What If?

When I was in first grade my teacher announced we would have to give a presentation on one of our hobbies. After much deliberation I convinced my Mom to let me show everyone how to give a baby a bath. You see, Mom, had just given birth to my first sister and I was an eager helper. We wrote my lines on index cards then gathered the baby bath, shampoo, towel, and baby doll. I was shy back then and far from a public speaker, I got over that. Mom and I practiced my presentation until I didn't need my index cards. Then dress rehearsal day came.

After conquering my fears and a pretty darn good dress rehearsal the teacher informed me that bathing a baby was not a "hobby". I'd have to come up with another presentation before the actual presentation day. My heart sank and felt inadequate. Wether it was right or wrong, I'm not here to debate, Mom let me stay home "sick" the day of presentations. I laugh now to think of this because some days bathing a kid is as close as I get to having a hobby.

We all have talents, gifts, and passions. Sometimes God allows us or calls us to use them in prominent positions, think Dr. Dobson, Billy Graham, David Crowder. Other times we use them in discrete, but not less important venues.

Once upon a day I spent days per week dancing on my toes, in anticipation of Spring recital. I practiced singing for years to eventually sing on stage at Carnegie Hall with my high school choir. I loved on and cared for my younger sisters day in and day out. I've prepared and led a women's small group. I teach two years that Jesus loves them. I enjoyed writing research papers in college. I would study for hours on end to make the Dean's List.

But what if all I "ever" do with my practiced and preformed talents is sing our children to sleep, dance in the kitchen with my husband, stay up late to write about what God has revealed to me through his word, and have an encouraging conversation over sour gummy worms with a girlfriend?

I'm at peace with that. It was worth the practice. May He be blessed in all the seemingly mundane activities throughout our days. Don't be fooled into thinking the day in and day out isn't important.

-A

It's Almost Time To Party

Well, it's almost time to have a debt free party!

As of October 21, 2009 we are officially medical debt free. We own our dear son B, my bed rest, and the remainder of Daniel's back! Now we only have our car left and are trying feverishly to have it paid off by June of 2010. We'll keep you posted as we get closer.

It really is quite amusing and exciting to no longer be sending out loads of money each month to the hospital.

Thank-you God.

Praise The Lord

The Lord's faithfulness is great!

After two plus years of struggling and striving to make sure B is growing strong and healthy we got great news yesterday! He is now officially in the 25th percentile for growth! We've had progress for quite some time now but yesterday's news came as a huge relief to me personally.

See, this is the thing, I've literally busted all out trying to help B get all the best nutrition he can. Researching different foods, reading about kinds of fat, learning cheaper ways to eat these nutrient packed foods, and always keeping a checklist of his calorie intake in the back of my head.

However, the most important thing was prayer. B was never expected to be this high on the percentile chart and never "supposed" to fully potty train before the age of five due to gastrointestinal issues. I am confident the Lord is healing our Little Man. There is your proof. If you ever doubt what the Lord can do just hug B next time you see him and remember.

Trusting the Lord for great and wonderful things in our family's future.

It's The Simple Things

Most of you know we enjoy keeping life simple around here. Most of you also know we're human, we mess up, and we make things complicated that don't need to be.

This past weekend we were blessed by friends to be able to go to Baltimore, Maryland. We decided to devote an entire day to The National Aquarium. We packed up all we'd need, minus the stroller as it's not allowed, and even got permission for B to bring his own lunch. We didn't opt for a lot of the "extra's" at The National Aquarium because we felt our little ones would be entertained by the standard exhibits.

We had a great time! We saw everything from sharks to jellyfish. The kids had great spirits even with no naps that day. Then we went to the hotel to crash. We ate, watched television (which is rare for us), walked around the harbor, ate Twizzlers (which is rare for us too), and hung out as a family.

When we were finally on our way home we asked the kids "What was your favorite part?".

Hint, this is where simplicity comes in.

It wasn't the $80 to get into the aquarium, it wasn't the toys they picked out while we were there, it wasn't the dolphins, or the TV.

A said, "Mama, the hotel was wonderful. The best part was sleeping on the fuzzy blanket with my brother."

B said, "Boats". Perhaps I should elaborate a little on his response. He's referring to the boats we saw out the window of the aquarium in the harbor.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not bummed these were my kids favorite moments. These are precious, I will scrapbook them, and I'm thankful they had a good time. However, maybe next time we'll hang out at the hotel, watch television, swim in the pool, and order room service.

