Big blog updates today....

Another week has gone by and oh what a week it has been!!!

I've been very exhausted this week and had my appointment wednesday afternoon with my OB. J's parents were able to come up and watch Max so he could come with me. We had a great talk with her. We now know what we're dealing with now!! I'll be 34 weeks on saturday and my OB really hopes/wants me to get to 36 weeks. She honestly says I may not make it much past 36 and some change....which does put us 1 week past where Bubby was born.

She talked to me about the option of stopping work now. This is a major concern for Jas and me. I don't have much vacation time and any extra time I take off will be FMLA (no pay). However, I'm so afraid of having this baby even earlier than what Bubby was born. We've decided that I need to take the time off and go ahead and start Family Medical Leave/Disability. I'm trying to stay seated as much as possible, nap often, keep my feet up, and take it easy. The contractions are continuing and I can tell when I do too much. I often hit a wall in the evening. It has just stunk!!! I'm so relieved that we made the decision. It's tough to know how strapped for finances we'll be, but it's worth it to keep B inside as long as possible!!

We still have tons to do so I'm trying to accomplish a little bit everyday. My mom and Jason's parents are helping a ton!!! I shouldn't be lifting Max which makes it really really tough for me!!!

Jason is at work today and Max is down at Great Grandma's. Mom gets off at 12 so we're gonna run a few quick errands and come home. Mom is gonna stick around and they'll bring Max back this afternoon. Mom said we'd made meatloaf for dinner and she'll stay till Jason gets home.

It's really stressful but I know it's best for B and me!! I feel so bad for missing work-I know they weren't ready for me to be off.

I've been looking into verses to hold onto during this time. I found this one last weekend at work:

1 Corinthians 10:13 (the Message)
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.

and this one:
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT)
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.

Jason and I have been praying so much about this are comfortable with our decision. We know things will be tough, but it's best for our family. It's crazy knowing that we will have a baby very very very soon!!! We're hoping Max gets over his cough soon and back to happy little self. I think he senses the stress we've been under and can tell mommy can't get down on the floor or carry him. He's gravitated towards daddy (and jason is so good with him!!!). Jason is also so good about taking care of me-forcing me to take it easy and sit whenever possible!!!

We'd appreciate your thoughts and prayers during this time. Even at 36 weeks, B will still be a preemie!!!!

C V S trip/ wags trip

I made a quick trip to C*V*S yesterday. I didn't take a picture and didn't exactly follow my plan but it was still a very good trip. I'm typing this from memory.

I got 2 packs of Stayfree pads. They were on sale with a coupon and got ECBs back.
(these are a stock up for the post partum time).

I got 2 things of Triaminic cough syrup (Bubby has a cold and his pedi recommended it). They were also on sale and I got ECBs back.

3 things of gatoraid (on sale $1/each). Dr. said I could start drinking gatoraid in addition to water since I'm SO SICK OF WATER!!!

Gillette shampoo. On sale, with coupon, ECBs back.

Pack of gum on sale. (I call it Biggest*loser gum-the fruity stuff but really yummy).

I paid only $2.17 OOP and got ECBs back. Again, it's been a rough week so I don't have exact totals. The checkout lady made a huge deal about my coupon binder (which reminds me I can blog about it while on my "bedrest").

I also did Wags on tueday. I've never really had tried Walgreens system so I gave it a whirl. I got 2 more packs of stayfree (on sale everywhere this week!!!). Had a coupon!! Also got refills for my neti pot (they come with a rebate), shampoo (rebate), gilette razor (on sale, coupon, and register rewards ~which is wags version of ECB).

Now that I'm on disability for work money is gonna be tight. I'm really hoping to work the drugstore game to its fullest!!! I saw that diapers are on sale at CVS this week so I'm gonna try to stock up on that!!! Anything we can stockpile and use ECBs, RR, rebates, etc is necessary to get!!! Of course, I'm only getting things we use but I still am spending very little OOP. The wags system is much more difficult to use in my opinion. You do spend more OOP and have to wait on rebates. But my friend Erin assured me to check both ads in order to maximize our stockpile capabilities!!!

