My M.O.P.S Announcement

This is My Year to Give Back

For the past 7 years I have been attending MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) at Crossroads Baptist Church in Englishtown.  My childhood friend Bianca told me about it when Julia was about 10 months old and at the time I was already expecting our 2nd child and was excited to get out and make new mommy friends and just learn how to be a good mom.  I loved going to the meetings and just hanging out with other moms, drinking coffee, sharing ideas, sharing birth stories, laughing, listening to more experienced moms, all the while our kids were being taken care of by super sweet ladies from the church upstairs.

The mantra of MOPS is "Better moms make a better world!"  I fully believe that!  The more we encourage and equip moms to be all that they can be as moms while they are pouring into their families daily has this awesome ripple affect to their own families, people in the community and abroad.

Last year as I sat on the fence about what to do with homeschool and as I was praying about how I could be a blessing at home to Amelia and Micah I really felt God calling me to coordinate MOPS next year.  But I was scared and was wondering if I could really take this on.  At our last May meeting I felt the tug on my heart again that said, "Go for it!  You got this! You can do this! This is your year!"

I'm happy to announce that I will be coordinating this Fall!  I got my kit in the mail 2 weeks ago and I am really excited about diving in and being a blessing to all the Moms who come out this year.  Our theme is "Starry-Eyed: Seeing Grace in the Unfolding Constellation of Life and Motherhood."  I had a huge turn out at my first planning meeting at the end of May and I feel really blessed to have such a great team of supporters willing to step up and help out!

I will be clinging to Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"I am excited to use my gifts and energies to this really fun task of journeying alongside moms who are doing an amazing job of raising little ones!  I know for a fact that MOPS helps Moms when they are in the trenches of diaper duty, nursing sick babies, balancing home life, making routine and structure, planning meals...it's a lot of work!

One of my favorite parts of MOPS is when we bond as moms by going on field trips or play dates and watching our children become friends as we get closer.  I remember those first few years as a stay at home mom feeling so cut off from society and so lonely.  I couldn't wait to go to MOPS on Tuesdays, and neither could my kids for that matter!  It was a great time of socializing, and planning outings, and drinking coffee, learning new recipes, doing a craft together, praying together, hearing from a guest speaker, watching short DVD snippets to inspire you.  I always left MOPS ready to conquer the rest of the day/week with full intentions of being a better mom!  I got "filled" on those days and I can't wait for this year to do the same for others!

Let's face facts, mothering is a very hard job.  One never feels that she has "arrived."  There is always more to learn and better ways and new ideas to handle disciplining, potty training, nursing, sleep training, the list goes on and on.  Learning from other moms, listening, giving advice, getting encouragement and giving back to other moms this is what it is all about.  We all know that this mothering season is just that...it's a season...and we all want to do our best at it while we have the chance.  God gave us our particular children for a reason.  We are the best mothers for our children.  Let's take advantage of this sweet time and do all we can to pour into and invest into our little ones.

For those of you prayer warriors out there please pray for me as I lead this year that I will have clarity and discernment and creative ideas and ultimately that I will be a blessing to each mom that sets foot in our doors.

If you are interested in hearing more about our MOPS group please don't hesitate to leave a message!

We meet on the 3rd Tuesday every month from 9:30 a.m.-12pm (we provide breakfast) and September 20th is our launch day! Our meeting spot is at Crossroads Assembly of God Church off Main Street in Englishtown.

I am getting so excited because Fall is almost here and that means MOPS will be starting along with all of our fun Fall playdates to go Apple Picking at Battleview Orchards and Pumpkin Picking at Green Meadows Farm.

Me in 2015

A New Year

Laughter

Patience

Grace

Time

Service

Compassion

I couldn't think of just one word to focus on this year so I thought of 6 things that I want to have more of in my life.  These 6 things I want to do more and be known for and instill in my family.

Laughter

I want to stop taking myself so seriously.  I want to stop being so intense.  I want to let my hair down, my guard down, and get rid of my insecurities and I want to laugh.  I want to laugh loud and long and I want to be happy.  I want my kids to be joyful  with me and I want to soak in the moments that may be chaotic and messy, but I want to find the joy and focus on it and for once in my life enjoy my life.

Patience

This is something that I want to have with myself and with others, especially my children during home school time.  I want to stop stressing about curriculum, and tests, and standards, and start getting to the heart issues in myself and with my big kids.  I want to stop rushing through each day and checking things off my mental list and I want to really give all of myself in schooling my kids with high expectations but in a calm manner.  I want to stop feeling so frazzled and take my time to appreciate how great my kids are instead of focusing on what irritates me.

Grace

One of the best parts of the gospel message is that God extends his love and forgiveness towards us while we were still a hot mess.  He loved us when we were dirty and unclean.  He saw the potential.  He had a plan of redemption for us because He wanted to be close to us.  I want to have that same grace for the people around me (friends and family and strangers) when they least deserve it.  I want to stop keeping score or reasons for why I am upset or hurt and just love on people.

