Thrifting

Today Mom and I went to two thrift stores to see what we could find. We were able to find a lot of good deals. My goal was to find some clothes, and that I did. I wound up getting about 6 tops, 3 pairs of pants, and 3 matching sets. I was able to get all this for a little over $50. You would be hard pressed purchase 2 items brand new for that amount. I also found a little Vtech Pull Phone for $3. Mom hit the toy jackpot. She walked away with a Tigger doll that does cartwheels, a Tonka truck that opens up and you can push buttons to learn to count, a Leapfrog Discovery Ball that teaches the alphabet and plays music, a Vtech See Me Go Driver that has a TON of buttons and makes all kinds of sounds and music, a Sesame Street electronic toy will lots of buttons that make sounds and music and a beaded ball that you move the beads around the wires. She got all those toys, and they all work, for $20. Needless to say, we like thriftstores. I can't see the point in buying all new toys when there are perfectly good used ones out there. I feel the same way about clothes. One of the tops I got still had the tag on it that said $40. I paid $5. When going to the thrift store I can afford to buy name brand clothes that will hold up. This may be one way that I can be a good steward of our money. Hooray for thrift stores!!!

Mom to the rescue

I can finally see the bottom of the closet in R.J.'s room. There was so much stuff piled on the floor that I didn't know what was there, and didn't know where some things that I had seen went to. It was just chaotic. So, mom came over this morning to help me get a handle on it. Actually, she ended up doing all the work. I am so thankful that she was able to help. Now I can see the floor, I know where all the clothes and bibs and socks and burp cloths are, and have things organized by size. Some of you may know just how big a relief that is. I am not a very organized person at home. At work it's TOTALLY different, but, for some reason at home it's not the case. I am thinking about purchasing a book on how to get better organized. I think my biggest problem is being able to get rid of things and stop holding on to every little thing. And, after going through all the baby stuff, we managed to come out with a few hefty bags of things to sell on Ebay. Whew!

Happy New You!!

When I was a kid instead of saying Happy New Year I would say Happy New You. So, Happy New You to you! We are going to my parents for our traditional New Year's dinner consisting of: hog jaws, black eyed peas, turnip greens and corn bread. If you have never had hog jaws, don't let the name turn you away. It's just a really thick piece of bacon. It's pretty good. Also, each year we put a dime in the turnip greens and whoever gets the dime is supposed to have a prosperous year.

Do you have traditions for your New Years day??

Can't Sleep

It's about 12:20 AM and I am sitting here blogging. Why? Well, Aaron is at work right now and I don't really sleep when he's out and I'm waiting for his safe arrival home. If he were out of town it would be a different story. I'd just wait to get the phone call that he'd made it safely to his destination and then be able to sleep.

R.J. finished a bottle about 30 minutes ago and is looking very peaceful in his swing with his Auburn blanket keeping him warm. Go Tigers!! I am looking forward to Christmas day because there will be about 30 of us at my parent's house and it will be fun hanging out with all the relatives. R.J. will be making his debut to all the family members that day. Some have already seen him, but not all and I had been very protective of him being around other people. Mind you, the school-aged children will have limited contact and lots of antibacterial hand gel. Yes, I am one of those moms.

So, anyone else out there wondering..."Where did this year go?" What's amazing is how fast the days are going by now that R.J. is here. I think I'm coming to terms with what other moms have told me about enjoying him now because it goes by so fast. He's 2 months old now...I know it's not that old, but it went by very fast. I'm sure I'll be putting another post on here about him being 6 months old and a year old and how fast the time went. But, as a whole...I don't know where this year has gone. It has been a great year of growing in the Lord; a year of miracles, a year of trials; a year of building new relationships...it has been a great year because it is all what the Lord has brought in our lives. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us next year.

