{the october dress project} Day 1, 2, & 3

The October dress project is something that has been done before, but this is my first year participating. I am so excited to be stepping out on a limb, going out of my comfort zone, and doing something so simple, yet so beyond... me.

For 31 days I am wearing the same dress. Every day.  It has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Jesus.  He calls us to be less so He is more.  To do less for ourselves and more for others, so I, and a bunch of my friends, are doing something.  The ODP is part of a larger event called the 12 x 12 Project (see the page on FB for more info) and this is the first month.  In addition to ridding ourselves of excess this month, we will be raising awareness for the people of Uganda.  While we live with abundantly more than we could possibly need, there are people around the world starving, without homes, clean water, and basic necessities.  

While it is easy to seem like one person can't make a difference, I beg to differ.  Even small purchases, like my dress from One Mango Tree, contribute to changing lives.  This company makes clothing from seed to sew and supports women fairly so they can take care of their families.  
You can do it too!

I have two friends whose families are both adopting two little boys from Uganda.  How awesome is that? It has been amazing to follow their stories the past few months and has stirred my heart for international adoption.  They are changing the lives of 4 little boys.  Those little ones will never be the same because of these two families obedience, sacrifice, and most of all, their love.  Could you help them on their journey? If you are interested, comment below and I will let you know how YOU can help and be a part of their journey.  

It is not to late to be a part of these projects.  We would love for you to join us in the adventure of a lifetime.  But whether you participate in 12x12 or not, don't be content to just sit back and go along for the ride.  Step out in faith and dare to love those who have no voice.  Be the hands and feet of Jesus.  Reach out to the "least of these".

much love,
bc



Day 1:

Pink Tank, Black Flats, Uganda Bracelet

Day 2:

Yellow Scarf, Black Flats

 Day 3:

White Tank, Blue Uganda Beads, Gold Sandals

Purity - Fighting for Our Children

If there was ever a topic that is near and dear to my heart, it's purity.  

My husband, Josh, and I dated for over 6 years and we were able to exchange vows to one another on our wedding day knowing that we kept our hearts and bodies pure for one another.  

This world is trying to steal the purity of our children.  It doesn't just start once they become teenagers.  We have to begin praying, teaching, and guiding our kids from preschool age.  We have to fight for our children.  We cannot just sit back and let the world decide what they learn and know.  The media, even some "children's" programming, is saturated with sexuality.  It teaches our young ladies that is ok to show off parts of their bodies and boys and girls that there is nothing wrong with exploring sexuality before marriage. Satan will use whatever means necessary to steal a generation from knowing and loving marriage the way God intended.  

Seeds Family worship has long been a favorite in our house. It is plain and simple.  Scripture set to music.  Word for word, without extra fluff.  

Its great, not like those annoying children's songs that make you want to pull your hair out.  Instead, I enjoy listening to it right along with my children.  

Seed has just come out with a Purity album.  {{Big Smile}}

I have only listened to one song, but its fantastic! 

They are marketing it to youth aged children, but there is no reason preschoolers cannot begin to hide these words of purity in their hearts.

The entire album is just $9.99 and you can purchase it here:  

http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/purity-album

If you would like to receive a free download of the song "Your Word" and a free devotional download, 

you can take the Parent's Purity Pledge here: http://parentspuritypledge.wufoo.com/forms/z7x3k1/

Teaching purity won't be taught in schools and it isn't the sole responsibility of the church, 

it begins in our homes.  Pledge to begin instructing your children in purity.  

Teach them that real love and lasting relationships don't come from anyone else but Jesus.  

much love,

bc

   

Valentine's Day Strikes Again

So, Josh and I don't have the best luck with Valentine's day.  I know some people are of the mindset that you should show love all year long and that it is silly to celebrate such a holiday... but we are of the mindset that we do show love all year long and Valentine's day is a special day set aside to celebrate how blessed we are and how much we love each other. You can't plan special dates, surprises, and buy flowers and gifts every day; at least, we can't, we don't have the money to.  So, a couple of times a year (like valentine's day and our anniversary) we treat and spoil one another. :)  

Anyway, Josh was determined that this Valentine's day would be different... seeing as how our past history included no dinner reservations, trying to make reservations a few days before, failed back-up plans, or nothing at all.  And people, that went on for 12 years... This year, Josh made reservations (!) and he made them 7 weeks in advance (!!), which was a miracle in itself.  He didn't tell me any of the plans just that we'd be gone for several hours and to wear something dressy.  

