Kristina's Keepsakes

2012-01-24T13:30:00.004-05:00

I will no longer be blogging, you can follow me and my family on Facebook!

Family Update

2012-01-20T15:53:00.004-05:00

Its been a while since I last updated everyone out there how we're doing. Things have been pretty rough the past few weeks. Kloe had a really nasty cold and both Raegan and Brayden came down with RSV. We had to make a trip to the Childrens Hospital with Raegan because her breathing had gotten so bad, but thankfully after 2 breathing treatments she was well enough to come home. We had a scare because they had told us that it sounded just like pertussis...but tests showed that was not the case. My mom and I spent many nights in the living room calming choking babies and giving breathing treatments. It was a very scary time for everyone. I am so thankful that all 3 have fully recovered and are back to their normal selves.

Raegan is now 11 lbs 4 oz and Brayden is 12 lbs 9 oz. They just turned 3 months old and are growing by the day. Poor Brayden has been miserable the last day or two due to cutting a tooth. I just bought orajel for the first time, I never had to do anything for Kloe because remarkably enough she never had any problems with pain during teething...not that she showed anyways.

Kloe is saying new words all the time and is quite a ham. She LOVES getting a new "oh-wee" (balloon). I still can't get her to call me Momma, but its a work in progress. LOL

I am doing great and so glad to have lost all the baby weight and to be back in my pre-pregnancy clothes!!! I have felt really good since the mono flare up after the babies were born. I haven't had any fibromyalgia issues at all, for which I am very thankful.

Here are some recent pictures...enjoy!

Brayden - pardon the purple bumbo, it was Kloe's.

Kloe wearing Daddy's shoes.

Raegan sitting with baby Tad watching Blues Clues.

Kloe

Update

2011-12-12T15:07:00.003-05:00

I figured I would take this time that I have available and update everyone on how we are doing. Things have been going good, there is still no distinct routine going...but we are adjusting to life with a 1 yr old and a set of twins! Kloe is doing great and learning new words and things to do with every day it seems...she is SO much fun to watch grow. The twins are growing like weeds and getting very chunky. They sleep for about 5 to 6 hours at night between feedings which is a very welcome change for me.

I am doing well. I'm very thankful that things have gone as smooth as they have, I honestly thought it was going to be sure terror and it hasn't been. It obviously helps to have my mom and Josh to help me. There is a picture below from thanksgiving (both babies) and then the individual ones are from last week.

2011-10-31T17:28:00.000-05:00

Things have definitely been an adventure since we came home from the hospital. It has its wonderful moments and then the obvious rough moments that would come from having a 1 year old and newborn twins, but I wouldn't change a bit of it! I have savored every moment. Kloe loves her sister and brother, she LOVES giving them loads of kisses and "awwws" (hugs).

I am having the mono flare up that I had after I delivered Kloe. The fever hasn't been as bad this time, but it has lasted longer. So, that part really stinks because it makes it hard to do anything other than the obvious feedings and diaper changes. Thankfully I have my mom's help during the day and Josh's at night. Josh has done wonderful at helping me out when I need it. I think he realizes how hard it is to manage with 3 kids 1 and under. Josh is such an awesome husband...I couldn't have asked for a better one that is for sure!

I took some pictures of all 3 of my babies today and thought I would share...enjoy!

They're Here!!!

2011-10-23T11:10:00.002-05:00

Last pregnancy picture. 38 weeks 1 day - The day I was induced.

I went into the L&D 8:00 Sunday morning for my induction. It was 8:50 before they started my pitocin, fluids and antibiotics (GBS positive). I was at 4 cm when they checked me. They had a hard time keeping the heart monitors on Brayden. He was so hyper that he just kept moving sooo much that they had to bring in the ultrasound machine to get the best position to place the monitor...in the process of doing that we discovered that Brayden had turned to transverse and was no longer head down. They obviously at that point asked me if I still wanted to vaginally deliver or if I wanted to go ahead with the c-section, they told me that if I chose the vaginal delivery that there was still the chance of him being breech and having to have a c-section anyways, but I asked the dr. how confident she was that she could deliver him breech and she assured me that if she didn't feel comfortable doing it that she wouldn't even have given me the option of the vaginal delivery that she would have just told me that I needed to have the c-section. I still at this point felt completely at ease with the vaginal delivery and so that is what we decided, to go ahead and just go with our original plans. They upped my pitocin every 30 minutes from that point until they had a few emergency situations and I had to wait about an hour before they upped it again. I was tolerating the pain of the pitocin pretty well until they had reached the dosage at what I think was 24 on the drip. It was getting uncomfortable...then they broke my water. OH MY did it cause the contractions to intensify greatly within minutes. I was beyond the point of being able to cope with the pain. I at that point did what I really didn't want to do at all...I asked for an epidural. I had to have a port put in reguardless because of the possibility of a c-section due to me having twins. Anyways...I got the epidural at about 7:10 p.m. and when they checked me I was STILL at 4 cm! After I got the epidural and there was a shift change and I got a different nurse that I actually liked (another story for another time)...I was feeling much better and wanted to do nothing but sleep. Little did I know what was about to happen! It felt like no time at all and I was telling my sister that I was feeling pressure and that she needed to go get my nurse. So, Michelle heads out the door and I look at my husband and I told him that I was REALLY feeling a lot of pressure that I felt like I needed to go to the bathroom. The nurse came in and checked me and told me that I was dilated to 10 cm and that Raegan was right there. I told her how bad my urge was to push and she said the worst words I've ever heard..."Just breathe, because you can't" LOL This was at 7:55 or so...I had gone from 4 cm to I NEED TO PUSH LIKE NOW in 45 minutes. I still at this point had to be taken to the OR to deliver. Once we got in there...we still had to wait on both NICU teams to show up...that was another 10 minutes...I was FINALLY allowed to push and Raegan was born after 7-10 pushes. As I laid there waiting on the next of the contractions to start so I could push again, my dr. checked because I told her that I could feel Brayden wiggling...she felt and my precious baby boy was headed out HEAD DOWN!!! So, with 7-10 pushes I delivered Brayden!

Both babies are doing wonderfully and are completely healthy. Raegan was 7 lbs 1 oz 20" long born at 8:12 p.m. Brayden was 6 lbs 1 oz 20 1/4" long at 8:21 p.m. What a wonderful experience it was, so different than my last delivery of Kloe where I lost a lot of blood. I can't thank God enough for healthy babies, healthy me and giving me the delivery that I wanted and that it went as smooth at it possibly could!

2011-10-02T17:58:00.001-05:00

35 Week Comparision

2011-09-26T12:44:00.000-05:00

Happy 1st Birthday, Kloe!

2011-09-22T10:04:00.004-05:00

One year ago today I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl! She has been my pride and joy since day one and has been such a joy to watch grow in this first year of life.

I Love You, Baby Girl! Happy Birthday!

Kloe's 1st Birthday Party

2011-09-03T15:11:00.000-05:00

Low Hemoglobin Levels

2011-09-02T15:05:00.004-05:00

I went to my 32 week OB check-up today and got some not so good news. It turns out that my hemoglobin level is a 7.8 and it is supposed to be between 12 and 15, so they have upped my iron dosage to 3 - 325 mgs pills a day, plus they have decided to try and me on a new chewable prenatal to try and get me levels up. They have also referred me to a hematologist to see whether it will be necessary give me iron by an IV or if I will need a transfusion before I deliver. It's not news I wanted to hear, but I'm glad I have a doctor who is willing to do all they can to get this fixed.

The babies are doing good. Raegan is head down (which is wonderful!) and Brayden as of right now is in a breech position. They have said that I can still try to have a vaginal delivery since Raegan is head down and that they will try to turn Brayden quickly after Raegan is born. There is a chance that Brayden will turn on his own, but there is also a chance that he could turn the wrong way and make himself even more breech than he already is, but they told me that I am the perfect candidate to have a successful breech delivery because of how big Kloe was (8 lbs 14 oz.) and that Raegan will be born 1st. Of course there is always a chance of him getting stuck in the delivery process, but the drs feel very confident that all will be just fine. So far there has been no real talk of a C-section except in the case of an emergency situation.

