Garden!

I finally planted some (purchased) tomatoes and peppers. Red & Yellow Bell, Jalapeno, and tomatoes - grape (3 bushes!) Early Girl, and Roma. I'm a tad disappointed in my from scratch seedling project that failed for year #2, but at least I will know next year - don't even TRY to grow your own! I don't have a greenhouse or growing lights so I will just go spend the $6 for the plants instead of messing with little peat pellets. LOL.

I weeded both beds, and found out the hard way about stinging nettles. Ouch. My hand is still in a lot of pain and tingling. I guess my (pink!) leather gardening gloves are a necessary evil after all!! I am hoping to plant squash seeds with (or without) Aaron this afternoon, and I have a flat of pansies that need to go out front. I had a great time digging last night - very relaxing and I love weeding at a higher level! Much easier on the body, for sure.

This weekend and next are a flurry and a whirlwind. CBA graduation tonight, open houses, a birthday for my fantastic husband on the 6th, a visit from a college friend (and her dad, a former professor) on the 12th for a Pampered Chef party. Uh, wow! June will be half over before I know it! I'm excited for the teens in our youth group AND very sad to see them go. Thankfully some of them aren't going very far, so it will be nice to see them around.

I'm working feverishly on sewing some grad gifts for them, which I will be sure to post photos of, later in June. Which might be the next time you hear from me.

Probably not. I never have been good at keeping my mouth shut for long. Does the same apply to fingers?? We shall see!

Anything growing in YOUR garden? Any creative ideas for frugal, yet meaningful, graduation gifts? Is your May/June as crazy as all this???

photopalooza

There's been a lot of excitement at the Muth household lately. Evan has two teeth, in the middle on the bottom, and his top four teeth are showing their presence behind his gums. I tried to get a decent photo of his cute little grin with two teeth, but he just cried, as evidenced above. He loves to stuff Cheerios in his mouth, too. I laughed out loud capturing it on camera. He's also eaten sweet potato, banana, avocado, applesauce and asparagus. But he loves Cheerios best of all.

Aaron has a new found affinity for "wiggle worms" as he calls them. They certainly do wiggle, and he is turning into a little boy at a speed that makes me crazy. I cannot believe he will be three in August. Oh, and his hair is NOT blue in that photo above - it's just the lighting!









L to R: Memorial Day parade and an amazing view of my laughter induced double chin, first night in the big boy bed with feminine sheets he cares nothing about - isn't his excitement cute?, hilarious sneeze photo and our new stroller on our very nasty green-stained concrete!

busy, busy, busy!

Aaron is a busy BUSY boy. This is a comment I often hear when I pick him up from the nursery, so I know it's not just a figment of my imagination. And we all know what happens when a busy boy doesn't have enough to do. Chaos erupts.

I need H.E.L.P! I can hardly keep enough things around for him to do - and some of his favorite activities, like playing with beans or my button tin, must be reserved for Evan's nap time. For my darling second son is an EATER - he will eat anything and everything he finds on the floor, and I would really rather he did not choke. Or eat scraps of hemp fleece, as he did when I missed one during my diaper insert making adventure.

So, all you expert moms.

I need ideas. Projects for a preschooler (Aaron will be 3 in August) that meet the following criteria

1. Somewhat independent from mom
2. NO small parts
3. Not a lot of prep for mom

A tall order? Perhaps. But I know who I'm asking. Y'all are talented and creative!! HELP!!!

Works of God Monday

Obviously, I am a tad late posting the Works of God this week. It's been a busy day for us! We went to a parade, had a cookout with my parents, continued our massive MASSIVE house purging, cleaned a few windows, and just had a great day.

House purging? Yes, indeed. We are getting rid of excess and unnecessary paperwork, which will free up a lot of space. And we are also tossing most of our superfluous JUNK, or at least relegating it to the garage for the pending garage sale in a month or so. Lord willing, no baby at this one. What a surprise that would be!

This week, God worked out a need for us - we have been needing to have our lawn mower serviced, but never got around to taking it to the small machine repair shop, and June is always a crazy month with extra bills - Michael's birthday is in June so we have tag renewals, life insurance payments, etc. and we try to be extra careful with expenses in June. We borrowed a mower and have mowed once, but it is really pretty necessary to be able to keep the grass at an acceptable level. Yes, there are city ordinances about this sort of thing.

Well, a couple weeks ago we got a Sears gift card in the mail and the Lord prompted Michael to see if Sears would repair/service the lawn mower. They do. So not only have we stopped procrastinating, our machine is in the "shop" but we won't have to pay out of our own pocket for its repair! Praise the Lord!