Another Use for Duct Tape

If you happen to view the slideshow long enough, you will see my mother working her magic with some duct tape. "What is she doing?" you might ask. Well, my wedding shoes were too big and were slipping on my heel so she put a small amount of duct tape with the sticky side exposed so that my heel would stick to it and the shoe would not slip. So, for the entire wedding and most of the reception...I was stuck to duct tape. I bet MacGyver never thought of that one.

Right Now

Right Now, I am:

feeling... a little tired from being pregnant and not getting enough sleep
enjoying... the fact that my work week is almost over and lunch is being provided at work
wondering... just how big is my belly going to get
listening... to the hum of the machines in the shop
drinking... coffee
wanting... RJ to be here so that we can start to really enjoy him
loving... my husband who is doing a wonderful job of taking care of me
looking... forward to Church tonight and seeing my little Sparkies
** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **
I'm hoping your right now includes something wonderful - be it big or small.

...and I sorta stole this from Embrace What? if you'd like to copy too ;-)

Thank You

For all those who were praying for us (Aaron, RJ, and I) and those who came to visit, we would like to say Thank You!

Yesterday was a bit rough. We got to the ER at 5:40 am and finally left about 7:30 that evening. I will say that the doctor I had was excellent. She made it a point to coordinate things with both my OB and my cardiologist throughout the whole time. I can't tell you how at ease that made me. I went to the ER with some chest pain in my right upper chest that radiated into my shoulder blade and shoulder. They ran a couple of tests and found that it was not heart related and gave me a shot of demeral which really only made me loopy and took the pain down a notch...never totally making it go away. The doctors then decided that it would be in our best interest to do a lung scan. This was when it started to really get scary. You do everything you can to protect your unborn child, but you never really anticipate medical emergencies. For this test I had to be injected with radiation...thankfully they only had to use the same amount they would use on a 2 year old. Still scary, but less of a risk. My OB was completely informed and involved in these decisions. We proceeded with the test and waited for the results. The test came back with a "mismatch". Here is a description of the test:

The ventilation-perfusion scan is a nuclear scan so named because it studies both airflow (ventilation) and blood flow (perfusion) in the lungs. The initials V-Q are used in mathematical equations that calculate airflow and blood flow. The purpose of this test is to look for evidence of a blood clot in the lungs, called a pulmonary embolus, that lowers oxygen levels, causes shortness of breath, and sometimes is fatal.

Because it was a mismatch further testing was needed. It was then decided to do a CT scan...again another HARD decision. Thankfully the tech shielded the baby as best he could. That test was much shorter than the previous one; however it did require a larger IV that I was not thrilled about. After the test Aaron, my mom and dad and my myself all waited anxiously for the results. The doctor who had my case stayed about 2 hours past the end of her shift just to follow though with us. It took a while for the results to come back because the radiologist was trying to be a thorough as he could and view every aspect of the images he had. I think it was about an hour later when the docotor came into the room and asked if I wanted to go home...she knew the answer to that question. The results came back negative.

So, from all the tests that were ran, the conclusion is that I have Pleurisy. All this is is an inflammation of the lining around the lungs and the chest wall. The pain will go away on its own in a few days, so I'm just going to take it easy for now. I also have a doctors appointment with the OB and another should be scheduled with the cardiologist.

Again, thank you for all your prayers and support. We really appreciate it and know that the Lord has all things in his hands and for that we are very thankful.

Postage

Some time ago; I can't remember when, there was talk of charging "postage" on email. When I first heard the concept I thought "No Way Jose!!" I am starting to change my tune...only so very slightly. On Monday I will come in to work and check my email. I am confidant there will be about 500 (yes, that's literal) messages with only 5 or so being legitimate. If there were a postage fee on email, that would no doubt reduce the amount of spam that is sent. I would also consider allowing e-mail hosting companies to put a limit on the amount of out-bound email sent by a domain. I know there are spam filters you can buy, and techies who can limit what comes in to your in box...but, those who generate and send spam are getting more and more crafty. I say let's hit them where it hurts...the wallet.

