Its been quite a while since I've posted a blog entry. I've been struggling with keeping up with this blog and keeping up with my family and housework. But alas... I believe I will be able to do it now that I've gotten our schedule sorted out.
Now its update time!! The baby is almost 7 months old (on the 24th) and she's sitting up and starting to try and crawl. She's even started using a sippy cup... we're still working on that.
My husband and I have started the Jim Sammon's Financial Freedom Seminar this past week. I think its going to be good for us and will challenge us to make better financial decisions and grow in our walk with the Lord.
We're still on the hunt for a church. We've visited several churches and we liked a few. We're going back to one of them this evening. I'm more enthusiastic about this particular church than my husband but we've only ever been to hear guest speakers. I'm hoping that the pastor will give the message this evening and we'll have a better idea about how we like it.
We took our trip to Florida for Thanksgiving. It was so nice to spend that time with my husband's family. We even got to go swimming on Thanksgiving Day. I have to admit, the drive down was a little rough, but we drove through the night and my wonderful husband did most of the driving and really allowed me to get rest and care for the baby. We did have the opportunity to go on a date while we were there which was nice. We saw Harry Potter and had ice cream at Friendly's. Its always nice for us to get out and have some time to ourselves.
Other than that, nothing else has really happened. We're just getting ready for Christmas day with family and celebrating this very important holiday for the first time with a child. I'm also looking forward to exploring more of the financial freedom seminar and seeing God's wisdom on the subject of finances.
"For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Travel and Groceries??
I recently returned from a wonderful trip away with my husband. We went to Las Vegas for 5 days. He had a conference and I tagged along... My mom took care of the baby so we could go "kidless." It was a nice time away and we had plenty of time to spend together. He took me to see all the things I really wanted to see and I ventured out during the day and scoped things out that were important to me.
Next week we will depart for Florida to see my in-laws. It will be a long trip with a dog and baby, but its much less expensive than flying and boarding the dog. Next week I'll have to clean the house so we come home to a clean house and pack up for our trip. I'm excited yet nervous about the trip.
On a completely different note, I have found that I'm doing much better on our grocery bill now that I have found Aldi. I have shopped at Aldi for the past couple of weeks and have saved quite a bit of money. We still have to go to Walmart and Giant to do some of the shopping but I have found that I can get quite a bit at Aldi.
I've also been doing much better with my cooking. For a while, I slipped out of cooking and found we were spending too much money on food, so I started cooking again. I've made dinner every night since we've been home from Vegas and I dont see us going out again until we leave for FL. I'm enjoying providing a hot meal for my husband when he gets home from work. It lets him know I appreciate his work efforts enough to take the time to make him a hot meal.
I also have been trying really hard to keep the house really clean. Its nice because when I have visitors, I dont have to worry about the house being a mess, but its also hard because the baby is taking up a ton of my time. I always think its more important to spend time with your kids than to have a spotless house, but I'm trying to have both if I can :)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
Next week we will depart for Florida to see my in-laws. It will be a long trip with a dog and baby, but its much less expensive than flying and boarding the dog. Next week I'll have to clean the house so we come home to a clean house and pack up for our trip. I'm excited yet nervous about the trip.
On a completely different note, I have found that I'm doing much better on our grocery bill now that I have found Aldi. I have shopped at Aldi for the past couple of weeks and have saved quite a bit of money. We still have to go to Walmart and Giant to do some of the shopping but I have found that I can get quite a bit at Aldi.
I've also been doing much better with my cooking. For a while, I slipped out of cooking and found we were spending too much money on food, so I started cooking again. I've made dinner every night since we've been home from Vegas and I dont see us going out again until we leave for FL. I'm enjoying providing a hot meal for my husband when he gets home from work. It lets him know I appreciate his work efforts enough to take the time to make him a hot meal.
