Well only two more weeks till the big name reveal and I hope you all are as excited as I am. We have thought long and hard on a perfect name for this little one and are excited about our decision.
Quick update on Pearl Joy Brown, the baby that was diagnosed with alobar holoprosencephaly (HPE), a condition that is deemed not compatable with life. The family took this news in from their ultrasound against the advice of the doctor and decided to trust in God. She was not likely to live after birth even a couple of hours and now has been alive 4 days and is going home!!!! She will need extensive care at home. Please continue to pray for her and her family as each day is a blessing but also so very difficult. Read her story here.
So as far as the news with us, this momma is staying in a lot and trying to beat the heat anyway possible. The doctor is happy with my progress and I have only gained 4 lbs the whole pregnancy. My blood pressure is good and everything else is on par. My doctor was excited for me about my trip to Cali next week for Summit and even wrote me a note for the airlines, should they need it. I am not taking any chances. I can't wait for 80 degree weather and a possible trip to the beach. Granted there will be a lot of work going on too. The campus of Saddleback Church is bigger than most colleges. Lots of stairs and lots of sitting which will be difficult too. I have found that I can't sit very long on hard surfaces, my butt and legs fall asleep very quickly. But even with that, I can barely contain my joy at this opportunity. Please pray for my trip if you remember next Tuesday for safe journeys. But especially please pray for my daughter as she will be staying with Granny and PawPaw all of next week. Those brave souls! Pray that she will adjust well to being away from mom and dad for a whole week and that she will stay on track with her potty training. Please also pray for the health and strength of my in-laws that she won't wear them out.
As per our previous post, my son's ultrasound went well and he is healthy. If he is still on track weight wise, he should be about 3 lbs. I can't believe that we have only 12 weeks to go! Time flies! Some things to look forward to are the name reveal, our 32 week ultrasound, our baby shower, and of course the birth.
We recieved great news this week that we will be able to get WIC after all. I am thrilled and excited to have the formula costs off our backs. I have an appointment Monday to get the details. This is a huge answer to prayer. As because breast feeding didn't work well with Joslyn, I am going to try again, but if it doesn't work again then I can breathe at knowing at least the baby's food is taken care of. We have never thought that two children would be in our future, but God is showing me that if I will trust Him, then He will show me miracle after miracle!
I want to thank you for your support in reading my blog. It makes all the difference to me. Love you all!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Chick-Fil-A
My response to the Chick-Fil-A boycott.
I have friends and family who are gay. I have friends and family who have had abortions. I have friends and family who lie, cheat, steal and use drugs. I love them all. I myself struggle with pride, gluttony and sloth, 3 of the major sins that God put in the 10 commandments. Sin is sin. I will not argue whether or not homosexuality is a sin. It is in the Bible as a sin, so are many other things that aren't considered sins anymore. Sin is anything that keeps us from God. That is why Christ died. So bridge the gap between Sin and God. Belief in Him. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
When I was 16 I worked for Chick-Fil-A. They gave me some of my best customer service experience. They taught me how to deal with money and how to deal with time management. I met my hubby while wearing a Chick-Fil-A uniform, smelling like chicken. I think that is the real reason he asked me out, he was hungry. My mom worked for Chick-Fil-A for many years and so did my brother. After many years of eating chicken and their waffle fries, I never hated the restaurant. I loved that I didn't have to fight my place of work to have Sundays off. I loved that Sundays my mom, A single mother, was always home with us. It was the only day we saw her. I love how they put kids through college. And that their work policy is to actually sit down with their employees and get to know them, instead of just hiring people and not caring about them. Granted there were people that worked for Chick-Fil-A that were not nice people. People that I wouldn't hang out with. People that would hush their potty mouths when my mom or I were around. My mom's boss was a great guy, who's 3 sons worked at Chick-Fil-A with us. And he would sell my mom the cold chicken buckets, for 5 bucks. Those chicken buckets saved our lives some times. When mom could barely support us, we were able to eat.
It's the people in this life that God has called me to focus my attention on. People who are as screwed up as I am. Not politics or worldly matters. If Home Depot actually supports and puts money towards gay activists, (which I was told they do) and I need a screw driver, that won't stop me from going there.