The babies as of last week weigh 3 lbs 4 oz each which is great!

32 Weeks

Prepping For A Party

2011-08-22T13:50:00.005-05:00

Due to me expecting the twins and knowing that I may be in the hospital around Kloe's birthday we have been preparing for her first birthday party this upcoming Saturday. The theme is Winnie The Pooh and we cannot wait to get all the family together to celebrate one year with our precious baby girl! It's hard to believe that it will be a year next month...wow!

29 Weeks Along With the Twins

2011-08-14T22:20:00.003-05:00

I decided that a pregnancy update was WAY over due, so here I am to share how it's been going. The doctors have told me that I am doing great, to expect for the twins to be here as early as 34 weeks which is an average for twin pregnancies. I am anemic so they have prescribed me 650 mg of iron daily based on my numbers and the history of hemorrhaging with the delivery with Kloe. The twins are doing great, at 27 weeks they each weighed 2 lbs 2 oz. So, they are healthy and chunky! I go back to my specialist on the 24th to check their weight again and to make sure that they are still right on track.

I go through times of feeling like my belly couldn't possibly get any bigger and that I am about to completely bust open. LOL I know my poor babies have to be running out of room. It's a really cool but yet strange feeling to have two babies moving around inside of you, but I have absolutely LOVED it!!!

As for how I have been doing with this pregnancy...health wise I am great, but I have not been able to handle the weight of the babies as well as I thought I would have. I have a hard time sleeping at night because I can't roll over and when I do, it's because Josh had to roll me over (I so love and appreciate my husband!). I'm not able to walk through stores or anything for more than 10 minutes without my legs giving out completely and almost passing out, so I have to be pushed around in a wheel chair, which hurts the pride. LOL All in all, I can't believe how well this pregnancy has gone and that it is about over with. At the most I have 9 weeks left due to my drs. not letting me go any further than 38 weeks.

I can't wait to meet my baby boy and girl!!!

A day at the park!

2011-05-31T13:41:00.003-05:00

We took Kloe to the park for the first time today and she absolutely loved it! The park that we went to had a huge play place and a huge water sprinkler for the kids to play in. Here are the pictures from our trip.

Mothers Day Surprise

2011-05-07T08:31:00.001-05:00

Josh decided that for Mothers Day he would surprise me with a 3D ultrasound to find out the gender of our twins. Here arre the results, its a GIRL and a BOY!

Raegan Rileigh

Brayden Bryce

Easter 2011

2011-04-17T18:17:00.005-05:00

Reason for my extreme nausea...

2011-03-21T14:19:00.004-05:00

I wondered why my nausea has been so bad, well today I went for my first OB appointment and they did my first ultrasound...

TWINS!

We are SO beyond shocked! Twins run no where on either side of the family. This is just a "you've got twins" situation!!! We are thrilled and can't wait for our future! LOL

Somewhere someone is...

2011-03-13T20:15:00.002-05:00

...always talking bad about you or anyone else they can seem to find any little thing they disagree on. I can't even count the times that my friends have been drug through the dirt for something as simple as entertaining conversation. It really just makes me sick! I know, its our life that we are putting out in the open for all to see and read...but since when does that give anyone the right to talk badly about someone? Last time I checked, it didn't! So instead of using your excuse of "we put it out there"...take the time to think about it just for a minute before you let your fingers do the typing and your mouth do the speaking. And remember, the eyes of the Lord are in EVERY place beholding the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3)!

Okay, rant done!

Nausea Anyone?

2011-03-12T21:10:00.003-05:00

This pregnancy has been SO much different than my pregnancy with Kloe. I was only sick last pregnancy due to the prenatal vitamins that I was taking, so this time I start out taking the Flintstones vitamins...and I am 10x more sick than I have ever been! I still haven't gotten sick by definition of the word, but I have severe nausea which I think tends to do more harm to me than getting sick would.

Josh has been absolutely wonderful through this rough first part of my pregnancy. He is more than understanding and more than willing to help me out whenever I need him. I honestly have no idea what I would have done without such an awesome husband!!! God knew I would need him!

Back to the nausea...the weird thing about it is that I can eat what I want when I want it. I am just sick when I'm not eating. LOL Lord knows I don't need to eat all day long. Josh had gotten me some fun size KitKat candy bars and they worked wonderfully as a snack whenever I felt like I needed to eat something small. But I have since run out and am sooo needing more! :o)

Kloe is growing so much and is on the verge of crawling. She also has had her first tooth cut through her gums. My baby is growing up so quickly!

Morning Sickness

2011-03-07T11:27:00.001-05:00

Well...good ole morning sickness has officially started! Its been slight up until this morning and then it decided that it wanted to elevate to an all time high. I've been handling it pretty well, and taking care of Kloe through the morning sickness has been easier than I had expected it to be.

Josh and I are trying to come up with another girl name. The boys name has been picked since the last pregnency, but we are having a time finding another girls name that we both like. I like Raegan and he doesn't...he likes Tory and I don't...just that kind of stuff. We'll see what we come up with in the end! I go to my first appointment on the 21st. The wouldn't see me until I am 8 weeks. When I go I will also get my first ultrasound.

Another exciting piece of news is that not only am I expecting along with my sister-n-law, Jessica...I am also expecting with my other sister-n-law (Josh's brother's wife), April. April is due October 12th, Jessica is due October 13th and I am due October 29th! Exciting times! :o)

Momma's Girl!

2011-02-28T12:31:00.001-05:00

Guess What...

2011-02-22T12:54:00.001-05:00

Baby C is due October 29th!

Picture Time!

2011-02-10T14:50:00.004-05:00

We had the opportunity to get some pictures of Kloe and her cousin Ariel taken about a week ago. Here are just a few of the pictures. I posted mainly Kloe of course, but there are some of Kloe and Ariel.

Gotta Love Goodwill!

2011-02-03T20:31:00.001-05:00

I found the cake pan I will use for Kloe's 1st birthday at our local Goodwill for as you can see...$2.42! Can't wait to make that test cake! I am so excited because getting the cake pan for that cheap will save us a whole lot of money on the cake!!!

Daddy - Daughter Moment

2011-02-02T21:01:00.001-05:00

I just had to post this...it was just too cute!

Picture Update

2011-01-20T20:57:00.002-05:00

~SMILE~

Playing with a friend at church

Looking all sweet and cuddly

I just had to post this one because she just looks SO chunky in the bonnet. Although she hated the outfit, it was cute...I took the bonnet off after the picture! LOL

I'm still alive!

2011-01-20T20:29:00.002-05:00

I know it's been a while since my last post. I have either been extremely busy or not feeling to well. Kloe is doing very good, she is quite a little chunk and is in general a very happy four month old baby girl. Our only issue here of late is that she has decided within the last week and a half that she doesn't want to sleep through the night anymore. Not only is she waking up at night, it's every hour at night. She rolls over in her sleep and when she does...it wakes her up and then when she wakes up she automatically assumes that she needs to eat. She is a VERY slow eater and takes her sweet time to eat about 2 ounces and then she is out again, only to wake up the next hour to do the same thing. The cat napping at night has caught up with and today I had my worst Fibromyalgia day yet. Thankfully Josh was able to take the day off and help out with taking care of Kloe.

Other than my lack of sleep everyone is doing wonderful! We have revival at our church next week with Bro. Andy Wells and his family and I am really looking forward to it!!!

I hope I still have readers out there! Looking forward to the feedback!

Christmas Pictures

2011-01-04T13:29:00.018-05:00

The Christmas gift for my parents this year was to get family pictures taken. So, I thought I would share! Enjoy!

Ronnie, Candyce, Jessica, Momma, Daddy, Michelle, Michael, Josh, Kloe, and Me

Momma and Daddy with their grandbabies

Momma and Daddy with their kids

Michelle, Ronnie and Me

All the ladies of the family

All the gents in the family

My precious lil' munchkin

My niece, Candyce

My nephew, Michael

Another family pic

Me, Josh and Kloe

Candyce, Jessica and Ronnie

Michael and Michelle

Momma and Daddy

Me and my awesome husband!!!

Does She Favor Me At All?

