A look back one last time...

 

This year has brought great joy. Spending most of the year in a really hard pregnancy and wondering why doctors kept telling me my baby was small and we need to keep pushing your due date back, to having doctors tell me that I wouldn't make it to July. But for some crazy reason Zachary did not want to come out. So we forced him out. I am not sure why some people say being induced is awful. I would so take that over how my labor was with Nathan. But after 9 hours of labor and delivery Zachary was here 2 weeks before his due date weighing over 9lbs. Small baby, yeah right.

Nathan was an amazing little boy most of the time! He is the greatest big brother any sibling could ask for. My favorite is when Zachary wakes up from his nap Nathan is the first in there to stick his arm through the crib and rub Zachary's head and say "hey there little buddy." LOVE IT! He is a learner and loves to try to do new things. But he is also a perfectionist. I thought he had my personality more but I am learning more and more that he is like his daddy more. A content boy with a perfectionist attitude. But what he does have in my personality is the dramatic side. So as you can see with the first two qualities we are dealing with a very expressive boy!

Joel complete a full year at Target. 2 different bosses and a lot of a new learning experiences. It also seems that his boss is really impressed with how he is doing and his willingness to work hard at his job.

I am so thankful for subbing. Jobs have come. Teachers have requested and having a wonderful friend to watch my boys when Joel can't has helped so much with our finances. I am truly thankful for how the Lord continues to provide.

We know more is to come and we can't wait. We love seeing how God moves in and changes our lives. He is faithful and loving and we are blessed!

New Year's Resolution

So last year I started doing more online surveys. I always did a couple here or there. But this year I did my research and picked up 3 more sites that I know to be legit. Ever since Nathan was born I made it a point to make nap times my rest time as well. Even if I don't sleep, I don't clean or any thing like that. It makes the rest of the day go smoothly. And now with two kids I really rest at nap time (well only when both kids are napping). I don't take naps well so I decided this would be my "taking surveys" time. I spend about an hour at nap time and an hour at bed time to do this. I started in late April last year and I did pretty well. My goal this year is to saved up enough money to pay for all my Christmas shopping this way. Below is a break down of how I did last year (remember I started late April) and my goal for this year. I cashed out as much as I can before then end of this year so I can have a clean slate and show you how I do. Wish me luck! Happy New Year!!! May 2012 be a joyous year for all of you. And may the Lord guide and direct every day.

$380 in surveys and Ebates
over $20 in spare change approx.
Recycle cans $12 approx.
rebates $12
gift card rewards from buying multiples of house hold things (like diapers) $55 approx.
Most of this was started last April
Total last year: $479
Goal for 2012: $600

Life Update and a Merry Christmas

Well the end of the year is quickly coming. This has been one amazingly interesting year. Its had its ups and downs but over all I wouldn't change it. The Lord has been good to us. His provision and care for us cause me to shout for joy daily!

I started this year pregnant!  And I am ending this year with two of the most incredible boys ever! The pregnancy was hard this time around. And Nathan couldn't have been a more amazing little boy for me while I sat on the couch or napped or waddled around. He was patient and kind and sweet the whole time. Then the moment he met Zachary the love that Nathan shows for his little brother only grew daily. There was never a point where Nathan resented having Zachary around. And Zachary loves Nathan so much. It shows daily that these two are going to be the best of friends.

Also subbing has been a blessing. Joel and I are always looking ahead to the future when I can stay at home full time. We see a light at the end of the tunnel but we don't know exactly how close we are. Every time we set a goal it gets set back because of something or other. I would love for it to be by October of next year so I can start home schooling Nathan in preschool. But we will see. Until then, the Lord provides the jobs I need to help us out with finances.

Zachary is seriously the happiest baby you will ever meet. If he is crying its because he is not feeling well. And he doesn't really cry as much as he just cries out for comfort. He may not be the best sleeper (just as he was starting to sleep through the night, a tooth popped through), but you would never know it. Not a cranky baby. He is huge and chunky but a pretty content little guy. He is rolling over one way. And I think he will be sitting soon. All that extra padding on the bottom helps with the balance.

