And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I'll proudly stand next to him to defend her still today, 'cuz there ain't no doubt I love this land, god bless the USA. -Lee Greenwood

I hope we all take time today to remember those who have died fighting to preserve our freedoms. Teach your children that Memorial Day isn't just about picnics and retail sales. Thank you to those who serve, have served, and the families that have lost loved ones. Thank you for your sacrafice!!

Yesterday we took the kids to see SHREK, FOREVER AFTER. I had read some reviews that is wasn't that good... well, Chris and I thought it was awesome! It was really funny, we laughed out loud several times at some adult humor and the kids enjoyed it too. After the movie we went to my LEAST favorite place on earth.... chuck-e- cheese...... ahhhhhh! Sophia was invited to a birthday party so she and I did the party thing while Chris took the other two kids around to play games and survive the madness.  The kids, however, LOVE LOVE LOVE chuck-e-cheese. I have included pictures of them taken on some chuck-e-cheese picture taker.
After that we came home, made tacos and put the kids in bed! Chris has today off, but is back to work tomorrow on Memorial Day. I think we will take today easy since we packed so much excitement into yesterday I need to recover. 
  The first thing I need to do is get on the treadmill and run 6 miles. I am so stiff and nauseated, running is the only thing that helps me to feel normal. 

These past two days of summer have gone well. I am especially liking working with the kids on school work- and they like it too. We all sit together at the dining room table and each child works on their own thing.  Vangie has been working on writing the number "1" and letter "A"- also how to use scissors correctly and cutting out different shapes like a circle, square and rhombus (which in case you are like me and had NO idea what a rhombus was... it's a diamond.)  It's easy for me to know what to teach Vangie because I know what  kindergarten is all about now.  (on a funny note, I had no idea how to spell scissors while typing this out and Joey had to tell me....)

Sophia is working on writing sentences, subtraction and addition, easy story problems,  reading books to me,  spelling words correctly and we will move on to telling time and counting money later this week. Again, I know exactly what Joey had to do in 1st grade so it makes it easy for me to prepare her.

Joey is working on graphing and patterns, more advanced money counting, adding and subtracting large numbers,working with fractions, spelling ( in order to find a word list hard enough I had to use a 3rd grade list), writing paragraphs and reading.

I also have several educational computer games for them to work on over the summer. 

Yesterday was an oddly rainy day here- it was POURING out for a while, which has only happened twice since we have lived here. There was a whole gaggle of neighbor kids playing in our garage and I peeked out to check on them to see Joey and a neighbor boy attempting to boogie board down the street.  Very imaginative.

Chris got home from an intense 48 hour work day yesterday afternoon. We went out to eat for dinner- Chris was exhausted and acting strangely.  He pretty much just sat there , picking at his food and stared at us all.  I am thinking not sleeping more than 3 hours the night before  and never more than 5 hours night had something to do with his behavior. And he was mad the Magic didn't win.

We then drove to Pier 1- (which was 4 miles away but due to the awesome Hawaii traffic took us AN HOUR!)... There was a mirror and bookshelf I wanted for the house and I was super excited because not only did I have a 20% off coupon, I also had a $40.00 off coupon. However, neither the bookshelf OR mirror were in stock. And this being Hawaii there is only ONE Pier 1... and the boat that is going to deliver the next shipment will arrive...... well, no one knows for sure, three to six weeks and if I leave my number they will call me. sigh.

Chris has both today and tomorrow off. The day is starting out nice and sunny.... perhaps a trip to the beach is in our future.

Today is the first day of summer vacation. There are 67 days until school resumes on Aug 2nd. And then I will have a 1st and 2nd grader! What?!? If you didn't know I am big on "countdowns" lately. I am attributing this to my life being overtaken by a small person who lives inside me, therefore taking all control I once had over my own life.  Seeing how much time is left until something makes me feel like there is a light at the end of the tunnel-- Where I will once again feel good, have energy and be 30 lbs lighter.   100 days until baby Lucy is due-- I am breaking that big number up in my mind by saying to myself "3 weeks until we fly to Michigan" (80 days until the baby) then "three weeks in Michigan"  (60 days until the baby) and then "three weeks after we get back and school starts" (30 days until the baby). These little mind tricks are part of what is keeping me sane right now, because even though this baby was planned and wanted more than anything... being pregnant sucks.

