Long time

I know I'm doing a horrible job keeping up with this blog. I've been very busy. I've finally gotten into a good routine with Andrew that includes doing Laundry, cleaning our apartment, and staying on top of it all. For the longest time everything was just once in awhile, when I'd get the chance... :)

Andrew is growing and growing. He's calls my "mom" and that's the only word he seems to say regularly. I think it's because he has so many aunts and uncles to talk for him. :)

I'm now 29 1/2 weeks along. This baby is so different from Andrew. It is more active, and definitely has a stronger personality. I'm so curious to meet this Little One and see if it's a boy or a girl. I had a dream it was a beautiful little girl we named Bethany (which is one of our top 2 girl names) and so I'm thinking that somewhere in my future is a little Bethany. :) I really don't care whether we have a boy or a girl. I'll be excited either way. I want a girl mostly for Scott because he really wants a girl, but either way, we'll be super excited!!!!

Thanksgiving is in two days and last Friday we decorated for Christmas. Before you go judging me, we are leaving in 10 days for a 2 week book tour getting home 1 week before Christmas, so we decided that we wanted to enjoy our place decorated for Christmas, especially since I won't be leaving everything up until the end of January like last year because once New Year comes, I'll be kicking into high "Baby Prep" mode. :) Less than 11 weeks until my due date, I'm so excited!!!!

Just a little "tid bit" for you....

I've been studyin Proverbs 31 and this verse just keeps popping out at me.

"She seeketh wool, and flax and worketh willingly with her hands." Proverbs 31:13
A virtuous woman works willingly with her hands. How often do we do what we need to do because we need to do it without a willing heart? I've noticed that the more I look at what I need to do with a willing, cheerful, eager attitude, the easier it is to do it. It also usually turns out to be more rewarding as well.

I know this wasn't long, but it's something. :) Now I need to get off the computer and go work on Christmas gifts. I'm trying to finish everything (as much as possible) before we leave for our trip.

3 Months and Other Happenings

I have many pictures to post, but I'm not writing from my laptop, and since I have time, I figured I better blog, picures or not since I am way past due!

Andrew is now 3 months old and can only fit into 6-9 month sleepers. He is still wearing 3-6 month clothes that don't have feet on them, and onesies. He had a cold for over a week, but it's finally gone now. We are very blessed because even though the cold lasted so long, it came in stages and was spread out so we didn't have any REALLY miserable times. You knew he wasn't feeling himself, but he wasn't extremely fussy. Andrew is such a mellow baby, I know we're getting spoiled. He never really "screams", just complains and "fusses". I'm sure we're in for a big surprise with the next baby (or not, who knows?). Andrew is also very close to figuring out how to roll over. He's almost got it, but not quite. It's hysterical watching him as he gets up on his side but can't figure out how to complete it and end up on his back. Sometimes he'll just give up, and it's funny to see his expressions.

I am doing good. I am trying to get back into a consistent exercise routine as ever since my cousins wedding (which I was doing good for), I lost my main motivation. So my new motivation is to get back into tip top shape so I can get all out of maternity clothes without lookin "buldgy" and so I can be in better shape when I get pregnant again than when I got pregnant with Andrew.

I've been doing much better at keeping on top of cleaning, laundry, and cooking. I'm sure that Andrew's willingness to play on the floor for more than 5 minutes is helping, but ultimately, I know it's because I'm working harder (with the Lord's help) to keep my focus on HIM! I'm re-reading Anne Ortlund's Disciplines on a Beautiful Woman from The Gentle Ways of the Beautiful Woman. SOOOOO good!!!! I read it sometime before I got married, possibly just before Scott "came along." It was so good then, and I knew it would be even better to read when I was married. Anne Ortlund's books are the kind that you should always be reading and should always be on your nightstand. Disciplines of The Beautiful Woman is my favorite at the moment. You can find her books at Amazon at a decent price. I'd post a link, but for some reason it's not working right now. As a disclaimer, these are just my own opinions of her books. I only encourage you to buy them because they have been SO encouraging to me, and especially now, with a baby added to my everyday life (and all that comes with that), reading snippets here and there, has been so helpful and encouraging. Her heart for the Lord is so eminent.

I'm out of time. Hopefully I'll be able to share more soon (and post all the pictures I keep meaning to post).

