Natural Mormon Momma

Babies--there is purpose behind those tears!

2011-09-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

Ever since I got preggo with my son (that was really five years ago!?) I've been a student of childrearing philosophies and methods. Even from the beginning, attachment parenting clicked for me even if I didn't fully understand it until I was preggo with my daughter. (If you aren't familiar with what attachment parenting is, there are lots of good sites here on the internet that explain it very well.)

Anyways, I used to get a lot of crap when my kids were babies; whenever they would cry I picked them up or I attended them. I've always tried to respect my kids when they were in need by listening. As I did this and encountered others who disagreed, I found it hard to explain myself on why I did so. Today when I came across this article by licensed therapist Deborah Pettitt (who specializes in helping children with attachment issues), I couldn't resist posting it here. It debunks the common (and dare I say damaging?) method that so many parents use today:

Children’s Attachment Issues Increase with the Cry it Out Method

Posted: Thu, 23 Jun 2011

It is sobering to report that I continue to see children in my practice that suffer from attachment issues due to loving parents receiving poor advice. They have been encouraged to use the “cry it out” method of teaching a baby to sleep through the night. Generally they have been told to ignore the child if he wakes. After a period of time the baby will learn to sleep through the night. Actually what the baby learns is that no one will come to meet his need so he stops trying.
Unfortunately the main thing that an infant needs to learn in the first year is to trust adults to take care of him. Additionally he needs to learn that parents continue to exist when they are out of sight (object permanence). The “cry it out” technique short circuits his ability to learn both of these things. Misinformed advisors who contend that a baby needs to adapt to the parents world do not understand child development. It sound nice but causes the child to be hindered in completing key emotional developmental milestones.
Parents that adopt young at risk children need to be particularly aware of this. The child may be chronologically three years but emotionally three months. The opportunity to sooth with the parent’s presence is important. You can get expert advice on helping children with sleep problems at Dr. Sears website.

The above article was written by Deborah Pettitt M.C., L.P.C., Registered Play Therapist Supervisor
Director of the Family Christian Counseling Center of Phoenix
1300 E Missouri Ave, Suite A200
Phoenix, AZ 85014

Philosophical Thoughts On The Gross-eties Of Life

2011-08-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

Ah, nothing breaks in a brand new wood floor like a poopy bottom scooted all over it. And if that isn’t a disturbing enough image--it was probably the messiest version of the situation (just because you wanted to know). And, just like the age-old philosophical question of the chicken and the egg, I can’t help but wonder, was the floor put in just in time to avoid a carpet catastrophe? Or was the incident brought on because of the new wood floor.

We will never know, folks.

But, hey--at least it wiped up easily.

(Refer to this for a better understanding of how things tend to go around here.)

Now to get rid of the ants that decided to take over our kitchen while we were finishing the floor install.

(Did I mention we got new, pretty, wood floors?)

Book Snob?

2011-05-18T00:25:00.000-07:00

Because this was on my mind, I took it a step further and took an online quiz. (I know, seriously reliable, right?) Anyways, here are my results:

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader   You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Literate Good Citizen
Book Snob
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Fad Reader
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

After this highly certified test (ahem, scarcasm), guess I'm not a book snob after all. So when we talk next time and I poo-poo your favorite book, know that I do it out of honest personal feelings rather than literary bigotry. :)

So now it's your chance; What kind of reader are you?

I love to read

2011-05-13T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm diagnosing myself:
ADHD blogger.

Really, I have to remind myself I have a blog, otherwise all my writing goes to my novels, journaling or poems.

So, self reminded, here's a debatably entertaining update on what's been on my mind:

Not so long ago

Today...

I'm afraid I'm becoming a book snob.

So, moral of the story: If we are hanging out and all I talk about are books and writing, it's because it's been too long since we hung out and I've been left to my own writing devices. (Also I spend too much time creating pictures on Paint.)

Public Schooling?

2011-02-23T18:37:00.000-08:00

As my children near the age of (formal) education, (who are we kidding, they are learning the moment they are born!) I have been contemplating what that means--and I can't help but be afraid.

From the time I found out I was pregnant with my son, I knew I wanted to homeschool. Well, unfortunately reality doesn't always give you what you want. And for me that means that instead of unbounded energy I got spotty health and an unsteady ability to commit to what it would take to teach my kids. (At this point.)

From what I've gathered, homeschooling really isn't too popular, either. I get that--it's not for everyone. But knowing (and hearing about) public schools' sinking values and their inability to instill the knowledge and skills to create successful adults really does horrify me.

Anyways, I'm still hoping I'm doing better before kindergarten comes around. Until then I hope I hear more of this going on in schools:

{A HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL'S SPEECH}

To the students and faculty of our high school:

I am your new principal, and honored to be so. There is no greater calling than to teach young people.

I would like to apprise you of some important changes coming to our school. I am making these changes because I am convinced that most of the ideas that have dominated public education in America have worked against you, against your teachers and against our country.

First, this school will no longer honor race or ethnicity. I could not care less if your racial makeup is black, brown, red, yellow or white. I could not care less if your origins are African, Latin American, Asian or European, or if your ancestors arrived here on the Mayflower or on slave ships.

The only identity I care about, the only one this school will recognize, is your individual identity -- your character, your scholarship, your humanity. And the only national identity this school will care about is American. This is an American public school, and American public schools were created to make better Americans.

If you wish to affirm an ethnic, racial or religious identity through school, you will have to go elsewhere. We will end all ethnicity-, race- and non-American nationality-based celebrations. They undermine the motto of America, one of its three central values -- e pluribus unum, "from many, one." And this school will be guided by America's values.

This includes all after-school clubs. I will not authorize clubs that divide students based on any identities. This includes race, language, religion, sexual orientation or whatever else may become in vogue in a society divided by political correctness.

Your clubs will be based on interests and passions, not blood, ethnic, racial or other physically defined ties. Those clubs just cultivate narcissism -- an unhealthy preoccupation with the self -- while the purpose of education is to get you to think beyond yourself. So we will have clubs that transport you to the wonders and glories of art, music, astronomy, languages you do not already speak, carpentry and more. If the only extracurricular activities you can imagine being interesting in are those based on ethnic, racial or sexual identity, that means that little outside of yourself really interests you.

Second, I am uninterested in whether English is your native language. My only interest in terms of language is that you leave this school speaking and writing English as fluently as possible. The English language has united America's citizens for over 200 years, and it will unite us at this school. It is one of the indispensable reasons this country of immigrants has always come to be one country. And if you leave this school without excellent English language skills, I would be remiss in my duty to ensure that you will be prepared to successfully compete in the American job market. We will learn other languages here -- it is deplorable that most Americans only speak English -- but if you want classes taught in your native language rather than in English, this is not your school.

Third, because I regard learning as a sacred endeavor, everything in this school will reflect learning's elevated status. This means, among other things, that you and your teachers will dress accordingly. Many people in our society dress more formally for Hollywood events than for church or school. These people have their priorities backward. Therefore, there will be a formal dress code at this school.

Fourth, no obscene language will be tolerated anywhere on this school's property -- whether in class, in the hallways or at athletic events. If you can't speak without using the f-word, you can't speak. By obscene language I mean the words banned by the Federal Communications Commission, plus epithets such as "Nigger," even when used by one black student to address another black, or "bitch," even when addressed by a girl to a girlfriend. It is my intent that by the time you leave this school, you will be among the few your age to instinctively distinguish between the elevated and the degraded, the holy and the obscene.

Fifth, we will end all self-esteem programs. In this school, self-esteem will be attained in only one way -- the way people attained it until decided otherwise a generation ago -- by earning it. One immediate consequence is that there will be one valedictorian, not eight.

Sixth, and last, I am reorienting the school toward academics and away from politics and propaganda. No more time will devoted to scaring you about smoking and caffeine, or terrifying you about sexual harassment or global warming. No more semesters will be devoted to condom wearing and teaching you to regard sexual relations as only or primarily a health issue. There will be no more attempts to convince you that you are a victim because you are not white, or not male, or not heterosexual or not Christian. We will have failed if any one of you graduates this school and does not consider him or herself inordinately lucky -- to be alive and to be an American.

Now, please stand and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of our country. As many of you do not know the words, your teachers will hand them out to you.

< --------------That last part, how sad that we don't even say our own country's pledge anymore?

Anyone else out in blogland feel the same hesitancy about public schools?

Children...

2010-11-15T22:56:00.000-08:00

If only they stayed so trusting.

Andrew turned four recently and he's got 'Big Boy' things on his mind, lately.

Conversation today, after an episode of The Magic School Bus (the cartoon):

Andrew: Mom, I want a 'Bella the frog' pet too.

Me: That would be a fun pet. But, you know what? Having a pet frog is a lot of work. You have to make sure to feed it and check on it everyday, you have to clean it's home. It's a lot of responsibility. And if you don't take care if it, you know what happens? It dies. [We're the people who don't perpetuate the myth of Santa, remember?] I know you'd want to take good care of it, but you are still a little young to be able to do all of this right now. How about we wait until you are a little older to get one.

