Blog Alert!

On the recommendation of my new friend Amber, I looked up this blog by the wife of one of the members of Selah. Her name is Angie Smith. My word; what a testament to the Lord and His preservation in sorrow and in joy.

Read on, but not without a big ole' box of tissues and some serious time to devote...can you tell it is the first day campers are at camp? It's going to be a late night, and I certainly found something to do!

Here is Audrey's legacy: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/2008/01/beginning-of-story.html

Everything's Amazing; nobody's happy

Oh my gosh! This is SO true and is totally crackin' me up today! How 'bout y'all?

Now I don't feel so bad!

As some of you know, I have been working on my house, and I shall continue to stay strong and do so, but this Mama of many gets it. And now, I don't feel so bad! <3 What a realistic encouragement!

Mmm...breakfast!

I was going to make this this morning until I got to the end...I think I better wait until I have more participants in breakfast than just Nehemiah and I, or I might eat it all! It looks yummy and different--I want to mix things up! ;)



Easy-Bake Dutch Baby - More DIY How To Projects

Learning

I was so blessed to learn as much as I did during my pregnancy with Adelynne about pregnancy and birthing. The learning continues as I've had two rough starts (but successful!) with breastfeeding! And Ben and I have also started up with natural family planning. These things combined have given me a new and greater appreciation for God's design of mama's bodies, and babies. I have so enjoyed learning these things, and I hope that I can pass on my knowledge to as many people as possible. I've been thinking that after my little one's are grown, I may go back to school to get trained as a Certified Nurse Midwife.

I have had some great nurses and doctors and some not so great. It is amazing the questions I asked of multiple "experts" that I later (sometimes too late) found answers to on my own because the questions were brushed aside. I love discovering those answers, and like I said, passing them on!

Since Adelynne has been born I have learned an important thing about my body that I believe will change future births into more comfortable experiences. And as far as nursing goes...check out what I've read just today...so fun!

This tells all about why you don't formula supplement in the hospital at first if you are hoping to start a good breastfeeding relationship, and in such a cute way!

This one about God's design for that first milk, colostrum, to help heal babies' developing intestines.

And self-attachment is something I had read about before Nehemiah and Adelynne were born, but apparently I should have looked into it further, because I wasn't quite patient enough! They both developed such painful latching techniques initially, and Adelynne and I ended up back in the hospital for observation because she wasn't gaining weight properly--all because of a bad latch. I can't help but wonder if I had waited, what God might have shown me! Thank goodness I'll probably have another chance someday!

I found these links by reading a fascinating blog by a black woman advocating for breastfeeding. Her blog is called Blacktating, and I have to say I didn't realize it was as rare as it is in the black community! I am blessed to be in a community where breastfeeding is the norm, though I think I will be surprised how rare it really is elsewhere--what a shame!

Sorry, I started rambling, and I hear Nehemiah babbling away in his room, up from his nap, so, I'd better jet! Thanks for looking with me a little deeper into God's design. I am excited to see what else He reveals to me about these things; I am so in awe with each new revelation!

Coming up for air

My goodness! What a transition it is from 1 munchkin to 2! It is fun, but it has me meeting myself coming and going and feeling like I don't accomplish much other than keeping the kiddos alive and clean on a regular basis! ;)

There have been many times I wanted to sit down and blog or post pictures lately--though I'm having some minor camera issues that will take some resolving first. I am choosing to blog this because it is quick and interesting.

I saw it on the news yesterday, and it seems like a really great way to support local independent companies. I think it is structured for more metropolitan areas than where I live, but I love the concept, so I thought I'd share! It is called the 3/50 project, and the basics are that you pick your 3 favorite local companies and then spend $50 a month between them. When you spend locally--instead of at chains or big-box stores, 68% of it stays local, compared to roughly 43% of the money spent at the chains. Check out the site if you like. I think it is smart economics in times like these!

