A Lifetime of Love

I have been participating in this sale as a consignor or shopper since the Fall 2006 sale, making this my 10th season.  The current owner, MaryHelen, is a fellow homeschool mom and I appreciate all the ways she tries to help people save money, especially in today's market economy.  She has low consignor fees, plenty of volunteer opportunities to earn the coveted "pre-sale shopping pass", and although consignors' set their own prices for the items they sell, most are high quality at a great value.  Check out the website for the complete schedule, including half-price day!

Whenever I am out in public with my children, I am often asked if I am going to have more children. I have even been asked if I believe in birth control (although, thinking about it, that is a very personal question to be asked by a stranger!!!).  I thought I would address my "beliefs" here. First of all, the bible clearly states that children are a gift from God (Psalm 127). Also, the Lord opens and closes the womb in His timing (just read the accounts of Leah and Rachel in Genesis). Any woman who has become pregnant and then had a miscarriage or stillbirth is proof of the Lord opening and closing her womb; it was not her choice or timing but rather all in the Lord's hands. Keeping these biblical viewpoints in mind, here are my beliefs. TJ and I do believe in birth control to a certain degree. We use barrier-method contraception (condoms and I am waiting to be fitted for a diaphragm) as opposed to the hormonal types (the pill, the patch, the shot, the ring, etc)...

We will be welcoming Taryn Eileen sometime this upcoming December... Pray for me as the Lord obviously believes I can handle another girl, although I have my doubts. ;)

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,...