So, how has God provided for your family this week? What has He been teaching you? What are you thankful for? How did you watch God work this week? Take a little time to praise the Lord with your blog or leave a comment! Please Excuse Mister Linky. He is having a bit of a problem. If you just click on the link to leave a comment, that should work!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

I'm not gonna lie

This has been a super hard week. And I think that it is good to be honest about my struggles as much as I am honest about my blessings. God has given me grace - much grace - this week, but I am still struggling. I'm sure that most of you have had weeks like that.

The boys have been taking turns waking up in the night, but Evan hasn't slept well in over a month. First it was teething, and he was waking up every hour and a half. Now he's still waking up 2-3 times. It is definitely worth it - I wouldn't give my boys up for the world - but at the same time, I am really not that fun to be around when I haven't gotten sleep. I know that I am getting run down, and it feels like sickness is once again poised and ready to strike.

At the end of last week, Aaron decided he was going to push his boundaries in EVERY area. Since then we have been working on several issues that we thought he had learned - especially listening & obeying. I am exhausted from the energy it takes to be consistent with my little boy.

Yesterday, it seemed like every.single.thing. was going contrary to plan. I don't think that it would benefit anyone for me to hash out the details, but suffice it to say that I was put through the wringer yesterday at just about every turn, and the day ended in tears. Many uncontrollable tears - the kind that just roll down your face no matter how many happy thoughts you think.

Despite all these things, despite the fact that it is 8 am on a Thursday and I just want bedtime to be here already, despite the struggles and the early wake times and the unregenerate actions of my oldest little pagan, despite the tears and the feelings of exhaustion and inadequacy and all that I've left out, God is still GOOD.

He is GOOD, all the time. He is holding me up, He is reminding me of His Word. He knows just what I can handle, He offers His grace. He even gives me a bonus - a laugh at the kids, a smile when I don't think I can. He loves me infinitely more than I think is possible.

*blush, blush*

I haven't ever been awarded a bloggy award, at least until now. If you haven't read A Dusty Frame, you should. Lizzie is such an encouragement to me as she faces challenges that she never expected - dealing with an incarcerated spouse, supporting and homeschooling her son James, and more. I marvel at God's grace, alive and well, in Lizzie's family. I'm not sure how I discovered her blog, but I'm very glad I did. There have been many times that God has used Lizzie's words and example to challenge and encourage me.


So when she gave me the Barnabas award, I hardly knew what to say. And I am humbled, Lizzie. Thank you. Here is her explanation of this award:

Barnabas worked with the Apostle Paul.

We remember him for his encouragement and generosity. In this spirit, I’d like to let you know that you are a Barnabas in my life. Thank you!

Lizzie asked that we pass on the award to someone who has blessed us with the gifts of encouragement and generosity. There are so many people in my life who fit this description, but I'd like to mention Richelle. I've known her casually over the years - she probably doesn't remember this, but she was a sponsor for a "Math Counts" tournament when I was in junior high, and she was yet unmarried. (I have NO idea why I was chosen to be on that team. My "math skills" are a big fat joke) And her sister in law was in my class in school. I've enjoyed getting to know her via the internet as she blogs about life as a wife, mom, and so much more in Niger. I can always count on you for a kind word, thought provoking posts and comments, and lots of encouragement! Thanks, Richelle!

Works of God Monday

Whew! What a week we had! God continues to show us His faithfulness - despite our unworthiness! I was able to finish preparations for the stage makeup portion of the production of The Music Man that the students at CBA performed (3 times!) this weekend. They did an incredible job - so incredible that I will admit I was very pleasantly surprised - and my heart swelled with feelings almost maternal. I'm sitting there thinking, "AAACK! I'm so weird! I must be getting old!"

I was telling Michael that this class of seniors seems a little bit more something than every other year. It is our first group of seventh graders from our Sunday School class graduating, which might be it, but more than that I am feeling most keenly my own age - but more, the swift passage of time this year. It honestly seems like yesterday that I was setting out on my own senior trip, getting ready for my own first year of college.

I so want these students to fully realize the blessings God has for their future. I don't know if it is my own senility beginning or what, but I'm really going to miss this class of seniors. God has given them all so many talents, and I love them and can't wait to see how God uses them.

