Sweetness

Olivia: "Mommy, do you know what the most bestest day of my whole life was?"
Me: "No, Baby. What?"
Olivia: "The day Joshua was born. He's the best, most sweetest, cutest baby in the whole world!"

*insert Mommy tears here*

Thrifty Thursday

Thrifty Thursday is a new blog ritual I'm starting.

Let me start with a little bit of a back story.

I have a degree in Radiology and I worked full time until Olivia was born, 5 1/2 years ago. When she was born, Mark and I decided that I would stay at home with the kiddos. So, we went from 2 paychecks to 1 paycheck. That meant, we had to scale back our spending. When Jacob was a baby, everything he wore was name brand (Gap, Gymboree, Ralph Lauren, Nike, and every boutique brand you can think of). And, we went out to eat. A LOT. Obviously, we couldn't continue spending money like that. So, we stopped eating out. We only go to a restaurant 1 day per week and sometimes not at all. I cook every single night. I had a problem with dressing my kids though. I like name brands. Materialistic? Maybe a little. But, you can't beat the quality. Plus, the clothes are a lot cuter. I started buying my kids' clothes from eBay, but have since moved on to consignment sales and thrift stores. I find some awesome deals!! We have a great thrift store in town and another in a neighboring town. So, I go shopping at the thrift store once every week and I'm always surprised at what I find! And, I thought it would be fun to show you guys what I find every week too! Thrifty Thursdays.

This week was a good thrift store week for me! Here is a picture of what I found.

Here is what's pictured:

*3 Carter's sleeveless rompers (retail: $5.99) I paid $1.00 each.

*3 Land's End rompers (retail: $16.99) I paid $1.00 each.

*2 Carter's onesies (retail: $7.00) I paid $.50 each.

*2 GAP Curvy jeans--MY FAV!! (retail: $69.50) I paid $5.00 each.

Retail for all of this would have been: $221.94

I PAID $17.00 + tax!!!!!!!

I love love love thrift stores!!!!!

6 months old

Well, another month has come and gone and Joshua is 6 months old already! Time needs to slow down...

Here are his

6 month stats:

Height--28 inches

Weight--20 lbs. 12.5 ozs.

Diaper size--4

Clothing size--9 months (some 12 months)

New milestones this month:

Still trying to get on his hands and knees

Sitting up independently

Blowing raspberries

Separation anxiety

Rolling and rolling and rolling

Scooting to get wherever he wants to go

Eating more baby food (his favorites are broccoli and blueberries)

Starting to drink from a sippy cup

2 top teeth and cutting 2 more!

Living in the world, but not of the world

I had an epiphany this past week. I'm living my life OF the world instead of just IN the world. I have had strong convictions about the ever popular Facebook for a while now. I felt like God was telling me to take a break from it and all the potential drama it brings. I resisted. And resisted. And resisted. Truthfully, I'm addicted. Sure, there are worse things to become addicted to but this crazy addiction was changing me. And I didn't like who I was becoming. See, I joined Facebook a few years ago and it was great to be able to connect with old high school friends and keep up with friends and family that I don't see often. Unfortunately, it's become a site full of drama, whining, complaining, and generally distasteful words and actions. And, I am guilty of feeding into all of it. I'm disgusted at some of the things I've seen/read on Facebook and also ashamed of things that I have written myself. So, I deactivated my account. And, you know what? The world didn't end. There are still people posting statuses that are full of drama, whining, complaining, and distasteful words. But, I am no longer a part of it. And I'm happy. :)
During this epiphany, I read Romans 12:2.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." NIV

The world tries to squeeze us, as Christians, into a mold and if we are not alert and resisting the temptations, the world also has the power to form and shape us. In my case, into a person we don't want to be. The world (i.e. Satan) has an influence on our mind, on our emotions, and on our attitudes, and this influence ultimately shows in our conduct. Conduct begins with our attitudes, with our points of view, with our values, standards, and ideals. If those values, standards, and ideals contradict the way of God, we cannot resist the world's constant pressure to squeeze us into its mold. My Facebook conduct had become to contradict the way of God...the WILL of God in my life. And, I never want to willingly stray from that. So, I took a break from the one thing in my life that was holding me back from my God. And I don't regret it.

So, if you are here because you miss my postings on Facebook, don't expect the same rude comments that became the norm on my page. This blog will be about my family, my interests, my faith, and my journey to become closer to my Saviour.

In other news:

Joshua is 6 months old today!! I'll post later this week, after his checkup, with his 6 month stats and milestones. For now, I will leave you with this cute little fella laughing.

Christmas in Pictures

Joshua's first Christmas