no luck =(

So far no luck in any of my giveaways.

I suppose I should keep trying. Entering doesn't cost anything but time, so when I get some time, I'll give it to the giveaways.

For now, I've got my class, my workouts/weight loss, my daughter, my husband, my work, and my God to work on. That list is in no particular order by the way.

Sermons from this church have been kicking my butt lately. I put their pod cast on while I work in the kitchen (and since I started letting the kiddo have solids I spend a LOT of time in the kitchen) and I have been truly convicted, over and over. Preach it Russ, preach it!

Mirus and I attended that church while we were in Denver and we both really appreciated the way that Russ McKendry portrays/teaches/studies the Gospel. I always left church with something very practical and very important to work on, and I always felt equipped to do so. I also really respect the commitment of that church to be a church that the city needs. Russ always asks: "If we were to disappear tomorrow, would anybody notice?" It's a good question to be asking yourself. Really, truly, you should be noticed. Not because you're important or special, but because you did important, special things. This may be the only day you have, give it to God and leave your (and therefore God's) mark on the world.

i.e.: go out with a bang!

BANG!

Quiverfull?

Growing up, I knew a family with 13 children. Not only were all the children nice and funny and good sports (I knew them from showing horses - that doesn't always bring out the best in people, and certainly not kids), they were also an example of one of the only families I knew who said they believed in something and actually lived up to it. The parents didn't believe in birth control so they didn't use any. Any. None. Most people I know who say that don't believe in birth control are either only opposed to some types of birth control or only keep that belief until that belief is tested. They don't believe in birth control, but have 3 kids in 4 years so they decide to step in and take control of their fertility. That, my friends, is no trusting God.

I don't know where I stand. Right now, Mirus and I aren't using any birth control. We have condoms, and we used them for a few weeks, but neither of us are very sure about whether we should or should not use them. A baby would not be a burden (shouldn't a baby always be a blessing - regardless?) and neither of us feel 'unready' so . . .

If we aren't pregnant by this summer, we plan on trying. That is not quiverfull. Trying to get pregnant is the same as trying not to get pregnant. It's still taking charge of your family and your family planning. Somehow it seems less offensive to God.

This is one of those decisions that should be left up to grownups, but I find myself facing it anyway. Luckily for me, I breastfeed and cloth diaper, so babies aren't really very expensive in our house.

Outhouse Races

Have you ever thought to yourself, "I know my outhouse is the best, but I need a way to prove this to the world."?

Well, Alaskans have a solution to this age old quandry. We race them.

How do you race an outdoor commode? You strap skis to the bottom and get four friends to push you over the finish line!


Oh Alaska, you never cease to amaze me.

An Awakening this Morning

I think I've found why I dislike punitive discipline so much. Or, at least found a way to verbalize the reasons behind my feeling of dislike. And why I dislike the idea that I should punish my child the way God punishes me. Here it is: I am not God. I am not even a little God in the eyes of my child. Nor do I aim to be. I do not want that job. I do not want to take the place of God, but to face him with my family. To prepare my children to face him. I am raising my children to be my brothers and sisters in Christ.

I want my children to be disciples, not just disciplined.

Minnesota Mama's Must Haves

Looking for some great reviews and giveaways?



Minnesota Mama's Must Haves is your answer. So far I've entered 5 contests and I'm so not done. Plus there are more giveaways that I'm not even trying for. This is one busy site!

Giveaways, cont.

I have found giveaway heaven.

Babybix blog is giving away $75 worth of wall graphics. I've been dying to put some of these up in our bedroom and down here in the living room. I am way too excited for my own good. I think I've entered this contest every way possible, as many times as possible! If I had less integrity I'd consider cheating!

More giveaways!

I found a great site for giveaways! Mommy and Me is full of great giveaways and even links to lots of other contests as well. I'm just hoping no one else likes the giveaways I do! This giveaway is for some fantastic natural laundry soap.

My daughter is so ready for this walk and ride toy by Playskool. This giveaway is perfectly timed, with any luck we'll get this before she starts running around like a madwoman!

Another Mommy and Me giveaway is for Tiny Tush hemp diaper! I have a few hemp doublers that I love, and a hemp fitted might really help us get through the night. Plus, my husband greatly prefers fitteds, so the more the merrier in this house!

Babybix blog is giving away Sophie the Giraffe and a Lambskin! I cannot tell you how excited I am to put Sophie in my daughter's Easter basket and for the next baby to enjoy the lambskin!



What a great way to welcome a new baby into the world! Check out this Baby Shower Event and sign up for any of the giveaways!