The Baby Boutique, A Bike Trailer and a Giveaway Announcement

Trying it on for size

I think on of the highlights of our family’s Sizzling Summer is bike rides with our new bike trailer! With it, I can take John (11 months) and Chloe (2 years) out biking. The littles love it! It is the Baby Jogger Switchback Hybrid. It is a bike trailer that easily converts into a jogging stroller and boy, it is fabulous. After my standard test period, I will be back with a complete review however, I wanted to take a minute to tell you about the place where I purchased it.

 Sorry for the blurry-ness. Snapping fast because I don’t want to take my eyes off my busy Chloe! 

The Baby Boutique is a fabulous shop in Kitchener, Ontario. It is owned by Julie and Mark, parents of a now 2 year old. Their company was born out of a desire for baby essentials that they couldn’t find elsewhere for their own little bundle of joy. They carry a variety of unique and practical baby essentials as well as some really cool non-essentials! My first contact with the store was through email. I was impressed by the prompt responses and the friendly, professional responses that I received. Going to the store was fun as well. The shop is well laid out, with a nice wide aisle to walk down. Chock full of delightful products, it is in no way cluttered. Julie greeted me with a smile and was very friendly and gracious, even when my daughter rearranged her entire shoe display when I glanced away for second. (I use the word ‘rearranged’ very loosely here! LOL)  For some reason knowing that it is real-life parents who own and operate the shop gives me an extra bit of confidence in their products, knowing that they are putting thought into everything that they carry.

The Shoe display before Chloe rearranged it. A great selection of quality footwear. I reviewed a pair of Jack and Lily’s last month (A++). If you are looking for a local retailer…this is the place for you!

So now that you know how impressed I am with the store, let me say that they also have a great website. Informative and well laid out, it was a pleasure to explore as well. I am heading to their shop tomorrow and plan to pick up a couple Peek-a-boo wipes pouches since I have recently started carrying cloth wipes to go along with my cloth diapers. I’d never heard of these but thought they looked cool. Another product that caught my eye is the Splat Mat. Maybe you’ve been blessed with neat eaters however I have not been. The floor around John is a disaster after meals. This may be the solution to my troubles. (Though if a disastrous floor is my biggest trouble then I would say life is pretty great!!)

With all the neat things they carry, I would recommend that you to check it out for yourself. The Baby Boutique also has a newsletter that you can sign up for. Just visit their website and sign up in the left sidebar (hint: it will get you a bonus entry into the giveaway!)

Our daughters are new friends! Aren’t they beautiful? 

For a limited time, The Baby Boutique is offering Beautiful Calling readers a special price on the Hybrid, $569.00 + tax.

Be sure to come back (or subscribe) so you don’t miss the the official review of the Switchback Hybrid and a giveaway (and no, it isn’t a bike trailer).

For all of you anxious to get started on the giveaway, go ahead and leave a comment in this post for another bonus entry! Simply visit The Baby Boutique and leave a comment with something that caught your eye (other than the ones I mentioned).

TUT: Contentment and Timing

I love ‘self-help’ books. I have a vast collection of books, mostly by Christian authors, which were written to help me be a better Christian woman, a better wife, a more loving mother, more organized as a home-maker…the list goes on. Elizabeth George is one of my favorite authors! When I read these books, I am inspired, encouraged, motivated…and sometimes (*gasp*)…discontent!

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

I’ve read Philippians 4:11 hundreds of times and heard it quoted several hundred times at least. I immediately associate it with contentment pertaining to material and financial state.

But, of course, this applies to our spiritual contentment as well. I Peter 1:15-16 calls us to be Holy as He is. Each day our goal should be to emulate Christ in our actions, thoughts and attitudes. When I look at where I want to be, every area of my life is grossly lacking, but God designed sanctification to be a process.

1. He will finish what He started (Philippians 1:6) from the inside out.
2. He will do it in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. It happens little by little and bit by bit.

As we willingly submit to Him, He will gently guide, direct and help us to change. We need to be content to let Him do it in His time.

Lord, help me not to compare myself to others or to where I think I should be. Help me to remember that short-comings are opportunities to look to Him for help and strength. Help me to trust in Your timing!

