Angel baby

I am truly blessed by this precious little girl. She is so pleasant and sweet most all of the time. She takes naps and goes to sleep without a problem. I could not have hand picked a better child for my hubby and I to learn from and hopefully impact in a positive way. :)

One of those weeks that leaves a "bad taste in your mouth"

It's been a tough week.

My husband and I have been attending a church for several months now and we are really enjoying it. The pastor and his family are so kind and generous. The sermons are inspired. The people, for the most part, are lovely.

If you know anything about my hubby and I and our quest to find a church where we are both comfortable, you know that it has been long, hard, and seemingly impossible. I am the type to jump in and get involved in a church, but I have been reserved and waiting and praying for God to confirm that this is where we're supposed to be and where He would like me to serve.

I've been attending an incredible women's bible study every Wednesday morning that has been so refreshing and deep, exactly what I've needed.

Well, my "church high" was very short-lived this time as I was shown once again how selfish christians can be. I understand that we are all that way, but it seems to hurt even more when it is done by those who claim to be different. I want so desperately to run and either not go back to church ever again or find a new church....maybe even one where I can just hide for a long time. Unfortunately, and fortunately for that matter, that is not an option. My family is more important than petty issues with people and my family needs to worship in a place where we are all comfortable and can serve. The church as a whole has not done anything to warrant us leaving and I refuse to allow a person to push me away.

So, I must bandage up my wounds the best I can and move on and just pray that I can get past this horrible, painful week.

I'm a believer

For years I have bought into the idea that coupons are a waste of time and money. "It's cheaper to buy the off brand." After making money off of purchases and spending 39 cents for $60 worth of groceries, I have changed my ways and beliefs.

I will say that it does take a lot of time and energy and sometimes it takes a lot of printer ink, but what other job can you make $50+ an hour and do it completely on your own terms?

I will never spend more than 25 cents on a package of pads again! Body wash = FREE... Razors = FREE... It's insane how much you don't have to spend to get nice things! And you get to try items you never thought you would try!

And even better, once I get my stockpile, I am going to gather items to send to soldiers overseas and/or donate to local charities. We live on one income and as much as I've wanted to help local missionaries and such, I haven't had the resources. Now I have something tangible I can do to help. Of course there are other things you can do, like make a meal, a loaf of bread, pray,... but this is something I can work on over time and pull from whenever I want!

This is one of those things you have to have the time and energy to dedicate. If I wasn't home a SAHM, I don't think I could do this as well. I may not always be in a position to put this much time into it, but for now it is helping us make ends meet and pay off my student loans, so it's worth it! And speaking of student loans, we are officially half way to having them paid off!

Our little miss

It is amazing to watch a child grow and develop their personality. I don't think you realize all of the details unless it's your own child. Our little miss is so dramatic already and she's only 8 months old!

The giggles, the smiles, the raising of one eyebrow...I just love being a mommy!

Sure at times it's rough, but it's amazing how quickly you learn from your mistakes. Like Thursday night I decided to take my hubby to a movie. I clicked on the Fandango link fast enough to get a 10 cent ticket, and I had to book it right away in order to get it. Well, we couldn't find a sitter for that time, so we took the babeh with us. Normally she is super chill and falls asleep in the sling in the theatre. Not this time! She went from screaming mad to super happy and chatting as loudly as she could. Needless to say mommy didn't get to see much of the movie. So, we probably won't be taking her to the movie theatre anytime soon.

Wrapping up May

May has been a busy month. Although, I'm not so sure there is such thing as a slow month after having a baby. Not that its a bad thing, there is just always something to do. It's not like you can take a day off from being a mom. :)

Our garden survived the flood that came a day after we planted. Yes we have some things coming up all over, and we aren't really sure which are weeds and which are veggies but overall it is looking fabulous! I have picked several radishes and some of the other plants are starting to flower which is a good sign! (More on the beauty of a radish later. So many things they are good for!)

The ants are (mostly) gone...for now. My mother-in-law brought some Terro Syrup and basically they eat it and take it back to their colony and they all die. It sounds cruel, but keeping a clean kitchen where I can cook for my family and friends is super important to me.

A lot of my friends have been asking me to share some of my money saving tips. There are places for this all over the internet; people who devote an entire blog to a specific ways to save money. I can't and don't want to compete with that. So I will share what I do and what I know from time to time, but I will also make reference of other resources for more specific, in depth information.

We visited a civil war battlefield today. There wasn't much to see, but being there really made me feel like I was connected to history. It's really interesting to be on the other side of the civil war and find out that it really didn't have much to do with what I was taught. I don't want to get into the politics, but it's amazing how moving several states south will change your perspective on things.

So basically in May I...witnessed a disaster in my own city that affected my neighbors and friends...killed several hundred ants...watched my garden grow...watched my baby roll around...chased her as she tried to grab everything she could find (even things I didn't see until they were in her hands)...started couponing...found out my next door neighbor is from close to where I grew up...went 3 nights in a row with no more than 2 hours of sleep per night (teething is tough)...visited a civil war battlefield...lost 4 lbs...made 2 fancy cakes...decided I might (not have a choice but to) start my own business...entertained my wonderful in-laws...watched the season finale of LOST...and well...I could go on, but I will spare you ;)

Hope your May was as full of blessings and surprises as mine!

Simple things

Sometimes I really miss being a child. They have so much fun and are free-spirited. They have energy and the simplest things amuse them.

I love watching my girl discover new things. Everything is so exciting for her! She laughs hysterically when we scare her and thinks washcloths are way more fun than her toys.

The newest, most interesting thing is a word she made up. We are working on "Dadda" and somehow, after much intense thought, she came up with "BAH." It's not like all the other jibber jabber. It is an intent, thought out, very serious "BAH." My girl is so proud of herself that she gives us a coy smile after she says the "word."

And out of all the new milestones she's reached as of late, rolling everywhere, getting into everything, walking while I hold her hands, turning around, I have to admit that "BAH" is my favorite. ;)

The Ants go marching one by one...

I grew up in the country, in the middle-of-no-where surrounded by trees and fields and one house across the street. Okay so that eventually turned into more homes, but you get my drift. There were bugs and critters and I was okay with them...

Now I have my own house, my own kitchen, walls, floors, and for some reason the bugs have REALLY taken to it. In particular, the ants and spiders. I can deal with the spiders, although screaming does occur on occasion, but the ants? I WANT THEM ALL TO DIE A SLOW AND PAINFUL DEATH. PETA will probably come after me for saying that, but bugs belong outside. They don't belong on my floors and they REALLY don't belong on my countertops. I try to keep it crumb free, but with two dogs, a baby, and a hubby it's nearly impossible.

I've tried the terro traps and the baby powder and vinegar spray but nothing seems to be working. They come back in herds! YUCK.

I guess it could be worse... There could be snakes or ducks or possums or mice,... (Not that I EVER saw these in our home growing up) ;)

Back to the googles for help and if I can't get rid of them, I guess we'll have to splurge and hire The Bug Man again. :(