Frugal Friday - BookSwim.com

If you like the Net Flix style of ordering movies you are going to love this! BookSwim.com is an online book rental library service where you can get paperbacks, hardcovers and college textbooks sent directly to your house. I especially love the idea of college textbooks, since they can run around $75-$150 a piece.

Here's how it works:

The plans start at $9.95 and go up to $39.95 depending on the number of books you would like to have out at one time. No matter the package you have Unlimited number of books each month with Free shipping and No late fees. They even have a policy that if you love the book so much you want to keep it you can log into your account and get the member's only used book price.

We should never be without a good book to read ever again!

Understanding Adoption from the Birthparent's Point of View

In the last few days I have been desperately trying to understand what our birthmother must be feeling and getting ready to go through in the next few months. When I try to put myself in her shoes I am reminded of a year ago when I came home from the hospital after losing our baby, with no baby in my arms. I have asked God so many times why we had to experience that loss and we may never fully know. But, I do know I have compassion that I would have never had and will somewhat be able to understand what our birthmother will experience. I love that God took something so painful and has turned that pain into something so wonderful.

When I called my girlfriends with the news we had been matched with a baby last week two of them mentioned the show 16 and Pregnant. It was interesting to hear them both talk about how they thought of Reggie and I when they watched it and suggested I watch it also. So, today I found the episode on the internet and sat down to watch what would be an emotional view into the process of adoption.

I felt like the show was a real life window into the many aspects of adoption from the birthparents view and the adoptive parents view. I was touched by how hard it was to make the decision for adoption and all the emotions that the birthparents experienced knowing they were giving their baby a better life than they could provide.

Since we sit on the side of coming home with a baby in our arms and not the other way around this time, my heart aches for our birthmother and what she may be feeling. I have prayed for her so long not knowing who she was and now that we do I pray that we are able to show her love, compassion and mostly Christ through the entire process.

If you want to get a better understanding of what birthparents go through as they make the decision for adoption I highly recommed you take the time to watch this episode. The show is 16 and Pregnant by MTV (disclamier: I don't normally watch MTV, but feel this episode is worthy of watching), Episode 6: Catelynn

Can I Have a Do Over Please? (Day 2 Again!)

I'm embarrassed to admit I only made it through 2 days of the 30 Day Shred before I got totally side tracked and and needed to start over from the beginning. But, it was for a good reason! For those who don't know we got a call last Thursday that we have been matched with a baby girl. So, with all the excitement, paperwork and traveling for the adoption process I decided to take a few days and get back into the swing of the 30 Day Shred again yesterday.

So, I'm on Day 2 and I still feel the burn and I keep telling myself during the video it's worth it! But, at this point my one word reaction is still - Ouch!

Starting Date: 7/28/09
Starting Weight: 119.5 lbs
Level on video: 1
Hand weights: 5 lbs

Our Meeting with the Birthmother (Adoption)

Yesterday we had the opportunity to meet with the birthmother and many have asked what it was like. The best way I can compare the experience it is the most important job interview you have ever had. You know how you really desire the job and you so desperately want to make a great impression? That is kinda like what we felt yesterday. We desire this precious baby to be part of our lives and we wanted the birthmother to see us for who we truly are so she would feel confident in her decision. Just a little pressure!

The neat part about this so called interview was that my best friend (a.k.a. hubby) was right there along side of me. It is so special when you share such an important experience, a life changing experience, with your husband. I know that this entire adoption journey has brought Reggie and so much closer as a couple and I am so thankful.

It was a special time to get to know the birthmother and ask her all kinds of questions that we can one day share with our daughter. We even got to see the ultrasound photos for her last doctor's visit. She is already so adorable!!! The most special moment for me was when I was able to verbally tell the birthmother how much we respect her decision of adoption. Of course, we put this in the letter we wrote for our profile book, but being able to sit beside her and share my heart was very personal and something I will never forget.