(Silence while he thinks this over)

Me: That sound good?

Andrew(smiling): Yeah, mom. (Then he runs off to play with his toys.)

He was so happy afterward--no doubt, dreaming of his future pet frog.

You know your one-year-old has seen too many action movies when...

2010-10-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

...they start karate chopping doors to try and get them open. Complete with 'hi-yah' sound effects.

Things My Children Learn When/Because I'm Not Paying Attention

2010-10-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

So today our fire alarm decided to be random. By that I mean all the alarms went off for a few seconds then stopped. Then about two minutes later they did that again.

I ran around the house searching for a forgotten candle or a lighter that my son may have miraculously learned how to get going. Found nothing. Then I thought, "Ah, crap. What if it's one of those gas leaks or other stuff that sets the alarms off but there is not actual fire." Panic flashes through me as I wonder, "Do I call the fire department." I finally decide that I'm overreacting but call for back-up anyways.

The hubby.

He suggests resetting the alarms by pressing the little button on the face of the alarm. The alarm hasn't gone of since the second one, a minute or so earlier, so I decide that yes, maybe it was a fluke, a dying fire alarm battery, and to give the reset a try.

At our house, we have about 9 foot ceilings, so I can reach the buttons if I use a broom.

I go from room to room, awkwardly trying to finagle with the broom to reach the button, each time I reach and push it, it sets all the alarms off for like 2 seconds.

My children, by this point are a bit distraught. Alane is squealing and Andrew keeps asking me questions. The alarms are driving me nuts, so I answer, "Hold on." Like ten times. This is actually the standard first time around answer for anything these days.

There's at least five alarms in the house, and by the third one, Alane doesn't so much care, she's just startled by each time it goes off. But Andrew's still at my side, "Mom.....question question. MOM? Question."

Of course he's not saying 'question'. He's asking me an actual question, I've just tuned him out, trying to get the darn alarms to stop.

As I'm reaching the broom up for the third button I stop to listen vaguely to what he's saying: "What's making that noise, Mom?"

"What?" I say, shoving the broom at the button again.

"Mom, is that the raining cricket guy goes [realize for this next part he's screaming the sound] **Eeeeyh! Eeeeyh! EEEEeeeyh! Eeeyh!!!**"

Me, I'm still trying to push the darn button, desperate to finish the next few alarms, not completely registering what he said, I reply:

"Yep."

This is how my children have come to believe that fire alarms are tiny crickets raining screeching noises upon us.

Wild Things, Authors & Giveaways (Oh MY!)

2010-09-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry I've been out for awhile guys, things have been crazy around here. (i.e. Cakes plastered across the furniture, jam dumped and smeared all over kitchen, and much more. You don't even want to know; It would give you nightmares.)

On the more pleasant side of things, I've gotten around to reading again and now, well, I can't stop. I'm at like a couple books per week lately.

Anyways, I'm really excited to have found some new authors, who happen to be coming to Changing Hands Bookstore on a special day for me. In looking forward to that, I came across a giveaway for one of the books I've got my eyes on: Sophie Jordan's Firelight. (I also stumbled across an ARC giveaway as well as several other giveaways, including this one for Scars by Cheryl Rainfield as well, if you are interested.) Unfortunately, you have to enter by tonight, E.S.T. to be eligble so it's cutting it close. But seriously, if you haven't checked out the recent YA releases, you should get on it. If anything, it makes a good reprieve for when the the little tazmanian devils are at it again.

I promise I'll get on soon to update a little more, but for now, I've got some books to finish before I get to meet those lovely authors

Disturbing...

2010-05-26T02:10:00.000-07:00

This is your brain on mercury. YOU can experience this too if you want! Just go work at a dental office...

What Hope Can Do (Recovery From Schizophrenia)

2010-05-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

Last week I was watching a show on channel 8 about a couple whose son had Autism. I know Autism is a controversial topic these days, with stories about it being caused by immunizations, and arguments that there is no cure for this disease. I've always been one to look at things differently. Simply put, I don't like to take no for an answer, but I like to call it hope. And apparently this couple felt the same way. When I watched the two of them, torn by the struggles with their son, what I note most of all was this hope. I mean if they didn't have hope, and accepted that there was nothing to be done for their son, would they have traveled to Mongolia to see the best healing shaman's?

Now I can't say I've traveled the world for "voodoo" remedies, but I have spent a lot of money on unconventional treatments for a disorder that I was told was 'incurable'. To me, both of these actions are not what some would call a waste of time, a waste of money, or 'quack' ideas. To me, these actions are hope, strengthened to faith, put into works.

Now where in the scriptures do they say where we should or should not exercise our faith? We may be told by a doctor, an 'expert' in the area we seek advice in, one thing, but if we seek healing and we are told it is not possible, isn't it possible that the 'expert' simply doesn't have the knowledge or the faith that this is possible? What if it is a good and righteous thing--to hope for our child to recover from something like autism, or in my case, to recover from schizophrenia so that I could be there for my family--wouldn't the Lord provide a way, if we have faith?

Back to the couple with autism. They did indeed travel to Mongolia and participate in rituals that people here in the Western world would call strange. You could definitely see this was a very emotional roller coaster. I can't even do the story justice. You have to watch it, but keep an open mind.

Anyways, what came of this trip? Low and behold the child did begin to recover. Little by little at first, but he began using the toilet on his own, playing and interacting with other children, and progressing closer to the milestones of peers his own age.

It was easy to see this trip was difficult. The parents had to have a translator to speak to any of the Mongolians, their son was very distraught the first parts of the trip (and which made the parents doubt their decision to come), and then came the first progress, after which their son seemed to relapse, before continuing to progress.

I'd like to say that I can relate. It's been about a year since I began my recovery from schizophrenia. Yes, after the first two treatments I began thinking rationally, but that doesn't mean I didn't go through severe bouts of depression, difficulty and adjustment to the fact that I wasn't able to be mentally there for the first part of my daughter's life (or for any family members for awhile, still sometimes), and even the adjustment to reality after having such a severely disjointed and frightening state of mind has been extremely difficult.

But when I can't read the scriptures because it reminds me of the nightmares I had while 'crazy' and I can't attend church because I'm trying to recover from insomnia so I can at lease take care of my kids during the week, or even when I can't feel the spirit because my mental frame of mind is still so fragile at times, I do know that there are miracles.

The key is hope.

I used to think I had great faith, and lived peacefully in my testimony because of that. But I've learned many things from the past year and a half, one thing being that faith without works is dead. And sometimes the Lord knows we have more potential, and it takes great trials to see this.

Also, because I haven't heard many stories of people recovering from schizophrenia, one of the biggest things I hope for others to know is that it is possible. Don't let doctors or 'experts' tell you otherwise. I'm living proof. In the bible, in the book of James, chapter 5 verse 15 it says that the prayer of faith shall save the sick. Even if it is in consolation only, this is true, though it literally came to pass for me.

(I was also excited to find this story online the other day about another person who recovered!!)

I just hope that I can get a break from such intense exercise of faith, for a just a bit. The past year and a half has been incredibly exhausting!!

I've been schooled

2010-04-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

Apparently, after all this time, we've been counting wrong; I've been informed that there is, in fact, a number "one-teen".

This has been officially confirmed by my son, Andrew...
How can you look at this face and argue?

(I've also been informed, from another source, that I do, also, use too many commas. But we'll save that for another posting, maybe.)

Ah, summer break has been well needed...

2010-04-29T03:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had something on your mind that was so freaking exciting that you can't sleep?

Well, that's my problem right now. Okay, except really it's only a problem because I'm trying to work through some detox-induced insomnia, but...man I really am excited.

Why, you might ask?

Well I have accomplished something that I have been striving for since I first fell in love with writing--I put together the full plot for a story I have been working on for over a year now. It's a plot that I've had in my mind, bits and pieces, but never knew how to combine.

As some of you may remember, calamity struck (delivered by my sweet Andrew boy) in the form of broken flash drives and crashed computers; My story was lost, not once, but multiple times.

I have now learned the sacred art of file-back up and computer protection, thus my story is now safe.

So I come to one of my other reasons for blogging at holy freaking 4:00 in the morning (besides the fact that I'm so excited about my plot actualization that it's spilling out of my fingers): I have a question to ask all my *6* readers. (You are all totally awesome, by the way.)

Should I start another blog, specifically for my writing, where I post the first draft of my story as I finish it? (Keeping in mind that a first draft is a rough draft, which is just that--rough!)

At this point I am up to chapter five, but now that the plot is done, I seem to write at about a min of...5 chapters/ week, give or take whether or not I receive helpful input when I am looking for it. (This is going off my inclusion of other stories that I've been working on as well, and also my history.) Hence, for this purpose I'm wondering if I should start another blog. So, what do you think? (By the way, I am now officially on summer break [woot, woot], so my fingers are free to dance the keyboard to my story's content. Plus I am free for some much needed rest and quality time with the kiddos.)

So what do you think? Yay or Nay? Comments are very welcome!

Character Portrait

2010-04-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

Because sometimes I need creative outlets other than writing...

