I'm It.

Lindsay tagged me for "sixth of sixth" where I'm supposed to post the sixth photo from my sixth album. We have photo boxes instead of albums. But we "only" have four. I have my own baby book, two photo guest books from our wedding, a photo book I made on MyPublisher.com and a half-started "insert photos here" baby scrapbook for Aaron. That's only five, and that does not count. However, I do have 20 (!!!!) albums on Facebook. How in the world did I get that many? Hmm.

So here it is, the sixth of the sixth, starting with the earliest album. I was trying to figure out how old Aaron is in this picture, and the best estimate is somewhere between 8-10 months. He's wearing only a onesie, so that's my major clue. He has ALWAYS been thrilled with playing ball, any type, anywhere, anytime. He's very coordinated, and I'm not saying that just because I'm his mother. He's seriously quite talented with throwing, catching, kicking, etc. He must have gotten his father's sports talent, as I have none.

This morning I went to the mall for a few things and of course, a free cappuccino, thanks to Holley's heads up. On my way through the mall, with a baby in the sling and a two year old in the stroller, I was apprehended by a kiosk-running hair guru not once but TWICE. Do I look like a lady of leisure who has time to sit and let you show me how fantastic your products are? I guess I need to try harder to look harried (that's for you, dad).

Happy Friday!

PS - look for a special giveaway next week in honor of my having passed the 500 post mark without ceremony or notice. *hitting self on forehead*

favorites?

We are always on the lookout for fun games to play as a couple (a nice switch from TV for stay at home date night) or when we get together with other couples (on the rare occasion THAT happens!)

We found Cranium Hoopla at a garage sale a year ago, but we tried to play with some friends awhile back, before they moved away and we cried, and there was a little bit of complaining that there was not a specific winner. We also like standards like Dutch Blitz and Scrabble.

So, what is your favorite 2-player game? Family game? Or do you have a closetful of games that you never use?

wherein I ask the benefit of city living

Last night, I went to church with Evan. The 3-in-a-row 9:30 bedtimes combined with his case of the sniffles had proved to be too much for Aaron to handle - at least, with a cheerful spirit, poor thing!

When I arrived home, I pulled into the driveway to see a SKUNK waddle across our driveway away from our trash cans into our fenced in backyard, crossing in front of the back door.

Needless to say, I was a little apprehensive about getting out of the van. My heart raced, and thoughts of fumigation and therapy caused perhaps more panic than was warranted. I was talking to Michael on the cell phone, and I'm sure my voice went up a few decibels.

"OPEN-THE-FRONT-DOOR-AND-I'LL-RUN-AROUND-THE-VAN-GET-EVAN-AND-COME-IN-THAT-WAY."

I made it. whew.

If we lived in the country, I wouldn't be concerned. But I knew the only way OUT of our fenced in backyard was the way he'd gone in, and let's not forget about our neighbors' German Shepherd. I didn't want to meet a spooked skunk, that is for sure.

This morning, I had a mess out front, trash from the garbage strewn about. That thing even had a lid on it. Sneaky skunk.

Boy am I glad he didn't feel the urge to defend himself. And I'll be really glad if the Lord allows our long term plan to move out of the city to come to fruition. Until then...anyone have any ideas to keep the skunk away?

if he did need a costume for anything...

Aaron's not going trick or treating this year. He's two, for crying out loud. He doesn't eat a lot of sweets, and hasn't ever had candy. I can only imagine what that would do to his veggie eating ways. Not to mention, I had a huge problem when I was growing up with uh, hugeness. AND I want to keep those baby teeth healthy!

Michael used to trade his sweets for chips at school. And so we all know who would end up with the bulk of the candy. (please notice the double meaning of that) The "I-just-had-a-baby-and-the-last-thing-I-need-is-candy" lady. Me.

But doesn't this adorable little outfit remind you of the McDonald's uniforms of our childhood? All he would need is a red visor and a nametag with the golden arches stamped on it. And of course, we'd have to teach him to ask about wanting fries with that.

So, this year we are staying home. We will probably tell Aaron about Martin Luther (a simplified version) and hand out candy to the neighborhood kids. Maybe they will actually come to our house this year since it won't look so scary. We will probably give them little booklets from church, too, that give the plan of salvation.

We have some friends who have some pretty interesting stories about growing up in a family that avoided any celebration at all on October 31 - and others who look back with fond memories on costumed days of candy collection.

So I'm curious. I know there are a lot of opinions out there, and I'd like to hear them! (of course, I'd love it if we could all discuss this in a civil tone) What does your family do on October 31?

Works of God Monday

The Will Galkin Evangelistic team is here this week, and I am really looking forward to what is in store for the week. It's fun to see my friend Stephanie again - we traveled together for a year and a summer while we were students at Northland, and now she and her husband are traveling with the team.

Yesterday morning was a great message on discouragement. I needed that one, for sure! It's so easy to know things intellectually - mainly, that life is about God and His glory - and then forget about that truth in a practical sense and become discouraged or distressed when our expectations are not met or our plans fall through. It was a big encouragement to me, just the kick in the pants (er, skirt?) reminder I needed. Also, I was thankful for the speakers in the nursery yesterday - I could catch the end of the message while I fed Evan!

Another blessing of the weekend is that we were able to sell off a lot of our junk and surpassed our "goal" for earnings at the garage sale. The proceeds will buy a double stroller! Hurray!

