I swear there is a talent to finding amazing sales - some people just seem to have a nose for it! I'm not in Goodwill often enough to do some serious and regular mining of their finds, but did find two tonight! I'm also having success at the Target off of Rt 17. None at the one in Central Park, though! Bargains are picky things ...
Anyway, I was awfully concerned about being able to eke my regular clothes out as long as I could before switching to maternity clothes. Maternity clothes are *not* cheap, and it's hard enough finding good petite pants/jeans that are regular size, much less maternity! BUT! there is hope for our heroine :) So far:
Pants:
brown, khaki, denim and tweed: 2 for $7.50 and 2 for $12.50, marked down from $25 and $30 at Target!
black: Motherhood maternity, $20 down from $40
khaki capris: $5 at Goodwill, apparently from a bulk delivery at Target! Brand new :)
Skirt:
still getting good wear out of my regular skirts! Go figure, although it probably won't last too much longer :)
courderoy: $15 at Motherhood, down from $30. Hooray!
Tops:
New York and Co: $10 each for two tops, not maternity but certainly cut like they were! On sale from $30
Target: $10 and $7, down from $20 and $25
Kohls: $15 (my big splurge) down from $30
Goodwill: $5 for a Motherhood Maternity top - beautiful red and white calico! Whimsical but feminine :)
Dress:
Christopher & Banks: $15 down from $40. It won't go more than a few more weeks, but it's lightweight enough that that's okay. It'll be awfully nice to have in the spring while things are (hopefully) starting to shrink back down!
And Lord knows how much my Bella Band has saved me, letting me continue to wear regular pants still! I find I just need longer tops to cover it now.
19 weeks and counting :) And only 17 more days til the ultrasound!
November 7, 2008
October 6, 2008
September 28, 2008
Expecting the unexpected!
How exciting to go to doctor's appt number 2 thinking we were 11 1/2 weeks along, only to be told 13 weeks! One of the two nurses couldn't count as well as the other, apparently, but when it's a question of being past the "magical" 12 week mark, I like the math from the second nurse better. Call me selective ... or fickle. Your choice. The morning sickness is still coming - it'll be really bad for a few days, and then drop off for a few. I never know if it's actually gone or just on hiatus. Here's hoping that it'll start to taper off!
The other exciting part was that we got to hear the heartbeat this week. Considering that up until now, the only ways I knew I was pregnant were a.) the little stick with the two lines on it said so and b.) the morning sickness, it's really neat to hear that affirmation!
I have been feeling much more excited than nervous about being a parent than I thought I would, so praise the Lord for that. I do want to be a good mom, of course, but I don't find myself obsessed with doing everything exactly right, knowing everything there is to know or being stressed about what I don't know. I put together a list and sent it to my mommy friends, and am open to any feedback you have!
1. What did you find stressful during your pregnancy that, in the long run, didn't turn out to be quite such a big deal in the end? What should you have spent more time/focused on more?
2. What was an item you thought you absolutely had to have ... but didn't use all that much. What did you wind up using the most?
3. Were there any items that you found it really was worth putting some extra money into?
4. Were there any books, classes or advice that you found particularly helpful?
5. Best, worst and/or most surprising parts about being pregnant
6. Hardest and best parts about being a new mom
7. Favorite piece of "Mommy Advice" either from your own experience or that was given to you
Nicole was gracious enough to come down for the weekend and help me consolidate the guest room into the craft room, so we now have a room that is ready for nursery furniture! I don't think we'll paint until we find out the gender, but that gives me some time to do a little brainstorming. I'm thinking a stylized nautical theme for a boy, with fabrics in blue seersucker, and red gingham or seersucker for a girl, with yellow flower and green leaf accents. Maybe a ladybug here or there, too :)
The best is yet to come!
The other exciting part was that we got to hear the heartbeat this week. Considering that up until now, the only ways I knew I was pregnant were a.) the little stick with the two lines on it said so and b.) the morning sickness, it's really neat to hear that affirmation!
I have been feeling much more excited than nervous about being a parent than I thought I would, so praise the Lord for that. I do want to be a good mom, of course, but I don't find myself obsessed with doing everything exactly right, knowing everything there is to know or being stressed about what I don't know. I put together a list and sent it to my mommy friends, and am open to any feedback you have!
1. What did you find stressful during your pregnancy that, in the long run, didn't turn out to be quite such a big deal in the end? What should you have spent more time/focused on more?
2. What was an item you thought you absolutely had to have ... but didn't use all that much. What did you wind up using the most?