I also have been trying really hard to keep the house really clean. Its nice because when I have visitors, I dont have to worry about the house being a mess, but its also hard because the baby is taking up a ton of my time. I always think its more important to spend time with your kids than to have a spotless house, but I'm trying to have both if I can :)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10)
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sense of Accomplishment
I recently started looking around my house and wondering what I could do to improve my home and make it easier to maintain. Now with having Emily, its been a lot harder to keep up the housework because her days are so unpredictable. She's in that I want to be up and looking around but I cant do it myself quite yet stage. I'm left with a total of 4 hours worth of naptime a day in order to complete housework. This sounds like a lot but take into account that during this time I need to prepare and eat meals too.
First and the most obvious was I needed to get rid of some stuff. This is hard for me because there are lots of things in my home that have sentimental or emotional attachment. I managed to pack away some things that will hopefully be displayed in the next home we purchase (which will hopefully be larger than my current home). I am still having trouble with a few knic-knacks, but I'm sure they will find their place soon enough.
The next step was for me to create storage solutions that would help keep things neat and orderly. I always found that the neighbor's son didnt really have a place for his extra school supplies and book so he always left them on the table. Well once one thing was left on the table, it seemed to accumulate a steady stream of stuff. I remedied that situation by using an old basket and will have him store all of his school supplies in the basket and put the basket away each afternoon. I also have an issue with pending mail (bills that need to be paid and like items). I got another basket to keep on top of the microwave to catch all of that mail, since mail seemed to be piling up all around me. I then created a storage bin for all of Emily's items (pack n play sheets, waterproof pads, extra bibs, cloth diapers, etc.) to keep in the living room so I dont have to dash upstairs for these items.
Then came time for cleaning. I took everything off the counter tops and scrubbed the counter, washed the fronts of the appliances, cleaned inside the fridge, cleaned all of my ceiling fans, scrubbed down the bathroom with bleach :), dusted the living room and swept all the hard floors. My dog doesnt go to daycare until tomorrow so the vacuum will have to wait until then so I can move all the furniture and dont have to navigate around a very curious dog. For now I've just run the vacuum around the furniture. I also have to wait to polish the wood floors until tomorrow because he chases the polish mop, same for scrubbing the kitchen... he'll lay in the middle of the kitchen floor and roll around and get all wet... not fun!
I have a great sense of accomplishment looking at all I've gotten done so far. Its much easier to maintain a clean house when its actually clean. I havent tackled the bedrooms yet but that will come next week when my hubby is out of town. I had planned to get it accomplished this week, but his schedule changed and he is now able to be home with us for our anniversary and my goal is to just enjoy having him here :)
"The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour." (Proverbs 21:25)
First and the most obvious was I needed to get rid of some stuff. This is hard for me because there are lots of things in my home that have sentimental or emotional attachment. I managed to pack away some things that will hopefully be displayed in the next home we purchase (which will hopefully be larger than my current home). I am still having trouble with a few knic-knacks, but I'm sure they will find their place soon enough.
The next step was for me to create storage solutions that would help keep things neat and orderly. I always found that the neighbor's son didnt really have a place for his extra school supplies and book so he always left them on the table. Well once one thing was left on the table, it seemed to accumulate a steady stream of stuff. I remedied that situation by using an old basket and will have him store all of his school supplies in the basket and put the basket away each afternoon. I also have an issue with pending mail (bills that need to be paid and like items). I got another basket to keep on top of the microwave to catch all of that mail, since mail seemed to be piling up all around me. I then created a storage bin for all of Emily's items (pack n play sheets, waterproof pads, extra bibs, cloth diapers, etc.) to keep in the living room so I dont have to dash upstairs for these items.
