While my veggies are sauteeing, a quick post to say that my house is nearly 100% clean. Phew! It's only taken me four and a half months of pregnancy, but outside of the kids' room, the only bit of messiness is the few (two) piles of laundry I have left to wash and the fact that I want to rearrange my room. :)
Clean home, Happy Heart.! <3
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Giveaway! :)
Another amazing giveaway by http://www.covenanthomemaking.com/! :)
This time Mrs. Murch is giving away a Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil! She posted a blog about the benefits of using Coconut Oil in your daily life. But in case you don't get a chance to jump there, check out a few tidbits.
This time Mrs. Murch is giving away a Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil! She posted a blog about the benefits of using Coconut Oil in your daily life. But in case you don't get a chance to jump there, check out a few tidbits.
- Aids in digestion and is a natural energy source
- Anti-viral and anti-fungal properties! Hello? Can we say immune system reload?
- Can be used as an alternative to diaper rash cream. (My purpose in wanting the free coconut oil).
- Great for hair and nails.
- PS. Great for recipes that call for butter or shortening. It's a healthier approach to cooking and baking!
If you're looking for more info on Coconut Oil, visit http://www.covenanthomemaking.com/ and Mrs. Murch (whom I like to call Mary Jo, hehe) will have some fantastic resources there.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Nursing Cover! :)
So, I was looking thru my email today deleting all the old stuff and I came across a great email that made me smile. :) Because of my signing-up for a Mommy-friendly website, they have sent me a $32.00 giftcard to use for a nursing cover from http://www.uddercovers.com/! This proves to be very exciting considering it's another thing Caleb and I don't need to pay for and another way in which our God has been so faithful. Granted, it may not be on the top 20 things we need for baby, but seeing that Caleb and I are both always on-the-go and we frequent Church, having a nursing cover will make life sooo much easier. I've had friends who have had babies within the last year, and they use blankets for nursing covers. This proves to be such a hassle especially since you're trying to manuever baby, breast and blanket all without exposing yourself to the entire world. I'm super excited and will be picking my oober-awesome design tomorrow (when my computer cooperates a little more.) If you have nursing babes, totally recommend one of the nursing covers, and uddercovers.com has a huge array of super cute ones. :)
Who ever said Mommies lose their style? Woop.
PS. I will be posting pictures up of the style I chose. But in the meantime, visit the site and give me your opinions. I'd love to hear which one you pick for me. :)
Who ever said Mommies lose their style? Woop.
PS. I will be posting pictures up of the style I chose. But in the meantime, visit the site and give me your opinions. I'd love to hear which one you pick for me. :)
Friday, March 19, 2010
So much to do! So little time...
The more pregnant I get, and the more I look around, the more I notice that there is so much to do, with so little time. This isn't just in preparation for the arrival of our little person (kudos to Melissa for hooking us up massively on behalf of that transition), but just life in general. I'm wearing several hats and they're all important to me. The goal is to lead a balanced life and to be able to get most of it done. I realize I'm not super-woman, but I know that what I currently have on my plate I can handle. I'm not over-burdening myself, nor am I lazy and overwhelmed (anymore, thanks to the glorious first trimester GONEEEE), however I've got to figure out a system that is gonna work, and a schedule that I can follow. I'm normally not a schedule person, more like a fly by the seat of my pants kinda gal, however... with everything that's going on around me, I can hardly say that anything else is gonna work. So, with that in mind, my latest project and focus is coming up with a schedule that will be functional and helpful for the entire Arrazolo household. If anyone has any suggestions, please share them. I'm an eager student!!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Friendships
Even admist the storms and the dessert I am finding that the LORD is ever so faithful and that He will truly fulfill your heart's desire. As a wife and mama, leader at a youth ministry as well as an employee it is sometimes hard to find people whom you connect with that you can do life with. See, I'm all about community. My heart is soo into doing life with people. I have so much to learn as a wife, as a mom, and outside of the WORD of God, I believe others' life and experiences are the best tool to learn. In a time of transition in my life, I felt so disconnected and so lost. I felt like "Mama Hen" in a brood of chickies where truthfully I gave more than I did life with (understandbly so). And though that time has prepared me (and continues to do so) for growing as a mama, it was also exhausting and I was feeling lost. I needed adult time, a family to be a family with. The ladies from work are phenomenal, but our views in life are about as different as Heaven and Hell, and our priorities and hearts are set on different things. I prayed, fought the LORD and asked Him to provide. And won't you know it, He did. He's brought in my way a group of Christian couples who are real and funny and solid in His WORD. Granted, I'm not saying we're all soulmates and we're destined to do life together, but, the LORD has heard my cry, and for the time being, He's provided and given me the encouragement of community. That setting tenderizes my heart to grow as a wife and a mama. It places me on the right track because I don't feel alone and I don't feel as though Caleb and I are the only ones who go through "growing pains."
