A Choice of Hope

Terrified and torn, a young woman girl, seventeen, sacrificed so that her firstborn
could have life.

For nine months, perfect innocence was knit together in her womb.

Yet on a blistery Milwaukee March day, she made a choice.

A choice of sacrifice. A choice of redemption. A choice of hope.

Decades later, a mom of five sits at her computer pondering just what that decision means.

I am the result of her choice, her sacrifice, her hope of a better life for a daughter.

Her decision that day has already impacted generations.

Please continue reading a small excerpt of my adoption story over at (in)courage.

"God Watch" Financial Update

*Many of you have asked how my husband's job search is going and how we are making it financially since it's been so long. Here are just a few thoughts for those faithful followers. Regular programming continues next week. :)

Embracing this season during our "God Watch" continues to teach me many things.
Another month has come and gone during this time of unemployment, and more than ever I am passionate in our desire for debt free living, and its importance in today's financial world.

During this economy, life happens, unemployment rises, and houses are being foreclosed.
My heart breaks for the families that struggle through these situations with no support or financial advise. In the midst of the storm, it's sometimes incredibly difficult to see the sunshine breaking through. I've been there years ago and know that pain.
Not only that, but financial tension is the leading cause of divorce.
Stress abounds around money decisions which multiplies the situation.

Yet even being part of that rising unemployment statistic, our family is thoroughly surviving.
Not because of a large salary, but due to the fact that we have had years of living below our means, being committed to Dave Ramsey's financial baby steps (even before he had outlined them. :)

I would be fooling you if I shared that I didn't have nerve racking days.
Yes, moments when I assure the Lord I'm done being refined and wonder when this character building opportunity will end. (ha :) But dedicated to a commitment years ago to stack our emergency fund and save it for a season like this, we're holding on financially.

We are also living off of our "attic fund" (the money that we saved to finally finish our third story). And yes, I know that we are beyond blessed that we even have more space to complete some day.

Admittedly, we were fortunate because my husband knew that his company was being bought out months before it happened. We began living like we were unemployed at the first moment of whispers, and then they offered to keep him on through the transition with a retention bonus. Yes, I had grandiose ideas that we would double dip my husband's income since I was sure he'd be employed within months.
Many are not so fortunate to receive anything once they are let go...reality has hit.

Our bonus money is now past, we are in month eight of our God Watch, and if there are any bits of wisdom I can impart, it's "stop spending money on any more "wants (consumer debt)," until you have paid off those credit cards and are beginning an emergency fund."
For those that haven't been able to hold on or are currently unemployed, of course this doesn't begin to apply to you at all. Ten years ago, we were in a position where I literally had to charge my groceries for a small season...I couldn't even begin to think of putting away for an emergency fund. Total grace here...

Sharing my heart on this issue is only for those of you who have a secure salary, yet wonder how long you could hold on if one or both of you lose your jobs tomorrow.

As my friend shared with me last week, even though her husband makes well into the six figures, if he lost his job, they would not be able to make it for more than one month.
The burden of debt she feels weighs on her, and she understands that's no way to live.
There's no time like the present than to assess that situation.

Debt is the leading cause of this country's financial failures.
I can't express to you the freedom that occurs and the burdens that will be lifted once you begin to walk down this road.
Stewarding your money more wisely, blessing others, modeling financial patience to your children, are all benefits that result through this chiseling process.

Begin living now by reducing your debt and taking those steps to financial security.
Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, Crown Ministries and financial books by the late Larry Burkett top my recommended reading lists on personal finance issues.

Yikes, I need to take a breath. I rarely get on my high horse and that certainly was not my intent.
Personally living in the midst of financial UNcertainty brings out every frugal bone in my body.
People scoff at frugal living, but it is fabulous. Speaking from a lifetime of experience, I'm more convinced of that than ever. Frugality allows creative inspiration to thrive, and I think if you browse my archives, you will see that it permeates every thread of our family tapestry. :)

So what is our plan?
Prayer, prayer, prayer... as we wait and watch to see what the Lord will do.
Then...my husband, who in the midst of this unemployment, is doing everything he can to bring in extra income through assisting people with taxes, finances etc.
We live in an amazing country where we can use our creative gifts and entrepreneurial spirit to think outside the box. Being a financial guy, there's not much available for higher management in our area, so he's slowly attempting to build his own company - Uncommon CFO.
Attempting to help five companies, who will hire him just one day a week, is his goal.
(Any guesses on how he came up with the name or why?)