For those who would like to stand in prayer with us, these are our prayer requests:

*Pray that as we move ahead into the details of the adoption that all will go smoothly and any roadblocks would be lifted.

*Pray that the birthmother would have peace about her decision.

*Pray that the baby remains healthy.

*Pray for the remaining financing of the adoption.

*Pray that Reggie and I would always put God's will first even when hard decisions need to be made.

We thank you so much for the love and support we have been shown through this process. And, we can't wait to share the rest of this adoption journey with you as it unfolds!

Today is a Special Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today we got the news we have been waiting for so long. We have been matched with a baby! It's a GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!This morning around 10:00 am I was going about my normal day cleaning and playing with Rhett when the phone rang and on the the other end was our adoption lawyer's office. They asked, "Are you sitting down?" and I said "No, do I need to?" She went on to tell me that a birthmom had come into their office yesterday and after looking at many profiles (the book I created a few months back) she had choosen our family for her baby. She then proceeded to tell me it was a little girl and then the tears began to flow. Of course, I would love a little boy also, but I have always dreamed of having a little girl.

To make the story even more special it was exactly a year ago that we experienced our stillbirth. He brought this verse to mind today:

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me... To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." Isaiah 61:1-3

We have the opportunity to meet face to face with the birthmom tomorrow night at the lawyer's office and we are filled with excitement and a little nervousness. I can hardly believe it is actually happening. This week has been full of prayer for our adoption from a financial standpoint and we had no idea that the call would come with news of a baby.

Would you please stand in prayer with us?

*Pray for our meeting with the birthmom tomorrow night. That we would make her feel comfortable and her decision in chossing our family was wise choice.

*Pray for the birthmom as she enters the last trimester of her pregnancy. Pray that she reamains healthly and the emotional experience of entrusting her child to us is as easy as it can be. I know it must a difficult situation and I can only begin ot imagine what she may be going through.

*Pray for this precious baby to be healthly.

*Pray that all our financial responsibilies of the adoption be met in the next 3 months.

*Most of all pray that Reggie and I glorify the Lord through the entire process!

We'll let you know how tomorrow goes. Until then, I can hardly believe in a few months we will have a little girl to call our daughter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The 30 Day Shed Challenge! (Day 1)

So I started the 30 Day Shred this morning! All of my Exercise Sports Science background (for those who didn't know that was my undergrad major) is coming back to me and I have to say that I think she does a great job on this video. My little guy found the video interesting and decided to do the workout beside me. He didn't tire nearly as fast and asked, "Mommy why are you stopping?"

Rhett coaching me through the workout!

Here's what I think of day one:

*What I like about the video: It does a great job incorporating cardio, strength training and abs in only 20 minutes! If you are like me and don't like to spend hours in the gym per week this is a great alternative.

*How does the workout accomplish so much in only 20 minutes? She combines the exercises into a 3-2-1 method: 3 minutes cardio, 2 minutes strength and 1 minute abs. The compound exercises work the upper and lower body simultaneously and this cuts down on the workout time tremendously.

*Does it have different levels for beginners and the advanced? Yes. She has 2 helpers that show you the beginners version vs. the advanced.

*What do you need: 1) video (of course!) 2) weights - 3lb or 5 lb 3) mat - if you don't have a soft floor 4) ambition!

*One word to sum up the first day: Ouch!

Okay, I am really putting it all out there and sharing with you the details to see if this program can work in 30 days. We'll see.

Starting weight (7/22/09): 119.5 lbs
Level on video: 1

I want to hear if any of you are trying it also. Let us know.

Adventure Island - Vacation Bible School

What would summer be without VBS? I haven't been to VBS since I was a little girl, but on Sunday night I received a call that they were in need of a teacher so the next morning Rhett and I were off to Adventure Island (this year's theme).

There were over 500 kids that attended and it made for a lot of fun!

I got to teach the 3-4 year olds and sometimes they taught me (patience that is!) My friend Erica had the other class of 3-4 year olds and it got quite amusing at times. Erica you are so much fun!

