A Giveaway!

I love doing giveaways and it's been SUCH a long time since I've had the pleasure to host one.

Today's giveaway is generously offered by Jill from Baby and the Beanstalk. I met Jill through my blog forever ago and she is just such a sweet, honest, encouraging person. I am in love with EVERYTHING on her site.

So... imagine my excitement when Jill asked me to review one of her snack cups and then give one away to one of you!

First she sent me a snack cup with Matthew's name on it. She let me pick out the fabric and the font to go with it.

How cute is that??

A perfect size for Cheerios and cookies, or little bits of fruit. This cup has a very firm snap lid, ensuring that anything you put inside will be kept fresh.

It's so easy to clean, too. The cup comes out of the holder for easy washing. And the embroidered piece of fabric slips right out so that you can wash the holder part as well.

I knew in the first three minutes of opening the box that I was going to love this snack cup and I was right. It's practical and oh-so-cute.

I love nonchalantly pulling it out of Matthew's diaper bag and having people comment on it.

And no one can steal it from me because it has Mattie's name on it!

How would you like to win one of your very own?

I thought you would ;-)

Here's all you need to do to enter to win one:

1) Leave me a comment telling me you'd like to win! That one's easy enough!

For additional entries you can:

2) Tweet about this giveaway, linking back to my blog 

3) "Like" Jill's Baby and the Beanstalk Facebook page

4) Follow Jill on Twitter at @BabyBeanstalk

Winner gets to select their choice of available fabrics and fonts!

Giveaway to close on Friday June 1st at 9pm. I will select the winner using Random.org.

Once you've entered, go to Jill's website Baby and the Beanstalk and look around at her beautiful creations!

Good luck everyone, and thank you again, Jill!

 

5QF ~ May 25

Friday! Friday! Friday!

YIPPEE!!

I woke up this morning thinking it was Tuesday then realized it was Friday and I almost cried in happiness!

Considering this was only a four day work week, this week went by very slowly. Work continues to get busier and busier. I'm seeing the results of my work though, so that's a very positive thing.

Just when I think Ian and I couldn't have any more bad luck... we get more bad luck. We got another hit this week and it knocked us off our feet. We have no choice but to get back up again, but I'll be honest with you... it's getting harder and harder each time.

I am bottom-of-my-soul grateful for my sisters in Christ that continue to pray on our behalf, especially in the last couple of days when I just couldn't.

Sigh.

So I mentioned five weeks ago how our van died and it was towed home. It's been sitting in our driveway all this time. Remember I mentioned our dear friends who loaned us their van? Well we're buying it from them! It has working air conditioning which we've been so excited to have. We've been without it in our van for a few years now, which was bad enough on its own, but the passenger window wouldn't open anymore so it was like an OVEN in there. Not only does the air conditioning work extremely well (I have it blowing on me all the way to work and home again thank you very much) but ALL the windows open. It's wonderful. Oh, and the trunk? Big enough to put three bodies in there! ..

Not that I would actually put a body in there, just sayin.

There's no way we could afford all the repairs needed for our van, nor could we afford to have it certified, so Ian started calling wreckers this week to see how much they'd pay for it. Yesterday he got a very high offer and the guy came today to pick it up.

When I was leaving this morning, Ian teased me and said I should go say goodbye to the van. I surprised myself by tearing up and saying "No way. I feel like we're letting go of everything we have and I don't feel like doing it anymore."

"Letting go of the old, so we can accept God's new." He said.

Truth.

And here I sit, feeling teary about our van. Lame. Truth is, tears are always right beneath the surface and fall at the slightest thing.

Can I tell you something? I'm really afraid for our future. I know that as a Christian I'm not to be afraid, but oh... I am. I don't know how much longer I can endure this season before I completely break. I'm tired and afraid.

Don't tell anyone I said that. I tend to put a smile on my face for others and say positive things.