So, what has God been doing in your life? Will you share it?? First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this past week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

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. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

I am officially off my rocker.

Garage sale again this weekend! I didn't get everything out (ehem!!) at our last sale and so it's time to haul out the tables of stuff and the change jar and make some cash! It's Midland's annual Fall Citywide Sale, so if you live in the area, be sure to scope out the local sales! It's supposed to be 74 and sunny, so it'd be a great weekend to catch the last of the summertime deals. This time, our leftover stuff is going immediately and without delay to the Salvation Army. I like the way our garage looks sans the extras.

(and if you're out and about and want to, stop on by and say hello! I guarantee that I won't be giving birth this time.)

more quotable George

"Any day that starts out just smelling, and ends up with a cookie, is a pretty good day after all."

- Curious George

indignant

Clever marketing, I suppose you could call it, but I remember the first time I realized that a cap full was not necessarily the recommended amount of detergent per load. I felt a little bit ripped off. It's kinda like finding out that half a bagel is a whole serving. Or half a bottle of Snapple.

Here's the proof. In my case, the 51 load bottle would have been more like a 21 load bottle. Check it out.

Here are the instructions







And here is the line for the "small to medium" loads
I drew it on with a Sharpie to help me retain my eyesight -
the bar is not exactly obvious, for some reason.





So, whether you're doing the laundry, or trying to figure out who to vote for, I suppose it's better to read up on the facts rather than just doing as you've always done or making assumptions. In the laundry department, the soap goes twice or three times as far.

Works of God Monday

Is there anything better than watching God work? I don't think so! A few of you might remember that a year or so ago, I asked for prayer about a single mom and her two sons. We have gotten to work with both boys in our youth group and God has allowed us to be a part of what He is doing in that family. Watching them grow spiritually has been absolutely a joy, and this got even better on Wednesday night.

The mom stopped me after church and told me about a situation where God had put her in the right place at the right time to encourage someone in the Lord. She was glowing with happiness and delight that God had used her. And let me tell you, it was awesome to watch. I am praising the Lord for reminding us that He will use us as we are simply where we are supposed to be and when we are supposed to be there.

So what evidences have you seen of God's working? Share it here! First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this past week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

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. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

Double Deal Date Night

Michael and I went on a date last Friday. I planned it, and at the last minute, my plans fell through. What to substitute in our "hopping" city? An experimental trip to the local indoor putt putt golfing facility. (hey, we had a sitter and REALLY needed some time outside our house together!)

I half-jokingly said to Michael on our way out the door, "Hey, if you don't want to go putt putting, we could always hit KMart for the super double coupon sale!" Ha, ha, right?

Well, putt putt turned out to be fun, but mostly because we were together. 'Tis not a stellar course. And the smoke from the adjacent bowling alley filters in. It's especially smoky because it is the only bowling alley in Midland wherein smoking is allowed. Michael beat me by 12 strokes. We were both over par. I blame my loss on my husband's distracting good looks, but that's probably more information than you feel comfortable with.

Our game only took about a half an hour. On the way into the fresh air, Michael said, "So, wanna go to KMart?" After asking him about 7 times if he was sure he didn't mind, we headed off. Boy was I excited. Stores around here don't double coupons once you get past 50 cents, and KMart was doubling up to $2 last week! This, plus a bottle of extra strength Excederin (already given to my mom) is all the stuff we hauled away for a mere $18.36.

3 sets of shampoo/conditioner
Body Wash
Razors
Maalox
3 bottles of Visine
3 deodorants
Pledge, Fantastik, and Glade Fabric & Air
Trident
Advil PM
Hair gel
Reddi Whip
Propel

The double coupon deal could NOT have come at a better time. I've been refraining from the Walgreens/Rite Aid "game" for awhile now due to a lack of time, and my stockpile had shrunk to virtually nothing! Praise the Lord for His provision! (And for a fantastic husband who helped me search the shelves in our very own grocery store game show!)

digital scrapbooking...uh, oh.

My friend Holley is the editor for BellaScraps, an online magazine that highlights a variety of artists and techniques for doing scrapbooks digitally.

I am not a scrapbooker. Because of this: mess. storage. mistakes. redos.

Enter the digital age of scrapbooking. You can do it all on your computer. And as if that is not cool enough, it's not just scrapbooking - it's gifts, too. Actual stuff that people like, and use. Holley made the cutest onesies ever for a baby shower at church - she printed out these little graphics that she made and ironed them on plain onesies. I'm not kidding you, they are to die for.

So, BellaScraps is a digital magazine that discusses the possibilities for you, and each month it comes with free kits, which are sets of digital images that you can use to scrapbook on your computer. Or make amazing other things, if you're not into scrapping. You should definitely check it out. Christmas is coming - and homemade gifts provide a good value as well as of course the sentimental value.

The only problem is that I'm talking myself into a new hobby. Making cool stuff without getting glue on my fingers. Hmm. My kids might just get baby books yet.

you'd better plan on it!

I hope you have all registered to vote this year. Michigan's deadline is October 6, so if you are not registered to vote, give yourself a short lived guilt trip and then get the job done.

photos.

You can see more up to date pictures of our siding project here.

Photos of the boys are here.

I think I got that right. Happy Wednesday!!

our days, our days...

