July 1st: Our Country, Our Anthem, Our History

Photo by Ian Muttoo

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Official Lyrics of O Canada!

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

The History of the National Anthem

"O Canada" was proclaimed Canada's national anthem on July 1, 1980, 100 years after it was first sung on June 24, 1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée, a well-known composer; French lyrics to accompany the music were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The song gained steadily in popularity. Many English versions have appeared over the years. The version on which the official English lyrics are based was written in 1908 by Mr. Justice Robert Stanley Weir. The official English version includes changes recommended in 1968 by a Special Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Commons. The French lyrics remain unaltered.

Pictures and Links

• See Canada’s Natural Resources Lanscape Photo’s HERE
• Visit Parliament of Canada Photo Gallery HERE
• Visit Cultural Images Canada, railroad photos and more HERE
• Government of Canada Website is HERE. All the above information is taken from there.

Lord, I am so thankful for the blessings that you have bestowed on our country. Help us to recognize that all that we have is from you. Please give our leaders wisdom and help us to stand for what is right!

• This post is linked to Gratituesday and Talk About Tuesday

Wet Bag (Swim Bag) Winner

A big THANK YOU to OTTAWA CLOTH DIAPERS for sponsoring this giveaway. The winner is Heather M of Heather’s Trendy Finds.

For those of you wondering why there were 62 entries rather than 53: there was a bonus entry opportunity in the announcement. Be sure to subscribe to my blog (*hint*hint) so you don’t miss out because there is still lots to come in our Sizzling Summer series.

Summer Photo Highlights so far…

We planted some petunias and geraniums. Unfortunately, someone (not me!) sat on the plants and not all of them made it. We had a good time anyway!

   

Springing & Singing in the Rain with ‘brella

I’ve Changed my Mind! (check out her expression!)

Big Splash, Little Splash

It used to be full, he’s eaten some :)

Scooting through Life!

Drawing our Free Sale Sign

Bucket Head: this picture seriously makes me LAUGH (out loud) every time I look at it. She was playing in the backyard and I was watching through the window while doing dishes. I turned away for 30 seconds +/- and when I turned back, this is what she was doing. Then she wandered around for a good 2-3 minutes with it on her head banging into things!

Mommy and John-John

John-John makes his Boat go but kicking his adorable little feet back and forth. He can really move!

Chloe loves to go to Bed!

John has snuck into the clubhouse and is vandalizing the vanity. Poor Chloe :) It’s not the girls domain any longer!

Summer highlights sponsored by UPrinting.com; a leading online provider of business cards, color brochures and mailing postcards.

Meet My E-Friend, Brianna

I recently stumbled across a blog entitled Stop and Smell the Chocolates. Anyone who knows me, also knows of my obsession addiction intense love affair great fondness for chocolate so of course with a title like that, I had to visit! Right now she is celebrating a one year bloggy friendship and encouraging others to do the same. Here is a little blurb from her post today:

“Since Kim and I realized that it was possible to have a"real" friendship even though we only "met" through blogging, we wanted to celebrate and give bloggers an opportunity to celebrate the fact that bloggy friendships are real friendships. True friends are a blessing no matter where you find them!” (read the rest here)

 

So I would like to celebrate my e-friend Brianna of Heart(h) Management. It all started in March when she left a comment on my Make Your Own Stock post. She was maybe the 8th comment I had received in my entire lifetime of blogging (Yes, I started in February 2009 and I’m a newbie!). Since then we have exchanged some emails, encouragement and prayers for each other. Though we have never officially “met”, I do consider her a dear friend and am so thankful that the Lord placed her in my life.

Her blog is such a blessing to me as well. A source of ideas, encouragement, and a call to excellence while still being real – you really must visit her. She recently completed a series entitled, “It’s a Real Job” and I highly recommend it! Though she isn’t posting as frequently (with a baby due in a few weeks!) there is plenty to glean from her archives. (No, she isn’t paying me to say this LOL).

I’ve met so many wonderful people in visiting and receiving visits from other bloggers. Thank you all!

So if you have some bloggy friendships that you are thankful for, head over and link up here and here!

Lord, thank you for Brianna and for all of the other wonderful women whose encouragement and comments are such a blessing. Thank you for the friendships that you help us to foster. We pray that You will be glorified in our friendships, blogs and lives.

• This Post links to Stop and Smell the Chocolates and Gratituesday.

What is UPrinting.com?

 

I posted some highlights of our summer and mentioned that UPrinting was a sponsor. Some of you may wonder what that means. Well, I was very recently accepted into their sponsorship program so I don’t really have a lot of personal experience to share. I applied, was accepted and then shortly after received an email about a contest that they were sponsoring. By sharing our summer highlights,  I am entered into a giveaway with great prizes. I would have shared the pictures anyway so why not? I’ll let you know how it goes. For those of you who are interested in finding out more…here are some links to help you understand it all.