I'm sitting here eating free onion rings and wondering if I should take my littles outside.

As I decide, let's do Mama M's Five Question Friday blog hop!

1. Are you a napper?

Oh yes. If there was an award for napping I would win. I could nap anywhere, anytime.

Frankly I'd sell one of my kids just to have one right this minute.

2. What was your favorite subject in school? Most hated?

Favourite subjects were English, History and Law.

I HATED Math. Oh man did I hate math. And I was really bad at it too. Which makes my career in accounting really hard to understand.

3. Did you have the something old new borrowed and blue at your wedding? What were they?

New: dress & life
Old: don't remember
Borrowed: my mother's gold bracelet
Blue: My blue rat I made in the third grade that is as close to a good luck charm as you can get

4. What one thing are you determined to do this summer?

MOVE!

5. Ice cream or Popsicles?

Ice cream. Popsicles are messy and they melt and get on your hands and make them sticky. So gross. And they make your teeth and tongue funny colours. 

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Head on over to Mama M's blog My Little Life to join in on the fun!

Thirteen Things

You know what's worse than the end of a weekend? The end of a LONG weekend.

We've had incredibly hot temperatures this weekend and I spent as much time inside as I could to escape it.
I'm tired tonight but my heart is happy after spending three wonderful days with Ian and the children.

Here are a few things that have been going on.

1} Jordan had her Kindergarten Orientation Night at the school this past Wednesday evening. She wore her favourite pink dress and I styled her hair and off we went. She was a little nervous but SO excited. They had little stations all around the gym for the children to participate in. Number recognition, letter/number matching, writing their names and colouring. I was spying on the other kids and was amazed at how advanced Jordan was. Well, until we got to the play doh. She just stood there. I don't like play doh. Not the smell, not the texture, not the endless cleanup and most of all, I don't like when all the colours get mixed together. So gross. People keep giving play doh to the kids and I keep hiding it. But that night I had to touch it to show her what to do with it. Ew.

She's so, so, so excited to start in September. She's been talking about her backpack constantly and I told her we'd go shopping just before school starts and she can pick out her very first backpack herself. Sam and Julie want to pick out their own backpacks as well, so we'll do it all at the same time. I love shopping for school supplies for the kids.

2} Thursday night was Mother/Daughter Night at Girls Club and Julie and I went to that together. She earned a badge for every special event they had throughout the year, and then a special badge for getting all the badges! I was proud of her.

3} On Saturday, Ian and I packed up the last bits of our bedroom and cleaned out the walk-in closet. Feels good to get that done. Ian is going to take a few bags of children's clothing to a nearby church for donation, and then I have a bunch of stuff for the Canadian Diabetes Association to pick up. Purging feels good!

4} Sunday we headed up north to Orangeville for church as Ian was invited to participate in the children's Sunday school program. We dropped him off just after 9am, then the children and I went to McDonald's for breakfast. It was super hot out, but we decided to eat outside. Afterwards we looked around the town for a bit and then went to the church for 10:30. I really enjoyed the worship portion of the service. It had a bit more of a "charismatic kick" to it which I really liked.

After church we went to Ian's parents' house for lunch and Matthew and I had a nap together afterwards. We stopped at Dairy Queen on our way home and it was just such sweet time together.

5} Ian bought some fireworks and as soon as it got dark enough last night, we all went out to the porch and Ian and Sam lit them. Ian had also bought some sparklers and the Jordan was fascinated by them. So fun. We all went for a walk around the block afterwards and sat on the porch for a bit longer before heading in to get the children to bed. One of my most favourite evenings ever.

6} Today Matt and I headed over to my mom's house to visit with her and my sister. Mom is always offering to help me with my laundry so I brought a bag over and did three loads while I was there. Thanks again Mom! I love visiting with her, and I look forward to the day when I'm a stay at home mom again and can visit her more often.