Time

Is it weird that I want more time?  I do!  I want to prioritize my time better and find more time to be quiet with God, to exercise, to journal, and to read books that inspire me.  As a mom of 4 I often do not have time for myself unless John is home, but I want to learn  a way to make time for these things so that I can be a more balanced person and so I can be giving my best to my littles, my husband, and the Lord.

Service

I was talking about this with my dear friend, and its really important to me to find ways to serve with my kids.  Whether it be visiting the nursing home with my kids, helping a neighbor when they need help, raising money for a missionary, whatever it may be I want to teach my kids the importance of serving others and so I want to find ways to serve with them alongside of me.  I want to raise kids who are aware of others around them.  I want them to be sensitive to the needs of the elderly, the poor, the sick, the less fortunate.  One way I know I can involve my kids is when I am making a meal for a friend, I can have the kids help me make cards or bake for them.  This way they are a part of the process.

Compassion

I want to be a more compassionate person.  Whenever I am struggling in my own life, my problems seem so little compared to the bigger more drastic problems in today's society.  If I am looking for ways to be a blessing to others then I can't be focusing on my problems and whining or complaining.  I can use my energy to make someone else's life a bit sweeter.  I can pray for others.  I can put myself in their shoes and imagine what their life is like.

This year I really want to work on myself and improve and change and be better, not just so I can say, look, I'm working on myself...but so that during my own transformation hopefully I can inspire my kids, encourage them, and teach them in a positive, healthy way.  I really just want to use this time that I am a stay at home mom for God's glory... I don't want to miss this opportunity.

Summer Hibernation

The Next Few Weeks...

For the sake of my sanity, the sacredness of my marriage and the constant need to be able to do it all but not be able to do it all because I am pregnant...I will not be blogging as frequently these next few weeks.

I am almost 35 weeks pregnant.  We move out of our home in the next few weeks.  The place that we have called home for the past 8 years.  And we move to a new home all within this next month.

I am to the point in my pregnancy that bending, doing dishes, shaving, putting on one's sandals, etc, is no longer an easy feat.  I am getting really tired, very emotional and rather bummed out at all the things I really "can't do" right now.

I am feeling for my husband who has so much on his plate with home repairs, working full time, and keeping up with the paper work and phone calls from our lawyer and realtors.  There is so much to do be done and at times I feel like all I am really capable of doing is growing this baby and making sure the bigger kids are clean, fed, and happy.

So, if you happen to think of us, or miss us, or wonder what we are up to please pray for us.  We have so much going on it's kind of like our "December", you know the busiest time of the year with shopping, wrapping, parties, etc, when all you really look forward to is January 1st to be able to say you survived it all.  Well, I am really looking forward to September.  I am looking forward to our new home, another precious baby, and no more boxes to step over.

I have learned a very very valuable lesson through all of this.  My faith is not as strong as I thought it was.  I think we all think we have a deep strong faith in God and all that He has planned for us, but I have learned that when my faith is tested I usually find out just how weak I am and just how much I need Him, and just how much control I DON'T have.

I am learning that when things are normal it is easy to think you have a deep faith and trust God, but when you could be homeless, or you lose a job, or you lose a loved one, or when God somehow rocks your world and your faith is tested through the fire in that unhappy circumstance its then that God separates the men from the boys...and I have discovered that I am just a small boy and that I do not have the deep strong faith I thought I had.  I struggle with trusting God.  I struggle with agreeing with His will for my life.  And I don't know what is best for me.  I only think I do.  So I guess these past few months God has really opened my eyes to my inner self and I am realizing just how much I need to work on and just how much more I need to rely on God and not myself.

I think these are all good lessons for me to learn and I'm glad to learn them now.  Please pray for us as our family embraces many new challenges and changes these next few weeks.

Breastfeeding, it worked for me...but it wasn't easy!

This is Julia...one day old...we were still at the hospital

It Worked For Me

Listen, I am not one of those moms who thinks breast feeding is the only way.  I'm not judgmental.  I think formula is totally fine.  As a matter of fact with this baby I actually plan on doing both.  The more kids you have the harder and harder it is to devote the demands of breast feeding.  But, I do love bf and it really has worked out for me.

I am not a crunchy granola mom like I call my doula Roe.  I'm not a mom who uses cloth diapers, baby wears, and makes her own food.  All those things are awesome, but I am happy using wipes and diapers from the store.  I buy jar food and I love holding and cuddling my baby but baby wearing was never comfortable for me.

I hate it when moms make other moms feel bad about their choices.  And breast feeding is a choice.  Some say breast is best, but I think it has to work for mom and baby, and sometimes it doesn't.  Some moms try very hard to nurse and their milk never comes in, or there baby doesn't latch, or mom has some type of major surgery that interrupts the whole process.  I think as moms we should do what we feel is best for us and for our baby and not let other moms make us feel guilty.  It is so silly really.  I mean you cannot tell me a mother who feeds her baby formula loves her baby any less than a mom who breastfeeds, and I'm pretty sure there are no awards in heaven because you did or didn't do it.  I always wanted to try it and it just so happened to work out, but I have so much sympathy and grace for moms who really try and can't and feel guilty.  I hope if that's how you feel you let the guilt go and know that you did your best.