 

The holidays are harder to enjoy this year. Joel got a new boss a few months ago and for some reason he loves doing over night shifts on holidays (something his old boss didn't do). And Joel has to do both Thanksgiving and Christmas overnight shifts. With kids and no family around the holidays just become another day to us and that makes me the most sad of all. I love that Joel is trying something new and working hard to get good at it but changes like these make it hard sometimes. But Nathan and I have been enjoying our time of decorating the tree together, making sugar cookies, introducing Santa, and reading about the birth of Jesus, and also learning HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS. And Nathan responded before the book was done, "That's not nice, he needs to bring Christmas back!" My compassionate boy.

 Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Next year starts a new resolution for me that I can't wait to write about. A first for me because I don't make resolutions!

Weekly Update on Christmas savings...

One of the ways that I like to save for anything is putting aside any extra money that comes our way that is not in our normal budget. This week we sold our old stroller on craiglist. A single stroller just doesn't work for us anymore. We now have a sit and stand stroller so I put our old stroller up on craiglist and sold it this week. I put that money into our Christmas fund for the year.

Some of you might be wondering why I am doing this for the first time and not before. Let me explain. When Joel was a teacher he would get a bonus in December every year. This bonus was enough to pay for all our Christmas shopping. Then last year, I was subbing and doing childcare at the same time. That was like an extra amount of income that allowed me to cover for Christmas. Well, this year the boy I use to watch started preschool. I am still subbing and working hard to sub as much as I can but I also have some things in December and January that I am planning for as well. Like my finger print clearance card is due and there will be two weeks in January, because of winter break, where I will not be getting a paycheck. I am trying to get that money set aside now. Plus, I like this challenge and its like a game to me. And I want to win!

Ok, so this week I sold our stroller and all the extra change I have from grocery shopping to add into our fund.

 

$30 for the stroller
$4.27 in spare change to add to the fund

Total = $34. 27

Old total = 138.31

New total = 172.58

Saving for Christmas

We are a family of four on a tight budget. I coupon, shop sales and clearance, and set a budget for everything. And I always try to come in below the budget amount. I also take online surveys to help bring in extra cash for stuff. So I started late this year as a test run for next year. I want to earn all of our Christmas spending budget by surveys, saving change, rebates, and gift cards. 

Let  me explain how this happened. I follow a blog called Couponing to Disney.  Its all about this mom of 2 and how she saves for their families annual trip to Disney World. I love her blog. She is always posting the best deals. I got a couple of friends to follow her too. But its so inspiring to see how she does this. I thought I want to do this but I want to start small. So how about Christmas. This blogger can save $3000 in a little over a year, I want to save about $500-$600 in a year. So starting January 1st is when I will kick off this huge Saving for Christmas 2012 campaign. I want to show you where I am at this year since I just started in Sept.

Right now, I have $138.31 in various cash flows that I will break down for you in a little bit. This is just from Sept. and Oct. alone.

So here is the break down.
$40 in Paypal cash that I will transfer to our checking account from various survey sights
$20 in Amazon gift cards from another survey sight
$10 in Target gift cards from another survey sight
$35 for carrying a cell phone around and recording my snack intake for 2 weeks from another survey sight.
$5 cash/check from another survey sight.

So right now we are at $110 for surveys in two months

Now we have $7.48 in spare change (I pay in cash and never use the change but save it)
And another $3.60 for recycling cans (we don't drink a lot of soda and we already traded in a couple times this year)
$17. 23 in various gift cards that I can use towards Christmas gifts.

So that totals $138.31 in two months. I may earn a little more before Christmas but it can take anywhere from 2-8 weeks for some things to come in. I do have some rebates that may come in but I may or may not use them this year.

I hope to share this with you every month next year on my progress.

Nathan is a Big Boy now!

At the park riding his bike!

With Nathan turning 3 its that time again that I go through all the new things he has learned this past year. First of all, my kid is amazing. I love his positive outlook on everything. And the way he encourages every one he is around.  So  I thought I would do a run down of last year and the awesome development of Nathan.

• He didn't really start talking until he turned 2. But with that came full on sentences!!!!
• He can count to 20
• He knows his ABCs
• He can recognize shapes and colors
• He can trace his name and other letters
• He has learned how to play hide and seek, candy land and memory
• He knows how to ride his tricycle
• He can sing his favorite songs from memory
• He is the greatest big brother around
• he can build sand castles
• he can swing and hit a ball with a bat
• he helps with baking
• he can paint
• and he is learning but not great at coloring inside the lines of pictures
• and his imagination has finally blossomed and I love how he makes everything fly, jump or race. 