Thankulness - Part 5

Here's Andrew "hanging out with Grandpa". He looks so serious! :)

Andrew and I had an interesting day yesterday. Not long after Scott left for work he called me and said that the car (our old car that we took on our trip and just spent quite a bit of money on getting it in good working order so Jacob could use it while he was here) had died on him. Immediately I got up and started putting Andrew in his carseat because I new exactly what that meant. I had to go meet him so we could drop him off at work, hopefully before he was very late. The car did start up again and I was able to meet Scott at our local garage (which was a blessing since we didn't have to pay a towing fee or anything) and now we wait to see what they say about the car.

But the day wasn't over yet. After we left Scott at work, Andrew and I did a little grocery shopping on our way home, and then we ate and changed diapers before heading out to Walmart for the bulk of this week's grocery shopping. Now, I had made sure I burped Andrew before we left and all, but sitting in the carseat, on the shopping cart (since I needed quite a few items, there was no way he was going to fit "in" the cart and I had forgotten the sling) must not have agreed with him. He slept most of the time I was shopping, but then he woke up and started fussing, and I mean, really fussing so I picked him up (I was really wishing I had remembered to bring the sling as it's not easy pushing a full cart while consoling a fussy baby) and then he had a big burp and I said "oh, that's why you've been fussing." Then I thought to myself how glad I was that he didn't spit up. Of course, what happened, but I immediately realized he had spit up, all over my neck, my jacket and the straps of my handmade purse. YUCK! I grabbed the receiving blanket that was in the carseat and started wiping off Andrew (oh yes it got all over him too) and prayed "Lord, what do I do?" as I knew the carseat was not a good place for him at that moment and I couldn't reposition the carseat because my hands were full and let's not forget the spit up that was all over me. I glanced down the aisle in front of me and saw a lady from our church (whom I've known my whole life) and thanked the Lord right there. I walked up to her and said, "would you please be a lifesaver and hold Andrew so I can clean myself up?" She was thrilled to hold him (I don't think she had even met him yet) as she loves babies and I felt so blessed that God would time that all so perfectly! Yes, God cares about even the smallest things like having your son spit up on you in the middle of a store (on the opposite end of the bathrooms, no less) and providing some help for you.

Now after that long (perhaps boring), drawn out, story, on to my thankful list (and pretty much a rundown of my day). Today I'm thankful:

• That I was able to get laundry and dinner done for Scott before he left for work today
• That Andrew took a 2 hour nap this afternoon
• That I was able to get clothes folded and put away, my bedroom straightened, and the house vacuumed (it was in dire need of that)
• That as a result of all the above, most of the house in in very nice order now
• That Andrew was happy to play (after eating and a diaper change) so I could exercise, finish folding and putting away the last load of laundry for the day organize his clothes (he's constantly outgrowing stuff), and even get over half of the dishes from the last 3 days done. Yes, I have not had a chance to do dishes since my sisters helped me a couple days ago.
• That Christmas is coming! (I've been listening to Christmas music all this past week.)
• For Swagbucks as thanks to them I have extra "Christmas money" to spend at Amazon on Scott

I have gotten a lot done today and it's not even over yet (for me, anyway). I hope all my blog readers are having a lovely weekend!

PICTURES!

Well, it took me a little longer to do this post than I planned, but it's finally here. :) So, pictures... Here is Andy sporting his cute little outfit from Aunt Lori! My sister says the colors look really good on him. :)

This picture was from about a week and a half ago when I gave Andrew his first bath with the [baby] bathtub in the big tub instead of in the kitchen sink (our kitchen sink is too shallow). He looked so cute!

A week or two ago, Andy and I went and visited Scott's parents while he was at work.

Here is the first picture I've gotten of him smiling! I had to post both pictures, so you can see the progression of what he was thinking. He's just so adorable!!!!!

And just for the record, we have since gotten some BOY hats (instead of the green that makes people ask "is it a boy or a girl?") but they weren't done drying at the time of these pictures.

We were delighted last weekend to get a visit from my Dad's cousins and their daughter Amy!

Amy and Andrew:

This past Thursday, we picked up Author J.R. Parker as he will be staying with us for another 2 weeks! We're really enjoying his visit (even though he's really here to promote his book Kestrel's Midnight Song) and frequently this is what I see:

On Friday we had a get together at our house and realized that we didn't have any pictures of Mom A. with Andrew, so of course, we had to get the camera out! :) I loved how Andrew wouldn't look at the camera because he was looking Grandma!

And one more of Andrew and I! The first couple weeks I only have 2 pictures of the two of us, so I've been trying to make sure I periodically take one.