This week, we're on a TV fast. The TV watching had gotten out of control for all of us, basically due to our life changes, sickness, and exhaustion, so we decided (AFTER watching the Amazing Race on Sunday night) that there would be no more TV until this weekend.** Day 2 of this fast and I'm realizing how necessary it was to say "NO MORE!"

Because. I. am. in. withdrawl.

From PBS.

It's so easy to park Aaron in front of the TV for a 1/2 hour a couple times a day without even realizing it. Now, I'm forced to be more creative, like locking him in his high chair with a coloring page and some stickers so he's not whining at me to hold him while I'm making dinner. I'm learning how to play catch while I'm nursing. And that is interesting. And hopefully soon he'll quit asking if he can "watch TV?" because it's so, so tempting to cave in. But I can do this. I really can.

It's not as hard to resist the temptation to watch TV at night - last night we worked on cleaning out the deep freezer and then read over some study materials for our Wednesday night program at church. I think the evenings will DEFINITELY be more profitable.

Have any of you gone on a TV fast recently? How did it work out for you?

**With the exception of my Walk Away the Pounds video, which I am ashamed to say kicked my haven't-exerted-myself-in-six-weeks patootie this morning!!!***

Works of God Monday

This week, God has worked in my life by giving me little bits of encouragement through my wonderful, wonderful husband. He worked a 50 hour week, then slaved all weekend on our siding project. Sunday, we had a sick Aaron, so Michael went to Sunday School and then we switched and he let me go to church. When I got home, this card was sitting on the table and it said "To Mommy" I opened it up to find sentiments of thanks "from my second born" but written suspiciously in my husband's handwriting. It was just what I needed - a good laugh!

So how has God's work been evident in your life? Please share it with us!! First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this past week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

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. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

our boys

Evan is growing soooo quickly! Today marks the 6 week anniversary of our hilarious and wonderful garage sale that resulted in a birth. The adjustment has been interesting - a lot easier than I thought it would be, and it's getting better. Evan slept through the night last night, waking at 5ish to eat, and went back to sleep. Aaron slept until 8:30, so you can guess that everything's a whole lot easier for this mama to handle on a full night's sleep! Praise the Lord for His grace at all times, and especially for SLEEP!!!

And here's Aaron, saying "his" Bible verse.

oh, the irony.

Today Aaron does not want a nap (he desperately needs one) and we discussed that at length. After an extended period of time crying in his bed, Aaron started going through his repertoire. The alphabet song, followed by...drumroll please...

Repetetive renditions of Ephesians 6:1.

If I wasn't so determined that he would not manipulate the situation and that he would just obey and lie down and take a nap already, I would be laughing...

Pinked and all Blue

The soffits are torn off, the important preparation steps have taken place, and the pink insulation has begun. Hopefully soon I'll be able to show photos of the whole HOUSE in this lovely shade of Pepto Bismol Pink. And as you can see, my boys are all blue. Aaron loves to "help" his daddy work outside.

This week is slated to be sunny and in the 70's - perfect weather for working outside in the evenings. Now, if only the evenings were still as looooong as they were during the hotter summer months...

Works of God Monday

God has been teaching me a lot this week about His Grace and reminding me to keep trusting and relying on Him. I'm sure this lesson will be a repeat one, and I'm so thankful for His patient teaching and His constant compassion for me. I need all the help I can get!

How has God been at work in your life this past week? First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this past week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

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. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

extra plummy

I had purchased some plums a week ago at the Farmer's Market, and there were just too many for us to eat before they would have turned to mush. So off to Allrecipes I went, and found this wondrous concoction. I made it without a pie crust, more as a crisp/cobbler, and it was scrumptious. I reduced the sugar in the filling to 1/4 cup and added a handful of frozen blackberries as well.

This was a two thumbs up recipe according to all the Muths who tried it.

Praising God

Sometimes, you just have to decide to praise. More often than not, God ends up changing my heart so that I'm actually praising. From my heart. So, today was one of those days.

I was frustrated that Aaron was being a pistol. I needed to be praising the Lord that our little pistol is alive and well, and that he brings a wonderful dimension to our family. I needed to be joyful that God has given me the opportunity and privilege to teach Aaron about HIM! (over and over and over - we all need review, right?)

I was discouraged, feeling tied to the couch for most of the day whilst Evan nursed. I needed to be praising the Lord that all is going well in that department. I should have been grateful for the time to sit and rest.

I was disappointed when things did not go my way. Our weekend plans to finally begin siding are thwarted by other things; I wanted a nap, and didn't get one; other little things began to sow large hedges (not seeds) of discontent.

I had a little pep talk with myself.

It started with my knowledge of other people's struggles - real and serious sickness, those with dire financial needs, those who have lost loved ones - and mine are pale.

You've done this, right? Struggled with a bad attitude about your "problems" and then looked at someone else's and felt really guilty? So on top of the actual struggle you now have a boatload of heavy guilt? Well, quit it. (I told myself this, too)

God did not give you their struggles. He gave you yours. And He gives each believer the exact measure of grace to get through it. Whatever "it" may be. Feeling guilty for struggling is just plain silly. Admit that you need help (or HELP! as the case may be), ask God for help, and get on with the struggling, already!

