I'm here, I'm fine, I'm... very pregnant.

Would you believe that for this entire pregnancy I have taken maybe 4 pictures of myself? 4? I documented so well the growth of the belly with my last two babes, yet somehow baby this time is just not getting the picture time. I'm seeing more and more how all those sayings about "Third borns" are true. :) Hopefully we'll remember to take one at the hospital before go-time.

I'm 35 weeks and the finish line is in sight! It's beyond crazy to me that we are already to May and that in just a few short weeks baby will be here in our arms (Lord willing!).
We still have some projects to finish up:
-Purchase bunk beds and move August in with big sis
-Purchase additional mattress for said bunk bed
-Fix up the beat up crib and move it back to highest position
-Move the girls newly painted shared dresser to their shared room
-Take a hospital tour. We are delivering at a new hospital and I'm a bit nervous.
-Order the new pump...really hoping insurance goes a long way for this item!
-Paint the nursery? I SO want this to happen, but when?!
-Plan and celebrate Auggie's THIRD birthday!!!!

Pregnancy wise I feel GREAT just pretty tired all the time. My husband is awesome and has been the picture perfect patient, loving, and errand running kind of daddy to be (again). I'm so thankful for him and the 10pm run to the grocery for pre-cut watermelon, ice cream bars and coke lately. :) He's the best and I'm severely thankful. Even when day after day after day he comes home to a less then tidy house... what a treasure.
I've been having days, full days, where I have contractions all day off and on and no position changes or water drinks stop them. No one seems concerned and then the day after they are gone again. I'm curious to see what my dr says next week at my 36 week appointment. I'm also curious if I'll have another due date baby, go late like daughter #1 or... will we have a surprise EARLY girl? I love pregnancy but I'm starting to think a late May babe might be ok too. :)

Today I used up my Target coupons to stock up on diapers - and because I'm pretty random and love trying everything, I got one of every package... some pampers, some Huggies and a package of UP & Up for down the road. My mini-stock pile seems a little more hopeful now. The Lord has provided for us in HUGE ways with this baby by means of people giving us their gently used stuff, it's amazing. We now have a plug in swing, new travel system, bouncers, clothes, exersaucer. etc. There are just a few "must buy" items left! :)

Life wise... we are doing fine. It's the end of the student ministry year and we are full steam ahead with banquets, sr trips, open houses, graduations and normal end of the season stuff. As much as we love our youth staff and teens - I think everyone is ready for a beak in routine, not to mention some summer weather!

I've been so hit and miss around the ol' blog and I can be sure it will stay like that for awhile. But, I'm here, I'm fine, I'm very pregnant. :)

Spring Break Vacay, and why my hubby is a rockstar.

We made the 10-12 hour drive to my parents home last night and today has been a laid back, lazy, recovery day. Two girls are napping and my awesome - navigator of a husband is conked out on the couch. It's just me, Food network, and the smell of a yummy apple pie baking around me. :) My parents always, without fail, have loads of good food packed in their deep freeze, cupboards and fridge. Such a treat to be here and help ourselves :)

Spring Break week is upon us and we are armed and ready for a great week!

I am truly, truly, so thankful for my husband and his love for me. I don't know a lot of guys that would be excited to drive 12 hours across the country to no-name town Ohio for a week, as his vacation. He genuinely enjoys coming, loves my family, goes with the flow… and it's such a blessing to me. He is a rock star!

Here's to a week of family, good food, fun memories and warmer days! Happy Spring break!

Living Vicariously

My husband has incredible opportunities as the student ministries pastor of our church. He gets to go on trips and destinations - some average, some awesome. For example, last summer he went to Haiti and the year before that New Orleans. All in the name of ministry, and all complete with stories of people hearing the gospel.

This past weekend he was in Chicago taking a preview trip at Moody Bible Instititute. We had 4 students go to check out the school...and the city. They had a great time and the windy city proved to live up to its name.

I am in a stage of life where my most effective and necessary ministry is staying at home with our young children. They need momma here for the day in, day out, things. So I don't get to go on all of the fun trips and see the exciting things. Generally, I'm fine with that. I have waited my entire life to enjoy this stage of life - and I don't mind missing out when I have these two kiddos to pour into at home. But it would be lies to say I wasn't a little sad to miss out the big city! Though, my thoughtful hubby did bring me home a milk chocolate cupcake from Sprinkles! And it was worth every last sprinkle that I licked out of the box. :)

I get to live vicariously through my husbands adventures. I suppose that maybe I get the better end of it - don't have to have any of the car sickness of traveling, or packing and forgetting things, etc. This is the stage of life I'm in and I will continue to enjoy the fun pictures and goodies that get brought home :) 

Saturday Catch-Up

Weekends. {sigh} Aren't they such a blessing? We are having a laid back Saturday here and I'm loving every second of it. I have my cup of Snickeroo coffee, the girls are watching "Seven brides for seven brothers" in the other room and I have The Pioneer Woman on the TV in the room I'm sitting in. (note: the family we are staying with has tons of space...we are enjoying speading out) Add to that - I'm working on gathering Christmas ideas on Pinterest. Ah, what a Saturday.