If there is a new abortion clinic opening down the street you won't find me picketing it. I don't sign petitions of any form. And I rarely vote at all unless it is for the President. Because somewhere down the line of that petition, political leader, clinic, it someone who does something evil or that I don't like. But instead of focusing my energy and worry and concern on issues that matter, I am taking my eye off of those PEOPLE that God does want me to get involved with. Politics has always been a pet peeve of mine. I saw my family rip each other to shreds over political views and who was right. That is the main reason I became an independent. I wanted a chance to share my view without the fight. But really it came down to people choosing their cause over the people God had placed in their life. Many may call me a pacifist or a Christian that doesn't stand up to my beliefs. But those people don't know me. Jesus stood for His beliefs by loving those that the world couldn't love. Not by petitioning the gov't. Yes He did stand up to the pharisees and those selling in the temple, but He kept it personal. He loved those people and tried to teach the pharisees the real way.
You can call me wrong, you can call me names. But this is my cause. This is my fight. This is my purpose to strive to love the way Jesus did and to win souls to Christ by loving them and showing God's love through me. And by letting Him direct my path and teach me how to be more like him. Thank goodness he is not finished with me yet. Thank goodness I don't have to be right. Thank goodness that if I am wrong, God gives me grace and will teach me the right way. And on that beautiful day when I get to see his face, I doubt that I will be surprised by the other sinners that will be standing up there with me. Those the world rejects, are still beautiful creations of God.
So to end this soapbox today, I ate lunch at one of my favorite places today and the waffle fries were yummy!
I have friends and family who are gay. I have friends and family who have had abortions. I have friends and family who lie, cheat, steal and use drugs. I love them all. I myself struggle with pride, gluttony and sloth, 3 of the major sins that God put in the 10 commandments. Sin is sin. I will not argue whether or not homosexuality is a sin. It is in the Bible as a sin, so are many other things that aren't considered sins anymore. Sin is anything that keeps us from God. That is why Christ died. So bridge the gap between Sin and God. Belief in Him. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
When I was 16 I worked for Chick-Fil-A. They gave me some of my best customer service experience. They taught me how to deal with money and how to deal with time management. I met my hubby while wearing a Chick-Fil-A uniform, smelling like chicken. I think that is the real reason he asked me out, he was hungry. My mom worked for Chick-Fil-A for many years and so did my brother. After many years of eating chicken and their waffle fries, I never hated the restaurant. I loved that I didn't have to fight my place of work to have Sundays off. I loved that Sundays my mom, A single mother, was always home with us. It was the only day we saw her. I love how they put kids through college. And that their work policy is to actually sit down with their employees and get to know them, instead of just hiring people and not caring about them. Granted there were people that worked for Chick-Fil-A that were not nice people. People that I wouldn't hang out with. People that would hush their potty mouths when my mom or I were around. My mom's boss was a great guy, who's 3 sons worked at Chick-Fil-A with us. And he would sell my mom the cold chicken buckets, for 5 bucks. Those chicken buckets saved our lives some times. When mom could barely support us, we were able to eat.
It's the people in this life that God has called me to focus my attention on. People who are as screwed up as I am. Not politics or worldly matters. If Home Depot actually supports and puts money towards gay activists, (which I was told they do) and I need a screw driver, that won't stop me from going there.
If there is a new abortion clinic opening down the street you won't find me picketing it. I don't sign petitions of any form. And I rarely vote at all unless it is for the President. Because somewhere down the line of that petition, political leader, clinic, it someone who does something evil or that I don't like. But instead of focusing my energy and worry and concern on issues that matter, I am taking my eye off of those PEOPLE that God does want me to get involved with. Politics has always been a pet peeve of mine. I saw my family rip each other to shreds over political views and who was right. That is the main reason I became an independent. I wanted a chance to share my view without the fight. But really it came down to people choosing their cause over the people God had placed in their life. Many may call me a pacifist or a Christian that doesn't stand up to my beliefs. But those people don't know me. Jesus stood for His beliefs by loving those that the world couldn't love. Not by petitioning the gov't. Yes He did stand up to the pharisees and those selling in the temple, but He kept it personal. He loved those people and tried to teach the pharisees the real way.
