Philippians 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but by prayer and petition, present your requests to God.  And he peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  

Praise God that we can claim this verse!

I would ask that you would also claim this verse for us and pray it over us in the coming weeks.  As is the case every 4 years, Jadie's union contract is up with the company he works for.  As usual, the things that he hears through the grapevine are troublesome and could lead to worry if we are not guarding ourselves.  The contract is officially expired on April 5th, so be praying starting today!

In addition to praying for God's peace and guidance for our family during this time, we are also specifically praying for a quick, but fair resolution to any and all of the disagreements over healthcare coverage, home garaging of the work vehicles, etc.   Our family's most immediate concern is healthcare, as we are expecting the baby in August.

Thank you for listening and for any prayers on our behalf.

Thank You, Best Buy!

I am thankful for a way to have a clear conscience as I dispose of my old electronics!

Best Buy's Greener Together Program

I have not yet used this service, but rest assured that I will after our next garage sale (if our electronics items do not sell.

Birthday Bliss

This year's birthday was a good one. 

Jadie woke me up at 7am to enjoy biscuits and eggs that he woke up early to cook for us.  Nice.

My cousin Melinda sent me flowers that arrived in the afternoon.  Beautiful tulips.  Still beautiful today.

Jadie and Caleb took me to dinner at Cheddar's.  My fave.

We met Kristin at McAlister's for some Chocolate Lovin' Spoon Cake.  They no longer serve it.  At least not at the one by Baylor.

We went to Starbucks/Chili's Too to seek out alternative dessert options.  

Mellow, but just what I wanted.  Wonderful day!

Operation Relaxation

I already have a love to East Texas.  My grandparents live there and my parents both grew up there.  There is just something about all the green grass and trees.  

This weekend I will spend time in one of my favorite parts of the state...relaxing and spending undivided time with God.  It is my first Women's Retreat with the women of our new church home, and I am looking forward to it!  Pine Cove, here I come!

In Between

I've been feeling a little in between lately.  

1. My tummy is big enough to be noticed easily, but not quite pregnant looking.  I always wonder what people think when they see me in public.  Do they think this is what I always look like or do they assume I'm pregnant?

2. It has been about 3 months since we told everyone we are pregnant.  I am getting many questions about the sex of the baby.  It'll be another month until we will know that answer!  This waiting makes me feel a little stuck.  But I do know that this too will be gone before we know it and we'll be holding a precious gift from God!

3. I know that my time as a BSF Children's Leader is coming to a close.  I feel somewhere in between being happy about the break, but sad at the realization that it will be a very long break since I cannot bring a new baby with me next year.

Rainy Days

Nonstop rain has negative effects on our backyard.  Normal rain usually isn't a problem, but 2...3...4...or more days of rain causes a river to appear.  Thankfully it's in the middle of the yard and not up next to the house!  And thankfully it runs THROUGH our backyard and then the neighbor's yard and finally into the ditch at the end of the block.

Left side of the yard:

Right side of the yard:

My Inability To Pass Up a Good Deal

I recently discovered Frugal Coupon Mom by watching Dr. Phil a week and a half ago.  She posts about her frugal findings at local grocery/pharmacy stores and about how to organize your couponing.  So, I've started collecting coupons and watching the weekly ads to compound my savings.  I used her tips for Walgreens this week and here's my transaction from today.

Note: I could have gotten a better deal on the Gauze Pads, but we needed them now, not later when they may or may not be on sale.

$5.99--Johnson & Johnson Gauze Pads, 3"x3"

$2.49--Johnson & Johnson Waterproof Medical Tape, 5 yd

-$3.00 Manufacturer Coupon

=$5.48

$3.49--Colgate Advanced Whitening Toothpaste

-$2.50 Walgreens Coupon

-$1.50 Manufacturer Coupon

=$0.51 Profit Toward Another Item

$1.98--3 pkgs Orbit Gum

-$0.99 Walgreens Coupon

=$0.99 

$10.00--44 count Huggies Gentle  Care Diapers, Size 1

$10.00--40 count Huggies Gentle Care Diapers, Newborn Size

$6.00--184 count Huggies Wipes

-$5.00 Manufacturer Coupon

-$5.00 Manufacturer Coupon

=$16.00

Total

$47.71-$24.35 in coupons=$23.36

I also walked out with $10 Walgreens Bucks toward any future purchase.

Maybe I'll go buy another package of diapers tomorrow for FREE (tax only)!

And yes, I did buy diapers for the baby even though he or she still has 5 months left in the womb...

Praise the Lord!

I think our little man may finally be potty trained.  At least for the daylight hours (I still put him in diapers for bedtime).   Today is day 5 with no accidents!  He has been initiating his own trips to the potty, including trips for pooping.  I feel weird for explaining in such detail, but my excitement at this accomplishment has led me to do so anyway.  Caleb was even able to hold things in while we waited our turn at the DPS today.  We were next up and there was no way I was getting out of that line.  

Yes, it is ironic that my license renewal was up during my days as a pregnant woman.  I laughed when the clerk asked for my height and weight.  I am just thankful that my face and shoulders aren't as pregnant as my belly at this point.  If it had been during months 7-9 of my pregnancy with Caleb, I would have put up a fight.  There is no way I would have wanted my driver's license picture to show me with swollen face for six years!