Freecycle

We discovered Freecycle several years ago through my friend Amanda when she was living in Fort Collins. It has provided some of the best bargain finds for our family as well as many frustrating moments. Every time I think I am going to give up on the whole system we find something great that makes it worthwhile again. Overall I love Freecycle and tell everybody about it when they are looking for a great deal for their home or family.

Freecycle allows you to post wanted items or to offer things you would like to get rid of. This is a great way for us to clean out our closets and get rid of things when it isn't garage sale season or even leftovers from our yearly garage sale. There is also a swap group that is fun to trade things around on. You will always have people who commit and then never show up or people you email 6 times and they still never give you an address to pick up so you just have to give up on them. Overall though you can find some pretty great things!

We have been SO blessed these past couple months with the amazing things we have gotten for Lucy through Freecycle. I first of all back in May started looking for furniture for her room. I wanted time to be semi picky about it as they are pieces I want to use for many years and potentially multiple children. Some of the items we received were:

Crib: wooden and in excellent condition, also converts to a toddler bed plus
Bookshelf: 3 shelfs, great shape
Changing Table/Dresser: excellent condition with two shelfs and three drawers
Rocking Chair: great condition, and beautiful wood!
Baby Bath Tub: brand new!
Stroller: jogging type - picking this up today, just needs a $20 new tire replacement
etc.

All of Lucy's furniture happens to match in wood color as well and looks great in her room. We are so excited to start decorating her new to us things!

We were also blessed by tons of baby clothes. I have yet to purchase any clothes for her and she is set for the first 9 months of her life! One lady had two little girls and was excited to give us 8 bags of clothes, sleepers, bibs, hats, socks, bath items, etc. Amazing and yes FREE!

Of course we are grateful for our friends and family who have gifted us various items as well, including clothes, bumbo seat, books, bouncer, infant car seat w/ 2 bases, etc. We can't believe those who already love Lucy so much  - both we know and don't know!

Thank You to those who have helped make sure she looks cute every day of her life and is provided for  with more than she will ever need!

The Joys of Nesting!

Make sure to check out an update on Heidi's cooking blog about nesting and freezer meals in preparation for Lucy's arrival!

The Homemade and Dairy Free Kitchen 

http://homemadeanddiaryfreekitchen.blogspot.com/

September: Indiana - Baby Moon - Wedding

September has proven to already be a busy month for us and we are only half way through!

We traveled to Indiana to visit with Heidi's family for several days. It was a busy couple days combined with birthday celebrations, baby shower, baby moon in Chicago, and attending a wedding! Even though the trip was quick it was filled with lots of fun memories and milestones.

We celebrated Heidi's birthday in Indiana with her parents and grandparents by going out to dinner at a Japanese Steak House (Heidi's favorite!) This was the first time since Heidi was 17 that she was able to celebrate her special day with her family. It was a wonderful evening and even though Heidi missed out on eating Sushi, Kevin and her dad for sure enjoyed theirs!

Spending time with Heidi's grandparents Ray and Ruth Tyson is always some of the most cherished time in the world. They are getting ready to celebrate their 70th Wedding Anniversary in December and what an example of Godly love they show through their marriage and life together. We enjoy playing cards with them and I know Lucy loved hearing great grandma's voice for the first time. Our prayer is that no matter how much time Lucy gets to spend with her great grandparents that she would understand the importance and specialness of being named after such wonderful women.

Heidi's parents, sister and her sister's best friend more than out did themselves with our Open House Baby Shower. The theme was centered around books and the evening was more than perfect and special. The food correlated with some of our favorite childhood books and guests were asked to bring a book with a special message written to Lucy instead of a card. She received so many special books, outfits, and other fun baby items. We can't wait to read from her abundant library! Thank You to those who attended or sent special notes/gifts. Specially Thank You to our parents, Krista, and Jessica!

After our time in Indiana we headed to Illinios for Nate and Leah's wedding. It was a beautiful evening and we were so honored to be part of their special day! Can't wait to for you guys to come visit soon - you know Denver is where you belong! Congrats to Nate and Leah Dobbins!!!!

The following day we drove back to Chicago to catch our flight back to Denver. We spend the day in Chicago as a Baby Moon! We bought our favorite candy bars at Macy's and Lucy's special coming home from the hospital outfit. Then enjoyed lunch at our favorite restaurant Elephant & Castle. They serve the BEST French Onion Soup and Heidi couldn't miss out on that!

Things in Denver are still going well. Kevin is loving his job and Heidi has had over a $3000 quarter in sales with Tastefully Simple with 15 more days to go. We are excited for two more baby showers to come and looking forward to setting up Lucy's nursery as we prepare to meet our baby girl.

Only 14 weeks until our Due Date!!!!