So, what's been new here with us? Well, we had our youth kickoff on Wednesday night complete with Laser Tag and a cookout. We had around 80 some students and leaders! Praising the Lord for a great start to our school year and Fall. Sometime I'll take more - but for now, here's a peek at our newly renovated/painted/decorated youth room. :)

Leaders in Laser Tag training!

For our family day yesterday we took the girls to "The Bass Pro Shop" for some cheap family fun. Now, that might seem a little strange a location... I blame my 4 year old. She LOVES that place. Note that neither Momma nor Daddy are hunters/fishers/etc. She just loves the aquarium, hunting game and FREE fudge samples. So, maybe I have rubbed off on her - I love her hunt for FREE fun. :)

Our splurge of honey roasted cashews :)

Life. It's a gift. Even during these semi-stressful days of waiting for our home to be open for us to move in - We see the hand of God working in our lives. An extra blessing to us this week was to find an envelope with our name on it and inside was a 3x5 index card that read "Go on an anniversary date please", with cash included. Seriously?! Isn't that just the stuff of stories or things we'll tell our grandchildren someday? I'm so thankful for the people around us who love us and show it.

The last report we heard on our home was that we may not be able to get in until the end of Sept. As you can imagine, it's not ideal, but we will wait and trust and keep asking the Lord that His will be done. In the meantime, we are so thankful for family who lets us bunk up with them! There are blessings everywhere if we are willing to see them! 

Happy Saturday wherever you are, thanks for checking in. 

Creation Therapy

I am sure that in a few years I will look back on these days and see just exactly why we needed to endure such difficulties. Just to update a bit - we are in the process of selling our home and buying a new one closer to the area our church is in. Everything has been going pretty smoothly. We sold our home after the first showing {in 4 weeks!}, inspection came back with minimal work to be done, etc. Our reality now is that one little "bad" appraisal can just mess up what we think is "perfect" and turn it upside down. That's where we are. The stress has been high. We are now waiting on the Lord to really direct and work things out for us - as it's beyond us and anything we could muster up. But, wasn't it this way even from the beginning?

Being a fairly emotional female, I have been having a tough time keeping these stress emotions under control. I long to be a woman of faith - to rest and trust that the Lords perfect plan will sustain me. But sometimes, in my weak moments... I just cry. I feel like crying all the time lately. Life is hard and being a grown up is just not as fun as I thought it would be, sometimes. I'm working on saturating myself in the truth of God's word and in the encouraging reminders from godly writers who can explain it so well. We must, I must, saturate ourselves in TRUTH. The enemy would love nothing more then for me to fret and fear my days away...doubting mighty God and His purpose in this. I won't sit by and let that happen. So, I'm fighting friends.

When my husband got home from work lastnight He had even more "upsetting" news about our move/sale/etc. Once again I felt the hot tears prick at my eyes and honestly I just feel like a bug being squished beneath a big boot. Pressure. You know what I'm talking about? That feeling like you just won't ever be out from something? Yet, my problems are so minimal, really.

After dinner we loaded up our children and drove across the busy main street to an empty parking lot. My husband had been raving about a "new trail" he found, and despite the 96 degree temps and humidity... we went. We live in the city, really just 2 minutes from the downtown buisness area... so finding some good creation is tricky. This parking lot reminded me of a murder scene, honestly - big, empty, old semi truck trailers that had been abandoned for years. A few homeless men fishing on the river runoff area... I felt a bit out of place.

We crossed a little industrial bridge and started down the bike/walking trail. It was a hidden gem we had never found in our 4 years of living just a few blocks away. Blue sky, bright sun, and... trees! We walked for a bit and then entered "the forest", as our 4 year old exclaimed. The trail took us right into the lush, deep part of the woods along a river and I was disappointed to not have my camera with me. Creation was alive and around me. It was therapy to my hurting heart so I closed my eyes and just breathed it in. Without words I prayed and thanked the Lord for His presence with us - the beauty of His earth, the blessings of my children, the knowledge that we will be alright.

Look at the trees - how perfectly formed and woven the branches are. The river bank, gently lapping onto the rocks... it has an order, perfectly obeys. Breeze blows through and the orieoles and black birds caw and flit away. I wanted to sit and cry or...lay prostrate before the holy creator, God and just drink in His goodness. In a messed up world where house sales don't go perfectly and momma's get overwhelmed and we forget His goodness... we need those moments. So on we walked and I meditated on scripture and recited hymns of faith to myself. The girls squeeled and ran down the path and my husband pushed the stroller. My eyes welled up as we kept walking and with each step I was able to think of what I was thankful for, all that the Lord has done to bring us this far in life. Creation therapy.

Today is a new day where I have to muster up the strength and courage to live by faith. So thankful my heavenly Father never runs out of supply in that regard. I can see Him working in my life and allowing me this chance to live with Him. Life is hard, no doubt, but it's also so sweet and such a gift.

