by Kimberly | Sep 13, 2012 | Books, mothering, parenting
The day this post goes live will be my first son’s due date. As most of you Moms know out there in blogland – due dates rarely mean anything. I think it is a ploy for women to get all worked up and having something to plan for – then it comes and goes with little fanfare. But, we shall see.
As soon as I found out we we were having a boy, I wanted to start praying specifically for him to be a man after God’s own heart. I already was praying for his daddy that he would continue to press in and love Jesus – and that is what I want our son to model as well.
The first book I was recommended has been a wonderful tool for me to use to know things to pray for Baby about: Boyhood and Beyond by Bob Schults. This is actually a book written for boys, probably between the age of 10-12. And that means it was great for this pregnant mom and her attention span. Short chapters, not difficult theology, and very practical.
Covering such topics as: wisdom, letter writing, loving your sister, obedience, serving, working hard, preparing for a wife and children and a myriad of other topics, Bob writes courageously for young boys but not treating them as kids – treating them as young men.
I want to train my son early to be man after God’s own heart. Yes, there is plenty of time to have fun, play games, etc – but I want to raise him to be a man. Teach him the characteristics of what a man should be: gentle, kind, humble, meek, protector, provider, and leader – whether it is in the classroom, at home, or on the baseball field.
“God creates boy to become men.” – pg 40
I didn’t mark a lot in this book, because I will probably be praying it again for him and then giving it to Baby when he is old enough to read it and learn from its wisdom.
What do you or how are you praying for your children?
by Kimberly | Sep 12, 2012 | Books
I’ve recently been given two Giada cookbooks, and I found this one more tantalizing then the other one, Everyday Italian. This one had more original recipes and recipes that actually needed recipes. 🙂
Here are some of the ones I want to try…
Lemon Chicken Soup with Spaghetti
Nonna Luna’s Rice (to make one night when my husband isn’t home – he is not a shrimp fan) – We can have a girl’s night!
Grilled Tuscan Steak with Fried Egg and Goat Cheese (another one I would have to cook differently – my husband doesn’t like runny eggs) – but I like pleasing him with what I cook
Vegetable Parm – baked veggies and cheese – does it get much better?
Cranberry Cornmeal Cake – would be great for the Fall!
Chocolate Rice Pudding – oh goodness comfort food and chocolate
Should be making some of these once we move!
by Kimberly | Sep 10, 2012 | photo shoot
I had the fun privilege of taking some fitness-lifestyle journey photos of my friend Bonnie. She has done a great job of losing weight and looking great and exercising, so we went to West Point on the Eno near our homes and got some fun Fall photos in a new outfit! And yes, those are the great JCrew peep-toe heels that I love so much. They were too big for her but you can’t tell that in the pictures!
Keep up the good work Bonnie. 🙂
by Kimberly | Sep 8, 2012 | Books
This was my first choice of fiction for this month’s reading selections from Crossway. I knew I was taking a risk with fiction and not knowing anything about the series or the author. And honestly, this is the first Crossway Book that has disappointed me. The medieval language was tough to get through and it was a long drawn out beginning. Others may like it – especially if you are a fiction person. I would rather non-fiction, and I know I can always count Crossway to deliver in that genre.
by Kimberly | Sep 6, 2012 | Style
I know folks tell pregnant women not to go grocery shopping in the first trimester because a lot of the smells will make them sick – but no one warned me about going clothes shopping and how depressing it could be.
I went with a sweet friend who has lost weight to pick out some new clothes for a photo shoot (and just to pick out new clothes). What I didn’t expect was how depressing it would be looking at all the fall styles knowing that I could no longer wear a size 8 or even a 14 (unless it is maternity or as 12 with a belly band). I know, you are saying it is all for a good cause – and I can’t wait to meet my sweet little boy I’ve been carrying for almost 10 months now…but I should never go clothes shopping when I can’t wear the clothes.
I’ve been looking at this one particular fashion, hair, style, makeup blog and it has been great in helping me to get remotivated in looking as best I can for my husband when he comes home from work (I can at least still fix my hair and put on makeup even though none of my clothes fit) And it gives me gread ideas for what I want to wear when I lose all this baby weight. This post is the one that really got me thinking.
Here are my thoughts:
1. Statement pieces: yes, I love jeans. But, I don’t like spending money on them. So, I love Kohls. But, if I ever get to a weight I love and know I can keep it off and remain that weight – I may invest in some MadeWell or Lucky jeans. The other is shoes: I have some red suede lagerfelds, JCrew zebra peep toe pumps, and some other shoes that are just fabulous. Right now all I can wear is flipflops. Ready for my feet to not be “memory foam feet”! And I love blazers – cute jackets that go with anything that I like better than sweaters. They make me look more complete and can totally work a pair of jeans.
2. Buying for my bodyshape: well, if I could ever stay the same weight for a few mon ths – I could swing that. Discipline is part of the journey. Right now none of my tops will fit until I’m done nursing – then I may be pregnant again. So, is this hope null and until I’m 40? I hope not.
3. Grabbing 10 things if your house is on fire: clothing things: Zebra pumps, my Kohls skinny jeans, a few Loft dresses, white sweater and teal sweater (both of which my hubs loves), and some sweet jackets that I have.
4. Saving Outfits: Oh, I wear them – but I do save them even when I can’t fit into them – because they serve as motivation!
5. Take care of your clothes. This is definitely something I’ve learned since being married to my sweet husband. If we are cooking and he gets something on his JosABanks white dress shirt – I have him take it off immediately, I stain treat it, then I throw it in the wash. I don’t do the same with mine. I need to. Here is to new habits.
These pictures represent me at my skinniest (or almost) and one now almost 10 months pregnant. Here is to goals and walking trails!
This is not my baby, but a sweet friend/neighor’s new born. But, that was a small Loft sweater which I loved and an 8 Bass skirt which is one of my fave possessions and would definitely be listed in question number 3. My husband hasn’t even seen me wear that skirt yet. Oh, wait for the day.