Why UPrinting.com isn't your average printing company:
Blog Sponsorships:
If you are looking to find a sponsor for your blog, UPrinting.com is definitely interested. We offer giveaways, advertising and more for qualified bloggers.
Non-Profit Sponsorships:
The U-Community Program sponsors hundreds of non-profits and education to improve our local communities.
Social Justice Projects:
The UPrinting Kiva account promotes small business growth in developing countries.
Green Printing:
UPrinting supports a sustainable future by recycling, using non-toxic inks, and offering eco-friendly recycled paper stocks for business cards and postcard printing.

Ottawa Cloth Diapers GIVEAWAY ends TODAY

Ottawa Cloth Diapers is an online store chock full of wonderful treasures and necessities for the cloth diapering momma. They also have a great selection of other products as well; baby legs, wraps and more! Check her out today. Reasonable shipping to Canada and the USA.

Don’t forget to enter the Swimsuit / Wet Bag GIVEAWAY sponsored by Ottawa Cloth Diapers . It ends today. No more plastic grocery bags for us. These bags really are very neat and definitely a summer staple!

Death Before Birth: Having Isaiah Part II

Photo by kudomomo

To catch up: Miscarriage Basics, Isaiah’s Birth Story Part I

Having Isaiah

My husband had to go to work as there were things that he had to be there for. He left about 7:40am. At 8:05am, I was lying on my bed and having calmed down, I was reading my bible. I suddenly felt the urge to have a bowel movement. Having never had a child before and having read very little on the subject, I didn’t realize that many times in childbirth that is what the need to push feels like. I got up, went to the bathroom and, don’t ask me why (I don’t know), when I sat down to go, I wadded up some toilet paper and held it in between my legs so that while I went to the bathroom, I wouldn’t lose anything more. I when I took the paper away to put it in the toilet, Isaiah came out along with a gush of fluid and blood. I say Isaiah but it was actually a oval shaped sac a little smaller than your computer mouse. It was about half the height though. I screamed, and threw myself on the floor and seriously lost it. I cried and yelled, and said “no, no no”. That lasted just a few moments, and then I ran to the phone and called my doctor. He said to call an ambulance and go to emergency, bringing anything that I had passed in with me. I didn’t want to take an ambulance so I called Scott. He had been at work less than 1/2 hour but he said he would be right home. I got a baggie and put my baby into it. I put the baggie into a paper bag, threw on a pair of sweatpants and went downstairs to wait for Scott.

Our Hospital Experience

Having arrived at the hospital about 8:30am, I went up to the counter where they took my “products of conception” and registered me. They showed me to a small private room where Scott and I stayed until about 10:00am when they told us that we would have an ultrasound about 2pm. I wasn’t thinking before I left home, there was so much going on. I should have thought to bring a change of underwear, additional pads, some wipes and perhaps something to pass the time. I eventually had to venture out and ask a nurse for additional pads as I was soaking them. Scott and I sat in the little room. He had a magazine. Sometimes we talked but mostly I stared at the wall, cried, and walked because it helped to ease all the cramping. Having never experienced a delivery, I did not know that these were actually the same pains as early labor. We had our ultrasound at 2pm and then back to our little room to wait. No one would tell me a thing. The entire day, though I think I did know that he was gone, I held out hope that it would still be OK. There was something wrong but surely they could fix it and our baby would be just fine! It was a crazy notion because all day, I kept making trips to the washroom, passing more blood and more tissue. At 5pm the doctor came in. I don’t remember much except that our baby was gone. She gave us the options of letting the remaining tissue pass naturally (which can take weeks), some drugs to speed it up (can still take a week or so) or a D&C. It is a personal decision and there are no right or wrong answers. Based on the ultrasound and how much I still had remaining, she thought it best to have a D & C since if I didn’t pass it all naturally then I would have to come back for the D & C anyway. To be honest, I was glad for someone else to make the decision. I just couldn’t think. Since it was confirmed with ultrasound that Isaiah was gone, I just wanted that trauma part to be over. Passing clots and tissue that entire day was so hard because that had once been my sweet Isaiah. We waited until they could fit us in. D & C is a surgery where they go in and remove the remaining tissue but since Isaiah was dead, it wasn’t a priority for the hospital so we had to wait. We got in just before 11pm that night. I remember lying on the table as the surgeon told me to count backwards from 5. I think I got to 4 and then remember, clearly as a bell, starting to go and in that second thinking, “Thank God”. I was just so thankful to be out of it. I think at that moment had I been given the opportunity to just stay under the anesthetic, I would have gladly accepted. About an hour later, I woke up. the cramping was mostly gone. It was about 12:30 and Scott and I headed home.

