Been Sick

I've been out sick. Not pregnant sick (though that is a small portion of it), managed to get the stomach virus extended version. I started feeling bad last saturday and didn't feel significantly better till Thursday. Wore myself out Friday trying to make up for all the lost days. Went to bed at 9pm. last night.

Today was a good deal better. Still feeling pregnant...nothing sounds good, slight headache, lots of exhaustion, but significantly better. Would've helped if I had gotten out of the house today. M and I did have a dance party on the porch while hubs took our stuff to Goodwill. It was fun...M clearly thought so also. I had a mediocre night with M seeing as it was traumatic poop day! Had to do the suppository thing tonight after reading 5 stories to her while she sat on the potty. She hates the "posi" but what do you do when you kid won't poo. It all kicked in eventually and she ended up going on the potty about 3 days worth! She ought to feel significantly better! AND she did it on the potty so she got a special prize. I think in the end she was proud of herself. Now if I can just keep that all going somehow...

Spent an hour on the phone chatting with a friend. It's nice to have someone I can do that with. Us ladies need eachother. That was like a blessed break for us both! I'm looking into making some pj's for m and her cuz for their Christmas picture. We'll see... Off to bed.

Never Shop for Groceries when Pregnant

So, here is my post. I'M PREGNANT! I've been waiting to post about this till all my family knew. No, I wasn't expecting this, but I'm trying to get used to it. I think it might actually be setting in today. I've been exploring birthing options.

I took M with me to grocery shop. Now my avid readers know that I'm very careful and stick to my strict budget of $50 a week. Well, I found that shopping while pregnant is a different story. I didn't go in there buying up all the twinkies and ding dongs I could find. In fact, the chips to go with the salsa was about the worst of it...except maybe the bag of frozen curly fries (which was truly more for my hubs). Still, I got more variety than usual. more fruit, more meat, more dairy...AND when my cart was so full (which it never is) I ended up only going $10 over budget! Now, I was disappointed that I went over at all, but I was thrilled that it was only $10 considering all that I took home. We may actually be good for the entire month on just about half the budget.

On pregnancy...I've been irritable and moody and tired. DUH. I don't like feeling this way but it's hard to shake. Well, today was a better day for my mood. I felt productive and not as tired as usual and that really helped. Now I don't really get sick...I don't feel what I would describe as nauseous, but I do feel not hungry or anti a particular food...or any food. Then there's the acne! I did not have this issue with M, which is pushing everyone to say that this one must be a boy. Either way I don't care, but I hate the acne issues! so annoying. don't want to take any pics! This too shall pass.

BIRTHING ALTERNATIVES
So what do we think about water births? birthing centers? home birth? I'm just curious. In fact I've always been curious. When I had M my birthing experience was not that great. I loved one of my nurses and my dr. at least during delivery, but my relationship with doc left something to be desired throughout. AND I couldn't stand all the hook-ups and the nurses coming in and out every 30 minutes all through the night. The facility was extremely disappointing. My hubs couldn't sleep at all and the shower head wouldn't stay in it's place (not to mention no water pressure at all), making showering very difficult. I'm currently researching alternatives. I'm not just going to go with whatever is suggested unless I feel equally comfortable with it. I'm doing more research this time. AND I'm paying much more attention to cost since this birth is unexpected and only 2500 dollars of it will be covered by our insurance! This will be interesting and hopefully very fun!

The First Frost

Well, October is nearly over and we finally got our first frost. I'm looking forward to really seeing the changing leaves now! M has been talking all about the leaves and colors of fall! In fact, she's been learning and practicing her spanish colors that way. She amazes me with her little spongy brain!

So much has happened since I posted last and I feel as though I owe some type of explanation for why I've been silent, but I know that technically I don't owe any explanation, so I'm not giving one! Ha! Is that mean or what! No, seriously. I haven't posted cause I haven't wanted to take the time, because I have far more to say than I can, and cause I've been in and out of a funk. So there it is.

Trying to figure out the upcoming holidays! This is still hard after 6 years of marriage. We know we like to reserve Christmas for our little special family! It's our coveted time for making memories and such. But Thanksgiving is hard this year cause my FOO and extended family (FOO is family of origin) are all getting together to celebrate a bunch of uncles turning 60 and cousins that I haven't seen since before M was even a thought are going to be there with all their children (and when I say ALL I mean they all have soooo many). I really want to be in the middle of all that and I love seeing my Grandmother, Mamaw, but it's a pretty long trip for a 2 year old not to mention the massive amount of gas (aka money). Then we have the issue that to get to Jackson from here we'll have to pass through B'ham, so that is good and difficult. That is where my whole in-law family lives which is great cause we would get to see them too. But we'd have to keep getting back in the car to keep going further! Who knows...we are going back and forth. Either way we are definitely getting to B'ham for Thanksgiving. We rarely get "enough" time there when we go though...you know how it is.

Do others still struggle with this? I know you have to. I think I put this question into the Mom-to-mom round table discussion box. Speaking of that...IT'S TOMORROW! I'm thrilled. Seriously. Mom to Mom this past week was the highlight of the entire week (just about). It was like that moment in Steel Magnolias where Truvy says that laughter through tears is her favorite emotion! What a blessing! We cried with one gal in her struggles and we laughed with everybody trying to talk about S-to the -E-to the -X in church with our Titus women! It was a riot! Precious times of being real and vulnerable. I'm glad God worked things out the way He did. Oh, He knows...every little thing that we need or even will need eventually. So tomorrow is round table where the Titus ladies (the older wiser ones) try to answer our generally anonymous questions that have been collecting in a box since September. Love it. Can't wait.

So much more to say and tell, but I've said enough for now. Time to go sew. working on decor for my friends home. so fun. A little indigo girls, a little heat (finally), a lot of concentration, and hopefully lots of prayerful thoughts, as I work to get to the end of several projects which will be so satisfying to see those end products. bedskirt and duvet and curtain.

The Post About the Post

Today was monday...I say was because for me it is basically over. Mondays are generally tough for me maybe because I'm generally confined to my home. Maybe because I generally have no useful thing to do. I seriously don't know. But the redeeming part of Mondays is bible study!

Can I just say, "We made it through week 6!" Hopefully, maybe we are on the up and up now.

Bible study was great! Of course everydays' entry was remarkably precise for me right now. I talked about the "church" as the Bride of Christ last week in blog and sure enough we talked about that in this weeks study.

On that note, that particular blog came into question privately. Some were disconcerted that they may have been the receptors for some unnecessary falsehood or fingerpointing. I assure you that though it was a specific event that got my mind rolling in that direction, none of the comments were directed at anyone or any collective whole except maybe the American Church (and denominations). I hope that no one felt personally wronged by the words, but the point was to ruffle the feathers of those who find themselves satisfied with the way things are.

Please keep in mind that things expressed in this blog certainly are not the end all be all. I don't pretend to be much of an expert on anything, so if something strikes a chord, be a skeptic, search your scriptures and find the truth. I hope to always speak it, but I am human and I too make mistakes.

