Healthy Children

Question #2 - What do I use to healthify my children?

I do use oils and vitamins. I started taking classes from Dr. Christopher -  He's local here so it's easy to find his products. I'm not sure how easy it is to find his products elsewhere but they are available online.
  I've started reading a really good book called "Disease Proof Your Child" - basically the first line of defense is feeding them right. It's filled in a lot of holes where I had questions before (plus it has some tasty looking recipes I'm excited to try). Dr. Christopher says similarly that we create an environment in our bodies where disease can thrive by what we eat/don't eat.
  
  Everything that I go on as a "foundation" is found in the LDS Scriptures - particularly The Word of Wisdom - Daniel's story in the bible has been really helpful for me as well.The others are just "programs" I guess that help me to know how to apply truth. That being said, as a general rule I shy away from things that seem "fad-ish". Lots of essential oils (though I'm just starting to learn about it) are VERY strong and many people use them as a replacement for eating healthy. Not that I'm against oils, I just like learning about all the methods and applications from a non-biased standpoint so I own the knowledge more and know better how to use it. (plus, honestly, I'm cheap and I hate paying for multi-level marketing mark-ups). If you're interested oils I've HEARD (still getting into it) that Butterfly Express is a quality company, but much less expensive than other brands...

  Last - there are a MILLION things I've found in studying about different illnesses you can do to help remedy them.  Usually, in the middle of it, I don't have time to do them all and I sometimes feel overwhelmed trying to decide what is best. God knows everything. When I pray to him about my children, who can't really pray themselves (esp. babies), I am amazed at how fast answers come! He really loves them and wants what's best for them and us. They are His, and I love how he works through me to to care for them!
  Everyone is different, which is the best thing about going to God. He works through the same basic doctrines and principles (which don't change from person to person), but he knows us each individually and what we need (what level we're on and what our specific body needs are). I recommend continued prayer through the process of know what is best for you and your children.

 Oh - some other recipes sites I love -
www.passionatehomemaking.com,
www.superhealthykids.com,
www.momessentials.net

Good luck!!

What are we doing for homeschool?

• I have an old friend who started asking me some questions lately about how I do things. I've been so grateful! It reminded me why I started this blog in the first place. Perhaps people have questions about what I do and want to know more... So, I'm grateful to my friend for getting me writing them down for some type of public (or at least for me to refer back to when others ask). 

  
  

  Question #1 - What homeschool curriculum do you use?

  
  

    I think the best book I have read which really helped me lay a foundation was A Thomas Jefferson Education: A Home Companion. They help you really identify what your motives are and desires for schooling. Once you do that, choosing a curriculum seems easier because you have something to bounce it against. I just started another great book available from Deseret Book called: "Increase in Learning" by David A. Bednar. It's helped me find a greater purpose in teaching my children, and that teaching them HOW is just as important (or more so) than WHAT. Neither books are light reads - they really make you think! I'm grateful now though that I took the time to go through them and solidify WHY I'm doing this and what God wants for family (as a unit) and my children (individually). Just know that none of your learning about different curriculums will go to waist. Your daughters may each need something different, so the more you learn, the better prepared you'll be to provide that for them. I try to focus on the foundational homeschool ideals separate from the current needs of each child and it seems a little easier to digest.

  
    For preschool this year we are using some ideas from www.confessionsofaslackermom.com AND www.confessionsofahomeschooler.com They're both free (or free in parts) and have plenty of what you need. I think the best thing for us has just been giving our kids opportunities to explore and ask questions and do random science projects when they're curious. Library story time is great, and so is having a regular time to read to your kids everyday. It goes far! I try to just pick some books at the library every time we go of things they've showed an interest in. Then, I let them choose some of their own (they're surprisingly good pickers!!) You're probably already doing all (or at least some) of these things anyway - you're so thoughtful in your mothering!!
  Next year, when we start kindergarten, we are going to use this program http://latterdaylearning.org/the-family-school-lds-homeschool-curriculum/ - I love it because
  1. It teaches "whole truth".
  2. I love that it causes children to ACT on what they're learning.
  3. It teaches them how to reason and relate for themselves (to discover truth on a personal level).
  4. I can teach one lesson to all of my children, instead of having to battle multiple curriculum for different grade leaves.
  