Then came time for cleaning. I took everything off the counter tops and scrubbed the counter, washed the fronts of the appliances, cleaned inside the fridge, cleaned all of my ceiling fans, scrubbed down the bathroom with bleach :), dusted the living room and swept all the hard floors. My dog doesnt go to daycare until tomorrow so the vacuum will have to wait until then so I can move all the furniture and dont have to navigate around a very curious dog. For now I've just run the vacuum around the furniture. I also have to wait to polish the wood floors until tomorrow because he chases the polish mop, same for scrubbing the kitchen... he'll lay in the middle of the kitchen floor and roll around and get all wet... not fun!
I have a great sense of accomplishment looking at all I've gotten done so far. Its much easier to maintain a clean house when its actually clean. I havent tackled the bedrooms yet but that will come next week when my hubby is out of town. I had planned to get it accomplished this week, but his schedule changed and he is now able to be home with us for our anniversary and my goal is to just enjoy having him here :)
"The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour." (Proverbs 21:25)
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Many Blessings!
Taking care of the neighbor's son has been a huge blessing. I love helping him with his homework and encouraging him to be a better student. He's such a great kid and he's a joy to have here at the house.
We were blessed to be able to trade in my small SUV for a mini-van last month. We prayed about it and God answered with a beautiful almost new Chrysler Town and Country Touring complete with DVD player system and back-up camera. I now have the space to haul more people around and we dont have to borrow a van to take our trip to Florida for Thanksgiving.
My husband found out that he would be traveling for our 3-year wedding anniversary. I was a little upset because we had made plans to spend the day together and celebrate with a nice dinner at Chima in the evening. I then found out that he would be taking a 5 day trip to Las Vegas starting on Halloween, just a week and a half after our anniversary. After much debate, we decided that I would accompany him to Las Vegas and celebrate our anniversary. I am very excited because it is my first trip. I have no interest in going to the casinos or most of the shows, but there are neat attractions there such as the Lion Habitat at MGM Grand, the Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio, the dancing fountains at the Bellagio, the Gondolas at The Venetian, the M&M world factory, the Coca-Cola Plant, and the Tropical Rain forest at the Mirage. I think it will be a nice trip away and a chance for us to spend some time together. He has to work during the day but we have the evenings to spend together and 1/2 the day on Monday and Thursday.
Emily is becoming very mobile. She is able to roll anywhere she wants to go. Its making it impossible for me to get any work done since she doesnt want to sleep a lot and she is very picky about what she's doing. I feel its more important for me to give attention to my daughter than to have a spotless home.
We were blessed to be able to trade in my small SUV for a mini-van last month. We prayed about it and God answered with a beautiful almost new Chrysler Town and Country Touring complete with DVD player system and back-up camera. I now have the space to haul more people around and we dont have to borrow a van to take our trip to Florida for Thanksgiving.
My husband found out that he would be traveling for our 3-year wedding anniversary. I was a little upset because we had made plans to spend the day together and celebrate with a nice dinner at Chima in the evening. I then found out that he would be taking a 5 day trip to Las Vegas starting on Halloween, just a week and a half after our anniversary. After much debate, we decided that I would accompany him to Las Vegas and celebrate our anniversary. I am very excited because it is my first trip. I have no interest in going to the casinos or most of the shows, but there are neat attractions there such as the Lion Habitat at MGM Grand, the Botanical Gardens at the Bellagio, the dancing fountains at the Bellagio, the Gondolas at The Venetian, the M&M world factory, the Coca-Cola Plant, and the Tropical Rain forest at the Mirage. I think it will be a nice trip away and a chance for us to spend some time together. He has to work during the day but we have the evenings to spend together and 1/2 the day on Monday and Thursday.
Emily is becoming very mobile. She is able to roll anywhere she wants to go. Its making it impossible for me to get any work done since she doesnt want to sleep a lot and she is very picky about what she's doing. I feel its more important for me to give attention to my daughter than to have a spotless home.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Learning to Trust God in EVERYTHING
The past week or so has been full of challenges for both myself and my husband. Its good to know that I can trust God to help overcome the challenges that we're facing. I also know that some of these challenges my husband and I will face together. We're continuing to seek God's wisdom and direction for so many things in our lives both together and separate.
