Hello everyone!
I have been very neglectful of this blog and haven't updated in quite awhile! just wanted to check in and let you all know that lots of wonderful things have happened since last update and I hope to add more posts soon about them....
One exciting event is the birth of our 7th Blessing!!! I'm so excited to share more about that day soon, probrably in next post....
cheers!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Preparing for Easter
I found this amazing link that I'd love to share with you all especially for this season of Easter. As we take the time to reflect on the true meaning of Easter and prepare our hearts to celebrate. I am hoping to buy the ingredients tomorrow and try it.
Here is the Recipe I've copied and pasted from the website I found:
Easter Story Cookies
by Rachel Keller
Begin this recipe on Saturday, the day before Easter.
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
duct tape or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300*F.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus's followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus's body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were in sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
HE HAS RISEN!
Here is the Recipe I've copied and pasted from the website I found:
Easter Story Cookies
by Rachel Keller
Begin this recipe on Saturday, the day before Easter.
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon or a wooden meat hammer
duct tape or packing tape
Bible
Preheat oven to 300*F.
Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon or hammer to break them into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested he was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.
Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave his life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste. Then put your pinch of salt in the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus's followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27
So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing! Add 1 cup sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us. He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16.
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks form.
Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheets.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus's body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.
Leave the kitchen. If you've been making these cookies just before bedtime, GO TO BED!
Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they've worked hard to make these cookies, and now have to leave them in the oven overnight. Explain that Jesus' followers were in sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.
On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface. Have them bite into the cookies. The cookies are hollow!
Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.
HE HAS RISEN!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Made it!
So today officially marks my 37th Week!!!
I am doing a happy dance because with each pregnancy you never know if you will hit each milestone..Life is so precious and anything can happen.
My midwife called me yesterday to tell me who was on call this weekend "should" I go into labor. That surprised me yet was so profound...especially when she told me that "on Sunday night at midnight we will consider you full term and in the clear to go into labor anytime...and safely have your homebirth".
After she told me that I was full of adrenaline, and excitement. Baby is really coming...and soon.
She also made me promise to call her the minute I think anything is up because based on my charts with each child it keeps getting faster and last birth, the midwives barely had time to set up before baby Hannah was born!
Today dear hubby and I are going to finish up our Homebirth List from the midwives, and get last minute things. I am still trying to decide what type of music I want to labor along to and am hoping to get some nice candles today too.
I am so thankful to be full-term and I am also trying to savor each moment of this pregnancy. I am very aware of SweetPea's sleep wake cycles and cannot believe how big he/she has grown. My skin feels so itchy and quite stretched. My midwife checked me early last week and my uterus was measuring 35 weeks, and then 8 days later she measured again at our home visit and it was measuring 37 weeks!-thats a 2 cm growth ...this little one is really packing on the pounds I guess!
I have been drinking pots of red raspberry leaf tea to strengthen and tone my uterus and have just recently started the old evening primrose oil trick. I have researched and chatted with many pregnant friends and have heard great things about it..plus it can't hurt!
I have still quite the list of things I want to do and I am trying to stretch them out, in case I end up going past my estimated due date (which has happened before!) I always find the last month the most emotional and trying month. So much anticipation, excitement yet at the same time some frustration especially if time is dragging on, not to mention being uncomfortable at night trying to sleep because of a heavy belly, and getting up to use the bathroom every hour! It's nature's way of prepping your body ahead so that when you have a newborn who needs to be changed and fed at all hours of the night it's not such a shock! lol...
I am doing a happy dance because with each pregnancy you never know if you will hit each milestone..Life is so precious and anything can happen.
My midwife called me yesterday to tell me who was on call this weekend "should" I go into labor. That surprised me yet was so profound...especially when she told me that "on Sunday night at midnight we will consider you full term and in the clear to go into labor anytime...and safely have your homebirth".
After she told me that I was full of adrenaline, and excitement. Baby is really coming...and soon.
