Funny Friday

So, this week saw us through a dreaded stomach virus. And yet there were still funny things said and done that could ease the yuckiness all around our house. Enjoy.

Silly boy ;)

"Don't shoot the baby dragons, Daddy, they're poor little things!"-5 yr. old daughter to her daddy, after he was attempting to kill all the dragons in her room that were keeping her from sleeping at bedtime. Isn't it convenient that dragons only show up when she's supposed to be going to sleep? Where are these dragons all day long? Hmm...

"Oh no! I'm spilling!"-Shout heard from astonished and horrified 2 yr. old boy when he peed in the floor after a bath. Needless to say the connections haven't quite been made between wet diapers and how they get wet. Guess we've got a long journey in potty training in our near future. 

"Let it begin! Let it begin!"-5 yr. daughter excited to be eating blueberries for breakfast when she finally got her appetite back. 

Blueberries!

"Mamaw! Candy!?!?"-2 yr. old's apt greeting for his Mamaw.

"It just breaks my heart!"-5 yr. old daughter's response to Mommy saying no about something. 

"Ice cream!"-2 yr. old's suggestion for breakfast.
"No, we can't have ice cream for supper! Are you crazy? It's just not healthy...Can we have peanut butter crackers, Mommy?"-5 yr. old daughter's reaction to her brother's suggestion. We did not have peanut butter crackers, for the record. 

"Fine. I'm going to sleep in the mermaid bed."-How Daddy gets our 5 yr. old to quit stalling at bedtime. Just funny when you consider the source. It's a good thing none of the men he works with will see this. *wink*

Baby says this is not funny, mom.

So, hopefully you and your family have fared better health-wise this week, but I also hope your week was made lighter through lots of laughter. 

How has laughter helped you get through things this week?

Oh, and I'm considering doing a giveaway soon, most likely sewing related, but not necessarily. 

Would any of you be interested in a giveaway? If so, what kinds of things would you be interested in winning? 

Please keep suggestions within reason though, I'm not the lottery, you know!

A Reminder to Take "Little Bites"

"I squeeze my creative endeavors into my life in little bites. Once or twice a year I might have an uninterrupted half-day to myself, but generally all my sewing, writing, painting, and decorating get squeezed in among the daily things of caring for a family and home.

And here's how..."

An excellent reminder to all of us moms, or women in general for that matter, on how taking what time we have instead of complaining about not having more time to do the things we need or want to do. Click here to read the rest of the post from Pleasantview Schoolhouse. Anna always has beautiful photography and projects as well as encouraging words. Be sure to drop by and read about her amazing sewing skills and check out her etsy shop while you're there. 

Funny Friday

All three at the breakfast table, and yes, those are
crumbs under my table ;)
 We had biscuits, what can I say?

Well, things haven't been as funny at our house this week. Running everywhere, then trying to catch up on housework (bleck!), trying to prepare curriculum and making lesson plans for next year (we're officially homeschooling our oldest in kindergarten in the fall *insert horror movie scream*), doctor appointment, runny noses, 2 yr. old with fever, 6 month old not wanting to eat much and then getting a little constipated (still nursing like nobody's business, though), and keeping my nieces and nephews while helping my mom. Whew! I've definitely been away more than home this week. However, there was some cuteness amidst it all, and that definitely made it a little easier to deal with.

"Don't worry, if they have to give you lots and lots of shots and prick all of your fingers at the doctor's office, I'll be right there."-5 yr. daughter's way of comforting/preparing her brother for a 2 yr. check up. Let's just say it's little wonder why he hid behind my leg when the doctor entered the room.

4 yr. old nephew in Papaw's t-shirt,
because, well, let's just say 4 yr. old boys
 aren't the best at aiming yet.

"Ok, I'm done."-2 yr. old son to doctor when he decided he'd had enough of the check up. He wasn't really being rude, just said it very matter of factly.

"I'm just trying to find myself."-5 yr. old daughter. Yeah, I have no idea where this came from either.

"I can't wait to be a teenager, because then I can get married and have a baby."-5 yr. old daughter. Wow. Let's just say I'm glad she doesn't know what age means you're a teenager, otherwise we would be really, really, concerned.

"You know mommy, we can't get to heaven on our own."-5 yr. old daughter.
"How do we get there then?"-Me.
"Well, God is in heaven, so Jesus has to take us there."-5 yr. old daughter.
Not funny, but warmed this mommy's heart. <3 p="">
 I know when I'm so stressed/overwhelmed that I feel like I could explode there's nothing better than cute kids saying/doing cute things to make me laugh and relax, not that I'm perfect, but God certainly uses them to remind me of what's really important at the moment.

