No More Babies?

Thank the Lord for baby naps! :) I've been wanting to crank out this article for quite awhile now, but haven't had a spare minute it seems here lately to be alone to do it. My sweet baby has decided it's a good nap time, so I've decided it's a good post time.

As anyone knows who has read my blog before, I think the Duggars a such a sweet and Godly family. For a family who I'm sure gets tons of e-mails each and everyday, they still will reply to your e-mails when they have the time. I have had a chance to speak to them before via this format, and they are just as sweet as they are on TV.

Last year around this time, Michelle was giving birth to Josie via emergency c-section due to her development of pre-eclampsia. The world sat back and watched in sadness. Some, however, watched with a smug "I told you so" attitude. I mean, a woman who is delivering her 19th child deserves pre-eclampsia right? She should have known better and quit while she was ahead! (Those are not my views at all, but ones I have unfortunately read on other blogs and message boards.)

What would you say, however, to a young 22 year old mother delivering her first child via forced induction due to her development of pre-eclampsia? Would you say she should just hang it up and let that precious baby be her one and only? Probably not. You would probably say Well, these things happen. It shouldn't happen with the next one.

Why is it that if it's your first, the onset of such a thing as pre-eclampsia "isn't your fault." But if it's your 19th child, "You should have known better!" ?

That 22 year old woman was me. And yes,  I did develop pre-eclampsia at 40 weeks gestation. My  little boy wasn't quite ready to exit at that time, so an induction was done. Trust me, I am not a believer in induction or c-sections at all, unless medically necessary. Mine unfortunately was. A c-section would have been done as well, if I was not so strongly against it. Hours on magnesium and other medications sure took their toll, but I pressed on. 17 hours of labor, and my little boy made his appearance. Praise the Lord!

And ya know what, as soon as the Lord chooses to bless me with another, I will welcome him or her with open arms. And I'm sure if the Lord chooses to bless Mr. and Mrs. Duggar with another one, they will do the same.

Psalm 127:3- Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

Thank the Lord for Homemaking!

I ran across this poem today, and I have to say, I really needed it:

Thank you God, for all I have to do today.
Thanks God, for this sink of dirty dishes,
It shows we have plenty to eat.


Thanks God, for this pile of dirty, stinky, laundry,
It shows we have plenty of clothes to wear.


Thanks God, for those unmade beds in there,
They were warm and so comfortable last night
And I know there are many who have no beds.


Thank God, for this bathroom complete with all the
Spattered mirror, soggy grimy towels and dirty commode,
They are so convenient.


Thanks God, for this finger-smudged refrigerator
That needs defrosting,
It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers
For two or three meals.


Thanks God, for this oven
That absolutely must cleaned today,
It has baked so many things over the years.


The whole family is grateful for that grass that needs mowing,
The lawn that will need raking, we all enjoy the yard.


Thanks God, even for that slamming screen door,
My kids are healthy and able to run and play.


Lord the presence of all these chores awaiting me
Says you have richly blessed my family.
I shall do them all cheerfully
And I shall do them gratefully.


Amen

I do pray each and everyday that we remember that we are called to be mothers! On those days when we don't feel very needed, or even like we are accomplishing much, we are! By being a light in the home, we are not only blessing our husbands and children, but those who happen to visit our homes as well. Walking into a sweet, clean, and put together home is such a blessing! Walking into a dirty, unkempt home is, well, not such a blessing. May we strive each and everyday to be the best homemakers that we can be!

An Attitude No Mommy Should Have

Yesterday was another one of those days. Bubs was sick, which left me sitting in the lobby instead of in the church service for both morning and evening service. Hubby was also feeling under the weather, which left me with all of the housecleaning yesterday. We don't really do much work on Sunday's, but after the dinner party on Saturday night, I did have somethings that needed straightening.

I felt kind of mad and put out in a way. I am definately being challenged by the Lord lately on proper responses.

It wasn't Bubs or Hubby's fault that they weren't feeling well. And it wasn't mine either. But, I should be more understanding when these trials do come along. Life doesn't always go our way. And being Mommies, we do have a lot more responsiblity for the home and it's inhabitants than anyone else does or will.

Our responses set the tone for the whole household.