So, what did we do all week?

~We learned Bible verses

~We learned sign language

~We danced

~We sang

~We did arts and crafts

~We ate

~We played

And, I can't remember being that tired each afternoon in a really long time. So ...

~We napped!

It was precious to watch these little ones learn about Jesus and hopefully carry these truths in their hearts for the rest of their lives. What a blessing to be part of the experience!

The 30 Day Shred Challenge!

Look what I got in the mail today! I decided to take the 30 Day Shred Challenge by Jillian Michaels (she was one of the trainers on the show The Biggest Loser). When I read about it on another blogger's site I normally would not pay too close attention to something like this, but it was 57% off at Amazon for only $6.49 and I would really like to get toned up. So, I went for it.

Since we discountinued my gym membership to save a little extra money I am in desperate need of a workout I can do at home in a short amount of time. The cover says there are 3 20 minute workouts with different levels of intensity. I hope slow and easy is the intensity of level 1 because I might be there for awhile.

I haven't done the first workout yet, but I will keep you updated on my progress. Now that I have been bold and shared with all of you that I am taking this challenge I guess I have even more incentive to stick it out. I hope I can make through all 30 days!

My biggest thought right now: I can't believe I will look like this in only 30 days! Won't Reggie be so excited!!

Latest Update on Preston Loyd (Exciting News on Day 86!)

Preston's doctors and rehab therapists met yesterday and decided that PRESTON IS GOING HOME on July 21st!!!! His family is so excited.

This is what his Dad said about the news:

There are so many things to coordinate: Skilled nursing care, hospital bed, feeding machine, suction machine, car seat, home rehab, medicine, supplies…the list goes on. It is overwhelming to think about going home, but most of all it is so great to know Preston is well enough to make the transition. I remember back in the middle of May, we had just moved to the Progressive Care floor of the hospital and I was freaking out because we did not have two nurses over Preston at all times. I was on the phone with Dr. Schulman from Pediatric Surgical Associates. I will never forget what he told me: “Preston would not be on that floor if he wasn’t better and able to leave PICU.” So, even though this is a bit traumatic, I know we would not be going home if Preston wasn’t well enough to endure.

Items for payer:

*Pray for Preston to continue with his miraculous healing. Please remain specific in your prayers for return of full vision. Pray for return of full mobility to Preston’s left elbow and arm. Pray that his internal repairs continue to heal so we may go forward with the esophageal repair within the next year. Pray his cognition continues to improve. Pray his physical rehab progresses so he is able to walk unassisted and run and play as he did before. Pray for Preston.

*Pray for his family as they transition home. Pray the transition is seamless and they settle back into life as a family. Pray God’s grace and mercy as they learn to deal with lots of people in their home. They will have nurses, rehab specialists and family and friends. It will be a learning process.

Wordless Wednesday: Fun on the Fourth of July!

Bread Anyone?

I love getting good deals, but yesterday I got a great deal and just had to tell you all about it. During my Bi-Lo shopping trip I ran across a coupon tear pad in the bread section. When you are a couponer you eyes are automatically drawn to these! The coupon was for a free loaf of Earth Grains bread for every 2 lbs. of produce you purchase. Well, it so happens they are having a bunch of B1G1 deals in the produce section this week. All this to say I was able to snag 13 free loaves of bread ($3.49 each, so I saved $45.37). Some of you may be thinking what are you going to do with all that bread? Well, did you know that bread is good for upto 5 months in the freezer. I think there are a bunch of sandwiches in our future!

Pray for Kate McRae

Each morning my 3 year old and I take time to pray for whoever God places on our hearts. Sometimes it's friends or family and sometimes it's someone we have never met. This morning I recieved word of a 5 year old little girl named Kate who is battling a large brain tumor and in need of a miracle. Our hearts are burdened for this family and I hope you will join us in prayer for this sweet little girl.