So, have you been extra busy lately? Don't cute kids make it easier when you're busy?

Funny Friday: Take 2

Sorry I didn't get this posted on an actual Friday, but yesterday was a birthday in our home, and that means nothing but party and fun all day...and work and stress for mommy. And in honor of our oldest son's second birthday, today's Funny Friday will be all about Jonah Boy :)

"What are they going to name the baby?"-Me
"Um.....Football!"-2 yr. old son's enthusiastic response after attending a baby shower.

"Who's boy are you?"-Me
"Um...Jonah's boy!"- 2 yr. old boy's response is only funny because he usually says Daddy's boy, but I guess on his birthday he was his own man.

"Where Daddy?"-2 yr. old boy.
"At work."-Me.
"Where Papaw?"- 2 yr. old boy.
"At his house."-Me.
"(Sigh)...I wish Papaw live at Jonah's house."-2 yr. old boy.
*Awww*


And now he's two, and looks more like Papaw everyday. Say's "peas" and "tank ou" and still wraps his arms around mommy's neck when I lay him down to change his diaper. He gives some of the best kisses ever and loves to make others laugh. *Sigh* He still makes my heart melt when he says "Mommy, love ou." Excuse me while I cry a little over how quickly he's growing up.

So, what has you getting all sentimental this week?

Funny Friday

Little babe was 6 months old yesterday.

Funny Fridays: A collection of funny things that were said or done in our home this week, even if they weren't funny at the time...

"It feels strange to live in a taco."- 5 yr. old daughter who obviously has a wonderful imagination.

"I don't have time to train like a ninja." - Sweet Husband (I was trying to get him to exercise with me.)

"Forgot to buy Miterman!!!" (Spiderman) - almost 2 yr. old after leaving the grocery store, when I asked myself out loud if we had remembered everything.

"I can't get my work done for you getting in the way all the time." - 5 yr. daughter after I let her do mommy's work instead of her school for an hour trade off. She did decide that even though she likes mommy's work, mommy is better able to do it, and I think we both feel better about school.

"Are you even a grown-up?" - little girl who started taking violin lessons from me yesterday. I'm taking this as a compliment.

Hope this brought a smile to your face today. What funny things have happened at your house this week?

Euthenasia, Life, and History Repeating

As someone who has a degree in Cardiopulmonary Science and worked as a Respiratory Therapist for a while, I have a unique perspective on socialized medicine, as do others who have been or are working in healthcare. Please take a moment to read this post written by a physician in 2004 about the connections between socialized healthcare, euthanasia, and how it becomes normalized in a society.
I found this through The Common Room, which if you're not familiar with, is a really diverse and interesting blog, so check it out :)

The burgeoning new sciences of psychology, genetics, and medicine provided a glimmer of hope in this darkness. An intense fascination developed with strengthening and improving the nation through Volksgesundheit - public health. Many physicians and scientists promoted "racial hygiene" - better known today as eugenics. The Germans were hardly alone in this interest - 26 states in the U.S. had forced sterilization laws for criminals and the mentally ill during this period; Ohio debated legalized euthanasia in the 20's; and even Oliver Wendall Holmes, in Buck v. Bell, famously upheld forced sterilization with the quote: "Three generations of imbeciles are enough!" But Germany's dire circumstances and its robust scientific and university resources proved a most fertile ground for this philosophy.

These novel ideas percolated rapidly through the social and educational systems steeped in Hegelian deterministic philosophy and social Darwinism. Long lines formed to view exhibits on heredity and genetics, and scientific research, conferences, and publication on topics of race and eugenics were legion. The emphasis was often on the great burden which the chronically ill and mentally and physically deformed placed on a struggling society striving to achieve its historical destiny. In a high school biology textbook - pictured above - a muscular German youth bears two such societal misfits on a barbell, with the exhortation, "You Are Sharing the Load! - a hereditarily-ill person costs 50,000 Reichsmarks by the time they reach 60." Math textbooks tested students on how many new housing units could be built with the money saved by elimination of long-term care needs. Parents often chose euthanasia for their disabled offspring, rather than face the societal scorn and ostracization of raising a mentally or physically impaired child. This widespread public endorsement and pseudo-scientific support for eugenics set the stage for its wholesale adoption - with horrific consequences - when the Nazi party took power.