For me, as my blog grows, advertising space helps offset some couponed groceries. :)
After turning down speaking opportunities in the past due to home schooling, the Lord is opening that door for me - especially since my husband is working from home.
Sharing with women what I am passionate about brings such joy.
That opportunity never ceases to amaze me. Maybe I'll meet you at your ladies' group some day.

Thanks for joining us on this God Watch. I'll start updating you once a month with some of the hands on practical life lessons that we're learning through this process.
And no, I will not be one bit disappointed if I don't have to give you any more updates...ever. :)

Cultivate Creativity - turn the TV off

The average American watches more than 4 hours of TV each day, according to the A.C. Nielsen Co. In a 65-year life, that person will have spent 9 years glued to the tube.

So what happens when this "mean mom" says, "No" to TV during the day?
Relationships are solidified, creativity blossoms, and imaginative play dusts off it's silent, lonely webs.

Yes, it's a mess.
Yes, it creates more work.
Yes, their "territories" have been established (that's what they told me was being done).

Yes to real life being lived regardless of the dust bunnies, carpet crud and dog hair. ;)

Now to just get them to clean up as soon as they are done. I'm still working on that one.

How often do you turn off the TV and let real life reign?

Find your spontaneous place...

With the ins and outs of the daily grind, do you ever set aside time to be spontaneous?

Seriously, as much as I am passionate about living life to its fullest, getting older has its drawbacks. I've lost some of that spontaneous spirit that I used to thrive on, and I want it back.
So with only frozen pizza on the menu, I realized that tonight we would make a mundane moment magical.

Just changing scenery for meal time can make that memory happen, and it did.
Without spending an extra dime or anguishing over any preplanned details, I slipped the pizzas out of the oven, threw them on some trays, grabbed just paper plates, lemonade, chips and loaded up various children. :)
I really didn't "have the time" to be spontaneous tonight, but I realize in the long run, I don't have the time NOT to be.
I often forget that we have our own little treasure tucked away in the middle of our country living just 1/2 mile down the road.
Just because we don't have a boat, jet ski or house on the lake, doesn't mean we can't enjoy it's therapeutic effects.

Total Extra Cost? Nothing but a tiny bit of gasoline.
Total time? One hour
Spontaneous Memory Making? Forever...

You may not have a lake hidden down the road, but what spontaneous destination awaits you?

Share some of your brainstorming in the comments and see what one hour may open up in your family life this week or month.

A friend of mine shared a favorite memory. Her dad would pack them in the car with a picnic or snacks, hop on the highway and drive for just one exit. Then they'd find a fun place on the side of the road to picnic. Always someplace new, different and packed with memory making moments.

I love that...simple, intentional and fun.

It may be to just hop in your car for ten minutes and have your children (or spouse) direct you. Let them navigate your spontaneity and tell you left, right, go forward, back up and see where you end up.
I can't wait to hear the result. :)

Extending our "God Watch"

I watch. I wait. I wonder.
Some call it courage. Some call it foolish.
I call it faith.

Come in and make your heart at home.
That is what (in)courage is all about.
A place where I can feel at home. A place where it's encouraged to embrace the beauty and bedlam of life.
I gushed with you last week about the wonderful opportunity that has been gifted me in collaborating with this amazing group of women.
Well, my first post is up over there, and it's a little nerve wracking.
It's a continuation of my "God Watch" journey, yet it's just the beginning, the end is still being written.
Follow along here as I share more details during the weeks to come.

Here's the snippet of what I have shared.
Six months ago, I wrote a blog post called, “Join me on our God Watch.”
It invited blogging friends to join our family as we entered another “God Watch” period in our lives – my husband’s pending unemployment. Years ago, I coined that phrase for our children as a game, of sorts. It was an intentional way of watching and waiting to see how the Lord would unexpectedly amaze us during a particularly difficult circumstance.

Please hop over and join me at (in)courage for the "rest of the story."

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Since I spent the weekend with the lovely ladies from Dayspring, I begged them to let me share a coupon code with you. It's for their amazing new "Life to the Full" Collection. They agreed.
(You know I just have to get a deal, especially for amazing items that can't be found at yard sales. I'm giving the mother/daughter matching aprons for Christmas. ;).
Use the coupon code LIFEFULL at checkout. This will save you $20 on orders over $60.

