Book Review: Out Of A Far Country

Out Of A Far Country by Christopher Yuan & Angela Yuan makes you really think.  It is the true story, told by both mother and son, of Christopher's journey from a destructive life of homosexuality and drugs to his redemption and life now as a follower of Christ.  It is raw and sometimes extremely painful to read (no holds barred).  It also highlights Angela's journey toward following Christ and learning to let go as a mother and trust that God is in control, even of her family.  By the end of the book, both mother and son are extremely different people.  This book offers a lot of hope for those struggling with homosexuality or those wanting to minister to the gay community.

Included in the back of the book is a discussion guide for personal reflection and group use.  I personally did not go through this study.

Want a sneak peek of this book?  Click here to read an excerpt of Out Of A Far Country.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

E's Birth Story

I had a few complications at the end of E's birth so I decided to share them.  I had been having contractions off and on for well over a week.  I was kind of hoping my water would break like it did with D because then I would know I needed to go to the hospital. 

I woke up on the morning of her birth with contractions on and off and I just didn't "feel" right.  I really didn't want to go to the hospital just to be sent home.  My doctor had told me that I was 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced a few days before.  I had the brilliant idea to go see my doctor, who happens to be right next to the hospital.  He could tell me if I should go in and then I wouldn't have to be embarrassed if I was wrong.  Long and short, I called my doctor's office and they asked me to come in right away so off we went. 

When my doctor checked me at around 11am I was 5 cm dilated and 100% effaced so he sent me next door to have our baby!  Even though it was right next door by the time we checked in it was noon and then I was 8 cm dilated. 

The doctor on call decided that breaking my water might speed things along.  When they did this, they found meconium.  They weren't super alarmed but they were concerned and so during delivery there was a NICU doctor waiting for our baby - waiting to suction out the lungs in case of meconium complications. 

 E was checked out right away!

I labored for another 2-3 hours.  My pain was a little off but I couldn't place why.  When it came time to push, it became obvious.  I pushed E's head out with one push and the doctor noticed a chunk of my placenta behind her head - she gently pulled the baby the rest of the way (according to my hubby, I didn't really see this). 

Apparently, sometime during delivery I had placenta abruption, which is pretty bad news. 

Luckily, E was born perfectly healthy.  The NICU doctor was super pleased with her - they just monitored us both a little more closely the first day.  You can tell in this picture right after delivery that my color and E's color are a bit off, more gray than pink - I am fairly certain that has to do with the abruption. 

E and I right after delivery.  With my 5 kiddos I have had 4 different doctors deliver them.  This was my only repeat doc, delivering C & E - she was fantastic!

Anyhoo, long in short is that E came at just the right time - for both of us!  Praise God that we are both okay!!  Thanks for all the prayers during my pregnancy, they really were heard.

 Us with my doctor, whom I love :)  And yes, I am sleep deprived.  I was so tired but I couldn't sleep at all the first night because all I wanted to do was stare at E.

Birthday Party

Happy Birthday to you, Emily!
We have a tradition at our house.  Whenever we have a baby, the youngest child above the baby, makes a birthday cake.  So D got to make E, Emily Elaine (for all those wondering) her first birthday cake!  It is always so fun for me to watch this event and of course everyone loves to eat the cake :)

D choosing the cake.

In goes the mix.

A little help from Daddy with the eggs :)

Mixing

Pouring

Pouring with a smile!

Enjoying a lick

Frosting, it helps to have the right tools.

The finished cake.  D picked the colors - she really wanted red and purple.

 D admiring her work of art.

 E getting a glance.

Introducing Baby E

We had a GIRL today!! 3:03pm to be exact.  Our 5th child on the 5th of October!  She weighed in at 8 lbs 3 oz (my record holder by an ounce) and is 19 3/4 inches long.  We are still praying for her name but I can tell you it will begin with an E!  E and I are doing well and without further delay let me introduce you to her.

Snuggling with Mommy

Where oh where is Baby E & other Family news

No baby yet, although I am waiting anxiously to meet my littlest one!  I really hope it is in the next day or two but we shall see.  I have been trying to "walk the baby out" so maybe that is helping.  I met a lady in Michaels last week and when she found out I was about to have my fifth child she told me that I seemed extremely sane - ha!  Glad to know that :)

Have you heard of sandwich bites puzzle cutters?  I bought this the other day and love it - helps add a bit of fun to lunchtime.

Puzzle sandwiches, ready to be eaten and solved :)

I served then with fruit and the kids loved them!

Super C eating his lunch!

 B woke up this morning with her first loose tooth!  She is so excited and has been spending a better part of the morning determined to get it out.  And a few days ago I was able to go to the bread outlet and buy all our bread for the month - I save quite a bit on our monthly grocery bill when I am able to do this!  That's why there is so much bread behind B in this picture. 

Book Review: As Silver Refined

As Silver Refined by Kay Arthur is truly inspirational.  I love the imagery of the refiner of metals right from the beginning.  The one who takes his lump of ore and creates "choice" silver.  We are the silver and God is our Refiner.

Arthur addresses that when you live for God, warfare is inevitable.  You mind is the battlefield and in order to combat the strategies of the enemy you must understand the principles of warfare and be able to fight.  The major strategies that are used by the enemy against us are distraction, deception and what Arthur refers to as the 5 other Deadly D's: disappointment, discouragement, dejection, despair and demoralization.  One can go on a downward spiral to the lowest point beginning with disappointment.  However, all is not lost!  Handling disappointment both according to scripture and quickly in the battleground of your mind before you slip into the Deadly D's is imperative.  Your first response should be of obedience.  You must believe God over your feelings, thoughts and circumstances.  Every disappointment becomes a trial of your faith.  Arthur shows us how to see our disappointments as His appointments.

I love that Arthur includes many stories and testimonies that are practical examples of how to walk out hard situations.  Some examples come straight from the Bible and some come from ordinary people today.  This book is a great tool for learning victory over discouragement and I would highly recommend it.  It challenges the way you view life and respond to every day situations. 

Included in the back of the book is a 13-week companion Bible study.  I personally did not go through this study but it looks really good.  It looks like a study that would work both individually or in a group setting.

Want a sneak peek of this book?  Click here to read an excerpt of As Silver Refined.

Disclosure: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

My First Busy Bag Swap

I am participating in my first busy bag swap (thanks Sarah).  Yeah!!  There are only a few of us but I am still excited.  I made the cupcake busy bags, the link can be found here - thanks MoneySavingMom!  I have been having contractions pretty much every night for the last week so I was able to knock these bags out pretty quickly :)

 I might have went a little overboard with how many I included but I wanted lots of options.  You can see the cupcakes, frostings and liners here.

And of course the toppings!

 The finished bags - and they are in the mail :)  Hope you ladies like them!