Andrew is growing and growing. I'm having to get out the few 3-6mo outfits we have (and we picked up a couple at Walmart last night, as his 0-3mo outfits that have feet are too short for him. He is so incredibly adorable!!!! We just love "playing" with him!

I am finally starting to figure out how to balance everything, Wife, Mother, and Homemaker. Jacob's visit is definitely "helping" me stay consistent (God's timing is so perfect). Of course, this post has been sitting on my computer screen for about 8 hours now. :)

Well, Andy is ready for bed and so am I, so I guess that's all for now.

Seven Sisters' Visit

This week we were so very happy to host our favorite family!!!!!!! You may remember the dear, new friends we gained back in December last year who quickly became like family! Well, they are on a trip along the east coast and of course, they had to come visit us!!!! :)

(Susannah and I)

We had so much fun! They arrived at my house just before 5pm on Monday. Andrew started getting passed around right away and he didn't mind it at all. At 7 we headed over to my parents house (where most of them would be staying) and had fun eating pizza, and my family got to get to know the family that I had been talking and talking about for the past 10 months! Trisch and my Mom knew each other, but the kids all got to get to know each other! :)

(Trisch and I)

Jessica and Leah came back to my house Monday night, although we didn't stay up extra late as it is very different having a baby. I didn't realize just how different it is, having a Little One that needs me constantly! But it is worth it! Of course, I had lots of eager arms willing to hold Andrew whenever they could, and it was so much fun watching everyone holding him.

I tried to capture the sweetness of Trisch holding Andrew. It's not easy capturing such things on camera, but I tried. :)

Me and dear Jessica! The first thing I thought when they had left was "we didn't get enough time!" But then, I don't know if we could ever get enough time!

My family came back from vacation the same day our company came and so they hadn't seen Andrew in a week which meant that Andrew had to spend time with everyone. :)

Here is Cassia and Andrew

Bekah greatly enjoyed holding Andrew as well, and Susannah was ALWAYS on the lookout for when she could hold him next! :)

Now we are back to no company (although only for 3 weeks as we will soon be hosting J.R. Parker) and I am trying to catch up on laundry (I have 3 loads of laundry to fold from this past week and just put another load in the washer) and cleaning (have only washed dishes once since Monday, and even though we weren't home much this week, dishes still piled up, not to mention the kitchen floor desperately needs to be washed) without pushing myself too much. I also had to go through a bunch of baby boy clothes as a sweet friend gave me a TON of clothes for Andrew which was awesome seeing as we had 2 outfits and 5 onesies that fit him and only a few outfits and onesies in larger sizes. Now we are set for the next year! :)

Tomorrow I am hoping to go for a short walk with Andrew, weather permitting (it has rained the past week except for Wednesday) and then we have a baby shower to go to for my Aunt. I have 2 new little cousins who will be 2 months younger than my son, which seems funny, but I'm sure that the 3 of them will have lots of fun together as they get older.

I am ready to start exercising in earnest now, but I still have to take things slow and easy for a few more weeks, so whenever I can, I am going to try and take short walks until my Midwife gives me the green light to really start exercising. It's not that I want to be obsessed with my weight, I just want my body to be in good condition. I know that if I stay consistent with taking care of myself now, then it will be much more beneficial in the long run.

On a completely different note, Swords of the Six is now available for pre-order on Amazon for only $10.19 This is being re-released through AMG Publishers and has some new material in it. If you go on over to Scott's Blog http://www.flamingpen.blogspot.com/ you can check out the different rewards/prizes for pre-ordering Swords of the Six!

Have a great weekend!

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting...

Right now we are playing the waiting game. My due date is on Tuesday and we are so ready for this baby. Not to mention, I'm looking forward to not having a big hard belly again. I mean, I know it will take time to get back to "normal" (that is, whatever my new normal is) but when I'm doing dishes or cooking and I need to get something from the upper cabinets, I am constantly reminded of the fact that I'm 39+ weeks pregnant! As you can see in the pictures I've gotten quite large and baby is ALL in front now (and a little lower). I am praying and praying that if it is in accordance with God's will He will allow the baby to be born sometime in the next few days. But, for all I know, I may not have the baby until September 10th, or sometime around there! (Oh, what a dreadful thought that is!)

