Ice, Ice, Baby

Oh my! Well, it's come - and definitely not gone! We have over an inch of ice everywhere! It's actually been nice because Chris has been home a lot. We debated about going to my parent's home in Siloam Springs because they have a wood burning stove. So, we would atleast have heat if the electricity went out. Well, their electricity went out Tuesday morning. My Dad and brother were working in Springdale (stayed in a hotel Monday night) and Glenda stayed Tuesday night at the hospital to be able to make her shift on Wednesday. Mom's cell phone ran out of battery around noon - she was hunkered down in front of the fire. Chris got off of work at 2pm and I sent him to get Mom. He said Mom had made quiet a little nest for herself on the couch! Of course, she wasn't expecting company and was quiet surprised.
So, we hosted Mom, Dad, and Micah last night at the Centerton Cabin. I cooked a lasagna and chicken fajitas for everyone. A hot meal is always in order when it's super cold outside.
Well, we lost power around 10pm. Micah and Chris took Mom, Eli, Abi, and me to the Hilton in Bentonville. I just couldn't imagine my little ones getting cold. It's one thing for an adult to get cold and layer on the clothes/blankets - but I just couldn't stand the thought of my 3 week old getting super cold. Plus, the weather people were saying that if your power went out Tuesday night then you should be prepared to be without power for up to 36 hours. So, we prepared for the worst at the Hilton! That's how we camp!
Eli thought the hotel was amazing. He had a great time. Our electricity was restored and we are now back home. Micah and Glenda have power, but none at Mom and Dad's. They have a lot of trees down in their neighborhood. It'll probably be this weekend before they have power.
Tonight, our great friend, Dr. R.E. Clark is coming over for brinner. That's breakfast for dinner. In fact, I need to go make the coffee.
We are thankful for heat, hot water, and internet (even though we missed the Biggest Loser last night!). We are also mindful of the thousands of homes without these luxuries. Thankfully it's suppose to get above freezing tomorrow!
I'll post pictures of it all when I can. Until then, enjoy snuggling with the little ones...we sure are!

Digital converter box

Chris and I have not had cable once since we've been married...over 6 years! While we would like the football options and Fox News - we're just not willing to pay the outrageous price of cable. So, we've relied on bunny ears. Yes, bunny ears.
We were getting a bit anxious about the February 17 transition to digital TV. After that day, our bunny ears would not give us the few channels we enjoy now.
So, I went on-line and requested the $40 coupon for the converter box. It took over a month to get - but, I was impressed with the information it included. They gave me 8 retailers and their contact info that are authorized distributers of the boxes.
Chris made a couple of trips to our local Wal-Mart and was able to get an RCA converter box for $14 (after the $40 coupon).
He hooked it up a few days ago and............
OH MY! Our local channels are SO clear! Plus, we are getting a few more channels. We have been told that we may get more channels after the 17th. Too much!!!
We are loving the free digital tv we're getting. And, my check book is happy too!

Where has the time gone?

Oh my! Abigail is already 2 1/2 weeks old! She is doing great - gaining about 1oz per day! Now, if only her days and nights were sorted out! Oh well, in time we'll all get some sleep again.

Both kids had check ups this past week. Eli is almost 23 pounds and 32 inches long. Long and lean! Abigail (as of Friday) is 8.10 pounds...but hasn't gotten longer since birth! We are thankful for their health!!!

There is so much I want to blog about, but oh-so little time! So, here are the topics that will be posted soon (hopefully).
- The Obama affect, faith, and prayer
- Television shows, faith, and facebook status'

They are heavy topics...but that's what the blog world is for. A place for uninterrupted time on our soap boxes!

Until then, I'm off to a church building meeting.

9 days later...

Our family of four is staying busy. Well, for me it feels chaotic. Just trying to keep up with everyone and keep our home semi running smoothly is more than a full time job! Abigail is doing great. At her doctor's appt (5 days old) she was weighing 8lbs - it took Eli a month to get back to his birth weight. She loves to eat...which makes for a happy baby! We're still working on the day and night thing. But, it's getting better.

