Divinely Domesticated

Days 1,2 & 3 of Thankful

2011-11-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

I love doing the "Days of Thankful" leading up to Thanksgiving its a great way to recognize all the blessings in your life. Everyday write something you are thankful for. Here are my 3 days!

Day 1: Thankful for a husband who works super hard for us so that I can stay at home and raise our kids. Such an amazing blessing to have a hubby who recognizes the importance of a stay at home mom!

Day 2: I am so Thankful God made me a mother. Being a mom is the best thing in the world and I am super blessed beyond words that He has given me 2 amazing beautiful vibrant little girls and a growing littl boy on the way!

Day 3: I am thankful for netflix and facebook chat. I know it's weird. But facebook chat allows me to connect with my brother who is overseas and my friends far away while netflix makes the hours pass in the wee hours of the morning when I am up and can't sleep =)

A New Adventure

2011-11-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

Halloween afternoon we went to the Doctor's to get the big 20 week ultrasound and the answer to the question we had all been asking. Boy or Girl? Well it's a......................

BOY!!!!!

We were all expecting it to be another girl but I was feeling the boy vibes for awhile so it wasn't as a shock to me as it was to everyone else. We are naming him Hudson Isaiah. He is a perfect healthy little boy who already seems like quite the charmer. He was smiliing and sucking his thumb during the ultrasound it was beautiful to see. Our girls are really excited to have a baby brother. I don't think they know what a brother is but they know mommy has a baby in her belly, my belly is now a constant source of entertainment and they love on my tummy as much as they can.

We are beyond thrilled to add a boy to our beautiful family. We are so in love with him already and it just feel like we've come full circle. Yes, we are totally starting from scratch. We own nothing boyish or blue. Even our carseats and strollers are pink and girly. But it's kinda exciting to have a whole new adventure to trek upon!

I am feeling GREAT at the half-way mark and thrilled to have this boy. Everything is going perfect in the pregnancy so far. My doctor tells me I am his easiest patient he has ever had. We are still doing a natural hospital birth. My doc is totally on board and we've come up with a great birth plan together!!

That's the latest with my pregnancy!!

From the Archives: You are a Legalist Revised

2011-10-26T15:34:00.001-07:00

Great post by my friend Sarah Mae

You are *not* a legalist if by faith and love for the Lord you obey His law – people will tell you you are, but you are not.
You are a legalist if you keep God’s law in order to gain or keep your salvation.
You are *not* a legalist if you believe professing Christians should obey the Lord, with love & humilty.
You are a legalist if you believe that your obedience makes you more acceptable to God than others who are not on your level.
You are *not* a legalist if you have high standards, or if you are more precise in your understanding of obedience.
You are a legalist if you think your higher standards make you more righteous.
You are *not* a legalist ifyou exhort others to obey God’s word.
You are a legalist if you bind men’s consciences to man’s tradition.
You are *not* a legalist if you come to a matter that scripture does not directly address and by prayerful study reach a conclusion & implement it in life and home.
You are a legalist if another believer prayerfully considers the same matter & reaches a different conclusion & you think you’re more acceptable to God because of your conclusion.
You are *not* a legalist if you don’t watch TV, don’t listen to rock music, don’t practice birth control, homeschool, dress modestly, etc.
You are a legalist if you believe those things are the signs that you are true Christians and they are not, and you are therefore more acceptable to God.
We are getting to think like legalists if we think our difference make us superior spiritually.
We are all tainted by legalism of some sort, and if you haven’t come to grips with it, likely you are one and don’t see it.
Want to know the standard of being a Christian? Read the 5 chapters of 1 John – he nails down what a real Christian is

*Revision* Legalism is a virus in our Christian Community today. We all have some sort of legalism in our life that we need to give to the Lord. Some are more outspoken and wear it for others to see. Others struggle with it inwardly. We must see the legalism as a ungodly division. We aren't supposed to be at war with each other as believers but instead binding together with one mission. To bring others to the throne of Christ to SHOW through action and words the amazing Grace God has shown us. We all know the word Grace but do we really know what it means. Are we really living Grace out in our lives? You may have prayed and come to a conclusion and have the Lords peace about it. I may pray about the same thing and come to a different conclusion. And as long as it's not going against Gods word I need to respect you and love you and know that it does not make or break yours or mine's salvation nor does it make me better then you or more holy. Division in the church only makes the devil grin because he is getting exactly what he wants. Non-believers see the judgement and criticism of Christians towards one another as another reason to stay far away from Jesus. How sad is that? We should be bringing people to Christ not making them flee as far away as possible.

You've got the power

2011-10-13T16:29:00.000-07:00

You may have seen this circulating the social media world in the last few days. I LOVE this, such a great reminder that our words and actions need to be overflowing with grace with our children. I remember the times my parents words cut me down deep and I remember the times they lifted me up and I felt like I could conquer the world. I want my children to feel like they can conquer the world even when the rest of it is saying they can't. We shape who and what our children become and who they are as people. That's a pretty big job when you stop and soak that one in.

We can't do it alone no matter how hard we try. It's a task that only God can help us meet. We can't do it without a loving, gracious Savior. We are going to blow it. We aren't always going to say the right things to our kids. We are going to lose our temper. But just as we weep at the feet of Jesus and beg forgiveness so we need to do that with our children. There's a lot of power in going to your kids and saying "I'm sorry, please forgive me" It's hard, it's humbling but it's worth it!

Someone once told me "You could be raising the next game-changer." The person who does something empowering for humanity. And mommy it starts with YOU!

Making Our Homes a Haven : Week 2 Sing, Dance, Joy

2011-10-11T07:02:00.000-07:00

Last week we had a two-fold challenge, “light a candle and every time you see the glimmer of it pray for peace in your home“. I want to encourage you to keep your candles and prayers going.

This week’s challenge is two-fold also:
Play soft music everyday in your home. Choose music that the family enjoys.
Then, focus on using peaceful words and maintaining peaceful relationships. Role model gentleness with your words this week and while you’re add it have a little fun. Since the music is going, grab your husband or children and dance!

Gotta say this is another pretty easy challenge week for me. Not only do I have candles constantly burning but we are constantly dancing in this house. The second any kind of music is played they are off dancing, laughing and having a ball. Mondays & Tuesdays especially since Dancing with the Stars is on. They LOVE that. And there is something so beautiful about watching your husband dance with your daughters. I could watch that all day long.

Now the whole peace thing well that may be a challenge. Most days peaceful is not the word I would describe living in a house with a 2 1/2 year old and a almost 15 month old. Usually toys are being thrown at people, tantrums over not being able to have dessert at 7am you know all the normal fun stuff =) But I have noticed that on the days when I am peaceful, my family is peaceful. I am more gentle, humble and gracious when I need to discipline my babes and guide them in the right direction. It starts with mama. So I am taking a bit of extra time during my devotion to sit next to a burning candle and listen to soft music. Getting my mind where it needs to be before starting my busy day.

Good Luck!!!!

Day on the Farm

2011-10-10T15:10:00.000-07:00

Justin has a week off of work and we are SO excited!! I feel like we haven't really had time together since August. Life has been crazy so this is a much needed staycation for all of us. Today we went to Tolmachoff Farms. A fun farm and pumpkin patch. We had a BLAST. They provide little red wagons to cart your kids and pumpkins in. They had a fun 10 minute corn maze that Olivia was in awe over she was one little explorer, a awesome pumpkin patch with los of perfect pumpkins to pick from. The girls loved tromping around the fields and whole farm to explore. The only bummer part was that our camera battery died within the first 20 minutes so we didn't get the fall pumpkin pictures we were hoping for. ohh well it happens but we did get some!!!

Homemade Yogurt Recipe

2011-10-10T13:57:00.001-07:00

I have been wanting to make my own yogurt for a really long time and FINALLY decided to go for it. I bought a yogurt machine but tried making yogurt in the crockpot just to see what it was like and I LOVED it. So I cancelled my order on the machine and saved myself $50!! The thought of making yogurt sounds pretty daunting to most and that was including me, but it was SO simple and easy I really don't think you can screw it up! This is a HUGE money saver for our family. Most don't believe me when I say we easily spend close to $100 a month just on yogurt. We only buy organic greek yogurt which is about $1.50 for a 6oz carton and we probably go through 4-5 a day so add that up and you have a lot of money going to something you can make for pennies a serving!! The whole process takes 8-12 hours but you can shave 2 of those off by heating the milk up in the microwave instead of your crockpot.

Yogurt Recipe (using your microwave)

1/2 gallon milk ( I do whole milk because it makes a thicker yogurt which we like)
1-2 TBSP PLAIN yogurt (it can be greek if you like) It just needs to have live active cultures in it.
Cooking thermometer
Honey(optional)
Maple Syrup(optional)
Favorite Flavored Jam(optional)

Pour 1/2 gallon of milk into a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 20 minutes stopping every 5 to take the milks temperature. You want your milk to be between 180-190 degrees. Once milk is at temperature take bowl out of microwave and let it sit on the counter till it reaches between 110-120 degrees this took about a hour for me to get to that temperature.

Once your milk has gone down to 110-120 degrees take out another bowl and take out 1/2 cup of the warm milk and pour into another bowl. Take 1 -2 TBSP of your plain yogurt and add it to the 1/2 cup of milk. Less yogurt is "more" all the good cultures multiple more when there is less so don't go overboard with your yogurt!

Mix the yogurt into the milk really good and then add back into the rest of the milk. You want to make sure you are using a microwave safe bowl that has a lid. So a glass bowl with a matching lid works great. Put the lid over your milk wrap in a bath towel or kitchen towel and put it in your oven (oven off) with the oven light on for AT LEAST 6 hours. I waited 6 but you can do it at night and go 12 hours as well. After 6-12 hours uncover your container.

This is what you should see. That yellow goodness is the whey (yummmy) you can either stir it all in or strain it out. If you want a thick yogurt like greek I would strain the whey out and save it!

The next thing you want to do is take out a a colander and another bowl. Stick the colander on top of your bowl and line the colander with a dish towel. pour your yogurt into the dish towel and let it strain for 90 minutes-2 hours or whenever the yogurt gets to a thickness you want. See how thick and delicious the yogurt looks?!

After your yogurt is strained what is left at the bottom of your bowl is the whey. Don't throw this out. This is PACKED with so many awesome benefits. You can google things to make with whey some include breads, cheeses etc. Put in a container and stick in your fridge!! You don't want to miss out on the benefits of this!

Stir up your yogurt and put in a container. In a small container you will put 1-2 TBSP of your yummy yogurt (still plain!) into it. This is your starter for your next batch you make. You just replace your starter with the yogurt, so you will never have to buy the yogurt again!! Make sure each time you make a batch you save some! Once you take out your starter you can add anything you want into your main batch of yogurt. This recipe makes just plain unsweetened yogurt. I layered the bottom of my container with some of my homemade strawberry blackberry jam. You can add honey, fruit whatever you want! Thats it EASY PEASY!!!!

Making Our Homes A Haven

2011-10-08T10:50:00.001-07:00

In case you didn't know. Courtney is doing her Fall Challenge again called Making your Home a Haven. Its a WONDERFUL challenge to create a home your kids, husband and people in general will want to be in. Click here to get on her site.

With that said the first weeks challenge was to buy a huge candle and keep it lit throughout the day. Nothing describes peace, warmth and relaxation like having candles burning. I have a huge fetish with fall candles so this was a great excuse to go out and buy more =)! I keep about 6 candles lit throughout the day and on each one is a different word. Peace, Grace, Forgiveness, Kindness, Family, Faith. Whenever I pass one of them I pray for whatever it is. Ex: Forgiveness, that I will let go of the things I need to let go and always have a forgiving heart. It can be whatever you want it to be. This challenge has opened a huge door that I wasn't expecting. Yesterday I got a knock on my door from my neighbor she said to me"This is going to sound so random but I just gotta tell you that I love walking past your house. I always take my time walking by because it smells so good and your home just has this incredible peaceful energy I don't know what it is. But I think you have an amazing home and family"

I seriously wanted to cry. My neighbor is awesome so I didn't find it creepy that she slowly walks past my house lol. We often hear that as stay at home moms and moms in general our mission field starts in the home. My goal is to have a place for people to come in and feel loved, accepted and welcomed and its so nice to know that it's working. People I hardly know realize there is something different about us. This has happened before with our landlord making almost the same comments about our "energy" that energy is nothing but the love of Christ. People are watching you, they notice something different.

So moms when you feel like you didn't get anything done in the day, when you are questioning whether anything you do is "worth it" just know it is.

What you put into your home ripples out to the rest of the world!! I don't get it right all the time, not even close but it gives you great motivation when you get a semi-complete stranger noticing something right!!

All the Glory to God!

I'M BACK!

2011-10-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

I have been REALLY absent on here for over a month. Life went into the fast lane and I needed to take a few things off my plate and one of those was blogging. Now that the craziness is kinda over I am ready, refreshed and rejuvenated with wanting to blog. Sometimes you just need to take a break, ya know?
So whats life been life in our house for the last 6 weeks?

My hubby is in school full-time and working 48-60 hours a week plus being a husband and father. I don't know how he does it but his determination and balance of life is incredible! With that being said that leaves me at home pretty much tackling life with kiddos, house, finances and everything in between by myself which is why taking a few things off my plate was necessary! The girls are doing excellent and we are just a few weeks away from finding out whether baby #3 is a boy or a girl!!!!! We are expecting it to be another little girl but we are ready for anything!! in 2 1/2 weeks my man & I will be celebrating 5 years of marriage!! Can't believe it's been 5 years already!

I will be blogging a few times a week again so stay tuned!!!

The Small Compromises

2011-08-23T07:09:00.001-07:00

Something I have been realizing a lot in the last few weeks is that as Christians (and this includes me!) Are we living out our faith? Would people know we are Christians by the words we say, the TV shows we watch, The websites we visit? Are we living the life Christ has called us too? It's one thing to go to church play the part and "punch our ticket" for the week. We can put on the perfect christian family face at church but what are we doing behind closed doors or on our facebook?

Romans 12:2 "Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

We are not perfect we are going to screw up and make mistakes, that's life. But we are supposed to be striving to be like Jesus. The world is watching you. They are watching what you say and what you do. Are you living up to be the example of Christ? If people found out you were a Christian would they be surprised?

1 John 2:15-16 "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world,the love of the father is not in him.For all that is in the world-The desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions-is not from the Father but from the world.

We are called to love the people of the world not love the world. We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus proclaiming Christ to everyone we meet, whether through word or actions. I want people to come into my house and feel the love of Christ, I want people to get a glimpse of him when I am at the Grocery Store. I want people to know I am set apart from the trash of this world not because I am better or on a soapbox but because I am a follower of Jesus who has called me to be more.

In my opinion this all starts at home. What shows are you watching on TV? What Movies are in your entertainment system. If Jesus or your Pastor went through your DVDS would you be embarrassed and ashamed? I know that sounds cliche but the point is it starts at home. We need to be training up our children and showing them we are held to a high standard then the world.

So today whether you go to work or are at home what can you do to show you are set apart?