World for $1

I just saw a deal where you have the possibility to get a hotel out of 15,000 the world over for $1 a night. It is a little gimmicky, because they only do it for 15 minutes a day, and they only give you hints for when that will be, but if you are interested in giving it a shot...Head on over and check out Last Minute Travel's
Visit World for $1 .
It doesn't exactly say when time runs out on this deal, so if it has expired, I am sorry. I am not going anywhere soon, or I would try it out for you! ;)

Some true Valentine's Lovin'

Yesterday I was having a great conversation with friends about the difference between religion for the sake of religion, and religion as an outpouring of love from our Lord, who is indeed Love. I knew what I wanted to say, and how I felt, but I was having a difficult time articulating it! Anyway, I was on my cyber-friend Sarah's blog, and she had a twitter update that linked to an article that articulated it! How timely! I particularly found this quote to pertain to our conversation:

Before: Tough Love is withholding Love from others as a means of disapproval or attempt to bring change.
Now: Tough Love is Loving others without condition, regardless of the result.

The rest of the article is wonderful! If you're interested, please head over here and read it!

Hope you had a great V-Day!

We did! Ben made a yummy Coffee Cake for breakfast, took me to lunch, and grilled pork chops and potatoes for dinner on the 13th which is when we technically celebrated. Last night he was cooking the Sweetheart's dinner out at camp for the Valentine's Retreat. I got a day out with friends, and then when he came home, we watched So I Married an Axe Murderer, an ate Strawberry Ice Cream with a few Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate French Truffles mixed in! Talk about indulgent!

Found something fun!

How have I missed out on this blog for so long? It's so great! I think I'll have to read it often, just for the encouragement. Hooray for miracles! Click on over to read my charming kids. Most of you aren't pregnant like me, so maybe you won't bawl like a baby when you read today's post...then again, maybe you will anyway. :)

Raise the flag...aka:uplift someone!

My friend Sarah found this great tutorial for making mini mailboxes. The mailboxes are in the $1 section at Target for Valentine's Day. I loved the idea of having year-'round (as in, not just for Valentine's) boxes designated for encouragement and little treats. They are meant specifically for kids, but I think Ben and I can use encouragement too! And I want to cultivate encouraging hearts in my children as they grow; I think it will be good for them to see everyone getting involved. Besides, it will give me an excuse/reminder to be romantic. I thought I'd show you how they came out...can't wait to hang them on the walls in our rooms!

For the Boys

Let's hear it for the Girls!

Oh, and because it has been a long time since I have decoupaged anything--mostly because the last thing I tried was not that great, I looked for some information on good strategies and came across a helpful tutorial here! I'd love to hear how it goes if you try it yourself!

I did it!!!

I have trimmed Nehemiah's hair a few times, just around his ears, a tiny bit off the back, and his bangs, so he can see. But I have been intimidated by the rest of his hair. And the little stinker just keeps growing it! It has been really thick and long on the top for awhile now, so I decided today was a good day to try to do something about it!

As always when attempting something new and sometimes daunting, I consulted my good buddy the internet! I found a video tutorial, and a blog post about this task. I also picked up the tip that you snip up in little snips after cutting across so that it looks less choppy and more natural the first time my stylist friend Megan trimmed Nehemiah's hair. :) Thanks Meg! She's so busy at her new job it's harder to find time to get together, so I have to be industrious!

Anyway, Nehemiah looks like he's growing up with his new do, and I think it's pretty decent! I'll post pictures when he looks a little less like a ragamuffin! He has an awful diaper rash, so he is walking around in his cloth diaper sans cover to air out, some Christmas babylegs, his Spiderman slippers and a stegasaurus shirt. Pretty goofy! :D

Christmas Crafts

I have been browsing over at my favorite crafting with kids website, and they have oodles of great ideas for decorations, fun projects, and gifts for kids and their parents to make! I really like a ton of them, but this is one of my favorites!


It is on a blog I hadn't seen before, and it also has a bunch of neat projects with detailed tutorials and supply lists (both for year 'round and the holidays). In addition to this one, there is an adorable angel clothesline! So creative!


Photo and idea credits go to: Gail Bartel over at that artist woman--check her out!

A little something fun

I recently found out about a very fun site called babysteals.com. Each day at 9AM MST, they post a new baby steal, which is a product for babies or pregnant mommas that is for sale 50-80% off. The only catch is that when it is gone it is gone! If an item doesn't sell out, they will sometimes put it back up on Saturday or Sunday, or run some other special.



This weekend they have an unlimited supply of these cute holiday Babylegs. Check it out!