How to organize kids' chores and routines?

Being out of town for 11 days (yes, 11..ugh) has definitely blown our family's routine out of the water. Trying to keep my head above the sea of laundry, cleaning, writing and life led me to my dear friend over at the Pretty Organized Palace. We chuckle at how much we have in common except that she is really, really organized and I...am not. I am just a wanna-be. :)

Since I have received many requests on how I divide up chores, teach responsibility etc. etc., but have had no time to write about our "organized" life, I'll let you hear from the master. You'll just LOVE her! And by the time I share how our family does it, you'll need some more encouragement in this area, I am sure. :) Don't we all?
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When Jen asked if I'd come over to add my two cents on how I Balance Beauty and Bedlam with my family of 8 I thought... really? Is that interesting ?!?! Then I remembered that families of 8 land big Cable Reality Shows and get to take fantastic vacations with their kidlets and drive cars that have built in movie theaters... and some even get a year supply of diapers... though I'd prefer chocolate instead.

For those of you who wonder, "How on earth does she manage with 6 kids?" I offer this: The chore chart to top all others. Okay, well admittedly this won't top all others because this one is ugly. Sometimes order is ugly... this chart looks more like a Wal-Mart Organizational Flow Chart than a family chore chart.

The fact is: I forget everything. I completely forget that my kids earned themselves a whoppin grounding for 2 weeks because my intense love for these little punk-a-noodles overshadows my memory of things they've done to deserve my wrath.

I forget that a family of 8 requires laundry to be done several times EVERY DAY. Aren't we all trying to forget about the laundry... it just won't go away! I'm even at fault to forget a couple of days in a row... until I've worn that stretched out bra that I should have thrown away months ago for the second straight day and I have to start acting surprised when friends see the stains on my shirt, "Kids! Darn. I guess I'll have to get this in the wash." That excuse works incredibly well when you have a ton of kiddos. You're always bound to have something stuck to your shoulder or belly. It's sad however, when the same friends hear that excuse several times over the same shirt... BUSTED!

So here's command central at my house.

Use this link to get the PDF of our job chart.
Cuz I'm a dork and can't make it appear right on this blog.

This baby has earned it's rightful place on the fridge next to the Scouting schedule and the realtor magnets.


It's divided into 3 sections; Routines that I need to remember.
Meal schedule: For Breakfast and Lunch (dinners are always different)

Laundry Schedule: This shows me who has laundry on what day. If you want to see my octo-laundry routine check out this post.

Family Job Rotations: This is the meat of the schedule. (Applies to 4 older kids)
It details my kids daily Personal jobs, Trash assignments, Dinner Prep and Clean-up assignments, Weekly Zone, Weekly Job, and Saturday job assignments. WHEW!

Use this link to get the PDF of our job chart.

There you have it. Functionality at it's finest... you can thank the hubby for that one. I'm always worried about whether or not the colors I choose in the chart coordinate with the eyes and personality of the child they represent... and match the hues of the current season.
We're a perfect match!

Any other questions on family efficiency or routines? What are you struggling with in your home?

Photo Credits: SouthernLiving.com

A Sunday Moment

A child-like gift of love...
We've all received them...
A precious fist full of 'nothing,' yet given with grandeur.

Unbelievably, His great love showered me in the midst of the unexpected.

Revealing Himself through a fist full of nothing,

this daughter of the King was embraced by His love.

Thank you, Lord,
for continually showing yourself to me in the mundane moments.
A child-like gift of love...weeds turned to wonder.


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Zep 3:17 (NIV) The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Beauty is God's handwriting.

-Charles Kingsley

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I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God.

-Abraham Lincoln

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Shared at Tuesdays Unwrapped

Are you a "Yes Mom?"

In a culture that screams "Yes" to every one and everything that the world has to offer, I am a mean mom that says "No" quite often.
"No" to ideology that says truth is relative.
"No" to many movies, music and moments that turn the brain to mush.
"No" to the laziness and disrespect that teens exhibit way too often.
"No" to...well, I guess you get the picture.

The hard reality is that I want to be a "Yes Mom. " I want to say "yes" to everything that they desire. I want them to shower me with instant praise and gratitude for always saying "yes."
I don't want to be the only mom who doesn't let them...
But, guess what? The Lord has graciously given these blessings to us for a minuscule period and I know that "instant yes" is not always in their best interest.

