Here are a few pictures from our week.
Christmas morning
Playing in the snow
My little helper
Loving our new baby sister
Thursday, December 31, 2009
A week in pictures...
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We are so blessed to serve such an amazing God that sent His Son to earth as a little baby to later die for our sins. This year has been such a blessing to my family. I look forward to this new year to see what God has instore for my family. Praise His Name!
Here are a few pictures from our week.
Christmas morning
Playing in the snow
My little helper
Loving our new baby sister
Here are a few pictures from our week.
Christmas morning
Playing in the snow
My little helper
Loving our new baby sister
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas #2
My family came down this last week to meet Hallie and celebrate Christmas with the family. My children all had a wonderful time with their Grandparents. On Wednesday we opened our gifts from my side of the family. Katelyn loves her new doll house and tea party set, as well as many other fun gifts. Brenden is all boy with his basketball hoop, football, tape measure, and Superman pajamas (with cape)! Makenna loves being mommy's helper with her new vacuum!
Katelyn, Makenna, and Grandma also enjoyed baking cookies from Katelyn's new cookbook!
Katelyn, Makenna, and Grandma also enjoyed baking cookies from Katelyn's new cookbook!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
I have converted!
I am always looking for ways to save money! Two ideas have caught my eye, but took some time for me to jump into. The first was making my own laundry soap. I have been waiting until my current stuff was out, but due to idea number two, I needed to start earlier. I'll explain in a minute. Making my own laundry soap was actually very easy. I searched online for different recipes and ended up using the one in the Duggar book. The ingredients cost me about $7 (which includes the one-time cost of the bucket) and this first batch should last me about 6 months.
The second idea was cloth diapers. This one took a little bit of time as I did some researching on which to use, and then searched around for the best deal. I ended up buying some chinese prefolds and covers from a lady in Boise that I can use for about the first 6 months. I also purchased some pocket diapers online that can grow with the child. I can use those the entire time. I bought the prefolds because I was told that the pocket diapers might not fit a newborn's little legs right at first, causing leaks. Anyways, a few days ago, I realized that Makenna only had a few diapers left, so I decided to start my adventure. You are only supposed to wash cloth diapers in enzyme-free laundry soap, which is why my homemade laundry soap adventure started now as well. After washing all of my new pocket diapers, I was ready! So far, all as been good. I have had to play with things at naps and bed, testing out how many layers I need in the pockets so that she does not leak.
I am sure that many of you are shaking your heads and thinking, "She is crazy!", and well, I may be, but at this point, I do not need to buy any diapers for this soon-coming little girl and now for Makenna until she is potty trained! One step closer to being debt-free!
The second idea was cloth diapers. This one took a little bit of time as I did some researching on which to use, and then searched around for the best deal. I ended up buying some chinese prefolds and covers from a lady in Boise that I can use for about the first 6 months. I also purchased some pocket diapers online that can grow with the child. I can use those the entire time. I bought the prefolds because I was told that the pocket diapers might not fit a newborn's little legs right at first, causing leaks. Anyways, a few days ago, I realized that Makenna only had a few diapers left, so I decided to start my adventure. You are only supposed to wash cloth diapers in enzyme-free laundry soap, which is why my homemade laundry soap adventure started now as well. After washing all of my new pocket diapers, I was ready! So far, all as been good. I have had to play with things at naps and bed, testing out how many layers I need in the pockets so that she does not leak.
I am sure that many of you are shaking your heads and thinking, "She is crazy!", and well, I may be, but at this point, I do not need to buy any diapers for this soon-coming little girl and now for Makenna until she is potty trained! One step closer to being debt-free!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Living Sacrifice
For the past several months our pastor has been preaching on living completely for God and being a living sacrifice. It has been a great encouragement to me on my journey. Let me start at the beginning...
