Currently. {Vol. 6}

Enjoying:

All the packing!!! Seriously. I am loving it! The boys are, too!

Took all the boxes home from a friend who just moved!

Austin makes sure to pack the essentials! LOL

Loving: 

My amazing friends!!!

Last night, my awesome girls and I parties it up to celebrate this little girl of mine! We had so much fun!! I am pretty blessed to have them in my life! Love, y'all!

Planning:

Oh, the planning. The planning is tuning into something else, let me tell you!

A. 15 days until we move!
B. 34 days until Andrew starts kindergarten - aaah!!!!
C. 49 days until Aria is in my arms!! GASP!!

I mean...WOW!! There is SO much to get done.

For moving - I'm averaging about 5 boxes packed a day. The majority of our stuff is already over at the new house. I got the U-Haul reserved. Our address has been changed. Mail taken care of. Utilities stuff mostly done. I'm sure there is more...

For Kindergarten - I have Andrew partially registered. I just need the deed and all those things that prove we live where we will be living in the next 15 days!

For Aria - I know. You are wondering... I had my doc appointment today and we schedule the c-section!! YAY!!! She will be born (she better not come before...) on August 26th!!! YAY!!!! I have a few more things I need to get, but that will all happen very soon.

Feeling: 

EXCITING TIMES!!!!

Making: 

Lots of to do lists!

Listening:

A lot of explosions from imaginations!

Reading:

Parenting Nerd Alert! LOL

Amazon

A few of our friends use this and we started it a couple weeks ago. It seems to be working out. There's no more yelling (mostly) from me. So, I'm good with it.

Watching: 

Way too much TV. It is too hot outside for this mama. But, I live in the South and wouldn't trade that for anything!

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source

Next time you read another "currently" we should be at the new house!!!! YAY!!!! Stay cool, y'all!

How We Do It: Names

Aria Elizabeth

Ah!! It is still so very exciting!! A girl! We are going to have a daughter...a daughter! I told Jason he better set up her wedding fund soon! HA! 

Anyway, I am so so in love with her name... We actually had it picked out well before we knew that Austin was on the way. I guess even though I'm a boy mom, I always knew I would have a little girl. It is just so exciting!

So, back to her name. Wondering where in the world it came from and/or how we decided on it? Well, let me bring you back to my 8th grade Confirmation days... 

My name is Heather. We are Catholic. We love our saints and ask them many times to pray for us, just as we would as a friend to pray for us in time of need. Well, there is no Saint Heather....and, yeah, I'm not sure there will be, ya know? So, I had to choose a saint's name for Confirmation and, honestly, I cannot tell you who that amazing woman was... I'm sure my parents know. But, me...nope. Not a clue. Maybe Mary, but just because it is pretty common. Anyway, once Jason and I decided to have kids I was determined to have names for my children that were saint names for this very reason. 

Andrew - named for Saint Andrew the Apostle, a fisherman. What's funny is that my Andrew is ALL about that Animal Planet show, River Monsters. He wants to catch a catfish so bad... And, if you are wondering, Andrew means "manly." True. Have you ever watched an episode of Deadliest Catch?? I'd say fishermen are pretty manly!

Alexander (Alex) - named for Saint Alexander, the patron saint of philosophers. And, let me tell you ...my Alex. Every question he asks starts with, "Hey, ____. I was wondering..." Oh, dear. Another perfect pick, right? Alex's name means "defender of men." I can totally see that. He is always watching out for his brothers, even when it doesn't really seem like it. Also, he likes to argue...this little defender of men would make a great lawyer one day, should that be his calling.

Austin - This little guy's named took some effort and time and lots of thought. But, it is funny how it all worked out. I have always loved the name Augustus. And, yeah, here in the South...not sure how that one would fly. So, we searched and search and saw that Augustus was a version on Augustine, as in Saint Augustine. Again...not a name that would work out (or be pronounced correctly). But after reading more about St. Augustine, we found that Austin was yet another version of that name. So, yay!! Austin means "great, magnificent" and, well...I do think he is pretty great!

So, now we come to our daughter's name. 

