Saturday, July 31, 2010

Udder Covers



Listen up breastfeeding mamas!!! I just found a super deal. I bought the nursing cover shown above and all I paid was $9.95 for shipping!!!! It's retail price is originally $32.00, I love finding deals like these. I couldn't take advantage of it without telling all my friends! All you have to do is go to www.uddercovers.com

When you get to the website you can pick out a cover, they have six options. Proceed and put in your information and checkout. Put in the code "cousin2" and there you go! All you have to pay is $9.95! I love finding deals like these they make me so excited! I know I'm weird, but at least I'm a weirdo saving money!

I'm sure it's a limited offer!

Friday, July 30, 2010

New Haircut

Yesterday Kelli took Kory and Kolton to get a haircut and my little boy tagged along and got one too! Kelli said that Josiah just sat there with his lollipop. I can not believe how big he is getting and how fast time has flown by. I love watching him grow up into such a big boy. We are getting ready to sign him up for T-ball...I can not believe my little baby is old enough to play an organized sport. Below is a picture that Kelli sent Joseph of our little man with his new haircut.

My prayer for him is just what the verse below says about Jesus. I pray that he will not only grow in stature, but in wisdom as well, and his favor will increase with God and men. I pray the same for my girls (whoa that sounds weirds) too. I want all three of my children to walk in God's way and to choose Jesus when they are old enough to understand. I long for the day to see my children make a decision for Christ. I just love to watch when children from out church are saved.



"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." Luke 2:52

Thursday, July 29, 2010

So Long, Insecurity

I absolutely adore Beth Moore and love reading her books. I haven't read this one and I am anxious to get started. I'll keep y'all posted! Feel free to comment, I'd love to hear from you.

"In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him." Ephesians 3:12

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Couch Potato

.....and so this has been my spot for the last two days! Not too bad huh? I've spent the day reading, on the Internet, and napping. Sounds nice, but I'm going crazy. Praying my doctor's appointment goes well and I'll be released to go back to my normal activities. So until tomorrow morning.....I will continue to wait.

"Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart;Wait, I say, on the Lord" Psalm 27:14

Monday, July 26, 2010

Mackenzie Eliana


It's official, we are having another baby girl! We are so excited and can not wait to meet her. I know we both decided to not find out, but could not resist. We've decided to go with the same initials as sissy's name. I've loved the name Mackenzie and there was no question that if I had a baby girl, her name would be Mackenzie. As I looked for names that began with the letter E, I came across Eliana. Eliana means "God has answered." It was perfect. This pregnancy has been different than my others, and has had it's ups and downs. As I type I am sitting on the couch on bed rest. Through all the ups and downs, God remains faithful and answers our prayers every time.
As I drove to the doctor's office today, trying not to think about the worst that could happen, my prayer was "Lord, please let Mackenzie be okay." As I sat in the doctor's office I opened my bible to Philippians 4:4-7,
"Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all the Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
My prayer changed to "Lord give me peace, give me Your peace." From then on, I knew everything would be okay. God answered! Mackenzie was just fine, moving and wiggling all over the screen. I was so relieved and thankful that God had answered my prayers once again. There is no doubt in my mind that Mackenzie's middle name fits perfectly...she is my answered prayer.

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

15 Weeks

Baby E is about the size of an orange this week. Although I can not feel her yet, the ultrasound showed us that she is a busy little girl! She can now wiggle her hands and feet. Joseph and I loved watching our baby girl on the screen during the ultrasound. Although she is only 15 weeks old, she now looks like a baby with hands, feet, and a perfect little head. We are so in love!

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Calling All Working Moms

I have been off work for a week. Even though we did not go to the beach, it has been wonderful. I've spent the week with my family and enjoyed my time with them. Now I have a problem, I don't want to go back! I thought it would be easier than this, that I would be ready to go back, but I love my kiddos so much. I've really enjoyed my time with them. Sleeping in late, cuddling in the bed, extra time I do not normally have.
Now please do not get me wrong. I really enjoy my job, and I am very thankful to have a job in an economy like this, but thinking about going back to work is making me sad. I feel like I'm going back to work for the first time all over again.
So if you have a spare second tonight or tomorrow, please pray for me. Tomorrow is going to be a hard day. I'm not even going to think about the day I have to drop baby E and leave him/her for the very first time! Oh I need to quit thinking... So working moms how do you ease the "pain" of dropping your little ones off at the sitter, daycare, school, etc...?