3. Were there any items that you found it really was worth putting some extra money into?
4. Were there any books, classes or advice that you found particularly helpful?
5. Best, worst and/or most surprising parts about being pregnant
6. Hardest and best parts about being a new mom
7. Favorite piece of "Mommy Advice" either from your own experience or that was given to you
Nicole was gracious enough to come down for the weekend and help me consolidate the guest room into the craft room, so we now have a room that is ready for nursery furniture! I don't think we'll paint until we find out the gender, but that gives me some time to do a little brainstorming. I'm thinking a stylized nautical theme for a boy, with fabrics in blue seersucker, and red gingham or seersucker for a girl, with yellow flower and green leaf accents. Maybe a ladybug here or there, too :)
The best is yet to come!
August 7, 2008
A fresh look at the Fruit of the Spirit
How many times have we heard the song or listing of the Fruits of the Spirit? We can pretty much spit those out in one deep breath. But how many fruist of the flesh do you know?
Galations 5 22-23 gets quoted quite a bit, but lets look at 19-21:
"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
And now back to familiar territory, in verses 22 and 23:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Hm, outbursts of anger. Ouch. Idolatry. Ouch. Strife. Oops. Jealousy. Uh oh ...
What a gentle, firm reminder to take stock of the day - which fruits am I showing? If someone didn't know that I was a Christian because I had told them such, would they see my fruits and gauge me as one?
Galations 5 22-23 gets quoted quite a bit, but lets look at 19-21:
"Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
And now back to familiar territory, in verses 22 and 23:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Hm, outbursts of anger. Ouch. Idolatry. Ouch. Strife. Oops. Jealousy. Uh oh ...
What a gentle, firm reminder to take stock of the day - which fruits am I showing? If someone didn't know that I was a Christian because I had told them such, would they see my fruits and gauge me as one?
July 21, 2008
Praises/prayer requests for the week
Praises:
Nicole and Dave
kind hearted co-workers
a slow week at work
health
Prayer request:
safe travel for Kurt
peace for Mom for the church situation
patience and grace for Ed and me as we deal with a long week
travel safety for Ed, Charlie, Tim & Tom
efficiency for me for work on the Papers
moderation in food, speech
kind words
Nicole and Dave
kind hearted co-workers
a slow week at work
health
Prayer request:
safe travel for Kurt
peace for Mom for the church situation
patience and grace for Ed and me as we deal with a long week
travel safety for Ed, Charlie, Tim & Tom
efficiency for me for work on the Papers
moderation in food, speech
kind words
July 15, 2008
The Great House of God
I've been reading Max Lucado's Great House of God, which correlates the Lord's prayer to the different areas of the house, and prayer to our earthly house.
From A Home for Your Heart, he observes:
" We create elaborate houses for our bodies, but our souls are relegated to a hillside shanty where the night winds chill us and the rain soaks us ... God wants you to move out of the cold and live with him... God wants to be your dwelling place. He has no interest in being a weekend getaway or a Sunday bungalow or a summer cottage. Don't consider using Goad as a vacation cabin or an eventual retirement home. He wants you under his roof now and always. He wants to be your mailing address, your point of refence; he wants to be your home."
From A Home for Your Heart, he observes:
" We create elaborate houses for our bodies, but our souls are relegated to a hillside shanty where the night winds chill us and the rain soaks us ... God wants you to move out of the cold and live with him... God wants to be your dwelling place. He has no interest in being a weekend getaway or a Sunday bungalow or a summer cottage. Don't consider using Goad as a vacation cabin or an eventual retirement home. He wants you under his roof now and always. He wants to be your mailing address, your point of refence; he wants to be your home."
July 13, 2008
Conversation starters
Something my dad taught me was that a person who gets to talk about himself in a conversation will walk away saying "Wow! That was the best conversation I've had in a long time!" And it's true! So what are some good conversation starters? Some are serious, some are not so serious. Please feel free to add to them - we'll make it a running list.
1. What is your favorite attribute of God
2. if you were in a beauty pagent, what would your talent be?
3. What was your most defining moment/memory
4. What did you want to be when you grew up?
5. Are you doing anything exciting this afternoon?
6. What was the best thing that has happened to you this week/today?
1. What is your favorite attribute of God
2. if you were in a beauty pagent, what would your talent be?
3. What was your most defining moment/memory
4. What did you want to be when you grew up?
5. Are you doing anything exciting this afternoon?
6. What was the best thing that has happened to you this week/today?
Women of Faith 2008
What a lovely weekend of fellowship and refreshment at the Women of Faith concert in DC!