You can call me wrong, you can call me names. But this is my cause. This is my fight. This is my purpose to strive to love the way Jesus did and to win souls to Christ by loving them and showing God's love through me. And by letting Him direct my path and teach me how to be more like him. Thank goodness he is not finished with me yet. Thank goodness I don't have to be right. Thank goodness that if I am wrong, God gives me grace and will teach me the right way. And on that beautiful day when I get to see his face, I doubt that I will be surprised by the other sinners that will be standing up there with me. Those the world rejects, are still beautiful creations of God.
So to end this soapbox today, I ate lunch at one of my favorite places today and the waffle fries were yummy!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
Pregnancy update- Week 26
Baby Boy Ellifritt is A-okay!
We thank you for all your prayers!
Our hearts are so full of love!
He weighs 2.2 ounces at this point and we have 3 months to go!
Doctor said he is perfect, but we already knew this to be true.
He wouldn't cooperate with the 4 d pictures. He covered his face with his hands. A little shy I guess, but that's my boy. Wonderful, amazing, perfect little boy. We can breathe again! Thank you for the love and support you give us. I registered yesterday. It was neat registering for boy stuff. Ready to fill this house with boy stuff and wait the arrival of our little man.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Wisdom Wednesdays week 2
How your children treat their dolls is not how they will treat their siblings!
Or is it? Hmm, just a little bit worried!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Things going on!
Well we have less than a week left until our ultrasound, and I have to say I am starting to get nervous. Not too, worried! I have had a hard time today, because I was checking my blogs and I read a blog that was so sweet and sad. A family expecting a child that is not supposed to live very long after the womb. Her name is Pearl, so if you get a chance, say a little prayer for Pearl and her family. I love that although the doctors told them their best chance was to abort the baby, they chose not to. God does not make mistakes, people do. I have been and will always be a supporter of life! Abortion in any form is murder in my eyes. But you won't find me protesting abortion clinics or sending out propaganda. I believe it is our job to reach mothers in a personal nature. Love will always win in my eyes. And if a mother chooses to abort, then I will still love her. Judging is not my job. Her life, unfortunately will be full of grief and guilt later on in life. Unfortunately, I see this a lot, in CR. Women in their 30's and 40's are dealing with overwhelming grief and guilt, because the devil allows that to fester in their hearts until it is black. But you know what? Just like the guilt that God has set me free of, God can set them free too. Thank goodness grace is free for all! Thank goodness God forgives and forgets, we as humans don't. And wonderfully, I have seen those same people riddled with guilt, find freedom in Christ! Whatever we do, let us live for the Lord! And let us forgive and live as Jesus did. With love oozing out of our pores for the hurting and sick and prisoners. And remember we are all in chains and bondage. All in need of rescuing from our Savior Jesus. None of us has the right to judge or condemn. "For God did not send his Son into the World to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17
In other notes, Joslyn is doing the same with potty training. She will go good at home on most days then have an accident. She will go on the big potty at one church and won't on the other. Who knows. I realize that it takes time, I just hope not too much time. Momma's patience is lacking. That is a big issue these days. Patience and my lack of it. Please pray for me as every day is a battle of control. Me trying to control my patience. Lord knows I need lots of help.
I had lots more to say but my pregnant brain forgot after I got on my soapbox. Sorry and thanks for listening!
In other notes, Joslyn is doing the same with potty training. She will go good at home on most days then have an accident. She will go on the big potty at one church and won't on the other. Who knows. I realize that it takes time, I just hope not too much time. Momma's patience is lacking. That is a big issue these days. Patience and my lack of it. Please pray for me as every day is a battle of control. Me trying to control my patience. Lord knows I need lots of help.
I had lots more to say but my pregnant brain forgot after I got on my soapbox. Sorry and thanks for listening!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Wisdom Wednesday!
Many of my blogger friends do wordless Wednesday, where they post pictures. Some of them funny some of them speak for themselves. I would rather give you the wisdom I have learned throughout my short life. Enjoy!
Today's piece of wisdom will blow your mind!!!
"Purfume does not go in your eyes."
Yep, that's it! You can quote me if you would like!
Today's piece of wisdom will blow your mind!!!
