Currently

Listening to: Oh my goodness, I've been killing me some:

Hillsong's SCANDAL OF GRACE

YOU MAKE ME BRAVE sung by Amanda Cook (My favorite right now!)

FOREVER sung by Kari Jobe

GLORIOUS UNFOLDING by Steven Curtis Chapman

and COME TO ME sung by Jenn Johnson!

Worship has seriously been surrounding our house lately. It's been GOOD!

Reading: I would still love to be reading more books, but right now, the Bible is good enough for me! No, seriously. It sounds to corny and clique saying it that way, but, it has been far too long since I've spent some for real quality time in the Word. I shared in a recent post (you can read all about it right here) about my convictions; one of them being to wake up early to dive into the Word. Well, I've been doing just that! Or trying to!

It's getting cold, though. For reals yo.

Thinking about: Let me tell you...I am SO EXCITED about fixing up Hannah's room into a girl's room, especially now that the little one in my belly has turned out to be another girl! I have so many ideas!!! I could ramble on about how I want to paint their room gray and possibly put white or gold polk-a-dots on the back wall and make Hannah a tent slash reading nook area...but that might bore you! ;) Instead, let me share with you my inspiration for the moment!!!

Wishing: I am truly say that I am not wishing for much right now. I am content. Of course I'd love to go pick out a couple of new little girl outfits but that can wait! :)

Thankful for: This cooler weather, these windy days, good friends, great husband, my adventurous little girl and this new little princess on the way!

 

 

Where you can find me this week: No where! Haha! One) I have been so stinkin' tired lately that I've been falling asleep at eight every night and Two) We're on a spending freeze! I don't want to get out and tempt myself to spend any money, haha!

Eating: Huh. Such a good question. I've been eating a lot of grilled cheese and bean burritos. French toast has definitely been on my breakfast menu a few times this week, which is possibly one of the simplest breakfast treats ever! Hannah has been eating peas and beans, eggs, peanut butter sandwiches and leftover chicken and dumplings! Today she had boiled eggs for breakfast and she loved them!!

Photographing: It's picking up the pace once again, but a mommy's schedule is forever changing! I have many more sessions coming up this month and next, so hopefully you all will be seeing more from Strasburger Photography in the near future!

Until next time!

I'm a Myth Buster!!!

I am a myth buster!!! It's official!

For those of you who don't know...we're having a girl!!! Another little princess will be running around our home by this time next year and we've decided to name her Charlotte! We are so thrilled that Hannah gets to have a little sister! We were so sure it was a boy, but God has a good sense of humor (as we like to say sometimes)! This pregnancy was so different than with Hannah. I guess that just threw us for a loop!

When your pregnancy is like, the complete opposite, it's supposed to mean 

you're having the opposite gender, right??? WRONG.

When I got pregnant with my first, Hannah, I joined so many mom forums and pregnancy apps. I had so many questions and all the time! Questions that ranged from "Are my cravings weird?" to "I haven't felt my baby move much in the past two days, what do I do?"

One thing that moms seem to talk about a lot is how different each pregnancy is, because it's a mystery! It really is! People tend to think that their girl pregnancies are really different than their boy pregnancies. I don't really know.

From everything that I've read, all pregnancies are different and not just because of gender. But mom-to-be's have very hopeful and wishful speech almost always! We love to day dream about the things we don't know just yet! Is this little wiggle worm a boy or a girl? What is she going to look like? Like her daddy? Like me? Like her sister/brother? What will her personality be like? So many mysteries that are yet to be unraveled!

Simply because I just found this whole ordeal rather silly, I thought I'd share 

why my pregnancies have been so different!

For all you pregnant beauties, here are my symptoms for my two very different pregnancies!

Hannah vs. Charlotte

 No Morning Sickness --- All Day Every Day Sickness

             Mood Swings --- Not So Many Mood Swings

Craved OJ & Chicken  --- Craving Chicken & Cheese

Craved Sweets --- Not Liking Sweet

Exhausted 24/7 --- Energy 24/7

Happy Go Lucky --- Depressed (For A Bit)

Hated Smells --- Hate Smells

 Hair Growth --- No Hair Growth

Leg Hairs Stopped Growing --- Leg Hair Growth The Same

Gained Lots of Weight Quickly --- 20 Weeks & I haven't Gained 1 Lb.