Get Out of Your Shoes and Into Someone Elses

2011-08-17T08:13:00.001-07:00

Why is it that moms judge each other so cruelly sometimes? I'm not saying that all do but it's very easy as moms to do one thing and think that its how everyone should do it. We as moms need to supporting each other not judging or criticizing one another. We are all on the same journey we all love our children we all want the best. But there are multiple paths on this journey I may go right and you may go left. You may not think going right was the best option. I may think going left isn't but that doesn't give grounds to be cruel. I am not in your shoes. It's very easy as a stay at home mom to look down on moms that work. I am guilty of this sometimes, but you have to recognize it as pride it's a sin. I don't know her life I don't know what she's going through. I just need to love her, embrace and be cheering her on, on this journey. Instead of always seeing the negative in someones parenting see the positive AND TELL THEM! So many times moms are used to hearing the things they are doing wrong not the things they are doing right. It's time we build each other up not tear us down!

I am a Mother who will see myself as a successful parent when my children are living for the Lord and loving him wholeheartedly. I don't care what they do in life (as long as its moral=) as long as they love what they do and are doing what God wants them to do.
I don't let my kids "cry it out" I just can't turn that part of my brain off. No I don't rock my 2 1/2 year old to sleep anymore but we cuddle, read books and then I go. My youngest I still nurse to sleep. I would rather love on my children then shut the door.
I don't schedule. I can't do it. I am not a scheduler. We have scheduled naptimes/quiet time, bedtime and meals but thats it. I don't have the day planned out. I want to leave room for life.
I pick my battles. I don't sweat the small stuff. Sometimes something my kid does is just not worth fighting over.
Don't call me "laid back" or "rigid" I'm neither. When you call me laid back it translates into lazy. if you call me rigid I feel like a nazi
I struggle with wanting to constantly have a clean house and whether to play with my kids.Somedays my house is trashed thats usually because I played with the kids. Clearing off the table can wait till after playing.

Challenge: Find a Mom that parents different then you and PRAISE HER! Find something you admire about her parenting and tell her. We need to hear more praises. Make a list of the way you parent and put it somewhere you see often to build yourself up.

See the World

2011-08-09T06:42:00.001-07:00

We live in a country where "hardship" is considered not having enough money to go on a huge vacation, have a massive house or get our hair done on a monthly basis. While true hardship is walking hundreds of miles to try and get food for your children who are dying in your arms of malnourishment and having to explain to your kids why their daddy died fighting a war to keep them free.

It's so easy to get caught up in the materialism of our society. There is nothing wrong with wanting nice things please don't get me wrong. But when it becomes a idol in our life. When we start sacrificing TRUE priorities to get the "things of the world" I think we've dropped the ball. It's hard living paycheck to paycheck trust me I know. But at least you know a paycheck is coming. My friend told me once and I found it so profound "If a person from a third world country hopped on a plane and came straight to your house they would think you were the richest person in the world. You have hot and cold water whenever you want. Clean clothes at your disposal a cool house with AC and heat for the winter. a bathroom with a working toilet and so on."

To Americas standards my family is borderline on the poverty level but when they tell you it costs 265K to raise 1 child most people will be. To the worlds standards we are richer then 90% of the entire globe. Interesting isn't it?

But most importantly. We have Jesus we put our hope our life our everything into him. The stock market has nosedived to say the least we are on the verge of another recession. I find this as a huge sign to people. Do not put your hope into the things of the world, put them where they will have eternal value. Into a place where thieves and moths will not destroy.

Outer Banks Vacation

2011-08-09T06:26:00.000-07:00

We got back Saturday night from a week vacation to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. We had a great week being with my husbands family and hanging out on the beach. All though I must say my favorite parts were bumming around the town of Corolla just Justin & the girls. It was so nice to have some one on one time exploring new things together for the first time. Here are some pictures from our week.

Have you gone on a vacation this year? If so where did you go?

1 year ago

2011-07-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

1 year ago today Piper Isabella was born! I woke up thursday morning with lots of contractions we went to the hospital and less then a hour later my water broke. Pipers birth was fairly fast and amazing. She was born at 8:32pm I pushed 2 times and then she was placed on my chest. 7lbs 7oz 18 inches long of miracle. I felt great after her birth like I could climb Mt. Everest that very second. Our hearts burst with love and it was a very special moment when Olivia got to meet her baby sister minutes after she was born. I had the whole world in my hands that very second.

This has been the fastest year of my life. Piper has gone from itty bitty thing to a almost toddler! She is walking, talking and has so much spirit. She is compassionate and a cuddlebug. Everyone who meets her is in love with her ( both of my girls have that effect on people) you can't help but want to hug Piper to death =)

I remember being so worried before she was born that I wouldn't have enough love for her. I couldn't imagine loving a child as much as Olivia but it only took .2 seconds after she was born for me to love her more then anything. She is the sunshine of our life! We love you Piper. Thank you Lord for this amazing gift! We can't wait to see the Woman of God you become!

Here is 12 months of Piper

Piper Isabella 12 hours old

Piper @ 1 Month

Piper @ 2 months

Piper @ 3 Months

Piper @4 Months

Piper@ 5 months

Piper @ 6 months

Piper @ 7 months

Piper @ 8 months

Piper @ 9 Months

Piper @ 10 months

Piper @ 11 Months

Piper @ 12 months

So your how old? And your having how many children? And your living where??

2011-07-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

Now that the announcement of us being pregnant with our third baby is out. EVERYONE has a opinion from "Thats so great" to " so, your done now right" or my favorite " Haven't you heard of Birth Control?"

Our culture has become so legalistic when it comes to children. 100 years ago you were the odd man out if you only had 1-2 kids. Now if you have more then one you are labeled as "unresponsible" or one of "those people" we aren't keeping up with joneses anymore its the Duggars.

I will be 24 when I bring my 3rd child into the world. My oldest will have just turned 3. I don't know how many kids we will have. It's not up to me. We have put our trust in God to determine the amount of children we will have. No, I have no intention of having 24 children. I firmly believe that God will tell us and show us when our family is complete but that is on his terms, not ours. My priority is to raise up my children to be Godly women (maybe men if we ever have a boy) to love the Lord with all their strength mind and heart. My job is to not give them a huge house with all the things they could possibly want. If that means that we live in a apartment for ever and ever that is just fine with me. After all our house, our phones, our cars our newest outfit isn't coming with us to heaven. But we will be held accountable for our priorites and how we raised our children. I just read an AMAZING article that is probably the BEST one I have EVER read on where your priorites are.. I urge you to alllll read it!

Read it HERE

Well I was so wrong!!!!!!!

2011-07-12T07:27:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I posted about the "BIG LATCH ON" event that is happening August 6th. I then went into my own breastfeeding story and made a comment about how I probably won't be getting pregnant till my youngest stops nursing which will be a good long while because I have gone a whole year without getting preggers. WELL MY FRIENDS I was WRONG!

I'M PREGNANT with Baby #3!!!!!!!

We found out yesterday and it was kind of a miracle that we did. I was almost 2 weeks late but every test had been coming back negative and since I only just had my first cycle since Piper was born it was probably just a fluke and my body doing something weird. Sunday I had a extra lying around and decided to just take it. Well it came up negative within the first 5 seconds so I didn't wait for the result at all. Yesterday morning I was doing my hair and makeup and I had the sudden urge to look in the trash (Holy Spirit!!) it was positive. Now I know I can't go off of that because it was 18+ hours old but I never knew the final result and none of the tests had switched from negative to positive.I woke justin up and told him what was happening and he said go get more tests!! I ran over to the store bought it, ran home and

POSITIVE! I couldn't believe it! We are blessed and excited for this little baby growing inside of me! I am due sometime in the beginning of March. Olivia will be 3 and Piper will be almost 20 months which is a really good space for us!

This was Olivias first ultrasound picture at 11 weeks! So cute!

Preparing Our Daughters For Marriage

2011-07-12T07:09:00.000-07:00

I am over at Raising Homemakers today. Check it out

I got married at 18 years old

Looking back I can now see just how young I really was. I have been married for almost five wonderfully amazing and sometimes hard years. I still wouldn’t change it for anything. The one thing I would change is how I didn’t know how to really do anything when I got married. I learned how to do my own laundry a week before I got married and my husband still had to show me a few times. I had made cookies but never a full sit-down meal. I’m glad my husband has the patience of Job because it took a good two years for me to get into the homemaker swing of things. My mother is amazing but she did everything for us (at the time it was GREAT) now looking back I wish I was more willing to take care of myself a bit more.

Read the rest here

Big Latch On

2011-07-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

My dear friend told me about this amazing event that is happening August 6th 10:30am wherever you are in the world to Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. Hundreds and hundreds of thousands of women all over the world will be participating in the "Big Latch On" they will be meeting at churches, stadiums, houses wherever to nurse for 1 minute at 10:30am local time and try to break the world record for the most women nursing simultaneously. Isn't that AWESOME!

I am still nursing my 11 1/2 month old. I was planning on stopping at 1. But I am pretty sure I will still be nursing longer then that. Miss P has no plan on stopping anytime soon! I am totally fine with continuing nursing I just know I won't be getting preggers till she's done which is my only main reason for stopping now. I have enjoyed every minute of nursing. Not only has it benefited my baby but me also. Plus its a major money saver!

If you would like more information on THE BIG LATCH ON. Click here you can find where they are meeting in your state and you can create a location near you if there isn't one!! Wherever you are lets promote Breastfeeding to the world!!!

The Benefits of a Doula

2011-07-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

I have two precious little kiddos who the Lord has blessed me with. One thing I wish I had during my pregnancy and labor was a birth doula. See, I was REALLY stubborn during my first pregnancy I thought you were a freak of nature to EVER do a natural birth, give birth at home a birth center it doesn't matter you were the biggest leaf licker known to man =) I was induced at 38 weeks with my oldest because I was "exhausted" .long labor short story. She was finally born after almost 30 hours of labor and about 3 hours of pushing and I collapsed after having her.literally fell into the arms of my husband and passed out. Recovery was horrible and I remember wondering "hmmm maybe I should of listened to my "natural" friends". Thus began my journey of natural childbirth. My second childs birth I did not have a doula but my labor was AMAZING! It went WAY faster (9 hours/2 pushes) and I felt her come out of me and into my arms which was the most amazing feeling in the world. I FELT like I could run a marathon afterwards. Piper wasn't even 24 hours old and we went out to dinner to the Cheesecake Factory!

I became even MORE passionate. I got my hands on EVERYTHING I could about birth I educated myself to no end. I decided to go get my certification to be a Birth Doula. My training was one of the best few days of my life. I became SO passionate about doula's and natural childbirth . I will never ever ever have another baby without one!

I am starting a new series about Birth. This is NOT a slam to mothers who choose to get induced,use a epidural or get a c-section. This is just a education into other options that you have. The most important thing is that YOU have the birth YOU want! Whatever that is or looks like!

What is a Doula?

A Doula is a Servant : In Ancient Greek it literally means “mother’s slave”. Her job is to accompany the mother and help her during pregnancy and labor to help her have the best birth possible.

A Doula is a Advocate: A doula provides you with emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, be your advocate in communicating with the staff wherever you are to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. She is not taking the place of a doctor and does nothing medical, but helps guide mothers and their partners with balanced information and perspective. She helps you form your own birth plan & newborn plan and will support you each step of the way.

She understands the birth plan, the desires of the mother and partner, and seeks wholeheartedly to be an advocate for them. Her desire is that the birth would be the beautiful experience that the mother wanted and that they would walk away realizing just how amazing God intended birth to be.

A Doula Bag

A doula provide's reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help provide physical comfort through massage, labor positions, hydrotherapy, optimal fetal positioning, aromatherapy, acupressure, deep relaxation and visualization techniques. Although I have not had a doula I AM a doula and I have witnessed first hand how much better and faster labor can be with a doula showing you all the techniques to speed things up or give the mother some relief! I bring in a small carry-on suitcase to each birth. Inside I have massage tools,rice socks, birth balls, honeysticks,robozo's,candles, CD's and anything the parents have communicated they would like to have present at the birth.

A Doula does not replace Dad or other partner.

A doula does not take the place of a husband or partner. She is one that helps provide the father with tactics to support the mother. She offers reassurance, reminders, and tips that might be most effective. She helps the mother’s spouse/partner understand possible alternatives, comfort measures that they can team up together in providing for the mother. As a doula I am not just supporting the mother I am supporting the partner as well. If this is a first child, The father is going through his own reel of feelings/emotions. I go get the husband dinner so he can stay with his wife, I have been the ice chip runner or stayed with the mom while the husband does it. Whatever he needs I will do my best to support him while still supporting the mother.

A Doula is Constant Support: Nurses and doctors will come and go, but a doula will stick with mother, father and baby through the whole labor and delivery. She will often be available to help with immediate breastfeeding after birth. Postpartum doulas are even available to hire after the birth to attend your needs at home and help you through the transition process. This is a huge asset especially if you do not have family in the area.

Benefits of Having a Doula

Studies on labor support show that the benefits of doulas are HUGE!!
◦C-sections reduced by 50%

◦Length of labor reduced by 25%

◦Oxytocin (induction) use reduced by 40%

◦Use of narcotics reduced by 30%

◦Forceps reduced by 30%

◦Epidurals reduced by 60%

Long-term benefits include:

◦Improved breastfeeding

◦Increased time spent with baby

◦Decreased postpartum depression

Doulas are independent and self-employed. I highly encourage you consider hiring a doula, especially if it is your first birth. They can be that knowledgeable support that is totally unique to even midwives.

To find a doula near you, visit Dona International.

My website (which is under construction 100%) is http://www.doulawithheart.blogspot.com/. I should have it up and running in a few days!

Treasures:Wheres your Heart?

2011-06-30T16:45:00.001-07:00

" Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me, lest I be full and deny you and say "Who is the Lord?" or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God."- Proverbs 30:8-9

Last night as I was doing my devotional I came across this amazing verse in Proverbs. I really don't think I have ever read this or maybe I have and it didn't "click". It stood out more then ever to me. I felt so convicted. How often do we pray that prayer? Don't make me rich but don't make me poor just give me what I need. That is so out of our American culture we "need" 2 cars,we "need" to get highlights in our hair, we "need" that big house. But do we really need all of that? Certainly I am not saying that having those things is wrong, that is all between your heart and the Lord. But thats just it. Where is our heart? Is our heart in earthly treasures or in trusting in the Lord to provide?

I struggle with wanting more all the time and it has only been in the last 6 months that I have truly begun to see just how blessed we are with what we have. We live in a apartment that is just big enough. I have to walk far to bring in groceries and my kids don't have a backyard and more then anything I want to pull up into a driveway and sit outside on a patio and watch my kids run around in the backyard. But thats not what God has in store at this time. I have a running car, I have money to buy groceries, I have been blessed with children and we have a beautiful roof over our head. We are not rich but we are not in poverty. That verse rang out to me to pray to have just what we need and trust God with the rest. Store up treasures in Heaven not on earth. It's more important to have a family serving the Lord then living in a huge house and have all needs met and not living for our King.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal for where your treasure is there your heart will be also."- Matthew 6:13

My prayer is that we can all see the many blessings the Lord has given us. Give over to the Lord our needs and intentions and let him do with it what he wills! Here's a song that I LOVE I think it really sends this all home =)

Where ohh where has Meghan gone??