2010-12-13T11:41:00.004-05:00

I decided that I would post a picture of both me and Kloe and see what response I get. A lot of people tell me that Kloe looks like me after seeing the picture that you are about to see.

Kloe

Me at 6 weeks old.

So, what do you think?

Isn't She Just Adorable!

2010-12-10T21:25:00.000-05:00

Oh, how I love my baby girl!

Pregnancy Pictures

2010-12-08T13:43:00.004-05:00

I just realized that I never posted my pregnancy pictures. I hope you enjoy!

Cloth Diapering

2010-12-08T11:37:00.003-05:00

I have made a decision to start using cloth diapers! I just started to run out of diapers that I had gotten from my baby showers, and the thought of having to spend so much money on diapers was almost overwhelming because diapers are expensive you know. LOL My mom had been buying cloth diapers long before Kloe was born. So, I have a good bit of them...just haven't used them until today.

WISH ME LUCK AND PRAY THEY WORK FOR KLOE!

7 Weeks Old

2010-11-11T18:05:00.001-05:00

Looks just like her Daddy!

Kloe Update

2010-11-05T18:29:00.002-05:00

Kloe is growing day by day and is such a sweet happy baby. She is so full of smiles and cooing, that makes for a happy mommy! Kloe is now over 11 lbs at just a month and a half. I would share a updated picture, but I haven't gotten one. I know, horrible mommy not getting pictures of my baby girl. :o(

I am still catching naps here and there when Kloe sleeps. She has only slept through the night once and I'm really hoping she will do that again here really soon! LOL

I will post a picture as soon as I get one. I promise!!!

Almost a Month Old

2010-10-19T13:19:00.005-05:00

While I have discovered in the past month that motherhood has it's many challenges, it's down times when you just sit there and cry because your baby is crying and you've tried all you know to calm her down and nothing works. To the moments where you just want 10 minutes to do the dishes or to take a shower but just when the thought hits the baby wakes from her nap, but most of all I have found that motherhood is full of...

Smiles...

Sleepy Little Faces...

Silly Little Faces...

Sweet Little Sleepers...

And those are the things that makes motherhood worth all the sleepless nights, shower-less days and stacked dirty dishes!

I LOVE BEING A MOMMY!

She's Here!

2010-09-26T19:50:00.003-05:00

Kloe Nikole
September 22, 2010
8 lbs. 14 oz. - 20" long
Born at 11:40 p.m.

Lil Miss Kloe has finally arrived into our lives and so far has been such a joy to both Josh and I. It was a long, hard and difficult experience...but one that I would not trade for anything in this world. I thank God for His hand of protection over both Kloe and I.

As my previous post said, I started having contractions at 10:00 p.m. on the 21st. Once I got to the hospital they told me that I was not in "true" labor, but Kloe's heart rate was low. It was in the range of the 90's to the 120's and they said that they would keep me until 7:00 a.m. to see what the midwife wanted to do. When the midwife came into the room she said that she was concerned with Kloe's heart rate, but that since I had a dr. appt the next day she didn't see it being too big of a problem. But, we had 3 choices as to what could be done. 1- Be sent home and go to the dr. the next day to be seen and schedule an induction. , 2- Have my membranes scraped and be sent home to wait for the hard labor to start. , or 3- Be induced and have Kloe that day.

Josh and I talked and opted for the induction due to the fact that Kloe's heart rate was low and due to the fact that we live 40 minutes from the hospital and didn't want to take the chance of having my membranes scraped and not make it to the hospital in time. So, at 8:45 they started the pitocin. By 2:00 they checked me and said that I had made little to no progress. So they decided to break my water to try and get things progressing faster as well as upping the pitocin. By 5:00 I was in so much pain and so exhausted. I asked for some pain meds in my IV and they did absolutely nothing. I tried my best to stick it out and go completely natural, but at 5:40ish I asked for an epidural. Once I got that...I was in HEAVEN! I was feeling no pain and was now getting to rest and relax and let my body do what it needed to do. Before I got the epidural I was just too tense for my body to dilate the way that it needed.

At 10:50 the dr. told me that I was now fully dilated and that I was ready to push. After pushing for 50 minutes our precious Kloe was born!

We're Having A Baby!

2010-09-22T08:19:00.002-05:00

I started to have contractions at 10:00 p.m. last night and had them for 2 hours before calling my dr. She told me to come on in. I had some strong contractions but then they slowed down. They had me walk the halls for an hour to try and get things going, but that made little to no progress...so...they have started me on pitocin and we should be progressing. They have talked breaking my water here soon. I will post again when we have a baby! Pray for us!

Still Waiting On Her Arrival

2010-09-03T19:52:00.002-05:00

I will be 38 weeks on Sunday the 5th and I am SO anxious to meet my precious little girl! The dr has given me clearance to try and naturally induce labor if I decided to...and I have been trying anything that I can to do just that. I have gone through almost a whole fresh pineapple trying! I plan to try a cup of red raspberry leaf tea this evening as well. Right now I am feeling LOADS of pressure and some pretty intense tightening of my uterus, nothing really painful though. I'm just waiting on those strong contractions that are 5 minutes apart and last for more than an hour!!! ;o)

I thought my water broke 2 days ago, but it turned out to be a false alarm. I will make sure that I post when our little Kloe arrives. The laptops will be going with us to the hospital and I will be sure to post when I get the chance. In the meantime, please pray that all goes well when I do go into labor and delivery.

Wedding Pictures VII

2010-07-29T14:06:00.005-05:00

~The Reception~

Wedding Pictures VI

2010-07-29T13:56:00.005-05:00

~The Bride and Groom~

(if our smiles don't look as "happy" as they should, it was a VERY hot day and had been smiling for hours!)

Grabbing a kiss at the reception

Wedding Pictures V

2010-07-29T13:52:00.002-05:00

~The Groom~

Wedding Pictures IV

2010-07-29T13:48:00.004-05:00

~The Bride~

Wedding Pictures III

2010-07-29T13:40:00.004-05:00

~Getting Ready~

Getting my makeup done

Momma helping my with my dress

Accessorizing

Daddy seeing me in my dress for the first time

Having prayer before the ceremony

Bro. Joe trying to bribe me out of marrying Josh with some Jelly Bellies

...then he tried to bribe me with a wad of $20's...I was thinking about it! LOL

Wedding Pictures II

2010-07-29T13:27:00.004-05:00

~The Ceremony~
(Sorry the pictures are out of order)

Waiting on the doors open.

The charge - btw, Josh was not supposed to hold the mic...the preacher just out of the blue handed it to him.

The parents lighting their candles

The Vows

The Lighting of the Unity Candle

XXOXOXO THE KISS XOXOXO

Wedding Pictures - FINALLY

2010-07-29T12:13:00.005-05:00

I have finally taken the time to post the wedding pictures that were requested over a year ago! Now, I'm not going to be post all 800 that I have...but I have chosen the select few that you will see. Enjoy!

~The Decorations~

The Unity Candle

The Auditorium

The Wedding Cake

The Grooms Table

The grooms cake has to be (to me) the coolest cake ever! It fit Josh so perfectly!

The Concept of Kind Words

2010-07-29T10:51:00.002-05:00

What ever happened to kindness and kind words? This is a lost concept in today's day and time and is something that we need to be reminded of. I'm so sick of people dogging each other out and then turning around and calling themselves a Christian...WhAt?!

Christian simply means to be Christ-like.

Now, I may just be making something up but talking about others and dogging them out just doesn't seem very Christ-like to me. There are ways of handling things to where no feelings get hurt in the process and where kind words are used. If everyone would just remember that kindness is key...a lot more people would be a lot happier in the end!

- A rant from a 21 year old wife and soon to be mother who is sick of unkind words!

My Coupon Savings 7-23-2010

2010-07-23T12:30:00.002-05:00

Total Without Coupons = $174.80
Total With Coupons = $65.74
Total Day's Savings = $109.06

Percentage Saved = 62%

The Best Deals Today Were...

1) Tonys Personal Pizza = $0.20
3) Hamburger Helper Box Meals = $0.55 ea.
3) Resolve Spray N Wash = $0.50 ea.
6) Campbells Chunky Soup = $0.70 ea.
2) Arm & Hammer Liquid Laundry Detergent = $2.49 ea.