Back to the study, SIL and I were able to connect with some other gals and were reminded that we are accepted and ought to feel safe. There is a trust issue at hand here which is healthy for group interaction, and the truth of the matter is that we too, have what is best for the group as a whole as our main goal. God has brought us all together for a reason, and I for one, am glad that He did.

Thank you Lord for bringing those together in your perfect way even tonight. May you be glorified.

Big Saturday

Today has been a BIG day in so many ways. Me, my SIL family, my parents had a huge yard sale. We always use my house cause it's on a main road and gets a lot of traffic. I couldn't sleep cause I had the yard sale jitters that someone was up early sifting through my stuff while I was sleeping. I woke at 3:30, 4:30, and then just stayed awake in bed till 5:30 when I finally drug myself up and out the door to set up.

It was soooo cold this morning too! Good thing my SIL brought me some yummy breakfast and HOT coffee. My parents overslept, so I had to call them (not like they don't deserve to sleep in after the month they've had!). Still I needed organizational help.

AND I didn't get to go to my $6 box sale which I was really hoping to slip away too. That helps so much with the budget usually. Oh well. I'll have to play sweep the pantry till the next one in 2 weeks.

Altogether we made a hair over $450! How bout that for a yard sale where in we didn't put up signs or post it in the paper (we did do craigslist though). In fact we didn't even try to sell a good deal of furniture cause we knew we would get a better deal on craigslist. So that's our next project. AND I got something I've been looking for to organize M's purses and hats (free from the pile). I also got a Christmas gift for hubs from my BIL's pile and a scarecrow to go on my porch as I have been heavy into the project of bring fall to my house. One annoying thing happened...I had set aside (at the end of the sale) a slew of maternity clothes and baby girl things for my friend who is pregnant, and while I was putting M to nap, Hubs sold the entire tub full to some old ladies for $2.00! I was ill. At least if he was going to sell it he could have asked a good price! Oh well. I tried.

We made a family trip to ALDI and I ran into BiLo for the few things we can't get at ALDI. I'm starting to like shopping together. We are trying the cash system again and it really helps having Hubs there tallying as we go. We use our list and I even menu plan. This helps cut down on unnecessary spending. M was delightful too. She was so happy she was singing songs aloud! It was fun.

To top it off, we stopped at my friend Sarah's house cause she so kindly scoured around for an old phone I could use. See, I don't remember if I posted this or not, but I laid my phone on the hood of someone's car at the party last saturday and never saw it again. Totally my fault, but you know...if I could help not having to spend money on a new phone, that's great! So Sarah got her FIL's old phone and charger. It's nice too. I'm thrilled and can hardly wait to activate it. I'm sure the text box is full if not the voice mail. So, if you think I don't like you cause I haven't called you back, it's not true...it's just that I have no idea you called! Ha! I hope to remedy that soon. And M kept saying "Mommy, you got a present?!" To which I replied "Oh yes! I got a new phone!"

And She Does It Again...

So I thought my sister's post about self control was great! And it was...but she jumped on one of my all time favorite soap boxes in her next post so I have to link again! This is a must read if you are interested on her thoughts about True Christianity! She is far more eloquent than I and/thus all I can say to this is Right On Sis! Wish I could put those same thoughts and feelings into words in the same way that you do!

Love my Sis!

I'm not sure if I've ever linked to her blog before as my own post...but that is my post for today. Please read this post I found over there. I was so impressed with it in so many ways! Especially if you struggle with self control and eating...check this out! I know I needed to hear it!

Lip Service

I have been mulling over a recent event that just about ruined one of my favorite times. In this mulling process I have pinpointed the righteousness that comes in the midst of the anger (which is kind of odd generally). I'm tired of the Christian Crap. Let's just call it like it is. In the book I'm reading the author calls it "Chicken poop for the soul." I'm struggling with our humanness in the midst of our Christianity. Do we truly want to live as Christ calls us to live or do we settle for second best so that we can protect our little world.

I got news people!!! God is not out to protect our little world! He is there to shatter the boxes that we try to place him in! He is here to ruffle our feathers and make us so uncomfortable that we can't deny him any longer! He is the great revolutionary of all time and I'm ready to join the revolution!

Rock the boat! Get out of the bubble! You are missing it if you don't. God did not intend for so-called Christians to be the very reason that the lost and even other believers turn away from Him. And unfortunately this is the case more often than not.

I can assure you that if I were not secure in my God that I would have kissed this craziness goodbye long ago. But Christ calls the church his bride! Can you imagine?! Sometimes I think it is a lot more like Bridezilla!

Get this...that building...that business...that organization that calls itself the church, it isn't. The church is the body of Christ. A collection of believers that work and interact so closely together that they become as one entity, unable to function properly without all of its member being in working order.

I was recently made to feel as if I were the appendix. My presence was practically useless and possibly hazardous! THis just isn't the case. God has called me to fight to the death for His bride. And I will regardless of the feathers that are ruffled.

Please if you consider yourself a Christian and especially a member of a church, don't just give God lipservice. REGARDLESS OF THE COST, seek the truth, love justice, and walk humbly with God. LOVE (in word AND DEED) your neighbor as yourself.

Who is your neighbor? Christ was also asked this to which he responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan. Read if you will Luke 10. Where do you find yourself in this story and be honest. Consider for a moment if the injured person were afflicted with something else. We'd all like to think that if someone were physically injured that we would stop and help, but what if he/she were shunned by those around you for one reason or another? Would you be the one to tell your friends to get a grip and then in deed reach out to help carry that persons burden? Or would you shy away cause you have reputation to uphold, a job you'd like to keep safe, a family to "protect"?

God is speaking to me constantly through his word right now which is unbelievable and oh so comforting! I wish I could pass it all on, but this post is long enough. Please be in prayer for me and my family as we fight diligently for the Lord through an unexpected and unwanted trial. Pray that God ALONE will be glorified!

Halloween Hoopla

My bloggin friend Jamie, posted on halloween. It was an opinionated post (not necessarily a bad thing), but it got me thinking. It jist of it was that she doesn't do halloween. At least not yet cause her kids are young and don't really care or know about it. She says that people spend too much money on it and that it's foolishness anyway.

I definitely understand your point of view, but the same could be said for most holidays! And what's so bad about a little "foolishness" in moderation. They are kids! M has had a costume every year. I too did the first time mom thing and ridiculously bought her a pea pod costume that first year. Uh...we wore it to Ruby Tuesdays. I admit that was dumb. At least that first and/or second year you can get by with wearing a halloween themed tee. I would definitely suggest that. But after that kids know about it. They don't get it really (neither do I really) but it is a memory made none the less.

For kids its more like imagining and playing dress up. It is hard to find the balance between make believe and reality. To practice imagining and make believe is not avoiding reality, it is growing cognitive thinkers...more creative minds. Minds with less man-made boundaries. Do I think it is important to tap into reality with kids. On a certain scale sure...depending on their age even more so.