About a year ago, I started to think and pray about having another baby. I have always wanted a lot of children, but never made any definite decision on a number or anything. Slowly, God started to whisper in my heart to give it to Him. I was very open to the idea, but scared, too. Most people think that it is crazy to want a lot of kids. I continued to pray about it and discuss it with Josh. This was obviously something that I could not pursue on my own, but truly needed my husband's full support and encouragement. My husband's words were "Let's take it one step at a time." Soon after that I found out I was pregnant. I admit, I was scared to tell people that I was expecting another child. My third pregnancy had been difficult as well as money being tight. But, I had faith in God and His plan. Most people were excited. Some were more concerned, and honestly, others just thought I was crazy. It was an extreme emotional roller coaster. I just kept thinking, what are they going to say if I have more? But, I gave it to God and kept seeking His will.
I am now in my 32nd week of pregnancy, so far problem-free...except for this fat that keeps attaching itself to me! I have prayed constantly over this last year, and feel without a doubt that God desires for me to allow Him to choose our family size. I have read several books on the topic, as well as searched out the Bible for His guidance. Through this journey, God has given us a complete peace about all the issues that may arise with having lots of children, especially finances. God has promised that He will provide if we are faithful to Him. We may not have a lot of luxuries, but that is really not what is important to us. If God can bring water from a rock and manna from the sky, then I believe that He will continue to provide us with the things that we need.
So, back to being a living sacrifice...that is exactly what I feel that God is calling me to be. It is my greatest desire to grow God's Kingdom...right here in my 1380 sq. ft. home!
About a year ago, I started to think and pray about having another baby. I have always wanted a lot of children, but never made any definite decision on a number or anything. Slowly, God started to whisper in my heart to give it to Him. I was very open to the idea, but scared, too. Most people think that it is crazy to want a lot of kids. I continued to pray about it and discuss it with Josh. This was obviously something that I could not pursue on my own, but truly needed my husband's full support and encouragement. My husband's words were "Let's take it one step at a time." Soon after that I found out I was pregnant. I admit, I was scared to tell people that I was expecting another child. My third pregnancy had been difficult as well as money being tight. But, I had faith in God and His plan. Most people were excited. Some were more concerned, and honestly, others just thought I was crazy. It was an extreme emotional roller coaster. I just kept thinking, what are they going to say if I have more? But, I gave it to God and kept seeking His will.
I am now in my 32nd week of pregnancy, so far problem-free...except for this fat that keeps attaching itself to me! I have prayed constantly over this last year, and feel without a doubt that God desires for me to allow Him to choose our family size. I have read several books on the topic, as well as searched out the Bible for His guidance. Through this journey, God has given us a complete peace about all the issues that may arise with having lots of children, especially finances. God has promised that He will provide if we are faithful to Him. We may not have a lot of luxuries, but that is really not what is important to us. If God can bring water from a rock and manna from the sky, then I believe that He will continue to provide us with the things that we need.
So, back to being a living sacrifice...that is exactly what I feel that God is calling me to be. It is my greatest desire to grow God's Kingdom...right here in my 1380 sq. ft. home!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
A Visit to the Pumpkin Patch
Our homeschool group took a trip to the pumpkin patch! The kids had a wonderful time! We could not have asked for better weather! Praise the Lord!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Dave would be proud...
I have just found my new favorite store...Savers! Yes, it is a thrift store. It is awesome! I love garage sales, hand-me-downs, craigslist, used book stores, and Other Mothers, and now Savers! I get excited on Thursdays to find out what color of tag is going to be %50 off! There are some things that I have wanted to get (not specific items, just a type of item), and now I am waiting for their color to go on sale! Today, I spent $15 and purchased a pair of shoes for each of my kids (that would be 3 pairs of shoes and all were in great shape!), 2 games (one was money Bingo that I can play with Katelyn for school), and a set of blocks that I am going to use to make a project for Makenna ( I will post on it when it is done)! I am not against buying my kids their Christmas presents from there...so I am on the lookout! I know that new things are nice, but used things work just as great! With my desire to both get out of debt and raise a large family...I need all the deals I can get! I hope Dave Ramsey would be proud!
Monday, October 5, 2009
He's the man!