Do you have a tune-up you are working on or completed? Link up or share a comment!

Eczema, Sensitive Skin and Sunscreen

So we all know that part of good sun safety is sunscreen. What do you do when you have little ones with extremely sensitive skin and bad eczema?

Well, I have two year old and a 11 month old and I've been trying to figure it out. I keep them out of the sun and use UV protective clothing as much as possible and of course I've spent a small fortune in sunscreen trying to see what would work for me. With their sensitive skin, it seemed that every sunscreen I tried had issues. Some gave my children all over body rashes, others would work on limbs but if applied to the trunk of the body - a rash appeared. Others just made my daughter's eczema (which usually clears up pretty well in summer) worse! Talk about expensive, purchasing a bottle only to discover after one application that it wouldn't work for us. After testing literally dozens of sunscreens I settled on two that worked fairly well. Aveeno Baby didn't give a rash, though I did find it left a film and was a bit gritty. The other was Ocean Potion which I couldn't find in stores near me but ordered it on line from a company in the USA. I wasn't thrilled with either but they were the best that I'd come up with...until now.

After hearing about Set for a Sizzling Summer, Smartshield sent me some to review. I was thrilled since sunscreen is expensive and I had given up on finding the perfect one. I did my usual tests; a little on the limbs - wait day, a little more - wait a day; I didn't want my littles to experience yet another body rash or itchy, irritated eczema. Much to my surprise, there was no reaction. Several weeks and many, many applications later I am convinced.

SmartShield Sunscreen works for me even with the littles sensitive skin and eczema!

Neither of my little ones have had any skin reactions and I actually think that it (along with the sun) has been helping Chloe's eczema because it has mostly cleared up again. SmartShield sunscreen goes on easily, leaves no residue and isn't greasy.

They carry a wide range of products. Their formula is oil-free, aloe-vera based, hypoallergenic and waterproof. You can read more on their informative site.

GIVEAWAY:

SmartShield was kind enough to send me a couple sample packets which I would like to give away to a reader out there to try. If you have been trying countless sunscreens, looking for one that will work with your little ones skin issues, leave a comment.

• Random.org will choose a winner on 7/24/09.
• Open Worldwide.
• Linked to Works for Me Wednesday. While I would usually never link a product review to someone else’s meme, I thought this one warranted it. Finding a sunscreen that works with skin problems can be so frustrating and expensive!! (Been there!)

Sizzling Summer: Keep Your Cool!

Photo adapted from Zanastardust

I grew up in Northern Ontario where a nice beach day was about 23 deg c (73 deg F). Most of our cars didn’t have air conditioning and neither did our houses. We did have a rogue hot day but with no humidity, it was nice. I now live in Southern Ontario and it gets hot (for me anyway!) especially with the humidity. How do we keep cool?

Your House:

• Keep window blinds and curtains closed to keep out the sun.

• If you’re not running the A/C, close the windows during the heat of the day (to keep your cooler air in) and open at night to let in the breeze.

• If you run your A/C, keep it a little warmer that you would like. Also make sure to clean your filter. Your pocket book will thank you!

• Do not run your bathroom exhaust fan. My husband read an article the other day that mentioned that if you have the A/C on and the fan running that it only takes an hour for the fan to expel the cool air produced by the A/C.

• If you are running A/C, make sure all your windows are sealed tightly.

• Use a fan to help draw cool air in at night and circulate it. If you have a ceiling fan, have it on reverse to draw your cool air up from downstairs since warm air rises.

• Avoid using your dryer. Line-dry or if you don’t have a clothes line (we don’t yet), use a sweater rack or hang clothes on your shower rack.

• BBQ, have sandwiches or other meals that do not require the use of the stove or oven. (My husband suggested to me the other day that we take our prepared shepherd’s pie to my parents to cook and share – then we would be heating up their house LOL but they’d get a meal out of it.)

Your Body (and the little bodies that are usually around you)

• Hydration is key to keeping your body temperature regulated and to prevent dehydration. Little people are much more prone to dehydration that adults so make sure to keep those fluids up. Innate Gear makes stainless steel water bottles for the whole family. It’s easier to sip when they’re close at hand.