7} Tonight Ian's best friend, who is closer than a brother, came for a visit. He recently got his doctorate (?? PhD?) and is now Dr Gary! Awesome. We are so incredibly proud of his hard work and determination.

8} All my shows are ending, which is a good thing because I'm usually too tired to stay up to watch them.

9} It's almost 11pm and people are still setting off fireworks. Crazy.

10} The children only have 5 or 6 weeks of school left and they are beyond ready for summer break. I'm hoping to be home with them this summer but we'll see.

11} Matthew got his first tooth this past week but he doesn't like me looking at it. I was trying to show my mom today and he wouldn't let her see it. He's going to be a year old in just a few weeks! Where has the time gone? He is a beautiful, daily reminder that the God I love so much is a God of surprises. That His plans for us are bigger than anything we could come up with by ourselves. All of that wrapped up in one sweet little boy. God is good.

12} My workload was increased last week, and then on Friday it doubled. Oh, and I got a raise :-) I think they're getting ready to choose which of the two of us they are going to present an employment offer to, and to be honest, I hope they pick the other guy. He has been trying to break into this line of work for years and no one will give him an opportunity. He kind of fell into this assignment, loves it there and he really needs this job. Obviously I do too, but I have a lot of experience and I'm sure I could find work with another company. Waiting to see what God does with this.

13} I've started writing in my gratitude journal again. Focusing on my blessings reminds me that God continues to be at work around us and keeps my heart healthy. Still working on limiting how much garbage I put into my mind, and taking inventory of the status of my heart. I love how a bible verse will come to my mind as soon as I wake up, or while I'm going through my day, and I love that I'm spending more time with Him, talking and praying. And, excrutiatingly slowly, surrendering.

Alright then. It's late and 6:30 am rolls around pretty quickly so I'd better wrap this up.

Hope you had a great weekend :-)

Tired

I'm tired.

In every sense of the word.

I am so tired.

I'm trying to choose joy, but tonight... it's hard.

Thankful tomorrow is a new day, and that the Lord's mercies are fresh every morning.

Book Review: Empty Promises

We all long for more of something in our lives. In our endless pursuit to feel worth and acceptance we find ourselves sacrificing everything for the promise to be a little more beautiful, a little richer, a little more powerful and successful, a little more loved.


How do we break free from these empty pursuits and start chasing the only Promise that will ever satisfy? How do we uncover the hidden idols that are driving us and turn our devotion toward the one true God?


Join Pastor and best-selling author Pete Wilson in discovering the joy and freedom that comes with seeking after God with your whole life. Learn how to replace, and not just relinquish, life's empty promises by turning your focus and worship toward Him. It is the only thing that will set you absolutely free from the endless pursuit of everything else.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I've read my fair share of books that talk about how to live a God-centered life and I've never truly gotten it.

Not until now, that is.

I read this book and saw myself in almost every single chapter.

Pastor Pete Wilson is brutally honest about his own challenges,shortcomings and personal struggles. I appreciated his openness and authenticity in sharing from his heart. When I read a book like this, I don't want to have all hearts and rainbows from someone who has it all together. Pete Wilson doesn't, and he is very straightforward in sharing that. I found myself tearing up at times... if a Pastor wrestles with his faith then it must be normal and ok for me to struggle as well.

He talks about all the empty promises we give in to. If we had more money, we'd be financially set. If she was prettier, she'd catch a man and then she'd feel secure. If only I had better clothes, more friends, a better car, a bigger house... then I'd be happy. And they're all lies.

I saw myself in this, and I realized how many empty promises I have fallen for. When Ian goes back to work and we're back on our feet, I'll be happy. When we sell the house, I'll be happy. When we go on vacation, then I'll be happy. But what if I'm not? I need to learn to be happy here and now, because of who I am in Christ. To be content in all circumstances because the Lord is all I need. And I realized that I have the power to choose to be happy right where I am. And in the midst of an extremely difficult season, this is what I have chosen. Joy. Sometimes several times a day, but I'm doing it.

