Musings

I want to be an encouraging person. I want my time on this earth to mean something to someone else. I just left an hour of refreshing conversation with a couple that I just love. Every time I talk to them, I leave feeling lighter. How do they do it? It is just amazing.
What a blessing to build others up. What a blessing to help someone gain a fresh outlook on life. All too often I get caught up in my own life and don't give of myself. I know my excuses well... I am too busy right now to get involved... I don't have anything to say to them... I can't bear their weight as well as mine... and on and on. What is my purpose here if I don't help others? Something to think about for sure.

A New Season

Well, it is official. I turned in my letter of resignation. I am really going to be a stay home mother. I have many emotions about this new season of life. I've always wanted to be a teacher, so it feels a little awkward to pack up that part of my life so suddenly. With the end of the year quickly approaching, I know it won't be long before I no longer have "my room" or "my kiddos" and I am not really sure how I am going to feel about that. I've put a lot of time and money into what I do and now it will all go in boxes for another day. Hmmmm..... I wonder how long I will be away from it. And then, there is this huge part of me that is so thrilled that I have a wonderful husband who works hard so I have this opportunity! I get to stay home with my child. I get to be the one to teach her and play with her. I get to pour my heart into my home. Wow...in today's age, I know that isn't always possible. It will definitely be strange come August when the smell of new crayons and crisp paper draw me down the aisle in WalMart and I turn away, but I am trusting God and this decision he has made so obvious on my heart.

Spring & Baby Kicks

It seems fitting that during this spring season of new beginnings, our little darling has "woken up" to start kicking me with enthusiasm and life. I think she can sense the change in temperature and the change in me. I absolutely love spring with its brilliant colors, warm breezes, and sunny skies! How can you be down when the world is so up?

20 weeks

20 weeks of pregnancy behind me, 20 more to go! Pregnancy is really the craziest thing ever. We went to the doctor this week and had a second ultrasound done. The doctor confirmed one more time that there is a girl in there. Actually, what he said was, "If it's a boy, we know it's a boy. If it's a girl, it's probably a girl." Comforting, huh!? He was pretty confident, so I am choosing to be also! We will have a final ultrasound in about 10 weeks. I guess we'll check again then! :)
She is moving around quite a bit in there! It sort of feels like little pieces of popcorn popping every now and then. We've been able to hear her heartbeat whenever we want thanks to a wonderful friend who loaned her hospital grade heartbeat monitor to us. Her heartbeat is truly the most magical sound ever. It just doesn't get old hearing it.
Already she is a huge fan of John Mayer and Sara Groves. Also, she really enjoys Dr. Seuss books. I guess that's the teacher in me. It's a great, fun, wonderful time and I feel so blessed and a little afraid that God is trusting Shawn and me with this huge task. Should be interesting!!!

Saving Money

I am so excited about this website:

moneysavingmom.com

A couple I love dearly shared this with me. Their daughter is a stay at home mom and uses the tools and strategies for saving money found on this site. So, I looked into it. Basically...I am hooked! I never thought I could afford to shop at Walgreens, but I have found (in my one quick shopping trip there) that they have MANY bargains if you catch their store sales and clip coupons. Right now, I am just a baby saver and I am trying hard to learn all the ropes. It is worth a look! Fun, fun!!!

The Beginning

I suppose since this is my first true attempt at a blog, I should begin with a short preview of my life right now. I have a wonderful husband who makes every day a great adventure, especially right now with a kitchen remodel well underway. We have been married 3 1/2 years and have learned a lot! Let's just say marriage gets better with time!!! We are expecting our first baby in July! We found out that it is a little girl and her birthdate is scheduled (ha) for July 23. I have never known the excitement and joy of preparing for a child and I am soaking up every minute. Well, at least the minutes that have occured since the vomiting quit. Of course, I have found many cute pink outfits for her already and she will be stylin' for sure! We are truly blessed to the fullest. What a wonderful season to begin. I can't wait!!!