As far as breastfeeding goes, here are the reasons why I do it:

1. It is a jump start to your baby weight loss plan!  I chose the most selfish reason first, I know.  But it's true.  I never wanted to keep on the extra weight and so after 6 weeks I am working out at the gym or doing P90x with my husband.  Breast feeding is known to help you burn a million calories a day (ok a slight exaggeration) because you are feeding another person with your body!!! How cool is that?  With Julia I was wearing my regular jeans and back to my original weight by week 3 (that's having a baby in your 20's)  With Mark I think it took me 2-3 months.  With Micah...oh good gracious...it took me at least 4-5 months of hard core working with a trainer, eating healthy, juicing and watching my carbs.  But I did it.  And once I was back to my normal size...I was pregnant again!  

2. The bonding with your baby is priceless.  I loved being able to cuddle with my babies and feed them and see them get nourished and feel comfortable and safe with me.  I loved being able to play with their toes, hold their hand, and talk or read to them as I nursed. 

3. The convenience of breastfeeding.  It's so easy to pack a diaper bag minus the bottles!  I loved just being able to whip out my nursing cover and feed the baby wherever I was.  Even though I am super super super shy.  I will not be the one posting pics of me nursing my baby.  I have gotten better about it with each baby.  I always cover myself, and I always try to go someplace private if possible.  I hate it when people will stare at you while you are nursing.  I wish I could say, "I'm sorry to bother you but my baby has to eat."

4. The cost effectiveness of not paying for formula.  I tease John all the time and say: "Look how much money I have saved YOU!  We never had to pay for epidurals, c-sections, or formula!"  Formula is SO expensive.  As a stay at home mom I just feel really good about saving all that money and just being able to feed my baby.

The things that make breast feeding difficult for me...

1. I hate pumping milk.  I literally feel like a cow.  After Julia I stopped pumping milk and started to just breast feed on demand because the milk pumping became a full time job.

2. After awhile I just want to be able to wear normal clothes. This is probably another selfish reason but at some point with every baby I just got to the point where I just wanted to stop.  I felt like I just wanted my body back.  I hated the nursing bras, the nursing covers, the nursing lotion.  I just wanted to stop.  I have bf all my babies up til age 1....and then I weaned them off.  Julia nursed til 10 months and weaned herself.  Mark nursed til 13 months.  Micah nursed til his first birthday and the next day we stopped.  He was already only nursing once or twice a day anyway.

3. I constantly felt like (since I didn't pump) I couldn't go anywhere without my baby.  This is partly my own fault I guess since I nursed on demand instead of pumping but it was annoying at times when I knew I had to go out and be back at a certain time for a feeding.  

4. Did I mention how shy I am?  It was really hard for me to get used to bf because with Julia if we had visitors I would pump milk so that while my guests were over they wouldn't see me nursing her.  Obviously I outgrew this but that's how incredibly shy I was.  I hated how people would stare in public even when I was totally covered.  I always felt very uncomfortable.

5. Let's be honest...bf does hurt in the beginning.  People actually told me, "You must be doing it wrong if it hurts."  No!  I wasn't doing it wrong.  BF does hurt in the beginning, in fact there were times I saw STARS because of the pain.  I would cringe every time it was time to feed.  After a few weeks it gets better but there were times I was sure I was going to quit because of the pain.  I would say, "I'm only going to do this for 1 month...ok 2 months...ok 3 months I will stop."  But by then it was fine.  And I would love it again.  Out of all my kids Mark was the easiest to nurse.  He was an absolute gem.  He latched perfectly right away and it was smooth sailing.  Julia and Micah were the most difficult.  Julia I think because I was so new at it all.  And Micah because he was a lazy latcher and I had to have a professional come to our home after two weeks of cracked/bleeding issues and major pain bc we couldn't get our act together.  But as you can see we got the hang of it and Micah turned into a champ!

So ladies, whether you nurse or use formula, just know that feeding your baby and watching them grow is the most beautiful and coolest thing.  Breast feeding may or may not work for you and that's ok.  I think with Amelia I am going to breast feed exclusively in the beginning and after a few months start to pump and supplement.  I am still trying to wrap my brain around having 4 kids!

Why I Love Water Births

The Beauty of Natural Birth

Yesterday's post drew such a large crowd (over 300 page views) I wanted to write more about my birth experiences!

Here are 5 reasons why I have chosen to labor in a birthing tub every single time I deliver.  Many of you have asked what hospital I deliver at (because not all hospitals allow this or provide this service) I go to Monmouth Medical in Long Branch, NJ and my OBGYN for all of my births is Dr. Giovine at A Woman's Place.  Although Dr. G helped to deliver Julia and Mark, Micah's labor was so long that the doctor's changed shifts and I had Dr. Burke at first and then their midwife Lee who was absolutely amazing.  I seriously doubt I would have delivered Micah naturally without her expertise and encouragement.

