Around the Blogosphere

Don't you just love it when you're snooping around the internet and find out about some great new blogs? I have recently learned of 3 new blogs that I am enjoying and I thought I'd share them with you.

Yeye Says is a blog written by a friend of mine from college. She has always been hilarious and transparent and that combination comes across beautifully at her new blog.

She explains her blog by writing:

"Yeye Says is where I write about my experiences an thoughts, as well as connect with other mothers for support, advice, laughs, and camaraderie. Let’s talk babies, mother-wife balance, attachment parenting, breastfeeding, cloth diapering, vegetarianism."

Stuff and Nonsense is written by Alison, a wife and homeschooling mom of 4 children. She explains how she picked the name for her blog by writing:

"Stuff and Nonsense is a phrase from the book Anne of Green Gables that I adore. It was Marilla's way of saying, "Now that's just silly." To me the phrase struck a chord as a great way to describe our everyday life. Silly. And I'm okay with that because our home here on this planet is temporary and ephemeral. But while we're here we try and fill it with love and gusto.

So you have been warned. Read at your own peril."

Christian Children's Book Review was created by a group of Christian moms who explain:

"We're Christian moms who not only love books, but love helping our kids learn to love books - and the Lord. This blog is our ministry, started because we couldn't find a comprehensive website of Christian children's picture book reviews. We hope you find it useful."

Moving From Fear to Faith

Let me tell you: the process of buying our new home was no piece of cake! In fact, I would describe the process as both long and grueling. Nevertheless, this process was one of the major life events that not only tested my faith, but brought me into a new understanding of the Lord.

Does God care about how long this is taking? Does he see how overwhelmed I am? What does he think? What lesson am I suppose to be learning? How do I get out of this test? What does God want from me? Am I believing enough? Am I doing enough? What is God's plan in this situation?

Oh friends, these are just some of the questions that raced through my mind as we went through many ups and downs during the homebuying process. I can't say that my faith was as strong as it should have been at each point. But, I continued to grow.

It would take me endless hours to really explain in great detail all the times and ways that the Lord showed up and worked out "the kinks" in order to get us to that great closing date. So, I will just tell you that he was awesome and faithful and on time;)

Furthermore, the following quote by Nancy Leigh DeMoss really captures some of lessons and insights I gained throughout the process. I love this quote and I have found it to be so true!

Worship God. Trust Him. Let Him teach you. Let Him speak.

Stop complaining. Stop wrestling. Stop doubting. Stop questioning God.

God is not indifferent, as Habakkuk had thought that maybe He was. God is not insensitive. God is not impotent. God is not passive.

God is in His holy temple. God is on His throne. God is in control, and God isn't just this great, cosmic God in control of the universe who somehow is letting the little details and circumstances of your life slip through.

He's not asleep. He's awake. He's alert. He's alive. He's active.

He's working in your life, on your behalf, in your circumstances, in your home, in your church, in your world. God is on His throne, so be quiet.

Don't fret. Don't be perturbed. Don't be disturbed. Don't be anxious.

In His perfect time, He will accomplish His purposes, so in the meantime, stand before Him in humble silence, in reverence, in awe. Trust in Him. The righteous shall live by his faith.

~Nancy Leigh DeMoss from the series Habakkuk: Moving From Fear to Faith

A sad day...

in the world of modest fashion.

Perhaps you have heard that Christa~Taylor will be closing its online store on December 30th. You can check out her blog for more details.

Her store will be greatly missed by many; however, she explains on her blog that she is trying to follow the leading of the Lord in this and that she will actually be a "personal consultant" to any young woman interested in starting a online clothing store!

If you are interested in buying anything else from the store, you will pleased to find that all prices have been slashed!

Mission: D & D

Imagine an inner-city gal turned surbanite.

