A blog about the rewards of motherhood which are more precious than jewels.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Prayer for our House
to sell!
It has been on the market since the end of February.
If you have a prayer list it would be wonderful if you can add our house selling to your list. Thank you so much. Of course we are huge believers in the power of prayer (you could also pray right now reading this that it sells soon). We have heard from realtor friends that houses really do not sell in July and December. July everyone is on vacation, and December of course in Christmas.
Also, if you know anyone interested here is the link. It was built in 2007, 3 Bedroom, 2 Baths, Garage, Privacy Fence, etc.
http://www.realestatebook.com/homes/listing/101-3000234304/209-Gardenwalk-Dr-West-Columbia-SC-29170/
It has been on the market since the end of February.
If you have a prayer list it would be wonderful if you can add our house selling to your list. Thank you so much. Of course we are huge believers in the power of prayer (you could also pray right now reading this that it sells soon). We have heard from realtor friends that houses really do not sell in July and December. July everyone is on vacation, and December of course in Christmas.
Also, if you know anyone interested here is the link. It was built in 2007, 3 Bedroom, 2 Baths, Garage, Privacy Fence, etc.
http://www.realestatebook.com/homes/listing/101-3000234304/209-Gardenwalk-Dr-West-Columbia-SC-29170/
Monday, June 14, 2010
Movie Monday: Jackson Playing the Wii
The Wii just really went down on its price and we were in Toys R Us the other day buying nursery water that we have to have since we are on Well water and we splurged and bought it (before we knew how much we were going to have to pay for Charlie's gallbladder surgery...). Jackson loves playing golf on the Wii, swords, etc. We really have to monitor it or he will play all day! It was great to have after Charlie had surgery and we were in the house a lot.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
"Shopping for Time: How to So it All and Not Be Overwhlemed" Did I Really Just Buy a Book Talking about a 5 am Club?
I am pretty sure I picked this book out from the Westminster Bookstore because I love time management books.
The book starts off great with Bible verse Ephesians 5:15-16:
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Then they (Mahaney, Whitacre, Chesemore, and Bradshaw) give 5 Tips
1) Rise early.
2) Sit still.
3) Sit and plan
4) Consider people
5) Plan to depend
Then Chapter Two is about joing the 5 am club!
Ah! 5 am? Really?
I am really struggling with our schedule here and not letting Jackson take a nap anymore. Most nights he stays up till 11 pm sometimes even 12 am!
She goes on to say that there is biblical encouragement for rising early to seek the Savior.
I have always said what you do first is where you heart is.
John Piper states,
"Entering the day without a serious meeting with God over his Word and in prayer, is like entering the battle without tending to your weapons, The human heart does not replenish itself with sleep. The body does, but not the heart...We replenish our hearts not with sleep, but with the Word of God and prayer."
Martha Peace states:
"I have heard of women who pride themselves on being "night people." That means they have trouble getting up in the morning because they come alive at night. They may stay up till all hours reading, watching television, or pursuring some sort of interest. The next morning they are too tired to get up and care for their family...These women are not "night people." They are lazy and selfish. Who would not rather stay up late to do whatever they please and sleep late the next day?
Once a young wife begins getting up earlier than her children and husband, she will cease to be a "night person." She will be tired at night and go to bed at a reasonable hour so she will be there to serve her family the next morning."
Ouch!
Yes I know that early morning time is ofter more profitable than late-night hours, and I praying for the grace to start getting up before my family.
5 am tips
- Do not hit the snooze button
- Proceed directly to the coffee pot or caffeinated drink of choice
- Be prepared to feel absolutely miserable for the first 15 minutes, but then you will have gladness as you experience the delight of meeting with God
What about you? Do you wake up before your family to read your Bible and prayer? How does this work for you?
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
"Thank You For Sharing a Wonderful Day Mommy"
Just to warn you this is going to be a mushy post...
Last night while putting Jackson to bed for the first round he said,
"Thank you for sharing a wonderful day Mommy."
I know he got this phrase from a book or show but cannot think of it right now. I was thinking how sweet he was when he goes on further and says,
"Thank you for taking me to Chick Fil A today."
"Abigail and me, love you very much."
Oh wow, tears start coming.
"Thank you."
It is a phrase moms of Preschoolers rarely get to hear it seems.
My love language is definitely words of affirmation now since being a mom of little ones you do not get "thank you," too often. Growing up, my parents were so great in affirming me and I am so thankful for them for that.