Do I think we shouldn't waste money? Absolutely! Do I think there are tons of better things we could do with our money, always! But we need to remember that it's all in what we make of it. Maybe part of your halloween tradition could be spending a whole day as one of your favorite people doing something for someone else. You could dress up and bring goody bags to the hospital to cheer those children who would love to but don't get to participate.

All these things are teaching opportunities for you and your children. There is no need to spend crazy money on candy and/costumes. Thrift stores baby! They have all kinds of costumes that were only worn one time! And they are cheap! Wear the same one twice if it's the kind you can grow into. I did this for as many years as I could be pink panther. Then I fell off someones front porch into a prickly bush and my plastic costume was severed beyond repair! Ha!

Get creative and make a costume out of things you already have! Borrow one from a friend whose kids is bigger than yours! We could wear Grace's Dora costume from last year! We are just going to have our own though cause it is a pink shirt, orange shorts, yellow socks, and a purple backpack! All useful items individually.

This subject is tricky and as a Christian there's the whole supporting evil things issue. Again...it's a teaching time for you and your family. It's a building memories time for you and your family. Make it what you need it to be so as to promote your beliefs. But don't forget that it doesn't hurt to have fun!

The Poopin Place

M has a poopin problem. She is always constipated. It's a battle to figure out just what or a combination of the things that actually cause it. Regardless, our friends David and Suzette are to whom we run during the crisis. Not because they have all knowledge and wisdom on such things. Not because they have been through them or know someone who has had a similar experience. No. It's because no matter what M always poops at their house!

Tonight was no exception. After a very unsuccessful week with all that, She actually pooped on her own Saturday a.m. but she still needed to do some more. She's been strainin off and on since then but with no success. We hadn't been at their house more then 7 minutes when she took the biggest poo...And that's as far as I'll go! I was actually excited about this!

I hope she feels like a million bucks now. I hope that the doctor actually calles us back on Monday about this. I hope that her teacher lady does bring us some of the all natural stuff she was telling me about last Wednesday. I'm ready to nip this in the bud so that we don't have to be so poop-centric! And so we can finish up the potty training thing!

In case ya'll didn't know, we took down the crib this Saturday and she's doing the big girl bed thing. Course, she initiated and the beds been in her room since she was an infant. She's done really well. In fact, we put her to bed in Nani's big girl bed at her house so that we could sneak out for some long overdue adult time. Believe it or not we snuck to Starbucks and both of us had drinks for a total of less than $4. Thanks Shayna for the coupon!

Things I Wish Everyone Already Knew

• Things aren't always what they seem
• Don't believe everything you hear, read, etc.
• Your sins really will find you out
• God's vengeance is always better.
• God's way is always better
• Just because a person claims to be Christian doesn't mean they are always Christ like (unfortunately)
• In general, the culture doesn't accept people who are different (even if it's different good)
• Ignorance isn't really bliss...it's ignorance
• Most things are not better left unsaid
• The truth really does set you free
• Money really is the root of most things evil
• Unfortunately people aren't always as they seem
• A true friend ought to love at all times (if he/she doesn't then maybe he/she isn't a true friend)
• The American church as we find it today is not exactly what God designed.
• Just because something is good doesn't mean it's best.
• Just because something is good doesn't mean it is of God
• 
  

Keepin Busy

Sometimes I like to be busy. Don't get me wrong I ought to live for the uneventful days in my life cause they seem to be so few and far between! Ha! But seriously, I suppose one of my defenses against heavy anxiety is business. I don't necessarily think it's a good thing, but it works for a while. So here's what I've been up to.

• I made M a fleece jacket (had a pattern that I got for 25 cents and had saved) Had the fleece left over from my cloth diaper making days, had ribbons to finish the edges from a project I'm working on with my girl Sara. Did this Monday.
• Aided Sara in cleaning out her garage...more like organizing, but will you believe that we actually got it done in a matter of 4 hours or so?! I wasn't sure it could be done. Today.
  
• Consigned bunch of M's toys and equipment on Thursday.
• Organized my mom's garage Thursday as well.
• Clean swept and organized stuff for yard sale.
• Help Sara do the same
• Prepping for Sara's b-day party (Thurs.)
• Went to My Child's Closet for Grace's b-day present
• Took M to the big party (Saturday)
• Went to the big baptism (Sara and Grace)
• been cutting, pinning and prepping S's duvet.
• Tea dyed an old sheet for Grace's bed side table
• reading Irresistible Revolution
  

That's all I can think of...EXCEPT improving my marriage which has been fabulous! So on that note I'll go spend some more time with hubs.

See Post Below

My Truth Shall Set You Free post was delayed so don't miss it! You'll have to scroll down past the $6 box post to see it. Please read though. It will help you better understand "where I've been" the last 3 weeks. I don't have all the answers to what's been going on, but I can provide the basic information. If you need more info, please contact Dad's previous employer.

$6 Box Sale

I did it. I finally went back to the $6 a box sale. It was insane! Word of mouth can really draw a crowd. Wherein we were able to go to and fro the aisles a good 3 times on our last visit, this time there were so many people that we barely made it down 3 aisles before there were slim pickins. I will definitely have to take pics before it starts next time. There is no way to take a pic once it has started unless you are uninterested in filling your box with things you need.

BTW this is not shopping for the tenderhearted. It's push and shove to get to the juice before the next gal gets it. I really didn't get to some of the things I really needed, but I still filled my box with useful things. And here is my list...REMEMBER all of these combined only cost $6!

1 glass jar of Lime juice (lemon juice was on my grocery list, so this is great!)
1 large jug of Gatorade
1 medium jug of strawberry banana juice
Hogsen Mill Soy flour (I use this all the time for egg substitute in baking)
1 baking soda
4 balance mix protein bars (my fave believe it or not!)
1 pack of quaker granola bars
2 liter ginger ales
1 ensure
1 pack bud's best animal crackers
1 pack sugar free animal crackers
18pk. pampers diapers
1 box of swiss miss hot cocoa w/ marshmallows
buttermilk pancake and waffle mix
1 pack of rice cakes
2 jif to go peanut butters
2 spaghettios
3 green beans
1 family size green beans
1 carnation evaporated milk
2 campbells chicken noodle soup
1 kraft mac n cheese
1 easy mac
1 ranch style beans
1 oatmeal squares cereal
1 fiber one type cereal
1 vanilla sandwich creams
2 bars of dial soap

So fun! Love a good shopping experience.

The Truth Shall Set You Free

So I've been asking you to pray for my family for a while as they have been going through a difficult time. In general, it's over and done, but the after quakes are in full swing.

My dad was asked to resign. He did not feel that God was leading him in that way. There were some reasons, three to be exact, but small in my opinion and certainly not requiring resignation, maybe just guidance. If you need to know more specifics, I suppose you'll need to ask dad or the others involved. In no small way did I chose to post in order to make sure those that have heard understand that according to his employer THERE IS NO MORAL ISSUE HERE. Dad's godliness and integrity were not in question. Simply put, certain accusers had lost confidence in his leadership.

He did not turn in his resignation. His only request was that the situation be handled in standing with the bible and in truth. Since there was no assurance given for this, he refused to hand in his resignation and thus was terminated.