She also made me promise to call her the minute I think anything is up because based on my charts with each child it keeps getting faster and last birth, the midwives barely had time to set up before baby Hannah was born!
Today dear hubby and I are going to finish up our Homebirth List from the midwives, and get last minute things. I am still trying to decide what type of music I want to labor along to and am hoping to get some nice candles today too.
I am so thankful to be full-term and I am also trying to savor each moment of this pregnancy. I am very aware of SweetPea's sleep wake cycles and cannot believe how big he/she has grown. My skin feels so itchy and quite stretched. My midwife checked me early last week and my uterus was measuring 35 weeks, and then 8 days later she measured again at our home visit and it was measuring 37 weeks!-thats a 2 cm growth ...this little one is really packing on the pounds I guess!
I have been drinking pots of red raspberry leaf tea to strengthen and tone my uterus and have just recently started the old evening primrose oil trick. I have researched and chatted with many pregnant friends and have heard great things about it..plus it can't hurt!
I have still quite the list of things I want to do and I am trying to stretch them out, in case I end up going past my estimated due date (which has happened before!) I always find the last month the most emotional and trying month. So much anticipation, excitement yet at the same time some frustration especially if time is dragging on, not to mention being uncomfortable at night trying to sleep because of a heavy belly, and getting up to use the bathroom every hour! It's nature's way of prepping your body ahead so that when you have a newborn who needs to be changed and fed at all hours of the night it's not such a shock! lol...
Monday, March 28, 2011
4:30 am
Hello!
Its 4:30 a.m and I'm wide awake!......why you ask?
This dear sweet baby of ours must be really packing on the pounds because I woke up from a nice warm deep sleep to "Starving, hunger pang - famished mode" , you know that type of hunger where you need something in your stomach ASAP!!! I debated for a few minutes to wait until a decent hour in the morning, but my body gave in. I jumped out of our nice cozy bed, and out of the arms of dear hubby to search the kitchen for an immediate snack.
Now here I am, inhaling granola cereal, Peanut butter toast, a honey toast and some nice cold refreshing Orange juice, (with lots of pulp i might add!)
ahhh....much better! Now I hope I can get back to bed and get some sleep....
Good Night!!
I
Its 4:30 a.m and I'm wide awake!......why you ask?
This dear sweet baby of ours must be really packing on the pounds because I woke up from a nice warm deep sleep to "Starving, hunger pang - famished mode" , you know that type of hunger where you need something in your stomach ASAP!!! I debated for a few minutes to wait until a decent hour in the morning, but my body gave in. I jumped out of our nice cozy bed, and out of the arms of dear hubby to search the kitchen for an immediate snack.
Now here I am, inhaling granola cereal, Peanut butter toast, a honey toast and some nice cold refreshing Orange juice, (with lots of pulp i might add!)
ahhh....much better! Now I hope I can get back to bed and get some sleep....
Good Night!!
I
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Children love these...
I tend to do baking at night, after baths and when children are having their wind down time before bed as they are busy reading, or drawing. I often choose 2 children to be "special" helpers each time. Tonight Lidiyah and Elijah were so happy to sit up on the stools and help me measure, pour and mix. I think they're favorite part though is when I let them lick the batter off the mixers! -what child doesn't love that!
The recipe we chose tonight was called Apple Cinnamon Muffins. They are chock-full of apples and spices and topped with a sweet streusel type topping...and they smell so delicious as they are baking!
The children are enjoying these muffins for a snack before bed and I will be putting them in their lunches for school in the morning. I usually triple the recipe so that we always have leftover baking for quick snacks and to fill hungry bellies between meals, and with children I find healthy snacks are the best. It is much more economical to buy cooking/baking items in bulk and to make large batches at a time. Plus, alot of baking can be frozen too!
The recipe we chose tonight was called Apple Cinnamon Muffins. They are chock-full of apples and spices and topped with a sweet streusel type topping...and they smell so delicious as they are baking!