Now for more cheerful news- I have posted a picture of the beautiful Sophia on the right in her graduation gear- doesn't she look BIG? only 12 years until she graduates high school! (don't worry, I won't start that countdown...yet). Joey also graduated 1st grade but they don't make a big deal out of that here like they do kindergarten. The kids brought BACKPACKS of crap home from their desks that we will be sorting through today. And in case you didn't know this about me, I am NOT a saver. I HATE clutter and other crap that will just sit in boxes collecting dust for years. I keep the kids report cards, any awards they receive and the card/letters they make for me. Everything else?? Yes, it goes in the trash. Call me heartless, I call it cleanliness.   And since today is the first day of Summer Vaca, I have erected a new daily schedule (also big on schedules, here... maybe Chris's OCD is rubbing off on me?) And our days will go something like this:

730-830- Mommys workout. (makes for a much happier mommy)
830- kids breakfast, while Mommy gets ready for the day
9-1030- Schooling with the kids- (got to get them ready for next year!)
11- LUNCH (my favorite subject)
12-2- Naps! Naps! Naps!
230-5pm- Playtime- pool, playground, whatever.
530- dinner
7pm- baths
9pm- bed (they get to stay up later in the summer!)

and now I need to get my workout clothes on because I am already behind my own schedule, whoops.

I know it has been a while since I posted- but in all fairness I have been really busy! (when is a mother of 3,75 children ever NOT busy?!?)  First our mainland visitors flew back to Florida on Monday morning- Goodbye Aunt Sherry, Uncle Brian, Beverly, Larry and baby cousin Abby! It was so great to see them all- We love you guys and miss you already! We were able to take them all (minus Uncle Brian and cousin Abby) on a hike on Saturday to a waterfall! I cannot remember the name of the hike, but it is beautiful and most importantly- NOT very populated! We had the whole waterfall to ourselves. The hike itself was pretty steep in some spots ( I think I forgot HOW Steep) but our mainland visitors handled it with no problems!
After our great hike the kids and I were excited to be able to babysit Baby Abby!! Chris took Brian, Sherry, Beverly and Larry to tour a submarine so the kids and I got to hold, feed and play with Abby.  The kids loved holding her, and wanted to help me do everything- I hope they are as helpful when baby Lucy arrives.  After the babysitting and submarine touring we introduced them to Hawaii's best pizza- Boston's Pizza- !  I am so glad we got to spend time with them.

Yesterday I had the sudden urge to re-arrange furniture. I think it is just a woman thing, but I was overwhelmed with the NEED to improve my living space. Suddenly I just could NOT live with things like they were anymore!!! It all started with Chris hanging up a dry erase board for me- I did not like how it looked in this particular spot. So that led to a trip to Target where I saw a new display of TV stands and bookshelves- for cheap!! So after deliberating 10 min Vangie and I loaded up our cart.  At home I moved the desk and desk furniture to the dinning room-- which will help me facilitate homeschooling the kids this summer to get them ahead for next year. Then I assembled the TV stand and rearranged the couch and chair in the DEN (which used to be the office) . For all of you wondering how a woman 6 months pregnant could do such heavy lifting--- 1) Yes, I am sure I was lifting more than "they" say you should. BUT, I used the dolly for everything- that dolly ROCKS!
The only thing I was not able to move myself was the amour that used to hold all the kids school and craft supplies that was in the dining room up the stairs and into baby Lucy's room (which will hold all of her clothes) I waited for Chris to get home and he was SO EXCITED to move it for me. ;)

Today at 8:45 Sophia has her Kindergarten Graduation! It's the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! Yippee!

Last night we had a birthday dinner/ celebration for Chris. Let me start off by saying I am officially a domestic goddess. I made Ribs, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and green beans for dinner; followed by a magnificent chocolate cheesecake that Sherry told me was better than the cheese cake factory! 

After dinner Chris opened his presents. He got new board shorts and flipflips and  T-shirt from our Mainland visitors. The kids made him some really great cards- I have
attached Sophia's card to the right- Kids are so honest, this card pretty much sums up our life right now. It reads... "I love you dad Schmitt. I hope you have a great time at work." How funny is  that?!?

