I write to a very mixed audience and it is hard sometimes to appeal to all audiences. I ask that you read what I have to write with an open mind and open heart. Not because I am trying to change you but because this is how I live my life, and it works for us.  Even if you do not share my beliefs, you have to admit that the principles are good ones and you would probably benefit from trying it out in one way or another. =0P

So, on to my planned post for the day…

Colossians 3:5-14

This passage challenges us to set aside the poor behaviors that always get in the way of a healthy marriage and put on a “new” character (specifically the character of Christ since that is who we should be striving to be like).

As I am reading this passage I am thinking about one specific trait that is the hardest for me to let go, and another godly trait that is hardest for me to “put on”. I call these “put off” and “put on”. You put off a negative behavior and you put on a positive one. It is like trying to quit smoking… you can try, but it is easier if you have something to replace that habit.

Basically what this verse is saying is that once you have committed your life to Christ, to live as a Christian, you are no longer a slave to the world or a slave to sin and the struggles you face. You are alive and have freedom because you trust in Christ and have placed your trust in him. Therefore the sins or the “struggles” that you once were enslaved to or apart of have no hold on you any longer. The passage is asking you to get rid of the “old self” which was you before you “became a Christian”  and put on a “new self”, a positive character, follow Christ’s example. There is more to it… but this is the main point that as I am reading I am trying to think about. It is a brief and rough explanation but I just wanted to give you the gist of the passage incase while you are reading it you have no idea what it is saying. Sometimes the Bible can be like that. I find that the more I read it the more I understand it.

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Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Colossians 3:5-14

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Now this verse is not marriage specific, it is appropriate for all seasons of life. I just happen to be thinking about my marriage and how I can apply this verse to my life in a specific area. I know that there are certain people or situations outside of my marriage where I can and should resolve to change but for the sake of this post I am only going to talk about my marriage.

So, what is my “put off”? Well, I guess I am going to have to say lust. Lust (any strong desire; to have a strong desire) in my case would be evident in our relationship like this: I want my house to be prefect, pretty, unique and well decorated. Not a bad desire right? Not really. But, when that desire is so strong that I start to complain about little messes, things I don’t have, things that don’t match, things I want to make our house better, it starts to put a strain on our relationship and causes that little desire to become a big problem.

What is my “put on”? Honestly I could stand to put on every positive trait that is listed but I will pick one that will compliment my put off. Patience. Oh how patience is so important in every area of my life. I ask for patience on the daily because I am not patient. Patience is the ability to endure provocation, annoyance, misfortune or pain with calm and strength. The ability to tolerate delay. Thanks dictionary.com! Well, that is pretty plain and simple if you ask me. God has given me everything I have ever wanted or needed and guess what, I didn’t get it right away, I had to be patient and wait. The dirty sink… it was cleaned. Maybe not when I wanted it done but it is clean now.

So really I think the next step for me would be to confess to Ryan how I recognize that I am failing in this area and ask him to forgive me (really I need to confess this to God first). Just because he is not currently mad about it doesn’t mean I shouldn’t ask his forgiveness. He deserves it. Then I am going to ask him to help me to be more patient. I am going to ask him specific ways and areas I can work on it and allow him to call me out if my desires are causing me to sin against him, my family or our friends.

My desire is to always be striving to be a better wife and a better person (I know “person” is vague but I am too many things to list). I know that I can’t do that on my own and I am glad that I have help. Help through my faith in Jesus and help from my amazing husband, family and friends. Wont you join me in this pursuit to put off our sinful earthly desires and behaviors and put on the positive character of Christ.

<3 y’all

Thank you for listening.

I had another appointment with my mid-wife last week (did I mention I switched Dr. ? Later post.). Things are looking pretty normal. In case you were wondering, it looks as if there is only one baby in there. I am relieved, though, it would be nice to knock two out at once. I don’t really like being pregnant. I don’t hate it and I’m sure it will get better but it is NOT fun right now. No sir.

