July 2010 Pictures

The above picture is from the girls lunch that I got invited to this year as a surprise for mom (she tuned 60...shhh...do not tell anyone). The below picture is from when our friends come to Columbia.

Xander and Jackson buddies getting to be in the same Preschool class next year. We are so thankful!

Birthday party for Gigi!

Thursday's Tip: Educational DVD's

I love educational dvd's and in the car that is what the kids watch along with Veggie Tales and Cedarmont Kids dvd's.

Top 4 Favorites:

• Baby Signing Time Volumes 1-4. Volume 1 is a great baby gift to get someone. Also, the other Signing Time videos are good as well. I never buy new dvd's for my kids, I buy them used on amazon or half.com
  
• Spectrum Connections: Bounce: Lets Talk...speech therapy dvd's
• Baby Babble...speech therapist dvd's. Both volume 1 and 2 are great
• Lets Talk with Puppy Dog

What are your favorite educational dvd's?

Also, CVS has great deal on diapers this week:

$10 ECB wyb Pampers Baby Dry, Swaddlers or Cruisers 48-96ct., $21.99 LIMIT 1 (reported LIMIT 2)
-$1.50 off Pampers Diapers or Pants, PG 7/04, PG 6/06 -$2 off Pampers Cruisers, Swaddlers Sensitive or Extra Protection Diapers, PG 7/04 -$2 off Pampers Swaddlers or Swaddlers Sensitive Diapers, RP 6/20
-$4 off Diapers and Wipes, any printing on CVS receipts (store coupon)

(from Southernsavers ). Also, remember that if you are like me and live in Kings Mountain where the CVS is not open 24 hours a day you can shop both the deals for the last week and the next week on Saturday night and Southernsavers posts the deal on like Friday I think.

What is your money saving tip this week?

Romans 7: 5-7 and Romans 8:15

"Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of the sinful man is death, but the minds controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God."

Later on:

Romans 8:

"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship And by him we cry "Abba Father."

New Apple Juice with a 2 Total Fruit and Veggie Serving Per 8 ozs

I got this new apple juice at Ingels and I am very excited that it says it gives 2 servings of fruit and veggies. Jackson tried it yesterday and really liked the apple juice (I think it is apple and carrot juice blend).

I would definitely recommend it and I am planning to give it to Jackson every other day (it was like $3.50).

Do you have an tips on how to get your little ones to eat more veggies? Is there a certain vitamin your little one likes?

I am ordering This Steamer Soon from QVC!

Natalie writes (this picture is from what she cooked):

"Last night I used my Technique 3 tier steamer and made tilapia filets and asparagus. On the side I made minute rice. It was a delicious 6 point meal. Did you know that for 4 ounces of tilapia, it's only 2.5 points? The pic below is what it looked like when finished."

I love asparagus and with all the fresh veggies we are getting from people at the church, this steamer will be a great way to cook veggies.

http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.K26182.desc.Technique-85qt-3-Tier-Food-Steamer

She also says,

"HOT NEW FIND!! This thing is awesome! I steamed boneless skinless chicken breast in the bottom tray, cauliflower in the middle and fresh yellow squash and zuchinni in the top tray. Most tender chicken I have EVER eaten and all the fat dripped away. I coated everything in extra virgin olive oil (just a little), sea salt..."

She is on facebook and is so close to reaching her goal. I think she has lost 80 pounds through Weight Watchers and she posts every week on her group on facebook, "Knotts So Much of Me," you can join.

I am having a really good week this week, eating healthy and feeling great. Weighing in every Monday morning at the house.

What is your weight lose tip this week (or eating more healthy tip)?

Abigail's Second Weekend Away...Jackson's Favorites

at Gigi and Grand!

When Jackson was a baby we tried to get him to stay at Gigi and Grand's one weekend a month. It was great bonding time for them and a great break for us.

Well, with the craziness of this year and living with my parents for a month, Abigail has only gotten to stay with Gigi and Grand one time. So, it has been like a mini vacation with just one child! We were nervous on how Abigail would do considering she is a huge mama's girl and says mommy all day long, but she has done great. Abigail is so sweet and loving and I am so glad she has been that way with my parents as well.

We are so thankful for Gigi and Grand!