My husband that is! Several days ago my husband decided to dive in and make tamales. He had never made them before, but with his talent in the kitchen I knew they would be delicious! They were so delicious that there are not even any left to show you a picture! Though tamales are very time consuming (about 4 hours), they are worth it! I hope he embarks on this adventure again really soon! Thanks honey for indulging my taste buds! Yummy!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Vacation
My favorite part of vacation is getting to spend extra time with my husband. This year he decided he wanted to visit his family for a few extra days and I was thrilled to be able to spend those days with him. Traditionally, we spend Thanksgiving with his family and celebrate Christmas. This year, since Thaksgiving is so close to my due date, we celebrated Christmas on Labor day. The cousins all enjoyed playing together. The favorite pass time was rides on the 4-wheeler! My kids also enjoyed being able to visit both sets of grandparents.
Our vacation did not start as planned as I left the back window open while finishing loading up in the morning. Josh then opened the garage door...and shattered our back window. After patching it up with cardboard and duct tape, our trip went without any other problems. Luckily, we were able to take care of the glass while we were down there. It is amazing how many little pieces one large glass window can become. I am still finding glass in the garage.
Our vacation did not start as planned as I left the back window open while finishing loading up in the morning. Josh then opened the garage door...and shattered our back window. After patching it up with cardboard and duct tape, our trip went without any other problems. Luckily, we were able to take care of the glass while we were down there. It is amazing how many little pieces one large glass window can become. I am still finding glass in the garage.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Fourway?
Conversation in the back seat...
Brenden: Are we on the freeway?
Katelyn: No, that is the freeway over there.
Brenden: Then are we on the fourway?
Katelyn: What is the fourway? There is no fourway.
Brenden: I am free and I go on the freeway.
Katelyn (smart little cookie): Brenden, it is the freeway, not the threeway.
Brenden: That is what I said, the freeway.
Katelyn: It is the freeway. There is no fourway, or fiveway, or oneway, or twoway!
Brenden: Oh.
I just quietly giggled in the front seat! I love my kids!
Brenden: Are we on the freeway?
Katelyn: No, that is the freeway over there.
Brenden: Then are we on the fourway?
Katelyn: What is the fourway? There is no fourway.
Brenden: I am free and I go on the freeway.
Katelyn (smart little cookie): Brenden, it is the freeway, not the threeway.
Brenden: That is what I said, the freeway.
Katelyn: It is the freeway. There is no fourway, or fiveway, or oneway, or twoway!
Brenden: Oh.
I just quietly giggled in the front seat! I love my kids!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
A Mom Just Like You...
This has been the most inspiring and encouraging book that I have ever read (other than the Bible!). I would highly recommend it to all mothers. It could change our world!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
10 years and Counting
On August 14, 1999 I married the man of my dreams...and he has never let me down. I am so thankful that God has given me such a kind, sensitive, loving, faithful, and loyal husband. He is the spiritual leader of our family. I am so blessed to walk by his side on this journey called life. Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Josh, for being the most wonderful husband to me! I love you forever and always!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Teeth, shoes, and opportunities
Teeth...
Katelyn has officially lost her first tooth! She was extremely excited to finally have that wiggly thing out of her mouth! I must admit, though, that her conversation with Daddy was my favorite...
Daddy: When I was a little kid I would put my tooth under my pillow and in the morning my tooth would be gone and a treat would be there! Do you want to put your tooth under your pillow?
Katelyn: No, I want to keep my tooth!
Daddy: But don't you want a surprise?
Katelyn: We have lots of treats around here.
Daddy: What if it's money?
Katelyn: I already have money.
Daddy: How about if you get to keep the tooth? It has been such a long time since I have put a tooth under my pillow. I would really like to see what your surprise is!
Katelyn: Daddy, how about if you put the tooth under your pillow.
So, this is what they did. Katelyn got the treat, though,...under Daddy's pillow!
Shoes...