I got Chris a couple books on submarines that he wanted and then I got thinking about WHAT I could get him for his birthday.... what do you get someone who has everything? Well, I found something...... Chris couldn't guess, he had no idea.....  I found "Steve" at the swap meet... he is a baby WHALE SHARK. Chris was indeed very surprised. Steve now  resides on our bookshelf. I just hope he doesn't break open, because that would be very, very smelly.

The kids had a great time with Uncle Brian and Aunt Sherry. Joey played Wii Golf with Uncle Brian (they tied) and Vangie and Sophia combed Aunt Sherry's long hair. It was a good night.

Today we are going Hiking!! It has been a while so we are all excited to go- the hike we are doing is a remote one to a waterfall-- no hoards of tourists to battle today.

It's 8am and I am already breaking a sweat. Am I working out? No, not yet-  I have been making a chocolate cheesecake for Chris's birthday dinner tonight. It has been a while since I have been overly domestic in the kitchen.  I got a really great recipe off the Internet and it was *gasp* an intermediate cheesecake recipe- as in WAY harder than a beginner recipe. Actually it wasn't that bad- I had a minor snafu that involved melting some semisweet chocolate- I thought, sweet! I can just melt chocolate chips- not so fast! Did you know that chocolate chips have a hardening agent added to them to help them keep there shape??? After two failed batches I looked in my cupboard and thankfully had some real  baking semisweet chocolate, whew!  So now the cake is in the oven and I will be making RIBS later this afternoon. Our mainland visitors are coming over for dinner tonight to help us celebrate.  

Vangie must be going through a growth spurt- it is after 8 and she is STILL sleeping up on her top bunk. Usually she gets up with Joey and Sophia at 6:15--  I don't know HOW much longer her little willowy legs can get...  When she wakes up I am throwing her in the jog stroller and we are going to hit the road and get our run in before it gets too hot. Last week I ended up with 45 miles in my 24th week of pregnancy. I am still feeling pretty good physically - or as good as one can feel with 17extra pounds strapped to their midsection!  Today we are aiming for between 7-9 miles. Hopefully there will be enough bathrooms along the route to avoid a catastrophe. With baby Lucy laying on my bladder I need to make frequent stops. Usually I run on the treadmill, but today I am feeling the need for some fresh air- plus it is a bit overcast and not too hot at the moment. Once the kids get out of school (next Wednesday!) I will be on the treadmill everyday unless Chris is off of work.... so basically on the treadmill everyday!

And also a funny story- a few months ago a dropped a very heavy bookcase on my big toe. It was excruciating. Well, the other day my toenail started to fall off- last night I was sitting on the couch trying to peel it off as gently as I could and since it is still partially hooked onto my toe- with as little pain as possible. Sophia walks by as sees my toe "Mommy!" she says almost gleefully "WHAT happened to your TOE??" She was clasping her hands in excitement as she bent down to look at my bloody, partially toenail-less toe. "My toenail is coming off" I told her "OHHHHHHHHhhh... she breathed in excitement. "That is so GROSS!"  You see, Sophia LOVES blood and gore. (not on herself, that would cause a meltdown, but on others its exciting...) I seriously think she will either be a surgeon or a mortician when she grows up.

On Sunday Chris and I were able to take the kids to the Hale Koa hotel pool so they could go swimming- they had SO MUCH FUN! Especially since Chris was there- they love swimming with their daddy. The kids also loved seeing baby Abby- who went into the pool for the first time- see the pictures on the Right.

Monday night Chris and I had a "Hail and Farewell" to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new Weapons Officer- (bye Jennifer and Greg, we will miss you guys, have fun in Italy!) I found a babysitter on the website sittercity.com- to watch the kids so we could go out-  her name is Heather and she is 24, a really nice woman. The kids really liked her- and I felt so great because when Chris and I got back from our event she told me that the kids are SO WELL BEHAVED. And of course I think they are, but it is always great to hear someone else reaffirm your beliefs. She said she was playing the Wii with Joey and Sophia, and Vangie wanted to watch Hanna Montana. Instead of Joey saying "No" or fighting with Vangie he said "Okay, Vangie, after this game we will." That is my Joey, usually he is such a good problem solver.