I can't wait to see what this next year brings as we start with simple preschool lessons at home.

Just wanted to throw one in of Zachary

Helping Zachary with Tummy Time by giving him kisses

Wow! Its been a while.



Nathan playing Angry Birds on Joel's phone.

 Life has kind of taken over since I have had Zachary. I have started subbing again and getting back into the routine. However with an early start time my mornings are rushed and unbelievably crazy. But I love the paycheck again! Zachary is a tank! I can't even get my whole hand around his thighs. There is still an inch or more of space between my thumb and my middle finger! He is just 2 months and in 3-6 month clothing! Nathan is awesome. Energetic but so sweet and loving. But still not interested in potty training. No matter the bribe! L-A-M-E. Joel is good as well. Working like crazy and back to school is quieting down, holiday season is fast approaching. Which means we will never see Joel.

Along with all of that we just had some friends in town. It was wonderful to spend 3 full days with family and friends and do absolutely nothing. Kelly and Sheldon make life so easy and stress free. I wish we lived closer. That is life right now. Joel is working, when he is not working, I am working and the boys are growing.



Kelly and Sheldon with Zachary!



IT'S HOT IN ARIZONA!

In May we had this beautiful weather. I couldn't believe it. No matter how hard the weather tried it couldn't get into the 90s. That is not normal for AZ. Especially Tucson AZ. I was dreading this summer with being pregnant and chasing a toddler and trying to keep life normal, but May was gorgeous and made life a little easier. However, June came and with it we said goodbye to the 80 degree weather and we never saw the 90s. It went straight to the 100s! Y-U-C-K!

I bring that all up because I am miserable. I usually handle the heat fairly well. But this year with 26 extra pounds all in front of me I hate the heat. I can barely breath and I can barely get things done. But I am so looking forward to the phase of this summer when we finally get to meet Zachary!

Nathan has finally gotten past this terrible twos things! Thankfully in time for a little brother. And with it I have been met with an unbelievably compassionate son! I can't believe how much he cares for my well being. He is gentle and sweet. He cuddles and hugs. He never complains that I can't run or do stink bug rolls or jump on the bed with him. He asks if he can walk in the grocery store but when I say no not today, he says "ok mommy, when Zachary comes out of your tummy". Even his sleeping has changed but his happy attitude has not. He doesn't get cranky when he is tired, he now gets loopy. And just starts to giggle like crazy at nothing at all. I am loving this improved child of mine. The Lord has blessed us with a child that is easy going at the right time!!!! I believe with all my heart that God did this to help ease the pressure of being pregnant right now.

Joel is doing really well. Work is crazy right now with a remodel but his improvements as a manager has been noticed. Now we prayerfully hope that with that acknowledgement will come the pay raise. Our goal is for me to not to have to substitute teach to help make ends meet. And we our hoping that goal can happen by next April if not sooner! Joel is trying to survive the remodel at work and we are actually seeing the birth of Zachary as a two week vacation from the remodel and the crazy long hours that Joel has been putting in. He will go back to work and there will only be about a week left of the remodel!!! That's going to be nice.

We are hosting a small group at our house this summer. We did it in the spring and loved it. I hope we can continue to serve in this way for a while. I love how the Lord is moving in people's lives. Including ours.

Sorry there are no pictures, just an update.

May was busy!!!

I hate that whenever I go some where special I stink at taking pictures. But I have a few to show of my busy week in May. One of my awesome friends (Kelly Jarvis) got married and she asked me to stand up with her as a bridesmaid. I was completely honored to be there for her. She was the last of my college roommates to get married and I was able to stand up as a bridesmaid for every one! It was so special. I cried my eyes out. I loved being able to spend time with her and talk about her special day and all the stuff that was going to take place and dream with her about how awesome her marriage would be.

Getting our nails done the day before the big day and having a lot of girl talk!

We also spent some time with Joel's 96 year old grandma. She is amazing! I mean it. She still teaching Bible Study, plays piano for worship services and does a whole bunch of other awesome things. And Nathan loved her! She did treat us to McDonalds so I am guessing that's part of the reason for the love! :) We talk about his Ama so much that Nathan felt right at home with her. It was a truly special time.

Not the best photo but trying to get a toddler and timer to work together is hard!

