Affordable Maternity Wear for the Modern Mommy

I was a little annoyed this morning while reading the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Sunday paper.  Some little journalist wrote a fashion piece on maternity clothes for summer that even shocked my conscience!  Click here to read it: Mom's the Word. Her maternity recommendations were just WRONG.  Somehow, I doubt this chick has ever been pregnant because she would know that pregnant women are not going to spend $189 on denim leggings and $198 on a tunic top from the maternity store.  Most women are not foolish enough to spend $550 on a hippie luxe silk tunic from Neiman Marcus with $85 white jeans from Destination Maternity. These are not maternity outfits!  These are ridiculous!

Any woman who has been pregnant knows that maternity clothes are pretty terrible.  They never make you look skinny and they cost way to much for the 3-6 months you'll wear them.  And then when you get pregnant with baby number 2 during a completely different season of the year, you'll realize that your former maternity collection is useless.  Besides the fact that once you stretch maternity clothes in one direction, they don't regain their shape.  So if you're like me and you carry baby #1 in your hips and baby #2 in your stomach you really can't wear the same clothes!

Let's just say that if I were pregnant (and I'm not) that I would have been really put out and disappointed by Ms. Peters' article this morning.  She gives the impression that you have to have a trust fund to be able to afford cute clothes.  But she's wrong!  So to all my fabulous soon-to-be Mommies in my life, here are some fashions that you CAN rock for a price tag that will leave you with money to purchase diapers...

Forever 21 has some amazing maternity pieces for both online and in-store purchases.  This dress retails at $17.80 and would be perfect for church or a party during any time of the year.  Doesn't it look comfy too?

Old Navy has a nice selection of skirts and t-shirts designed for every stage of pregnancy.  They even have a post-pregnancy selection of nursing tops.  Just remember to hit up Old Navy on one of their big sale days and you can really cash in.  This skirt retails for $32.94.  In my opinion, a denim skirt is a girl's best friend when she's expecting.  Just throw on a pair of cowboy boots and you're set!

 GAP has some great options for work, lounging, or even going out.  I love the Gap website too, because other mommies have written reviews about their purchases that will help guide your decision-making.  And if you don't think you can afford GAP, just know that they have sales all the time.  Just last week, everything was 40% off.  And this cute dress is only $59.50.

If you're expecting a baby soon and you realize that it's time to shop, don't lose heart.  There are plenty of stores with great affordable options.  For some of my other favorite maternity collections visit Ann Taylor LOFT and Target.  You can look chic and pregnant without shopping at Neiman Marcus!  Good luck.  I can't wait to see all my Mommy friends soon!

Can't Seem to Avoid the Vacation Drama

We are not dramatic people.  We tend to be rather boring.  But for some reason, every time we go on vacation we seem to be surrounded by drama or disaster.  They make movies about vacations like ours.

Take our honeymoon, for example.  We took an amazing trip to the fanciest resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.  It was gorgeous.  The trip was perfect until we had been there for approximately one hour.  I don't know if Montezuma was getting revenge or what, but my poor husband was sicker than I've ever seen him for the rest of our stay. 

Then there was the trip to my cousin's wedding in North Carolina.  The day of our trip, a gunman was on the loose in our little, practically rural neighborhood.  Since the guy had murdered a few people, the police wouldn't let anyone in or out of our neighborhood.  Thank goodness I was at work during the craziness and my husband had been running an errand.  We were both still able to go on our trip, but we never had the chance to return to our house to pick-up luggage.  Then on the way home from NC, someone miraculously found us a flight when American Airlines decided to cancel all airplanes to DFW.

Next was Hawaii.  The trip was perfect and magical until the flight home from Phoenix.  After stuffing himself with a Cinnabun, our one-year-old regurgitated his entire breakfast all over my husband and our seats on the airplane.  It was so gross that they actually let us use the first class facilities to clean up.  Too bad we only had a change of clothes for the baby.  That was also the trip where my cat fell off my parents 2nd floor walkway and practically broke his leg. 

