Good To Know

While in the process of turning our new house into a home, I am learning lots of random things. The first thing I am learning is that I could have my own home improvement show. It would be more like Tool Time from the show Home Improvement, but hey, it's a show! Today I wanted to finish up the master bathroom by caulking around the tub and such. I know what caulk is, I know what a caulk gun is, I know that you have to spread it, I know that you have to put a nail in it when you are done so it won't dry out.... so somethings I know. I mentioned that I know what a caulk gun is, but I failed to mention that I didn't know how to exactly use it. I mean, generally, I knew what I was doing. But there were a few vital facts I was no so clear on before starting the job. Charlie has some what explained it to me, but I am a hands on learner. Lets look at what happened.




Okay, so when I was done.... the gun wasn't. So there was some.... well excess..... I was unaware that I had to squeeze the lock and pull the trigger back out. I will spare you (and myself) the rest of the embarrassing details of my mishap. Good news though, the caulk is done and looks amazing..... well, it looks great..... okay, good, it looks good..... fine it just looks presentable! Good thing presentable was what I was going for. Just wait until I bring you the latest news on how the popcorn removal is going from the future playroom. Oh, it's a hoot I tell you.... a HOOT!

Letters Of Intent

It's Friday so it is time for Letters of Intent! It has been a while since I linked up with the wonderful Julie at Foursons. Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all have a great weekend! Be sure to check out Julie's blog for more great letters!



Dear House,

Why do you hate me? Why? WHY????? Your walls are going to be the death of me... or my poor husband. Between the wallpaper that destroyed the drywall, the border that is stuck like super glue in Lula Mae's room..... but the kicker is the popcorn texture all over the walls in the future playroom. We have to get it off before the carpet goes in on Feburary 7th.... only 11 days away. Could you do us a favor and take it easy on us? Just let the tacky stuff come off easy! And how about don't take up the dry wall. It is a HUGE room and I would hate to have to watch my husband putty and sand the whole thing. Thanks in advance!

Love,

Your New Owner Who Desperately Wants To Get 1992 Out Of Here!

****************************************************************

To Whoever Invented Wallpaper,

Big mistake!

Signed,

I Miss My Bathroom!

***********************************************************

Dear Letters Of Intent,

I know I have been neglecting you and I am sorry. Lately my husband and I have been staying up until roughly 11:00 working on the house. We are lucky to be asleep by midnight. So when Friday rolls around.... well, quite frankly I don't even know it's Friday.... making it hard to remember to post my LOI for the week. I will try to do better! Oh Julie, how I have missed you!

Signed,

The Exhausted Blogger

Don't Trust It!

Don't trust the picture on the package! I bought 2 curtain panels a while back and tried to hang them in the living room. Well.... this is how it turned out....



Charming isn't it? Totally modern, right?

Clearly ONE of them did not match the picture! So now, I am waiting on my new curtains I ordered off of Ebay. They may or may not be the exact same curtains my best friend has in her living room.... just saying. It's one of those "if it ain't broke don't fix it" kinda things, ya know?. I can't wait to get them up!

In case you are wondering, I did not leave the curtains. I put up the old curtains from the condo up. They don't exactly match, but they work. Once the curtains are up I will take some after pictures of the main area of the house and post them. The house is really coming together nicely!

A First

This is one of those TMI posts. Read the first few sentences and decide if you should keep on reading. Just saying ;-)

Recently I read a post on a friends blog about her 4 sick kids. I mentioned in my comment that Lula Mae had never thrown up before. So what happens after you tell someone your kid has never thrown up before???? They throw up. This morning Lula Mae threw up for the first time in her life. Folks, I don't handle that bodily fluid well. Poop I can take alllllllll day long. Vomit, not so much. I did much better than I expected though. I only gagged a few times and didn't puke once. Point for team Mommy! Watching a toddler get sick is so sad. She had no idea what was going on and was totally embarrassed and disgusted by the whole thing. And of course she would get sick on every plush thing she owns.... and on our bed!!!! The poor washer can't keep up!

