Speaking of Shoes...

During the summer, the only shoes Tristan wears are Crocs. I have to admit, it's 100% because they are so easy. There are no laces to tie, they are easy to clean, and they are super comfy. He has several different colors, so at least he's not wearing the same exact pair of shoes day after day.

Anyway, I've noticed over the past couple of weeks, he's been wearing his shoes differently. On one shoe, he'll have the strap pushed forward (in a clog style), and on the other foot, the strap will be behind his foot. It looks kind of funny, so today I asked him...

Tristan, why do you wear your shoes that way?

I wasn't really prepared for his answer.

Because God told me to.

I mean, what do you say to that? Who am I to argue with God? When we got to work, I had him tell Channing what he told me. I think he was surprised too. His answer, "Well, we always need to do what God tells us to do."

So next time you see someone wearing something really strange or in a strange way, don't judge. God may have been their fashion guide that morning. ;)

Asher's First Pair of Shoes

Today was a big day for Asher. He got his very first pair of shoes (ok, if we're being technical, he actually got two pairs, but he's only worn one pair thus far). I went to The Pant Store (which, if you live in my area, has TONS of super cute stuff. Check it out if you live around here) intending to get him some navy crocs (they had them on sale for $24 which is great considering they're usually around $32). However, when I got there, I found that they didn't have any crocs in his size except bright pink (no thank you). I was disappointed until I saw the Polliwalks. I thought they were pretty cute, especially on his tiny feet. Now for me, I'm usually anti anything character (you know what I mean, right? The Super Man shirts, Spider Man shoes, etc. It's not bad, it's just not my thing. I try to limit those things to pjs that only the family will see). But there was just something about these little shoes on Ash's feet. They were really cute. I wanted navy, but they were out of his size, and I had to go with red. Still cute, though. He isn't quite sure what to think about them.

If you're wondering about his second pair of shoes, he got some really cute brown sandles. He seems to walk more easily in those. He wants to pull on his Polliwalks.

As for walking, he's not quite there yet, but he's getting closer. Now that he's got shoes, it will be much easier to put him down when we're out and about. We will no longer be breaking the "No shirt, No shoes, No Service" rules.

And for those interested in the Polliwalks, they are just as cushy and soft as the Crocs. I know most knock-off brands are pretty uncomfortable, not so with these. They feel just like Crocs. Gotta love the comfort factor!

It Didn't Take Long

Asher has learned to defend himself...on a regular basis. You may have guessed that Asher is protecting himself from his big brother. If so, you are right. He actually started this a couple of months back but has become much more aggressive over the past couple of days. Since yesterday, Asher has left bite marks on Tristan's back, ear, nose, and a full set on his cheek. The one on his cheek looks like a lipstick kiss that needs to be wiped off. My poor Tristan looks like he's been in a fight or something. I guess, to some degree, he has. The thing is, three of four of his bites came when Tristan was doing nothing more than trying to cuddle his baby brother. Problem is that Asher, much like our dog Flipper, has been so abused by Tristan that he reacts first and questions later. Tristan gets in his face, and the fangs (literally) come out. It usually happens when I'm out of the room. I hear a long, loud, curdling scream, and I run into the room to see Asher with a "What?" look on his face...like he has no idea what his brother is screaming about. I then have to discipline Asher (who then gets his chance to cry), and I have to remind Tristan why Asher bites him. It makes for a fun 10 minutes (every other hour!).

Watch out, Lindsay! My "scarlet B" is coming!

Does This Bother Anyone Else?

Channing left the playroom t.v. on this morning, and it was tuned in to INSP (Inspiration Network). As I was checking my email, I happened to hear a televangelist speaking, and it really disturbed me. It's still on, and the more I see and hear, the more it upsets me. This "pastor" just announced that after he prays with us (please wait until I've prayed), he wants us to "Obey God and sow a $1,000 seed". He expects 1,000 people to call in and donate $1,000. I am NOT KIDDING! The more I listen, the more I hear. Now he's saying, "God has spoken to me and said that someone is watching and has a lawsuit. Sow your $1,000, even if you don't have it, and you will be blessed. Nothing happens if you don't use your faith. Some other comments, "Use $1,000 on your credit card, and your seed will be sown even faster. If you have credit card debt, this is what you need to do." AND "You know you don't have $1,000. Sow it anyway. Use your retirement, your kids' college money. This will be one of the most miraculous things you've done in your life." He keeps repeating, "Many of you don't have the $1000, send it anyway. You think 4% interest in your bank account is good, try 100%." WHAT?! Are you kidding me?! For some reason, this just makes me sick to my stomach. Don't get me wrong, I totally believe in giving and know that it is an absolute necessity. The money doesn't belong to us anyway. However, the Bible says, "We receive freely so we should give freely, not under compulsion." I think this guy is taking advantage of hurting people and is doing it in the name of Jesus. I hurts my heart.

