She has arrived!

It is bright and early when we arrived at the hospital, 5:30 am and she was scheduled to be delivered by 8 am.
She was born at 8:06 am, weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces and 19 1/4 inches long. She has a ton of hair, and a tiny little face with long fingers and toes. Her nickname has been Miss Ann and is now changing a bit too Missy girl and little peanut. We our very proud of our beautiful little daughter and her big brothers are in awe of her as well.

The boys had on matching shirts that said 'We're the big brothers' in which they help make and put they're own handprints on.

They love giving they're new baby sister lots of kisses.

Of course the bows have come out already=)

This was her coming home outfit and she was just a doll in it.

Thanks for celebrating with us!

6 days to go

Well I only have 6 days to go till we meet our new daughter. Things are getting done, and whether the addition gets completed or not it is done enough for us to move in. The boys are very excited to have a baby girl, and my husband has been working very hard to prepare for us a home fit for our little princess, and I am wrapping up final details to make so all the family is happy. Have a great day, and I will keep you posted when she arrives.

The past week in review....

My husband has been busy working on our addition, It does look like chaos right now but wait till you see the pics next week:) My Sister Anita and friend Layla are helping me clean strawberries. We picked 65 quarts on that particular day and have now picked about 240 quarts total this season. We have been so grateful for all the help picking as I have not been able too!

The boys found ways of staying cool on the hot hot hot summer days this past week. They called it making mud soup. I loved how well they have playing and helping me out:) :) :)

This was taken on fathers day while I was grilling lunch. The boys wanted to be just like daddy they said and took they're shirts off. They then started wrestling and boy did they have fun.

The week was productive for me, I have made some baby purchases. We now have the baby book, hospital outfit for while we are there and to come home in, headband bows (which are a must), girl scrapbooking supplies, a few major adorable outfits, and I registered for the people that wanted to know what I still needed. I also finished the baby's crib blanket, and also the matching pillow that I take to the hospital for all the people who visit to sign. There will be pics later when the nursery is done.

That's been my week, you have a great one,

Christina

It's been awhile...

It's definately been awhile since I have posted. My energy has been depleted for quite some time, and my long list of to-do's was crowding out my blog time.
5 weeks from today I am scheduled to deliver the baby by c-section. We are excited for a couple reasons, one I will no longer be pregnant, two we are having a little girl!!
I know a few posts back we were'nt finding out and just having the ultrasound tech write it down and seal it in an enevelope. My intention was to open that envelope as son as I get out of the doctors office, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to share the outcome with the rest of the world. That was our solution. Now I could have held out and not told a soul, but my husband on the other hand was having a hard time not blabbing. He informed me he was telling his mother, so I decided if he was telling than so was I.
We did enjoy our secret for a couple of months.
I have added a few natural supplements to my routine last week and I am finally able to get past the overwhelming exhaustion. That is such a relief with all we have left to get done before the baby in 5 weeks.
Our addition is coming along, my husband is very busy with that and our strawberry patch. We have gotten 135 quarts of strawberries so far and we will be picking for a couple more weeks. God has blessed!
I am going to try to keep posting and keep you updated on the baby news. Miss you all and hope to be visiting you soon!
Christina

Blessings!

We have some blessings that are so worth telling you all about this week. I believe that God is trying to make his power known to my husbands family and we continue to pray for they're eternal salvation.

We recieved a call on saturday afternoon from my mother-in-law that the younger of my sister in laws was in the hospital. She was pregnant with her third child and expieriencing a great deal of pain. Her mid-wife came out and said she needs to head to the emergency room. She loss conscienceness upon arrival and they did an ultrasound to find that she had a tubal pregnancy. There was only one doctor to perform that surgery and he ws not available for another hour. During this time her tube had burst and she began bleeding internally. They thenhad to perform the surgery very quickly to save her life. They successfully removed one of her tubes, and she is now doing well. She has a 21 month old and a 6 month old at home and is getting help so she can recover properly. She realizes all to well how fortunate she is to be alive today.

We then recieved another call on Monday evening from my mother in law because my husbands other sister, the older of the two, was due very soon for her first child. She went into labor at home and was planning on a home birth but the baby's heart rate was dropping very quickly and she had to rushed to the emergency room. They discovered the cord was around the baby's neck and after 22 hours of labor she successfully delivered a baby girl and named her Viola. My sister in law realizes also how fortunate they were to have they're baby alive and well.