Happy Homemaker Monday

First, let me just say THANK YOU to Miss Sandra for this encouraging picture above. I always love her HHM pics, but this one just really gears me up for all things sunshine and picnics! :) 

The crazy weekend is over and it's time for another week. My husband stayed home this morning and blessed my socks off. I'm so thankful for him. Our youngest woke up at 4:15am. I rocked her and laid her back down and then she woke up again at 5:30. At this point I just tucked her into bed with us...where I lie there feeling every jostle and kick to my side. Eventually dozed off only to feel the precious one poking me in the face saying "nack", which if you read yesterday...means "EAT". Hideously early morning {after staying up TOO late watching Duck Dynasty. I'm hooked.}.

Anyway, hubs let me nap on the couch while he took care of everything. He fed the first born, played with both children, brought me coffee on my couch bed later, changed diapers,  and then my fave - took them both upstairs to do crafts while I watched an hour uninterrupted "Mad Hungry" while still on the couch. He really got me today - knew exactly what I needed. I love you, B!

I haven't divulged a lot of information about what's going on in my life - but I have hinted enough. Tomorrow my mom has surgery to remove uterine cancer. Even saying that word makes me shudder. And cry. I hate it. I hate seeing it even now on my screen. I just want to think that hitting delete would not only remove it here but... in my sweet mom. Would you join me in praying? Her surgery is tomorrow at noon EST. There are still some unknowns and not being able to be there with her is horribly difficult. But, even in that- the Holy Spirits' comfort is strong on me. I so appreciate your prayers. 

But now, on to the day. Happy Monday, fellow homemakers. :) 

The Weather:::

Ya know, I haven't even set a foot outside. Let's see - out my bedroom window the sun is trying to peek out from behind lots of GRAY. 

Right now I am:::

Finishing my 2nd cup of coffee with my Bailey's Brown Butter Pecan creamer. Don't judge. ;) 

Thinking:::

Even in the midst of a crazy faith test... God is so kind. His mercies really are NEW every morning and He uses the body of Christ to meet such specific needs. Praise the Lord!

On my reading pile:::

Started "I used to be so organized" by Glynnis Whitwer this weekend. 

Charged the NOOK back up so might read through a Gooseberry Patch cookbook I got for FREE. 

On my tv::: 

We caught the last hour of "The Bible" via History channel last night. We might watch that off and on. 

Duck Dynasty - whenever I can find a new episode, or, anytime its on in the evenings. They are TOO funny. 

Favorite Blog post this week (mine or other):::

This story about a husband caught up in sin and the redeeming power of Christ in his life. Check out "Senseless" Here. 

Something fun to share:::
I'm not feeling particularly fun today. Especially with the impending surgery and the fact that I STILL have to finish our taxes. Boo to fun. {ok, kidding} But really...no fun to share. 

On the menu for this week::: (linked a few if you'd like to use them)
Monday -  Corned beef & cabbage
Tuesday - Cottage Pie
Wednesday - left over night
Thursday -  Chicken pesto Pizza
Friday - Sausage Pizza Piena
Saturday - Tortilla casserole
Sunday - Sausage scalloped potatoes

On my to do list:::

Taxes. Gag.

Start some laundry

general tidy of the downstairs

mop kitchen floor

fill out March calendar, menu plan, and day planner {but I love all three of those to do's!}

What I am sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:::
Well, I'm working on writing up a book review for "The Hole in our Holiness". Which, is a kind of creating. :) It's taking more brain power then I thought as I'm really thinking through so much of what Kevin DeYoung had to say about holiness. So good! 

Homemaking Tips:::
Don't ever let your children play with Uno cards. 

But seriously...

the dollar tree sells some super cute plastic shoe boxes which are the perfect size to store toy sets. My girls have THREE minnie mouse sets and I can fit all three minnie's, two minnie scooters and ALL her hairbows into one box. It's tidy and they can put it away themselves. All for a buck! 

Looking around the house:::
Hubs made the bed. Man, he's good! 

My bedrooms windows need some serious attention...but I refuse until it's done snowing. 

From the camera:::

My biggest girl so enjoying her big girl class at church. With her best buddy since she was 6 months old.

On my prayer list:::
My mom, Toni. All day today and tomorrow.

Brother making life decisions.

Husband in ministry.

Wisdom in parenting.

Bible verse, Devotional:::

I'm attaching a link to my husbands message on Sunday from Acts 4. He did a great job reminding us that generosity is a commandment to believers! 

The grayest day

{amazing couch found on Pinterest}

I want to go to here. This couch bed hugeness. All fluffy with pillows and throws and calm. 

My body is exhausted after two days of coughing and a practically sleepless night last night. The girls aren't napping as well during the day and Augs has been struggling at night. {what's up with the 2am need to be held, my almost 2 year old?!} I love holding my girl - but, have been feeling very groggy after those moments. 

The sky is entirely gray. No clouds or cracks in the sky - just a veil of gray. All the trees are leaf-less and cold and while I do love my cold weather season... this day seems as depressing as they come. 

Hubs has been on a trip this week and will get home Saturday night, maybe that's part of the mood today. I miss him. His humor. His help with the kids. The smell combination of his soap, hairspray and cologne first thing in the morning. I'm eager for my love to be home. 

On this - the grayest day - I think it may be time to pop some extra Vitamin D and curl up under the blankets. 