The children are enjoying these muffins for a snack before bed and I will be putting them in their lunches for school in the morning. I usually triple the recipe so that we always have leftover baking for quick snacks and to fill hungry bellies between meals, and with children I find healthy snacks are the best. It is much more economical to buy cooking/baking items in bulk and to make large batches at a time. Plus, alot of baking can be frozen too!
Career Night....
So at the children's AWANA program, they have fun activity nights. This week happened to be "career night" where the children had the oppurtunity to dress up as something they possibly would like to be when they grow up!
I thought it was fun to watch them figure it out and find stuff on their own to wear.
Isaac came home beaming and announced that he was picked as one of the best costumes and got a prize! Bless his heart, he was sooo incredibly happy that he was picked and that his prize was a Coffee Crisp chocolate bar! (his absolute favorite)
I think Moriyah looked pretty cute too and I liked what she chose, although this is my girl that is with me in the kitchen pretty much all the time working alongside me... so naturally, I wasn't surprised!
I thought it was fun to watch them figure it out and find stuff on their own to wear.
Isaac came home beaming and announced that he was picked as one of the best costumes and got a prize! Bless his heart, he was sooo incredibly happy that he was picked and that his prize was a Coffee Crisp chocolate bar! (his absolute favorite)
I think Moriyah looked pretty cute too and I liked what she chose, although this is my girl that is with me in the kitchen pretty much all the time working alongside me... so naturally, I wasn't surprised!
Monday, March 21, 2011
Happy Homemaker
Hello !
Spring is here!...officially. Outside does not look like spring as it is currently snowing!! I refuse to let that dampen my spirit though, as I know pretty soon warmer weather is coming and soon all the lovely things about spring will be.
Today I've got alot of energy and feel so great as I woke up early and have been able to accomplish alot of the usual Monday chores. Monday is usually my day that I devote to getting the house back in order from the weekend and I tackle the "big" jobs.
I love the smell of a freshly scrubbed kitchen and shiny appliances bring me joy. I grew up with the smell of "Pine-Sol" as that is the one cleaner my mother and grandmother both used and I have fond memories of a clean house with that scent. It's no surprise that I use the same now when scrubbing toilets, floors and walls. It just feels good to have a clean home at the start of a new week.
I feel so blessed to be able to stay at home and take pride in my role as wife, mother and Homemaker! I enjoy managing our home and adding that special touch to everything that happens in our home. Even with the duties of the day I can bless my husband and children.
I find these extra touches make a home feel cozy. I am a lover of candles and flowers, and these are easy pick-me-ups for any atmosphere. I have enjoyed classical music and now sometimes the children request it and its so relaxing in the background as we spend time together as a family.
Keeping our home organized, clean and fresh is something I continue to strive for and perfect and it is a fun journey!
Sometimes I get the usual "roll of the eyes" when asked what my proffession is and I happily say "Helpmeet, Mother and Homemaker". The response is usually negative and sarcastic. I have been called "old-fashioned" or "nuts" and I find it odd that a society of people could see that looking after my family with enthusiasm is dull , boring, and meaningless. On the other hand I have encountered some wonderful ladies and other women who understand and have encouraged me in this high calling. To have an eternal perspective makes the difference between just going through the motions versus using the oppurtunity to invest in our families and especially our children to raise them up to impact their generation!
Well i hear the washing machine is finished its cycle so that means I'm up to go and fold baskets of clothes, and cloth diapers! hope you are all having a Blessed Monday!!
Spring is here!...officially. Outside does not look like spring as it is currently snowing!! I refuse to let that dampen my spirit though, as I know pretty soon warmer weather is coming and soon all the lovely things about spring will be.
Today I've got alot of energy and feel so great as I woke up early and have been able to accomplish alot of the usual Monday chores. Monday is usually my day that I devote to getting the house back in order from the weekend and I tackle the "big" jobs.
I love the smell of a freshly scrubbed kitchen and shiny appliances bring me joy. I grew up with the smell of "Pine-Sol" as that is the one cleaner my mother and grandmother both used and I have fond memories of a clean house with that scent. It's no surprise that I use the same now when scrubbing toilets, floors and walls. It just feels good to have a clean home at the start of a new week.