   I'm still in the process of choosing a math and language curriculum, but for this K4 (early kindergarten) year for Cadence, I think I'll do the book "Teach your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons".

A More Meaningful Easter

 In the past month, we've had several friends and associates pass away. It has been a time of real mourning for a family and a new look at the lives we live. Death can take us at anytime, and are we prepared to meet God?
  Each Easter seems to have had it's own emphasis in the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Chirst. This year, Easter is the reality of resurrection. The mourning and sorrow will all be turned to joy, as we greet Christ and our loved ones again. They will live again, as will we, just as Christ rose from the dead on the 3rd day, Easter morning.
 So, what are we doing to celebrate this year? I made a plastic egg Easter lesson that we've used in past years. This year I found another, similar plastic egg Easter lesson here. I think I'm going to try it this year because the scriptures are much shorter, for my young children.
 I also love the simplicity of this Easter lesson, from the Nursery Manual. I wish we had done it for family night, but I'd still like to do it, perhaps Easter evening.
 In general this year, we made Easter MORE about gifts, and Christmas LESS extravagant. We're trying to spread the love out a little more. We've really loved the thought: something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read. They are still very simple gifts and the kids need new clothes at this time of year anyway. I want them to understand the reason we gift - in remembrance of the greatest gift we have been given, the gift of Jesus Christ.
 I really enjoyed watching this video about the Savior's Atonement. They have so many more touching videos I plan to watch as well in the coming week with the boys.

Debt Limit - A Guide to American Federal Debt Made Easy

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. It's pretty comical and so clearly illustrates our national debt. Let me know what you think!

Debt Limit - A Guide to American Federal Debt Made Easy

ABC's for Preschool

 We've been running an unstructured pre-school during my son's 2nd year. I'd point out letters, shapes, numbers, and colors to him. I'd describe things and ask him to "see if you can find _____". My husband and I decided that he should have a little more "formal" schooling this year.
 Formal schooling to us does not mean he sits down at a desk everyday at a certain time to do "school". It means that WE are more structured as parents. It means we have educational goals set for him and we look for fun ways to accomplish them.
 One of the umbrella goals we have this year is pre-reading. I decided to check on his alphabet understanding. We do a letter a week. These are some of the activities that we usually include:
1. Coloring page - At the beginning of the week coloring with mommy. We point out the letter and try to think of other things that might start with that letter. We might add more of our own pictures or write more words. Then, he hangs it on the fridge (we're collecting them in a folder for a book at the end). (There are a TON of these online - just google "ABC book" or "Alphabet Coloring Pages")
2. Books - We read books about characters that have that letter for their first name (Arthur, Berenstein Bears, Clifford, etc. - I'm compiling a list as we go). We also point out the letter in other books we read. He usually takes initiative to do this.
3. Go on an "A" hunt - We draw or color the letter on some small quarter-size sheets of paper (both lower and upper case). This is mostly for reference as we walk around the house. Then, we chant "We're going on an __ hunt, We're going on a __ hunt, Let's find some ___". When he finds one, we tape the letter page to the letter he found and leave them up through the week.
4. Practice writing the letter. Honestly, sometimes this happens, sometimes it doesn't. He's got a writing book from Priddy Books that he likes to take out occasionally. Usually he'll go through more than one letter in a day.
5. Practical Use. Sometimes we do fun activities with letters (in addition to the fun ones listed above). I may have Cadence make a story on crayola.com, we send letters to family far away, or he may type an email to Grandma. This has been a fun way for him to use his letter identification in a practical way and develop stronger relationships with friends and family.