The Nazis co-opted medicine fully in their pursuit of racial hygiene, even coercing physicians in occupied countries to provide health and racial information on their patients to occupation authorities, and to participate in forced euthanasia. In a remarkably heroic professional stance, the physicians of the Netherlands steadfastly refused to provide this information, forfeiting their medical licenses as a result, and no small number of physicians were deported to concentration camps for their principled stand. As a testimony to their courage and integrity, not a single episode of involuntary euthanasia was performed by Dutch physicians during the Nazi occupation.

Would that it were still so. 

Read the entire post here. 

Is Blogging Like Reality TV?

So not real picture of me. Blessed to have taken my shower
last night and to have dry hair. Coffee cup strategically
placed over blemishes, and empty of coffee. Camera angled
so that you can't see all the clutter in the kitchen and shot
so you can't see my insecurities ;)

Perhaps the title is a bit misleading, but what I mean is do we read blogs for the same reason we watch reality tv? Do they both affect us the same way, for better or worse? Warning: this could easily morph into multiple posts on the topic.

I realize that everyone could give many different reasons as to why they are into reading blogs or watching reality tv, but I think there are some similarities, good and bad.

First, there's the question of is this really reality? I think very few people are convinced anymore that so-called "reality" tv is actually real. At its worst it's likely to be very scripted and one can't trust that any of it is void of scripted antics merely for the sake of sensationalism. And yet at it's best, it can't truly be real either. After all, if there were tv cameras at your house would everything go as normal? Would you still be in your pajamas while you drink your morning coffee? Would your tone change as you correct your children?

The Duggars, although slightly controversial, I think most would agree represent such a positive view in "reality" tv, and yet I am certain there are things not realistic in their portrayal. For example, you never see the older girls just after they wake up before their hair is perfect or their makeup is on. And even the older boys, father, and mother are rarely seen without looking put together. I am not saying this is bad or criticizing them for it, because honestly, I think I would strive to do the same in their situation, merely to point out that even when the intentions are to be completely forthright and honest in reflecting the reality of this family, it's still not truly an accurate portrayal of day to day life, and I wouldn't expect it to be so.

I think the same can be said of blogging. I don't think most people who are writing a blog are actively seeking to be misleading or dishonest, but like reality tv, we either think no one wants to see the ugly side of life (which honestly, we don't for the most part), or we only blog when we think we have something of some relevance to say.

There's a danger I think in both when it comes to the reality of both. The truth is we don't really know people on reality shows, but we don't usually really know the people who write the blogs we follow either. And yet, it's so weird how we feel as though we do. Because both venues seemingly open the lives and homes of total strangers to us as if we were close family or friends, we feel a relationship with them when none exists. Even when I look to blogs as entertaining or for useful information or as a tool for learning more, I can't help but feel a relationship with the person writing it, though they be a total stranger. And worse still, there is not a relationship with anything other than my computer/iphone! And the relationships, or potential relationships, with the real people that I see daily all around me can somehow take a backseat in priority to reading the latest about my beloved blog friends.

I'm not suggesting that watching reality tv or reading blogs are in and of themselves a sin or wrong, merely that I think they have the potential to keep us from our reality. They can keep us from having meaningful relationships with our families and neighbors, and worse as a Christian from witnessing to those around us. I realize that anything can become an idol, and don't even get me started on social networking (fb, I'm talking to you!) and how it's pulled me from those I love, but the potential through our computers and phones to make it so much easier to get lost in a virtual world of unreality no matter how many real people are behind it, is frankly scary.

"All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not."-1 Corinthians 10:23

This isn't a new year's resolution, but I am going to try, by God's grace to get out of this web pulling me  away from those around me. My phone is just going to have to be a phone again, and though I do still plan on blogging, I don't plan on reading blogs as much. I want to see and talk to my kids and my husband and my neighbors, no offense, but God has put me directly into their lives for a reason, and I feel as though I have often neglected them.
This is totally my sin, not to start a ban on blogging/internet ;)
The internet and blogging and fb have all been wonderful tools for me, and I will continue to use them as such, but I don't want to do it, or anything else for that matter, to the neglect of my home or others. I hope my kids see me accessing a tool, but not seeking it over them.

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord [is] at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."-Philippians 4:4-13

So, how do you keep your use of technology and social media in check? How do you involve your family in them? Is there anything you would change about your use of them?