So with Jackson:

His favorite DVD right now is: Veggie Tales, "Silly Songs"

His favorite thing to sing: "God is bigger than the Boogie Man"

His favorite thing to do: Play the Wii with Nick (the next door neighbor who both my kids talk about all day long...we are so thankful to have someone for our kids to look up to and play with that goes to our church) and his daddy. He is so incredible with swords, I can not even come close to beating him in this game.

Also, we signed him up for group swim lessons at the YMCA, and he had his first lesson was last week and he loved it. It is for 3-5 year olds and goes till the end of August. It is every Saturday and it was only $25 for me with being a Y member and getting a coupon in the mail. In the Fall, we will do soccer, and in the Spring tee ball, and the summer swim lessons (once he turned 3 years old).

His favorite toy: New Woody Doll from Toy Story that we got that says like 20 phrases and when you take his hat the doll says, "Where is my hat?" along with a couple other phrases

School challenges: I try to do "School Time" and Brain Quest worksheets Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. He is working on when I say to put a block beside his teddy bear, he puts it beside it. Then I ask him to put it "on top," and "behind." This was one exercise he struggled with on his end the year testing. He also can tell you what street he lives on now.

Do you know what other "school tests/activities" we can be working on for a 3 year old (turning 4 in September)?

What are some of your preschooler's favorites?

Chick Fil A Cow Appreciation Day

This year at Cow Appreciate Day we made it for the costume contest (that I did not know about), and Jackson got 3rd place! He got 2 free kids meal, toy cow, and pencils. He was a cow last year for Halloween so we still hat the costume.

They did change the rules this year and you had to be dressed up more than just your shirt to get the combo meal. Charlie referenced it in his sermon he will have up soon here:

Fun to look back at last year's pictures ,here.

Abigail's 18 Month Old Check Up

Weight: 24 pounds and 3 ozs (50%)
Height: 32 1/4 inches (50-75%)
Head Circumference: 75%

Funny thing is that I checked Jackson's blog post (here) and he was 24 pounds and 4 ozs at his 18 month old check up.

I am beyond thankful that Abigail is right where she needs to be with her words, probably a little a head of where she needs to be. If you ask her what her name is she can say Abigail and the other day she said, "I see the flower." While we were at the doctor's office a ball hit the doctor and she told the doctor that she was sorry...ha! She loves to sing, and tells me what she needs all day long with her words.

Eating: She is a lot better eater than Jackson, but she is started to become more picky. The big issue with her that the doctor and I discussed is her not drinking but a few ozs of milk a day. She eats yogurt and cheese, but is not liking whole milk even out of a straw.

Any suggestions on how to increase her milk intake?

The doctor's suggestion was hardly offer her any juice, but she really loves her 8 ozs of juice a day!

She still has pear baby food and squash baby food and is good about trying new foods. We finally got rid of her wake up bottles last month, she told me she did not want them anymore...ha!

Prayer

"reminds you that life is not about you. Prayer reminds you that the center of your universe is a place reserved for God and God alone. Prayer reminds you that real peace, satisfaction, and contentment come when you live for a greater glory than your own. Prayer reminds you that the hope of marriage is not found in a husband and wife conspiring to build their own kingdom but in submitting together to the wisdom and rule of a better King. Prayer calls you away from the kingdom of self, which is so destructive to everything a marriage is intended to be, and welcomes you to the kingdom of God, where a God of love rules in love."

Tripp, "What Did You Expect?" (265).

Tuesday's Tip: Weight Watchers and Budgeting

Weight Watchers Tips:

• I got off going to Weight Watchers meetings after we moved but I am back to using their journal and my first tip is to plan out what you will eat every day right when you wake up!
• Normal day of eating for me is: Fiber One Bar first thing: 2 points, Smart One Chicken Alfredo frozen meal: 6 points, Fiber One yogurt:0 points, Weight Watchers brownie (heated up in the microwave): 2 points with light cool whip on top, Junior Burrito at Moe's: 8 points, chips and some dip: 4 points, Red Velvet cake bar: (found only at Weight Watchers meetings) 1 point. Total used 23 points even though my goal is 22. Writing down what you eat is huge, and I love the 3 month journal that is found only at the meetings.
• Every other day I eat Special K Chocolate Protein Shake for breakfast for 3 points. I try not to have the same thing for breakfast and lunch every day. I also try to wait to I am hungry to eat!
  
• Recently, I have enjoyed the new Special K vanilla almond cereal. What are some low calorie/ low point food that you enjoy?