Can you believe that I have only gained 1 pound in 11 weeks?! What the crap? All I eat is fast food and sugar. Cereal and Ice cream. In fact, last week I ate two entire packs of Little Debbie Nutty Bars in a row. One right after another. I could have kept going if my conscious didn’t step in and tell me to hide them. How in the world is this possible? 1 pound? The only rationale I can think of is that all my lying around has caused me to lose muscle mass so the fat (which weighs less than muscle) has just been filling in the holes where muscle used to be. Oh how I miss you tight butt. Sorry.

I am usually not thankful for my Iphone (it is so distracting and keeps me completely controlled by its amazingness) but I was able to record the heartbeat of the baby so that Lucy and Ryan could hear it when I got home. I love it. I can play it over and over to remind myself that all this trouble is due to a beautiful little baby developing inside of me. I also am hoping that hearing this will help make it a little bit more real for Lucy as well.

I am having really crazy and vivid dreams. I don’t really sleep at night, I am dreaming like there is no tomorrow. This is really annoying. Anyone have any tips to stop it? I don’t eat spicy food.

I’m getting a bump. It is a mushy one, but it is coming. My uterus is growing and pushing everything up so it is really just all of my organs sticking out. Either way it is the in between maternity shirts and regular shirts belly. The you have to wear baggy shirts or people are just going to think you have gained some weight belly.

I hope that this whole post was not in gibberish because my brain feels empty.

Go Ravens!

I do however have some thoughts on the topic.

I think it is very important that we are empowered with knowledge (that does not mean believe everything you hear on TV, do your research). I am very grateful that we as Americans have the opportunity to stand up for what we believe, and we have the right to know and believe what we want. Isn’t that refreshing? I know we usually take it for granted. I know I do.

I get an email from a local State Delegate that updates me on issues and topics that are being discussed in Annapolis. That is about as involved and informed as I get. I’m lazy.

Here is the most recent information that I received. You may find it informative…

You may recall that in 2007 when the governor passed the largest tax increase in Maryland’s history, we were assured that this would solve our structural deficit.  It did not.  (The structural deficit is the ongoing difference between the money the government takes in and the money they spend, i.e. – government spending is more than the taxes they get.)

If the leadership in Annapolis is not willing to address government spending, they must increase taxes.  There are a number of taxes and fees under consideration.

• Increasing sales tax to 7%
• Gas tax – up 35.7% – 15 cents/gallon increase
• Flush tax – triple the annual fee for everyone – even septic users
• Increase corporate taxes
• New sales taxes on services not taxed
• Car registration – a 50% increase is proposed (this fee was doubled not too long ago)

This war against middle class family budgets and small businesses has been going on for too long.  Your family budget has not grown, nor have the revenues of the businesses that employ us.  Yet taxes and fees continue to increase, putting huge pressure on all of us, especially the already stressed budgets of middle class families and small business owners.

The next 90 days are going to be tough and I am committed to fighting against the proposed increases in taxes and fees.  Working families simply cannot continue to absorb more taxes and fees.  I’ve heard you loud and clear – no more taxes – and I will carry your message to Annapolis.

Shouldn’t we be informed and elect people who will vote against things like this? Not just on a State level, but a National level as well!

I have the amazing privilege to stay home and take care of my family. If the government keeps raising taxes, I don’t know how much longer we will be able to afford for me to not have to work. It is sad.

So, this is me on my soap box for the day. I’m going to get off and get back into my bed so I can rest. And talk and think about things I actually know about.

Thank you to Baby #2 for taking every ounce of energy I own.

And just another random political thought I have while I am on a roll… It REALLY gets on my nerves when people solely vote based on Political Party. Just because they are D or R does not mean they are the best candidate. Get informed people. Know who you are voting for. I just think that is the dumbest thing to do. I would say it is better not to vote than to vote ignorantly. Honestly.

*Delegate Kathy Szeliga: kathy.szeliga@house.state.md.us

 Wanna know how much conditioner it took to get that out?

Normally I would be really excited about this weight loss but I honestly don’t really have the money to go ahead and replenish all of my jeans (they are falling off my rear). I also don’t think it is a good idea because in a couple of weeks I will be starting to “show” and I might need maternity jeans. With Lucy I almost wore my regular pants the whole time just leaving them un-buttoned. In either case I am really going to need new pants. Maybe doing some rump exercises might help?