Sketch of my main character, Jacey, from the story I'm currently working on. It's pretty rough but this is generally what she looks like.

Sometimes it's nice to work on something where there isn't so much criticism going on in my head.

Reading suggestion

2010-04-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

The other day I was thinking back to some of the books that have inspired me to write and one of them is an awesome book called Poison Study. If you haven't read it, seriously, you should.

Actually the author, Maria V. Snyder is one of my favorite authors. Her fantasy books are unique, memorable and her characters are great, so I'm really excited that her new book, Inside Out, just came out.

What's even more awesome is that Jenn-ay from "My Tea Time is Book Time" interviewed Maria, and included a chance to win a signed copy of Inside Out.

Seriously, if you haven't already experienced one of Maria's books, I recommend you do. If you aren't familiar with her works, go get yourself a copy of Poison Study to start you off, then head over to the interview /review to hear about her new one.

Innocent toddlers combine, create evil poop scheme

2010-03-31T11:13:00.000-07:00

Oh. My.

Seriously--I've got myself one dynamic duo; What Andrew and Alane wouldn't do alone, they accomplish (and more) together.

This morning, around 4:00, I wake to my little girl screaming. She couldn't stand to sleep anymore, her diaper is poopy and she wants it changed. It was a sign. Anyways, this isn't an odd occurrence. I trudge myself out of bed, clean her up, wrap her in another diaper and put her to bed. Well, not her bed. I'm too tired so I just lay her next to me in bed. I wake to my son jumping on the bed. Again not odd.

At this point I am weary and disappointed because I was up working on homework until late and hoping to sleep in. Not including Alane's diaper change, they both woke during the night--multiple times--and I was figuring they would be tired as well. No such luck.

Then I think, okay, the kids can snack and watch a little channel 8 while I sneak in a few more Z's. Unfortunately I was a little too tired to make sense of things other than I NEED SLEEP. I put together a snack for the two kiddos and turned on a favorite cartoon, then went back to bed hoping for another half hour. As I nod off, my brain doesn't process Andrew's statement, "Mom, I'm poopy." (Andrew still wears diapers to bed.)

Next thing I know, Alane is crying at the foot of my bed. She's my alarm clock, by the way. After nights like the last she is the one to get me up and at 'em.

I get up and reassure her and realize immedately that something is wrong. Don't worry--Alane and Andrew were fine.

I walk out to the strong smell of poop.

"Oh, no." I think with dread. You know, that stressful moment when you know your kids have gotten into something or made a mess and you head straight to find out what. My method is to not let my mind come up with scenarios. Things are better off that way.

At the same time I'm dreading what's coming, I ask Andrew, "What happened?" on my way to the bathroom, where I've realized the smell is coming from. At least I think it's the bathroom.

Andrew answer's "Nothing Mom." That's his typical answer these days.

This response confirms that he has done something that he knows I will be upset about.

It's when I flip on the bathroom light that I realize to what degree. I look around with disbelief. Oh holy poopy nightmare, seriously it's everywhere! It's smeared on walls and cabinets and floor and out the door to his bedroom

All I can think is thank goodness I wasn't asleep long, that Alane came and woke me. The damage was left only to bathroom and kids room. But it's enough to create enough disgust that after fixing breakfast I cleaned the bedroom and half the bathroom, lit a candle, shut the light off and shut the door, taking a break to write this.

And don't worry. That's not all. After I realized what happened--that Andrew tried to change his own diaper--I was able to end the spread. I corralled both children into the bathroom to clean. Yes I say both because it turned out Alane had another poopy diaper and dug in and joined. I'm thanking my lucky stars that my little girl knows how to walk now, otherwise there would have been a disgusting trail across the carpet I'd be scrubbing right now.

I'm convinced that both children combined were the real problem. Separate, to date, we've had no dilemma (of this sort) turn out this grand. And by grand I don't mean awesome.

Okay, gotta go. Alane has another poopy diaper.

No, I'm not joking.

And down hill we go...

2010-03-24T10:01:00.000-07:00

What is a Communist? One who has yearnings – for equal division of unequal earnings.
– Ebenezer Elliot

“Although images of perfection in people's personal lives can cause unhappiness, images of perfect societies-utopian images-can cause monstrous evil. In fact, forcefully changinging society to conform to societal images was the greatest cause of evil in the twentieth century."
-Dennis Prager

Two words: Healthcare Reform.
Is anybody else scared for our country's future?

Critique welcome!

2010-03-11T12:09:00.000-08:00

After beginning writing yet again (after losing the computer files for one story that was at least 12 chapters and files for another that was a minimum of 21 chapter) I decided I was ready for some critique.

Luckily there happens to be an editing agency that posts the first 300 words of your story on their blog for open critique.

Last Monday they decided to feature my story beginning. Its great to get feedback because it helps me see shortcomings in my work that I'm not aware of.

I'd love to have comments from anyone who's interested.

Thanks in advance!

Linky for my new story, Breathe, featured at Precision Editing Group blog.

****Just a warning, its a bit graphic!****

A lot to handle

2010-03-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder what I'm doing.

Taking care of two kids under the age of 4 (while trying to get over co-dependence tendencies and heal from adrenal/thyroid/mercury poisoning issues) and working on finishing my degree while still trying to stay mentally healthy after literally losing my sanity less than a year ago.

Lets just say that I've realized that it doesn't hurt to find a good therapist!

Alane's first b-day

2010-02-18T15:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my sweet girl's first b-day.

Alane is such a girl. When we were shopping for her birthday she picked out a dress and necklace. She's funny because she will go sit in front of her closet and start crying and motioning up at her clothes. This means she wants to get all dressed up.

When there are girls around she targets right in. She loves to sit in the ladies' laps and chat and admire jewelry, clothes and hair (lol, seriously).

She also enjoys peek-a-boo, shopping, and playing in the bathtub.

While I may be an avid nature lover, Alane is not so sure about it. Around animals-- she will eventually (usually) warm up. The other day Kevin took Alane to sit in the big green grass patch in our community. Alane was not happy about it. She starting making her upset/worried/pouty face and wanted to get off!

She's so polite, just like her older brother. She frequently says thank you for anything she's given. (Though she's been known to get very upset if she thinks she's getting something and doesn't)

Oh, I can't believe she's already one. This year has been a long one and I know she was meant to be in our family at this time. She has been such a trooper, with a mother going through schizophrenia and the recovery afterward and also being patient while mommy does classwork as well. Even through all that she's dealt with this year she's stayed a sweet loving little girl and I'm so glad she came to our family.

Thoughts on a second child

2010-02-18T15:05:00.000-08:00

How strange that one plus one isn't two. It is an infinite combination of intricate coordinations. It's the weight of added responsibility. It's my heart, growing, expanding until I realize there was room in there for another all along.

This eternal addition is a fragile tug of war, a Dance constantly switching partners but also learning to dance with two.

The balance is difficult but simple.

It's a gift but at times a strain.

I am grateful.

I'm still learning.

Potential

2010-02-14T02:40:00.000-08:00

I feel a certain something

A movement of my soul

I don't know how to grasp the source,

just the form in which it came.

I yearn for visions I can't describe

But I feel them, nevertheless

They've been burned into my core design

Something grand I can't forget

At times I doubt, feel lost and sad

My desires never reaching fruition

But then a light, a recognized feeling, truth,

From the Lord—I know with faith I can.

so its two in the morning....

2010-02-14T02:06:00.000-08:00

I know I'm up way later than I ought to be but with classes and the role of mommy and wife to fill, I find the only free time I have to myself is seldom, usually late hours.

The upside is that with adrenal and now thyroid issues, I don't feel as exhausted as I should be, downside--I don't feel as exhausted as I should be and I stay up way too late and get sick.

Anyways, on the road to getting better from some pretty good congestion and head cold symptoms, and I'm finding I need an outlet.

And blogging is great for that. It really is. But I just can't bring myself to blog when I'm so busy. Its not like it takes that long to sign in and do a little typing. I think for me its more of a mental thing; My words are on stage and sometimes that brings more stress than necessary for a simple cathartic outlet.

I know I really over analyze too. So I'm going to pretend that the whopping 2-3 people reading my blog aren't really there, that this is like one of those anonymous online journals. (Or I could always go the tradition route and imagine you all naked, but I think we can all agree that who ever came up with that method was a bit of a pervert, and being as I am not, we won't go there. Plus, it doesn't really work for blogging. )

Random fact: I am bad. I don't keep an actual journal because I am too scared that someone is going to read it one day. Not because I have deep dark secrets, but that...I don't know. Its really weird actually. I feel like after I got married I locked a part of myself away and now I'm too scared to let her out. Doesn't make sense, but its true.

So anyways, I've been writing again. It feels good to write again. Its exciting. It frees my mind.

Speaking of my mind, I seem to be able to be more cognizant of my dreams than most people. So when I compare writing to being like a dream except your conscious mind has the steering wheel, most people probably don't know what I mean. But this is also true.

For those of you who are aware of their dreams, or are like me and wake in the morning and are disappointed not to have to wake from sleep, but to have to interrupt a dream, let me tell you--writing is more awesome than dreaming!

