more to read

I know bunches of you are fans of Rocks in My Dryer, (and the WFMW posts!) but some of you might not have ever visited. Let me tell you, you've gotta check it out. A recent addition to that great site is Bloggy Giveways that helps increase traffic for WAHM's, (by giving away FREE STUFF) both of which of course I am a big fan of. There are some beautiful items over there to win, and by visiting the WAHM shop sites, I've harvested several ideas for copycat projects of my own. We will see if I find the time to do them!

There are so many resources out there in Bloggersville! Daily I am more amazed at the wealth of knowledge to be gained from other bloggers. Any favorites you'd like to share with me?

taking it for granted

This week I've been thinking. (I know, some of you are gasping in shock at that thought) I've been thinking of all the things I just "expect" to happen - I expect the car to always turn on, and carry me safely to my destination. I expect that the fridge will keep our food from spoiling and that there will be hot water when I take a shower or wash my hands.

As itty bitties, we expect to grow old, to be married, to have babies. When we do grow old, get married, and have babies, we expect those babies to follow the same pattern.

We expect that our paychecks will keep coming, and that if we're not stupid with our money, there will be enough to cover the mortgage, the electricity and even a few extras like a phone and high speed internet.

I expect things from others - that they will not lie, that they will be courteous and maybe even go out of their way to make things nice for those around them. I expect them to put their trash where it goes, and I admit that I take it a little too personally when they don't.

I expect to stay healthy, to be happy, and to merrily go along my way. I take it for granted. And then, something happens. I wake up with clogged sinuses or the microwave fritzes or I get a call from a friend whose parent or sibling or child is seriously unwell. And (depending on the severity of the "disaster") instead of taking it in stride, instead of accepting this unexpected turn in the road, I collapse.

Now I'm not so fragile that I physically collapse, or can no longer function. But inwardly, a war begins between what I expected and what is. An emotional reaction becomes a spiritual battle. I beg God to change it, to fix it, or just to tell me why. I plead with God to allow me to understand what He is doing, and even as the words tumble over themselves in their haste, the Holy Spirit is working in my mind.

I mentally concur that I don't REALLY want to know - that I really want to trust Him, to give back these details that are already His. I know intellectually that His Plan is the best. But the struggle between heart and head is so real, so painful at times that I am left feeling somehow shortchanged and very disappointed.

The only thing to do is to trust that this God who loves me and cannot lie will accomplish His best. It's not an easy thing to do - this exchanging what I expected for what is - in fact, it is agonizing. But I do know that my God is faithful and that whatever He chooses to accomplish in me, around me, or through me, is completely up to Him.

I can cling to Him tightly when the road takes a turn, and I know His arms will completely enfold me. Here, I am safe.

one small step

It doesn't seem like a big deal to those of you whose kiddos haven't yet begun to walk, but it makes a huge difference to me. This week, Aaron has made the transition from walking as recreational activity (walk, fall down, crawl to desired destination) to walking as primary form of mobility (walk, fall down, get up, walk to desired destination) It is so SO crazy to see all 28 3/4 inches of him teetering about. He's definitely becoming more independent, and he has the bumps and bruises to prove it! He's certainly ALL boy!

all the vitals

So I'm a little overdue posting about my son the one year old - maybe because I'm still trying to get over the shock!!! (Really because I just have been lazy!) We had a little get together with the family, he ate some strawberry shortcake and loved all his birthday gifts (even though he liked the packaging much better)

And last week, the doctor's visit for his one year checkup went swimmingly. Aaron now weighs a whopping 20 lbs 4 oz and is 28 3/4 inches tall. Unfortunately for him, this only bumps his weight up to the 10th percentile. Our backs thank him for that. Soon he will be able to grow as much as he wants - his walking skills are becoming quite polished. He is now able to stand from sitting all on his own with no help from a nearby object or person. He's met and exceeded all the normal milestones, and has begun adding words to his vocabulary. Most recently, "balloon" which sounds more like "boon" and a very clear "Amen" at the end of our family bedtime prayers, along with the occasional "Bible." He's becoming quite a little mimic, which has us all in fits of laughter quite regularly.

Happy Belated Birthday, little man!

all hail the neti pot!

It's confession time. I watch Oprah. I don't want her to be our president, I don't think her advice is all that reliable, and I certainly don't watch every day. But on occasion, I will switch on the TV at 4 and see what she has to say. The "off" button is pretty easy to push if I don't like the topic. Oh, come now. I see your looks of horror and hear your gasps, but whatever. Just hear me out.

I have gained some pretty valuable information while watching Oprah. For example, about 6 months ago I happened to catch an episode where a neti pot was explained and demonstrated. Of course, learning about the benefits of this homeopathic device perked my ears and I figured this was one of those products I would like to try.

