Introducing the Newest Member of the Kingdom First Mom Family

It’s really hard to believe that nine days have passed since our little man made his way into the world! I also cannot believe that I am just now announcing his arrival! Can I blame mommy brain?!?!

So, without further ado, let me introduce you to our newest addition.

Campbell “Cam” Shane Norton was born at 2:13 pm on Sunday, September 23. He weighed 8 lbs, 8 oz, and was 20 inches long. Cam is precious and sweet and beloved by his three big sisters (aka, the three little mommas!).

Both Cam and I are doing well, and I will be sharing his birth story soon. Until then, things will be quiet and slow around here as we adjust to a newborn once again living in our house!

 

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Enjoy today. It will be worth it.

From contributing writer Meagan of Frugal Fun and Fortune

Rush. Rush. Rush.

Summer is coming to an end, and with it comes the back-to-school craze.  Driving the kids here.  Racing across town there.  Grocery shopping.  Bill paying.  Cooking.  Cleaning.  Laundry.  Work.  To-do lists.  Errands.  Doctor’s appointments.

It’s seems like we can never get a moment to breathe.  We run ourselves ragged, miss out on much-needed sleep, and often over-commit.  In this 9 to 5 society of non-stop GO, sometimes it’s truly necessary to force ourselves to s-l-o-w-d-o-w-n.

When was the last time you carved out some precious time for some of the following stress-relieving, relaxing, and enjoyable activities?

  • Journaling
  • Reading
  • Baking cookies… just for fun
  • Lying under the stars and taking it all in
  • Watching the sun climb higher in the sky
  • Spending a day at the park
  • Dancing freely
  • Singing your heart out
  • Laughing until you cry
  • Writing a letter to a friend
  • Chatting over coffee
  • Taking snapshots of everyday life
  • Taking a nap on a rainy day
  • Choosing the scenic route on the drive home
  • Painting your nails a crazy color
  • Looking through old photo albums
  • Finding adventure outside
  • Having a tea party
  • Exercising
  • Taking a bubble bath
  • Spending a little extra time on your hair and makeup
  • Listening to music on a lazy afternoon
  • Exploring nature trails
  • Feeling the wind on your face
  • Watching wildlife
  • Turning off the sound (electronics, Internet, TV)
  • Taking a stroll, hand-in-hand with your spouse
  • Creating meaningful art
  • PRAYING

Maybe these seem childish, or perhaps this list seems like whimsical dreaming.  But maybe, just maybe, this list can inspire some therapeutic ideas for simple and enjoyable living.

Whatever it is that clears your mind, soothes your heart, and relaxes your body… it’s very important that you find time for it.

We keep going… and going… and going.  We get depressed.  We stress out.  We destroy our physical and mental health.  We are TIRED; all the time.

That to-do list can be put aside from time to time.  It will always be there, pressuring us to extend ourselves beyond our limits.

Today, let’s take some time to enjoy life. Let’s be kind to ourselves.

And tomorrow? We will be well-rested.  We will feel refreshed and ready to tackle that to-do list.  We can accomplish more.

It will be worth it.

God created that day of rest for a reason.  He knew it was necessary

*Photo Credit

What is your favorite way to relax, unwind and enjoy life?

About Meagan Newsome
Meagan authors Frugal Fun & Fortune, where she writes about saving money, giving to others, delicious Vegetarian recipes, simple living, and her life adventures. Her greatest passions include chasing after God wholeheartedly, social justice and being a good wife. You can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Read more by Meagan -> | Blog

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Healthy Living: A Fresh Start

I am not a fan of New Year’s Resolutions. Goals? I can do those. Over a week into the New Year and big changes are happening in our household. I have some major goals to accomplish and we are already well underway.

I am sharing these goals with you all with a bit of hesitation, as you may have noticed I have not gotten very personal on this blog for some time. Sharing coupons and frugal tips is easy, but sharing my heart is another story. Ironically, an opportunity from Walmart was just the nudge I needed to share some of what’s been going on “behind the scenes”.

Late last summer, my oldest daughter, whom I raised alone until she was four, received a diagnosis of a neuro-psychological development disorder. {I shudder at that D word, but there it is}. This diagnosis rocked. my. world. She is not ill, this is not a life-threatening condition, or one that many would even notice. But it is one that any mother grieves.

I became angry, confused and frustrated. And then? I got busy. I finally had an answer to what I had wondered about for many years. The diagnosis was just a label, but armed with that puzzle piece of information, I became empowered. I began voraciously researching all that I could get my hands on about her condition. Small changes took place, and glimmers of hope replaced my despair.

Each change had a common theme: HEALTH.

We added supplements to her diet, added more organic foods and eliminated most processed foods. I made great strides in reducing the toxins in our home – those found in our kitchen, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene products. I learned about natural home remedies and the importance of Vitamin D. I studied scripture on how our bodies were created.

My frugal lifestyle was put on hold for a while as I invested in these changes. I may have gone a little crazy at the health food store.  {ahem} That’s where my goals come in. January brings a fresh start and even more changes to our home. A healthier lifestyle is not only critical for my daughter, but for my entire household. I MUST work on ways to incorporate these changes the frugal way. Coupons can still play a role in this lifestyle; admittedly a smaller role – and that’s okay!

Goals:

Continue to improve our diet by serving real, nourishing foods.

This change will certainly force help us eat out less. I am thrilled to finally own a chest freezer (my Christmas present from hubs) which will make a huge difference! I plan to stock it with local meats, homemade stock and freezer meals. Sara is now on a gluten-free diet, and it really seems to be helping her!

Further reduce toxins in our home.

Toxins are all around us and are impossible to avoid completely. But for a child with special needs, they can make a major impact. I have already replaced nearly all of our cleaning supplies (and even some beauty supplies) with homemade versions and will be sharing more recipes in future blog posts.

Make a conscience effort to exercise with my children.

I tend to avoid exercise because I do not need to lose weight. However, I am keenly aware of the benefits of exercise beyond just weight control. Weight-bearing exercise is critical for preventing osteoporosis. Not to mention my toddler is quite the armful these days! Since I am too cheap frugal to join a gym, the family room will have to do. Involving my children will keep me accountable, and I know they will enjoy it.

Changes Ahead

There you have it. Not your typical New Year’s goals, huh? Each week in January, I will be sharing more on my progress and reasons behind these changes. An unexpected  (but welcome) benefit came out of this diagnosis – health has become a huge passion of mine. You will be seeing more of this side of me in 2011… I guarantee it. ;)

I am a member of the Walmart Moms program. Walmart has provided me with compensation to share my journey to healthier living with you as part of the Fresh Start Challenge. Participation is voluntary and as usual, all opinions are my own.

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Christmas Greetings

As we celebrate the joyous birth of our Savior, I wish you a Merry Christmas from my family to yours!

“ Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
Luke 2:14

I am enjoying a brief blogging break to honor my family and will return shortly. Have a blessed holiday!

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