"But godliness with contentment is great gain."-1 Timothy 6:6

God make me content to be with those You have given me influence over, and keep me from idolatry of any kind. I pray that you would make me value You above all else, and that I would seek to serve others rather than my selfish desires for a life outside of Your will. I pray that it would be You and not me to influence, and that no matter what You would be most glorified in my life. 

So, Here's the Story...

So, here's the story :)
When our sweet first son was about nine months old (December 2011), we went to my parents house where my dad asked if I was pregnant. I was a little embarrassed and tried to laugh it off by saying I just haven't been running much lately. Then, our daughter asked me how the baby was in my tummy! (She had been praying for another baby since her brother was born in March 2011.)
Now I was starting to think I must be getting fat or maybe I am pregnant. So, to stop everyone from asking any more I decided to increase my exercising, but because of my history of miscarriages, I,  ever the paranoid, decided I should take a test just to be sure. Well.....I was pregnant!!!
How was this possible?
See, I was supposed to have PCOS(polycystic ovarian syndrome). We had to go to a fertility doctor and take metformin to conceive our daughter and then took metformin and clomid to conceive before our miscarriages and our son. We didn't think we could ever even become pregnant without the help of a doctor and at least medication. And the weird thing is that our fertility doctor had retired and the doctor who established the clinic died and the clinic closed, for good. We had been wondering if we needed to find a new doctor or if we just needed to be content with the two blessings of a daughter and a son that God had already so graciously given to us. Now we had become pregnant without a doctor, without medications, and while breastfeeding!
And it gets better, because at our first ultrasound visit, they said there were no long any cysts on my ovaries! I believe God healed me. I don't know why He did. I never even asked Him to heal me of this, but I believe He did, and I am so thankful.
So, after a fairly uneventful pregnancy and a lot of extra fluid, we had our second son on August 21, 2012. He was and is huge still at five months.

Happy family :)

And this is a big part of what I have been up to in the last year. I hope this encouraged you, and that you'll know and be reminded that nothing is impossible for God.
Has God done something amazing in your life over the last few months? Please share here, so we can all praise Him together. Love in Christ!

Hello, again...

Just popping in ;)

Hey y'all!

I know, I haven't written anything here in well over a year, and I bet no one was ever expecting me to again. And yet here I am, writing once again. So much has happened in the space between that I almost don't know where to start, but I said almost, so here goes.
First, I think you should know why I started a hiatus to begin with. My husband and I were in agreement that I needed to stop blogging for a while. Partly because it was very time-consuming and I had little spare time, and because we both felt a conviction that it was increasingly hard to not be two-dimensional here. I mean that it is easy for others to read a blog post and think they know you, and think you have all the answers, or that your life is picture perfect all the time. The truth is that most people who will ever read this will never actually know me apart from the words written here. That may sound cold and indifferent, but it's true. I know that I have to remind myself when reading a favorite blog that I don't actually know this person. (How odd a time we live in when anyone and everyone can write to the world who they want be, whether it be true or not!) And even though my intention was never to mislead anyone, we felt that I needed some time away from writing here to sort it all out. I wasn't sure that I wasn't in sin somehow in blogging here, and no matter how ridiculous that may seem to you, it's the truth and my conscience would not allow me to have peace until I could come back fresh and without a burden or a fear of my being sinful in it.
Then, when my husband and I agreed that I should write again, my laptop's charger cable quit working.  What can I say, I have a macbook and a replacement wasn't a big priority (when you read what we've been up to in the last year and a half, I think you'll understand why).
So, many months later, here I am again. I suppose I could've tried to type one on my phone, but who knows what the infamous iphone spell check would've replaced what I was typing. It might have been much more interesting to read and definitely more entertaining.
Well, there you have it. That's why I've not been blogging lately, and now to tell you what's in store. I hope to post in the next few days about some of the miraculous things God has been doing here. I will warn you that I can't promise that I'll be very regular at posting, as again, it's not a very high priority, and I hope you'll understand that. I also hope to post more about sewing, just because I want to, and I love sewing or creating anything for that matter. I realize that one of the tips for a good blog is to know your audience and limit your blog to specific subject(s). I just can't do that, I'm far too indecisive, and like everyone else my interests and tastes vary greatly.
So, that's it, why did you think I stopped writing? ;)

