The News Our Family Has Been Waiting For

This morning I went to see Dr. Frances for my routine check-up and to listen to the babies heartbeat. Dr. Frances had been running back and forth between the office and the hospital so I got to see Tera. She listened for the babies heartbeat but had trouble finding it. She told me it was nothing to worry about, but as any mother you do worry. We decided to do an ultrasound and there it was, kicking and moving like crazy. What a relief! The heartbeat was 142. I am sure all of you have heard that if it is a slow heartbeat it is a boy and vise versa. The ultrasound tech. asked me if I wanted to find out. There was no hesitation on my part. As soon as she started to look I saw his "precious jewels." There is no doubt it is a boy! I am thrilled and Scott is doubly. The pressure is off. As most of you know this is our last one and we are taking extreme measures to make sure. I am thrilled to be having a boy, but it kind of makes me sad that there will be no more girls. But as I said before we are all thrilled. I asked Emma what she wanted to name her brother and she said "Dr.Frances." Really??

Catching Up....

I am truly sorry to all of you who read my blog. I have done a terrible job of keeping up.

First things first, school is over for the semester. YEAH! There were days I wondered if myself as well as my family were going to make it through. Well, it is over and Mrs. Watkins first grade class HERE I COME!!! I am sooo excited. I have had the opportunity to meet my class and I think that we are going to have a great time and learn alot from each other.

While this semester seemed to take a toll on me, my husband, my kids, and my home we all seemed to survive, but now I am trying to catch up. My husband is so glad I am taking over house duties again. I have been doing laundry for 3 days and every 45 min. I put in a new load. That's how many dirty clothes we had. My girls have wanted my attention 24/7, but that's OK with me. I missed spending good quality time with them.

Josie recently turned 1!! I can't believe my baby is one! She has grown up so fast and I feel like I have missed out on alot while being in school. I feel guilty, but she knows I love her very, very much. I will post pictures of Josie's birthday very soon. I broke my camera while on vacation in Utah and I have to get the pictures off my dad's camera in order to post them.

Emma is doing very well and is still making us laugh all the time. She has been a little mischevious lately. Mom and Dad have threatned to have a talk with santa a few times. Emma has asked santa for a bra on numerous occasions and she keeps begging us, "Don't take the bra!"

Our little peanut seems to be doing well. I go to the doctor tomorrow and then I think I will get to find out what I am having on the next visit. YEAH! Scott told Emma previously that we were not going to discuss girls names only boys. Now, when someone asks her if mommy is going to have a baby she tells them that daddy said we are not allowed to talk about it. That's what happens when you try to talk to a 3 1/2 year old about babies.

Last Saturday we attended Scott's work's Christmas party at French Lick. Considering we had 4 pregnant women sitting at our table and might I add one that delivered that following Monday we were pretty patient with our husbands. :) I had a good time getting reaquainted with some girlfriends that I haven't got to sit down and talk to for awhile.

I will post pictures later when my girls are not screaming and trying to kill each other. But for now...

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and our family wishes each of you a very Merry Christmas!

My Baby is 1 !!!

Today my little "Jo-Jo" is 1!! (Her uncle Ryan calls her that because she has a gap between her two front teeth:) Anyway, today is her birthday party, so I will be sure to post pictures of her this evening. God has blessed us with two beautiful little girls who are full of love, life and personality. I couldn't ask for anything more.

Our Little Southern Belle

It has been awhile since I posted so I will try to catch everyone up.
We have been home from our trip out west for a little over two weeks. We had a wonderful time visiting family. It was Scott's first time out west and he had a great time getting to go up in the mountains and look at the beautiful scenery. We also have a few avid hunters on my dad's side of the family so Scott had a lot to talk about. Hopefully they will be making some plans to get to hunt together, either here or out west. I do have pictures to post but it is going to take some time to download them and right now I just don't have the time.

School has been going well for me. This semester is winding down, but I still have some very important projects due soon. I am looking very forward to student teaching in the spring.