It was also my 30th birthday while we were in CA. We stayed with my sister and spent a lot of time with them just hanging out. Nathan loves them. Especially Ethan who was always ready and willing to go swimming with Nathan. I love spending time with my sister. And she and my mom joined us for dinner at Chilis that night to celebrate. Although Nathan was exhausted and melt down city occurred so not that enjoyable but it was good to see my mom.

We also ended out trip with a night in Scottsdale to celebrate Joel's youngest brother's college graduation. And we got to see some cousins that were in town along with Nathan's other great grandmother that was in town for the graduation too. Whenever we go some where spending time with family is always our priority and we got to do that in abundance. It was a tiring (for being 8 weeks away from my due date at the time) but wonderfully special trip. So glad we did it!

One of my main reasons for wanting to be a Stay At Home Mom full time!

I love subbing. I also love doing childcare. I love that at this moment both are part time. I also love that at some point both of these things will be out of desire and not necessity. Joel and I are working towards that goal to be reality. And we are hoping for it to happen in the next 12 months.

But something hit me today that made me want it all the more sooner. I was sitting on the couch researching out our (hopefully) annual vacation. When Nathan woke up from his nap. Nathan wakes up differently each day from his nap. But one thing is always the same. He needs a good 30 minutes to be fully awake from his nap. During that time, I usually put in a little video and give him some strawberry milk and we sit and cuddle and talk on the couch. Today was a little different. I went into Nathan's room and found him sitting on his floor in the dark hugging his stuffed animals just waiting for me. He had no desire to leave his room so I just sat in the rocker and put him in my lap.

We were rocking for a good 10 minutes when I asked him if he was ready to go have some milk. All he did was turn around give me a hug and laid down against me. Not in any hurry to go to the living room. So we rocked for a good 30 minutes and just cuddled. This is the reason I love staying at home.

We had no where to go. Nothing to do. There was no rush. We were able to just sit and cuddle for as long as he wanted. I love that about our life. We are never in any rush. We play cars, trains, read books, race, build sand castles, color, play with playdough, take a bath, etc. all with no rush.

I know that when school starts and I need to get lunches ready, backpacks organized, and kids taken to school things will get crazy, but for right now I am enjoying the life of going with the flow.

Its Almost April

The time has flown! I realized that I have 3 months to go before giving birth. So not ready. Plus, with the waiting arrival of baby #2 I still have two trips to CA in the works and lots of cleaning, organizing and planning to do.

Joel's schedule at work is about to get crazy as well because of a super big remodel that is taking place in his department. Have you noticed produce sections coming to all your near by Targets? Yup, that's Joel's department. So he is getting prepared for being in charge of a whole new section.

Nathan is great. Except for the normal 2 year fits we get with his new found opinions! But his vocabulary astounds us daily since he barely said 10 words at his 2nd birthday! But now we get full fledge sentences 5 months later! We love it. Potty training is pretty much non existent right now because we are too tired to put the effort into it. But I have a feeling Mr. Nathan will be getting big boy underwear in his Easter basket! :)

And I am doing good. Getting more and more excited about another little baby in the house. But also enjoying my time when I get to work. Its been really nice to not to have to sub as much as I did but also when I do sub, I don't pay a sitter. That has been a really blessing! The Lord has been providing the jobs when needed and that has been wonderful.

Ok, its been a while so I just wanted to give every one an update on our lives. Not much going on but I couldn't believe how fast the time is going!

A house of all boys...

So before we found out the sex of the baby we had every one except for a very few people guess we were going to have a girl or hoped we would have a girl just so we could have one of each or so we could experience a girl after having such an energetic, outgoing boy. And to be honest both Joel and myself thought we were having a girl as well. This pregnancy was so different. It is so different that even after the ultrasound it still feels like a girl. I was talking to a teacher today who is also having boy #2 and how she felt exactly the same way. Does this mean we are disappointed? Not in the least. It just means that we were completely surprised. Having 2 boys has given us a lot to be thankful for.

I guess I am going with orange this time around for boys clothes. And monkeys!

I love my son. Does the idea of dealing with a teenage boy sound all that fun? No, but I am hoping with God's grace and wisdom we won't experience all I have experience by being a youth pastor. Teenage boys will tell their youth pastor anything. Even if that youth pastor is a woman! BELIEVE ME! Whoa! So one of the many fears I had when I first found out we were having Nathan was, I can't be a parent to a teenage boy. No stinkin' way! But the Lord has shown me some amazing things about boys.