I feel so blessed to be able to stay at home and take pride in my role as wife, mother and Homemaker! I enjoy managing our home and adding that special touch to everything that happens in our home. Even with the duties of the day I can bless my husband and children.
I find these extra touches make a home feel cozy. I am a lover of candles and flowers, and these are easy pick-me-ups for any atmosphere. I have enjoyed classical music and now sometimes the children request it and its so relaxing in the background as we spend time together as a family.
Keeping our home organized, clean and fresh is something I continue to strive for and perfect and it is a fun journey!
Sometimes I get the usual "roll of the eyes" when asked what my proffession is and I happily say "Helpmeet, Mother and Homemaker". The response is usually negative and sarcastic. I have been called "old-fashioned" or "nuts" and I find it odd that a society of people could see that looking after my family with enthusiasm is dull , boring, and meaningless. On the other hand I have encountered some wonderful ladies and other women who understand and have encouraged me in this high calling. To have an eternal perspective makes the difference between just going through the motions versus using the oppurtunity to invest in our families and especially our children to raise them up to impact their generation!
Well i hear the washing machine is finished its cycle so that means I'm up to go and fold baskets of clothes, and cloth diapers! hope you are all having a Blessed Monday!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
classes
Dear hubby and I have a Doula friend who is putting on Natural Childbirth classes and we've started her sessions the last few sundays. We have been really enjoying them, as it gives us the oppurtunity to meet with other like-minded couples, learn some great relaxation techniques and chat about our pregnancies, and upcoming births! It also gives us that time to bond as husband and wife as we focus on our little one and plan out our birth goals.
One thing we practiced this week were birth positions on a birthing ball, while we leaned on our husbands or our husbands used tennis balls to massage our backs. After practicing various options I couldn't believe how amazing the idea of a birthing ball really is! Having as many children as we have had, this is one thing I have not even tried during my labors.
That is about to change!
We are going out this week to buy one. It is truly functional and I can totally see myself relaxing on one of these and leaning on dear hubby during labor. Our instructor taught us various moves to use with the ball to help baby's descend into the birth canal and it totally makes sense. Can't wait for next week to see what else we're going to practice in our class....
I am also getting excited as our SweetPea's arrival is just around the corner! I still have so much to do to get ready. I started sorting through old bins of baby clothes and its amazing how tiny the outfits are.
I still need to make an appointment to get my belly cast done with a gift certificate I won at the Baby Show a few weeks back.
I've sewn up a few blankets for baby, so i just need to wash those to give them the extra fluff and have them ready for our SweetPea. I am really trying to savor this stage, as baby is very strong in movement and I can already detect SweetPea's sleeping/waking patterns. It's so amazing to watch as baby responds to voices already too.
I have been enjoying listening to this pregnancy relaxation cd and have ordered the birthing visualization cd as well. They both come from a company that I really like called "Earth Mama Angel Baby" . Here is their Linky: http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/ I highly recommend their products for any woman who is expecting! They have wonderful teas, books, cds and natural organic skin care products for pregnancy and beyond, and they package their items so that it arrives in the mail so beautifully decorated! I have ordered so many products from them over the years and I've never been dissappointed...
I am so blessed to be carrying Life and every day I wake up in amazement and awe at this gift we've been given! It's truly a miracle and we are soo thankful!
One thing we practiced this week were birth positions on a birthing ball, while we leaned on our husbands or our husbands used tennis balls to massage our backs. After practicing various options I couldn't believe how amazing the idea of a birthing ball really is! Having as many children as we have had, this is one thing I have not even tried during my labors.
That is about to change!
We are going out this week to buy one. It is truly functional and I can totally see myself relaxing on one of these and leaning on dear hubby during labor. Our instructor taught us various moves to use with the ball to help baby's descend into the birth canal and it totally makes sense. Can't wait for next week to see what else we're going to practice in our class....