• Related Posts: Miscarriage Basics, Isaiah’s Birth Story Part I
• This post links to Family Friday with Homemaker Barbi

Over the Handles You Go!

Photo by Elsie

From my earliest childhood memories – we were bike riding. Tricycles. bicycles or little dirt bikes, we were always on the go! We lived in the country so we had quite a bit of freedom. One day we were on the go down the HUGE hill on the road that ran between Drayton and Sturgeon back in our home town. We were flying along and next thing you know, my sister was flying over the handle bars. I guess you really aren’t supposed to brake hard with the front brakes first. I don’t remember all the details (am I traumatized, have I blocked them out of my memory? LOL ) I think she had to go to the hospital but she recovered quickly and we all learned a good lesson that day. Gotta love those old banana bikes! I wish I had a picture for this post, but I don’t. Sorry!

I don’t remember my first bike but I do remember my first mountain bike. It was red and had ‘speeds’ on it. it was so exciting that everyone (all my cousins that is) wanted to ride it too. I was the coolest person ever. Maybe I still am. I do have a snazzy bike trailer that I pull behind my blue mountain bike that I got from Canadian Tire for $89.00.

Anyway, please remind your little ones to use their back brakes first!

If you have a blog and a bike story, check out the running bike giveaway at 5 Minutes for Moms!

TUT: Scatter-Brained and Easily Distracted!

A Google search of 'Tune Up' revealed the following definition:
An Adjustment for Better Functioning
A search of 'Adjustment' revealed the following:
A Small Change, A Minor Correction, A Modification

What is Tune-Up Tuesday? Find out more HERE!

I am washing the dishes and I drop the cloth on the floor. I bend down to pick it up and notice the floor is dirty, I wipe the area but notice that the whole floor could use a wiping. Now I need a fresh cloth to wipe counters so I take one I used on the floor to the laundry room but on my way there I notice that my dining room table is covered with everything I dumped on it when we got home the night before. I start dealing with that but then hear that the washer has just stopped, so I go to move it to the dryer only I have to empty the dryer first, while I am doing that, the doorbell rings. I go to answer the door and notice all the little handprints on the window of the door. After closing the door, Chloe says she needs to go potty. We go there and while in there I think that I should give the bathroom a quick wipe. I go to the laundry room to get the supplies and remember about the stuff on the dryer. I pick it up and carry it up the stairs to my room where I go to put it on the bed. But then I realize I haven’t yet made the bed. So I put the laundry on the floor and start to make the bed only I then decide I should change the sheets…

To be honest, that is a bit of an exaggeration but principle really is true of me. I go from one thing to the next because it seems that everywhere I go, there is a task needing my attention. I have a planner I love: The Beautiful Life Management System by Graceworks. It has helped me make a Housekeeping Schedule (Check out Homemaker Barbi’s posts). With everything that has been going on in the past few weeks I haven’t been using it. Though I wouldn’t go as far as to say that our home and my life is chaos, it has been more bumpy than usual.

Without a clear plan, I am easily distracted and overwhelmed with the number of tasks that I have. Within my planner is structure and within structure is freedom.

This past week, I have been working on returning to my dear planner.  Giving each day a task or a set of tasks and allotting an approximate (reasonable) amount of time in which to accomplish them. I know what I have to do, and I do it.

The results: a feeling of accomplishment and freedom to enjoy those fun summer adventures with my littles free from the guilt of undone tasks.

 

I know that whatever task I haven’t done today will have it’s day at some point. This idea isn’t mine and it isn’t new…in fact Jennifer mentions it on an audio workshop that comes with the planner. I highly recommend it!

So this week’s tune-up wasn’t a major overhaul or a cleaning frenzy of my home. It wasn’t to whip my entire home into shape (which is more up my alley but wouldn’t stand the test of time). It was simply to decide which tasks were priorities and schedule them into each day. Then to not move about from task to task, hoping to accomplish it all – for I can’t! Just to accept my limitations, and work within my ability!

It is amazing how a simple adjustment: planning my tasks, made such a difference.

Have you fallen by the wayside in planning?

Did you accomplish something in the past week that has helped you, your family, your schedule or your home function better? Link up or leave a comment!

Sizzling Summer GIVEAWAY: Swim Diaper (or GC)

 

Photo adapted from Zanastardust

  

I announced earlier that participating in the  Set for a Sizzling Summer Series, Moms and Bums sent me a MonkeyDoodlez Swim Diaper to review. It seems appropriate to put up this giveaway since earlier today we talked about Dangerous Waters.

I can sum it up in four words for those of you who like to just scan reviews :)

Adorable:

The first thing that grabs your attention is their cute-ness factor. They have many different colors and animal themes happening and they are all so sweet it is hard to pick a favorite. I’m a sucker for cutie things!