"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her:"
Proverbs 31:28

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Mountain Lakes

Friday afternoon we drove up to Mountain Lakes. It had been years since I had gone and this was Joseph's first time. Can I tell you? We fell in love. It was so nice to be able to relax for a little while. We stayed at the pool until 9:30 PM and then ordered some pizzas from the Diner. They were closing up a little earlier, but thankfully they were happy to cook us a couple of pizzas. We took them back to the camper, ate pizza and watched the end of the Braves game. It was late in the evening, and the hour drive wasn't looking to appealing so we stayed the night. Thanks to Donna, Alvin, Kelli and the kids for letting us stay and hang out. We sat out on the deck before heading to bed. It was wonderful! Donna has a comfy chair that I could have stayed at all night.

Saturday morning Alvin, Kory and Kolton went fishing while the rest of us had breakfast at the Diner. Eggs, Bacon, gravy biscuits...can you say delicious! After breakfast, Kelli took us around to show us the rest of the campground and cabins. Once breakfast settled, we put on our bathing suits and headed to the pool. We hung out until after lunch time and then the kids, Joseph and I had to head home.

When we got home Nonny stopped by and Josiah invited himself to Nonny's house. It was so cute. I guess we will go pick him up a little later.









Thank you Alvin, Donna, Kelli, Kristin,Kory, and Kolton for your hospitality! We had a wonderful time and can not wait to do it again. Who's up for next weekend?!

"Offer hospitality to one another..." 1Peter 4:9

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Toilet Water


Our nightly routine normally consists of the kids playing and watching Barney in their playroom, while Joseph and I hang out in the living room. For the most part they were being good, but then Joseph noticed the light in the bathroom was on. We've had a big problem with Josiah dumping toilet paper rolls in the toilet. I tip toed to the bathroom and as I came upon the door, there were my kids drinking toilet water and putting a hand towel in the toilet. They were using the hand towel to clean their faces. Now that I've had a moment to calm down, it seems quite funny and I wish I would have snapped a photo, but at the time I was mortified. Thankfully the toilet was flushed and I guess the water was "clean." They both were punished and sent to bed. It broke my heart because our bedtime is always fun. We pray, play and tuck them in, but tonight we prayed and sent them straight to bed. They looked so pitiful walking up the stairs and to their rooms. I can't wait for them to wake up tomorrow morning so that I can give them each a great big hug!
Seriously though, please tell me my kids are not the only ones who have played in the toilet. I don't know what it is about it, but we just can not make them understand that "we do not play in the toilet!" I'm sure this story will make us laugh when they are older!

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those that have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11

My Name is Maggie and I am...

