In preparation mode

4 years ago I was dramatically plunged into the world of motherhood with what Dr. Karp calls a baby with poor self-calming ability and a challenging temperment. He adds that these babies turn into great children(of which I can concur), but I'm glad he offers insight into how to deal in the mean time! Although I am 4 years way too late for Mal, we did survive. I just don't particularly want to be as ill prepared this time as last time. Thanks to a friend for letting me borrow this book, I read it from the time I got home that day, into the wee hours of the night, and Mallorie watched movies the next day until I had finished it. Yes, I was enthrawled...very interested and open to knowledge of what could prepare me for what is ultimately the unknown. That's also why I don't read much because when I pick up a book I have this intense drive to finish it instead of enjoying it (luckily that is with exception of the scriptures). Anyway, I would definately recommend this book to any mother even if your baby has the most delightful new baby personality. It seems like more than just a racket at least! I will try it as soon as I get the chance and give a report. I have also been wanting a double jogging stroller and have been diligently searching for the best deal on craigslist and amazon and other places. Finally the other day I saw one close to where we live that was a very expensive one when new and good quality. It matched all my needs, wants, and was in my price range! So after Joe's and Mal's approval, we are new proud(not in a bad way though!) and appreciative owners of a double jogging stroller by Baby Jogger. Mallorie loves it, we've already been out walking with it a few times...believe it or not I was able to jog for about a minute each time, don't really want to push it right now though. So, with all hopes of baby being happy and mother being back in...well, just in shape, ha!...I hope I'm not just hoping. Usually when I'm determined I can accomplish what I need to with a lot of help from above. Labor and delivery? I'm just gonna wing that! Thinking too intensely about that just leaves Joe and I with high blood pressure and anxiety:P I know there's still over 2 months until Brianna is here, but I'm getting pretty excited. These months are going to go by fast and I want to be as prepared as I can. That(preparedness), paired with faith, should be a good combination. Joe and I have grown together so much these almost 6 years we've been married. Here's to many more years of growth and love with our growing and loving little family.

Change is not always good

4 already?!

Wow, is Mallorie really 4 already?! It's true...Joe and I really are that much closer to 30...which by the way is getting younger everyday. So anyway, enough about us, Mallorie's party went pretty well, I thought. We did have a house burn down right around the corner during the party. Joe had to block the road until another Highway Patrol got there. The people were cooking fries and it turned into a grease fire. Within minutes the house was burnt beyond repair. The people were renting, but all of their stuff is gone....they have four children, and only the clothes on their backs (one is a baby and only had on a daiper). I'm just thankful they all got out in time.

Here are some pictures:

The Dora pinata that I made for Mal.

Mutilating the Dora pinata!

Mal's Dora cake.

Happy Birthday to Mallorie!

Happy Birthday to you!

Mallorie wanting to play with everything right away.

The party favors at the end were a hit...water guns!

Reload!

And the fun continues!

When we got home, Uncle Dusty, Laiel, and Joe put together the mini market from her papa and grandma. Mallorie kept paying papa for the food he wanted to buy. Charity in action:P

The house that caught on fire during the party. So sad! Everyone did get out okay, though.

27 Weeks...and counting!

So I figured I would try to use Marquesas' photo tool on a belly photo.

Since I never remember to take one of me while Joe or someone is around to help, here's my attempt at the 10-second-timer.

Before Picnik.com:

After:

Just a close up:

Mallorie wanted in on the action:

Evolution of a Revolution

So, what are these "Tea" parties all about? Glenn Beck says it so well, so please watch the video to the right...but basically people of all different political beliefs coming together because we're fed up with our irresponsible government and the spending that will lead us to being slaves to communist china. Borrower is slave to the lender, ever heard that one. Joe and I have learned enough from personal experience about borrowing money, about government assistance, and tax refunds of taxes that we never paid in. We've learned enough to know that we're all in big trouble unless we wake up the people in Washington, who are spending people's money irresponsibly, to the fact that We The People run America. Joe's sign said, "Wake up America!...before your liberty is gone!" Are you awake? Please, it's our generation's battle to fight so our children and grandchildren won't have to.

Forget Republicans

Forget Democrats

Embrace the truth...

Easter Fun

The kids really seemed to have a blast at the Easter Social. Yay for warm weather!

Here's a video of Mal in the wheelbarrow race. She may have come in last, but I do believe she was by far the youngest who could hold her own weight*and she did not give up, classic Mal style*. You go girl!

Where I am

My husband has an extremely sensitive spirit. He is also headstrong, and even stubborn. I'm just setting the tone for the rest of the post. When you put those qualities together, what you get is frustration! Okay, so not always, but this particular moment it proves to be that way. My husband has been torn for a while by what God wants him to do versus what the world dictates he should do. I suppose I should be more plaqued by this, too, but having no definate course of action, it is easier to sweep deep feelings to dark places hardly ever ventured to.

Think about that ever popular line that truly holds much significance: What Would Jesus Do?Well, we know what he did do. We know that he owned his own business as a carpenter. This was not a multi-million dollar chain of branches that built cookie-cutter houses. No, he earned enough for His needs. Most of the work he did went without worldly pay. He had faith that he would always have enough for his needs, without any doubt. How many people out there would be willing to work on your own for minimal pay and give the rest of your time to others?

We think we have faith, but true faith cannot dwell inside us with any form of doubt. If we know we are supposed to give all of our time and talents to Him, even unto death, and do not, will we be condemned?

I know it seems like we all do so much, but I see people mostly working for themselves including me. I wish I could break the chains and just serve others whole-heartedly with full faith in Jesus Christ. Why is it so hard? Why has satan made us feel that we must work so much for money, less time at home, and leave no time for others? I believe it is because he knows once we figure it all out and catch him in these filthy lies, once we shed the pride and selfishness and vainness, once we truly follow Christ to the full meaning; HE WILL BE BOUND. The chains will no longer be on us, but the one that should carry them. Right now, he is content. I am not content with that.

So, then what's next? That is where I am right now.