The Unexpected

We just returned yesterday evening from our trip to Oregon. You never know what to expect when flying with a baby, so I start to feel a bit anxious before we took off.

I was trying to be peaceful and calm yesterday as we prepared to go through airport security when we found out that our flight had been delayed by 1 1/2 hours and we still had 2 hours until the new announced take off. I was so caught off guard and started to panic since Caden's nap time had already passed 15 minutes beforehand and I knew he might have a overtired meltdown at any moment!

However, with a moment to calm down and pray I relaxed a bit and we took the opportunity to spend a few more moments with my grandma and grandpa-in-law. We went to the airport book store and then sat down in a little cafe.

Once we did get through security we waited for the plane to arrive...which was 15 minutes late from the delayed time...but we boarded and were pleasantly surprised! The flight attendant told me that the plane was full, but with the delay is now only two-thirds full, so we could spread out. Plus, once we started to take off Caden fell fast asleep and stayed asleep until we hit home ground.

The delay was upsetting at first, but turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It was one of the most relaxing plane rides I have ever taken.

Next time something unexpected and naturally upsetting happens to you try and take a moment to pray and calm down. Once you have a positive perspective you might be surprised that what you didn't want to happen actually was exactly what you needed. :)

Vacation

Well, I'm leaving on a jet-plane.... :)

I do know when I will be back again, though, Tuesday at 5:35 pm. Haha.

We are visiting some of my in-laws for a few days. They haven't seen Caden for a few months now, and boy will they be surprised to see how much he has changed!

Spending time with family is always a valued thing for us and are looking forward to it for a few days.

My husband and I definitely need a little break from the routine and time to relax.

All this being said, I won't be posting until next week. So, until then have a happy 3 day weekend (for some of you :) )!

All We Need Is LOVE

Happy Valentine's Day!

No matter if you are married, dating, or single we all have some kind of love in our life and that is always worth celebrating. :)

A lot of people talk about how awful Valentine's Day is and how it is a ploy from the greeting card companies. Well, even if that is true I would still celebrate. Like some say, we should show our love to those who mean a lot to us through out the whole year- and I agree! But, sometimes I think we need a little reminder and what is so wrong with having one day each year to give us that little reminder?

With all of that being said, I want to take a moment and ask what are you doing to celebrate today? Today can be a special time for couples to spend quality time together and it can be a fun time for kids and family! I would encourage you to think a little outside the box on this Valentine's Day...

Our church is doing "Valentine's for Orphans." Instead of spending as much on ourselves, we are putting some of that money towards buying supplies for an orphanage in Haiti. We went as a family earlier today to buy diapers and formula for these orphans. It felt so good to show charitable love in a tangible way today. I think this will be a new Valentine's tradition for my family and me.

What ever you do today do it in love. :)

A Priceless Woman: You

What defines you as a woman? What makes you feel valuable? Worthwhile?

The world is constantly telling us who we should be as women and where we should obtain our value from....If you are in shape- you are valuable. If you have the trendy clothes- you are valuable. If many men find you attractive- you are valuable. If you have perfect, well behaved children- you are valuable.

We are bombarded with these messages more than we think. And the thing is, without even realizing it we buy into them.

But, what if you don't fit the stereotype of a "beautiful" woman? What if you aren't a size 2? What if your house isn't always spotless and your kids throw tantrums in public? Does that mean you aren't worthwhile?

As women we need to find our value in something that is steadfast, never changing, and that loves us for who we are. Romans 5:8 says, "But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Wow, what love! Freely given to us purely because He desires us!

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 John 3:1) God declares we are His children. He created us, He died for us, He calls us His daughters!

We have value because God says we do. He has made you the way you are. He knows your heart, even the ugliest darkest places, and yet He still chose you to be His.

Let's live like we are worthwhile. Let's see ourselves from our Father's eyes. Let's blow the stereotypes out of the water and show the world what real, true, priceless women look like.

The Weight Battle

Losing weight has been on my mind a lot lately. Basically, ever since my son was born. I still want to lose 5-10 lbs. and just get back into shape and tone up. I don't mind exercising, infact, I kind of enjoy it. The part that is difficult for me is the eating.

I LOVE food...and mostly the food that is not good for me! If it is around I lose all self control and I will eat it. haha.

To reach this goal of losing about 10 lbs. I have started working out 5 days a week. I have pretty much cut soda out of my diet all together, I will have it every once in a great while. But, I have not started to watch what I eat. It is time. I know this is my next step, and I think I am ready. :)

Do any of you have any eating tips for me or healthy recipes that you enjoy?

I Don't Like Chores!

Chores, chores, chores! I feel like they are never ending. No matter how hard I work all day the house never seems to stay spotless.

I am the type of person that can't stand a mess. Clutter really stresses me out and that is not good with a 9 month old crawling around, because there is always a mess!

My least favorite household job is the kitchen/dishes because it is never ending! What is your least favorite chore?

To stay on top of all my housework I try to take it in little bits. I do some during Caden's two naps and then clean up a bit before I go to bed. Then every Saturday I do more "deep" cleaning.

Still no matter how you do it housework is not fun. Definitely not one of the more glamorous sides to being a homemaker. :)

Sunday

Sundays can be so busy in the mornings...rushing around to get everyone and everything ready to head off to church. So many times I end up in the church parking lot making my way in and realize that I have failed to pray yet today!

Do you any of you feel the same way?

Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest in the Lord. The important part is "in the Lord." It might sound nice to just take a day of rest, sleep in, stay in your pj's all day, but that is not the kind of rest we are talking about.

Instead of looking at Sunday as just a day for you to relax, look at it as a day dedicated to God. Worshiping Him with other believers at a local congregation gives a new energy to your soul. Taking time to be in solitude with your Bible and in prayer is rejuvenating and gives peace. Spending time with your family (quality time) brings unity.

All of these things are restful and renew us for a new week serving God and others. Consider setting a goal every Sabbath to know God more and pretty soon this could be the goal of your life. :)

Kid Clothing Sale

Just to let all of you with little kids running around know, there is a BUY 1 GET 1 SALE at Carters!

A lot of cute new clothes from their Spring Collection.

Enjoy!

Growing Up

I can't believe that 9 months ago this little guy entered my life. It has gone by so fast, yet I feel like I have been his momma forever...

I know that 9 months isn't a huge milestone or anything, but it just hit me yesterday as I was cleaning out his closet that he isn't going to be a baby much longer. The next size of clothing I will be buying for him is a 12m!

I want to treasure the past, look to the future with excitement, and soak up the here and now.

Being a mom is full of SO many different emotions! Each day I spend with him I love him more. It is truly amazing. Nothing can prepare you for being a parent. You just have to experience it as you go. :)