We are anxious to go and see the new baby but will probably wait till good friday with our work schedules.

Have a great day, Christina

my 22 week belly!

My 22 week belly. I am really carrying this one lower than the my first two. I don't do many belly pics as I have nevver had one of those cute basketball belly's but this is my baby for the time and another 16-18 weeks. Hopefully I can deliver in 16 weeks, I may have to beg tho! Whatever works. Have a great Monday! Christina

Celebrating!

We had a great day yesterday celebrating Little Mister's 2nd birthday. We keep it small with just the four us and we love it. We had cake and he was so cute blowing out the candle.

He loved his presents...

and his personality was showing through. Love this look...And then we went to the park and played lots, followed by Dairy Queen. Little Mister isn't a fan of eating ice cream but he loves milkshakes.

A great day, with a great Little Guy!

Great book giveaway!

Elizabeth over at mommy etc. has a great interview on an author she admires and is giving away one of her books 'If tommorrow never comes'. I think it sounds great, so check out her interview and enter in the giveaway.

Have a great weekend, Christina

Happy Birthday Little Mister!

Two years ago today our lives changed dramatically forever. Our Little Mister took us from this family of three here... to a family of four. We were so taken with our precious little baby and life has never been the same. He has brought smiles and sunshine to our home by the loads. The world is always happy to Little Mister. He is a busy little guy and keeps us hopping.

One year ago we celebrated his one year birthday and he was so cute as you can see....

and now today at two years old he just as darling and makes us laugh at the cute little things he does.

Happy Birthday Little Mister!

wordless wednsday!

A day out enjoying the sunshine after a long winter!

Ultrasound update!

We had a fun morning with our ultrasound. The boys were very curious, and waving to baby. I am so glad I took them in to see this. The tech had a split screen up and so it was showing 2 babies. Big Mister was so excited that Momma has 2 babies. We tried to explain that there is only ONE Baby but 2 pictures. It made for a cute story and I loved pointing out the hands and feet , but the favorite body part amongst the boys was the nose. They were very chatty about the nse and oh so cute. The tech asked if we wanted to know the gender and we presented our request for her to write it down and seal it in an envelope. She didn't look at us funny as it appears many do this. So we have our little secret in a keepsake box and it will more than likely follow us to the hospital on the Birth Day! I will at this point purchase outfits for both, and keep reciepts as I did with Big Mister. I find this exciting but one sister called me 'Wierd'. That's okay I'll be a little wierd.
All in all a great expierience for our family, it made me want to rush the time a bit more but much to do to prepare so I will keep our bundle warm till then. My accurate due date is now August 3rd, altho it is a scheduled c-sec so will still be in July.
Have a great day and don't forget to check out the recipes below,
Christina

Recipes

I have had a request for a couple recipes so I thought I would share.

One is the recipe for my

Crockpot juice Pork chops

6-8 1 inch thick pork loin chops
1 can frozen orange juice concentrate
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp soy sauce
4 tbsp brown sugar
3 tbsps cornstarch
1 can mandarin oranges or 1/2 can pineapple chunks

Place pork in crockpot, then mix all ingredients in a bowl and stir except for fruit. Pour juice mixture over pork then pour fruit and the juice over the pork. Cook on high setting for approx 3 hours or on low for 5-6 hours. I serve this with sauteed vigis and rice or pasta noodles. Use the glaze with your pasta or rice. I also add some soy sauce with my vegi's.

Next is my

Pumpkin Pancakes

2 cups pancake mix
1 cup oatmeal
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 eggs
1/2 tsp cinnomin
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp melted butter

mix all ingredients and add milk to the consistancy you like you batter. I like mine a little thicker. You can also add in raisins. These were so good. Easy but healthier than many recipes.

Have a great day, Christina

Monday, Monday!

