Baby Wearing

A major dilemma. Yes, at Once upon a Child today I faced a major dilemma! I found the item I wanted to look at but to my consternation there was more than I had anticipated. They were there in front of me in all size, shapes, & colors.

 Some with what seemed like a gazillion straps and buckles and others with none. Some on the hangar looked like mini skirts but since that fad went out in the 90's I knew they must be what the tag claimed them to be!

What, you ask was I looking at? Baby carriers! Yes, those pieces of fabric with buckles and straps that we mothers use to carry our babies close to our bodies.

The sheer numbers of choices lends itself to confusion. Deciding which wrap or carrier is your favorite can drive you mad.

So what do most of us do? We buy one or two and sometimes 3 or 4! We use them with our checklist marking off the pros and cons only to discover we need another. This one just isn't working!

That's exactly what I have done. I have had many over the years. And today in Once Upon A Child I took carrier after carrier off of the hangar to try them on and tie or buckle them up.

And at the end of my adventure,  wouldn't you know,  I decided not to buy another one and be content with the one(s) I have!

Yes, I am one of those mama's who wears her babies..if you're like me you know exactly what I'm talking about!!

 

That First Step of Choice!

I felt so dizzy.....

Did I forget, AGAIN, to eat?  Did I eat a small something? Or was it just my coffee this morning?

I was sitting at the dining room table attempting to research something but my hand was shaking and I felt lightheaded and dizzy. As I sat there I begin to realize that this feeling was all too common. Many days I ended up shaky and low on energy because I had not taken the time to eat. Sometimes there just wasn't time for it.

I'm a busy mama. My days are full. My plate is empty.

My days are filled with cleaning, farm chores, homeschooling, laundry, errands, meal planning and preparing, etc.. When is this busy life is there time to eat? Time to take care of me?

We all have to come to a decision to take time to care for ourselves. It took me many years to realize this. I let myself go. Year after year and pregnancy after pregnancy. It wasn't until 2007 after a hard birth where I hemorrhaged did I realize that letting myself go had caught up with me.

In mid Dec. of 2007 I decided to join Weight Watchers and get healthy. I lost 100lbs in about one year  and my life was changed.

But it didn't stop there...
I have to make the same choice in different ways everyday. I have to choose to be aware of those things that sap my energy and leave me feeling weary. I have had to learn to say no when I just don't have enough of me to go around. I have had to find my limits.

I have to make a conscious choice to make time for myself, to exercise, go out to coffee with a friend, read a good book, spend time in Father's word, and relax with my children.
When I remember to do these things my days go better and not only does my body feel healthier but my spirit also!

Father doesn't want us run down and lethargic. He wants to give us life and life abundant.

.....I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10b


There will be hard days and weariness. Life is hard and it can very quickly zap us of our strength but we can make simple little choices to keep our meter running on full instead of empty.

Take a good look at your life, and ask yourself what you can do to put that bounce in your step. What can you do to have a healthy body and spirit? What small thing can you change today which will start you on the road to big changes tomorrow?

Every big change starts with that first small step!!

 

 

Small Prayers Big Changes!

I would like to change....well, the WORLD!

I have asked myself quite often how I, a mama, who homeschools and spends my time at home with my children, can change the world?

How can I make a difference? Human trafficking, murder, children going hungry, famine, domestic abuse, homeless men & women and the list goes on..

This world is full of so many hurting people. I feel overwhelmed when I wonder how I can make even a small dent in such a BIG problem!  

Recently after reading a book on human trafficking and the sex trade I was overcome with heartbreak and spent time in prayer. I asked the Father what I could do? How could I help them?

His peace flowed over me like a river; strong and warm and with it came my answer: Pray!!

Such a seemingly small thing but in reality the most important thing I can do.

It is when we pray that mountains are moved and men's hearts are changed. My small whispers to a Sovereign God make a ripple that spreads out to many! It continues to reverberate down through time and space. I often wonder? is there a place where all our prayers are stored and the long forgotten pleas of His children can still be heard in the quiet stillness?