All right. Enough about writing, I am going to drag myself to bed.

Beautiful Furniture!!

2010-01-25T13:14:00.000-08:00

We are selling our furniture on Craig's List.
If you are interested go take a look:

Rowley Creek Table Set

Light brown Bench Craft Sofa Set

If you are too lazy to clicky, see if these pics will entice...

Like I say on the listing, the stuff looks great, we just won't have room for it. Its hard to let go of, I've loved having this furniture. Our loss is your gain.

Best Christmas Present Ever!

2010-01-05T13:11:00.000-08:00

I'm not sayin' my husband and I stay up every night after the kids go to sleep, playing songs until we give out from rockband exhaustion......

Those four little words...

2009-11-20T23:22:00.000-08:00

Its always fun to watch our kids grow up. Its exciting to see them toddle for the first time, across the floor to your outstretched arms. Then you hear them speak single syllable versions of words, cute in a way that only babies can make it.

Its been such a unique, special experience to watch Andrew grow up. This year he seems to really have blossomed, blowing straight throught all kinds of developmental milestone, from toddler to little boy. Now he just seems so grown up, he's really got such a sweet personality coming out. He's so creative, polite, sweet, and even independent now.

But tonight was a different kind of growing up, a different kind of milestone for both me and Andrew.

As he sat on my lap, and we had our standard rocking chair time before bed, I was telling him what a good boy he was and how happy I was that he was my little boy. Then I told him I loved him. He replied back in a little, quiet voice, something that at first I couldn't for sure understand. I thought I had heard him, but I wanted to make sure I'd heard right. So I asked him to repeat what he said. He spoke only slightly louder this time, as if he was a little unsure if it was the right thing to say, saying:

"Mom, I love you."

Maybe that doesn't seem like such a big deal for you. Maybe you've had your kid tell you that before, or maybe you've never had a child, or had one say it to you. But when you have a child that you've spent time trying to make sure they know you love them, say it back, well I felt myself melt. It was one of those moments when you just feel that somehow, even with tantrums, and pestering-of-little-baby-sisters, messes, and running-away in grocery stores, (and all of their accompanying punishments) somehow I must be doing something right.

I'm so glad I get to be with such a wonderful little boy for all eternity.

SNL Twilight Spoof

2009-11-19T21:06:00.000-08:00

Getting ready to see New Moon this weekend, and Kevin found this spoof. Hilarious. Check it out.

"You're choking me." Haha. Awesome.

"Swashbucklers" -- Awesome

2009-11-04T23:53:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen this new church PSA, you need to check it out, its really cute. Apparently it won an award for its "..relevance, high production quality and exceptional combination of excitement, humor and warmth."

Halloween Art

2009-10-15T13:01:00.001-07:00

Well... for those of you who didn't know, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. There's just something about the tradition of masquerade, the air of portentious spook, and all the goodies along with it. (Also in case you didn't know, I am a former candy addict.)

I was putting together some Halloween collages for Polyvore when I came across some artists whose work I just fell in love with. They really have the Halloween feel to me, so I thought I'd share. If you like these you should check out their work, they have other works that are just really awesome. (My favorite is Odessa Sawyer)

Voyage to the stars by Odessa Sawyer

"There is something haunting in the light of the moon; it has all the dispassionateness of a disembodied soul, and something of its inconceivable mystery." - Joseph Conrad, Lord Jim

Trick or Treat by Megan Stringfellow

Halloween by Claudia Flor

"There is no season when such pleasant and
sunny spots may be lighted on, and
produce so pleasant an effect on
the feelings, as now in October."
- Nathaniel Hawthorne

Queen of the Pumpkin Children by Odessa Sawyer

I often think that the night is more alive and
more richly colored than the day.

~Vincent Van Gogh

Little Batty Princess by Annie Rodrigue

Alone in the Woods by Odessa Sawyer

The Magician by Odessa Sawyer

A gypsy fire is on the hearth,
Sign of the carnival of mirth;
Through the dun fields and from the glade
Flash merry folk in masquerade,
For this is Hallowe'en!
~Author Unknown

Return to Candyland by Odessa Sawyer

Little Red Riding Hood by Annie Rodrigue

Alane's Headband

2009-10-15T10:07:00.000-07:00

This is just for you Sarah :)

What I used:

The picture keeps going sideways, sorry!

Pictured: ribbons and ric-rac, cute doodads (aka gems and buttons) flowers, white material, then the glue gun to put it all together.

Not Pictured: Sewing machine. I make the headbands myself because I couldn't find headbands that fit Alane's little head. All the ones I did find that fit were priced rediculously and I've been told its easy to use hose/tights cut in sections but it was just as cheap for me to make them, since the material was on sale and it was a more subtantial material, seeing as hose/tights get runs and snags. Although hose would be cooler against a baby's head (seeing as we live in az, that would make it a good option.)

Its really easy to do. I start by pulling the flowers apart so they are just layers of petals. I play around a bit with them, layering them how I want them to look. The flowers I chose were on sale at JoAnn's. The pink mums went with my hot pink theme and then I used a white shimmery one to go with the shimmery hot pink ribbons. Once I knew how I wanted it took look I started looping the ribbons and glued those in layers, putting in the ric-rac for variety. Then I added the flower petal layers I'd already arranged and topped it all with the cute little flower button and the pink gemstone. Looking back, I think I would have liked it better with a flower that would create a little less contrast than the white one did but...eh {shrug}. I always seem to find something that could be changed looking back.

Anyways, I went with homemade headbands. Its a lot of fun, and just browsing through craft stores you're bound to find inspiration for whatever look you are going for. And it really is easy.

Oh P.S. Sarah -- I'd love to be given access to view your blog, and congrats on the new little one on the way :)

Thanks so much Krista for first giving me a homemade headband how-to!

Finally! Family Pictures

2009-10-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

75 photos fast from chad westover on Vimeo.

Its actually been a little while since we had these done, but I've been pretty busy lately.

Andrew was having a rough time that day, so he didn't really want his picture taken, which was really weird. Normally he's all smiles for pics. Alane was just waiting for this day though, apparently. She wouldn't STOP smiling.

Anyways It was nice to finally get it done. Pictures just seem to be one of those things that continually get pushed to the backburner.

Chad Westover took our pictures and was nice enough to come to our house for them. Thanks so much Chad!!

I {heart} Bento!

2009-09-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

I was searching the internet today, looking for some fun cookie recipes to make for our camping trip this weekend and was using one of my favorite search methods: by google images. I love to see what I'm actually looking for when I'm searching. Well I did find a yummy recipe for homemade oreos, that I'm sure I could "healthify" a bit. I'll try to post how that turns out, but in the process I found some pictures of the cutest little container meals, better known as Bentos.

Traditionally, a bento is a Japanese, compact lunch packed in a little plastic box. It has now morphed into what could be considered meals as art. There are even how to's about planning the color layout, plus tools and do-dads (egg molds for shaping your hardboiled egg into cute shapes and faces, and cute decorative toothpicks and what-not.) to add to the whole thing. (With the bento, it seems, its all about creativity. Oh and another aspect that I've noticed that I like--a tendency toward healthy meals.)

I know some people might find these funny, rediculous, or a waste of time. But I happen to be one of those people who loves working with food. I really enjoy making our family's meals, and I don't mind going to extra trouble to do it for them. Its another way for me to show them I love them. Besides you know you love a meal that someone has put effort into, making it nice and tasty. And when it comes to food, presentation really can make or break how it is received.

It took some time to research actually what they were and the technique to them, but I have decided that I want some bento boxes to start making my very own bentos. I know Andrew would love them, and besides...they are just so cute. So, here's to hoping the budget will allow for a few bento supplies...

I can't wait to make Andrew one of these and see his face light up:
Curious about the art of bento making? Check out this article, or just google bento.

oops, i did it again

2009-08-21T16:41:00.001-07:00

Yep, I cut my hair again...

as in I cut my hair again. Explanation: It needed some management, and I didn't want to spend my shopping money on a haircut. Excuse my make-up-less face.

Do your kids do this?

2009-08-07T14:00:00.001-07:00

Guitar lessons

2009-08-07T11:59:00.001-07:00

Andrew wanted to learn how to play the guitar, so we had a lesson the other day. He had a lot of fun strumming away.

As he performed a no-chorded song, Laney girl was our not so willing audience..

P90X:Day 10

2009-08-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

So far things are going pretty well.

We've had to change around the time that Kevin and I workout, seeing as we don't have a lot of time during the day to fit it in.

It seems that making the time, and then actually getting through the whole workout has been the hardest parts, really. If we aren't trying to squeeze it in during his lunch break, or right before we eat dinner, one of the kids is crying, or Andrew is trying to get into the cheese in the fridge (the kid loves cheese!)

I'm going to be honest...I cheated this weekend!! Our family had pizza on Friday, not abnormal in itself but we were supposed to cut out all junk food. Oh- I also snarfed a bunch of cherries this weekend. There is a local fruit shop that has cherries for 99 cents/lb. Being such a fruit lover, I couldn't resist.