He is so faithful and will continue to be. :)
He is so faithful and will continue to be. :)
Monday, March 8, 2010
Baby items are piling in!
When I first became pregnant and found out, I have to admit that after the initial bout of excitement, I panicked slightly and questioned God regarding His timing. Caleb & I were experiencing serious growth pangs in our marriage and financially, we were not even ready. But wow, the LORD is so faithful. In my journey over the last four months God has given beyond and abundantly over everything I could have possibly imagined or desired. I am convinced that the child He has entrusted to me in my womb has been created by God, for God and has already been given unto the cause which He has chosen. It it is a simple truth that we all "know" with our minds, but to experience the power of its truth and to come face-to-face with its reality is a humbling experience and I can't help but to share it. :)
First things first, when I starting "popping out a little" and the issue of maternity clothes came up, Caleb became a little nervous about having to go shopping for dress clothes (for work) and all these maternity items that I "needed." Financially, we didn't have extra for clothes, and maternity clothes are very expensive. I placed it at the feet of the LORD and trusted (more like half-hoped!)that in His goodness, He would provide. I planned on purchasing several summer dresses that are made of the "stretchy" material and a couple of pants to take me through work to cut costs. God met my need and has provided an ENTIRE wardrobe of maternity clothes, most of which are practically new and have never been worn. We didn't pay a penny for them. Even when originally the price of $40 was tagged to a chunk of these maternity clothes, I praised the LORD and told Caleb. We were determined to place them in the budget because it was already a deal. Lo and behold, less than 24hrs later, the woman who was selling me these clothes contacts me and tells me she's felt to give them to me for free! Wow, God is so faithful.
Then, the issue of the crib came up. I knew my parents were willing to pay for it and my mom was already talking about it, but my parent's have already spent an insane amount of money on me since I got married (technically, engaged) and I couldn't possibly imagine them purchasing the crib for me. I once again, took it to the LORD in prayer and I placed it in His hands, this time for sure cos' I had nothing to go on. While I was talking to a great friend of mine, she offered up her practically brand-new crib and dresser for once again, nothing. I offered to pay her something for it, but she was intent on giving a blessing and told me not to worry about it. Once again, the LORD came through not only with what I asked for, but threw in the bonus of the dresser as well.
Another thing I placed before the LORD was more of a want rather than a necessity. I've always wanted a rocking chair and I really wanted one for our bedroom for the baby. I mentioned it to the LORD and didn't really think about it again. Won't you know it, I received a phone call from my mom this morning letting me know that her boss offered up a practically-new rocking chair. Did I want it? Uhh, is that a trick question? Of course!! Once again, the LORD provided.
Ohh, I forgot, another friend offered a bouncer (rainforest theme, the really cute one!) for, once again, free. I got a mini-wardrobe for a boy, including several adorable shirts that look Daddy, and a portable high-chair. We also received an offer for a free cover-up breastfeeding thingy and have only paid for shipping. We saved $35 on that alone. Aha! Yeah, the LORD is so good, and so faithful.
Above all the material things He has provided, which is quite incredible, He has provided me with a group of men and women whom I know are truly praying for this baby. Our Church has seen an ongoing attack on the wombs of women and on the children, and in the midst of that, the LORD has raised up people who are interceeding and consistently speaking life into my womb and into this child. It's not one or two people, it has been a flock of people who have approached me and spoken to me, and have prophesized life over this child. That, more than anything humbles me. The purpose and the destiny that I carry forth is beyond comprehension. LORD, You are soo good, so faithful.