• Get creative: fresh or fresh frozen fruit, popsicles, home made slushies are all great sources of fluids and will keep you cool too!

• Sprinklers, pools, squirt guns and other water-related activities are great ways to cool off. Remember to be safe in the sun and cautious around water.

• Wear loose, breathable clothing in light colors. Natural fibers are best (cotton etc.)

• Stay in the shade.

• Avoid vigorous activities during the peak heat. Mornings and evenings are cooler (generally)

Have a tip for keeping cool? Love to hear it!

• This post is linked to Works for Me Wednesday

MonkeyDoodlez Swim Diaper Winner

Thank you Moms and Bums

for sponsoring our MonkeyDoodlez Swim Diaper Giveaway!

If you missed the review you can read it here.

Our winner is:

Brynna

Her comment number (announcemnet comments counted first) was the second one drawn since the first commeter left an annonymous comment without a name please read the Giveaway Reminder.

Sizzling Review: Innate Stainless Steel Bottles

This boy loves grape popsicles and his cup! 

A few weeks ago I mentioned that my family was reviewing stainless steel water bottles by Innate Gear. Well after a suitable test period, I’m back with an official review.

Hydration is key when it comes to a being Set for a Sizzling Summer! It’s much easier to stay well hydrated when you have a beverage close at hand! Innate Gear carries a complete line of products to help you do that.

For those who have little time:

• Environmentally friendly
• Quality
• Durable
• Variety of lids available to suit tastes
• Convenient loop clip on caps 
• Grow with you bottles for littles

For those with a little more time:

About the Company:

Located in Canada, the manufacture stainless steel water bottles for the whole family! With the slogan "Your Planet, Your Choices, Your Gear" the support various community organizations that share their commitment to preserving our environment.

What They Sell:

Stainless Steel Sippy’s for the little ones, mid size for your tots in plenty of fun colors, and of course larger ones for the grown ups in either plain or fun colours! Looking to be convinced to go the stainless steel route? Check out the Innate’s FAQ. Their website is quite informative and in my interaction with them, they have been very knowledgeable and helpful.

  

“Happy Birthday Canada” We were on many adventures that day and Chloe always had her bottle in hand 

My Experience:

Chloe is two and tested out the pop top mid-size and I’ve been very happy with it. Though a little big in size for her at this age, it is a perfect bottle to grow with her. Initially she had a problem in figuring out how to use this sport top but she worked it out quickly. She may be a bit young for it because we’ve had trouble with her chewing it but that has nothing to do with the bottle. I’m very happy with this product.

Pizza Time!

Two days ago John turned 11 months! He received a Me-Me Sippy. I loved the look of it. If a cup can be cute – this one really is with it’s shape, spout, handles and sweet powder blue colour. Again the size is perfect, I love the grips around the middle and the handles are just right for little hands. John has no trouble whatsoever in drinking with this and it is the perfect size. I had been concerned about the weights of these, but they are no heavier than the plastic sippy’s we used and I think they are much more durable! We’ve also had a problem with our leak-proof plastic sippy’s spilling.With this one, we didn’t have any leaking issues at all. I was very impressed. We did have an issue with the inner ‘value’ parts though. John is in a throwing stage right now and I found that when he throws this cup out of the stroller onto the sidewalk or out of the highchair onto the tile that sometimes the valves (it’s two little pieces) fall out of their holes and into the cup which then of course leaked. If you have a nice baby who doesn’t throw things, this cup will work perfectly for you though! Another thing that seasoned moms will be interested to know – although retailers do not sell replacement valves for the sippy’s, you can contact the company if you need some. Our show no signs of wear in the month that we have been using it (exclusively!) but it’s good to know!

Mommy got a bottle too. This was the first product I reviewed for myself and I couldn’t have received a more useful product for me. I drink a lot of water. Though I read about the dangers of bottled water – I continued to drink it because it was convenient. Even at home and around the house, I like to drink from a water bottle and I hardly ever leave the house  without one. This bottle is my first stainless steel bottle and I am pretty happy with it. Initially it came with a sporty pop top lid. I know many people love this type of spout but I am not one of them. Thankfully, Innate makes a flip top lid and they were generous enough to send me one. It made all the difference. It also controls the flow a bit. With this bottle, it is now just as convenient to fill it up with filtered water from the fridge as it was to buy bottled water. This is a much more economical and healthier option too. Thank you Innate!