Thanks to the shirts my Mom gave me (they came at JUST the perfect time) I still have 3 shirts that I can alternate with, two of my new ones and a size XL maternity shirt that I had bought just before my shower. I don't know where expectant mothers of twins find shirts to wear when they get close to the end of their pregnancy! As it is, I never thought that I'd fit into a size XL, never mind an XL maternity shirt! Anyway, enough about me and my clothes!!!! :)

I've had a nice, relaxing weekend. Yesterday I got some cleaning done (I'm hoping the next time I need to do the vacuuming, will be after the baby is born!) and started on a new baby blanket for my Etsy shop.

Today I took a short nap after Church and then later this afternoon, we went out to dinner at a Thai restaurant. It was very good and close by so we were back home before 6. Now I'm writing a blog post and Scott is working on writing and the likes. :) Check out his blog post about his short stories here.

I don't have many plans this week. Actually, I don't have any plans this week other than my weekly prenatal appointment (which I'm hoping will be something different...). I don't know if that's a good thing because the baby will come, or if that's a bad thing because I'm going to end up finding myself rather bored. :)

It is so strange to think that Summer is practically over. I have many friends who have already gone back to college and I know that even the high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools are starting as well. I am very thankful though that we are at the end of summer because that means the baby will be here very soon as well as the fall weather! I love fall, the leaves changing and cooler weather! Of course, I have other reasons for wanting fall too. September marks the first month that I'll be a Mommy and we have company coming at the end of the month that we are greatly looking forward too!!! I'm also looking forward to after I have the baby and getting things a little more settled and organized as right now we have all we need for the birth and everything taking up a lot of space in this (while larger than our apartment was) small, house!

So, what are you looking forward to in Fall?

Stuff... Update

As I sit here starring at this blank page I am trying to decide how to start off my new post. I am posting because it's been awhile since my last post, baby could come at any time (which would most likely mean some more time would pass before another post), and I have some time on my hands.

I was very pleased with myself for finally clearing off my kitchen table (it's needed it for, oh about 3 weeks now) and then moving the table lengthwise along the wall to give us more room for the impending water birth. I also swept and mopped the kitchen floor and did some laundry. I must say, it always feels so good to get my house in good order!

This week we also moved Scott's desk from our bedroom to the baby's room to make room for the Cradle in our room. Everything fit just perfectly, and now we really feel "ready" for the baby. That is, as ready as we'll ever be. It is only by God's grace that we will be good, godly parents.

Now for an update on the pregnancy....

The day of my prenatal appointment this past week, my feet were more swollen then they'd ever been and I had gained 7 pounds in 1 week. (Yes, that freaked me out!) So as a result of that (and other things) I went and got some blood work done to check my iron, blood cell counts, etc. Everything was right where they should be which was very nice and since my appointment I went down a pound, and have stayed just below that initial amount the past 5 days instead of climbing over the course of the week. Of course, I have also been doing more exercising this week (as in daily) compared to last week (which was once or twice).

Now on to the baby... :) Baby seems to be posterior, which means it's facing toward the front instead of toward my back. However, it is also very active and a lot of the times feels like it lying on my side more then anything. So, we will just wait and see. When a baby is posterior that means that you have a lot more back labor (which is more uncomfortable than normal labor).

On Thursday night I had a good 3 1/2 hours of contractions that were more than the normal braxton hicks, but as you can see (due to lack of pictures, etc.) although they were close together, they weren't very consistent and eventually died off. Even though I was very disappointed that they didn't get more intense I know my body is prepping itself for labor (which is coming since I am 38 weeks, 4 days along now) and as my midwife encouraged me, I am enjoying my last days of just me and my Hubby. :)

Another exciting thing for me this week was that my Mom found me a three maternity shirts (sizes M, L, and XL) on clearance that she surprised me with! Everywhere I've gone I haven't found anything, and I was refusing to spend more than $15 on a shirt that I'd only wear for a few short weeks. The size M shirt is a little short (although longer than all my other maternity shirts) and so I will no doubt get more wear out of it over the first couple months after the baby is born and then save it for the next pregnancy. The other two shirts are nice and long and look nice (of course the fact that they don't have any stains on them... yet.... is very nice) and it just totally made my week to be able to have 2 new shirts in particular that are comfortably loose, and don't look so "drab". :) My Mom is so great!!!!

Head on over to my Etsy shop: HandMaidGifts and check out the new baby blanket that I added here.

Okay, I think that's about all for now. Don't forget to do something special for your spouse (or a family member) today, "just because" and enjoy your weekend. :)

Update

Okay, so I know it's been too long since my last post! I really didn't mean for so much time to go by! But I will try to make it up to you and fill you in on all that's been happening (which isn't too much) over the past 2 weeks!