Also, this appreciation is something I did not think I would hear from him for a while, since he was tongued tied and has had a lot of catching up to do after his surgery. He can really express his emotions so well now.
Jackson was re-evaluated recently and is doing so well. Overall, his speech is at a 3 and half year old level, but his expressive speech is almost exactly where it needs to be with his age. So I guess he is only three or so months behind now.
He will not be getting speech therapy this summer, but his speech therapist is giving me a folder of stuff to work on this summer. I will be hopefully posting some of the things we are working on throughout the summer.
He will get speech at the school for 30 minutes a week next school year with the therapist at Bethware, and we have singed him up for Resurrection Lutheran Church Preschool for two days a week with his buddy at church.
God gets all the glory for bringing Jackson almost right where he needs to be, and next year he might not even qualify for speech. It has been so awesome to see God's glory shine through my little baby boy who is growing up so fast.
Last night while putting Jackson to bed for the first round he said,
"Thank you for sharing a wonderful day Mommy."
I know he got this phrase from a book or show but cannot think of it right now. I was thinking how sweet he was when he goes on further and says,
"Thank you for taking me to Chick Fil A today."
"Abigail and me, love you very much."
Oh wow, tears start coming.
"Thank you."
It is a phrase moms of Preschoolers rarely get to hear it seems.
My love language is definitely words of affirmation now since being a mom of little ones you do not get "thank you," too often. Growing up, my parents were so great in affirming me and I am so thankful for them for that.
Also, this appreciation is something I did not think I would hear from him for a while, since he was tongued tied and has had a lot of catching up to do after his surgery. He can really express his emotions so well now.
Jackson was re-evaluated recently and is doing so well. Overall, his speech is at a 3 and half year old level, but his expressive speech is almost exactly where it needs to be with his age. So I guess he is only three or so months behind now.
He will not be getting speech therapy this summer, but his speech therapist is giving me a folder of stuff to work on this summer. I will be hopefully posting some of the things we are working on throughout the summer.
He will get speech at the school for 30 minutes a week next school year with the therapist at Bethware, and we have singed him up for Resurrection Lutheran Church Preschool for two days a week with his buddy at church.
God gets all the glory for bringing Jackson almost right where he needs to be, and next year he might not even qualify for speech. It has been so awesome to see God's glory shine through my little baby boy who is growing up so fast.
Monday, June 07, 2010
Friday, June 04, 2010
Fun Friday: Monkey Joe's Two Friday's Ago
We were able to all get together to go to Monkey Joe's in Gastonia a couple Friday's ago for customer appreciation weekend. A lot of us from the church were all able to make it, and the kids had the best time. Customer appreciation weekend involved half off admission, and $1 slice of pizza. I think Jackson would live at Monkey Joe's if we would let him, and it is a great fun thing to do once a month or so.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Wednesday's Word: Being Committed to Joy
"Serving in love means being committed to joy. What is joy about? It means looking for reasons to be thankful. It means being better at counting your blessing than you are at calculating your complaints. It is about communicating appreciation. It us about letting [him] know how much the things he does for you mean to you. It is about letting him know how much things [he] does for you mean to you. It is about daily thanking God for your marriage, even though it is less than perfect. Joy means looking for the good in the other and encouraging it when you find it. Would your husband or wife characterize you as being thankful?"
What Did You Expect?? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage
Paul David Tripp (who I got to meet in seminary...he is an incredible writer, and I want to read everything he has ever written).
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Tuesday's Tip: CVS Deals This Week
that I will hopefully be buying this week:
Extra Care Deals:
$1 ECB wyb Hefty Trash Bags 28-80 ct, $6.49 Limit 3
Click here to see complete list
I will do multiple transactions on this trip and so I will use the extra bucks I earn on a few transactions, and I might not do the Pampers deal or the Claritin deal.
What is your money saving tip for this week?