Of course, when a product is featured on Oprah, it immediately becomes unavailable...so I did not have any luck locating one in the Grand Metropolis in which we reside.

Today, I bought a neti pot and a quantity of sea salt at our local health food store. Set me back $21.47, but I did have some birthday money. And I tried it. I'm telling you, Oprah knows what she's talking about regarding neti pots. I'm a huge fan. I used it about an hour ago and my sinuses feel better than they have in a very VERY long time. I am pretty sure that neti potting will become part of my normal routine. Definitely worth every penny.

When you try it, you'll want to make sure the water is warm to the touch. The first time I tried it, the water was too cool, and I got that fuzzy feeling like I'd been swimming and snorted some water into my nostrils. The warm water felt delightful immediately.

unbelievable.

Came across this today, from this helpful site. Thought to myself how it seems like a lot of work...but it might be fun for kids. I think we'll save that idea for any future homeschooling that might take place in the Muth house.

you know you're getting old when...

Yeah. Today, I had to Google some slang. In order to take an online quiz about my pet peeves. WHAT?!?! Well, as they say, knowledge is power...and can I just say that I love Wikipedia? I do. I love it.

the second sign of my getting older is the tendency to go off on rabbit trails.

Giveaways!!!

Check out the stuff they're giving away here. But only if you have, like, a zillion hours. Or really need free stuff. Hurry, you've only got 'til Friday.

if you want something specific...

Sometimes I get a picture in my head of something specific that I want, and of course then I can't find it anywhere. I felt that way when trying to find a diaper bag for Aaron. I had something specific in mind and couldn't find anything like it. We had a nice diaper bag, but I found some fabric that might help me accomplish my goal, and figured out how this bag might come together. Well, I started the project about 6-8 months ago, but finally finished it yesterday. Here are pictures!

And here was the inspiration and tutorial. See comments for my changes to the inspiration bag.

the smell of success

Today, during our regularly scheduled after lunch potty sitting and book reading session, Aaron pooped. In the potty. It may have been a fluke, but hey, it gave me hope enough to know that we will keep this up. We've been trying this out (quite sporadically) for about 2 weeks. Which means, we've missed days. Maybe with faithfulness, this will become a more, er, regular occurrence.

Resource Full

First, MomAdvice is a great resource. I stumbled on it by "accident" but it's been a very valuable tool for me. There are tons of categories to utilize for help, and part of the website is a blog about random home related things. There is even a blog on meal planning with Aldi ingredients. Amazing!!

Second, The Grocery Game has proven to be a wonderful way to save money...Since subscribing a week ago, I have gotten 4 packages of feminine products, two tubes of toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and more for FREE because of this site. What this service does is match up store deals (even clearance items that are unadvertised) with coupons from the Sunday paper. Depending on your area, you may have multiple store ads available to you. In our area, Meijer, Kroger, Rite Aid and Walgreens are available.

Of course, this service doesn't happen to be free, but it is reasonable. For the 4 stores available in my area, the charge to subscribe to these stores is $25 billed every 8 weeks. It's $10 for the first store and $5 for every additional store. This is the charge for every 8 weeks, not every month. BUT you can try it out for 4 weeks for $1. ONE DOLLAR!!! Check it out! (It's definitely paid me back for the $1 I spent for the 4 week trial (I am in week 2).

Oh, and if you do sign up, make sure you type in my email address for referring you. (I can earn free weeks!!) (twomuthsatgmaildotcom)

help me find this recipe!!

Summer is upon us and for the past several years I have enjoyed making homemade shelf stable preserves for us to give away or use throughout the year. This year I am trying to find a recipe that does NOT call for any sugar or artificial sweetners. I would love to hear if anyone has a tried & true recipe that is either very low in sugar or has no sugar added. Again, I'm not really looking for a freezer jam recipe, but something that would be shelf stable.

Thank you!

don't blink

They told me it would happen, as I cuddled my freshly born son. They told me that time would start to crash and swirl around me like the disappearing waves of the ocean. That a year would pass like a week. Like a freshly made mother, I ignored their winking, smiling words. And here we stand on the brink of toddlerhood, and I realize that indeed, a year has passed.

One year ago today I was enjoying my freedom from my desk job, and was happily picking blueberries with mom and Shelley. Our house looked hopelessly removed from anything resembling the cozy home I had imagined during our first walk through, and I was praying that the baby would wait to be born until the drywall was up, the painting was done, and we could think about packing. I was 12 days away from my doctor's due date and trying to ignore old wives' tales about full moons bringing on labor.

I was exactly 3 weeks away from meeting Aaron.

Which means, my little boy will be turning one in three weeks. We'll probably have a small gathering (that he won't remember) and we might let him have something resembling cake to play in for the photos. And then, I fear, this cycle will repeat itself, and another year will pass as swiftly as this first with our child.

