Christmas planner

I am off to make some gifts for the family. I found a wonderful post about how to make cute and crafty Christmas planners from Christmas Planner. I will try to post my outcome when I finish.

After Christmas Thoughts

On Christmas eve we went to church and you know I think that was the highlight of everything, I didn't want to leave. But we were expected at my mother's and so we made the 30 minute drive. My children had made lists of things they would like and my husband and I had also made lists as additional ideas for the boys that were things that would instill value, learning, and wonderful memories in our boys.  Everything on the lists were represented, it was ridiculous. No selective picking of a few special gifts. There was even one item we specifically forbade but it was given anyway with the assurance that it would stay at grandma's house. My mother has the bad habit of letting the children do want ever they want without limits so we try to limit their time at grandmas. So it is a privilege and not something they expect. Now don't get me wrong I love my family dearly but I can not stand the spoiling of a child and they spoil mine overmuch since there are no other children yet.

On Christmas morning we were pleased to be able to spend it privately with our children. We only got our boys a few things but we really put a lot of thought into each gift. After all was open and breakfast served my lovely oldest son of 13, who mainly claims to want every video game system there is and could play for days on end and is usually very commercialized, put it the best. And I love him so for it. He said when asked if what they received from us was ok... "Yea, I like this much more. It was perfect, not like at grandmas where it was just too much. She just gets us too much stuff." How beautifully he put it. Too much stuff, nothing very memorable or meaningful, just stuff. But the few that we gave will be treasured and remembered for years to come.

We were not done yet, still later Christmas Day we attended another Christmas with my family including cousins, aunts, not yet fiance's and their family. Again too much stuff, craziness and not enough just enjoying the people you love. We left soon after the gifts were opened  and it seems we started the trend because about 10 more left after us. I just wish my family would get the fact that Christmas is not about being selfish and outgiving everyone else, but about the one who gave the best gift ever.

Jesus, thank you for the only gift that matters.

It's a beautiful life

Letterboxing

I came across this "new" activity a few weeks ago and even though it was 40 ` out both boys were super excited to go on our first letterbox search yesterday. Actually letterboxing has been around since the 1800's but has become recently very popular with families. All you need is a rubber stamp, ink, notebook or journal, pen and if you look for the really cleverly hidden ones, a compass. We selected one from Atlasquest.com ( there are others like Letterboxing.org) to search for that seemed relatively easy, followed the clues and after a few wrong turns found the box and "stamped in".

Stamping in is the second step. When you find the box it will have a stamp and a notepad in it. You stamp your personal stamp in the box's notepad and write the date, your trail name (whatever you chose for these adventures), and where you are from. Then you stamp your notebook with the box's stamp and write any info you would like (it's your journal afterall).

The box must be replaced exactly where you found it so the next person to look for it can find it. Then you go online to Altasquest.com and post your find so the box's planter knows it is still safe and sound. My boys already have grand plans to do some urban box planting after only one find. Now that's a hit in my book.

Becoming a Godly Wife and Mother

There is an amazing study I am begining about Biblical submission. This is something I struggle with daily. Although my mother never worked outside the home until I was grown she was not what you'd call a biblical woman. I never learned many things that I wish I now had. I am looking forward to this study and in applying it to my life. As an introduction to the lesson and who I am I will be posting my progress and a bit more about myself.

I currently stay home with my 2 boys Brad13 & Connor 6. We are expecting our third child, a daughter, in March 09. It wasn't always this way though. I was an unwed teenage mom when I met my husband. We met in college and married when B was 5. I, at that point, was done with having kids, or so I thought. I remember a conversation with Craig, before we wed, about children. He had asked how many children I wished to have and without thinking I said none but maybe 1 more. I still to this day remember the crushed look on his face. Life of course moved on and God changed my heart, we tried and got pregnant with C. Craig was overjoyed and since then I have become convicted (in only the last year) to let God plan our family size. Craig, well God knew best when he led me to this wonderful, amazing, strong, independent, and humble man. I have spent most of our marriage getting my own way and eventhough he is a military man, Craig has always let me lead. I find it difficult to get him to lead us now that I see my sin. I am truly aiming to be a Proverbs 31 and Titus 2 minded woman and would love any fellow sisters to join me on my journey. Please visit Biblical Submission today to start on your own adventure toward being a woman after God's own heart. It will be worth it, I promise.

