Day 168

Dear little one! Today, you are 24 weeks old! I am so excited, because the number of days left till you get here is the now the same number of days (how old you were) when I first started writing this blog! We are slowing getting closer, I think we are "4 slushies away" from seeing you. The other day, your mommy took Micah and Alexa to get slushies, (they get them after the chiropractor(did I tell you that already?) but I was volunteering. So today your mommy picked me up and took me to get my slushie.:)
I talked to your grandma and grandpa today. They are doing pretty good. The last treatment your grandpa had went really good. He wasn't in any pain at all, and he really didn't have to recover like last time.
Micah got this movie from the library called "Nim's Island." He wanted us to watch it with him, I thought it was kinda lame and boring, but I'm 19 and he's 8, so go figure. :p
I went to the other side of town to teach piano lesson. I love taking the subway and seeing all the different people. I've learned two things that should NEVER be on a subway, i'm sure there are more, but these are the most pressing ones of today. 1. People from different nationalities who don't wear deodorant and 2. woman who wear short shorts and don't shave their legs. I think both are utterly disgusting. Well, that's my rant for today. lol I gotta go clean the kitchen. I love you kiddo!!!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 167

Dear you. Today was 50% off day at Value Village, so I took Micah this morning for his back to school shopping we do every year. Value Village is like an uptown overpriced thrift store, but most of the time they do sell better clothes. Generally, your mommy takes him, but this year I took him, since she was pregnant with you.:) I found a lot of good deals. For $25 I got Micah 3 pairs of jeans, one pair of kakkis, a sweater, a pair of track pants, 3 long sleeved shirts and a little jacket! They were all name brands, too. :) I prayed God would send us good deals, because I don't really know good finds for little kids. lol So I get home, and your mommy's says what did you buy for Tucson? I said, um....nothing. So she replied, you didn't even look???!!! haha So....your daddy took us to another store, then I went back to other one, and got you a few things. They didn't have much, and your mommy said not to buy very much till you're over three months, because then you will be able to wear them for longer.
Today, your daddy made us chicken fried steak. It was sooo yummy! I have to say, since your mommy's been preggo with you, we rarely eat anything healthy.:) We still eat our vegatables, but the actual meal part is not nutritious to say the least.:) I know this will only last for the duration of the pregnancy, so I'm just going to put some extra time in at the gym, and enjoy it while it last. lol
Well, speaking of eating and working out, I think your daddy and I are going to hit the gym! I love you!!!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 166

Dear lil one! How are you today? Today was our last Sunday in our summer adventure. Next week we go back to meeting in the library. I'm gonna miss it. I think I finally got used to it, and now it's time to go back. Oh, well, tis life.:) today, the streets were completely dead. I think everyone had gone to this fair that's held on the edge of downtown every year. Or they were on vacation before school starts back. Some streets were so silent you could hear the birds singing at 11:30 in the morning! This time my partner was Samuel, and out of 40 somethings doors we knocked only, 4 people answered!
Tonight on the way home we went to Timmy's. :) I got my normal, white chocolate macadamia nut cookie. I still think they should leave the nuts out...but oh, well, maybe I should write the owner.;) haha I miss it, the past few times it's been raining, so we haven't gone.
Micah has been playing private investigator all day. Daisy, (the dog) seems to have injured her leg. So he wants to find out which one of us did it. He loves his job, and enjoys interrogating us! lol I don't think it's broken because she still walks on it, but she just limps a little bit. Yet, she doesn't act like she's in pain at all, and we've felt around it, and it seems as if everything is fine. She was doing better tonight. We are going to wait till tomorrow to see if we need to take her to the vet. I've been praying it will get better, because we really can't afford a visit, so I hope she's ok. She's hurt her leg before, but she generally cries. Your mommy thinks she just got smart and wants some attention so she is holding her leg up. lol so who knows?!!! ;) Well, imma call it a night. I love you!!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 165

Dear Tucson, Today we went to the picnic for Micah's taekwondo group( I really don't know what you call his whole group, I guess class would be a better word, but it was for every class that takes taekwondo at the ymca.) There was a pretty good turn out, I thought, there was probably 70-100 people. They had a bbq, games for the little kids, and then we all played some soccer. The weather was perfect for a picnic. It was hot, but not too hot, and the sun was shinning, but it wasn't a burning shine. Your daddy made his yummy ribs. You will love them! If you don't then well, you're just not a Harper. :) Your grandpa, Papa Alex, started the tradition a long time ago, where he makes his famous ribs for special holidays. Your daddy and Uncle Warren (btw, he's the best uncle you could ask for!) kept the tradition going. I wouldn't say they've master the technique, but they've both come pretty close. I haven't tasted Papa Alex's in several years though. I made this new brownie recipe your mommy found us. You take a box brownie mix, a box of chocolate chip cookies, and chocolate chips. You make the brownies, then you make the cookies, and dip spoonful of the cookie dough into the brownies, bake it, and then pour the chocolate chips on the top while it's still hot, and smooth them around. It's delicious!

getting ready for the soccer game....

Micah tying his ballon on his leg for a game...
just got done eating...
eating lunch....
Micah all tired and worn out....

Alexa and Landon, well, part of him, she's not tall enough to get him in...

Samuel...
Me with coming with the brownies....

your beautiful mommy!

All in all it was a good day! Every one devoured our food, which was a good sign. lol We got to spend some family time, we got our exercise, your mommy was well enough to come, and Micah had a blast which was the most important thing. I love you baby!