But this last week takes the cake.  We drove to San Antonio for a relaxing week on the Riverwalk.  We had a blast and even considered extending the trip just for fun.  That was until we received a random phone call from a neighbor on Thursday.  She said that water was running out of our house.  Apparently, my father-in-law called a plumber to fix a problem while we were gone.  And within 48 hours of the plumbing work, our house was covered in 2 inches of water--the ENTIRE HOUSE.  Baby toys, purses, shoes, books, computers, work documents, furniture, carpet, and even the kitchen cabinets are a mess.  We're still waiting to see the extent of the damage, but the Dalworth emergency response man said it was really bad.  All I know at the moment is that my house is unlivable for at least 3-5 days and my Frye cowboy boots are a mess!

Anyway, if you've wondered where I've been for the last week, I started out on vacation and am currently still vacated from my home.  Please don't feel bad for me.  Just pray that we get everything worked out with the insurance adjuster next week.  This is just part of life, right?  I know that we should expect trials.  Considering what my trial could be (think of the poor people in Missouri) I can deal with a wet house. God will work it out.  He always does.

DIY: Baby's First Birthday

For some reason, I have this impression that stay-at-home moms are supposed to be artsy and craftsy and are supposed to be able to make their own party decorations.  Since I really want to be good at my full-time Mommy job, I decided to use home-made decorations for my baby's first birthday party this year.  I didn't go so far as to make my own birthday cake (my husband adamantly vetoed that idea), but I did cook a chuck wagon style taco dinner for my little guy.

I'm sure he won't remember his first birthday, but at least he can know that Mommy did her best to make it the best.  Despite the fact that his party was less than 48 hours after my last final exam, I think it turned out ok.  Here are some pics!

 And of course, here's the birthday boy himself!

Now I have to start planning his big brother's party.  He says he wants trains and spaghetti.  We'll see how that goes...

When it Rains, Let's Go Bowling...

Thank Goodness It's Friday! Here's something to make you smile. I know that this is kind of guy humor or maybe more like juvenile humor (isn't that kind of the same thing?).  Anyway, if you have 6 minutes to spare, this will make you laugh. Keep in mind, this was a 2 hour 7 minute rain delay.

Frumpy Free Sweats

I saw this segment on the Today show this morning and was inspired.  Love the frumpy free weekend wear! And the prices were actually reasonable!
Go here http://thelook.today.com/_news/2011/05/26/6722385-take-the-frumpy-out-of-your-weekend-style. 

For more Bobbie tips, go to http://bobbie.com/!

The Character & Fitness Requirement

"When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:21-23

I'll never forget the deer-in-the-headlights look that many of my classmates had during our first semester of law school when the Dean of Students came and discussed the character and fitness requirement for the State Bar.  During our first year of law school, we were all required to get fingerprinted and to fill out extensive personal background information that would be used by the State Bar of Texas to investigate each of us.  Typically, within 6 months the State Bar would send each of us a letter indicating that we had been deemed "fit" to practice law.

The problem with this character and fitness study was the personal declaration section.  If you've ever been arrested or done something really stupid that could reflect poorly on your character, you MUST declare it to the Bar.  Failure to do so can haunt you, because they do their own background check and even contact all former employers for comments about your behavior.  Plus, if anyone knows any reason why you shouldn't be a lawyer, they can contact the Bar committee too.  The list of offenses that could eliminate you from joining the Bar are pretty extensive (drugs, prior arrests, mental health problems, bankruptcy, cheating, plagiarism, dishonesty, etc.)  And there were plenty of law students that had pasts to be declared.

I'm so glad that God doesn't ask for a declaration of our character and fitness to be Christians before extending His grace to us.  Paul reminds us in Romans that once we have accepted God's grace, we are no longer slaves to our shameful past.  Yes, there are things we've done that are embarrassing and wrong.  But God wants us to let those acts die with our old self so that we can move forward as slaves to righteousness.

Isn't this the best news you could ever give someone?  So many individuals are hurting and living lives that are truly scarred and defined by their pasts.  But they don't have to live like this anymore.  God is a God of resilience and love.  He came to save sinners because He can use anyone to accomplish His purpose--even people who see themselves as damaged goods.  God wants us to live our lives focused on our future in Him, not our past.  God wants us to pursue lives of righteousness so that we can attain spiritual character and fitness--holiness. 