Dr. Appointment

Yesterday I had another doctors appointment. This one involved the gestational diabetes test. I will admit the orange drink they gave me was not as bad as I thought it would be. It reminded me a lot of the orange drink that McDonald's has but a little more concentrated. I haven't heard anything back yet...so that might be a good thing. So far everything is going good...no problems. The only thing I am not liking is that by the afternoon I am completely spent. From about 2:00 pm on I just feel uncomfortable. Standing is rough, and it takes effort to find comfortable positions to sit. Usually taking a nap helps. I am most productive in the few hours after I get up in the morning. I don't have that much longer to go so, I think I can bear with it for a little while longer. It's definitely worth it!!

Fireproof

Last night Aaron and I saw the movie Fireproof. It was excellent! This is the third movie that Sherwood Baptist Church has done. I have enjoyed all 3 and recommend them all. I would recommend seeing this movie...bring some tissues.

It's Official

Well, as the title says...It's Official. Today I am officially out of my 20's and am in my 30's. And, since I feel about 21, I'll be heading into my 40's by the time I feel like I'm in my 30's. The Lord has really blessed me these 30 years, more so in the past year...but, looking back I can see His blessings all through my life. For, it is only by His grace, mercy and love that I am here and I am His. Praise be to Him alone!

I Think - I Believe

I am trying to get out of the habit of saying "I think" or "I believe" while talking of spiritual things, or if asked for advice. As Christians, we are to rely on God's word for our daily lives...how we should act, speak, think. It is all laid out for us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says " All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (NASB) At times, I have let my opinions come before what scripture says. If I have a belief, I should be able to correctly back it up with scripture, otherwise it's just what I think...and what I think may often times be wrong. I am finding myself no longer just accepting when someone says "the Bible says" or "it's in the word". I would much rather see where this passage is, please show me so that I might learn from it as well. And I hope those who I talk to would ask the same of me.

I Know Nothing

What a title. However, that's how I've been feeling lately. As a Christian, I am growing and I have been given opportunities for study and more growth. I am very thankful for these opportunities. But, at times, I feel that the truths I have been learning have not sunk in. I feel at times that I am failing and that I really don't know anything. Is it because I don't have as much knowledge of the Word as I would like? That's possible. Is it because I have not memorized pertinent passages that support what I believe? That may be the case as well. Both may contribute to this feeling of failure. Another contributing factor can be found in Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (NASB) Satan and his minions will use ANYTHING to try to slow us down, or even stop us in our tracks, in the desire to follow Christ and be conformed to His image. I wonder if, right now, he's trying to use this feeling that I don't know anything, that I will never know enough, and that I am failing left and right to deter me or cause me to give up fervently seeking God's truths and His will. We are told that we will struggle, we are not told it will be easy. All I can do is continue to pray, read His Word and actively seek Him.

Pregnancy Brain

Yes, that's what I have. A friend of ours came over and asked if I had pregnancy brain. I had never heard that term before. However, it would explain A LOT! Not just hormones/emotions...mini rollercoaster rides. It explains the extreme forgetfulness. One weekend I think I asked Aaron about a dozen times what our plans were for the weekend...and we were in the weekend. That's bad! I get worried because I am active in the AWANA ministry, and I have also vollunteered to help with a woman's conference at church...I don't want to drop the ball out of forgetfulness. So, I pray...and make lists, when I can remember to make lists. I even had to make a list of what posts I had planned on putting on here because they came to mind and I didn't want them to fade away. Also, after talking to a couple ladies at church I was informed that it doesn't get any better...I guess I'm going to have to find new names for it. I think I can use "Baby Brain" for a while.

A Good Day and a Lesson to Boot

Yesterday was a very good day. It was a relaxing day of Bible study, prayer, visiting elderly, and some cleaning. You might be asking..."How is cleaning relaxing?" Normally it's not for me...but I think that the time I spent with the Lord just made the rest of the day enjoyable no matter what I was doing. Also, being able to spend the evening in a tidy house changes your whole attitude.

