7QT #19: NC, The Army, and My Weird Kids

I am super duper late for 7 Quick takes with Jen at Conversion Diary, but I'm doing them anyway. :)

1 - We leave for North Carolina in a few hours.  I really should be sleeping.  But all the iced tea that I have drank.  And my excitement to get on the road.   And my anxiety about forgetting something leaves me here blogging.

2 - Did you vote? I posted a little online poll about the two names that Chris and I are discussing for babe #4.  Honestly, we are pretty sure we know which name we are going to choose, but I like seeing what the popular vote is.  Becket is after St. Thomas Becket and Sebastian is after St. Sebastian.  I read somewhere that St. Thomas is the patron saint of the clergy and religious freedom.  I can't seem to find it again so I might be wrong.  St. Sebastian is the patron saint of archers, athletes and soldiers.  Both were martyrs and defenders of their faith.  Plus, we really love both names.  Roger is the middle name regardless.  Roger is my father-in-laws middle name.  Anyway, if you missed it go vote. It's just for fun :)

3 - I finished the Stations of the Cross frame I mentioned.  I found the idea on Pinterest and a cheap frame at the thrift store.  I'm either really late...or really early for Lent.  Based on my normal habits its the former. Anyway, here's the finished product.

I really wanted a black background, but I was cheap and went with the $1 wrapping paper instead of the $4 black.  But we will be pulling this bad boy out on Ash Wednesday every year.  Owen and Amelia helped assemble it...They put glue on the back of the pictures.  Owen actually got a little bored and got one of the extra copies I have of the book used for this project and "read" to us as we finished gluing.  I'm happy with it.  I might add some numbers for each image or not.

4 - Owen's last day of school was Tuesday.  Bittersweet of course.  Owen and Amelia both had great teachers.  We were really blessed to have them.  I guess we are officially homeschoolers, though we haven't really started yet.  Our start date keeps floating around...THANK YOU, ARMY (more on that in another take).  I'm really not sure when we will start.  I have planned out five weeks so far I might go ahead and just stick with that plan.  But that means we will start when we get back from North Carolina.  We have talked about schooling year round anyway, so we might as well.  Plus, I would like to get my feet wet before the babe arrives.  I will say all the planning and picking a choosing and options that come with homeschooling is overwhelming but really, really fun.  Let's see how the teaching part goes...

5 - The Army...It looks like our orders for Alaska have been canceled.  Things can always change, but that is what it looks like for now.  Chris was given dates for a leadership course (ALC) that he needs.  The dates completely overlapped our report date to Alaska.  ALC is important and this is the last ALC they are offering to soldiers in his MOS since the Army is getting rid of the helicopter that he works on.  So it's not a terrible thing, but we were kind of hoping the orders would just get deferred not canceled.  Who knows with the Army, things can change at any time.

6 - Speaking of ALC...his class dates are from August 3rd to September 30th in Virginia.  I'm due with the babe September 26th.  So how about for another nice little curve ball? I know we will get things in place should I have this baby before he returns.  Not really a complaint or anything just another one of those fancy details that keeps things interesting 'round here.

7 - And the flight packet.  The board is approaching in a few weeks, and I am doing everything I can to remain calm and really be okay with the outcome.  But I cannot express how much I want this for Chris.  I'm trying to want God's will just as much if not more.  It would be great if these things coincide!  No pressure God :)  For real though, I really am trying to trust that whatever happens it really is what is best for us.  "Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you."

And some pictures of my weird family:

Chris the multi-tasker!

She wanted a picture of her dress.

Selfie

I have NO clue what Amelia is doing.

My first attempt at face painting with homemade face paint...

Lockhart Babe 4.0: The Name Poll.

The pictures of the kids are completely irrelevant to this post.  I just like flaunting their weird personalities.  

I posted on Facebook the following status before deleting 2 seconds later...

We are pretty sure we have a name picked for the babe.  We have narrowed it down to two names Sebastian and Becket (the middle name is Roger no matter what)  Leave your fave in the comments just for fun.  I would post a poll, but I'm too lazy to get the computer. 