What is happening here? You mean I don't have to drive around the block for 30 minutes only to find a parking space 4 blocks from my apartment? You mean I don't have to carry my groceries up 3 flights of stairs? What? No carrying 3 sleep children up those same stairs on nights we come home late? You mean to tell me there is no debris outside my door unless I put it there? Huh? No graffiti? No homeless guy sleeping in the entryway of the apartment? What is this strange land?

Okay, okay. As you can see, I am enjoying my new home and my new neighborhood. However, I do have a confession to make: after being here for a few weeks, I was beginning to really, really, really, miss one inner-city luxury: being able to walk 3 short blocks to Dunkin Donuts from my aparment.

Hubby has been driving our only mode of transportation into the city everyday to work. This leaves me home to enjoy our yard and whatever I can get to on foot: which didn't seem to be much... until today.

See, we don't live far from a major street that pretty much has everything on it once you drive west about 40mph for about 2-3 minutes. However, that street has no sidewalk and I would surely be mistaken for a pregnant hitchhiker with 3 kids if I attempted to walk down it. Not happening.

However, last week I drove east at 40 mph for about 1 minute down the same street and to my surprise, just past a long fence and a street of trees, I noticed a small strip mall. A strip mall with a Dunkin Donuts in it! "OMG! could I make it there on foot somehow?" I thought to myself.

Again, there is no sidewalk, so I knew I would have to devise a plan to take some kind of "back road." So, every time we drove home in the car, I began longing and staring in the direction of my desired destination, trying to figure out if it could be done. Today, I made my move.

After breakfast, I got the kids ready and I headed east down a residential block with fire in my eye and determination in my heart. I figured I would walk as long as I could to see if I could get to my destination in a reasonable amount of time and if not, I'd turn back. No need to torture the kids for a cup a java...yet;)

We walked about 5-6 blocks east. These blocks are not regular blocks, mind you. They are those long "suburban" blocks that equal about 1 and 1/2 city blocks. Still, we pressed on. And then: a dead end!

"Nooooooooooo!" I thought. "Its right there, but its blocked by this huge fence!" Nevertheless, I proceeded to walk toward the fence anyway. Was my plan to throw my kids and my stroller over the fence and jump it, you ask? Well, like I said, I am an inner-city gal. But no, I just still had a ray of hope in my coffee-addicted heart.

And wouldn't you know, just to the left of that fence was a small hill. And right over that hill was the parking lot of my brand new, suburban Dunkin Donuts.

Mission Accomplished.

My Biggest, Most Expensive Gift

Oh gosh. It has been a while since my last post. So much has happened since my birthday and I haven't been able to update you. No, I didn't decide that my 28th birthday would be last day of blogging. However, it was the last day of alot of things. Allow me to explain...

In response to my birthday post, Tiffany wrote:

"Happy Birthday! I hope you get the biggest, best, most expensive gift you've ever received:)"

Guess what? Her wish came true. Was it chocolate? you say? Nope. Nevertheless, hubby did come through on the chocolate by bringing home a fudge brownie cheesecake!

But, this big, expensive gift was not edible. Can you guess what it might have been?
I'll give you some hints:

1. I've been hoping to get one for a long time.

2. Hubby and I picked this one out together.

3. Writer's cramp was involved in the process of getting it. But, I was happy to have it.

Have you figured it out? Here is a picture for your viewing pleasure:

The picture is small, but I am working on taking more so you can see what I see:) God is so good, I can't even process Him! The past two weeks have been full of wonderful trips to Home Depot and delightful debates over which refrigerator to buy.

I may not be able to get the blogosphere as much as I would like as we get settled, but I will keep you updated!

What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

~Psalm 116:12-14

28 on the 29th!

Today is my 28th birthday!

I haven't planned to go anywhere in particular today; nevertheless, I have hopes that this day will bring some sort of chocolate my way!