My Coupon Savings 7-16-2010

2010-07-16T15:44:00.002-05:00

Total Without Coupons = $127.05
Total With Coupons = $31.29
Total Day's Savings = $95.76

Percentage Saved = 75%

-Best Deals Of The Day-

5) BIC Disposable Razors equaling 36 razors = FREE
2) Emerald Trail Mixes = FREE
4) Fiber One Pastries = $0.15 ea.
1) Fabuloso Cleaner = $0.33
5) Suave Deodorant Sticks = $0.47 ea.

What A Wonderful Year

2010-07-10T20:15:00.005-05:00

One Year Ago...

I Married My Best Friend!

I LOVE YOU, JOSH!

My Coupon Savings 7-9-2010

2010-07-10T09:41:00.003-05:00

Total Without Coupons = $150.05
Total With Coupons = $43.88
Total Day's Savings = $106.85
Total Percentage Saved = 71%

I was super excited when I totaled out my complete days saving from 6 different stores! I went to Walmart (rare occasion for coupon shopping), Food Lion, Kroger, Publix, Rite Aid and CVS. The best deals of the day were...

8 Oral B Advantage Deep Clean Toothbrushes - FREE (only paid tax of $0.89)
5 Old Spice Odor Blocking Body Wash - FREE (Buy One Get One sale)

As I said, I was super excited when I saw my total savings. To know that I got $150.00 worth of stuff and only paid $43.88 for it is sooooo amazing to me! I am completely hooked on coupon shopping!!!

Coupon Trip Savings Coming In A Post Near You...Tomorrow!

2010-07-08T15:38:00.005-05:00

(Photo Courtesy of Google.com)

I will be taking my second coupon shopping trip tomorrow and I am SO looking forward to it. My savings this week should be better than that of last week's shopping trip. I plan to go to 4 stores. Publix, Kroger, CVS and Food Lion. I will post a picture of the outcome like I did last week. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!

Independence Day

2010-07-06T08:21:00.005-05:00

Josh and I were able to spend time with both sides of the family for July 4th celebrations. Saturday we went to Josh's Pawpaw's for a cookout and fellowship with the aunts, uncles and cousins. Sadly, I forgot my camera because we were not even sure we'd make it to the cookout or not, so when the decision was made that we were going...I was too rushed to remember the camera! :o(

Sunday we went to our church for service and then went over to my grandparent's house for a cookout and swimming. A lot of my family didn't get to make it, so it was just my Grandparents, my Aunt, my cousin - Karlee, Josh and I. I was able to go swimming for the first time in what seems like an eternity and oh my did it feel good!!! I was also able to talk Josh into going swimming with me. (that took a lot of talk!!!) Later that night we watched our little LEGAL firecrackers while everyone around us in the neighborhood shot off their BIG ILLEGAL fireworks! LOL

Karlee being as cute as she can be!

Our little LEGAL firecrackers...ooh pretty! Ah, just ain't the same! LOL
(I think we're getting the BIG ones next year! Hehe)

My First Coupon Deals

2010-07-03T00:00:00.003-05:00

I decided to start collecting coupons a few weeks ago when my sister-in-law Jessica showed me how to get the best deals using them. After a week of collecting coupons from 5 newspapers and the SmartShopper paper that comes in the mail, I was able to take my first shopping trip. I was both excited and nervous about it. I was so scared that I was going to do something wrong and not get the deal that I was hoping to get. Now, granted I did not get the kind of deals that most people get due to the fact that this was my very first trip and I don't have the supply of coupons that the others have. After talking with Jessica I feel pretty good about my first ever coupon shopping experience. Here are the deals I got...

I went to both Publix and CVS to do my shopping. I am going to give you a combined total of spendings and savings.

Before Coupons - $85.83
After Coupons - $27.78
Percentage Saved - 68%

My favorite deals of the night were-
Pampers Swaddlers 36ct. - $6.99
6 M&M Pretzel Candies (two of which are missing, we ate them on the way home)- FREE
3 Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayo - FREE

My Last Trimester!!!

2010-06-22T10:57:00.003-05:00

27 Weeks Pregnant!

I am so excited to be in the "last leg of the journey" with my pregnancy. To think that I only have 89 days left before my due date...wow!

The pregnancy is still going great. I go to my next check-up on Friday and that is when I will have my pregnancy glucose check...I have to honestly say that I'm not really looking forward to that drink that I have to drink before I get there. I've heard it's yucky.

I've got a yeast infection that I got due to taking my antibiotics for that sinus infection I had 2 months ago. Yes, I've had it that long...but in my defense, I had never had a yeast infection before and had no clue that I had one. So, I did a lot of research on yeast infections and pregnancy and talked to my sister-n-law, Jessica about it. (She gets a yeast infection with every pregnancy) She told me to get Monistat 7 and treat it with that. I didn't call my doctor due to the fact that every time I call them, they send me to a answering machine and I NEVER get my phone calls returned after several attempts. So I got my advice from someone with some experience in that area. So far, the yeast infection is a little better, I still have 3 days of treatment left. I am so ready for it to be GONE! Don't worry...I will be telling my Dr. on Friday what is going on...I'm not going to leave that out. :-)

I guess that's pretty much it for a pregnancy update. Until next time...

Created To Be His Help Meet

2010-06-17T05:59:00.007-05:00

-Part II-
Three Types of Men

Debi Pearl depicts three different types of men in chapter eight. We're only going to look at one of them in this post.

Debi compares the three types of men to God's triad nature. I personally did not see this connection when she describes what these types of men are like. We will see shortly how she describes the first of these three types of men.

3 Types of men = God's triad nature (according to Debi Pearl)

Here are those three types of men.

Mr. Command
Mr. Visionary
Mr. Steady

We're going to look at Mr. Command today.
(Pg. 77)

Mr. Command is described as,

strong
forceful
bossy
low tolerance
will not yield
controlling
self sufficient
boastful (pg. 79)

To me, these descriptions just don't give the Command Man a good reputation. To be known as bossy, boastful, controlling and forceful...I mean, who would want to even be near this man? While reading on the Command Man I didn't see her mention many good qualities about him.

A Command Man that has gone bad and abuses his wife is not at fault - the wife is!

"A Command Man who has gone bad is likely to be abusive. It is important to remember that much of how a Command Man reacts depends on his wife's reverence towards him. When a Command Man (lost or saved) is treated with honor and reverence, a good help meet will find that her man will be wonderfully protective and supportive. In most marriages, the strife is not because the man is cruel or evil; it is because he expects obedience, honor, and reverence, and is not getting it. Thus he reacts badly." (pg. 79)

I agree that your husband does deserve respect, honor and reverence...but even if he's not getting it, there is NEVER a reason to be abusive physically or emotionally. The husband is to love his wife as Christ loves the church.

Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;"

It seems to me that Debi describes the Command Man as unapproachable. In the points she gives for the Command Man she describes him as a man that will not do household chores, won't engage in casual conversation, and will not comfort the sick or hurting. (pg. 79-80)

One Week Before My Last Trimester!

2010-06-13T23:05:00.002-05:00

It doesn't seem possible that I am only a week away from my 3rd trimester! It has FLOWN by!!! Kloe is making me bigger by the day it seems like. In my last post I was bragging about still being in my regular clothes, well...not so much anymore. The skirts barely button and the shirts ride up. I've also already got those wonderful things called STRETCH MARKS - UGH! LOL Josh has to put lotion on them due to the fact that I absolutely cannot stand the feel of lotion...which I will need to get over as soon as Kloe gets here.

I hope to post another picture when I hit 27 weeks.

Here's just a little plug-in for me...I have a new Widget on the side of my blog for Swag Bucks. If you haven't already signed up for it, please do. It's a search engine that gives you points for using it. Those points can "buy" things. My mom is working on getting her 5th Amazon.com gift card I believe. There is no catch and it is very fun to use because of the points you receive by using it. I have really enjoyed it as has Josh. He's always calling me into the room telling me how many swag bucks he's won for me. LOL Even if you don't want to use the search engine, sign up just so I can have some referral points! ;-)

Wow, long time no update!