First of all. They love you so much. Little boys are so funny! Nathan is a cuddle bug. For being as active as he is, he loves to sit and cuddle and hug and love up on us. He tells us daily that he loves us. And I need that.

Secondly, I have been reminded over and over again that I get to be used by God to raise up the godliest boys ever. All the Christian girls are going to want my boys for a husband!

I have also been reminded over and over that I don't have kids to please myself. I am their mother to love them, serve them, teach them, and help them grow up to be awesome individuals that love God and love others.

Does this mean we are done having kids? Not necessarily. But for the moment is does mean, that no one will make me feel like I missed out or my boys are less special because I didn't get that girl. They will be the best of friends and I love that I have the opportunity to be the mom that is so cool that all their friends want to come over to his house! Let's face it I will always have cookies on hand. :) I am truly blessed.

Well its another boy for the Zehrings

We are happy to announce that we are going to have a little brother for Nathan. July 11th is my due date and we couldn't be happier. Today was the big day to find out what we were going to have and it almost didn't happen. This little boy had his legs crossed for most of the exam and didn't uncross them until the very end. Giving us a nice shot of his little manhood! This baby is much smaller than Nathan was but I looked at Nathan's sonogram and their is no missing the resemblance! They will look like brothers. As for hair color, eye color and over all build they will look very much like Zehring boys!

Here are the photos from the ultrasound today...

Here is the awesome profile that we always love to get. Baby boy's arm is right at his side.

This is the point where the legs were crossed giving us a nice view of the bottom of his cute foot!

And the shot you can never miss when you are having a boy.

And our alien! This is the face facing us.

Thought this would be fun to do before Weds.

 So Weds. is the big day. Praying baby's legs aren't crossed and we get a good shot of what we are having! Can't believe we are half way through this pregnancy. So I thought I would go through these and try to predict what we are going to have...

Here’s a list of pregnancy old wives tales:
Old Wives Tale #1:  Heartburn
If a pregnant woman experiences heartburn throughout the 9 months of pregnancy, she’ll have a baby born with a full head of hair.  Ok, so with Nathan I had heartburn for the last half of the pregnancy and he was born with hair. So far I only had heartburn a few times, so its a toss up.



Old Wives Tale #2:  Cravings Curse
This old wives tale is fun to hang over Tarzan’s head.  Basically if anyone denies a pregnant woman whatever she is craving, they will get a sty in his/her eye.  Personally, I think all men should read this and always give into whatever us pregnant women want!  For their own benefit, of course. I know for a fact this doesn't work. With Nathan, I wanted Jack In The Box tacos so badly at 10 pm and Joel wouldn't go get them. Nothing happened except saving a $1.

Old Wives Tale #3:  Heart Rate
If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl.  If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy.  Well, this is how the doctor already predicted what she thinks we are having and I don't want to give it away. So I won't comment on this one!

Old Wives Tale #4:  Ugly Baby
This wives tale is weird.  If a pregnant woman sees something ugly, she will have an ugly baby.  Um, ok. My babies are all awesomely beautiful. So this is not true! :)
 

Old Wives Tale #5:  Coffee
If a baby is born with light-brown birthmarks, it is said that the mom drank too much coffee or had unfulfilled cravings while she was pregnant. I drank more coffee with Nathan than ever. No birth marks. 

Old Wives Tale #6:  Full Moon
A full moon was believed to cause a woman to go into labor and give birth.  I can't remember if it was a full moon or not with Nathan. But I do know of quite a few women who went into labor at night. So maybe!?
 

Old Wives Tale #7:  Shape of Belly
If you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl.  If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy. I am carrying low with a big, round belly. What does that mean? 
 
Old Wives Tale #8:  Ring Test
Using a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly.  You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth  and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle.   I  did this and it made a really narrow oval. Still don't know what that means.

Old Wives Tale #9:  Shape of Mom’s Face
When your face gets fuller and rounder when pregnant, it means you’re going to have a girl.  If your face is long and narrow, it’s a boy.  I do feel like my face is more fuller than last pregnancy. So 1 for a girl?