Bottom line? God knows what Jenny Muth can handle. Today, it was two little boys with lots of needs and sinful hearts. Today, He gave me grace to handle it. And I'm still drawing on His grace, His wisdom, to continue on, to trust Him for things like enough sleep and wisdom to know how to handle a difficult toddler at naptime (and bedtime, and playtime). I'm struggling with these things when others have things that seem far more difficult to trust Him for, on the surface.

It's my struggle, and it's real. Just as "big" struggles are real. But it's always His grace. Sufficient to the day. To the person. To you.

our first of many...

It's our first of many many crazy Wednesdays. I'm sure with two littles it will be interesting and interestinger. *grin*

I got more sleep. *BIG grin* And the boys & I went to the farmer's market, where we picked up 2 quarts of yellow wax beans and 6 bell peppers. YUM. We also went to see Michael and took the guys some donut holes. I like feeling better.

Hope your Wednesday is peachy.

AHH!

Today, my total sleep tally from last night nears 3 hours. My brain, at times like this, waxes philosophical, of all things. Sleep deprivation does not a sharper Jenny make.

In five years, Aaron will be seven.
In ten, he will be twelve.
In fifteen, he may be graduating from high school.

Despite my lack of sleep, I must be vigilant.

Inquisitive
means
asking
"WHY?"
at all the
inappropriate
times.
(like right after directives)
Lord,
give us
wisdom!
parenting is such a daunting task,
full of such heavy responsibility.

Aaron got a Bible in his new two year old Sunday School class. He's been carrying it around, asking us to read it, and to sing the "Bible" song. So last night we started working on teaching him Ephesians 6:1. He would repeat the phrases and then when we were done would say, "Again?" and we'd do it again. Michael asked him to come sit on his lap so we could sing songs before bed and he said "Obey parents. Bible says."

Is he really only two?

and I wonder

Sunday night, at Meijer, I saw one of those funky looking crossover vehicles ENTIRELY covered with a photo of sunflowers. It was bright green (leaves) and yellow (sunflowers). And there was this quote by Helen Keller screened onto the back window.

"Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows."

I happened to see the driver, a white haired jovial looking gentleman. Wearing bright blue scrubs. I wish I'd had the fortitude to stop him and ask his story. Unfortunately, it was raining, and he was parked on the passenger side. I didn't make it out of the van in time. But really, those are just excuses. I could have made it if I had really wanted to. I could have flagged him down. And now I'll always wonder.

But, it made me smile on that drizzly night, and I wished fervently that I had a camera phone or at least a camera with me to capture the moment.

Works of God Monday

I'm sick (fever, congestion, headache, stomach, etc, etc.) The baby's sick (thankfully just congestion) The toddler's grumpy (sick?). Today I'm thankful for a flexible job for my honey so that he can come home and take care of us. Yep, it's that bad. I'm also thankful that I was able to score 14 boxes of cereal this weekend for a measly $8. Woo Hoo for sales and coupons. We'll be eating Multi Grain Cheerios and Kashi GoLean Crunch Honey Flax for awhile. (well, actually, at the rate Aaron goes through Cheerios...maybe not that long.)

Even in this time of feeling miserable and sleep deprived and miserable (did I mention sleep deprived?), I don't doubt that God good. He is good, all the time. His plan is perfect. And He is at work in your life, too - I'm sure of it. I hope you don't mind sharing!!

Here's how it works. First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this past week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

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. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

the hard stuff

It's easy to cover things up, isn't it? Especially our struggles. Today I read Amy's thoughts. Good stuff, there.

the lowdown on the carrier

Well, I never would have thought that a photo of siding and my "excited" face would result in so many inquiries about the baby carrier! I got several emails and after answering uh, one...I thought I'd just tell a little bit about it here.

This is a Mei Tai style carrier, and mine has pleated straps (about 6" wide when spread out) at the top to help with better weight distribution. We got this carrier when Aaron was about 10 months old and we were on our way to Washington DC for a mini vacation. Unfortunately, it was too hot to use (98 and UP with 98 percent humidity) when trekking around the city, and we ended up stopping at the nearest Babies R Us for an umbrella stroller instead, which worked out for the best.

I was planning to make the carrier, but I ran out of time and have to admit that I was just plain lazy. So I was looking all around for something ready made that was cute and that would cost under $50. I thought that was a reasonable request but apparently it is not. So I happened upon DreamHaven Baby run by Erin in Washington. She makes carriers, and I saw that they were QUITE reasonable.

So I looked around on the site and didn't see any fabric I was in love with at the time. You know how I can be when I get something in my head. I asked Erin if I could send her fabric for a carrier, and she gave me a "labor only" quote, which was again very reasonable. I found the brown fabric in the home decor section of JoAnn's, and fell in love with the green paisley. Michael wears this carrier too - with the brown side facing out.

So. Two weeks later I had my carrier. It's very well constructed and I hope to use it for years to come! I loved using it with Aaron, who was about 18 lbs or so when it arrived. But I love it even more now. Nothing beats the value of hands-free toddler chasing. And hands free youth group attendance. Grocery store, farmer's market, post office lines, walks...I've used this pretty much any time I have to tote 2 kids by myself, and I probably will at least until we get a double stroller.

Oh, did I mention that this greatly improves my back pain as I don't have to keep my arms up in the "newborn carry" position. This is the most comfortable carrier I have ever tried.

Is it time yet?