Happy Homemaker Monday - post Superbowl party

I woke up this morning feeling a little ill. Combination of too little sleep and too much junk food from our Super bowl party. Oh the consequences of bad eating at 30 years old. {moan}But, the day has begun and it's time to get on with it... and, find the tums. ;)

The weather:::

Snow is on the ground and some snow-globe-esqe flakes swirling around, cold and gray today.

Right now I am:::

Finishing my cup of French roast with cinnabon creamer {dreamy!}. Debating what household chore to start first.

Thinking:::

I am so thankful for my children and husband. They really do point me to Christ and I learn so much having them in my life. 

On my reading pile:::

Finishing "The Hole in our Holiness" hopefully today! 

"Where is your Pineapple?" by Raelene Phillips

On my TV:::

Hoping to watch last nights episode of Downton Abbey tonight. Only caught a few minutes of it during the Super bowl power outage. Eager! 

Favorite blog post this week:::

Courtney @ Women living well is continuing on with the Valentines day challenge - this weeks challenge is especially fun! KISSING! She says,  "Our men feel stronger, more capable, and built up when we respond to their advances with a smile. Seek to give your husband a back rub, or shower together, be creative! Purpose to kiss your husband like you mean it this week!:)"

 {blush}Check it out here. 

Something fun to share:::

Monster Bars. :) If you like Monster cookies... you MUST check out and make this fun recipe! 

On the menu for this week::: {hubs is heading out of state for a conference...lots of kid foods}

Monday - BBQ pulled chicken sandwiches

Tuesday - Mac n' cheese & steamed broccoli

Weds- Frozen pizza

 Thurs- Fast food :) 

Friday - Not sure about the weekend. 

On my to do list:::

-Laundry day!

-Put folding chairs back in the basement

-Wash windows

-Dust

What I'm creating:::

Sandra has inspired me to pick back up my crochet needles... it's not pretty, but, it's something. Working on a few "play pieces" to refresh my memory.

Homemaking tips:::

Repurpose. 

We had one of those 6 cubicle storage things and two of the slats broke. Rather then tossing the whole thing out - I laid it on its side and slid it into our closet as a shoe holder. It works! 

Looking around the house:::

Folding chairs and plastic cups litter the living room - remnants of a good night with friends. 

WAY too many sweets and snacks left over... need a plan for them or the plan will turn into eating them all and weighing 900 lbs. :/

From the camera:::

My husband is SO creative and fun. He made these worksheets for our party guests last night. The winner won $10! 

On my prayer list:::

Friends battling the loss of a sister

Pregnant friends

we desire to move... just thinking.

Bible verses, Devo:::

So appreciate the endless reminders that waiting on the Lord is always best. 

Be my Valentine - Marriage Challenge

Happy Monday to you! As I glanced over my day planner this morning I realized what a light week we have - and, I'm excited about that. :) It should give me plenty of time to conquer those Valentine projects I've been thinking about... or, maybe just take a break and focus some extra time on my hubby and children.

For the next few weeks I'm linking up with Courtney over at Women Living Well. She has a great Valentine themed marriage challenge and I'm eager to jump on board. If you are looking for some creative ways to add some spice {or healing} to your marriage... check it out!

Week 1 challenge is to PRAISE my guy verbally. I need to look for opportunities and do it often! Here is my battle plan {because you know by nature we want to grump and complain... at least, I do}:

-Write a sweet email to him at work while the girls are napping today, detailing all the ways I'm thankful for him. Not just "Thanks for working", but creative things I've observed in him over the years that I am so grateful for.

- Write an I LOVE YOU note on his FB page. {he kinda hates FB...but, has one :) }

- Not utter one grumpy word tonight when he gets home from work. THIS IS THE HARD ONE. No matter how naughty the girls are today, or how tired I am, or how forgetful he may be about one little detail... I won't speak a grumpy word. Pray for me? Instead - I will be attentive to the details of his day {if he wants to chat about them}, praise him in front of our kids for working hard all day, and make his night special by not bossing him about. :)

So thankful for my godly, loving, husband... can't wait to take time and really THINK about this challenge.

Already enjoying this challenge! Anyone else in?

Happy Homemaker Monday - END of OCT.

Seriously?! It's the last week of October?! Yikes. Time is flyin'!
The combination of a gray morning, kids up in the night, and a sick baby who slept on me from 6-7:30am has left me feeling a little DRAB this morning. My wonderful husband made us egg sandwiches as I rested on the couch here for a bit. {Love him!} It's a very full and busy week ahead... so let's get started. :)

 

The Weather:::

Gray. Chilly. wonderful. Fall-bugs like us just so enjoy this kind of weather. It'll be in the high 50's this week and we will ENJOY! 

Right now I am:::

Sipping my homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte, watching my girls dance and spin to music, checking fb for family updates on how they are doing during this hurricane. 

Thinking:::

How very blessed I am. Beautiful children. Loving husband. Also... random... my 17 month old has gone on her potty chair TWICE in two days. Thinking that's a little early - but, she's asking to go. Self training perhaps?! 

On my reading pile:::

"The Wisdom of God" by Nancy Guthrie. Right now we are learning about the suffering of the messiah in the psalms. SUCH good stuff! 

