Pinterest Time

I don't often have large blocks of free time. (That's why my nails look like junk!)

Throughout the day I get short lived visits to my computer. (No smart phone.) I usually check FB or email. Sometimes it's a check of the headlines at Fox News.

And then there is Pinterest.

When I learned about Pinterest I was definitely intrigued. I had to(and still have to) limit my time/exposure. The images brought out some feelings of discontentment and the desire to shop. Not good when the Lord has helped me so much in these areas. Not trying to go backwards. Have to keep a heart and attitude check.

I don't have an account to help curb my enthusiam. That being said, I like so many things about the site!

If you are the last person on earth that hasn't been there, you may want to check it out. Kind of like a world of sharing everything. Recipes, fashion, makeup, photography, decor, jokes, etc. You can spend a lot or a little time. Get an idea for dinner or what to wear the next time you go out. See how to repurpose an item or find some art that inspires you to break out your paint. Something there for everyone and it's free (except for your time).

*Warning that there are some inappropriate pictures and profanity from time to time. Not kid friendly.

Share your thoughts on Pinterest

Back

It feels weird and good to be back after such a long break from blogging.


Weird because I never anticipated such a long pause between entries, and good because I've missed it. Many things have happened in the last few months. I lost my Dad in December...wow, that was weird to type. I will do a post about him sometime. I wasn't aware of his deteriorating condition. So although it wasn't a shock that he was unhealthy, I was not prepared for what happened.


It has changed me. It's like I had a life before with a father on earth, and now I have this other life without a dad. To say that I've completely accepted it is probably not accurate. When I've needed to cry or breakdown, I have. Part of the process is like reprogramming your brain because you had that person your whole life. Now you don't. No more phone calls, visits, touching them, hearing their voice....it is a lot to take in. Of course I realize that believers have the hope of heaven and I'm not talking about that. What I'm working on is accepting my life here on earth without my Dad.


I apologize to anyone who reads this who feels that I haven't gone to them. My love for you hasn't changed. I'm grieving.


The "big" kids are still in school and our little cutie is almost 8 months. Having kids in such a big age range has made for quite an interesting variety of experiences. Everything from body changes, obsessions with Star Wars, loosing front teeth, watching out for choking hazards, to longing for sleep filled nights (he's up again! grrr-probably his gums)...so much always going on in this house. We are blessed beyond what we could ever deserve.

Not Quite the Duggars, but...

I'm quickly learning how much time and management having a "big" family requires. It's very different from having a smaller family. There's just more.
More laundry, more food, more stuff in the floor, more dishes(bottles), more people desiring your attention and sweet skillz. It's a lot. Add in the fact that we are homeschooling. Why yes, we are crazy. I just got fitted for my tight white jacket.

Sleeping through the night, having a reliable schedule, and regular exercise will surely help to alleviate some of the stress. Hoping that they all come soon. I'm really trying to be efficient and do all the things that I know God wants me to do. Unfortunately that often puts any "me" time on the bottom of the list, only to get bumped off and put onto the next day. Say it with me, this too, shall pass. The sooner the better!

We are doing devotions regularly with two sweet books each titled, "Jesus Calling." One is for big people and the other is for kids(not preschool though). It's been good to all learn and focus on certain biblical principles and scripture together, yet each on our own levels. If you are in a season where you are stretched thin and have minimal time, these books are really well suited for you. Beth Moore is in my future, but for now I don't need another thing to feel like I'm behind in or not doing well. My sweet friend, Chris, sent me a devotional for moms and I've read some in it. I can't have a book in my vicinity and not peek. It will be a good addition for me now since it doesn't require much time. It's called "100 Days of Blessing," by Nancy Campbell.

Well, it's close to dinner time. One look at me and you could tell the day I've had. Nothing exceptionally rotten, but I've passed mirrors instead of using them. Poor Shane. I've got on workout clothes just in case I get time before my energy is depleted. Oops, too late. I'm tired. JK

(Disclaimer: This blog post is extremely honest with a bit of sarcasm added. I love my job. There is no greater calling. It's just tough, and some of us have the bags and muffin tops to prove it. I did read recently that everyone knows that the best part of a muffin is the top. Hmm, not sure about that. Thank you, Lord, for allowing Spankx and all other shape wear to be invented.)