Last Monday Josie had her second eye procedure at Jasper Memorial Hospital. The procedure was done once in the office but was unsuccessful. This time I feel very confident in the outcome. Her eyes are looking very good. Josie is just as fiesty as can be, but she brings such joy and laughter to our home.

Thursday we took Emma trick-or-treating. She had such a good time dressing up, but I think her favorite part was Friday when everyone came to our house trick-or-treating. We spent Friday cleaning the house, baking cookies for our trick or treaters and carving out her pumpkin. Emma dressed up as a southern belle and was SOOO CUTE!

Lastly, but certainly not least....we will be expanding our family in early June. Yes I am pregnant! This is part of the reason that I have not posted for awhile. I have felt pretty good just EXTREMELY TIRED. It was unexpected (make that 3 now) and YES I do know how to use birth control. :) We feel very blessed but this will be our last baby. Please pray for us as we try to make wise decisions about our home and a new vehicle. God will provide and show us direction, just please keep our family in your prayers.

I will leave you with a few pictures of Emma on Halloween.

Love and God Bless

We are still here...

We made it back from our wonderful trip out west. I have so much to say and several pictures. I hope to be able to post them soon. Life has been a little crazy around here lately. Hopefully I will get to posting sometime this weekend. Also, as I posted earlier, Josie had an eye procedure done a few weeks ago and it was unsuccessful. It was not the fault of the doctor just a really inflamed membrane that needs to be cleaned out again. So..Monday Scott, Josie and myself will be heading to Jasper Memorial Hospital for another procedure. Please pray for our family and especially Josie. This time she will be put under anethesia so at least she will not feel the pain like the last procedure. Have a wonderful weekend. Until next time...

Finally Free...

Well, I should be packing for our trip out West, but I have decided to blog instead.
It has been awhile since I posted, so I will try to catch you up.

A few weeks ago Emma spent the night with her Aunt Lacy and 4 of her cousins. She had a wonderful time, but came home sick on Saturday morning. She was complaining of feeling sick to her stomach. After Emma arrived home she went into the bathroom and vomited. Apparently the problem was she had engorged herself with to much CHOCOLATE. Can you imagine eating so much chocolate that you throw up?

Last Saturday my mom and I took the girls to Lark Ranch and let them pick out their pumpkins, or should I say let Emma pick out the pumpkins for her and Josie. We had a great time. Emma loved riding the ponies and going on a hayride. I only wanted to spend about an hour there and ended up spending about 4. Oh well, it was great to be able to spend some much needed time with my girls.

Lastly, I need to post about my little sweetheart, Josie. Josie had a minor eye procedure done yesterday. Both of my girls were born with clogged tear ducts. I know what are the odds. Anyway, the procedure consists of (hope this doesn't get to graphic) sticking a metal rod through the corner of the eye and down through the nose to open the membrane. This is also done without any kind of anesthetic, just a little topical ointment. I know sounds painful and by the looks of my daughter yesterday it was! The doctor ask me to leave not just the office but the building. Yah, they scream that loud. When I finally got to go in and get her she had bloody tears and blood coming out her nose. Anyway, she is doing fine now and looks like a "new women".

I will leave you with a few pictures from Lark Ranch. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Emma and the pony


Emma and her grandma enjoying cotton candy




Me and my girls


Not to sure about the corn


The "perfect" pumpkin

Tagged

Here are 6 "random" facts about me. I think everyone probably knows everything about me because I am kind of a tell it like it is, no point in hiding things.

I used to be OCD until I had 2 children.

I have a passion for "saving the world".

I suffered from post-partum depression with my daughter Emma. I thank God everyday I survived.

I always knew I wanted to be a mom, but never saw myself having children. That's why I had 2 unexpected pregnancies.

I made a pact with myself when Emma was about 1 week old to read to her everyday/night. Emma is now 31/2 and I have only missed 5-6 days. Pretty good I think!

I am TERRIFIED of storms and staying home by myself at night.

Hillbillies or Rednecks...