I need to charge up my Nook so I can finish some of the other things I have going, too. {The Furious longing of God - Brennan Manning, and two Tsh Oxenreider books}

On my TV:::

Right now I have the Today show on - watching the updates on Hurricane Sandy. 

On my menu this week:::

Monday: Pumpkin Black bean chili

Tuesday: Left overs

Wednesday:

Thursday: BBQ pulled pork sandwiches & cabbage salad

Friday: chicken and potato hand pies w/roasted brussel sprouts

Saturday: Raspberry balsamic glazed meatballs over noodles

Sunday: Baked Cavatelli & spinach salad

On my to-do list:::

Some light tidying. Clean house from having company over lastnight! 

Laundry. 

Put alllllll the clothes away so our bedroom no longer looks like a walk in closet.

What I am creating:::

Nothing. However, soon my biggest girl and I will start making Thanksgiving placemats. :) 

Homemaking Tips:::

I have several friends who give their kids "jurisdictions" or specific places they are responsible to keep tidy. Cuts down on mom doing everything and teaches responsibility. :) Need to do that!

Looking around the house:::

Toys. Purged all the kids toys out and rotated, so they are acting like it's Christmas with all these "new" toys. 

From the camera:::

 Hubs. On his way to the JR high retreat - I love his enthusiasm, creativity... and love for the students.

On my prayer list:::

Hurricane Sandy

Have a wonderful Monday!

Life is fast. Rewind. Fast forward.

Our family has been incredibly blessed to be surrounded by talented people. One of whom is the gal who takes our family pics, let's call her... Kate. ;) This weekend I'm looking through picture frames and decor and what not trying to figure out what pics to replace and what to keep out. We had family pictures taken for 2012 a few weeks ago and we now have the pics back - and, wow. What a difference a year makes! I love comparing last years to this years and seeing how my babies have changed, how hubs and look the same {or, lighter!}. The length of life has been on my mind so much this week - and it's been a heart warming blessing today to compare pics and think back on how blessed I am. Handsome husband. Beautiful children. Healthy self. Blessed.

Let's rewind to my fam this time last year...

Little ol' Augs, almost 3 year old Ave's. {sigh} Seems like just yesterday!

And this, fast forward to this month, 2012.

Isn't that just crazy! God is so good to give us another year on this earth to enjoy each other. Taking the rest of the day to slow down and just enjoy. Because life is just too fast.

7 years together

To the rest of the world August 13th was just another Monday. 

But to the people in this picture it's a very special day - 

our anniversary. :) 

7th anniversary, to be specific. 

Date nights are few and far between and we are thankful for the chance to get out when we can. We treated ourselves to dinner out and spent the whole time chatting, laughing, planning, remembering. There were no small children to control or redirect or quiet. It was... lovely. Just us. 

After dinner we went for coffee and continued on with chatting and laughing. It feels so good to laugh with your spouse. We NEED to do that more often. I am married to an amazing man and I'm so very thankful for him. 

In the last 7 years we've shared so many experiences together. 3 pregnancies, two births, 4 cars, 5 apartments/homes, 2 states, multiple jobs, various friends and relationships, near empty bank accounts, times of plenty, lots of laughter, a few tears, much growth. It has all been worth it. 

We have so much, still, to learn. But I am so thankful and in awe that I get to do that with my husband. 

What a gift he is to me. 

It's in THOSE moments

Yesterday was my 1 year follow up appointment with my physician. I was to fast overnight and get some blood drawn to make sure I was back up and running at 100%. After a weigh in {ugh}, height measurement, and routine check up type stuff we got into details. I'm tired. Always tired. I confessed to my Doc that even on the night when I get 9+ hours of sleep I still feel drowsy the WHOLE next day. Then she asks that annoying question, "Are you exercising?" Cough.Cough. "Um, well, you see... I just....no." And I go on to ramble about WW and how I lost 10 pounds right away and now I just can't seem to budge the scales and honestly I'm too tired to keep keeping track of every morsel I eat... and, the excuses just fell out. And her eyes glazed over listening. Ok, I'm being dramatic, but, mine would have if I were the listener. EXCUSES! 

So, we chatted about some ideas and she mentioned she'd like to test my thyroid, vitamin D, calcium and liver enzymes "just in case" something was wrong. But, current prescription is 30 minutes of exercise every day...and, to get more sun. Now, because it's been in the 100's here - I'll admit - we aren't getting our Vitamin D from the sun. No way. Other then that - I'm healthy. My stats are good and while I do still have extra weight I'm not out of the ball park. 

But let me back up to around 7am -ish the morning of that appointment.

I wake up early to make myself presentable, and, that takes time. I come downstairs with the 3 year old and get her started on a bowl of corn Chex. {her current fave because it's daddy's fave} As I walk by our glass front door I notice the neighbors across from us have put some kind of work out equipment near their curb. "hmmm...interesting" I think but then almost dismiss it totally because normally in our neck o' the woods "nice" items aren't put out - normally we see broken, beat up or junky items. But, since I'm reworking our basement into a work out room I take another peek, or, a stare actually - like a hawk, out our front door. We can't afford brand new items so it'll be up to finding used pieces to fill our space. Really, I'm fine with that! Add to the fact that I know next to nothing about work out equipment... it was going to be a gamble anyway. 

