Friday Highs.v7

See this post. 

That is all. *grin*

Hands

Can you believe how much my baby girl has grown? 

Cloth Diapers

I've been asked a lot recently how I like using cloth diapers on Molly, so I thought I'd share a little here on the old blog. 

I like them more now than when I first started using them. There is definitely a learning curve, especially for those who have only ever changed a disposable (which was me). I've pretty much got everything down pat now, though, so it's safe to say right now that I am very happy with them. 

Here's a breakdown of my system:

1- The diapers. I have two dozen orange edged GMD prefolds. I also have one dozen yellow edge that I haven't needed to start using yet. (Molly has super tiny hips.) I use the jelly roll fold (other folds) with a snappi. (Cloth diaper lingo is so fun, right?)

2- Wetbags. These are used for on-the-go. Lined with PUL and closed with a zipper. Just throw in the dirty dipe, then toss in the pail when you get home. So easy. I have two. One my mom got me so I'm not sure where it's from. The other is a medium size from PlanetWise.

3- Wipes. Yes, I use reusable wipes as well. I actually made all these myself (I have about 3 dozen) using old flannel. I just use the peri bottle I got from the hospital, fill it with water, and squirt a little on the wipe before wiping the bum. Super easy!

4- Pail Liner. I have a medium sized trash can (with a lid) and this pail liner fits right inside. On washing day, I just carry the bag into the laundry room and shake everything into the washing machine. So quick and so easy. And not gross at all, because I'm never actually touching the diapers! 

Oh, and I can't forget....with prefolds you have to use a cover. I use the Thirsties Duo Wraps,which are great because you don't have to wash after each change unless there's poo on the cover. And they're bright, fun colors, which is an added bonus!

When Molly grows out of these, I have the Flip system waiting, which honestly should be a little easier. (no more folding, no more snappi-ing) My cousin uses these and loves them, so I have high hopes. 

So why do I cloth diaper, you ask?  It shouldn't be a surprise to you that I love how green it is. Reusable = less that I'm contributing to a landfill. But I won't lie, my main motivator is how much money it saves. Me staying at home with Molly means that we have to be choosy where we spend our money. Best part is, these diapers can be used for the next kid too (whenever that may be), so the savings will double. Woohoo!  

Well, I could probably talk about this a lot more, but I'll spare you. Unless of course you have any questions. Please let me know if you do! I'd be happy to answer!

Photoshoot

My sweet friend Chelsea bought Molly a super cute new dress. She wore it the other day and looked precious, so we had a mini photoshoot. Just thought I'd share some shots. Enjoy!!!

giggles

this melts my heart.  <3

Pepper Couscous

Fast, Easy, Healthy, Cheap, and Delicious. 

That's how I like my meals. And that is what this is. 

Pepper Couscous

Ingredients:

1/2 cup whole wheat couscous (I get mine at Trader Joes)

diced peppers

chopped green onion

1.5 Tbsp olive oil

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

dash of salt

dash of vinegar

Here's how I make my couscous: Mix with 1 1/4 cup water and a bouillon cube. Bring it to a boil, take off heat and let sit for a few minutes. Fluff with a fork, and voila! 

Mix everything together, and serve it in a pretty bowl. *grin*

bed. bed. BED!!!!

I could literally pass out from excitement right now. I just have to share with someone.

I found this image on pinterest the other day and immediately fell in love with it. I even told Chris--I need to find someone to build this bed for Molly when she is big enough to sleep in a big girl bed. 

See what I mean? Is it not amazing??

Well guess what? (cue bells and whistles)

IKEA sells this bed!!!

That means this is totally feasible. 

Oh, the possibilities....

Thanks for sharing in my small burst of excitement. *grin*

Friday Highs.v6

Sorry for the lack of posting! My laziness meant that we did not get internet hooked up in our new place until yesterday afternoon. But we're all settled now...only a few boxes left to unpack. 

Some highs from the week:

Chris woke up early one morning and spent some time with Molly while I slept (thank you, babe!!). He changed her diaper, but apparently didn't feel like snapping her jammies back up....

We went out for ice cream one night and right when we were getting ready to leave, it started pouring. Chris ran out to unlock the car, and I waited, then darted out with Molly. I think the people inside thought I was crazy. When we got in the car, Molly paused, her eyes bugged out, then she burst into tears. Guess it took her a second to realize what just hit her! Her first experience in the pouring rain. *grin* 

Anyway, she fell asleep on the way home, and I couldn't resist snapping a picture of her curly hair...

Speaking of Molly's hair, we tried her first ponytail. 

She was not a fan....

Wow, all of these are about Molly. I can't help it. She makes my heart swell with happiness.

But I haven't forgot about my little furbaby. Here's how she relaxed on our back porch earlier...

And finally, skyping with Marlee last night. What a JOY.

Happy weekend, friends!

Marlee Joy

A huge congrats to my brother and his wife and 

a mighty Praise to our Lord!!!

