Home: A Dayspring Review

I love having bible verses and other symbols of my faith displayed in our home. Not to boast or to brag but to live in the peace and comfort and reminder of the Lord.

I am so excited that Dayspring has added to their beautiful Redeemed collection, now offering wonderful pieces for your home, both indoors and outdoors.

He Has Made pillow // Truly Blessed organization center // Everything Beautiful lantern

I was sent two items that happened to be my favorite.

Everything Beautiful watering can // His Eye is on the Sparrow birdhouse

I love them! I love them because their beautiful items. But more so because they tell a beautiful story

Please forgive me for not taking photos of them in my home just yet. We just unpacked our last box today and I'm still looking for the perfect place for these.

Do you like to have scripture or inspiring words in your home? Which verses? How do you display them?

I have had John 6:27 written on an index card on our fridge for a while now.

"Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

Oh how the Lord provides and endures and redeems.

DaySpring has a “Summer Joy” sale going on right now through the end of July for 25% off the entire website (includes clearance) with code JOY2012.

*I received free products from Dayspring in exchange for a product review. However, the opinions and thoughts stated here are  my own.*

Checking In

We made it safely to North Carolina, and although it will probably take us a month to get this place in order, we are just loving being homeowners.

It's funny how things are just more enjoyable when it's your house. Like taking out the trash, and washing the dishes, and making the bed.

I didn't mean to be so silent for so long here and have lots of plans to get back in the swing of things soon!

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And now for a very belated giveaway winner announcement! Carla G, you won the Linkel Designs giveaway! Please email me (I couldn't find your email address).

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With August right around the corner, I'm offering $5 off for my medium sponsorship spots until the 1st. Email me if you're interested in advertising with Along for the Ride in August. 

Hope you all are doing well. I'd love to hear what you've been up to while I've been away!

Meal Planning 101: Guest Post from Rellas Bellas

I'm so excited to have Jen from Rellas Bellas share with us her secrets to meal planning. Goodness knows I need all the help I can get!

Hello Along For the Ride readers. I'm Jen, I blog over at Rellas Bellas. I am currently living in Florida, in a hotel suite, while my husband attends training for the Navy. Thus, my blog currently reflects a lot of the crazy things we are doing to keep our sanity in a small town 45 minutes north of Pensacola.

Today I am going to share with you how I meal plan for the week. Since we do not have an oven here my weekly recipes consist of tons of easy summer foods to cook on the stove top or grill.

I meal plan as an easy way to know what to make come 5pm and also to keep my grocery bill in check. I am not a crazy coupon lady. If you are I am totally jealous! I just don't have the patience for it and really, I do not need 75 jars of mustard in my pantry?? hehe. But in all honesty I meal plan so I don't buy extra stuff at the commissary {the military base equivalent to a Safeway, Ralph's, etc}.  When I wasn't meal planing my grocery bill would be well over $100 for just the two of us for a week of food! Now I can usually keep it down to about $60. While that isn't the cheapest grocery bill for two for a week of food it is saving us money and we have some tasty meals for dinner each night.

I start out every Monday morning with an iced coffee and my meal planning supplies: my handy dandy planner, my weight watchers recipe book, post it tabs, pen and grocery  list.

There are so many places to find yummy recipes: Pinterest, tons of websites like The Pioneer Woman, Skinnytaste etc. But for the simplicity of sticking to my WW diet and living in about 600 square feet of hotel I stick to my recipe book and meals that are go to faves for the hubs and I.

I start by seeing what I have left in my fridge from last week, picking out the 5 meals that I want to make and then mark them with a tab. I review the fridge for left over items to try and use up this week. Left over chicken means chicken pasta salad for Monday nights dinner!

After I have my 5 recipes picked out I review each ingredients list, check my pantry and then add what ever I need to my grocery list. This is a key step to meal planning. I used to pick recipes and then head to the store. This resulted in 5 bottles of vegetable oil, never having the correct vinegar I need and tons of random pasta boxes in my pantry.

After I have my list of ingredients needed for the 5 meals I add the rest of our food needs, i.e. sandwich meat, eggs and cereal for breakfast. I check to see if we need soy milk or OJ. I almost always make a salad to go with our meals so lettuce and spinach is a grocery list staple. As for fruits and veggies I usually buy what every looks the best and things that are in season so they are cheaper in price. That means right now we eat a lot of strawberries!

One of my favorite Friday and Saturday night go to meals is a hot dog/sausage bar. Grill up what ever you prefer, buy all the fixings for your favorite hot dogs, set it up buffet style and have your family go at it! Add salad, pasta or potato salad and you have a easy and fun weekend meal!

And finally, here is a simply and easy recipe to get your meal planning started!

Onward

These past few days have been full of goodbyes, reflection, and still more packing as we hit the road to North Carolina early this morning.