Did you know Lucy is considered a preschooler?  She is two. I think that is weird. I mean I guess technically she is preschool, but I feel like children who attend preschool or are preschool age should be considered a preschooler, not a two-year old child who doesn’t have an option of attending a preschool. Well I guess some schools do offer a two’s program. Whatever. It just sounds to old for me. She is practically a genius though… just short of reading. lol

Random fact: “Birds don’t go pee-pee. All they do is poop.” Don’t you feel informed now? apparently that is a fun fact I should share with my child. I got an email about it. I guess it is funny.

There are two things that Lucy has been saying lately that I don’t like: “stop it!” and “get off!/get out!”. Fess up! Which one of you out there taught her those phrases? They just sound so rude coming out of her mouth. I can honestly say I have never spoken those words to her and if I have for some reason and I can’t remember, I know I at least said please!

I asked Lucy if she wanted a baby boy or a baby girl. She said “gull”. I asked Lucy if Daddy wanted a baby boy or a baby girl and she said “boy”. Mommy doesn’t care. I filled out the Ancient Chinese Gender Chart that is supposed to be 98% accurate and it said… “G”. Don’t tell Ryan. He might get upset.

We can’t agree on any girls names. We aren’t fighting about it, we just don’t like any girls names. Or the same girls name. We are set on a boy’s name. I think Ryan and I are the only people who are going to like it but… oh well! You’ll learn to love it! =)

On another note, I just wanted to publicly thank my wonderful and amazing husband for taking such good care of us. You have been so helpful, patient and understanding. I know it is not easy to live with me (especially in this “condition”), but you manage to do it lovingly and without complaining. What an example of a selfless servant you are. Thank you for always taking out the trash without me having to ask. Thank you for always kissing me goodnight even when I don’t feel like rolling over. Thank you for recently making your own lunches so I can sleep in. Thank you for taking down all of the Christmas stuff this past weekend; I know how much you hate decorations. Thank you for being understanding when I have a ridiculous craving that causes me to have to spend money on food (I know it is a waste of money). And, lastly, thank you for trying to make me feel beautiful when I feel like the MOST unattractive human being alive. You’re great. <3

Okay, I’m going to go lay down now while Lucy is sleeping. Hooray for me… I did all of our laundry today!

Ryan: Ha-Ha. It is kind of funny that you just lay around all day and do nothing.

Me: Ryan! Why is that funny? I have to! I’m sick! All I have energy to do is lay around. If I am not in bed I am in Lucy’s bed, or on her floor, or on the floor in the living room…

Ryan: Well Why don’t we get your tubes tied after this pregnancy, since you always feel like a ball of crap when you are pregnant.

Me: Well I only feel bad for the first 12 weeks, then I feel really good. I had some energy yesterday and I scrubbed the shower. I felt so accomplished!

Ryan: (In a sarcastic tone) Oh, it is about time!

Me: Ryan, It was disgusting! It was starting to get mildew-y.

Ryan: Well I didn’t notice. I will mention, though, that I have been giving you a lot of grace lately.

Me: Yes, you have. Wait, what do you mean?

Ryan: I have been making my own sandwiches for lunch.

As you can imagine, the only thing I could do is laugh. It is good to know where Ryan’s priorities are. If all else fails… make Ryan lunch.

Already this pregnancy is different from my last. With Lucy, you may remember that anything food (sight, smell, sound and thought) sent me running to the bathroom. I was completely debilitated and couldn’t get out of bed or my face out of the toilet for the whole first trimester. It was one of the worst most miserable experiences of my whole life. The only positive thing was the 8lbs I lost.

Here are a few of my favorite posts about Lucy in the early weeks: Cravings Vs. Aversions & Smells/ Public Restrooms/ Random Thoughts.

With this pregnancy, I am still nauseous but it is different. I am nauseous if I DON’T eat. What?! Yeah, I feel sick and nauseous when there is not food in my stomach. But what can I eat? Oh, of course only junk food and carbohydrates. Nothing really sounds or looks appealing to me so I have to eat simple things or whatever I am craving at the moment (yeah, I’m having disgusting cravings). I have to continuously keep snacking (even thought I don’t want to because I feel sick) and then I feel sick after I ate because food grosses me out. It’s a big confusing, uncomfortable, yucky mess.

