So...sew!

Sewing that is...
I have been thinking about this for some time now...in fact when we moved into our house (almost 4 years ago) I set up a sewing table...since then it has been repalaced by various other needed things in the essence of space needed. But here I am again, wanting to sew. This time with a much greater vision of what I want to do- and make.
I have been looking around at so many great web pages and blogs that have so many great ideas, and want to emulate and use their creativity to spur my own :)
Here is a blog that has put together a list of free tutorials and patterns...

http://everydaybeautiful.typepad.com/everyday_beautiful/free-patterns.html

yay! I can use all the help I can get, beause you see, I can't yet sew- I only dream that I can :) I will learn though...and one day, my plans will come to fruition - muahahaha!
In the mean time, you can take advantage!

Slings!

As my little one has grown, I have found that different types of slings do the job ... well, differently. Now, I must note that all of the slings I own are hand-me-downs, and I think a few of them are the wrong size- which makes them impossible to use comfortably, but none-the-less, I love a sling. I really can see a use for just about every kind out there... and wouldn't I drool to try them all out!
I did find a site that has a lot of different kinds- and tells you how to choose the best type for your needs! So I thought I would pass it along!
http://www.kangarookorner.com

Giving Thanks where it is due

Thanks God, for my family. Thanks God, for my friends. Thanks God, for my health. Thanks God, for my ability to do many things so easily- like walk to my mail box, call my mom on the phone, drive to the grocery store, go for a jog with my child in the stroller, and dog by my side...although that isn't "easy", it is possible, and my body is able, though not always willing...
Thank You God that you provide not only for my needs, but for the small stuff that just makes me smile. I am abundantly cared for, overwhelmingly loved, and amazingly blessed. Though I sometimes have moments where I feel stuck in feelings of inadequacy, left-out of the "cool kids" circle, alone in my feelings of being torn by motherhood and 21st centry womanhood, alone in having no family support nearby... God brings me back, lest I forget to praise Him for all the abundance I have been given.
Thanks God.

I'm doing what?!

Yes, my friends, My sweetheart and I are going out of country. No, not just out of country for a jaunt- no, more like life altering, time sacrificing, leaving our baby behind- out of country. But, in good faith; we know- without a shadow of a doubt that this is God's plan for us. It is scary, overwhelming, and hard. Where we are going there is likely be no air-conditioning, and the temperatures will be in the 90s(F) much of the time. We must take malaria medication (most have awful side-effects), and risk contracting all sorts of unspeakable things just by being there, living and working with the people.

But, It will be well beyond worth that we can see in this lifetime. We are anticipating joy beyond measure at being a part of God's bigger plan.

I look forward to stepping back from my every-day, limited view of the world- so I can get a glimpse of what God's bigger plan for my life, our family's life, and the world is- His great plan for man-kind. I know it is much bigger than I see everyday- because I read of it daily in my devotional time. I see a God who loves all peoples of all nations- I am thrilled and awed that He is allowing me to GO on mission overseas with Him.

So, We are going, my sweetheart and I (and 3 others from our church). 30 hours of plane rides and layovers. Leaving my 20 month old in the care of my (capable) family...
I am trying to live in "be anxious about nothing..." and I am struggling. But I am excited too. God is good. He has an ultimate plan for our lives. I know that we are walking in His truth, and there in I have no fear. Let me live there Lord!

Not Me Monday

I am sharing, with the prodding of mothers around the globe, spurred on by "My Charming Kids" MckMama. ...my imperfect Monday happenings.
You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I did not allow my 19 month old to stay in his PJs while we ran around town doing early morning errands, while I, nare an ounce of makup on my "perfect" (read PMS ridden) face ran around trying to get groceries, hoping no-one would notice my dirty hair or reworn clothes.
I did not open up the box of granola bars whilst in the shopping cart and let him eat two, just to quiet him, and keep him from throwing things overboard. No, not me. I did not let him eat several grapes from the bag for the same purpose. No, not me.
Later, I did not put him in his crib for a second nap early, just so I could finish starting dinner, with remnants of applesauce on his shirt...no, not me.'
No, I would never do these things, for I am a perfect, selfless mother, who is clean and efficient...

Organic Coupons!

Check out this page that has several sites to find Organic Coupons!
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/foodsavings/tp/Organic_Coupons.htm

P&G coupons and samples

Register with P&G Everyday Solutions and get a P&G Brand Sampler pack with your choice of samples and coupons!
http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/pg-brandsaver-samples-coupons.jsp

Thanks, $30 Weekly Grocery Challenge!