I can't believe it's already been three years since we got married, packed up our lives (and much less stuff), and started out as newlyweds in Missouri. And here we are, leaving the residence hall coordinator life, and starting out for our new house (that we own and pay for, eek!), Kyle starting a new job in two weeks, and a baby on the way. God is so good!

Goodbyes are also bittersweet, but as my hubby says, "onward," our new adventure awaits.

As we travel these next few days (and I see a town and house that I've only seen in pictures), can I ask for a few prayers?

- for safe travels on a long journey
- for baby D, that we both stay calm, hydrated, and don't have to make too many trips to the bathroom
- for a calm and non-tramatizing experience for our cat -- yes, I worry about her too

I'd also love prayers for our marriage in general. In a way, it seems like we're newlyweds again. Now that the comforts of res hall living are gone, we're trying to figure things out like adults and stand on our own two feet with all these changes. It will inevitably be stressful, and I just pray that we can laugh and smile through the stress and celebrate our 3 year anniversary next week with a renewed sense of happiness and comfort.

I'll be quiet these next few days, and my weekly baby post will have to wait, with weeks 25/26 promising pictures of our new house!

Oh, and don't forget to enter the Linkel Designs giveaway that ends Monday!

Oh, and I'm posting over at the Better Blogger Network talking about blog breaks! Check out some tips and tricks.

Linkel Designs Giveaway

Last week I featured some of my favorite Linkel Designs and their Christmas in July sale!

This week, Linkel Designs is giving away a $40 shop credit! Oh the beautiful baubles you could buy!!

vintage statement ring

Swarovski crystal earrings

To enter, leave a comment for each of the following:

- visit Linkel Designs and tell me your favorite item

- follow Kelly's beautiful blog, The Pretty Bee

- become a fan of Linkel Designs on Facebook

- for extra entires, share about the giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter

Giveaway will end next Monday evening.

Friday Coffee Date

I'm joining Rags to Stitches for my first ever coffee date.

tea and TV and my new pretty mug

Today's a big day for me. Today's my last day of work. If we were meeting for coffee I would tell you how bittersweet this is. I've so enjoyed my job for the past three years. It's rewarding, challenging, satisfying, but it's also hard. Really hard. I'm so thankful for the opportunities I've had and the skills I've gained, but all I can think about is waking up Saturday morning as a full-time wife and mother. I'm ready for this new chapter in our life.

Once we chatted about all of that, I would complain a bit how difficult this past week has been with this little baby. It's not his fault. It's mine. I'm letting my worrying and racing mind get the best of me.  I'd love some prayer for this (continued prayer I should say- worrying is not new to me, and no matter how much I try to give it to God, I find myself back in this place).

My worry combined with some anxiety about our upcoming move -- I'm so glad it's Friday!

And if I don't have enough to think about, I took my computer into the Mac store because it was being really slow. I expected to tell them it was an easy fix, a few taps of the keyboard and it would be all better. Instead he looked at me and said "your hard drive is failing." I just about lost it. I didn't know what to do, I panicked, and just picked up my laptop and ran out of there. Luckily my rational husband had me turn around and get back in the car and took me to turn it over to the Mac men and get a new hard drive. She's back and faster then ever. Hopefully I'm a better real momma than Mac momma.

What do yo have planned this weekend? We're trying to soak up as much friend time before we pack up the truck and head to our new home on Wednesday!

Praying that you have a restful weekend!

Inspiration Workshop: Yellow

I'm a little late to the party, but I couldn't pass up sharing about my favorite sunshiny color with Gussy Sews -- YELLOW!

Yellow is the theme for Baby D's nursery. Warm shades of yellow, bright white furniture, airy fabrics, and simple decorations.

I can't wait to get in there and start decorating.

A few inspirations to play with...

Bee Buzz Paperie

Spearmint Baby

print

Rosenberry Rooms

The Handmade Home

Pen and Paint

24 Weeks

Hi, Laura's blog. This is Kyle, husband extraordinaire. When I'm not busy writing blog posts for my wife, I like to spend my time reading, building stuff, and making the Internet do cool things for me. I'm also a librarian, so let's keep the Dewey jokes to a minimum, OK? 

Laura gave me the keys to the spaceship this week, so buckle up and hold on for another installment of "we write a blog post to our future kid." 

Part 1, in which I update the audience on our week:

We're getting ready for our big move to North Carolina, and lately we've been getting together a lot with friends for dinner and last-minute hangouts. In these final days, we're realizing more and more how blessed we are to have found such amazing community in Missouri. Leaving won't be easy, but we look forward to the community that's in store for us. Onward!