Birthdays are a wonderful time to reflect on the love of Jesus. After all, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him and I wouldn't have made it this far if it wasn't for him! So, I am jamming today to an old favorite by Kirk Franklin: Love. I especially love the version in the clip below because it features CeCe, of course:)

I'm over here thinking about all the ways God has loved and cared for me "down through the years" and singing along with Cece and Kirk; "He loves me, He loves me, He loves me." Why don't you help me celebrate by listening and joining in too!

Invisible Woman

Do you ever feel like your labor goes unnoticed? Do you ever feel unappreciated? Is it difficult, at times, to keep the importance of the time and investment you are making in your marriage and your children at the forefront of your mind?

Join the club.

If you are like me, and need occasional reminders of the eternal significance of your role as a wife and mother, you'll enjoy this clip. It is another good one from Nicole Johnson and I dedicate it to you "with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees."

~Invisible Woman by Nicole Johnson

Swagger Wagon

(Note* This was so silly, I just couldn't resist.)

My hubby was dead set on getting an SUV instead of a minivan for a long time because he felt like he was too young to have "his style cramped" by a minivan. Hubby now has an ongoing joke with one of our friends about how he too will eventually have to "join the club" and break down and buy a minivan. Our friend holds that he will never break.

If you had to drag your husband to the dealer when you finally bought your minivan and/or if your husband says that no matter how many kids you have, he will never drive a minivan, introduce him to: The Sienna Family.

Sure, they have a minivan for the space, but they "fill it up with their swagger."

My Bestie is Crafty

My friend Tiffany is impressively crafty and quite the seamstress. She made the skirt she is wearing in this photo as well as the ruffles on that shirt. Perhaps you might remember the chef aprons and hats she made for my girls at Christmas?

For a gal like me, (who can barely sew a button on a shirt), I never cease to be amazed by Tiffany's ability to design and make new things. I especially love the fact that she has an appreciation for modest fashion and loves to give gifts (is this not the perfect combination of characteristics for a friend of mine, or what!?)

If you want to see more cute stuff from Tiffany, you'll be excited to know she has recently started a blog called Meek and Chic! Go ahead and check her out, you might become a "modest fashionista" yourself!

A Joke for *Real* Coffee Drinkers

On Wednesday night I had this conversation with Noelle:

Noelle: "Mommy, I'm sick. I don't want to go to bible class tonight."

Me: "What?! Girl, don't you know that the church is a hospital? That is where you can get your healing!"

That conversation led to this conversation on Thursday morning:

Noelle: "Mommy, I'm still sick. You told me you would give me some Vicks."

Me: "I did say that. I forgot. I'll give you some later. Right now, put on your shoes so we can go to Dunkin Donuts."

Noelle: (looking baffled) "Oh. Is Dunkin Donuts a hospital?"

At first, I didn't get it. But then, I remembered the conversation we had last night. After I had a good laugh, I answered:


"Yes baby. For many, Dunkin Donuts is a hospital."

Photo Credit: The Honey Bunny

The End of a Thing

"Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." -Ecclesiastes 7:8

I can't think of a better way to describe the end of last week than Ecclesiastes 7:8. Yesterday marked the end of my week home without hubby, and boy was I glad to see it finally arrive!

It just so happened that hubby had 3 different out of town trips scheduled all last week. He left last Sunday and was only in Chicago twice throughout the week to get more clothes and to transfer from one trip to another. He finally returned for good this Sunday.

As for me, it just so happened that this same week called for many errands and important plans to be tied up on the home front. Can I just say that after being responsible for running all over the city of Chicago to take care of business, still taking care of 3 kiddos, being 5 months pregnant, and by myself, I am convinced that there ought to be a national holiday to acknowledge the work of single-parents! Seriously, in case you were wondering: yes, division of labor is a beautiful thing!

By the end of the week, I was both frazzled and fragmented and in actual physical pain! Needless to say, I thank God for my parents and for hubby's parents who were a big help by taking care of the children while I went to my prenatal visit on Wednesday and while I "recuperated" from the week on Saturday.