Your Sister,

Larra

Day 164

hey kiddo!!! We've made history in this generation of the Harpers, Landon did break his hand. He had to get a cast and everything. He said it didn't hurt too bad, but when they stuck the needle in his bone to freeze it, that part hurt a lot. This is the first broken bone in our generation, your daddy and Uncle Warren definitely had their fair share. I'm not sure if your Aunt (pronounced aUnt not ANT:) make sure you get it right, she doesn't like being called a 4 legged insect)Yolanda broke a bone or not. I'll have to ask her. Anyway, they fixed his hand, and the doctor said everything looks good, and since that area heals fast, he will only have to wear his cast for 3 weeks, while most other broken bones your wear them for 6 weeks. I'll have to post a picture later.
Tonight we are trying a new recipe called, white chicken enchiladas courtesy to The Pioneer Woman. They smell delicious, but they were a lot of work! I can't wait to try them!

Today, was the last day of the basketball camp for the boys. Samuel won MVP for the whole camp!! I was so proud of him. He worked very hard. He won a Rapture jersey and some other stuff. One of our gravity teachers from the YMCA had a child enrolled in the camp, and she was completely shocked that Samuel had won MVP. She said, wow, that's your son!!! What high school does he go to??!!! Then she was completely blown away when your daddy told her he was home-schooled. :) Don't ever worry or think you're less of a person, or that you're not as smart, because you are/were homeschooled. You can be less of a person or you can be more of a person. You can be smarter or you can be dumber. That's your choice, you can do anything you set your mind to do. Samuel has set his mind to be the best basketball player he can be, and whenever he steps on a court, he shines. Don't ever try to be better than the person next to you, because if that's all you do, you might never reach your full potential, or perhaps you may not be better than the next person, and you will live a jacked up life trying to measure up to them, but if you be the best YOU can be, then you can walk away satisfied everytime.:) Well, I think that's enough with the lectures....at least for tonight. ;) lol I love you!!!!

Your Sister,
Larra


ps the enchiladas were delicious!

Day 163

Hey you! Today, has been a very looong day. lol I volunteered today, then I went grocery shopping with your mommy. After I went with her to the chiropractor. I got to hold her baby.;) I was amazed at how big he got, I thought he would stay smaller longer. I hadn't seen him in 4 months. So baby, stay small for as long as you can.
After that, Alexa babysat the chiropractors kids at our house. So we put the paper route on hold till after dinner, so we didn't finish that till about 9:30. I'm super tired. Landon had to go the the ER to get his hand x-rayed. Apparently, he punched a wall at his basketball camp. These kids weren't doing the drills properly, so they had to start them over and over and over, so finally, he lost it. Papa thinks he broke his knuckle, but he's not sure. Hopefully, it's not, but it looked pretty bad. I guess they're still in the waiting room, I really dunno how long it's going to take, generally, it takes hours, and especially since it's not exactly an emergency. So we shall see what happens.
I hope you don't mind, but I'm gonna call it a night. I love you!!!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 162

hey lil one! I have to brag a little bit. lol This is my 50th post!!!! yay!!! I'm so pleased with myself for keeping this up. This is the longest I've ever remembered one of my blogs passwords, as well as wrote this many post!!! I think max, I've probably written 10, and they were all very sporadic.:) ok, I'm done now...I just had to tell you that for some reason.
Today, your daddy, sister, and I went to Buffalo to mail the prayer letters(and we did a little shopping of course:) I can't believe how much cheaper groceries are! For example, milk just blew me away, it was $1.45 for a gallon!!! For the price we pay in Canada for one gallon, in the states we could get 3 gallons!!! That's just the start! I do know prices vary per state, but that was a steal! I was able to Micah new school supplies for super cheap! It was unbelievable. I got him markers, crayons, colored pencils, sissors, glue, and something to put them in for a little over $5 dollars, where as here in Canada, it would've been well over $15 dollars. Alexa and I went to the mall while your daddy ran some errands. So many stores, so little money, or maybe so many stores, so little time! We ran out of time, before we ran out of money, which was good, but we did leave a lot of stuff behind that would've been nice to have. :)
It was day 3 for the boys and their basketball game. Samuel was awarded for coming everyday and for his hard work at everything he was told to do/work on.:) Its funny I went yesterday to pick them up, and they tower over almost every kid there. When they're at home I never really think of them as tall, because they're just my brothers, but out in public, they are very tall. One good thing is, they're very easy to find! lol Well, I think that's all, I love you!!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 161

Hey kiddo! I still haven't got to feel you kick:( So that's sucks. lol I guess my time will come soon enough. Today, was pretty busy. I went and volunteered at the shelter, which went really well actually. I got to see one of my friends, so that's cool. I didn't serve today, I only worked in the kitchen.
All tonight, I hand wrote addresses for our prayer letter. Now that was a long job. lol Usually, we print them, but 2 months ago, your daddy got his harddrive wiped. He saved all the addresses to a memory stick, but he got a new computer program, which won't read the files. So therefore, we had to enter them all in. However, with the new program, we weren't quite sure how to print them off invidiually onto envolopes, so I entered them into the new program and wrote them out manually. So we have till next month to figure it out.:)
The boys finished day 2 of their basketball camp. They said to day went a lot smoother. I'm very pleased with them, they are some of th best players in the camp. :) They were telling their friends that their grandpa played professional basketball for the Harlem Globe Trotters and the Kansas City Kings. They were impressed and said they were going to google him. hahaha I don't think they had google/websites in his day! Now, if you looked at old newspapers, I'm sure you will find something.
I'm going to go to bed, were going to the states early tomorrow, to mail the prayer letters. I love you!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 160