A Fall Baby Shower idea

I was doing a little internet surfing during naptime yesterday, and there was a lady looking for ideas for a Harvest themed baby shower...it got my creative juices flowing, and this is what I came up with (for any of you interested in such a thing)! If you're not planning a wedding/baby shower, there are still some killer recipes for great fall food! :)

You could assign each guest to bring a themed gift in their invite. Ideas...thankful for naptime, thankful for mommy, thankful for daddy, thankful for feeding, thankful for playtime, etc. I know it is more Thanksgiving-y, but it could be fun! :) Sort of like the showers where you assign everyone a time of day or night to bring a gift for.

Or you could have a game when you asked them why they are thankful for naptime/playtime/mommies, etc. It might be good advice for the mom-to-be.

As far as food...apple cider (sparkling or spice/hot or my favorite, caramel apple cider), and pumpkin recipes like chocolate chip pumpkin bread/muffins, and pumpkin dip.

Here's an easy recipe for pumpkin dip:
1 Large can of pumpkin
1 8oz. pkg. cream cheese
2C. powdered sugar
Pumpkin pie spices (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg)
Mix together and serve w/ gingersnaps or 'Nilla Wafers

Ooo! I found another good harvest recipe in my recipe box!

Carmel Corn:
Pop 2 bags of microwave popcorn
1 stick margarine 1/4 C. corn syrup & 1 C. brown sugar (place on low heat, bring to boil and leave on low hear 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add: 1/8 tsp. bream of tartar, 1/2 tsp. each of salt and baking soda and stir)

Stir caramel through popcorn quickly. Place on a cookie sheet lined with foil in a 200*F oven for 1 hour, stirring after 1/2 hour in oven.

I also have a recipe for Pumpkin Pie Cake if you are interested.

You could make fancy caramel apples for favors--you know the ones...drizzled with dark and white chocolate with mini choco chips or marshmallows on the outside...mmm, mmm! I'd wrap them in cellophane and then tie them with pastel ribbon and a mini pacifier or other baby symbol from the favor section at Wal-mart or your local party store.

You could cut out paper leaves (and/or sunflowers) and have people write their advice for the mom to be and then string them on a banner.

One of my all-time favorite general baby shower ideas...no matter what the theme, is to get together a bunch of baby scrapbook supplies (you can even ask those among your guests who scrap or stamp or make cards to bring their supplies (cutters and tools, etc) to lend a hand). Then each guest makes a page or two with blank pages for pictures. I suggest going with the smaller 8x8" books because a 12" page takes too much time. Then the mama has a ready made memory and guest book of her shower. They always come out great and have lots of love and personality! If you have a few example pages printed out--even ladies who have never scrapped before get in on it! It's great for young and old, and if you are looking for scrapbook ideas, visit: http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/pg.asp

Hope this helps! Let me know what you decide! Fun stuff!

And for those of you who want even more; I've linked to my diaper cake tutorial (and other ideas) too. :)

A link to love

Especially for all of those busy ladies out there!

I happened upon the blog Gourmet Momma and have enjoyed looking through her recipes. Most of them are relatively quick and easy, and they have a limited ingredient list-with easy to find ingredients-yay! Just thought I ought to share! :)

More home-preschooling links and ideas

I found my other preschool homeschooling links!

I posted many here, but I knew I was missing a bunch, and here they are!

Preschool Themes

Excellent blog with a ton of great ideas/pictures/lesson plans

Kindergarten and Preschool Activities blog with all of the letters, etc.

Scrumdilly-do!--great crafts, activities and ideas

I hope those of you who are giving this a shot soon find some things you can use! I know I'll be referencing these in a few years!

Cover Tune Grab Bag

Oh my goodness! I have just been rolling on the floor laughing!!! My sister-in-law inspired this post for a few reasons...#1 she gave me a bit of a hard time about not blogging as consistently as I did in the Winter/Spring. I have to confess; when I am busy with other things, I don't have to blog as much for my own sanity, though I do still enjoy it! You can look forward to another long Minnesota winter with me if you are missing it-ha! (And I know you were saying it tongue-in cheek Mel!)

Anyway, the 2nd thing is that she told me about a link to Mercy Me's Cover Tune Grab Bag. Wow...there's not much else to say. Mercy Me is a fabulous Christian band known for their sweet harmonies and praise and worship type music. Ever heard I Can Only Imagine? Yup...that's them. Anyway on their blog, they are doing some hilarious covers of retro songs. The two I watched all the way through so far were the ones for Ice, Ice Baby and Thriller. I highly recommend it. Stick with Thriller to, because the dancing comes. There are more too--you'll love it, I know! :) Nehemiah did--he was groovin' and singing along.