1. The birthing tub is relaxing.  Call me crazy but I am a woman who loves to sit in a bath tub, a hot tub, or a pool, I find it to be extremely relaxing and cathartic.  I knew I wanted to do a water birth with all of my children when I was a teenager!  I saw a video in high school about birth and the woman giving birth did it naturally in a tub and there was no screaming, no chaos, no fear, it was just her and the water and she was focused and determined to bring her baby into the world naturally.  From that point on I always had it in my mind that that was how I wanted to deliver.  How awesome it must be to enter into the world into a warm bath instead of blaring lights in a hospital bath?  How peaceful the baby's entrance must be from the amniotic fluid in the womb to the water in the tub?  Although I labored in the tub with all three of my babies.  Mark was my only successful water birth.  And to this day he is my mellow, chilled out, peaceful guy.  I wonder if that has any correlation to his birth entrance?

2. The birthing tub eases the purposeful pain of labor contractions.  One thing I look forward to during every birth was that warm tub.  I have a birthing ritual that once I am in the "zone" I labor in every corner of the room and even in the bathroom during contractions and once the contractions get really bad I just want to be in the comfort of that tub.  The water honestly does ease the pain and it is very calming for me to be in there.

3. It gives John a job as my partner during labor to set up the birthing tub.  For every birth John and my doula Roe have worked hard to set up the tub and fill it with just the right temperature of water.  The first tub we used we rented from Aquadoula, although the liner and tubing is used only once obviously.  The last two times we used the one that Roe leaves at the hospital.  I know John needs to be "doing something" when I am not having a contraction and so the first thing he does when we get to the hospital is start to set up the tub.  I think it is his labor of love.  And I love him for it.

4. The birthing tub provides me with my own little world during labor.  I don't know about you ladies but for me I just really need peace and quiet and honestly I could birth my next baby without any staff or doctor.  I finally know exactly what I need and want during delivery with it being my fourth and all.  I like the privacy of the birthing tub.  I have seen couples in the birthing tub but for me that is not what I need at all.  I want my own space.  I want to focus.  I want to work on my breathing and get through the contraction.  And the tub is the best place for all of that.

5.  One thing I hate about birth is having your legs up in the air on a hospital bed.  The beauty of the water birth to me is that you are somewhat covered and have a deeper level of privacy as you are pushing.  I guess I am just shy.  I loved my birth with Mark because after 2 easy pushes in the water, after my water broke, he was floating up right to me.  I know there are tons of birthing positions besides legs up on a hospital bed but that one seems to be the most popular.  I loved the beauty and calmness of having Mark in the water.  It was an experience I will never forget.  I can't even begin to tell you how great I felt after having him.  I literally had him in the tub and about 5 minutes later I was in bed making phone calls to family and friends.  It was AWESOME!

Natural Birth vs. Medicated/C-section

What Worked For Me

My last 3 births have been natural/vaginal births with no epidurals.  For me, I just never wanted to use pain meds during labor.  I wanted to have a doula and my husband there for support and I wanted to be able to go through the purposeful pain of labor without a needle in my back.  I didn't want my baby to get the affects of the epidural and I didn't want to be numb during the labor.  I wanted to know when to push, how to push, and feel exactly what I was supposed to feel.  I also didn't want to be confined to a bed.  I wanted to be able to walk, use a birthing tub, eat or drink if I was hungry, I wanted the freedom to move around the room.

All 3 of my children were born early.

Julia's due date was Jan 13th, but she came naturally on Dec 31st.   Weighing 8.1 lbs

Mark's due date was June 13th, but he came naturally on May 27th.  Weighing 8.1 lbs

Micah was due March 29th, but he came naturally on March 25th. Weighing 9.2 lbs

Thankfully none of my labors had to be induced, each one just started on their own.  Julia was born within 7hours from start to finish.  She was my fastest labor.  Mark I felt minor contractions all day and headed to the hospital around 3:30 pm and had him at 10:16pm  Micah's labor was my hardest. Contractions started at 11:30 pm...I got to the hospital around midnight.  In my head I thought I would have him by 9am...he didn't come til after 2pm.  He was also my biggest baby and most painful.  And since I labored all night I never had any rest and was exhausted at the time of pushing.  I was so incredibly tired and almost positive I couldn't do it.  But I had a great team, my midwife Lee, doula Roe, and husband John encouraged and helped me to push that baby out.

The surprise of this fourth pregnancy has led me to have many fears.  

Will Amelia be a big baby like Micah?  

Will she be early like the rest of my children or come on time or be late?

Will my labor be long and painful?  

Will I be able to endure a long labor without the use of pain meds this time?

So many of my friends have had C-Sections.

They get to know when the baby will come.

They get to have pain meds.

They only have a tiny scar from their births.

They can plan their days and weeks near their scheduled due date to the T.