Extra Care Deals:
- 10 ECB wyb $25 Procter & Gamble products listed Limit 1
Charmin Big Rolls 16pk $9.99
-.25/1 off Charmin PG 5/02 (exp 5/31)
-$1 off Charmin “A Year of Savings” PG Mailer
Duracell AAA, AA 10pk, C, D 4pk, or 9-volt 2 pk Batteries $5.99
-$1 off Duracell, “What Matters Most” PG Mailer
Bounty Extra Soft Paper Towels 12pk $12.99
-.25/1 off Bounty Towels or Napkins PG 5/02 (exp 5/31)
Puffs Facial Tissue 99¢
-.25/3 off Puffs Tissues PG $100 Coupon Book - **Deal Idea**
Buy:
(2) Charmin 16 rolls $9.99
(1) Duracell 10pk Batteries $5.99
Use:
(2) -.25/1 Charmin PG 5/02
Total Due: $24.97
Get Back: $10 ECB, makes it $5.15 ea
$1 ECB wyb Hefty Trash Bags 28-80 ct, $6.49 Limit 3
- $5 ECB wyb $25 Pampers or Similac products listed Limit 3
Pampers Wipes 64-77ct. $2.99
Pampers Baby Dry, Cruisers Diapers 48-96ct. $21.99
-$1.50 off Pampers PG 5/02 (exp 5/31)
-$2 off Pampers Diapers AND Pampers Wipes 60ct+ PG 5/02 (exp 5/31)
Similac Advance, Go & Grow, Sensitive or Organic 22-23.2oz $21.99
-$2 off Similac large size powder 23.2oz+ SS 5/09
- $2 ECB wyb Claritin Children’s 4oz, or Adult 10ct $9.99 Limit 1
-$2 off Claritin Children’s Non-Drowsy, 4 oz or 10 ct+ SS 5/09, printable
-$2 off Claritin Non Drowsy, 10ct+ SS 5/09 (makes it $5.99)
Click here to see complete list
I will do multiple transactions on this trip and so I will use the extra bucks I earn on a few transactions, and I might not do the Pampers deal or the Claritin deal.
What is your money saving tip for this week?
Monday, May 31, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Gallbladder Surgery Went Beautifully!
Dr. Singh's words to me on the phone that Charlie did beautifully.
- The gallbladder was inflamed, so we are so glad it is out!
- We will know in a week or so if he had stones in it (the send it to a lab), but that does not really matter since it was inflamed it neeeded to be out.
- Charlie was really nausea for the first couple of hours after surgery, but then he did not get nauseous till Saturday (after his nausea patch was off).
- Gaston Memorial Hospital was incredible, and I had my own waiting area with a phone and Jere L and Jere S. from the church came and sat with me during different times.
- He says he now starting to know what a normal stomach feels like! He has never had an easy time with his stomach.
- It has been a little crazy here, but Charlie has been a great patient and has not complained. I am so thankful for God giving Charlie has my husband, and for all the many things he does around here that I take for granted! He will not be able to pick up the babies for two weeks.
- People from the church have brought us food over every night, our refigerator is over flowing, and our neighbor has come over to play golf with Jackson (on the Wii we just go for an incredible price).
- Thanks so much for your prayers, God gets all the glory!
- Saturday (day three after surgery) was his hardest just because he was so nauseous with his digestive track getting back to normal. Surprisingly, his pain level has not been bad at all!
- He preached on Sunday morning and did great. We got there real late, and he has only had Tylenol and Ibuprofen today. His nausea is gone and we are so thankful! He goes back to the doctor Thursday, I guess they will take out his staples then. The kids are fascinated with Charlie's boo boos.
- Click here to see a video he took after surgery (you might can tell he is on medicine...ha!)
- Let me know if you have any advice on what to do after gallbladder surgery!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Pray Tomorrow!
Charlie is having his gallbladder taken out at Gaston Memorial Hospital at 10 am, but we have to be there at 8 am (I am very thankful for Lisa and my parents helping us out tomorrow!).
Pray that we have a peace that surpasses all understanding and that everything goes well.
Also pray for Jackson who got diagnosed with strep throat yesterday (I am on a z-pac now). Pray that Abigail does not get it!
Thank you so much for praying it means a lot to us!
It has been a crazy busy week. I started a new book this week by Paul Tripp (I met him in seminary so I love to read everything he writes), What did you Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage. It is great so far. Next to God, your relationship with your husband is your most important relationship, and I think you should always be learning and growing.
Also Lost ended! I do not know why but it is bothering me that they did not answer when and why the island was under water. What happened to the island really does not matter, what matters is the people. Click here for some more answers to your unanswered questions.
Click here for an excellent "Christian" view on Lost. What did you think of the ending? I thought it was good, and I cried when they were reunited to each other. It was a beautiful show that we really enjoyed watching for the last six years.
Pray that we have a peace that surpasses all understanding and that everything goes well.