2011-06-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been so absent. I am going to be in and out for the next few months. My beautiful darling daughter decided to spit out water alllll over my laptop and totally fryed it. I can't type anything!!! So now I am stuck using our somewhat working laptop that overheats in about 15 minutes and the screen is half lit =) We are hoping to get a new computer within the next few months but we are saving every penny for our house in the fall. Be praying for the Lords provision for a computer. My hubby starts online school in August and we need to have a good working one!! I asked the Lord to help me prioritize my time better and my laptop gets fried HMMMM I think God took out my computer to say "Alright now you can really prioritize your time"

I will be posting things still just probably a couple times a week. Hope all is well with you and BLESSINGS!!

Strawberry Blackberry Jam Recipe

2011-06-25T07:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my friend & I canned 12 8oz jars of blackberry strawberry jam. We had so much fun doing it for the first time. We used a instant pectin so we didn't have to can for hours and sweat over a hot stove (especially since it's already 115 outside) This was such a fast and easy recipe and the jam is SO good! The whole process took about a hour. I got the canning bug and I can't wait to do it again!

Strawberry Blackberry Jam (makes 12 half pint jars)

10 cups Hulled and crushed fruit

12 TBSP Ball instant fruit pectin

4 Cups granulated sugar

Crush the fruit with a potato masher or other mashing utensil until its at your preferred consistency

Add the pectin and sugar to the fruit and stir up well

Ladle jam into jars leaving a 1/2 gap from top

Let jam stand for 30 minutes then ENJOY

*Jam will last 3 weeks in the fridge or up to a year in your freezer

photo courtesy of comfortably domesticated

Have you ever canned before? What did you can and what do you want to try?

Summer Lovin'

2011-06-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

I have been off the computer most of the week because we have been SO busy. Seriously where did June go??? It's been 114 the last 3 days and it won't be getting below 110 for the next 10 days,we basically live in the pool or in the house in the AC. Summertime in Arizona is a lot like a winter in Minnesota you have to get creative with your kids when it comes to indoor activities. Today we made Jam. Yesterday we finger-painted and tomorrow we are going to the movies. What are some things you do in the summer to beat the heat??

Chore Charts for Toddlers

2011-06-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

This weekend I made the girls first chore chart. My oldest Olivia LOVES to help me around the house (and my littlest is showing lots of interest to) I decided it's time to make a fun system easy for her to use. We went to Michaels and got all the supplies and it only cost me $16 to make it! I have found that by teaching your kids early how to help around the house creates a desire in them to WANT to help. Or maybe I have just lucked out with two little homemaker girls =)

I bought 1 white poster board, foam cut out letters, popsicle sticks, markers and 7 different colors of felt.

First I took the Foam Letters and stuck them at the top of the poster board

Then I created 7 little felt pockets (sewing around edges) and put the matching letter of the week on each pocket. Olivia helped me by coloring the popsicle sticks 7 each of every day of the week. Then we created 4 more felt pockets with the names of the chores to accomplish "Brush Teeth","Toys","Make Bed", "Set Table" When she accomplishes a chore she takes a popsicle stick from whatever day it is and puts it in the correct chore pocket. Pretty easy!! She LOVES doing it and it was really fun and easy to make. The "hardest" part was sewing the pockets together. After we finished I put the bible verse "Do all things without Grumbling or Dispute" I think it turned out rather well for my very limited crafting skills!

Do you have a chore chart for your kids? What system has worked for you?

Supermom VS Abiding Mom

2011-06-17T17:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought what the difference is between a Super Mom and a Abiding Mom? I think we as moms can really struggle with perfection, especially when it comes to other moms. I found this AWESOME printable a few months ago (although I can't remember where I found it) so if you know please let me know! This just really helps bring it all back into perspective that we have a ministry at home. I have this on my fridge as a daily (multiple times somedays) reminder of what my job as a mama is! Be Encouraged!!

Super Mom VS. Abiding Mom

A Super mom DOES a Abiding mom IS (Psalm 4:10)
A Super Mom TRIES TO IMPRESS OTHERS a Abiding mom PLEASES THE LORD( Eph 5:10, Proverbs 29:25)
A Super Mom is CONTROLLED BY A AGENDA a Abiding mom is CONTROLLED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT( Gal 5:22-26)
A Super Mom's SELF-WORTH IS FOUND IN HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS(clean house,perfect kids etc) a Abiding Mom's SELF WORTH IS FOUND IN AN ACCURATE VIEW OF WHO SHE IS IN CHRIST (Eph 2:10)
A Super Mom's PEACE IS FOUND IN A PERFECT ENVIROMENT A Abiding Mom's PEACE IS FOUND IN JESUS IN THE MIDST OF ANY STORM ( Is 26:3)
A Super Mom is DISCOURAGED BY FAILURE a Abiding Moms FAILURE REMINDS HER THAT GOD'S STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN WEAKNESS ( 2 Cor 12:9-10)
A Super mom EXPECTS PERFECTION FROM HERSELF AND OTHERS. A Abiding Mom PRACTICES GRACE WITH HERSELF AND OTHERS ( Eph 4:32)
A Super Mom TEACHES HER KIDS TO BE GOOD. A Abiding Mom TEACHES HER KIDS TO BE GODLY (Proverbs 22:6)
A Super Mom is FRUSTRATED WITH HER LACK OF SPIRITUAL FRUIT. A Abiding Mom ABIDES IN CHRIST & BEARS MUCH FRUIT ( John 15:5)
A Super Mom DOES THINGS WITH HER CHILDREN. A Abiding Mom BUILDS A RELATIONSHIP ( Deut 6:6-7)
A Super Mom CHOOSES QUANTITIES OF ACTIVITIES. A Abiding Mom CHOOSES THE MOST EXCELLENT WAY (1 Cor 13)

Head On Over

2011-06-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

Today I am over at Raising Homemakers for my FIRST contributor post! {insert happy dance}

"You set the tone in your house everyday. You know that saying “If Mama ain’t happy,then nobody happy” Well it’s PRETTY true! I am not sitting her thinking I have it all together because when it comes to setting the tone I can do a way better job!! Chaos & disorder create tension & contention in your home,your job should be finding ways to make your home a safe, peaceful haven for your husband and children"

Click here to read the rest.

Happy Day Everyone!

The Big News!!

2011-06-11T16:50:00.001-07:00

Daddy's are the Best

2011-06-10T22:06:00.002-07:00

Daddy's really are the best thing since sliced bread. Just when I think my hubby can't be a better daddy then he already is, he goes up another level. I am so blessed. Today we went to the park and ran some errands, Olivia just became a total terror towards the end, I'm talking terrible 2's overload! She threw herself in the middle of the road in the target parking lot and everyone was staring at us like we were the worst parents in the world. I will be honest. I wanted to scream and jump in front of a moving vehicle {kidding kidding..kinda =) My husband scooped Olivia off the road and sat with her in the front seat and just talked in this soothing soft voice telling her "I understand you feelings" I started laughing and asked him "what are you doing ?" He said back to me "Girls need to feel like their feelings are being heard and accepted so that's what I am doing" It was the cutest and funniest thing ever. He was so patient with her. I felt really convicted. I am not so patient when it comes to her tantrums. He just really gave me such a great life lesson tonight.

I saw a parallel between him and Olivia & Christ and us. How many times do we have tantrums in the middle of the road and how many times has Jesus scooped us into his lap, held us and said "its going to be alright, just trust me" He didn't throw us into the car and say "buckle up and quit whining or I'll give you something to whine about" {HELLLOO} Nope he does what my husband did tonight hold us in his loving arms. I was amazed and just fell even more in love with My Jesus & my husband.

Aren't Daddies the best!!!?? How has your husband surprised you in the parenting arena?? What lessons have you learned through your husband.

I love this picture. I took it tonight at the park. Olivia and Daddy walking hand in hand

How To Keep Your Kids Rooms Clean

2011-06-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

This is not a post on me telling you this is a post on me ASKING you. How do you keep your kids rooms clean?? I realize they will get messy from time to time and they should be allowed to have fun and play like crazy but their room should not look like this....

I am almost to embarrassed to even have this up. It was what we call the black hole. If you go in you may not come out. We call our beautiful girls "The Twister Sisters" its very fitting don't you think?? So today I went to work and cleaned the girls room. It took me pretty much all day but it was worth it because now....

IT'S CLEAN!! In case your wondering the girls are currently bedless they are getting bunk beds in July so for now they are chilling on their mattresses on the floor =)

How do you keep your kid's rooms clean? What techniques have worked for you? This mama would LOVE to know!!!

Motherhood: My Only Gems

2011-06-08T06:56:00.000-07:00

“She came tonight as I sat alone, the girl I used to be…

And she gazed at me with her earnest eye and questioned reproachfully;

Have you forgotten the many plans and hopes that I had for you?

The career, the splendid fame, and all the wonderful things to do?

Where is the mansion of stately height with all of its gardens rare?

The silken robes that I dreamed for you and the jewels in your hair?

And as she spoke, I was very sad for I wanted her please with me…

This slender girl from the shadowy past the girl that I used to be

So gently rising, I took her hand, and guided her up the stair

Where peacefully sleeping, my babies lay innocent, sweet, and fair.

And I told her that these are my only gems, and precious they are to me;

That silken robe is my motherhood of costly simplicity.

And my mansion of stately height is love, and the only career I know

Is serving each day in these sheltered walls for the dear ones who come and go.

And as I spoke to my shadowy guest, she smiled through her tears at me.

And I saw that the woman that I am now, pleased the girl I used to be.

- Author Unknown

Quoted in Womanly Dominion by Mark Chanski

2011-06-06T08:10:00.003-07:00

This week is the first full week of my Once a Month Cooking test run. So far the meals we have had have all been terrific! What are you making this week?? Any new recipes we should try??

Monday: Breakfast: Oatmeal on the go bars

Lunch: Tuna Sandwiches

Dinner: Sun Dried Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Orzo Salad

Tuesday: Breakfast: Oatmeal & Yogurt

Lunch:Turkey Spinach Lasagna Roll ups

Dinner: Taco Tuesday

Wednesday: Breakfast :Ricotta Pancakes

Lunch: Mac & Cheese with Pigs N' Blanket

Dinner: Carmelized Onion & Feta Pizza

Thursday Breakfast: Chocolate Raspberry Muffins

Lunch: BBQ Chicken Quesadillas

Dinner: Going over to friends

Friday: Breakfast: Waffles

Lunch: PB & J

Dinner: Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Saturday: Breakfast: Ricotta Pancakes

Lunch: PB& J (eating at zoo)

Dinner: Spaghetti Pie

Sunday: Breakfast:Oatmeal Bars on the go

Lunch/Dinner: Out to eat for Fathers Day!!!

Once a Month Cooking

2011-06-04T07:50:00.001-07:00

I am ALL about saving money and I LOVE to share all the things I have found that have worked. Well I found one that literally cut our grocery bill in HALF, seriously IN HALF!
How does cooking once a month sound? I stumbled upon this gals website a few weeks ago and fell in love with it. Better yet, its FREE!! She has menu's for everyone! Vegetarian,Organic, Traditional,Diet, Baby Food & Gluten Free. All the preparation for your grocery shopping day are taken care of, You can input the amount of people you are feeding and you can print off everything and the amount you will need! Sounds great right??

She has it set up so you get 15 Breakfasts & Dinners and 10 Lunches. I went ahead and doubled the dinners so I don't have to cook dinner for a month. Yes that means we will be eating the same 6 dinners all month, this is my test run to see how it goes!!

Yesterday with list in hand I went to the grocery stores, I went to 3 different places to get all the good deals. Sprouts Farmers Market, Trader Joe's & Fry's. Our family of 4 usually spends about $400 a month on food. I spent a whopping $150 That's less then half!!! I couldn't believe it!! Today is my big cooking day. I have 2 crock pots set up (Thank you to my friend Erin for letting me borrow another one) and I have already made about 8 dinners (my house smells amazing by the way)

I think this is great for us busy moms, especially in the summer. We are gone almost every day doing different summer activities by the end of the day I am wiped and don't want to cook. This is going to be a lifesaver!

What kind of menu would you use from the choices ?Have you done once a month cooking before?

On a Ledge

2011-06-02T04:41:00.001-07:00

I'm about to do something crazy.

Seriously crazy.

I'm going to let you into the most vulnerable, private, painful moment of my life.

It's dirty, its raw.

Theres nothing glamorous about this.

I'm going to take you on a journey from brokeness to restoration that only happened

by the GRACE of God.

Curious??

Be Watching.

Homemade Laundry Detergent Vlog

2011-06-01T11:43:00.001-07:00

Alrighty guys I have made my Vlog on making homemade laundry detergent. It didn't go according to plan 100% , my beautiful darling 10 month old was having a total meltdown and wouldn't let me put her down the first time I recorded me actually making the detergent and you couldn't hear me =) So your going to see me "faking" making the detergent. But you still get the idea!! At least your getting a honest look at homemaking with young children right?? Below the video is the recipe to follow. I would love to hear about how your first experience making detergent went!!

4 Cups - hot tap water

1 Fels-Naptha soap bar
1 Cup - Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda*
½ Cup Borax

- Grate bar of soap and add to saucepan with water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.

-Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.
-Stir and fill a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser half full with soap and then fill rest of way with water. Shake before each use. (will gel)
-Optional: You can add 10-15 drops of essential oil per 2 gallons. Add once soap has cooled. Ideas: lavender, rosemary, tea tree oil.
-Yield: Liquid soap recipe makes 10 gallons.

-Top Load Machine- 5/8 Cup per load (Approx. 180 loads)
-Front Load Machines- ¼ Cup per load (Approx. 640 loads)
*Arm & Hammer "Super Washing Soda" - in some stores or may be purchased online here (at Meijer.com). Baking Soda will not work, nor will Arm & Hammer Detergent - It must be sodium carbonate!!

Essential Oil Companies
-Mountain Rose Herbs- link on the right of my blog
-Hill Country Mercantile

Getting to Know You

2011-06-01T06:54:00.002-07:00

In the last 24 hours since it was announced I am now a contributor for Raising Homemakers by blog has exploded! I doubled followers in 12 hours and watched my blog stats fly through the roof. THANK YOU!! Wow I feel so honored and privileged that you guys actually care what I have to say =)

Now I have a bunch of people I know NOTHING about. So we are going to play a game called "Getting to know you." To me I want to have relationships with my fellow blog moms/readers. I want to put a face to the name that leaves comments or just know "That's so and so who lives on a farm."

What I want you to do is leave a comment and tell me 3 things about you. Whatever you want or think is worth knowing. I'll start.

Hi I'm Meghan 1. I live in Arizona & I LOVE the heat 2. I've been to 36 states and 8 countries 3. My dream is to actually live on a farm with lots and lots of animals and be as self sustained as possible..

Okay, now its your turn.

READY SET GOOOOOOO

Just Keep Swimming

2011-05-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

If your like my family you will be spending LOTS of time outside swimming this summer in the pool, at the beach, slip & sliding and whatever other water activities you can think of. Summer shouldn't be the time to break the bank by buying swim diapers. Okay is it just me or are swim diaper ridiculously expensive?? 16 diapers for 10 bucks and when you have 2 kids that go swimming every day. That's a lot of money!!! I have a solution for you

Kelly's Closet is a HUGE company that sells anything and everything related to cloth diapering. If your not a cloth diaperer don't stop reading yet just hang in there. Kelly's Closet sells Bummis Cloth Swim Diapers. For $12.75 you get a re-usable swim diaper that will last you a lot longer then 2 weeks. They have SUPER cute designs and rest assured - nobody will ever have to empty the pool because of your baby! Fashion and peace of mind - what better combination can there be in a baby swimsuit??