Hey precious! How are things in your world? Today, was Monday, so you know what that means:) Cleaning day! Cleaning is really crazy, I enjoy it most of the time, but it seems like I can never get ahead of it. lol I try and do extra some days, in hopes I won't have to do as much the next, or that I can clean some place I don't normally have time for, but unfortunately, it never seems to work out that way.:) I had to call in the bomb squad for the laundry room, but it was too late. The bomb went off before it could be deactivated. :( lol I have no idea what happened, all I know is that it was cleaned on Friday, and then the boys cleaned their bedroom, and come Monday morning the bomb had exploded. Now that I think about it, maybe it was a tornado, because the wind carries things everywhere. That's probably a greater possibility. A bomb would've been too good to be true, because there would've been no remains. Oh, well, tis the life with boys.
I can't remember if I told you or not, but the boys got a scholarship for a one week baseball camp, which started today. They really enjoyed it, but Samuel said it was pretty hectic. (his word for hard:)
Summer is coming to a close, the school books came in today for everyone. It's hard to believe, it seems as though summer just got here. I will miss my favorite season, but Lord-willing I will see it(or feel it rather:) next year. You will be about 7 months old, so who knows by this time next year you could be walking!( I walked at 9 months) wow! I don't even want to think about that, I want to be able to hold you in my arms for as long as I can. Don't grow up fast, ok? I know you will be in a hurry, just like I was, but ENJOY being a kid. Enjoy every moment, don't let it go by so fast, so that when you're 19 you wonder where your life has gone. I look back and have good memories, but I can't help, but see the years I wasted worry about what was going to happen when I grew up. As long as you put Jesus first, everything will turn out right, it doesn't matter what happens tomorrow, live for today! You never know, it just might be your last. I love you kid!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 159

Hey kiddo! It's Sunday! Unfortunately, it rained today, so we weren't able to go out door knocking, which was disappointing, but oh, well, God knows what He's doing. We only have one more Sunday left of our summer adventure and then we embark on our services of "new beginnings" at church. I wonder what God will do. I have some very exciting news to tell you. Do you remember how I told you on Wednesday, we wrote to a boy who had a tumor that was cancerous(I have no idea if that's a word, but it means it has cancer lol) in his leg? Well, God did a miracle. Three surgeons had looked at it, and said the tumor had cancer, then they got a big-wig surgeon from London, who came and looked at it. Guess what? The tumor was biennial, cancer free! God did an absolute miracle. Now I know a lot of people are saying, oh, the other guys were just am matures, but I believe hears the real story: When the 3 surgeons said it was cancerous, people all over the world got down on their knees and called on the "Great Physician." He heard their call came down and looked for Himself, and took care of the tumor. By the time the surgeon from London flew in, the "Great Physician" was already done, and BAM! the cancer was gone. See Tucson, you can't beat serving God.
On a side note, we might be able to feel you kick in the next few days. You were kicking a lot yesterday, but all of us we're gone except for Alexa. Your mommy kept calling her, but she had headphones in her ears and couldn't hear. You kicked a couple of times today, but by the time I came and put my hand on your mommy's belly, you had stopped. So hopefully soon, I will be able to feel it. I dunno why your picking NOW to stop being so active. lol I guess mabye since your getting bigger you don't have as much space to move around:) Well, I'm gonna sign off, I need to help Landon with his math. I love you!!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 158

Hey you! Today, started very early for me! I did the paper route with your daddy again! When I say early, it ain't no joke either. lol The papers were and hour and 10 minutes late which really sucked. However, we made the best of it and crashed in the car. It was a little uncomfortable, but hey it was good sleep. :) It was perfect timing when we woke up, the truck had just got there, although, I was a little upset they couldn't have come 5 more minutes late, because if they come an hour and 15 minute late we get paid bonus for waiting. Oh, well, tis life. The papers are late a lot, so most people either sleep or talk with their friends(we don't know anyone else who works for the star). People make two rows with their cars with just enough room for the truck to come in between them, and then the truck drivers throw the papers off the truck, you put them in your car and another car pulls up. So that way, it's not chaotic, and plus for the people that sleep the person behind them honks their horn to wake them up. Anyways, after we got the papers the route with smoothly, and we were a lot quicker this week! We had one complaint, which really sucks because it cost us $4.00 for each one, but it's ok. We think the guy was blind or something, cuz we remember doing his house. lol;)
After we did the route, we came home and crashed. We got up and went to this BBQ thing with the boys, and your daddy went to take Micah to taekwondo. He was so happy, he got all his strips for this belt. He has to test to move on to the next belt, (white with a yellow strip going through it)but I don't know when that is. Then we went together to counsel this person from church. It went ok, but they didn't seem to get it. Later, we recieved a call, and the indiviual had got it. God did a miracle! I realized now, previously, I had lost my vision for what God could do in that persons life, now I can't wait to see what He's gonna do. You know, Tucson, today, I realized something. There's so much in this world, that will pull at you and try to get your attention to make you happy, but the real joy comes from obeying God. Don't listen when the world tells you it's money, family, friends, cars, houses, relationships, husband/wife, or whatver the case maybe. It's Jesus Christ. I have two goals in my life I want to achieve before I die, one is to make a difference in someones life forever, and second is to have a part in someones salvation. Today, came pretty close to completing goal no. 1. That's what I want to do with my life, make a difference. Please, don't let the world have you. I love you too much and God does to. I pray for you often and for your future, I know God has something special for you, don't miss out, He always has the best plans! I love you kiddo!!!