It's All in God's Plans

I was having a hard time this evening with trusting in God for our lives. I admit I am a bit nervous right now. We depend on my hubby's job for income and are expecting our third child. We are letting God plan our family size and are trying to follow His lead in the rest of our lives as well. Tonight I just needed to talk to Him, so I prayed a bit, asking for guidence and strength. I am hopeful now.

My husband is in the military and is up for re-enlistment Jan 31 09. He has been dealing with medical issues and has to undergo a medical evaluation to determine whether or not he may re-up. We are crushed but ok even if it means he has to leave the military and find employment elsewhere. Our problem comes from his unit, it seems no one their is in any big hurry to get the evaluation underway or give us any information. We are left to assume that on Jan 31 he will be out of the military. However he can not just go find another job since he can't make any commitment to anyone until that magic date. It has been very stressful on him (I lean more heavily on the Lord than he does during these times) and his days off and holidays have been messed with during this also. We do not honestly know anything from day to day.

In trying to find some comfort and reassurance in our convictions to embrace the large family lifestyle (we have only in the last year or so begun our walk with God) I came across this wonderful post at Generation Cedar . It lifted my spirits and helped me feel my Father's loving hand guiding my life. So things may look bleak, but God has a plan!

I've been tagged

Let me think...

1. I love nuts of almost any type

2. I love watching CSI marathons on TV late at night

3. I freak out if a locust gets anywhere near my hair

4. I often say the lines on tv show before they are actually said even if it is a show I have never seen.

5. My pregnancies never have taken my waist until at least 6 months, so far

6. I love retro everything

7. I love it when my hubby voice acts for our boys

I don't like calling out others on this so if you want to participate please let me know so I can visit your site.

Toys R Us Sucks

We decided to have the boys do their Christmas lists online to save time. So we proceed to TRU to scan in some toys a such, whereupon we were informed that you can not scan in wishlist items only baby registries. How in convient, my children take about 30 minutes to fill their list running through the store and it has taken about 2 weeks to find itmes on the website. I am less than pleased! On top of all this you can only add items if they have the "special" add to wishlist link, which not every item has. For example, every video game my oldest wanted had a special $10 off $30 and 90 days free financing offer and so was not included to add to wishlist. This is like this for every popular thing he wanted, verrry frustrating. So we still do not have complete wishlists and momma is getting very irritated. Needless to say I suppose Walmart is looking better and better!

Another view November 15

So today Craig and I went to an open house at Ultrasona. We got to try on a couple different baby wraps and see some things from a local baby boutique, so cute! We also were treated to a FREE mini ultrasound. The facilities are lovely and very cozy compared to my hospital u/s last week. The tech showed us a few views of monkey baby and then she switched it to 3D. It was so amazing, we watched as our baby yawned a few times. We got set to leave and the tech handed us pictures, I was a bit taken a back because they were the 3D shots of the yawn. Very generous since this was just a freebie. We also got a great view of the bottom and can now say monkey baby is all girl.
We went to lunch at Applebees which was filling but not very tasty, I had a grilled Cesar Salad. Immediately following we drove to Historic downtown St. Charles and found a quaint little baby boutique by the name of Lovely Lullabies (222 N. Main). We purchased some body products for this momma's skin and I can't wait to try them out. There were some very innovative products and some simply adorable furniture. I told Craig I'd buy a certain canopy crib if we had the money, but if I had the money I'd buy a lot of things, lol! Gotta go try my yummy mommy products and fear not, I will definitely be posting my opinions.

Ultrasound pics of our little monkey

feet

profile

hand

Happy Anniversary to us

I am so excited about our ultrasound coming up in 2 days. I can't wait to hold the precious gift growing inside me! Today was my anniversary, hubby & I have been married 8 years. He is so sweet he woke me with roses and a card. I love him so very much.

Don't foget to vote tomorrow everyone!