2010-05-19T11:07:00.002-05:00

I know, it's been forever since I have updated everyone on my pregnancy - life has been busy! LOL Let's start with my last dr. appointment.

They said that all checked out great, I'm measuring good and Kloe's heartbeat is strong. They have changed my due date to the 19th of September rather than the 22nd. So if Kloe comes on her due date she will have a birthday of her own and won't have to share it with me.

It's so hard to believe that I will be in my 3rd trimester in just 4 and a half weeks. This pregnancy just seems to be flying by, which is completely different that what everyone had been telling me about their pregnancies. I was expecting it to go REALLY slowly!

I'm still able to wear my normal clothes, which surprises me because I really thought that I would not be able to get into them at this stage of my pregnancy. Kloe has been a VERY active little girl and likes to kick Mommy late at night and keep her awake...but I love every minute of it. I'm truly going to miss it after she is born. Josh has been loving being able to feel her kick and move around. He really loved it when he got to see my belly move around and see her little thumps. I love just watching his face when he sees it - it's classic!!!

I'm In Business!

2010-05-06T14:47:00.003-05:00

I have started a website dedicate to selling my handcrafted items..For the moment it is just crocheted blankets, but I hope to expand really soon by adding nursing covers, pillow case dresses and hopefully hair bows and head bands as well. I am so excited due to the fact that I already have 3 crocheted blanket orders and a possible 4th! Please help me pray that I will be able to bring in the added funds to keep the business going, I am thoroughly enjoying it!

Feel free to check out the website!

Kristina's Creations

New Post On My New Page

2010-05-03T10:33:00.004-05:00

I just put up a new item on my Crocheted Creations page. You can find the link to it on the left side bar. Please check it out and please...I want some opinions on my item!!!

The Growing Belly

2010-04-28T23:50:00.003-05:00

This picture was taken a few days ago. All of what I am wearing here is my normal clothes, not a piece of maternity! I do have some maternity things, but more times than not I try to find something that I can still fit into to make me feel good! LOL

It's so hard to believe that I am already almost half way through this pregnancy. I just can't grasp it, and before I know it I will be holding our precious little Kloe in my arms!!!

Kloe has been very active these past few days - I have absolutely loved every second of it too!!!
Josh has been able to feel Kloe thumping around. She never did just flutter, she went straight to all out thumping - HARD! I love it though and so does her Daddy.

Name Questions

2010-04-24T20:50:00.000-05:00

I've had a couple of my readers ask about how we came to choosing the name Kloe Nikole, if it was family related or what, well...here is the story!

I picked out the name for if we were to have a boy and Josh agreed to it, so I made the deal with him that if I got to choose the boy name that he could choose the girl name. Josh has always loved the name Kloe, and so he told me right off that he wanted to name our little girl Kloe spelled exactly that way....he said next that he wanted Nicole as the middle name, but that he didn't want to use the traditional way of spelling it. So, I started researching all the ways you could spell Nicole and Josh immediately fell in love with the spelling of N-i-k-o-l-e. So, to keep my end of things I said okay and so that is how we came to the name of Kloe Nikole!!! (I LOVE the name btw!!!)

IT'S A.....GIRL!

2010-04-23T23:52:00.002-05:00

Kloe Nikole

I went to the Dr. today to see the specialist and they did the in-depth ultrasound and everything came back great and that we are going to have a precious little GIRL! We really wanted a boy, but we are thrilled to pieces to be expecting our little girl!! We've already been shopping for little girl clothes as have the grandparents...everyone is SO excited!!!

Absent Again!

2010-04-21T13:01:00.002-05:00

There has been so much going on here lately and that is the reason for my absence. Our family has had both good times and bad times in this past month.

My sister had her little boy on March 19th, and he looks just like his Daddy!
My brother graduated from the police academy and is now a sworn in police man! In much sadder news, my sister-in-law Jessica found out that she was expecting twins only to miscarry them a week later. We are all torn to pieces by this, please pray for her and Ronnie!

I go to a high risk specialist this coming Friday to get an in-depth ultrasound to check the baby for down syndrome. Josh and I are just trying to prepare ourselves, but no matter the outcome- it will be our precious little baby and we will love it with all of our hearts! I have chosen not to get the amniocentesis due to the miscarriages it causes. Please keep us in your prayer!

The Pearl's and No Greater Joy - Introduction

2010-03-25T12:16:00.003-05:00

I have found the information to be too much to put into one post, so I will be doing what I think will probably be a bi-weekly to monthly posts. I have found several resource both for and against. I have taken the Bible and compared with what I have found and have come to my conclusion. My information will come from personal opinion, websites and friends who have either had contact with the Pearl's or who have read their books.

My first topic will be on their book...

"Created To Be His Help Meet"

I have read this book from cover to cover and have discussed it in detail with my husband. We both find parts that we STRONGLY disagree with, along with some parts that we agree are good advice (that was few and far between).

It's ALWAYS the woman's fault.

In one letter a woman is writing asking for help because her husband is having an emotional affair with his secretary. Debi Pearl writes her back and basically tells her that it's her fault that he is showing his secretary the attention. The advice she gives is this...

"God has provided for your husband's complete sanctification and deliverance from temptation through you, his wife." (pg 29)

In my personal opinion, a man is a man...he has a flesh that will get tempted...it's up to HIM what he does with it. Yes there are times when it is the wife's who almost pushes him into having an affair, but a man has a mind of his own and ultimately- the decision is his.

"If you want to keep your man and the father of your children, you are going to have to forget about your rights as a wife and forget his Christian obligation to his vows." (pg 30)

That husband made those vows to his wife, "for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer"...it's his responsibility to hold to those vows as it is for the wife as well.

There are TOO many examples of it always being the woman's fault to give all of them. Debi Pearl implies in this book that no matter what happens in a marriage - it's ALWAYS the woman's fault. As if the man has no responsibility for his own actions at all.

ALWAYS give your husband sex whenever ever he wants it.

In her book, Debi tells wives that no matter if you are in the mood, if you are still recovering from your previous intimate evening, or whether you aren't feeling well (i.e. headache) that it it your responsibility that absolutely no matter what if your husband wants you, then he gets you. End of story. She calls reason listed above "excuses" for why they would "rather not" or why they "cannot respond" sexually. (pg 163)

She says - "Her husband knows in his spirit that her excuses are just that: excuses for not wanting him. (pg 163)

"When a woman just "allows, cooperates, and tolerates," it leaves a man feeling sick at heart." (pg 163)

"A woman is a fool to believe her own excuses or to think she can convince him that what she says is the truth." (pg 164)

"By not obeying God in this area of sex and love, a woman is putting a terrible curse on her husband. When a woman forces a man into that position, it is the equivalent of a man saying to his wife, "You are a stupid, ugly, lousy wife, but I will still be a good husband and kiss you today." (pg 164)

Debi says that to not give your husband sex is to blaspheme God. Now, don't get me wrong...God created sex and intended it to be something between a man and his wife. But I don't believe that God has a problem with a wife that doesn't feel good physically, or that just can't at that time. And I personally believe that if your husband demands it and takes it regardless, it's rape!

To keep this post from being too long, I will sum it up with a quote from a friend of mine, Mrs. W that read it and this is what she had to say about it -

"Honestly, I read Created To Be His Help Meet twice, once before I got saved, and once right after. I thought I might be more receptive to it after I was saved. I tried living exactly as the book described, and it was the worst thing ever for our marriage. My husband hated it and said that he didn't want a woman who did this. He married me because I was a somewhat sassy, passionate woman with a brain of my own. Don't get me wrong, I believe in submission, I just think that Debi has the wrong idea."

All in all, if you think you can read this book and get some good advice without adhering to the bad, go for it...but be VERY careful!!! I personally would never recommend this book for any young lady that is not married due to the sexual content that is in the book.

There will be more info to follow on "Created To Be His Help Meet" at a later time. I thought this was plenty for right now.

A Future Post...Hopefully!