I'm not focusing so much this time around on letter sounds. We're focusing mostly on letter recognition & finding them in words. He's already started to "spell" on his own, even though he may not know what he's spelling. It's been still pretty casual, but it feels good to know what goals we have and are working toward.

Family Night with Toddlers

 Each Monday night our church encourages families to spend time together learning the gospel. We call this time, Family Home Evening, or sometimes for short FHE or Family Night.
 My husband and I have been brainstorming ways that we can better cater to the developemental abilities of our toddler and 10 month old and still have a meaningful FHE. Here are some of the ideas we've been trying.

1. Keep lessons brief. We like them to be about 5 minutes long and use Behold, Your Little Ones, and the Primary 1: I am a Child of God manual as the subject matter. The children can even help prepare and give these lessons.
2. Lots of singing! We used to just sing one or two songs, but now we play song games with familiar songs to the children or songs they are just learning. We try to choose new songs that cover the gospel topic we want to focus on.
 - One of the song games we love to play is "Singing Cop". We simple use the ASL signs for stop and go and have one person direct while the others sing, following along. There is absolutely no preparation required and you can play it anywhere!
 - It is difficult for our children it seems to memorize scriptures and stories at this age without a lot of effort. It seems much easier to commit a gospel lesson to memory by teaching them the Children's Songbook songs. Another good reason for LOTS of singing time.
 - We can easily reinforce the new songs they're learning as lullabies through the week or even work-songs as we're doing household chores.
3. Have a routine. We start with dinner when dad gets home. Then, we sing the Family Night song and have an opening prayer. Followed by the short lesson, activity, then treat. We don't always get to every section, but starting with the Family Night song and closing with family prayer for the night keeps a structure that makes it easy for the children to know what comes next.
4. Involve the Children. I've already mentioned this some, but our 3-year-old looks forward to family night when he gets to help pick the songs, make the treat, or prepare a lesson.
5. Set reasonable expectations. It's not always going to go picture perfect. In fact, I practiced the first lesson with our oldest son and every practice and frustrating but when it was time to give the lesson, he really took the stage! It's those bright moments that come which tell you it's worth it. Don't get frustrated if it doesn't go perfectly.

What are some ideas that you have used to help with small children during Family Night?

Nurturing = Small and Simple Things

 "Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World). I titled my blog after this crucial role and yet I find myself still striving to understand what nurturing really means.

Nur·ture

 [nur-cher] Show IPA verb, -tured, -tur·ing, noun

verb (used with object)

1.to feed and protect: to nurture one's offspring.

2.to support and encourage, as during the period of training or development; foster: to nurture promising musicians.

3.to bring up; train; educate.

 *From Dictionary.com

 I just loved this definitions! When I feed my family dinner, I'm fulfilling my divine mission. When I potty train my three-year-old, I'm nurturing. When I read the scriptures to my children, I am am example of a righteous woman. Those simple, seemingly mundane things I do every day are crucial to the development of my children and the success of my home. 

  God wants all of this children to be happy. In fact, when if we are obedient to His commandments, we qualify, through Christ, to obtain a state of never-ending happiness after this life (Mosiah 2:41). It is through this we can know that obedience to each of God's commandments will bring us a portion of that happiness. 

 So, why not? When I do a clean & put away a load of laundry, when I wake up to comfort an ill child, and what I'm making the seemingly 5th meal of the day (which is all too real with a toddler at home), I CAN BE HAPPY because I am fulfilling my divine mission to nurture my children. It doesn't have to be anything grand or famous. In fact, no one may know about it but me and God. Truly, "by small and simple things, great things are brought to pass". 

Unifying Our Family

For several years now my husband and I have been discussing, researching, reviewing, and revising a family mission statement. We want a family creed; something that our family can live by and unite in supporting.
While the work goes on in establishing the details of the statement, we do have a short three principles our mission statement will include:

A. Smith Family

Knowledge & Wisdom

Faithful Obedience

Charity

  We can feel overwhelmed and run ourselves down trying to do everything good in this world. Truly, there is so many good causes. But what is it that you (your family) is meant to do? Where do your specific talents and interests lie? What is it you enjoy? What is a cause that unites individuals and binds you as a family? Answering these questions honestly will give you a sense of belonging and purpose; a mission in this world. While the common purpose of this life  for all humanity is to "prepare to meet God" by receiving the necessary covenants and performing the ordinances of his gospel, our particular path will be as unique, just as each of God's children is unique.