When we put forth bad attitudes, we should not be suprised when our children respond in like manner. When we put on a smiling face and try to be positive in all situations, then our children will also respond in like manner. Being children, they will not always respond exactly how we would like them to. But, I do believe a positive Mommy helps the household a great deal!

Ma we all strive today to put smiles on our faces even when we don't exactly feel like it. Say a quick prayer for a heart change when the wrong attitude does slip forth. And ask for forgiveness from both the Lord and the offended party.

You never know just how much your home could change by your simple actions.

Adventures in Mommyhood

This impish face is so sweet. So super sweet. But sometimes, I'm driven to the very brink of insanity. I'm sure I"m not the only one who has been there. 

You see, this morning started out like any other morning. Then, things just started going downhill.

He pooped all over the place. Somehow, I was scrubbing poop off of my washing machine, his arm, his shirt, my self. Everywhere. And it was just so disgusting. 

Then, I'm trying to get some housework done while Daddy is working. That just wasn't happening. Because of a stuffy nose, my little boy just wanted to be held all morning instead of having independent play. Then, he pooped again. The poor little guy just isn't feeling good. 

But this Mommy had things she needed done! ( I'm very type A I have learned recently. ) So, instead of just accepting this curve ball to my morning, I was beginning to feel the inklings of frustration come on. I mean, my things to do are so important to me. I have a dinner party tonight for about 15 people, and I have to have a pretty house and perfect food. ( I am also learning I don't have to have these things either. Yes, I should strive to present a nice place for people to come. But no one is perfect. )

But I was missing the point.

1 Thessalonians 5:18: In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Notice that one word in this verse that always get us. Everything. Not every good thing. Not every nice thing, or fun thing, or exciting thing. Everything. 

In poop; give thanks. In baby sickness; give thanks. In interruptions; give thanks.

It's not going to be the easiest thing you do. It's not the easiest for me to do. It's a constant struggle for me to not complain or have complaining thoughts when things don't go my way. It takes a lot of prayer. A lot. But I just want to encourage everyone to go to Him with your complaining spirit, and ask Him to turn it into one of gratefulness. 

We should be grateful we are blessed with little ones in the first place. Grateful we can spend our time at home with them. Grateful our husbands are out making the money in order for us to do so. Grateful for everything. 

Cooking for a large family on a budget?

As some may know, we have decided to let God choose the amount of children me and Hubby will have. That being said, there are times when the thoughts of how much will this cost or how will we afford everything creep in. 

There's already a family who has most of these figured out (I think!). The Jeub Family! They are a very sweet family from Colorado who first came to my attention on a TLC special. Since then, I have been keeping up with them via their website, JeubFamily.com. 

Right now, they are giving away 100 of their cookbooks for absolutely FREE. I don't think you can get much cheaper than that! 

If you are interested in this great deal, go here to find our how to score your freebie! Only the first 100 though, so I'm sure these will go fast!

Christmas Presents for Children

Tis' the season for consumerism.

We got the Sunday paper this morning, and the Christmas inserts have officially started. From WalMart to Target to Toys R Us, the inserts were thicker than ever! Not just the usual 8 or so pages, this time, they are small books!

How do we at this time of year keep our children's focus off of the toys, and more on the Savior?

These are just a few ways our family tries to do that:

First, we do not have cable TV. Without cable, our children are not and will not be bombarded with the endless commercials telling them what they NEED for Christmas. What they can't live without! And if they don't have it, they won't be like everyone else. TV imagery is a very powerful thing. Especially for children. We don't have cable for a list of other reasons as well, but it certainly helps at this time of year to not have it as well.

Second, we try to do atleast one "good deed" every Christmas. Be it the Angel Tree or Operation Christmas Child. We feel this helps children see that others do not have it as good as they do. And to be thankful for everything they are blessed with.

And last, our children and babies only receive ( and will only receive ) 3 presents each. If 3 gifts were good enough for Jesus, they are good enough for our children. That way, they will all receive the same amount of gifts, and not have the fighting over "She got 5 and I only got 4!". This evens everything out. It also helps them to think about what they really want, not just how much can I get?

They do receive gifts from other family members, but they only receive 3 things from Mommy and Daddy.

This year, may we remember the real reason for the Season!

Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.