So I choose to be a "Yes Mom" in the little things. The moments that will impact them for eternity. Moments that shape who they are. I say "yes" to the little things that take their breath away, and then even moments that will be solidified in their mind as plain, silly, wholesome fun.

My desire is that they will always remember me as a "Yes Mom." A mom who cares enough to say "No" in the hard moments, but relish my "Yes" in the magical ones.

So instead of saying, "No, don't try on those crazy wigs, you'll get lice,"
I just said "YES."
Decades from now, I pray that my daughters and nieces will always remember this "Yes Moment."

Have you had a "Yes Moment" lately?

Confessions of a Running Mom: 5 Frugal Fitness Tips

When Kristen, from Pajama Mama, emailed me about doing a guest post on fitness, it came at a time when I had just fallen off the fitness "wagon," and my husband had just set the goal to train for and run a marathon within 4 months (note: he's not a runner).
Do you think the Lord was trying to tell me something?
I am no stranger to weight loss and exercise, as well as the lack there of...I know the pitfalls better than anyone. Therefore, I am thrilled that Kristen is here to share her journey of frugal fitness tips. And I promise - I will get around to writing about my weight loss journey (which is still a balancing act).
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Thanks Jen, for hosting me! I'm so excited to be here! And I'm really excited to share with you, Balancers of Beauty and Bedlam, how I balance fitness with a family-friendly budget. But first, let's get to know one another...I'll go first:

Can I tell you a secret? I hated running as a child. Okay, that's not much of a secret...in fact anyone who knew me then, could tell you that. But growing up I hated any form of exercising, and running most of all, so much that I actually lied to get out of it! Yes. I lied. Isn't that awful? I'm so embarrassed to say that. But God treated me with such gentle and hilarious grace. Let me explain:

In a college aerobics class, we were required to run a mile at the beginning and end of the semester to check our aerobic improvement. I signed up to take aerobics because it didn't involve running, then the instructor pulls that on me? Ugh-I was so frustrated and really did not want to run around the school coliseum. My fast and, more importantly, sympathetic roommate was also in the class. She actually agreed to run my lap for me, and turn in my name card when she finished. It wasn't that simple though. I had to start the lap, and my roommate would meet me around the corner, out of our instructor's view, to take over my run. Well, she took over, and I was left standing there without a way home...I couldn't go back-my instructor was waiting by the door. Hmmm, we hadn't thought this plan through. I had to find another way out of the coliseum. Well, the route I found back to my on-campus apartment ended up being a 3 mile hike! My roommate actually beat me home! I came home sweaty, tired and even more frustrated.

It wasn't until I married my husband a few years later that I gave running a fair shot. My husband found a really do-able beginning running plan, and on my birthday the year we were married, I tried it. After sticking with the plan for a few weeks, I was hooked. I've come to love all of exercise's benefits -the energy, weight loss and maintenance and a healthy attitude (it's great for warding off mild depression)! I've also learned how to keep it a priority in my life, without spending unnecessarily.

Whatever your sport, here are some ways to keep fitness a priority without knocking the budget out of balance:

1. Take a walk! One mom I know begins every day with taking her boys around the neighborhood. Isn't that a great way to start the day-and a great thing to do with you kids?

2. Don't have a gym membership? Me neither. Scour Craigslist, Kijiji, Freecycle, thrift stores and garage sales for used equipment and workout DVDs. A few years ago, we bought a commercial-grade treadmill off Craigslist for $200. It was only 2 years old, and the owners were moving and didn't want to take it with them. Don't forget to sell your unused equipment, too!

photo:just-treadmill-reviews.com

3. Oh, you do have a gym membership? Lucky you! Want to pay less? Talk to the gym manager about changing your plan. Gyms must be flexible to keep their members.

4. Find local clubs. Many communities have cycling, swimming, and running clubs, just to name a few. We love our local running club! It's similar to a Road Runners Club. Often, clubs like these offer free training group runs (at every level-even walkers!).

5. Take advantage of where your taxes go. Your local library and recreation centers. The library has a wealth of workout DVD's and books on new sports. Rec centers are also great places to try a new activity for a lower fee than gyms and health clubs. And don't forget public schools-many have outdoor tracks perfect for a summer evening stroll!

