Just wait and see. . .

This is where I plan to go. After our baby is born and after I take the Miller Analogy Test! :)

Gold rings in pigs snouts'

"Like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman without sense." Proverbs 11

For my daily devotions this month, I'm reading a proverb a day. This verse really jumped out at me this morning. It's made me contemplate beauty and the way our culture pursues youth and beauty obsessively. I am amazed at the high cost of going to salons, plastic surgeries, expensive hair and makeup products, teeth whiteners, wearing the latest styles. As a stay at home mom, I've been convicted that I do not need to buy new clothes constantly. There is nothing inherently wrong with having nice, classic clothes. This is coming from the girl who is proud of her Platinum Lane Bryant credit card. :) But I've pulled out my 7-year old maternity jeans, and they're still in pretty decent condition. I've bought some basic plain tees and am committed to not breaking our budget on 6 months of fashion here.

And yes, I'm going to the salon for a hair cut and highlights. It will feel so good every time I look in the mirror. It's worth it. I haven't had a haircut since Terry treated me to an upscale salon in Vegas 18 months ago! I'm so excited!

But I am cautioned that all this beauty without sense or discretion is pointless. I certainly don't want to be compared to a gold ring in a pig's snout. Terry and I have signed up for a class at church that we're really excited about next month. We're involved in a new small group from church. I'm trying to grow in wisdom and learn from my own, and others', mistakes. Our Utah pastor said that knowledge is learning from one's own mistakes, while wisdom is learning from someone else's. I really like that. I want to ask the experts for help and not just rely on what feels right or what I think we should do. I want godly wisdom, not worldly information. I want to see the big picture and how we fit and where we're going and see how far we've come.

I hope that I can better my family because of my actions. And I want to have an eminently useful and productive life--not just a vain, self-seeking moment to moment existence, like so many women pursue. That is my prayer.

I haven't had much to say recently. Christmas was quiet, and nice. Grace and I are getting through homeschooling. All of a sudden, she's being difficult and I'm moodier than usual. This, too, will pass. Quickly, I hope. She can be so fun, and then completely cop an attitude and push exactly the buttons to completely piss me off! Tonight, we had to unscrew her bright overhead lightbulb (we left on several night lights, because we're not cruel) and had to lock her door to get her to stay in bed. We've only had to do that once before. It sucks. We'll unlock it when we go to bed. This is what the psychologist we consulted last year recommended with regards to bedtime and Gracie. (no, that's not why we visited the child psychologist, but that will take a LONG time to explain!)

AJ, on the other hand, has morphed into my little darling. He's finally matured significantly and I'm enjoying taking him places and hearing him chatter away. He's still sensitive, but in a sweet, kind way. He's obedient, funny, and LOVES HIS MOMMY! The sentiment is mutual, I assure you.

I've managed to lose 28 pounds since discovering my gallbladder full of gallstones. Some of my maternity clothes are hanging off me! But the belly is growing. . .

And in other news, THREE of my friends are choosing to get divorced this year. Which breaks my heart, because I do not believe that God's plan is for people to give up when it gets difficult. Marriage is HARD work. But worth it! "FIGHT FOR YOUR MARRIAGE," I want to scream. But I don't. Because that will help no one. We are so lucky, however, that God does not choose to divorce us, his people, when we make choices that dishonor and grieve Him. Terry commented that even when divorce happens, the married couple still have to communicate constantly about child support, alimony, custody, etc. You're never really free. (he's observed a co worker and her constantly dealing with the ex. . . )

We've thought of some baby names we like for both genders. One name we love but a family member's new baby was recently given a very close name. We might name our child this anyway. Because we have good reasons for it and we love it. So there.

We can narrow the names down on January 22. I'm so looking forward to this day. Ultrasound in the morning, check up just after that, and a HAIR CUT and HIGHLIGHT that afternoon! Talk about the best day EVER! Well, besides the days my children were born. And the day I was married. And. . well. Let's just call it a GREAT day to look forward to!

We'll know! Pink or blue! (Not a huge fan of the small yellow and white selections that are barely available for those who do not know the gender). Then we can select a name! Sort through the baby clothes we've saved! And get a family picture because my hair will LOOK NICE! And blonde again!