I am also getting excited as our SweetPea's arrival is just around the corner! I still have so much to do to get ready. I started sorting through old bins of baby clothes and its amazing how tiny the outfits are.
I still need to make an appointment to get my belly cast done with a gift certificate I won at the Baby Show a few weeks back.
I've sewn up a few blankets for baby, so i just need to wash those to give them the extra fluff and have them ready for our SweetPea. I am really trying to savor this stage, as baby is very strong in movement and I can already detect SweetPea's sleeping/waking patterns. It's so amazing to watch as baby responds to voices already too.
I have been enjoying listening to this pregnancy relaxation cd and have ordered the birthing visualization cd as well. They both come from a company that I really like called "Earth Mama Angel Baby" . Here is their Linky: http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/ I highly recommend their products for any woman who is expecting! They have wonderful teas, books, cds and natural organic skin care products for pregnancy and beyond, and they package their items so that it arrives in the mail so beautifully decorated! I have ordered so many products from them over the years and I've never been dissappointed...
Sunday, March 6, 2011
sacred calling....
The woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home, filling it with love and prayer and purity, is doing something better than anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies. A true mother is one of the holiest secrets of home happiness. God sends many beautiful things to this world, many noble gifts; but no blessing is richer than that which He bestows in a mother who has learned love's lessons well, and has realized something of the meaning of her sacred calling.
~J.R. Miller
Secrets of Happy Home Life, 1894.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Oats and more....
Hey Everyone!!!
I am still here, wishing I had more time to Blog these last few months..but life is busy and looking after the needs of my family leaves little time for blogging sometimes!
Our household is fairly healthy but the other night I noticed a bump on our 10 year old daughter, but thought nothing more until more of these blister looking things started appearing on her neck.
We got her into our family doctor right away and sure enough-she has the CHICKENPOX!!!
So we've been busy pampering her and she's been so good about the itchy part, being so careful not to scratch too much since she heard the Doctor say it can leave scars.
It's sad to watch your child go through pain and watch her sores worsen over the hours.
We tried to brighten her time at home from school by letting her use her library card to get out some new novels and movies in which she was pretty happy about. She also wanted to do something "fun" while she was home from school and chose to bake cookies for the family (bless her heart!!)
Tonight I'm trying something to help alleviate her itching and it looks like this:
I am still here, wishing I had more time to Blog these last few months..but life is busy and looking after the needs of my family leaves little time for blogging sometimes!
Our household is fairly healthy but the other night I noticed a bump on our 10 year old daughter, but thought nothing more until more of these blister looking things started appearing on her neck.
We got her into our family doctor right away and sure enough-she has the CHICKENPOX!!!
So we've been busy pampering her and she's been so good about the itchy part, being so careful not to scratch too much since she heard the Doctor say it can leave scars.
It's sad to watch your child go through pain and watch her sores worsen over the hours.
We tried to brighten her time at home from school by letting her use her library card to get out some new novels and movies in which she was pretty happy about. She also wanted to do something "fun" while she was home from school and chose to bake cookies for the family (bless her heart!!)
She did so well at picking a recipe and doing everything by herself!
Here she is with her first batch of cookies out of the oven!
I am so proud of her for being such a trooper even while sick and wanting to be in the kitchen. I guess it can get boring at home even with books and movies.
Tonight I'm trying something to help alleviate her itching and it looks like this:
I've been given lots of wonderful tips from other mom's and the Oatmeal bath was high on the list. I am so excited to try it...mainly because I really like trying homemade remedies and its natural! At first I was told to just put oats in the bath , but upon more research this may be the less messy way of doing it. Blending up the oats to a fine powder in blender would not only make less of a "porridge" bath but would mix with the water easily making a "silkier" bath. Plus I'm sure it would be soothing to the senses as well.
I have a feeling that if I like it I may just keep a glass jar of fine oats in the bathroom as a bath staple, especially since a few of us suffer from excema.
I'll be sure to post how it worked later!
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