Functional:

These really work. John has tried them out in the bath and in the pool several times. The other day he had a good long swim, then sat in the swing eating pizza for quite a while. I took him out to get him dressed and without looking started to peel off his swim diaper. As soon as I started to take it off, a very large liquid mess came out. (Why didn’t I follow diaper rule number one and have a little peek before removing it?!?) Anyway, the point is that this little diaper doesn’t hold water but it holds…ummm…that. It’s been through the wash several times and each time comes out perfectly; no stains, fading etc.

Comfortable:

John has pudgy legs but sort of a smaller waist. This fit him perfectly. The elastic around the leg holes and waist is covered with a soft material and is elastic-y enough to adjust to most babies sizes however is isn’t tight enough to be uncomfortable. The inside is a soft mesh and the outside is…well whatever it is made from is soft and non-irritating because my little man has sensitive skin and we had no issues whatsoever.

Affordable:

In the past, I have used little swimmers by Huggies. These worked fine for me except of course they are expensive when you’re using them almost daily through out the summer…and if you have more than one little one requiring them. They are also not too environmentally friendly either are they? I don’t know what they cost elsewhere but here they are about $9.99 for a package of 8 or is it 10? Either way they are about $1 a piece. Even reusing them, it would still cost me more to use disposables than it will to buy a pair of these to use all summer. Smart Shopper Alert: buy a gender neutral color and reuse for future littles….

Buy It Now:

Tanya of Moms and Bums has a fabulous online shop filled with goodies. one neat feature that she has added to her site is customer reviews for products. This means that you can read real life reviews of products before you buy them. It will help you decide which products are right for you. Right now she has a contest going on: write a review of a product you use that she carries and you’ll be entered to win a swim diaper. Enter there, enter here and head over and buy your swim diaper today!

WIN IT!

Moms and Bums is generously sponsoring a giveaway. You can win one of these adorable swim diapers or if you have no need of one you, can choose a gift certificate instead.

1. Main Entry: Choose your favorite swim diaper, come back and tell me what it is.
2. Bonus: Subscribe to my blog
3. Bonus: Blog about this giveaway
4. Bonus: Purchase anything from their shop for an additional 3 entries!

• Reminder: I need an email address to contact you. Either your profile needs to be public with an address there or you need to leave it in the comments.
• Open to USA and Canadian friends. Ends July 10th, 2009
• Shameless plug warning (as Simple Mom says): Those of you who subscribe to my blog have probably already had your early bird entry and for those of you who don’t, you really should subscribe so that you don’t miss out on the early bird entries for the giveaways still coming up in Sizzling Summer.
• As with all reviews on this site: Though the author did receive and keep the review products, this review is in no other way compensated and the outcome of the review not influenced in any way.

Reminder for Entering a Giveaway

Photo adapted from Zanastardust

We have lots of giveaways happening as part of our Sizzling Summer. Please make sure when you enter a giveaway that your email address in available somewhere. If it is not, a new winner will be drawn.

1. On your profile (which must be public)
2. On your blog (if you’re a blogger)
3. In the comments (like emailaddress {at} gmail {dot} com)

One of the most important things to think when getting Set for a Sizzling Summer is Sun Safety. While we love to bask in the glow of Mr. Golden Sun, it can be dangerous!

After having to re-draw three times, Veronica is the new winner of the Sun Safety products. Please contact me within 72 hours so I can get your prize out to you!

Sizzling Summer: Dangerous Waters

Photo adapted from Zanastardust

Fun in the water is the number one summertime activity and a definite must for a Sizzling Summer! It is also one of the most dangerous activities. Water-related accidents happen every day and are the second leading cause of accidental death in littles aged 1-14. Drowning can take place in as little as 1 inch of water and is usually quick (missing/out of sight for less than 5 minutes) and silent. Let me share with you some basics that will help you stay safe.

Water Safety with Littles

Constant Supervision! This is the most important and effective way to stay safe near the water. With littles, arms reach and in a position to respond quickly is imperative! Constant visual contact and not just an occasional glance will ensure that you know what is going on at all times and can react accordingly. If you have to leave the water area for any reason, take your littles with you! Never leave them alone for even a moment. We had a bathtub scare not too long ago and that serves as a reminder for me of how important this is!

Learn Basic CPR: Whether you take a course and become certified or even if you just read up on it, having a basic grasp of CPR will help you in case of an emergency. This little step may help you save a life!

Healthy Fear: Teach your children to have a healthy respect for water and the dangers it poses.

Beware Inflatable Toys: Remember that inflatable toys and water-wings are fun but they are not lifesaving devices.

Swimming Lessons: I think all children should learn to swim even if it is just a basic ‘doggie-paddle’ or knowing how to tread water. My littles haven’t reached this stage yet (10 months and 2 years) but I am going to work with my little one more this summer. A basic idea of how to keep afloat may save their life at some point!