Laura has been struggling with sleeping lately. After careful analysis, it has been determined that this is a result of her trying to grow a human while sleeping on the cut-rate dorm mattresses we're currently using. She's tried every possible configuration of pillows--it's really funny watching her get into her pillow fortress every night. It goes without saying that we're really excited to sleep on a real mattress. We bought one this week and arranged for their delivery to NC when we move in, which means we're adults now, I guess.

***

Part 2, in which I address the human growing in my wife's belly:

To Baby D, my first child, a son, and heir to the Denlinger throne:

First off, let's get one thing straight: I love you. Men in our culture sometimes don't have the easiest time expressing love for each other, but that is not a problem you will have to deal with in our relationship. I love you and plan on reminding you of that fact all the time. I'm sorry in advance if I embarrass you in front of your friends. Thank your grandfather--my dad--for being such a good role model in that area.

I've never been a dad before, Baby D. I have no idea what I'm doing, but I am so excited. You'll learn later what I do for a living, but essentially, I help people discover new knowledge. That's exactly what I plan on doing with you--we're going to discover so much stuff together. I'm going to read to you and ask you tough questions and teach you to figure things out on your own. You're going to learn about trees and stars and Wikipedia and John Lennon and Han Solo. I get to be the person who teaches you about girls, how to fix stuff that's broken, and how to be a decent human being and a genuinely good guy. I get to be the person that teaches you how to learn, which is such an amazing privilege. I hope you're ready to explore with me.

Your mom and I are moving in a week to the place where you'll be born, if all goes according to plan. You're going to be born in North Carolina, and you might grow up with a southern accent. This is both weird and awesome.

I've been feeling you kick and squirm in your mom's belly. You're really strong. You might want to stop jumping on her bladder, though.

I can't wait to meet you, little guy. Your mom and I love you so much. Over and out.

-Dad

Sponsor Welcome: Linkel Designs

I'm so excited to have Linkel Designs join me this month as a featured sponsor!





And today is a very special day for Linkel Designs. Today is the kick-off of their fabulous Christmas in July sale!

Select earrings are only $5 and select necklaces are only $10. The designs are limited in quantity so grab them before they're gone. The sale runs 7/9-7/22.

Plus, because you're so special, Kelly is offering you free shipping with the code RIDEALONG!

I think these would look so good on you!

blueberry earrings

chic silver square necklace

delicate leaf earrings

Kelly also has a beautiful blog, The Pretty Bee, where she features her amazing photography, recipes, and inspirations.

Connect with Kelly and Linkel Designs 

shop // blog // Twitter // Facebook

*come back next week for a Linkel Designs giveaway!*

Friday Favorites

We recently bought a home in North Carolina, and I think it goes without saying that I am so excited to start decorating.

Gathering some inspiration (swoon)...

from Whatever

from Energy House

from Apartment Therapy

from Sweet Pickins

from Country Living

In Transition (part 2)

Thank you all so much for your encouraging comments and emails about my fears and worries of transitioning to a stay-at-home-wife-and-momma-to-be. I am constantly reminded just how kind and thoughtful the blogging community is -- quick to offer sweet words and prayers.

As a way to help myself get organized, I wanted to share a few areas that I'm most nervous about (and some resources I will be going through in the upcoming weeks!).

Keeping the house:
I'm not much of a housekeeper. I try to keep a clean home (the sheets are clean, there's nothing growing in the fridge), but with my schedule these past few years, keeping house has been difficult.

While I've always thought I was a pretty organized gal, I have learned that I am actually the messy one in the family. I litter the counter with mail that I forget to put away. I leave dirty dishes everywhere. And I take off my shoes in the middle of the doorway every.single.time.

A few resources I found that I think might be helpful:
10 habits for a well-run home from The Stressed Mom
homemade cleaners from The Frugal Girls
my new favorite blog, The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking

Making the dinner:
Gosh I am super nervous about this one. I am not a good cook. Well, maybe that's not true. I think I'm more of a nervous cook. I'm not confident in what I'm doing and generally screw things up in the kitchen.

Honestly, I'm not sure what we've eaten for dinner for the past few years. We usually get by week to week with maybe one good meal (lots of leftovers), trips to the dining hall, or take out. Looking at our budget for our new life, take out is not an option. I need to figure out how to make our meal dollars stretch and last.

A few resources I found that I think might be helpful:
meal planning action plan from Modern Parents, Messy Kids
monthly meal planning from Greater Things
meal planning resources from The Stressed Mom
3 weeks of cheap dinners from Born Free

Parenting the baby:
This is a whole new world to me. I am an only child, the youngest cousin, never babysat. I have maybe changed one diaper of a baby I got to give back -- and in a few short months I get to change a whole bunch for a baby that is mine all mine.

I know the Lord will give me the skills of a momma (he's already given me the heart). I just need to be patient, to trust, and to be able laugh at myself every once in a while.