I've also come to find that while a food journal is ideal, it is hard to keep one while you are maintaining a household, and taking care of two little kiddos. So after tracking for a week, I basically got the gist of what I eat and when and how to keep up my energy and about how many calories was in our staples so I've stopped tracking specifically what I eat...I'm just vaguely watching it. I found the time it took to track everything cut out a lot of my chore time. And I can't stand not being able to get my chores done...don't know what I'm gonna do when I start up my classes!

So going on to week two and I'm finding that I'm really craving carbs! I'm actually finding that if I add a small portion more each day, then I have more energy. We'll see how that works out. It seems that when I workout my body turns into a carb munching machine or something...I remember being the same when I ran in high school.

Well, I'm already looking trimmer, and its only day ten...I'm excited to see more results! :)

P90X: Day 1 of 90 recap: Workout

2009-07-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I may or may not be this thorough in the future when it comes to tracking progress... But I figured it would be a good start :)

So yesterday Kevin came home during his lunch break so we could do our workout together. Since Kevin didn't have time to finish the workout we decided that lunch break wouldn't be the best time for us to be doing the workout...we are going for evening, when he gets home and before dinner...which means I need to get crackin' on dinner real soon so that it will be ready as soon as we are done working out!

So yesterday was the Core Synergistics workout for day one. One of the great things about P90X is that they have a variety of workouts which: 1. makes me happy, satisfying my weird ever need for constant variety and 2. it creates "muscle confusion", helping you steer clear of plateau in your fitness progress.

I have to say that I'd forgotten how workouts can trick you. You'd think after the pain of up and doing a 2 mile race without hitting the pavement would be enough reminder...but I'm a sucker for jumping into sports and athletics without thinking. So after the first about 35 minutes of the workout I was reminded that, yeah, working out is actually a challenge. And reminded again, when I forced my sore body out of bed at 4 to change Laney girl's diapee, and again all day today...'kay enough about how I sore I am, and not thinking about how hard today's workout will be b/c of it...

I actually liked the first workout...I think core work will end up being a fave. And since Kevin didn't get to finish the workout yesterday, we did the Ab Ripper X . It's only 16 minutes.....of grueling ab rippage! So yeah...the sorest part of my body is my...surprise, surprise, CORE!

I guess the best part of being sore is that it means progress... woot woot for soreness.

Oh- and I will be posting start pics. I can't wait 'till I can compare back and see the progress.

P90X: Day 1 of 90 recap: Diet

2009-07-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

The start of day one, for me, was a success. I started a food journal, to track what I'm eating and when to maximize energy for the workouts, and to lower my body fat. I'm really getting serious with this. I've spend quite a few visits to Bodybuilding.com for inspiration and advise and it seemed that a food journal would be the best way to meet my goals.

During my "crazy" period we decided it might be better to add in animal products to my diet. (even though there can be some disadvantages to health, having animal products are a lot easier to keep a rounded out diet than going to all the trouble of going around them and finding specific foods to fill those nutritional holes and then finding creative ways to try and get a 2 year old and a "meat and potato" husband to eat them.) In the long run, it just seemed better for our family as a whole to add lean meats back in...we already would eat some eggs and cheese)

So after figuring that I needed to add some major protein in for workout's sake, to meet my goals, and for ease of the family in general, this past week we started stocking up on protein, specifically, chicken and turkey.

Last weekend I also spent a lot of time researching adrenal fatigue again, along with hypoglycemia. (After the stress of the mercury on my system, my adrenal problems started coming back, along with blood sugar problems.) I started to wonder why, when I ate so healthy, did I have problems with both of them still. When I really looked at what I was eating, and what was recommended for adrenal fatigue and hypoglycemia I realized two big no-no's that I was doing. 1. I was eating a LOT of fruit...so much sugar! and 2. I was also eating a lot of dried fruits..lots of condensed amounts of sugar! and 3. specifically I was eating fruit with high amounts of potassium...this isn't good for adrenal prob's.

Long story short, I've cut out all fruit except for one serving after my workout, or an occasional apple as a snack.

I can't believe what a difference this has made...Oh by the way, after adding back in regular carb products I'm now going to try to cut them out except about one serving a day. (Usually some sprouted ezekiel bread, plain steel cut oats or even rarer, whole grain organic pasta. (Andrew loves the "pah-ta") This does make it harder for me to figure out what to eat during the day though.

Oh- I have also tried to get to sleep and eat at specifically recommended times in the day, and added sea salt in to my diet. Even though I have avoided in the past, it seems that it helps with adrenal probs so I'm giving it a go.

I'm going to be honest I'm having a hard time eating enough! I'm so used to eating such small amounts that it is taking some getting used to eating as much as the p90x nutrition plan recommends for the workouts.

Specifics:

I'm supposed to be getting about 1800 cal/day for the workouts. I weigh 118 right now, so my strict calorie needs are 1180, and as of the past month or so I haven't been too far off that, as I really haven't been doing ANYTHING. Currently, as of about a week ago, I average about 1500 or so, usually less. But since the Pioneer day race I ran on the 18th, (which by the way was rough stuff...I was sooo out of shape. The hardest race I've ever run, in fact, even if it was only 2 measley miles) I have been working on upping the calories.

I like to eat slowly through the whole day and it really helps with the blood sugar.

Here is what day one looked like:

9:00- scrambled eggs (2 whole eggs, one egg white, salted)

165 cal

10:00- plain steel cut oats, stevia and water added (1/4 cup-half a serving, other half saved for later)

151 cal

10:20-Pure Trim Mediterranean Wellness Choc Shake (shared with Andrew) with spinach added

120 cal

10:45-plain steel cut oats-other half

151 cal

1:45- celery stick w/ 1 Tbsp organic peanut butter

107 cal

2:00-3:00 WORKOUT- Core Synergistics

3:00- Protein Energizer™ Chocolate

(website says 112 cal, my canister says 110)

3:45- apple

4:45-1/2 slice of organic ezekiel bread

5:05-2 oz. colby jack cheese

220

7:00- Ab ripper X

8:30-1/2 potato

100

8 0z. chicken 225

Salad 73
Homemade raw cashew dressing 65

Total Calories day 1: 1694*

*I had to go back and edit, the cheese was about 100 more calories.

P90X!!

2009-07-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

So today marks day one for the P90X program for Kevin and I. We've actually had the program for awhile and were wanting to start....then I got preggo. So Kevin did it for a bit off and on. Now we are ready to hit it hard core. So starting today we are doing P90X nutrition plan and doing our first workout. We will be doing the lean program...so cheers to getting lean and ripped starting today!! Woot Woot. I'll do another post on the specifics for our new diet...non raw (gasp)

July 4th

2009-07-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

For the 4th we went camping with my family, and despite the fact that we only got to see them for part of the camping trip (we weren't able to make it to camp until late in the day, on the 4th, by then by the time we got there my fam had left to see the fireworks, and then we had to leave the next day) we had fun. The last day we got to so some shooting, something I'd been wanting to do for quite awhile now. (My dad makes guns so...after living in a household without guns for awhile I started miss it...shh don't tell my fam.)

And long story short--we got to the camping spot even later because we took the wrong turn, trying to go on a dirt road that our Passat's undercarriage said no to, and after a quick check to make sure it was still on (we've had it pop partially off before) we finally made it. It was quite an afternoon really because as soon as we got there the storm clouds started rolling in. So we tried to hurry and set up the tent...or at least Kevin did...Andrew was wandering around the camp and Alane( 0r as we like to call her, "Laney girl") was wailing after having to sit in the car seat for the drive and wanted to be held. Luckily it never ended up raining. Ahh, lol...good times... Drama aside, it did leave me wanting to go camping again.

Daddy and son, setting up tent

Andrew having a blast in the hammock

Laney chillin' with me while daddy check's the dirt road for more "dangerous" passages

Andrew all geared up to shoot

Andrew shooting w/ grandpa

Par-tay in the tent!

Children of gamers: We start 'em early

2009-07-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

Onward as a writer

2009-06-11T10:19:00.000-07:00

Lately I've enjoyed being able to write again. Now that I'm sane.

I tell you Therresa, when I read your post about post partum depression I almost wanted to jump right out of my seat (particularly when you described it as "chinese water torture"). Its good and sad to know that I am not alone. Ahh, and yes it's finally good to be back.

So I'm back but have to say I think I've been mellowed out just a tad. Chores slide and disagreements resolve a lot more often than they used too. And not that we really argued that much but...well its amazing what going crazy can do to your relationship. In our case it truly brought Kevin and I closer than we had been for a couple of years. As funny as it sounds, I do thank the Lord for allowing me to go crazy for just a bit, for what came of it.

Lately, we've returned to our normal routine which entails waking way before I'm ready, caused by a little Andrew boy jumping on my bed, just happy to see his momma and little sister. Then add to that a mixture of playtime, chores, diaper changes and feedings and writing thrown in when I'm too tired to do anything else, and that's my day. As I continue my chelations, hopefully the fatigue will decrease a bit. (I get at minimum 9 hours of sleep every night so it isn't that I'm not getting enough sleep...I'm just a tired person right now!! And of course there is the occasion night feeding that will add to that but come on, 9 hours!!)