Josh, Deb, and Ian are here to visit this weekend. So, our home has an 18 month old, a 4 month old, and a 9 day old!!! They all take turns eating, needing diapers changed, sleeping, and crying! But, it's a very happy home!

Currently we're watching the Razorbacks play the Gators. HMMM. The score is within 3. We'll see.

Anyhow, here are some pictures of the kids. Oh how fast they're growing!

Time to brag on Chris

It's important to know that more is going on at our home than Abi's arrival.....

Chris is officially "official" at the University of Phoenix!!!!!!!!!!!! His job had a 90 day "trial" time.

We are so proud of him and are thankful for his hard work for our family. Chris is also beginning his MBA in a few weeks! What a whirl wind of a month!

Thank you Lord for this job and the accomplishments Chris has already enjoyed!

Abigail Jean Osmon

She's here!!!!!! And, beautiful, and healthy, and oh-so lovable! Abi arrived Thursday, January 8 at 8:59am! She weighed 8 lbs, 2 oz and 20 3/4 inches! She has blue eyes and just enough hair!

We have been home for a few days and everyone is adjusting well. Eli is our helper extraordinaire! He wants to help with changing diapers, feeding, bathing, and anything else! He is always giving kisses and feeling her hair. He's a great big brother!

Chris went back to work today. We missed him terribly, but are thankful all he does.

Ok, it's time for Abi to eat again. Enjoy the pictures!

Notes for January 7

Well, I really really wanted AbiJean to be born today. One reason is that Dr. Gorman is the delivering doctor today. But, the main reason is because today is the 20th anniversary/birthday of when I was saved.
What a wonderful way to seal this date. Twenty years ago our family had been in Costa Rica for less than two weeks. It was a Saturday morning and we were getting ready to go to a local amusement park. I was sitting on Mom's bed watching her get ready and began asking her about the story of the woman at the well. I don't remember why that story stuck out, but I was definitely intrigued by Jesus' answers. On the side of her bed, Mom led me in a prayer that forever sealed my place in His family. I remember walking with other missionaries and telling them about my decision. Isn't it interesting the things we remember from our childhood?
Anyhow, admitting I was a sinner and acknowledging my need for Jesus as my Savior has forever changed my life. My identity in Christ has spilled over into every aspect of my life. Every. I don't always get it right, but praise the Lord, He is faithful, loving, and gentle in guiding me thru life.
So, I would love, love, love to have Abi born on this day. It would be a great beginning to our special mother-daughter bond, much like I have with my mom. I can't wait to share with her the wonderful love of Jesus and watch His plans for her be revealed.
I had contractions all last night, but nothing that's led to going to the hospital. Of course, tomorrow is Elvis' birthday, which according to Auntie O would be an ideal birthday. Plus, Dad's birthday is the 10th. So, really anytime is good. We're ready to welcome our little cupcake into this world!
More to come as we approach her arrival!

Family Update

I've been hoping to have a post about Abigail's arrival. Well...she hasn't arrived yet! But, I feel that it is C-L-O-S-E! Eli and I walked an hour this morning at WalMart and an hour and a half this evening at the mall.
I've had steady contractions today too! We had a trip to the hospital on New Year's Day...only to have the contracts stop as soon as they began monitoring me! Oh well. She's going to have to come sooner rather than later!
Chris continues to do really well at his job. He's really enjoying the people he's working with and the student's he's meeting. Chris begins his MBA at the end of January! What a blessing to work for a university...that pays for his schooling! He is ready for Abi's arrival - especially since I found his "Greatest Coach" button that he wore during Eli's delivery!!!
Eli is great! He continues to grow leaps and bounds each day! He is running around and learning new words. Eli was sad to see the Christmas tree be taken down, but he's handled it better than I thought he would! He's outgrown most 18 month clothes! Such a big boy! I can't wait to watch him meet Abi. There is such awe with a newborn and I can't wait to see Eli's reaction!
Ok, the Biggest Loser is on and we're waiting on Chris coming home any minute. Hopefully contractions will get closer and stronger!!! More to come...