Also pray for Jackson who got diagnosed with strep throat yesterday (I am on a z-pac now). Pray that Abigail does not get it!
Thank you so much for praying it means a lot to us!
It has been a crazy busy week. I started a new book this week by Paul Tripp (I met him in seminary so I love to read everything he writes), What did you Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage. It is great so far. Next to God, your relationship with your husband is your most important relationship, and I think you should always be learning and growing.
Also Lost ended! I do not know why but it is bothering me that they did not answer when and why the island was under water. What happened to the island really does not matter, what matters is the people. Click here for some more answers to your unanswered questions.
Click here for an excellent "Christian" view on Lost. What did you think of the ending? I thought it was good, and I cried when they were reunited to each other. It was a beautiful show that we really enjoyed watching for the last six years.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday's Tip: The Book of the Month
isThe Letters are Lost for Preschoolers
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
is another book that goes well with it. This is the book that they are working on at Oak Grove back in Columbia for this month during speech time.
I also just picked up "Ready, Set Preschool!" worksheet by Sesame Street at CVS. Anytime I put Abigail down to sleep Jackson begs to do a worksheet. I am just thankful he enjoys learning right now.
What is your tip for teaching Preschoolers? What has been working for you recently?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Update on Us: Charlie is having OutPatient Surgery May 26th
to have his gallbladder taken out.
He is having it done in Gastonia, NC at 10 am, but we have to be there at 8 am.
Please pray for him that day. We are so thankful that they found out what his stomach issues are so quickly. The doctor suspects that he has many tiny gallstones that did not show up on the ultrasound. The HIDA scan showed that he gallbladder is not working and has "chronically" not been working. This explains a lot, and why he has gotten sick to him stomach so much in the last six months (the doctor also said it was hereditary with his dad having his gallbladder out).
Also, pray that my Jackson starts to sleep more. We put him to bed and two or even three hours later he is still talking in his room. This has been going on for the last three months, and we are exhausted. This week, he has been up talking till 11:30 or 12 pm at night. He obviously does not need a nap anymore, but he loves to nap and will fall asleep one way or another during the day. I make sure to wake him up if he does have a nap after 2 hours.
This staying up till close to midnight is really getting to us, and I am thinking now what is best for Jackson is to go to Preschool for two days a week with his friend Xander to get some structure in his life and have a time to get some energy out. I am going to sign him up for next year this Thursday to go to Resurrection Lutheran church and he gets to be with his friend Xander on Tuesdays and Thursdays (9-12 pm). It is very affordable (click here to see), and is the little something I think he needs. He is only going be in a 3 year old class, but he is going to be four in September (we are thankful that he is the oldest with him having speech delay).
Thank you for your prayers for Charlie next week!
He is having it done in Gastonia, NC at 10 am, but we have to be there at 8 am.
Please pray for him that day. We are so thankful that they found out what his stomach issues are so quickly. The doctor suspects that he has many tiny gallstones that did not show up on the ultrasound. The HIDA scan showed that he gallbladder is not working and has "chronically" not been working. This explains a lot, and why he has gotten sick to him stomach so much in the last six months (the doctor also said it was hereditary with his dad having his gallbladder out).
Also, pray that my Jackson starts to sleep more. We put him to bed and two or even three hours later he is still talking in his room. This has been going on for the last three months, and we are exhausted. This week, he has been up talking till 11:30 or 12 pm at night. He obviously does not need a nap anymore, but he loves to nap and will fall asleep one way or another during the day. I make sure to wake him up if he does have a nap after 2 hours.
This staying up till close to midnight is really getting to us, and I am thinking now what is best for Jackson is to go to Preschool for two days a week with his friend Xander to get some structure in his life and have a time to get some energy out. I am going to sign him up for next year this Thursday to go to Resurrection Lutheran church and he gets to be with his friend Xander on Tuesdays and Thursdays (9-12 pm). It is very affordable (click here to see), and is the little something I think he needs. He is only going be in a 3 year old class, but he is going to be four in September (we are thankful that he is the oldest with him having speech delay).
Thank you for your prayers for Charlie next week!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Printable Coupons: Huggies Wipes
Click here to get some great coupons to print off from your computer.
I clipped the 2 Huggies Wipes coupons that are $2.00 off 2 boxes of 64 or more.
Also clipped:
Lucky Charms coupon
Fiber One coupon
Cinnamon Toast Crunch coupon
Starbucks Ice Cream coupon.