I have had the toughest time finding sandals for Makenna this summer. I did not have any sandals from Katelyn due to the difference in seasons of births. I looked at many stores and could not find practical white sandals. They all had various other colors or were not suitable for a toddler learning to walk. I did find a pair at Savers, but later realized they were 3 wides and would not stay on her feet. The only thing we had were these little leather shoes that worked, but really made her feet stink...I guess they were not made for bare feet! Well, the point of this story is that a dear friend of mine just recently gave me a few bins of girl clothes that she did not need anymore. Low and behold, in one of the bins were a pair of white salt water sandals size 3! Salt water sandals are my favorite, but are hard to find! It was such a blessing!
Opportunities...
God is so faithful! It is my greatest desire to share Him with my children daily, as He asks of us in His Word.
"And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up..." Deuteronomy 6:6-7
I have been absolutely amazed at all the opportunities that He has given me to talk about Him with my children. I thank Him and praise Him for giving me these opportunities and helping me to be aware when those opportunities come knocking!
Praise the Lord!
Katelyn has officially lost her first tooth! She was extremely excited to finally have that wiggly thing out of her mouth! I must admit, though, that her conversation with Daddy was my favorite...
Daddy: When I was a little kid I would put my tooth under my pillow and in the morning my tooth would be gone and a treat would be there! Do you want to put your tooth under your pillow?
Katelyn: No, I want to keep my tooth!
Daddy: But don't you want a surprise?
Katelyn: We have lots of treats around here.
Daddy: What if it's money?
Katelyn: I already have money.
Daddy: How about if you get to keep the tooth? It has been such a long time since I have put a tooth under my pillow. I would really like to see what your surprise is!
Katelyn: Daddy, how about if you put the tooth under your pillow.
So, this is what they did. Katelyn got the treat, though,...under Daddy's pillow!
Shoes...
I have had the toughest time finding sandals for Makenna this summer. I did not have any sandals from Katelyn due to the difference in seasons of births. I looked at many stores and could not find practical white sandals. They all had various other colors or were not suitable for a toddler learning to walk. I did find a pair at Savers, but later realized they were 3 wides and would not stay on her feet. The only thing we had were these little leather shoes that worked, but really made her feet stink...I guess they were not made for bare feet! Well, the point of this story is that a dear friend of mine just recently gave me a few bins of girl clothes that she did not need anymore. Low and behold, in one of the bins were a pair of white salt water sandals size 3! Salt water sandals are my favorite, but are hard to find! It was such a blessing!
Opportunities...
God is so faithful! It is my greatest desire to share Him with my children daily, as He asks of us in His Word.
"And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up..." Deuteronomy 6:6-7
I have been absolutely amazed at all the opportunities that He has given me to talk about Him with my children. I thank Him and praise Him for giving me these opportunities and helping me to be aware when those opportunities come knocking!
Praise the Lord!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
A moment to remember...
My son had a Dr. visit today in Meridian. Being in the middle of the day, we decided to meet Josh for lunch afterwards. After the appointment, I realized that Makenna was stinky! So, being the always prepared mother that I am :), I reached for the diaper bag to change her...only to find it empty! Bummer! My first thought was to grab lunch quick and go home to change her. Well, after we "grabbed" our food and I was handing it out in the car to begin our journey home, Makenna decided she had had enough. With her crying and wiggling (as much as she could in her car seat) I knew that she was extremely uncomfortable and would not last until home. I first looked around and thought, "Can I buy diapers anywhere?"...Then my brilliant idea hit me. I looked under the seat for Brenden's "spare" bag. Low and behold, I found not 1 but 3 pairs of underwear in the bag. So, for extra protection, I cleaned her up (I had wipes in the bag) and put all three pairs of underwear on her. My kids thought that I had gone crazy...but they all laughed with me! I wanted to take a picture, but she was asleep by the time we got home. I had to quickly change her and put her to bed. Oh, the things we do as parents!
Hope this made you smile!
Hope this made you smile!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Playing catch-up
Our 4th of July cake!
Enjoying our time at the God and Country Festival!
Worn out!
Buddies!
Enjoying our time at the God and Country Festival!
Worn out!
Buddies!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)