What does scripture tell us? It paints a clear picture for us.....
Therefore, openly acknowledge your sins to one another, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16  

Our prayers are POWERFUL & EFFECTIVE! They are not meaningless nothings. They are heard and answered by El Roi; The God who sees!

It is with this that I go to prayer. When in doubt that I can change our world I am reminded that it's a small spoken prayer to a loving compassionate Father that truly makes the difference!

Everyone has time..

Everyone has time for a kind word or smile.

 My FIL was here about 6 weeks ago and while here he told my love and I that he always tries to give everyone a smile or kind word. Something that he can say that will make them laugh or smile. He enjoys bringing some happiness into others lives

.I know a lady who does the exact thing my FIL does. She also thinks it's important to brighten up someone else's day. She is so full of joy and has brought much happiness to me.

 As I have went through some trials these last few weeks the Father has been focusing on LOVE. Asking me to love as He does. When I do this I have seen that smiling comes easier. Saying something kind to bring a smile to someone else's face or making the sun shine a little brighter.

 It doesn't cost us anything. It isn't hard work. It's really such a simple thing. At the restaurant or even walking down the street we can add beauty to someone's day.

Those pretty earrings she is wearing? Tell her! His new haircut? Let him know! The inspiration the fellow mama offers? Encourage her by letting her know how much she inspires you!   

Love your neighbor as yourself..a command from our Saviour..and something we have within our power to do everyday as we live our daily lives. 

All those little ones at your feet? They are your neighbors...love them and tell them. Make them smile or laugh. Speak kindness. Share His love. Everyone has time for a kind word or smile...even YOU!

In the Midst...

Each time I am about to accomplish something...

my 2 yr. old screams
my baby girl starts to fuss
the 2 yr. old demands his "suckles"
arguments erupt between the 9 & 10 yr. old
princess has a question
JN wants to tell me about the chickens for the 100th time that day
the mini men want to talk
grown girl needs help
12 yr. old needs help with his history
sweetness needs to know how to make those muffins
and on it goes....

This is my life. My life as a mother to many children. This is the life I have chosen. My days are wonderful, frustrating, sweet, sad, happy, mad, mediocre, ecstatic..They are my days, my life! 

Even in the midst of it all I have to find the joy. It has to come from the Father. Daily things can overtake  my sunshine. The clouds cover the rays of peace and joy. My circumstances should not dictate my emotions. It is then I have to be like Peter and keep my eyes on the Father. I can also do amazing things for my family and "walk on water" ! Or, I can take my eyes off of Him and sink...into dirty dishes, diapers, mud and despair. Will it ever get done? Will I ever dig my way out of this pile?

The Light will make a way..it will bring a smile to my weary face...If my joy and peace are found in my Saviour and Friend. I can see the beauty in a mama's day of endless messes. I can look through His eyes..
And perhaps my children will see something in me...like a stained glass window radiating the bright light of His Spirit. 
Maybe I can make a difference in these precious lives! 

No, I may not accomplish much in the way of tangible things but what amazing things have I accomplished in the spiritual? Today one child knew I loved them. Today one child knew what they said mattered. Today they know Father loves them. Today they saw HIM in me!  

13 of my favorite products!

Being a mama of 12 children I certainly use alot of different products and have through the years. I have much experience with whats good and whats not for a variety of different areas. Let me list some of my favorites here.....

1.) Burt's Bees products...
These are natural and work great for sensitive skin. They don't cause irritation like other less expensive products for skin care. So, for me, the extra cost is worth it!

2. Better Butt(er) Cream...
This diaper rash cream is sold by NorthernEssence.com. I found it when looking for a natural diaper rash cream that would heal my daughter's terrible rashes. She has Hirschsprung's Disease which causes rashes that would literally eat away at her skin. Better Butt(er) Cream was the only thing that worked! I have also recently been using it on my newborn's eczema and have found it to work wonderfully!

3. Bum Genius Cloth Diapers....
These diapers work great! They keep my toddler dry even overnight! The only complaint I have is that the velcro wears out so snaps would be better. Using a diaper pin to clean out the velcro does help though.