2010-03-22T17:33:00.001-05:00

I don't have the time to do so right now, but I hope to one day soon do a post on Michael and Debi Pearl. I have had several ask me if I agree with them and their child training methods and so on. I have never studies up or read any of their child training books, but I have read one book written by Debi Pearl - Created To Be His Help Meet. While the book did have some good advice, I had to eat the meat and spit out the bones so to speak. There were several things that I either disagreed with or it hit me wrong. So, hopefully within the next couple of weeks I will have the time to answer some of your questions!

Valentine Banquet and a 12 week picture that shows my face!

2010-03-20T14:52:00.002-05:00

Yes, I know that I am almost 14 weeks, but I have had so many of my family and friends ask that I post a picture that actually shows my face...so, here it is! Pardon the glare on my glasses but I had to take this with the tripod and I tried every angle I could and nothing worked.

We had a blast at our church's valentine banquet, which was a while ago...but I am JUST getting pictures uploaded onto the computer. If I had someway to crop this picture in closer, I would. Sorry about the distance of it.

Things I loved before I got pregnant that I now HATE!

2010-03-17T15:32:00.005-05:00

Hand Sanitizer - I used to LOVE the smell of it, it was one of those refreshing smells...and now, wow...I can't stand to be anywhere near it. What makes it really bad is that my hubby is addicted to hand sanitizer! So I have to smell it all the time! LOL

Scrambled Eggs - I could tolerate the smell of eggs and their taste...tolerate, but I made breakfast for supper about a week ago and I almost got sick when I took the lid off the pan of eggs. Ewww!

I never knew that my tastes and smells would change so much. There is even one of my husband's colognes that I can't stand to smell anymore. And not only have I found things that I once loved and now hate, but once hated and now love...like water. I used to never be able to drink water without getting really sick to my stomach and now I crave water, bottle after bottle of it. Which is a good thing. I just never expected SO many changes!! LOL

What are some things that you ladies out there loved but then hated once you got pregnant?

Almost to the 2nd Trimester!

2010-03-17T13:30:00.004-05:00

13 weeks pregnant today!!! Almost in my 2nd trimester! YES!!!

A Must Needed Update!

2010-03-04T10:25:00.002-05:00

It's been what seems like an eternity since I've even looked at the computer screen! It's not that I've been sick and couldn't...I just haven't. The morning sickness is pretty much all gone. I did find the source of my problem to be my prenatal vitamins, so I have stopped taking them and replaced it with a multivitamin which was okayed by my doctor. Ever since then the sickness has been pretty much at a minimum.

As my little counter shows, I am now 11 weeks and 1 day pregnant. It's so hard to believe that I am already almost out of my first trimester, I didn't realize how quickly it would come. The doctor says the baby and I are healthy...they do have one concern that I might be coming down with a UTI, but the reason they gave was protein in my urine. After talking to my Aunt who works at a kidney specialist office and she talked to one of the doctors there and he said that I am too early in my pregnancy to be showing that much protein. He said that either they saw bacteria in the urine and that is why they suspect a UTI, or my kidneys aren't filtering out the protein like they should and I need to go see a kidney specialist. I've called my doctor 3 days ago and am STILL waiting to hear back from them so they can answer some of my questions. I will be making yet another phone call today and if I still get no response, we might be taking a drive to see my doctor!

Thanks yet again to everyone who gave me advice on the morning sickness! I really appreciate it!

ALL DAY Sickness Advice

2010-02-01T11:34:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to get on here and thank everyone who gave me some advice for the morning sickness or rather my ALL DAY sickness! I have invested in loads of Ginger-Ale and saltine crackers. They have helped a lot! I also have someone that is going to give me some sea bands they had from a previous pregnancy. I'm really hoping those will work out for me as well.

The crackers and ginger-ale take the edge off the sickness in the morning and then as long as I keep a little something on my stomach throughout the day I tend to do okay. I do know that as long as I am feeling this sick that means everything is going good...so I try to remember that each and every day and thank God for it! Sounds odd, yes...but as long as I have the sickie feeling that means God has blessed me with a healthy pregnancy thus far.

I've had some ask what Josh thinks about all this. He is completely THRILLED! I've never seen a man so excited and thrilled about having a baby. He has been wonderful through my "all day" sickness. He is more than willing to get me what I need, do the dishes and laundry, and even tries to cook for me! I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful husband!!!

It's the Baby!

2010-01-29T11:31:00.004-05:00

Baby C - Due September 22nd, 2010!
(Just for the record...that's my birthday!)

I went to the doctor this morning and had my ultrasound done and I was just amazed when I was able to see our precious little baby on the screen and could watch it's little heart beating! It was an experience that I will NEVER forget! There is nothing like it in the world. Everything with the baby is good, the heart rate was good and strong. We are soooooo excited!!!

Morning Sickness...

2010-01-27T09:55:00.002-05:00

I've been dealing with ALL day morning sickness. I wake up with it and go to bed with it. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what might help calm it down some?

I'll be 6 weeks Prego on Sunday!

2010-01-22T17:32:00.002-05:00

I went to the Dr on Wednesday and all is well...thankfully! I will be 6 weeks along on Sunday and I am SO excited! I have to go next Friday for an ultrasound to see exactly how far along I am. They believe they are right on target though. My due date is September 20, 2010...I know that is prone to change during the pregnancy, but at any rate...I will get my baby for a birthday present, mine is the 22nd!

Some have commented that there is no way I could be showing so soon, actually there is. My mom was in maternity clothes by 2 months as was my sister. So it is entirely possible that I am already showing...believe me, it's not bloat or gas...that would go away! LOL It's been a steady "baby bump" since about a week ago.

Josh and I still can't hardly believe that we are going to have a baby!!! We are SO thrilled and can't wait to meet our precious little baby!!!

A Baby Bump Already!

2010-01-19T10:50:00.003-05:00

Well, here it is...the baby bump! I did more research and found that I am probably 4 to 5 weeks along. I'm so excited! Pray that we will find that all is well with the baby when we go to the doctor tomorrow morning.

No more Anonymous Comments

2010-01-14T14:32:00.003-05:00

I had to change the options for my comments. I have been getting some really nasty comments that contain both very vulgar language and accusations. I don't need the stress of those comments any more.

Without going into too much detail, I do want to explain what was said so it will be better understood as to why I am no longer allowing anonymous comments.

One comment began telling me how I must have stepped out on Josh because I had "the kissing disease" and he didn't. Let me explain that one right now...I had mono when I was 13 or 14, and I am almost 100% sure that I got it from a public drinking fountain, and for the simple fact that I had it then meant I still have it, it just flares up from time to time. That is why Josh didn't have it. There were several names in with that comment that I won't repeat, they were very vulgar and the whole comment was filled with profanity.

The other comment that I received just this morning was telling me that they hope I die in child birth, and that the baby dies as well.

I just can't take these very abusive comments anymore. I'm for those that commented under anonymous and were nice and respectable, but due to what I am dealing with, I have no other choice. I'm truly sorry!

Please pray for me and Josh as we deal with this.

6 Months Ago...

2010-01-14T11:21:00.004-05:00

I know I am 3 days late on this, but on the 11th of this month Josh and I celebrated 6 months of marriage! It's so hard to believe that we have been married for half a year, time sure has flown!

I Love You, Josh!

Another Day at the Doctor!

2010-01-13T08:58:00.002-05:00

I spent what seems like an entire day at doctors offices and the hospital. I had pain in my stomach the day before yesterday and all through the night and through the day yesterday, so Josh insisted that I go get it all checked out. So, to be the obedient wife that I need to be...I did.

The doctor checked me from head to toe and didn't find anything, did a pelvic exam and didn't find anything, so he told me of all the possibilities that it could be and then sent me to the hospital for blood work to check for infection to see if it could be my appendix messing with me. After I got the blood work done he sent me to an outpatient imaging center for get a pelvic ultrasound. He called with the result of the ultrasound and said that everything looked normal, there was some fluid on my right ovary and that it could be a cyst, then he later called back with my blood results and told me there was no sign of infection to be found...but that something was found in my blood work...

We're Going to Have a BABY!

I don't know yet how far along I am. I am assuming that I am only about a week and a half possibly 2 weeks. I go to the OB next Wednesday. So pray that everything will go smoothly with the pregnancy. We are so very excited!