Empty the Water: Empty wading pools, buckets and water tables after use.

Tidy the Toys: Do not leave toys near or floating in back yard pools. This entices little ones!

Be Prepared: Make sure that you have everything you need close at hand so that you do not have to leave the water area. If you have the towels, sunscreen, phone etc. with you it will help eliminate the temptation to just ‘dash’ into the house to grab something (been there!).

Water Safety Tips for the Not so Little

Never swim alone!

Feet First: When swimming in lakes, rivers etc. beware of submerged objects. Enter the water feet first. Never dive into unknown waters.

Currents: Beware of currents and avoid panic if caught in one. Panic throws logic and common sense out the window. Just remember: Do not fight the current!

Obey the Signs: At the beach, the pool, the water-park; everywhere you go there are warnings and rules posted. No diving, no running etc. Compliance with these will ensure a safer summer!

Tie Back Hair: This may seem silly but when swimming a pool, long hair can easily get sucked into filters.

Boating: When boating, ensure that you have and wear a personal floatation device. It is important that it fits and is designed support your weight. Make sure that you always tell someone where you are going.

Do you have a water safety tip? Please share, I’d love to know what has worked for you!

• Speaking of water – Here’s a water-related giveaway!
• Related Posts: Set for a Sizzling Summer 1.0 , Sizzling Summer Sun Safety 2.0, 30+ Summer Fun Ideas
• Don’t forget about the Sizzling Giveaways in my left sidebar!
• This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday. Be sure to check it out for more fabulous ideas!

Yummy! Brownies in Mini Loaf Pans

This photo contains Banana Bread, Yummy Carrot Cake and these brownies. All of which freeze amazingly well! They are also all made in mini-loaf pans to ensure perfectly sized slices!

These are the most scrumptious brownies ever! There really isn’t anything frugal about them but they are such a divine treat! It also makes for a lot of dishes since you need to use multiple bowls but I assure you it is worth it!!

Ingredients:

• 1lb Butter
• 1lb Chocolate Chips
• 7oz Unsweetened (or bittersweet) chocolate
• 6 Eggs
• 1 1/2 TBSP Vanilla
• 2 1/4 cups of Sugar
• 1 1/4 Cup Flour
• 1 TBSP Baking Powder
• Pinch of Salt
• 2 1/2 Cups of chopped Walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven to 350
2. Butter and flour mini loaf pans. I usually add a small square of parchment paper on the bottom to make sure they come out easily.
3. Melt together the butter and all but a handful of the chocolate chips along with the chocolate in a medium bowl over simmering water. Allow to cool slightly.
4. In a separate larger bowl stir the eggs, sugar and vanilla together. Slowly stir the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and allow to cool to room temperature.
5. In another bowl, sift together 1 cup of flour with the baking powder and your salt. Add it to the cooled chocolate mixture.
6. Toss the 1/4 cup remaining flour, the remaining chocolate chips and your walnuts together and then add them into the batter.
7. Pour into your mini loaf pans.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, then rap them against the oven shelf to force out any are. It will ‘fall’ a bit but that is OK! Bake for another 10+/- minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Check them frequently since oven temperatures vary and you do not want to over-bake these!
10. Allow to cool and then refrigerate. The come out of the pan much better this way. I usually keep one or two loafs to eat and the remainder are wrapped and put into the freezer. These freeze really well, and if done in a mini loaf pan, thaw and slice quickly.
11. Make them Extra Special: They are also great with a thin layer of basic butter cream icing on them though it isn’t really necessary.

• This post links to Tasty Tuesday and Tempt My Tummy Tuesday  and Would you like Chocolate with That?

On My Heart: Stay or Go?

Photo by jamelah

I am thankful that the Lord speaks to me through His Word. It is sometimes hard to comprehend how the Lord can speak to us, but He does!

 1 Corinthians 11:1,  Ezekiel 22:30 and Titus 2:7 and Are You a Mrs. Titus 2

Crystal, of Biblical Womanhood and Mom of Littles, was instrumental in turning my heart towards home as you will read at Heart(h) Management later this summer. While the Lord did and still is doing the work in my heart, I believe he used her to direct me to His purpose. I was sad to read to her departure from personal blogging. It caused me to stop in my steps. I wondered if I should follow suit. Though I have only been blogging for a handful of months, is it time to say goodbye? Am I contributing to an unhealthy epidemic?

While I am still thinking everything through, I’ve learned that I am where I ought to be and do not feel that a season of quietness is the path the Lord is calling me to walk right now. The Lord has unique plans for each of us. I love Crystal with a Christian love. I  both admire and respect her, and am thankful that she is sensitive to the Lord’s leading in her life but a decision that is right for her isn’t necessarily right for me. I am thankful that she chose to share her reasons for leaving because it made me stop, pray and consider.

