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!

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!

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!

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!