Oh, I did find out that the pain that I was having is normal, it's just my body getting use to the changes that are taking place right now. I was very relieved to hear that!!! The online pregnancy calculator says that I am due in September around my birthday!!!

Sorry...misuse of words.

2010-01-11T13:11:00.002-05:00

I've gotten some very encouraging comments from some of y'all about Josh's job. I didn't mean laid off, his place of employment had a 5 weeks shutdown, they call it a lay off. That is what I meant, but with Yamaha using that term...I used it. Sorry for the misuse of words on my part!

I'm still living!

2010-01-05T16:08:00.003-05:00

I know it's almost been almost 2 months since my last post, I've been SO busy! Josh and I are doing great, I had some comments asking if we were okay. "Even in the valley God is good!"

I guess it was about 4 weeks ago that our house flooded due to a constantly running toilet. We call insurance and they sent a crew out and they did their drying and tearing out, then it took about a week to get the other crew in to paint and replace baseboards. Then another crew had to come in and do the carpet. We finally got our house back the day before Christmas Eve, they finished the carpet that day and boy were we glad of it! It took us probably a week to get everything put back to where it belonged due to Christmas with the family.

Christmas was great! We really enjoyed getting together with both sides of the family.

New Years was great as well, we spent that with my parents just chatting and watching football, then we got together with my in-laws on the 2nd and spent the evening with them watching movies.

Last year was both a great year because I married the love of my life, and a horrible year due to all that had taken place with the murder of my uncle. Josh and I have had hard time financially here lately due to him being laid off for 5 weeks, there were times that I thought that maybe God had forgotten about us, but just when I would start to think that way God would show up and remind us that He still loved us and that He was going to take care of us. God has been good and He WILL continue to be good no matter what may come our way!

4 Months of Marriage

2009-11-11T20:35:00.003-05:00

Josh and I celebrated 4 wonderful months of marriage today. We can't believe that it has been that long, time has just flown by! I can't thank God enough for sending Josh to me!

I Love You, Joshua!

Mononucleosis- a.k.a Kissing Disease

2009-11-11T09:32:00.001-05:00

What is mononucleosis?

Mononucleosis, also called "mono," is a common viral illness that can leave you feeling tired and weak for weeks or months. Mono goes away on its own, but lots of rest and good self-care can help you feel better.

What causes mono?

Mono is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is most often seen in adolescents and young adults. Children can get the virus, but it often goes unnoticed because their symptoms are mild. Adults usually do not get mono, because they have immunity to the virus.

Mono can be spread through contact with saliva, mucus from the nose and throat, and sometimes tears. Because the virus can be spread through kissing, it has earned the nickname the "kissing disease." If you have mono, you can avoid passing the virus to others by not kissing anyone and by not sharing things like glasses, eating utensils, or toothbrushes.

As soon as you get over mono, your symptoms will go away for good, but you will always carry the virus that caused it. The virus may become active from time to time without causing any symptoms. When the virus is active, it can be spread to others.

What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms of mono are a high fever, a severe sore throat, swollen glands and tonsils, and weakness and fatigue. Symptoms usually start 4 to 6 weeks after you are exposed to the virus.

Mono can cause the spleen to swell. Severe pain in the upper left part of your belly may mean that your spleen has burst. This is an emergency.

How is mono diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and examine you. You may also need blood tests to check for signs of mono (monospot test) and the Epstein-Barr virus. Blood tests can also help rule out other causes of your symptoms.

How is it treated?

Usually only self-care is needed for mono.

Get plenty of rest. You may need bed rest, which could keep you away from school or work for a little while.
Gargle with salt water or use throat lozenges to soothe your sore throat.
Take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) to reduce fever and relieve a sore throat and headaches.
Avoid contact sports and heavy lifting. Your spleen may be enlarged, and impact or straining could cause it to burst.

In severe cases, medicines called corticosteroids may be used to reduce swelling of the throat, tonsils, or spleen.

(Courtesy of WebMD.com)

Sick, sick, sick of being sick!

2009-11-08T10:56:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry I haven't posted in a little while. After going to two Drs and getting no answers I ended up in the ER last Tuesday evening wanting to know what in the world was wrong with me. After having four throat swabs (strep, mono, H1N1 and some other one), a nasal swab (influenza test), a chest x-ray and blood work.....they came to the conclusion.....I HAVE MONO! Yuck!

So, I haven't really felt much like posting anything. I'm not really looking forward to having to deal with the effects of this stuff for the next two to six weeks. From what I have read, it can take up to six months to even start feeling like your normal self. That is not a very fun thing to look forward to. The amazing thing, Josh doesn't have it! We got him tested as well and the Dr. said that there is a possibility that he built up an immunity to it when I first started coming down with it...and that is how he escaped it. The Dr did say that he has bronchitis.

New Pic

2009-11-01T21:27:00.004-05:00

(Josh, Kristina and Vanna 11-01-2009)

I think I'm getting sick...AGAIN!

2009-10-31T04:07:00.002-05:00

This time I believe I am coming down with that good ole strep throat...UGH, being sick stinks! I really hope that's not what it is, I really want to go back to church on Sunday. Josh and I had to miss last Sunday and Wednesday due to whatever it is that we have-had, whatever. LOL I'm just so ready to be well again.

I'll be going to the Dr. within the next 3 hours are so. I have yet to get any sleep due "cough, cough" to the "cough" coughing "cough, cough, cough"...whew, sorry! ;o) Please, please pray it's not strep, I HATE that stuff!!! Oh, plus I think Josh is getting whatever this is as well, pray for him as well...he has no sick leave at work. One of those -work when your sick or you're fired- type of places.

A New Blog

2009-10-30T10:48:00.002-05:00

With the discussion of abortion being here on my blog, I decided to make a blog specifically for that topic. I will be posting videos, pictures, and articles on the subject. Please go and check it out!

Click the Link Below.

The American Holocaust

The Hard Truth- Viewer Discretion Advised- Abortion Video

2009-10-29T12:28:00.001-05:00

Vanna Update and Feeling Sickly

2009-10-28T18:40:00.003-05:00

Vanna has been doing awesome, I thought it was going to be a huge chore to house break her and so far she has done great with it. I'm really shocked at how well she is doing.

Josh and I have been sick these past few days with what the dr. said was just a cold. I've never had a cold with body aches and chills, but that is what he called it. Now Josh and I both have this awful cough that is nagging at us. Only a few days in and I'm so ready to be done with it.

Hates hunting and is okay with Abortion...is it just me or is someone confused?

2009-10-27T13:19:00.006-05:00

I have gotten some comments (which I have not posted) that disagree with mine and Josh's hunting. They have said things such as "It's inhumane" and "How can you call yourself a Christian and then kill an innocent animal"....well, allow me to explain.

And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth [upon] the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.
Genesis 9:2-3

God gave us the beast of the earth, the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea to us for meat. To me, killing and eating a deer is no different than going to Wal-Mart and buying a pork tenderloin or ground beef and condoning the killing of a pig or a cow. There is really no difference. If God had said not to eat a cow or a deer, I wouldn't eat it, but GOD gave us the deer, the cow, the pig, and the fish so that we could have meat. One comment stated that the gun we were using didn't look like a very humane way to kill a deer. I don't mean to sound rude or smart mouthed, but you can't kill a deer humanely. Unless you go after it with a needle which is impossible and pretty funny looking I would think. LOL So, that is why I see no problem with hunting.

This topic always gets me to thinking and normally will set me off somewhat. I can deal with people who disagree with me, I get it all the time. I never post ALL the comments that I get, I get more bad comments than good. And I don't mind sharing what and why I agree or believe that way. But this is what gets me about this topic...most of the time, I'm not saying all the time, but most of the time when you have a person who will defend animals rights so strongly it's normally someone who is completely okay with abortion, which is the murder of a child, a human being! Yet, they will get on here and leave a comment about how wrong I am for killing an animal. How backwards does that sound. I'm not being mean or hateful, I'm just sharing what I have on my heart. How can someone willingly walk into a clinic and ask someone to kill their baby? How?!?! There aren't many topics that I will get upset over, but abortion is one of them.

