The learning of frugality...

My husband isn't exactly what I would call a "frugal" person. In some ways, he's really careful with his money, but he's never really been one to look for deals. Ever since marrying me, however, he's been a little more exposed to the frugal life. I try hard to keep a careful budget, and I love finding things as inexpensively as possible. And, I also love to share my good deals with him. Consequently, he's started to be a little more conscientious of bargains. There have been several times now where he has happily shared with me about a good deal he found. Just the other day I came home from work and he was excited to tell me about two cheesecakes he had picked up that were marked down half price because the store was no longer going to be carrying them. We are enjoying one of them and are keeping the other in the freezer for a time when we have company and need a quick dessert! Nice work, honey! =)

Beating the Heat...

This past weekend was a hot one...just as the forecasters had predicted. As glad as I was to see the sun and feel the warmth, it got a little too hot for me. I came home from work on Friday and did not feel like doing anything. Fortunately for me, a new magazine had arrived in the mail! I thought about walking to the nearby Starbucks for a nice cold drink, but then remembered that I had some frozen berries in the freezer. Whipped up in the blender, along with some ice and orange juice, they made a delicious treat that hit the spot! I was able to relax on the balcony for a while with a magazine in one hand, and a cold smoothie in the other! Perfect!

Congrats...

Congratulations to Nathan and Jennifer!
We are so happy for my brother and new sister-in-law!
We are praying God will lead them and bless them in their new marriage!

Busy Days

I can't say how many times I wish the days would just slow down a little bit. I feel like I'm constantly going. We've had lots going on lately, and the next month and a half will probably continue to be quite busy. I've been more tired than usual as well, so I've been behind on everything around the house. This week I've been really trying hard to get things caught up, and work on projects like making a dress for my brother's wedding on Sunday. I probably shouldn't have waited to make it until a few days before the wedding, but that's just the way it turned out. It should help that Seth is working nights this week instead of mornings. As much as I prefer having him home in the evenings, I don't get quite as much done when he's home.

I'm also looking forward to the promised sunshine we are supposed to be having around here the next few days. I'll admit I'm a little skeptical that it will be as nice as they say, but I really hope they're right. I feel like we've had a year-long winter, it has been so cold and dreary around here all spring. It would be so nice to have some sun and warmth!

Joy

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5b (NKJV)

These last couple of weeks have been somewhat bittersweet for us. It's still hard for us to know that we don't get to welcome a baby into our home this month as we should have. However, the Lord is good. We are now looking forward to having our first child this November. We had the first doctor appointment last week, and everything is looking good! We had a bit of a scare at first when they were unable to find a heartbeat, but the ultrasound showed an active baby with a strong heartbeat! We were completely in awe looking at the ultrasound. It was so amazing to see the miracle of a new life! We feel much better now that we have passed the crucial 3-month mark, but are continuing to pray for a healthy baby!

"Who among the gods is like you, O Lord? Who is like you - majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" Exodus 15:11 (NIV)