It's a monday around here. hubby is back to work and I start my day with a nap on the couch dozing on and off till about 9:30-10:00. I put a movie in for the boys and give them milk and a snack and they do good for the most part.
I am going grocery shopping tonight for my 2week meal plan again. I am really liking it. I look at whats on sale and then try to incorporate that into my meal plans to keep cost down. It is really helping me feed my family well balanced meals. Here are my meals for the next two weeks
- chicken dumplings
-Pumpkin pancakes and sausage
-Pork roast, mash potatoes and beets
-baked fish, salad, baked potatoes
-homemade pizza with ham, mush, and pineapple, and salad
- baked chicken breast, and baked steak fries with green beans
-chopped steak, sauteed onions and mushrooms, yellow squash, broccoli
- chicken enchilada lasagne
-homemade burritos
-spinach lasagne
-french toast, strawberries, and sausage
-mock beef stroganoff and salad
-italian chicken club sandwiches, and salad,

I always have fruit that I canned to serve for dessert. a lot of times I also add and extra vegi to make sure we are getting a good amount of vegis in our diet.

Tommorrow I am very excited for my ultrasound. We are going to take the boys with to see the baby. Big Mister is getting very involved. he cracks me and DW up all the time with his little sweet things. we also decidedto have the tech write down the sex of the baby and seal it in an envelope in case we want to find out later.

Well have a great monday, Christina

Yeah!

We have been praying about what we feel is a need and not just a want. Our new addition! We actually have two additions, one is coming whether we are ready or not and that is this Baby #3, and two is another bedroom so we have a place to place the baby without it being in the middle of our livingroom.(which was suggested to me as an option, yeah right)
We have set a budget requirement and made a list of items that can be purchased used to keep cost low. We are running out of time and were needing a decent amount of money soon.
We had not done our taxes yet but don't expect much from them either as our only income is self-employed with little write offs. I left wednsday evening with a prayer that we at least would get a little and not have to pay in.
The verdict was in and we were so blessed with twice as much as we were hoping for. We are so excited for two reasons. One we expressed a need and not just a selfish want to God, (which is out of my character), and two God fulfilled!

So plans are on its way and the sun is shining. We are looking forward to showing the boys the baby tuesday morning at the ultrasound.
Have a great weekend and have a great day,
Christina

I am behind, as I haven't posted in a bit. There were a few nice days last week and the boys were so happy to play outdoors. I was so quickly reminded of our summertime routine when they came to the kitchen door ready for lunch and they were covered in mud. I stopped them in they're tracks and stripped them and put em in the tub. They were quick to eat they're lunch and off to napville. That was a great day, no squabbling just harmony.
I was pre-occcupied over the weekend and forgot to take my vitamins and by sunday nightI had my migraines back, BOO! That will teach me to forget. I then awoke monday morning with an ear infectiona and a head cold. I am feeling lots better today but still hanging on to a head cold and a bit of an ear infection.
Either the baby or I have been growing quite a bit in the last 2 weeks. My clothes are fitting way to well from one week to another. My big ultrasound is in a week, and we are not decided yet as to what we are going to find out. I thought it might be nice to take the boys with us to see the baby. Big Mister would especially get excited. He told me the other day to open my mouth real big, and then he stuck one eye as far as he could in my mouth and started shouting that he can see the baby in my belly. Very cute! He says we don't need any girls just a boy. Boys learn early to be loyal.
I am really excited to be doing a new nursery. I am going with Raggedy Ann and Andy. I have chosen paint colors and I have a friend that is sharing some of her nursery things. I will definately post pics as it gets closer.
Pray for our addition fund. We need a good amount of money yet to add on to our house as we only have a two bedroom. God always provides, I am sure of that.

Have a great day, Christina

Happy A to us!

Altho we celebrated our anniversary last weekend, today is the actual day of our 5th anniversary. I was so excited, and now I am so tired all I can think about is taking a nap. I am tryin to get myself awake enough to make a dessert and a card and atleast have a shower before my Romeo comes home from work. Anyhow enough whining, I wanted to share what 5 things I love the most about our marriage.

1) I love the way he still smiles at me.

2) I love the way we can be together and the conversation may be silent but we heard it all anyway.

3) I love how we are so in agreement with planning our future and setting goals with one another.

4) I love how we have a mutual respect for one anothers intrests.

5) And what I love the most is that I get to Love my husband every day! He makes it so easy to Love, I am so fortunate.