Budgeting:

• I am making a new personal legalism of only spending $100 a Walmart per week on groceries, medicine, diapers etc. I will not go back to Walmart for 7 days, not matter what!
• Trying to not spend more than $200 a week on groceries and out to eat food
• Check on how you are doing at least once I week...I do it on Mondays usually.
• We try to spend no more that $3 on breakfast for all of us, $5 for lunch and $10 for dinners for all of us.
  
• What are your money saving tips for this week or budgeting suggestions?
  

More Amazing Pictures Taken By Dana

If you live in the area, email me and I can give you Dana's information (emilywallace80@hotmail.com). She is so good at taking pictures and has a great big lens!

Fun Water Day at the Church

This picture was taken by Dana who is incredible photographer. More picture hopefully to come later this week!

Wednesday's Word: God is in absolute control of the details of our lives

In Paul Tripp's book, "What Did you Expect." he states:

"Acts 17:24-27 is one of the most helpful and encouraging discussions in the New Testament of God's rulership over our lives:

'The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of earth, having determined allotted periods and boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.'

"Having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place." What does Paul mean by these words? Well, let me paraphrase. God determines the precise place where each of us will live ("boundaries and dwelling places") and the exact length of our lives ("having determined allotted periods"). It is God who determines the precise details of location, situations, and relationship in which each of us lives. This means not only that God is in control of where you end up and who you finally live with, but also that, in order to do this, he has been in control of everything that brought you where you are. This means that God has been in control of all the experiential, cultural, and familial influences that shape how you desire, think, act, and respond. So, God is in control not only of the locations in which you live, but also of the influences that have shaped you as a person. He has not only written the story of you and your spouse and determined that your stories would intersect, but he has controlled all the things that have made you different from one another.

"As you struggle, you must not view your marriage as bad luck or poor planning, or a mess that you have made for yourself. No God is right smack-dab in the middle of your struggle. He is not surprised by what you are facing today. He is up to something."

"He is working to rescue you from you, to deliver you from sin, and to form the character of Jesus in you."

"He has designed marriage to be one of the most efficient tools of personal holiness. he has designed your marriage to change you."

Go Gamecocks!

Fun Friday: June Pictures

First train ride at Shelby City Park for both of them!

First princes outfit

Wednesday's Word: Jesus

"Jesus suffered so that you could face hurt and mistreatment with wisdom and grace. Jesus died so that you would resist the temptation to give in, give up, run away, or quit. Jesus shed his blood so that you would have the power to edit your words and say what is wholesome even when you have been spoken unkind. Jesus shed his blood so that in specific moments you would have the power to say no to irritation and impatience and respond in kindness and self-control. Jesus died so that in the face of the death of your dreams you would take up the better dream of what he has called you to. Jesus suffered so that you would have the wisdom you need to deal with things you did not expect and don't fully understand. Jesus shed his blood so that you would have the power to grow and change."

from Paul David Tripp's new book "What Did You Expect??" One of the best books I have read.

God in his grace has still given me the ability and time to read 15 pages a day 5 days a week this year...I am so blessed.

So a quick prayer for us tomorrow that we get all our NC plates since Charlie has a court date and deadline of Friday morning to get it all in or we pay a $180 fine (I am going to Gaffney tomorrow morning at 8:30 to try to get the title to the accord). Thank you! Preach Jesus, people get saved, hold on tight it is going to be a bumpy ride.

Movie Monday: Singing at VBS

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

VBS was so great this year at David Baptist Church! My kids got to ride a real horse, learn all the songs, and play on a bounce house. Beverly Scruggs, April Van Dyke did such a great job! But the best news ever is 9 children (for sure) made the most important decision of their lives in accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior! GOD GETS ALL THE GLORY!

I love VBS!

Fun Friday

Sometimes I feel like I have twins...

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/

Movie Monday: Jackson Playing the Wii

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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.

"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

I am planning on starting to get up early to have 30-45 minutes in my Bible Reading and quiet time with the Lord. My family has a new terrible schedule and I do not have to be ready for my family till late so I am still praying about when this time will be.

What about you? Do you wake up before your family to read your Bible and prayer? How does this work for you?

"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.

Movie Monday: Jackson and Abigail Swimming

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Love to hear any tips on teaching a 3 year old to swim!

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'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's Tip: CVS Deals This Week

that I will hopefully be buying 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

$2 ECB wyb CVS/pharmacy Jumbo Pack Diapers or Training Pants $5.99 Limit 1

$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)

I got this list from Southern Savers

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?