Valentine's day just happened to fall on a Tuesday and you all know that means its a MOPS morning! So, the day begins with a special MOPS.  We had a couples panel (3 couples) that answered a few questions and shared about their Godly marriages and how they handled different circumstances through the years.  While one couple was sharing, in comes my husband with 3 dozen roses, a giant bunch of balloons, a card, and a box of chocolates.  Now, mind you, this is in front of about 70 ladies.  I was blushing as red as the roses he brought in, but can I tell you, it was the sweetest thing.  He strolls in looking as proud as a peacock and I am a little shocked that he even attempted such a thing. It was a little out of character for my man, but completely and utterly wonderful.  The flowers were beautiful and the card, perfect.  

That was just the beginning of the special day he had planned.  

Following MOPS we went to lunch with some friends and then I ran out to find something to wear.  I found a beautiful top at Versona - I love that place!- and then I raced home to get ready.  I spent the normal amount of girl time getting dressed and fixing my hair and then by 4:55pm I was ready to go.  

Now, the babysitter had arrived and received instructions and we were all set to jet.  He walked me to the car and in my seat was another rose waiting for me. Then, we got on the road and headed to Orlando. I knew this was going to be a night full of sweet surprises. 

I wish I could say the night continued in lovely bliss as we drove into the sunset, but alas, it was not meant to be.  Headed down the parkway, I get a call from the sitter.  My dear, sweet, precious son could be heard screaming in the background.  The sitter informed me that he wouldn't drink from his bottle and was now inconsolable.  After sharing all my tricks of the trade to get him settled down with no results... we had no choice.  We had to turn around.  

It was on the drive home that my husband informed me of the plans he had for the rest of the night.  Dinner at my favorite restaurant, Seasons 52, a table reserved on their back deck overlooking the lake so we could watch the sunset together, dessert, and then to see a movie I've been looking forward to for months. Awesome, right? Yeah, thats what I thought too.

So, while Josh was canceling our reservations, my thoughts were swinging between love for my precious husband who went through so much trouble to make the night special, sadness for what was not meant to be, and thoughts of peril that I might never be able to leave my son again, that I would forever have a permanent accessory... (haha).  

We get home and neither of us could get Jake to drink the bottle.  I was trying to refuse giving him exactly what he wanted, because I still wanted my hot date.  But, he wouldn't take it, and I'm not going to let my son starve.  He ate and as soon as he finished we, the three of us now, went on the prowl for a something to eat.  Now, remember that Josh and I are dressed quite nicely: he in a suit jacket and me in my dressy black pants and new top.  Of course, we all know, me especially, that you cannot get into a restaurant on Valentine's day, even more so a nice place.   We quickly eliminated the obvious non-contenders like Bonefish, Louie Mack's, Carrabas, then eliminated the second place choices like Outback, Mimi's, and Abuelo's, and then realized we didn't have many options left.  

And then we saw it.  That famous (at least around these parts) little man wearing an apron and a cowboy hat.  Oh yes, we were so going to do it.  We are going to eat at this barbecue joint wearing our dressy best and toting along a little munchkin who was not on my favorite list at the moment.  

Our valentine's day dinner was going to be Sonny's.  

We walk in amid several people wearing jeans, shorts, and t-shirts and are given slightly confused glances.  We put our name on the list because even Sonny's is on a short wait, and then step back to wait our 10 minutes. We even see a couple from church sitting across the room so we go over and say hello, and then resume our wait.  Now, the humor of the situation is not lost on us. We stop and laugh every few minutes.  And my poor husband ruminates on the fact that he actually planned valentine's day this year and we are still eating at Sonny's.  There is nothing wrong with Sonny's, we eat there on a regular basis.  But it wasn't a place that had any special meaning to us.  And didn't exactly strike us as romantic. 

By the time we were seated, Jake, our little third wheel, was asleep.  And y'all, can I tell you that what followed was the BEST date we have been on in a very long time.  As a part of MOPS we are doing the 4 great dates and we were on date #1.  We had a fantastic night of conversation, fun flirting, and we reconnected in a way that we've needed.  Looking across the table at the man I married, eating a "big deal", I fell in love with him all over again.  

We ended the night going to Walmart to get Ben and Jerry's and a movie.  I know, the date locations just keep getting better, haha.  

After getting home to put Jake to bed, we snuggled on the couch while our babysitter (who was also my sister) snuggled in the chair beside us, and watched Inception.

The perfect Valentine's day.  

{my baby} Jake Timothy

Well, it's been several weeks since I have blogged anything, and that pretty much has to do with my new little bundle of joy - Jake.  Adjusting to a life with a preschooler and newborn has been tough, but I think we are finally getting into the swing of things.  And I didn't want to post about anything else until I had posted about him!

Jake was born October 14th at 8:30 am weighing 8 lb 5 oz and measuring 21 1/2 inches long! He was a big boy for being a week early! After a routine c-section I spent 3 days in the hospital and came home Monday morning.  The recovery wasn't too bad and at the end of two weeks I was having to slow down and remind myself that I had just had major surgery!