I hope you have a great day, Christina

We had a great time away this weekend. Just the husband and I, and all things romantic. By all things romantic I am refering to the chocolate covered strawberries I dipped myself, the jacuzzi tub by the fireplace, and of course the fireplace itself is so cozy and romantic.
We didn't follow a schedule, just went with the moment. We had pizza and wings delivered the first night, and then followed that with a long soothing bath in the jacuzzi and some of our traditional choc. strawberries.
Our morning started out beautiful on saturday, the sun was shining through the skylights in our room, and we had a delicious breakfast at the inn. We spent our forenoon doing a little shopping for me, visiting a gallery featuring all of the history of Dr. Seuss, and then to a horse show. A late lunch at olive garden was so yummy, it is both of our favorite.
The rest of the weekend was spent relaxing entirely. It was enough to get us through another year, and a busy year it is promising to be.

Have a great Monday,
Christina
P.S Don't forget to vote in the poll on the right side of this post!

Middle of the week post!

Okay so it's the middle of the week and I am just getting a post up. Oh, well that's the way life seems to go lately.I have had a pretty good week since Saturday. Saturday was a bum day as my plans were canceled because of another migraine.

Monday I just took it easy, and Tuesday was a full day. I had to take my husband to work in the morning, then the boys had they're story time at the library. Big Mister loves his library time. After the library we went to my oldest sister's to help pack for they're upcoming move. They are only moving about 15 minutes from where they currently live but they are excited. I was able to help get the kitchen cabinets emptied and all washed down.

I am not a soda drinker, one because I don't like the sweetners in diet sodas and I don't like injecting my body with the loads of sugar in regular soda. But, this baby has other ideas. I am so addicted to having a soda a day lately and the craving is really strong. I try to make a decent choice by getting diet rite. Hopefully this craving will go away soon.
I have been craving chinese lately as well, so I made a sweet and sour pork in the crockpot last night, then I did spagetti noodles and sauteed cabbage, carrotts, onions and mushrooms. I made a sweet and sour sauce with honey dijon and layered my dinner with noodles first, a drizzle of mustard sauce, a pile of veggi's and then the pork on top. AWESOME! It was so great the vegi's had a touch of teryaki sauce drizzled over them and the pork was pork loin chops, very lean. can I say Yummy?
So, I am 18 weeks and in three weeks I will have the 'big ultrasound'. Vote on my sidebar should I find out the sex of the baby or no?

My big anniversary weekend getaway is coming up in two days and I am so unbelievabley excited. 48 hours of no children and my hubby all to myself.

Well, That's all for now, have a great day!
Christina

The Flood!

You may be wondering, Flood? It's still winter, where could there possibly be a flood? Let me tell you a funny but not so fun story about our flood.
I had a few calls to make yesterday about bills and that sort of thing. An, of course you know how whenever you have to make those types of calls your on hold for forever and then some.
After waiting for AT&T about 30 minutes I was not about to have my call interupted and start all over. I was a little pre-occupied by the gigling in the other room. I tried to resolve the issues as quickly as possible and then had to give me a sales pitch on how they would love to take more of my money for things I don't need. about 30 minutes later I am finally done and I follow a trail of water from my living room through the dining room and into the kitchen I find lots of water all over and it amounted to a small flood. The boys were both drenched and loving they're water fight inside. Mama was not happy so she stripped them down and but them in the tub to warm up while I made up the mess. It was a few minutes later when I heard a cry from Little Mister and went to check on what's going on. They had decided to empty the body wash and the shampoo into the bathtub and it was burning they're eyes.
And some days that is the way the ball bounces.
It may be hard to believe, but my almost 2 year old Little Mister is the instigator for most of these messes and he will make it look so fun that Big Mister will join in.

Have a great day, Christina

silly boys!

These are some cute pictures of the boys all wrapped up after a bath. They love sitting on the couch all bundled up and they get a little silly too.

I have been away for awhile in the blogging world. I have been working on my Weight loss class, in a class at church, a few migraines and a doctors appointment. They all seemed to keep me distracted which isn't hard to do lately.

We had a great valentines day. My husband and I went to lunch and enjoyed ourselves without the crowds. DW gave me the most beautiful card and some dove chocolate. I also gave him his favorite chocolate (whoppers) and a card. The whole day was spent with a lot flirtyness back and forth and that was fun.

life is Life here in our home, and hope your day is great,

Christina

an exciting day!

