Blessings, blessings.....I have had such a nice week so far, and it's only going to get better. Sunday we got a dog, which we were not expecting to do, but he has been so sweet and such a perfect fit for our family. George named him Bosco. Ian calls him "Bii-ko!" I'll post a picture of him later. He's laying next to the kids right now on the couch while they watch Curious George. Tuesday was my birthday and Nathan took the day off. :) Grace slept in til 6 until she wanted to nurse and then went right back to sleep. I started my period, which doesn't sound like a very nice present, but it was a relief not to be pregnant right now, especially considering the "birth control malfunction" that occured on our sex anniversary, um, I mean our sixth anniversary night away. Anyway, then Nate took care of the kids and let me sleep in until 9:30!!!! That was worth so much to me, I love to sleep in, and it was so sweet for Nathan to let me. Then I got up and we had breakfast and all got into the hot tub. All except Grace, who is consigned to her exersaucer on the deck next to the hot tub. It was great. Then Nate took George shopping and Ian and Grace and I played. I should have made bread then, but I was too lazy!!! (Actually I should be making bread now, but again.... :P) Then Nate got back and hooked up my birthday present, he got sets of speakers to pipe music from the computer into the other rooms, so now I can put a CD in and hear it in the whole house. It's wonderful, and it was such a thoughtful and great present. :) Then we took the munchkins over to Grandma's house and went out to Olive Garden, which now serves whole wheat linguini!!!! I had the never ending pasta bowl of w.w. linguini with mushroom alfredo sauce and a chicken breast on top. It was super yummy. I can't believe people actually eat more than one bowl of pasta, though, I couldn't even finish that one. Then we went back to Nate's parents and Karen had made me a cake and a birthday sign put up balloons and everything. I opened up my cards and presents from Nate's aunt Roberta and Karen and George. My mom had helped George make me a card when she was here and he wrote "Mama" on the outside and wrote his name on the inside. It was very sweet. Roberta gave me a very small, very tight, burgandy shirt, that Nate said I can wear to bed with him and no where else, :P and she gave me a pair of stretch jean size 14 capris. If I could actually wear this outfit together, I would be seriously misshapen! Nate's mom gave me a big container of Xylitol, (if I were smart here, I would put a link), the newest "all natural, good for you" sweetener she's discovered. She used that to make the cake, too. It was really good. So that was a very nice day, topped off with a long soak in my hot tub, looking up at the stars and reflecting on the fact that I am happier and like myself better now than I did 10, 7, and 5 years ago. (Nothing special about those numbers) And I think why is because I have my eyes more on the Lord and less on myself as time goes by.

Yesterday we went to visit and have lunch with Amy and her kids in Douglasville. She is going to have that baby any time now. She's been having a bit of prodromal labor, contractions getting stronger every night and then just going away, kind of like I did when I had Grace. (read posts from last December for the birth story of Amazing Grace :) Amy was 2 cm and 50% effaced as of Monday morning and I would venture to guess that she is abouta 3 or 4 now, with the uterine activity she's been having. She has done so much to try to ensure a great labor and safe delivery. Her diet has been impecable, she's been drinking raspberry leaf and pregnancy tea three times a day for months, and now has been taking evening primrose oil for almost a week. She's been squatting and tailor sitting and pelvic rocking on a birth ball, and doing perineal massage with oil, too, along with reading and educating herself extensively. She is afraid of tearing again, but I think she will be fine. I am praying that everything goes well. If you read this, please pray for the Lord's guidance and strength and for everything to go perfectly. Anyway, so we went to see her. My boys have so much fun with her boys, they are all just crazy together. She gave me a beautiful silver chain bracelet and little heart and rose pendant for my birthday. I don't think I have ever been this spoiled on my birthday before. She also gave me a beautiful card that I would have cried over if I had read it by myself. She is so sweet. This morning I woke up to find an anniversary card from my wonderful husband waiting for me in the kitchen. That did make me cry. I wasn't expecting it at all and it really meant so much to me, what the card said and what he wrote. I truly am so incredibly blessed beyond measure.

And the fun continues.....tonight my wonderful ladies Bible study is giving me a birthday party!! I am so not a party person, it just makes me nervous to be the center of attention, but I love these ladies so much and I know we will all have so much fun together, just like we always do. And there will be yummy food!! :) Misty is bringing a chocolatey chocolate cake, I can't wait. As I delve more and more into the realm of more natural, Biblical healthy living, I am convinced of one principle that cannot be wavered from: chocolate is exempt from all dietary restrictions!! And so it shall ever be! :) Well, I just put Gracie down for a nap, so I'd better get that bread started. Happy Thursday!!