Weekly Feature

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I am thrilled to announce that my first weekly feature with Arrows and Warriors has been posted. Heather from A&W shares so much of my heart and it is an honor to join her in this ministry. Yes, I said ministry. The blogging world is a great way to not only share your thoughts and document memories, but it can serve as yet another vessel to carry the Good News and love of Christ. I hope you follow along as we start this new venture. I am honored to serve alongside the other guest bloggers that you'll see here throughout the week. Check it out!!!

Countdown to Halloween Link-up: Finale

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I blinked and October is gone! I'm glad, that despite the weeks of sickness we've had, that we finally got in some good fall fun before it was all over.

Here are the remaining highlights of our October...

Buckeye Brownies

I was wanting a yummy fall snack that didn't involve pumpkin. I am a fan but it was time for a little something different. Thanks to Kristyn at lil'luna, I now have a new favorite. These brownies are not meant to make your waistline smile, but they will make you happy. I do suggest that you have multiple people to share these with (or not). I bet you can't eat just one!



Trunk or Treat

The church down the road from our house holds a Trunk or Treat each year. It's wonderful to see our friends and watch G play with her buddies.

CBC's Fall Festival

Our church throws a fall festival every year. It is a wonderful way to outreach to our community. G decided she wanted to be Rapunzel, which was fine since N had outgrown his football outfit (she was originally going to be a cheerleader) that I bought him two months ago. It was way too short decide buying it much larger than what I thought I might need. We has a wonderful time with our church family and others in the community. G loaded up on candy...which we will all enjoy lol.

N's face cracks me up as he gets some snuggles from our pastor

Reminiscing

On October 20th, our friends adopted their son. He is perfect in every way and we are so excited to get some snuggle time with him soon!

October 24th marked 3 years since my grandpa's passing. It's always so bittersweet. I am so thankful that he is with Jesus and no longer suffering. However, I know he would adore his great-grandchildren and my heart wishes that he had been able to meet them.

October 25th marked 7 years of marriage.

On October 31st, 2014, we found out that we were expecting baby #2. It was truly a miracle that we will forever be grateful for.

Linking up for Countdown to Halloween Link-up

Baby N: 4 Months

This last month has flown! Our sweet boy is now 4 months old and I'm struggling to wrap my brain around it.

Weight: 14 lbs 15oz

Height: 25 5/8 inches

Clothes:3-6 months across the board. You've even been wearing 6 m pants because you've gotten so long.

Eat: 6oz every 4 hours

Sleep: About 6 hours, then up to eat and it's back to bed for another 2 hours or so.

Play: I wish I could say you now like tummy time...but not so much. You occasionally tease us when you almost roll over. In time. You do however love the exersaucer. You love to make the accessories play music, spin and make noises.

Your laughter is contagious. All of us, including your sister, will do anything to hear that melodious sound. You enjoy music and and dancing is one of your favorite things.

Odds and Ends: This month has been tough. You have had all the signs of teething. No fun. You've also been fighting a cold which has made sleep difficult for all of us.

Despite all of the sickness,  we did get to celebrate a few fall activities. You experienced your first Trunk or Treat and you managed to stay up for the whole Fall Festival at church. You out grew the football costume I had bought you so you just rocked some festive attire. This coming month holds a lot of exciting things and we look forward to sharing them all with you.

Linking up for Mommy Moments

Currently : October

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I love fall and October is generally my favorite month. Everything about it is wonderful!  This October however has been particularly difficult.

Thinking About: I used to sleep. I don't mean a few hours at a time...I mean all night. Since N's birth, those days of restful, restorative sleep are but a distant memory. This October has been full of sickness in our family. This has greatly contributed to many sleepless nights. For instance, we've experienced the following:
-My diagnosis of octal migraines (yes, my eyes have migraines)
-Teething
-Fevers
-Strep
-Common cold (which is miserable for the babes)

Working On: November's meal menu. I love breaking out the crock pot this time of year.

Learning: It's an ongoing process when it comes to learning how to accept things that are beyond my control. I want to learn how to really slow down and embrace the now instead of constantly feeling like I need to be prepping for the next thing.

Watching: The leaves are turning. It's peak season here and everything is gorgeous. How quickly time flies.

Listening to: G console her baby brother. They both have colds and when he coughs she does what she can to comfort him.

Trying: I'm really trying to get some order back in our home. Between myself and the kids being sick, I've been trying to disinfect but haven't done well to keep things organized.

Loving: I'm loving all the little things. Life goes by far too quickly and every moment we have is a gift.

Countdown to Halloween Link-up : Week 4

We're finally all on the mend. N appears to still be teething and G may be getting a cold but overall, this is the healthiest we've all been for the last 3 weeks. We finally got in some good fall fun.

On Saturday G and I met up with our friends to participate in our local pregnancy center's costume 5k. Not only was it awesome fun, but what a wonderful cause. The money we raised will go towards helping those facing pregnancy learn about options that will promote the health and life of their unborn child. We had a blast!

On Sunday we celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary by going out to eat after church. We opted to try a restaurant that catered our friend's wedding. We were not disappointed.

We got in a fall craft and later that evening we went to a local church's Trunk or Treat. My computer is on the fritz so I'll have to post those pictures later. We have a few more things coming up this week that I'm looking forward to and will share next week. Until then I'll leave you with a swert little pic of sweet N enjoying the fall weather. Happy fall!

Linking up with the Countdown to Halloween Link-up

Seven Years Strong

Today my husband and I celebrate 7 years of marriage. In that time we've seen many friends get married and then far too many divorce. People have their reasons for separating but likewise, he and I have our reasons for staying together.

Before I go on, our marriage is far from perfect,  but we do try to live according to the marriage God has put together and continues to bless.

First off, we don't consider divorce an option. We are solely committed to each other and the vows we made to God. We try to keep him the center of our marriage and that helps to keep our marriage centered on what it should be. Our thought on the matter is that if one of us leaves, it's because the Lord has called that person home.

Secondly, we try to make the other feel appreciated. A lot of divorced couples use that as a reason...they feel under appreciated. Marriage takes work. It's not something that just magically takes care of itself. You have to be in it...all in.

Thirdly, we pray for each other. We know that temptation is out there. The grass always looks greener, especially when things are a little rough at home. Praying for your spouse through the good AND bad times makes a huge difference.

Finally (there is so much more but for the sake if time), we tell each other how much we truly love the other. We don't throw that phrase around. We mean what we say. We give compliments and words of encouragement when we can. It's so important to affirm the other person.

Like I said, we have our faults and our flaws but we truly love one another. We truly want Christ in our marriage and we want others to see His blessings in our lives. It's not always easy but it's worth it. Besides, we set the example of what our children will look for in their own relationships. We want to know that we are showing them the right things.

Linking up for Mommy Moments

5 Reasons Why October is My Favorite

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Oh October,  I love you.

Why?

1. On October 25, 2008 I married my best friend. He truly is the love of my life and I look forward to many years to come.

2. In October 2012 we announced the miracle of our first pregnancy.

3. On October 31, 2014, we were blessed with another prayed for miracle. We learned that we were expecting baby #2.

4. It's the time of year when fall festivals are in full swing, the air is crisp and sweater season truly begins...

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5. My newest reason to love October is that on the 20th of this month (yes, just this week!) our dear friends brought their new son home to his forever home. This adoption has been long prayed for and they have been truly blessed. I can't wait to meet him soon! You can read about his homecoming here.

Linking up for Five on Friday