I have bags and bins of clothes to sort through and redistribute for sizes and seasons. (praise the LORD for His provision!) I'm sure this seasonal task will only get more fun as we are blessed with more kiddos, and we have more sizes to sort through.

My quandry - this morning it is a chilly 39 degrees. But the highs for this week are going to continue in the 70's with alternating days of sun and rain. So do I pack up the shorts and sleeveless shirts or hang on for a few more weeks to see if we'll have another warm spell?

How do you decide when to switch over the clothing? Do you switch yourself over at the same time? Also on the topic of clothing, if you have more than one munchkin, how do you do laundry? Do you have separate hampers for the kiddos and wash everything separately or do a big family load and sort later?

it's a beautiful day in our neighborhood

Or it will be a beautiful day, once we get this stuff on our house. I'm sure our neighbors will shout gleefully, maybe even from their rooftops. We decided to go with Cypress Green siding and white trim. I couldn't be more thrilled, as you can see by the oh-so-flattering no-makeup-and-it's-been-a-long-day photo. Not sure if you can get an accurate idea of the actual color with this picture, but it's kind of a medium sage.

I also had a little "he-woman" time today as I ripped down some pieces of our previous siding. I always feel "so" powerful when I use manly tools like a hammer to accomplish something like that. It almost makes me feel like grunting victoriously. (go ahead and laugh...)

As a side note, I canned 6 quarts and 8 pints of pintos today. Just for the record, the smell does not stay in the jars. Needless to say, the house is airing out. For the weather IS beautiful today. Very much. I love this autumnal preview.

Quotable George

"Some days, having a working brain really pays off."

--Curious George

Today, I'm canning pintos. And taking care of my children. And trying to accomplish a list that seems a mile long. Oh, and did I mention taking a nap? This would be one of those days. C'mon, brain, don't let me down!!

Works of God Monday

"Count your many blessings, name them one by one...and it will surprise you what the Lord has done!"

1. A good night's sleep last night, hallelujah!
2. A surprise substantial monetary gift that will help us with some expenses.
3. A great doctor's appt for both boys last Friday, I'm thankful for healthy children!
4. A really great turnout to the youth group's parent meeting last night (even though I couldn't go, this is still awesome as turnout is usually very low!)
5. We were able to order our siding this weekend!!!!
6. I'm learning soooo much about God's Grace and my inabilities. God is big, and I am not. It's so good to be reminded of that.
7. A great visit with the St. Clair family this Thursday and Friday!
8. I am feeling so wonderful, almost as if I didn't have a baby just three weeks ago. I'm totally amazed.
9. and the list goes on...

OK, it's now YOUR turn to share! First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this past week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

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. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

If you don't have a blog, tell us about how God is at work in your life by leaving a comment!

while the child screams

OK he's not actually screaming, but the two year old is protesting sleep, so after making sure all his needs are met, and that he's been sufficiently cuddled and sung to, I distract myself from his pitiful cries (all 10 minutes, as it turns out) by catching up on my blog subscriptions. OK, not catching up, but catching a few.

And boy, howdy, did I need to read this. I love my neti pot, but Shannon says it a whole lot funnier.

Thank you, Lord, for humor, right when I need it most.

Speaking of humor, Aaron's new favorite song (almost to the exclusion of all other songs) is the Alphabet song. The traditional version, which he can sing, but not usually on cue. It's so adorable. He also likes the "A-B-C-D-E-F-G, Jesus died for you and me" version which he's working on learning. A letter fixation? Hmm. I guess if he can't reliably identify his colors, we can at least wow them with counting to 17 and singing the alphabet. HA!

anybody got a spare toothpick?

So these are interesting days. I am entirely too motivated by my next opportunity for bonding with my pillow. If you've never known the desperation of sleep deprivation, you are welcome to come spend the night with my children.

Last night the boys took turns waking up, Aaron winning the prize for the most times awake. What a stinker. I thought I could count on him sleeping all the way through the night, but not last night! It seemed like I would just get done feeding Evan and Aaron would be yelling. Thankfully, I have a fabulous husband who took care of Aaron in the night. Unfortunately, this means that we are now both in need of toothpicks for our eyes and in my sleep deprived state I can only find one set. And of course, this is the busiest. Sunday. ever. for us.

And I'm not sure, in my fuzzy brained state, that this passage would be in context for my particular day, but even if it's not, I know this to be true at all times: God said, "...My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness..."

At the end of the day, God is going to be glorified. May He use us - even when we need toothpicks.

Oh, and if anyone has any insight on getting the toddler to go back to sleeping through the night, I'm all ears.

not my intention

I don't mean to complain, just to ask - how long does it take for two year old molars to come in, anyway?! This has been, by far, the worst tooth emerging experience in our family thus far. I feel horrible continuing to pump Aaron full of Motrin, so we've been doing 1/2 doses except for at night. I also feel sorry for the poor kid, it's taking such a toll on his little personality that it has to be hurting quite a lot!

Such a tiny problem, with such far reaching arms. I sure hate all the discipline issues it seems to bring - I know how grumpy I get when I'm in pain.

I think it's nap time. For me.

ClearPlay

A looong time ago, I wrote a post about Clean Films just in time for them to go out of business. Ooops. Well, in our search for a similar product, we found something we love even more. ClearPlay - a DVD player with customizable editing capability. Don't ask me how it works, I don't know. All I know is that we can watch movies from Netflix or the video store and this wonder-machine edits out all the profanity and other content we find objectionable. The great part is that it is fully customizable, so you choose the level of filtering you want in categories like profanity, nudity, violence and much more. There are are four levels in each category, from no filtering to most filtering.