4.) Motherease Cloth Diaper Covers...
I bought a lot of these cloth diapers and covers. Now at least 7 years later the diapers have worn out but the covers are still being used! They are still waterproof and keeping my little ones clothes dry! They are a bit more money but so worth it!  They more than pay for themselves!!

5.) Tide Laundry Detergent..
I have tried many different laundry detergents on my cloth diapers but none have worked as well as Tide at keeping my dipes clean and smelling fresh! Tide works great on getting out tough stains caused by little (and big boys)!

6.) Bac Out..
This is an all natural product that I found through referrals which is great for deodorizing cloth diapers, carpet, and other smelly things! I use this in our washer on a cold water soak/rinse and my dipes come out stinky free.

7.) Waterproof wet bags...
These are sold on Amazon and are great for wet diapers while out. I just stick one in my diaper bag and never have to worry about all my other items getting wet and my diaper bag stinking.  Also gone are the days I had to remember to grab a Wal mart bag for my wet diapers.

8.) Mei Tai Baby Carriers...
I have used several different styles but haven't found one that works as well for me as the Mei Tai. It evenly distributes the weight of my baby which is essential for me because I have Diastasis Symphysis Pubis. This causes serious pain in my lower back, pubic bone and hips and trouble walking, moving, getting up and down, etc... Carrying a baby could cause me injury so wearing my infant has to be done in a safe way. These baby carriers help me do what I love doing; wearing my babies!

9.) Olive oil...
Olive oil is an important part of my birth kit. After baby is born we liberally apply olive oil to baby's bum after every diaper change. This prevents the tar like meconium from sticking and makes it much easier to wipe off.

10.) Coconut oil..
We buy Coconut Oil at our local Natural Grocers and use it in everything! We use it in place of butter and oils in recipes. I make a rub with coconut oil and drops of Eucalyptus Oil for chest colds. We use it for chapped lips and scrubs! It can also be used in homemade under arm deodorant!

11.) Keurig...
My sweet love bought me a Keurig for Chanukkah in 2011 and it has been an essential kitchen helper since! I love tea and use it everyday to brew up that perfect cup! My love uses it to brew up a cup of Jo..We use the K-cups but we also grind our own coffee and make coffee in the Keurig this way. Even my children use it! It's a time saver and in our busy home this is a must!

12.) Bosch Mixer..
In 2010 we decided to purchase a Bosch Mixer. This mixer can mix up to 15 cups of flour at a time and make 5 loaves of bread. Or big batches of cookies, etc.. It's perfect for our large family and is also a time saver!

13.) And last but not least is The Pioneer Woman Cookbook..
This has just recently become a favorite. Her recipes are simple and easy. She has step by step pictures which make her recipes easy to follow. Each and every one is delicious!! These cookbooks make me want to cook and that's vital for every mama!!

And there you have it!    

My love of cooking is back again!!

I have a new found love. I have known of The Pioneer Woman for awhile but I am never one to jump onto a fad so I waited until just recently to check out her first cookbook from our local library. Once I had some time to peruse it I fell in love! I then went right out and purchased my own copy!

We have been cooking our way through her cookbook: The Pioneer Woman Cooks  In no particular order but just letting our eyes and stomachs guide us!

So let me share some photos of our yummy creations!

 Skillet Cornbread

 the cookbook...

 skillet cornbread..

beans

Blueberry Cobbler

We also had, which isn't pictured..Hot Artichoke Dip, Chicken Fried Steak, Chocolate Sheet Cake, Marmalade Muffins, French Breakfast Puffs, Buttermilk Biscuits, Chicken Spaghetti, Marlboro Man Sandwich, Edna Mae's Sour Cream Pancakes, Meatloaf, Mocah Brownies & Cowboy Calzones. Each one was delicious!! My family's favorites are the Chicken Spaghetti, Chicken Fried Steak, Meatloaf, Marlboro Man Sandwich & Edna Mae's Sour Cream Pancakes!!

This cookbook has made me want to cook and is turning my love of cooking which had grown cold, back to warm again!! I can't wait to get a copy of her other cookbook! The Pioneer Woman

Aibhlinn-Nylia 10 weeks old

I've been asked for some more recent photos of baby girl so here they are!