Hubby comes down with baby. I casually mention that he should go grab that machine. Hubby does not like "junking" or taking anything off of any curb. It makes him very uncomfortable. I don't blame him and will confess I have raised my eyebrows at people digging in others trash before... {blush}. So, I march over and check it out. It's still early and our street has no movement yet. I'm thankful for this. I turn it on and it seems to work fine - and, it seems fairly unused and it seems PERFECT for what I'm looking for. And it seems to be FREE. I march back and give the positive report to my still cautious hubby and I understand his point of view. Their trash would become our trash the moment it leaves their curb and comes to our home. You can't return trash. But, we decide it's worth the risk - and he goes to claim our new machine. 

The story ends like this.

Not only was this machine FREE for our taking. 

It's in perfect condition, clean, and hardly used. It's a small sized elliptical, which is exactly what I had been slightly praying for. And, it has safety features to protect nosey little girls who want to climb all over it. 

I was not surprised, though, I was so thankful. God always provides - why would I be shocked over this provision. He knows my need, my heart, my hopes. It's in THOSE moments when I creep another notch in my sanctification - glorying in Christ and His perfect plan for my family. We are blown away that the exact item we WANTED just sat for free directly across from our home on the exact morning that my Doctor would later look in my eyes and say, "You need to exercise". 

I hope to convince hubby to do a guest post on here later... about his side of this story. Seems he learned a great deal through this little early morning experience, too. 

Today I'm living with eyes wide open for those God-moments, they are everywhere if we just keep ourselves aware and awake. 

And...it's a lazy Saturday

Around 10:30 last night I popped two Sinex pills. You know, the blue kind... basically Nyquil, only a different brand - I think Vicks puts this one out. I was super congested and had this weird tickle in the the throat...going on a few days. Needed a full nights rest so daddy's day off could be a fun filled one. So, meds down and off to bed I went.

My 3 year old woke up twice in the night in pain and after a Dr appointment this morning, it's confirmed, from an ear infection. I remember the first time feeling like I couldn't even open my eyes and somehow winding my way around our bed, down the hall and to girlies bed all with eyes basically shut. It's those amazing mom skills, I tell ya. Needless to say - the body didn't get the rest and it's almost in freak out mode because of how little sleep I got combined with those powerful pills meant to help me sleep. I tried to function normally when the kids woke up - but ended up sitting down on the couch with a spinning head - and falling asleep for a loooong time off and on. Brad just took care of everything while I dozed off and on. Crazy how out of control I felt. Could NOT wake up! I remember coming to for just a second and peeking out to see Daddy playing Polly Pocket with Ava... bless that man. :) But the point of this story is - wow, Sinex! you sneaky, sneaky, drug! Let's just assume I won't be going near those blue liqui-caps for quite some time. Clearly going to bed earlier and some nose spray would work 10x's better. Ahem.

It's around 2:30 Iowa time and the day has been just as snooze-ful and lazy feeling as it started. Brad and Ava had a Daddy/Daughter date to the pediatrician and Panera for lunch. Hubs brought home some Iowa sweet corn and stuff to grill later - bless him, again! I was even treated to a yummy Panera salad and a FREE Starbucks Refresher drink. Did you get yours? They are free from 12-3 today! Both girls are now napping and hubs and I are just enjoying the sectional in the quiet...with a little real-estate television on the tube. Million Dollar Listing just captures the imagination - we cannot believe the amount of $$ people spend on these HUGE houses!

Anywhoo, looks like the relaxation and calm will just carry us through the rest of this day. The house is tidy and a nice little rain came through earlier (I think) making it a leetle cooler. I'm thinking of busting down to the basement again later and continue turning it into a workout room. I got a lot cleared out a few weeks ago but still so far to go. I found a few more ideas on Pinterest that I'd like to use down there to make it more "pleasant".

 

 

Floor painting, carpet remnant, and storage...those are the main ideas.

 

Def looking to hang up an old ladder for clothes drying! 

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! Hopefully you can get some {non-meds induced} rest this weekend! 

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

Good morning from Iowa! This morning I woke up wanting to turn on Christmas music... :) 

Instead, we had french toast while my children watched me sing and dance like a crazy lady at the stove.
It's Monday, after all, gotta celebrate the chance for a new week! 

Let's hop to it! 

The Weather:: 

High of 89 today - then we'll get two days of 86! I'm excited for the break in the HEAT. 

On my Reading Pile::

 "Julia's Last Hope" by Janette Oke 

"Strong Women Soft Hearts" by Paula Rinehardt

On my TV:: 

Some Disney Jr here for a bit. Then, it's going to be an "off" day. :)

On the Menu this week::

Monday - Beef & Ramen Noodle bowls

Tuesday - chicken enchilada bake & mexicorn

Wednesday - left overs day

Thursday - Chicken Chile stromboli

Friday -Penne with Zucchini & ricotta

Saturday - Taco baked potatoes

Sunday -Red beans and rice :)

On my to-do list:: 

-Continuing on with cleaning out and sorting the basement to turn into a workout room.
-clean the kitchen

-Laundry day!