Today is exciting. I am starting another weight loss challenge along with another coach, and the class is huge and we have a very diverse group of people. Everyone is committed to getting healthy and making positive changes to achieve some great results. The way cool part is that if they are the biggest loser in the class they will win $500.00!
We have all ages ranging from 15 to 70 years old and men and women in the class.

Now on to the next question. Do you have any valentine's day traditions? What are they and how did they start?
I love Valentine's day, but it seems every year it comes and goes and there isn't anything significant about the day. Last year we had planned on watching my sisters three kids so they could go out and celebrate. Our Little Mister had been really sick for several weeks at that point and we didn't feel like we could leave him. Just before we were ready to leave Little Mister took a turn for the worse and we had to take him to the emergency room and they transferred him to a childrens hospital. so that was our valentine's weekend last year.
This year we are on a strict budget and I am happy about that, but I want to celebrate anyway. Any ideas we could do with children on a tight budget, with yucky weather to make the day special?
well have a great day, Christina

Fireproof

Have you all have seen the movie 'Fireproof' yet?
My husband and I meet with a small group for couples twice a month and the focus is to learn about one another and better our marriages through God's word and encouragement. Our group on saturday night watched the movie fireproof. I really wanted to see it and expected something along the lines of 'facing the giants'. I expected wrong, I absolutely loved the movie and the message in it was so well done that I am amazed the secular world kept it in theaters as long as they did.
All of the couples that night could identify with some part of the storyline in one form or another and the discussion after the movie was great.
If you haven't seen the movie, make it an at home date night, or invite some of you're married couple friends over and watch it together.
Enjoy the movie and if you have already seen it let me know what you thought.
Have a great day,
Christina

What is the H word, really?

Okay, I am sure you are all wondering what H word I am referring too. This H word has taken over my life and I want it back with a vengance. It is HORMONE! We women talk about it most of our lves and we attribute many issues mostly bad and uncomfortable to this word HORMONE.
What is it really? It's not an organ like a kidney or liver, and it's not a nerve altho getting on my last nerve. So, is it a cell, a feeling, chemistry? I don't know but I am loosing patience.
I have had migraines and nausea that is greeting me at the throat. I know that my neck and shoulders are out place and need adjusting but that has been the case for months long before getting pregnant and it didn't give migraines. So, my conclusion is that my HORMONES are creating the migraines and the nausea.
Okay I think that's enough ranting About HORMONES for now, if I get myself riled up it will come back to punish me and I am doing fine with the mild throbbing.

********************************************

I am getting ready for another Weight Loss Challenge and it's getting exciting. I will splitting the class with another coach, which will take alot of the pressure and adds excitement to the class as well. We have had our phones ringing off the hook for days and the response is just fabulous.

we will start the class next thursday and it will go for 12 weeks.

********************************************

Since I have been down for a good part of the week, I don't have to much happening that is exciting, so I won't bore you with the hum drum of "I am lucky to get a shower before noon, or brush my teeth before the hubs gets home. :(

So have a great day, Christina

Jacuzzi's and Finacial priorities...

Al tho my title more than likely eludes to the fact that the jacuzzi and financial priorties have everything to do with each other. Wel, even tho at times they may, today they don't have anything to do with each other, just two things I am going to talk about.

First off, the Jacuzzi! I just finished making reservations for a bed and breakfast for our 5th wedding anniversary. I am so excited about going for a list of reasons. First, 2 1/2 days with no responsibility's but to be In Love, our room has a gorgeous layout with a fireplace and a jacuzzi for two, :) dinner at some of our favorite resturants, it is only 30 minutes from home, and last but not least we saved up for this getaway and are paying cash!
We had origionally planned to go to mexico for a few days , but as I would be 5 months pregnant when we were planning to go I wasn't to keen on laying on the beach with or without a bathing suit. I am liking the plans we have now better for the timing. We will be going a week before our anniversary because the room I view as the best is not available on our anniversary.

Now for the Financial part...
I thought I would share some of the principles we learned in our first week of financial peace class with Dave Ramsey.
One is the importance of establishing a budget right off the bat. Not the one with everything but one with the basic living expenses that need to be first. My husband has taken the time to do that for us and did a great job at it.
The next principle or formula that he shared with us is one that I am so excited about. It's the 10, 10, 80 rule.
10% to tithing, 10% to savings, and 80% for everything else. We always set out our tithing amount and then we took care of verything else. We never had enough to save, and yet that is the second most important in order to prepare for the future. We had a few things backward but we are turning it around.
That's all I have for today, have a great one,
Christina

Photo Mama tidbits..