I’m not perfect, I know very little and I am not a good writer. But I love the Lord and desire to serve Him. I want to bring Him glory. In Titus 2, it suggests that we ought to be and learn from Titus 2 women. Titus 2 are becoming increasingly rare. The art and spirit of true home-making are not common in our society. I tend to be at home a lot and do not have a lot of interaction with other women in this stage of my life with littles. So blogging for me is a way of being and learning to be a Titus 2 woman; to love, care for and nurture my family better.

In Titus 2:7 it talks about “showing ourselves a pattern of good works”. To me this speaks of every day life. The practical how-to’s of bringing glory to Him in the (seemingly) mundane tasks that each new day brings. To show constancy and faithfulness and our love for Him in all we do. I think that there are aspects of my daily life that, when shared, are glorifying Him.

When I first started blogging I wrote Why a Blog?. It’s still the same. But I want to be so careful that I evaluate my reasons for writing and make sure it isn’t for approval of man or validation of my calling.

I am thankful that the Lord laid those verses (above) on my heart, giving me peace in knowing that in this season, I am where I should be. I want to be a woman who stands for the Lord; one who shows a pattern of good works in the every day things. When people look at my life, or a glimpse of my  life through my blog, I want them to see that I follow Christ and I want to show His love to the world!

• This post is linked to Gratituesday and Talk About Tuesday and What I Learned This Week

We Love Daddy (and Caterpillars)

OK, well I don’t know what is wrong with this crazy picture but it won’t go right side up. So to look at it, simply tilt your head to the left!

Though I have only participated in Magic Marker Monday a handful of times, I enjoy it for a couple reasons. It is interesting to visit the other participants and glean ideas for something to work on. It also gives me an opportunity to post something that Chloe has done this week for overseas family to see…and of course you too!

This week we made daddy an award. We started with a black piece of construction paper. We printed out a 1/2 sized award which we then glued on. We cut out circles and wrote reasons why we love daddy on them. We curled some pipe cleaner for the antenna and added some googly eyes from the garage sale craft supplies I mentioned last week.

If you recall, we made a clothespin caterpillar last week and now another caterpillar this week. We have a learning poster and I usually run our theme for two weeks or so. We’re just about ready to move off caterpillars. I think the natural progression would be butterflies next but we’ll see :)

Do you have any great butterfly craft ideas? Please Share!

This Post Links to : Magic Marker Monday

Sunscreen Winner #2

As part of our Sizzling Summer, we talked about Sun Safety. A winner was chosen last week however they didn’t leave any way of contacting them.

Comment number 8: Meredith, you didn’t leave an email address and your profile isn’t public. I have no way of contacting you. Please contact me within 72 hours or a new winner will be chosen.

Don’t forget to visit my left sidebar for more summer-related giveaways through out the series!

Little Eyes Upon You

This poem was in our church bulletin today. It is by Edgar Guest. Though intended for fathers, it struck home with me as well. As a stay-at-home mother of young children, they are watching my every action, word, response and attitude each day, all day. Yikes! Yesterday I read this post by Janice at 5 Minutes for Mom and then this morning, Chloe was playing and I heard her say “Oh, man”. Now I do not say that, or anything like that, however you can bet that someone in our inner circle says it! (No, it isn’t daddy LOL) They learn from somewhere!

There are little eyes upon you
and they're watching night and day.

There are little ears that quickly
take in every word you say.

There are little hands all eager
to do anything you do;

And a little boy who's dreaming
of the day he'll be like you.

You're the little fellow's idol,
you're the wisest of the wise.

In his little mind about you
no suspicions ever rise.

He believes in you devoutly,
holds all you say and do;

He will say and do, in your way
when he's grown up just like you.

There's a wide-eyed little fellow
who believes you're always right;
and his eyes are always opened,
and he watches day and night.

You are setting an example
every day in all you do;

For the little boy who's waiting
to grow up to be like you.

Sizzling Summer GIVEAWAY: Jack and Lily Sandals ENDED

GIVEAWAY ENDED 7/3/09

Joining us in the Set for a Sizzling Summer Series is Jack and Lily. Last month I posted the initial announcement with an early bird entry opportunity. This month I am back with a full review and the giveaway!

If you read the announcement already you will know that we were reviewing the Chocolate Brown Sandals from the "’My Shoes’ collection along with a pair of their the originals. We’ve put them to the test for the past month and feel that we have given them a good run. Allow me to share a bit about our experience and then we’ll move on to the giveaway!

First, I would like to start by saying that it was a pleasure to work with this company. They are friendly, courteous and professional; which (surprisingly) isn’t as common as it should be among businesses! Moving on, the shoes arrived in a beautiful box which is perfect for saving those first shoes in! These actually were John’s first real shoes! I put them on John and immediately headed outside to try them out and take pictures. You can see those photos and read my initial impressions here.