Aria - named for Saint Aurea. I'm still learning about this saint and deciding on which one is best for our Aria. But, at least I know she isn't a Saint Nobody, right? As for the spelling...again, the South. I love it and will never leave it again, but let's be honest. Pronunciation isn't one our strong points. I could already hear the messed up ways "A-u-r-e-a" being said... Also, that spelling didn't have a meaning I really liked (version of Aurora...ugh. Sleeping Beauty is my least favorite princess...but that will be another post for another day). But, "A-r-i-a" means "golden; melody." Sounds better to me. Anyway, I'll learn more about her Saint soon. 

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First Family Portrait...as a family of 6. Whoa... Bet you can't guess which one is Mommy!

 

The Blue One or the Pink One?

NOTE: There is a video at the end of this post. Please click through if you cannot view it. Enjoy!!

For my friends of Heather Woyak Congrats!!!
Posted by Ashley Copeland Berkery on Thursday, April 16, 2015

Well, it is a GIRL!!! We are having a little girl at the end of the summer!!

More updates will be posted shortly! Stay tuned!

7 Quick Takes: Current Happenings

1. The Tiny One - Take 2

12 Weeks, 2 Days

So, this wee one of ours MUST be a girl. Only because this one is already causing drama. But, I could be wrong still. I won't know until either next appointment or the one after (I haven't decided yet).

I go into my what was supposed to be regular 10 minute prenatal check-up. And, suddenly it turns into an hour. Little Bit didn't want anyone hearing his or her heartbeat. Nice. Mommy appreciates that... Let me back up a tad. I'm slightly worried (every pregnancy) that something bad will happen. This one more than the others. I know... Lame. And, I will be 14 weeks tomorrow - still not one bit of movement felt (though...we have been extremely busy so I could have missed it).

Anyway, Dr. F. has a shadowing doctor right now and she had an issue with finding the heartbeat. But, it was fine... Dr. F. will find it. Only, he came in and 20 minutes later he STILL couldn't find it. UGH!

They both left and got the ultrasound tech to take me next. Seriously?! But, it was interesting how I felt all of a sudden... I knew that it was going to be fine. And, whatever the outcome...it would still be fine. With everything that has happened lately, I was honestly ok. I just said a quick prayer and waited until my U/S.

Thankfully, Little Bit is perfectly healthy and (even though I can't feel anything yet) was rolling around like crazy in there! So, all is well and we should know very soon which "A" name will be announced! YAY!!

2. Baby Bump Photo Yet??

Sorry! I don't have much of a bump just yet. But, someone did say that I was starting to look pregnant! So maybe next week you can have a pic. Maybe.

3. Train 'Em Young!

 
Austin's new favorite thing to do is push the laundry basket around the house. As long as he has Baby Fox helping and gets to keep the basket when he is done, he loves helping Mommy!

4. A New Cousin is Coming Soon!!

 
Those two boys... They crack me up! So we walk into Belk the other day to just get out and put and end to cabin fever. And, of course, they say, "Oooooohhhh....not a mommy store!!!! Where is the Lego store!?" As soon as I explain that Silly Mommy just wants to find something extra to put into Aunt Kate and Uncle Justin's box (I swear...I will send it out tomorrow, guys!!), they were ALL OVER THAT. They each were grabbing this outfit and that outfit. Asking what number we should get. In the photo, Alex (front) is trying to figure out where the pants are to those onesies. Andrew is trying to figure out why that girly outfit is blue when it should be pink in his head. All the questions and comments about items for Baby Keira were so funny!

Note: Just so Kate and Just know...those are NOT the items I chose. There is no pink only because I'm assuming that you have way too much of it from the baby shower (saw that happen at another shower I went to). Also, I realized that girl clothes are overwhelming. So, if this is a boy again... I will be TOTALLY fine with that!! Haha!

5. Snow Actually Happened. 

After an ENTIRE day of waiting and waiting for the mysterious snow storm to come, the snow finally decided to fall. At bedtime. Stupid snow. Anyway, the boys were SO happy when they woke the next morning and gobbled up their breakfast as fast as anything, Austin included, to get their gear on and go out in the slushy mess. Can you tell I'm not a big fan of that white stuff?