For A Season

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"-Ecclesiastes 3:1

I am in a particular season for my life, so are you. My season happens to be being a wife and a mom to a 3 yr. old and an almost 3 month old.
Just four years ago my life was completely different. I was in a totally different mindset and season. I could spend most of my day the way I wanted to. I could keep my home perfectly spotless. I could go to the bathroom without an audience. I could read/type a sentence without being interrupted by dressing paper dolls or changing a diaper. I could start projects and finish them in a timely manner. My body was my own, and entirely for my husband with no nursing babies laying claim to it. I could work out whenever I chose. I could eat what I liked (right now I'm nursing a baby with colic and acid reflux and have had to take dairy, all dairy, out of my diet). 
This post could easily turn into a rant. I could easily complain about how different my life is and the fact that I can't do whatever I like whenever I like. I could lament the changes my body has had to go through in order to give birth to and nurse two children. I could cry tears of self-pity over the never-ending mess my home seems to be in, and the fact that I can constantly clean it without any noticeable change. 
But I know this is only a season. I will not be the mother of young children forever. They are already growing up before my eyes and changing in ways that amaze me daily. They won't always coo and smile those toothless grins, or hug me at night and say, "Mommy, I want to stay with you forever!". I am forever grateful to God for my children.
This is only for a season. And yet there are things that will never be the same, even when this season has passed. Let's be honest, I will never look the same as I did on my wedding day, even if I could still wear my wedding dress. I will always feel the affects of having been pregnant four times (we have two babies in heaven), my body will never be as it was prior to having children. Being a stay-at-home mother who's trying to homeschool means I will not be working full-time outside the home as I used to, and money will always probably be tight.
And yet none of those things are really bothering me. Lately there's only been one overwhelming thing that is making me feel, well, a little depressed to be honest. Guilt. I feel guilt over not being the mother I want to be. I feel guilty not being able to keep my home the way I want to keep it. I feel guilty not being able to fit in many of my clothes and still be modest (nursing moms, you know what I mean!). I feel guilty not having the time or energy to be there for my husband as I would like to be. I feel guilty for not spending time being hospitable. 
But most of all, I feel guilty because I don't have the time or energy or frankly the motivation to pray and read and study God's Word as I would like and know I need. I get so caught up trying to catch up or just feeling exhausted, that I feel like I'm wasting the time I've been given. 

‎"It is an unpleasant mistake to think all the time as lost which is not spent in reading, or hearing sermons, or prayer. These are properly called means of grace; they should be attended to in their proper season; but the fruits of grace are to appear in our common daily course of conduct." - John Newton

I had been taking out my frustration from this guilt on anyone and everything. Now granted, I wasn't abusing my kids or my husband, and  I wasn't neglecting needs, but I was doing things with a bitter heart. And no matter how much I tried to be cheerful, my heart was full of frustration and anger, and it was affecting those around me. 

There's a lot of guilt that comes with motherhood, and it's fueled by worry and genuine love for my family. I love my kids and my husband more than I've ever loved anything or anyone ever. I want most of all for them to see Jesus in my love for them lived out in all that I do or say, for them to see the gospel in every word and deed. But my heart's wickedness can nullify that. My attitude can negate the words I say or the things I do, because they aren't done with the right affections. God has to come before my husband, my children, my home, and me. 

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."-Exodus 20:3

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment."-Matthew 22:37-38

God has to have the first place in my life, but that's in the light of the gospel. What I mean is, God doesn't change the state of my salvation or my standing in Christ before Him, simply because I sin or because I'm going through a season where I can't read, study, or pray as I want to. 

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in [his] kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."-Ephesians 2:4-9

Putting God first doesn't mean I am living a monastic life or that I am sitting in a quiet room for hours praying and studying. It means that I acknowledge Him in all that I do. It means that I submit to His will, knowing that He created this season for me, and that my joyful embracing of it will glorify Him and be for my good. It means that my heart will rejoice in Him when I feel so depressed. It means that I will take refuge in His peace when I am surrounded by chaos. And I will serve those around me with a joyful heart, knowing that in doing so I will glorify my God and show Jesus to my family and those around me. 

"Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, [is] therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."-Galatians 2:16-21

There is no better way to be like our Lord than to be glad to take the lowliest position, in meekness to embrace the draining of ourselves to serve others, to rejoice in being made low that He can be made higher, and to be a stranger in this world by showing them our steadfast devotion to our God, Jesus the suffering servant, as we are blessed to be given the opportunity to emulate and follow Him in giving our all to our family. 