I've been going back through the book "Attitudes of a Transformed Heart" by Martha Peace. There is a section of study questions in which she goes over the Put Off - Put On dynamic. Many times scripture points out that we should put off the things of the flesh and tells us what those things are. And, often times that was where I would stop...at what should be put off. However, scripture also tells us what we should put on. It is a two part process. We are to pursue righteousness and holiness. These things take action on our part...putting on attitudes and actions such as kindness, compassion, love, humility, pure thoughts and pure speech. So often I would only put off and not try to put on anything. That was where I was failing. If I don't put on the things that scripture tells me to, then I find myself reverting back to the things I tried to put off...failing. It's a hard lesson to learn...and an even harder one to actively live out; especially if you try to do it on your own. I am very thankful that we as Christians don't have to do it on our own.

Goodies

The goodies that I ordered have come in with the exception of a booklet on the the names of God, which should be here today. Aaron and I played Bible Baffle and it was just as tough this time as it was the first time we played. The books from Martha Peace and Stuart Scott came in. Aaron has started reading "The Exemplary Husband" and is enjoying it. I was nervous that he would not like it but, now I am eager to read "The Excellent Wife" that I ordered for myself, so we can discuss what we are reading. I am saving "Becoming a Titus 2 Woman" for later. I'm sure it will be good to read.

Bible Study

I am excited because we are going to Bible study with some new people. Aaron knows them and is being discipled by one gentleman. I just met them last weekend at a birthday party. It should be a good evening of learning and fellowship...not to mention food. This happens to be the father and stepmother of one of our good friends...both families love to feed you. I'll let you know how it goes. I'm sure the Lord will have something to teach me.

Backyard Blues

Our backyard was starting to look like a dense jungle. The grass had gotten out of hand...actually that's an understatement. It was just ridiculous. Well, this morning, Aaron picked up one of our friend's kids to mow the grass...it's a good little bartering systems we've got going with the kid. Anyways, they get here and get started. It wasn't long after that when Aaron tells me "We're going to go get the riding lawn mower." I was not surprised...it was going to take a lot more power than what we had. About 3 hours later...yes, 3, Aaron comes home and is waiting for his friend to bring the lawn mower to the house. The next thing I know I hear a lawn mower and I hear Aaron talking outside. I'm thinking he's talking to someone outside and the guy next door is mowing his lawn. Aaron comes in the house and says "J's just going to mow the lawn...he said it should only take 20 minutes." I'm thinking..."Did he see the backyard yet?" Well, it's been about 15 minutes and it's almost done.

It was very nice of him to mow our lawn; I am thankful. It's one thing that needed to get done this weekend and now it's one less thing. Here is an example of a servant's heart.

Are you serious?

I went to the Christian book store today to find something to use for coloring pages for AWANA. While there, I browsed the games to see what I could find. I ran into this one...


On a positive note...I did find Bible Scatagories. I think that will be fun.

Productive Saturday

I'm getting to the point where I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed with what needs to be done before the baby comes. So, I express this feeling to Aaron and on Saturday we made great strides to get some things done. We put up some shelving in the garage to store bins of stuff that don't need to be in the house. We also cleared out the closet in the baby's room (which filled the bins...which went on the shelves...that we put up in the garage. Sounds like a nursery rhyme doesn't it?) We felt so good about doing that, that we decided to go look at the furniture we picked out to put in the room. We re-confirmed that what we picked out was what we wanted and I think we may add a dresser to the mix. All we need to do is take some measurements, put a deposit down and it's on order. We will be doing that this week. We also went to another small baby store in town that someone had given us a gift card to. There was a glider, and a swing there that I liked, but that was about it. We may be using the card on little things like clothes and accessories. And...after all that, we managed to go to Babies-R-Us and buy the border for the room so we can match the paint to paint to room. Yes, it was a productive weekend. Tonight it will continue when someone is coming to get the punching bag and stand that's in the garage, and help move the elliptical machine from the baby's room to the garage.