  Now, our above mission statement is not quite a cause. Yet it is the beginning governing principles that help us determine what causes we will be involved in and where our priorities lie. I'm grateful to my husband for leading out in this endeavor. I'm grateful for the structure and the order it encourages in our home.

 I thought about composing a song around these principles (I still may), but realized the other day singing "Seek the Lord Early" that this inspired primary song matches so perfectly our family mission. Interestingly, before we ever came up with a mission statement, my husband and I decided our family hymn would be "Because I Have Been Given Much", a hymn full of gratitude that moves us to charitable acts towards others. Each time I sing the hymn I think of my family. 

 Growing up my mother started a unifying force in our family through song. She'd sit at the piano and we'd all gather around her one by one until we were a full choir. While my father never joined in (he'll tell you because of his lack of musical ability), he too would stop whatever he was doing to come sit, listen, and cheer us on (often making jokes about us making him rich someday). One song in particular became our "family song". It was, "If We Hold On Together" from The Land Before Time. When we grew older and most of us had left the house (or were about it) my mother gave each of us a copy. It reminds us that each of us in united in helping each other achieve the same eternal goal. Each time I sing it, I still think of my family.

 One final example (though I could give so many more): awhile ago (actually July 2010) Austin and I decided to start memorizing scriptures and hymns together. We began with the scripture in Alma, Chapter 57 vs. 27. I suppose you could say we "ended" with it as well. We never changed the scripture. In fact, the same written out scripture stayed on our front door until I took it down at the beginning of this month. While it may seem that good intentions were wasted, I really memorized that scripture. It became a part of us (though I've never been very good with the reference) and seems to say to me "this is who you are, because of the last name that you carry."

 I think often of Nephi and the goodly parents he had - the good name he was given (1 Nephi 1:1). There is something significant in this statement. There is a reason these familial ties are discuss before they endeavor a difficult trek through the wilderness as a family. Each family passes through some kind of refining fire. Our "unifier" whatever it may be, can help us to to conquer, to "hold on together".

 These thoughts encourage me to ponder on what I am passing along to my children. What kind of name, purpose, and mission are they given? Will it be strong and deep enough to help us pass through the refining fire that lies ahead? 

 What unifier have you created for your family?

 

Love is In the Air

My mind keeps coming back to Valentine's Day - funny because I don't usually give it a forethought until a day or two prior. It's just not a big holiday around this house. Well, maybe this year it will be. We've decided to cut back even more and my mind is spinning with crafty ideas to show my family and friends how much I care. Here's what's in the idea bank, just so I don't litter my bookmarks (we know they are trashed enough right now....)

For Adults
Homemade Fudge
Chocolate Peanut Butter Delights
DIY Bags, Boxes, & Candy Wrappers
Love You More Bags
Pie Boxes

For the Kiddos and Family
Heart Shaped Pancakes (these are just pink, but I'm considering making them into heart on my own. Amy has a TON of good ideas for mixing up different pancakes and healthifying them!
Scratch-N-Sniff Bags (Do I want to attempt this with toddlers?)
Valentine's Crafts for Kids

Morning Glory Muffins

We usually eat our "bread" breakfasts w/ fresh fruit - YUM!