Aren't they adorable?? I just ordered a couple for my girls!!

So how do you get your hands on some of these diapers? It's simple to the right of my blog is a link to Kelly's Closet that will take you right to the site! Make sure you mention my name at checkout..

As the famous words of the lovable angelfish from Finding Nemo Dory "Just keep swimming"

I am a affiliate with Kelly's closet which means I get a small compensation for each transaction sold through my blog all proceeds I get through my affiliation go towards helping our community in various ways.

Teaching our Babes about Others

2011-05-31T08:35:00.001-07:00

I have a 2 year old that is very spirited and like most 2 year olds they are still figuring out how to share and be nice to others (no, throwing sand in peoples faces is not the way we say hello) Several months ago my friend told me about something her family does to teach children to think of others. Its called POW (Person Of the Week) I loved the idea so much we started doing that a month ago.What is it?

Find a jar write (decorate it if you want, we still haven't )down all the names of family, friends, neighbors, people that work at the grocery store, the UPS man anyone and everyone and put them in the jar. Once a week pull out a name and that's your families P.O.W. If they live far away the kids color a paper, write a special note whatever is age appropriate. You also commit to praying for that person everyday for a week. If they live close by you can make cookies, have them over for dinner whatever you want.

The whole concept is to get your kids to think of others and teach them how to pray while having a fun time doing it. My oldest is just starting to "get it" but we have a great time praying,baking & coloring together

Simple Ways to Save Money

2011-05-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

I want to save money but I just don’t know how? How do you save so much money at the grocery store? How do you survive off of one income? Families are desperate to save and make those dollars stretch but don’t know where to begin. I am a stay at home mom and my husband is the only one who works. We live off of one income and we have to make every penny go to good use just like so many other families. We are still on the journey of discovering ways to save money, but here are some things my family has discovered that have shown great results and saved us a lot of money!

1. Create a budget. Many people do not have a budget. Making a budget and seeing exactly where your money is going can lead to thousands of savings and get you out of debt. If you need help creating a budget there are many online software’s that do the entire math for you for a small monthly fee or Microsoft Excel works too!

2. Use Cash. Once you have an established budget, use cash. Did you know that people who use cash actually save 40% more than people who use a debit card. Holding cash in your hand makes you feel the “burn” and think about what you’re spending your money on versus just swiping a card.

3. Menu Plan. Plan out all your meals for the week and stick to your grocery list. Plan out your meals by what is on sale in your local grocery stores and find coupons to match. Also take advantage of local farmers markets you can get amazing deals pay less and get more!

4. Make your own laundry detergent. This is a very easy way to save a ton of money! We have been making our own detergent for over a year now. One batch lasts our family of 4 about 6 months and its really good detergent!

5. Make your own bread. Bread is expensive so this is a very simple way to save. There are a lot of recipes that don’t require a bread machine. Check your local goodwill. We got a bread machine for $10 and it works perfect!

6. Never buy retail. Don’t pay full price if you don’t have to. Buy off the sale racks; get your clothes from a re-uzit store and garage sale!!!

These are just a few of the many ways to save money for your family!! What things has your family done to save money???

Resources

Budgeting: www.Daveramsey.com & www.youneedabudget.com

Menu planning: www.couponmom.com www.onceamonthmom.com

Household: Laundry Detergent Recipe http://www.duggarfamily.com/recipes.html

A New Gig

2011-05-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

While I was back east last week I met up with my dear friend Sarah Mae for coffee. She then asked me to become a writing contributor on Raising Homemakers !!! I am so excited to be a part of this amazing team of women who love the Lord and have such an amazing passion for homemaking and teaching our children to serve the Lord! So be watching for my first writing piece to come up soon. Any ideas on topics I should write about??

The Other Side

2011-05-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

“He said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” John 21:6

Have you ever done the same thing over and over with no success? I have. Whether it was trying to make our money work without a budget or trying to make our marriage work without following a biblical model, I tried to do things the same way over and over, hoping for success just one of those times. I came up empty every time.

But then God got my attention, showing me other things to try—a different way than what I’d been doing on my own. God’s way worked much better.

In today’s verse Jesus suggests that the disciples—who hadn’t caught any fish—put their net on the other side of the boat. When I read this my mind flickered back to the times in my life when I’d been completely unsuccessful in what I was doing—and how I had to throw my net to the other side of the boat before I could bring in a catch. When I did, my net was full.

I can still remember feeling the elation that came with seeing my “catch.” Those full nets that came from listening to and obeying Him are a visual of living life “to the full” like Jesus spoke of in John 10:10.

Perhaps you too are in a place of trying the same thing over and over but it never works. Your net comes up empty. You struggle with feeling like your debt will never get any smaller. Or you can’t seem to grow your savings account. That promotion feels out of reach. Maybe your relationships just never seem to improve. And that stupid scale won’t budge no matter what you do.

Whatever the situation you find yourself in, you are struggling with that nagging feeling that something needs to change. Maybe it’s time to try the other side.

When the disciples came up empty, Jesus urged them to try something different. He showed them that they didn’t have to keep doing things the way they always had. And He gave them specific direction as to how to achieve the success He had in mind for them.

He wants to fill your net, but perhaps He wants you to take a bigger risk, reach outside of your comfort zone, and trust His ability instead of your own. Most of all He wants you to seek out His voice, listening hard for His direction as to where your nets need to go, trusting that wherever He tells you to put them, His direction is perfect. Try the other side. Abundance is waiting there.

Dear Lord, You know what’s not working in my life. You know where my net needs to go. Help me to see it and to trust fully in You as I throw my net to the other side. Please make Your directions clear to me as I listen for Your voice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?
She Makes It Look Easy by Marybeth Whalen. A novel for every woman who has looked at another woman’s life and said, “I want what she has,” She Makes It Look Easy reminds us of the danger of pedestals and the beauty of authentic friendship.

This post was brought to you by Marybeth Whalen who is a contributor over at Proverbs 31 Ministries!

God's Love Comes Home

2011-05-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

I received this paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13 as a small poster last year and I have it hanging up in my laundry room. I think its a beautiful reminder as a mom as to how we need to live our daily lives with our children and husband and cultivating a relaxing, loving, God filled atmosphere.

"If I am constantly teaching and instructing my children, but neglect to use loving words in loving tones my counsel will be ineffective.

Even though I have years of experience and my faith is deep, if my guidance is not motivated by love my insights will mean nothing.

If I work from dawn to dusk, but fail to take time for tender expressions of love-all my sacrifice will be in vain.

Love means being less demanding, and more affectionate.

Love means setting aside what I want at times, and taking the time to color...read a book..or braid a doll's hair.

Love means forgiving my children the way God forgives me, leaving no room for grudges or favoritism.

Love means disciplining wrong behavior consistently, and celebrating when the truth is told.

Love means protecting my children..

Trusting them..Hoping for the best in them...

persevering through the worst with them...

never giving up on them.

Though I am not able to see clearly into my family's future,

I dream of one day looking into my adult child's eye's

both of us realizing we are bound together by the greatest of all forces

LOVE

10 Months of Sunshine

2011-05-22T06:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Piper,
I can't believe you are 10 months old today! I feel like it was just yesterday we were racing to the hospital to have you! You are our ray of sunshine and you put a smile on everyones face. Everyone loves you! You are super fast, one speedy little crawler. You are walking if you push something. But you are getting closer everyday to walking all by yourself. You are actually talking. You wave and say "hi" and you say "dada" and "mama" and today you said "baby" when you saw another little kid. I think thats very impressive for a 10 month old to already have 4 words under her belt. You are a smart cookie. You have 3 teeth and are now chomping down while nursing. Mama isn't so happy about that. You eat A LOT! More then your Big sister does! Your a cuddle monster and you suffer from extreme seperation anxiety from me. Its nice to be loved but mama would like to get things done every once in awhile. You are in a big girl bed now and finally sleeping through the night. You love your big sister you think she's the coolest person ever. I love waking up in the mornings and seeing your smiley face in front of me! I couldn't imagine my life without you in it! I love you baby girl
Mommy!

Putting my faith where my mouth is

2011-05-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

Last week I posted a vlog about giving your first fruits to God and how my family is now giving first before anything. Easier said then done. My husbands paycheck was literally cut in half and now we are desperately praying for God's provision. Summer is incredibly slow in his line of work now that the snowbirds have "flown" back to their natural habitat (aka old people moving back east) Now the ER is empty and they aren't needing people as much. I had to laugh when I checked our bank account of course right after I post about giving even when its hard. it gets hard. Its like asking God to give you patience and the next day everyone around you is going 10 miles a minute. Its really easy for me to say well we can't give this month. But I know thats what we are called to do, and its painful but I know that God will provide our every need. I'm living with my hands open and trying to not clutch them and take control. I'm putting my faith where my mouth is and trusting in the Lord!!!

Teaching Modesty & Respect to our Children Part 1

2011-05-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

I watched this interview yesterday and was seriously blown away. God really laid it on my heart to pray for Tamara the lady defending "unmodesty" it broke my heart to hear her say that her daughter can wear whatever she wants whenever.

As parents we were entrusted with our precious ones from Christ and part of that is to shape and train. Modesty is always a touchy issue especially in the Christian world, it shouldn't be but sadly it is. Modesty looks differently to everyone. I think wearing anything across your rear is unmodest. Others don't. I think its fine to wear sleeveless shirts, others don't. Its's easy to get off course fast. Thats why we must hold to the standards of scripture.

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?(Z) You are not your own, 20(AA) for you were bought with a price.(AB) So glorify God in your body". 1 Corinthians 6:9

But I say to you that(AW) everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. - Matthew 5:28
Modesty starts with Mom. Before we can even start teaching our daughters (and sons) about modesty we have to do a self-check up. What are we wearing? How are we thinking? If I tell my daughter that its inappropriate to wear a 2 piece swimsuit but I'm wearing one myself I believe thats wrong. If we are so wrapped up in our outward appearance we will teach our daughters to be self-critical. I am not saying in any way that its wrong to make yourself look good and feel great about yourself. Not at all! I ENCOURAGE it! BUT if your so consumed with how you look and what others think of you, it will translate to your daughter in a negative way.

Open the Lines
So many families aren't sitting down with their children and having a open discussion about modesty and self esteem. Its vital to your daughters to know the boundaries you have set for them by the standards of God. Talk to them about todays culture and read the bible. Tell your daughters how beautiful they are every day, multiple times a day. Girls get their biggest self-esteem boost when their daddy takes the time to tell them how beautiful they are.

What one generation tolerates the other embraces.

Shape it, Don't break it

2011-05-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

"Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness,heart, talent, guts. That's what little girls are made of; the heck with sugar and spice." -Bethany Hamiliton

She's my wild spirit, The other half to the "twister sister duo" She's sassy, independent, determined, bossy, the mascot for the "Terrible 2's" and she's me in every way.

My mom calls it payback, I call it a taste of my own medicine. How my mother didn't ship me off or lock me in a cellar my whole life is a miracle!! The older and the further into motherhood I get the more I realize just how amazing my own parents are, motherhood is tough especially when you have a child that pushes all the limits about everything. My mom gave me the greatest advice, she told me that the children who are the most difficult are usually the ones that become worldchangers and leaders and my job as a mom is to "Shape it not break it" Shape her spirit. mold and iron out all the roughness. She's sassy but she knows what she believes and the very things that drive me the most crazy are the things I also love the most about her.

What a force to be reckoned with for glory of God she will be. I can't wait for that day. So for now I plead and pray (mostly plead) for Jesus to give me the fruits of the spirit in astronomical proportions!!

I sure love that wild child!

Giveaway Winner!!

2011-05-19T07:46:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Miranda J who won David Platts book RADICAL!!!! Please email me your snail mail and I will get it off to you ASAP!!

Control

2011-05-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Such a great song by an amazing singer. Not only is she super cool but her album is the music of choice for bedtime. My girls drift off into peaceful slumber within minutes. This is such a great song about giving up control. Something I am currently working on. Always learning to just go with the flow!!

Mahi Mahi with Coconut Rice & Mango Salsa

2011-05-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil

2-1/4 teaspoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1-1/2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

1-1/2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper

3/4 teaspoon minced fresh ginger root

3 tablespoons chopped green onion (optional)

salt to taste

6 (4 ounce) mahi mahi fillets

3 cups uncooked jasmine rice

3 cups water

1-1/2 cubes chicken bouillon

1 tablespoon and 1-1/2 teaspoons butter (optional)

1 (14 ounce) cans coconut milk

3 tablespoons white sugar

2-1/4 teaspoons butter

2 tablespoons and 3/4 teaspoon white sugar

2-1/4 cups fresh mango, cubed

Directions

Whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, black pepper, ginger, green onion, and salt in a bowl. Add the mahi mahi and toss to evenly coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

Preheat the oven's broiler and set the oven rack in the middle of the oven.

Bring the rice, water, chicken bouillon, and 1 tablespoon butter to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the liquid has been absorbed, about 20 minutes. Pour in the coconut milk and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir, and simmer uncovered until the rice has absorbed most of the coconut milk.

While the rice is cooking, remove the mahi mahi from the marinade, and shake off excess. Discard the remaining marinade. Place fish in a large baking dish in a single layer. Broil in the preheated oven until the fish flakes easily with a fork, 10 to 15 minutes. If the fish browns too quickly, cover the baking dish with a sheet of aluminum foil.

Melt 1 1/2 teaspoons butter and 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the mixture begins to bubble, stir in mango cubes. Cook and stir until mango is tender, about 5 minutes. Serve by placing a mahi mahi fillet over a scoop of hot rice and top with the mango salsa.

Vlog & Giveaway

2011-05-10T07:27:00.001-07:00

So here it is my first Vlog. I apologize for looking like I just rolled out of bed thats because I did =) The book "Radical" by David Platt has been lifechanging for our family. I strongly urge you to get this book. But first enter this giveaway. 1 person will win this book!! Just post a comment about why you want this book. Giveaway ends next Thursday May 19th!!

The one thing I HATE about summer

2011-04-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

The one thing I hate about summer is finding a swimsuit, and no it has nothing to do with my body shape or looking at myself in one. It has to do with the kind of swimsuits that are out there now-a days. You have 2 choices look like a hussy or a 75 year old grandma. I don't want either. I want to look modestly stylish and not have to pay 90 bucks for it. Thats the other problem, you have to pay to look modest. A teeny tiny little bikini costs 30 bucks while a really stylish modest one piece is around 70. I know its more fabric but whatever it still annoys me.

So I am on a quest to find a cute, stylish, modest swimsuit!!

I Should Be Sleeping, But I Watched the Royal Wedding instead

2011-04-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

West Coasters got the short stick. The Royal Wedding came on at 1am here. And yes, I watched it live. So this morning I made a whole pot of coffee, I have some iced lattes chilling in the fridge and a Mt.Dew as a backup. I am tired, I got 4 hours of sleep. But I must say it was totally worth it! Cate was breathtaking in that dress and Prince William was the epitome of every girls dream of a Prince Charming. It was lovely and captivating. (insert glorious sigh)

This is now what I am dreaming of!!