That's it. There's the story. Now you know better how to pray. Please continue to do so for my family.

____________________

Now those of you that know me...well need to know that I am not necessarily O.K. with all that has occurred. I am handling my emotions day by day and only with God's help. Scripture helps the most. Please continue to encourage me to keep things real, to check my attitude, mood, actions, etc. with scripture. Even and especially in the midst of trials I want to identify with Him.

God's Word to whom it may concern...

Joshua 5:13 +

Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, "Are you for us or for our enemies?"

"Neither," he replied, "but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come." Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, "What message does my Lord have for his servant?"

The commander of the Lord's army replied, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy. " And Joshua did so.

Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in.

Then the Lord said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days...

(Joshua obeyed)

But Joshua had commended the people, "Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!" ...

On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in teh same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the people, "Shout! For the Lord has given you the city! The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the Lord. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spare, because she hid the spies we sent. But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble upon it..."

(And so it was done just as God had promised)...

So the Lord was with Joshua and his fame spread throughout the land.

_______________________

Sometimes in a battle, to be silent is wisdom (as it says in the proverbs). Sometimes God requires that we take a stand...for Him, for what is pure, true, holy, righteous. It's ared to tell when to do what, but now God is telling me to rise up! I'm scared. Not so much for me or what God requires of me, but I'm scared for those on whom God's judgement rests. As we pray for revival on our personal level, God is drawing us to call out for revival on a much begger level. If I have to die to be a catalyst for this then so be it. I'm yours God. Use me as you see fit!

Catchin' Up

This post is a catch up post. Thank goodness those "hot" dog days of summer are on their way out (even though it was 91 degrees today and yesterday). Even so, here are some pics from a really hot, stay-in-your-pajamas-all-day, picnic that Cuz and M had indoors! It was Nickelodeon, french fries, corn dogs, corn, and who even remembers what else. It was an abandon most of the rules day and just have fun! They had a little dance party too with Yo Gabba Gabba (even mom can get into this). These Are the Days...to Remember!

It's a desk too!

Remember this?! Well, my 2.00 purchase is not only a high chair and rocking horse, but a desk as well. I may have mentioned that one of my readers commented that she has the same one and tipped me off to the desk portion, or I may never have put it to good use. It makes a very useful tv dinner position (on the occasions that we actually do that). Good for containing crayon and craft messes too.

Picture Post

I finally got the pics off of my phone. It's so convenient since I don't always have a camera when I need one the most. Enjoy!

Good Idea Mommy

We are playing clean the pantry and/or clean the freezer. So we broke out the popsicles that were almost forgotten.

M has a thing about not liking cold foods too much, but she has recently figured out that ice cream is really good once you get past the fact that it's cold. So, out came the popsicles.
I let her pick the color (pink of course!) I took yellow since there seemed to be an overabundance of them. I fished her gloves out of the sock bin and she was a happy girl! The gloves helped alot.

My Latest Shpiel

O.K. Since this is a "family friendly, " G rated posting, I have to be care what words and such I use so as to not attract unwanted visitors. Hubs and I have been visiting a new church start where it just so happens that they started a new series called Undercover the first week we visited.

It was so great that first week that I told J that I needed to go back and hear more. Now the S to the E to the X is something that all married couples ought to be dealing with on a regular basis and it is extremely important, but in most Christian circles it is still swept under the covers (hence the series name). I'm not saying that this guy is the best preacher that I've ever heard...actually he is raw and real and human, and that actually makes me like him more. The way he biblically and humorously addresses such an important and everpresent topic speaks right to me.

Hey, I'm just being honest, but after nearly 6 years of marriage, one child and two enormous life changes (Katrina and the unspeakable one I'm currently in the middle of), the "S" word is barely in my vocabulary much less marriage...And that's just sad. The enemy comes to steal kill and destroy, but Christ came so that we could have life! And get this...even more ABUNDANT life. I'd say "being married" (catch me on that one) is part of that abundant life. He gave us so many blessings, why this....ABUNDANCE!

So, if you have been around me lately and you are of the female persuasion, you've already heard my reminders and such about being there fro your man...If not, or even still, go to the website and click on the two most recent "sermons" in the new series Undercover.

(Anyone else notice I'm terrible at using quotation marks? Yeah. O.K. Anyone else notice I've given you ample opportunity to link to these "sermons")

Seriously, as a married person I can not stress to you how important being reminded about this "stuff" is. I said to Hubs that people pay good money to go to counseling for this stuff and he is just telling it like it is.

Go Here. And revive your marriage.

M Antics!

What can I say?! I love my family! And M keeps us rolling! What personality! I wonder where she gets it? Today there were many funnies, but the ones I'm posting are these.

First, when I picked her up from "school" her teachers asked me what it was that she was saying all day about her best friend? "Nigua?" "Negro?" (to these I'm think 'good heavens!' and get a little anxious). No you preschool teachers, It's Uniqua the backyardigan!


This animal? monstrosity was adopted near the end of August. M is pretty good about playing with things in the store and then saying her goodbyes and leaving the toy on the shelf. Uniqua was a different story. She spotted this creature as big as she and the excitement was expressed in whisper tones of great awe and wonderment. So Uniqua was invited to ride along in the shopping cart as we did our further shopping. As the trip progressed, it was obvious to Hubs and me that Uniqua was here to stay. M was holding long, meaningful conversations with her. She called her by name and said that she was her best friend. So we put things back on the shelf, so that "Niqua," M's nickname for Uniqua, could come home with us. To our pleasant surprise Uniqua was half price that day as well.

Now, M rarely sleeps without her and misses her when they are separated during school. I do think it is a tad sad for a little girl to claim a mere stuffed toy as her BFF, but since she doesn't actually grasp the BFF concept, I'll relax about it for now.

I will say that when M pronounces her name in that sweet little voice it does sound like a slightly offensive term. What can I do? That is her name and to see the child's love and excitement for her erases any awkwardness.


Next I guess M got cold, cause she figured out this little get up and continually recreated it all afternoon. She used one blankie as her "hat" and one to "wrap me up." Gotta get a pic of that!

Mom to Mom

Whew! Thank God for Mom to Mom. I mean that in it's literal sense. Us women need eachother. Us Christians need eachother. That's the way that God designed us. Today was our 1st real gathering since last week was sort of just introductory. Man, I've missed it. And the girls! Even more than the revival bible study I'm doing I have begun to be convicted by God through this study.

Today we talked about parenting expectations and myths. God hit me between the eyes with the reminder not to overschedule my family...me and/or M. Now how can you over schedule a 2 year old?! Oh, I don't know...maybe Monday is play with Cuz day, Tuesday is school, Wednesday is Mom to Mom, eating out, play with Cuz, eat at church, choir, Thursday is school, Friday is school! And to think that I was jealous that M wasn't going to be able to be in ballet class!