Old Wives Tale #10:  Key Test
This test involves a key.  If you pick up a key at the top (the roundest part), you are going to have a boy.  If you pick up the key at the bottom (smallest part), you are going to have a girl.  If you happen to grab the key in the middle, congrats, it’s twins!  I pretty much grab the bunch from my purse and go from there. But as I think back I do grab by the top round part. Huh. 1 point for boy.


Old Wives Tale #11:  Mayan Tale
The Mayan tale adds the mothers age at conception and the year of conception.  If the result is a even number then mom is having a girl.  If the result is an odd number then a boy is on the way!  Ok so 29 +2010 = 2039 which equals boy.


Old Wives Tale #12:  Acne
If you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl.  It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones.  One of the things I was looking forward to during pregnancy was how awesome my skin was going to look, but nope acne from day one and it never gets better. Another point for a girl. 


Old Wives Tale #13:  Cravings
People believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy.  If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl.  I like my meat and cheese and pickles but I have been eating cookies and fruit snacks and smoothies and chocolate. And if you know me I don't like chocolate. So one more for a girl.


Old Wives Tale #14:  Smell of Garlic
If a pregnant woman eats a clove of garlic and the smell does not come out of her pores, it’s a girl.  If the smell seeps out of her pores, it’s a boy.   I would never eat just a clove of garlic so I can't try this. 


Old Wives Tale #15:  Skin under Left Eye
The eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye.  If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl.  I just did this one right now. I have a “V”, so one more point for a girl.
 

Old Wives Tale #16:  Previous Kids
This tale only applies if you have had previous kids.  If you have and that child’s first word was momma, you will have a girl.  If your first child’s first word was dadda, you’ll have a boy.  Nathan's first word was neither. But he did say daddy first before Mama. So another point for a boy.
 

Old Wives Tale #17:  History of Parent’s Kids
You can find out the sex by going off of your parent’s kids and the order.  If you are the first born, you will have what your mother had but starting with her second child.  If you are the middle child, you will have what she said, but starting with the third child.  If you are the last child, you will have what your mother had in the exact order.  I think this tale only works when the parent’s had three kids.  Ok, so since Joel is the first born and I am the last I will say this is so far accurate. Joel's mom had all boys. So we obviously had a boy first. My mom's order with my dad (not previous spouses) was girl, boy, girl. So that would be I am now having a girl? I don't get this since the man produces the gender. 
 

Old Wives Tale #18:  Time of Conception
The person that is most aggressive in bed at the time of conception is the opposite of what the baby will be. I don't even know how to comment on this. Plus, I don't exactly know the time of conception. 
 

Old Wives Tale #19:  Legs
If your legs get really big, you’re having a boy.  If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl. Legs haven't really changed. I don't work out as much but they are not bigger. So maybe a girl?
 

Old Wives Tale #20:  Moodiness and a Little Pecker
If you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you.  Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little penis inside you.  Well, I would say I cry easier but not really moody. How should I answer that? 
 

Old Wives Tale #21:  Bread
If you eat the ends of bread, it’s a boy.  If you eat the middle of the load, it’s a girl.  I’ve never liked the ends of bread and always have eaten from the middle… Another point for a little girl.  
 

Old Wives Tale #22:  Chinese Gender Chart
The Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%.  It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived.  This tale tells me that I’ve having a girl.  
 

Old Wives Tale #23:  Mom’s Beauty
Basically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy.  It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty.  If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, you might just be having a little boy.  I definitely don't feel as attractive as I did when I was pregnant with Nathan. But that could also be because I am almost 30!


Old Wives Tale #24:  Dream of Sex of Baby
If you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl.  If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy.  Dreams show the opposite of what you are having.  I haven't had a dream either way yet. So I don't know. 
 

Old Wives Tale #25:  Clumsy vs. Graceful
If the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl.  If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy.  I am always clumsy. So this would be a point for a boy.
 

Old Wives Tale #26:  Toddlers
If a toddler boy expresses interest in a pregnant woman, she is having a girl.  If he doesn’t show interest, she’s having a boy.  Nathan is my toddler boy. He loves "baby".  But his toddler friend hasn't noticed either way.  So one point for each? 
 

Old Wives Tale #27:  Side You Most Rest On
If a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy.  If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl.  I have always preferred my right side because I face out from the middle of the bed. So one for a girl. 

Old Wives Tale #28:  Dad’s Weight Gain
If the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl.  If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy. Joel has just had a physical a few days ago and gained a pound. So one for a girl.