 My fabulous, foodie sister introduced me to the site, EatingWell.com. I really like it! It has some great tips about eating well. While not everything is what I'd consider eating well, I'm grateful it gives some awesome substitutions for foods everyone loves that just aren't healthy. At least if I HAVE to make a certain dish, I now have a resource to make it more healthy. Plus, I feel most of their recipes are easily adaptable. It's an especially great resource if you're trying to lose weight and has some great meal plans. Here is one of my favorite recipes: Morning Glory Muffins

18 muffins

Active Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups grated carrots, (4 medium)
• 1 apple, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg whites, or 4 teaspoons dried egg whites (see Ingredient Note), reconstituted according to package directions
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts, or pecans
• 2 tablespoons toasted wheat germ

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat 18 muffin cups with cooking spray.
2. Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Stir in carrots, apple and raisins. Whisk egg, egg whites, apple butter, oil and vanilla in a medium bowl.
3. Make a well in the dry ingredients and stir in the wet ingredients with a rubber spatula until just combined. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling them about three-fourths full. Combine walnuts and wheat germ in a small bowl; sprinkle over the muffin tops.
4. Bake the muffins until the tops are golden brown and spring back when touched lightly, 15 to 25 minutes. Let cool in the pans for 5 minutes. Loosen edges and turn muffins out onto a wire rack to cool.

Tips & Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: Get a head start on your morning muffins the night before by mixing up the dry and liquid ingredients separately (refrigerate liquids). In the morning, combine the two, scoop and bake.

• Ingredient note: Dried egg whites are pasteurized—a wise choice when making meringue toppings that may not reach 160°F (the temperature at which eggs are considered "safe"). You'll find them in the baking or natural-foods section of most supermarkets. Reconstitute according to package directions.

Nutrition

Per muffin: 163 calories; 4 g fat ( 0 g sat , 2 g mono ); 12 mg cholesterol; 29 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 154 mg sodium; 149 mg potassium.
Carbohydrate Servings: 2
Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 other carbohydrate, 1 fat

5 Love Languages

 This month my husband and I celebrate 5 years of marriage. Time flies! Things are even better now than they were when we were first married. I just had a flash-back to our first weeks of being married, reading through the 5 love languages book. We'd read a chapter once a week and learn about how we could better love each other. While I don't agree with everything they say, nor recommend it hands-down against other marriage/love books, I did appreciate that it gave us a means to discuss our marriage.
 The flash-back was fun and I learned something about marriage. Needs can change over time. It's important to keep communicating them your marriage. After taking the test again, I laughed about the happenings of our life and how they've influenced my love-language. I'm sure they'll continue to change over time. I'm grateful we make time to talk about our marriage and how we can improve. I'm grateful we take time to plan loving each other.
 If you are interested in the 5 love languages or if you haven't taken the test in awhile, venture over there for a date night sometime with your spouse! It can give you a fun laugh and provide a way for you to communicate your needs. Just a small, but important step on the road of "happily ever after".

Pairing Down the Projects!

 Ever since I was called to lead the Young Women (Girl's age 12-18) Organization in our church, I have been feeling pretty unbalanced. I feel like I'm always juggling and while some things are going well, others seem to fade further and further into extinction. I suppose that's why God called me to do this, so I could really focus my energies on the work that really matters & a few basic tools I can use to accomplish them. What are they?
The Work.
 1. God. My personal relationship with Him. Time spent in the temple. Time to ponder. Time to study. Time to pray - to really pray. Without interruptions... 
 2. Family. Namely education with and playing with my children. These are the times I feel eternity most. When we play in the boy's room, which has no clock on the wall, I lose track of time and just enjoy reading to them, playing, & creating. It also means that I am self-disciplined creating a structure for our home, which I still haven't grasped since our youngest was born. It means that the family time is planned and meaningful. It means regular time to strengthen my marriage. This has grown to take so much more effort since #2 came along and my husband started school again.
 3. Church & Friendships. The growth of others. The real, sincere service that helps others draw closer to Christ. It means having to live more by the Spirit, being directed to know what to do and when to do it. I feel so dependent on the Lord in working with the Young Women. They truly are His daughters and He has a plan for them. I just have to be humble and still enough to know the plan so I can help.
 Tools to help me accomplish these works:
 1. Health. Providing healthy meals my family can gather around. It's so much easier to prevent illness and have energy to do the work of the Lord when you eat healthy. It is a PROJECT - phew! But either you put the work in to stay healthy or it catches up to you when you get sick.
 2. Family History. A close second for me to family is preserving my family history. I love to learn about my ancestors and teach my children about their family. I love to record what is going on in our family (which I do mostly at www.asmithfam.blogspot.com). It's important to me that we enjoy and capture the moments that are so precious in helping us grow together to become like Jesus Christ. 
 3. Music. To me it really means God, and family, and church. I realized the other day singing a beautiful song about Christ that music is how I gained my testimony. It's how my mother shared her testimony with me. It unified our family. I've pushed it aside for other projects, but dusted it off and started using this tool again to help me accomplish all of the above. The nice thing is, while I'm still working to improve, it's a skill I'm already proficient in. It's a polished tool I can use, not one I'm trying to acquire.