Okay and I'm a bit frustrated. I've mentioned before, in previous posts that I was working on a story. I worked on most of it around when I got pregnant with Alane and in fact, I had about 20 chapters written even. When we moved I loaded it all onto one of those little flash drives so we could clear out our whole computer and reformat it, kind of like having a brand new computer again. Well after we cleared it I went to load my story back on and before I got to, I got distracted and left the flash drive plugged into our computer. Unfortunately, Andrew thought it looked interesting. He snapped it right out of the computer, not pulling it out the way it is supposed to be detached...and it broke in half, leaving me a worthless flash drive and no story.

While it really is a bummer to have all 20 chapters of my story gone it has provided me with the opportunity to go back and rethink my story and create a whole new one. Because even though I spend all that time and lost it, (and I do miss the characters and things I'd written) I've come out of Alane's pregnancy, birth and the post-partum stuff a whole new person in regards to my ideas for writing and my vision in what I want out of it. It is hard to describe but as I experienced my story, then when through all the stuff the past year, it has really seemed to be exactly what my story had been called: an "Awakening".

So continuing on, I'm excited to steal the best parts I remember from that story, to have learned what it was to experience moving through a story that far, and to learn how exciting it was to have characters that make the story fun.

I'm sure there are people out there who are saying..."I've read her blog, she thinks she's a writer?" At least I imagine people saying that, because I admit that I don't have any unique eloquence with words. I just have an imagination, so I let it take me places...and lo and behold a story is born. I recommend you give it a try, its lots of fun :)

If anyone out there has any advise on plot development, I'd love some. (That's where I'm lacking..I've got the imagination to basically sit down and write...I just usually don't get very far, lol.)

And anyways I'm going to be brave and continue to call myself a writer, I mean all writers started somewhere! (Like I read somewhere...there are no great writers...just re-writers, and I'm not afraid to re-write like crazy!)

Well, I've got to go, a little sweetheart is waking from her nap...

Dear Obama...

2009-06-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

I don't particularly enjoy getting too political on my blog, but I found a website that I agree with, that I just had to share...

http://www.afa.net/youscareme.asp

Uh-huh, agreed.

Don't work at a dental office!

2009-05-16T11:51:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't posted much lately, mainly because I've had such crazy stuff going on it is just incredibly hard to believe.

So for those of you who didn't know starting about a month ago I was basically diagnosed with post-partum depression/....(gasp) schizophrenia.

Now that I feel normal and rational I can actually talk about it. Ya see I started believing all kinds of crazy things like it was the end of the world. Weird weird. Yeah, and on top of having a newborn baby and a two-year old. Anyways come to find out.......I HAVE MERCURY POISONING!!

Here I was beating myself up for being all crappy, crazy and such and finding this out. The effects of it were so bad that I am RELIEVED to find out, lol. We've come to conclude that the nature of Alane's birth somehow stirred up the mercury from when I worked at the dental office, bringing it out of my bones and brain (metals from water and stuff such as dental work like to sit in your bones and cause health problems, pretty creepy huh?) anyways and it stirred it up in my system and caused all kinds of mental manifestations...most likely why I felt so crappy after Andrew's birth too.

So I've been up north the past week doing chelation treatment to get it out of my system and not only do I feel 150% better I actually have found that I don't mind needles so much. The effects of my IV's have been so positive I actually look forward to my treatments each time. I even a little bit of positive thoughts toward an epidural. Not sure that I'd go there, but at least I might not mind a hydration IV if I ever do decide to go to a hospital for a future birth.

So for anyone reading this and have witnessed any of my weirdness, its hard to explain but I guess all I can say is that part of my craziness was a spiritual high from Alane's birth and led me do a lot of things that if you didn't understand our church might seem pretty weird. So anywho Please forgive all my weirdness!

Thanx to everyone for all your support during what we now somewhat fondly refer to as my "crazies"

And moral of the story, when you see silver flying at the dental office from the replacement of old fillings, Spit it out! And certainly try not to breathe it in!

All aboard the crazy train, lol

2009-04-07T08:57:00.000-07:00

Lately we've had some pretty interesting goings on at our house, to say the least. Lets just say that the job of parenting two really has been difficult. Out of the experiences I've had lately I have begun to enjoy even more, just being a mother and wife. I wanted to thank everyone who has been helping out lately, its been priceless as we are working on getting through this tough time.

Not much else to report right now but I am excited that my wonderful hubby gets to have a month off from work right now.

I'm also really excited to finally be picking up hobbies that I'd set aside before...such as playing my violin, and running. I am extremely excited to be starting getting ready for a triathlon in September. I am not a big swimmer, so wish me luck!

Being a Mommy of 2...

2009-03-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

...is a lot harder than I imagined. Not that I pictured it to be a piece of cake, but the past month has been another adventure!

Just to update, Alane is doing well, as are all the rest of us :) Kevin started the P90X workout that we've been trying to do together for awhile, and he's really enjoying it, I can see the success already ;) Andrew has been such a sweet loving helpful big brother, and we've been working hard on helping him adjust to no longer being the only little one getting our attention. I've just been enjoying how much fun it is to have our family grow, getting to breastfeed again (I love breastfeeding) and all the funny stuff that starts happening when everyone is running low on sleep!

Also--just to let everyone know, we are blessing Alane next Sunday (the 22nd), so if you want to come, just let me know! :)

"Welcome Alane" baby shower

2009-03-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to give a heads up that we are having a baby shower for Alane next month, one of the Saturdays after Easter. If you are interested in coming, just leave a comment w/ your e-mail address and I will get you an invite. Anyone interested in coming is welcome, I really am looking forward to getting to visit and chat with all who would like to be there! Oh, and I won't post the comments w/ e-mail address' so you don't have to have them made public. Thanks everyone so much with your comments about the past posts, they have been so sweet!

My beautiful baby!

2009-02-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

Alane Patrice Reidhead
7pds 11oz
20 1/2 inches

Well I guess its about time for the birth story!!

So February 16th I woke up at 1:00 with contractions every 20 mins that were strong enough that I had to get up for each one so after an hour of having one then going back to sleep I finally got up. I talked with Kevin and we knew we were ready to do this!! Well it really was a beautiful labor and I moved around from shower to tub, to standing out and being grateful for the rain that early morning. Then I came back in the bedroom around 4ish and remember looking at the clock then saying to Kevin, laughing, "geez, labor sure goes by fast!" And it truly was funny to me b/c I could feel the strength of the work my body was doing, but having no idea how far along things were ( I never once checked dilation) and then thinking I am so grateful for the gift that my body has been to me. Anyways, it was like after that point my body got really serious, and I felt like staying in the bathtub, it really helped things progress. Then, around 5:37 she was born into the water and I'd had my eyes closed but as I felt her coming out I opened my eyes, reached down and lifted her up, unwrapped her cord, and started talking to my husband about her. By that time we decided it was time to call the midwife, lol!! Then I also realized I should check if she was actually a girl. It was so releiving to see she really was a SHE. So I guess labor was approximately 4 1/2 hrs, it really did fly by compared to last labor.Now I am truly learning what it is to love, as we work out how to be the family Heavenly Father wants us to be. I am just so grateful I could be blessed with such a wonderful experience.

She's Here!

2009-02-20T14:47:00.000-08:00

Well She was finally born, Feb, 17th 2009

She's beautiful, perfect and the greatest gift of a little girl I could ever ask for! I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for her!! Labor was wonderful and she and the whole family are doing wonderful. We've been so busy together that I haven't even had time to get pictures up and running on here yet, but hope to soon!!

I am in awe of how much love she has already brought into my life.

Well, gotta make this short so I can get back to my sweet daughter!!

The poll is still open!

2009-02-16T16:15:00.000-08:00

Waiting to hear that little sunshine has arrived? Well, you're still gonna have to wait right along with me!

For those of you who think this baby is a girl, I've now swung back to your side. (I'm going on 2 wks past my due date, I think I'm allowed to be wishy-washy ;) ) Its kind of funny, because I think I've actually had to reopen that poll like 2-3 times.

Well, as of late I've spent some time praying, trying to decide if I should try some things to help get labor to pick up a bit more because I felt impressed that I needed to find more ways to encourage labor, other than be healthy, happy and active. So...I've tried all the "wives tales" to no avail, but then last night I discussed w/ an aromatherapist, and then also my midwife, and decided on using peppermint oil and blue & black cohosh (herbs). (Don't worry, they are taken separately...bleh!) It seems to have picked contractions up to be a bit closer...its so funny b/c sometimes they are every 5 minutes, other times, every hour...and at night they are like every 3 hours. Oh- and I've also started taken Evening Primrose oil, orally--I haven't been checked lately, so I'm not sure where I'm at progression wise, and I'm not sure I really care. I know my body is going to go from zero to sixty as soon as "active labor" begins so knowing that, progression in that area doesn't really matter to me. Its actually kind of funny b/c I sit and analyze..."okay did I done enough to help labor? Am I ready in such and such way?..." over and over 'till I drive myself nuts to the point where I'm just hoping Heavenly Father sends the baby soon. But in the end the fact is, I don't know His will as to when the baby's time to arrive is, so I sit and wait and wait, knowing that sunshine's arrival will happen eventually, no matter what I do.

