now that is my post for now. It may have to suffice for a while. I am having trouble posting pictures, but I will try again.