"Purfume does not go in your eyes."
Yep, that's it! You can quote me if you would like!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Repurposing and reusing
I have been trying to figure out how to write this post, because I don't repurpose as many things as I would like to. But here we go.
Living in an apartment is hard when you have to figure out space. I would love to have room in my kitchen for recycle bins, and although we have a decent sized porch, the apartments are very watchful on the amount of clutter we have on it. So while recycling isn't going as I had originally planned, we try to find other ways to accomplish goal 2 right now.
So one of the things we repurpose is butter and sour cream containers.
I am sure that many of you reuse your plastic food containers for leftovers. But when I get an abundance of them, I give them to Marcie, to take to the church that feeds the homeless. I have served on quite a few homeless feeding centers before and all of them needed plastic containers. Not only do they have leftovers to store, but although it is technically against the rules. Many of them will give out leftovers to those who had families for later. Even the smallest little plastic containers can give hope to those that walk out the door, waiting for their next meal. So first of, if you have never fed the homeless, I suggest you volunteer at least once. It is an amazing and addictive service! Secondly, don't throw out those plastic containers. Find a church that feeds the homeless and offer them the plastic ware.
Something else we repurpose in the kitchen is ice cream buckets. We like to buy the big value size ice cream containers, not only for the ice cream but for the containers. I am a crafty person and that means I have tons of stuff that needs organizing. These big buckets have been used for toy buckets, collected rocks and leaves, painting supplies, glue sticks, and currently one holds my bird seed outside for the birdies! Mega storage organizing and ice cream is a win-win to me!!!
When you find yourself the mother of children, baby wipes have ten thousand purposes. They are handy in crafts, almost all kind of clean-up, and just perfect for the car. We we started collecting the wipe containers, they were having a sale on the ones in a box, so we bought 4 or 5 of them. But mostly we buy the big cheap value brand which may come with one box or none. So once I saw how great they were for keeping crafts in, I Facebooked my mother friends and put the word out that I was collecting them. In response I was amazed at how many of my friends were just throwing them away. These little gems are so very handy. Currently I keep markers, pens, pencils, chalk, letter magnets, flash cards and so much more in these containers. They are also great for the garage, if your handy man needs a little organizing these are great for tools, nuts and bolts, screws and nails. Really they are amazing organization bins because they stack so easily.
In tiny spaces you have to get creative with your organizing. When we moved from our big 2400 square foot trailer into our 800 square foot apartment we had much downsizing to do. We also had bought a huge multi pack of efficient light bulbs that would not store easily. The light bulb boxes are cheap, flimsy, and easily dropped. Especially by this clumsy lady. I found this hanging storage organizer and didn't know what to do with it, when I thought of storing lightbulbs in it. I was amazed that even on the door, it keeps the lightbulbs still and safe. we also have them easily available for changing out the old ones. I also love that I automatically know if we have lightbulbs without having to search a deep corner for them.
Obviously I use crafts a lot, because much of my repurposing is done for that. But when I was looking at my new tiny kitchen, I realized I had a goldmine in storage because of the foot tall gap I had above the cabinets. In old times I would store collectables or fake plants up there. But since dusting is one of my least favorite things to do, I realized I could use that space for something more helpful. My momma Marcie had a few old jars above her fridge that held buttons and things and it gave me an idea for my space. It killed me that our recycling center in town didn't take glass and throwing it away was heartbreaking to me. So I decided to use old spaghetti glass jars and pickle jars for storage for more craft supplies. We also use them to store office supplies, like paper clips, rubber bands, small candles, plastic outlet covers, and many more things. The glass jar effect on top has a charm to it and I never dust them unless I get into a jar and then I wipe it down really quick.
We buy a lot of diapers in this house and although we are having small successes with potty training, we will be starting over with baby #2, so diaper boxes are plentiful at my house. I never throw away a diaper box because of their usage. We repurpose clothes a lot at this house because we get so many hand-me-downs from friends I have to do the same for others. So when I get a new diaper box empty I automatically start an old clothes box and sort through Joslyn's clothes. Anything she can't wear anymore that I don't save for her quilt is thrown in the box and donated to the latest friend in need. This keeps her closet clean and clutter free and leaves more room for new hand me downs! I also try and repurpose paper as much as I can. Old newspaper is great for bird cages and packing, but it can also be used as wrapping paper and crafty things. Paper mache is done with newspaper. We use Walmart Sacks as poop bags, since cleaning up after our dogs is required and appreciated. You of course can use them as small trash bags also. We use the store grocery paper sacks to drain meats and fried foods on instead of paper towels. They hold up much better to lots of grease.