For starters:

• I am 37 WEEKS!!!!! That's right, only 3 weeks left until my due date! 37 Weeks also means that I am "Full Term". I am getting more and more excited as each day passes to meet this precious Little One!
• I have gained over 40 pounds, I am sorry to admit and I'm just praying that with T-Tapping and Nursing, those 40+ pounds will roll away faster than they came! (Along with all stretch marks.)
• My headaches/migraines from the first half of the second trimester have been threatening to return over the past 2 weeks, but as long as I keep my stomach full of food (and lots of protein), they seem to be staying at bay.
• My feet and ankles have had some swelling over the past month and even when we have "cooler" days, it doesn't seem to make much of a difference. So, I have been trying to be strict with myself and take frequent breaks throughout the day, but... um... well... that hasn't exactly been working out that well.... It's a little hard to take a break when I have so much I need/want to get done!
• My clothes seem to be shrinking as almost every day it seems I find something else that doesn't fit anymore. I have had to console myself to the fact that no matter how hard I try, the 3 maternity shirts that are still wearable (even though 2 are getting a bit short) are not going to change. Oh, and as for finding something "different" to add to my wardrobe, not happening! The only shirts that would fit and look nice are just way too expensive considering that I only have 3-5 weeks left, and I was blessed enough to find the 2 skirts that I have now! But, that's okay, pretty soon, there will be a beautiful little baby in my arms and practically immediately after that, my wardrobe will start growing (without having to put out any extra money)! Isn't that lovely? :) I think God arranged everything just the way it is, on purpose! :) Over the past week in particular, God has been re-teaching me that lesson of contentment, and reminding me that yes, although it may seem like I don't have much to wear now, very soon I will be able to wear all the other things in my closet and in the bags in storage again, so don't get caught up in the worlds way of thinking "I need more clothes" because really, I don't! Back to update:
• I have been having more Braxton Hicks. Which is a "fancy" name for feeling the contractions that have been going on for the past 9 months but that still aren't intense enough for me to be in labor. But, as you can see, the explanation is longer than "Braxton Hicks" so that's what has stuck, I guess. :) Anyway, the other night (careful, I might go off on several "rabbit trails" as I haven't posted in so long) my darling husband went grocery shopping with me and I had about 5 "more intense" contractions over the space of about an hour. Even though I knew it wasn't (hopefully) the start of labor, it did get me thinking. That particular night I was in NO WAY ready to have this baby! I mean, I am just itching to meet this Little One, but I was not ready for it to actually be here yet (and I'm still not quite ready). Little by little we have been working on getting ready for the baby. I mean, we have everything (including the birthing pool) we need for the labor and delivery part of this baby's entrance into the world, but the baby's room isn't ready (as in the baby's things aren't quite fully organized yet) and we have yet to move stuff in our bedroom to make room for the cradle to go in there. I am the kind of person that likes to be prepared. I'm flexible, but I like to be as prepared as I possibly can be and those contractions the other night gave me a little bit of a scare. :) I told my Mom the other day that I am going to have to get my house into perfect order and then keep it that way, because I am not ready for this baby, just yet, but I really want to be. :) Of course, God may have other plans, but in the meantime, I am (little by little) working on putting the house in good order (finishing organizing things and finding homes for several items) and particularly making sure our room is ready for Baby. :) Okay, back to update....
• The crib is all set up in the baby's room and we bought a swing and bouncer seat (swing is all set up, and the bouncer seat is on it's way). The only thing we really need to get still is the Pack 'N' Play. I've decided that I'm going to set the pack 'n' play up in the Living Room for the first few weeks at least so that way when the baby takes it's naps, it can be close by instead of being all the way down the hall.
• I have also been working on stocking our freezer. I have frozen Ravioli (and sauce in the cupboard) and this week I put 3 containers of Chicken Pot Pie filling (just need to be thawed and get some biscuits on top) and 1 Apple Pie in there as well. I know people will be bringing us meals, but I figure even if we don't touch this food until 3-4 weeks after the baby is born, it will no doubt come in handy to have something that doesn't need too much work after a tiring day or when I don't have anything for Hubby's lunch and I don't have enough time to make a full meal. If anyone has any other suggestions of meals to freeze, please pass them on!
• The past week I've been working harder on exercising more as for a couple weeks I wasn't doing too good. Thankfully my parents have a pool, so I can do lots of exercising in there (which is so nice because it takes all the weight off of my feet for the time I'm in it) and I've been trying to take more walks and do more T-Tapping! The past week I exercised 5 out of 7 days, which is a big difference from 2 days the week before, and 1 day the week before that!

