A Wife Loved Like The Church

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I heard this program earlier this week on NPR that was talking about frugality in our changing economic times. Anywho, they had a journalist from Chicago who has posed the question “What could/would you never sell, no matter what?” to her newspaper readers. 

It got me thinking. What would I never part with? 

This is a hard question for me. Mostly because I think I realize that as much sentimental value an item has, it won’t ever last. And truth be told, I own nothing that I wouldn’t sell if it meant feeding/sheltering/caring for my family. Geez, push come to shove, and I’d probably be willing to give ya an organ. 

However, if asked what would be the hardest thing(s) to part with I think I’d have to say:

– my wedding/engagement bands

– my super old, super ratty childhood stuffed animal, Buttcat (yes, his name really is Buttcat and I’m pretty certain this would be Jonathan’s number one choice of the first items we’d sell if he thought for a second anyone would actually pay us for it)

 

What about you? Are there certain items you own that you could never part with, or would have a super hard time giving up?

“I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.” Psalm 63:6-8

Am I already in my 3rd trimester?! How did that happen? I have to admit this pregnancy has flown by in comparison to Julia’s. Perhaps it’s a combo of having a toddler and being far more busy that things seem to have slipped by much, much faster.

Well, now for a little guessing game. What do you think will be Dubya Dos’:

 

Sex

Delivery date (due date is June 16th)

Weight

Hair/no hair

 

We’ve already got names picked out for both gender (although I promised Jonathan I wouldn’t post them online, so if you want to know, you’ll need to ask).

Here are a few stats with regards to Julia and this pregnancy to help you with your pick:

– she was a girl (obviously)

– she was born on her due date

– she weighed 8 pounds

– she came out with a head of jet black hair (which, she actually got from me – shocking I know)

– this pregnancy has been pretty much the same as hers, except for Dubya Dos seems to be a little more active

– I was sick just as long with Julia as I was with Dos, except that at 15 weeks I got really, really sick for several days and then was done with morning sickness (with Mabel I just got a little sick the same week and it lasted only a night)

– I’ve had dreams that we’re having a girl and a boy. Each time someone is telling us what they think we’re having, not that we actually had one or the other. 

I’d say you’d win a prize for coming closest to Dubya Dos’ actual stats, but once s/he arrives, I’m pretty certain I won’t be thinking about passing out prizes. Maybe instead, you can have the prize of babysitting Dos and Julia so Jonathan and I can get some sleep. 🙂

There have been a lot of changes in who I am, or rather what I focus on, over the last several years. I feel that college was probably my most outspoken years, as I assume it tends to be for most people. However, that doesn’t mean that I am not still highly opinionated (just ask Jonathan), that I am not still very passionate about certain causes, and that I am not willing to take a stand for things I believe matter most. 

WWF is hosting Earth Hour on March 28 at 8:30 pm. The premise behind their mission is to take a stand for our earth and the impact we are making. The idea is to shut off your lights for one hour as a means to give back to the earth. It’s a way to show your willingness to stop consuming and to start giving back. 

Our family will be taking part of Earth Hour and I encourage all of you to do the same. Be creative; have a bonfire, eat by candle light, enjoy seeing the stars, even host an Earth Hour party. Take a stand for our Earth, remember that God gave us dominion over this world and as such we need to care for it, not destroy it.

 

“For you have heard my vows, O God. You have given me an inheritance reserved for those who fear your name.” Psalm 61:5

Seriously, I normally take one afternoon/evening when I’m feeling talkative and write like 100 posts (ok, ok, maybe not that many) and schedule them all out. Anywho, this week all the posts missed their schedules, so I had to go in a manually update them. The whole point is so I don’t have to log on, but whatever.

Well, this post is in real time.  We took some pictures of Julia in her St. Patty’s Day outfit. Note: She had on a really cute green dress earlier in the day. But, she took off her diaper during her nap and well… let’s just say we had to change outfits… and her bedding.

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Signing "more".

Signing "more".

Signing "eat"

Signing "eat".

Signing "please", which is also trying to say when she signs.

Signing "please", which is also trying to say when she signs.

Signing "all done". She

Signing "all done". She gotten really lazy about using both arms, despite our best efforts to reinforce it.

I started my seeds this past Sunday, as that was my mental cutoff to time everything for the last frost. Part of me thinks we could have done everything sooner, but this still gives me between May 1 and May 15 to plant in-ground.

Here are some pictures:

 

Greenhouse, before adding seeds.

Greenhouse, before adding seeds.

 

Greenhouse, with seeds.

Greenhouse, with seeds.

So far, I’ve planted three varieties of tomatoes, green beans, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, onion and hybrid squash. I’m waiting for some more seeds from my friend, Margarita, in Texas. There is a plastic lid to cover the greenhouse for added protection. This is my first year to start from seed (usually I buy the plants from a local nursery) so I’m excited, but nervous, to see how everything turns out! Grow, little garden, grow!

For several months now, we’ve s-l-o-w-l-y been potty training Mabel. There’s no pressure and I try to make it as easy-going and fun as possible. She seems to really be enjoying herself and gets a big kick our of the whole process. 

Well, last week I was sitting on the couch going through the mail, when Julia came up, grabbed my hand and began pulling (she’s learned to do this recently when she wants me to “follow” her). I got up, thinking she wanted me to play, when she lead me to the bathroom. She started pointing to the potty and grunting. I took off her diaper, sat her on the seat and lo and behold, she pooped and peed!! Can I just say, I am one proud mama?!? 

I realize we’ve still got a ways to go, but what a great first step. Makes me think our goal of being diaper free by November/December is pretty realistic.

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Sorry, can't figure out how to flip the image. But you can still tell, she's pretty proud of herself.

Sorry, can't figure out how to flip the image. But you can still tell, she's pretty proud of herself.

So, here’s my confession. 

I’m spoiled.

Seriously.

I really am far more blessed than I deserve. I have a very, very loving husband, a daughter that is a true delight and… a brand new oven!

Yesterday, Jonathan took Mabel for a walk so that I could finish making tortillas for house church. He called me to let me know that he had found an oven at Best Buy (we live really close to the mall) for a super good deal and if I’d want it for my birthday. Oh baby, would I ever!

See, our house was built in 1989. I really do love just about everything about the house; the location, the windows, the backyard, the layout, etc. However, I am not a fan of appliances built in 1989. Our oven works, and therefore I can’t complain, but boy have I been dreaming about a new one. Since we moved in 2+ years ago, we’ve slowly started buying new appliances; washer/dryer, dishwasher. And now an oven! It’s stainless steel, with a glass top stove. Everything is push button (our old one was a dial) and it even has a working timer! Oh, and the best part: When something needs to be cooked at 350, you really can cook it at 350. Not 325 or 375 or even 300, because this oven actually knows what 350 means!!

This morning, while everyone was still snoozing, I made some banana muffins. Julia woke up right as I was putting them in the oven, so she got to watch them cook (since our cool oven has a window and a light!). She was pretty excited.

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At least that’s what Jonathan said I could say.

I had a sweet treat tonight, even though I said I wouldn’t.

It’s been a rough day, so Jonathan treated me to a treat. He said that I could tell everyone I was forced to eat a Cookie Doughn’t You Want Some from Coldstone. Pretty awesome guy, huh?

I’m still savoring every bite.