Wordless Wednesday: Nativity

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world,

but to save the world through Him.

John 3:17 (NLT)

Diaper Laundry and Thankfulness

I am thankful. I am thankful that today is diaper laundry day. I am also thankful that I do not have enough diapers to cloth diaper full time... at least today I am! Rock has had some messy BMs 3 times today... i know... too much information lol. I don't really enjoy the dirty diaper laundry when I have to pre wash it. I am grateful that oRock is partially ECing... he has only been peeing in the toilet since he started solids except a few times... and today was one :)

Also, I am thankful that my hubby actually changed a diaper this afternoon. Normally he won't because he doesn't even know where to begin on cloth diapers... since it was disposables, he did. Then he realized it is a lot different changing a mobile baby.

I am thankful that we have a good heater this winter. It is getting cold out! I like the snow. It is beautiful, but it is still cold. Laat winter we were wrapped in blankets and pretty much just sat still reading, crafting and watching movies... that is more difficult when you have a squiggly baby. I am still trying to find a good outfit for Rock to go out in so he can play in the snow for the first time... I found some good gloves earlier today that he seemed to like chewing on  wearing. We normally just bundle him with blankets in the carseat when we hav weto go out so I don't have many bundling clothes for him. I sure it will be a lot differenet next winter but I am ok with that this year.

And I am thankful that Rock is easily entertained. I was able to bake many, many cookies this past week (to make up plates of christmas cookies for neighbors) while rock played with a chip clip and empty coffee container for part of the time. Also, hubby watched him while I was pulling the cookies in and out of the oven.

I am thankful that our landlord's family accepts us as part of the family. We were a part of their family Thanksgiving meal and are also invited to their Christmas party this weekend.
Most importantly, I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He came to earth as a mere babe to fulfill God's plan and that is why we celebrate this Christmas season.



I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas!

The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid.

I am bringing you good news

that will be a great joy to all the people.

Today your Savior was born in the town of David.

He is Christ, the Lord.

Luke 2:10, 11 (NCV)

Evenflo Momentum65 Carseat Giveaway

So on my holiday Christmas list I had posted that Rock needs a new carseat sometime soon. WEll, I am entering in to win an Evenflo Momentum65 Convertible Carseat at the blog: Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House. I like that this carseat is for 5 - 40 lbs rear facing and 20-65 forward facing. It would be the last carseat we need. The only thing would be if we do win it will it fit in our tiny car? lol

Two of a Kind also posted a Review of this carseat if you want read more about the ease of installation, safety features, and comfort of this carseat. I am entering in right now!

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Blessings

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge this week is Blessings.The challenge is supposed to be a photo from your holiday meal or a photo of you and your loved ones together. A photo of your blessings.


Just one picture that displays my blessings is very difficult. We didn't have a holiday meal as a family (hubby had to work the day I had the camera) and we dont have a family photo that i really like. But I did take a photo shoot with Rock not too long ago that definitely shows the blessings of family:

I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful and easy going son. I am also blessed to have a loving and caring husband. I am entering this last photo of Rock (because it is my personal favorite) into The Paper Mama Photo Challenge


And here is another of our blessings (Who used to not be allowed on the furniture!)

Shadow is a fantastic dog. He is very gentle around Rock (though he was curious and excited when we first brought Rock home) And we are blessed to have him. I will have to add a post on how we were blessed with such an amazing dog sometime soon because he is another Token of the Lord's provision when we have faith.

If you want to know some more about the many things I have been blessed with check out our Token of God's Love, My pregnancy with Rock, and my Thankful List.

Surely you have granted him unending blessings

and made him glad with the joy of your presence.

Psalm 21:6 (NIV)

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge: B&W

I just caught that I hadn't done this week's The Paper Mama photo challenge and it ends tonight... the theme is black and white... I think my favorite black and white photo I have at this time is this one:

I guess it is actually black and white and green :P
 (I know I have already shown this photo... but I love it!)

just a quick post because I wanted to enter real quick :)

*edit*
Of course I also have this photo which was just taken this week via camera phone (B&W with slight fade on Picnik) ... Rock is an excellent piano player ;)

How abundant are the good things that you

have stored up for those who fear you,

that you bestow in the sight of all,

on those who take refuge in you.