Their line of bottles has interchangeable lids so you can feel confident in investing in their products because they certainly can grow with you from sippy with handles, to without handles, to pop top and flip top! All of their lids have a clip loop on the lid which makes it idea for belt loops, bikes or in my case, diaper bags and such!

 

Carrying a wide range of products for the whole family, be sure to check them out! Though they do not have an online store, they do have a retailer locator to assist you in finding a store near you. 

 

What do you use for drinks when you’re out and about?

Death Before Birth: The Good Things Part IV

Photo by kudomomo

Isaiah was a good thing and he was given to me by God to accomplish purposes that only God knew. I was privileged to see some of those things that may not have come about otherwise.

• The best good thing that happened was that my relationship with the Lord was restored.

• Through this, I believe that my marriage is stronger.

• When I left the hospital, I received a pamphlet on the D & C but nothing at all on miscarriage. At that point, I didn’t know a single thing about miscarriage. Very few mothers research that kind of thing. Weeks later, the Lord laid something on my heart. I contacted the hospital and submitted a brief outline and draft for a pamphlet I suggested they create on some basic miscarriage facts. Had I received such a thing, it may have reduced the questions I had and guilt the guilt I experienced regarding the little things like eating chocolate. (That sounds silly now but when you are going through a rough time, little things are so often magnified). I also suggested including some information on resources or where to get additional support if needed. A few months after that, I received a revised draft copy of a pamphlet that they were putting into print. I pray that many women will be helped by that.

• Eight weeks after losing Isaiah, I was was rejoicing about a positive pregnancy test. Had I not lost Isaiah, I would not have had Chloe and I can not imagine my life without her.

• After I found out that I was pregnant with Chloe, I knew I had to return to church. But, amazingly, not the same church I had previously attended. I am not sure where the name of this new church came from but the Lord laid it on my heart and I prayed about it for weeks. I then began attending Bethel. I immediately fit right in and the Lord, in His wisdom, provided the perfect ministry opportunity for me in this season of my life.

• Since losing Isaiah, I have had many friends and relatives lose their little unborn babies. Having experienced it myself, I am able to empathize with them. While I can’t say for certain that they feel that it was helpful talking to me, I hope that it in some way helped and comforted them. Sometimes it helps just to know you are not alone (Job 2:11-13)

• Though I would have loved and appreciated my children without having experienced a loss, because of it, I think I have an even greater thankfulness for the children that the Lord has since blessed me with.

• I also pray that I can add this series to the list of good things that have come about. I pray that through the writing of this series, more women will know that they are not alone.

Nothing I’ve shared is new; it’s not a cure or a band-aid but sometimes just knowing that others have experienced something similar and made it through helps beyond belief.

When writing this series, I was looking through the little memory box with the few reminders of Isaiah’s brief life. I named him Isaiah because through his death he reminded me of why it isn’t something to fear. God is our Salvation!

In church the week before I began posting this series, we had a guest preacher at church. As we followed our guest pastor throughout the bible in his sermon, we touched in Isaiah. Though it had nothing to do with the message, the Lord knew what I was struggling with putting this personal and intimate story ‘out here’. God gave me Isaiah 6:8 to give me a peace in sharing about Isaiah. Some may say this is co-incidence but I know it was Lord. I may not be going out on the mission field or as a prophet with declaring God’s Word but I am answering the call and saying, “Here am I Lord, send me! Let my story touch broken or hurting hearts with Your Love and turn those hearts towards You!”

• Related Posts: Miscarriage Basics, Isaiah’s Story Part I and Isaiah’s  Part II and Part III
• Still to Come: The Grief Process, Survival Tips and Helping Others
• This post links to Family Friday with Homemaker Barbi

TUT: Starting to Let Go…

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!