These are the "projects". They hardly seemed like projects if you asked me even a year ago. But when I was faced with entirely too many things to do, constant piles of unfinished business in my tiny house, and unhappy children, I had to focus and figure out what is most important for me. It means I'm cutting out things I REALLY love doing or I'd like to learn. I know there will come another time in life to pull those other things out. I realized I just have to be me. I have to do what I can and simplify. For me for now, it's back to the basics.

It's Conference Time!

 I love General Conference! It's a great time to feel renewed and received personal revelation as we listen to prophets and apostles! We have felt around the last couple of conferences, trying to create an atmosphere that would help us get the most out of these 5 sessions of conference.
 This year, I've been feeling around more for ideas and traditions that help children get more out of conference. I've started a "notebook" of sites and ideas I found helpful in my search.

What do we do to create a reverent atmosphere?
 1. Dress your best. We stay at home most of conference, but we still dress up. Doing so helps our children (and us) recognize that it is still a sacred and special occasion (though I wear my most comfortable church dress and don't put shoes on)
 2. We clean the house. Then I'm not worried about it through conference.
 3. Set the stage. We set up Austin's big computer monitor from work in the living room, and rearrange the furniture so it's most comfortable for watching a long period of time.
 4. Keep meals simple. We try to have a good size breakfast and then snack or simple meals through the day.
 5. Take naps! I still let the kids take their regular nap times, a luxury we don't get on regular Sunday's for church. However, with the whole weekend adding to 8 total hours of church for them, I don't feel we can afford to let them not nap for two days. They seem much happier and get more out of the experience.
 6. In the past, we've let Cadence play, as long as he's in the conference room, and we make sure he's sitting for prayers, sings the songs with us, and stops to listen to the prophets speak. Now that he's 2 1/2, we're ready to move to more of the ideas below (though I haven't quite chosen what we'll do).

More ideas on preparing children for conference check out these links:


1. Oopsey Daisy (Ideas for Tots)
2. Family Home Evening Planner (Ideas for Toddlers and Preschoolers)
3. Deseret Book (Free Conference Packet Download)
4. Mormon Momma (a TON of Ideas)
5. SugarDoodle (another link list to a TON of ideas)
  - My Favorite - Conference Baggies
6. Official Church Website (Ideas from the April 2009 Ensign)
7. Prepared LDS Family (Conference Activity Notebook)

Homeschool: The Search Begins

Homeschool, to me, really just means more options. I can put my child in a variety of programs. I control the curriculum. I get to tailor the needs to each child. I get to say when they go on vacation, or if they need a sick day. I just love being able to use my agency as a mommy in their schooling.

Though Cadence is only 2 1/2, after it weighing on my mind the last couple weeks, I've decided to start the long research project of deciding what to do for his schooling. The truth it, it doesn't start the August after he turns 5 years old. I need to help prepare him for whatever we're going to do now. I regretted not preparing until the 3rd trimester for his birth, thinking I'd get to anxious. We won't be making that mistake with home school.

So here is the beginning notebook.