Freezer Cooking (part 1-the recipes)

I finally got to do my chicken freezer day!!! (I bought everything on tuesday and have been so tired ever since!!). My mom came and helped me so I could stay seated most of the time!!! She was so helpful!! She had not seen my freezer cooking process so I was happy to share it with her (and she helped me with some time saving ideas)!!

I made 4 different recipes (2 of them are new ones) and made 4 meals worth of each. Just a few hours of work and I have 12 meals!!! That will surely help during this bedrest/light duty/disability/postpartum time!!!

I totaled up the ingredient purchases (without the chicken and 2 things of salad dressing that I had in pantry). I divided it by 12 and it came to $3.74 a bag!!! I can't find my Sam*s club receipt (I know I paid 1.97/lb for the chicken breasts *total 24.39 for chicken breasts*). That adds $2/bag for the chicken breast. I believe the chicken thighs were about $2 a lb (not sure how many pounds but I'm guessing it's only gonna add around a dollar or so. So each meal is about $7 or so. And all I need to add is some sort of veggie from our supply of canned green beans or freezer corn (except for the sweet and sour chicken-it has veggies), and rice or couscous!! I'm so excited!!!

I found all these recipes from a OAMC internet loop. I've adapted them to make them more saucy. On cooking day- all that needs done is thaw and throw in skillet and cook!!!


Russian Chicken
Each gallon bag contains:
1 bottle Russian Salad dressing
1 jar Apricot Preserves (Name brand was on sale!!!)
1 packet of onion soup mix



Sweet and Sour Chicken

Each bag contains:
1 bottle French dressing
1 can Cranberry Sauce
1 can water chestnuts
1 packet onion soup mix

and these 2 bags of frozen stir fry veggies were split into the 3 bags.




Sweet and Spicy Chicken (new recipe)

Each gallon bag contains:
1 jar Apricot preserves
1 jar salsa
1 packet taco seasoning (again-name brand on sale for $.78)

Citrus Ginger Chicken

Each gallon bag contains:
1 jar Orange marmalade
2-3 tablespoons honey mustart
2 tsp giner
sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes

I divided up all the ingredients for the "photo shoot" and labeled all of my bags ahead of time. Since I know the instructions (cook in skillet until done) it just has the name and date prepared.

You can also see my spreadsheet for ingredients. I got this from 30 day gourmet. (which is a great reference for freezer cooking!!). It allows me to plan my shopping trips and figure out all my ingredients. The electronic files come with the purchase of the cookbook. I've gotten several recipes from there!!! Check it out!!

Freezer Cooking Part 2 (the process)

So here is the process of putting these "dump chicken recipes"...so simple- just dump and freeze!!!

I put the gallon freezer bag inside a gallon ice cream bucket to stand it upright. I dump in the wet ingredients and the chicken and mix them all together!!

2 big packages of chicken breasts from Sam*s club- cut into small pieces.

1 pack of chicken thighs cut up (stir fry size pieces)

Mom's brilliant idea was to divide the 2 packages of chicken into 12 piles to make sure we had equal amounts in each bag. We did the same thing to the chicken thighs then.

The labeled Ziploc bags filled with meat and just waiting for sauces.

Freezer Cooking Part 3

Here are the finished products....


Russian Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Chicken

Citrus Ginger Chicken

C V S Trip last week....

At the last minute I decided to go to CVS this weekend and I’m so happy that I did!! I wasn’t overly impressed with the ad-but I had read about some deals I wanted to try out. Well worth my time.

* Herbal Essence #2 (original price 4.69/1) on sale 2.99/1

MQ $3/2 OOP: 2.98/2

ECB earned: $2

*Mylanta (op $7.49/1) on sale clearance 3.74/1

MQ $2/1 OOP: 1.74

ECB earned: $3

*Neutragena Soaps #2 (2.99/1)

OOP: 5.98/2

ECB earned: $10

*Colgate Toothbrushes #2 (3.49/1)

MQ ($.40/1) ($.40/1) OOP: 6.18/2

ECB earned: $4

*Johnson & Johnson Red Cross bandaids #2 (4.99/1)

MQ: $3/2 OOP: 6.98

ECB earned: $6

Totals:

Cost of goods purchased before sales and coupons:

35.12

Amount saved from CVS sales:

7.15

Coupons redeemed:

8.80

Extra Care Bucks redeemed:

22.98

OOP cash:

1.62

Extra Care Bucks Earned:

$25

CVS coupon earned:

$1 off any hair product

I'm so pleased to have "restocked" my ECBs and find many of the "hidden deals" I found posted!! Now that the basement is done I can start to stash my stash and get it all organized!!!