On the plus side the nausea isn’t as severe as before (thank you again, Lord) but it still keeps me from doing things I like to do or need to do (like clean, go grocery shopping, make meals…) and my energy level is at about a 2 instead of the normal 6. Ha-Ha.

To be honest, I was really starting to think that there was a problem with this pregnancy because I wasn’t feeling sick and when I did feel sick it wasn’t that bad and I just expected that it would be the same as with Lucy. I am grateful that I am not, but it is weird.

I have decided to switch Doctors this time due to personal reasons so I don’t have my first official appointment until this Friday. I will be 9 weeks. I am looking forward to it. I’d like to just make sure I am actually pregnant. lol. I know I am… but you know… you just like to get the professional opinion on these things.

Ryan is convinced it is a boy. Just like he was convinced Lucy was a boy. I said to him: “You shouldn’t think that because you were so disappointed when Lucy turned out to be Lucy.” He said: “Yeah, and I will be disappointed again if it is a girl. But you know I like her now. “

So, Baby in my belly… I am praying specifically that you will also get the gift of music, as I also prayed for your sister. I am praying that you will also NOT be a redhead and WILL have green eyes. I prayed that you would have an eye for photography and a love for God’s word. I prayed that Lucy would be a prayer warrior so I figured if you both excelled in those different areas you could help each other out.

And, right now, you are the size of a kidney bean. You have hands, feet and eyelids. Your lungs are just starting to develop as well as your brain. I know this sounds weird… but you have a tail. It is almost gone, don’t worry.

Also, one last thing, can you please start craving fruits and vegetables?!

Love ya!

Delicious!

I made it for Christmas.

And, sorry I am not a good food photographer. ; )

 Ingredients:

2 Boxes of Jell-O No Bake Cheesecake

1 Box Duncan Hines Red Velvet Cake Mix

1 Milk Chocolate Hershey Bar

1 Duncan Hines Cream Cheese Frosting

Milk (dash)

 Directions:

• Prepare Red Velvet Cake and Cheesecake according to written instructions on the box (exclude cheesecake crust).
• Cut cake into cubes and layer bottom of your trifle.
• Top bottom layer of cake with one serving of cheesecake.
• Using a potato pealer, shave chocolate bar on top of cheesecake mixture.
• Continue layering until you get to the top, leaving the top finished with cake (two layers of cheesecake, three layers of cake).
• Empty contents of frosting into a separate, small mixing bowl.
• Add a dash of milk to frosting and mix with hand mixer on medium speed until fluffy.
• Spread whipped icing to finish top of trifle.
• Top with chocolate shavings.

Notes:

I kept cheesecake mixture in the mixing bowl (instead of pie plate like recipe suggests) and put it in the fridge until I was ready to layer. Use a 9×13 pan for baking the Red Velvet Cake. Do not get off-brand frosting. I have not found ANY cream cheese icing that is better than Duncan Hines (in fact, they are all terrible). Let sit out for 15 min or so before serving.

Bon Apetit!

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And in context…

The Birth of Jesus

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place whileQuirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,  and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Luke 2:1-20

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I usually know what she means or what she is trying to say because I am with her 24/7. It is funny watching  puzzled looks as people try to figure it out what she is talking about.

Ryan makes fun of me because I pretty much always repeat what Lucy says when we are in public. I do this out of habit because people have no idea what she is saying so I act as her g personal translator. He can make fun of me all he wants but If I didn’t do that, he probably wouldn’t understand half the stuff she says.

Here is a list and a translation for some of my favorite things Lucy says and mis-pronounces.

Finkle, finkle vittle staw~ Twinkle, twinkle little star

Rufulf~ Rudolf

Pe-whoa-w~ Pillow

Opennadis~ Open this

Who dat- Who or what is that?

Kissdamamiss~ Christmas

How you, Mommy?~ How are you Mommy?

Wat moooovie?~ Can we watch a movie?

Ewcie do it~ Let Lucy do it

P-butta Je-wie~ I would like Peanut Butter and Jelly

Waga~ Water

Whybaywie~ Library

Everything else in her vocabulary she says perfectly normal. She is brilliant.

Ha-Ha