The next time I'm haunted by a past mistake, I have to let it go.  I have to confess it and give it to God.  I'm no longer a slave to my past because now I'm called to live in Christ.  Let's praise God because He wants our present and our future. He doesn't need our personal history to determine our potential fitness as a Christian.  He can use damaged individuals in amazing ways.  What hope we have in Christ!

Lesson From Oprah's Farewell

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us...We also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." Romans 5:6-8, 11

This week marks the end of Oprah's 25 years on television.  At her surprise farewell special yesterday, many of the 400+ men from Morehouse College who had been recipients of her scholarship came to honor and thank her for her gift to them.  Many of the men felt that without Oprah's gift, they would have ended up out on the streets or in prison.  Her one gift literally transformed the lives of these men.  It was a very touching story and the audience was practically in tears.

What struck me about this story is that the recipients of Oprah's scholarship money ended up extremely successful.  I'm just guessing that in order to qualify as a recipient the men had to demonstrate some sort of worth or potential.  She obviously discriminated well as to who should qualify, because the investment apparently paid off.  These were truly worthy men.

Thank goodness that God doesn't make us qualify for His gift of salvation.  Romans clearly states that God was willing to extend his grace to not only the righteous and worthy, but to sinners.  Since all men are sinners, God's grace is freely extended to EVERYONE.  You don't have to qualify, show potential, or live by the canons of the Catholic church.  No, you just have to believe and accept the gift.  Anyone can have this gift.  There's no special treatment for minorities or for women.  There's no age requirement.  God freely gives His grace to anyone who will take it!

God's grace is the best eternal scholarship anyone could ask for.  It's free and open to anyone who takes it.  If 400+ men can fly to Chicago, dress in a suit, and walk down an aisle with a candle in honor of Oprah for her college scholarship, how much more should we do to honor God for his free eternal gift of life?  If you're a Christian, don't forget to thank God and praise Him today.  And if you've never accepted God's gift, it's not too late.

I think this recording by Carrie Underwood and Vince Gill sums up what is on my heart today:

Footwear to Forget

Let's be honest, every few years a new brand of shoes becomes all the rage with the youth of America.  And usually these shoes are downright ugly.  For some reason, those of us who want to be trendy feel the urge to buy these strange foot coverings.  Why?  I have no idea.  Maybe so we can feel young again.  Maybe because they're "comfortable."  Maybe because we're just suckers when it comes to fashion advertising.  Regardless, it's ok to say no to shoes sometimes.

Although I realize that there is a time and place for every shoe, here are some footwear trends that every adult woman should probably avoid. Unless you're a rock climber, a nurse, or someone with a legitimate need for a funky shoe.  Here are 5 shoes that the modern woman should avoid:


1. Birkenstocks: For $69.95 surely you can find a cuter sandal than these.  In high school we didn't know any better, but the New Testament sandals should probably be used solely for Bible plays.  They're just not attractive.

 2. Uggs: I know that this may hit close to home for some of you, but for $149.95 surely you can find a cute pair of slippers that serve the same purpose.  Uggs may be warm and cozy, but I haven't figured out how you're supposed to wear them with clothes without looking like you need to be wearing PJ's.

  3. River Sandals: These shoes are perfectly suitable for anyone in a boat or on the river.  These are not fashion shoes and should not be your go-to sandals.  You wouldn't wear rainboots to shop at Walmart when it's sunny outside.  So don't wear the river shoes when you're at the mall!  For $40.00 you can buy some prettier flip flops anyway.


4. Crocs: Priced at $44.99, these shoes are a great option for someone wearing scrubs or working in their garden.  Other than that, why would you feel comfortable wearing rubber clogs in public?  You shouldn't.  These shoes really aren't safe either.  You'd be shocked how many times I had to save little feet from the splinters and wood chips that poked through crocs on the playground when I was a school nurse.  Tennis shoes are a much better option.

5. Toms: Oh I know, you're probably thinking I am soooo uncool to comment that I think Toms are ugly.  But come on, have you seen them?  They have no shape and they're basically a new form of Keds that cost $120!  Ridiculous.  Unless you're teenage friends are going to bully you for not buying a pair, you can always find cuter slides.