Excuse me... oh no.......


***As you are reading this I am dealing with the every-hour-on-the-hour-vomit. Oh boy!***


Okay, well that was the worst yet. She now refuses to let loose in the trash can and pushes it away while I try to help her. And she keeps her mouth closed and tries not to let any out. She is just tired and irritated by everything I think. She also doesn't understand that it WILL come out. You can't hold it in. Poor thing. I now have 3 loads of clothes and blankets waiting to be washed, on in the dryer and more to come I am sure. For some reason my washing machine won't open (which is really really annoying!) so I guess I have to wait for the Hubster to get home before I start another load. Hopefully the first load finishes drying soon. My linen closet has been wiped out so I need to start recycling what we used earlier. Oh my. It is only 3:30 and it already feels like it should be bed time. Although, I am glad I listened to my gut instinct and didn't put Lula Mae in her crib for nap. She has thrown up twice since then and having her on the couch is much easier to deal with. I wonder what tonight will bring? Sleep is not something I count on getting. I hate to see her this way :-( Perhaps tonight she will sleep.

Through all of this I have noticed how desperately I need more patience. I am teaching Lula Mae about self control in school and I need to show a better example to her. Pray that I am patient, loving and kind through all of this friends. I would really appreciate it. And pray for her of course!

More Than Just Baptism

****Extra long post ahead. Be prepared to read this one in shifts*****

Everyone's baptism is a big deal. It is a huge step and a very open declaration of a love for Jesus as your savior. So again I say, it's a big deal. For a Christian, I thought getting baptized was an easy decision (before I was saved). Then I was saved. I prayed about it and prayed about it and thought that it would be so simple to take the next step of faith and get baptized. From that moment I realized baptism was not just a "sure lets go do it" kind of decision for me. I think for some people it probably is, for most actually. I mean, you accept Jesus as your Lord and savior so being baptized should be an exciting proclamation. It's like you are shouting from the rooftops for all the world to hear that you love Jesus. Easy stuff, right? Well Amy it is easy if you really do love Jesus. Exactly what was going through my head for nearly two years. So if I have given my life to God and believe that He sent his only Son to die on the cross for my sins, why can't I go through with being baptized? Am I really saved? If everyone else can, why can't I?

I am afraid of water.

Not just a little.... a lot. Not like I just don't like being splashed when I'm in the pool. More like...

I can't bring myself to get into a pool while holding my children

I can hardly stand watching my kids play in the bath tub

I could barley focus or breath when my daughter was playing in the ocean, or near it even

I can feel myself getting nauseated at the thought of getting on a cruise ship

I I haven't gone under water without holding my nose ever because I breath in and panic instantly

I haven't "gone swimming" in years

The thought of my kids swimming someday makes me literally shake with nervousness

I would rank it in my top 3 biggest fears

To someone who is afraid of water, baptism takes on a whole new meaning. Being baptized would mean I would have to face a fear, which is something I am not good at. I am a runner. I run from fears and avoid them at all cost. I don't want to face them. Are you crazy? I'm afraid of it.... what makes you think I want to face it. With age and spiritual growth I am learning that I have to face fears. Not just some of them... all of them. Being fearful is a sin. It is saying "God I don't trust you". I went back and forth a million times with the thought of "how can I call myself a Christian if I am so afraid of everything? How hypocritical of me." At that point, I knew I needed help. Never before have I wanted to admit to someone, even my husband, that I had a problem and needed help. God's holy spirit within me was saying "Amy, it's time to free yourself from this bondage". My fears and sin have kept me held hostage on many occasions. My pastor opened my eyes to a lot of things in my life. He helped me realize that I am not crazy and I'm not alone. Talking with him was one of the best things I have done in my life. I am learning to let go. It is hard though.