John is 10 months and he is so mobile! He crawls all over and ‘cruises’. These sandals are the only shoes he has worn in the past month and they have worked perfectly because they are so versatile! Dressy or casual, these look great for any event. The feature that most impressed me was the way the sole is constructed; it comes out from the shoe the tiniest little bit at the toe. Though it is hardly even noticeable it has been a shoe-saver! John has worn these to crawl around on the tile floor, on grass, woodchips, dirt and the occasional sidewalk (though I try and avoid that for his poor knees), but there isn’t a scuff on them. I was honestly blown away. With a crawling child, you expect and accept a certain amount of wear and scuffing on the toes but these have none whatsoever. I am simply impressed beyond belief! They have also stood up to John’s nibbling with no harm!

He’s worn then in the sandbox and on an adventure through the mud (I wish I’d taken pictures of that!). He’s spilled pizza, popsicle and chocolate milk all over them. In each instance, they’ve wiped up perfectly. After a month of constant wear in a variety of environments, they still look new!

The leather is soft and shoes are very breathable, flexible. He is easily able to stand and ‘cruise’ with them on. I am completely sold! We’ve tried many different brands of shoes in Chloe and John’s lifetime but, for learning to walk, I am in love with these shoes!

Chloe tried the adorable giraffe originals. I would like to warn anyone who orders these online that their sizing really is accurate. I ordered a 3/4 for my 2 year old daughter because her other slippers (from a similar company) were a 2/3 and she was already out of them! When these originals arrived, I realized that she would have fit their 2/3 perfectly. Anyway, the 3/4 still fits her well and she has plenty of room to grow. She has logged many miles on our tile floor in her slippers. We’re hard on our slippers here but these seem very durable and hardly show any wear at all so far. I washed them to see how the wash up and I accidently put them in the dryer when they do not recommend it. Well, they wash up great – an important feature with littles. The appliqués are sewn on and, though the tail of the giraffe was sticking up a bit (from the dryer), a night under a heavy book solved the problem.

In learning to live a simpler, more frugal lifestyle, we have started making changes in our lives. One area that isn’t negotiable for us is our children’s footwear. It is so important to have quality, proper-fitting footwear for developing little feet. I would definitely put Jack and Lily's shoes into the quality footwear category.

(this dirt wiped right off!)

With that being said, let’s move on to the GIVEAWAY because I know you are all anxious to win a pair for your own little one!

Leave a separate comment for each entry:

• Visit Jack and Lily and come back to tell me which shoes you would pick
• Subscribe to my blog via email or in a reader
• Blog about this giveaway
• Sign up for Jack and Lily’s email newsletter so you don’t miss the excitement of new arrivals and sales!

Open to USA and Canadian friends. Ends July 3rd, 2009.

As with all reviews on this site: Though the author did receive and keep the review products, this review is in no other way compensated and the outcome of the review not influenced in any way.

Death Before Birth: Isaiah’s Birth Story Part I

 

Photo by kudomomo

A Warning:

As I mentioned in Miscarriage Basics, the main reason I have done this series is to share my experiences and Isaiah’s story so that hurting women can read it, and perhaps be helped in the way that I was. I am thankful and grateful to the brave souls who opened up their hearts and shared intimate parts of themselves through blogs and books. It was a great source of comfort and encouragement to know I wasn’t alone. With that being said, this post will be an honest recollection of the events that transpired and the reactions I had. It is going to be detailed. I have been praying for about a month now that the Lord would show me what was appropriate to share. As I was getting ready to publish this, the Lord gave me peace about it by showing me Isaiah 6:8. I’ll talk more about that later but now, here is my story…

I’m Pregnant!

We’d been married for about nine months. Sunday had been my birthday and we had went out to eat. Monday morning I woke up dreadfully nausea. I called in sick to work and stayed home. I thought perhaps something I had eaten had caused it. Later that day I began to feel better. Tuesday morning I woke up ill again, this time with vomiting. I thought I must have the flu. Scott wasn’t feeling so well either so he stayed home too. I was lying there in bed and I suddenly thought, “I wonder if I am pregnant?”. It was certainly a posibilty since though we weren’t trying, we weren’t not trying either. I immediately leapt out of bed and rushed to the drugstore for a test that confirmed it. I was shocked! We had talked about it in the past month and had not really been trying but not not trying either. I don’t know why I was so surprised, but I was. And I was happy, so happy, excited, scared and happy! We told everyone in the world (or at least I did!) and a few weeks later, I had already bought the stroller, car seat and playpen.  January 17th we had our first ultrasound. Our sweet baby was a tiny dot. I didn’t even know where the baby was until the ultrasound guy showed me the little dot inside a bigger black dot. It didn’t look like a baby on the screen – at least not to me. But it didn’t matter; we showed everyone our first baby’s picture! February 15th I had written my first little “letter” to our baby about how thankful I was for this baby and how I am praying that God would help me to be a good mommy. Friday February 17th, 2006 I had my first prenatal visit and everything looked good and Saturday I went and bought my first maternity clothes. What fun it was trying things on, envisioning my blossoming figure!