Chris will be working a ton these next few days- tonight he said he'll be home around 8pm, tomorrow the same and thursday (His birthday!)  he has duty which means I will see him Friday afternoon. We are having our Mainland Visitors over for dinner and to celebrate Chris's birthday on Friday.   Also:  I have added a video of Joey swimming on the Video page. - Go check it out!

Yesterday was a busy and exciting day.  At 4:30pm we picked up Chris's sister Sherry, her husband Brian, their 7 month old baby Abby and Brian's Mom Beverly and Dad, Larry from the Airport! We helped them get their rental car and then we all went out to eat. Then we took them to the Navy Hale Koa Hotel, got them checked in and helped them take their suitcases to their rooms. Their rooms are on the 11th floor with views of the ocean!  They were all pretty tired (ok, exhausted) after their long travel day all the way here from Florida.  Later today the kids and I will head over to the hotel to go swimming in the pool. The kids were so excited to see their baby cousin, Abby- they loved touching her tiny feet and making her laugh.  It makes me very excited that we are going to be having a new little baby in September- I know they will be such big helpers with Lucy Rose.

My Sister-in-law Krysti and brother Vachel welcomed their 3rd son into the world early this morning at 7:26am eastern time.  (or 1:26am Hawaiian time) His name is Shane Robert and we weighed 7lbs 7oz-  sooooo tiny!!!! And was 20in long.  I called krysti to get all the nitty gritty details but her phone was going to die and she sounded like she hadn't slept all night (and I am guessing that she hasn't!) So she will call me back later and then I will be able to do the full interview, so check back later!   CONGRATULATIONS Vachel and Krysti!!!!  

In other news, today is Furlough Friday so the kids are home from school. Since it has been getting pretty warm we are going to the BEACH to have some fun in the sun. 

My Dad got the staples out of his back yesterday and is doing well recovering from his back surgery.  

Yesterday Vangie and I went to Target. Since school is almost out for the year I needed to stock up on craft supplies for the kids to keep them busy this summer.  I bought colored paper, glitter glue, small staplers (so the kids can make there own books) , tape, glue, paint..... The kids were SO excited to see it all when they got home from school yesterday. They can occupy themselves for hours with a few craft supplies- and it is so good for their imagination.

I think we will be spending a lot of time at the beach and pool this summer- it is starting to get HOT out. I am already hotter than usual being almost 6 months pregnant.  Nothing sounds better than floating in the ocean with a cold drink.... this afternoon we are going to the pool, and tomorrow will definitely be a beach day!  The kids are already turning into little brown Hawaiians- and there hair is getting blonder. 

Last night after bath time Evangeline came down the stairs looking a little... different.... I thought to myself Is she wearing MASCARA??  I  asked her WHAT she had on her eyes and she started crying because she obviously had done something she knew she should not have. I walked her upstairs and made he show me what she had been into.  This is what my 3 year old did....

She walked into my bathroom, opened the cupboard. Got out my make up case. Opened the makeup case (and it was latched) dug through my make up to find my NEW Christian Dior Mascara (that I got for mothers day!!!) opened the mascara and applied it to her EYELASHES!!! Thank God she didn't get into my eyeshadow. I thought the whole thing was pretty funny and as I was wiping her eyes with make-up remover I told her NEVER to get into Mommy's make up again! (Which I tell her all the time, so I give her about 2 weeks before she is in there again.)

I started having hip pain on Saturday. This is nothing new, it first started happening after Sophia was born and I started running a lot. You see, pregnant women produce a hormone called "relaxin" that does just that- it relaxes your ligaments and joints so you can give birth easier. Thats great for having a baby, but not if your a runner, because then things get out of line.  My Pelvis tilts back and causes pain in my hip- which, left untreated will eventually get so painful I will be almost unable to walk. -- That happened to me after Sophia was born- I didn't know what was wrong and had never been to a chiropractor so by the time it occurred to me to GO, I was in agony. Now I know what to look for, and the minute I start to feel that familiar hip pain I head in and have my pelvis re-aligned.