Old Wives Tale #29:  Necklace Over Hand
Have someone hold a necklace over your hand.  If the necklace swings back and forth, it’s a boy.  If it moves in a circle, it’s a girl. Joel just did this and it was back and forth. So one point for a boy.
 

Old Wives Tale #30:  What Do You Think?
71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having.  Joel thinks its a girl. And mine changes daily. Yesterday I though girl. Today I think boy. Maybe this means I am really ok with either.  
 

Old Wives Tale #31:  Morning Sickness
If you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy.  If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl. I was never sick with Nathan. And half way through my pregnancy I am still vomiting. One for a girl.
  

Old Wives Tale #32:  Protein
When a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy.  I like my meat and cheese. So one for a boy. 
 

Old Wives Tale #33:  Feet
Are your feet colder now that you are pregnant?  If so, you just might be having a boy.  If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl.  Well feet are cold, but it is winter and with Nathan I was pregnant all summer and wore flip flops. So this is toss up but since it says colder, the point is for the boy.
 

Old Wives Tale #34:  Hair on Legs
If the hair on your legs has been growing at record speeds, you might be having a boy.  Um, I would say that they have stayed the same. So one for a girl. 
 

Old Wives Tale #35:  Hands are Dry
If your hands are constantly dry, it’s a boy.    Yes. But again its winter. But follow the rules. One for the boy. 
 

Old Wives Tale #36:  Urine
What color is your pee?  If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy.  If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl.  It is duller than normal. So one for a girl. 


Old Wives Tale #37:  Headaches
If you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy. I have had headaches but I don't remember having them with Nathan. So I guess one more for a boy. 
 

Old Wives Tale #38:  Baby Names
It is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby. This was the opposite with Nathan. We had a girl's name from the start and could not come up with a boys name. But this time we got both names right away! So I guess we will see. 

So this was fun and I am excited to see what the outcome is and introduce all of you to our little one... name and all. After we call family of course! 

Final tally:
Boy:10
Girl:13

Generic Junkie

Joel and I have been spending the last six months really working on our budget. We are really getting tighter around it now that #2 is on their way. I have started couponing. Even more than I was. I also work hard to still be frugal about couponing. Even though its a good deal, I don't need 15 of something. It will be a good deal again in a month or two when I run out of it. That's my philosophy on couponing. Granted if its free and I know its something that is never free, I take it. One time Target was having a sale on beefaroni (don't gag, its my easy go to lunch) and they also had an online coupon for it that made it free. I stocked up!

One of the other ways that I have been tightening up is by buying generic on things that I don't have coupons for or are not on sale for the week. For example, I stopped buying Cascade dishwashing soap. I buy Target brand. And honestly, even though this is where Joel works, I think it works better. I have tried other generic brands and they don't work. Of course, there is one thing I can't go generic because of my skin but that laundry detergent. So when its on sale and I have coupons I stock up! But bread is bread. And paying 60 cents for a loaf and putting the extra loaf in the freezer is awesome. Another thing that generic is the way to go... milk, cheese, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, tissues. Unless its a super awesome deal, I go generic. Most store brands have the extra soft two ply toilet paper for about $3-4 less! I also, because of a husband in retail, see what would be cheaper with employee and Target Check Card discounts than the deal at another store. Sometimes the deal is the same but I save on tax because of the employee discount. And that makes a difference.

The other way that I save on our budget is, we don't have any meat once a week. We have pasta w/ veggies instead of meat, soup, grilled cheese, casserole of some kind, or something else. Meat is pricey and cutting it out for one day week helps. I also use half the meat the recipe calls for on any meal with meat. Plus, we read an article that Americans eat too much meat so its healthier too. We also have a left over day. No cooking, just eating whatever we have in the house for the day. Its cleans out the fridge and we spend no money that day on any food for meals.

Our goal is to cut out $60 from our grocery budget for the month. We are slowly getting there but I think we will be able to get there once my morning sickness is gone and I can eat more things too. But we have had to cut back on certain foods because just cooking them makes me sick. And some of those foods are the cheaper meals. Bummer.

I know a lot of people that are super couponers. And I know I have a long way to go but I have made a point to only put so much time into it a week and I also factor in all the driving I do to all the different stores. All of these are huge factors. We have a gas budget and if I don't have the gas to get to all the stores for the week, then we don't shop there. We never go without but if I miss out on the .33 fruit snacks for the week, then Nathan and Joel will just have to snack on something else in the house!