...a shopaholic. This afternoon the kids and I went to Tanger Outlets while Joseph finished up a job in pendergrass. Before Joseph and I drove off he said "you have a little spending money in your account." Boy was I excited. It's been a while since I've gone shopping, well technically not even a day...if you count my Pandora charm, oh and cell phone cover, and some shopping at Wal-mart, for the kids of course. Anyways you get my drift. As I rented a double stroller from the outlet center I was excited to think I would finally buy the tote with my last name initial I've been wanting. Ok if you know me, I have tons of bags, well thousands as Joseph says, but I think he's exaggerating. I still find a new reason or new need to buy a new bag. You girls know what I'm talking about. This bag will be great for this and that bag will be great for that. This time, I decided my new tote would be put to good use by putting my church stuff in it on Sunday mornings. Oh and let me not mention that I just bought a new bible cover that kind of serves my purpose a couple of weeks ago...hmmmm. Anyways, I went into the new store Lucy Lou's, so cute by the way, we walked by a perfect little bag for Mary Elisabeth. I couldn't resist so I grabbed it! It was on sale for $15 and I thought it was a good buy. I picked up my tote, and bought the some silly bands. What is up with silly bands anyways? My kids are 2 and 3 and are all about them! Not to mention they are not cheap! Since they were being so good, I let them each pick out a pack. We left the store and went to Carter's because I wanted to buy Mary Elisabeth a new swim suit, since her current one fits a little snug. While I was in there I went ahead and bought one for Josiah, thinking, if she gets one he should too. Now of course not thinking of the other 3 swimsuits he has at the house, I picked one up and headed to the register. All of a sudden my nose picked up on the fact that Sissy "made a stinky." So stinky it was on her clothes....oh me I thought, I don't have a change of clothes. Why I don't carry a change of clothes for a 3 and almost 2 year old beats me, but I can assure you I will start carrying a set from now on. I picked up an outfit and went to the register. We made a mad dash to the bathroom and "took care of business." You are probably wondering what in the world is she talking about...stay with me I promise I have a point.
I went to Crocs and bought sissy some shoes, we bought her some a couple of weeks ago, but she lost one of them. I just hope it doesn't "reappear" after I've bought her a new pair. I also bought some of those cute buttons you can put in the Crocs. Of course two for sissy and two for Josiah. To end our trip, since the kids were so good for me, we went to Toys R' Us and picked up a toy for each of them. Even though I bought them silly bands, bathing suits, Crocs, buttons for their Crocs, or whatever they're called. Wow I didn't realize it until now, but really, there wasn't a need for almost anything I bought. When I look back I think all I truly needed were sissy's Crocs and her bathing suit. I probably could have done without the Crocs too.
I truly had not added my totals together, maybe I didn't want to. When Joseph got home he checked our account and I immediately said "Please don't be mad, I didn't spend that much." Well, uh, yeah when he saw the total of my purchases he went crazy. Do I blame him? No, when he told me the total I couldn't believe I managed to spend that in one afternoon, not even a whole afternoon. Maybe a couple of hours! As he talked and told me I needed to take mine and sissy's bag back, (so sad) I sat on the couch feeling horrible. How did I manage to spend over $100 in a couple of hours. Now that may not seem like a big deal to a lot of you, but Joseph being self-employed and me...well a government furloughed employee, our pennies are a big deal.
I kept on thinking on how many people, including me spend money just to spend it. All of a sudden I missed my days as a stay at home mom, living on a tight budget and living the simple life. Although there were weeks where we would stretch a dollar until the next paycheck, there was something about living simple that felt so rewarding. Maybe because my trust in the Lord was so much stronger. I trusted in Him to get us by everyday. I kept remembering what Joseph said a couple of days ago, "Why is it that we trust God more when we have less and trust him less when we have more?"
There are so many people who are living paycheck to paycheck, I was one of them and in hard times I still am. Now I'm not saying shopping is bad, but I guess that's when moderation comes in. Why do I need a new outfit for church every single Sunday? Why do I need shoes to match my outfit when I have enough at home? Why do my kids need a new outfit every single Sunday? What is that teaching them? Are we more concerned about making our outside look good than making sure our hearts are right with God? Am I more concerned with the daily fashion trends than picking up my bible daily and reading about what God wants me to do with my life?

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you."" Hebrews 13:5

Being content is so hard, especially with all of the "new fashion trends, pocketbooks, shoes...etc," but we know that living a Godly life is not easy. Saying no to those really cute shoes or that stylin' new dress is just too hard! What will I wear??? As Joseph says "pick something out of your closet!" Now there's a concept! HA!
I heard something on the radio not too long ago. It was a guy promoting a new bible study (I think) on being content with our lives. He said that when we are not content and start comparing ourselves with other people we become envious. It blinds us from the ability to see God's blessings in our own lives when we are too busy watching everyone else's. I never thought about it that way, but I it's true. God has given my family and I so much, more than we deserve, but when I start comparing myself to others I loose sight of His blessings in my life. At the end of Hebrews 13:5 comes the best part! We must be content with what we have because God will never leave us or forsake us! Our young bodies, that we work so hard, sometimes too hard, to look good and acceptable to our society, will one day get wrinkly and old. Our clothes and shoes will become old and ragged, new cars will become old, our televisions will need to be replaced...etc, but God will still be with us! He will never go away, He will always be there. That is more important than the latest fashion trends or super cutes shoes and purses!
So for the next few weeks, with the Lord's help, I'm going to practice being content with what I have. No new clothes, shoes, purses, etc. I'll only buy what I need and not what I want. Oh this is going to be hard! Will you join me? Let's practice being happy with the blessings that the Lord gives us and not worry about what other's have that we do not.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." Romans 12:1-2