I just have to post this as a memory for my girls. They will think their mom and dad are such rednecks! When we built our current home we did not have any plans on staying here longer then 5 years, little lone have two children to share it with. Well, 7 years later and two unexpected pregnancies and here we are!!! Anyway, when we built this home my husband did not find it necessary to include a bath tub in our bathroom, so here we are a 3 1/2 year old and a 10 month old sharing a SINK. :) I know it sounds so silly but my girls love it, I know they will love their own bath tub even more. One day girls!!

A Trip To The Zoo

Last Saturday we had a wonderful time at the Mesker Park Zoo in Evansville. Lacy was babysitting for a family in Newburgh and asked us if we wanted to join her and the kids at the zoo, so we took her up on the offer. We had a really great time and I believe the adults liked it as much as the kids. I had never been to the Mesker Park Zoo, so it was a new experience for me as well as Emma and Josie. I hope to take the girls back again next year. Well, that is all for now. Emma is spending the night with her Aunt Lacy and Josie is sleeping, so I am going to try and pick up the house, paint a door and get started on my homework. :) I will leave you with some pictures from last weekend. Have a SUPER weekend!!

A Princess Bike With A "Honker" And "Castles"

What a crazy last couple of weeks. During the last two weeks Emma received a "big girl" bike, Josie got her first tooth, Scott has been training a dog, I (our team) won the mud volleyball tourney at Turkey Trot, and we lost a friend in a motorcycle accident. Did you catch all that??

Emma received her first bike after much anticipation on her part. One evening a few weeks ago she was riding her cousin Allison's "big girl" bike and impressed Scott and I with her riding skills. Emma has been doing a wonderful job of getting up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, that means no peeing the bed. We decided to reward her with her very own bike. As Emma and I were getting ready to go to Wal-Mart she looked at me and said, "I want a bike like Allison's with a "honker" (horn) and "castles" (tassels)." HILARIOUS!! Emma - you make me laugh hysterically everyday!

Josie has reached another milestone. She got her first tooth this week. I love her so much and she is growing up way to fast. I enjoy every minute I have with her because I know she will be grown up before I know it. Josie - I love you more than you will ever know. You are such a blessing to our family.

I ventured out of my box a few weeks ago and decided to give mud volleyball another shot. To my amazement, we WON! I have played with the same people off and on for 6-7 years. I haven't played for 3 years because I have been expanding the Knepp household. We had a really good time and I could definitly tell I was a few years older.

Lastly, as I posted recently we lost a friend in a motorcycle accident a little over a week ago. He was a great guy and he will be missed by all who knew him. This accident has made me step back and examine my life. I am really seeking Him and the plans he has for me.

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful weekend!!

A Week Full Of Highs And Lows

I am sorry I haven't posted in awhile, but the last 5-6 days have been an emotional roller coaster for me. As most of you know, Patrick Delaney died from injuries sustained in a motorcyle accident last week. He was a classmate of my sister Lacy and a friend of mine. My heart breaks for his family, friends, and girlfriend.
I promise I will post again soon, but every time I try to sit down and blog about my family my mind always goes to Patrick. I hope everyone has a safe week.

What Day Is It Anyway.....

Well, school is back in full swing and I am feeling the ramifications of being a wife, mom, and full time student. Tonight I am just going to post several pictures to help explain what we have been up to the last couple of weeks. I hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend!

Emma posing for a picture at Bass Pro in Clarksville, IN


Josie would rather eat than shop...devouring a strawberry smoothie


Emma posing with her favorite animal...a "moo cow" at Huber Winery


My little farmer


Daddy and the girls feeding a baby cow


"The Gang" at Patoka Lake on Labor Day


My little sun bather


To cute


Emma's first tubing experience


LOVING IT!!!


Making memories...isn't that what life's about

Blessed

Tonight I finally got one of those quiet evenings that all of us with children long for. Scott has a fishing tournement every Wednesday throughout the summer and both of my girls were in bed early. As I rocked Emma to sleep this evening she asked me to sing Jesus Loves Me to her. As I sang, I looked at her and looked out the window of my house and realized how much God has blessed me. The first thing that comes to mind is my family. God has blessed me with an amazing family, in-laws and all! :) God has also blessed me with some amazing friends. Besides my sister Lacy, whom most of you know I could not live without, I love sharing life with my friends Lacy Jeffers and Ashley Seal. I get to spend most of my week with them at school. We have shared many personal stories and gone through some life changing moments together. I will cherish these girls and our friendships long after school is over. I know that Lacy D. and Lacy J. check my blog often so I just want you both to know how much I thank God each day for you.