While I was there I mentioned to the Chiropractor how I have been having vertigo. Ah, yes the fun never stops, does it? Ever since after Evangeline was born I will have episodes where my vertigo will be really bad whenever I lay down or get up from a laying position the room will spin and I will just need to sit there for a while until it stops. He told me that vertigo is caused by the vertebrae in your neck being out of line-- and sure enough the exact spot that he said caused vertigo on me was tender and I had limited range of motion in my neck.... He cracked my neck like it has never been cracked before! I had an IMMEDIATE sense of relief and more range of motion. My vertigo has improved already!!! I love the chiropractor, you should go, you'll feel better!   I felt so much better I came home and ran 9 miles on the treadmill while Vangie took her nap.

I have added a new video on the VIDEOS page of the kids at the pool----

Today is Field Day at the Schmitt house. Which means, for the past 7 hours I have been cleaning. Organizing. De-cluttering. Scrubbing. Mopping. Dusting. Washing, Drying, Folding.  I cleaned the fridge, the pantry, vacuumed the house- including the stairs... whew. I am exhausted....  and the place looks great. You see, I take pride in having a clean house. I cannot STAND to have dirty floors or a messy bathroom or an unmade bed. I clean a little everyday- you HAVE to with 3 little kids, a husband and a dog! But once a week is my DEEP clean, and I am glad its over for another week. -- Now off the the commissary!!! I need something to put inside my clean fridge.

Mothers Day was great yesterday. Chris was off- (once he got home at 9am) and we relaxed in the a.m and then took the kids to the pool. THEN we went out to eat at PF changs for a late lunch. It was seriously gross. Since I am pregnant I cannot stomach anything garlicky, or too strong or rich. I guess I do best with things that are bland. Oatmeal. Cottage Cheese. Fruit. Eggs. I cannot even stand to eat ketchup right now. This makes going out to eat an interesting experience. I was craving plain fish and steamed vegetable.... the closest thing I could find on the menu was called "Buddha's Feast" which was veggies, brown rich and tofu. Sounded good.. Until the brought it and it was some veggies DROWNING In a thick, brown, rich sauce.... I had the waitress take it back (very nicely, or course) because just LOOKING at it was making me ill. BUT, Chris and the kids had a good meal so we had a good time. 

I also got the best mothers day present ever from my Joey and Sophia- they each made me a card and I will cherish them forever. I have posted them on the right....

Chris worked late last night and has duty today (so he won't be home until tomorrow morning) SO.... I took it upon myself to buy my own mothers day present- seriously, WHEN would he have time???? And I made it even harder for him because I  told him NO FLOWERS!! And NO CHOCOLATE!!! - He used to just get on the internet and order me flowers, but flowers DIE and they are expensive and I live in Hawaii, if I want to see flowers I will look outside. Sorry if I sound unappreciative, because I am NOT, I have cherished all the flowers Chris has ever gotten me (and that is A LOT) I just would rather not have anymore, and how would he know if I didn't tell him??  And the no chocolate is because I am having NO TROUBLE gaining weight with this pregnancy, I do not need chocolate to help the weight gain along even more....

 So yesterday the kids and I went to the Mall and I stopped at Sephora (an AMAZING skin care/ make-up store) and had one of the sales ladies help me pick out some eyeshadow-  The sales lady helped me pick out a color palate that was outside my comfort zone (purples!! But purples are the best for blue/green eyes as it helps your eyes POP!)  She applied it for me and I looked AMAZING-  (for some reason I was born without the make up application gene and it's always been a struggle for me to figure out HOW to do it right!) I kept it on all day until Chris got home and he noticed how HOT I looked right away (what a great husband!) And I am sure he was happy to know that he didn't have to worry about a Mothers Day present anymore! 
 
Update on my SIL Krysti- she went into the hospital to be induced yesterday and it didn't work- after 6 hours of pitocin she wasn't dilating at all- so they sent her home and she will be back to try again Monday. Of course I will keep you all updated.  He due date is actually not until the 15th, he Dr. just wanted to induce her a bit early becase Krysti and Vachel have BIG babies.

Update on my Dad- Greg is recovering at home and doing great. He was able to take a shower which I am amazed at because just LOOKING at his back makes me sore.  He has a cane to help him get around and one of those old people grabber sticks (no offense to old people) that he used to pick things up off the ground, because of course he cannot bed over yet.