So how's that for a longer update? I'm sorry I don't have a picture, but I will try and take one over the next day or so and post it immediately. :)

It's Official

It is official! All but one box of Scott's is unpacked and out of my house!!!!! I am definitely in a nesting mood. Today I took care of all the stuff that was still in the Baby's room (in the middle of the floor, no less), took care of the boxes still in our room, brought all the boxes and such that was in the kitchen (waiting to go to the garage) to the garage, cleaned my kitchen counters (and re-arranged them), did dishes, washed my floor (even though I did it 48 hours earlier), did 2 loads of laundry, went through my boxes of candles and the like (re-organizing as I went), and now I'm wishing that it was after the baby shower that my two sweet mothers are throwing for me just so I could go through and organize all that stuff! Yep, definitely in a nesting mood! By the way, just to clarify, I've only been up for 10 1/2 hours (slept in this morning) and I spent 4 hours at my parents house swimming! (and visiting too)

Well, that's about all for now. I'm 32 weeks, 2 days and counting! I love how all I have to do is touch my belly and I can figure out where the baby is! I can't wait to be able to hold this Little One!!!!

Just Stuff

Since it has been 4 days since my last post, I figured I should post again, to give everyone something to read. However, for the last 2 days I've been trying to come up with a good topic to post about. Since I'm here, that must mean I came up with one, right? Wrong!!!! I haven't come up with anything so far, so I thought I'd just write about what I've been up to this week.

I have had some issues over the past year with a Wisdom tooth coming in. But nothing I couldn't handle. However last week it was bothering me again and I discovered I had a large swollen "abscess" or some such thing on the side of my gums. I immediately made Garlic oil and started applying it directly as well as drinking lots Lemon water. That combined with T-Tapping, I managed to keep all pain at bay. Nothing was hurting, I just had this "bump." On Sunday we visited a church and went out for lunch afterwards, with 3 of the couples (and their families) that we had met there. Wouldn't you know, one of the guys is a dentist! So, naturally I told him about my tooth and asked for some advice. As I'm sure you've guessed by now, his answer was: Root Canal or get the tooth pulled. Now, I do NOT like dentists (no offence to any dentists), I just don't like people playing around in my mouth! So I was not too pleased with the answer... The "problem" is that because I'm pregnant, I can't do anything about the tooth now. So Scott and I agreed that with proper eating and giving my body what it needs, I could reverse the tooth problem. That means, I am not allowed to have any sweets and NO junk food!!!!!
On Monday we went out and bought a juicer (and a bunch of carrots) so I can be juicing every day. As of Tuesday morning, the bump was gone, with my gum still slightly swollen. Today, it is completely back to normal! Praise the Lord!!!! :) I will be continuing to eat well (good for the baby, too! :) ) and juicing!

This afternoon I have been going through and re-organizing everything (it seems like I do that every week now), and making lots of head-way. I have also gotten rid of 3 grocery bags full of clothes within the last 4 weeks! I've realized how few of all my clothes I actually wear, and although I can't bring myself to get rid of more yet, I got rid of all the things that I don't wear because I don't like them. (I know, why then, did I even bother to bring them with me???)

I've also been doing very well, exercising daily! Scott is noticing more of a difference than I am, but regardless of losing inches, exercising just gives me more energy for the day! It "get's me going" and is very healthy! :)

7 DAYS

Can you believe it? Christmas is only 7 days away! I can't wait! The Lord is teaching me much, as always (see previous post here). Along with not eating from the bread of idleness God has been working in my heart on not just thinking about not being idle, but also on looking to see how I can put that into action, and specific ways. Yesterday morning I exercised for the first time in probably 6-8 weeks. It felt great to exercise (when has anyone ever been sorry that they exercised?) and it started me off on the right track for the rest of the day. You see, I started the morning with a great time with the Lord, and during that time, the Lord laid on my heart that I should exercise. So I did. Then, in the afternoon I had some time before we had to leave for a book signing, so I decided that instead of wasting my time on the computer or reading a book (reading is not a waste of time, but when you have other things that need to be done, you should do them), I would go up to our room and work on some organizing and straightening, which was much needed. I got the entire room in very good order just in time for us to leave! It always so rewarding when I do something worthwhile, get it done, and know that I used my time much better than I originally was going to! :)