Off To See The Doctor

I have several pictures and things I want to post about last weekend, but I feel that it is important to post about our day today.

Emma has been battling stomach aches off and on for several months, but recently it has become an everyday occurance. Scott and I finally decided it was time to see a doctor and figure out the cause of her pain. Scott and I are always reluctant to take our kids to the doctor thinking he is just going to say it is the typical cold, cough, etc. Well, today was the day. First, I need to mention that Emma was aware of the fact that she was going to be asked to take a urine sample. So on the way to the doctors office she had to pee "REALLY BAD" (I am sure all of you moms have heard this before) but said she didn't want me to pull over because she wanted to pee in the cup! Next, they took 2 vials of blood and asked many questions trying to figure out the root of the problem. Emma started crying before the nurse even stuck her with the needle. She asked her daddy if he ever cried when the nurse took his blood and he told her no, but that it does hurt. She replied with "I cried because I am a little girl", quick thinking Emma! Last, they took an x-ray at the hospital. Emma did so well. She didn't wiggle at all while they were taking the x-ray. As I was getting ready to help her put her shorts back on and pick her up off the table she looked at me with those puppy dog eyes and said, "I love you mommy." Talk about a tear jerker. Anyway, out of the 2 hour ordeal Emma received a coloring book, crayons, and her favorite, 13 stickers. We will find out the results on Thursday, so please be praying for Emma.

Oh, How She Makes Me Laugh

Well, I conquered the first day of my last year of school. Things went really well today, especially with my girls. Emma jumped out of the car immediately and ran over to swing with the kids. According to Trena, Josie did very well too. (Even with the bottle!!!)
As we were coming inside to settle down for the evening I looked over and saw Emma in the recliner. She was reading a flyer with her sunglasses on. Emma then proceded to look at me and say, " Mom, the oreo cookies are 200 bucks. Isn't that alot of money?" She makes me laugh all the time with her little comments and remarks. Here is a picture of Emma reading the flyer and a picture of Josie just because I think she is sooo adorable! Have a GREAT week!

Our Last Little Trip

Today my family and I spent the day at Burdette Park. We had so much fun. I don't remember it being so nice...being that it has been so many years ago, since I was there last. First, we had a picnic. Emma loved it. It is sad to say, but I believe this is the first picnic she has been on. After the picnic we spent the rest of the day swimming. It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed every minute. I hated to see it come to an end.
Unfortunately, this will be our last little family trip until we head to Utah in October. I will be starting back to school on Monday to finish up my last year. I have mixed emotions. I am extremely excited about finishing school, but I am also very sad to be leaving my girls. Emma has always loved to be with other kids. Last night she wanted to have a "sleepover". We have had enough of those for a while. :) I know she is definatley ready to go back to Trena's and play with the other kids. Josie on the other hand, is a total MOMMY'S GIRL! Everyone always gives me a hard time, but I have to admit I LOVE IT!! I am afraid that because she is going to be spending the majority of the day away from me, she will no longer need me as much. I am really having a hard time with this. I have treasured every moment with Josie because I know how quickly they grow up. Please be thinking of my family and I this week as I start back to school.

The Knepp Family Invades Georgia!

Twenty-seven members of the Knepp family arrived in Georgia on Aug. 7th. We stayed in a cabin owned by Scott's Uncle Jack's neighbor. (Did you get that?:)) The cabin was beautiful and the view was breathtaking. I love getting together with the Knepp's. They are so much fun. Our long weekend consisted of talking, relaxing, playing cards and cornhole, swimming, skiing, wakeboarding, cliff diving, and of course, lots of good food. Scott and I often discuss how blessed we are. After spending the weekend together with his family, we truly know how much God has blessed us with such wonderful families. I hope you enjoy the pictures!!!