Making Chili!!!

I know it doesn't go along with "taking it easy" but I had made plans to make chili this week. It was supposed to be last night but the basement delay pushed it to tonight. We have friends coming over (we were supposed to work on the basement-but the final inspection got pushed to another day...oh well, another post). So I'm still making chili today and they're coming over just for fun!!

I decided since I have multiple crock pots if I was gonna make 1 crockpot of chili I might as well make 2.

I'm gonna type out the recipe for 1- but I doubled it and did 2 crockpots full. It's part of my attempt to fill my freezer before baby gets here!!! And don't worry, Jason's been a huge help. I keep sitting to rest and drinking more water!!!

Kristi's Chili:
2 lbs ground beef
1 large white onion chopped
1 large green pepper chopped
1 can of chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon garlic
1 pack Carroll Shelby's Chili kit (we love this)
1 large can of tomato juice
1 box of beef broth

Brown the ground beef, drain, add in onion, pepper, tomatoes, and garlic. Let flavors saute together and add half of the main chili seasoning packet.

Transfer contents of skillet into crockpot and add rest of chili packet, tomato juice and beef broth. We usually let it cook all day. At some point we will add the small cayenne packet, salt, and flour if needed. We will also add a small can of tomato paste if needed.

My dueling crockpots are fired up. We'll eat from one and freeze the other (maybe a large ziploc bag and some smaller bags/containers for individual servings).

Since we're running out of time before B gets here- I may try some more doubling recipes and freezing portions. Tomorrow I'm planning on making my freezer Bacon Cheeseburger Rice (it's a Ham*burger helper knock off). I was gonna make a big batch so we could have dinner and some to freeze. I'll post the recipe if I feel up to making it. We're taking it day by day!!!

Oh we serve this with cheese and sour cream!! I can't wait until dinner!!!

Scripture Memorization

So I've been participating in Beth Moore's Siesta Scripture Memorization. Sunday night at work I picked out my next scripture and I'm so thankful that I did. I had bookmarked it on my blackberry and pulled it up and read it over and over yesterday while at the hospital. It totally sustained me!!! God is so good!!!

Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.


I rested in this verse all day. I felt like I was drowning and on fire all at the same time. But the Lord lifted me out of all of my fears and calmed my anxious heart!!!

Thank you Beth Moore for challenging me to do this!!!

First L&D Visit- 32 weeks

So I spent the day in Labor and Delivery yesterday...wow. It was exhausting and draining!!

I had been having cramping for a few weeks (I had mentioned it). Well overnight Sunday night at work it was getting much worse. I went home Monday morning, took a shower, drank a bunch of water and laid down. After an hour I was still experiencing the cramping- more intense. I called my OB and I got sent to L&D. Jason-bless his heart and his coworkers- was able to come with me. I got immediately hooked up to monitors and I was having some contractions. They weren't constant but I was having them. Each cramping episode I had wasn't necessarily a contraction but I was having them.

They did a urinalysis to make sure I didn't have a UTI (which could cause some of the issues I was having)- but I didn't. I did have ketones in my urine though which meant I was dehydrated. **I have no idea how I'm dehydrated!!! I drink so much water every day- but I have to up it now!!!**

The resident checked me and I'm just a cm dilated. (which is good). The baby is far from my cervix opening and they did a test which predicts my chances of earlier labor (Ffn). It was negative so hopefully that will indicate that baby will stay in for a while longer!!

I got a liter and a half of fluid to hydrate me. The RN blew out 2 veins before another nurse actually got the IV started!!! I also got a dose of terbutaline (which is to relax the uterus to stop contractions...but it makes you jittery and jumpy!!!).

My OB came in to see me. She was pleased the FFN was negative. She told me to take it easy over the next few days and keep an eye on things. My next appt is next wednesday so I'm hoping to do that until then.