Most of the time, the editing is smooth and virtually undetectable. There are a few times when we've thought, "oh, I think we missed something there!" but for the most part, it's great. Here's how it works:

You buy the DVD player (a one-time event) and activate your filterstik. The filterstik is a flash drive loaded with the complete library of ClearPlay titles that plugs into the ClearPlay DVD player. You then can watch any movie that is in that list. You can also subscribe to the "easy updates" which allows you to have access to filters for the newest DVD releases the day they come out. This is a montly fee. We've had this service for over a year, and for us it has been worth every penny.

Right now, you can get more information here, and ClearPlay is offering a free flash drive just for requesting information. Check it out, or click on the button in the sidebar!

an excellent point

Here is a great post reminding us as women of our true and highest calling.

Works of God Monday

This weekend has been a great one - Michael is home, able to work on various projects we need to complete! Hurray! I'm hoping to hit some of the Labor Day sales later today, and we also are excitedly anticipating a visit from some friends this week. We are looking forward to some catching up and fellowship. It's been entirely too long!!!

And happy due date to me! I never anticipated having a child arrive TWO WEEKS early, but we are so glad Evan is born and I'm not still pregnant on this due date!

I'm excited to pray through the month of September for Muslims to hear the gospel, understand it, and come to know the true God on a personal level. May we become more burdened for those around us of all faiths to come to a true saving faith in the only true way!

It is YOUR turn to share! First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this past week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

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. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

sighs of relief

Michael & Dad are working on the last steps necessary before our siding project "officially" starts. This means a lot of things - more shelving in the garage means more boxes out of the house and Evan's room can finally begin to come together. (He wasn't due until Monday, remember...NOT that I am complaining AT ALL!!) I'm so thankful for God's provision that will allow us to get our siding on our house. I'm also very excited to see the finished product.

And the neighbors rejoice greatly.

We've been "that house" for about two years now, so it will be almost as exciting for them as it is for us to see the siding go up on the house. After siding comes the interior trim and then begins the process of refinancing our former hunk of junk. This process is far from being over, but we can see the other end of the tunnel. And the view is great from there. We are so thankful God has allowed us to make baby steps to build equity and be responsible with what He has given us stewardship of. We are a little bit ahead of our five year plan, so this is pretty exciting to us!!

God also saw fit to have our neighbor donate some shasta daisies that he was digging out of his yard, so come next summer we'll have a pretty house with pretty flowers growing in front. It seems like a little thing, but these are the little things that make me smile.

Oh, yeah. And Evan slept 6 hours straight on Thursday night. But not last night. Ah, well. I enjoyed those six hours, for sure.

prayer

I don't know about you, but when I get focused on me and my world, I tend to get a little discouraged. Or grumpy. One of the best ways to get out of the funk is to focus on and pray for others and their needs. Be sure to check out Richelle's post for a concerted opportunity to love others through prayer.

daddy's home and all's well with the world

life in a haze, a daze

Life is going pretty well, the adjustment is coming along. Aaron's sleep has become erratic, perhaps as a side effect of teething, or a little brother. Hopefully the former. He's up at the crack of dawn or slightly before. Evan's still too little to be expected to sleep through the night, although we are hoping for the time to be soon. 3-4 hour stretches are fine, but it sure was easier the first time around when I could nap at will. LOL. I told Michael I'm hoping it is like getting used to going back to school after summer break and sleeping in. Hopefully I'll get used to it. I'm willing my body and brain to push through!! And when I do get a chance to nap, I'm sure to turn off the phone ringer. For me. It doesn't wake my kids.

So all you moms, help me out here. Aside from caffeine and naps, how on earth do you get enough sleep to NOT snap at people who suffer from what appears to be chronic stupidity*?

Any of you have sleep maximizing tips???

*I realize it is my perspective that brings me to this conclusion, and that my attitude is my choice. This is why I need help. Praise the LORD for the Holy Spirit!!!

he's been decaffeinated.

On Monday, toward the end of Aaron's nap, I poured myself a cup of decaf and sat down to nurse Evan. I finished my coffee with about an inch to spare in the cup - more often than not, my coffee gets too cold for me to enjoy it all the way to the end. Unless I'm drinking it with a friend and we are only chatting and drinking, but that hasn't happened in awhile.

So then Aaron got up and I went to the office to look up a phone number and before I knew it, here is Aaron standing next to me with my pink tulip coffee mug in his hands and a big grin on his face. Here is the exchange:

Mommy: "Hey buddy, whatcha got there?"
Aaron: "YUMMY!"
M: "Did you try it?"
A: "Yeah."
M: "And you think it's yummy?"
A: "Yeah. More?"

Thankfully, his non-coffee-drinking father wasn't anything but humored when I related that story. And also thankfully, he can't have gotten more than a little sip. There was still about an inch left in the cup as I retrieved it.

Cutting Back

Over the past week, my blog reader has notified me of over 300 blog posts that I "need" to read. I cut my subscriptions by half, and still have quite a few to read. I have problems letting go.