So, this morning, I had my quiet time, exercised, am writing this post, and today's plans are to wrap Christmas gifts, possibly make some cookies, and watch a Christmas movie tonight. Oh, and if there's time, practice my guitar! :)

Note: The above picture is from Christmas morning, last year (2008)

The Bread of Idleness

I know it's been a while since I shared something with you from my study on A Woman After God's Own Heart, but the truth is, over the last couple weeks, I haven't been doing that study much, as I was just doing some great reading in God's word and a lot of writing in my Prayer Journal. But today I went back to my study. Of course, not even a full minute went by before the Lord was taking me deep inside my heart to take take an honest look at myself.

The chapter I am on is A Heart That Watches Over The Home. Proverbs 14:23 says, "In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury." (Penury = Extreme poverty or destitution)

There is profit in labour.

Proverbs 31:27 says, "She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness."

The Proverbs 31 woman, does not eat the bread of idleness.

From these two verses, we gather 2 very important pieces of wisdom, that go together. If there is profit in labour, than what is there in idleness? Nothing. Nothing at all. Think about it, what does our attitude become when we are idle? I know for me, I get a little miserable, and I have a pretty bad attitude toward everything and everyone around me. Sometimes it only shows itself in the most subtle of ways, but at other times, it is not so subtle.

In the chapter of Elizabeth George's book that I was studying today, she talks about how she applied this to her life, and is always busy, doing something, all day long. Yes, she would give herself time for a break, but she always knew what she was doing thereafter. One thing that really spoke to me, was how she said that when her girls were young, she worked hard to instill that principle in them. For example, they didn't watch TV unless they were doing something productive at the same time.

As I reflected on all the thoughts that came rushing to my mind, I remembered a time when I was always doing knitting or crocheting when I was watching something (I would even take it to the movie theater with me), because I could not justify spending a couple hours or so just sitting doing nothing, when I knew I could find something to do. I'm sorry to say that I've lost that principle, and I intend to get it back!

Elizabeth mentioned that as a result of the above, none of them derived much pleasure from watching TV. They could take it or leave it. That is how it should be. The TV is just an entertainment "gimmick" to keep us lazy, eating from the bread of idleness. As Christians, there is so much more to our lives. We have so much to live for, in Christ. We should not be able to be entertained by the TV for hours, doing nothing, without feeling very guilty. There is NO profit in idleness!!!!! This post is not all about the TV, that is just an example, and one that is very dominant in our culture. How many people do you know who have their TV on all day, and whenever their kids start to get in their way, they tell them to go watch a show or something? I know more than I should.

In addition to focusing on the fact that there is profit in labour (even if we don't always see it), we need to be working on eliminating idleness. I would like to share with you a list of "time robbers" that Elizabeth shared in her book:

• Procrastination


• Inadequate personal planning and scheduling


• Interruptions by people without appointment (This includes interruptions by way of the telephone. And please note, your children are not interruptions - they are your greatest work and the best investment of your time)


• Failure to delegate


• Poor use of the telephone


• Reading junk mail


• Lack of concern for good time management


• Unclear priorities

I encourage you, along with myself, to take a few minutes and examine areas in your daily life where there is idleness. Then, work on eliminating them. And remember, to trully eliminate something, even just to begin working on it, we must first take it to the Lord.

Roasted Butternut Squash

Okay, so my friend Shayna posted a recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash on her blog last week. It looked really yummy, and since the recipe looked so easy and I had just bought some Butternut Squash, I decided that when I was ready to cook it, I'd try the recipe.

So last night, after spending a productive afternoon with my Mom, packing up everything in my Kitchen that I'm not using and packing up more books, I started dinner. I had told Scott that I'd make the Roasted Butternut Squash for dinner, earlier, so I started preparing it and took out some thin "sandwich steaks" to have with the squash.

The squash recipe was very easy and since I didn't have all the ingredients, I just added a couple extras, and it was really yummy!

I cooked the steaks on the stove in a covered pan with White Balsamic Vinaigrette and a couple

tablespoons of water. When the steaks were cooked through (flipped them half-way), I took them out of the pan and put in some sliced Baby Bella Mushrooms for 5 minutes on low. I then put the steak back on top of the mushrooms for a couple more minutes and served it!