6. Your turn. How do you keep active on a budget? Do share!

Posted at: Life As Mom

How to Plan a Cheap Family Vacation... without being "cheap"

After months of skimping, saving and planning, the annual family vacation is finally here. You head out for your much anticipated time away, but come back not only needing a time of recuperation from the hectic schedule, but also an exhaustive overall on the family budget.

What do your family vacations look like? Do you ever come home and think, "Next year, we're doing something different?" There is a time for that dream vacation, but there is also a time to ponder doing something unique and unexpected.

We began a new family tradition this year with my extended family...a radically different family vacation on a budget. And not just any budget, a "no spend" budget.
With three brothers that are entrepreneurs and an unemployed husband, we decided that if we wanted to make this vacation a reality, it would have to be a "no spend any money at all" vacation.
And by "no spend," I mean that no spending took place on this vacation besides buying a few additional groceries, and an item at Good Will (of course).
Our Pigeon Forge lodging was at a beautiful time share property that had been paid for previously, and the only other out of pocket expense was gas.

We all brought cooler/meals with us, but then made a few runs to Walmart once we arrived.
With five children, we can't afford to eat out often, but we typically splurge on a few meals during vacation. For the first time ever, not one bite of food came from a restaurant . It was pretty funny to see the kids reactions the first two days.
At one time or another, every son, daughter, niece and nephew pestered, "When are we going out to eat?"
"We're not."
"What do you mean, we're not? Not today?"
"Not at all. We are not going out to eat at all this week."
"Seriously?"
"Seriously!"
Once they finally realized that we were not bluffing, everything was just fine.
(I tell you honestly, this was hard for me to stick to as well. :)

So was this a boring week? Hardly. We got to engage a creative side that we wouldn't have typically explored.
Now, I understand that since we have such a large group it might be a bit like comparing apples to tomatoes if there are only four in your family. It may take a few days to unwind and realize that just spending time together is the goal, and that can happen with 4 or 44.
It's easy to forget, especially on vacation, that the very best things in life are free.

Frugal vacations are my specialty, but I will save the "tips" for another post.
This is just an inside look at a few things that we did throughout the week.
Each morning after breakfast, my brother led devotions with the kids.

It was a engaging time of discussion, and sharing of ideas on the topic of the morning.

The teens were all situated on the floor and depending on how late they stayed up the night before, they may or may not have been overly participatory. :) The "kids" ranged in age from 5 - college. My eldest niece is an officially married women, and they had their first baby in tow - she was excused from the devotional time...hee hee.

The first two days we never even left the Wyndham property. Most of the time on vacations, kids think they have to go, go, go, and we fall into the trap of their continual pestering. Setting the advance expectation that this vacation was going to be about family time, and cherishing the family relationship, set the tone for a great week.
The older boys hung out in the parking lot playing b-ball (without a hoop),

while the middle schoolers realized that playing on a playground can be "cool," especially when it involves some aspect of danger while your picture is being taken.

There was lots and lots of "chilling" time, as the teens explained.
Sharing life together, back rubs from cousin to cousin, laughing and giggling till the wee hours of the morn took place in grand proportion with this group.

And you wouldn't believe how much excitement came from these Three Musketeers just from checking out the "hot ride." They examined, dreamed and role played for 30 minutes. :)
That 30 minutes occurred minutes before heading to the hotel lobby where someone was giving a Parrot demonstration. Parrot Mountain in Pigeon Forge brought some of their birds to show. It was a delightful hour, one in which I would have skipped had we not been searching for fun things to do on the property.

By the third day, we girls were itching to go shopping! So where else would the relatives of the Frugal Fashionista go? Good Will, of course.
We were on the hunt for a "mother of the bride" dress. We came awfully close, but we were worried that this beauty might show up her daughter. :)
(Yes, I am bragging on my hot nieces, but you can look that good and still love to shop at GW.)

Now I must add that these prices were a bit higher than I am used to. Good thing my "elderly" mother was along for her Senior Citizen discount because we all saved an additional 25%.
(May I look that fabulous when I am that old...70...shh, can you believe it?)
Yes, that is the only shopping we did for the week.
On the third day, my dad had scoped out this unbelievable community park.
The guys went early and it was old guys vs. the young guys for a war to end all wars.
Yes, we tend to get the testosterone going on our family reunions. See the picture on the left? Everyone playing was from our family, except one guy that was begging to get in on the action.