Clean Enough

2011-04-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing. ~Phyllis Diller

My beautiful children have a gift and that is destruction. Olivia was really gifted but now Piper is quickly catching up. Yesterday my floors got a pure beating from the children. Toys were strewn across from the front door all the way to the back of the house. Olivia ATE, (yes I said ate) open a brand new box of cereal and dumped it all over the house while running, then the girls decided to throw hand fulls of dirt into the dining room. Amongst other things my house is truly a disaster zone this morning. I do a back flip if I can keep one room clean for more then a hour.

It can be SO frustrating and I used to struggle with almost being angry that I work so hard to have a clean house and its destroyed literally in seconds. I still have my moments of wigging out especially if people are coming soon. But "it's just a phase" at least thats what everyone tells me "enjoy them being little" I do enjoy them being little so much I just don't enjoy stepping on legos and screaming to high heaven in the middle of the night!

Here is a really cool checklist that I have been following for a few weeks, it REALLLLLLY helps me keep my sanity and know that my house is clean ENOUGH. This way I can play with my kids and really enjoy this beautiful special time!

1. Morning routines. I have found that having a regular morning routine works best for me. This involves at the very least: some quiet time, making the bed, taking a shower (hanging up my towel when I am done, of course!), putting on very simple makeup and getting dressed . I always toss in a load of laundry as I am getting dressed. I find if I start out the day with those few things, I am ready for anything. AKA: The twister sisters!!

2. Clean sinks. I learned the Fly lady system back when my daughter was born. I was a new mom learning how to balance it all I ran into frustration over having too much to handle. Fly lady to the rescue! She broke it down for me and I listened: clean and shiny sinks, always.

3. Cleaning frenzies. . A cleaning frenzy might last ten minutes or even up to an hour. But everyone participates, We run around picking things up, putting things back, and generally tidying things up.
Sometimes we focus on one room; sometimes it is an entire house frenzy. Sometimes it is a task frenzy, It works like a charm to make a big impact in a short period of time. Even one “10-minute cleaning frenzy” a day keeps the frustration away.

4. Nightly kitchen clean up. Every night, almost without fail, we clean the kitchen. We put away dishes, load the final dishwasher load of the day, wipe off counters, and polish up the sink. There is nothing like waking up to a clean kitchen to make your day feel less overwhelming.

If I have my basic routines down, my home stays “clean enough” most of the time. Keeping up on things means I rarely feel overwhelmed by all that needs to be done! When my home is maintained on a daily basis, it is really easy to add in a few extra tasks now and then to really shine things up or get things organized.
But if I let my daily routines go, my house soon spirals out of control. My house isn’t perfect by any means, but I am OK with that. It is CLEAN ENOUGH!

What is your biggest area of frustration in keeping your house clean?

For your Good & His Glory

2011-04-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I talked to a couple very close friends of mine (at separate times) on the phone. We were just catching up on life, on our kids, husbands all the normal stuff. Then things got deeper. We shared our struggles, they shared their struggles in different areas of their lives and we were able to encourage each other and say "I have been there" and I know what your going through. I love that about friendships. I got off the phone and realized I had my answer that I had been asking God for awhile "Why did I go through that?" And the answer came yesterday on the phone. And that was to be able to help your sister in Christ. I so wish I had someone to tell me. "I know what is like, I know the hurt you are feeling, I know how you feel without you even telling me". Its really powerful to be able to go through hell and back and come out fine and be able to encourage your brother and sister in Christ that its all going to work out. God gets all the glory even in the midst of trials. Though its hard to see it at times and especially when your in the thick of it. God has a plan. You may not know what it is but everything will be fine.

We try to control our lives with a iron clenched fist. Especially when things start to get out of our control. But God will pry those fingers out little by little. I am still working on just giving it to God. I don't think any of us will ever NOT struggle with wanting control, until heaven of course. But it sure is freeing to say "Jesus take control, I give it to you".

Hebrews 13:5-6 " Make sure that your character is free from the love of money,being content with what you have; for He Himself has said,"I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVERY FORSAKE YOU, so that we confidently say, " THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME"

Heart & Hands

2011-04-18T13:31:00.000-07:00

Being a Doula has been such an incredible experience. Other than being a wife & a mom this is the next best thing in my life. What a honor and privilege to watch babies being born into this world! I have a website featuring my business CLICK HERE You can learn about what doulas do, my pricing, about me and testimonials from midwives and my clients. I am almost done with my certification. My goal was to be certified by June and I am confident that it will happen! I am so excited about this ministry opportunity, because thats what it is to me!! Hope you enjoy it!

Camping Adventure

2011-04-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Justin & I decided it was time to go camping, people think we are totally crazy for taking a 2 year old and 9 month old camping in the wilderness, but we like to start them young. So one day I went to a couple different stores and bought all the essentials for camping. I bought a 8 man tent (so we can grow into it) sleeping bags, camping chairs, pots and pans, a cooler and much much more. We went up to Oak Creek Canyon a GORGEOUS area between Flagstaff & Sedona.

We spent the first day at Slide Rock we hiked ate outside on the grass and enjoyed being together as a family. Our first camping experience took a big nose dive when a huge storm moved in. We ended up being secluded in our tent the whole evening. But we managed by playing games, reading books and playing with blocks. Poor Olivia is in the middle of potty training and she had to go to the bathroom so bad but she took one look at the campsite toilet and freaked out so we had to listen to her screaming "I HAVE TO PEE" for a few hours. I felt so bad! The next morning it was freezing and we ended up packing up the campsite in the rain and went out to breakfast. Now if you have ever been to Sedona you know that it is a town of money. So you can only imagine the looks we got when we walk into the cafe at 8am soaking wet and looking like we just slept outside for a week. It sure was funny. All in all we had a lot of fun and we are looking forward to going somewhere next month! Hopefully better weather is in the forecast!

Took a Break/Picture the World

2011-04-12T18:24:00.002-07:00

Sorry that I have been absent for over a month. I took a nice long vacation from blogging to regroup, get new ideas and just have my plate a bit less full for a while. Blogging was starting to take over my life if I wasn't blogging I was on a blog and I feel like I wasn't being a good steward of my time. But now I am good to go! A lot has happened in the last month. I have been attending births, cooking up a storm, started worship team at church, went camping, got sick, took a vacation, got new AMAZING camera, became addicited to netflix instant and spent good quality time with my daughters and husband. Thats the month in a very small nut shell.

Someone else has been a busy little beaver. My ~~little~~ brother Alec. Alec is on staff at the YWAM base in Idaho and will be leading a team to India for 6 months this summer. It will be his second trip to India. Alec is an AMAZING photographer. Alec has always been the artist in the family he can draw, paint, sculpt you name it he can do it. So it comes to no surprise that photography came easy to him. Alec has a knack for taking pictures that capture peoples souls. I love the pictures he takes of people around the world. Alec has a new blog called Picture The World Photography Please go and check it out and follow him around the globe! I won't see my little brother till the late winter or next year =( But I am so excited to see how God is going to use him!

Sickies

2011-03-07T11:23:00.000-07:00

We have been climbing an up hill battle with sickness in our house for the last 8 days..scratch that last 3 1/2 weeks. First we got that horrible 11 day cold virus that hit us one at a time. Now we are st the tail end of the flu.Olivia got it then Me and Piper and now Justin is sick..Seriously I am ready for spring! After all the barfing I can handle I truly have no clue how people survived without a washer.

Olivia Turns 2

2011-02-26T04:45:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of Olivias Finding Nemo 2nd Birthday party we had a few weeks ago. It was SO much fun and she had a blast!

Resolution Re-Cap

2011-02-26T04:40:00.000-07:00

Life has been in the fast lane for a few weeks here. I finally have some time to blog (because its currently 4am and I can't sleep for some reason) I have been thinking all about my new years resolutions, statisically most people have already thrown the towel in on their resolutions.So I thought I should re-evaluate where I am at with all of mine.

Contentment: I want to be content in all circumstances and lean on God fully.Well this was put to the test this week but overall I think I have done a good job so far.
Love: Loving others and thinking of them before myself. I would give myself a B. Sometimes it sure is hard loving people but I sure don't deserve God's love yet he gives it to me overflowing.
Grilled Cheese: This is the one I have just given up on. Not because I wanted to.My husband wanted to be able to do something I couldn't master (those are his words) so I willingly told him that "it could be his thing"
Money: We made a goal to save as much money as possible this year. We literally take any extra penny and put it into savings. We are doing really really good so far!
Baby: We are praying that the Lord will bless us with another baby this year. As far as I am aware of I am not pregnant but we aren't intentionally trying to get pregnant right now, hopefully in the summer or fall or winter =) I am ~~selfishly~~ enjoying this season in my life not being preggo I am just being able to run around with my girls and wear skinny jeans.
House: We actually started looking at houses a few days ago and found a beautiful beautiful home but it would mean breaking our current lease at our apartment which means pretty much throwing 2 grand down the drain. We decided (and trust me when I say it was a hard decision) to wait till the fall like planned when our lease is up because it will give us all that extra money to put more money down or spend it on house stuff. So we wait..~~patiently.~~ I know God has the perfect home for us in store and in 6 months we will be in our first home! WE CAN'T WAIT!

Doula

2011-02-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

I am on a "Birth" high! I just returned from my DONA doula workshop on Saturday evening. It was an intense info cramming session that was 16 hours long. I am still processing and writing out all I can. I am thrilled beyond thrilled that I get a chance to do this amazing job of helping out women and their families with the miracle of birth. I see it as a great ministry opportunity to serve.

I learned so much about birth, my births and what kind of doula I want to be. There is so much I can talk about. I don't want to spew my opinions on birth to much because A. its a touchy subject and B I don't want anyone to feel like they are failures because your not. And at one session break this week I balled my eyes out in the bathroom because I felt like I failed at not educating myself and trusting the doc's more then I should of with my first pregnancy but God just gave me a peace and reassured me that I did fine and that I am healthy and Olivia is healthy, he protected us. But I do know the birth I want to have with baby number 3 whenever he/she comes and I can't wait!

Margherita Pita Pizzas

2011-02-10T06:42:00.002-07:00

I made these pita pizzas last night for dinner and they were SO good. I found the recipe in a taste of home magazine I recieved in the mail a few months ago. I served it with a tossed salad! My hubby and daughter gobbled it up and I am making it for lunch again today =) The recipe below is the ingredients for 4 indivdual pizzas you can add more or substitute very easily, its your pizza!

Margherita Pita Pizzas

4 Pitas

3TBSP Olive Oil

2 TBSP minced garlic

2 Cups Mozzarella Cheese
4-6 thinly sliced plum tomatoes
1 TBSP italian seasoning
12 leaves of fresh basil (optional) the basil is AMAZING!

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and lay your pitas out on a pizza sheet. Brush oil on top of pitas and spread garlic on top. Add the cheese and sliced tomatoes and sprinkle with italian seasoning. Add a bit more cheese to the top. and bake for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and pitas look baked.

Add fresh basil and ENJOY!!!

Girl Talk with God Book Review & Giveaway

2011-02-07T07:09:00.001-07:00

Girl talk with a God is a new devotional for young girls on how to talk to God through Prayer. The Author Susie Shellenberger who was the founder of the Christian Magazine "Brio" takes you through a multitude of topics and situations that young girls face today including Modesty, Divorce, Dating, Eating Disorders and questions on Prayer, Gods love and Forgiveness. Every chapter is set up as a real conversation between a teenage girl and her Savior/

I was very surprised on how much I enjoyed this book. It was refreshing, funny, serious and full of scripture. The chapter that I most enjoyed was on Social Media. It was a great reminder that the things I do can have a lasting impact on other people. The words I use have the power to lift up or hurt. It was a great book with a powerful reminder that God wants to be in the "everyday" with us. He longs for conversations to know who we really are what we struggle with to have that intimacy with him that he so longs to have.

I would greatly recommend this book to any young woman who is asking questions and longing for biblical answers.

WIN IT! You can win this book. Simply leave a comment. The winner will be drawn on Wednesday Feb 9th

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review.

Happy Birthday Olivia

2011-02-03T14:24:00.000-07:00

Today my oldest turns 2 years old! I can't believe how fast time has flown. It feels like yesterday they placed her in my arms for the very first time. Olivia is so full of life, she loves everyone and everything and thinks everything is hilarious. She dances around even when there is no music and she's an amazing big sister. Shes talking up a storm and even saying a few sentences our favorite is her high pitched "where did it go"? when she can't find something she wants. She loves to help cook and definitely loves to eat. Shes a daddy's girl 100% and just adores everything about her daddy! The Lord has truly blessed us with such an amazing little girl. We are privileged to be her parents and I can't wait to watch her grow into a young girl who loves the Lord with all her heart, mind and strength.

Love you to the moon and back and back again

Olivia Feb 3rd 2009

Olivia Feb 3rd 2010: 1 year old

Olivia 2 years old

As if

2011-02-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

As if my week wasn't already INSANE. My dear sweet always happy baby girl Piper decided to get sick.very very sick. In a hour or so we are on our way to the Pediatrician to see if it is RSV. GRRRREAT! Shes hacking up a storm and looks terrified everytime she starts coughing. My heart breaks for her. Our car is also supposed to be going to the "Doctors" today as well. That has been post-poned until we get home from taking care of Piper. My house is a DISASTER, life is just pure chaos in every way. I am trying to keep my head screwed on straight and not pull my hair out and scream my head off. Which is kinda how I am feeling at the moment. Breaaathhhe meghan breathe.

So if you get the chance pray for Piper that she gets better soon and the Dr will know what virus se has right away. And that I can have extra heapings of patience from the well today!

Our 24 Family Ways

2011-02-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

By FAR the very best book I have ever read on motherhood is Sally Clarksons book "Mission of Motherhood" How I LONG to just sit and have a cup of tea with her and just soak in the wisdom and joy she has. In her book she lists her family's "24 Family Rules" in which they live by. I loved it so much I copied it and its now on our fridge. Enjoy this as much as I!

Our Twenty-Four Family Ways

Concerning  AUTHORITIES in our family...

1. We love and obey our Lord, Jesus Christ, with wholehearted devotion

2.We read the Bible every day with an open heart.

3. We honor and obey our parents om the Lord with a respectful attitude.

4. We listen to correction and accept discipline with a submissive spirit.

Concerning POSSESSIONS in our family...

5. We are thankful to God for what we have, whether it is a little or a lot

6. We are content with what we have, not coveting what others have

7.We are generous with what we have,sharing freely with others

8.We take care of what we have,using it wisely and responsibly.

Concerning RELATIONSHIPS in our family...

9. We love one another, treating others with kindness, gentleness and respect

10. We serve one another, humbly thinking of others needs first.

11. We encourage one another, using only words that build up and bless others

12. We forgive on another, covering an offense with love when wronged or hurt

Concerning WORK in our family...

13. We are diligent to complete a task promptly and thoroughly when asked.

14. We take initiative to do all of our own work without needing to be told

15. We work with a cooperative spirit, freely giving and recieving help

16. We take personal responsibility to keep our home neat and clean at all times.

Concerning ATTITUDES in our family...