First things first, when I starting "popping out a little" and the issue of maternity clothes came up, Caleb became a little nervous about having to go shopping for dress clothes (for work) and all these maternity items that I "needed." Financially, we didn't have extra for clothes, and maternity clothes are very expensive. I placed it at the feet of the LORD and trusted (more like half-hoped!)that in His goodness, He would provide. I planned on purchasing several summer dresses that are made of the "stretchy" material and a couple of pants to take me through work to cut costs. God met my need and has provided an ENTIRE wardrobe of maternity clothes, most of which are practically new and have never been worn. We didn't pay a penny for them. Even when originally the price of $40 was tagged to a chunk of these maternity clothes, I praised the LORD and told Caleb. We were determined to place them in the budget because it was already a deal. Lo and behold, less than 24hrs later, the woman who was selling me these clothes contacts me and tells me she's felt to give them to me for free! Wow, God is so faithful.
Then, the issue of the crib came up. I knew my parents were willing to pay for it and my mom was already talking about it, but my parent's have already spent an insane amount of money on me since I got married (technically, engaged) and I couldn't possibly imagine them purchasing the crib for me. I once again, took it to the LORD in prayer and I placed it in His hands, this time for sure cos' I had nothing to go on. While I was talking to a great friend of mine, she offered up her practically brand-new crib and dresser for once again, nothing. I offered to pay her something for it, but she was intent on giving a blessing and told me not to worry about it. Once again, the LORD came through not only with what I asked for, but threw in the bonus of the dresser as well.
Another thing I placed before the LORD was more of a want rather than a necessity. I've always wanted a rocking chair and I really wanted one for our bedroom for the baby. I mentioned it to the LORD and didn't really think about it again. Won't you know it, I received a phone call from my mom this morning letting me know that her boss offered up a practically-new rocking chair. Did I want it? Uhh, is that a trick question? Of course!! Once again, the LORD provided.
Ohh, I forgot, another friend offered a bouncer (rainforest theme, the really cute one!) for, once again, free. I got a mini-wardrobe for a boy, including several adorable shirts that look Daddy, and a portable high-chair. We also received an offer for a free cover-up breastfeeding thingy and have only paid for shipping. We saved $35 on that alone. Aha! Yeah, the LORD is so good, and so faithful.
Above all the material things He has provided, which is quite incredible, He has provided me with a group of men and women whom I know are truly praying for this baby. Our Church has seen an ongoing attack on the wombs of women and on the children, and in the midst of that, the LORD has raised up people who are interceeding and consistently speaking life into my womb and into this child. It's not one or two people, it has been a flock of people who have approached me and spoken to me, and have prophesized life over this child. That, more than anything humbles me. The purpose and the destiny that I carry forth is beyond comprehension. LORD, You are soo good, so faithful.
"Behold, children are a a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward, like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with their enemies in the gate."
-Ps. 127:3-5
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Finally, an update
Okay, so it has been quite a while since I've updated this blog, and truly it's been quite the roller coaster ride the last three or so months in the Arrazolo household. The next few sentences will create an update and a picture for you as to the mountains that have been conquered, the journeys that have been taken and the lessons that have been learned.
Being pregnant has been a completely new adventure for me. I am so not used to the mood swings, the cravings and the constant exhaustion that my body is feeling with this little person in my tummy. I was blessed enough not to have morning sickness in the physical sense of throwing up, constant nausea, etc (although I did get the ocassional nausea & tummy ache) however, emotionally it was one of the darkest times I have ever experienced. For almost exactly three months, a heaviness and a depression overtook me in a very literal sense and I can't quite say I know why. I hate to attribute it solely to the pregnancy, however it so coincided with my first trimester that it's hard not to. During these three months, I completely forsook my duties as a wife, leaving my house in utter chaos, my marriage in utter chaos, my eating habits in chaos, and even my relationship with my little one in utter chaos (just to name a few). Most importantly, my walk with God was in utter chaos. Hence my lack of writing then. There was zero amount of homemaking in the Arrazolo household. It was soo hard. However, entering into this second trimester, I have to say that things are beginning to look up. The first order of business was getting my very (very!) messy house back in order and bringing my relationship with the LORD to a right standing. It seems there is sunshine after rain, and a lot of blossoming lilies thereafter as well. It is a daily committment as is my marriage, but in everything, I am learning to lean upon the LORD in a fresh new way.
