December 4, 2009
7lb 13 oz
20 inches
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!
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