Psalm 31:19 (NIV)

The Holidays: A Christmas List

I am writing out my Christmas list here so I remember if anyone asks... my family and in-laws don't read my blog but this will help me to remember :)

I already mentioned how Rock loves to read. Some of the books which are his favorites are Little Jesus, Little Me ,  Prayer of Jabez for Little Ones  and Veggie Tales The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything Helpers are Heroes. I also love these books because they are board books so he can turn the pages and play with them anytime he wants without worrying about tearing. (I have, however, already memorized these and a few others that I often read to Rock) Well, I found a Veggie Tales Board Book Collection that I would love to have that is also a great price. There are probably several books that I would love to have so that is at the top of my list for Rock.

Also.... Rock probably needs a few more toys... I got rid of  re-donated several toys that were given to us because they were primarily Barney or made very, very annoying noises. I would prefer learning toys and toys that require imagination for sound effects :) I recently found a shape sorter for Rock that he loves to play with... he doesn't sort the shapes yet but he can definitely knock down towers that mama and dada build form them. And they are great to chew on and clap together to make noises.

So toys I want for Rock include: building blocks, mega blocks (or is it duplos at this age?), nesting blocks, ummm... basically I want stuff for building for him. Maybe age appropriate puzzles and a xylophone too.... one that actually has to be hit not one of those that requires batteries and lights up and such. I also found a Pond Friends Stacking Toy Crochet Pattern (its a free pattern but you have to be a member to view it) that I may try to make for him.

And on the more practical side for the baby boy: a few more cloth diapers, 12-18 month warm clothes, and a new carseat since he has just about outgrown the one he has... we are looking at the Cosco Scenera Convertible Carseat (because it is inexpensive and fits exactly what we need)

And on to me for Christmas: I want an iron and portable ironing board (though I can just use towels like I did in college), those nifty Silicone Loaf Pans (I don't have a loaf pan and love making banana bread - i like the regular size or the mini loaf... the silicone muffin pans are cool too), ...I know there was something else I was thinking about at the beginning of this post but i can't think of it now...

I haven't actually asked my hubby what he wants... I just know from observation that he would like some more art supplies (for painting and drawing), some "old man shoes" (his wording not mine) that he can wear out of the house (he currently wears his house slippers out because of comfort), and a video game (not sure which one right now) that he can play online with one of his friends... he has also been wanting an xbox 360 again so we can play more halo... but that will probably be for a much later date.

I plan on making my gifts again this year (hopefully i have the time for it - I started at halloween last year with no baby yet) I already mentioned the stacker toy I want to try making for Rock and probably another hat too. i may also try to start and finish his stuffed animal ball chair (i will make a post on this once i finish it-  igot my idea here) that I am creating... though that may be for his first birthday instead. I'm not sure what to make hubby yet.... why are presents for men always so tough? I plan on some sort of picture collage for the grandparents... though not sure how or what as far as details go. I also plan on giving treat plates to neighbors and some friends in the area (cookies, fudge, and such) along with a homemade card. I had a post before that had one quick Card idea and I have been playing around with it some more.... I may end up choosing a few (they are coming out so cute) to send to various people (note to self - get addresses...lol) I saw a cute card idea that used just the paint program, but with Picnik and other similar websites i don't think i will be doing that :P
 
See one of my silly photos I did of Rock earlier today using Picnik: 

Before Picnik



After: Santa Baby

I guess that is all for now...That turned out to be a whole lot longer than I intended :P

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend... I had a lot of fun with the families that 'adopted me' for Thanksgiving :) Two different families, two different days, and two different meals (I don't know how some people do both sides of the family on one day with multiple meals)

Some of hubby's friends were back in the area for the holiday from Seminary so we got to visit with them. Hubby, Rock and I also served at the Elks lodge (serving meals and packing some up for delivery) on Thanksgiving Day. This past week was truly a blessing (in more than one way)

The LORD will give strength to His people;

The LORD will bless His people with peace.