I know that God has a plan and although I'm not aware of what the plan is, I trust that God will take care of us. I admit that I'm not always really good at trusting God with things as I fear the outcome. Thats one of the many challenges that I personally face and I think thats why I feel like its a lot more challenging to overcome the challenges.
I will continue to seek God's help in prayer and pray that he will open my heart to trust him fully in every situation.
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
I know that God has a plan and although I'm not aware of what the plan is, I trust that God will take care of us. I admit that I'm not always really good at trusting God with things as I fear the outcome. Thats one of the many challenges that I personally face and I think thats why I feel like its a lot more challenging to overcome the challenges.
I will continue to seek God's help in prayer and pray that he will open my heart to trust him fully in every situation.
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Blessings!
The past week has been filled to the brim with blessings for our family!
Last week our neighbors sent us an email explaining that her brother had gotten a job and would be unable to care for their 9 year old son after school. They asked me if I would watch him for a few hours after school until either of them got home from work. Best of all, they offered to pay us for watching him. I had been praying for an opportunity to make a few extra dollars and the Lord set it right before me.
The very next day, I had the opportunity to drive to my grandparents house (about 2 1/2 hours away) to visit with them and my uncle and 3 cousins whom I dont get to see often. It was a blessing to spend that time with them and visit together.
Saturday we had another opportunity to fellowship with some wonderful christian young adults. We all met at Don Pablos to celebrate Daniel becoming an RN. It was a great time of fellowship and the food was fantastic!
Sunday we visited the Prince William Campus of McLean Bible Church. Unfortunately it wasnt a good fit for us, but we did enjoy the message given. Jonathan surprised me by taking me to Checkers for lunch. We then had over my mom, her fiance and my cousin to eat Ropa Vieja and fellowship.
Yesterday we had Emily's ears pierced. My husbands family is very big on this being done when they're babies. She looks so cute with her new earrings! We then received a phone call from my husband's boss. He wanted to meet with him. We were a little nervous but come to find out they had gift cards for us to say thank you for all of my husband's hard work. Needless to say it was much needed!
God is soo good!
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philipians 4:19)
Last week our neighbors sent us an email explaining that her brother had gotten a job and would be unable to care for their 9 year old son after school. They asked me if I would watch him for a few hours after school until either of them got home from work. Best of all, they offered to pay us for watching him. I had been praying for an opportunity to make a few extra dollars and the Lord set it right before me.
The very next day, I had the opportunity to drive to my grandparents house (about 2 1/2 hours away) to visit with them and my uncle and 3 cousins whom I dont get to see often. It was a blessing to spend that time with them and visit together.
Saturday we had another opportunity to fellowship with some wonderful christian young adults. We all met at Don Pablos to celebrate Daniel becoming an RN. It was a great time of fellowship and the food was fantastic!
Sunday we visited the Prince William Campus of McLean Bible Church. Unfortunately it wasnt a good fit for us, but we did enjoy the message given. Jonathan surprised me by taking me to Checkers for lunch. We then had over my mom, her fiance and my cousin to eat Ropa Vieja and fellowship.
Yesterday we had Emily's ears pierced. My husbands family is very big on this being done when they're babies. She looks so cute with her new earrings! We then received a phone call from my husband's boss. He wanted to meet with him. We were a little nervous but come to find out they had gift cards for us to say thank you for all of my husband's hard work. Needless to say it was much needed!
God is soo good!
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philipians 4:19)
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
God's Amazing Work!
I'm always amazed when I sit and think of all the wonderful things God does for us. I cant tell you how many times I've seen things that seem nearly impossible happen with such ease and I know all the credit is to the Lord.
The most amazing thing I've seen recently is God giving me the courage to talk to others about Christ. I've been pretty shy about it and really talked about it with "safe" people, meaning people who share my beliefs. I was also a little weary to bring it up with my husband when I had convictions on things that he may not. I was always afraid of what people may think or that they may treat me differently because of my beliefs/convictions.