On the basement front- there was no electrical inspection because it was a holiday. So hopefully the electrical inspection will be today and they will finish today. The final inspection won't be until tomorrow. Which bugs me a little- we had plans for friends to come over tonight and start to put up the TV & shelves. We've postponed that until tomorrow because we can't do anything to the space until after the final inspection. I just hope it all gets done. WE're ready to start working on the space and can't. Jason has 3 days off this week and we had planned to start filling the space this morning!!! Oh well. It'll all get done soon.

And maybe this is how it's supposed to be. I need to take it easy and we have an extra day (although the pounding and cutting in the basement doesn't make for the most relaxing day). Oh well!!!

It's all good!! Baby is good, Max is good, Jas and I are good and the basement is almost done!!! Yay!!!

Basement update:and other various updates

We are so pleased with the progress so far!!! They aren't finishing on friday but expect to be done by monday (which actually works better because I'll be sleeping in prep for my weekend of work!! It's amazing to see the basement transform!!! I can't wait to set up Max's playroom down there!!!

Standing in front of "tv" looking at half wall/exercise/home office area.

Standing in front of "tv"/sump pump closet looking towards other half wall/towards MK office (which is just storage now)

Standing in craft area looking at TV wall/sump pump closet. (short horizontal piece of wood is what the TV will be mounted on).

Jason standing on new carpet that they've begun laying (1 foot tiles back with rubber to have some give, but super easy to remove for shop vac-ing water or rearranging for wear). You can also see the start of the crown molding and the painted black out ceiling!

Standing at bottom of steps looking towards finished portion. Half wall, sump pump closet, tv wall, Max's play area etc.

I'm 32 weeks today or tomorrow (it changes sometime over the weekend). Each day that goes by I get more excited about getting closer to term (or at least Max's D day!!). I'm still pumping water until I get nauseated and trying to rest.

There are updated pictures on Max's Blog if you'd like to see the big boy!! We're hoping to get lots accomplished over the next two weeks, getting the basesment more set up and livable so we can spend time down there!!! I'm also hoping to stock the freezer of various meals (I'll definitely post that progress when I do it). And of course B's nursery needs done!! Yikes!!!
Thanks for checking in on us!!!

C V S

I thought it was somewhat a slow week at C V S but there were just a few things I thought I'd take advantage of...
Jason hasn't found a razor that he's in love with and since the fusion's were on sale with coupons and ECBs I thought we'd try it out (I'm just hoping the replacement blades go on sale sometime)!!

So here is my breakdown:
Gillette Fusion Razor (Original Price 9.99) On sale for 7.99
Manufacturing Coupon $4 off
OOP $3.99
Earned $4 ECB

Nivea Lotion (OP 7.99)
MQ $1 off
OOP 6.99

Nivea Lip Balm (OP 2.99)
MQ $1 off
OOP 1.99

Earned $3 ECB for Nivea $10 purchase

Totals:
Original Price of products purchased: 20.97 (plus tax)
C V S sales: $2 off
MQ (manufacturer's coupons): $6 off (4 +1 + 1)
ECB redeemed: 12.49 (5 + 5 + 2.49)

OOP (out of pocket) total: $ .97

ECB earned: $7 (3 + 4)


No coupons this week- I'm kind of sad. I guess because it's a holiday!! (president's day)
I found a nifty post showing what ads will be in the paper when (red plum, smart source, pg brand saver). There are some weeks it may be worth it to buy a second paper!!!

another weekend done.....

I feel kind of bad about that last post-I seemed pretty whiney. I can't believe how busy we were this weekend at work...and I actually made it through the weekend okay!! Everything that seemed to go wrong did- but I did okay!!! I drank a ton of water...seriously- so much water. I still had some cramping but for the most part I felt alright. I still can't believe I'm 31 weeks pregnant. It was a full moon last night...I was convinced I'd either have a gazillion codes or I'd go into labor!!! I only had 1 code and no baby yet!! Our NICU is full so I'd like to avoid it if possible!!! Haha!!

We're really gonna try to get lots done this week. Jason's work schedule is mon, wed, fri this week so we don't get our special three days off together- but we do have our work cut out for us. We are hoping the basement gets finished by friday...eek!!! I'm so excited!!! I also would like to get the guest room emptied so we can start on B's nursery and start turning Max's room into his special Big Boy Room!!!