I thought about using my time alone on Saturday to go get my hair done at a salon; however, I quickly realized that my aching body would benefit more from of epson salt and ice packs than deep conditioner and a curling iron. Thus, I dropped off the kids around 11am and because my motto is simple: There is no relaxation independent of iced coffee, I picked up a venti iced caffe mocha from Starbucks before going home to soak and ice.

Hubby finally returned from his final excursion on Sunday, and we met him at church. Afterwards, we went with our dear friends, the Grimes, to a great little restaurant called Take Me Out. The restaurant is known for its signature wings known as "little hotties." They are worth a trip to Pilsen if you are ever in Chicago!

Here are couple of pictures we took after dinner:

Smile

In case you've noticed, I'm "sprucing up" around here.

Initially, I have to admit that I was a bit annoyed that blogger decided to come out with all of these new and innovative ways to make your blog look better and more functional. I thought, "Pleeeeaaase, where was all of this when I was up until 3am trying to manipulate html codes all night?!" *arms crossed*

But, why be bitter, right? The more I looked at the new design features, the more I became captivated by all of the possibilities for this here blog! Thus, you have coming the fresh, new Virtuous Living!

Bear with me while things are under construction. I'm not sure how I feel about the color schemes and background just yet. Also, you may go to click on something that is supposed to be a link only to find you're still here!

Oh, you want to know what's up with that picture above? I just wanted to see how large I could make my photos on this new template. I also just think that kid in the picture is really cute and I like to look at him as much as I can;)

He's Working It Out

I have never been a big Shirley Caesar fan, but this song got me through today.

There was so much going on and right in the midst of it all, this song just started playing in my mind. I started humming it whenever I felt stress peaking its ugly head. It really helped calm me down.

You see how God does?!! Awwww, ya'll ain't sayin' nothin'!

Girlfriends

If you want to catch me when I am least motivated to do anything remotely productive, come see me on a Monday morning. Seriously, it is then that you will find me doing anything but what I should be doing. Today was a good example of that.

I met a friend of mine at the local McDonald's so that our kids could eat and play together in the indoor playground. Meanwhile, we enjoyed some kind of coffee drink and caught up. That's kind of productive, right? I mean, I was feeding my children and arranging opportunity for physical fitness and socialization, right?

Nevertheless, I thought afterwards that it is sure is good to have friends to get together with on a Monday morning, when you are looking for a way to avoid a good day of hard work:) Furthermore, it is sure is good to have friends, period! I'm convinced they come from God!

In fact, Hubby asked me some weeks ago how I deal with stress. I mean, serious- "I can't take this anymore" -"I'm about to lose my mind" - stress. At first, I told him the obvious; "I pray, I read the bible, I listen to Christian music, I get out the house, etc". But, after I thought more about it, I told him that after I have tried those things and I am really at the edge, I call my friends.

I told him I don't even see how I would have made this far in my Christian walk without girlfriends. Most times, I call them with no expectation of them solving my issues, at all. I find it helpful just to talk about my issues or to hear that they got issues too! I can hear their kids crying in the background and that their husband had to work late, again. Or that they are fishing for new ways to save money and I can say "Whew! Okay, thanks girl. Its not just me!"

Isn't it interesting how girlfriends can see the good in your life, even when you are momentarily in the fog? It takes them to remind you, "Didn't you just tell me..." Didn't God just answer your prayer regarding..." "Girl, God will work this out, he always does!"

In addition, I find that my girlfriends never cease to amaze me. I may not share all the same interest, hobbies, or strengths that they have, but I sure am impressed by theirs and they inspire me to perfect my own. They are also a great source of laughter. You can laugh with girlfriends over stuff that men "don't get." Its so nice to have someone who "sees it your way."

For all of the reasons mentioned above, I laughed SO hard when I found this clip of Nicole Johnson!

Nicole is a "motivational entertainer" and is known for her performances, books, and DVD's about the "challenges facing today’s mega-multi-tasking woman." You can check out more from her at: Fresh Brewed Life.