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."-Philippians 2:5-8

I watched my mother for years pour out herself for her family and others. She did it without complaining, but with a quiet and a meek spirit. She showed me Christ and the gospel by giving us grace and mercy and love, while she received nothing in return. So, I am going to ask God to forgive me for where I have wasted the time He has given, for the attitude of my heart, for not coming to Him sooner with my sins, and for not trusting Him fully in this season. And I pray He grant me repentance in these areas, and I am going to put my hand to the plow and not look back.

"And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."-Luke 9:62

So, who's with me? 

Awkward Moments in Modest Dressing: Pregnant Without Sweatpants!

Disclaimer: I am no longer pregnant. These pictures were taken in February and our son was born March 1, 2011. I just didn't get this post done before now ;)

The fact is that when I was pregnant with my daughter, which was mostly during warm weather, I could find a plethora of fairly inexpensive maternity dresses. Which if you've ever been pregnant, you know that in the last few months pants can become very uncomfortable, as everything is too high or too low, and if you've never tried it, trust me, dresses/skirts are not only more comfortable during this period, but actually make you look more put together and attractive instead of a waddling, frumpy mess, ready to pop any second.
This time I was big-pregnant during the coldest part of the year, and was astonished to find that my options for covering myself were either jeans/sweats with tunic type shirts, the same wrap dress (but they were really expensive), and *gag* the blue jean miniskirt (I don't know how many people are wearing miniskirts in the last trimester of pregnancy, but can't imagine that it's a good look for anyone), not to mention that many options weren't very modest.
Undaunted, I decided to go to a local fabric store and look for some maternity sewing patterns to fill this void in my wardrobe. (Which I must say was so unbelievably and amply stocked through God's grace in providing me clothing through some very generous mothers. Thank you Crissy and Mrs. Walker!!! So, I had plenty of tops and pants, but not even a skirt to wear.) The problem was that even in pattern books you could find that same wrap dress (which I don't particularly care for as I have a 3yr. old I can envision lifting the fabric to see what's under "wraps", and there's wind).
*Sigh* So, what's a girl to do?!?
One word. Ebay. Yes, ebay.
I went to ebay and started looking through vintage patterns for maternity wear, and was delighted to find so many so cheap (many as cheap as $0.99! Woo Hoo!) and they looked more like regular dresses. They weren't tight everywhere, but were totally tailored and gorgeous!
So, I sewed, and sewed, and sewed, and ........ here's some results!

The pattern I used was a size 10, and fit well without modifying. I used a thin knit jersey (think cool and comfy fabrics) in grey. This was one of the most comfortable dresses I've ever worn, and the drawstring empire waist made it perfect even in the last trimester.

This pattern was a size 10, too, but I actually had to take it in quite a bit. This was the easiest to sew, and I used black polyester suiting material. It doesn't wrinkle easily or require ironing and this style works well with a sweater or fitted blazer (even if you can't button it anymore) and it gave me a dressy option without being uncomfortable.

This photo was suggested by Shelby.

This pattern was a size 16, but I didn't have to do much taking in due to the full nature of the skirt, just added a fabric tie-belt in the same material to keep it from looking like a muu muu when I was at my biggest. I wish I would've made it a little longer, and I had to refit the sleeves and neck (apparently my neck is bigger than the average pregnant woman in the 60s). I used a plaid cotton blend, but the material I chose shrunk a little, so definitely wash your fabric before cutting. Also very comfortable dress that worked well with leggings.

I used the pattern below for this top. I used a brown wool suiting material that had a gold thread running through it. It has a beautiful removable cowl neck and box pleating on the back. I used the Simplicity pattern below to make the matching skirt.

This was my attempt to show the box pleating in the back. Neither of these pictures really do this suit justice. It turned out so wonderfully, and I loved wearing it. I always got lots of compliments in it, and it made a really nice church outfit.

I made this skirt from the above pattern out of a wool black and white tweed.  This was a wardrobe staple and was very comfortable. I did not make the red sweater, but already had it.

I made this skirt by cutting apart a pair of wide-leg jean maternity capris that I bought at Walmart on clearance for $1!!! I wore it a lot more when I wasn't so big. It had a low elastic waist band, and by the time I was really big, I just didn't find that comfortable.

I did actually make the three-quarter sleeve suit from this pattern, but didn't get a chance to take a picture before I had our son. I used a bluish green thin suiting material for it, and I loved the pilgrim collar. 