It is headed up by several women, including Patsy Clairmont, whose books I just adore. How delightful to see and hear her in person! I'm so impressed that they were able to convey such a sense of personality and personal care to 16,000 women, and do it with a smile, a laugh and a tug at our heartstrings.
Some of the things I jotted down:
- Luke 10:11. This women was bent low by a spirt of weakness for 18 years, and the Lord lifted her back up. What is it that bends me low? What a beautiful reminder that the Lord is able to undo what years of weakness has done!
- Sometimes the Lord send along a friend to share Himself with us, and sometimes we have to wait on his Spirit. I have to learn to seek out the invisible, not just depend on those around me that I can call on or reach out to.
- !Behold! That's a not so subtle reminder to 1. BE here in the moment, and 2.) HOLD on to the concept that is about to come next!
- "And so I said, 'God, what ...' - has anyone here ever tried to counsel the Lord?"
- "Zip your lip in Jesus' name ..."
- "Not every thought that skitters through our mind needs to come out of our mouths ..."
- The weaker I am, the more obvious His strength is
- Sometimes relationships need to be restructured and redefined, but not broken.
- A coincidence is not when God chooses to be anonymous, but when He chooses to single us out!
- Remember that song, "I've got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart. Where?" It's not the peace that PASSES understanding, it's the peace that SURpasses understanding, allowing us to be okay with not having the answer when we don't have the understanding.
- There's a difference between being a Christian and loving Jesus. And that's okay.
It is headed up by several women, including Patsy Clairmont, whose books I just adore. How delightful to see and hear her in person! I'm so impressed that they were able to convey such a sense of personality and personal care to 16,000 women, and do it with a smile, a laugh and a tug at our heartstrings.
Some of the things I jotted down:
- Luke 10:11. This women was bent low by a spirt of weakness for 18 years, and the Lord lifted her back up. What is it that bends me low? What a beautiful reminder that the Lord is able to undo what years of weakness has done!
- Sometimes the Lord send along a friend to share Himself with us, and sometimes we have to wait on his Spirit. I have to learn to seek out the invisible, not just depend on those around me that I can call on or reach out to.
- !Behold! That's a not so subtle reminder to 1. BE here in the moment, and 2.) HOLD on to the concept that is about to come next!
- "And so I said, 'God, what ...' - has anyone here ever tried to counsel the Lord?"
- "Zip your lip in Jesus' name ..."
- "Not every thought that skitters through our mind needs to come out of our mouths ..."
- The weaker I am, the more obvious His strength is
- Sometimes relationships need to be restructured and redefined, but not broken.
- A coincidence is not when God chooses to be anonymous, but when He chooses to single us out!
- Remember that song, "I've got the peace that passes understanding down in my heart. Where?" It's not the peace that PASSES understanding, it's the peace that SURpasses understanding, allowing us to be okay with not having the answer when we don't have the understanding.
- There's a difference between being a Christian and loving Jesus. And that's okay.
July 7, 2008
A little advice ...
I found this on the Focus on the Family website in an article, and they credited it to Andy Rooney:
I've learned . . . that being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned . . . that when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned . . . that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow you may have to eat them.
I've learned . . . that I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do.
Really, no commentary needed.
I've learned . . . that being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned . . . that when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned . . . that one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow you may have to eat them.
I've learned . . . that I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do.
Really, no commentary needed.
June 12, 2008
I found this prayer on my desktop calendar of all places, and think it's just beautiful - simple and true.
Help me to live this day quietly, easily.
To lean upon Thy great strength trustfully, restfully.
To wait for the unfolding of Thy will patiently, serenely.
To meet others peacefully, joyously.
To face tomorrow confidently, courageously.
- Anonymous -
Help me to live this day quietly, easily.
To lean upon Thy great strength trustfully, restfully.
To wait for the unfolding of Thy will patiently, serenely.
To meet others peacefully, joyously.
To face tomorrow confidently, courageously.
- Anonymous -
June 2, 2008
A very long "to do" list
Ever have one of those nights where you're able to come up with a million and one things that you'd rather be doing?
Home:
Dig flower beds below the terrace/steps
Mulch
Not kill this most recent hydrangea or basil plant
Paint the living room
Paint the kitchen
Paint the hallway
Paint the guest room
Paint our room
Paint my craft room
Paint laundry room
Get into a system of housekeeping so it doesn't look like Hurricane Heidi came through
Buy furniture that I actually like ...