Got this link from Southern Savers.
What is your money saving tip this week?
I clipped the 2 Huggies Wipes coupons that are $2.00 off 2 boxes of 64 or more.
Also clipped:
Lucky Charms coupon
Fiber One coupon
Cinnamon Toast Crunch coupon
Starbucks Ice Cream coupon.
Got this link from Southern Savers.
What is your money saving tip this week?
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Pictures from our Vacation with my Digital Camera
Which picture is do you like best?
Favorite part of our vacation in Charleston:
Charlie: Fort Sumter boat ride and tour
Emily: Carriage Ride
Jackson: Boat ride to Fort Sumter and getting "Goodnight Charleston" book and the beach and actually getting in the ocean some
Abigail: Charleston Aquarium, and playing in the sand
We are so thankful to been able to go to the beach and vacation (we are also very thankful for my parents)!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Our New Schedule here in Kings Mountain, NC (Advice Wanted)
Our main new problem here is that Jackson loves to nap, but it is looking like he does not need a nap anymore because he will not fall asleep till like 11 or even 12 at night if he has a nap during the day. He stays in his room just makes a lot of noise till way late at night.
Here is our definite with our schedule
From 2-4 pm is nap/rest time. No matter what, I try my best to have them both resting in their room during this time. It is fine if Jackson does not sleep but he has to stay in his room (we have a hard safety thing on the inside of his door knob so he cannot get out).
Monday: Car and block day. I play cars and blocks with my babies and they work on copying me
Tuesday: Bubble Day
Wednesday: Puzzle Day
Thursday: Animal Day
Friday: Art Day
Saturday: Ball Day
Sunday: Worship Day
Some good ideas I got from Heaven at Home
Blanket time with toys
Hair Chair time with coloring books
Computer time
Reading and prayer time...teaching toddlers to say, "thank you God for . . ."
Video time (not for too long)
Outside time (most recommend 1 hour a day outside)
"Sit time" with a timer teaching your little ones not to speak for short amounts of time with a book or crayons
"Chore time"--making up their bed, cleaning up toys, empty trash
Room time with toys
A Sample Summer Schedule Plowman posted for school age children
Monday
Make bed
Dress/ brush teeth
Breakfast
Devotion and memory verse
Play outside at least one hour
Reading time---30 minutes
Either clean house or play a game with sibling
Room time---1 hour
Jackson is staring to make up his bed in the morning and we are starting off with devotions after breakfast now. We usually go through Day by Day: The One Year Devotion for Young Children (Free), and we talk about the Sunday School sheet (if we just had Sunday School we talk about last weeks lesson... if it if close to the next Sunday we read over the lesson that is coming up).
Love to hear your schedule or what your little ones do at Preschool. I always love hearing great ways to plan out our days here better.
Here is our definite with our schedule
From 2-4 pm is nap/rest time. No matter what, I try my best to have them both resting in their room during this time. It is fine if Jackson does not sleep but he has to stay in his room (we have a hard safety thing on the inside of his door knob so he cannot get out).
Monday: Car and block day. I play cars and blocks with my babies and they work on copying me
Tuesday: Bubble Day
Wednesday: Puzzle Day
Thursday: Animal Day
Friday: Art Day
Saturday: Ball Day
Sunday: Worship Day
Some good ideas I got from Heaven at Home
Blanket time with toys
Hair Chair time with coloring books
Computer time
Reading and prayer time...teaching toddlers to say, "thank you God for . . ."
Video time (not for too long)
Outside time (most recommend 1 hour a day outside)
"Sit time" with a timer teaching your little ones not to speak for short amounts of time with a book or crayons
"Chore time"--making up their bed, cleaning up toys, empty trash
Room time with toys
A Sample Summer Schedule Plowman posted for school age children
Monday
Make bed
Dress/ brush teeth
Breakfast
Devotion and memory verse
Play outside at least one hour
Reading time---30 minutes
Either clean house or play a game with sibling
Room time---1 hour
Jackson is staring to make up his bed in the morning and we are starting off with devotions after breakfast now. We usually go through Day by Day: The One Year Devotion for Young Children (Free), and we talk about the Sunday School sheet (if we just had Sunday School we talk about last weeks lesson... if it if close to the next Sunday we read over the lesson that is coming up).
Love to hear your schedule or what your little ones do at Preschool. I always love hearing great ways to plan out our days here better.
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