No Weird Cravings --- Craving Beer & Pork

Lots of Random Strong Movement --- Lots of Constant Gentle Movement

Acid Reflux at The End --- Acid Reflux/Heart Burn

Leg Cramps at Random --- Leg Cramps Almost Every Night

HOT HOT HOT!!! --- Reacting to Cold Weather Appropriately 

Restless Sleep --- Normal Sleep

Vivid Dreams --- Nightmares & Vivid Dreams

See? They are each different! Very different for this momma-to-be!
So what are your symptoms mama??? Are they crazy? Out of control? Just plain weird?
Haha! I'm just kidding! Or am I???

Okay, I need to go to sleep now. This mama's going a little crazy! ;)

So the Secret's Out

Yep. We finally announced what we've been waiting F O R E V E R to announce! Okay, we only waited one week to share the news, but still! One week can seem like F O R E V E R when you're excited!

If you saw my post Pink or Blue? you know that we have been waiting to find out the gender of our little one. Well...you're just going to have to watch this video to find out!!! :) :) :)

OFFICIALLY...

We are pleased to announce that we will be welcoming another 

little princess into the world come March!!!

Meet little miss Charlotte Iva! I might be in love! Who am I kidding??? I AM in love!!!

Teaching Your Toddler About God

So, I previously wrote about my realizing that Hannah is now needing to learn so much more than just the basics! How she now needs to learn the ways of God and the things of life! Post here.

I've read so many articles and blog posts on teaching children about God and I did even more reading once I began to realize that she was growing up! Everything that I've read, it's so simple. It might have been so simple that I just forgot that it wasn't that difficult...as long as I, myself, am already in the Word and working on my own relationship with God.

I wrote out everything I read at first, but then some of it just didn't stick with me. It's all good advice, but for me, these are what stood out:

Number 1

In one post, the author mentioned that before you get too crazy teaching the Word of God to your kids, you need to clarify your own beliefs. True! Although you will learn so much more while reading the Word with your children, I really do believe that it is important to know where you stand in your own faith when teaching kids.

Number 2

We need to be praying with our children and for our children! Praying at dinner time and before bed. Pretty much any chance we can!

Number 3

Listening to and singing Christian music! Watch Christian-based movies and television shows.

Number 4

Reading them Bible stories and talking to them about Christ. Read Christian-based books. Read aloud as a family. Make it fun and make the stories come to life! 

Number 5

Live by example. Be kind, be respectful, be honest, be giving, be selfless...etc. Don't pretend to have all the answers. Be real with your kids. Use real life circumstances to teach them more about God.

There are so many wonderful ways to share the Word with our children but these were such a reminder of how simple it should be!

What I Plan To Do

In addition to this simple yet GREAT list, I plan to invest in some really good Children's 

Bibles and Devotionals. I definitely do not have these on our shelves. Shame on me.

Below are some Bibles and Devotionals that I have found to have high ratings and 

seem like something that would work for Hannah and this little one in my belly. 

Take a look at these and the others that are within the links below! 

You might find some awesome new books for your little ones!

 

Grace for the Moment: 365 Devotions for Kids by Max Lucado

 
Hide and Seek Devotional by Stephen Elkins

Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young

God's Little Angel: Shine Your Light Devotional by Sheila Walsh

100 Devotions, 100 Bible Songs by Stephen Elkins

 and there is so much more!!!

 

I am ending this post, soaking in these simple reminders to live by example, to read, sing, and talk about Christ on a daily basis! Now I just have to put them into practice!!! 

Would YOU hold me accountable??

If you liked this, you'll probably like these:

1. Teaching My Toddler About God via Katheryn at Singing Through The Rain
2. Teaching My Toddler About Jesus via Missy at Graceful Little Honeybee
3. How To Teach Little Ones About God Throughout The Day via Jenni at Jenni Mullinix
4. How To Raise A Spiritual Child via Baby Center
5. 5 Ways To Draw Your Kids Closer To God via Jenae at Mom Life Today

6. 13 Awesome Resources To Teach Children About God via Katie at Inspired To Action
7. 7 Devotionals Kids Will Love via Rachel at RachelWojo.com

So, This is Personal

 It's six in the morning. I usually wake up around this time and simply lay here in the quiet. I feel the urge to really get up and spend time by myself and with God, but then the rest of me says that sleep is just way too good to pass up! So what do I do? I usually just continue to lay here. Conviction.

I've really been convicted lately, of a lot of things...

I've often heard God tell me how He wants me to get up early with Him, but I always seem 

to stay up really late. In turn, I'm always too tired to wake up early.

I've been convicted of not reading enough of the Word. That I've got the time but that 

I rarely use it in a way that might benefit my heart and spirit.

I've been convicted of not reading enough of the Word to Hannah. Believe me, there 

is POWER in the name of Jesus. Praying with her, I can sense that God is moving in her 

heart just through our prayers together...but reading the Word, is just as important!