There are some things in life that we need to let go of. I entitled this post ‘Starting to Let Go” because no doubt as I go along, there will be more things that I need to learn to let go of. Sometimes its ‘things’ drag us down, keep us distracted, are too important in our life. Other times it can be dreams or ideas. A few weeks ago Beth talked about letting go of certain friendships. I’ve been working on two big (for me!) “let go’s’ this past week:

1. My desire for more children
2. My tenacious hold on the clothes and baby items I’ve accumulated

My husband and I have been blessed with two wonderful and exciting little ones and a third (miscarriage) that we haven’t officially met yet but will one day in heaven. I still want more. I don’t feel done. But we have decided that we are. I’ve been clinging to the hope that we will have more and it isn’t healthy for me or my marriage. I can not make decisions based on what I hope may happen.

Because of this hope I’ve been clinging to, I’ve also been tenaciously holding on to all my baby things. All the gear along with all the clothing. When we had our first, our income level was much different that it is now. We purchased some real quality stuff. I also bought a lot of clothing for our darling little girl. More than she needed. I now have totes of things that I don’t want to part with. Each outfit I picked out with great care, each has wonderful memories associated with it and of course there is that hope that one day we will have another little girl to wear it all.

The reality:

• I buy too much and spend too much (whether it is money or time spent to find a deal). Buying ahead is a good idea but it’s easy to over-buy when you do that.

• I also placed too much importance on what they were wearing. Brand names aren’t important to the Lord. Though there isn’t anything wrong with brand names in themselves, the importance that I have been putting on them is wrong and partially driven by self and pride I suppose. I'm also sending the wrong message to my little ones by doing this; though they are too young to understand right now (thankfully!).

• I don’t need to buy new all the time – or even ever in a lot of cases.

• My little ones do not need the volume of clothing that they have. I have been blessed with a friend who passes along some beautiful clothes to Chloe. While I certainly don’t want to take her for granted, it means that if I just wait, chances are I need less that I think I need. In the future, I’m going to try waiting until we actually need something and then I will only be buying what they (and myself) truly need.

• This week I’ve been busy giving away some and selling the rest. With our new income level, changes were inevitable so this goes hand in hand. It was hard at first (very hard!) but now very freeing and exciting.

A few verses that have been speaking to me this week:

Matthew 6:28 “why take ye thought for raiment?”

1 Corinthians 4:3 speaks to me of how little man’s opinion should be in the grand scheme of things.

James 4:6 reminds me that the Lord is gracious and can help me overcome these struggles if I submit them to him in humbleness

Genesis 22:7-13 tells me that sometimes God asks us to give up things that are very dear to us for a couple reasons: for us to see how much we really love God and also so that God can provide for us. Though I am ‘giving up’ my desire to have more children, if that is His desire, He will accomplish it.

Lord, you created me and gave me the desires that I have. Help me to turn them over to you and let your desires become my desires. Let me depend on you to fulfill my desires and not try to do it myself. Help me not to be mesmerized by the treasures of this world because the pale in comparison to true riches.

Do you have anything that you’re trying to let go of? Do you have a tune-up you are working on or completed? Link up or share a comment!

Reviews, Giveaways and More…

Photo by Retail Packaging

I’ve had several reviews, giveaways and such on my blog lately. Is this the focus of my blog? Absolutely not! A sponsor asked me the other day how readers know that they can trust my reviews. That answer is what prompted this post.

Let me share with you what works for me in relation to reviews, giveaways and more.

As a Blog Reader:

• I read blogs long before I became a writer of one.

• I like giveaways but not ones that require you to subscribe or a million other requirements. I like them simple and if the content of the blog is good, I may subscribe but I don’t subscribe to enter giveaways. I try to make the  giveaways I host easy to enter.

• I have found many great online stores and websites through blog promotion.

• I have found out about some really great products because of reading a blog that the item was reviewed in.

• I (generally) trust a review on a mommy blog much more than any commercial on TV and it influences me much more.

• When I am looking to make a purchase, I look to some blogs that I read and trust for suggestions. A big one for me was cloth diapers. Depending on what you go with, it’s a sizeable investment. I wanted to know what worked for others before making my own purchase.

• I do not trust reviews of products from sites whose sole purpose is promoting products. You can tell when a site reviews every single thing that comes their way.

As a Blog Writer:

• I only review products that are relevant to my life and what I perceive to be relevant to my readers. I have declined offers.

• I only accept products which I am interested in and are something that I would quite possibly buy anyway.