6. Snow Explorers

Really. That's what Andrew decided their name should be where there is snow. Austin walks in the snow like a champ, by the way. Alex and Andrew's first times in the snow...they looked like little cats with tape on their paws. This guy? He was born for walks in the snow... Hope he knows down the road that the South is the only place one should live though. I can't do the North. I just wont survive. Like, for real. Still not sure how I survived our Minnesota trip! ;)

7. The Great Thaw

Around these parts, if the boys have been playing outside and it is under...maybe 50 degrees? They request hot chocolate to be ready where they are almost done playing outside. Lately they have been requesting hot chocolate in a "real mug" and are just so excited when I deliver. I may have to let them pick out their own special mugs once we can move to the new house!

Good times once again!

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Big Cats, News, and Cool Backstory to a Favorite Song

Zoo day!! It was one of the warmer days of the week, so we had to GET. OUT. OF. THE. HOUSE. 

 

Alex AKA African Story Teller

 

ROAR!!! For real. This guy and his buddies were sounding off most of the afternoon. Cool.

This guy wasn't planning on making any sounds. But, wow! He is SO gorgeous!

 

Not mad or anything. Just serious. Very serious about being the kings of the rocks. And also the leaders of the secret path.

 

Another favorite animal. Callee was getting his check-up and training taken care of today.

What do you see, monkey?

Oh! Another monkey!!

Beautiful day. Can't wait for another one. We need the warm weather to return. This is just ridiculous! We live in the South, for crying out loud! We should be enjoying sweet tea and swatting at mosquitoes (ok, them not so much...).

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BABY NEWS: 11.5 weeks and I just started to show (to the point of  "Oh, you're pregnant!" Not, "Oh...watch those mochas..."

HOUSE NEWS: We have some interested people! YAY! Also, we are hosting our Open House this weekend. Wish us luck and send us prayers! We need to MOVE!! 

ETC NEWS: I just realized I now have 6 MONTHS until I have not just a newborn baby, but also - gasp! - a KINDERGARTNER!!! Whoa... 

RANDOM NEWS: Have y'all seen this?? This just may be this new baby's song <3 If you are a parent or will be one soon, I really recommend you hear this. I loved this song and was too young to "get it" but was one of the many who actually didn't "get it" like he said. Such a cool and very sweet story! 

Article HERE - a good read!

(Note - can't see the video? Click here!!)

Hello? Anyone there?

Wow. Almost 2 weeks since an update? What is going on here?!

Oh, yeah! House stuff. Baby stuff. Moving stuff. If I could insert a squeal somewhere, I would. But, this will do for now:

source

So, yes! We are almost done with the to do list for this house!! In fact, in fact today is the last day for all the touch-up painting, last-minute fixes, and such. Tomorrow is all about staging this place. And, Wednesday? Time to get those photos taken!! By the end of the week, we should have our MLS number and be up for grabs.

This is where I'm going to ask for some more prayers. While we have found the perfect home (I promise to tell more on this when I can - which I can't wait!), we need to find someone to buy this one. Just pray that the right person/family will come at the right time and everything continues to fall into place as it has been. Thanks!!

Now that is all taken care of, how about some pictures! I'm sure the grandparents are about to call me wondering where those grandbabies are!!

How about we start with the youngest? Here's Baby's first picture! This was take at 8 weeks. I'm 10 weeks and 2 days right now. Due date is exactly where I said - August 29th. Of course, since we all know I'm the c-section girl, Baby will born sometime that last week of August. And, yes. Those arrows in the photo are crazy... Those arrows are pointing to his/her head (left) and the arm buds (middle) and leg buds (right). There is ONE baby in there. One. Just one.

We went to the zoo later that same day. Andrew and Alex wanted to make sure I shared the pelican photo. These birds aren't usually out when we get there, so they were pretty excited!

Can't go to the zoo without a train ride!

Chasing Mr. Rooster...

This otter may be Austin's favorite animal of the day. I mean, how cool! 

Back home to start the long list of to dos (we started for real work about 2 weeks ago - today is the last day!!)...

Watching the mockingbird after breakfast

Now, I'm sure you want to see some of what we have been doing, right? If you are following us on Instagram, you may have already seen these.

Cleaned all appliances inside and out. CHECK! Ew. Not fun. But, hello? That oven looks pretty close to brand new.

Power washed driveway, sidewalk, entryway, siding, and back patio.  CHECK! And, um...I didn't realize that our back patio slab was WHITE under all that nasty... WOW!

The boys are pretty impressed with the sprayer!