Yesterday was great, thank you all for your prayers! I actually got a whole hour's worth of napping in. That is a luxury around here and at any house with a toddler, I am sure. I'm desperately trying not to overdo it, but as you know it is awfully hard. I'm praising the Lord for friends who are bringing meals over this week. What a blessing!!

Aaron decided this would be a good week to cut some two-year-old molars, so today is going to be the first time we venture out of the house as we need to go on a Motrin run. I'm sure someday I'll look back and laugh...

What adventures does this week have in store for you?

Works of God Monday

Today is the big day. Today I begin life caring for multiple children on my own. Today is the first day I am outnumbered.

I know that some of you are chuckling, having successfully transitioned through this phase. I know some of you are feeling empathy for me (bless you) and some of you are laughing at me flat out with your "wait 'til you have more kids than hands" thoughts and your memories of "just" two. But I hold my head high, confident of God's grace which is given in perfect measure for what we need and just ask you to pray that today and this week and the rest of my life goes smoothly...

Here is a work of God - Evan only woke up once for a feeding last night. I am so thankful for a good night's rest to begin this week of transition!! Also, I'm feeling pretty good - it took a full four months for me to feel this great after Aaron's delivery via c-section, so I'm thrilled with what a week plus a weekend has done for me. A little more of recovery to go, but God is allowing me to recover quite rapidly!!

It is YOUR turn to share! First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this past week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

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. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

If you don't have a blog, please feel free to leave your works of God testimony in the comment section!!

our little Olympian

Michael has a black dense foam wedge he uses to work on his back, and the other night, Aaron decided to use it as a starting block, all on his own. He was saying "Ready, Set, GO!" and taking off across the living room.

We haven't really watched that much of this year's Olympic Games, but apparently the starting blocks made a big impact. And so did the swim events. Aaron now loves to "swim" in the bathtub. He's the most hilarious two year old at our house, for sure! I also need to mention that he gets the gold medal for "best big brother"

And the big brother response is...

Here is a video, a small taste of what Aaron thinks of Evan. It's so fun.

the rest of the story

For all who are wondering...here are the details.

Thursday, we stayed up late, getting ready for our garage sale. I talked to Andrea for awhile and she said something to the effect of "you're not overdoing it are you?" and I responded something like, "What's the worst that can happen? I can have the baby?" Little did I know.

Friday morning we were up around 6:30 or so and I was having some pretty serious low back pain, which I thought was probably due to the fact that I'd been on my feet the majority of Thursday and had been doing a little more than I should have been. By 7:15 I was noticing that the pain seemed to come in strange rhythmic waves, and that these waves were about 3 minutes apart or so. Hmm.

I called Kelly, our midwife, around 7:30 and left a message. She called back awhile later and said she was coming into town and she'd stop by our house around 11. At this point, I thought it would probably be a long day and wasn't sure if labor would continue or stop altogether, and I didn't want to get my hopes up.

I spent the morning alternating between hanging out at the sale and hanging out in the house, but by 11 I was definitely looking forward to seeing Kelly. She got there and sat with me through a couple contractions, then checked and I was dilated to about 3, which made me very happy - this was progress! It was nice to know that the pains were definitely contractions.

Kelly had been planning to take her kids to the county fair, but she said she'd be more than happy to stay if I needed her to. I said for her to go ahead and get her kids settled at the fair, and that we would call her and keep her updated. She left our house about 12:30 or so.

About a half an hour later, I was feeling pretty grumpy about the contractions and asked Michael if he could call Kelly back and just let her know that as soon as she had her kids settled, I would really like her to come back. I thought it would still be quite awhile until I needed her, but I did want her there for reassurance. Back labor feels quite a bit different than the Pitocin-led labor I had with Aaron.

By this time, I was really having to concentrate to relax through the contractions, and as I did that, I was feeling my body start to work towards pushing the baby out. I was a little freaked out about that feeling, not knowing if it was normal, especially since the last time I'd been checked I was only dilated to a 3, so Michael called Kelly again to ask. Kelly told us her friend who was supposed to meet her there to watch out for her kids was going to be late, and she would come as soon as possible.

She arrived around 2, and when she saw me, started sterilizing her tools and getting things out right away. I was dilated to 8 or 9 and was in transition. I had hoped so, because I had just been thinking that if this wasn't transition, I was going to have a really hard time with transition.

A short while later, my water broke, and 2 or 3 contractions later, Evan was out! It all happened so quickly - I was holding this baby in my arms and sitting on a birth stool in my very own bathroom. I cannot describe what I was feeling - and I've been trying for the last couple days to come up with a way to share all that was in my heart. I was completely overwhelmed. And I still am.

Kelly referred to the baby as "she" and Michael and I said almost simultaneously "Is it a girl?" (we had been convinced the entire pregnancy that we were having a girl) Kelly said, "I don't know why I said that, I didn't see!" We were all shocked and very happy to see that we had another boy! Michael mentioned that we would have to pick either Simon or Evan and all I could think about what the names meant. I told him I'd really like to go with Evan -"God is gracious" because I was consumed with that thought at that moment.

We had prayed so often during this pregnancy that God would give wisdom, and that He would make His will very clear to us. We both hoped for a VBAC, and prayed to that end, but we really did not know what God had in store for us and wanted to be at a point where no matter what happened, we did what God wanted us to do and embraced the outcome. The more I researched our options and the safety of those options, the more we felt drawn to home birth. But we did not want to be stupid about our decision and just do something because it was what we wanted.