Redefining Our Definition Of Peace

I know all women have days where their expectations are not met. We don't finish our to do list. Our kids dirty the house quicker than we can clean it. Bills need paid at the end of the day. Illness puts our plans on hold. Work is demanding and your weekends are too short. 

Sometimes we handle this with grace and ease. Other times we crumble in defeat. Here's encouragement for the days we feel defeated and discouraged:

"Contrary to [what the media tells us], peace doesn't come in a package of bubble bath. It's not found in a tub or even behind a closed door. Peace comes when we fix our minds on God and on his stability in our chaotic days. No matter who is tromping a mess across our floors or standing impatiently at our doors, the unchangeable God is in charge of our days. Knowing that for a fact is peace." - Mom's Devotional Bible

"You will keep perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal. He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust. Feet trample it down-the feet of the oppressed, the footsteps of the poor. The path of righteousness is level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth."

Isaiah 26:3-7

Lent

Things I've considered giving up for the season of Lent...

-junk food, more specifically only eating whole foods, drinking only herbal tea and water

-spending extra money, only spending on food, passing on any item that is a "want"

-saying anything even remotely negative about my hubby, who really, truly is quite wonderful 

-running, I don't think that one counts though

-not meal planning, meaning I would diligently meal plan for the next 4o days

-not being a good steward of my time, forcing myself to better plan every day, even the ones when I stay home all day

What are your thoughts?

The McLaughlin's Economic Plan

Without trying to stir up any financial controversy, I just have to share with you what budget is working for us.

We've gone through seasons of using only cash, using only debit cards, and a mix of the two. However, at the end of the day, what works best for us is cold, hard cash, Baby. You can click on the link to Dave Ramsey if you're unfamiliar with this approach, it's on the right hand side of our blog. Literally, the only downside is the unsightly envelopes that we carry around. Once they finally gave up and fell apart we moved on to a canceled check file. Let's face it though, it's not cute, it's purely functional. While function is the bottom line, let's have some frugal fun in the process...

You can find these beautifully, upgraded files at Etsy.com, keyword MyLilBudgetBook, they start at $14.95. Or if you're blessed like me to have a sister, who prefers to use the right side of her brain, beg her to make you one, two, or even four! That's exactly what I've done! She has joyful agreed! Now as soon as I can pick out my fabric (the best part) she'll make me some. I'll post pictures once I get them back, upgraded of course!

Decorating Ideas

Here are some decorating ideas I'd like to incorporate into our house

Comfy yet beautiful chair

Tuscan Bath Accents

Neutral Bedding

I Took The Winter Off!

Eeek! Our Winter is over! I can hardly believe it! We had great family time and made precious memories. 

A is quite the Daddy's Girl. She loved helping Daddy look for deer and playing Mom. This week she folded an entire load of laundry all by herself! 

B learned to walk this Winter and he has new words everyday! Yesterday was "open" and "off". He's doing very well health wise which is so refreshing.

Daniel and I got away by ourselves twice this Winter! Once for a long weekend marriage retreat and once for a week long, all expenses paid Caribbean Cruise! Thanks Potomac :) 

We finished up at the Baptist church Daniel had been leading at and are now attending a non-denominational church. We've been there since the first of the year. We're quickly falling in love with the church and the people there. 

As always the Lord has been, is, and will be faithful! 

Here's to the end of Winter and the sweet memories we have left to remember it by!

October One

I can hardly believe it's October first! I'm sure lots of people are feeling the same way.

What does Fall hold for you this year? What is your favorite event in Fall? 

Fall is one of my favorite times of year. I'm looking forward to it with a little excitement actually. I'm awaiting cooler days, Daniel having more time at home, Fall colors on the trees, Christmas, and hopefully some traveling.

Soon, Daniel will take a break from pools and be able to focus on ministry for the Winter. I enjoy having him around the house and so do the kiddos. In fact I think even the dog likes it better when Daniel is home. I'm so blessed with an awesome man.

I do have to admit that prior planning is not one of my strong points. I have good intentions but get easily side tracked. I'm happy to announce that I've managed to find a couple Christmas presents. They were on sale of course!  Hopefully, I'll stay the course and be done long before December five and twenty. I'll have to keep you updated on my progress. Later I'm going to be sharing with you how we here at The McLaughlin House "deal" with Christmas presents and traditions. We got the idea from some good friends of ours, The Brown's. 

Here's to the beginning of the end of the year! May it be filled with abundant blessings.

Retreat!