17. We choose to be joyful, even when we feel like complaining

18. We choose to be peacemakers, even when we feel like arguing

19. We choose to be patient, even when we feel like getting our own way

20. We choose to be gracious, even when we don't feel like it

Concerning CHOICES in our family...

21. We do what we know is right, regardless of what others do or say

22. We aske before we act when we do not know what is right to do

23. We excercise self-control at all times and in every kind of situation

24. We always tell the truth and do not practice deceitfulness of any kind.

2011-01-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

This is going to be an INSANE week. Its Olivias birthday week so lots of things are going on and happening in our home to prepare for her birthday bash on Saturday. Doing simple meals this week because I am literally running around like a headless chicken!! BAK BAAAAK =)

Monday: Cornbread & Chili

Tuesday: Out to eat @ Red Lobster to celebrate livys birthday a few days early

Wednesday: Rosemary Lemon & Thyme whole roasted chicken with arugala salad

Thursday: Olivias 2nd Birthday and she requested pizza!

Friday: Spaghetti & Turkey Meatballs with salad and bread

Saturday: Olivias Birthday Party!!! meal to be decided

Sunday: SUPERBOWL!! munchies for dinner. BBQ chicken wings, 7 layer dip with chips and hamburgers!

Birthday Party Checklist

2011-01-30T07:03:00.001-07:00

I am at the home stretch with planning Olivias 2nd Birthday Party.Saturday afternoon is the BIG day. Planning parties, especially for your kids is a lot of work and if your a bit of a perfectionist with a horrible case of mommy brain AHHHEM that would be me *slowly raises hand* You can get stressed out big time. So heres a great checklist I found that can help you remember everything that needs to be done. Bottom Line HAVE FUN and don't sweat the small stuff (i'm saying this to myself!)

Schedule Activity

4-6 weeks before party: Choose a theme with your child.
Select date and time for party.
Choose location for party and make reservations, if necessary.
Develop the guest list (neighborhood friends, class mates, team mates, cousins, etc.).
Develop party agenda (example: 1-1:30 arts & crafts, 1:30-2:15 games and entertainment, 2:15-2:30 refreshments, 2:30-3:00 present opening, favor distribution, and free play).
Book entertainment, if any (magician, bounce gym, etc.).

3-4 weeks before Make or purchase invitations.
Mail invitations 2 1/2 weeks before party
Plan games and activities

2 weeks before Purchase party supplies (decorations, favors, games & activities). Purchase enough for siblings and a few other extra guests.
Plan menu and make grocery shopping list. .
Arrange for help. Identify family members and friends who can help set-up/clean-up, prepare and serve food, and coordinate games and activities.

1 week before Gather up tables, chairs, toys, coolers, serving dishes, and other supplies you'll be using at the party.
Follow-up with the invited guests who have not yet RSVP'd to determine final guest count.
Order cake & balloons.
Prepare any foods that can be frozen for the following week.

2-3 days before Charge video camera battery and make sure cameras are working.
Do grocery shopping. .
Get cash or make out checks for any paid helpers.
Prepare favor bags.
Day before Prepare remaining food, including cake or cupcakes if making these.
Clean and child proof party area.

Party Day! Finish last minute food preparation.
Pick up cake and balloons
Set-up and decorate party area
Set-up games

Have fun!

Do minimum level of clean-up.

2-3 days after Finish cleanup/put-away.
Have child prepare thank you notes for gifts. Don't forget to send thank you notes to your helpers.
Get film developed and send pictures to distant relatives, put one on fridge, save some for scrap book.

If I had a Million Dollars

2011-01-29T16:25:00.001-07:00

I wish I were a millionaire and could give away all my money.

So many people are hurting and facing such horrible times. I wish I could pay off friends debt, pay peoples medical bills, buy them groceries so their kids won't go hungry.

SO many things I want to do for other people. But I am not a millionaire, not even close.

But I can pray.

Pray to my God who paid our debt in the most selfless way. I can invite people over for dinner. I can get giftcards to help families out when they need it. I can do little things. Like the widow who gave the only money she had to God. God used her mightly. Thats how I want God to use me.

A poor widow came and put in two copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on." - Mark 12:43

Quiet Times for a Busy Mom

2011-01-19T15:31:00.001-07:00

I remember the days when I would wake up grab a cup of coffee sit out on my front porch and soak in Gods word for a hour straight, I would pray, journal and just be still. But now I am the mommy to a bouncy active toddler and a 6 month old who any day is going to start crawling. I hardly have time to "marvel" at my appearance most days or marvel in Gods presence. You can only get up so early in the mornings and I don't need to tell you that mommas with youngins need their sleep. A huge misconception that is preached from the pulpit quite a bit is that you need at least a hour quiet time each day to really get something out of it.
The beauty of all of this is that no where in the Bible does it say "Thou Shall always have quiet time every day for 2 hours straight." Why people think they aren't good enough Christians if they don't do that, I have no idea. Its the Quality not the Quantity.

Being a mom of young children is just a season and God has given us this role at this time and we need to nurture and mold our children to follow after the Lord. One of the best things we can do is pray. A great man once told me " I never pray for more than 5 minutes, but I never go more than 5 minutes without praying" Pray while your doing the dishes, pray while you take your kids for walks in the stroller, pray while your loading up the washer, pray while you rock your babes to sleep. And lets face it mornings rarely are a good time for quiet times. Most of the best quiet times I have had while being a mom have been at 2am rocking my babies back to sleep and reading the Bible. In the stillness of the night, God has spoken more to me then anywhere else.

"To man belongs the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue,Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.The Lord works out everything for his own ends. Proverbs 16:1-4"
I do think it is important to start your day off in the word so do it with your family. We have family devotions in the morning and while it certainly is not very deep we still learn and we are still being washed in truth.

"Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6"

Play music that is uplifting. Sing songs to the Lord and praise his name. I usually have Pandora playing christian music all day long in the house and it brightens and uplifts me always.
Psalm 63:4-5 " So I will bless you as long as I live I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips"

Remember that God has given us our children for such a short amount of time and right now God wants us to mold them, shape them to run hard after him and seek them with all that is in them. Don't get frustrated if it seems like you have only read 1 verse the whole day. Meditate on that verse, memorize it teach it to your children and soak it all in, time isn't slowing down.

Voices of the Faithful Book 2 Review

2011-01-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

I have joined a book review comany called booksneeze which lets bloggers recieve free books in the exchange that you do a review on your blog. Pretty cool huh? Today I am reviewing Voice of the Faithful Book 2 by Kim P. Davis and Beth Moore. This devotional book is compiled of 365 short devotions written by missionaries all over the world.

There is a devotion for each day and every month is a different theme ex: January is Prayer, February is God, Our loving Father. The missionaries select a bible verse and a prayer to go along with the daily devotion.

I am the owner of the first "Voices of the Faithful" and I really enjoyed it. The devotions are short and small but most provide a great source of knowledge and wisdom. I would not recommend this book to be your main devotional source. I find that its sometimes to short to get a lot out of it. I recommend having something on top of this book in which to really get in depth. I found this book to just be a great way to get a world focus and a source to find missionaries to pray for with my family.

I would recommend this book to people as a devotional to go on top of their normal bible readings.

A New Journey

2011-01-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for the new chapter in our family's life. God has blown open the doors for me to become a Certified Doula with DONA International. This opportunity is the best of both worlds for me. I get to be a full time wife & mom at home but also get to help bring in some extra income by serving other women in such an amazing way.

What is a Doula? The word doula in Greek means a woman who serves. It has since evolved into the meaning of a woman who provides emotional, physical and informational support during childbirth. I won't be delivering any babies or anything medical I am simply there to partner with the spouse or be the main support for women during one of the most special times of their lives.

I am SO excited to do this. I can't think of a better way for me to be the hands and feet of Jesus, serving these women and showing them love, compassion, comfort and reassurance during and after labor. Right not I am in the middle of certification and hopefully be certified by this summer or early fall. In February I am leaving my husband with the girls(INSERT EEEK=) for two days to attend a workshop that will give me all the information I need, I have to read 5 books, attend a childbirth education class and be a part of 3 births before I am officially a doula. Its a lot of work but I am so excited to do this. I am so blessed to have a family and a husband who has my back 100%.

I have named my doula services simply "Heart & Hands Doula Services" If your in the Northern Phoenix area and would like more information feel free to email me.

Saturday Snaggers

2011-01-15T07:44:00.002-07:00

Welcome to Saturday Snaggers where I show you some of the best articles, deals, posts & videos that I have come across & snagged over the week!

Great Reads:

Guarding Against Technology Time-Wasters Lindsay over @ Passionate Homemaking shares why we need to have some self-control with all the tech gadgets out there now and how to handle it
Precious Stains Darlene over @ Raising Homemakers shares how the stains our children make are just like the stains of our sins.
Less Than a Christian Wife Sarah over @ Like a Warm Cup of Coffee talks about idolatry and the clicks moms and wives tend to have

Miscellany:

Over the Christmas Holiday a rare cheetah was spotted, its pretty crazy!
Tired of watching crude movies full of junk of the "world" head on over to Puritan Picks and get hundreds of pure christian films mailed right to your house!
Good deal on Organic & Gluten free products!

Processing

2011-01-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

I took a week off from blogging although it wasn't a planned week. Last Saturday morning has had us a bit upside down for a few days. I am a tucsonan. I lived in Tucson for 9 years up until almost 4 months ago, My family and my friends still live there and by the Grace of God I didn't lose anyone I knew in the tragic shooting. Saturday my mom called and told me that there had been a shooting about 20 minutes from where we lived and that Gabrielle Giffords had been shot and is dead (luckily she isn't dead the media jumped to conclusions) I turned on the TV, woke up my husband and the rest of the afternoon we sat on the couch and just cried. Its been 6 days since the shooting and I still see the headlines "Tragedy in Tucson" as surreal, it doesn't feel like it really happened yet, not in our town.

I did not vote for Gabrilelle Giffords in this last election and I don't agree with her on most things except border control and better care of our veterans. But I think one thing through all of this has rang loud and clear. She is a fighter. I have grown to have a huge respect for her in this horrible circumstance. Our town in in mourning right now and irs so hard to see why God would do this, why he would take away the lives of 6 innocent people who were just enjoying a saturday out with family. We may never get the answers we want but God has a plan and one day even if its in heaven we will find out why. I am processing still. Still trying to wrap my brain around everything. We leave next friday for Pennsylvania so I'll be taking another week hiatus. In the meantime please pray for Tucson, Arizona, the victims and their families, the shooter jared and our country!

Come Fly With Me

2011-01-07T13:19:00.001-07:00

We are flying back East in 2 weeks to spend time with family and friends. Olivia has been on quite a few plane trips and did AMAZING, people actually thought she was a doll (yeah I'm one of those re-born mom's, NOT!) but she hasn't been on a plane since she was 10 months old. When we fly she will be just a week away from being 2 and now we have Piper who will be 6 months. Needless to say we need to be prepared for EVERYTHING. Flying with kids is not the easiest thing in the world to do, Airports are not kid-friendly . So here are some tips on making it a bit less turbulent.

Packing: When packing for your children you basically take everything they own with you on the plane.

Diapers: Bring LOTS of diapers. If you haven't noticed airports do not sell diapers, yep. You can buy Rosetta Stone and learn a new language, heck you can even buy a new ipod but you aren't going to find one single Pampers being sold in the entire place. Always bring more then you think you need, just in case of a cancellation or delay. Same goes for formula, they don't sell that either.
Clothes: We pack all the kids clothes in our carry on suitcase that way if theres a accident, blowout or on the off chance we lose our luggage the kids still have clothes.
Toys: Your going to need lots of fun distractions for your children. The best advice I have is buy a few new cheap toys and don't let your kid have them till your on the plane that way they are new and fascinated with them and will hopefully be occupied for a while.
Food: Yes, you can bring food on the plane if its for your kid. Bring granola bars, dried fruit, pretzels and the best advice I have gotten. Lollipops...How many licks? works like a charm. Also bring water and juice boxes which will help their ears during landing and takeoff.
Distractions: 3 words: Portable DVD player. We just got one for our trip and I think it may just do the trick for Olivia, buy a new DVD or rent one from the library so they have something to keep their attention. You may want to pull the emergency lever after watching Elmo 12 times but at least they are calm. Coloring books: Get some crayons and coloring books, just make sure they don't color on the trays seats or window.Olivia would totally do that!
Games: If you have older kids play games, so many games are now travel friendly and that really makes the time go fast.

Pray: Pray for your trip, and pray that the people on your flights will love kids and have a high patience tolerance if things go crazy for a bit. Justin & I always sigh relief when we see that a lot of families are on our flight.
Connecting flights: While it is very convenient to have a direct flight, for most its WAY more spendy and if you have a connecting flight to catch in a hurry with a troop of kids, it can be nuts.First if you have an infant get a carrier! Strapping your infant to you so you can walk fast is the best thing ever. I suggest a Ergo, its comfortable for you and the baby during transition time. For toddlers if dad can carry them that is pretty awesome if not get a hammock stroller you will have to gate check it which can sometimes hold you up if you have to catch a flight fast but it does smooth things out a bit.

No matter how good your kids are doing, most people are going to give you dirty looks and pray to God they aren't on your flight or sitting next to you. Sadly that is how we as a nation are. Kids are to not even be seen and definitely not heard. Just ignore them and keep your cool no matter how hard you want to scream. Its a whole new experience for your kids and they are just full of energy to explore this new thing they are in and just remember soon you will be on the ground and it will be over but until then make it fun and create some memories that will last a lifetime!!

Have you ever flown with kids? If you have what things have worked well for you to make the flights better for everyone?

Autism & Vaccines. What you need to know

2011-01-06T13:49:00.000-07:00

If you have had a child in the last 13 years or so you have heard the same tune over and over again "Vaccines lead to Autism" it scared the living daylights out of almost every mom, including me. Although there has never been 100% proof that vaccines lead to autism the stories coming out of doctor's offices have been terrifying. NOW they are saying that it was all a fraud. The head researcher made it all up. NOW WHAT? So now its okay to inject our children with 15 different vaccines every 3 months? (okay slight exaggeration on the 15) Whats a mom to do? Are you as confused as ever? Here is a snip-it of a article that was on the web this morning.

The first study to link a childhood vaccine to autism was based on doctored information about the children involved, according to a new report on the widely discredited research.The conclusions of the 1998 paper by Andrew Wakefield and colleagues was renounced by 10 of its 13 authors and later retracted by the medical journal Lancet, where it was published. Still, the suggestion the MMR shot was connected to autism spooked parents worldwide and immunization rates for measles, mumps and rubella have never fully recovered.A new examination found, by comparing the reported diagnoses in the paper to hospital records, that Wakefield and colleagues altered facts about patients in their study-Yahoo Medical

In all honesty part of me thinks this is all a conspiracy to make the parents who don't vaccinate stop the whole Autism debate. The government wants us to vaccinate our children, they want us to believe everything they have to say and just eat out of the palms of their hands. So if they bring out some story that may or may not be true they are probably just hoping that will smooth the waves for a time being and all of us parents will stop the sound boards.