And, now... I have to share this. I still wonder if I'm going to wake up and this is all some wild dream. I hope not...

Last week was one of the highlights of my life. I have watched thousands of these "house shows" on HGTV since...forever. And, I have watched Tarek and Christina go into these magical warehouses time and time again. But, never did I think that I would actually get to go to this place and pick our my own granite!!!!!!! (maybe the happy squeal should have gone here...?) Yes. Oh, yes I did! Santa Cecilia from Brazil, you shall be mine!!! I am so excited!! You probably can't tell though.

Really?! Like, really?! When Jason told me that I would get to go do this, it was like a kid finding out that they were headed to Disney. Seriously.

Man, that was a great day. I can't wait to cook in my new kitchen...

Last one, then I'm out to get some more things done.

While Jason was cleaning out the garage, look what he found:

From Instagram: In closing this chapter of our lives to begin a new one, our sold signs were found from when we bought this house. This was a good house for these newlyweds 7.5 years ago. But with baby #4 on the way, these walls filled with memories are closing in on us! 

We are definitely ready to start this new chapter!! Let's go!!

7 Quick Takes {New Year = New Books & a Surpise}

1. 

Chasing Francis: A Pilgrim's Tale by Ian Morgan Cron

 
I must say this book was fabulous - for many reasons. This books was great! I loved reading more about St. Francis through a non-Catholic's eyes. Living in the South, it is HARD to be Catholic. There are so many around us that give the eye-roll, the cold shoulder, and more... It is really sad, honestly. I mean, Jesus said no judging, but whatever... This book was great. It tells the story of a mega church pastor who is falling apart in his faith and tries hard to get back on track. He learns about St. Francis through his Franciscan monk uncle in Italy. Yes, you read the way he thinks, "Ugh, what is up with all the bells and rituals?" We do have a lot of that. But, we have our reasons. Anyway, if you ever want to get a glimpse of the Catholic faith or want to read bits and pieces about St. Francis, read this one.

2. 

A Mother's Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot

This book was recommended by Olivia, from To The Heights, and I'm glad I read this before the new year started! This is fantastic! I needed some order around here and being the planner person, this was perfect. This is basically taking the Rule of Life used by religious orders (priests, nuns, etc) and fitting into the life of a mother. Mothers need prayer like we need coffee! Fitting it into the day though when there area MILLION other things to do can be difficult. But thanks to this Holly's book, I now have order in the house (most days). Our days are scheduled from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. Sounds crazy, I know. But, guess what? I found that I actually have more time than I knew I had. I not only have a clean house, but I actually have time to play with the boys. They are happy and I am happy. And that means Jason's happy because we are all smiling people when he comes home (again...most days).

3. 

Living Well, Spending Less by Ruth Soukup

Loving this one, too! It's probably safe to say that all these books are going to be awesome. I've been a follower of Ruth's blog for a while now. The stuff she writes is great and hits you where you need it. This book I'm currently reading/working through. I'll let you know how the rest of it turns out and my plan of Living Well and Spending Less, too!

4. 

The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman

This is another current read. Actually, it is the one we are reading for my book club the next couple months. I tried to read this last year, or maybe the year before that, but was warned in the beginning of the book that you really need to have older kids to fully know their love language. Since Andrew is about 5 1/2, I figured I'd give it a go. We are also reading/working with The Five Languages (adults), too. Good stuff.

5. 

The Waste Lands (Dark Tower #3) by Stephen King

I know. I just gave you whiplash with that title. Oh, and I lied when I said all these books are awesome. I love my husband and I promised I would read these with him. So there. The first Dark Tower book...I still do not know how Stephen King was allowed to continue with this series. Dark Tower 2 was kind of boring. This one, I'm still not sure. I'm only on, like, page 87 (they just got to the portal, if you have read these books). And, it's ok... But, we will see. How many of these books are there?! But, again, I love my husband and he reads the book that I pick out for us. it is only fair, right? <3

6. 

A Catholic Mother's Companion to Pregnancy by Sarah Reinhard

It's funny. When I got this book, I was in the 3rd trimester with Austin. Now, I'm in the 1st trimester!

7. 

WAIT.....WHAT?!?!?!?