A Little Behind...

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. We just arrived home on Sunday from a wonderful vacation to Georgia with the Knepp family. I am hoping to get the pictures posted this evening if my two little girls are feeling better. Emma and Josie both have pretty nasty colds, so please say a little prayer for them. Thanks!

Cat Fight...

Yes, I finally witnessed my first cat fight between my two little girls. I wish I would have gotten it on video because it was hilarious. When Josie let out a scream, it scared me as much as it did Emma. The fight went a little something like this. The girls and I were sitting at the table eating lunch. While eating, I was trying to make a grocery list. I had given Josie a piece of paper to play with until Emma had finished her sandwhich. Well, Emma decided to take the piece of paper away from Josie and Josie let out a scream and had what I would call a "death grip" on the piece of paper. Josie and Emma ripped the piece of paper in half and Josie was letting Emma have it, in whatever language she speaks. She also grabbed Emma's hair and didn't just pull out a few strands, I believe it was enough to make a wig for someone. I pray that Emma learned her lesson because otherwise SHE WILL be the one in need of a wig after a few more of those fights. And what happened to my laid back, gentle, little 8 month old anyway? Don't worry, no one was seriously injured in the fight.

A picture in happier times!

Emma's Sleepover!

Yesterday Emma had a sleepover. She invited her cousins Bryce, Kaylynn, and Kendall. They all had a wonderful time playing in the sprinkler, painting each others toenails, and swimming. These four girls spend alot of time together in the summer because once school starts they don't see each other near as often as they would like. They play very well together considering the age difference. Sometimes tempers flare due to the fact that 3 of them are very stubborn. And yes, one of them is my daughter. Some people say she acts just like me, but I just can't imagine.
Anyway, here are some pictures for you to enjoy. By the way, my daughter DOES own a bathing suit, it just got left at Grandma's. :)

Life, Love and Laughter

Yesterday was spent in Louisville, KY celebrating my mom's 50th birthday. It was so nice getting to spend the day with her without any other distractions.(children) We got to spend alot of time talking and just enjoying each others company. Mom, I wanted to post this especially for you and tell you, as I often do, how much I love you and I am glad I have gotten the chance to spend another year with you. I LOVE YOU!

Isn't she beautiful!




Mom enjoying her pedicure

Goats, Goats, and more Goats

This post is dedicated to my step-dad Dale for all the hard work he puts into his (babies) goats. Today was the annual 4-H Fair Goat Show. This is the day that the Wilson's come together to size up their competition. As most women know all men have a hobby. Well, this is my dad's hobby. I know it sounds a little crazy, but we have all grown to like them. Some of us even call them by name. Emma looks forward to this day for many weeks because she gets to spend time with her cousins and looks foward to the day that she will be able to show grandpa's goats. If you have ever heard Emma talk about her grandparents you will hear her call them grandpa and grandma with the goats and grandpa and grandma with the moo cows. I know they are sooo proud. :) Anway, here are some pictures of my family and the girls showing off their ribbons. Overall, we were happy with the success of our goats.

Are you serious Emma?

Have you ever just had one of those moments where you ask your child what they were thinking? I do that often with my 3 year old Emma. As I continue to blog you will find that she is a one of a kind. Today both my girls stayed at the babysitters while I painted for Scott's aunt. My girls love their babysitter whole heartedly. As I put Emma into her car seat to go home she looked at me and said, "mommy I have to tell you something when you get in your seat." I thought OK, so I got in the drivers seat and she said, "mommy I pooped my panties today." My immediate reaction was YOU WHAT? I told her that I didn't believe her and that I was going to call Trena and ask her. Emma has been known to "tease" me before and she has never had an accident since she has been potty trained. Well...she did! She claims it just came out really fast while she was in the pool. How can you be mad if it just fell out before you even knew you had to go. :)

Getting Started...

Well, as you can see I haven't gotten very far. I hope to get my blog up and going very soon, so keep watching for the latest Knepp News. :)