Then I realized that  I didn't want to fold anymore clothes so getting the computer and creating a poll would be the PERFECT way for me to procrastinate, because I needed something to keep me from being a responsible adult....ALL THE THINGS WILL GET PACKED...someday.

So I created an online poll.  Its just for fun.  The results will not sway our decision so go ahead choose what you like not what you think we will like.  :)  And I will be here refreshing the results every minute, so yeah, hurry up!  Thanks for enabling me!!!!

panel management

7QT #18: Mainly poppin' tags

I am going to attempt to keep this short and sweet, mkay? I will add some pictures of the kids so it's not a complete waste.

1 ~ It has been raining for the past 3 days and I am so glad. Mainly because it is washing away the pollen. I still have a cough, but I don't feel like a complete train wreck. The puddles have a nice yellow topping, and I have some energy back.  No complaints!

2 ~ Owen had his end of year field trip to the Watertown Zoo. It's more like a life preserve if you ask me. Compared to the North Carolina Zoo that I use to, it's a bit of a disappointment. It rained most of the time we were there. But as always the kids had a great time. Owen got a bag with all of his stuff from this year and a certificate.  Owen really likes school.  He was telling me that he has to draw in his journal everyday. I really hope this transitions well when we start homeschooling.  He will have to journal in writing curriculum, and I am going to start a art journal for him to draw images of stories we read. I think Amelia will engage fine, and I'm hopeful Owen will, now.

3 ~ Most everyone knows me in real life and has probably seen my recent Facebook statuses and Instagram updates on my recent thrift store finds. See below

4 ~ A magazine caddy that will be used to hold children's books.  I spray painted it.  I hope to find a few more so I can place them throughout the house...their rooms, living room, and the wherever we end up schooling.

5 ~ This large frame. It is still in the works. It was holding some type of art. I plan to putting the Stations of the Cross in it.  I found the idea on Pinterest here. I have several stations books so I used one for its pictures to frame. I painted the frame purple for the Lent season. Yeah, I'm aware we have a while before Lent.  I'm late for everything ;)

6 ~ This crucifix. It's big and heavy. Needs a little bit of touching up, but it will be perfect for our school room. The kids loved it. I'm so glad Chris spotted it.

7 ~ Continued prayers that Chris is selected for flight school. We are very excited about Alaska, but we will have no problem sacrificing it for flight school. It's the dream, people.  Have a blessed week!

Make sure you hop over to Jen's for more Quick Takers. 

Dinosaur Roar!

Sorry for the neglected blog, I'm sure most of you just wait for me to post to Facebook which is all good.  Just a little heads up that this is going to be a bit photo heavy of a post :)

Nothing much has been going on since my last post.  We have narrowed down the baby's name to two names.  I'm going to have to figure out how to post a poll to see the popular vote.  I always think that is fun.  So yea to the meat of this post....taking these three chuckle-heads to an over priced (in my opinion) dinosaur exhibit.

I won't bother you with my complaints about the price and whatnot because in the end the kids did have a really great time.  Owen LOVES dinosaurs but refuses to show much excitement for the camera.  Amelia was panicked when we first arrived but quickly got over her melodrama.  And Simon was TRILLED and has been roaring with toy dinosaurs all evening.

We revisited this dinosaur a few times.  When we first walked in Amelia was in the middle of her melodramatic break down so clearly this the picture of her was our second visit after she composed herself.  And that is about the happiest picture I have of Owen.  He really was thrilled to be there, but clammed up whenever I asked for a picture.

Here was the Dino-Dig.  Have been making plans for our drive to Alaska.  One of our planned stops is a Mammoth Site in South Dakota.  After the fun that had at the little sand table I think they will really enjoy the Mammoth fossils.

Okay Owen, contain all of that excitement please.  We can only take so much...Man that kid is like his father...On the other hand, Amelia is just like her mother.  The picture below is her "afraid" of the dinosaur behind her.

There was some mini golf, a dinosaur ride, and some inflatables.  We also did a scavenger hunt where we the kids left we a few trinkets.  Overall we had a great time.  And if you missed it I'm now 24 week along and here's a belly from today.

Boy or Girl?