• I review products that I have bought myself – they aren’t always free.

• I always have a “suitable test period” (about a month). I want to give as accurate an idea of how things work as I can. I want my readers to know that I am not simply promoting this to get a free product but that I am really putting it to the test.

• I do an honest review of them. If I have suggestions for the product, I would (and have) included them in my review.

• Though I generally receive a product to review and usually keep said product, I am not in any other way compensated for the reviews. I am not saying it is wrong for bloggers to be compensated, simply that I am not.

• I am not just looking for free stuff. I love trying new things but don’t want to accumulate more ‘stuff’.  I am trying to de-clutter my life. If I don’t believe it to be useful or worthwhile, you won’t see it here.

• I do try to include a giveaway with the reviews.

• In my current series, Set for a Sizzling Summer, I am including many featured products and giveaways. I am not writing the series for the products but rather the products and giveaways are to enhance the series and make it fun for readers who are following it and hopefully help them find new products that would work for them or a retailer that they may not otherwise have found.

Do you do product reviews and host giveaways? What are your thoughts? As a reader, how do you feel about reviews and giveaways? Can you have too many? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

• This post links to Works for Me Wednesday

Blogger Scheduled Posts Trouble

Photo by Oberazzi

I do my posts up in Live Writer and schedule them throughout the week. Or most of the time that is what I do anyway. This past week none of my scheduled posts went out. I had to come back in and post them that day. At first I thought it was Live Writer however, even when doing a post in blogger directly and scheduling it – it doesn’t post. I’ve tried from two different computers so it isn’t me. Does anyone else use Blogger? Is anyone else having this trouble? Suggestions or even just knowing I am not the only one would help…

Jack and Lily Shoes Winner…

Congratulations SunnyMum!!

An email has been sent to you. Please contact me within 3 days.

For those of you wondering why there are 103 entries, remember that there is always a bonus entry in the announcement. Be sure and subscribe (left sidebar) so you don’t miss out. Lots of great reviews and giveaways still to come as Sizzling Summer continues!

Sizzling Summer GIVEAWAY: Teva Sandals

Photo adapted from Zanastardust

I announced earlier that participating in the  Set for a Sizzling Summer Series, Teva sent me a pair of Pink Psyclone sandals. to review.

We’ve spent the past month doing all sorts of summer activities and really putting these sandals to the test! They passed with flying colours. For those who tend to ‘scan reviews”, I’ll be brief in point form about why I think that these may be the best sandals out there for your active child!

  

• Quality Construction
• Comfortable with a very soft upper sole
• Extremely Supportive (Chloe is constantly on the go!)
• Soft lining that makes the straps non-irritating. They cover enough to protect, while still being an open sandal.
• Dual Velcro fasteners meant I could put these on her with ease. They grip firmly enough to stay on but give enough that she can take the off herself. She is also learning to do them herself!
• Completely adjustable to the width of her foot
• Excellent traction and treads
• Machine Washable. I don’t know if they recommend it or not, but I’ve tossed them through the machine several times and then air dry them. They clean up very nicely! They’ve had chocolate milk, apple juice, mud, Popsicle and Freeze spilled on them and it all washed out!
• Come with a 1 year warranty – When was the last time your shoes came with a warranty? How cool is that?!?
• Cute and sporty, yet not ‘frumpy looking’; Chloe has worn these as water-shoes at the pool, hiking on the trails, scootering, and yes, she wears them to church!

  

For those who want a bit more information:

“Shoc Pad: A blended polyurethane/EVA unit in the heel cup that evenly transfers the energy of impact throughout the footbed and away from the heel. This energy return actually provides greater spring with each forefoot push-off.

The Teva Infant’s Psyclone sandal offers the perfect blend of comfort and foot protection for active feet. The soft, compression molded EVA top-sole featuring an encapsulated Shoc Pad™ in the heal offer supreme comfort for all day wear. Perfect for kids on the go: afternoons at the pool, summer camp, and walking around town with Mom and Dad.”