If you're looking for vintage patterns on ebay look for bundles and make sure you check the shipping (it shouldn't cost $5.00 to ship a pattern). Also look to see if it is being sold "as is" or if the seller has checked to ensure that all the pieces and instructions are intact. Also for making maternity panels in skirts I cut up old t-shirts with an elastic casing at the top, and they were definitely comfortable.
If you're pregnant, I hope you enjoy being feminine and modest as much as I did :)
So, should pregnant women start demanding better clothing options for winter bigness? I say YES!
What say you?

31 Days To Clean Homemaking Challenge: Day One :D

Okay, so first know that you don't have to purchase the book, but it definitely will help you to follow the challenge. Second that the idea of the challenge isn't really about always having a spotless home per se, but more about examining our hearts and growing in our understanding of how keeping a home is glorifying to God.

Each day has a Mary and a Martha challenge.

Day One's Mary challenge is to as the question, "Why do you want a clean home?" and to come up with a mission statement. This is to keep you motivated to be consistent (the main problem I have). You are to place it where you can read it each day and it should take you no more than a minute to read it. I am long winded in everything I write or say, so here are my reasons. I've written them for our family, mostly in the hopes that I can teach these to our children. I call them my Dirty Dozen (I wasn't aiming for twelve, it just came out that way).

Mrs. W's Dirty Dozen:
1. We clean to honor God by being good stewards with what He has given us and showing our gratitude for it.
2. We clean to honor our husband/father by making and keeping our home a welcoming and restful place.
3. We clean to be an example of productivity and stewardship to each other and to others outside of our home.
4. We clean to practice self-discipline.
5. We clean to practice self-denial.
6. We clean for the sake of cleanliness, sanitation, and sanity.
7. We clean to serve others, and not just those in our family, but also our guests.
8. We clean to keep from falling into the temptations of being slothful,        
laziness, and idleness.
9. We clean to keep things orderly and create a beauty in our home reflective of God's order and beauty in creation.
10. We clean to keep things where we can find them easily.
11. We clean to reduce stress, anger, and frustration.
12. We clean so that we may truly set aside a time of rest from our work.

Day One's Martha challenge is to gather supplies. Oh yeah, I've got that one down ; )

"Storms and Tornados..."

Picture taken in Kingsport a 30 minute drive from where we live. A tornado was spotted in another part of town last
night. Photographer was George "Mo" Monroe, and you can see more pictures of lightening strikes from last night here .

Last night our family spent a lot of time in our basement, and an awful hour in a tiny basement closet underneath the stairs. Why? Well, in case you didn't know last night several severe thunderstorms and tornados went through the South. We weren't too worried about the tornado warning until our local 911 began calling homes here with an automated message that said to, "Take cover immediately."
I learned several things while waiting with my husband, our 3 year old daughter, and 8 week old son. 


First, we should really go through the stuff in that closet and make it to where we can sit comfortably over a long time, or at least so we can fit chairs comfortably. But our daughter was excited to find a favorite video there, although not so excited to discover that we couldn't watch it there. We also learned that eating ice cream can calm a 3 year old very nicely when she's sitting with her daddy (we have a freezer in our basement, and thanks to Mamaw and Papaw she had a little cup with the perfect serving of strawberry swirl ice cream, and daddy had his half gallon of chocolate chip cookie dough courtesy of Breyers to calm him. Mommy is nursing Lil' Feller and he is currently lactose intolerant with acid reflux, so my diet is sans dairy, and pretty much anything flavorful).


Second, there always needs to be a potty. We should never go anywhere without one. In the middle of the storm three-year olds may have the uncontrollable urge to urinate, and it's extremely stressful when they can no longer wait and you have to send your husband daughter upstairs to the bathroom. But I suppose I can be glad when she says she has to take the time to really wash her hands instead of just using hand sanitizer after she's went and my husband's trying to get her to hurry back to the basement. 


Thirdly, tornados provide a great teaching opportunity to teach children about God. There is nothing that shows His omnipotence and sovereign power and glory more than a storm that could potentially kill you. We told my daughter again about how God had protected His people Israel (something we had been recently studying) and then the story of Jesus and His disciples on the Sea of Galilee, how we need not fear, because Jesus is with us, but at the same time how easily we do fear the storms instead of fearing the One Who controls the storms as we should.