Well I'm another year old.  Pretty sure I'm not another year wiser.

Yesterday was my birthday.  Nothing major happened.  Simon was the first kid up at 9:15!  No kids woke up in the middle of the night.  I was quite refreshed.  This morning was the standard wake up time, but no one woke up so I'm feeling pretty good.  Anyway, the kids went to school, my friend helped me sort, organize, and purge all of the kid's clothes.  The only bummer was that Chris had to work late, but it was fine.

Since we will be moving this fall, we have a baby on the way, and it is finally starting to warm up I felt like it was a good time to change out the kids' clothes. We made a tote that included all the clothes I have manged to snag on clearance for next season.  I also made a tote with the clothes for Lucky Lockhart #4 since we did find out what we are having.  More on that later.  Organized the winter gear, left over boy and girl clothes.  I have hoarder tendencies, but my friend Nicole helped me keep it to a minimum.  I feel so blessed though.  My kids have clothes for this summer and next fall between what has been given to me and the few good buys that I have gotten along the way.  God does provide.

So anyway, let's get to why you clicked on this link.  Boy or girl?

The day before my birthday Chris happened to be off and I had my ultra sound for baby number #4.  I LOVE watching the babes move and squirm on the computer screen.  This one was the least cooperative.  It took a while for them to get an image of the babe's profile.  But they got it.

Not that I can really tell on these things, but I think this looks a lot like Simon's profile sonogram.  In Amelia's sonogram you could CLEARLY see the girl's big ol' cheeks.  We didn't see any on Monday at the appointment.  We will know for sure late September I guess :).  

I was considering not finding out, but my curiosity got the best of me.  Not that I'm blaming Chris, but if he was eager for a surprise I probably could have held out.  My original instinct was I was having a boy.  With each of them I had a gut feeling and have been right.  This time I changed my stance because this pregnancy is just like Amelia's.  From the babe's heart rate to my crack like addiction to Diet Pepsi.  

I really don't care what we have, but since Simon shifted the balance a girl would be nice.  Plus Owen and Amelia had been saying the whole pregnancy thus far that they wanted a sister.  So part of me wanted a girl for them, but really I didn't care what the ultra sound would reveal.

So, we are really excited to announce that we are having a....

BOY! We are STOKED!  I'm telling you having #4 is just as exciting as #1.  Well for me at least!   If we are blessed with any future Lockharts I will stick with my gut feeling.  We are floating some names around.  You have any good boy names to share? Please do!

Here are a few out takes because I had a hard time choosing.

Photo bombed by Simon

7QT - #17: Winging it

--- 1 ---

I just realized that it's Friday and it's been a while since I linked up for a 7QT.  I'm completely winging it and unsure what I should discuss in the next six takes, but I guess we'll figure it out together.

--- 2 ---

Four weeks ago I felt completely different than I do now.  The level of exhaustion is really hard to explain.  I manged to get through things I absolutely had to, and that was about it.  My house should have been condemned, I'm sure.  Staying awake took everything I had.  I seem to have my energy back and I have started getting our house in shape.  My last three pregnancies I never experienced "nesting".  I'm not sure if it's nesting or I'm just excited to have some energy, but the front half of our house is getting there.  Admittedly, the last couple of days have had some set backs with Simon screaming all night and the next day being anything but pleasant.

--- 3 ---

Speaking of Simon, I love that babe but I'm not sure what to do with him.  He has been our toughest.  A scream like no other's.  He hits.  He hits his siblings and us when he plays and when he's mad.  Simon is persistent. He likes to repeatedly turn of the television if anyone is watching it.  I don't know.  Maybe it's my hormones.

--- 4 ---

So did you catch our big news?  It's starting to sink in a little bit.  Chris and I were talking yesterday and I mentioned that a year from now Fort Drum will no longer be our home.  Since right now Alaska is going to happen if Alabama doesn't we have been looking into the area a little bit.  Cold and isolated...kinda like Fort Drum, but a little worse.  I'm not sure how I will cope without a Target.  I am thankful that there's a Sam's Club, but I frequent the Target at least once a week.  Oh, geez.  This year's winter here at the Drum gave me a little taste of what cold is.  But, pictures are beautiful.  I'm not sure we would get to experience it without the Army so I'm sure we will enjoy ourselves.  Of course we want Alabama.