I was able to share a conversation with my Aunt on Saturday about how God was working in my heart on several issues. These are things I usually keep to myself but I thought to myself, Why should I keep God's wonderful work quiet? Recently my Aunt, who is also a Christian, has been struggling with some health issues and as I found out on Saturday, she had been also struggling with some of the same spiritual convictions that I had been struggling with. We were able to share our testimonies with each other and encourage each other to keep praying and working on our issues. I was also able to pray with her about her health issues and to encourage her to look to God for guidance and comfort during this difficult time for her. After our conversation, my aunt seemed much happier, like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders and she was able to enjoy the rest of the afternoon with our family.
I was also able to share God's word with a friend of mine who belongs to the Mormon church. She has been one of my friends for about 6 years now and I've never gone down the path of sharing God's word with her because I didnt want to offend her and her religion. She brought us The Book of Mormon today and asked us to read it. I graciously accepted the book although in my heart I dont believe its teachings. She said she knew I wasnt going to convert to Mormonism, but she wanted me to understand her religion a little better. It was her way of sharing the word with me. I took the opportunity to share the word with her. We talked about the differences in our beliefs. She does read the bible and the Mormon church uses the KJV, but they also believe in the Book of Mormon. I gave her a track which I keep carefully tucked in my bible case. I asked her if she would read it and give it some thought. I invited her family to attend church with our family in hopes that she may allow God to change her heart in the future. I will continue to pray for her family's salvation and that she may move to know God's word as the only true word.
I'm so thankful to God that he works in my heart and allows me to be a witness to people and bring His word to their attention. I'm also thankful that He has allowed me to be an encouragement to those around me who are struggling and that He is helping them to be an encouragement to me at the same time.
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)
The most amazing thing I've seen recently is God giving me the courage to talk to others about Christ. I've been pretty shy about it and really talked about it with "safe" people, meaning people who share my beliefs. I was also a little weary to bring it up with my husband when I had convictions on things that he may not. I was always afraid of what people may think or that they may treat me differently because of my beliefs/convictions.
I was able to share a conversation with my Aunt on Saturday about how God was working in my heart on several issues. These are things I usually keep to myself but I thought to myself, Why should I keep God's wonderful work quiet? Recently my Aunt, who is also a Christian, has been struggling with some health issues and as I found out on Saturday, she had been also struggling with some of the same spiritual convictions that I had been struggling with. We were able to share our testimonies with each other and encourage each other to keep praying and working on our issues. I was also able to pray with her about her health issues and to encourage her to look to God for guidance and comfort during this difficult time for her. After our conversation, my aunt seemed much happier, like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders and she was able to enjoy the rest of the afternoon with our family.
I was also able to share God's word with a friend of mine who belongs to the Mormon church. She has been one of my friends for about 6 years now and I've never gone down the path of sharing God's word with her because I didnt want to offend her and her religion. She brought us The Book of Mormon today and asked us to read it. I graciously accepted the book although in my heart I dont believe its teachings. She said she knew I wasnt going to convert to Mormonism, but she wanted me to understand her religion a little better. It was her way of sharing the word with me. I took the opportunity to share the word with her. We talked about the differences in our beliefs. She does read the bible and the Mormon church uses the KJV, but they also believe in the Book of Mormon. I gave her a track which I keep carefully tucked in my bible case. I asked her if she would read it and give it some thought. I invited her family to attend church with our family in hopes that she may allow God to change her heart in the future. I will continue to pray for her family's salvation and that she may move to know God's word as the only true word.
I'm so thankful to God that he works in my heart and allows me to be a witness to people and bring His word to their attention. I'm also thankful that He has allowed me to be an encouragement to those around me who are struggling and that He is helping them to be an encouragement to me at the same time.
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)