Your Sister,
Larra

Day 157

Dearest little one! Guess what??? Your mommy bought you your first t-shirt!!! I can't believe you will be small enough to fit into it, yet at the same time I can't believe you will grow big enough to wear it. lol You will be so cute in it, all of us look good in white, it's perfect for our skin color!

Today, when Micah and I were walking we found this little stray dog. He was so cute! I wanted to take him home with us, and I knew Daisy would enjoy having some company. He followed us for a little while, then walked back. He looked half chihuahua with some other mix. Micah was hoping for a reward, but it didn't have a collar or anything on it, so I'm guessing it didn't have an owner. In Toronto, it's against the law to have a dog without a collar and license. He looked hungry, but I was afraid to take him home in case he carried a disease or something. Well, that and your daddy would not be pleased with another dog in this house:) Whenever you mommy wanted a dog, she got pregnant. So finally, we got a dog, and your daddy said, I wanted a baby! lol So for this Christmas instead of another dog, we get YOU!!! He likes dogs, but not necessarily for us to have one.

They opened up this new little coffee bar close to our house, I think I'm going go next week. It's really cute and has a warm feeling to it. I hope its good, because it's kinda expensive, but I wanted to help support it, because we need nice places in our neighborhood.

Your brother Micah is such a 21st century kid, he goes and puts his taekwondo thing on, and says he wants me to take pictures of him, so I can put them on my facebook. lol So...I guess I'm going to go upload the pictures. I love you!!!

Your Sister,

Larra

Day 156

Dear Lil one, your big brother Micah is so excited to have you come. He can't wait. He was at the store desparately trying to find you an outfit! :) He couldn't find one he liked, so your mommy said she would take him to another store a different day. He said the cutest thing, he said, I want to hold MY______, I don't want to hold any body elses _______, I want to hold MY _______. Since he was the baby before you came along, all he's ever know is holding someone elses sibling. Needless to say, he is very happy you're coming.
Your mommy has also been doing a lot of shopping, I guess looking around is a better way to put it. We haven't bought a lot of stuff yet, she's trying to find the best deals and the wisest purchases. You'd be amazed at how much stuff has changed in 8 years! They have new everything, who know what it'll be like when you have have kids of your own!!!
Tonight with dinner your mommy and sister made homemade rolls. They were sooo delicious! One thing for sure is, your mommy is one of the best cooks. I guess you could say I'm biased, but it's true.;) Everyone always likes what she makes, I'm pretty picky, so I would know.:) She always goes out of her way to find us to recipes to try, and if we don't like parts of it, she will change it to fit what we like. Tucson, don't ever underestimate your mommy, she loves you more than you will ever know, and will do whatever is needed for you. Yes, she has her faults, but the good outweigh the bad hands down. When things go wrong or something happens the way I don't like it, I always say, what did I do to deserve this?? The thing is, a lot of the time, I probably do deserve it, but all of us kids, have done nothing good enough to where God chose to favor us and giving us the best mommy in the entire world! Gods good, He gave us just the right mom, and she loves us, she really does. I hope you will give her the love and respect that not only God commands you to, but also the respect she deserves. Then regardless of the situation she will always be respected, because sometimes you won't be able to see why she deserves it, and in those times all you can do is respect her because it's what the Bible says. Now that I'm older I can see it, but there were times I couldn't. Walk by faith kid, I know you'll do alright. I love you kiddo!!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 155

Hey lil one! How are you?? Your mommy walked a bunch yesterday, and she said you must've been really worn out, because you didn't move at all during the night. You were really active today though! :) I can't wait till I can feel you kick.
Tonight was church. We did something different we do everyone once in a while. The whole church will write letters to some one, and this time we wrote to a 14 year old boy named Jimmy. He has a cancer in a bone in his leg, and if they can't get it out(he's having surgery on Friday) then they will have to amputate his leg. They are going to try to remove the bone, (it's a smaller one) and put a fake bone inside. So we are praying that's all that will be needed and that the cancer hasn't spread.
On a happier note, on the way home we went to Tim Hortons, which was good as always. It's fun walking home at night, I love the sky. Plus, it's good exercise. We have to make room for that Tims somehow. ;) lol
Oh, I almost forgot, your mommy went to church tonight for the first time in at least two months! Everyone was really glad to see her...I told my dad I think people only come to see her. hahahah:p It really wore her out though, I hope she won't be really weak tomorrow.
Your mommy bought you the cutest little outfit today, it says, little ______ on the front. It's a little onesie(I have no idea how to spell that lol) with pants and little booties. You're going to look sooo cute in it.:) Although, I'm sure you will be adorable in anything you wear. I hope you sleep good tonight. I love you so much!!!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 154

Dear you, today you're 22 weeks old. I did ask your mommy how much you weigh, and you weigh 1 lb. and 6 oz. so I was right.:) The doctor said that is a very good weight. I have no idea, so I'm gonna trust her. :) Today was very boring, another normal day. I volunteered, came home cleaned the house, taught a piano lesson, and then your brothers and I hit the gym. I did the arc trainer for an hour and 20 min. I know, I'm gonna be sore tomorrow, but there was this really good tv show on, and I wanted to finish it. lol
You would be so proud of your big brother Micah. He had an infected tooth, so he had to get his root canal cleaned and then a cavity filled. He was so brave. I felt so bad for him, the one side of his mouth was soooo swollen. I'm so thankful to God I've never had to have any major dentist work. They gave him this little toy car and airplane, so he was very pleased.
I'm drawing a blank of what to tell you, so I guess I'm going to end this post. I love you bunches!!!! xoxo