Close to the Devil

Surprising as it may be, my cubs can't seem to get along regularly. The most recent spat took place downstairs(out of my sight, but within earshot) and resulted in E-Dog coming upstairs.

He comes into my room and proceeds to tell me his thoughts on his older sibling.

Then I ask him,"Is she a heathen?"(kind of joking and kind of not)

He said, "No. Maybe worse."

I asked him what was worse than a heathen and quickly wished I hadn't. We went to see Cars 2 and I just wasn't sure if he'd picked up a name or two from it(like jerk). But the question was out of my mouth. It was too late.




"Close to the Devil," E replied matter-of-fact.

3 Weeks

This is Munch (who will have a new nickname at some point) at three weeks.

~Shane's aunt, Denise, was the photographer.

New Chapter

Our lives have been changed forever again.

We welcomed our newest honeypie into the world at the end of May. My labor and delivery went really smoothly (thank You, Lord!) and Munch was born without any complications. Shane lent a helping hand during delivery---that was a first! We had excellent care from my OB and the hospital staff. It was an awesome experience.

Munch is a sweetheart and actually a really easy baby. We had a rough start during the first week (anyone who has nursed may identify), but everyday things get better. Tater, E-Dog, and Dubs are loving their new little brother. They're enjoying getting to know him and learning what taking care of a newborn entails. There is no shortage of arms to hold him! As he stays awake more and more, they talk to him and laugh at his funny little baby faces. It is beautiful to watch. As a mother, I once again am having the priviledge of falling in love. To me there is no other way to describe it...it feels like you fall in love with your children.

So we've entered a new chapter. This pregnancy and birth were so different. To have God put the desire in my heart for a child, get pregnant, miscarry, then the waiting/wondering every month, finding out again that I was pregnant, being scared to lose him throughout the pregnancy, feeling relief and joy at having Munch be born, and now getting to take care of and love him....it is beyond words. (Very aware of the run-on)
~~I'm so thankful for how God has worked and provided. Over and over, He shows me love that no human can. Overwhelmed in a glorious way. My hands and my heart are full.

A Great Thursday

Today was such a good day. Not that everyday isn't good in some way, but today was just especially good. I had help with the laundry (amazing how your husband's hotness factor grows exponentially as they do laundry). Ran errands for about five hours with E-Dog. There were several things I needed to get in order to "stock" our home for when we go to the hospital. I feel so much better now that I've accumulated a decent stash of groceries, etc.
[As far as number four goes, he could come anytime! Last week, I was 50% effaced and tomorrow I will see if anything else has progressed. Munch has definitely dropped. Honestly, I hadn't noticed, but many people had mentioned it. As I looked down to evaluate my hump position while I was cooking dinner tonight, I agreed. He's gonna be movin' on out. Soon.]
Back to today.
Before I left for my errands, the mail came. Normally the mail is rather dull. Today it was fantastic! Shane met the mail carrier at the road and brought me a package. It was addressed to me, but the return was a stranger. Inside was a Baby Bjorn!!! It just rocked my world. For one, I have wanted one(or mine back) this entire pregnancy. Secondly, it is one less thing for us to buy and right now that is a huge relief. Opening that box was also a huge faith builder for me. That may sound dumb, but there are literally countless items that God has provided for Munch. This gift was one of the last things on my mental list and now it is checked off. Such a blessing.
Errands with E were really sweet. I love the one on one time. He is extremely patient. (never once said "When are we leaving?" or "Are you almost done?") It was precious time with my precious boy, who made sure to open my car door at every opportunity. He is a treasure. (Now watch, tomorrow he will be a heathen...oh well, gotta be grateful for the good times.)
Tonight after dinner I had dessert. I've really tried to limit my sweet intake, especially after my last OB appt. Let's just say taking off my shoes didn't help the scale reading. Anyway, I picked up some Milano's (Pepperidge Farm) during my outing and after dinner they were calling my name. So I answered. Mmm, mmm, mmm. I actually was in that section looking for their Oatmeal Raisin cookies, but the didn't have them. Those are one thing I pack and take to the hospital. After delivery, I'm usually starving and those have hit the spot in the past. When I grabbed the Milano's, I had intended for them to be packed. Oh well. Maybe if I don't eat anymore of them, I can tuck them in my bag.
BTW, if you are the one or know the one who sent me the Bjorn please let me know. I am so grateful! Munch and I will surely put it to good, frequent use.