All of our days are important but this week holds an awesome (first time) opportunity for Daniel. He will be traveling with a church to to lead worship for them on a retreat! We have met with some of the leaders from this church and are encouraged by the way they are approaching ministry. We were very honored when they asked Daniel to be a part of this retreat. It will be a small, intimate setting (sometimes by a campfire) which I firmly believe is one of Daniel's strongest points. I look forward to the ways that God will speak to people this weekend through Daniel's gift of music. It's my prayer that the music will be a blessing to them, enabling them to truly worship God in a personal way.

This leads me to another thought. You see this weekend wouldn't be possible if Daniel and I weren't completely certain and convicted of Daniel's giftedness. I want to encourage all of you to discover the ways God has gifted you. I think that as a Momma to young children it's often easy for me to forget that God has gifted me beyond being able to change a diaper and make dinner. However, the demands of being a wife and mother don't negate my command from God to use my gifts to His glory. 

If you haven't had a chance yet you should check out Daniel's website too!  His site by the way is a huge blessing from our friend at Steinruck Designs. As far as I'm concerned they make the hottest web designs out there!

Works For Me Wednesday

Here's a couple little secrets about me (and my linens) I'm going to let you in on...

I only have two sets of sheets for each bed in our house. I have set on the bed and one stored under the bed, this goes for all beds in our house.

I only have one set of white towels in each bathroom.

I only have white washcloths for cleaning.

I found that by having minimal linens and most of them being white it makes my life easier!

I can wash them all together, not worry about which ones get put back where, and use my linen closet upstairs for other goodies :)

How Have I Struggled?

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

Corinthians 4:8-10

This morning my devotional included the fully loaded question of "How have I struggled?"

Honestly, I think I would rather have skipped this question. Seriously! This was a lot to process, nevermind at 6:30 in the morning! I would have preferred to answer with the obvious or vague responses like financially, to be a good mom, etc... But I persevered and came up with a rather lengthy, emotional list of struggles. Everything from medical/health issues in my family to being a good steward of my time.

Don't be discouraged as you think of your own struggles! And I do encourage you to actually write out your list. There was a point behind this potent question. 

"Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult - once we truly understand and accept it - then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters."

M. Scott Peck

My struggles are small compared to the God I serve who waits for me in glory. 

In the meantime He uses the struggles to shape and mold me into His image. The continual refining fire. 

God also uses these struggles to remind me how powerful He is. He blesses my family and me through our struggles. Many times He has blessed us in the midst of struggle. We then acknowledge how good He is to provide for our every need.

My struggles are also used to encourage others as I share my testimony with those I meet. 

Just recently I've met Mom's who are dealing with children who have the same health issues as my little B. I'm able to share research, doctor recommendations, and most of all encouragement with them.

If I had never endured the struggles I have, I wouldn't be the person I am. 

Now that is a reason to rejoice in struggles!

 

A Little Remodeling

For those of you who are worried that I've given up on blogging, don't lose heart quite yet. I'm currently in the process of learning Blogger and remodeling our blog! New and better ideas are headed this way! I'm excited about the changes. I'll be adding resource links and an RSS feed, I believe. 

In the meantime we've been remodeling around the house! Daniel scored us a great deal on two living room chairs. The chairs are an awesome addition to our living room. Not only did we honestly need more seating but I love the touch of retro they bring to the room. 

We've also added a fica tree and new throw pillows to the living room! Wow! The room's really starting to come together. I scored the tree (minus the pot) for $2o at a yard sale and Daniel found the pot on clearance at Target. I actually found the new pillows all on my own! They're probably one of my favorite finds for the house so far, and that's saying a lot. Daniel was jealous he didn't find them first! We need some "pops" of color and these definitely help out. 

 

Recently Daniel brought home a huge chandelier for our bedroom that one of his clients gave him! I've always wanted a chandelier in our bedroom because of our vaulted ceilings. The chandelier is ready for hanging (after a little paint job that is) but won't be hung until cooler weather comes our way. I'm anxiously awaiting some Fall temperatures so it will be an easier job for my Father-In-Law. 

So, there you have the McLaughlin's decorate on a very small budget! I love it! Decorating is one of our favorite things to do together because we both have the same style and vision for our home. We've been looking forward to decorating our house, which is one of our biggest blessings!

My Best CVS Run Ever!

Ok, seriously, you've got to see this!!

This will be hard to beat!!

I got all of the above (PLUS five 12 packs of soda!) last week at CVS, of course. However, this is the best part, I was actually paid $8.33 in CVS store credit to take it out of the store!

I am NOT kidding you!