Full steam ahead

Well we are officially in our fourth month and at 17 weeks the pains have not lessened. I am still trying to make the best of it but feel that all my "resting" is cheating my ohter children. Today Connor's first tooth came out (he yanked it out himself actually, he is not very patient with new things) and I was napping so I did not see it. I am a SAHM so I don't miss this stuff.

I know it's not a big deal and that taking care of myself and baby is important. I just need to eat more and shift my sleeping habits so I can enjoy my 2 boys before we recieve our newest gift. Which we get to "see" in 3 weeks by ultrasound. Craig is very excited as well as myself. I want to have the boys come see too but it is at the hospital so we have to find out if that is allowed.

We have a beat

Craig and I went to see Dr. Hill yesterday and official due date is placed on March 18 2009. We also heard our new baby's heartbeat and at 169 b/m Dr. Hill thinks it's a girl. After all he is only wrong 50% of the time, lol. We are so excited but at the same time Dr. Hill had a patient with the same lmp date as mine and there was no heart beat so for him it was bittersweet. I prayed for her last night that God would give her peace.

Sunday School

I will be teaching Sunday school this week and am so very much looking forward to it. Also I have found the cutest duvet covers with Biblical heroes and I will post the info just as soon as I can. We have decided some issues pertaining to the finacial situation we are in and I will elaborate on that later. Right now we are waiting for our computer to be fixed and so my blog has been lacking. My apologies!!

Letting go and Letting God

Recently my family and I have run into some financial problems and are in very real danger of losing our home. I have in the past few weeks give my worries to God and have been realizing all the things he has blessed us with. As some of you know I had scheduled my IUD removal for May and after only 1 month had a normal cycle. Craig & I had decided to let God plan our family and I admit to being a bit apprehensive, especially as our house payments got further behind. I kept to our decision though and put my trust in the Lord. I am now pregnant! The Lord has some wonderful plans for us, I also have felt him speaking to me as to what my spiritual gifts are. I have so much to be thankful for. We truly serve a wondrous, almighty God! Since this is early on I am praying that a full term pregnancy will result (miscarriage risk is increased within first 3 months after IUD removals).

I am down for the count

On Friday I had my back go out on me, so for now I am on pain meds and not very coherent. Thank the Lord for my family. My youngest, who is 5, tried to help me up and is with his brother at grandma's house, Thanks mom! They are such sweet children, both asked how I was feeling when I spoke to them yesterday. I feel terrible about it, but I can't do anything but lie down or walk very slowly. I can't bend at all.
I know this is my own fault to. I have been having some trouble submitting to Craig recently and whenever he would remind me to workout I would get resentful and not do it. Well I guess God showed me, didn't he, lol. I am praying for God to come and help me be submissive and take away my pride. I was doing well for a few weeks but it seems I have not been keeping my mind on it's leash. Which in turn caused me to have no control over where my thoughts have led me. I will try to post again in a few days when I can tolerate sitting up longer.

Earth-Mother's Day

How cool is this, celebrate Earth day and Mother's day together. It makes me want to create an official annual holiday. I think I might just do that. Check it out, click on the button to visit now

Birth Control is Evil

I used to work in a pharmacy and know what birth control does. I don't mean just the pill, I mean all birth control. I know the details of every single method. I have somehow managed to justify using it anyway ( mainly my prescription medications would cause major birth defects). Now I always was able to push the abortifacient properties into the nether regions of my mind. After all if there was no proof and I didn't feel it then it must not be doing that. Wrong! Plain and simple, I was Wrong!

I have been getting closer to God and began feeling more and more ill at ease with my chosen method (IUD-Mirena). Well I must tell you that there is a bit of back story here. I gave birth to my oldest at 18, being unwed and in college that just couldn't happen again so I went with Depo. Gradually I became more and more depressed. I gained weight and went from the Depo to combo pills. Those caused a drop in my libido and did further mental damage. My ob/gyn told me it was just in my head. Now about this time I began having abnormal paps and thus began a long battle with pre cancerous growth on my cervix that I vigilently watch to this day (never has developed into cancer so far). I went to my regular daoctor and he told me to find a new ob/gyn and that the pills were my problem most likely. I was a bit taken aback and found a new ob/gyn who agreed with my MD. So now here I was 5 years later and getting married. I staayed on the pills until I decided to try a diaphragm and then we wanted to have a baby. I was also diagnosed after my 2nd son's birth with Bi-Polar disorder and went back on BC to prevent those unwanted birth defects I mentioned, however my paps have been normal since. I felt convicted to drop the meds and use natural family planning and it worked well for a while. However, I had another BP episode and went back on the meds.