The most important thing as parents that we can do is educate ourselves. Do your research find out what is in every single vaccine that your child will be getting and make your own decision. We choose to delay our vaccines and opt out of some like chicken pox (or the new peanut butter vaccine..yep its real!). My daughter is 6 months old and has only gotten the first Hep B shot, she will get only 2 more at her next appt. But that is our decision. My neighbor told me the other day " When your pregnant you have a list of millions of things you can't eat or medications you can't take because its harmful, but when it comes to our babies they get any and every shot and no one thinks twice about what exactly is being put into our children"

Its a huge ocean of people on each side pulling you in 8 million directions and its so easy to just not care but please take the time to read up on both sides, know your facts and make informed decisions.

Resources:

Dr Sears : Dr Sears does a fabulous job at telling both sides he is informative, gives you straight facts and lets you be the judge!

Generation Rescue: This is Jenny McCarthy's organization and although I do not agree with her morally on just about everything she does give straight facts and she has on her front page a lot of information regarding the new break in this forever lasting debate.

Don't Worry Be Happy!

2011-01-04T20:20:00.002-07:00

Sometimes I find myself looking at other moms and thinking "Wow, shes got it together" Every hair is in place, shes in heel's ( I can't even remember the last time I wore heels) she's got the 2011 Honda Sienna, her children are angels, her house is always so clean, she has so many things on her plate, how does she have time for all this STUFF?...what a perfect life she must lead.

Does that sound familiar?

Moms compare themselves to each other ALL the time. I am SO guilty of it quite often. But yet I am quickly reminded that no one has it all together and no one is perfect. Maybe her house is always clean but she doesn't pay attention to her kids, or maybe she does have that brand new mini van but her family is drowning in debt. We have no idea what's going on in that mom's heart or home. I don't want to compare. I want to be happy with what I have. But yet I still do it and thankfully God lovingly reminds me that I do have everything I could ever want or need. A wonderful husband, 2 gorgeous beautiful girls a roof over my head and a car that is usually working =)

Why get so caught up in the fact that some moms do have it all together. Some do and instead of getting jealous maybe we can take the time to ask " What has worked for you?" " How is it, you can pay so much attention to your children AND have a clean home at the same time?"

I am quickly learning that things aren't always as they seem. As a mom I need to do my best to provide the best home life possible for my husband and children and keep the Lord as my focus. So what if time to time the house is a bomb but I had a blast messing it up with the kids. Being in the present, forgetting about the kitchen that desperately needs to be clean can make for some of the best memories. And when I see that mom who is dressed so wonderfully and I who probably forgot to put mascara on my other eye is walking past her will smile because we are all on the same journey going through the same things..She's just learned a lesson I have yet to learn.

No Greater Love

2011-01-04T14:14:00.002-07:00

I have had the flu for 2 lousy days. I hate being sick but it is nice to just lay in bed all day long. Justin and I rented the movie "No Greater Love" off of our subscription to Puritan Picks. Most people have really low standards for Christian movies because they are lower budget films and don't have all the "dazzle" but I think that "Fireproof" did an AMAZING job at putting that fire out (no pun intended..okay maybe a little pun) "No Greater Love" was terrific. I rank it right up with the power of fireproof. It was an awesome picture of the power of Forgiveness, not just forgiveness in marriage but throughout our lives. I seriously encourage everyone to see this film. I don't want to tell you about it too much and give anything a way, But if you need a sneak peek here is the trailer!

Which road are you going to take? Your's? Or God's?

Things my Mother taught me

2011-01-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

My friend Ashley had this on her blog and I was bursting with laughter. It made my day for sure!!

I OWE MY MOTHER

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.

"If you're going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning."

2. My mother taught me RELIGION.

"You better pray that will come out of the carpet."

3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.

"If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week!"

4. My mother taught me LOGIC.

" Because I said so, ! that's why."

5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.

"If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT.

"Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you're in an accident."

7. My mother taught me IRONY

"Keep crying, and I'll give you something to cry about."

8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.

"Shut your mouth and eat your supper."

9. My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.

"Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!"

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.

"You'll sit there until all that spinach is gone."

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.

"This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it."

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.

"If I told you once, I've told you a million times. Don't exaggerate!"

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.

"I brought you into this world, and I can take you out."

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.

"Stop acting like your father!"

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.

"There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you do."

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.

"Just wait until we get home."

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.

"You are going to get it when you get home!"

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.

"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."

19. My mother taught me ESP.

"Put your sweater on; don't you think I know when you are cold?"

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.

"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.

"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.

"You're just like your father."

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.

"Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?"

24. My mother taught me WISDOM.

"When you get to be my age, you'll understand."

25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE.

"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!"

23 Months

2011-01-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Olivia,

Its hard to believe that in a mere 4 weeks we will be celebrating your 2nd birthday. Olivia you are now a happy bouncy full of energy little toddler who loves to dance even when no music is playing, you are learning how to sing and you giggle about everything! You love helping me around the house and your favorite thing to do is set the table and wash the windows. You are talking ALL the time. You say about 20 words and you speak your own little language that somehow we are supposed to be fluent in. You LOVE doggies and your daddy can't wait to get you one soon. You are such a great sister to Piper you take care of her and you just can't wait for her to be able to run around with you! Piper doesn't have a choice she needs to be walking soon! We love you angel girl more then you can ever even imagine! I can't wait for the next year of your life!

Mommy

Olivias Stats:

Weight & Height: At last check up 24 pounds and 36 inches tall

Shoe Size: 7..they grow FAST

Clothes: 18months-2T depending

Favorite Foods: Anything. Getting slightly picky with ground beef and chicken.

Sleep Schedule: Sleeping from 9pm-8am and usually 1 nap a day but starting to not nap..FUN

Teeth: all of them except for 4 same ones on top and bottom.

Accomplishments: Climbing, Jumping,Singing, Dancing, Signing about 10 words, Says about 20 words including Flower, Stop, Juice, Kitty, Doggy, No, Yes, Thank You, Please, Wake up and more. Opening Doors, Slamming doors, using her utensils, drinking out of a big girl cup and POTTY TRAINING!!

2011- The Year Of.......

2011-01-01T08:13:00.001-07:00

Last year I did a pretty hard resolution or challenge more like. To be a Proverbs 31 Wife. Overall I did better then I thought. I learned a lot, I grew a lot and I have a much deeper respect and love for my husband and children. I will continue to strive and be like that remarkable woman every day, each day forever and ever.

But I want 2011 to be a jumble of resolutions

Contentment: I want to learn to be content in ALL things. Not to worry as much. To know 100% that God has it under control. He is sovreign and will work it all out!

Love: I want to love deeper and stronger then EVER before. I want to be more intentional at going out of my way to make the day better for someone else, even if I don't know them.

Joy: Most people when asked to give a word that would describe me would probably say "Joyful" . I am a really joyful person by personality. But I want to be joyful ALWAYS even in the midst of some not so joyful conditions. I usually do see the half glass full but I want to be even more joyful, cup overflowing joyful!

Grilled Cheese: Grilled Cheese? Yep. As you all know I LOVE to cook. But theres one thing I just can not do. Cook grilled cheese. I ALWAYS burn it. Justin is known as the "Grilled Cheese Man" In the house and he says I'm hopeless in this department but I want to master it!! And I WILL conquer that bread, butter and cheese!

Money: I want to save more money then EVER before. We always save but we need to be more intentional about it we are going to save double what we usually do each month. We are going to put more money into the girl's savings and we are starting a Roth IRA. also planning on being 100% out of debt.

Baby: Justin & I later this year are praying and hoping God will add another baby to our family. God is in control of this certain aspect in our lives we leave it up to him whether or not it happens. I am in the boat of "if it happens great, if it doesn't I am happy with our family" We will see what happens.

House: Justin and I are getting a house in the fall. We have been waiting 4-5 years for this to happen and we couldn't be even more then THRILLED! We will start looking the end of this summer and hope to be in a house by September. Right now we are praying for the perfect house to present itself to us. We dream of having BBQ's and fellowship time with our friends in the backyard. Hosting bible studies and Playdates..We can't wait!

So thats what I/we have planned for the year...Wish us luck!

2010 a look back at the last ten years

2010-12-31T18:04:00.003-07:00

Tonight I say goodbye to another decade. One that will probably be the most fulfilling, at least in the top 2!

2000. I was a gangly little 6th grader begging my dad to stock up on Top Ramen and Bottled water because the "WORLD WAS GOING TO END DAD LIKE TOTALLY GOING TO END"!

2001. September 9th We moved from Washington State to Arizona. September 11th was my first day in 8th grade in a whole new school, new town new everything. We didn't even have our TV up so we went to Best Buy that night and watched with horror the scenes from that earth shattering day.

2002. High School started...nothing really exciting that I can remember =)

2003-hmmmm yeah not much going on either

2004. This is where it gets good. Went on a lifechanging missions trip to the Lillian Trasher Orphange in Assiout Egypt! Got the missions bug!

2005: Decided to go on another missions trip this time to David Panama. Not only did I have another lifechanging summer I also met one awesome guy that ended up becoming my hubby =)

2006: I Graduated High School, Got Engaged AND Got Married!

2007 We moved in the spring to Pennsylvania so Justin could attend Bible College. I met some of my

bestest friends that year

2008 Justin graduated Bible College and 3 weeks later we packed up and moved back to Arizona. 4 weeks after moving we found out we were expecting a baby!!!! September 2008 we found out it was a GIRL! Justin got laid off from his job when I was 7 months pregnant and went back to school to become a LPN.

2009- February 3rd I gave birth to Olivia Rose! Spring justin graduated from medical school and got a job at the local hospital. We took a vacation in August to Outer Banks North Carolina. I also became a Aunt in November to Mr. Evan Jacob! November 13th we found out we were expecting another baby!!

2010 Olivia turned 1 in February. July 22nd I gave birth to our second daughter Piper Isabella. In September we moved to a suburb in Phoenix, Justin got an AMAZING job. Overall we are loving life and faithfully praying for God's continued provision and blessings for another decade!!

Not to much going on

2010-12-28T13:36:00.000-07:00

I've been absent on here for a reason. I have nothing to say.. SHOCKKKING I know =) Life has just been la de da. Not bad, not great just the same ol' same ol' wonderfulness it is. We had a wonderful quiet christmas we didn't spend it with any family other then ourselves. The girls opened presents int he morning and it was wonderful to see Olivas face when she came out and saw all the presents. We ate great food, laughed, played with all the new toys, had a fabulous dinner and a really fun walk to look at all the Christmas lights.

Justin has had thelast 5 days off which has been WONDERFUL. I love having him home. I wish we were multi-billionaires and never had to work so we could be together 24/7 but we aren't =)

I will blog this week some more!! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas

A lot of "little things" add up to 1 big thing

2010-12-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

This entire week I am organizing and deep cleaning the house. Sometimes I just feel like things get cluttered, unorganized etc. Plus its always nice to shampoo the carpets every once in awhile. I always get asked "When do you have time for that with two kids? the answer. I don't.
Honestly what mom has time to do ANYTHING?! My main priority is my sweet babes so when they are awake I don't get to immersed in any project that they can't help me with or that takes to much of my time away from them. I love playing dress up, sitting in the reading tent reading book after book, playing farm animals and just dancing around the house with them. But when I do need to clean, I involve them. I strap Piper in the ergo on my back or belly and with that I can do everything. Olivia is now at the age where she can get involved. Toddlers WANT to help. And I am grooming her for wanting to help me when shes at a age where most kids don't. What are some ways toddlers can help? Here is a list of things Olivia helps me with and LOVES TO DO.

Let your toddler put the dryer sheet into the dryer and help clean out the lint.
Teach them how to fold and let them help you put away the clothes
Dust the house where they can reach
Making the bed. Olivia loves helping me tuck them under the mattress
Vacuuming. Olivia holds onto the handle with me and thinks shes doing it all by herself
Cleaning the windows with windex (with adult supervision of course) I usually squirt it on the window lock the sprayer and let her wipe.
Help unload the cutlery from the dishwasher (after you remove the knives=)

These are just a few ways that they can help and even though they are little you will find you have extra time to do other things knowing the little things have been done

2010-12-14T08:08:00.000-07:00

I am trying two new recipes this week. The Mexican Casserole and a new Pot Roast recipe. Hope they turn out well! I wanted to do more soups this week but its record high weather here!! Its going to be the high 70's and low 80's all week. Isn't supposed to be winter??

Monday:Breakfast: French Toast
Lunch: Annies Organic Mac & Cheese
Dinner: Spinach and Cheese Manicotti, Salad & Bread

Tuesday: Breakfast Whole Grain Pancakes with fruit salad and bacon
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Pretzel Chunk Chicken with Dijon Honey sauce, Mashed potatoes and veggie

Wednesday breakfast: Cereal
Lunch: PB & J @ park
Dinner: Teriyaki Salmon Steaks with Risotto

Thursday: Breakfast Oatmeal & Greek Yogurt
Lunch: Homemade Pizza
Dinner: Easy Mexican Casserole with salad

Friday: Breakast- Scrambled eggs and toast
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup

Saturday: Breakfast French Toast
Lunch: Chicken Quesdillas
Dinner: Pot Roast with Red potatoes carrots and Gravy, Salad & Bread

Sunday Breakfast Brocolli Quiche and fruit salad
lunch/dinner: Oven Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Cornbread and Green Beans

My Kitchen

2010-12-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

For months and months I have had people asking me for recipe after recipe on things we make at home. I LOVE that people want to cook some of the recipes we have come to love in our family. So to make it easy I developed "My Kitchen" its a tab right up top on this page. Here you will find Main Dishes, Side Dishes, Breads, Desserts, Appetizers and a list of great resources for more recipes all for the taking!

I have quite a few Main Dishes up right now and I will be working on the rest of it all next week. Obviously not every recipe I have is going on there or it would be VERY large but I picked a ton of the greats!!!

Try a new recipe tonight for dinner and build your repetoire!!

Here With Us

2010-12-09T14:56:00.001-07:00

Here is one of my favorite Christmas songs of all time. Hope you love it as much as me =)

22 Months

2010-12-03T07:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Olivia,

The countdown has begun 8 weeks till you are 2 years old!! WOW I can hardly believe that its almost been 2 years since you came into this world and made our lives so much more better and exciting! You are all kid these days. You taught yourself how to jump and now thats all you want to do. You dance around the house in your pink tutu while yelling LEAP LEAP LEAP. You are talking ALOT you've learned 7 new words this week and surprised me quite a bit when all of a sudden a new word came out. Yesterday you were reading yourself a story pointed and said "doggy" (which you have been saying for months) and I said "where is the doggy?" and you made me almost fall off the chair when you replied "mommy doggy right there" I was so excited!! I sent out a mass text to my friends =) Your potty training a little bit, just taking it slow right now. You LOVE your little sister and I can't leave you alone with her for a second because you pick her up, shove food in her mouth or take off all her clothes and roll her around the living room. You want to play with her so bad! Daddy & I love you so much! Your becoming a beautiful lady who love Jesus, especially praying. You LOVE to clasp your hands bow your head and say AMEN! Your the light of my life sweetie!!

Heapings of Grace

2010-11-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just want to scream at myself " Why don't you get it already!" Patience is not my strongest character trait. Hmmmm actually its not even on my list of traits. IMpatience is though, probably topping the list.