So yep, still waiting.

And we've changed our minds on the girl name also, so you will have to wait to hear that one, too.

Here's to the baby arriving soon!!

Happy Valentines Day!

2009-02-14T10:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day!!

Welp, as of right now still no little one, but we are anxiously awaiting. Pregnancy can't last forever, lol!

I'll keep you updated, until then, Happy V-Day!

Another update..

2009-02-09T13:26:00.000-08:00

So, still no baby yet, lol!

Last night we had a "trial run" I guess you could call it. Around 9ish I started having strong contractions every 3 minutes, most of them not lasting very long (although some lasted for over a minute.) This went on for about 2 1/2 hours, but I was pretty sure it wasn't going to last, and we lit candles and did some lavender essential oils and I relaxed and went to sleep.

Looking back, it has seemed the pattern, since about 20 wks preggo, that I have had continually, very gradually, stronger contractions, and more frequently by the month, then week, and now day. I was like dilated 1 cm starting at about 20ish wks, 50% effaced, and now I am about 3cm, 90% effaced and the contractions are REALLY getting stronger by the day. So far this has been the most awesome labor, hahahah.

Seriously though, its like its been a long gradual labor. Patience has SERIOUSLY paid off, despite how emotional its been the past couple months. I mean, I may as well make use of the time I have left slowly doing pain-free labor right? I am focusing on continuing to keep myself healthy and living happy and normal so that my body can last as long as it needs to labor like this. If I am one of those rare ladies that goes like a month past their due date, but everything is going well and we are healthy I say that's fine. Because if that happens, and things continue as they are, I will just one day pop the baby out, after a seriously long, pain-free labor!! Onward with faith and patience!!

A little update

2009-02-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

So you know, I'm still kickin' it happy, healthy and very much pregnant! :)

We're just trying to enjoy the last moments we have as a family of three.

Lately Andrew has been letting us know he's ready for potty training. He is such a good boy, he always lets us know when he's ready to move to the next stage. He did the same when he moved to sleeping on his own in his crib, he just decided he wanted to, and because he was ready it went so smooth, he never wanted back in our bed. Now he's letting us know with the potty and I'm so glad he's ready, I'm sure it will be easier to have only one little person in diapers. We're in no rush though, I want to make sure he does it at his own pace :) We're all stocked up on both newborn AND toddler diapers.

Well, I'm thinking that the baby will be here sometime very soon this next week, but I guess either way it doesn't matter. Baby will come when its time. I know I've said it before, and I know it is still crazy sounding to most people, but not only am I excited for the baby's arrival, but I am so excited to experience the whole process of the arrival. I hope to savor and remember this upcoming experience, because it will be over with so fast, and is so easily forgotten. I'm so sad that I have forgotten a lot of Andrew's birth. (I guess that is kind of expectable with long labors, going on no sleep) This time we will be ready with camera on hand, and I will for sure be writing it all down in the journal.

Oh, and by the way, we've changed the choice of our baby boy name, but its still in the works, so if its a boy then you will just have to wait until the arrival to hear the final decision.

Any Scrubs fans out there?

2009-02-04T20:47:00.000-08:00

So if you watch scrubs you probably know who this little lady is......

(Sarah Chalke)

So why am I blogging about her, you ask? Well it just so happens that she and I were, ya know, chatting the other day. No biggie.

Okay, you think I'm joking, right?

Nope. I ran into her at Wholefoods when I was grocery shopping. I won't mention anything about how I seem to have foot-in-mouth syndrome whenever I am around a celebrity/famous person (see my blog entry about meeting Stephenie Meyer) but I was for sure shocked to see her when I turned the corner down the refridgerated foods aisle.

Just another perk to shopping at Wholefoods, guys, just another perk.

6 Days left??

2009-01-29T10:10:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it. I guess the due date has to pop up eventually, right? As they say, time flys when you are having fun...or at least something somewhere related to fun, lol.

The past month and a half I have tried not to focus on the days left/ how long 'till the baby comes, but on being ready for the baby. And it has been one of the most trying times of my life. I feel like I have gone through some of the biggest emotional trials of my life, but have learned so much and have grown unbelievably closer to my Heavenly Father. So I look at the recent passing time not in complaint, but in gratitude for how much my Heavenly Father knows and loves me.

In reality, as much as each new day brings that fresh feeling that maybe today is the day, this baby may not be here for a few more weeks. Mainly because I am not going to induce this baby's arrival in any way because of very personal reasons. Even knowing that some women actually DO go up to a month past their due date, I am still so excited for that final arrival, no matter how long it takes. I would love to share more about this, but I don't feel it is appropriate, again due to its personal nature. I just am amazed day by day how much Heavenly Father loves all his children, how personally he knows each of us, and how much he is willing to give us/bless us with. It truly boggles my mind. I love him so much!

I have really been blessed with wonderful health this pregnancy. Even nearing 40 weeks pregnant, I feel great! Total weight gain is right around 15 pounds, no swelling as of yet, and only mild warnings of possible cases of heartburn if I didn't start being healthier, if I was slacking. Baby's health has been ideal the whole pregnancy, and boy is he still ever active! And just in case you were itching for more, here are the recent belly pics and then one of my last pregnancy at this same stage.

This preg. with my beautiful little basketball at 39 wks (still wearing my non-preggo pants!! Woot Woot!)

Another view, another sampling of Kevin's artistic photo-bilities

Last preg, almost the exact same time during the pregnancy as the above pictures. (LOTS of swelling, feeling yucky all the time, no energy and up about 52 pds)

Unbelievable Chocolate Tastiness

2009-01-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

In need of a tasty treat to share for Valentine's Day? You seriously need to check out my Sister in law's site Oreo Delights for the perfect solution. She's selling the yummiest chocolate oreo truffles! Make sure you order enough for yourself, if you don't you may not have any left to share...

Adventures In Quilting and Applique

2009-01-17T08:05:00.001-08:00

I have to say that its been great to have blogging to occupy my mind while waiting for the baby. But I thought it was time for things to take a lighter tone.

I wanted to share my first attempt at quilting...

It was a lot of fun to work on this blanket for the baby. Its a really simple one, but it was a good start for me, since I get frustrated and tend to want to just give up when its too complicated. The pieces were prepicked, from a kit from my mom-in-law. She helped me figure out how to do it, and helped with the actual quilting part, then basically spelled out for me how to do the applique stuff. So I really owe the success of this quilt all to her! I'm not sure if she reads my blog or not, but if so, thank you so much!!!

I wasn't 100% sure whether this baby was a boy or girl, so the neutral primary colors seemed to be a good idea. But now I'm thinking that I'm pretty sure the baby is a boy. We'll see!!

Here's a close up on the applique. The kit didn't come with the appliques, I just decided to put them on for visual interest, which will serve for baby too! Plus they are soft for baby too :) I was actually going to put more on but I got impatient with the process it took to sew the fusible backing to the material, and because they are circles, it was really difficult for me. Lets just say it took a few tries...

After I finished the quilt and was looking at it I realized it was the first handmade thing for the baby and got kind of emotional. I didn't really know how to sew last pregnancy, nor did I have a sewing machine. But I would have loved to sew some stuff for Andrew.

Next project, I'm hoping to sew him a Lightning McQueen blanket. It will tie in with the planned theme of his big boy room we are doing soon :)

Clarification in regards to comments on "Anti-ultrasound"

2009-01-15T19:32:00.000-08:00

This was just going to be a reply to comments regarding the whole "anti-ultrasound" thing, but I found I had so much more I wanted to share. Okay, sometimes my thoughts just never stop rolling ;)

I do feel that medical "advancements" serve a purpose, but that purpose isn't for us to use as a crutch, but to make up for the flaws of man in this life. We should seek the knowledge of Heavenly Father to teach us first and have the faith to follow the direction once we receive it so that we can depend on him and not man. The truth is, if we understood all that He did, we would have no need for any Dr's whatsoever, but because we are in this life to learn to be like him, he will provide ways for us to be taken care of according to our needs, faith and desires.

We are never alone or left hanging, without him making provisions for us. I can't imagine what this life would be like without his support, I don't even want to imagine it. He just loves us too much to leave us without help, but there is the other angle of it too. There is the true knowledge for healing, learning and living, its His knowledge. I may bash the medical community, but only because I know its influenced so greatly by the philosophies of men. I am sure everyone thought using x-ray technology to look at a baby years ago was great too, but like so oftentimes happens, man was wrong. If a "legitimate" study in the eyes of man comes out saying ultrasounds are bad for our babies, is it suddenly bad because man said it was as is the case with the x-rays? I just think to much faith is placed in man rather then seeking revelation from Heavenly Father for instruction. I probably shouldn't bash the medical community, b/c I know there are so many good talented people working in that field that do such good. I really am grateful that its there. I just don't understand why there is so much trust placed in medicine and what Doctors say is truth rather then the Priesthood and revelation from Heavenly Father. If a scalpel and drugs can fix the human body then why not the infinitely more powerful Priesthood of Heavenly Father?