"And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"-Mark 4:37-41


I was made newly aware of how terrifyingly powerful our God is, and how weak and helpless we all are. The fact that all of us are continually at the constant mercy of God for our very existence. And yet, as I tucked in my babies afterward, and got to talk to our daughter about, how great God's love and mercy and goodness are! The fact that He doesn't leave us in the storm, that He is always there, and even when the worst comes our way, He is still in complete control. That all things are happening only as He wills them, and when we don't understand them, we can trust He does. We can trust that in His perfect wisdom and goodness and love that it was the best right thing for His glory and our good. (Romans 8:28-31 )


After the storm, even though it was way past bedtimes, my husband took us all to the basement door. Me holding Lil' Feller and him holding our Princess, and we watched the storm just beyond us as lightening illuminated the whole sky bright as day when it struck. We stood there in awe of God's power and glory, and yet gratefully in awe of His mercy and grace shown to us there. We gasped and trembled at the thundering of our God's power and "God's light" as our daughter called the lightening. I was almost breathless as my husband said to us, standing there looking at the heavens, that one day our Lord Jesus Christ would be coming in His glory in the clouds and how much more power and glory would be seen then. 


This is a song my dad wrote years ago, and it's so timely for those of us waking up after a hard night of storms. It's called "My Lord Might Come Anytime", and I'm reminded of how easily my own heart becomes attached to the things and places here, when all the while I should be working and watching for Him to take me to my real home.


Please pray for those who are waking up and unlike our family have lost loved ones, homes, cars, and are without power and phones, looking for their family and friends unsure of what they will find. Love in Christ.

Check out the Friday Link-up!

Dressing to Please....

After more than a week of wearing mostly dresses and skirts, I've already learned a few things about myself and my family.
First, I did end up wearing sweatpants a couple of days, but I felt so lazy and unmotivated. It's probably just me, but putting on something that's not remotely like pajamas, something I have to think about makes me more productive and less likely to sit in front of a tv and vegetate.
Second, I also have noticed that I just feel good in dresses and skirts, not because I am congratulating myself with any false hope of superiority or accomplishment, but I just feel, well, more like a woman. I mean like a real woman. I wasn't expecting this, but I feel more akin to my mom and grandmothers. As if there's some maturity in wearing something feminine, some connection to a time when women were obviously women, and strong women at that, and men were clearly men. I think our generation of young women ( and some middle-aged) have bought the lie that we need to be tough and leaders taking authority, and it's reflected in our dressing much like the guys (the phrase "wearing the pants" comes to mind). My standard uniform used to be t-shirts and jeans. Albeit I do wear t-shirts with jean skirts, but somehow it seems so different.
Thirdly, I have noticed my husband likes to see me out of sweats sometimes. Of course, he says he likes to see me period, regardless of what I am or am not wearing. I think it shows that I want to not only honor him by making the effort to be attractive, but that I want to honor him in being modest and feminine as his wife for him and no one else.
Fourthly, my daughter really has noticed. She often comes up to me and says, "I like your dress. It's so pretty. Mommy, can I wear a dress today?". I love seeing little girls in little dresses :) And there's been less talk about looking like the Disney princesses and more of her comparing herself to me! (Talk about a terrifying responsibility!)
Fifthly and finally, but most importantly, has been the realization that simply being countercultural may seem hard at first (but you can get used to it), but it's honoring to God. One of the things I remember my parents saying to us as kids when we asked to do something they deemed too worldly or inappropriate, was that we were "set apart" ("But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him."-Psalm 4:3 ) for God and were supposed to be a "peculiar people" ("For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth."-Deuteronomy 14:2 ; "And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments; And to make thee high above all nations which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken."-Deuteronomy 26:18-19 ; "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."-Titus 2:14 ; "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."-1 Peter 2:9 ) not "of the world" we live in. That's always stayed with me, and I think has often encouraged me, even when I was unregenerate and lost as could be, to go against the grain to be different if I wanted to be and not worry about what others think. There's a freedom in Christ that allows us to disregard what men think of us for the sake of the gospel. 





"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."-1 John 2:15-17 .

We know anything that could cause another to sin, is not worth doing. This video by C.J. Maheny gives an honest response from guys about lust and about immodest dress in the church among their sisters in Christ. My favorite part is when he quotes a woman who decides not to buy a shirt she likes and says, "I just can't do that to the guys." That line has stuck with me, and pops up in my mind to remind me when I'm considering what I wear.
So, why do you wear what you wear?
Love in truth.