Psalm 29:11 (NASB)

Happy Thanksgiving

Thankfulness (quick list, not complete or in any order): God  Jesus  My Husband  Love  My lil' Rock  My dog, Shadow  Extended family  Parents  Neighbors  Friends  Home  Food  Chocolate  Refrigerator  Warmth  Car  Good health  Blankets  Clothing  Technology  Water  Toilet  Bed  Pillows  Shower  Soap  Drawing  Painting  Paper Yarn Scissors Sewing  Toys  Joy  Funny faces  Laughter  Light  Lamps  Carpet  Shoes  Money to pay bills  Memories  Prayer  Time  Wisdom  Hearing  Seeing  Smelling  Tasting  Touch  Trust  Promises  Books  Hugs  Kisses  Work  Sorrow  Comfort  Faith   Hope  Gentleness  Life  Thank you for Thankfulness

Rejoice always, 

pray continually,

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

Wordless Wednesday: Strawberry Yogurt and Banana Puffs

Blessed are all who fear the LORD,

who walk in obedience to him.

You will eat the fruit of your labor;

blessings and prosperity will be yours.

Psalm 128:1, 2 (NIV)

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Eyes

The Paper Mama photo challenge this week (ending in two days) is "Eyes."

I would like to start off by saying most photos of our family end up like this: (click on photos to see better)

Red eyes all around :P -even with red eye reduction on. (and not easily fixed by the photo edit programs) So a challenge of eyes is really a challenge. I did, however, find a couple photos on file that were not ruby red eyes. The first was taken by hubby early last week (the green in the background was my shirt) and the other by me a month ago or so.

I love how Rock's Eyes are just like his dada's eyes. That is one of the many attributes that makes them look alike. I'm not sure which photo I like more due to the great smile and color in the first and the vibrant brown of the eyes in the second.... since the focus is supposed to be the eyes - I guess I am ok with the color being washed out of everything else in the second and I will enter it into the photo challenge at The Paper Mama.

The precepts of the LORD are right,

rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the LORD is pure,

enlightening the eyes;

Psalm 19:8 (ESV)

Monday....Really?

So it is Monday.... already. Where did the weekend go? Plus, it is Monday evening..... where did Monday go?

Well, I guess I do remember the weekend. Saturday was uneventful while hubby worked all day, but Sunday was fun. Church, Walk in the park, and time with Rock...here's the happy boy almost out of his carseat:

And here is what happened this weekend...
Early Sunday morning Rock kept waking up crying (up to 5 teeth working on a 6th) so I didn't sleep well either. So when hubby got up later on, I did not.... until 9ish when it was time to get ready for church. We got up and hustled around to get ready and ended up a little late for Sunday School. Sunday School was good... the baby girl in the class was the one 'talking' the most -usually it is Rock (she is a month older and they are the only non-adults in the class) After Sunday school the teacher of the class and his wife invited our family over for a dinner in a couple weeks. Then we headed to the church service.

The lesson was right on with where my hubby is right now. He is in  a"detox" of worldly things so minimal computer, no movies, no books..... primarily just work, family and God. The minister was preaching from Philippians 3 about not boasting in things of this world because we are not of this world and that if we hold to things of this world then we are really just missing out on the fullness of Christ. I'm not going to go into any detail but it was a great sermon.

