The Principle of the Path - Book Review

The Principle of the Path by Andy Stanley explores how we end up where we are in life.  Most of us have an idea of the direction we want our life (relationships, career, dreams, ect.) to go, but a lot of times we haven't reached this destination.  This books helps us understand why we aren't where we want to be in life...and how we actually can get there.

Andy Stanley is a great communicator, so his writing style is very easy to follow.  This book uses scriptures, anecdotes, and advice to help the reader evaluate their life choices.  Though it can be a bit repetitive, I think the message in this book and the wisdom gained makes it worth the read.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Purex® Crystals Dryer Sheets Review & Giveaway

I was sent a package of Purex® Crystals Dryer Sheets to review.  When I opened the box, a fresh floral scent flooded the room.  I was surprised that the scent lingered in the kitchen for such a long time after I moved the box to the laundry room.  These fabric sheets would smell great tucked into a clothes hamper, dresser drawer, or even in the middle of a toilet paper roll!  They come in two scents-- Fresh Spring Waters and Lavender Blossom. 

After washing a load of laundry, I threw the clothes in the dryer with one of these fabric softener sheets.  I love that they reduce static cling, repel pet hair/lint, and smell good.  If I could change one thing about these dryer sheets, it would be for them to leave the clothes with a stronger smell.  One of the main reasons I use dryer sheets is to add that extra scent to my laundry.  I was surprised the scent was faint on my clothes, since the sheets are so pungent straight out of the box.  Next time I'll be sure to add a second sheet in there!

The Sweepstakes

To celebrate the release of the New Purex® Crystals Dryer Sheets, the Purex® brand is hosting a Sweepstakes. One grand prize winner will receive $500 and a year’s supply of Purex® Crystals Dryer Sheets, while 50 2nd place winners will receive a coupon for free Purex® Crystals Dryer Sheets!  CLICK HERE to enter!!   Ends May 9th, 2014 at 3pm PT.

The Giveaway
Three lucky winners will receive a FREE box of Purex® Crystals Dryer Sheets!  ENTER BELOW!  :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"The Purex® brand provided me with a sample of Purex® Crystals Dryer Sheets in exchange for a product review.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own."  

Eli's Birth Story (Part 2)

Eli's Birth Story (Part 2)-

 Getting ready to see our baby boy!

On January 23, we "woke up" at 6am to get ready for my induction.  I settled into my hospital bed, knowing this could take hours.  The nurse started the Pitocin (a drug used to start or speed up labor) through my IV.  Then....the waiting began.

Chilling in my hospital bed

Around 8am, my doctor stopped by to check on my progress.  I was only 2cm dilated (I had gone into the hospital 1cm dilated).  She broke my water and the floodgates opened wide!!  Lol.  Remember all that extra amniotic fluid I had...well it was making its appearance!  It felt warm coming out, but did not hurt.

She then told the nurse I could have my epidural (anesthesia that blocks pain) if I wanted.  I had been saying my whole pregnancy that I didn't want to have an epidural (I also didn't want to be induced...and you see how that turned out!).  My mom, my good friend Noel, Eric's sisters, and Eric's mom had all gone without getting one during labor.  God bless these strong women!  I was afraid the epidural would slow down my labor or make it hard for me to be able to feel how to push the baby out.  I guess you just have to weigh the pros and cons.  After talking with my doctor during a previous appointment, I had decided to get one.  My doctor didn't think I would progress without one because of my high level of anxiety during check-ups (I totally agreed with her.)  So, I told the nurse she could call the anesthesiologist to come.  For a second I thought to myself, "Maybe I should wait a little longer before I get one."  I then felt a small labor pain and said, "Never mind...bring the anesthesiologist in!"

The epidural did not hurt me at all.  The anesthesiologist gave me a small shot in the back to numb the area before putting in the larger needle to administer the drug.  I was hunched over holding Eric's hands as he worked his magic.  When he put in the bigger needle, I had a contraction and more of my amniotic fluid came flooding out.  Eric had to jump back quickly not to get it on his shoes.  The process was fast and the medicine worked perfectly.  I couldn't feel the pain, but I still had feeling in my legs and feet.  When I finally got to pushing, I was still able to feel how to push Eli out.  I absolutely loved my epidural.