I don't know if I like her being in school 3 days a week, but I have to admit that she really thrives in school. I'm contemplating taking her out of one of the days. I've also contemplating changing my bible study commitments. I love them all, definitely, but monday night is bible study with the gals from Sunday School, wednesday is mom to mom, choir, sunday is church, sunday school, small group. whew! I can't stand being churched to death...but it is a choice. So, I'm having to choose. What is best for my family is priority.

So, please pray for me as I try to reorganize and reschedule this family to God's glory. Believe it or not, I doubt if God is oh so pleased when we give ourselves away to bible study and church.

Revival

So, I'm in this bible study...Seeking Him. It's a bunch of gals about my age and such and we are praying for individual revival. This is really scary and I knew it was, but I had no idea. The wiles are already at work. A gal who had done this study before said to get ready cause in order for us to be ready to receive the revival work that God is obviously working all around us, we have to ready our hearts....like preparing the soil for a harvest. 6 weeks of toiling, and tilling and breaking up the fallow ground! This is painful! It's terribly uncomfortable! I wanna go back to bed and wake up when God is finished, but it doesn't work like that. Unfortunately.

After all that went on in Katrina and the experience that it was, the last thing I need or want is to lose a sense of stability and footing, and yet that is where I am...stepping away from what's comfortable and has gotten me through a very rough time in my life. I accepted the challenge from God this a.m. with great reluctance, looking forward to what will be more of an end result (thought there's never really an end with this growing in Christ stuff), and dreading the process!

He is not holding back. This has been one of the worst days I've had in nearly a year! For reasons I can not say, and many unknown to me, things are kind of turned on their side and I'm in a place of waiting, kind of stuckness. I'd rather be moving forward, but things in life are on hold again. Ugh. So I wait. And I pray. And I ask you to pray too...for me and my family and our emotional and spiritual health. I'm still clinging to God's truth's in his word, but I want to be angry and I want to rebel. Keep praying please.

Blog Funk

So I guess either I'm just too busy or to say it in a more positive way, my life is too full right now to find time for blogging OR I'm just in a blogging funk right now. At any rate, I have found a blog (or two) far more worth your time at this point. PLEASE look into my dear friends Jamie and Aaron Ivey and their blogs as they are beginning their first international adoption. My heart goes out to them as do my prayers and money! In so many ways I'd love to be in their shoes, but I do know that God has His time and His plan. Join so many of us as we act as the community that surrounds them and aids them in raising and creating their family. As it should be with and in the body of Christ! See latest pics of their future son, Dowensky from Haiti.

2nd Anniversary Katrina

For those of you who don't know, I'm a "Katrina" survivor. If you search my blog and find my long story from last year's anniversary, you will see how far I've come AND how much we went through. This year I'm not sad. I had a few people ask me if I was o.k. and how it must be hard to think back. But I discovered that though I do miss the simplicity of the life we had there in New Orleans--AND--the people we had fallen in love with! When I look back, I now think happy thoughts. Gratitude for having enjoyed that time, those people, that life.



God was so good to allow my family to have that experience and though I find myself missing the idea of it as a whole, I do not wish to go back. I wish to continue forward. God has continued my path in this direction for whatever reason and I can't wait to have it revealed one turn at a time. I prefer to think happy thoughts on the 29th of August and happy birthday on the 31st!

My Find!

Look what I found!

It's a Rocking Horse!

No, It's a High Chair!

No, It's both AND only $2!

Nani's Beauty Parlor

M spent the night at Nani's a week or two ago and she came back with pink nails...

And some AMAZING bed head! Hah!

Break Mommy's Heart!

One little monkey jumping on the bed...She got overly excited and rammed her face into our headboard!

A sad lesson learned the hard way.

Mommy's heart is still heavy about it. I know I have caught a glimpse of the heart break of standing back and watching your loved ones make poor choices. Hopefully, she's learned to trust and obey Mommy and Daddy...and in turn, one day she can trust and obey Jesus in the same manner.

Back to High School

I'm writing in response to my bloggy friend's recent post. Head over to Jamie's site. You will not be disappointed.

1. Who was your best friend?
Depended on the year...I moved senior year! Previously, my BFF in A.T.L was Meggie Lowe. We were two peas in a pod at church even thought she was a year younger than me and we went to two totally different schools. Two other BFF's at school were Clara Kim and Joanna Vaughters. They dissected the art of creating the perfect packable sandwich!

In B'ham, my BFF was Robin Taylor. A little crazy, or maybe alot, but I couldn't help but be drawn to that personality!

2. Did you play any sports?
I did cheerleading in 10th grade till I found out it really is like they say.

3. What kind of car did you drive?
When I finally was allowed to drive, it was the majorly handed down blue Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera don't remember what year, but OLD

4. It’s Friday night. Where were you?
likely on a date with some musician type

5. Were you a party animal?
Not in the respect that you likely think of immediately, but know that there was rarely a dull moment with me around

6. Were you considered a flirt?
definitely

7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir?
both band and choir

8. Were you a nerd?
nah.

9. Were you ever suspended or expelled?
no

10. Can you sing the fight song?
No.

11. Who was your favorite teacher?
Have a horrid memory! I know I loved my AP history teacher in 11th grade. I can see her in my mind's eye.

12. What was your school mascot?
Dunwoody Wildcats and Vestavia Hills Rebels

13. Did you go to the Prom?
Did I go to the prom??? Uh yeah THREE times! Ha ha!

14. If you could go back, would you?
You could NOT pay me enough money to go back to high school!

15. What do you remember most about graduation?
Remember the organizer she was like the graduation Nazi! Geez!

16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day?
At school. I didn't have much of an option. My mom found out about it and made sure I knew there was no skipping

17. Did you have a job your senior year?
Express (clothing store)

18. Where did you go most often for lunch?
Senior Patio

19. Have you gained weight since then?
Yes, but who hasn’t since high school?!

20. What did you do after graduation?
Went to Samford University!

21. What year did you graduate?
1997

22. Who was your Senior Prom Date?
Alex Winston (still have fond memories...of the guy...not the night thank you!)

23. Are you going/did you go to your 10 year reunion?
I'll be so close, but I still can't go! made a commitment to go to my niece's first b-day! I do wish I could go. It's a great place to do vacation!

24. What is your biggest regret in high school?
Not figuring out who I was until summer between 10th and 11th grade! Still, not too many regrets.

Okay … now you jump in and tell me about you in high school!!

I smell a meme! You're it: Beth, Miriam, Kendra, Shelby, Minnah

Works for Me Wednesday!

So they say necessity is the mother of invention. I would definitely agree! I forgot my bib when at a nice restaurant for an after church lunch. Seeing as M was wearing white and her back-up outfit was also white...AND we had ordered spaghetti! She just turned two, so I stripped her dress off and took two cloth napkins, tied them together at two points making a hole for her head and just slipped it on! It was an ingenious moment.

I'm sure you don't have to get you child clothing-less in order for this to be effective!

Also, you could take one of those sticky table topper place mat things and finagle it into a bib. Course if you can remember one of those, you should be able to remember a bib! ha!

I forget bibs all the time!

WINNERS!

Well, as cliche as it sounds...everyone that gave me a suggestion is a winner, cause I have greatly depleted my chicken finger supply! Only half a bag left!

