Joyfully Thriving

Grace-Filled Frugal Living

Baby Gear You Don’t Need

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As we are going through our third time with an infant, I'm reminded that there is a lot of baby gear you don't need. There are lots of practical things to do and buy to get ready for baby, but there are things you can skip, too. I continue to simplify things more every time around and am here today to share my (updated) take on baby things you don't need to do or buy for your little one. I've revised my previous opinions on snaps and zippers. I still prefer zippers for newborns but then prefer snaps once they are a couple weeks old. Babies really don't need as much stuff as the baby … Read More...

Summer Bucket List for Families

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Summer is officially here! Andy is done with school and all his teacher meetings so we are ready to enjoy our summer. I've been making lists for weeks now of all I want to accomplish this summer. My summer bucket list includes working on our digital photo albums, blogging, organizing and some reading. I made a list in my bullet journal for myself and made sure to include some fun things like a date night with Andy, a family ice cream outing and a game night with friends. Andy has his own list of projects he wants to accomplish at home and school. And of course, we are all looking forward to … Read More...

Unique Graduation Gifts for a Christian Graduate

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It's that time of year when we are beginning to celebrate graduations! Whether graduating from Kindergarten or eighth grade, high school or college, these milestones are worth celebrating. There are countless recommendations for unique graduation gifts but would do you give the Christian graduate that is unique and faith-based? I like unique Christian graduation gifts that will celebrate the graduate and encourage them in their faith. That is what I want in a graduation gift. Four of my cousins graduated from my alma mater, Concordia University Seward, this weekend. I am so proud of them, … Read More...

Our Life Now with 3 Children

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It's hard to believe how quickly the past weeks have gone! It some ways, it seems like our sweet Lily Grace was just born, but yet it seems like Lily has always been part of our family. It's been a busy couple weeks but we are settling into our new life as a family of five so it's time for another family update! Lily is 7 weeks old today! You can read more about her birth story and first week at home here. Lily is a sweet baby who is growing up so quickly! She's more awake and alert every day. We've reached the stage of full smiles which we love to coax out of her. Lily loves to lay … Read More...

Announcing the Arrival of Lily Grace

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Babies have their own time tables, don't they? I know many of you have been waiting for this baby update, so we are excited to announce the arrival of Lily Grace Whirrett - born on Monday, March 12. Here's a bit of Lily's story (and pictures) from the past 10 days! After 2 babies and 2 C-sections (for different reasons), I knew early on that baby number 3 would also be a C-section. My wonderful doctor confirmed that the risks were too high for me to deliver any other way. All 3 of our babies have also been due right around the National Lutheran Grade School's Annual Tournament Weekend in … Read More...

Everything You Need to Know about Preparing for Baby

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Before I became pregnant, I started scouring books and blogs for all sorts of advice about preparing for baby. When I became pregnant the first time, my research increased. I knew a lot would be learned by experience but I wanted to be as prepared as I could be. Does this sound familiar to any other moms out there? My first baby arrived and I learned so much! Baby number two arrived and I learned even more. Baby number three arrives later this week and I know will continue to learn more. Here are a couple of the lessons I have learned about preparing for a new baby. Babies don't have … Read More...

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