blessings today, friends.

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I pray you find whatever freedom you need from Him today.
He alone can give it.
Friends, His grace IS enough for you to experience LIFE today, and not entertain thoughts that only lead to the death of the soul.
His heart loves you DEEPLY.
Be blessed this week...









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I am always so blessed and moved by worship songs by Bethel Church,
these quotes are all from different songs I love.
Y'all should go download their stuff if you don't have it already.
(all images via pinterest)

shaving expenses

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For our little fam, this time of year isn't the easiest money-wise.
Definitely a stretch to the monthly budget and we are still learning as a family how to plan better.
Not only is it Christmas (which we really try to keep simple), but it is the birthdays for ALL of our (almost 3 now!) kiddos.
Literally, my oldest is Christmas Eve, my second is January 4th, and I am due on January 9th with #3.
(and no, none were planned that way!)

And it just seems like in addition to gifts and giving, there's always so many more random expenses this time of year...
like traveling to see family, outfits for kid's Christmas programs, babysitter money for different Christmas parties, and lots of fun Christmassy activities to do that cost money.
Am I the only one who feels like it all just piles on suddenly starting in like November?

One thing Parker and I have really been trying to do better in our home is a budget.
Also been using the cash envelope system some to see if that makes a difference, which it def does, btw. (thanks Dave Ramsey).
The major part of trying to get finances in line is keeping up with it so that we know where and when we need to lower something, cut something, or even when we can add something.
The Lord is refining me a lot in this area, as I know it is something He desires for me to do to keep our home management in the order it needs to be in.
I'm learning and getting better!

There are definately a few things I am finding out through all this, that are good money savers and will help me keep that cash in that envelope!
Thought I'd share a few random things with yall today...

Let's start with yummy holiday drinks, like Hot Chocolate.
Make it at home, people!
It will save you a ton of money, and I honestly would take good ole Swiss Miss over fancy Starbucks any day. Grab a bag of marshmallows at the store for cheap, and you have yourself a fun little Christmassy drink!


and on that note, make your coffee at home!
If you are dead set on a fancy flavored drink, find a creamer that gives you the same taste, or just look up a recipe to see what you can add in to your coffee to make it how you want it.
There are so many fun flavors of creamers...my latest fav: Chocolate Chip Cookie.
yes.

I used to be an avid Americano drinker from Starbucks, but they went up in price about 2 months ago and we just couldnt take it.
you seriously can save so. much. money. by making coffee at home!
AND time!
And I personally love the sound and smell of it grinding and brewing every morning at home. :)

*and another coffee-lover-money-saver tip:
go in with either your business or some friends or neighbors, and find a place (lots online) that sells coffee for cheaper in bulk.
We go in with my husband's office and save about 2 bucks per pound of beans because the order is large! Just a thought.
(our FAVORITE coffee is from here. You'll love it, I promise.)

...and if you absolutely have to have your commercial coffee, then ask Santa for a gift card!


Another way I am learning to shave costs to stay in budget is switching up where I get food.
Grocery is the hardest part of the budget for me to stay in.
Partly because well, food just costs a lot.
But partly because I have not been very mindful of how I grocery shop.
While I am definitely a list girl when I go, I usually end up getting at least 5-10 things that were NOT on my original list, hiking up the costs.
So, sticking to a well thought-out list is key.
But like I mentioned, switching stores might be helpful too.
(and even though you love all your yummies from Whole Foods or Sprouts, which believe me I do too, It may be worth going somewhere different in a month you need to lower costs!)

I recently started doing some of my shopping at our new Aldi store in town.
While they don't have the name-brand stuff (which made me nervous at first), most of their items are great!
And even though I don't buy meat there, I have been getting most of our snack stuff, produce (it's SO cheap), and eggs and milk.
May take some getting used to, but I promise, trading Mott's brand fruit snacks for the cheap brand saves me like 4$ and the kids don't know the difference.

So, don't be intimidated to try out a new store.
You'll get used to the aisles, I promise!


Another thing that can save money is membership or subscription services, like joining Sams or Costco, being an Amazon Prime Member, or even something like Dollar Shave Club.
(my hubby joined Dollar Shave right when it started, it truly saves a lot of money over the year...razors aren't cheap y'all!)

I know it sounds funny or like subscribing to anything is a bad budgeting idea, but it isn't.
Just start comparing getting razors delivered to you for as low as 1$ per month, vs. spending like $15 every 3 months! So worth it.
And because you are saving, it totally feels like happy mail when it comes. :)
(might I also interject, this could be a fun and different gift for the hubbs, too!) 


I am all about things being shipped to my doorstep for cheaper than I could buy them at the store.
Because let's be honest, getting out with a bunch of kids all over you is not always the easiest when you just need to grab a few things.
Cha Ching! Subscription services for the win.

And really though, do the Amazon thing, friends.
Not only does shopping on there save you money usually, but if you are a Prime member, you can get free fast shipping and a lot of other benefits.
Diapers too, mamas!


Another, (more fun) way to cut expenses?
When you take your little ones out for a date, or just a needed outing away from the house,
you don't have to go eat a whole meal at Chick Fil A (we all know that adds up quick!).

Take them to a smoothie place or ice cream shop (Jamba Juice is our fav)...
it not only is healthier, but it's a fun experience for them to pick what they want for their smoothie,
and it is cheaper to go grab a (filling) smoothie rather than a $5 meal they will most likely pick at anyways!
Plus no cutting up chicken for you, Mama!
Much better bang for your buck with the little ones, in my opinion.