--- 5 ---

Our entire relationship Chris as been trying to become a pilot.  Not always in the Army, but flying in some way.  Location only, I think Chris and I would chose Alaska over Alabama.  But since the dream is to fly and Alabama is the only option we want Alabama over Alaska.  Did that make any sense?  Still needs one letter, his medical (it's done he needs the paperwork), and a PT test.  This week all of those things are in the works.  Right now it looks like he will meet the May deadline for the July board.  We hope it stays that way.

--- 6 ---

Owen was signed up for soccer yesterday.  It took us foreva to find the sign up tables. They were in a pretty obvious spot that we completely ignored since that's how we role, apparently.  But he's signed up and ready to go.  Just waiting on the phone call to know what team he's on.

--- 7 ---

Amelia had her dance pictures taken.  I'm not super girly.  I don't gravitate to all the frills.  And winterguard has shape my style preference when it comes to pageantry attire.  But seriously, how cute is this???

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

Word vomit.

Long time, no bloggage.  No reason for the small hiatius, other than I can't get my thoughts together.  Blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda.  I will give you a quick run down of what has taken place here in The Land and maybe some other stuff.  Come join the ride and see where this post takes us.  I'm sure it will end about where we started.  But hey, it's about the journey right? Or not...

Anyway, the kids and I traveled to Ohio for a surprise birthday party for my Aunt Bridgit.  She was completely surprised.  It was a quick trip, but it was wonderful to see my family.  The years really do pass quickly.

We have purchased the curricula that we plan to use next year.  I have started getting it organized...ish, and laminating for preservation.  Hopefully, we have chosen material that will last us for all of our kids.  Of course we will reevaluate this time next year.   I can't wait for the school year to be over.  Here in northern New York the last day of school is June 27th.  So a little less than 3 months of driving around everyday.  It isn't a whole lot of driving, but loading and unloading all of the kids for the past for the past 7 months is starting to take its toll.  The pregnancy isn't helping.  I loved all the snow and canceled school just because I didn't have to go anywhere.  Now, we will see how this translates next year. I'm an extrovert so once the exhaustion from running around has worn off I may find myself itching to leave the home.

Chris and I are trying to make some spring/summer plans for this year.  We want to go to West Virginia and New Jersey to visit our grandmothers and extended family.  Also, in July there is a family reunion in Illinois.  We want to do it all and we hope we can.  Funds and the Army are always key players in everything we do.

Chris was not able to complete his flight packet for the May board.  His medical wasn't back yet and he is still waiting on a letter of recommendation.  We are hopeful that it will be completed for the July board.

I had tests done to see if I had gestational diabetes.  I don't.  They think it is glucose intolerance.  I was pretty sure I didn't have it.  I still have to take the test again at 28 weeks.  So yeah...

Speaking of weeks of pregnancy.  I am having the hardest time knowing how far along I am...like, I can't tell you with any type of certainty where I'm in this pregnancy.  Maybe 16 or 17 weeks.  But really I could be way off.  I know I'm in my second trimester, but that's it.  I guess I could download one of those apps to help me keep up with it...

Also, I am still on the fence about finding out the sex of the babe.  I love the speculation of it all.  For a while I have thought it was a boy.  No reason just did, but over the past couple of weeks I'm thinking differently.  Though all of my pregnancies are relatively the same there are some differences and this one is more like Amelia's.  I have no desire to look at girl names.  I did the same thing with Simon, only I had no desire to look at boy names when I was pregnant with him.  So, now I'm not sure what I think.  At the moment, I'm on the fence leaning to finding out because I am not sure I want to wait another 20 weeks.  Plus a few friends said they thought it would be fun to have a gender reveal party.  How I would go about that? I don't know.  Pinterest I guess :).  But I'm just leaning that way right now...we will see which way I lean tomorrow.  Go ahead tell you me your stories.  Especially if you have experienced both finding out and not finding out.

So, until other day dear friends!