I am also praising God this week for His provision. It often seems like we cannot get ahead with our finances, and there are times we struggle with discouragement over that (just keeping it real, people!) but I am so grateful that God provides just what we need at the perfect time we need it. We have been able to pay all of our bills and continue to be out of debt, with an extra or two here and there. I do NOT take this for granted. God is gracious to us to allow us to trust Him for every penny, every need. I am grateful for lessons in trust.

So, how has God provided for your family this week? What has He been teaching you? What are you thankful for? How did you watch God work this week? Take a little time to praise the Lord with your blog or leave a comment!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

Dorky No More

Thanks to a friend's generosity, Aaron has two new-to-us pairs of church pants for now, and about a bazillion outfits for later. We've been blessed by this family's kindness before, and are overwhelmed with a repeat blessing. Aaron will be stylin' on Sunday, and I didn't even have to go to the thrift store again!!

Thanks, friend!!

As for Aaron's mother, well, she is still quite entrenched in her dorky phase. She is beginning to realize it is not a phase. She is embracing it. And she is laughing.

Fantastic Finds

Went to the thrift store this morning, hoping for a pair of church pants for Aaron. The last pair of 2T's that are long enough (and don't look dorky) were ruined, so he's been looking a tad dorky for the last few weeks at church in some ever-so-slightly tapered leg wonders that I picked up without examining closely enough at last year's garage sales and that will be going into this year's garage sale.

Didn't find any 2T pants, (I will soon!) but I did find a few items that filled some holes in the future wardrobes, and best of all, I scored a magnificent trike for $6. He was so enthusiastic in the store that most of our fellow shoppers left with huge smiles plastered on their faces. "Oh, wow, mommy! A new bike for me! Thank you, thank you! I'm so happy!" I wish you could hear the inflection, because that is definitely the best part.

He's my very favorite two year old.

Savings + Fun = More Fun

Anyone else looking for inexpensive date night activities? MSM had this article linked today.

Yee haw! Nothing makes a good time better than knowing you spent very little cash.

Can I get an Amen?

Works of God Monday

What a weekend! Michael came down with strep throat - he who has been healthy all winter - and hopefully we can avoid passing it back and forth. Does anyone know if antibacterial gel is safe for lips? I can't seem to stop kissing the man. Tee hee.

SO many blessings this past week!

Although Michael stayed home from church, that did not thwart the plans that he and my dad had so cleverly figured out - chinese takeout for Mother's Day! Mom & dad came over and we feasted on Chinese! Mom & dad bought me a great gift - a new Pyrex 9 x 13. Mine disappeared - does your stuff do that too?

Dad also had a birthday this weekend - fifty eight! I'm so SO glad for birthdays! I broke my no-sugar fast. YUM. Now it's back to no sugar for awhile, until the next birthday or holiday! I do feel much better, even though I still miss the sugary yumminess.

I've lost 2 more pounds, hallelujah.

We were blessed by a generous unexpected Sears gift card in the mail, thank you to the ones who gave it! We are so grateful!

FIVE of the teens in our junior high youth group earned enough points (50,000) to make it to the top point level, and will be earning a Bible with their name on it - I'm praising God that there are this many teens who worked so hard for this goal, and also praising Him that we found great Bibles that are within the price range, and a coupon code for 10% off the total order!

I've been a witness to some incredible spiritual growth of a wonderful family in our church - it's FANTASTIC to see God working, and humbling to get a front row seat.

I found out "by accident" about a great deal on Kraft Mac & Cheese at Meijer this week - they are on sale for 50 cents, and if you buy 6 you get a $2 catalina for $$ off your next order - great news is you can keep rolling the deal over, essentially getting 6/$1. Needless to say, we are well stocked. I know it's definitely not a health food, but it's cheap and it is yummy according to the majority of the members of this family. And if I decide we've had enough, I can donate to the food bank. I praise God for providing this great deal!

My children are healthy, and happy, and I get the opportunity to be their mom. What a blessing!












So, how has God provided for your family this week? What has He been teaching you? What are you thankful for? How did you watch God work this week? Take a little time to praise the Lord with your blog or leave a comment!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.

speaking of giggling

Here's something else that makes me giggle - Elvis, and all that surrounds that er....guy. So imagine my happiness in discovering some fabric with his silhouette. I used some to make a bag last year for a likewise-giggling friend, and discovered a remnant today. So I made this.

giggle, giggle.

giggling like a pre-teen

I read this article this morning and parts of it just made me giggle out loud. Especially the name of the movement - The Virgin Lips Movement. I am so mature.

I would like to know your thoughts. Here are mine.