*The boys are growing almost before my eyes! Especially Little Mister, he doesn't even have that baby look anymore and he thinks he can do anything.

*I am preparing paperwork to send Big Mister to school next fall. I know it seems early but I am sending him to an awesome program that has limited space especially when it has to go through school of choice. It's the young fives montessorri program. He will go 1/2 a day 5 days a week and it is in the next town. We attend church in the same town and many of the schools teachers and administration attend our church. That makes me feel better about sending him and worth driving him 15 minutes to school.

*I don't do a whole lot these days, the pregnancy is not bad but it's whipping me anyway. I have dreams of having a girl and then I have dreams of having a boy. We have great names for either one and high hopes for the baby. I feel like a huge ogre with my extra inches around the waist, and I have so many pimples on my face that Big Mister is always asking if I have ouies.

* I am getting pre-pared for another weight loss class to begin in two weeks. The paper is more than likely going to have an article about the program as well as before and after photo's of previous participants.

* We have officially started the fianacial peace university class with Dave Ramsey. I would reccomend it for anyone. It has so much information that is very practical and eye opening.

* I am excited that our church is starting a small group bible study for couples this week. My husband and I have been wanting this kind of fellowship with other believers, and this will give us an opportunity to great deep bonds and friendships with the other family's in our church.

Well I think that's all for now and I will be back with you again soon.
God Bless,
Christina

Baby Y!

I had my first doctors appointment yesterday. The routine is pretty much the same as anyone's first pre-natal visit. I did however get my first ultrasound to check that everything is growing the way it needs to be. The doctor saw me and did her thing, then the ultrasound took place, and last the blood draws. I always hate the blood draw. I am a whimp by nature and I get all qweezy at the sight of a needle. I am however doing better as I refrained from threatening the tech.

I was glad to finally go forward, and start the care of our new baby and be in pregnant Mama mode. It just doesn't always seem as real till you start your pre-natal routine.

Seeing the baby in the ultrasound made it more than real, it started a bond. I have two gorgeous boys and I am very prideful of that, and I would love a baby girl. However, I can't place my order and I am quite certain by the way this pregnancy is going it will be another boy. I have been having a hard time with this up to this point. When I saw those short little feet kick, and the arms waving, I new it doesn't matter I will love this child just as much whether a boy or a girl. I am not sure at this point if we are going to find out the sex of the baby. part is my own hormones creating insecurities and part is the lack of maturity in people I come in contact with. I feel like the outcome of the sex of my baby is going to place the value of my child. If that makes any sense, and i will just leave it at that.

I am a full 13 weeks, with two due dates. According to my cycle it is July 28, but according to the size of the baby it is August 2nd. I am a scheduled cesearen, so I will be delivering on a monday or tuesday before my due date. Depending on the strength of my uterus and contractual activity will determine how early.

Big mister was excited that I was going to the doctor, but he thought I was bringing the baby home. We had to explain that the baby is still growing and the doctor was just checking on the baby. very cute tho.

Well that's all the news for now, have a great wednesday,

Christina

Today.....one year ago

Sometimes it's nice to look back and see how things were a year ago. I had forgottten that big Mister liked giving rides. I probably would not have attempted because I am always overcautious, but my husband thinks everything will always be okay. Little Mister is about 10 months old and looking a little frightened. Big Mister is loving this, a live doll all his own to play with. It's cute to see the picture now.

I finally managed to get my christmas tree out of my bedroom where it has been stashed since the day after Christmas. and I got it put away. Whew! I was really getting sick of looking at it.

I am finally going to be getting my first doctors visit lined up today. I think it's time as I am 12-14 weeks. I always dread the blood work, I am the worlds biggest baby when it comes to needles and I get all woozy. I usuallyu threaten the tech letting them know they get one poke and no moving the needle around. Sometimes they will get another tech that is better. LOL!

I will update my tunes and the blog decor. I really want fresh and springy, and something that I can fit the arrival of the baby into.