I am proud of all my friends who have taught me so much and the great example they are being to others about how to save $$$ and not go without during these crazy economic times! WAY TO GO!

Potty Training and the Terrible Twos

I just want to start out with this... I love my son. He is amazing. Even though most people can't handle is not stop movement or his full fledged energy, I love it. It wears on me and I am exhausted most days but he is able to wear himself out and I never have to fight sleeping or eating with this kid.

But I think its fair to say that we have reached the point where this age is the toughest we have ever experienced so far. Even when he had a bad case of reflux we at least knew how to sooth and make him feel better. But he has reached the age of independence. And the age of disobedience. Oh and to top that off we have started the slow process of potty training.

We know this stage doesn't last forever and we know that for the most part he is a good kid but man oh man I cannot stand the constant tantrums that begin the moment the word NO comes from our mouths. We don't have a kid that takes his frustration out on us. He doesn't hit or bite or scratch, but he throws toys. And that has been awful. But on the bright side, slowly we see the self control that comes with the discipline of making sure he knows throwing toys are not allow. The biggest part of this discipline is introducing Nathan to the idea of not just doing what he told but to honor and obey us because that is what Jesus wants of us. So there are a lot of "I'm sorrys", kisses, hugs and prayer time after every disciplinary action that takes place. I'm sure its easy to get a kid to just do what he is told but we want more for Nathan than that. We want to be honored, obeyed and loved through this. And we want Nathan to feel loved by us through discipline. Its tough and hard to stay consistent and to always keep our cool but I really believe it will pay off.

Now onto potty training. We have just started introducing him to sitting on the toilet. Nathan is a little scared of it but he sits on it and tolerates it. Even though he has yet to do anything on it he knows what it is for and that if does go it will be a good day. But we have already encountered a few mishaps. The "poke it down" model for boys doesn't work on Nathan because he is extremely ticklish in that area. I mean its bad. So now we are trying to figure out if the best course of action is to teach him to stand right away and sit for the #2s. Any advise out there for me would be awesome!

The first time said he actually wanted to sit on the toilet.

My mom said I would always grab a paper to read during potty time,  I guess followed suit.

Again, Nathan is amazing and sometimes a mom needs to  vent. I don't hide that we are imperfect and that my kid has issues. By no means, my kid is far from perfect and sin is setting in and we are working hard to show him the life Christ has for us. He is a boy that is "all boy". He loves to run, jump, dance, play, read, talk, sing, eat, sleep, pray, and laugh. We have a blast together most days. He is a joy in our life. We can't imagine life without him and hope we don't have to for a very very long time!

A new year and a new change coming...

I don't have new year's resolution. Mainly because as a substitute teacher and  until recently being married to a teacher, our year starts in August. So we are still getting use to the change of the year starting on Jan. 1 for us. The other reason is because I am not a long term planner in that sense. I can make a goal but then for some unknown reason at the time, it won't work out or needs to change into something else and God shows me that there is always something better.

But this year changes are coming whether we are ready or not for them. A new baby in a 3 bedroom house means no guest room. Less space on the floor and the need to rearrange things to turn our guestroom/office into a kid's bedroom. Its going to work. We have been able to move things around slowly. We sold our guest bed and in turn will buy a roll away bed for guests. Nathan has been out of the crib for a while so baby #2 is ready for it. And our desk and computer has been moved into the living room. We would have put it in our room but the baby will be in there with us for a couple of months so that move will wait as well.

Another big change is planning a vacation. This is new for us because we always had to save our pennies to make sure that Joel wouldn't lose too much money by taking time off of work. Now he gets paid vacation and we can go guilt free without losing $$$. Its a very nice feeling. We've got the dates planned now we are waiting to see what we are going to do.

We are excited about this year and the possibilities it will bring. God has provided and will continue to provide. We trust that completely and that has allowed us to not be worried about what may happen or even if something does happen the ability to know God will provide all we need to make sure we have a roof over our head, food to eat and clothes to wear. Thank you Lord for that. (Last year a big leak in our roof happened and we were able to temporarily fix the leak because we didn't have the funds for a new roof but the Lord provided the $$$ right before monsoons and we are truly blessed).

Happy New Year!