I've been convicted on not trying to look "cute" for my husband.

So random, I know! But God knows what He's doing. He has opened my eyes more and more to the things in my life that COULD be, if only I sought Him out and brought my family along on the journey!

I think it might be funny, though, that God has been urging me to get up early to read and spend time with Him, but I am always falling asleep. Do I need to get up and drive somewhere else in the mornings so that I can focus or something? I might have to.

It's like I keep choosing the easy or comfortable way and as a result, I'm not receiving in full the transformation that God has called me to. 

Shouldn't I be remembering the results of my young passion in Christ and be in awe because He can move in me like that again??? Shouldn't I be do ANYTHING I can to get back into His presence, where I can hear His every Word to me and see His every move??? Oh, how I miss the days that God felt so close and so real!

I have gone through, what I feel like, has been a season of grace. I have been covered in His love and not forgotten, but I've kind of forgotten Him.

Raising our first child has left me in chaos trying to learn how to live life all over again. It felt so chaotic that I didn't see that I still had time for God on a daily basis! Don't get me wrong, I have spent hours reading His Word and praying with Him. Reading to Hannah and praying for her daddy together. But there's something different when you are really pursuing God. Do you know what I mean?


I can read His Word and talk to Him. I can spend time in the Word to gain encouragement and insight, but am I really pursuing His heart???

THIS is my conviction.


I've got time. I've got lots of time. I'm a stay-at-home mom. I can drop what I'm doing at almost any time of day and pursue Him! So why don't I?

God uses the mundane. He uses everything we go through and all our life circumstances to grow us. To make us more like Christ. I fully believe that, and for some, that is simply where they are supposed to be. And that's OKAY! But I believe that God is calling me to step back out onto the field. I have gone through my season of grace, my season of practical learning, and now He's telling me it's time to get up.



So where do I start? What do I do? Do I get up early every morning to be with Him? Yes, because He told me specifically to do so! Do I need to find a way to stay awake so that I can obey Him and read the Bible? Yes, I fully believe so. If I need to get out and drive somewhere to stay awake, then that's what I need to do! Do I just pick any book of the Bible and start reading? I guess so! 


This verse has always been written on my heart. It has stayed with me my entire life, or for as long as I can remember...

Isaiah 55:11 | "so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." (NIV via Bible Gateway)



There is PURPOSE in God's Word and it will ALWAYS be used! I think of this every time I start to jump back into the Bible and I never feel like I'm getting anything out of it.


So what's stopping me from pursuing God like I'm being told? Like I want to? Like I need to?

Or am I just hindering myself?

I started to pick up the Bible this morning, when I felt more led to pour out my heart on paper. I felt like I wasn't receiving anything from reading. I've just finished reading Ephesians and now I am not too sure what to read next! We just finished reading Philippians in my mom's group, so, Colossians? I guess so.

Just READ. That's what I keep telling myself. Just READ! God will use whatever I read in some way, even if I don't see it immediately. 

I'm preaching to myself when I say this...

JUST DO IT!!! Whatever God has urged me to do, I need to do it...whatever it may be. JUST DO IT! However I need to accomplish it, I JUST need to DO IT! 
Quit choosing a little bit of sleep over alone time with God. That's just stupid, Stephanie. You know how to manage your time, at least well enough to know how to go to bed early and wake up early! Stephanie, get up. Get up and pursue your Father, that PERFECT Father who would do anything for you to see His glory and truth! Pursue Him!!! JUST DO IT!!!

2 Peter 1:3 | "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." (NIV via Bible Gateway)


I am reminded that I have no excuse, because He's given me everything I could need for a godly life. The life God has called me to live. 

Again, everyone is in a different season of life. Some are on fire and pursuing the ministry they have always dreamed of and prayed about and others are living a more routine life, mundane and a little boring. God has called each of us to bloom FULLY where He has planted us. Some of you may know that you are where you are supposed to be, and others, like me, know that God is calling them to change!

God has been calling me to change! And He's reminding me (simply through writing all this out) that I have all that it takes to wake up early and really dive into His Word and into His presence! I have all that it takes to open the Bible throughout the day and read His Word! I have all that it takes to read His Word to my little girl and to teach her about God! (Teaching Toddlers about God post is right here.) I have everything it takes to get up early enough to make myself presentable before my husband!

So what's my excuse? What's holding me back?

JUST DO IT!!!

10 MORE Uses for Distilled White Vinegar {Part 2}

Welcome to 10 Uses for Distilled White Vinegar!
If you have not read Part 1 or Part 2, you should do so! Lots of awesome tips!