To those that do agree with abortion, how can you be okay with the killing of a baby? I don't care what the circumstance of the pregnancy, don't kill it, let someone adopt it!

To those who appose abortion, thank you for your stand!

Answering some Puppy Q's

2009-10-27T12:24:00.004-05:00

It has been raining since I got up this morning, yes...rain is good, but on a day where you didn't get any sleep the previous night because of your precious little puppy making a bunch of noise because she doesn't want to be confined....all the rain does is make you EXTRA sleepy! While I love having a puppy to help me pass the time in the day and keep me company until Josh can get home, she sure doesn't let me get stuff done. She loves attention and follows me everywhere I go and makes cleaning almost impossible! LOL I wouldn't trade her for anything!!!

I got questions in comments about what kind of dog she is. When I took her to the vet they said that they weren't completely sure what she is. They said she looks to have boxer in her somewhere...and whatever else they aren't quite sure. We got her at the pound and they had her listed as a Labrador Retriever mix...which means she could just be a good ole mutt.

Someone also asked how we came to naming her Vanna, well...Josh and I were trying our best to come up with a name for her that we both liked and that turned out to be a harder task than we thought. So, I looked at Vanna, then looked at Josh, then back at Vanna and I just said that she looked like a Vanna...he said no, he hated it. But, it came time to make the vet appointment and they needed a name....Josh said "Her name is Vanna". So, that is how we came to naming our lil pup, Vanna.

Meet Vanna

2009-10-25T16:53:00.002-05:00

This is our new little puppy, Vanna. She is 2 months old and such a handful!!!

My First Deer Hunt Part I

2009-10-19T12:46:00.001-05:00

Josh asked me to go hunting with him and at first I just didn't like the idea of getting up at 5:30 on a Saturday morning to go sit in the woods and HOPE to SEE a deer...but the more Josh and his brother Jacob kept talking about it the more interested I got. So, needless to say...I went...and I LOVED it! I just loved sitting in the woods and listening to the sound of the breeze through the leaves, hearing the birds chirp and spending time with my husband. We didn't get a deer, but we heard several and saw a HUGE doe with two fawns. The fawns were old enough to be able to survive on their own, but by the time Josh got the gun ready the doe had taken off. But hey, at least I got to see some! Here are some pictures from the hunt!

My First Deer Hunt Part II

2009-10-19T12:44:00.000-05:00

My First Deer Hunt Part III

2009-10-19T12:38:00.001-05:00

Introducing a New Blog

2009-10-06T10:21:00.004-05:00

My husband has decided to start a blog for the audio ministry. He is very excited about it and wants all the world to stop by and listen to the preaching that he has posted thus far. The only messages on there right now are from Pastor Ricky Gravley and Pastor Jim Veitch. Please stop by and let him know you were there...also if you want to, you can link to it in a post letting others know about it.

Josh's Blog

http://audioministries.blogspot.com

Answering a Question

2009-10-05T18:15:00.003-05:00

From Anonymous:
"If you firmly believe firmly in the no touching rule, then why does your profile photo show you with your hands on your man?"

My reply to this question is this...

When Josh and I were courting, we agreed that a rule needed to be set as far as touching goes. We knew that holding hands led to hugging, hugging to kissing and kissing to something much more...and we just didn't want to put ourselves into a tempting situation. That is why we had the 6" rule. Here are some scriptures that we refer to.

I Corinthians 7:1-2
Now concerning the things wherefore ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

I Corinthians 6:18
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

I Thessalonians 4:3
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.

Since Josh and I got married we no longer needed the 6" rule as a guard or protection so to speak from temptation, we are married and that Scripturally gives us the okay to touch.

Hebrews 13:4
Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

That is why in my profile picture and in pictures I have posted since we got married, you will see me touching my Husband. I have God's permission! Thanks for the question!

My Birthday Gift

2009-09-29T09:12:00.004-05:00

When I opened my birthday card from Josh on last Tuesday a big piece of paper fell out, when I opened that piece of paper it was to let me know that he had bought me a keyboard! Josh knew that I was really wanting to pick up my piano playing again, but had no piano to do it with. I love my new keyboard, it plays wonderfully!!!

THANK YOU, JOSH!

A Wonderful Day...Now Back to Work!

2009-09-23T09:53:00.002-05:00

I got to spend the whole day yesterday with my SWEET husband, he took the day off of work for the occasion of my 21st birthday. We had such a nice day just walking around town, shopping, getting ice cream and then came home to dinner and a movie.

When I woke up yesterday morning to a "Happy Birthday" phone call it really hit me as to how fast time flies by. It really doesn't seem possible that I turned 21, but then I think back through all the wonderful memories that I have and it seems like I have enough for an entire lifetime. God has been so good to give me 21 awesome years here on this earth. Life is so short and passes us by way too quickly, it makes me think about how much I'm not doing for the Lord, and how much I need to be doing. I don't want to waste my life by not witnessing and by not being a witness to others. For me...wow, what a thought that brings to my mind!!!

Today- I get back to the real world of house work and laundry! I thank God I have all of it to do, that means I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, shoes on my feet and food to eat!!! Thank God for BLESSINGS! I don't like to call them chores, but blessings because, I have been blessed with them. Josh is back at work today and the sun came out yesterday, but went back into hiding today. There has been SO much rain here lately...one day of sunshine in almost 2 weeks....whew, I'm ready for the sun to come back!!! I thank God for the much needed rain though.

There's Too Much Hitting, Cutting, and Piercing Going On.

2009-09-14T09:45:00.006-05:00

Let me say first off that this post is not aimed towards anyone. I know there are people who are going to read this and think that, but it's not. It was something that the Lord gave me while I was doing some of my reading and studying. I had never taken the time to look at this verse quite like this before, I hope it helps you as much as it helped me.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Proverbs 25:18
A man that beareth false witness against his neighbour is a maul, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.

Maul (Hammer or Mallet)
Sword
Sharp Arrow
= GOSSIP AND LYING

Gossip and lying in this verse is compared to hitting with a hammer, cutting of a sword and piercing with sharp arrows. As far as I know, these are all very painful things when done to a human being. Not a very pleasant experience I can assure you. Getting hit, cut or pierced by just ONE of these would be painful enough, but if you go back and read that verse again you will see that it says a man that bears false witness against his neighbour (by the way, EVERYONE is your neighbour) is a maul AND a sword AND a sharp arrow.
So when you are out there gossiping and lying about someone you are beating, cutting and piercing them all at the same time with your words. How painful and hurtful it is for that person being gossiped and lied about.
Most of the time we say that it's okay, that person will be okay, they'll get over it. It may seem that way to you, and they may even tell you they're fine once they hear what has been said and who all it was said to, but deep inside they are beat up and cut to pieces over what has been said.
Gossip and lying are very, very, very hurtful things and are very wrong. Gossip and lying has destroyed many relationships, both family and friends.

Oh God, help us to all to not gossip and lie!

"But God"

2009-09-05T22:00:00.005-05:00

Romans 3:10- As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:14-18- Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes.

Romans 3:23- For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 6:23- For the wages of sin is death...

Romans 5:8- BUT GOD commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Ephesians 2:4-5- BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Eve when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are ye saved;)

Josh and I were talking about our testimonies and other peoples testimonies, where they'd come from, when and how they got saved. As we talked about it Eph. 2:4-5 popped into my mind and I couldn't help but remembering where my family was and what direction we were headed in, we were possibly only weeks away from my parents being divorced and my siblings and I having to share weekends with our parents...BUT GOD!

Ephesians 2:4-5
BUT GOD, who is rich in MERCY, for his GREAT LOVE wherewith he loved US, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by GRACE ye are SAVED;)

Never forget where you would be if it hadn't been for God!

We Have Internet

2009-09-05T18:24:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful to FINALLY have internet again! We got our internet through Verizon and I must say I am impressed as to how good it works and how quick it is. I love it! I will be doing a lengthier post later...right now I have dinner going while the hubby cuts the grass.

Have a blessed Labor Day!

The Inside of the House.

2009-08-18T18:40:00.007-05:00

The Dining Area.

The Living Room.

The Fireplace in the Living Room.

Another Shot of the Living Room.

The Kitchen...my LOVELY Kitchen!!!