I could really use more patience this week. Especially with my beautiful stubborn daughter Olivia. Its hard for me to maintain a cool calm and collected tone when is 10 at night and she still is up and not wanting to obey. I lose my cool. Especially when my husband is gone at work and its just me. Then she falls asleep and as I tuck her in I feel sad. embarrassed. guilty. That she went to asleep with me impatient and telling her very firmly to GO TO SLEEEEEPPPPP!! I kiss her sweet face and tell her that I am sorry and that I love her and I will try better the next day. And usually I screw up again.

Then I think about Jesus and how many times we tell him " I'll do better next time" and we screw it up again the next day and the next day AND the next day. But he extends heapings of grace and multitudes of forgiveness and love to us and scoops us up and says " I love you" I need to have more grace towards my girls, knowing that they are going to mess up, not obey, scream and have tantrums and its MY response that they see. And its ME that will have to stand before Jesus and explain how I had no patience but Jesus had it for me when I didn't get it.

Parenting...nothing makes you realize more how much, ohh how very much our Savior loves us.

Season of Giving

2010-11-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Christmas time is here again! I feel like I just packed away the ornaments and decorations from last year and now I am bringing them back out again! I felt really compelled to just tell my readers about some AMAZING stand out organizations that are giving back to the World this year. You can buy gifts for family and friends and give back to peope in need across the globe. I seriously encourage you to check these out

TOMS Shoes. If you have not heard about this amazing company read about them here. When you purchase a pair of shoes from TOMS they donate another pair to a child in Africa who does not own shoes. SO you are really getting 2 for 1. Our whole family has TOMS and we all LOVE THEM! What a great gift for kids, and adults for Christmas! And they are seriously comfy!

Samaritans Purse. Most of you have heard about Operation Christmas Child, where you pack the shoeboxes for kids. They also have a store. For $4 you can provide milk for a child for a week, for $50 you can buy a dozen chicks for a family etc. The prices go from a dollar to $35,000 so there is something for everyone! A buck goes a long way in other countries. You can give a gift to someone in their honor and the reciepent will get a ornament. Such a great gift for family and you are giving back. We have done this the last few years and its great!

There are so many other organizations out there, just make sure its not a scam. These are two I HIGHLY recommend. Here is a video that will make you cry.... I DARE YOU TO MOVE!

4 Months

2010-11-21T17:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Piper,

I just look at you awe struck sometimes, I am captivated by your beauty! You are such a wonderful Joy to me and to everyone who gets to meet you. You smile constantly and you are now belly laughing. But your sister is the only one who can get you to do that. You look up to your big sister so much, and she adores you! You sleep through the night and every morning starts out right when I get to wake up to your smily face right next to mine. You are rolling EVERYWHERE! You have started to sit in your bumbo but you are very ready to be sitting up by yourself. You are trying so hard, very soon my love! You still look just like your daddy and you still have my feet. You are in 3-6 month size clothes now and you are in size 1 shoe. You are talking alllllll the time and you love just hanging out in your swing. The ladies in the church nursery love having you on Sundays because you just sit in your swing and "talk" to them. I am so excited that thursday will be your first Thanksgiving. I am very thankful God gave you to us. I love you more and more each day!
Mommy

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays-All of Creation

2010-11-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

"Captivated, but no longer bound by chains"

I love that verse in this awesome song by Mercy Me (who I LOVE)

Striving for Excellence: Worker at Home

2010-11-19T10:56:00.001-07:00

Homemaking has turned into a HUGE passion of mine. A passion to see women truly live out their Biblical responsibility at home. Loving God, Their husband and children all for the glory of our king!

In Proverbs 31,nine of them directly refer to the wife's work in the home. Her life revolved around her home, and she had pure satisfaction in doing so. She saw her job as a home-based ministry. There's that word again, Ministry. Titus 2 and 1 Timothy 5 talk about the women's role to be at home running a household that is pleasing to God. Now I know that talking about women staying at home is not a very popular subject nowadays but I firmly believe that God intended for women to be at home and do a good job at taking care of her home. " A wife who is gone with too many activities or work, does not have the time or energy to keep her home as it should be kept. Staying at home & organizing a clean, well run household is a major biblical emphasis in the God- given ministry of the wife" -The Excellent Wife pg 73. So you may be wondering "that's nice and all but we can't afford to stay at home" in the book Martha Peace talks about that very thing and some ways you can cut back to be at home and what your motives really are.

You set the tone in your house everyday. You know that saying "if mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" well its pretty true! Now I am not sitting her preaching and saying I am miss Susie homemaker and I have it all together because when it comes to setting the tone of the house, I can do a way better job. Chaos & disorder create tension and contention in the home, your business should be finding ways to make your home peaceful, loving and in a way a sanctuary for your family. Turn off the TV play some music, light some candles and go about your day, it really makes a difference! The woman who views her life "as a cross to bear" projects that feeling onto her family and robs everyone in the house of joy. If your family were to describe you what would they say??

Colossians 3:23 " She does her work HEARTILY as unto the Lord" As a wife and mother we should be good and efficient at our job, keeping up on the housework, providing good healthy meals for our family. We should not waste time. Being at home does not give us a pass to be lazy and sit on the couch and watch soap operas all day ( and no I am not saying that you can never sit on the couch and relax) Self-discipline is a hard thing to do. On the other hand some women are perfectionists they unnecessarily overwork themselves and make everyone else miserable in the process. While it is great to to teach self-discipline, it is bad to be intolerant or anxious if the house isn't perfect.

People are more important then clean houses! In this regard a wife or mother should be "easy to be entreated James 3:17"

One of the best ways we can better set the tone for the day is to take time out in the morning before anyone gets up to be with the Lord. I try and get up at 5am every morning to do my devotions. I feel invigorated and energized and joyful during the day if I take that time to fill up my spiritual tank. "This is a day the Lord has made, let me rejoice and be glad in it" Psalm 118:24.

Martha Peace gives us some great ways that we can set the tone for our home

Express interest in your family, take advantage of special moments with your husband. Give him a extra hug or kiss. As you are mopping the kitchen floor, take time out to hug your kids and whisper in their ear " I love you, you are such a joy to me"
BE DRESSED, Get yourself as put together as you can even if it just means doing your hair.

I am still very much a work in progress in this area. Some days I am lucky if I brush my teeth. She is not saying that we need to be perfect but we do need to be striving to do the most of our job. We wouldn't show up to work in pajamas and nasty breath, so we shouldn't be doing our most important job (being wife and mom) like that either.

This weeks challenge: Set the tone for your home. Spend time with the Lord. Make your home a relaxing haven for your family a place they can come to with all of life's stresses and know when they walk through the door they are loved, welcomed and can breathe. I know what makes my house less stressful and I think it can differ for every home so do something you know your family will like. Maybe that means no TV, or maybe a walk after dinner as a family to talk and be together. I would love to hear your stories about how you make your home a haven.

Belly Laughs

2010-11-18T13:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I had one of those moments where I just fell so in love with my girls even more. Olivia was playing with Piper on the living room floor. Piper was sitting up in her bumbo [ can't believe she is already in that thing] and all of the sudden I heard this really loud giggle. But it sounded different. I look over and Olivia has Piper BUSTING up laughing straight from her belly. Olivia was making funny faces and getting super close to pipers face and Piper LOVED it. Olivia made Piper truly laugh for the very first time. It was the sweetest moment of the week so far!! Its so wonderful to see your kids bonding and just loving on each other, theres nothing quite like it!!!

Hill Country Mercantile Winner

2010-11-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS MELONIE REEVES! You are the lucky winner of the beautiful gift basket! Thank you to everyone who entered. More giveaways will be coming so stay tuned

*Winners are picked by random, by a number generator

2010-11-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

If you haven't already heard the news, England is going to have a new Princess. Yep Prince William is getting married. Shes the first commoner in over 300 years to marry the heir to the throne. As I was reading a online article about it I started noticing myself drifting off to dreamland and dreaming about what life must be like to be a princess. I started getting all those butterflies we used to get when we were little girls. That feeling never really goes away. But then I felt God just tugging on my heart string and saying "you are my princess" And its true.

We are so fascinated with Royalty and all that comes with it. But we sometimes don't think twice about our Most High King, Jesus. He is our king,we are his princess, his bride and we have a WHOLE kingdom full of treasures in Heaven. A kingdom that puts buckingham palace to SHAME!

1 John 3:1 " How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the Children of God"

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 " Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

Take some time today to thank your King and remember that our treasures and riches are in heaven!!

Thankful for the Craziness

2010-11-15T14:07:00.000-07:00

I was listening to KLOVE a few days ago and they shared a letter that a reader sent in about the things she is thankful for. It really hit home and has made me really appreciate the mess in the house, the screaming kids, the pile of bills on the desk a whole lot more. She so wonderfully put things in perspective for us moms. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did
I came to a startling realization recently that I wanted to share with you. That realization is I am thankful for many "crazy" things. These are things that would seem like the average person should run and hide from, but as a stay at home mom, I wouldn't have it any other way. This is a list of the few things that I am thankful for:

-Being up all night and tired all day because it means I have another little bundle of joy around to love.

-Toys scattered in the backyard because it means the weather is nice enough for the kids to play outside.

-Bills to pay because it means I have a nice home with heat, air conditioning, water, electricity, etc.

-Socks on the bathroom floor because it means my husband is home and able to relax in the tub after working hard for us all day.

-Dishes in the sink because it means we have plenty of good food to eat and good company to share at the dining room table.

-A little extra weight on my body because it means I've just successfully made it through another pregnancy and have a sweet little infant to show for it.

-A messy house because it means we enjoy what we have and are able to spend time together playing as a family.

-A scar on my lower abdomen because it means that a child of mine whose life was in danger in now a healthy part of our family.

-A busy day because it means I have sweet little children, a wonderful husband, and a nice home to care for and love.

-A house full of noise because it means I have a house full of family.

In short, looking at any of these things alone (bills, lack of sleep, lots of work, etc. ) one can get discouraged. So many times the media and our society like to focus solely on these "negative" aspects of the life of a wife and mother, but putting them into the right perspective, they are incredible blessings that I wouldn't give up for the world- Maria mother of 4

2010-11-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

Well last night I made spring rolls this awesome chinese dish that my mom makes. yeahhhh it didn't go so well. First, my mom forgot to tell me you needed wonton rolls to put the mixture in. But no matter what it just FAILED. We ended up having PB& J for dinner and now my house smells like feet (thanks to the rice vinegar) We sure had alot of laughs about it though. Hopefully this week turns out ALOT better

Monday: Tacos w/ Refried Beans and Spanish Rice
Tuesday:Chicken Parmasan w/ Salad & sourdough bread
Wednesday: Grilled Cheese w/ Tomato soup
Thursday: Chicken Packets w/Mashed potatoes and Veggie
Friday: Teriyaki Salmon with Quinoa and Veggie
Saturday: Crock Pot Mac & Cheese

Hill Country Mercantile GIVEAWAY

2010-11-14T15:51:00.002-07:00

Hill Country Mercantile is a family owned and operated business. Their desire is to bring you quality products that will enhance yet simplify your home and life.
They offer a variety of organically grown and harvested herbs and spices, as well as loose leaf teas from around the world.

The Bath and Body products are made by them and are All Natural. This product line contains; Natural Hand Milled Rustic Soaps, Body Lotion, Bath Salts, Bath Teas and Lip Balm.

They also offer a line of USA grown and produced jams, marmalade's and cooking sauces. They are continually adding to the line of products yet keeping in mind quality, simplicity and cost so that they can pass on to you the customers the philosophy of:

FINE GOODS * SENSIBLE PRODUCTS * SIMPLE LIVING

Hill Country Mercantile is a brand new business (owned by my parents, so I know its quality stuff) and they have donated this beautiful gift bag of goodies for one lucky person to win its a $13.25 value!! The winner will receive 1 bar of Cranberry Fig Soap (with real dried cranberries inside) 1 2oz bottle of Cranberry Fig Lotion and 1 Passion Fruit Lip Balm all wrapped inside this beautiful gift bag! This is a perfect Christmas present for someone or just yourself =)

How To Enter This Giveaway:

Go onto their website and pick out your favorite product, come back on here and leave me a comment about it.
You can enter again by blogging about this giveaway or facebooking it to your friends. Leave a separate comment for each thing you do.

This giveaway ends Wednesday November 17th!

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays-Better Then A Hallejulah

2010-11-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

I love this song . Sometimes coming to God a broken mess and asking for restoration means more to him then praising his name. God wants us to lay our burdens at his throne to let him fix the things that are falling apart in our lives.

Striving For Excellence Part 1

2010-11-12T07:11:00.001-07:00

"For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands." 1 Peter 3:5

God's will for every Christian wife is that her most important ministry be to her husband, after her personal relationship with Jesus Christ, nothing else should have greater priority. her husband should be the primary benefactor of his wife's time and energy, not the recipient of what may be left over and the end of the day-Martha Peace (pg4)

This passage in "The Excellent Wife" really convicted me (and its only page 4). Ministry. Have you ever looked at your role as a wife as a ministry? I sure didn't before reading this book. Before I was always looking at what I got out of it ex: "he better notice I cleaned the house today" or " I busted my rear off today and he's just going to sit there and not ask me if he can help?" common phrases I said ALOT. But that is the total opposite of ministry. We serve because its our job our purpose and our command. To be joyful always. To clean the house and not expect a thank you, to get up and get him that cold glass of water because he worked hard in providing.

In Proverbs 31 God describes 20 traits of "the excellent wife"As these traits are developed in a woman, her life will begin to glorify God. "As a beautiful flower in the light of the morning sun reflects the glory of God's creation, an excellent wife reflects God's glory by her attitudes and actions".

God has called EVERY christian wife to excellence but one thing gets in the way. SIN.

"Sin is the only thing that will keep a woman from becoming a godly wife. Sin is lawlessness, a transgression from any of Gods standards (1 John3:4).It is failing to trust in and do what God's word says. Sin is wanting to do things her own way rather then Gods way"-TEW pg 6

you are WITHOUT EXCUSE. " Because God has so richly provided for a christian wife in her battle against sin, she is without excuse. Her loving, merciful, and holy God has truly provided everything she needs to become a Godly wife"-TEW pg 7

The best place to start is to go to a quiet place where you are comfortable, get on your knees and ask God to reveal the sin in your life that is keeping you from being a Godly wife. A warning. God WILL reveal it so be prepared to deal with it. I wasn't fully prepared for the list God had for me =) I am still going through the process of dealing with it all. But I will tell you its hard, painful but the oneness you get with your husband is better then ever. Not only do we confess it to God we confess it to our husbands and ask them for forgiveness. Justin was totally taken aback when I asked for forgiveness for not always be respectful to his wishes or just him in general. It was hard, but it was great!

Challenge: Make your marriage a matter of faithful prayer. When was the last time you prayed for your marriage? or prayed with your spouse about your marriage? You don't just pray when things are tough pray through the good times the season of summer in your relationship. It will better prepare you for those winter times.

*I would REALLY enourage you to purchase the book "The Excellent Wife". Again this series covers about 10% of all the knowledge and wealth this book has to offer.You can find it in my Divinely Domesticated store on Amazon. I have a link that goes directly to my store to the right of my blog.