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 153

Dearest lil one! I'm so excited, because today I got to hear your heartbeat again! It's the most precious thing, it's breath taking. I think it's amazing something so small can mean so much. This time all of us went to the midwife appointment. You would like her, she's super nice, and she is really supportive of all of us kids being involved with our mom and the pregnancy. I was very happy everyone got to hear the baby's heartbeat. I wish you could've seen the looks on their faces. When the midwife found the heartbeat, I began to look around at everyones faces, and they lit up like Christmas trees. I would've loved to have had picture, but I don't think a picture could've captured the moment. :)
After the midwife appointment, we were able so schedule an ultrasound. (yay!!!!) So we not only got to see you, but we found out what sex you are! It was amazing to be able see you. You were moving a LOT! The doctor said it was because you were excited we were all here. lol We could see your little head moving up and down, and you were opening and closing your hands. You were so cute! I can't wait to hold you. I wish you were coming tonight. Everything is perfect. Your heartbeat is very strong, you have no problems, your growing steadily, and you have two legs, two feet, two ears, and two eyes. They told us how much you weighed, I can't remember exactly, it's either 1 lb. and 1 oz. or 1 lb. and 6 oz. I want to think the last measurement is correct, but I'm thinking that's a little big in terms of how far along you are. I will ask your mommy tomorrow, she's already in bed. I love you!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 152

Hey lil one! Do you remember I told you I made a peach pie for your mommy? Well, today I made a second one. This time I made it completely from scratch. It was MUCH better! lol Landon said I'm actually starting to get somewhere :P and your mommy thought it was delicious. So I mostly likely will never use CANNED (lol) peaches again....
Today, was a very exciting day. This was week 5 (I think:) in our summer adventure at church. It was the best week for me so far. A lot of people didn't answer their doors for us. So my partner jokingly asked me, "did you pray for people to talk to?" So I said, actually, I did. lol So we were laughing and then the next house we we're able to talk to a guy. The most exciting thing happened when we we're 4 houses away from finishing our street. I knocked on the door, and the lady didn't speak a whole lot of interested, but she told me she didn't want anything. So we went to the next house, and got no answer. As we were walking to the next house, the lady comes back out, and starts waving her hands yelling, "give me, give me" I was completely floored, but very excited. I couldn't believe my ears. It was such a blessing to be able to hear someone yelling, "give me" to the flyers/gospel tracts. It was definitely encouraging, I can't wait to see what else God does.
Tonight at church we had a missionary come. He is going to start a work somewhere in the GTA. I think that is very good, we need so many churches here. I can't wait till they get all their support so another church can be here. Well, I'm gonna go, I love you so much!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 151

Hey! How are things going in your world? Early this morning your daddy and I did the saturday paper route. It was a lot easier than the one we did two years ago, but at the same time it wasn't. The route setup was really weird with no ryhme or reason to it. lol The other route we did was less confusing, and had a better layout. Praise God though, everything went smoothly. We were done on time, no one was hurt, and no complaints that I heard about.( well, minus the ones from the people whose houses I accidently hit their door....hahaha:)  
Micah had his tykwando today, and he got another strip for his belt! He only needs two more strips and he gets to move onto the next belt. I'm so pleased with his hard work. They're having a picnic next week(did I tell you about that?) so he is very excited about that! He asked me to come with, which I of course said yes! I will try and take some pictures.
We had a some good family time tonight. We were(well most of us) singing together while I played the piano, it was so much fun. I love it when we all sing together. Micah made us a mini bowling alley. He stacked cups on top of each other and we had to see how many we could get done with a tennis ball. I love the creativity of kids. It's amazing what they can come up with. Once we get older we kind of lose that. It's funny though, whenever you're around kids it comes back to you. I wonder if that's one (of the many) reasons God chose for children to grow up and have children of their own. You're a kid for a while, you grow up, have kids of your own and then the little carefree child comes out again. I don't really know, just a thought. Imma go to bed now, goodnight, and sweet dreams. I love you!!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 150

Hey lil one! We're at day 150!! We've made it to a new digit.:) Fifty more days and we will have me it to the 200 mark, now that will be something! I already getting tired of the "100's" look! lol
Today was pretty boring, I went to the gym with your daddy came home and did a bunch of laundry. Honestly, I have no idea how it gets soooo piled up. A lot of it is your brothers, since they play basketball they get super sweaty and change clothes. So that's double for each day, and sometimes triple if they play at the gym in the morning and outside at night. I tell ya, I dunno how those women used to do it back in the day when they had HUGE families AND handwashed...I would probably die. haha I guess though, they didn't have as much time for play as we do, because they were so busy working.
I watched a movie with your mommy and sister. It was pretty good, but it was soooooo long! It was 4 hours long. I thought it was almost over at 2 hours, and then they told me it was 2 more hours! I begged them to skip and hour, but they said I would miss some of it. Don't tell them, but in the 3rd hour nothing good happens.:) lol
I'm going to go to bed, I'm helping your daddy on the paper route in the morning. Saturdays are the biggest, most hectic day, so I promised I would help him. I love you!!!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 149