Now, I promise I will get back to posting on other topics too :) Daniel asked me the other day wether I had changed my topics on here to money saving. What can I say? I love to get a good deal! However, I figure you get the point now, cause you all are very smart people.

I Love CVS

Total before coupons & sales was $97.03

Minus $73.32 :) 

I paid $23.71 and earned $13 in ECB's

Woo Hoo!

Groceries!

 Last weeks grocery run

Last weeks health & beauty run

Last weeks worked out to basically half price!

This weeks shopping

Total Before $236.50 Saved $119.67  Spent $116.83 

I also got 5 cases of Pepsi 12 packs.

This week I did have to get a couple things that weren't on sale at all. 

For example B's avocados and creamer.

"And all I got was one can of dog food..."

My Manly Man

BEFORE 

AFTER

DETAILING

Woo Hoo! Our Garage looks awesome now!! We have also enjoyed the fact that we have a garage but now we like it even more :) For very little money we snagged some good paint at Home Depot off the oops pile, saved some money for the DIY epoxy flooring, and gave D a Home Depot gift card for Father's Day for new, brighter lighting.

Daniel did a great job knocking it out in a short time frame, as always. It seems to have become a local hangout for most men on our street.  Last Saturday when I came home there were numerous men in there and more would stop by as the afternoon went on. 

We're so blessed to have been able to pull this off as it certainly wasn't a have to. I'm sure the Lord will use our garage to allow us to continue sharing our testimony of His blessings and faithfulness.

Suzy Homemaker Strikes Again

Check out my latest (rather successful) attempts around the house!

NEW KITCHEN CABINET KNOBS!

A couple weekends ago I had a yard sale and got rid of lots of things we simply didn't need anymore! That was great! I decided to take my earnings and get something for the house that 1. didn't take up much space and 2. that we actually wanted. So, here you have it folks! New kitchen cabinet knobs and pulls!! Woo Hoo!! I installed them all by myself too :)

BEFORE

AFTER

BEAUTIFUL HOMEMADE CHICKEN BROTH!

I've been working at making really good broth for a couple months now. I've been following the same recipe the whole time but getting better with each try. B really enjoys his rice cereal mixed with some warm broth. I have to say I think the most important thing is having really high quality chicken. This was from organic, free range, no hormome chicken.

FREEBIES IN THE MAIL!

If you follow the link on the side of the blog to Money Saving Mom you too could get freebies in your mailbox! This is just what I got yesterday!

Here's my .02 on everything in this post...Yes, it's nice to be able to make "real" homemade food for my family and be able to adhere to our budget by various means. By the way, let's face it, these seem to be lost abilities in most (not all) of my generation. However, I believe these are just two examples of many commandments I was giving by God when I became a wife.

In Proverbs 31 is a description of a woman I pray God will make me like more and more everyday. I think as wives we're supposed to be resourceful, respectful, and above all worshiping God. I believe the above are just small examples of fruit in my walk with God. I praise Him for His faithfulness to make me a godly wife. God knows (and Daniel knows :)) this process will be something I will have to look to the Lord for everyday.

I'll Call You Later, 'K?

My mom used to have this sign that read "Call your mother. She worries." As I kid I probably didn't really comprehend the meaning behind those words. But I'm beginning to now.

My mom talks to her mom on a regular basis. I mean how could you forget when you have a sign in your kitchen to remind you?! My mom and I talk on a regular basis. We were just joking the other day that it's a good thing the phone company doesn't send you a detailed list of all your calls for the month like they used to! I've been out of her house for over five years now. I for the most part have adjusted to this set up. I'm sure it's still strange to her though. Not that she's told me but I think it's a safe assumption :) I mean I am her favorite oldest daughter!

I've always tried to parent in the moment and enjoy every minute with my kids. Yes, even the not so easy ones. I try to remember to always kiss them before parting ways (even for short periods of time), I tell them I love them a lot, I almost always kiss them when buckling them into their car seats, and try to remember what they look like at the end of each day (Lord, knows they're going to grow overnight). You see, I think I realize that no matter how much time I get with them, it will never, ever be enough. 

Then I had a "moment".  This morning A was engaged in imaginary play, something I find absolutely adorable, typically hilarious, and sometimes eerily familiar to my own habits. She loads up her stroller and backpack. Places her sunglasses and high heels on. (Ok, so I don't wear high heels to run errands but she's obviously more stylish) She then announces she's leaving, she'll call me later, 'k? In that moment I realized one day she will leave our house in one way or another and she'll call me later, so I don't worry (too much).