          Grandma and Dad waiting for Baby E

After the epidural, we waited some more.  Then the nurse had me do different positions to help move things along.  I was on all fours with my bottom in the air!  Looked pretty funny.  The nurse checked me and I hadn't progressed and my cervix was swollen.  She was afraid I might have to have a c-section.  That really scared me.  I really, really, REALLY did not want to have a c-section.

Then I was on my back with one leg bent and crossed over the other (first on my right side, then on my left).  I did each position for 30 minutes.  After the left side, the nurse re-checked me and I had dilated to 9.5 cm!  It happened so fast...we were ecstatic!  Good-bye thoughts of a c-section, hello pushing!

Pushing was difficult, but did not hurt (I love to re-iterate how everything did not hurt!).  When we saw a contraction coming on the monitor, Eric and my mom would hold my legs back while I pushed.  I pushed for about an hour before our precious baby boy made his appearance at 4:14pm!  Eric said his head just sprung out.  They brought him up and put him right on my chest.  He was absolutely perfect!  The only bad thing was that my camera had died, so we only have phone pictures.

Eric cut the umbilical cord and blood splattered everywhere.  All over my face, all over the wall---but I didn't care!  I had a baby boy in my arms!  A handsome, wonderful, amazing baby boy!  :)

9 pounds 4 ounces, 21 inches long

Our Little Family

With our wonderful nurse

Daddy and Son

E and our amazing doctor!

Mommy and Daddy love you more every day Eli!!!!!   

Eli's Birth Story (Part 1)

With Mother's Day fast approaching, I thought it fitting to write about the day I became a mom.

Eli was born January 23, 2014 at 4:14pm, weighing in at 9 pounds 4 ounces.  Meeting our precious baby boy is a day I will cherish forever.  I really didn't know what to expect from my delivery...and that made me anxious.  I read books and sought the advice of friends, but I knew that every experience is different.  Each birth is as unique as the baby it produces.  I would wake up in the middle of the night feeling like my water had broken, only to find out I was totally dry when I checked.  I prayed for a good birth experience and most importantly a healthy baby.  Boy were my prayers answered!  Labor and delivery were seemingly a breeze compared to the aftermath of crazy hormones, breastfeeding issues, and sleepless nights.  I am so proud and blessed to be a mom!

Here is Eli's Birth Story (Part 1)---

Wednesday, January 22nd Eric and I finished packing our bags and headed to the hospital.  My due date was January 21st and Eli had not come yet.  I really did not want to be induced, but Little (Big) E was measuring very large on our weekly ultrasounds.  Around 28 weeks, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and polyhydramnios (an excess of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac).  Because of "the diabetes" as I liked to call it, Eli was receiving more blood sugar (glucose--energy) than he needed.  This extra energy was stored as fat---making Eli a bit larger than he should have been.

Luckily, I was able to control my diabetes with diet (A pregnant woman really should never have to "diet" during the holidays--oh what torture!).  I had weekly ultrasounds and non-stress tests (NST) to check my fluids and make sure the baby was doing ok.  Some of these appointments would last hours because E would not corporate.  During a NST, two belts are attached to your belly to measure the baby's fetal heart rate and your contractions.  They have to watch your baby's heart rate accelerate and decelerate (meaning Eli would need to move).  E either would fall asleep during the test or would move so much that they would lose his heart rate on the monitor.  This meant they had to start the test all over again--making my appointments very long.  Thankfully, everything looked good.

I had been told that they would induce me a week before his due date (because mothers with gestational diabetes usually have bigger babies), but my doctor really wanted to see if he would make his appearance without help (which is why I wasn't induced until after my due date).  The plan was to go to the hospital the night before I was to be induced to get Cervidil (a vaginal insert - kind of like a tampon- that gets the cervix ready for delivery) put in.  We got to the hospital, checked in, and was directed to our delivery room.  I was given a gown to put on (that I accidentally dropped in the toilet....don't worry they have extras!) and my last dinner (before they put me on my clear liquid diet--just in case I needed a C-Section).  I also was given an IV (my first - didn't really hurt at all) and belts to monitor baby's heart rate and my contractions.