Dearest lil one, it seems everywhere I go, I either see a pregnant woman or a woman with a baby. I know I'm just noticing it more since your mommy's pregnant, but it seems weird. lol I can't wait till we're the ones with the new baby! I'm really hoping you're a girl, although we will have to change your nickname:) Micah has so many dresses picked out for you! lol He's VERY specific on what type of dresses you can wear, and they can ONLY be cute. If you a girl, you're probably going to be the most overprotected kid in the world....
It's Thursday, so Micah and I went to the library. He apparently got a book soaked in the middle and I didn't know it, so instead of letting it dry, I took it back today, and now we have to pay $9 dollars for one of the dumbest books in the library. Needless to say, both of us were VERY upset with the librarian. lol
I embarked on the two hour adventure of cleaning my room, I have no idea hoe it gets so messy. I think it's because everyone hangs out in here, but I don't know for sure. :p I was hoping to find something I'd lost or forgotten I had, but I came up with nada. I guess since I cleaned it about 2 weeks ago, it wasn't long enough to "lose" or "forget" something, which is good and bad. lol
I wish your mommy would get better soon, she hasn't had a "good" day in well over a week. It really sucks watching her like this, I guess it's just part of life. I really shouldn't complain, because honestly I/we're blessed. Our mom is sick at home with a healthy baby(you;), when she could be dying of cancer or some incurable diease. She could've had a stroke and be paralyzed or she could've been in a very severe carwreck and be in a coma. You see Tucson, we've been blessed. I read this verse in Bible this morning, "the Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord." For a while, God gave us a mommy with good health, but for now He's chosen to take it away, so blessed be the name of the Lord. I know as soon as we can hold you, it will be worth it. I love you, baby!!!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 148

Dearest lil one! Today, you are 21 weeks and 1 day! Time is starting to by a little faster, so I'm excited about that. Although, I wish I could hold you in my arms NOW! lol This morning your daddy and sister Alexa, went and did the early morning paper route. Our dog (Daisy) whined for over two hours! I was begging her to let me sleep, but she wanted Alexa home. She hates going to bed with one of the 5 of us gone. She's very protective of us. :) Your mommy thought she did that because she remembers whenever we leave to go on a long trip we leave in the middle of the night. Whatever the case us, I'm hoping she doesn't NOT do that tonight.
This morning your daddy and I went to the gym and took a gravity class. I love that class, because it's a very challenging class. However, today Bob (our instructor) killed us on the hamstrings! He was definitely out of his mind. lol I think the only reason they push us so hard is because they don't do the class with us. :) I can't lie though, it really helps strengthen your whole body, so they know what they're doing.
I gotta finish getting ready for church, I'll write more later. (I started this early because we're going to Tim Hortons after church, so I have no idea when we'll be home, but it will be before midnight. :)
I'm home, so I'm going to finish this post. I'm laying in my bed writing this, and Micah decided he wanted to sleep in my bed tonight, so it's going to be a tight squeeze. Hopefully, Daisy will sleep with Alexa and not me. :) Sometimes he sleeps with me, because his bed is the top bunk and with the warm air rising it makes his chest tight and his ashma go off. I don't really mind though since his breathing is better. 
On the way home from church we went Tim Hortons (yummy!) and I got a white chocolate chip and nut (yuck! I hate the nuts, so I pick them out:) cookie, which was extremely delicious! They're sooo soft and moist, they melt in your mouth. I've decided I'd rather not know how many calories are in them. ;) I can barely keep my eyes open, so I better call it a night. I love you!!

Your Sister,
Larra    

Day 147

Hey lil one! Guess what?? I got pictures to put up today. The first one is of Alexa, she's texting, pretty much what she does all the time, jk. lol Whenever she can get a turn from her brothers. (you wouldn't believe how much they hog the phone!) Oh, and just so sam doesn't get spiffy with me, HE took this picture.

The next pictures are of us at Tim Hortons. ( I don't have one of Alexa at Tims, Landon took some, but they didn't turn out or something, so I had to get one of hers from the ones that were taken at church.) We had so much fun! There was a guy behind one of our tables(the biggest tables they have there we're for 2, so we took up 3 lol) who looked like his dog died, but by the time he's drank his coffee, he was sitting there laughing. I'd like to say he was laughing with us, but I think it was more at us. haha We were crazy. :) The first pic is of me-larra.
This picture is of micah . He is wearing his brother's glasses(yes, you saw it right, there are no lenses. it's supposed to be the "style" lol) He makes us laugh all the time. You should hear some of the stuff he comes up with, it's hilarious!
This picture is of samuel. He's the oldest. He's the one who is like me personality wise (remember I told you that I was hoping you would have my personality? We need another one, because we've been outnumbered:)
The last picture is of landon fixing his jacket. (typical Landon :) I'm not sure what "pose" he was going for, but I think he definitely rocked it. that guy is so photogenic, or at least he loves having his picture taken.
Well, I hope you liked the pictures, we had a lot of fun that night. I'm sure we'll tell you everything we did sometime when you're older. I love you!

Your Sister,

Larra

Day 146

hey lil one!!! I lied...lol I said I was going to put pictures up today, but I didn't.:( Mondays are my cleaning days:) so all day I cleaned and did laundry. I don't really mind though, I enjoy it. Laundry is my favorite chore. I know I'm weird.:p I love a clean house though! It drives me insane when it's dirty(ask all your siblings lol) now I don't mind a dirty room, (which right now and most of the time it is, that only gets cleaned once a week, and I ran out of time, so that's gonna have to wait;) but I can't stand a dirty house! lol It's almost 11 and I can't really put pictures up now, but on the bright side we have a really clean house with all the laundry done.:)
I have a really cool testimony to tell you. You know how I told you the van broke down? Well, your daddy as well as the mechanic thought it was the alternator, so we were waiting till we got paid to fix it. Today, your daddy took it down to get it fixed, but it turned out to just be the battery which was still under warrnity. We were able to get it fixed for nothing!!!!! Praise God! To make matters even better, we (your daddy and the four oldest siblings) were going to do a fill in early morning newspaper route, and the total of what we made was only going to pay to fix the van, but almost as soon as your daddy heard the van was going to be fixed for nothing, the newpaper manager called and said he didn't need us to work. God was so awesome, I couldn't help but wonder if God fixed the alternator since we wouldn't be working. Then later the newpaper manager texted and told us he still needed us, could we work. So we said yes, and all the credit and thanks to Jesus we can use the money for other needs!!!! God truly is amazing! I love you lil one!!