I have completely cleaned the entire household, except the bathrooms (deep-clean anyway) and the little ones' bedroom. The bathrooms WILL get done this week (I haven't had the stuff I need to do so) and so will the kids' room. Someone was kind enough to bless us with a crib and a dresser for the new baby (for free! Hallelujah!) and we will be picking it up Tuesday, therefore I have no choice, but to put that room in order. I feel it's gonna be quite a project and I have to organize myself for it. I'll be making a list of everything that needs to be done this week so that I can do little tasks every day and tackle it that way. Please pray that divine inspiration comes as to how we're gonna do this! It's not a very big room and I have to fit a baby, a four year old and ALL the things both children entail. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Nevertheless, I have learned that we need to take things, one step a time or it will never work.
I am also working on a small project for our office/dining area and our closet. I bought four cork tiles to create "mini-bulletin boards" that will serve as a "living center." It can be an easy way to access prayer requests, phone number we need, to-do's, reminders, etc so that we're not running around like chickens with our heads cut off and living in clutter by stickies we write, but have nowhere to place. I got the idea from http://www.stuff2borganized.com/. Great website that has tons of great ideas. ;)
Last but not least, I plan on saturating our home with Scriptures by posting up index-cards with the WORD in various places throughout our home. That's pretty much all I've got going on. I'll write more this week and update on the baby-room decorating and etc. :)
Being pregnant has been a completely new adventure for me. I am so not used to the mood swings, the cravings and the constant exhaustion that my body is feeling with this little person in my tummy. I was blessed enough not to have morning sickness in the physical sense of throwing up, constant nausea, etc (although I did get the ocassional nausea & tummy ache) however, emotionally it was one of the darkest times I have ever experienced. For almost exactly three months, a heaviness and a depression overtook me in a very literal sense and I can't quite say I know why. I hate to attribute it solely to the pregnancy, however it so coincided with my first trimester that it's hard not to. During these three months, I completely forsook my duties as a wife, leaving my house in utter chaos, my marriage in utter chaos, my eating habits in chaos, and even my relationship with my little one in utter chaos (just to name a few). Most importantly, my walk with God was in utter chaos. Hence my lack of writing then. There was zero amount of homemaking in the Arrazolo household. It was soo hard. However, entering into this second trimester, I have to say that things are beginning to look up. The first order of business was getting my very (very!) messy house back in order and bringing my relationship with the LORD to a right standing. It seems there is sunshine after rain, and a lot of blossoming lilies thereafter as well. It is a daily committment as is my marriage, but in everything, I am learning to lean upon the LORD in a fresh new way.
I have completely cleaned the entire household, except the bathrooms (deep-clean anyway) and the little ones' bedroom. The bathrooms WILL get done this week (I haven't had the stuff I need to do so) and so will the kids' room. Someone was kind enough to bless us with a crib and a dresser for the new baby (for free! Hallelujah!) and we will be picking it up Tuesday, therefore I have no choice, but to put that room in order. I feel it's gonna be quite a project and I have to organize myself for it. I'll be making a list of everything that needs to be done this week so that I can do little tasks every day and tackle it that way. Please pray that divine inspiration comes as to how we're gonna do this! It's not a very big room and I have to fit a baby, a four year old and ALL the things both children entail. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Nevertheless, I have learned that we need to take things, one step a time or it will never work.
I am also working on a small project for our office/dining area and our closet. I bought four cork tiles to create "mini-bulletin boards" that will serve as a "living center." It can be an easy way to access prayer requests, phone number we need, to-do's, reminders, etc so that we're not running around like chickens with our heads cut off and living in clutter by stickies we write, but have nowhere to place. I got the idea from http://www.stuff2borganized.com/. Great website that has tons of great ideas. ;)
Last but not least, I plan on saturating our home with Scriptures by posting up index-cards with the WORD in various places throughout our home. That's pretty much all I've got going on. I'll write more this week and update on the baby-room decorating and etc. :)
It's just a little while longer till I see You
It's just a little while longer till I know You
It's just a little while longer and we'll be together...
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