Let's Catch Up!

Wow!  What a whirl wind of two weeks!

Since I last posted....tons has happened!

Lent continues and so does our lenten fast of processed foods.  We have seen lots of positive changes to make us never look back.  Zach has lost close to 15lbs.....while I creep towards 5lbs.  MEN!  Zoe's little belly (that the Dr was worried about at her 3yr checkup) is pretty much gone.  Evan....is still Evan.  He eats like a monster but now I don't feel so bad feeding him anytime he asks because he is eating healthy fruits and veggies!

Some new things we have tried are kale chips (fabulous!), non-processed brownies (poor Zach has had a hard time with his sweet tooth!) with homemade whipped cream, hamburger steaks with caramelized onions (it is amazing the difference in good meat!), meatballs with carrots and onions for our non-processed spaghetti night and zuchinni bread.  Lots of yummies!

We have also had the stomach bug come roaring through our home.  Everyone was infected except for me.  I love how God protects the mother so she can take care of everyone else.  We were sick for about 3 days...each person sick for a day.  Not fun and I am glad it passed quickly.  

In the learning department...Zoe has been picking up on so, so much.  We have strayed from our Letter curriculum to work on specific skills.  Zoe has been loving to write and draw and can not get enough of reading.  Every book she wants you to read and then she reads it back to you.  It is amazing!  She can write every letter, some better than others, and we are working on words that begin with each letter she writes.  We have also been focusing on counting!  Zoe can count from 1-20!  We have also been practicing writing her numbers with some success.

We have also been working on Zoe's computer skills and she has been loving all the games on PBS kids website!

Last week, we headed down to Alabama to meet my new niece, Timber, and to be present for my sister, Chrysti, birth of their 5th!

Before heading to Berry, we stopped in for a playdate with The Hollyhand's!  The girls and Evan had so much fun and played so well together.  Lots of princesses, kitchens, dressup and heels!  While at visiting....THE POPE WAS ELECTED!  

What an amazing moment in history!  My PopeAlarm went off on my phone and I was just gitty with excitement.  Crystal was so sweet to turn on FoxNews for me!  Pope Francis!  What an unbelievable blessing from God!  Such a humble servant of our Lord and now the one who will lead The Church.  Glory to God!  If only all leaders in our world could be chosen through intense prayer and out of humility!

After playing, we headed to Berry to meet Timber!  Such a little doll!

And early Thursday morning, I got the call that my sister's water had broken!  Huntsville, here I come! 

To say that my sister had the most amazing birth experience is an understatement!  The morning went perfectly!  Chrysti and Joe decided to have a homebirth....my sister's dream!  I am so grateful that she allowed me to be a part of the day.  I will never forget it!  Birth is such an amazing thing and being able to witness my nephew being born was just one of those things I will always remember!

 Unbelievable love and joy...and many, many tears!

 Welcome, sweet William Joshua!

 Very proud big sisters!

Meanwhile, my kiddos were having an absolute blast in Berry with Aunt Holly, Uncle Jared, Grandma and Grandaddy!

 And we are caught up!