Marlee Joy. Their daughter. 

Please keep Marlee and Eric and Shelly in your prayers. She was born at 26 weeks gestation weighing 2lbs 1oz. She is doing very well, but will be in the NICU for quite a bit longer.

You can read more about Eric and Shelly's adoption process here. 

Congrats again, Eric and Shelly.

And Marlee--your Aunt Amy loves you so much and can't WAIT to meet you!

Friday Highs.v5

It's day one of moving Day!! And while things aren't going entirely as planned, I'm taking a quick break while feeding Molly to fill you in on some details (highs of the morning)...

We have an ice cube maker!!! I know this may seem petty to some, but it's a luxery for us!! woo hoo!!

The morning sun shines beautifully into both bedrooms. Not great for sleeping in, but who needs sleep anyway?? :)

As I said, a few things have thrown me for a loop, but I refuse to complain because God is so good!! He will always provide for our needs.

Jehovah Jireh. My Provider.

me: a to z

Have you all checked out Casey's blog? She is one of my new favorite reads in the morning. Truly inspirational.

Anyway, since things are a bit hectic around here with the move (this Friday!), I thought I'd borrow Casey's lovely idea and clue y'all in on a few interesting facts about me. 

oh yes, and be sure to have your music off and volume up when you check out Casey's blog....I'm currently obsessed with her playlist! (sometimes I just leave her blog up and let her music play! love!)

A. age :: twenty.five

B. bed size :: queen.

C. chore you hate :: scrubbing the toilet & taking out trash

D. dogs :: Zoe

E. essential start to your day :: coffee

F. favorite color :: avocado green

G. gold or silver :: silver

H. height :: five.feet.three

I. instruments you play :: piano

J. job title :: mommy, wife, worship leader

K. kids :: Molly

L. live :: Ohio

M. maiden name :: not common enough to share on the internet :)

N. nicknames :: Ames, Amers

O. overnight hospital stays :: only when I had Molly

P. pet peeve :: when your socks fall down your heel. really just socks in general.

Q. quote :: God doesn't call the qualified...He qualifies the called. (believe this with my whole heart!)

R. righty or lefty :: right

S. siblings :: one older brother, Eric

T. time you wake up :: Right now, anytime between 8 and 9 (wish it was earlier!)

U. university attended :: Olivet Nazarene University

V. vegetables you dislike: beets 

W. what makes you run late :: my husband whom I love so much *grin*

X. x-rays you’ve had :: dental xrays

Y. yummy food :: right now, just about anything :)

Z. zoo animal favorite :: monkeys, for sure. When I was pregnant with Molly, I had a dream that she was two and we were at the zoo and her favorite animal was an elephant :)

Whatever is true.

I've been putting something into practice lately. Something that I feel compelled to share.

I used to think I was the only one that did this, but the few people I've mentioned this to said that they do the exact same thing.

Fake Conversations. You know, when you're rehearsing a scenario in your head that hasn't even happened. You say this, they say that.  Know what I mean? Anyone?

Well the way this usually plays out in my mind is that I end up getting all hot and bothered toward this person (whomever it may be). It stirs in my heart and I'm all of a sudden thinking ill thoughts towards them. How terrible. 

A few weeks ago, this verse hit me square in the forehead:

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Philippians 4:8

Did that hit you like it did me? Whatever is true. Whatever is right. That is what our minds should dwell on.  Fake conversations towards a person are not true or right. That is not having our minds set on what the Spirit desires.

So I have been trying to recite this verse whenever these convos start to happen. And I can tell you, it has helped me SO much. I want my mind to dwell on excellent things...things worthy of praise. Is anyone with me?

Friday Highs.v4

Pretty tshirt yarn.

Zoe playing with a blueberry. She never did eat it.

This is how Molly fell asleep in her swing. Notice where her socks are. That is where they landed when she kicked them off!

..................................................................................................................................

A huge congrats to this amazing couple who get married tomorrow! 

Love you both, Jord and Whit! 

moving.

God is so good. Don't ever forget it. 

We've known since I got pregnant with Molly that we'd have to move out when our lease ended. We're in a one bedroom apartment, and while I don't mind sharing rooms now (I actually really like it) we eventually want to move her to her own room. 

We looked all around and took SO much into consideration (location, money, driving distances to friends, church, and work) and nothing seemed to be working out. I kept saying this whole time how I just don't want to move...where we're at just feels like home. 

Well guess what? What we thought was a closed door just swung WIDE open. We're moving to two bedroom in our same complex. Our home will be practically identical, just with an added bedroom for our Molly girl. All for about $5 less than we're paying now. 

Can I get a Praise the Lord?!

So the next 10 days are going to be crazy busy, but we're so excited.

I'll leave you with some pics from the day we moved here from Nashville...

look how little Zoe is!

our first meal back in Ohio: Donatos. Mmmm....

Super, super, super tired, but excited to be back in OHIO.