My friends who have had vaginal births most of them used an epidural and LOVED it.

It took the edge off of the pain of the contractions.

They were confident that they could get through their birth.

They knew right away they wanted to use one.

They still knew when to push and how to get their baby out.

So what is the best way?

It's what works for you and your family.

I'm still trying to figure out the kind of birth I want...I keep reading books and watching birth videos and honestly all I am certain of is I don't want a lot of people in my hospital room.  I don't want to be interrupted while I am having contractions.  I don't want the doctor to intervene unnecessarily.  I want my labor to start on its own and I want to labor at home longer.  I usually head to the hospital right away and I'm usually 3-5 cm dilated.  This time I want to stay home as LONG as possible so I am not constantly poked by the nurses and checked internally or monitored during contractions.  I am like a cave woman during birth I just want to go in a corner, focus on getting through each contraction, and do my best to keep moving to get the baby out!

8 Months Pregnant!

10 Weeks Til We Meet Amelia!

I am very excited to have this baby!  I feel very prepared.  However, I am in no rush for her to get here.  I think with every pregnancy towards the end I was like, "can I just meet them already?!"

And after having 3 kids, I am very very content to just carry this baby in my belly!  I know the minute she gets here life is going to drastically change (yet again!) and we will have lots of adjustments (and late night feedings) to make.  So for now sweet Amelia...keep growing, keep developing, and stay comfy and cozy in there!

This summer we are looking to sell our home, take our family on vacation, host some more BBQ's, and just enjoy the nice weather.  I'm most excited about bringing the kids to the beach in July.  It's our tradition to go once a week!  Do you think I can bring 3 kids to the beach, lug all of our stuff, and carry this baby belly!? I hope so!  We couldn't go last year because Micah was only a few months old and life was way too chaotic!

My goal the next two months is to really enjoy my kids.  I want to be present in each moment.  I want to listen to the big kids read, and enjoy our trips to the park and the library.  I want to watch Micah explore the sand and the ocean.  I want to eat ice cream with rainbow sprinkles.  I want to hold John's hand and watch the sun set and maybe put our feet in the hot tub.  Whatever we do, as long as I'm with my family, I'm pretty near perfectly happy!

My Instagram

Keepingupwithkristi4

That's my IG profile name!  My sister today teased me because I have changed my name a few times. It was hard for me to choose one that I liked and I wanted my blog name to coincide with our growing family of now...4 kids! (Baby due this August)

I really enjoy Instagram because I love a good photo!  Whether it be a moment with my kids, a meal I am proud of, a shopping adventure, a fun outing, whatever it may be it is fun to capture a moment through the lens of a camera and invite the world to see things through your perspective.

I am a homeschooling, stay at home mom so I have lots of photos about our daily homeschool adventures.

I love taking the kids on field trips like Apple picking, to the farm, to science centers, parks, I feel blessed to be able to stay at home and so I really try to make the most of every moment I have with my kids.

I also love featuring my amazing, godly, husband who is a wonderful provider, a sweetheart, and my best friend.

I love capturing milestones in my family's life, like this was a surprise party for my MIL 60th birthday.  I know, she looks 30!!!!

I love all the silly faces Julia, Mark, and Micah make.  This is from a trip to Lancaster, PA and Julia had her first root beer and it was sweet and bubbly...just like her.

I love making fun announcements through photos...this is when we announced we were pregnant with Micah our third baby.

Sharing moments like this...when Julia and Mark met Micah for the first time at the hospital!  They loved holding him and being the big brother and sister.

We just love our third baby Micah to pieces, and we are super excited to welcome baby girl (our fourth to our family this summer).

Our family vacation to Camp of the Woods in upstate New York!

Instagram is great because you can capture these moments and document milestones, and allow people to enter your life and see it through your eyes...in this pic I see two people who have been married for almost 11 years.  They love Christ.  They want to serve Him and raise godly children.  They are not perfect by any means.  They are just normal people, thankful and grateful for life and the opportunities set before them by a very gracious and loving God.

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram at: Keepingupwithkristi4

Pink! Pink! Pink!

Team Girl!!!

This weekend was Daddy's birthday, and at our BBQ we had our baby gender reveal to finally find out if we were having a boy or a girl.

Now, my daughter Julia has been praying for a sister since I was pregnant with Micah.  And we all know how that story turned out...when the doctor told us that we were having a boy Julia yelled at my OBGYN, "But I wanted a sister!" To which her Dad replied, "Don't worry Julia we will try again."  I guess he thought that was funny...and now with this baby on the way Julia has been predicting and praying and telling us without a shadow of a doubt that THIS WAS A GIRL.

She even predicted a little girl would be sitting on our bed with all of us (we snuggle on Saturday mornings) even before we were pregnant.  I think she might be a prophetess! 

Although we knew there was a 50/50 chance of a boy or a girl, I secretly wanted a girl (for Julia and for myself) and John (he's so gracious) wanted a healthy baby (secretly I think he wanted a boy but prayed for a girl to make us happy).