I had trouble choosing! As far as ease goes and yum factor, I loved the salad way. There are so many ways you can go with that as far as various toppings and dressings! It's just so good. Now, as far as taste! BiG Taste...that was the chicken fried chicken suggestion! THat was a big hit across the board! It took more work, but was so yummy!

So, since there is a tie, then there are two winners! Horray for Kendra at Tres Alejandros and Nico at NicoWorld!

I will be mailing out a goody pack on Thursday to Nico provided I get your contact information. Also for your sewing center order...

Kendra I will contact you personally since I know you. feel free to contact me if you like. You too get a custom something from my sewing center.

Yeah! Winners!

Cha-Ching!

Hallelujah. #2 has made it in the potty. Clearly this is a small step because M is still "scared" of the whole #2 in the potty concept. But her being so bright and verbal has made for interesting new conversation! She told the man at the cash register today that she made a brown poo-poo in the potty today! Alright! Well, at least it was brown. How much more interesting would it have made things had she given it another color?!

A humongous step in the right direction, but a long way to go in this arena. Still I'm very proud of my little one. She even went on the "big potty" in nursery last night. She's go step #1 down. She still has accidents, but that's pretty normal. One uncontrollable one today. She tried, she really did. She just waited too late.

This adds a whole new dimension to doing things out though. In some ways I can see how convenient the diaper is! Today at ALDI, she told me she needed to go on the potty. I didn't even know if they had a restroom. Thank goodness for pull-ups, cause they had one, but I didn't find it quickly. We sat on it anyway. It's a memory training thing.

Just sharing the good news!

Chicken Fried Chicken

Last night we tried the "Chicken Fried Chicken" recipe suggested by Kendra at Tres Alejandros. My husband ate it up! I'm actually amazed! It was actually quite good. I made sweet tea (a treat cause I always just forget to make it), rice and white breakfast type gravy, and green beans. I wanted to make biscuits or rolls, but ran out of town as we had choir last night. Big spread of rice with the chicken nugget/fingers on top, and pour the white gravy over it all. Pretty darn good!

Yes, Miriam, I added your b'fast burrito to the list! gonna make in on Saturday morn while hubs is here to enjoy it. I wanna make Kendra's suggestion tomorrow or Sunday am with the sister schubert rolls. I saved some gravy for that very recipe. Gotta get the sister schuberts today at the store.

So the contest is winding down. We've done the Chicken parmesian thing before, but we may try it again just for refreshing. I'm going to sort through the recipes and make sure that we've tried them all and then post my decision! Look for it Monday! Hopefully I will be through with all those breaded nuggets! Ugh. At least this month there weren't any listed on the Angel Food order form. Hallelujah!

Been out with the Flu

Lovely beginning to my week...I go the flu. Stomach flu that I acquired from working in the nursery, or just food poisoning from the Mexi restaurant I ate at Sunday night. Not sure, but I'm glad that's over. My mom was generous enough to take me to her house and "nurse" me back to health.

Yesterday, feeling significantly better and it being my day off from keeping Cuz, I tried to take care of a few overdue things on my list. I went to the store and got a new microwave. Ours has been smoking. (There are some things worth buying new.) I got M some "big girl panties" and training pants! And me some long overdue undergarments as well--what a special treat! (And like I said, LONG OVERDUE!)

August is no eating out month. Now we aren't being too stringent, but it is a principle that we are trying to reset in our brains. July we ate out way too often. In fact, to celebrate the end of our eating our rampage we went out to eat last night! Ha! I was still trying to recuperate from my flu, so Hubs, M, and I went to Panera and used our coupons to have something light (and for the Chicken Noodle soup!)

After eating out we went to Target! I haven't been just for fun in a long time! I used quite a bit of self control and only managed to buy M one pair of shoes and myself one pair of shoes...on clearance of course! BUT...it was then and there that I decided that this is the store I want my b-day giftcard from. What fun! So I told Jason of course.

And on that note, we have reached the beginning of my birthday month! Yippee! Only 30 more days.

Contest Ends

The "What to do with all these Chicken Fingers" Contest is officially closed. I have tried numerous recipes. I still have a few to try, so I will finish that up this week and announce the winner on Monday! Can't wait! I have quite a package put together...And for your personal sewing options...I'll have to get the winner's "order!" My camera is really acting up, so if I post anymore pics (food or otherwise) it'll be via camera phone!

Potty Time

We're potty training over here in our little neck of the woods. In fact, we really haven't hit it hard cause of the chaos that has turned out to be summer! But, typically M is interested in trying or "practicing" at least once every evening! We're discovering the trick for her is being naked. I know that concept is not the most acclaimed way to patty train you child, but it works rather well around here. Of course that's during the day while we are at home...what'd you think? I drag my kid out in public without clothes?!

Yesterday we had 4 potty successes! Each time there were 2 fairly back to back! The biggest success I would say was when M (making the I need to tee tee face) said "no tee tee ing in the bath!" So I asked if she wanted to get out and go on the potty. She actually said yes...and then went! I was pretty impressed! I know that the next logical step is potty training "panties" which will be just as effective as being naked. I must admit that I fear the #2 part of this training. M is already quite cognizant of the fact that she will be getting a My Lovely Pony the first several times she goes #2 on the potty. (That's the $1 version of My Little Pony--of which she knows no difference).

Still yesterday she pulled her diaper off without my knowing so she could practice going potty, but at some point had to go a little #2! Ooops! A smudge on the floor! Luckily she tried to hold it...so the mess was minimal, but oh I dread it!

We'll hit this harder when there are less distractions in the house. Cuz may be vacationing at the end of the summer, so that would be perfect. He tends to get really mad when she's in the potty and he can't come in. Not to mention when we are all out and about together, he tries to flush the potty while she's still trying to go! That is a little unnerving I can imagine.

Ahhh. The fun times of potty training! More to report on that I'm sure!

There's a Mouse in My House

Fun Book. Not so fun reality.

Never before...and hopefully never again...will I see what I saw last night while lying in bed reading. I thought I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. But when I really looked I didn't see anything. When we chose to rent this house, we knew that this was an old mill house and so the small hole in the wall behind the door didn't really bother us. Well, it does now. Last night the "movement" that caught my eye returned as I continued to read and in the dim light, I was quite certain it was a very tiny mouse. I'd guess 2 inches long or so. It was surprisingly cute, although at first I desired to speak no louder than a whisper while standing on the bed trying to "call" my husband into the room. Of course, he thought I was crazy. He even said so, thought he might need to send me to some therapy!

Then I spotted the mouse (who from henceforth will be referred to as Chester), and he was under the baby bed headed straight for me. Then Chester realized that he didn't much like me either and tried to run back to his hole (where hubby was standing). We played the game of trying to box him in, having no clue what we'd do if we were actually successful, but he "disappeared." Yes, I know. Oh so comforting as I am supposed to crawl back into bed and try to sleep. I made hubby search every crevice for Chester. Hubs turned up nothing. We had blocked under all the doors, so Chester's only hope was his hole. I assume that's where he went.
Then Hubs did one of the dumbest things I think he has ever even attempted to do!!! He gets my favorite pair of blue jeans out of the basket and heads for the hole. When I ask him what he's doing, he proceeds to tell me that he is going to plug up Chester's hole with my jeans. Uh...No! I then try to shed a little light on the insanity of that thought process, to which he then opts for the old, dirty beach towel to do the temporary plugging. Whew!