One last thing I think it important to remember when cutting costs during the holidays,
MEMORIES are what your family will remember.
And if there happens to be a free way to create those, like going to see Christmas lights in your PJ's after dinner, then do that.
You don't need to spend a million dollars on taking them to a fancy Christmas show or even on their gifts for under the tree!
Just think of things to have fun DOING!


I hope these few random tidbits from my own life have helped!
How are YOU cutting costs during such a busy season?
I'd love to hear!!

Merry Christmas and happy budgeting!


(my very honest) Pregnancy Survey

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I have seen this done a few times in the past, and just thought this time around, why not?
So here are a few random q's about this pregnancy...in case you care.  :)
(I just made my own survey from random questions I've seen around!)

heeeey belly belly..

PREGGO SURVEY:

What is your due date? 
January 9th, 2015

How far are you?
35 weeks and 5 days

Do you know what you are having?
Boy! 
(bring on the blue! though I'm sure his sisters will have him in princess dresses in no time!)

Is this your first pregnancy?
no, this is my 6th pregnancy (my 2 girls here and my 3 babes in Heaven)

How has this compared to your other pregnancies?
This time has definitely stretched me in new ways...physically and emotionally.
Physically it feels much more uncomfortable, I think just bc it's the third time carrying a baby all the way and my body is literally stretched out inside! 
And emotionally it's been a little harder trying to balance mothering my other 2 well with taking care of myself and this little growing one.

Craving anything?
At the beginning lots of meat.
meat meat meat. (this is why we thought maybe it was a boy before we knew...def my husband's son!)
Now, craving fruity drinks like smoothies and orange juice.
Also cheese. Lots of cheese. 

Weight gain?
As of my appointment today, I have gained 42 pounds.
(and I still have a month to go...awesome.)

Weight gain compared to other pregnancies?
When I gave birth to Bethany, my second, I was up 42 pounds.
So clearly this baby boy is gonna be bigger.
Or maybe it's all the meat and cheese.

Maternity clothes?
one word: leggings.

Specific complaints physically?
hmm my hubby would say "everything!".
And I might too, really.
My legs seem to tire more easily, like I've just done a million squats after I simply walk upstairs. And my belly aches more and I def have more Braxton Hicks this time than the others.

Is it hard to be pregnant and mother other kids?
um, yes. I'd like to think I am super mom, but it is exhausting. yall.
Nausea in the first trimester keeps you cranky, the second trimester lets up a bit,
but now near the end it is t.o.u.g.h.
My littles are also just at an age (2 and 4) that is very busy and requires a lot from mama!
How is sleeping?
another word: Unisom.
(don't worry, it's safe during pregnancy!)

Is baby really active?
yes! he moves constantly. SO so active, this guy!

Do you have a name yet?
yes. 
(sorry not gonna get it outta me until he's here! Our good friends know, but the world will know when he arrives!)

Have you set up the nursery?
mmm, mostly. 
well, the pictures and decor have to be nailed into the wall still.
But the crib and dresser and rocker are all good to go!

Breast or bottle?
Breast! (barring any unforeseen difficulties)
Breastfeeding is actually one of my favorite things about having a new baby.

Midwife or OB? 
Where I will deliver, I have midwives, but I also know the OB well and he plans to check in on me too. (He walked us through my last two miscarriages and my Molar Pregnancy)

Natural or epidural?
gonna go ahead and say my heart is leaning towards epidural this time.
(betcha thought I was gonna say natural!)
I tried to go natural last time and they ended up having to give me a ton of Pitocin to get her out quick, so it was hell til I got that magic shot.
I honestly think after the losses we have been through, and just wanting to really be enjoying this life-giving process, 
I will probably go natural as long as I can take it, but the minute I feel miserable, 
I will get the epidural.
I really want to enjoy it, pray, worship, rest as he makes his way out of my belly and into our arms!

Co-sleeping or crib?
I have always co-slept with my babies for the first 5-6 months, really not for any "crunchy" reasons, mainly just because it saves me energy of getting out of bed to nurse through the night.

Any fears about labor/delivery?
I think every mama has some fears.
Fear that something will go wrong with delivery, fear of sickness of the baby.
But I am fully trusting the Lord that this baby was such a promise of HOPE to us after such a traumatic few years of loss, that all will be ok.

Do you have your hospital bag packed yet? 
ha, no.
I have thought about it though!

Advice to other expectant moms?
Enjoy it. 
Don't set too high of expectations for labor and birth.
know that you will have to go with the flow 
and no matter what, the gift at the end is worth the process.

Anxious about anything after baby arrives?
Both my girls were severely colicky for the first several months.
Praying he is not that way!
But if he is, I now know my tricks of bouncing on a big ball and running bath water!

Something special about this particular pregnancy?
(cue the tears)
Since our last birth (Bethany), we have lost many people close to us, including my Dad and two babies through miscarriage.
And our last miscarriage, Parker literally delivered the baby's tiny form in a hospital bathroom while I was in labor at 10 1/2 weeks. It was very traumatic for both of us, as you can imagine.
So I am praying and expecting this to be special, because it will be a renewal and restoration of something terrible into something beautiful.
A redemption, if you will. 
This truly is our rainbow baby, our promise from God!

Feeling ready or nervous?
so ready. so, so ready!

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nothin like a good bathroom belly selfie! :)


Well, there's some facts from me to you.
Can't wait to meet our baby boy, and to introduce him to you all someday soon!!
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*feel free to copy these questions to use for yourself...such a fun way to document it all!