 

So after a month of adventures, wearing these sandals exclusively, they still look perfect. The only signs of wear are on the toes of Chloe’s right sandal because it’s her ‘stopping foot’ when she’s on her scooter! LOL. I honestly think these are the best sandals a child could get! I mentioned before that with the economy and our changing financial state that we are cutting back in many ways. One are that is non-negotiable for us is good footwear for our littles. I would choose quality over quantity any day!

So now’s your chance for the GIVEAWAY. I know you are all anxious to win a pair for your own little (or not so little) one!

Leave a separate comment for each entry:

• Visit TEVA and come back to tell me which shoes you would pick from their toddler or kids line.
• Subscribe to my blog via email or in a reader (3 entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (2 entries)
• Sign up for the TEVA newsletter (bottom left) so you don’t miss the excitement of new arrivals and sales! (2 entries)

Canadian friends only. Ends July 17, 2009.

 

While I did receive a pair of sandals for the review, I was in no other way compensated for this review. All opinions expressed here are solely based on my experience – which in this case was awesome!

What Finer Things Can You Give?

Photo by Sights Set’s 

I was at the grocery store with a sleepy baby and a cranky two year old. I stopped at one last store on the way home. I was fishing around in my wallet for a quarter so I could get a cart when a man came up and gave me the cart he was finished with. I was so thankful and grateful for that cart. It cost that nice man a quarter but I pray that the Lord blessed him because it was certainly a blessing to me. It made my day!

That evening I was back at the grocery store for buns for dinner. (We changed the menu plan to have a BBQ). All of the lines were long. I got into line behind the least longest line with my 4 buns. Wouldn’t you know it, the entire line let me and my buns go first!

These two little things were such a blessing to me. I immediately thought they would make a nice mention for Finer Things Friday! I mentioned yesterday in TUT, that I am working on being more thankful for every little blessing the Lord sends my way. Well, these were two of the first that He sent me last week. It prompted me to think about blessings that I can give to others, both friends and strangers, (that don’t cost a lot) so that they will see Christ through me!

Finer Things I Can Give:

• My spot in line when they only have a handful of things.
• A kind smile to friends and strangers alike.
• A little (or big) wave.
• A Word of Encouragement
• A Note of Encouragement
• A Friendly Hello
• Respect
• A Hug
• A Listening Ear
• Some baking or a prepared meal for shut-ins or those who aren’t feeling well.
• My Time to run errands, lend a hand etc.
• A night of babysitting
• My thoughtfulness by opening the door for others and letting them go first.

Can you add to the list? Please Share!

• This post links to Amy’s Finer Things Friday

Death Before Birth: Isaiah’s Story Part III

Photo by kudomomo

continued from Death Before Birth: Isaiah’s Story Part I and Isaiah’s Story Part II

The Next Day

I woke up crying. Though I had been fairly early in my pregnancy and the baby hadn’t been that big, I still felt very empty. Emotionally and physically. Scott asked if I might like to go to this mall in a neighboring city, have lunch and visit the chocolate factory. I sent an email to friends, family and co-workers letting them know that we had lost the baby and then we went out. My first stop (and a foolish mistake) was returning the maternity clothing I had purchased the day before I started spotting. Going into the maternity store, I was suddenly faced with maternity clothing and pregnant ladies. I went to the cash, barely holding myself together. When the cashier asked me the reason for the return, I fell apart. Scott came and collected me from the store and held me while I cried. We did go out for lunch, went to the chocolate shop and then came home. I packed up the stroller that was set up in our dining room and put the other baby items strewn about into what would some day, Lord-willing, become the nursery.

Physical Recovery

Thanks to the D & C, I had some light spotting for a few days, and that was it. Physically, I recovered just fine and returned to work on Tuesday. I had planned to go back on Monday and just couldn’t do it. I did have to return on Tuesday as it was month end at work and there was a lot to do. I cried through the days. Not big gasping sobs but the tears constantly fell and I couldn’t stop them. Thankfully I worked with a great group of people and everyone was understanding.

