A Lifetime of Love

It's almost time for me to have the baby's anatomy ultrasound, meaning soon we'll know what we're having. The problem- we don't have names picked out because we can't agree! I guess it's a good thing we still have 5 more months to reach a compromise. =) Here are the names I like (all for a boy): Tucker Tate Tobyn Townsend Here are the names TJ likes: Timothy (boy) Taryn (girl) If you have ideas or suggestions of 'T' names, please share them. As you can tell, I am open to pretty much anything that is unique and not traditional. TJ, on the other hand, prefers more traditional, common names (which is why my kids have "normal" middle names. :)  Thanks!

I haven't had a chance to update lately because I've been busy with family visiting from out of town, spending time with my own family, and embarking on a new (for me) hobby- canning our fresh produce. We have a garden and that means blessings from God in the form of fresh veggies. We've  canned stewed tomatoes in the past, but never really ventured past that. This year, however, I wanted to do something with my cucumbers. I tried my hand at pickling and I must say, they came out better than I expected. I've had homemade pickles in the past and honestly I didn't like them. I preferred store-bought mostly because that's what I was used to eating. Well, this recipe I found is great, and the pickles look like the ones you buy in the store but they taste way fresher! =) I also attempted to make homemade salsa and it turned out great! It's spicy and chunky and reminds me of a salsa TJ & I used to get at a local Mexican restaurant we frequented in Californ...

I had my regularly scheduled doctor's appointment yesterday.  Once I got called back to the room, I chatted with the doc about recent blood work and testing that was completed. We then talked about my next appointment and other testing that would be done at that time. She began the exam and as usual, listened for the baby's heartbeat using the dopplar machine. Except this time, it was only my heartbeat that could be heard. She continued searching, moving the dopplar up, down, and around in an attempt to hear something. Nothing. For about 5 minutes this continued, and as she searched, she kept reassuring me that she'd find it. I just lay there, fighting back tears and praying that the Lord would spare me the heartache and pain of losing another baby. I was battling my thoughts while at the same time reminding myself that God is good, and what He does is good, and that this was for my good. It was a long, fearful few minutes for me. The doc eventually gave up searching ...

I took a counseling class through my church a couple of years ago with the hopes of serving the Lord through counseling women involved with a ministry called Tender Hearts House of Hope .  Things changed after I learned I was pregnant, then learned I was pregnant with twins, and then of course losing one of the twins. My heart was heavy with grief and sadness, and I simply didn’t think I was mentally capable of taking on another woman’s problems when I myself was struggling. That all changed this past January when the Lord really got a hold of my heart. He showed me that I have a lot to offer in terms of “life experiences” that could be beneficial to other women. When the opportunity arose for me to once again become involved with THHH, I agreed to be of service whenever the need for counseling arose. Well, on Tuesday I was informed that I could begin counseling on Wednesday evening if I wanted. I accepted, but of course I was nervous. I can’t write a whole lot about my counselee,...

I’ve been reflecting lately on my grandmother and her amazing life. In August she will celebrate her 97th birthday. She has wonderful health with the exception of dementia. Over the years it has gotten progressively worse, so now she longer knows anyone except my aunt who visits her daily. I haven’t seen my grandmother in 2 years because it’s painful to see her when she doesn’t know who I am; I don’t want to remember her that way. Perhaps it’s selfish, but I prefer to remember her as the feisty, tough Italian woman she was. My grandfather passed away when I was 4, and my grandmother has yet to remove her wedding band. She has been ready to die since my grandfather passed because she misses him so much, and it’s sort of funny that she has lived so many more years. Whenever the conversation of her dating came up, she immediately dismissed it and never considered it. My grandfather, her husband, is her true love and she is ready to be with him in heaven. My grandmother was born Anna ...

Only been couponing for about 2 weeks and already I have saved almost $200. My goal of $250 per month is going to be met, for sure!! :) Hello wallet, meet my savings!

As you probably noticed, I added a new ticker to the top of my blog. I have recently started to be more diligent with my use of coupons because of the fact that we will soon need to buy a larger vehicle.  We do not currently have a car payment and would like to keep things that way, but quite honestly, we don't have the cash saved up to pay for a vehicle in full (at least not enough cash for a newer vehicle). My goal is to save $2,000 by the end of January 2012. That equates to a savings of about $250 each month. I have always used coupons if I had one, but never really made an effort to maximize my savings potential. Until now. And it's awesome!!! I wish I had started sooner because the savings available are crazy. I love the feeling I get when I save 50% or MORE on foods and items we use every week. Our grocery bill is typically $80-$100 per week or $320-$400 per month. That seems high but considering we're a family of 7, that averages out to about...