What I am sewing, knitting, crocheting, or creating:: 

Creating this workout space in my basement is turning out to be WAY more work then I thought. We have so much random down there... sorting is taking an eternity. Looking to create some storage solutions and maybe painting one of the walls. 

But, something that IS keeping me excited... I started cleaning and wiping down the antique buffet I was given last fall. Murphys wood soap wasn't exactly cutting it - so, looking for some good options to clean this old thing and get it in paintable condition. My first furniture redo project!

Homemaking tips:: 

Saw an idea on Pinterest last week that I think we might incorporate... involving recycling. Our area provides HUGE blue bins to put everything in, which is great for outside. But we need something indoors so I don't have to go out every single time I have one can to toss. And, as much as I love the target bag hanging on teh door handle look...  I think THIS would be ideal to keep in a basement, entry space, etc. Now...how to create on our budget :) How to you keep your recycling tidy?

 

Looking around the house::

Ava is playing Polly Pocket in the dining room, August is attempting to reach my dishwasher tablets under the sink {again}, living room looks...lived in. Blankets and toys and coffee cups prove we are alive and kicking around here. I'm loving my coffee table decorations of simple spanish moss and onion grass in a jar, tied with sisal. :) 

From the camera::

 Hubby serving the Lord in Haiti! In the words of one of our team members that went... "Impoverished people, powerful worship!"

On my prayer list::

Leading a devo tomorrow...feeling a bit "not good enough". Which is true - I'm not! But, the Lord sure can use us!

Bible Verse, Devotional::

Today I continued reading on through 1 Kings - now on the story of Elijah and Ahab. I love the portion of the story where the altar to the TRUE God is completely burnt up - and all the false prophets of Baal are executed! Justice! Do you believe we serve a REAL, TRUE, ACTIVE God? If not... go back to 1 Kings and remind yourself! :) 

Remember that one time I was in the hospital?

A year ago this week I was hospitalized. While no one knew exactly for sure what was going on... it was clear I was one sick momma. After being poked and prodded, plugged in, picc lined, and drugged, undrugged and redrugged again... I was sent home. 6 long days of hospital stay.

Right now this moment only one mark on my body reminds me of that time - my picc line scar. Just a small horizontal line on the inside of my right arm - where they placed the tube that went directly to my heart. I'm drug free, pain free, issue free and have been since the end of last summer. Always praising God for that!

While I haven't been dwelling on the past. It does come to mind. And sometimes the flood of emotion is almost too much. Tuesday night I sat with my little family under a black sky watching fireworks. With each pop and whizz I would tear up. This time last year I was watching fireworks on PBS in a hospital bed with a swollen face, void of my children and spouse. Alone. So this week I squeezed my three year old a little tighter as we "oooohed" and "aaaaahed" at the pretty lights above us. I marveled at my now walking, toddling, silly 1 year old - who at this time last year was a helpless 6 week old. Crazy fast.

I have to know and trust that the Lord will use that time for His glory...

This year I felt I had several reasons to give thanks and celebrate! Another year older, wiser, and hopefully another year to really enjoy this abundant life that God has given.

Happy Homemaker Monday

 

Around 11ish last night my knight in shining armor got home! I was waiting for him on our front porch steps - fighting off every type of moth, bug, and creepy crawly whatever in the 90 degree mugginess. Aren't I romantic? All for that first glimpse and wave!  He's home. This Monday is going to be a good one. :) 

The Weather:: 

The heat wave continues and we'll be in the mid to high 90's all week. Some days there is so much humidity I can barely breath. We've spend LOTS of time inside with the AC on. :)

On my Reading Pile::

 "Julia's Last Hope" by Janette Oke 

Just started it last night! I'm flying through these old Oke books!

On my TV:: 

3 year old is laying on Daddy's lap watching, "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving"...In July. Hey, they are her favorite, so, it's ok.

On the Menu this week::

Monday - Chili slaw dogs and fruit kebabs

Tuesday - Chicken veggie salad

Wednesday - Grilling out! HAPPY 4th OF JULY!

Thursday - Philly meatball subs and sweet potato chips

Friday - Nothing planned, might use my Olive Garden gift card I got for my bday. :)

Saturday - Caesar chicken wraps and grapes

Sunday - Beef n' bean tostadas

Can you tell I'm cooking for adults again? :) YAY!

On my to-do list:: 

Oh, we are keeping it low key today and just connecting. I have some laundry to do {it is monday!} and I need to get to work on my "exercise room". :)

What I am sewing, knitting, crocheting, or creating:: 

Might pick back up on the baby blanket I started... a year ago. Otherwise, I'm currently sorting through all my decor and looking how I can transform them into "new" looking things!

Homemaking tips:: 

Unfinished basement? Me too. Our home was built in 1914 and since that time no one has finished the basement. It's a great open space {minus the bugs, random BLUE toilet, and heater right smack in the middle of the room} and I'm hoping to turn it into an exercise room. I guess you can paint cement floors and walls with special paint to keep moisture out! News to me! I guess my tip is... use what you got. :) I have an unfinished basement that would make a great room to work out. We can't afford the gym, we CAN afford doing dvd workouts in our super cool {temp wise} basement.