So now it is Saturday. The plan for today?? I will run 6 miles on the treadmill while the kids watch a movie.  (Check out my Pregnancy Running Log for updates on my running!)  THEN we will probably go to the beach if the sun stays out and it is nice and warm and not too windy.

It is a beautiful Friday here on Oahu. Mostly sunny with a high of 83 today. No school for the kids today (furlough friday) OR Monday (have no idea why....) So the kids have 4 days off- and they are happy about it. I really don't mind either, I have GREAT kids and they are VERY easy to be around, or go shopping with. I hate to brag, but I can take them all with me to the hair salon and they will sit quietly for an hour or so just fine.  We can go to the movies, the museum, the beach, hiking, the zoo, shopping, out to eat, the mall.... and we always have a great time. I thoroughly ENJOY being with my children! And I know they will be big helpers when baby lucy gets here!

My SIL Krysti is being induced today!!! I haven't heard any news yet but soon I will have another nephew and I am very excited.

Chris has been working TONS this week. He is in school (Junior office course #2) which lasts until about 4:30 and then he goes into work at the boat and does stuff THERE. He usually gets home around 7pm. He has duty tomorrow (Saturday) so we won't be able to spend any time with him until Sunday. And then he told me that NEXT week he plans on staying "late" at work a few days to make up for the time he had to spend away in school THIS week.  And of course he has duty one day NEXT weekend also. BUT, he is getting very close to getting his "dolphin pin" ie- QUALIFIED! And that will make his life so much nicer, so I am proud of him for working so hard, even if it does mean the kids and I spend a lot of time alone!

Well, I am getting ready to get on the treadmill and do my run. My goal is 7 miles- I read in an article that not only do I get to experience all the endorphins released when I run, but Baby Lucy gets to experience them too.  Also, when I run she gets swayed peacefully back and forth- like a swing. How much do you want to bet that she will love the actually baby swing once she does arrive- it will remind her of being in my belly!

Dad was released from the hospital today and is now recovering in the comfort of his own home. My sister Diana was thoughtful enough to send me a picture of his back which I have posted for your viewing pleasure:  My Dad is tough so I know he will soon be feeling better than ever, he says he is already getting the feeling back in his foot; although due to the severe nerve damage it may take up to 6 months to fully heal.

Chris and were going to name the new baby Thoretta Beatrice. We were about to order monogrammed baby blankets when we somehow stumbled a cross a name we liked a tiny but better so we decided to change and go with......

LUCY ROSE

Lucy will be here in 17 more weeks! I am able to feel her move around all the time now and a couple days ago Chris was able to feel her kick for the first time.    

• Lucy is over 11 inches tall, weighs about a pound.
• Her eyebrows are visible.
• She can successfully suck.
• Bones located in the middle ear harden.

Lucy does a regular 'workout' inside my womb. She turns from side to side and head over heels. Thanks to a fully developed inner ear, which controls balance, She may have a sense of whether she is upside-down or right side up in the womb.

Skin pigment is now forming. Lucys is now proportioned like a newborn except it is a thinner version of a newborn baby since its baby fat has not developed much yet.

The pancreas, essential in the production of hormones, is developing steadily. Lucy has begun producing insulin, important for the breakdown of sugars.

If born now, Lucy would have a 20% chance of survival, the odds going up with each passing day.

Say a prayer for my Dad today. He is having pretty invasive back surgery on his L1-L5 disks. He has been having back pain for a LONG, LONG time (like years) but never really complained. Well this past year he has been losing feeling in his toes and legs and tripping over his feet-  his legs started to feel really heavy and he was just having a lot of trouble getting around. 

He has undergone a lot of testing lately to find out WHAT was wrong. He finally visited a top neurosurgeon in Grand Rapids two weeks ago. The neurosurgeon told my Dad that he had one of the worst backs he'd seen and wanted to operate THAT WEEK. My Dad opted to wait a week so he could get some things done and get prepared. So today he went in for surgery. When I called a little bit ago he was still being operated on. He should be out very soon and on his way to feeling better.

I heard the recovery can be the worst part.  My Dad has family and friends around to help him through and I am praying his recovery will be quick and easy. The Dr. told my Dad in a month he should be able to walk a mile. The kids and I are traveling to Michigan in 6 weeks so hopefully he will be feeling (mostly) back to normal by then.