Therefore, we hadn't really decided, decided to go with a home birth. In fact, if you told me several years ago that I'd be giving birth at home I probably would have laughed out loud. I used to think people who did home births were wackos. Or part of some odd sect. Or did it just to save money.

Well, wacko we can be, but we're not part of an odd sect who encourages home birth, and it definitely did NOT save us any money. A hospital birth would have been one hundred percent free. But our experience at home was worth every penny we'll be paying the midwife!

On Friday, there was no thought about calling the OB, no feeling that something might go wrong, no wondering what we should do. We just knew.

I really expected to feel triumphant, as if I had defeated the c-section monster in one fell blow. But I didn't. What I feel is far better. I am so blessed, so amazed, so humbled to see that GOD accomplished this birth. Throughout labor, He allowed my body to do what it was created to do in a normal, natural progression. He allowed things to go smoothly, He gave us this wonderful birth experience. I feel overwhelmed and unworthy of this blessing, and I praise the Lord for allowing us to see Him at work in this incredible, amazing way.

I also feel overwhelmed knowing that all of you were praying for us, too. Thank you, thank you, thank you, friends and family! I'm so glad you get to share in the joy of watching God working!! Oh, and if you'd like to see more photos, you can look here.

Works of God Monday

Later this week I will be posting more details of our birth story, which Definitely a Work of God that took place this last week, but here are a few more - I'm thankful that my parents are celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary (they have the cutest pictures posted) and also thankful for my wonderful husband, who is taking great care of all of us here at our house.

What has God been doing this week in your life?? Share it!!

First, blog about how God has been at work in your life this past week - it can be a physical provision, a spiritual lesson learned, an opportunity to share with others, anything that was an evidence of God at work in you. Then, follow these directions:

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. PLEASE make sure the link is to a specific post on your blog that is a personal testimony of how God has been at work in your life in the past week. Feel free to use the image from the top of this post if you like. Just right click the image and choose "save image as" then upload it into your post. Please contact me if you have any questions, and spread the word to your blogging friends!

If you don't have a blog, please feel free to leave your works of God testimony in the comment section!!

Garage Sale a Huge Success!

So, doesn't every family need a great birth story? Here's ours.

1. Crazy pregnant lady trying to get everything done before the baby arrives (hurry, hurry, we only have two weeks!) decides to conduct a garage sale.

2. Crazy pregnant lady decides to invite backup (mom & dad) mostly for childcare purposes.

3. The morning of the garage sale, crazy pregnant lady has contractions and calls the midwife.

4. Crazy pregnant lady labors while shoppers overtake the front yard to find themselves a great deal.

5. GOD's GRACE and MERCY abound, blessings are heaped on us that are too numerous to mention, and Evan Gilead Muth is BORN at 3:07pm at home, where all is well and tears of joy continue to flow. We are so humbled and blessed that God has chosen to grant the desire of our hearts for a wonderful VBAC at home!!!

More details will follow, but I thought, you know, that you would want at least part of the story. The funny part, of course.

read this.

Lately I've been enjoying the hilarious and insightful words of Jenni, mom of 12, over at One Thing. Today, she posted this letter, written by her eldest daughter to the first grandbaby, yet to be born. It made me cry. And maybe just because I am pregnant, but still.

I'm having a garage sale, starting tomorrow. I guess my emotions aren't the only thing that went haywire due to pregnancy. My good judgment apparently went out the window too. I'm glad I will have mom & dad's help, but there is still lots to do to get ready. Maybe this is part of nesting? *hopeful upward voice inflection* A much needed teeth-cleaning is also on the docket for today. I won't say how long it's been...I know Kara is reading.

A happy Thursday to you!

37 weeks

Today's OB visit included an ultrasound, to check on the size of the baby. It sure beats a glucose test any day. He/she is measuring right around 7 lbs, in the 57th percentile. (Aaron was 8bs 3oz at birth) The ultrasound tech at our office is so nice, and today she said, "You can't get much more average than that!" I got to bring home these great shots of our little one's profile and face and I looked away at the "appropriate" times. We like our surprises around here, that is for sure.

Just look at those chubby little cheeks.

I also found out some great news about a very large and unexpected bill that we'd received a couple of months ago and have been waiting to hear the resolution. It was very VERY good news - we will only be responsible for 25% of the total bill. Jehovah Jireh, God PROVIDES!

like, totally hip

Well at 37 plus weeks pregnant (and counting!) I can officially say that I've said goodbye to my "tiny" baby belly. Thankfully I'm still holding steady as far as a gradual weight gain goes and am praising the Lord that swelling has been kept to a minimum. I can still wear my shoes this time around.

However.

Yesterday and today have been a completely new lesson in trusting God at all times. My left hip has been painful beyond belief, and despite two trips to the chiropractor, I still look rather like a crippled goose when I walk. A crippled goose who leans slightly right.

After alternating heat & ice today, and with the help of my wonderful WONDERFUL parents, I made it. Tonight, I've had a little relief. I'm hoping that tomorrow brings a loosy goosy attitude to my rebellious hip.

And, that, you know, the toddler is not of a mind to go running down the street like a wild little man. Because I couldn't catch him. I wonder if he suspects...

Maybe we'll stay inside tomorrow.