Pregnancy 2.0

I've been meaning to post some things about this pregnancy and totally keep forgetting.

This pregnancy has sucked. Hahaha!! Really-it's been just very different, convincing me that this one is a girl. However I'm not sure at all that that is the case!!! I was sick for almost 17-18 weeks. I've starting cramping (I mentioned it in a previous post) and having braxton hicks often. My sciatica pain started much earlier on and I have had horrible heartburn!!!

However, B kicked earlier (or at least I was aware earlier) and is very very active!!!

Being pregnant in a different season calls for an entirely new wardrobe!! Luckily my Lands End winter jacket Jason bought me after Max was born is loose enough to still fit now which is great! I ended up getting new scrub pants (my mom insisted!!). I found scrubs that are Cherokee brand (non maternity) but have a yoga style top (fold over waste band). They are so cute and really comfy-I can't believe how comfy they are!!! I also have bought many long sleeve t-shirts- both from Old Navy and Gap and I must say- I've been most pleased with the Gap ones. The Old navy ones tend to be shorter (not good for my pregnant belly) and the hems come un done way too easily. The Gap ones are divine!!!

I've also discovered the joy of the secret panel jeans from motherhood maternity!! Oh the joy!!! So very comfy!!!

Since I'm one of the first of my girlfriends to be having #2-I thought I'd post these here for them to find!!!

Basement Renovations Day 4 and various updates

It's going great!!! It looks really neat but I fear pictures wouldn't do it justice.

I wasn't however prepared for the annoyance home renovation would provide. People constantly in and out of the house, the noise, and the smells!!! The workers are completely professional and very nice. We spent the day away yesterday as they were painting the black out ceiling. I still have a headache though. All the products they use though for the walls are metal (metal studs and frames for the walls-no wood). You can imagine how loud it is!!!

I know it will all be worth it in the end!!!

I had my appointment with the OB yesterday and everything looks great!! I'm not progressing (as I was worried I had been). She does want me to call though if the cramping continues and becomes regular at all (even 10 minute intervals)...ack!!! That freaks me out!!!

Little Max is doing great with the renovations too. I was afraid the sounds would freak him out...that kid has no awareness of his surroundings. He has just been playing like nothing is different!!! Maybe he'll be this adaptable when B comes home!!! Let's hope!!!

C V S week 3

All in all I was pleased with this week. I made one critical error that I'm hoping to fix today...we'll see.

So I started with the Glade 4 for $10 with ECB
I got 2 candles and 2 scented oils refills.
Original price for all 4= 17.16
Sale price 4/$10
Coupons used:
$1.5/2 and $2/2
6.50 out of pocket
$5 Extra Care Bucks earned

***
Speed Stick Deodorant 2 for $5
OP 6.38 for 2
$.75/2
4.25 OOP

Colgate 2 for $5
OP 6.58 for 2
$.75/1 & $.75/1
3.58 OOP

Soft Soap/Irish Spring Shower Gel 2 for $7
OP 10.28 for 2
$1/1 & $.50/1
5.50 OOP

Soft Soap Hand Soap $1
OP 2.49 for 1
$.35/1
$.65 OOP

ECB $5 earned for Spending $15 on the previous products
*****

Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion $2.99
OP 3.69 for 1
$1.25/1
$1.74OOP
******
Excedrin $2.49
2.49 OOP
ECB earned $2.49
****
Colgate total $6.99/2 (twin pack)
$1/1
5.99 OOP
**should have earned 2 in ECB (sticker on box)
Did not get this ECB-going to try to take it back and get ECB or return product***

*******
SO- original prices on all products= 56.06
Sale prices= 40.47
Coupons= 10.65
ECB redeemed = 29.99
OOP= 1.34
ECB earned = 12.49
(will hopefully earn 2 more bucks today!!!)

Still learning- I paid more attention at the checkout but should've said something about the 2 bucks I thought I should've earned. I wouldn't have bought that toothpaste if there were no bucks back on them!! I did fill in my email for a coupon to be emailed to me for $4 more ECB.
I know we'll use all that I bought. I also picked up the february ad to look at and see what else I may get. I liked all the products on the spend 15 and get $5. It was only a limit 1 and I have multiple coupons. I'm contemplating getting more soft soap. $.65 OOP isn't a bad price. I hate that I get no more ECB though. Also I have a ton of toothpaste coupons and we really like the Colgate Max but I'm trying to be smart about the spending!! I don't want to deplete my ECB the first week of the month!!!