On December 19, 2011 my pastor baptized me. It was a victory for me. As I waited for my turn I wanted to run, I wanted to cry, I wanted to throw up, I wanted to punch my pastor in the face (how terrible would that have looked!). He prayed for me and helped me win my first battle. I owe him big time. It meant a lot to me, and I could tell it meant a lot to him as he very generally told the congregation what a big deal my baptism was and began to get choked up. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful pastor and church family. Being baptized made me realize that I can win lots more battles in my life. I can start trust God, more then I was before. My life can be different and I can feel normal. I have made a few other changes in my life over the past few weeks that I don't really want to go into detail about. Just know, one was a big change. One that when I told people about, they were amazed.... even my husband. It was a change that no one even thought I would attempt. But, since talking with my pastor, I knew it needed to be done. I am learning to take baby steps to increase my faith in God. With each step, I can tell a difference. Slowly I am trusting Him, truly trusting Him. It takes a lot to truly trust and not just say you are trusting Him. A lot.

One battle is won, but I have many more to go. Baby steps.... it's basically my life right now.... even with changes I still fall short of the glory of God. Luckily, Jesus died for me and His blood washes away my sin and I am forgiven! I won't let being afraid stop me anymore.

The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall i fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid? -Psalm 27:1

30 Minutes..... GO!!!!

So I only have 30 minutes to let my brain explode all over the page. Why? Because I spent all of nap time working on a project so now all I have is 30 precious minutes to myself..... so buckle up, hold on and get ready for a whirlwind of a post....bullet style!

• I haven't been blogging much lately for a few reasons. First, I felt like it was taking up too much of my quiet time with God. When that starts happening I have to re-focus my time and get back into blogging slowly. Second, I have a new baby.... its name is "house". House is very needy and requires a lot of attention right now. Hopefully soon it will be a little more independent and need me a lot less (meaning I hope to soon be done with some of this painting!!!!!!). Lastly, I have two kids who aren't going to be little for very long. I am trying to soak up all their sweet babyhood while it lasts. I am really enjoying giving them all of my energy and attention while they are up. My heart is FULL and that is just how I like it. So don't worry I will get back to being your bloggy buddy soon, I promise :-)
  

• Jayce is pulling up on e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g he can! The boy keeps me super busy! If he is out ( meaning not in his play pen) I have to be right there with him. Boys are so much more adventurous than girls! He is growing up so fast! I think he will be walking soon.... oh dear!
  

• Lula Mae is potty trained!!!!!! You have no idea how much it excites me to say that. I have tried to train her a few times, on and off, since she was about one and a half. Each time I was just frustrated and she was frustrated and it never happened. Well this time I took her diapers away, pulled out the potty and WHAM! She got it. She had two pee pee accidents on the first day, but after that... nothing. She totally has it down. She even poops in her potty no problem. Plus, she will even tell you she has to go when we are out and about! Lula Mae is, and always has been an all-or-nothing type of kid. I really and excited to not have to buy diapers for her!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!
  

• Jayce has been acting a little out of sorts these past few days and I am worried about the little guy. I have summed it up to him possibly having allergy issues, but I am no doctor and have no way to really know. We will soon be replacing all of this disgusting carpet and we are hopeful that it will help him. If not, I think we will be seeing his doctor and trying to figure out what all this mucus in his throat is. He isn't having a cough, runny nose, fever or anything else. Just thick mucus sounding stuff in his throat that is causing him to coke terribly when he eats. Any of you other Mommy's have any advice on this????? We would love to hear!!!!
  

• I have been feeling super anxious lately and I am not sure why. Probably because I haven't been writing.... probably because I have been getting less sleep since we are up late every night working on the house.... probably because I am slightly crazy.... probably because God tests be daily to help keep me focused. Regardless the reason, I am trying hard to be less anxious, which is really hard for me and my OCD personality. I am growing and changing in Christ, and those growing pains hurt sometimes... but they are so worth it!