We needed to get a couple things from the store so we headed there after church... It was such a beautiful day that we decided it would be nice to take a walk. So we went out to eat first: tacos and chalupas :) and headed to the park. Rock fell asleep on the car ride to the park but woke up just a few minutes into the walk. It is so much fun to watch him intrigued by everything around us. Hubby and I had some nice conversations during the walk too :)

Hubby had to work that evening so Rock and I played at home. I got his rocking horse back out so he could try it again.... he wasn't interested though. He ate and had a warm bath with lots of splashing then it was off to bed (for both of us). We went to bed and before I knew it hubby was home. Hmm... that was actually quite a bit... I guess I didn't miss the weekend after all.... just Monday :P

I guess I should do laundry and such before Rock is awoken from his final nap of the day.... that is one thing I did not do this weekend. So I am done with my ramblings for today... toodles :)

But whatever were gains to me

I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

Philippians 3:7

Wordless Wednesday (On Thursday): Surprise Visit

I missed wordless Wednesday because we took a quick trip (less than five hours each way) for my Grandma to see her great grandson for the first time... so instead of a story... here's a picture:

But from everlasting to everlasting

the LORD’s love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children’s children—

with those who keep his covenants

and remember to obey his precepts.

Psalm 103:17, 18 (NIV)

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Cozy

I said I had a photo already for The Paper Mama's challenge for this week (Cozy) so here it is:

Nothing too fancy, just Rock sleeping on his boppy holdin my hand :)

see more photos at The Paper Mama!

Ooo ...and here is a quick Christmas card idea i had (i will work more on it but wanted to share real quick) that im also entering at The Paper Mama for the Holiday card challenge:

If I had been cozy with evil,

 the Lord would never have listened.

But he most surely did listen, he came

on the double when he heard my prayer.

Blessed be God: he didn't turn a deaf ear,

he stayed with me, loyal in his love.

Psalm 66:18-20 (The Message)

My... er.. Rock's bumGenius

Why is it that ireceived a product that is distributed from St. Louis Missouri from Saskatchewan? (that's in Canada) Well, because that is where I won it from, of course. I just found it funny that I used to live in Missouri and I had to go to a Canadian store (well, an online Canadian store) to get a diaper from Missouri :P

I'm not complaining... I am glad I won another diaper (thanks again, Go Shop Momma)... I just realized it and had to share :)

So I now have a lovely Bum Genius 4.0 in Twilight all the way from Saskatchewan, Canada.... or is it Rock who has it?

That is all for now... I must get back to cleaning - I still don't really like chores! But it must be done so... hi ho, hi ho, its off to work I go....

The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock;

and let the God of my salvation be exalted

Psalm 18:46 (Amplified Bible)

We Fell In Love

I was thinking earlier today about how thankful I am for my husband and my son. In fact, I was specifically thinking about when we met and how things didn't quite go as anyone expected.

Hubby and I met one day when I went to a friends house to play video games. This friend happened to live at the same house as my husband.... therefore, I met my husband at his house :)

We were both dating someone else and had no intentions of ever being together (at least not at that point.) It was probably a year later before we actually started to get to know each other better. Hubby had started having ideas of becoming greater closer friends (or more) but I was dating someone else still. So he settled for just friends. But in the process of becoming friends more developed and my relationship with the guy I was dating faded.

There was only about a month between relationships for me.... then hubby and I only dated for a couple months before we knew we were going to be together as one. We had a lot of fun on dates and other activities. Such as: going to the YMCA before classes, getting lost in a nearby city together (I thought he knew where we were going), going for walks, hacky sack, painting, and volunteering at an afterschool program together. Oh, and I almost forgot.... playing video games :)

Many things have changed since then. We got married, I graduated from college, we moved from the town in which we met (and moved again, and again, and again), and had our son. I wouldn't change it, any of it, for the world.

So while thinking of all this I thought of a song: Two People Fell In Love by Brad Paisley... and then I took some pictures...

Sure, we have had some hard times and there are bound to be more. But we have One who knows what is next guiding us through. We wouldn't be where we are today without Him. (and Rock wouldn't be here at all) It may not have been our plan to be together or to have ended up here... but He knows better than us anyway :)

The LORD knows all human plans;

he knows that they are futile.

Psalm 94:11(NIV)

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Food

I have been using Picnik to edit many of my photos lately... the foloowing photos I captured and edited early today. I used The Paper Mama's challenge for this week as a basis for my photos.... the challenge is: Food!

First photo: Rock in his Fuzzibunz and bib ready to eat!