And also on the LEFT I have added a few new pages. The "Videos" page where I will put all the new videos I post- there isn't anything new there yet, but there will be soon. And also I finally got around to collecting and writing down all my race times and results on the "Races" page. I have also added a "Running Pregnant" page to document my running throughout the rest of my pregnancy. 

Updated to add: Dad is out of surgery and doing well. The Dr. said he had quite significant nerve damage on his right side, so it may take up to 6 months to regain full mobility in his right foot. Also, he  DID bleed a little more than usual, but considering the complicated level of the surgery and his size, that was to be expected. He will be in the hospital until Thursday or Friday.  Get Well Papa, We LOVE YOU!

It's raining here, which is so odd, it hardly EVER rains. I wish it would THUNDER and LIGHTENING! But that never happens here. The most it does is rain (and not very hard) and some days its windy. The people here are so spoiled with their weather. I bet if we took someone who has lived here near Pearl Harbor  their whole life and transplanted them to South Carolina during the hottest hot day of the summer when a wicked thunderstorm rolled through (which would usually be a tornado warning) they would think it was the Apocalypse. 
       I do miss my thunderstorms. I need to get one of those "white noise" machines that will play a summer rain storm at night while I sleep- funny story about that- when Chris and I were first married I had a CD that would play outdoor noises while I slept- rain, some thunder and crickets chirping. Well, Chris can usually sleep through anything could NOT sleep while it was playing. He said he would lay awake staring at the ceiling, thinking he was outside in the wilderness and hie mind would start racing. Finally he jumped out of bed one night at like 1am and ripped the CD out. I wonder where that CD is??  
  
Also, I think I have:  Narcolepsy , which is a chronic sleep disorder, or dyssomnia, characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)

I CANNOT seem to stay awake after 8pm. Last night I fell asleep on the couch at 6:30pm!!! At around 8pm I walked (err... stumbled) upstairs intending to just brush my teeth and come back down to join the family- I collapsed in bed and wasn't seen or heard from again until this morning. Part of me thinks its the "creating a baby" part that is so draining, but Chris seems to think I have always been like this. And come to think of it, I haven't even been able to stay up until midnight the past 5 New Years eve's! I just "Hit the Wall" and cannot go on. BUT I get up at 6am everyday, no matter what- my internal clock just wakes me up. Its a good thing I don't work the night shift.

Yesterday we drove over to the North Shore area to have lunch with some friends - they rent a house RIGHT on the beach. They can just walk outside 10 feet and be ON THE BEACH. I sat there while the kids jumped and played in the surf (not Vangie, she sat on my lap licking a lollipop) and thought how relaxing and wonderful it was to watch the tide come in, if I lived there I would sit there every afternoon. Then the rain came so we went inside- you see, on the NORTH/WEST wide of the island it rains a lot more, living here by Pearl Harbor we are kind of in the desert.
 
While we were at our friends, Chris and his friend Keith (who he works with) swam WAYYYYYYYYY out into the ocean to a reef . They were gone for a good 45 min. Chris said way out in the ocean like that the water was very cold. He said the reef was awesome- it was so close he would touch it and he could see the fishies hiding from him. I would personally be too scared to swim out that far.  I KNOW that a shark would most likely NOT eat me, but why put myself in that position??

And also- a few weeks ago Chris got to play hookie from work and go hiking-  There was this guy who was re-enlisting and wanted Chris to give him his re-enlistment oath. I guess if you are signing your life away for 5 more years the Navy gives you the opportunity to "re-enlist" where ever you want. And since Chris was part of it, he got to go too- the guy wanted to do his oath on top of a very high Mountain somewhere over by the North Shore. So a group of guys from his work went hiking! Chris said it was a very difficult hike (as in not a suitable hike for me to drag Joey and Sophia along with Vangie strapped to my back) Some parts were practically straight up, and there were a lot of loose stones and rocks. But the advantage of doing a crazy hike like this are the VIEWS.  So I have posted the pictures on the NEWEST PICS PAGE for your enjoyment. Chris said that after this baby comes he we will get a babysitter and he will take me hiking there.