Here's another picture of the plate because I think it's really cool how you can see the steam rising up from the food.

So there's my "tidbit" for today. Hopefully I can get some Laundry done tonight and do more organizing/packing tomorrow morning before I babysit. We will see...... :)

Long Time

Wow! I had not realized that it has been an entire month since I last posted. Time certainly does fly. The last month has definately been a good month though. Scott's book is selling well and we have officially passed the 1,000 mark. (YAY!!!!!!) We have had many booksignings over the last month and most of them we have sold out.

The last 2 weeks have been lots of fun as my Uncle, his oldest son, and my Aunt and her son all from CA were visiting, and so we had lots of family get togethers. It was the first time in 12 years that my Mom, her 3 sisters, and their brother were all together in the same room. It was lots of fun to listen to them all talking, especially when they started telling stories of when they were younger. It was a great time, although I must admit that some of my "housekeeping" duties got a little neglected. Although I still kept on top of dishes and laundry. :)

The best night was on Friday. My cousin (S) stayed with my family the entire time they were here, except for one night, and as the days went by, he was asking my brothers about the Lord, and being saved. They shared their testimonies with him (he's 11) at one point, and he kept saying that he wanted to be saved. Every night, my sister (C) prays for each of the younger kids individually, and so my cousin wanted her to pray for him every night too. Well, on Friday, everyone was getting ready for bed, but my brother-in-law and I were over and we were going to stay up with 2 of my sisters (C & R) and watch a movie or something. My parents headed to bed and we were instructed to make sure that the boys quieted down soon and went to sleep. Shortly after that, my youngest brother came out and asked C to come into their room. She went in there, and the boys told her that S wanted to be saved. (Praise the Lord!) So C spent quite some time talking with him and sharing different things from the Bible with him and he accepted the Lord as his Savior. It was so awesome! Us older "kids" went in and prayed with him/over him, afterward, and then when we came back out, we just had to keep talking about the Lord. We sat up for over 2 hours after that, talking about the Lord, and His word, and living for Him, and it was just a great time of fellowshipping with other believers who just happen to be your sisters and brother. :) It was incredible.

On a different note, here are a few pictures from the wedding, finally! Enjoy!!!

This is my friend Kelsie, and I while we were at the hall setting things up, the day before the wedding.

This is Kelsie and I on our way home from the rehearsal (we went home and I pampered us and my family. We all soaked our feet and we did our hands too. It was very relaxing!).

Me taking out my hair on the way to the church (we were running later than I had planned and my hair had to "set" before I could do anything to it. Yes, I did my own hair, and it was the best thing to do, for me anyway. I was totally relaxed about my hair and did a "style" that no matter how it turned out, it would look good, and I'd be happy with it.).

Kelsie and I before the ceremony.

Me and my beautiful Flower Girl (my youngest sister). My hair was still "setting" and so for some of these "before the ceremony" pictures, my hair doesn't always look good, but it's okay for this one. :)

Yes, Scott carried me down the aisle. Everyone loved it. Everyone also said that he "swooped" me up very smoothly, but we did practice several times. :)

Husband and Wife

Praise the Lord!!!!

We got an apartment!!!! We didn't realize it at first, but God timed everything perfectly. Now I can work on the major cleaning during March (before anything goes in) and then not have to worry about it, come April and May while we're working on making the 9 dresses for the Flower Girl and Bridesmaids and altering my dress among all the other wedding things that we are going to have to do. The apartment is maybe 10 minutes from Scott's parent's house and 15 minutes from my family's house. And, it is closer to work for Scott (another Praise!). We go to get the keys this week. I am so excited. It seems kind of "surreal" as my Mom would say. I've already made out a long cleaning list, room to room. The kitchen and living room is one room. Half is carpeted, and the other half is linoleum. The counters/cabinets are all along one wall. It has lots of counter space (which is a "biggy" for me) and lots of cabinets too! It's small, but it's perfect for us! :) I'm already planning on how I want to set up things. The only pieces of furniture we need are a couch or love seat and an arm chair. God has already provided us with a bed, dining room set, coffee table and end table. We also already have bureaus and a desk.

I just finished printing off our Wedding Invitations (and response cards). They look great and now we have a whole month to fill out the envelopes.

My youngest sister is getting baptized tonight (Praise the Lord!). She's the last one of the seven of us. My youngest brother was baptized a few weeks back, and it is so exciting to see how even though they're young, they not only understand about salvation, but about baptism too.