Sorry I just verbally vomited on you. Sometimes that kinda thing happens. I have a video of Lula Mae that I want to share with you, so be looking for that. Hopefully it will make up for this mess of a post! Oh, and more pictures! Who doesn't love seeing pictures? I hope the rest of your week is great!

The Grand Tour

I am so sorry the tour of our new house has taken me so long! I will skill all the "here's what we have been up to these days" for now and just get to the tour.....

Kids and guest bathroom

Jayce's room (don't worry, we are working on getting all the borders down throughout the house)


Lula Mae's room




This is our future playroom/family room (still in process obviously) This is a sunken room right off of the kitchen and connected to the garage

View going into the kitchen from the playroom

View coming in the front door (we have already changed this room a lot from this picture. I can't wait to post some updated pictures when it is complete!!!)

View from the fireplace

Dining room and kitchen

Kitchen (purple cabinets and all.... sigh.... we have some work to do!!!)

Are you loving the time as much as me???

Pantry and door to playroom

Master bedroom

Master bath

So, as you can see, we have a bit of work a head of us. We have actually been pretty busy already. We are loving this stage of "home improvement " where making little changes makes a big difference. Turning this house into a home is so fun! I can't wait to show you the after pictures!!!!

January 12th

I know the subliminal messages I posted before were so subtle that you probably didn't even know I had a birthday coming up, but today is my birthday.

Today I am 24
(don't hate me because I am young... hidden inside me is a 45 year old lady, just ask anybody who knows me)

I plan on spending the day enjoying my family
(as we are still semi "snowed in"... not that I wouldn't want to spend it with them anyway!)

I am slightly jealous that my kids get to spend their birthdays at Disney World
(but no too jealous because I will be there too.... it just won't be my birthday.)

Oh, really quick and totally off topic.... Lula Mae told me the other day that she was going to see Jesus at Disney World and give Him a big hug. Everything she loves she thinks will be at Disney World.... even Jesus!

Anyhoo, so today is my birthday. Not sure there will be a cake, party, fancy meal or presents
(because I did not make a cake, buy ice cream, plan a fancy meal or purchase a gift. Plus our town shuts down in this kind of weather so we won't be going out or anything.)

I am totally okay with that.
(Sort of)

So go enjoy this beautiful January 12th! I know I will! I am grateful for the wonderful 23 years God has given me. I can't wait to see what God has in store for my 24th year! My birthday wish is to be grateful for everything.... the blessings, the trials.... everything that is to come, and to be prayerful in ALL things.

Snowed In

We woke up to this! Isn't it beautiful?!?! So far we have gotten about 6 inches.

Lula Mae was so excited she couldn't stand it this morning. She grabbed her stool and sat at the front door all morning just watching it snow.

Then when Jayce took his morning nap we bundled up and went to play! Daddy rigged up a sled for Lula Mae.... she was pretty happy about that! There is also a Mickey Mouse snow man in our front yard that is too cute. I will be sure to get a picture of it!


These two had so much fun enjoying the snow!


And once the fun came to an end, we snuggled on the couch and warmed up by the fire. Our first fire was so nice!

So I hope you are all enjoying whatever weather you have today. Snow is not something we get much of here, especially in this amount, so we are taking advantage of it! Nothing better than being lazy.... wait we haven't really been "lazy". We are just home.... which is "lazy".... right?

Easily Forgotten

When things in my life start getting tough (house work is piled high, schedules are too full, kids are misbehaving) I tend to blog more. Partially because writing is therapeutic for me. Extremely therapeutic. Also because when I have something on my mind, or my heart, I enjoy the thoughts you all have to offer. All of you are great! You bring me so much encouragement and get me through so much. God has used this blog in my life in ways I never imagined.

While pondering that fact that I blog more, and better, in distress I realized I was missing a lot. I am missing out on chances to tell you about Lula Mae's great behavior, Jayce's development, the funny things Lula Mae says, the crazy projects my husband and I work on together and completely mess up..... just all the happy moments in my life. You shouldn't just have to hear all the bad things.