This is my third post on the topic and let's just say I have done my share of research on the matter! I love love LOVE using vinegar! It gets rid of odors, cleans tough-to-clean surfaces and is helpful in so many other ways!

10 MORE Uses for Distilled White Vinegar! {Part2}

21. Daily Cleaner

I use a mix of vinegar and water (sometimes I even put essential oils in there!) to clean pretty much every surface in my house! The kitchen, bathroom, living room, kids room, bedroom, etc. It is safe to use anywhere and it's a great disinfectant as well!

22. Glass Cleaner 

Combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vinegar and a dab of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray directly onto surface and wipe down with crumpled newspaper or a clean soft cloth.

23. Repels Ants

Spray vinegar wherever you have seen ants and the strong smell will be like a repellant to them!

24. Rescue Boiled Eggs

If an egg starts to crack while being boiled, adding a little vinegar to the water will stop the egg white from seeping out.

25. Get Rid of Deodorant Marks

Spray a little bit of vinegar onto deodorant stains before putting them into the washing machine.

26. Keep Cut Flowers Blooming

Add 2 tbsp of vinegar to a vase, fill with water and add flowers to keep cut blooms looking fresh longer.

27. Freshen Dishcloths

Place cloths in a container and cover with water and 1/2 cup of vinegar. Soak for a few hours, then thoroughly rinse before using.

 28. Sanitize Children's Toys

Fill up a clean bucket (or bathtub) with hot water and a cup or two of vinegar. Let the toys soak, then lay out on a towel or cloth and let air dry. - See more at: http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2012/10/09/home-survival-skills-15-amazing-uses-for-vinegar/#sthash.YOZVAh8b.dpuf

Fill up a clean bucket (or bathtub) with hot water and a cup or two of vinegar. Let the toys soak, then lay out on a towel or cloth and let air dry. - See more at: http://blog.hgtv.com/design/2012/10/09/home-survival-skills-15-amazing-uses-for-vinegar/#sthash.YOZVAh8b.dpuf

 Fill up a clean bucket or bathtub with hot water and a cup or two of vinegar. Let the toys soak, then lay them out on a towel to air dry.

29. Make Wood Floor Shine (Read Directions)

Spritz a solution of warm water, a few teaspoons of olive oil, and vinegar onto the floor, then polish with a soft cloth.

30. Make Your Dishes Sparkle

Rinse your dishes in a mixture of water and vinegar. Polish silver with undiluted vinegar for a crystal clear shine.



I have done many of these, but there are still a couple that I'd like to try out!
Have you tried any of these? Did they work?
I'd love your input!



Today's information found through:
PopularMechanics.com
TheSimpleDollar.com
HGTV.com
&
Blog.Coles.Com.Au

Simple Ways to Show Love on a Busy Day

You've probably seen my previous post A Letter to My Brother, where I talked 

about him getting married and gave him some advice to which I have learned over my 

short (three years) time of being married. Well, this is in response to the chaos of wedding weekends.

We so often get so busy that it's hard to show our significant other those loving touches,

 caring words and flirtatious attitude. I was surprised with how easily my husband and I were able to express love to each even though it felt like we hardly saw each other. So I'd like to share 

some things that I noticed worked for us now and have worked for in the past!

BE PHYSICAL

Be physical whenever you can!
Rest your head on his shoulders if you're having to stand around for a minute.

Grab hands even if it's just for a split second.

Touch his or her back or waist gently as you pass by.

Hug him/her tightly whenever you can pause for two seconds.

BE FLIRTATIOUS

Use your eyes and body language to flirt from across the room!
Create and use code words that only your spouse will understand.

Give him/her a quick tap on the bottom as you walk on by.

 For the ladies: do a little model walk to get his attention!
Make eye contact and smile.

LEAVE A NOTE

I like to leave Chris sweet messages sometimes by writing on our mirror or on 

our washing machine with a dry erase marker.
In college I used to leave sticky notes on his steering wheel.
Write a letter when you have time, and on a busy day, slip it into his/her pocket. 

ACTS OF SERVICE

If your spouse is busy, bring him/her a drink or snack.
Be in tune with what he may need and help him out if you can.
If you're spouse is busy, do a chore that is on her to-do list.

BE VERBAL

Text or e-mail her throughout the day.

Give praise and show appreciation.


I hope you find these helpful! And I hope you find more ways to show your 

spouse love on those busy busy days!

If you liked this, you might also like:

1. 50 WAYS to Show Your Husband You LOVE HIM
via Mindy at Busy Bliss

2. 30 Ways to Love Your Husband

via Darlene at Time Warp Wife