A few resources I found that I think might be helpful:
establish a daily routine from Modern Parents, Messy Kids
every post written about "kids" from The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking
Spirit-Led Parenting by Megan Tietz and Laura Oyer
Sacred Parenting by Gary Thomas
The parenting inspirations of Lisa Leonard, Naptime Diaries, Take Heart, Words of Williams, Dear Baby, Crimson and Wool, Of Anslem, and Where My Heart Resides 

Supporting my husband:
My husband starts his dream job on August 1st, and like many dreams-come-true, it's been a long road to get here. A few years working at hardware stores, following me to a new state for my job, and 2 years in graduate school have finally paid off!

As we make these new transitions, a consistent prayer of mine is how to support and encourage Kyle. I have been the bread-winner in our home -- and although I'm so excited for our role reversal -- I'm so worried my pride and stubbornness will take over. I tend to be a "comparer" as in "you think you had a hard day, wait 'till you hear about my day" or "do you even know what I do and how difficult it is." Yea, not pretty. But so easy for me to fall into.

I believe the Lord has brought us both to this place and I pray that He will help me really support my husband, to be his true help-mate. I long for this, but I fear I won't be very good.

A few resources I found that I think might be helpful:
praying for your husband from Raising Godly Children
The Strong-Willed Wife by Debbie Cherry (I read this before we got married and really liked it)
praying for your husband printable from Design by Lulu
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie Omartian

Finding my purpose:
For so long I've been focused on my career. I've been the leader, the idea-generator. I've been president of organizations and chairs of committees. I love giving presentations (funny for this introvert). I have gone to thousand-person national conferences. I own business suits and pumps and a fancy portfolio that houses my business cards.

And although I am most assuredly not giving up on my career (I believe this transition won't be forever), I am worried about having an identity crisis. That I will lose my purpose, or at least have a very hard time finding it at home.

I am used to being praised for a job well done. What if no one notices the work I do at home? I have been defined by titles and job descriptions. What if I struggle being defined by diapers?

Ok, I absolutely know that moms are not defined by diapers, and that there is so much reward in this new phase, but it looks different from what I'm used to, and I'm afraid that wife and mom Laura will become all I am -- and the other stuff that I am made of, and do, and love will get lost.

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So there you go. I'm feeling a bit vulnerable after laying all that out there. I'd love to hear your thoughts, resources, best practices, tips and tricks. How do you do it all? (and don't say that you "don't" because you do, you have to -- I love Jessi's thoughts on that!).

Thank you sweet friends. I'm so glad to be on this journey with all of you!

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The winner of the June Group Giveaway is Debbie from Shana's Shop! I'll be emailing you!

23 Weeks

The three of us (and Jupiter too) are settled into our temporary home and anxiously awaiting our move to North Carolina. Our offer was accepted and we will be moving into our new home in two short weeks!

After a lot of ups and downs last week, this past week was a bit better, a bit quieter. We went to the doctor today and heard the little man's strong heartbeat. Everything from our last ultrasound looks great-- a healthy baby boy!

I feel encouraged today after finding out I have "uniquely low blood pressure." I know that sounds silly, but it helps explain some of my dizziness lately and help me to understand how to keep it at bay and keep myself strong.

I continue to be a bit worried about Braxton Hicks contractions versus real contractions and what I might be experiencing. I left the doctor with two things for my to-do list: rest and drink even more water.

"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own..." 1 Corinthians 6:19

I feel like I've really gotten to know my body more during these past weeks. And every day I fall in love with it a little bit more. It's amazing really. What our bodies know how to do, what they can do, what God created them to do.

I have not always loved my body, and have had some seasons of weighty body image issues. I am so thankful for this time that I have to watch my body grow and change and really feel beautiful. This is rather new to me, feeling beautiful, and I praise the Lord for this new perspective.

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Oh baby, we're getting so excited for your arrival! And now that we have a home, I have been spending lots of time daydreaming about your little nursery and how I want it to look when we bring you home. I want it to be sunshiny and warm, light and airy, comfortable and cozy. I want it to be simple yet fun. I have so many ideas -- I can't wait to get there and get to work!

You just keep getting bigger and stronger. We heard your heartbeat again yesterday and everything sounds so great! Keep growing healthy, baby!

I keep getting bigger, too! You daddy actually painted my toe nails last night because it was uncomfortable for me to reach them. And you know what, he did a pretty great job. If you ever have a little sister, I know what job we'll give daddy. Hopefully he can braid hair too!

When we found out we were pregnant, your aunt Annie said that she hopes you are a boy because everyone needs an older brother. Your daddy and I would love to be blessed with more kids to make you an older brother. But I guess all we can do is see what the Lord has planned for our family. For now, it's the three of us, a perfect little family.

Oh, and I've been telling Jupiter that she's getting a little brother. She doesn't seem too impressed right now, but I'm sure she'll love you. Just don't pull her tail too hard, ok?