Irreplaceable

Austyn Lynn...6 lbs, 8 oz...19 inches long...born at 10:38 this morning...Welcome to the world!

In her book, A Mother's Heart, Jean Fleming recounts this story: "A visitor scolded a missionary in Korea who grew lovely roses because he let his sons play in his rose garden. 'I'm raising boys, not roses,' the missionary observed." It's funny how parenthood changes your perspective on things...and I do mean "things". They just don't seem to matter too much anymore. "It's just a ______", I find myself saying, every time our daughter showers something else with milk and carrots. She is our only irreplaceable (and don't tell that to the dog!) Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal. But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal; For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21

Create: Create a board book for your child with these blank ones from romp. Better yet, like him make his own!

Save: Need to borrow more than a cup of sugar? Check out NeighborBorrow!

Today's sweet shoppe...

Save 15% at Shabby Apple
by entering promo code
"SAMarketingNotesfromMyNest15off"
at checkout. Offer valid until
June 3, 2008.

~ my favorites ~

{Queen of Hearts}

{Vineyard}

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To see previously featured shops,
follow the links below...

Quotation taken from A Mother's Heart by Jean Fleming, p. 44, NavPress, 1982.

Babbling?

From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. [Psalm 8:2] . . . And we thought it was all just meaningless babbling!

Nurture: Learn more about safe (and unsafe) plastics for your child in The Z Report on BPA.

Create these linen pear sachets to give as gifts or keep for yourself with this tutorial from Dacia Ray.

Save on items for yourself and your kids with these special offers for "Notes..." readers.

Today's sweet shoppe...

Enter coupon code "Nest08"
at checkout for free shipping
from BabyBearShop on
orders over $20.
Offer valid until 5.31.08.

Enter coupon code "Nest08"
at checkout for free shipping
from BabyBearShop on
orders over $20.
Offer valid until 5.31.08

{Cheeky Baby Butter}

{Organic Lip Balm}

_____________________

Enter to win this adorable
backpack from Blabla Kids.
Drawing to be held 4.14.08.
More details...

~ click below to see previously featured shops~

What was I thinking?

I read something recently that urged me to think about what I'm thinking about. Left unattended, my mind is prone to wander and tends to get tangled up trying to solve life's problems before they ever happen. Psalm 77:12-14 teaches a healthier practice: "I will meditate also upon all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary [in holiness, away from sin and guilt]. Who is a great God like our God? You are the God Who does wonders; You have demonstrated Your power among the peoples."

Simplify your cosmetic stash by consolidating all those old tubes of lipstick with this great tip from Domino Magazine.

Create these gift tags from all those greeting cards you have stashed all over the house. (Instructions from Zakka Life).


Prepare: This substitution list is one of my favorite resources for the kitchen. Print it and keep it handy. It's a lifesaver when you realize you're missing an ingredient!

Today's sweet shoppe...

SAVE 15% ON YOUR ORDER
FROM LILYBELLA BY ENTERING
PROMO CODE "Nest" AT CHECKOUT!

~ my favorites ~

One of my favorite things
about Lilybella's totes is that
they are made of oilcloth which
makes for easy cleaning!

{Choo Choo Tote}


{Monogrammed Datebook}

SAVE 15% ON YOUR ORDER
FROM LILYBELLA BY ENTERING
PROMOCODE "Nest" AT CHECKOUT!

----------------------------------------------------

Don't forget about this
week's giveaway!


Enter to win this Monkey Backpack
from Blabla Kids! Click here for
contest details...


~ to see previously featured shoppes, click below ~

Imitators...

Our daughter is just entering that delightful stage where she is trying to imitate our silly expressions. It's adorable to watch. Looking into her bright eyes is like gazing into a mirror and seeing our own unspeakable joy smiling back at us. As children of God, we are called to mirror His image as well. Ephesians 5:1... "Therefore be imitators of God (copy Him and follow His example), as well-beloved children (imitate their father)."

Create paper dolls with these templates from Kiddley.com.

Manage your budget with these resources from Dave Ramsey.

Enter to win this adorable Monkey Backpack from Blabla. Contest ends at 12:00 noon (EST) on Monday, 4.14.08. Click here for more details.

Today's sweet shoppe...

~ my favorites ~

{Fruit Rattles}

{Kids' Backpacks}

~ to see previously featured shops, click below ~

Blabla Backpack Giveaway

And the winner of the

Blabla Monkey Backpack

is...

{click here!}

{Monkey Backpack}

Don't be afraid...

Our daughter is going through a fearful phase and we're making a conscious effort to get her out and about so that she can learn to enjoy the world around her without being afraid. When I see that look in her eyes, I find myself wanting to "fix it" by removing her from the situation and I'm having to learn to step back and let her discover for herself that there really is nothing to fear. I also realize that it is unhealthy for me to become her sole source of security, and as she grows, she will ultimately have to learn to rely on her Heavenly Father for her protection.

I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust!...[Then] He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge; His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler...For He will give His angels [especial] charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways [of obedience and service]. Psalm 91:2, 4 & 11

Grow: Subscribe to this online bi-weekly Bible Study from Women of Faith.

Save: Find available discounts at thousands on online stores from RetailMeNot.com.

Create these marble magnets. (A tutorial from Not Martha).

Share: Explore these volunteer opportunities from Christian Women Today.

Today's sweet shoppe...

~ my favorite picks ~

{Baby Tales Kit}

{Veronica Mommy & Me Mat }

~ to see previously featured shops, click below ~