Freedom?

What is this nation coming to really? Will you read this very insightful article and do your part?


http://andbabymakes6.com/archives/3138

WFMW natural products

Have you read about this? You can see more information here. While I am not a fan of companies using scare tactics to motivate moms, there is truth here that we would be wise to hear.

Have you considered that newborn babies don't even need washed with soap? I just soak them in water and follow up with lotion or creme or oil. My two favorite brands (I'm not being paid to say so, I just love them that much) are Burt's Bees and California Baby.

My daughter pertetually smelled like the Buttermilk Lotion. To this day, when I smell it, I am taken back to her downy soft hair, chubby cheeks and all her baby-ness. She's not quite four and that seems like ages ago!

I have written before about my son's dairy issue here. The Buttermilk Lotion by Burt's Bees caused him to break out in hives. And that's when we discovered California Baby.

If you want to use natural skincare products for your children, you can check out more information here and here. I've also seen both brands available at Target and Publix.

It Works for Me! More tips at www.wearethatfamily.com

because you can't be insightful two days in a row...

Ah. After three days of rain and dreary weather, we are able to head back outside. Where the children play in the dirt until lunchtime and then play in the dirt some more and the mama can take turns nursing the baby and reading in the solitude, while the birds chirp in the background and the sun beats down. Yeah, it's gonna be a great day.

It's going deep today

The sermon at church this week brought my attention to a closet in my heart. The Pastor referenced an episode of Friends, in which Monica has a hidden closet. She appears to be neat and orderly, but the contents of the closet reveal the messy secret she is hiding. It's pretty humorous and you can see it here.

So it got me to thinking about a closet in my own heart. The past few months have been emotional for me. It's tough work getting to know the people who brought me into the world. The people who cradled and loved me, the people who left me. It's tough because I have to look at myself differently and I have to be honest with myself. But, that's another post...

I realized I have gone through my life so far, pridefully thinking that I am better than them, and thinking I am going to make better choices and do better things, but mostly, thinking that I will never leave my children and thinking that makes me a better person. That is what I have been storing in my closet.

The truth is it's just not about that. The truth is God doesn't keep an account of our mistakes. He doesn't give me a grade for my performance. He loves them as he loves his own son, Jesus. And he loves me as he loves his own son, Jesus too.

Because I've allowed myself to be prideful, I've allowed myself to believe that I don't need them. And God wants me to really see them and know them. The truth is, they know me. The truth is that I was knit together in my mother's womb. The truth is I was a Daddy's little girl. The truth is that I do need them, that my life can be better by having them in my life. And, I think I am finally okay with that.

*Updated* You can see that sermon here: http://seacoast.org/seriesHome.asp?pageID=38 It's called What's in your closet?

Sunday Hymn Pondering- All Things Bright and Beautiful

You can listen to it here and here.

Oh, I just love Spring in the Lowcountry! The breeze is cool, the sun is gorgeous (not yet sweltering) the mosquitos haven't become the size of birds and we can play outside all. day. long.

And play we have. We head out to the great back yard after breakfast, coming in only for eating purposes and then right back out again. After dinner, there are baths and bed. It's a beautiful routine.

We will continue rejoicing in God's creation in this fashion until summer heat hits. Then just before lunch, we will seek respite inside and wander back out again when the evening breeze blows. And it will become it's own beautiful routine.

Which makes think about this.

All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful: the Lord God made them all.

1.Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, God made their glowing colors, and made their tiny wings. (Refrain)

2. The purple-headed mountains, the river running by, the sunset and the morning that brightens up the sky. (Refrain)

3. The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun, the ripe fruits in the garden: God made them every one. (Refrain)

4. God gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell how great is God Almighty, who has made all things well. (Refrain)

Read more ponderings here, here and here.

inspiring

My husband works for a really great company. There seems to be a lot of camaraderie within the departments. They send each other stories and funny videos and pictures, pull pranks etc. I just love it when he forwards me something to share from his day. Here's one:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3967807

Works for Me Wednesday- shopping at Goodwill

Welcome to my world, if you are a first time visitor. If you are a regular, then welcome to Works for me Wednesday, which is hosted by We are THAT family. Go check out more great tips!

My tip this week is Goodwill. I read many blogs about being frugal and even a few about being green. Shopping at Goodwill can be both. If you take the time and really scavenge, you can find some great deals.

I found a Banana Republic dress last week that was less than $5. It was in mint condition and stunning. It was a very well made and the fabric alone was worth more than that. I was totally bummed when it didn't fit. But, I still found some great things.

Here's what I have found in the past week at Goodwill:

1 cotton skirt, fully lined $3.79

3 cotton tshirts, no stains, no holes, less than $10

1 set of 12 ink pads- most still in plastic wrapping $3.99 (!)

and the best deal of all, that which brought us all so much joy (and will probably cause a few tears and teach us a lesson in sharing), that I immediatly called my mothers (I have a few)...

Little Tikes cozy coupe car $6.99 (!!!)

Now, you have to be careful. It's easy to come home with a pile of junk because it is all so cheap and you get so excited that you overlook the flaws. So,

• Be critical of what you pick up.


• And be critical again before you make the purchase, giving everything a final once over.


• Ask yourself, 'Do I really need it?'


• Create a list of things you need to be looking out for and take it with you.


• Keep in mind people you'll be buying gifts for over the year. Our local stores sell overstocked Target items. And sometimes people donate brand new things. So you can give pretty good gifts for a fraction of the price.


• When I was post partum, I bought two pairs of a jeans in the current size. A couple weeks later, I donated them and recieve a 10% discount on my purchase of two new smaller jeans. I did this a few times until I reached my standard size. I had jeans that fit for a fraction of what I'd spend on brand new jeans. Works well for children who are quickly moving through sizes too!


• Look for discount days. Some holidays, Goodwill offers 1/2 off everything. In the housewares section, each day is marked by a number. On Saturday or Sunday it is the number 1. If you buy a #1 item on that day, it is 1/2 off.


• Remember, it's good for the environment too!


• Have fun. I like going with a group of women. We look for things the others may be interested in too, and then compare. Makes it fun!

Thanks for checking out my post!
Goodwill Works for Me!