Christmas present from Jason <3

Yep. We found out the Saturday before Christmas that Baby Woyak #4 is due in August!! Holy moly. 4 Kids. Jason said he feels like Jim Gaffigan - LOL!!! (you may need to click through the see the video below)

Well, that's all for now! I'll keep y'all posted on this Baby and everything else crazy that's going on!

Happy Friday!!

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Austin is Almsot Here!! {And, some Halloween pictures!!}

Hey everyone! It's almost time for Austin's arrival!! We are down to...

1 day 14 hours and 17 minutes!!

Not that I am counting down or anything...

Anyway, we will be taking a short break from posting on the blog while we get used to life with 3 little guys in the house. In the meantime, make sure that you are following us via Facebook or Instagram to catch up on the updates/pictures of Baby Austin :)

I did want to share a few pictures from our Halloween festivities though! Check it out!!

There were TWO Halloween parties to attend. And, both were super cute and super fun!

 Party #1: Alex's Class! His teacher is dressed up like Martha Stewart. Too funny - love her :) Alex was pretty excited that 2 other kids in his class were dressed up like Batman - well, one was Batgirl. And, Alex cracks me up. He told me that "her loves me" Oh. My. 

 Party #2: Andrew's Class! His class put on a little show for us. They sang Halloween songs and showed off their costumes. It was adorable. And, a million thanks again to the mommies that has pictures for me to share. My stupid phone decided to die as soon as it started. So lame...

After the parties were over, I took the boys over to the Galleria to get their super cool (and FREE for dressing up) Halloween mini figure from the Lego store.While we were there, I noticed a few moms and their kids dressed up, too - but with trick or treat buckets... Interesting. I found out that a ton of stores were handing out candy. Fun! And, why not? We weren't sure if trick or treating was going to happen because of the weather...stinky rain stay away! So, we went to the car, grabbed their buckets, and got some candy. Of course, they were pooped from the day's events, so after about 20 minutes we headed home and I saw this as I was about to get them out of the car... So sweet! I let them stay in there, too. We are about 30 minutes away from the mall and they slept for about 30-40 minutes in the garage. Good thing! 

 Taking a costume break and checking out their candies from their class parties AND  the mall (the left and middle pictures)

Our sweet neighbors dropped off some treat bags with MORE goodies (top right)

The freebie Lego Monster mini figure (bottom right)

The rain is holding off and it is time to go trick or treating!!!

The boys had so much fun!! I am glad that Austin decided to stay put a bit longer so we could get our Halloween fun done. But, we are definitely ready for him to come on out of Mama!! 

Next time you visit our blog, you will get to "meet" Austin!!

YAY!!

Week in My Life: Sunday

I must admit...after yesterday's extravaganza I didn't do a thing.

I am soooo happy to have Jason back home. He takes much better care of me than I do. He took the boys to Mass this morning and I had the house to myself. I technically only did one thing...right after they left, I started a load of dishes. But, then I went straight back to bed and slept until about almost noon. It was so nice.

I finally got up and got everyone a late lunch. And, apparently, the little ones were cranky about yesterday's extravaganza so they skipped out on lunch and went down for naps. Well, actually Andrew is the one who got into bed for a nap. Alex was still in his car seat sleeping soundly. Don't worry. We left the door open so we could hear when he decided to wake up. he is such a cutie.

After naps, lots of smiles and some playing around, I got dinner reheated and everyone fed. It was really one of those wonderfully relaxing days - thankfully. We really don't need any more unplanned trips to labor and delivery...ugh.

The boys got to watch the Packers kickoff and then it was time for bed. And, once they were in bed and quickly asleep (I supposed labor and delivery wears them out, too!), I got out a yummy treat that kept calling my name from the checkout line at Aldi:

Oh, yes. A cheesecake sampler. Yes, please. And it is very, very good! Jason was teasing me for grabbing this, but he ended up loving it just as much. Besides, I can't have this after November 6. So, there. It is mine for now. Haha!

I had to share this pic, too. This is Max. He is almost 13 now (we think, anyway...). My sweet little mini-schnauzer is going blind and has more than a few ear infections, but he's my little snuggler after the mini humans are in bed. Love him!

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Well, what a week this has been. Thanks to Adventuroo for hosting this event! Really, it could not have been a better week to document. Well, ok, Austin could have been born and that would have been fun to share. But, he has 9 more days...or does he??

**Linking up with Adventuroo: Week in My Life 2013**