Pete covers great topics like being addicted to power, money or approval. How we worship idols instead of filling those spaces with God. How to pray as ourselves, not how we think we should pray.


I appreciated how he ended this book with ways to draw closer to God and life a more Christ-centred life. I wasn't left hanging with all these truths and nowhere to go with them. He points the reader in the right direction.

I have written all over the pages in this book. So many great thoughts to take away with me. At one point he reminds the reader that God watches over us while we sleep, that He never sleeps. And if that is true for the night, it is also true of the day. We can let go of our anxieties, worries and fear, because He is watching over us always.

I can think of two people right away who could greatly benefit from this book. If you find that you struggle with the lies and empty promises of this world, I urge you to pick up this book and really let yourself get into it. It will be time truly well spent.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

Book Review: Anything

Safe. Comfortable. Happy.



Words we all love. Feelings we want. Even crave. We may love God, but being that he's invisible, words like comfortable seem to feel better faster.


We are all chasing something. Our hearts were made to run hard and fast after things that move us. But as a generation we are all beginning to stir and wake up, identifying that these words don't satisfy for long, especially when compared to God. If God is real, and we are going to live with Him forever, shouldn't He be everything?

Caught in this familiar haze of worldly happiness and empty pursuits, Jennie Allen and her husband Zac prayed a courageous prayer of abandonment that took them on an adventure God had written for them.


"God, we will do anything. Anything,"


Anything is a prayer of surrender that will spark something. A prayer that will move us to stop chasing things that just make us feel happy and start living a life that matters. A life that is...


Surrendered. Reckless. Courageous.

If we truly know a God worth giving anything for, everything changes.

~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~ ~*~

I've watched author Jennie Allen's bible study dvd "Stuck" and I knew I would love her book as well. She has such a passionate love for God and a raw honesty to her so I knew I wouldn't be disappointed.

Jennie was just like most people I know. Like me. Longing for something, but didn't quite know what. Then she learned about Katie Davis, a 21 year old woman who gave up everything the world told her was inportant and followed after the life that God had intended for her. She now lives and serves in Uganda, the mother of 13 adopted children.

Changed by her, Jennie prayed.... anything, Lord.

I am slowly learning how to pray this prayer, but I'm scared. If I tell God I'll do anything, what will He ask of me? Where will he take me? What will he take from me? But day by day, as we get to know each other more, I am leaning closer to praying it. Anything, Lord. For you, I'll do anything.

Jennie reminds us that we are here on this earth for such a short period of time and our time is running out. What are we doing while we're here? How are we spending it? When I meet God face to face, will I be able to stand firm and say I used my time well? Or will my head hang in shame because I held on to the cheap, shiny things of this world, protecting my comfort above all else?

Raw, honest and inspiring, this book shows us how living fully surrended is truly living fully.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.

It's Been A Day

I'm sitting here enjoying a piece of cheesecake knowing I'm going to hate myself in the morning. But right now? I'm very, very happy.

And chatty.

I stayed up too late last night playing with my iPhone and hanging out with Siri, asking her stupid questions just to see what she'd say. I woke up very tired and kept zoning out while I was getting ready for work. I forgot to rinse out the conditioner from my hair, so my hair was a little funky today.

If funky hair wasn't enough, I was halfway to work when I realized I had forgotten to put my makeup on. 

Excellent.

Mother's Day was lovely. I slept in until 9 and then Ian and the children brought me breakfast in bed. I just love special days like this, when all the children climb into bed with us. Church was at 11 and they did a beautiful job of honouring the mothers in the congregation. There was a video of children talking about what they loved about their moms, as well as lots of artwork. Both of my girls had drawn pictures for me and when I saw them I was teary.