Wednesday

Wednesday was a pretty lazy day. Joseph left the house pretty early for work and the kids and I stayed home. Joseph's van is still in the shop, so we were "stuck" in the house for the day. The kids watched Barney while I folded some laundry. I can not believe I'm still doing laundry!
When Joseph came home we headed out to Buford to have my IPhone screen fixed. My current phone had awful service in our house. I missed so many calls because the reception was so bad. While my phone was being fixed we went to Mall of Georgia and bought a case for my phone. Afterwards Joseph took me to the new Pandora store at the mall and bought me a new charm for my bracelet. By the way, the Pandora store has their sterling silver charms for $25, Sauls on the square sells them for $35. That was a nice surprise.
We left the mall, picked up my phone, and headed to Oakwood to unlock a car. Afterwards we took the kids to Wal-Mart since they were so good for us at the mall. Mary Elisabeth picked out a baby doll and Josiah got a Buzz Lightyear cell phone.
Aunt Gabby came over later that night and played with the kids. Josiah was so upset to see her leave.
I didn't take any pictures today, my battery was low because I accidentally left my camera on all night. Tomorrow we have a fun activity for the kids! We will see how it goes!





This is an old picture of the kids, but one of my favorites!

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope." Psalm 130:5

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Tuesday

Today we spent the day at home. We had so much to do around the house. I've been doing laundry all day! Joseph left this afternoon and finished a couple of jobs, while the kids and I took a much needed nap. When Joseph got home we went to Five Guys and ate dinner, I have been all about that place since I found out I was pregnant! When we came home, I took some pictures of the kids playing with Joseph. It's not a rare moment, they do this almost every night. It's so much fun to watch.
We are so blessed to have a husband and daddy who is involved in our lives. Who wakes up with us, helps me get the kids dressed, drives them to Gainesville, works his booty off all day in the heat, comes home, helps with dinner and around the house, plays with the kids, spends bath time with them, prays for our family, and helps tuck the kids in. This is just some of what he does. Not to mention putting up with me HA! I truly do not know what I did to deserve him, he is not only my husband, but my best friend. Last night we were sitting on the couch remembering our high school homecoming dance! I love the fact that we have been in each other's lives for as long as we have!









"The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him"
Proverbs 20:7

14 Weeks

The second trimester has brought some relief from the nausea and vomiting (thank goodness). I feel that I have more energy and I am actually getting some cleaning done at home. I'm sure Joseph is very thankful for that one! My belly has popped out. I'm in the awkward stage of feeling "fat" and not like I have a " baby bump." In the past week I've enjoyed being pregnant and looking forward to meeting our little baby girl or baby boy. I've been trying to convince Joseph to let us find out the sex, but he is standing firm. I have about a month to get him to agree to let us find out, and after that it's no telling until D-Day!



"Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him." Psalm 127:3

Monday

Monday we woke up and went to have breakfast with Nana and Papa. Nana made biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, ham, and toast. It was delicious! After breakfast we went outside to swing and Joseph went to finish up a couple of jobs.




This is what happens when its brother's turn to swing!

We spent the day outside and after a little while Kayla, Catherine, Aaron and Austin came over! We had Nana's spaghetti for lunch and Kayla trimmed and dyed our hair. The kids had a great time and we are so happy that we were able to spend the day with Nana and Papa. It was long over due! Papa Rob, Matt, and Nonny all stopped by for a little while. We ended the day with some of Nana's Vegetable Beef Soup and gave the kids a much needed bath! Josiah cried when it was time to go home, but we promised we would come back soon.






Thanks Nana and Papa for letting us hang out for the day!