This is Kate's story :

Monday June 29th, 2009 began like every other day, and ended like one we could have never imagined. Our daughter Kate was taken to the Dr. for tremors in her right hand. We proceeded to Phoenix Childrens Hospital for a stat CT of her head. At 5:30 I, Holly, Kate’s mom, was taken into a room alone and told Kate had a massive tumor on the basil ganglia portion of her brain. I called her dad and our journey has begun. It’s a journey we never would have chose to be a part of, but was chosen for us, and our sweet Kate. She is now in the Phoneix Childrens ICU awaiting tests to determine what it is and how far progressed. Please, our dear daughter needs your prayers, as do we.

Aaron, Holly, Olivia and Will


To get updates on Kate you can visit her Caring Bridge website:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/mcraekate

Frugal Friday - Restaurant.com

Restaurant Certificates

Have you ever wanted to try a new restaurant, but didn't have a grand budget to do it? Or maybe you have a favorite restaurant where you love to eat and want to make your money go further. Well, if you haven't heard of Restaurant.com let me introduce you to how we enjoy eating out without breaking the bank.

At Restaurant.com you can purchase certificates that can save you tons of money at the restaurant of your choice. All you have to do is go to the website and type in the zip code (city or state also) that you would like to dine in and tons restaurants will come up. You will be able to purchase certificates worth $10, $25, $50, $75 and $100 depending on the restaurant. The best part is the certificates have these face values, but you don't pay these prices! So, let's say you want to buy a $25 certificate, you would only pay $10. That's like saving $15 right off the top. And, if you purchase the certificates when a special is running you can save even more.

To make it more exciting they are running one of those specials right now for 70% off. That means a $25 certificate would only cost you $3. You can't beat that! All you have to do is enter the code SEVENTY at checkout to get the discount until 7/13/09. Check out the details here.

The certificates also make great gifts. You can give a set amount or give a Dinner of the Month Club membership. Another nice thing is you can print off the gift certificate or email it to the recipient right away. Everyone we have given them to has told us they loved using them.

Have fun eating out!

7 Months and Waiting - Adoption Update

I realized today that I have not posted an update recently about our adoption journey. So many of you have been kind enough to pray for us and ask where we are in the process so an update is due.

We are now at the 7 month mark of waiting and at times it has gone by really slow and at other times it has gone by so quickly.

As our wait continues I have recently been thinking and praying more about the financial aspect of the adoption. We know that some families have had to withdraw from the adoption process due to the economy and their job situations and my heart breaks for them and the children that need to desperately be placed into loving homes. As uncertain as the economic state is, we still feel that God has lead us into adoption and we are to trust He will provide.

My hubby and I covet your prayers during this time.

Please pray :

~We remember that God's timing is perfect and our wait will be no longer than He intends for the perfect baby to be brought into our family.

~We continue to lift the birthparents up as they choose a family for their baby. I can only imagine how difficult this decision must be.

~When worry sets in over how we will financially afford the adoption pray we remember that God always provides!

~For wisdom in choosing what type of fundraising methods we will move forward with in the near future. Also pray that if others have creative ideas on how to do this that they would share those with us.

Thank you so much for your prayers and encouraging words, they mean so much!

Happy July 4th!

Dominos Pizza Party

Recently we won a Dominos American Legends Pizza Party and got to try all the new specialty flavors. I must say they were pretty good!

The kiddos loved the pizzas.

The adults liked them too. Here's our friend Jason's reaction. He's our church's high school youth pastor and I know exactly why the teenagers love him so much, he's hilarious!

We made ice cream sundaes for dessert and Rhett was in heaven!

A backyard game of baseball kept the kids busy outside.

Melanie and Jeff's baby, Drew, kept all of us busy inside. Celia gets a little practice before her sweet little one is due in just 3 more weeks. Isn't he the cutest thing you have ever seen.

Reggie never passes up the chance to hold a baby. I love his heart for children!

Good food, Good friends and good times.

Are you ready to win a party of your own? Head over to House Party and sign up. They have all kinds of fun parties you can host. Have fun!