Believe it or not, I eventually did fall asleep, but I did dream about scores of tiny mice coming in the air conditioning vent! What an experience. Chester's hole is still plugged with that beach towel and you'd better believe I'm not touching it with a 10 foot pole! The exterminator is coming tomorrow, so until then I still look for Chester when I go in and out of my room. So far, no further sign of him! Whew! Bye bye Chester...and good riddance!

I have Apples?!

While playing and learning in the back yard on Monday, I discovered that we have an apple tree. It's really in sad shape though because it has been woodpecked to death. Which I assume means it has a lot of bugs. As if that tree didn't have enough problems, there appears to be some type of fungus trying to take it over. Still...it is producing new shoots and apples. The apples may not be much, but having a tree that produces anything is sort of a novelty. Hopefully I'll be able to collect enough apples to try and make something. Just sounds like fun.



And speaking of food...Look how cute M is! She got this container out of my pantry and ran off mumbling about fixing "dada" lunch in "her kitchen." This is what she came up with. She even brought it to him. He thought it was so cute he took a pic. 2 is a fun age!

Chicken for Lunch

NO. I did not have chicken for supper last night...or breakfast this A.M. However, yesterday I tried two different "recipes" at lunch yesterday. Both of which I actually enjoyed a good bit. I had the chicken "bits" sprinkled over a salad and added cheese, cucumbers, and balsamic vinaigrette. Really good combo if you ask me.



Then I had the chicken on a bun with Hellman's Mayo and Mt. Olive Dill Chips. It was quite tasty as well. Good lunch altogether. Great suggestion Lu.

Chicken Wraps and Contest Update

Nico and Rebecca suggested doing chicken wraps. Tortillas, chicken, whatever sauce you want...

Here's how we did it. M ate the nuggets dipped in honey mustard. I had tortilla with chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and honey mustard. Hubby had the same but plain once and with ranch the second time. He actually commented that he liked the ranch one. M gobbled up the chicken and honey mustard. Here is a pic. M took a bite of the tortilla first...and don't be offended by my "china".


Tomorrow at lunch I'm having it on a salad as Nico also suggested. Then for dinner (maybe) I think I'm going to try Chicken Parmesan suggested by Kendra. That's if I don't need a chicken break! Keep the suggestions coming!

BTW: I'm hoping to close out the contest by the end of the month instead. I hope to be completely out of nuggets/fingers and breaded chicken in general by then. So Comment until the 31st of July then come the prizes!

Belated Birthday

I'm so late on this. Summer really gets away from me. But...My little one turned 2 on the 6th and we had her lovely last minute party on the 7th. I will be getting more pics from my parents as they were more at ease to take them while I was in take charge mode. For now, I'm sending you to my SIL's website to see her slide show of the party. And BTW, she made the two fabulous cakes you see there, so if you live in the area and need a cake for any occasion contact Aunt Shebby's Cakes.

Chicken Fingers Contest!

It's my first CONTEST to host! Those of you who've already given your input in the previous posts comments section have been entered! I decided this will make a great contest. I will try all of your "recipes" and take pics. I'll post the pics and a review of each result. On Aug 15th I will announce the winner. This will be judged simply on ease and "family taste test!"

1. Go to the comments and post your suggestion and/or recipe for what I can do with the loads of breaded chicken nuggets and fingers I have acquired from Angel Food Ministries boxes.
2. When you post your comment make sure you leave your contact info (blog site and/or email info) If it makes you feel more comfortable, just email me the info.
3. Last possible day to enter is July 31st! I will try each recipe for lunch or dinner, and use my family for help in judging. I will post the winner shortly thereafter and contact him or her for prize delivery.
4. WHAT DO I WIN?! A Homemade collection of various items. Homemade Jams for sure, and definitely something from the sewing center; a taggie security blanket maybe (If you have children, I would love to tailor it to your child, grandchild and such)a John-John, a pillowcase dress or outfit with top and pantaloons (monogrammed if you so desire).
5. Get to commenting!

What to do with Chicken fingers?

Periodically I do Angel Food. It is a once a month box of food for $25.00 The amount of meat and such makes this a good value if you actually eat and use the items. However, I have quite a bit of breaded chicken nuggets/fingers that we almost never eat. And I'm not one to waste, so I was just curious if anyone has any good ideas for how I can use this chicken in unique ways. I'm up for any idea...Seriously!

Baby Wipes Recipe

Here is the wipes recipe that many of the comments were directed at. I haven't perfected it yet, but even the first attempt was satisfactory. The container I used was a bit smaller than regular wipe containers, so I measured it so that I could cut the paper towel roll accurately. That part was the hardest! I need to perfect the art of cutting the paper towel. I used a knife cause the scissors couldn't do it. The instructions say to pull from the middle of the roll. In that case, I would think that saving an old lysol wipes container would probably work better. I'm trying that next.

This recipe is for an entire roll, so two "batches" of wipes (at least). I did half a batch...that's all that would fit in my container. You have to use high quality paper towel. Tightwad Gazette suggests Bounty or Brawny, but my fave is Viva! I buy those anyway. One of my "splurges".
Cut the roll accordingly (in half or less depending on size and style of your container). Then remove the cardboard center.

2 1/4 Cups of water
1 Tbsp of baby oil
2 Tbsp of baby shampoo/soap

"Marinate" the cut portion of the paper towels in the mixture (ziploc bag worked well for me). turn it over so that the whole thing gets soaked. Then squeeze out a bit of the solution before transferring the wipes to your container. if you have them in a lysol type container, then pull from the middle. Otherwise, good luck!

O.K. The List

Stars indicate those items that were on my grocery list already. So here is the list of items I got at the sidewalk sale:

*28 oz. Kraft Minute Rice
*2 boxes of Hickory Farms Cracker (like ritz)
Brownie Mix
Magnetic ABC's for the fridge
* 4 small cans of spaghettios
1 can of peas and carrots
*Lipton Decalf tea (48 bags)
*4 6packs of Tropicana Apple Juice
* 4 Ocean Spray Cranberry Rasberry Juice (32 oz)
* 5 packets of Capri Sun
* 3 boxes of Fruit snacks-Kelloggs
* can of Kidney beans
*2 cans of Pinto beans
* XL can of black beans
2 soups at hand (campbells)
*3 boxes of poptarts
3 pack of Orbit gum
1 pack of Latex kitchen gloves
*3 cans of green beans (green giant and del monte)
*2 cans of canola oil spray
1 chicken boullion
1 pickles
1 big tin of Altoids
*2 boxes of cheese crackers (1 gerber graduates)
*Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
*4 cans stewed tomatoes
1 Campbells Select Soup (on the go)
*1 bag of tortilla chips
*1 bag of animal crackers
*One-A-Day Multi-vitamins (plus cholesterol)
1 box of Cheerios
1 gerber graduates veggie crackers
1 Smuckers Magic Shell (Twix)

Frugal and Creative

I'm discovering that these two concepts go hand in hand. To be truly frugal does not mean being too cheap, but rather make the best use of what you've been blessed with. In "the church" we call this good stewardship...No, not tithing, but still within a similar context. Dr. Harvey talked on the parable of the talents and being frugal is one of the ways that I take the fishes and loaves and make them feed more than they seemingly should. This could get really heady and philosophical quickly, so I'm going to stop there and just show you some of what I've been up to in the last few days (and one pic from VBS that I wanted to share).