Signs

Sunday night, there a tiny amount of spotting, dark brown in color on my underwear. I really do mean tiny. I thought nothing of it. Monday and Tuesday there was a bit more and I wore a panty liner but honestly, it seemed like such a small amount. Wednesday morning it was a little heavier, and I was getting concerned. It was like at the end of your period but at this point, I still didn’t think anything serious was wrong. Miscarriages happen to ‘other’ people. I was healthy, Scott was healthy; what could go wrong?!? I called the doctor who told me to just take it easy that day and she would see me the following day. I took the day off work and lounged around the house. I was sort of worried and felt a bit crummy and out of sorts but even with what was going on, losing the baby was not even something that I considered might happen! Scott went to church that night, I went to bed early! I was so tired.

It Can’t be Happening!

I woke up just after 3am on Thursday morning with terrible cramps. I got out of bed to go to the washroom and there was a lot of bright red blood on my panties. Scott tells me I sort of moaned out “No, No, No” but I don’t recall much about that exact moment. I was crying and trying to wipe everything up, like it would stop it from happening. I was just starting my second trimester and into the ‘safe’ zone. We called the doctor’s afterhours line and spoke to a physician. He said to lie down and that there wasn’t anything that could be done right now. He would set up an emergency ultrasound first thing in the morning. I laid there praying and staring at the wall crying. The rest of the night went by so slowly. I cried, and cried, and kept getting up to pee, mostly to see if the bleeding had stopped and maybe everything would be OK. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I kept thinking it would stop at any moment and everything would be fine. I wasn’t really losing baby, it didn’t matter what it looked like, it was going to stop and everything would be fine.

I was told by someone that 500 to 1000 words is a good post length so, with that in mind, Isaiah’s story is actually broken up into three parts which will be posted over three Fridays. Thank you for visiting me today!

• Related Posts: Miscarriage Basics
• This Post is linked to Family Friday at Homemaker Barbi

Sunscreen Winner

As part of our Sizzling Summer, we talked about Sun Safety and the winner of the giveaway is:

Comment number 6: ardenpostma. You didn’t leave me a way to contact you. Please email me within 72 hours or a new winner will be chosen. 

Don’t forget to visit my left sidebar for more summer-related giveaways through out the series!

Tune-Up Tuesday Tune Up

When I first started blogging, I created Tune-Up Tuesday (TUT). Since then, many things have changed thus it is only natural that TUT will change too. I mentioned this in Celebrate Change.

What is Tune-Up Tuesday (TUT)?

A Google search of 'Tune Up' revealed the following definition:
An Adjustment for Better Functioning
A search of 'Adjustment' revealed the following:
A Small Change, A Minor Correction, A Modification

Based on those definitions, there are many things in our lives, our hearts, minds, bodies, schedules, attitudes and finances that could use a little tune-up. In order to become the Christ-like wives, mothers and women God has called us to be, we must continue to evaluate all areas of our lives and be willing to answer the call to come up higher.

Habakkuk 1:5 talks about the Lord doing a work in our days. While the context is talking about days as in “lifetime”, I was thinking today that if we allow Him, He wants to perform a work in each of our days individually and not just cumulatively.

Each week, or as often as you are able, I am challenging you to join me for TUT! Let's make it a day to focus on one small change that we can make to better ourselves, our homes and our testimonies for His Honor and Glory!!

What are the Changes to TUT?

• New Logo: Better reflects the main purpose – Heart Issues

• New Day: THURSDAYS!

• Action rather than Intent: In the past, the idea was to post about what tune-up you were going to work on for the upcoming week. I thought it may be more beneficial to post about the tune-up we worked on in the past week. But either one accomplishes the purpose; striving to become more Christ-like and bring Him glory in our lives so feel free to do whichever works best for you.

How do I Participate?

• Think and pray about an area that needs a tune-up in your life. The song He’s Still Working on Me springs to mind...anyway, pick an area that needs some work. Then think of one small step or change that you can make towards the larger goal.

• Focus on that this week and blog about your progress at some point. Whether it is a full post, or a status update in another post, share what God is helping you accomplish.

• Come back next Thursday to leave the link to your post in the Mr. Linky so we can all share! If you don’t blog – or don’t want to include it in any of your posts, just leave a comment.

• Note: It doesn’t need to be a Thursday post, you can include your tune-up in any post during the week.  Pick a day that works for you, just don’t forget to come back and link up on Thursdays!

I’m working on a good one this week and hope that the results of it will bless my family and simplify my life! See you next Thursday.