School's/Curriculum I'm looking into (please comment if you have others you think I may be interested in):

American Heritage (Home & Distance Education)
Benjamin Franklin Homeschool Academy
Montessori Schools
Montessori Homeschool
A Beka

Whatever we do, I plan for it to be at home at least until the 3rd grade. It seems like more schools to "at home" options than I realized. This is just the start list. I'm sure there will be PLENTY of revisions before the final decision. I'm hoping that by educating myself about lots of options now, I can save some work when each new child goes to school, as I'm sure they'll each have different needs. If you have thoughts or experience with any of these, I'd love to hear about it!

Hypnobabies: Afterbirth

 Right After Birth: 
  Kory went through a bunch of medical precaution drama right after birth. It meant for a really tired mother!! I was grateful again for my hypnosis for many reasons including:
1. During afterbirth pains, I didn't have to take any medication. I must admit that I forgot that they existed until the day of his birth (he was born in the middle of the night) and was surprised and frustrated by the pain a felt. When I prepared to nurse him each time after, I tried to prepare by putting myself in center-switch first, which helped immensely. I was still completely medication free.
2. In the seemingly LONG hours he was in the special care nursery, I used hypnosis to help me relax, when I couldn't be in an actual bed to sleep. It helped me to think level-headed so I could make better choices. It helped me with patience and most of all hope that my baby would be healthy and normal (though I must note it was only one factor to this end).

 Adjusting to a new "Normal": 
In the months following Kory's birth, I struggled to feel like my "normal" self again and to adjust to having him as part of our family. Hypnobabies helped me in the following ways:
1. I used the After Baby is Comes script, which I borrowed from a close friend. It helped me to relax before sleeping and to remember my priorities.
2. I still (5 1/2 months later) use my off switch to help me get to sleep at night. I'm a busy mom of two children and our house is hectic! It can be difficult to find time to think, but also difficult for me to turn the thinking off. Use my off-switch - goodbye emotions and thoughts, hello sleep! I love it!
3. It still seems difficult for me still to apply what I've learned to the rest of my life. A relaxed, optimistic (yet still impressively productive) me did not really exist before hypnobabies (at least outside of vacation). I still find myself stressed and struggle to balance life. I wish there was a script for everything...perhaps if I use my off switch more often or put myself in center while I try to memorize meaningful scriptures.

Reflection:
 In my quest to have this birth, I became passionate and desired to help other women find what I have found birth can be (which is not necessarily a "natural" birth experience). I recognize now though that extreme caution comes with such the sharing of such personal experiences. Not everyone wants a natural birth and even more, not everyone can have a natural birth experience. Yet every woman can have intense joy and wonder at choosing to partake in such a beautiful miracle; in giving bodies to God's precious children. I do not desire to make anyone feel shamed or guilty because they have not experienced an unmedicated vaginal birth.

 Instead, I hope that I can positive and encouraging of each unique mother and her beautiful baby. I hope I will have many more opportunities to testify that our purpose as women truly to is give bodies to these precious children of God. It is to nurture them by teaching them, loving them, and directing them to Him, their loving Heavenly Father. We should not be comparing or judgmental. We should not be negative or depressed. Pregnancy, birth, and motherhood are not easy, but that is all the more reason we need to cheer each other on! We can do it! It is our calling from On High and we will surely have His help as we seek for it.

Blessings of a Small Home

If you have even the slightest feelings sometimes of "keeping up with the Jones'" or if you just wish you had space for yourself, check out "The Blessings of a Small Home"! Some good reminders on why it's great to live in a small space (and it's giving me the decluttering itch)

Nurturing Marriage: Date Ideas

 Interestingly enough, there is more than one way a date can nurture your marriage. Besides spending quality time together, having cheap date ideas in your arsenal means that alone time doesn't put strain on the budget.  "Financial related tensions...raise the risk of divorce." (NY Times) We all need some ways to fill up the love tank, without emptying the bank!