One of Julia's reasons for wanting a sister is that she didn't want 3 brothers to tie her up and put whip cream on her!!! As if I would let my sons do that to her!  And where in the world she thought of that I will never know.

When John finally cut into the cake....my heart was pounding, every one kept telling me, boy, boy, boy.  Just like they did when I was pregnant with Julia, I was so convinced I was having a boy I wore blue to my baby shower and ended up having Julia....same thing happened this time, I wanted a girl so badly but everyone kept saying, "It's a boy...!"  And so I didn't want to believe it even though God kept giving me dreams that we were having a girl.

Julia at 8 months old

I was so nervous, and then....he pulled out the piece of cake and there was more pink than I had ever seen in my whole life.  I wanted to cry!  God, you didn't have to do that.  You didn't have to give us just what we wanted.  You always go above and beyond, and you spoil your children.  Thank you for this baby girl, Julia and I are already wondering who she will look like.  Will she be chubby like Micah?  Will she have blue eyes like all of them?  Will she have brown, red, or blond hair, I have one of each!?  I am so excited to meet her.  We are at 6 1/2 months pregnant so we have a few more months to grow and go before SHE is here!

Julia at 2-3 months old

Pink! Pink! and more Pink!  I can't wait to start shopping the sale racks and consignment shops and get lots of girly clothes and bows, and white ruffled socks with the lace and black patent leather mary janes.  I am so excited that our final baby (so we think) will be a bookend of our first.  Our sweet baby girl.  Team Girl wins!

This is my 1,200 post and it's dedicated to my little petunia!  I love you already sweet heart!

Our Very First Cookbook

Wanting to Make a Difference

My amazing husband John who likes my cooking and who loves my blog came up with this great idea that I should start compiling all of my recipes and the meals I make at home and share them in a cookbook!  He also said that since the readers of my blog are fellow moms who love to share recipes we should incorporate other people's favorite recipes and create a diverse cookbook which would represent our family and my blog family.

I loved the idea...but I wanted the cookbook to stand for a  cause and be not only a great resource for other moms and dads who enjoy cooking, but a blessing to other people.  I also was afraid to commit to such a task with a baby on the way...but Philippians 4:13 says with God ALL things are possible!  Plus, John and I work well under pressure, have you noticed?

So, this Summer and Fall we will be working on our very first cookbook!  This is huge!  This is such an exciting opportunity for me and for my blog.  I want to use it all for God's glory...not my own!

We have two very dear friends, Christianne and Grant (Micah's godparents in India) who work with a group of other Americans (5 in total) living in Kolkata, next to the largest red-light area of India, 10,000 women, who are now trapped in the sex trade.  Their desire is to provide economic opportunity for women to leave the trade and sustainably provide for themselves and their families in a dignified and loving work-place.  Their vision is to open a cafe/bakery by the end of 2014...

Wouldn't it be a blessing to help these women get started in careers and help them get out of the sex-trade industry?

How cool is it that our cookbook could raise money to help women in this way?

I want this cookbook, whatever profit we make, for 50% of the proceeds to go to straight to the bakery in India.  I want to be able to collect funds (with all of my readers help of course) and write a check that could possible buy a woman out of slavery from the sex-trade.

We are told in Micah 6:8 He has shown thee, oh man, what is good and what does the Lord require of thee? But to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.

Seek Justice.

Love Mercy.

Walk Humbly With God.

I am so excited to announce this Project Cookbook 2014 (We are still working on a catchy name for the cookbook...I like Happy Food but I haven't swayed John on that title as of yet, but Christianne likes it!)

Will you partner with us?  We are not exactly sure what each cookbook would cost to get published but we are hoping in the neighborhood of no more than $30 each book.  And half the proceeds would go straight to Christianne and Grant for the building of their cafe/bakery in India!

I will start compiling my favorite recipes, food photos, and quick stories for each one and start sharing them weekly with all of you!  Hopefully it will encourage you to send me your favorite family recipe and to join us in this new venture!

Sara's New Business Venture

Thirty-One

My sister Sara is starting a new business venture to make extra money on the side!  I happen to love the faith-based company she has recently joined and I wanted to show case her so that she can start building her business.  I am so proud of her!

Sara is my younger sister and even though we are 8 years apart we have ALWAYS been close.  Since we were little girls we shared a room together and have always been a huge part of each other's lives.  I really appreciate how Sara has just always been there for me and has been such a great Auntie to Julia, Mark, and Micah.  I can call her at the drop of a hat and she will be there.

I am truly thankful for her and the joy she brings to everyone.  She lights up a room with her smile and charm and she is such a hard worker.

Sara let me interview her.  Here is her new business venture:

How did you first hear about Thirty-One?

1. I first heard about Thirty-One at the party you hosted!  Lindy was your consultant and was just so awesome and super friendly. I loved that when we first met she said, I'm a hugger" and hugged me hello, she is so sweet. That night was so much fun, I made new friends, had yummy snacks, and I bought my first two Thirty-One bags, which I am in love with!