Michael and I saved kissing (on the lips) for our wedding day, but certainly not our wedding ceremony. When he told me that he'd like to wait until our wedding to kiss me, I was quite a bit concerned. Kiss you for the first time in front of 500 people? I don't think so. How is that special?

So we talked through it, and decided that our first kiss could be on our wedding day, but before the ceremony. Thankfully I have a considerate spouse who understood my reasons! Anyway, it was perfect.

For us.

I would never judge anyone for making a different choice. In our situation, Michael took the leadership, knowing what he could handle and setting the boundaries he needed to set. We were definitely on the same page when it came to saving sexual intimacy for marriage. And although I never thought that I could or would be one of those who waited for kissing, it ended up being the best decision for us.

Granted, we did have a 4 month engagement, so it's not like we accomplished anything of great proportion. However, it wasn't the easiest thing ever, either. I really like Michael. We had to rely on God's grace, and set up boundaries for ourselves in order to accomplish the goal. Emphasis on God's grace.

I definitely think that teens (and pre-teens!) are involved WAY too soon in relationships where they are tempted to share more of themselves than they are prepared to share, emotionally and physically. I would never want to be in school now with all the craziness that is going on, things I've heard about that make me blush and at the same time, break my heart for these kids.

Here is an interesting quote from Mr. Mohler's article,

"In The Purity Myth: How America's Obsession with Virginity Is Hurting Young Women, Valenti presses her case, suggesting that when young women aim for virginity and fail, they suffer a loss of self-esteem."

That idea makes me pretty mad, actually. So we shouldn't expect anything of our kids, because if they fail, they will suffer a loss of self esteem? (What would happen if we applied this logic to other areas of life - calculus? physics? anyone?) I think it's sad that we expect our teens to fail in the area of sexual purity. God is big enough, gives enough grace to help each believer overcome ANY temptation, combat ANY sin.

And if there is a failure, in ANY area, God's forgiveness is big enough, His grace is sufficient to help me get past it. He sees all sin in the same light - it is an affront to His character. So my laziness, or pride, or anger is the same thing as someone else's murder, or sexual sin. It's all the same sin to God - it is all horrible, something He cannot have in His presence, something He sent Jesus to die for and something that Jesus' blood can completely wash away.

That is amazing.

So what makes it such a huge deal when someone fails in this area? Certainly some of the consequences are pretty scary, are definitely life changing. I think we also need to check our reaction as believers. Do we respond as God does? Ready to forgive, forget, embrace? He is ready to wash this (and every) repentant sinner clean - we stand unblemished in His presence because of Jesus' blood. Do we allow others to stand forgiven? Something to think about.

So what do you think? Is the expectation of sexual purity too high of an expectation for our kids? Is the "Virgin Lips Movement" totally ridiculous? What are your thoughts, or your experiences? Wax eloquent, please. I can't wait to see what you have to say.

Superman, indeed.

Aaron, your helpful spirit saves the day!

Works of God Monday

God is so good, all the time! We've had some interesting things happen this weekend, and we know that God put them all in our path for His perfect reason. Here are some of our blessings!

1. My strep throat is back. What? Apparently I have some strain that is resistant to amoxicillin. Again, praising the Lord for the availability of modern medicine when illness strikes!

2. We got a save $10 on anything coupon in the mail from Kohls, which netted us 2 reusable water bottles (on my wish list for summer) for a mere $2.10. These are pretty snazzy bottles with those little freezable inserts for cold retention. I am really happy that I have one of these to take along with me on errand runs. I cannot even tell you how thirsty I get - must have something to do with the feeding the baby thing. Anyway, what a blessing that God provided this wish for so little money!

3. We have doors on our bedroom closets! Yay! I'll post photos once the trim is up so it can be a big ta-da, but I am so thankful that God gave Michael the time to be able to do this for us this weekend! It's fun to be able to check these projects off the list!

4. Third consecutive week at church. Amen, amen.

5. My peas, my peas are growing! My poor tomato plants did not survive their peat patty beginnings. I must be doing something wrong. The peppers survived, and I will plant them soon. But I will have to buy tomato plants. I am glad I can!

So, how has God provided for your family this week? What has He been teaching you? What are you thankful for? How did you watch God work this week? Take a little time to praise the Lord with your blog or leave a comment!

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up..." 1 Thess. 5:11

In the Mister Linky widget below, simply type your name in the top box, or a short description of the work that God has done, and then in the second box, paste the link from your specific "Works of God Monday" post. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like.