"Children's Children are a crowned to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children."
Proverbs 17:6

Staycation 2010

We had to cancel our beach trip this year due to Joseph's work van breaking down. We decided it was best not to stretch ourselves financially and used our vacation money to pay for the repairs. We all took it pretty well, we miss that we are not having a blast with our friends the Byrnes, but we've had a great time at home so far!
Saturday morning we were pretty bummed that we were not going to the beach and that our "vacation fund" was no more. We got up, went to Gainesville and checked the mail at Joseph's shop. To our surprise, well really no surprise because God always provides, there were two checks in the mail. They equaled almost enough to pay for the van repairs. Joseph and I both laughed and thanked God for always providing for our needs. As we tossed the idea of weather to still go on to the beach, we both felt that God wanted us to stay home. We're not bummed anymore, we are making the most of our Staycation 2010!

"But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself..."
Matthew 6:33-34

Friday, July 16, 2010

Boy's Night Out With The Braves



Joseph took Josiah, Kory, and Kolton to the Braves Game last night. They all had a blast. Kristen, Mary Elisabeth, and I stayed home and had a girls night! Pictures to come later. Thank you Kelli for letting us take your kids for the night. We all had a wonderful time!













GO BRAVES!! They won 2-1!


"A friend loves at all times . . ." Proverbs 17:17







Thursday, July 15, 2010

Good Night

Joseph and I were never really big on routines. Well, I was, but he was not. As most of you parents know, having a good routine with kids is critical. Recently we started laying the kids down at a specific bedtime every night and telling them they had to go to sleep on their own. For an almost four year-old who has been rocked since day one, that was not as easy as we thought. It took a couple of nights, but he is doing great! I took some great pictures while the kids were getting ready for bed last night. I wanted to blog about our night time routine so that one day they could look back and see how young they were! Normally depending on the night we will take baths, get dressed, brush teeth and hair. Then we gather at the top of our stairs and sit together while daddy prays. It's so cute to watch the kids pray. Mary Elisabeth sticks out her hands ready to hold hands and pray. They are still and quiet while daddy prays and when he's done we give kisses and they are tucked in. I am so thankful for my family. Most of all, I am so proud of Joseph and the spiritual leader he has become of our home.

Josiah getting ready to brush his teeth

Sissy smiling at me!

Brushing her teeth

Oh, I almost forgot! Every night they get a Flintstones Vitamin

I snapped a quick picture of the kids and their doggy and Barney



"...But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Second Trimester, 13 Weeks!!!!!


Baby E is about the size of a peach. His/Her tiny bones are beginning to form in his/her arms and legs. Baby E may even be able to get his/her thumb in his/her mouth.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;" Jeremiah 1:5

I'm feeling some what better. I kept telling Joseph last week that the first trimester wanted to end with a BANG! My it did! I was so sick last week; I dropped 5 pounds! I'm hoping the second trimester will bring more energy and take the nausea away!

This time around I feel that I am more aware of what my body is doing. Maybe because it's baby number three and I know the changes that are to come. As with the other two, I've enjoyed reading what baby is doing every week. It continues to remind me of what a powerful God we serve. Every detail about us is known before we are even formed!

"My God is so BIG so STRONG and so MIGHTY There's NOTHING My God Can Not do!"

Monday, July 12, 2010

Papa Vince

Josiah: "Daddy, What's that?"
Joseph: "Buddy that's the clouds"
Josiah: "Who made the clouds?"
Joseph: "God did."
Josiah: "Daddy, I want to see God"
Joseph: "One day buddy"
Josiah: "So when I see God I can fly like an airplane!
Daddy, we can go see God and fly like an airplane... and see Papa Vince."
We Miss You Papa Vince!

Monday, July 5, 2010

Kiddos


This is one of my favorite pictures of the kids. They were actually posing together at the same time! They are my life!! I am so very thankful for them!

12 Weeks!


Baby E weighs as much as half an ounce now, and the crown-to-rump length is about two and a half inches (the size of a large plum). Baby E has more than doubled in size during the past three weeks. And that's just on the outside — there's plenty going on on the inside too. The fetal digestive system is beginning to flex its digestive muscle — literally — as it starts practicing contraction movements, a skill Baby E will need after birth to push food through the digestive tract. The pituitary gland at the base of the brain has started producing hormones. And the bone marrow is making white blood cells, which will one day help Baby E fight infections.