Preschool Links of interest

I have had a few friends ask me lately if I have any ideas or resources for teaching your kids when they are at preschool age (even though it will be awhile until Nehemiah is quite there, it is right up my alley as a teacher). These are some of the links I have found over the past months:


This is a preschool teacher who puts some of her ideas up for others to see:

http://www.jmeacham.com/

I particularly like the Calendar Math section of that site, because it is such a fun, useful way for kids to use some basic math skills (oh, and I've seen it work in countless primary classrooms--I don't see why you couldn't get started younger). Her ABC ideas are great too!

Another phenomenal website with ideas for infants through 4s and a preparing for kindergarten section--There are even Biblically-driven curriculum examples by month, with pictures of some of the activities...too cool! She has a good page of resources that link you to other good sites.

http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/index.html

I really like Jan Brett as an author/illustrator, and her website has all kinds of cool stuff, including alphabet handwriting printable coloring sheets

http://www.janbrett.com/

Here are some preschool activities and crafts:

http://www.first-school.ws/INDEX.HTM

Preschool Express:

http://www.preschoolexpress.com/

I have also found some really fun blogs, which of course continue the linking process to all of their creative bloggy friends! You'll find SO many ideas clicking through links on other blogs! I have learned a ton! :)

Kids Craft Weekly will e-mail you each week with a themed newsletter with crafts that match the theme to work on all week long--what a blast!

Make and Takes has a bunch of great crafts and ideas...she is doing the alphabet with her 2 1/2 year old right now, and she just started, so there are sure to be tons of great ideas to come!

And I Never Grew Up guest blogged on Make and Takes recently, so I checked it out, and guess what? More genius!!!

And as always, and I've linked to this before, but no craft and learning list is complete without The Crafty Crow blog...my all-time favorite! You also find other great sites through here--amazing!


Oh! And my older students really enjoyed the book Animalia by Graeme Base. Each page is filled with pictures of things that start with the letter, so it becomes like an I Spybook. Some of them even take some thinking...example: I found a camel on the D page. It took some research to find out that a camel is a type of dromedary. Who knew?! It would be a good book to use when your kiddos vary in age and skill.

I DO NOT have any professional early-childhood teaching experience, and my own little guy is on the young end for these activities, so I can't unequivocally recommend these things, but they seem cool to me, and God gave you good judgment too. Another thing...with kids, I have learned that if something doesn't work now, don't stress, try something else. If you really are hooked on an idea or method, try it again in awhile. You may yet see the results you want, but if not, don't stress, and enjoy the ride! :)

Hope this list helps!

Another Great Link

I love to share fun new websites with everyone, and this is absolutely the best! Check it out, and come back and let me know what you think! (Just click on the linked text)

Birthday Projects--Take 2

Here is one of the reasons I have been woefully slow in posting these days!


My friend Susan and I cut out all of the little pennants; I free-handed (backwards!) and cut out all of the letters with pinking shears. Then I used Heat-N-Bond Lite to iron the letters onto the pennants (though it was obviously a 1st effort, because I now need a new ironing board cover--the stuff was a little messy--a great idea to keep the letter fabric from stretching, and to avoid pinning, but somehow, I just didn't get it quite right.) Then this afternoon, my mother-in-law, who shall heretofore be known as Sew Like the Wind came over to help me appliqué around the letters and sew the pennant backs and fronts together. Then I pinked around all of the pennants, while Sew Like the Wind made bias tape--or rather unbiased tape--since we didn't need it to go around curves (hee hee...unbiased tape!). She just put the fabric through the bias tape maker and pressed it flat without cutting on the bias (which uses a ton of fabric!). Then Sew Like the Wind stitched the pennants to the tape while I kept the now-awake-from-his-nap-birthday-boy occupied. These projects are always a little more involved for a beginner than I think they will be, but I LOVE the results! We'll be hanging it outside on the big day, so we'll have more room to stretch it out in all of it's glory!

Wondering where I got the idea?

Check out: The DIY network and the tutorial at Sew Mommy Sew (such a fun site by the way!)

Also, want to know more about bias tape? Check out this tutorial on how to use it from angry chicken.