At this time (last March) I was not praying or really attending church but after awhile I realized the I kept missing pills and got afraid I might get pg so I had an IUD inserted. About 6 months ago I again stopped my meds and began to ask for God to heal my BP disorder. I feel he is working on that. My husband and I have a better relationship, we have bought a home (our first), and I thank God and praise Him for all these things. Yet I know I have something missing and that is letting him plan our family. I began to pray on this also and that's when it happened. I had proof of my IUD's abortifacient power. I have never been so ashamed in my life. I know I need to get this removed but here is where it is getting hard. God is trying to teach me something and I am listening. I must wait, I called a month ago to get the IUD removed. I was thinking it would only be a few days before I could be seen but nope, not until May 7. I during this interim have had the strongest longings for another child that I have ever had. All in His perfect timing. Please pray for me and ask God to give me strength and faith.

I do apologize if this post is a bit scattered but I am sleepy. I just really wanted to post this in case someone else was going through something similar.

What little boys are made of

I know it happens but this is the third night in a row that my youngest has woken me up before 4 am. The little darling has had earaches in both ears now and tonight was a total surprise. He is calling from the bathroom which is right outside my room. I go in to see what is wrong thinking he has a tummy ache. Now I did not turn on the light because he informs me that it hurts his eyes, so I turn on the nightlight instead. I am at this point noticing a large brown lump on the floor and some on the front of the toilet (which at this point he is still on). I inquire as to whether or not he needs wiped and what exactly were my not so awake eyes seeing. He quietly informs me that he missed the potty! What?! It takes me a few seconds to realize said lump is stinky and I flip on the overhead light, ugh! I then ask how and of course he can't figure it out himself. So out went the dirty undies, which for the life of me I can not understand how he got those dirty in the front outside, and down to the laundry I go, but not before realizing he has smeared the lid and apparently stepped into it also. As I come down the steps what greets me but a fresh mess from our loveable dog, all over hubby's Bowflex machine. What a great start to my Friday!!! Needless to say we got everybody and everything cleaned up and put back together, but not with out some grumbling. I think I need to pray for some extra patience today.

Blogger Carnival Giveaway

I was browsing around and discovered this blog where you can sign up to various giveaways. How cool is that! I never win anything but I will enter a few anyway. I almost feel naughty, having a great time reading all the blogs involved.



On a side note, hubby and I went to Toys-R-Us yesterday. We were cooing over all the neat baby gadgets and such when it hit me. If we have any more children (God willing) we only need about $600 worth of "stuff" if that. I have it in my brain that only few things will suffice.

1. Radio flyer wagon w/ canopy $130-150

2. awesome bed that I can't remember brand for the life of me but I know it was $199.99

It was baby crib with long drawer underneath and an attached changing table with 3 drawers and

3. Any one of the reclining convertible car seats $50-100

4. An ERGO baby carrier $92

And an Extra
5. A nice comfy stroller that will grow with baby for when that cool wagon is too big $100

Of course clothing, diapers, and food are a must but I can provide that by sewing and breastfeeding. Easy!

So if you have been thinking I can't possibly afford all that baby stuff again, ask God for guidance because I bet you can! Beacause as I have seen God will show you how to make it through.

First of all

I would like to introduce myself a bit, but first why I am here. Being a military family, I have always wanted to keep a website to journal our lives. I could never find one I really enjoyed keeping, however. I am new to blogging, yet I am inspired by the ones I have found. It seems blogspot is a pretty popular place. I hope I get to make many new friends through this endevor.



I am Mandy and I am a new Christian learning to love God above all, how to be a helpmeet to my husband, to train up my children, and becoming a Proverbs 31 woman. I welcome all to join me and will help any in need, if I can.



My hope is for this to be a place of joy and peace for all who visit and an inspiration as well as a record of my journeys. My family and I welcome you warmly, relax!