Next Photo: Can you believe this is his first time trying squash? He loves it!

Finally, the "food" entry photo I choose for The Paper Mama.

So there you have it.... head on over to The Paper Mama to view more entries!

Next week's challenge is "Cozy" and I already have a photo picked out for it :)

The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,

but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.

Proverbs 13:25 (NIV)

Rock and Reading

Rock loves to read!

He reads everywhere...
   in the bathroom
     in the kitchen
       in the living room
         in the bedroom
Anywhere he finds a book, magazine, or even mail - he must have it!


It doesn't matter what the book is or what it is about.. it catches his attention (at least for a little bit.) Just the other day Rock found a book and brought it to dada at the computer. Its adorable how he brings books to us and "helps" us turn the pages.

I love that he has a love for books so early!

Here is dada reading The Similarion by Tolkien to Rock:

 Taken early october - see how he is glued to the pages :)

Hopefully his love for reading will never fade away.

It is to be with him, and he is to read it

all the days of his life

so that he may learn to revere the LORD his God and

follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees

Deuteronomy 17:19 (NIV)

Wordless Wednesday: Line Dry

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Hide your face from my sins

and blot out all my iniquity.

Psalm 51:7, 9 (NIV)

I won!

In the past several months I have been entering giveaways like crazy: on blogs and facebook. So for all my hard work I have won several items that I would like to share with you. I haven't received some of them (recent wins) but here is a photo of some of what I have won and a list of where I won each item:

At 1+1+1=1 I won 2 cds from Songs for Saplings (originally only for one cd)

Dibs! I won a prize pack including: VeryChicBaby bamboo wipes, BabyEcoMart- Happy Heiny's training pant, and RubyMoon Cloth diaper detergent sample (already used up of course)

From Confessions of a Trophy Wife 3 sets of Mason's Eco Mom cloth nursing pads (not pictured because one set is dirty and I misplaced the other two sets)

At The Cloth Diaper Report  I received a Pooter's Hemp/Cotton OS Fitted Diaper (which I still haven't tried... maybe i will later today)

At Mama to 3 (now 4) Blessings I won twice! Once for The Eli Monster Cowboy Diaper Cover; then again for a Sprout Change reversible One Size in Chili Pepper... yay for fluffy wins!

Frugality is Free sent me a Baby Balboa shopping cart cover... which I love to use when we go shopping. It is pictured folded up purse size which makes it so easy to carry.

At A Mom's Take I received a 4moms cleanwater bath (i didn't keep this item because we wouldn't use it- Rock likes the regular tub - so I gave it away, too)

3 am Cloth Diapers had a WAHM event in which I won a Cow Patties Cloth Diapers Famous Pocket Fitted  "Mellow Out"- I love the absorbency of this diaper and it fits well under the Eli Monster cover :)  I also have some AI2 and Pocket camo diapers from Cow Patties (Meg has great customer service!)

From Arizona Mama I got a Pump It Up Party bag (not pictured - will more than likely give away the items - toys and parts for bigger, non-baby, kids)

I won a White Elephant photo contest for most creative "beg" for a wool cover :)

I've entered many giveaways at Biehl Adventures  and won one sponsored by Top to Bottom Baby Boutique for a $20 GC to http://www.ttbbb.com/ (still waiting for the system to work correctly for the GC though)

At Go Shop Momma I won a Bum Genius 4.0 sponsored by Teeny Tiny Tot Shop (still in the mail)

Cici's Customz had a fan drawing and drew my name so I received a cute Custom Diaper Case (with monkeys and camo!)

I recently won at the Diapeze Fan Celebration a Mama Necklace from Belle Fille Boutique (just shipped today)

And was just emailed today that I won the Charis Designs (which I blogged to enter) Diaper Cover

One of the giveaways I won that can't recall where it was from was for a GC to Amazon with which I bought the Fuzzibunz

And I believe that is it (17 giveaways total won).... except if I keep winning :) 

Hubby says he believes I could win the rest of our cloth diaper stash... so I will keep trying!