Your Sister, Larra

Day 145

Hey beautiful! Today, was a very fun exciting day. :) lol it was our summer adventure at church. It was kinda rainy outside, so a lot of people were gone or asleep, but my partner and I got to talk to two guys who seemed interested. I pray they will come. Another guy slammed a door in our face, which I thought was funny, I guess I should be sad he rejected the Gospel, but I still found it amusing. Your sister, Alexa, shared something with us at church that really enlightened all of us. She said, God should her the people that reject us, not to take it personal, because most of them have no idea what we are trying to give them. That's so true!
We took the subway to church, and since it's Sunday we got a day pass (we can go any where for the day) where all of us could ride for only $10. No bride today. lol:) Anyway, on the way home we had to walk, because I accidently left the pass in this bag I took to church with a lady's dishes in it. The walk isn't super bad, but a 40 min. walk in heels can seem loooonnnngg. lol We had a little photo shoot, and I was going to post pics, but it's too late now; so I will put them up tomorrow. We stopped and went to Tim Hortons. They have the BEST coffee and the freshest cookies, donuts, timbits, bagels, biscuts, you name it and they probably have it. I got a chocolate Danish. yummy! You will love that place. It's so tempting. I used to get ten chocolate timbits (donut holes) twice a week when I went to volunteer. I noticed I gained 5 lbs. Then one of my moms friends told us that was 600 calories!!!! I was like no way, but it was, so I cut that out, to once a month if that. lol Well, I'm gonna hit the sack, I'll post the pics tomorrow. I love you!!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 144

Dear baby, how is life in your world? Today has been a very interesting day. lol We went to Orfus Road.(an outlet mall road, it really sucks most of the time, but sometimes you get good stuff.) We saw the weirdest thing, a BRIDE got on the bus! It's the worst, dirtiest, oldest bus route in Toronto, and a bride gets on. I was thinking, you couldn't get a cab on your wedding day????:) hahah I wish I would've had my camera! The things people miss when they don't live in downtown T.O.!

This picture is a picture of the sky with a full moon.( full moons come once every month) Your sister, Alexa, took this one. I thought it turned out beautiful! I wanted to show you a picture of the sky since I told you about it the other night, the picture doesn't do justice to how beautiful is really is, but it's still a great picture.:) Well, I gotta go, I'm supposed to help cook something, although I can't remember what. lol You daddy went to the store to get more food for your mommy, you must be sooooo energetic, because your mommy's still eating a LOT of food. lol She was doing some better, but since the van broke down, she had to walk and take the bus to the chiropractor, and it really wore her out, and she's been sore and had headaches. Hopefully, she'll be better tomorrow. I gotta go, I love you!!!

Your Sister,

Larra

Ps. I had to update the post. After I posted this, your mommy excitedly say, "I believe Tucson's moved up in the world!" (she said you were high up, instead of being so low in her belly) I just remembered I'm supposed to make gravy for the french fries. lol love you!

Day 143

Hey lil one! Today, I went over to a family in our church and helped them get ready for the school new school year. It seems summer has flown by!!! I'm glad we have 3 weeks left! I hope the hot weather stays though. Summer is my favorite time of the year, and it's the shortest season! I used to think I should pick a different season to be my favorite, but what one would I pick? I don't care for the cold, in the fall and spring I'm sick because of my allergies....so summer's perfect! lol Although, I do love ice skating in the winter.
Your brother was playing a song on youtube called, "You are God Alone." I love the lyrics, the ones that really stick out to me are:
"You are not a God
Created by human hands
You are not a God
Dependant on any mortal man
You are not a God
In need of anything we can give..."
You know Tucson, those words are so true. It's so easy to serve a God created by human hands. We say and to a certain extent believe in a God who's not created hands, but do we really? We put God in this box of what He can and can't do, and we justify it by saying it's common sense, when really it's our (or my) lack of faith. We want to believe the impossible, but at the same time in the back of our minds, we wonder can He really do this? He can! I know it's easier said than done, because honestly I don't believe God can do everything. I have faith God can do the impossible, but when I can figure it out? I don't know if that makes any sense, but I hope it does. I long to have that kind of faith in my everyday life. Sometimes, I do have that kind of faith, but like Peter, I look around at the waves, and want back in the boat.
"You are not a God dependent on any mortal man, You are not a God in need of anything we can give..." So often we think God needs us, it's like, we're doing God. The view of God that we have is jacked, we've changed into "the glory of an incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man..." There have been brief times in my life where I've seen God like Isaiah saw Him, "high and lifted up." I just need to take the time to see Him like that everyday. I know at times I'm telling you stuff that won't make since when you read this, but it will one day. It is my prayer you never lose that beautiful child like faith that God can do anything. Don't listen to what the world will you tell you, I know it will seem so good, but they're wrong.
I love you so much, more than you will ever know!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 142

