thredUP Haul

Last spring I ordered a Clean Out bag from thredUP. I filled it up with name brand boys clothes that Alex had outgrown. A few weeks later, I received an email telling me how much money thredUP was giving me for the clothes. It was really just as simple as that! Now that they had added the money to my account I could choose to cash out, making the transaction just like consigning clothes, or I could use the money on other items for sale, which also happens a lot when I consign clothes. :)

So just a few days ago, I ordered some lovely clothes for Lauren and Olivia. To appreciate these pictures, you need to know that my girls will wear these clothes every day. For some kids, these clothes would be Sunday only, but for my girls, they are good for everything but hiking. Seriously. Don't look at me! I don't dress like this. Also please note that all these clothes are in AMAZING condition. None of them has any signs of wear or pilling.

Here's the first dress on Olivia. It's a 4T by Savannah and cost $4.49.

Yes, she's the cutest 2 yr old in the world. And no, she's not for sale!

Here's a 4T zippered hoodie dress from Gymboree. It was $9.49. Something similar at Gymboree is on sale for $40!

The embroidery is really sweet.

Lauren is growing too fast to count on cousin hand-me-downs so I picked up 3 dresses for her.

Here is her favorite: It's a size 7 Mossimo sweater dress that cost $8.99.

She is so lovely and grown up looking!

Here is my favorite: It's also a size 7 from Mossimo that cost $8.99.

We'll probably pair this with tights or leggings, but the colors look amazing with her blue eyes.

The final dress is from Gymboree. It's a size 7 black turtleneck dress with pink ballet slippers and crowns in the embroidery. It was $13.50.

The prices are for your information, but I didn't spend any money out of pocket for these great outfits!

Sunday HYMN 9/16/12

Why So Heavy by Red Mountain Music

You can listen to more and purchase here.

I remember thinking when I was in middle school and high school about how very blessed I was. My parents were still married and loved each other as well as loving their kids. Our family was healthy and whole. But it scared me. I know that I didn't trust God to love me beyond these blessings that I enjoyed. So I was fearful that they'd be taken away.

Flash forward, oh let's just say a few years. :) In the last two years I've experienced the most loss and change as well as uncertainty in so many areas of my life. However, God has kept our family together and close to Him through out the process of Dad's death, Jason's job hunt, our subsequent move across the country, and even now as we seek to minister to the Hoodland area.

However, being me, my heart is not always soaked in truth. It doubts, it pouts, and generally it tries to dictate reality by making me feel abandoned or lonely. That's where the great hymns come in. They remind me of God's truth in a way that spurs my heart back toward Him.

Here's the lyrics written by Edward Caswall in 1873:

Verse 1

Oh why so heavy, oh my soul?
Thus to myself I've willed
Oh why so heavy, oh my heart?
And so sorrow-filled?

Refrain

Hope thou in God, He still shall be
Thy Glory and thy endless praise
His saving grace shall comfort thee
Through everlasting days

Verse 2

His goodness made thee what thou art
And yet will he redeem
Oh be thou of a contrite heart
And put your trust in him.

A few house pics

I realized that I haven't posted any pictures of the house. Well it was clean last night so I took a few to share.

Here's the front door.

After you walk in, there is a big open great room that encompasses our living room, dining room, and kitchen.

Living Room

Dining Room

Kitchen

Our renovations are coming along. I'll post some pictures of the progress soon!

Dalton Academy 2012 The Pupils

Dalton Academy is in session. Here are this year's pupils:

Alex is starting 2nd grade this year. 

Second grade is serious. He'll be working a full load of awesomeness.

Lauren is starting kindergarten this year.

 

She's focusing on art, reading and simple addition.

Olivia is 2 years old. 

She'll be focusing on coloring, recognizing letters and numbers, and maybe even potty training!

Emily is 6 months old. 

She'll be working on motor skills and solid foods!

We're trusting God for a great year. I heard Heidi St. John say, "Some trust in curriculum, but we trust in the name of the Lord." I'm praying that we'll be a family that trusts God as we learn together.

Sunday HYMN 9/9/2012

This was on my brain this morning as I contemplated my youngest daughter's baptism:

How Deep The Father's Love for Us

Lyrics:

How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the chosen One, Bring many sons to glory Behold the Man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers It was my sin that left Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom (REPEAT)

Whole30 Report

I finished my Whole30 August challenge on Saturday. Since then life has been extremely crazy. So here's the quick report.

I lost 5 lbs doing a 100% perfect Whole30 diet. I lost 6lbs of fat so that's pretty exciting. I wish I had measurements to compare but I'm pretty sure I lost a full size despite the lower weight loss.

I'm taking this week off, but I'll be back to it on Monday. If you have any questions about Whole30 just let me know!

Sunday HYMN 9/2/2012

Did anyone else grow up with Psalty, the Singing Songbook? Today's "hymn" has been on my brain all week long:

The words come from Matthew 16:24.

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24 ESV)