I will post a more detailed "birth story" later on, but for now, I just want to share some pictures of my new little guy.  If you follow me on facebook, you've already seen them, but if not... here you go! (And yes, they are done by my most favorite photographer - Kellie Day.  See more about her here.)

I have to include one of the proud big sister... :)

Well, I hope you love him as much as I do!! :) I can't wait to share plenty of sibling adventures in the near future.

much love,
bc

There is no bug I love.

So, every year hereabout this time come the love bugs. I don't know why they were named that... because no one loves them. Especially me. (I know that they are called love bugs because they are stuck together and "love" each other. That is beside the point.)

But anyway... the way they have swarmed our house and yard is just ridiculous... and quite bizarre. Take a look at some of these pictures. And if you don't live in Florida, be glad that these creatures don't live near you. At least, they don't bite. They will just crawl on you to death.

This is the corner of our house. You're going to have to click on the picture to blow it up a little. See all those black dots? Yeah, each one of those is a love bug.


This is our back fence. (Pretend the gate didn't get blown down by recent wind storms and is still beautifully attached in its proper place) Go ahead, click on the picture. See those black spots again... yep. You guessed it. More bugs.



I could keep posting more pictures of our poor house covered by these flying, crawling creatures. Heaven forbid you accidentally leave your screen door cracked just the tiniest bit and wind up with 1,367 lovebugs flying around your back porch. Or you drive down the road and it sounds like its raining because so many bugs are splatting on your bumper and windshield. Or you see them in your house and its no big deal because its just going to happen.


How many more weeks until lovebug season is over? I am counting the days.

Well, I am sure you have a lot more pressing things to do than worry about my surmounting bug issues. But, if any of your kids would like to come play catch the lovebugs with Madi and her butterfly net, just let me know!

Much Love,
bc

{the baby} 11 Weeks!

Only 199 days to go or 29 weeks if that makes you feel better. It seems like the time is going by quickly and that is just fine! :) As you can see from the above picture, I had my first doctor appointment last week and everything is going well. The baby is perfect and I am doing ok too! I have been soo soo sick the past few weeks, but now that I have a prescription, I am feeling more like myself. I am just counting down the days until the second trimester. I hope its the honeymoon my first pregnancy was. :)

Josh and I still can't agree on any names... we didn't have this problem with baby number 1. Of course, it doesn't help that he is convinced its a boy so he won't even think about girl names. I have tried to tell him that theres a slim chance its a girl, but I'm sure you know how that goes.

I am so thankful for this chance to be a mommy again. Every day I realize what a blessing my beautiful little girl is and I am so humbled knowing that God has seen fit to bless me a second time with a new little baby to love and cherish.

Its going to be a beautiful ride and I am so glad you are here to take it with me. :)

much love,
bc

Spice it up a little!

Josh and I have been reading this marriage book together. Not that anything is wrong, I am just of the mindset that what is great can always get better. So, anyway, its by Dr. David Clark (an invaluable resource on marriage and parenting, look him up!) and he says that spouses spend so much time bugging one another about cleaning the house, fixing dinner, working, taking care of their families, etc. etc. that they don't take the time to compliment their spouse.

Remember when you and your spouse were first dating? The compliments would fly off your tongue every thirty seconds!

"You're so beautiful"

"I love your eyes"

"That sweater looks great"

"Oh, the way you cut your chicken is fantastic!"

I don't know, you know what you said. Anyway, the point is that life bogs you down and you get distracted and you forget to take the time to encourage and build up your significant other. In fact, it's almost like all we do is ... and i can't stand this word... nag our husbands. Not intentionally, mind you! But Josh definitely hears, "can you PLEASE put your dirty clothes in the hamper!!" and "really, you couldn't dry off the counter after shaving?" a lot more often than a compliment. And the compliment can be anything. It kind of made me laugh but Dr Clark said that your husband is more likely to do the big things you ask of him (ie: putting his dirty clothes away) if you start complimenting him for the little things he does. Like - "Hooray! You got one sock in there!" Not really that, but its true... start with the small things. Like if he took out the trash or played with the kids so you could clean up the kitchen without interruptions, or gave you a look that said you were appreciated, tell him!

So in order to be more proactive with complimenting each other, I went to Target and found ....

a small mailbox (in the dollar bin!). It sits on our bathroom counter with a little stick note pad and pen next to it.



And a couple of times a day, or whenever we feel the need, Josh or I write a note to each other and put it in our mailbox. When the little pink flag is up... you got it. We've got mail. :)

It can be a thank you, a compliment, or even something a little more special than that. It's up to you. So bring back a little romance to your marriage. Get yourself a little "mailbox" and pass notes like you did in high school. Its actually really fun. And I can't wait to get home and see if I've got a note from my one and only.

-bc