What interested you in becoming a consultant?

2. Before your party, I was already thinking that I wanted to do something on the side to make a little more money. I already am in sales for my full-time job, but I was struggling with what I should do for a part-time job.  I didn't want to go back into retail, for a few different reasons.  Then that night, at your party, during Lindy's demo, I kept thinking, "I could do this, this would be so much fun!" Being a consultant for Thirty-One allows me to make additional money but at my own pace and schedule.  

What does your company stand for?

3. Thirty-One Gifts is a faith-based company and is named from Proverbs 31.  This passage talks about a strong and virtuous woman who is rewarded for her hard work. And so our motto at Thirty-One is to CELEBRATE, ENCOURAGE AND REWARD!  

What excites you the most about your company and new job?

4. I am excited for a lot of reasons, but I mostly excited for meeting new people. I am such a people-person, hence why I am in sales! I love making new friends, making people smile, shopping, and selling, and this job is going to allow me to do all four!  Who wouldn't be excited to make some extra money for having a girls night that includes shopping!  

What are your short term/long term goals? (this is such a big sister question)

5. This is such an important question, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Thirty-One is also invested in my goals. Thirty-One calls it your "Why" and this was one of the first questions my director asked me. So my why, which is my (semi) long-term goal, is to move out of my parents' house.  So I joined Thirty-one to save additional money so that in a year I can move out.  My short-term goal, is to simply meet wonderful women and broaden my social network. :)

**************
So proud of you Sara!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck and God bless your new business.  Can't wait to host a show for you in June!

Starbucks Give Away

$15 Starbucks Gift Card

Today is the last day for the Giveaway!

Be sure to like my facebook blog page at Keeping Up with Kristi and be sure to comment on what is your favorite drink at Starbucks!  I will reveal the winner at 3:00 p.m. and I will mail the gift card out this week!

This is in honor of the 101, 000 page views!  Thanks to all of you who read my blog and support me with your sweet and encouraging comments!

As always, I pray our family can be blessing to you!

Time For A Change

Just Do It

When Julia was 2 1/2 and Mark was 1 I cut my hair really short.  Not something every woman does, especially with curly hair but it was so freeing and wonderful.  It also made life so much easier in the morning when I would comb through my curls in the shower.

I've always had long hair and I've always worn it curly for the most part.  For special occasions I like to get it straightened and it's very deceiving because it's even longer looking when it's straight!

But today I just woke up and needed to cut it!  I cut off 2 inches and it felt great.  I'm so thankful my mom was able to babysit for two hours and allow me some mommy alone time.

I walked out of that salon a much lighter, happier, care free person!  

And Then There Was Love...

Marriage Interview

This idea just came to me this week.  Everyone knows I love interviews and surveys.  Since we are about to approach February, the month of LOVE, I thought it would be neat to highlight some married couples and hear their stories of how they met, what their wedding day was like, and the secret to their marriage success.

John and I wanted to share our story first!  Each couple will get the same 16 questions.  But the best part of the interview is that since every couple is so different, the way they answer the questions is so unique.  Sometimes one person answers, sometimes both chime in, sometimes the answers are funny, and sometimes they are serious.  Sit back and relax and read our LOVE story.

1. When did you meet? 

John-In 11th grade we were introduced by our mutual friend Mona, who I am forever indebted to.

2. Who approached who first?

Kristi- John had his people talk to me first before we met.  It was cute how he had his two friends that I knew prep me before we actually saw each other face to face.  It was very high school and very cute.

3. Who spoke the most? Who was shy?

John-Kristi spoke the most I was shy.
Kristi- What? I was so shy! How could you say I spoke the most!?
John-Ok, we were both shy.

4. Where was your first date?

John-We went bowling with friends and ate at a diner.  Then we all went back to my house to watch The Lion King.

5. When did you know that ________ was "the one"?

John-She met my dad at a career fair a few weeks after we first met.  Her hair was curled.  I knew then.

Kristi- Oh my word.  That was so soon!!!!! I didn't know for years after we met.  We were so young.  I didn't have a peace until after John really made a commitment to the Lord.  And once he did, it just hit me like lightning that he was the one I wanted to be with forever and ever.

6. How did you propose?

J-At a choir picnic in the Lambertson's back yard, in front of all her friends on June 9, 2002.  In front of about 75 people.

K-It was a few days before I was headed up to Graduate School at Baptist Bible College in Pennsylvania for the entire summer.  I always tease John that he chose to propose to me before I got away!  When John proposed I had no idea.  It was the best day of my life.  I kept staring at my ring for days.  It was so beautiful.  I forgot to answer him right away because I wasn't sure if he asked my parents first, but of course he got their blessing.  I love how when he asked Doug in private that day (he told me this later) he goes, "So Doug...I'd like to spice up your picnic!"  And Doug and Peggie were so happy for us they were glad he chose their place.

7. During the wedding did anything unexpected/funny happen during the ceremony or reception.

J-Bill Weaver dancing on the dance floor like James Brown.  He was good!!!

