Slinging babies

I've finally got the hang of the sling (I wasn't sure how to get her
in it at first) and now it's my favorite soothing technique when Ruby
is fussy. She's a comfort nurser and would continue to do so every
half hour when she's fussy but that's a bit much for me. She's so snug
and sleeping.

Amateur Wife and Mother, among other things

I was thinking last night as I tried multiple failed attempts at keeping Ruby happy and thus lulling her to sleep that I wasn't really great at anything. Not that I think I'm bad at everything I try my hand at, but I'm certainly no expert at anything. I got to thinking about people I know that are really good at things or are profession something-or-anothers. For example, I used to take a lot of photos, I was in school to begin with to be a photographer even, but have since given it up (almost entirely which is quite sad) and thus am not a professional photographer although I know several. So in thinking about all of this again over breakfast, and feeling unsure if God had a niche for me if I wasn't good at anything, I decided that it was stupid to even think about beacuse what do I know, I'm not an expert on God either, and just sort of let it go. Then I was ready my favorite blogs and websites and guess what the topic of "Our Daily Bread" is today...
(I've posted it in it's entirety but feel free to head over to the website to see the related verse and check out their links)

The word amateur has been redefined over the years and has lost the luster of its original meaning. The English word comes from the Latin word amore, which means “to love.” An amateur is someone who does something simply for the love of it.

In today’s way of thinking, receiving payment moves you into a “higher” category—that of a professional. The reasoning is that if someone is willing to pay for your service, you must be really good. An amateur, therefore, is considered to have less skill or talent.

As I read my Bible, however, I see a different hierarchy of values. During the time of Jesus, the religious professionals were using their position to gain power and prestige for themselves, not to serve the people. Jesus didn’t choose those who were wise, mighty, or noble by human standards (1 Cor. 1:26). He sought those willing to follow Him and be trained for loving service.

In today’s world, the scene is much the same. God is still looking for “amateurs,” those who will serve the Lord for the sheer love of it. Compelled by our love for Jesus, may we, like the disciples and apostles before us, proclaim the love of God for the world by following Christ’s example of loving and serving others.
Julie Ackerman Link

I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow:
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now. —Featherstone

One proof of our love for God is our love for our neighbor.

A vaccine to fight the side effects of a vaccine

For those of you waiting with bated breath for the full story of Ruby's birth - I'm sorry, but this is not it...
I found this link on Jen's blog and wanted to share it in hopes that more people will see it. Please read it. Whether you decide to vaccinate your children or not, have children or have ever given much thought to vaccines, it's something to think about.
Shingles Vaccine (make sure you read the article and the Dr.'s comments)

Summer Fun

I'm working on updating Ruby's baby book with all the latest news so when that's done I'll update the blog world. It's only in the last few days that I've even checked my email so please be patient.
On another note here's some summer fun that I ran across on the internet today. Much better than water balloons! Check out the simple how-to here and have a great week/end!

Teacup Light

Domestic Construction's "Ted Lights" are made from recycled teacups. Unfortunately no one has a tutorial but one website did mention Ikea pendant lights... I don't have any teacups laying around but if I did they would most certainly become a lamp.


Almost a smile

Ruby has the prettiest smiles. She usually smiles in her post eating
slumber. Tonight she smiled several times, especially whenever I
kissed her or snuggled her cheek. Of course we barely missed each one
with the camera but got close with this one. I'm sure we'll get one
eventually.

Baby Update!

Ruby Nora Lynne is here!

We were surprised, excited, over joyed, etc. God is so amazing and we love our little miracle.

I'll update again when my brains are a little more in order and explain the birth, etc. but for now I'll just say that she was born at 9:56 pm Monday the 9th. She weighed 7 lbs 9 oz and is 19 inches long. Her hair is very dark brown and her eyes grey/blue (like my dad's). Chuck's blog has more pictures and updates so check that out to learn more until I get back to blogging. Right now I'm focusing on breast feeding, sleeping and drinking enough water.

Have a great weekend!!!

A feast of love

Small Update

I haven't been doing much lately. I've got lots I would like to do but haven't really accomplished much. We finally found a diaper bag that the two of us can agree on at TJMaxx on Monday. It's a woman's travel bag but it's a nice chocolate color with some simple green embroidery and lots of pockets (maybe I'll get a picture up here but it will become a wardrobe staple in the months to come so if you see me ever you'll see it).
Also, I had a baby appointment yesterday and it went well. Chuck summed it up nicely in an email earlier so I'm going to use most of his words in the update.

"Ginger is due to deliver on the 8th (we hope). We have been walking as much as her feet can stand, and anything else that might get this little person ready to come play. She had an appointment today and they said she could go as far as 42 weeks before any "hurry up kid" methodologies were employed. That means in the next couple of weeks we WILL have a baby, but depending on how done the turkey is we (Ginger) may have some more pretty uncomfortable waiting to do. So pray that we are patient and for Ginger and the baby's safety and comfort. We can't wait to introduce all of you to our kid, who is already a miracle from God."

I love my husband so much and I can't wait to meet the little life inside me face to face.
In the meantime I'm doing some sewing, cleaning and trying to be patient.
Have a great week!