While the big boys played ball, the younger ones had a blast on the huge swing set.

Only my 18 year old niece would challenge some native Mexicans to a soccer game. This is a prime example of thinking outside the box on a "no spend" vacation. It was so much fun to watch them, and this was a highlight of their week.


As dinner approached, we all unpacked the picnic suppers that we had brought. Each family brought their own, and the smorgeousbord included everything from fried chicken and burritoes, to good old fashioned sandwiches.
It was such a beautiful evening, but we had to wrap it up in time to head back for the finales of American Idol. I think we got a few complaints that night from the loud screaming that came from the 4th floor when Kris Allen was declared the winner. ( I was actually alone in my room when the winner was announced...what was I thinking? I had to scream all by my lonesome.)

I had to go back one day early to speak at a home school conference. I missed the best part of the week, but was able to share in it through my sons photography. The family hike solidifies the essense of what a "no spend" vacation is all about.

Reveling in the glory of the Creator.

Living dangerously by dipping in some ice cold waterwalls.

Pondering the silence and solitutude of nature...

Ha - I can't believe you fell for that one.
There was definitely no silence on this walk.
In fact, the irony of this picture is that the sign says,
"DANGER - falling deaths have occurred. Closely control children.
High Vertical Drop off."

Good thing we begin our child training early.

Did I forget to mention that from the four siblings in my family (me, and my three brothers) there are 29 children? I'll let you ponder that math for a minute before I close. :)

The American "microwave society" screams that we must have everything quick. Patience is no longer a virtue. We must spend money to have fun, and if we don't schedule, schedule, schedule, it's just plain BORING!
I encourage you to throw out that lie, and replace it with the truth. If there's ever a time where a picture speaks truth, it's this one.
This is what it is all about. Quality relationships.
Teenage sister, brother and little cousin enjoying life together.
No Game Boys, no X box, no cell phone, no Facebook...just LIFE!
Guess what? We've already scheduled next years "no spend" vacation...and I can't wait!

But maybe we'll splurge on just one meal out.... ;)
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Be inspired by my friend IRL, Emily (Chatting at the Sky),with more unwrapped moments.

*I came across an amazing resource called, "Kids Love...North Carolina" (put in your state).
Michelle and her husband "vacation" for a living and write family travel guides to explore "Kid Tested" places...year round. This is the best $15 you'll spend if you desire creative things to do on vacation or even to enjoy a "staycations" by doing a day trip.. Go check it out. I get nothing for this recommendation, but couldn't believe the gems I found.
KidsLoveTravel.com

Posted at: Bible Money Matters
Homemaker Barbi

Brotherly Love...

There's nothing that blesses my mommy heart more than when my sons lavish gestures of love and compassion on each other.
Giving unselfishly, building the "others first" mentality, turning the other cheek - ah yes, I just adore when all those character traits come oozing out.

So when I see this 'love tap,' I'm convinced that all our life lessons are being implemented, right?
Wouldn't you just covet one of their "five stars," as they have so lovingly called it?

Because it's all about unconditional love among teen brothers. ;)


P.S. The brother who left the love tap also took the picture. He was so proud of his handy work. It wasn't till later that I thought...hmm...blog post. ;)

Just in case you thought ...

we needed to liven things up around our homestead, we've added some blessed additions.

Six to be exact.

And they are as precious as can be. They haven't opened their eyes yet, but we can't wait for that next step. They are yellow labs - three males, and three females.

Oh, sweet baby, I know how you feel...

But, I guess to be more exact, I know how you feel, momma. Motherhood is exhausting, isn't it?

At least for awhile, this has cured my daughter's baby itch.
She could stay in their whelping box all day long.

My daughter thought for sure she was going to be a big sister, and is still waiting for a new addition.
A few months ago, I began a post sharing my "big news."
It still sits unpublished. I never finished it.
I had planned an entire lifetime in those ten days that I suspected I was pregnant.
How old would the baby be during our family reunion? How huge would I be at Christmas?
How could I get more organized with my upcoming home school year etc.
It's amazing how we can plan a lifetime in just one day, isn't it?

I don't expect that post to ever be published (just in case you're wondering), but for now, I will live vicariously through my sweet doggy.
As I type, I listen to all of them nursing.
It's precious, and yep, it's giving me that baby itch. :)