 I won't judge you if you choose to wear any of these shoes, but before you waste your money on overpriced ugliness at least consider your motives for purchasing the shoe.  You might be a river guide or nurse in need of a good work shoe.  Or you might be a mom in need of some cute slippers.  Don't let the trends persuade you to buy something that you really don't like.  We all did that in high school (I had the dreadful river sandals and Birkestock look-a-likes), but as modern women, let's try to think for ourselves.  Let's buck the trends and find shoes that flatter our feet!

Disclaimer: This blog post was not written to insult anyone.  It's just my own opinion.  I have owned many of these shoes at some point in my life and I'm just offering this advice to save you money and to help you be the fashionista that you've always wanted to be.

Praying for Miracles

"...Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations...Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead--since he was about a hundred years old--and that Sarah's womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised." Romans 4: 18-21

The UK's Daily Mail had an interesting story last year about some women in their 70's who were the oldest mothers to give birth.  Apparently, a fertility clinic in India is providing IVF treatments to elderly women who do not want to die as women stigmatized by their inability to give birth to children.  Unfortunately, this treatment is taking its toll on the women who are dying within a few years of giving birth.  IVF and pregnancy are not appropriate for women of a certain age.  That's why God allowed menopause to happen.  (Yes, the hot flashes do serve a very useful purpose!)

I cannot imagine how Abraham's wife, Sarah, felt when she discovered she was pregnant in her 90's!  God had done the impossible. He kept his promise to Abraham by providing him with an heir and he gave Sarah a child.  God just didn't do it in a way that was medically or humanly possible.  He's God! He can make any miracle happen.

The picture of Abraham's faith is amazing.  God made a promise, and Abraham never doubted God would fulfill the promise because he was "fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised."  Are you fully persuaded that God can do what He promises? Are you praying for miracles in your life?

If God can lead Abraham into the wilderness and make a nation out of him at the age of 100, God can do anything.  God can make miracles happen when we think all hope is lost.  As I was watching the news today about the tornadoes in Missouri, it occurred to me that I should pray for miracles.  I don't know anyone in Joplin, Missouri.  But I do know that there are people there in need of miracles that only God can perform.

If God could make Sarah be a happy, healthy mom at the age of 91, He can do anything!  Let's not stop being fully persuaded that God has the power to do what He promises.  And let's pray for Him to do the impossible in our lives.

King of Contradictions

My husband is the king of contradictions.  Not because he contradicts himself, but because he catches other people when they contradict themselves.  For example, our homeowner's association sent out a pamphlet this spring with rules for our neighborhood. My husband is convinced that the HOA is not too bright, however, because on 3 different pages they discussed basketball goals.  Once, they said that basketball goals are prohibited.  Another time they said that basketball goals had to be approved.  And then in other place they talked about basketball goals having to be removed by a certain time.  Anyway, basketball goals are just one example of why he's convinced that our HOA is run by people of lesser intelligence.

My wonderful other half has recently informed me that my blog currently contradicts itself.  I have a recent post explaining why I won't buy ridiculously expensive shoes, and I have a blinkie on the side of my blog page with a high heel that says "Always wear expensive shoes.  People Notice."  Ok, this is kind of a contradiction.  But the blinkie is just on the page because I thought it was cute.  Please don't think that I'm telling you, my dear readers, to go purchase fine shoes.  Just enjoy the shoe as something cute--my blog was inspired by high heels after all!

I'm not sure if I should be embarrassed that I contradicted myself or impressed that my husband caught it. I guess we know that it was no accident that he became a lawyer.  He's the kind of lawyer who can always find the smoking gun.  Thank goodness I'll never have to be his opposing counsel! (The lawyer rules of ethics prohibit this.)

So dearest husband, if you read this, I hope you feel better that I am disclaiming my blinking shoe.  It is not intended to be my own personal advice.  It's just something fun to make every female reader smile.

And dear readers, if you ever catch me in a contradiction, feel free to let me know.  I never intended to mislead...