Powerful Words

I was catching up on Beth Moore's blog and read a really great post about worry.
One quote that really stood out was this:

I've come to learn from God that worry is a waving red flag to the enemy. It is a dead giveaway that the person owning it does not trust God. The shield of faith is down. So fire when ready. Every time we're tempted to take it all on and worry something to death, let's say aloud from the depths of our souls, "I choose to trust You, Lord. I choose trust. I choose You."

Be quiet, Dear Soul! God is the Master! Don't be afraid.

How true is that?! Those are powerful words. I hope I remember them when I face worry and doubt.

If you have never done a Beth Moore Bible study, let me take this time to encourage you to do so. She is a truly gifted teacher and never ceases to amaze me with her ability to decipher and explain Biblical truths. She is, in my opinion, one of the greatest teachers of our time.

2 Days of GREAT Savings

I'm so excited about my past two days of shopping. I have saved money, and that always makes me happy.
Check out these savings! I should have taken a picture:

Winn Dixie:
Angel Soft Mega- 9 rolls
Organic Milk
Sparkle Giant Roll 8 pack
4 packs of Pampers Splasher Diapers
2 packs of Luvs -Mega Size
1 box of Luvs
8 kiwi fruits
Deep Dish Pie Shells
10 packs of Sargento Cheese
1 can of mixed veggies (I usually try to avoid canned veggies and fruits but was in a pinch for dinner~pot pie)
1 can of Campbell's cream of potato soup
GRAND TOTAL: $58.63 OUT OF POCKET
SAVINGS: $84.92!!! Yippee!!! LOVE it!
AND not only did I save $84.92, I also got a coupon for $10 off my next $40 order (which, if you know anything about coupons, you know that the $40 is BEFORE coupons!!! Woo hoo!).

Today, I quickly made a stop at CVS. I have several deals lined up for their store but had both kiddos with me, so I improvised. I just took care of my most pressing deal...the Pampers deal.

Right now at CVS, if you buy $20 worth of Pampers products (pre-coupons~important to know), you will receive $5 in ECBs. Soooooooo....today, I went home with 7 tubs of Pampers wipes (we don't use their diapers) and 1 squeeze pop for Tristan (the thing cost $1.19. I wasn't thrilled with that purchase), and I only spent $8.30 out of pocket!!! I also got $5 in ECBs to use. :) My total savings today at CVS was $18.50! Here's how I did the CVS deal:

The Pampers wipes were on sale for $2.99/tub. I got 7 tubs.
I had 3 $2/2 coupons for Pampers products (many of you moms have better coupons for Pampers. If you have a baby, then you probably get those coupons all the time. I, however, have misplaced mine since I don't use Pampers. Oh well. Thank goodness for the paper!).
I also had a coupon for $4 off of a $20 purchase.
Since I was going to receive $5 back in ECBs, I used $5 in ECBs I already had (you always want to use ECBs to buy products that earn you ECBs. That way, it is TOTALLY FREE. It's called "rolling your ECBs").
So for the exact order (order matters):
Ring up wipes, give $4 off $20 coupon, give manufacturer's coupons, give ECBs, give cash. Tada...done. SAVINGS! Simple as that.
CVS, I love you!

Needless to say, we won't have to buy wipes or diapers for the next few months. What a blessing!!!

You've Gotta Read This Post

I've posted before about Delta Kelly and the amazing ministry that she and her husband (and boys) have started in Montgomery, AL. She and I went to college together, and back then she was a light to so many, just like she is now. Every time I read her blog, I realize that I should be doing more to share God's love, to fulfill the Great Commission.
Delta just has such a great ability to share God in any and every situation. She is truly a gifted communicator.

Check out this post from her blog where she shares some of the funny yet serious comments she's received from people in her neighborhood. I believe it will touch your heart and ignite a fire inside of you just like it did me.

Quotes From Our Hood This Week