Emotional Recovery

I cried a lot, and talked a lot. I battled with extreme guilt. When pregnant, I worried a lot about the future of my child and whether or not I would be able to be a good mother. I had a lot going on at work and there was stress from that angle too. I had extreme morning sickness and didn’t eat that healthy, actually living on popsicles at one point. I ate a lot of chocolate. I went to work when I should have rested because of the spotting. Days after the miscarriage, I suddenly thought about the baby (‘products of conception’) that I had taken to the hospital with me and wondered what had happened to it. I battled with guilt for having not thought of my baby before then.  I analyzed all the choices I had made while pregnant and realized how many mistakes I had made. I was sure that each area I had failed in had caused the miscarriage.  Thankfully I had a wonderful woman who shared with me the false guilt that she had experienced after her miscarriage. She helped me to see the false guilt for what it was. There was another lady at work who had also experienced the same pain and loss. It was great to be able to share everything that had happened, and listen to her story as well.  I became obsessed with miscarriage. I think perhaps my husband thought that I had a problem but I have since learned that it can be a normal part of the grieving process. I checked out every book on it at the library and read them all. I read hundreds of personal stories and websites. One book in particular really spoke to me: In Gods Hands: Death in the Womb by Tricia Wellmaker Hanke. Her story is very personal, and honest. She talks about all the details, the guilt she battled and about God’s healing in her life. A few weeks after the D & C, my period returned for the first time. Scott and I went to a local gift store and bought a stuffed camel…Raggedy Camel from Raggedy Ann. Why? It was for the baby we would someday have. It was a symbol of hope for me. I also bought a little box and placed in it the ultrasound, my hospital bracelet, the cards I received, the letter I had written to Isaiah and the baby diaper that I was given at my first prenatal visit. I have that box open in front of me now as I type. All of these things helped make Isaiah more real to me and to help me grieve.

Spiritual Recovery

I was saved at a very young age but during my teen years, I wandered off and did my own thing. The Lord gently brought me back to him, but yet again, I wandered off, following my own agenda. I went to church but wasn’t overly concerned about making the Lord a part of my every day life. Then I lost Isaiah. I went to church that Sunday and encountered someone who hadn’t yet heard the news. She immediately asked how the baby was doing. I tried to handle it graciously because I knew she would feel horrible, but I couldn’t help it, I burst into tears. After that, I actually stopped going for a while. It didn’t matter so much because I was angry with God. I didn’t want to talk to Him or visit His house. Why would he give me a baby only to take it away? Was He punishing me for my mistakes? What kind of a God allowed this? Was I never going to have a baby? If I did pray during that time, it was only to let the Lord know that I was angry at Him. One evening my sister had to pop into our local Christian bookstore. I went with her. I didn’t bother to go over to the book section. I was wondering around in the giftware when I saw a small rectangular plaque with the verse, “Rejoice in every good thing that the Lord thy God has given you” found in Deuteronomy 26:11. The Lord just spoke to me then and told me that, though I didn’t understand it, Isaiah was a good thing in my life. He helped me to see that God was still my God whether I was angry at Him or not. He had promised never to leave me (Hebrews 13:5)! I came home that night and prayed. I asked the Lord to forgive me and help me with my anger. I asked Him to help me trust Him and His goodness. I made things right with God. Though I didn’t return to church right away, I spent daily time in the Word and in prayer. It wasn’t instantaneous but slowly the Lord began to help me heal. Through scripture He reminded me of His sovereign-ness and that He is in control. Though I didn’t perceive this event as a good thing, I began to trust that He could see the big picture and that He would use it to my good and for His glory if I would let him (Romans 8:28). God is love and everything He does is out of love for me! I named our baby Isaiah because it means “God is my Salvation”. I wrote the following on a piece of paper and taped it to the back of the plaque:

02/23/06

In memory of Isaiah: a good thing.

Having completed his God-given purpose before coming into this world, the Father called him Home

As I finish up telling my story, I think about how in some ways it seems so long ago and in other ways it seems like it just happened. It’s been three years and two beautiful children later and my heart still aches for Isaiah. However, my heart isn’t broken the way it was back then. It was pieced back together by a loving Savior. Next week I am excited to share with you the Good Things!

If you have a moment, please bow your head and pray for those who are hurting right now.

• Related Posts: Miscarriage Basics, Isaiah’s Story Part I and Isaiah’s Story Part II
• Still to Come: The Good Things, The Grief Process, Survival Tips and Helping Others
• This post links to Family Friday with Homemaker Barbi