There are so many things that can be repurposed. We try and be mindful of what we are throwing away and if it can't be recycled, can it be repurposed? What do you repurpose around your house?
Living in an apartment is hard when you have to figure out space. I would love to have room in my kitchen for recycle bins, and although we have a decent sized porch, the apartments are very watchful on the amount of clutter we have on it. So while recycling isn't going as I had originally planned, we try to find other ways to accomplish goal 2 right now.
I am sure that many of you reuse your plastic food containers for leftovers. But when I get an abundance of them, I give them to Marcie, to take to the church that feeds the homeless. I have served on quite a few homeless feeding centers before and all of them needed plastic containers. Not only do they have leftovers to store, but although it is technically against the rules. Many of them will give out leftovers to those who had families for later. Even the smallest little plastic containers can give hope to those that walk out the door, waiting for their next meal. So first of, if you have never fed the homeless, I suggest you volunteer at least once. It is an amazing and addictive service! Secondly, don't throw out those plastic containers. Find a church that feeds the homeless and offer them the plastic ware.
Something else we repurpose in the kitchen is ice cream buckets. We like to buy the big value size ice cream containers, not only for the ice cream but for the containers. I am a crafty person and that means I have tons of stuff that needs organizing. These big buckets have been used for toy buckets, collected rocks and leaves, painting supplies, glue sticks, and currently one holds my bird seed outside for the birdies! Mega storage organizing and ice cream is a win-win to me!!!
We buy a lot of diapers in this house and although we are having small successes with potty training, we will be starting over with baby #2, so diaper boxes are plentiful at my house. I never throw away a diaper box because of their usage. We repurpose clothes a lot at this house because we get so many hand-me-downs from friends I have to do the same for others. So when I get a new diaper box empty I automatically start an old clothes box and sort through Joslyn's clothes. Anything she can't wear anymore that I don't save for her quilt is thrown in the box and donated to the latest friend in need. This keeps her closet clean and clutter free and leaves more room for new hand me downs! I also try and repurpose paper as much as I can. Old newspaper is great for bird cages and packing, but it can also be used as wrapping paper and crafty things. Paper mache is done with newspaper. We use Walmart Sacks as poop bags, since cleaning up after our dogs is required and appreciated. You of course can use them as small trash bags also. We use the store grocery paper sacks to drain meats and fried foods on instead of paper towels. They hold up much better to lots of grease.
There are so many things that can be repurposed. We try and be mindful of what we are throwing away and if it can't be recycled, can it be repurposed? What do you repurpose around your house?
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
pregnancy 24 weeks and potty training!
Pregnancy 24 weeks
So I can't believe that I am already 24 weeks along. After my next OB appointment I will start going to the doctor every 2 weeks. Time flies when you are pregnant. We have had a little hiccup in the pregnancy recently. Our ultrasound appointment was amazing and it was wonderful to see my son. But the doctors saw a bright spot in the heart area that they are concerned about. My doctor says that 9 times out of 10 this bright spot is gone by the next ultrasound, but to be safe they are scheduling a 4d ultrasound with a Perinatal Doctor. This was very scary at first, but I am learning to trust God in they matter and we will trust that His plan is good. The other 10 percentile for this can mean down syndrome. We have had a blood test to test for downs and it came back negative. So we imagine that things are just deceptive at this point. Our 4d ultrasound is scheduled for the 19th of July and they say that we should know the results that day, but we are not sure of that. Whatever the outcome of this ultrasound, we will love this baby the same and will trust God's plan. It may be hard but God is always in control, especially when I am not. We would appreciate your prayers though, for a happy healthy baby and that they find no concerns.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have received so many good baby clothes and things I am feeling so very blessed. John and I checked out WIC and found out that we do not qualify for WIC, we make only a couple of thousand more a year to qualify. But we are also trusting that God has a plan for this too and he will take care of us. We know this to be true for all of the baby things that we have not had to pay for. At this point in the pregnancy with Joslyn we had purchased many of the items ourselves and I am so grateful for the friends and family that had supplied us with items. If we end up having a shower we are only going to have to ask for the little things like bassinet sheets, diapers, wipes, baby bath things and the little medicines and creams that are needed. What a blessing! I am hoping that the breast feeding thing will go much better this time and I will not need for formula, but we are not counting on it. Formula is probably in my future!