But bottom line-pay attention. And quit leaving husband in car with son...just go by myself!!!


**UPDATE**
I stopped at another new C V S
(I did not mention that yesterdays purchases were at a new C V S that I did not care for)-
I really liked the one today and I got my $2 in ECB!!! So I got a total of $14.49 in Bucks to roll over!!! And the cashier was very nice and understanding!!! Woo hoo!!!

Basement Renovation Day 1

I know I've blogged alot today...but I'm busying myself while I'm watching TV. Today is the first day of Basement Renovation!!! (woot woot)!!!

I worked all night last night and we decided that maybe it would be best if I stayed at the house today instead of going to mom's to sleep as originally planned. I knew I'd be afraid sleeping in my closed off bedroom while these men were working in the basement-so I'm laying on the couch-well, right now I'm sitting on the couch watching my DVR'd shows from late last week and weekend. I'm very sleepy and hoped to try to catnap some on the couch. However, today is "framing day" they're framing all the walls. Framing involves hammering and drilling and also cutting metal (I think those are the sounds I hear!!).

I hoping to get pictures to post of the progress....

Scripture Memorization

I'm participating in scripture memorization through Beth Moore's blog. Each 1st and 15th we're picking out a new scripture and working on memorizing it!!

Last month I picked this one:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9 (NIV)
Such a beautiful timely verse that I was able to speak through many dark nights and moments.

My current verse is:
"Blessed is she who has believed that what the LORD has said to her will be accomplished"
Luke 1:45
I want this verse to be my mantra as I know that the Lord will carry us through this scary time right now. I have no reason to be afraid.

If you're interested in joining the scripture memorization team check out the LPM blog. I can already see my faith strengthening through the memorizing of these scriptures. I love having a scripture on my lips in times of trial or tribulation!!!!

What's in a name?

Giving B a name has proved to be a difficult difficult task!!! I think when we were picking out names for Max everything just fell into place. We knew we had the family name picked out if it was a boy and somehow we miraculously agreed easily on girl names.
Max Charles is named after Jason's paternal grandfather and my maternal grandfather. I'm so proud to have been able to pass along these two names.
Jason's Grandpa Max was quite the man from what I've heard. While I never had the chance to meet him, I've been told I would have loved him. Max shares his curls and evidently his temper:) (Jason says they sometimes referred to him as "Mad Max"). This family patriarch was snatched from his loved ones way too early. I feel like this family has been able to have a glimpse of Grandpa Max again now that Little Max is in our lives!!!! My Grandpa Charles Harold always went by Harold but I was so excited to use Charles as Max's middle name. He was the only Grandpa I knew and I loved him. He had the greatest sayings and even though he was totally predictable I still laughed every time he said them!! I shared my love of Grandpa's tractors and I'm so excited to actually hang up the collection once the basement renovation gets finished (and share them with Max).

So now on to B. We still feel a match with our previously chosen girl names and so those remain on the list. We do like to go into the delivery room with several names. Murphy's law tells me this is another boy- and B will just be "Baby Boy" until he's 18!!! We still are discussing it and have some time (hopefully 7-10 weeks)!!!!

Its tough to pick a name for a child. I mean, I look at Max- he's definitely a Max. 100%. I hope we hit it the same way this time!!!

On a side note-please keep our health in your prayers. This weekend was somewhat rough. I'm just now 30 weeks and I'm starting to wonder if B has dropped and if I'm progressing!!! Ack!!!! I know how very blessed we are that Max, even though being born at 35 weeks, was absolutely perfect and healthy!!! I am so very afraid that this baby will come even sooner!! I'm praying currently for peace and discernment. I want peace to wash over me to know that God is indeed in control and discernment and clarity to know when to act and how to handle it!! It's a constant prayer and a constant lesson to learn. I do feel God's peace and then I start to panic and I feel His peace slipping away (it's not that He's taking it away, it's that I'm actually pushing Him away!). Learning so much right now...it's amazing!!!