3-D Ultrasound of Baby Elias

On Wednesday we went back to the hospital to have a 3-D ultrasound of little Elias. He wasn't very cooperative and only let us see the side profile of his little face. Elias was constantly putting his arm in front of his face and rubbing his fore head. We saw him open his eyes and mouth a few times, but that was about it. The ultrasound technitian said it looked like he had lots of hair already.

We are officially 31 weeks and if he decides to come as early as the last three, he could be hear in six weeks. I don't know if I am ready yet for him that soon, but I can't wait to meet the little guy. The kids are very excited to meet their little brother.

Dear Hubby and I Go Camping...Alone!

While the kids were on vacation at Grammy and Paw-paw's, Dear Hubby and I accomplished many things around the house and also had some fun. After working hard all week on laundry, dishes, the garden, resurfacing the driveway, and de-cluttering, we took a small vacation and went camping...just the two of us. We hadn't been camping alone since we were first married, which was ten years ago. We decided to go to a federal campground that is about 40 minutes away called Tipsaw. It is a small campground with a lake which is near two other small lakes.

The following pictures were of an old homestead at one of the neighboring lakes called Indian Lake. The house has been restored and is really neat to walk through. The story behind the old house was very interesting, but also very sad. The couple had a total of 10 children, but 2 of them died as young children. I know that was very common back then, but it was still sad to read about the struggles that this family underwent. I kept thinking how much the kids would have loved to see this place. So I took plenty of pictures and we'll probably take the kids there later this year or maybe next spring.

After looking at the house, we took a walk to the cemetery and saw many wild hares along the way. A mother and her baby let us get about five feet away from them before they decide we might be dangerous. I took lots of pictures of the bunny because I knew the kids would love to see how close we got to them.

I was surprised at how extremely quiet it was. There were very few other people camping that weekend and without the kids around, well, let's just say it was rather silent. Hubby and I actually got to read and not be interrupted. I do have to admit that I felt a little odd driving around in a fifteen passenger van with only hubby and I in it. Though I am glad Dear Hubby and I got to go camping, it just isn't the same without the kids...but it sure was a lot easier to pack for two than it is for seven! I didn't miss the packing or the unpacking, that is for sure!

Our Latest Adventures

Sorry it has been so long since I last posted. So much to report on here at the Copper Corral! We've been so incredibly busy that I haven't had time to post all the wonderful things we've been doing.

First to report is our wonderful family trip to Our Sorrowful Mother's Ministry at the end of June. We went to their retreat on the topic of Healing and Forgiveness. It was absolutely terrific! All the kids had a great time and really enjoyed seeing the beautiful and holy grounds that are so inviting. The pictures of the kids are of some of the little shrines and statues that they have to facilitate your prayer time. You could just feel the holiness in this place. The kids could too. They were really respectful and very aware that this was not any ordinary place. Our oldest was really touched by the Holy Spirit over the weekend. Late on Saturday night she was crying and when I asked her what was wrong, she said while sobbing, " Jesus has given me a deeper understanding of how much he loves me!" I almost cried, too. Amazing stories of conversion and healing are not uncommon at this wonderful retreat center. Check out my link on the right side to go to their website for the most up to date information on their next retreat. I HIGHLY recommend you take the time to check them out.

Monday after our retreat, I ventured out with the kids to take them to a pizza/play place. It was rather chaotic since we ran into about two day cares who apparently had the same idea we did. Despite having to constantly gather them up for a head count, I think the kids had lots of fun. I was rather proud that they remembered their manners even though many of the other children were being rude, cutting in line, and running around. They were very good and really appreciative. Even our little 19-month-old said thank you without being prompted.

On Tuesday we ventured to the campground where Nana, Aunt Olivia, and Ma and Pa were camped for the week. Though the weather was a little cooler than normal, we had fun swimming, sitting around the fire, and went to Marengo cave.

Wednesday was spent shopping, doing laundry, and packing for our trip to Ft. Wayne. After dear hubby came home from work on Thursday, we left to head north to Grammy and Paw-paw's house to celebrate the Fourth of July. We decided it might be best to take the camper with us and "camp" in Grammy's driveway. It ended up being a very good decision. The kids had lots of fun camping at Grammy and Paw-paws.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, we were very busy with tractor rides, picking peas, horseback riding, swimming, cooking out, bonfires, playing ladder ball, and throwing around the football. The kids were very happy to have their cousins there, too. Thankfully, they all sat still long enough for me to get an occasional picture. Though, the fireworks were a little rainy and we didn't attend a formal show, we had a good time watching others from a distance in Grammy's back yard. Instead of fireworks, we had a giant bonfire and roasted marshmallows.

For the past couple of years, my mom has asked to keep the kids for a week over the summer break. Some years I have stayed and done fun activities with the kids. Other years I have come home alone to clean the house and generally catch up on chores. This year, since I am 7 months pregnant, I decide to come home with dear hubby and get some much needed tasks accomplished. Wow, am I glad I did. We've been very busy in the garden, I've caught up on all the laundry and dishes, we've resealed our driveway, and I've gotten all the baby boy clothes washed and put away. This mini vacation has also allowed dear hubby and I to have some alone time. I think the most beneficial part about not having the kids for a week is that I feel like I have been on a mini-retreat even here at home. I've been able to attend daily Mass, go to confession, hear a wonderful, holy priest give a talk Wednesday night on the Holy Spirit, and pray more throughout the day without distraction or interruption! I am so blessed to have a mom who willingly takes the kids for a week, so I can have a break. I didn't know how much I needed this break until I got it. Thank you, God!

Since we don't have the kids for the weekend, dear hubby and I will be going camping this weekend by ourselves. We haven't done that since we were first married ten years ago. It should be a nice change from having to pack and feed 7 people to only needing to care for the 2 of us. I am looking forward to this weekend get-away. We leave tonight. I'll try to get some pictures and post them when we get back. God bless.