K-I remember walking down the aisle and seeing John wipe sweat from his brow with a tissue.  I was so worried he was nervous because I was so calm.  But I didn't realize that the air conditioner broke in church and it was a hot August day.  I didn't realize because my dress was strapless and so I was perfectly fine! Honestly, it was an absolute perfect day.  God gave us such a great time.  Everything went very smoothly.

8. & 9. What is ____________ best trait(s)?

K-John has such a strong work ethic.  He is so compassionate.  He forgives so easily.

J-Kristi has a very strong self worth because she knows the value Jesus has put on her life.  Her charming voice and smile and ability to light up a room.  Her innate ability to encourage me as a husband and father as well as others.

10. What is your secret to a great marriage?

John- Our commitment to Jesus is even stronger than our commitment to each other.

K- Our ability to talk things out and LAUGH together.

11. How do you solve disagreements?

J-I wait for Kristi to simmer down and then we talk it out.  We then have a marriage consultant...her name is Victoria's Secret.  LOL

K-I'm not even going to answer that one...

12. How do you divide household chores?

J-As evenly as possible.  I like to do specialized things around the house.  I would rather work on our house than watch t.v.
K-We both chip in.  I do the bulk of it when I'm home but John is really hands on with the kids at night and on weekends, and John always has a "project" going on in the home whether it's fixing up the kitchen like right now with the tile and painting the cabinets, or doing the vanities in the bathrooms, or landscaping, we both work really hard to have a neat home.

13. Where have you traveled as a couple?

K- We went to Dominican Republic for our honeymoon, Mexico for our one year anniversary, we went to London and Oxford for two summers to study with Ravi Zacharias apologetic team, we've led a mission trip to China, we vacationed in Rome, Barcelona, and Paris.  All before the babies came!  So in the first 4 years of our marriage we were world travelers.  It was amazing.  I loved seeing the world with John.  I learned so many different cultures, and began to really appreciate our life in America.  If I could go anywhere again it would be back to Italy...it was breathtaking!!!  Now that we have kids we love taking them to Cape May, the shore, and Camp of the Woods.  We are making new memories with them.  Our first trip with them on a plane was to Florida to visit family and friends.  They loved it!

14. What is your favorite part of being married?

J-We are each other's favorite person.

15. Where do you plan to travel? 

J-Greece, Israel, Turkey
K-I'd love to visit Greece, Switzerland, and Austria (because of the Sound of Music)

16. Two words to describe your marriage?

J-Supportive & Fun
K-Loud & Happy

I love you, John!!! Thanks for doing the interview with me!

2014 Goal Making

Making Goals for the New Year

We sat the kids down on January 1st before putting them to bed.  We were all in the living room on the carpet and Daddy brought in the white dry erase board so we could brain storm together.  This is something we have done a lot lately now that the big kids are seriously getting older.  These are the things we hope they remember and maybe choose to practice with their own family.

We had just spent the entire day at Liberty Science Center and we were all still excited from a day of fun, and perhaps a little tired since we didn't do a formal nap time.  John went over out Team Mac mission statement which is hanging in our living room.

Here it is: Team Mac exists to be All In for Christ, represent God to one another displaying love, joy and grace and to live out the gospel to our community.


This is really what we desire to be to bring glory to the Lord and to hopefully be a blessing to those around us.

John felt it was very important to ask the kids what things they wanted to work on this year and what things they were looking forward to this year.  We went around the room and started with Micah.

Here is what we are asking God to help us with this year and what things we would like to accomplish this year with the Lord's help.

Look carefully at what the big kids said...we did not help them at all.  I was amazed at what they said because those things were already on my heart and I was so proud of them that they voiced things that would be honoring to their parents.

Micah

Sleep through the night

Learn to walk

Get some teeth

Learn baby sign language

Mark

Behave and listen to mom and dad

Play basketball and volleyball

COTW (camp of the woods vacation)-not be as shy be more friendly

Learn to read

Respect my family

Try not to complain

Julia

Learn to ride bike

play soccer and volleyball

be patient, listen to mom and dad

respect my family

COTW-looking forward to roasting marshmallows

Mom

Faithful to read my Bible every morning

Not yelling so much, using a sweeter voice

Go to the gym three times per week

looking forward to COTW and Cape May

Learning to trust the Lord with all my heart

Dad

Faithful in prayer and daily devotions

Time with family

Set Business Gross

Faith outreach to friends and family

I learned something from a friend's blog this week.  When we make our goals or our plans putting God first and praying and inviting him into the planning is very important.  We don't ever want God to feel like he actually has to peak over our shoulder to see what we have planned.  

When John sat us down to make our lists and have our talk and prayer time I was tired and didn't have the best attitude, and Micah kept crawling to the board and erasing our answers.

But after the process was all over and I heard everyone's answers and thought about my own, I realized how valuable the time was.  

Thank you John for being such a godly leader.

Lord help us to honor and glorify you this year!