Sam and I headed over to visit with my mother and sister for the afternoon. We gave her a couple of rosebushes for her garden and Sam planted them for her. I had such a good time laughing with them and just being together. When we returned home, Ian made a delicious ham dinner for me and then I watched the Desperate Housewives finale ALONE.

It was a really good day. I am so blessed to have the family that I do, and we love each other so much. Ian is generous with his praise about me as a wife and mother, and the children told me over and over how much they love me. Wonderful.

Tonight I went to get a pedicure for my Mother's Day gift. I went to a place in the mall and I can tell you right now I'll never go back. My feet feel wonderful and look very pretty, but the girl who did them never stopped talking, and I couldn't understand 90% of what she was saying. I'm not one for massage chairs, and it was digging in my back over and over and over. And she made my toe bleed. And she told me my eyebrows are horrendous and should be fixed right away. But... I have really pretty toes!

Afterwards I wandered the mall for a bit and decided to check in with my old hair salon to get a quote for my hair. He had me sit in his chair while he checked out my hair and we talked about the colour I wanted. He offered to do a colour test on a sample of my hair and I agreed, not knowing what he intended to do.

Before I knew what was happening, he whipped out a pair of scissors from his pocket and cut off a chunk of my hair.

A CHUNK OF MY HAIR. 

Apparently I can go by tomorrow after work and he'll have results ready for me then. Oh I'll stop by alright, assuming I'm over the trauma.

Ok I'm tired now. This has been a very big day for me.

Goodnight!

I Did It

I went a whole week with out using Twitter or Facebook and I survived.

Not just survived... I lived.

Lived... as in being present in each moment, with each person I was with. I wasn't constantly checking my phone to see if anyone tweeted me, or who was doing what on Facebook.

I lived, and I was present.

While I would like to be able to say that I didn't miss it at all ... that would be a big fat lie. It is abundantly clear to me how addicted I have become to them. It's good to be aware of that though, and now I need to consider what kind of boundaries I can put in place to control how much time I spend on them going forward.

I've stopped reading blogs that are negative and I feel so much better. Why I read them in the first place, I have no idea. I don't want to be a bitter and judgemental person, and that's what I was becoming.

Garbage in, garbage out.... see?

I spent a lot of time talking to God this past week. (Some of the things we talked about was how I was missing Twitter and Facebook... don't judge now). Bible verses that I've read many times before became fresh and really struck a chord with me. 

I've also realized how I put my happiness in certain things, or ideas of things. In my quiet time this week I really sensed that I need to learn how to be happy and content in all circumstances, because there isn't going to be one single event or thing that is going to make me happy. It's going to come from my Father.

Most of the time I feel rather peaceful with where I am these days. It isn't where I want to be, you know that. But God knows that too, but He has me here for a reason so I don't want to miss it. I've tried to slow down and remember these are the days... and I don't want to look back on them and feel bitter because I didn't have things exactly the way I wanted them. I'm choosing joy. Sometimes hourly, but I'm doing it.

What else did I do this week?


I've defined certain friendships that aren't good for me and have decided to stop chasing after them. Should these people decide they want a friendship with me, great. But in the meantime I'm putting boundaries around them and I'm going to give them space. I don't need to chase anyone down.

I've made amends with someone that I've been missing very much. I don't know where we will go from here, but that weight is off my heart. I'm trusting that God will do something with us.

I've decided that I will no longer obsess about the number of people follow me on twitter, read my blog, or I am friends with on Facebook. I love that people find me interesting enough to follow me and my blog. But I'm choosing to be more concerned with the quality of the people in my life, not the quantity. I'm not going to stress about what to blog about or if it will please the people reading it. I cannot control who reads my blog (oh how I wish I could!) so I'm just not going to let it bother me anymore.

I've also decided that just because people in my life have the ability to hurt me, I have a choice about what I take from it. And I choose to take nothing. My self worth isn't going to come from anyone but God and who He says I am.

I had a lot of time to think this week, didn't I?

Maybe I need a SECOND week off....?

;-)