Getting the Cervidil inserted was seriously the most painful part of my whole labor and delivery experience.  Thankfully, the whole process does not take too long.  It is bearable (this coming from someone who's pain tolerance level is not very high).  I was supposed to leave the Cervidil in over night, but it caused me to have contractions that were much too close together--- so they took it out after 2 hours.  These contractions never hurt me.  They just felt like a tightening of my stomach (as opposed to the period like cramps people describe contractions feeling like).

All that was left to do before they induced me the next morning was to sleep.  But seriously---who can sleep when they are going to have a baby the next day?!?!  This was the first of many sleepless nights (which of course I wouldn't trade for anything---having my Eli makes it all worth it!).

Here is Eric and I before bed the night before we had Eli-

I really didn't realize it would take me so long to write out Eli's Birth Story, so I'm splitting this post into two parts.  Thanks for reading and stay tuned for Part 2!!!

Bringing this Blog Back to Life

I can't believe it's been almost 3 years since I've blogged!  I've thought about bringing it back a million times, but just never put fingers to keys (like pen to paper....yeah not very witty).  Many things have changed since I last wrote.  We have been home owner's for almost 3 years now.  We adopted Jenny (Black and White Cat) and Jackson (Australian Shepard/Border Collie mix Dog) from the Humane Society.  I worked as a preschool teacher for awhile.  The biggest change has been the birth of our precious Little Eli (well he has never been very little---weighing 9 pounds 4 oz. at birth)!  I could not be more blessed to have an amazing, loving husband (Big E) who makes it possible for me to stay at home with our baby boy (Little E).

I'm really sad that I didn't keep the blog up all this time.  It's such fun to look back at all the memories I've made with my friends and family over the years.  I really hope to keep it up this time.  I want to share my life as a wife, mom, and woman of God.  Eli is growing up sooo fast....way too fast.  I want to be able to look back at this time of life and remember the moments I'm enjoying and savoring right now.  I also love doing product reviews and giveaways.  I'm going to be posting one very soon...so keep posted!!!

Jenny and Jackson

Our last picture before heading to the hospital

My Family- Easter 2014

   

Look Who I Just Found In The Pool...

A BABY TURTLE!  I've seen bugs, frogs, a rat, and a snake in the pool before, but this is my first turtle.  Isn't he so cute?!  He kept swimming around trying to avoid the Polaris.  I got him out with the pool net and returned him to the lake.  Hope he does better this time around!

Publix Savings 10/06/11

Hey Everyone!  This week I did ok at Publix (not really great).  Here are the stats:

Publix Savings

Spent: $92.93  Saved: $50.19  ///  35% Savings

When combined with the savings I had last week (Spent less than the $87.50 allotted for each week), I am still good with the budget.  This week I didn't use very many coupons and a lot of the sales I took advantage of were not BOGO (50% off).  I stocked up on some beef, since we have chicken already at home.  One thing I can never turn away from is those Stoffer's Family Size Meals.  They go on sale for $3.99 (usually $6.29) every once in awhile, so I like to get them then because they are great for when you have guests or just don't feel like cooking a meal (pop them in the oven and they are done!).

This was also my first week ever getting a rain check.  I got to the store later than I wanted to (spent too much time at Walmart) and some of the sale items I wanted were out of stock (especially one that would have given me overage).  So I thought today was the day to try out Publix Rain Checks.  You just go to customer service with the ad and tell them what things you want and how many.  They write you up a rain check that is valid 30 days after the issue date.  So, if you have coupons that aren't expiring soon you can just wait until the product is back in-stock and get it then.  Hopefully everything I wanted will be in stock next week!

Instead of writing everything out that I got, I took the lazy route and made a video.  All my coupon match-ups for the week were found HERE at Southern Savers.  Have a fun time saving this week!