Looking around the house:: 

Hubs is sacked out on the couch despite a 3 year old sitting on top of him. Little toys here and here. Daddy's gifts from Haiti scattered around us. A few blankets thrown across the floor. My stack of magazines and finished Oke books piled on the coffee table. Kids books on the floor... we surely do LIVE here.

From the camera::

The girls are THRILLED to have Daddy home at last. It was all hugs and wrestles and kisses this morning. I don't think we even noticed it was WELL before 7am. :) And, another one from the camera - 

This beauty. So so happy daddy is home. She is acting completely silly and I'm so glad to see that in her again - I think she was really struggling towards the end of the week.

On my prayer list::

Continued growth post-missions trip for the team, hubs health - not feeling 100% upon arriving home, power outages in Ohio where my family is, weight loss for me {sigh}.

Bible Verse, Devotional::

Continuing on in 1 Kings - now reading about Rehoboam and the line of David in continuation. Amazing to me how the Lord uses such weak, sinful, vessels - just like me! For his glory!

And then I was 30

This afternoon this picture came to me via text. :)
Hubs is on the main land and will spend the day tomorrow in NYC before a flight back here in the evening.

I miss him.

And, today I turned 30.

Day 3, and some tears.

Today is day 3. We spent a great morning at church followed by lunch and playtime at a friends house. It was lovely to spend the main meal with a family :) It's only three days in and I miss our chaotic, noisy, family dinners around our table. I'm so thankful for our church family who do an excellent job at being "family" to me during these times.

When I pulled up the driveway upon arriving home from the service - I found a gal from church and her soon standing on my back porch. I was surprised! They were holding what looked like presents and gift bags...curious. They brought the gifts inside and this is what I read:

You cannot know how blessed and special I felt in that moment. And still now. :) My 30th birthday week has begun and I'm so thankful for these people who love me and thought of me in such a special way! I get to open a gift a day and I'm giddy about it!

The girls and I are doing "ok" so far. Last night my biggest girl was struggling. She misses daddy so much, bedtime is usually his thing, complete with stories, rocking, etc. Big, fat, alligator tears just came and came - so we talked about daddy, we looked at pictures, and then changed the subject. I'm leaning so hard on the grace of God during those times, especially. I feel inadequate in those moments as a momma. How do I help my baby's breaking heart, when mine is aching too? Bah.

Tomorrow we start our full week. We'll have dinner and playtime at a friends house tomorrow night - and we have a craft and maybe a trip to the splash park for the morning/afternoon. Sounds like a good start to me! Thank you for praying for us and checking on us and loving us! Keep it up! 

Happenings

It's been a little quiet around here on the ol' blog. Not that I haven't had a zillion posts swirling through my brain on a daily basis. Life has just been lived and days are full and kids are busy and growing. It all goes too fast and I'm trying to soak it in.

In the last few weeks we have had some really fun events in our lives.

-Friends having babies

-playdates and company over

-A very awesome, God-honoring, wedding

-Double date night with some friends

-Taking meals to new mommy's

-March Madness {ugh}

-Planning a workshop for the ladies retreat

-Enjoying 80-something degree weather in MARCH {and another high 80's today!}

Lots of lots of things.

My husband and I are up to our eyebrows in watching the series, "Downton Abbey", I'm sure you've heard of it. If not - you may be an alien. {jk} It is such a captivating show... we are right smack dab in the middle of Season 2. INTENSE. Watching episodes 5, 6 and 7 tonight :) We are party animals like that! I'm finding myself loving all things of that era now and I secretly wish I could dress like Lady Mary or Cora. Or, let's be honest... even like one of the house maids. How cool!





I'm thankful for a husband who enjoys such a thing with me. There is nothing better to me then putting our children to bed, cuddling up on the couch and enjoying some British Period drama :)

He's.A.Keeper.

We were able to sneak out for a bit a few weekends ago to see the band, Gungor, in concert. What a great time! It was so refreshing to grab dinner {sans toddlers} and a show with friends. By the way...if you live in the Des Moines area and you haven't tried Gateway Market for lunch or dinner - you are missing out! I had THE best shrimp salad!

My children are growing like weeds. August will be ONE next month... commence whimpering. I cannot believe it's almost been a year! Thankfully she's still my midgey-small baby girl that lets me snuggle her. She started walking along furniture last week and just about broke my heart. Praise God for almost 11 months of baby August! Ava is giving me a run for my money, tho, I never fully understood that expression. :) She is still into ALL THINGS girly and requests to wear a dress daily. A dress and socks, to be perfectly specific. She's a funny girl. We have started to butt heads here recently as she learns about new independence and ideas she has on life. Many nights I've gone to bed with a heavy heart over how often she truly requires discipline. I guess that's reality and I'll keep on because she is worth it! At the same time, she is brilliant! I plan to start school with her in the fall and can't wait to watch the little sponge soak it all in :)

We praise God for life and for love. It's passion week and we anticipate an awesome Good Friday service and amazing Easter Sunday!