I've learned so much this year - thought about things I hadn't given a moment's time before - things like shots and feeding and elimination habits and sleeping and schedules and teaching obedience. I'm sure that the experienced moms out there just smile with that smile that says, "Just wait, honey" all the while thinking that I've only begun to learn, to grow, to be a mom.

Today, I pray hard. I pray for my child, that He will grow strong in every way, but most importantly that he will be born spiritually, and grow in grace. I pray for us as we practice parenting. And I pray that God will write these everyday moments in my heart, that I may treasure the gifts He gives.

fireworks and other explosions

Tuesday night, we packed up and went to the Bay City, MI fireworks with a group of friends from church. We got to sit pretty much right under the display, which was loads of fun. I don't think I really need to tell you how much Aaron enjoyed it - the look on his face in the picture really says it all. We were definitely relieved that he loved them instead of screaming...which could have gotten old FAST. (Thanks, Andrea, for this great photo!!)

On the 4th, we headed over to the Stephens' for a fun cookout with some more people from church. We ended the evening with a backyard fireworks display - it was so fun to watch the kids laughing and having a great time. It was also pretty funny to watch the adults in charge of setting off the fireworks. Aaron ended the evening with an amazing diaper explosion that stunk up the Stephens' whole house!! We are thoroughly exhausted here in the Muth house - thankfully, only one more day to get through until the weekend (and hopefully extra rest) is upon us.

points of interest

We are back from our 10 day road trip adventure. I have uploaded our pictures to Facebook, but if you do not have access to that, you can still see pictures of our trip! Click here and here. To see pictures from Aaron & Julia's beautiful wedding, click here.

Before leaving on this adventure, we made a quick stop at the library so I could pick up a few books I'd been trying to find time to read. Of course, the books I was looking for were both checked out, so I quickly scanned the parenting section for a title of interest. I found the book pictured here, which turned out to be a fascinating find. I was thinking I had awhile before potty training is to begin, but this book had some interesting, low pressure ideas about introducing the potty as part of the routine early on in life. It is a very interesting point of view to be sure. I'll let you know how it all, er...pans out (heh heh heh)

PRAISE GOD for a wonderful vacation. The day before the wedding was, for me, one of Alexandric proportions, but God is always good and we managed to muddle through forgotten food, diapers, wipes and a flat tire on the way to rehearsal dinner. God's hand was gracious and His working evident. The wedding was a huge blessing and success, Aaron traveled like a trooper most of the time, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the break from the routine. Thanks for all the prayers! After about 2300 miles, We are definitely glad to be back home.

and we're off...

Woo hoo! Vacation time has finally come! We thank Julia and Aaron for thinking of getting married so that we can go!! This weekend we will be staying with Tim & Sarah Valiante and get to meet little Micah for the first time. Aaron can hardly contain his excitement, as you can see. Don't you love his two top teeth? The child resembles a hillbilly, for sure. After a brief stopover in DC, we're on to the wedding on the 23rd and the fun that will bring!

Spell check, I praise thee!

In an age where most of our correspondence is electronic, why is it so common for spelling mistakes to multiply and flourish like little moldy spores of unintelligent communication? It's only ONE extra step, just a little button to push or a command to execute. In hopes that all will utilize the brilliant invention, I tell you this:

There is something wonderfully satisfying about seeing the message "No Misspellings Found" flash across the top of your electronic communique.

"It's so easy!"

"It was meant to be. It was meant to be."

Blessed be the LORD, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. (Ps 69:11)

aaron updates and a happy birthday wish

Here's Aaron hanging out in the office while his mother works. Make that "while his mother tries to work." He's quite the kid. It will be mere days until walking (er, running) becomes the norm and we will be chasing him all around. He is unlike his mother in that he enjoys taking risks that often result in physically uncomfortable consequences. Bumps and bruises are becoming quite normal. He is also becoming quite a ham. Last night he did something that made us laugh, and he looked up at us laughing and did the same thing again and again, producing even more laughing. He definitely is understanding much more than we ever thought possible at this age. He's doing great with eating up vast quantities of big people food like cheese, chicken, toast, watermelon and pretty much anything else we give him. And yet he holds steady in the third percentile for his age. I don't think we're going to have to wait until he's a teen for him to eat us out of house and home. It is hard to believe that ten months have passed already.

We'd also like to take this opportunity (Aaron and I) to wish Michael a very VERY happy 27th birthday! We think that he is, quite simply, the best.

be gone, you unwanted ad photos!

We've been using Firefox as our browser of choice, and I just found out that they have an ad blocker update that filters out the photos on the ads! Anyone who has been "surprised" by unwanted photos of the results of a weight loss product or items that SHOULD be whomever's secret will be delighted with the results of Firefox's new tool!