For (VBS) Summer Spectacular, I teamed up with fellow friend and blogger in the K-5 Music and Missions room. The last day we were playing Dr. related games because we were discussing a missionary who was a pediatrician. I went out and priced toy Dr. Kits and similar things and couldn't bring myself to buy one even if it would end up being a toy for my daughter. So I really had to be creative and "make" a toy stethascope from items I already had. I usually shower at night to make getting ready quicker in the A.M. As I was in the shower I noticed a fairly large suction cup that kept the shower organizer in place. It had a slit in it so that it could be removed and relocated if necessary, so I just removed it. I attached it to the plug in portion of my headphones and voila! Just for aesthetics, I covered the suction cup with foil to give it the silver look. For K-5 this worked perfectly. No additional cost, no wasting money, no cluttering my daughters room with more toys she will likely not play with, and recycling/repurposing materials I already have. Good stewardship.



I am almost out of baby wipes. I don't like the particular ones that I am given off and on simply because they smell strongly of vinegar, but they are freely given and so we use them (good stewardship). I remember reading on how to make your own baby wipes a while ago and kept those various items on hand after the baby showers in the event that I would indeed try this recipe. Today I had my chance. I cut part of the roll of Viva paper towels so it would fit in the container I had saved after the Q-tips were used up. I got out the baby oil that I recieved at a shower but never used (I'd saved it for just this purpose). And took out the baby soap. I read the recipe and used my TBSP measurement and a big ziploc bag and basically marinated my babywipes. The remaining portion of the paper towels are plenty big enough for everyday use, so I just put them back on the holder. Now, in this case I didn't waste or get rid of the baby oil I was given so it would help me later (I'm not advocating saving things just in case you need them later...simplicity is better, but I knew what purpose it would serve before saving it). I reused a container that would have simply gotten thrown away. And saved money and time by not having to make a store run just for wipes. And as a bonus, they smell great!



Lastly, but certainly not least, my friend told me about a "sidewalk sale" that happens once a month at the Sav More in this area. It is the way I like to shop. Some portions of my stockpile have been running low and I had started a list so this came at the most opportune time. Sav More makes rows of boxes on the ground in the parking lot of dented cans/boxes, out of season (valentines, christmas, etc) decorations and such, and expired or nearly expired items. You arrive early for the sale to get a place near an item that you spot, and get a box. When the rules are given and the fellow says, "go"...everyone goes and quickly. Here's the best part...cash only (no tax) $6 a box...anything you can fit in it. I filled 2 boxes this Saturday, my brother filled 3, and my friend filled one. You've got to know where an expiration date is/is not that important, and the concept of the outer packaging being open or in disarray, but the inner packaging completely in tact. I racked up. Brother estimated saving at least $150.00, and I estimated saving about $120.00! The list would be too long, so I'll show you a pic. If I get any requests for the list, I'll post it next.

(including the magnetic letters for the fridge which M opened immediately)

Being a Good Steward is being frugal and creative. Use what you have. Don't waste money and/or resources you may already have that aren't being used. Spend a little time instead of money. Then you are using your brain as well.

Hallquist Family Reunion

Time to Play Catch-up

I never knew that summer was the busier time of year for parents! I'm finding it hard to keep up with blogging so the next several posts are intended to be for catching up.

So the last post was me informing you all that we've been away unexpectedly on "vacation". M and I went to San Antonio to the SBC so that I could sing in the choir. There were a lot of last minute cancellations, so I was able to go for next to nothing! It was a lovely trip in which Dad, M and I all got to spend more time together than we ever would have planned on our own! We had a blast reconnecting with my Aunt and cousins! I, too, wished that we lived closer. I love San Antonio too! I had so much fun and ate some fab mexican! Here is a slide show with the pics I have so far. Not too many, but there is a pic of our waitress one evening that also had M's name.

Unexpected Vacation

Where've We Been?!

Well, sorry I've been "absent". On the 7th (Thurs.) I found out that I was being invited--basically at no cost to me--to go to San Antonio for 8 days. They arranged for me to bring M as well! We had a blast! I want to go back with Jdaddy on vacation sometime. I'll update more when my jetlag settles. But just wanted you to know that I'm back! I had a great time with M. I am tired though. More later.

Ballerina!

Crockpot Ribs

On the practical side, I finally did something with the ribs that I collected from Angel Food Ministries. This kind of thing is one that I have never cooked before and rarely eat unless at a restaurant. But I didn't want them to go to waste, so today they are nearly done in the crockpot and they smell unbearably good! I can't wait to eat them!

Here is the easiest recipe in the world! Ready?

Crockpot Ribs

1-3 pounds of pork ribs
1 Slow Cooker bag (easy cleanup)
3 Tbs of water
1 entire bottle of bbq sauce (your choice)
(I used Hickory smoked cause I wanted that grilled/smoked flavor)
1 sliced onion or onion powder

Place bag in slow cooker. Add 3 Tbs of water. Cut ribs apart and place in the slow cooker. Sprinkle onion powder liberally on the ribs. Pour enough bbq sauce to cover ribs. Put on the lid and cook on Low for 6 1/2-8 hours. If you like...before serving, place ribs on a cookie sheet in the oven on broil to crisp them up. That's it.

I'll let you know how they are!

Brain Damage!

So life is always interesting in the Hallquist side of the family! Last week my mom and dad were graciously watching M so that Hubby and I could go on a long overdue date. The date was great! But the real story is what happened while we were away.

Apparently mom was trying to swing M. Their backyard is quite a slope, but she was still trying to sit in a chair and push M at the same time. The chair was one of those plastic patio chairs that falls over if you look at it the wrong way. Sitting on the edge of the chair, Mom pushes M in her swing. The chair went backwards in the opposite direction as Mom was pushing M. Mom says it was slow motion, but she was prepared to roll down the hill. Unfortunately, the humongous pole that was holding up the deck made that impossible. So she stopped at the pole. Her head taking the hit.

She had to have stitches that night and she was sleepy and fuzzy headed since. Monday the Dr. told her he wanted to order a CT scan to double check her brain. He said he is quite certain that it has had some trauma. So today, me and the kids took Nani to the Hospital for her scan. She is quite certain that they won't find ANYTHING (Ha) on that scan.

That's the latest saga!