So here are some great things that have been going on around here....

• Lula Mae has memorized 6 bible verse now! I love to hear her recite them. She is done with the second grade sight word list and is on to learning the third grade list. Her reading skills are mind blowing! Her word list is nearing the 650 mark and I am so proud of her. She can count to, and recognize the numbers up to 40. She just loves to learn! I am so amazed at how well Lula Mae has behavior has been since we moved. Really, I was expecting this move to throw her into a tailspin.... but it is just the opposite. She is growing up so fast and is starting to learn self control and obedience.
• Jayce is past "scooting" and is crawling now. Not always on his hands and knees though, but sometimes. His toothy grin is quite charming! He has always been a great sleeper, but these days it is just amazing. He love to sleep! He is finally eating some baby food. I am hoping to wean him off of his reflux medication soon because it has been really good lately. We will see what the doctor says at his 9 month check up.
  
• We are totally unpacked! There are still a few decorative things in boxes, as well as photo albums, but they are patiently waiting for good homes. We are working on getting this place nice and clean! We are also slowly turning this house into our home :-)
• We are slowly working on our debt free plan. We just paid off our van!!!!!!!!!!!! Woohoo!!!!
  
• Back in December I was baptized (Tiffany I know I was suppose to email you all about it but things have been so busy! I am sorry.... don't hate me! It's just such a long story that it may take me a while to write it!) for the first time. I didn't grow up in a church so it was never really something I thought about doing, or even understood. God is working hard on me. He is changing me in some big ways. I have a great Pastor, a loving husband, supportive friends and an amazing God who are all helping me change. I have needed this for so long.
  

Oh, and I promise I am working on a tour of the house for you guys! I have a few really funny pictures to brighten your day :-) Have a great week everyone!

Sumbliminal Messages

Someone has a birthday coming up. I'm not going to name any names but.....

ME! Amy! It's me!

I will gladly give you my address so that you can send me something fantastic! Just send me a message!

;-) I'm totally kidding.... kinda....

200 Challengs Finale!

If you have been reading my blog long, you know I have been doing The 200 Challenge. Well, it is time to recap all of 2010. Are you ready to see just how much I saved on groceries in 2010? Let the fun begin!

Total spent in 2010
$2066.24
Spending an average of $172.19 a month


Total spent in 2009
$2833.78
Spending and average of $236.15


Total saved being part of The 200 Challenge

***Drum roll, please!!!***


$767.54

Wow!!!!!!!!!!! Let just say I need to take Sarah, the host of The 200 Challenge, out for a very nice meal at a very nice restaurant for saving me this much money! No, really!

So what does that mean for 2011? I plan on keeping my grocery budget the same so it should be a good year. I plan on tweaking a few of my other budget categories to save even more money this year than last year. I will let be sure to update you on how I plan on doing that! God is providing for us, and He always will. I hope that my 2011 budget will bring glory to Him because that is what it should do. Everything we do should bring Him glory!

So what are your tricks for saving money? Tell me what works for you! I would love to know for the new year!

New Year Resolutions For 2011

Happy 2011 everyone! I can't believe that another year has come and gone. I think 2010 was a great year. Our family was extremely blessed this year and we have so much to be thankful for. Not only was God in the big things this past year, but He was in the small ones too. 2010 taught me so much. Mostly, it taught me that God is in control and I have nothing to worry about. Funny, I feel like I have to learn that lesson over and over... I guess I am a slow learner. 2011 is going to be a great year, I just know it. Here is my list of resolutions that I hope will help make my year great!


1. Continue to strengthen my relationship with God. Pray without ceasing. Work on scripture memorization.

2. Read my one year chronological Bible

3. Read 5 books

4. Come in under budget in at least 3 out of the 7 categories each month

5. Devote one hour each morning and one hour each afternoon during nap time to myself.

6. Keep my heart focused on being a godly wife and mother

7. Enjoy every day to the fullest and cherish moments with my children and husband

8. Increase our giving