On an amazing note: JOSLYN IS POTTY TRAINING! And by this I mean she is really trying! At home she is almost completely trained during the day and only wears a diaper at nap time and nighttime. Now if we go out we have to put her in a Pull-up unless we are going straight somewhere and back. She will now go on the big potty at home and at Grandma's house, but is still very scared to use the potties out and about. There is a seat I have been told about that folds up and you can stick it on the public toilets. We plan on getting one of those, they come in characters, so probably a Dora one if we can find them. This next paycheck we are moving her to 2 percent milk instead of whole milk which should help the going issue and will be better for everyone's weight! It's amazing how much more pleasant my day is with her potty training! I mean I probably spend half of my day in the bathroom, but still, knowing that she is trying and that she will probably be completely trained by the time baby gets here, makes me very happy!!!!
SO proud of my big girl!!!!
Remember that we will announce the name of our son on week 30, so stay tuned. And we will let you know of the results of the ultrasound when we know. Loving you all!
So I can't believe that I am already 24 weeks along. After my next OB appointment I will start going to the doctor every 2 weeks. Time flies when you are pregnant. We have had a little hiccup in the pregnancy recently. Our ultrasound appointment was amazing and it was wonderful to see my son. But the doctors saw a bright spot in the heart area that they are concerned about. My doctor says that 9 times out of 10 this bright spot is gone by the next ultrasound, but to be safe they are scheduling a 4d ultrasound with a Perinatal Doctor. This was very scary at first, but I am learning to trust God in they matter and we will trust that His plan is good. The other 10 percentile for this can mean down syndrome. We have had a blood test to test for downs and it came back negative. So we imagine that things are just deceptive at this point. Our 4d ultrasound is scheduled for the 19th of July and they say that we should know the results that day, but we are not sure of that. Whatever the outcome of this ultrasound, we will love this baby the same and will trust God's plan. It may be hard but God is always in control, especially when I am not. We would appreciate your prayers though, for a happy healthy baby and that they find no concerns.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have received so many good baby clothes and things I am feeling so very blessed. John and I checked out WIC and found out that we do not qualify for WIC, we make only a couple of thousand more a year to qualify. But we are also trusting that God has a plan for this too and he will take care of us. We know this to be true for all of the baby things that we have not had to pay for. At this point in the pregnancy with Joslyn we had purchased many of the items ourselves and I am so grateful for the friends and family that had supplied us with items. If we end up having a shower we are only going to have to ask for the little things like bassinet sheets, diapers, wipes, baby bath things and the little medicines and creams that are needed. What a blessing! I am hoping that the breast feeding thing will go much better this time and I will not need for formula, but we are not counting on it. Formula is probably in my future!
On an amazing note: JOSLYN IS POTTY TRAINING! And by this I mean she is really trying! At home she is almost completely trained during the day and only wears a diaper at nap time and nighttime. Now if we go out we have to put her in a Pull-up unless we are going straight somewhere and back. She will now go on the big potty at home and at Grandma's house, but is still very scared to use the potties out and about. There is a seat I have been told about that folds up and you can stick it on the public toilets. We plan on getting one of those, they come in characters, so probably a Dora one if we can find them. This next paycheck we are moving her to 2 percent milk instead of whole milk which should help the going issue and will be better for everyone's weight! It's amazing how much more pleasant my day is with her potty training! I mean I probably spend half of my day in the bathroom, but still, knowing that she is trying and that she will probably be completely trained by the time baby gets here, makes me very happy!!!!
SO proud of my big girl!!!!
Remember that we will announce the name of our son on week 30, so stay tuned. And we will let you know of the results of the ultrasound when we know. Loving you all!