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

Then you will win favor and a good name

in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:3, 4 (NIV)

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Halloween

Another challenge from The Paper Mama... this time it is Halloween (of course)

I don't really have anything too fancy for Rock. I was making a Jester outfit for him so he and daddy could be court jesters together (Here is the outfit I had made for my hubby last year)... but Rock is too big for the material I had cut out and started sewing together last month (and I thought I made it big enough for growth) so I made something even simpler... no sewing involved... a firechief hat!

My little Rock as the Firechief:

Rock's Oma, my mom, was a volunteer firefighter for years and his uncle is a First Lieutenant at a station in Virginia.

 

so what better halloween costume than a real life hero

I'm putting the sepia photo into the contest ... will you enter, too?

Training your body helps you in some ways,

but serving God helps you in every way

by bringing you blessings in this life and in the future life, too.

This is why we work and struggle:

We hope in the living God who is the Savior of all people,

especially of those who believe.

1 Timothy 4:8, 10 (NCV)

Wordless Wednesday: Cowboy Rock

  

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse,

nor his delight in the legs of a man;

the LORD delights in those who fear him,

who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Psalm 147:10, 11

Doopsy Banner

I went ahead and put an advertisement banner at the top of my blog... i'm not going to make a habit of it but i think that just a couple won't make much of a big deal...

Anywho... the doopsy diapers banner is for Baby Eco Mart. They offer items from: Thirsties, Dream eze, Fuzzibunz, Happy heinys, Baby kicks, Knickernappies, and, of course, Doopsy. And not just diapers... there are natural care products, diapering accesories and fabric, momma cloth, and baby carriers. Also they have Seconds sales. Check them out... there are some great deals!

The Paper Mama Photo Challenge: Black and White

I'm going to do a two-in-one post: for The Paper Mama Photo Challenge and for my own crafting that I have been doing. The photo challenge is black and white and I figured little Rock in his pilot cap would be a good B&W photo...

I had started a hat for Rock when he was just shy of three months old... and guess what... I finally finished it!

I used a pattern for the Sweet Pea Pilot Cap at Sew Liberated. She has the free tutorial there so you can see it. Mine isn't exactly the same because I just used a couple old shirts, no backing of any sort, and I hand sewed it. I cut the first part from the pattern and did a quick sewing with red thread to make sure it fit:

The "A" is for his first name... taken from an "army" tshirt.

I got back to it again this month because I figured it is time for a light weight hat to be used. So i did a very sloppy overcast stitch over the already existing sewing (and left the red because it looked good). Then I used a blue shirt and cut off a couple inches to make the hem. I think it turned out ok... It will only be used for a  short period of time.... including this coming weekend for a bonfire... So its good enough for me :)

Doesn't it look cute on baby Rock?

I was really debating which black and white to put on The Paper Mama's page...  I think i like the forward facing one best :)  (He was being difficult - i was trying to get a rear view and he preferred following the camera)

Feel free to check out more B&W entries at The Paper Mama!

And they remembered that God was their rock,

And the Most High God their Redeemer.

Psalm 78:35 (NASB)

 

P.S. the last few inches of the hat were probably the most fun... Rock entertained himself by tickling hitting and biting my toes :)

Charis Designs: Giveaway for bloggers

Kim at Charis Designs is sponsoring her own giveaway. The giveaway is for either one Diaper cover or 2 sets of nursing pads. Winner chooses which they prefer (and if you choose the cover you also choose color and size). You can see her products at her Etsy Shop and if you are a blogger you can enter as well. Besides nursing pads and diaper covers, she also makes: fitted dipaers, AIO diapers, and cloth pads. She has some cute fabric and I would choose a diaper cover if I won :)

Wordless Wednesday: Airborne

Cow patties cloth diapers 

camouflage "airborne" OS pocket diaper

Be my strong refuge,

To which I may resort continually;

You have given the commandment to save me,

For You are my rock and my fortress.

Psalm 71:3 (NKJV)