Have a great Friday and see you all soon in bloggy world, Christina

Joys, Thanks, and Fears

Hi Guys, I have missed writing and chatting wth you. I have however been reading many of your blogs even tho I haven't been posting. I am in such a slump that I don't feel inspired to write or share much about any one topic. I'm sure I could get a few one liners for you , but that's not very exciting. That may be it, I don't feel like I have anything very exciting to share, so I don't share at all. Now, don't get me wrong I have lots going on and much to anticipate in the coming months.
-A much needed addition to the house for expanding family.
-The baby that will be joining our lives in 6 very short months.
-Two new weight loss challenges starting verysoon.
-My fifth anniversary celebration.

So don't misunderstand me, I am very thankful for the life that god has chosen for me. I do however feel very inadequate for the responsibilities that lie ahead of me. It is a heaviness in my heart that is squealching the passion and the Joy that I should be feeling at this time in my life.
The fears consume me at times. Fears of delivery, fears of being imprisioned in my home with three children all demanding attention at the same time, and fearsof not being there for my husband like I desire to be.

I have been enjoying reading your posts, as I struggle to write my own. Keep it up and know that you all mean so much to me.

God Bless, Christina

Financial peace university

My husband and I are starting the Financial Peace university program with Dave Ramsey in a couple of weeks. We have already kinda started to prepare for total discipline. I got an e-mail and it ws an article that listed the most annoying statements or excuses that people make that drive Dave nuts. I thought they were pretty good.

“Dave arguments” that drive Dave Ramsey nuts!
(my comments are in red)
-I hate the argument that you can make more money if you’re willing to go into debt.
(I learned this the hard way, and in a bittering way)
-The ones I hate: I have a very rich relative, if something happens he will help us.

-I can't afford a car that needs to be fixed, so I bought a new one.

-Buying a used car is risky. I want my kids to have what I didn't.
(Never use your kids as an excuse to get what you as an adult want)
-I hate the line about how getting out of debt isn't the best plan for everyone, and you have to go case by case.
(this person had to have been in denial)
-I also hate the [idea that] buying a used car is just buying someone else's problems. I heard that from my own mother!

-My favorite is, "I can get 10% on my investment with money from a 6% home equity loan. I can use my house to make me money!" Sounds like they forgot to account for risk!
(This is a no brainer, always minimize risk when it comes to your home. I have never noticed a plus on my income taxs with owning a home so why use the equity up for other debt to help your taxes)
-I had the "Why bother to save $1,000 in an emergency fund when I owe thousands on a credit card?" chat. They didn't get that it isn't what makes the most financial sense; it is about changing behaviors by never borrowing again!
(we have already done this and it really does help us feel more secure about if things come up)
-I dislike the phrase, "There's nothing in my budget I can cut to be able to put something toward my emergency fund or debt." Meanwhile, they are driving a new car, carrying the latest cell phone, toting a Dooney & Burke bag, and eating out at nice places!

( this one is one that irritates me too, I know lots of people that are supposedly broke and have no money but they are in the latest fashion and they are always eating out. How ironic)
-The argument that drives me bonkers is "I spend more when I use cash." Yeah, maybe the first month. But if you stick to the plan and don't use credit cards as a backup, you learn pretty quickly that when that cash is gone, you are done spending!

(this is a comment that even I was stupid enough to say. but really it was just a way to not make a committment)

I am still here!

I have been away for what seems so long. I have read some of your posts through this time. I just haven't taken the time to comment or write a post lately. I thought I would give a short summary of why I have not been loyal to my blog for so long:

Christmas was soooo busy

New years came so quick

I have been sick

my boys have been sick

my husband has been sick

I am starting another weight loss class

I am processing the overwhelming (to me) responsibility of having yet another child

I have not been in the best spirits lately and didn't want to dampen yours with my not so nice thoughts.

I think that covers the majority of my disapearance. I hope to back with you all regularly just maybe not 5 days a week, it may be 2-3 times instead.

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I recieved this very sweet award from Elena at Elena's Garden.





"This blog invests and believes the PROXIMITY - nearness in space, time and relationships! These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."It's hard to choose just eight. I enjoy visiting all my blogging friends:)
I think all the blogs I read are great or I probably wouldn't read them so I nominate anyone to claim this award because you deserve it and you can pass this blessing on to another deserving blogger.