Declutter to only what I need or love
Personal:
be a better wife
be more diligent
be effective in my use of time
be generous with my time but not to the expense of my family
have confidence but not arrogance
have a kinder tongue
have a gentler spirit
be reliable to those I tell something to
be someone who can put anyone at ease
be able to share truth kindly but firmly
be more well-read and better educated
be less dependent on others to determine my mood
be less clingy/have less separation anxiety
watch less TV/waste less time on the internet
Travel:
England: London, Bath
Scotland: Glasgow
Ireland: Dublin
Germany: Garmisch, Heidleberg
Italy: Florence, Venice
France
Austria
Spain
the Mediterranean
Greece
the Holy Land
Charleston
Concord
Savannah
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
Newport, RI
back to Martha's Vineyard
Stowe, VT
Bar Harbor, ME
Stay in a lighthouse during a thunderstorm
Spend a week on a houseboat
San Fransisco
Home:
Dig flower beds below the terrace/steps
Mulch
Not kill this most recent hydrangea or basil plant
Paint the living room
Paint the kitchen
Paint the hallway
Paint the guest room
Paint our room
Paint my craft room
Paint laundry room
Get into a system of housekeeping so it doesn't look like Hurricane Heidi came through
Buy furniture that I actually like ...
Declutter to only what I need or love
Personal:
be a better wife
be more diligent
be effective in my use of time
be generous with my time but not to the expense of my family
have confidence but not arrogance
have a kinder tongue
have a gentler spirit
be reliable to those I tell something to
be someone who can put anyone at ease
be able to share truth kindly but firmly
be more well-read and better educated
be less dependent on others to determine my mood
be less clingy/have less separation anxiety
watch less TV/waste less time on the internet
Travel:
England: London, Bath
Scotland: Glasgow
Ireland: Dublin
Germany: Garmisch, Heidleberg
Italy: Florence, Venice
France
Austria
Spain
the Mediterranean
Greece
the Holy Land
Charleston
Concord
Savannah
Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum
Newport, RI
back to Martha's Vineyard
Stowe, VT
Bar Harbor, ME
Stay in a lighthouse during a thunderstorm
Spend a week on a houseboat
San Fransisco
March 16, 2008
A rose by any other name...
I had such a dilemma naming my blog. The issues? They'd all been taken! And it's so stressful trying to be creative and thoughtful on the spot, only to be foiled at each turn!
So here are the runners up:
1. Canaan Bound: this is one of my favorite songs, and is by Andrew Peterson. I'll post the lyrics soon. To me it symbolizes the trust of walking with my husband towards the promises that God has given, even when we don't necessarily know where our walk will lead us.
2. Stepping Heavenward: from the Elizabeth Prentiss book of the same name. What a poignant reminder that each day brings us closer to our meeting with the Lord, and that each day is an opportunity for us to do the work that He has laid out for us! And to paraphrase Erwin Lutzer, the Lord will not call us home until we have completed the work that He has set for us.
3. Love.Pray.Laugh: it's so simplistic, but really - what else is there?
4. One Day at a Time: and no more than that! I have learned that for me, the worst thing is to allow all the things that need my time and energy to roll around in my head. I really do have to make a list to check things off of. That has lead me to realize that I work best doing one thing at a time, and subsequently, one day at a time. Anything more than that is simply too much for me. Thankfully, though, not for God! And thankfully as well, He has not asked me to do more than that, because who has been promised tomorrow?
5. Come By the Hills: Another song lyrics reference, the last line of the chorus is "And the cares of tomorrow must wait until this day is done." I suppose that is the Scottish way of saying "One day at a time, sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking of you!"
So here are the runners up:
1. Canaan Bound: this is one of my favorite songs, and is by Andrew Peterson. I'll post the lyrics soon. To me it symbolizes the trust of walking with my husband towards the promises that God has given, even when we don't necessarily know where our walk will lead us.
2. Stepping Heavenward: from the Elizabeth Prentiss book of the same name. What a poignant reminder that each day brings us closer to our meeting with the Lord, and that each day is an opportunity for us to do the work that He has laid out for us! And to paraphrase Erwin Lutzer, the Lord will not call us home until we have completed the work that He has set for us.
3. Love.Pray.Laugh: it's so simplistic, but really - what else is there?
4. One Day at a Time: and no more than that! I have learned that for me, the worst thing is to allow all the things that need my time and energy to roll around in my head. I really do have to make a list to check things off of. That has lead me to realize that I work best doing one thing at a time, and subsequently, one day at a time. Anything more than that is simply too much for me. Thankfully, though, not for God! And thankfully as well, He has not asked me to do more than that, because who has been promised tomorrow?
5. Come By the Hills: Another song lyrics reference, the last line of the chorus is "And the cares of tomorrow must wait until this day is done." I suppose that is the Scottish way of saying "One day at a time, sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking of you!"
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)