Dear lil one! Today, has been a very long day. It's been hot, and I walked all over kingdom come.:) lol Well, not really! The van broke down on Monday, so everyone has been biking or walking everywhere. It may seem difficult, but you get used to it. For some reason our van seems to break down every summer for a couple of weeks (or months! lol) I'm just thankful to God it's never broke down in the winter! ugh! It gets so cold here!!
I took Micah to the library. Every week we go on thursday afternoons. He loves the library, I like it too, but I seem to have read every good book I could find at our small library, so it's not as exciting to me any more. While I was looking at books with Micah, I came across these books that my mommy and daddy used to read to me when I was little. They were "Amelia Bedelia" books. I used to love those books! They were so funny, Amelia Bedelia takes everything so literal. When your older I will have to read them to you. It's funny how little things come back to you, when you're older. :) Well, that's all for today. I love you!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 141

Hey lil One!!! How are you today? Things are going good here. Today, it was very hot so I took Micah to the wading pool. As I sat there and watched him play he was having so much fun by himself. Although, I couldn't help, but notice all the other little kids seemed to act as if he wasn't there. I was thinking to myself, I wish some of the other kids would play with him and be his friend. The longer I sat there, I watched as all the kids seemed to follow this one girl. She was bigger than all of the other ones, and everyone seemed to follow her and do whatever she wanted. Then I noticed this one little girl who wanted to play by herself. The girl "in charge" didn't like this, so she went and told the little girl you can't be my friend any more. She began to cry, and said, no, please let me be your friend. So the bigger girl said, ok, now we have to test our friendship. So she made the little girl crawl on her hands and knees pushing a ball around the bigger girl in a complete circle, until she made it back to the bigger girl and gave her HER ball. So the bigger girl said, ok, I guess you can be my friend. I thought how sad. After watching this, I was glad that none of those kids wanted to be friends with Micah. I was like, what is this world coming to???!!! I was so disappointed, these are KIDS!! I mean KIDS!!! I know you probably thinking I'm ranting on, but there is a purpose Tucson, (micah i love tucson)<---(that note is from Micah) the purpose is I don't want you to ever be afraid to do your own thing. Be who you were made to be. I will back you up no matter what. In this world, there will be people pressuring you to do things, good or bad, do what YOU know is right and what YOU want to do. Don't follow the crowd, if the crowd happens to be doing what you're doing that's fine, but don't follow them because you feel pressured. I love you lil one, I know I can't protect you from everything out there, but I hope that I can prepare you for what is there. I want you to know, I will love you no matter what you will do, good or bad. It is my hope and prayer that you will choose right, but that said I know you won't always make the right choices. Because neither have I, but learn from the mistakes, and when you choose to do wrong, I will still love you. I may be sad, but I will NEVER stop loving you.

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 140

Hey baby! You're 20 weeks old today!!!! I'm so excited, we've made it half way there! 20 more weeks give or take a week or two and you will (Lord-willing) make your grand entrance to life.
Today is my half birthday, I'm 19 and a half.:) I know you're thinking that's so dumb, but it's actually a lot of fun! Every year on mine and your sister Alexa's half birthdays, we go shopping and buy something for ourselves. It's mainly just an excuse to spend money, but hey it works! lol If you're a girl you can join the tradition, but if you're a boy, well, you snooze you lose! hehehe:) Don't worry though, it's not like you won't get enough on your actual birthday or in between. :)
I'm sitting outside on the patio trying to get a wifi connection, for some reason my normal one isn't. The sky is beautiful tonight, it's midnight blue, my favorite. You would love it! I wish I could see ONE star, just one. As much as I don't care for the country, I love all the stars in the sky. When I went to Manitoba in the Spring the sky was lit up with stars, I'll have to take you there (or some other in the middle of no where place lol) sometime so you can see it. It's just amazing, I could stay out there all night. God definitely knew what He was doing.
I think it's time for me to hit the sack. I love you!

Your Sister,
Larra

ps, I think I may see one star, but I'm not sure if it really is a star...lol

Day 139

Hey Tucson! Today is a Civic Holiday in Canada. We have had a very nice and relaxing holiday. Well, your daddy and your sister did a early morning paper route. Then came home and we all slept in.:) We got up and had a nice breakfast. Then some people went back to bed, and I cleaned the house some. We got wonderful news that your grandpa's (in Missouri)tumor on his lung has shrunk two cm. after only 2 treatments of radiation! We are very thankful to God for that, because that is a miracle and we know it could only be Him.
Afterwards, I went out with a friend to a nearby park and we walked the trails and had ice cream. (yummy!) Samuel and Landon went with your daddy to go play basketball at the gym. I don't know what the rest of them did. Alexa is making MORE homemade ice cream since it's the holiday. I wanted to get pictures of everyone, but they are being "un-photogenic" and making threats at me...Your mommy said I would die, and never be allowed to use the computer, so I said I will just use my itouch. So she gave me the "look" and your sister threatened to kill me....Tucson, this place is very dangerous, I would think twice before you decide to pop. JK lol I can't wait till you do. I love you!!!

Your Sister,
Larra

Day 138

Dear Lil one! We've made it to another month! Today, is the first day of August. It was a beautiful day outside, today was the third Sunday of our summer adventure. :) I love going outside and meeting new people. It was really neat today, I was witnessing to this photographer, who was telling me he used his art to connect with God. (We were talking about having a relationship with God) I really had no idea what to tell him, so I was praying to Jesus for wisdom. The Holy Spirit brought to my mind the verse in Psalms, which says, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and his firmament showeth his handiwork."~fat cat bat(that's from your lil brother micah:)So I told him that verse and said, "everything in the earth points to God, and gives him glory, so God can use that to draw you nigh unto Him, but that's not all there is to having a relationship with God." I was so thankful to God for giving me wisdom.
Well, it's family time, and I'm the only not involved, so I guess I'll sign off, I love you!!!

Your Sister,
Larra