 The key to free or cheap dates is identifying them as a date. Often times, they are simple things you probably already do with your spouse. But when the kiddos and extra commitments come along, something about calling it a "date" and setting aside the time a week in advance makes it special. It gives you something to look forward to through your crazy week. 

We take turns planning dates too, which means nurturing comes from both sides of the marriage. It also means we get a better variety of dates and both get to do things that we like. 

 Last, we like to use these free date ideas as wedding gifts. We'll buy a couple card games, stick a $5 gift card for ice cream (or something similar) in each one. Then we'll stick a few date ideas, cut up in strips of paper, in each one. The new couple has some fun date ideas and a little date fund to help them start their lifelong journey of nurturing marriage. It's a winner every time!

Enough "how to", let's get to the ideas!!! (These are the ideas we used for new married couple gifts. I'll post more as my hubby and I continue in our adventures as well).

Creative Play Kitchens

  I have been DYING to do something with the double stroller box we have just hanging around! I thought of making plenty of things (a movie ticket counter, a "tunnel", a train, and a play kitchen). I found so many cute ideas for play kitchens that I confess, I REALLY wanted to make it. I asked my foodie sister: Is it weird to make a play kitchen for a boy? She responds, "No! What are most professional chefs?" To which I easily respond, "Men." (we both LOVE Alton Brown). Interestingly enough, this is what you get a boy who loves trains, has a mom who makes him a play kitchen!

 And the features of our play kitchen (plus some ideas for making your own) are: 

M-I-C-K-E-Y spells Home!

It's kind of sad, but I realized when we went to see Cars 2 as a family last Monday night that Disney has captured me! I have the nostalgic feeling of home whenever I am around anything Disney. I think that's what their whole marketing scheme is based around (and I was sucked in). Of course, I feel a little better about myself considering that I grew up only 20 minutes from Walt Disney World. I used to tell my students that Mickey Mouse is my brother (well, we did tease my brother Michael with that name).
One of my good friends is going to Disney World with her family for the first time in October with Make a Wish Foundation! I'm so excited for them (Excitement = BLOG)! Not to mention I was so excited that we continue to talk with each other about it until I promised her the dreaded link list (dun, dun, dun) of some other fun things to do in Orlando. So here it is, for my special friend, Mel, and anyone else who wants to know how to make Orlando into more than just a Disney vacation!

There's a Hole in my Blog, Dear Liza, Dear Liza

I was thinking about this blog the other day as a collection of who I am, updating my list of books I'm reading (which is pretty pathetic since Child #2 came along), rewording some things to better match my thoughts, and all of the sudden BAM!!!
It's like I got smacked in the face! The biggest part of my life, FOREVER, my other half is not on this blog at all! I wouldn't be a mother without him! There are so many things he has taught me.
I wondered "Why?" "Why am I so quick to write about motherhood, homemaking, homeschooling, etc. but NOTHING about my amazing husband and marriage?" I realized then that it's kind of personal. What could I write that would influence someone else to have a positive marriage without exposing something private between my husband and I?
So, while I can't really convey the beautiful intricacies of marriage on a blog, I decided I can start posting a little more about what makes my marriage so happy and unique.
Here are a couple of thoughts to start off with:
1. It's an eternal marriage.
2. My husband and I BOTH do the finances. Maybe it's a lot of extra work, but it means we have to talk about it more and we're both on the same page. Plus, we can check each other easier (you're much more responsible when you have someone to report to)
3. We are both REDS! I'm talking code - color code. My mother always said "how does that work exactly?" We're pretty productive :) He takes his stuff and I take mine..it works.
4. We LOVE to watch movies together
5. We've just recently had to start "planning" dates. Nothing half-hazard or last minute seemed to be happening anymore with two kids. More on this to come! We've had some great date ideas!
6. There is no question about feeling supported. Whenever I'm passionate about something, he's always been supportive :) (and I'm thinking again, why does this blog exist without him?)
7. He just walked in and said "How much would you be willing be spend for my "super-shed/greenhouse/chicken coop"....better go! Off to more adventures with my other half!