And I am not saying I have that kind of complete, perfect understanding or knowledge, and that does not mean everything is smooth sailing if you have perfect faith. Trials and struggles still come no matter how good or righteous or if we believe ultrasounds are wonderful or not, but I believe that we can do so much more and have so much more understanding then what man can teach us. Look at Joseph Smith and what he was able to accomplish with the Spirit as his teacher. Jesus told us that we could do all things that he did if we just had the faith of a mustard seed. I just think we do not understand what we can really do if we have faith and obey the spirits promptings, I know I am still working on it. I am just so grateful that Heavenly Father is willing to share what he knows with us if we look to him first, so we can learn, step by step, to be like him.

Sorry if I sound hypocritical. I wish I had the faith to say that no, I would never need a Dr. and I could just have the faith that the Lord taught us to have. But I'm not perfect, I don't understand anywhere near the things I know Heavenly Father is trying to teach me. Anyways, these beliefs are very personal, I don't want anyone to feel offended by them. Its just what I feel right about.

The point is everyone is uniquely special to our Heavenly Father, what may be great for me might not be the best for someone else. We need to seek our own testimony and instruction from him in all things. That's the beauty of the gospel, everyone has their own life to live, and receive instruction and revelation for themselves. The point is to listen to the spirit in everything first. If that is to go to the hospital for care, then do what the spirit tells you, or if you feel ultrasound is not for your baby, then follow it. The gospel is all about individual choice and revelation, regardless of if someone feels the same way or not or the established learning advises. Perhaps there are many "right ways" to do things based on our own individual needs and experiences.

So I'm sorry if I offended anyone, that was not my intention. I just can't deny something that the spirit has spoken to me about as being true. I just want others to share in the same peace and happiness that this and other things I have shared on this blog have given me. But to deny what I know for myself to be true would be to deny any other things that Heavenly Father has taught me through the spirit.

Anti-ultrasound

2009-01-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

For those of you who didn't read the tiny section in a previous post where I mentioned why I wasn't having an ultrasound, this is for you :)

Not so long ago, when pregnant women were being monitored for health and well-being there were other kinds of tests and diagnostics done to ensure this. I say other, meaning tests that we no longer do today. One of these things include x-rays, straight at the developing baby in the womb. They didn't think it was a problem, but as we now know, that is a huge no-no. Well there are now theories and test that are showing that perhaps ultrasounds are harmful too. In the end after doing my research, pondering, and praying about it, my husband and I have decided not to do an ultrasound unless we feel prompted or if some type of health issue arises leading to questions as to whether or not our baby is healthy and doing well.

I have 100% trust in Heavenly Father and feel that when it comes to whether or not to do a procedure that is questionable we would rather rely on what Heavenly Father would tell us, than what science is currently saying. Over and over Science has gone back on things and said, uh, never mind, that isn't good for you. An example would be going back to when the Word of Wisdom was revealed. We all know now that that knowledge is now held up by science, but that wasn't always so...and there are many other things that this has happened with over and over. I feel it is our responsibility to seek out knowledge for ourselves, relying more heavily on the Lord than what man seems to currently think, when it comes to our lives here on Earth. The Lord has just taught me too many times to rely on him in this life. People may call skipping an ultrasound stupid. I just know Heavenly Father loves me and will help guide me if it is necessary. I trust Him, and that's what this life is all about, learning to trust Him.

People would say that it is stupid to think one person could walk on water, or raise someone from the dead. But in reality this DID happen. And while I don't see many of us having a necessity to do that in this life, I do have a testimony, 100% that we all can have that kind of faith. So really, my relying on Heavenly Father to prompt my husband and I if an ultrasound is necessary, is actually not that big a deal.

Oh, and if you have questions about ultrasounds being questionable, if you google it, there are sites that show the testing that has been done leading people to believe that ultrasounds aren't as safe as one might just assume.

Eh...while I'm trashing on the medical community...

2009-01-13T14:06:00.000-08:00

I read this in the Reader's Digest and was appalled that they would be willing to make this public.

Click below to see proof that your dr's job is just that: A Job. (Get you in, get you out, bill you for the moo-lahs)

41 Secrets Your Doctor Would Never Share

Rules For Having A Baby (I can't get over how insensitve this is..)

2009-01-13T13:36:00.000-08:00

Or in other words: Another reason why the thought of homebirth with a wonderful supportive midwife brings me peace.

I found this on the blog of another homebirth advocate. Its another reason to think twice about who you are seeing for your pregnancy and where you are giving birth. I can't believe how many times in this list they assume the person is doing drugs or sleeping around...how sad. A lot of the the drama and crap that happens with births is unfortunately due to those whose hands we put ourselves into. When it comes down to it your chances of someone being supportive or caring or sympathetic when you are in the hospital/seeing a dr. are a lot slimmer than if you take the other routes. Most midwives take their jobs for totally different reasons than those in the medical community, trust me. My midwife isn't even accepted by my insurance and she isn't getting paid ANYWHERE near as much as she deserves. I mean if I wanted to I could sit and chat with her for a whole hour just about how not knowing when the baby is coming gives me anxiety, or crying over drama that happened from my childhood, while most dr's and nurses barely give you 5 minutes, expect you to just strip off your clothes ("routinely") and don't give a crap about you. Its just a job to them. This pregnancy I've never once even TOUCHED one of those nappy gowns they expect you to put on. Just read this, and hear what they are REALLY thinking...

This was something that a group of OB nurses on Cafemom.com. The post asked what rules they'd like to see in the delivery room, and this is the 'humor' that they came up with. SAD!!!!!

Rules of the Labor and Delivery area

1. Don't ask me if my wheel can tell you if you got knocked up on the 15th or the 16th. That's too d*** close to have 2 different partners anyway... Just suffer for 8 more months, assuming the father is not the one it should be.

2. Bed rest does not include walking around Walmart, or running by the mall to pick up something.

3. Don't come in the middle of the night because you've been throwing up for a week... and then ask me to get you something to eat.

4. Breathing hard, and faking to your family like you're having contractions, WON'T open up your cervix.

5. Tears, and rolling around in the bed also will NOT open your cervix.

6. Doing sit ups while in the bed to make the monitor "go up".... also..... WILL NOT open your cervix.

7. Until your cervix is opening.....don't plan on staying.

8. If you fight with your boyfriend and need a little TLC... go to his mother's house, not the labor room.

9. If you are there with someone in labor, don't try to read the strip and tell me what's going on. You don't know the difference between a fart and a contraction and you'll likely just piss me off and delay your loved one getting pain medication or her epidural.

10. When I ask the patient a question, that's who I want the answer from... OK? I don't need her mother to tell me when she had sex last....

11. This day and time, if a patient is between the ages of 37 and 42... she has had approximatley 2-5 partners. If she is between the ages of 28-36, the average is 7. If she is in her early to mid twenties, then her age is how many partners she's had... If she is a teenager, then "too numerous to count" applies. (and she has had, or currently has chlamydia or trich)

12. Open your d*** legs. If you were a virgin, you wouldn't be here.

13. Shave that s***. If we wanted a trip to the jungle... we'd go there.

14. Clean your a** before you come in. Unless you have the umbilical cord hanging out, are in a serious accident, or are bleeding profusely, take time to wash it up a bit... it's going to be on display.

15. You'd better be nice to your nurse. She, not the physician, decides when you get pain medication... There is such a thing as placebo. We can also make you wait the entire 2 hours... adding 45 minutes for our convenience... or we can give it to you 15 minutes early.... it's all in your attitude.

16. The fewer visitors you have in with you... the better mood your nurse will be in.

17. Get rid of that one "know it all" visitor before it's too late. She can ruin the entire experience for you by pissing me off.

18. If this is your 6th baby, either get the epidural before you come in, or don't plan on one.

19. Don't blame us when you're baby can't say it's own name when it's 5. Chances are, it was the cocaine you snorted in the parking lot, just before you were rushed in abrupting.

20. If your pulse is 50 when you come in... from all the downers you've been downing... chances are your baby will be several bricks shy of a full load. It's your fault, not ours.

21. When I ask you if you smoke... you should include marijuana in that answer. Other things that should be included are, hashish, crack, meth, and any other illegal drug that you may have smoked. Nicotine is the least harmful of all the crap you could smoke...dummy.

22. Don't b**** at us because your baby has to stay in the hospital until it's 2 months old, weaning off of Methadone or Morphine. Regardless of what the bullshit clinic says to you.... Methadone is NOT healthy for babies.

23. If you call us and say you're bleeding profusely, then I'd better see some blood when you come in. Do you know how many people we notify for s*** like that!

24. Hard labor doesn't just stop with 1 bag of IV fluids. We know a faker when we hydrate one.

25. If you're an addict, we already have a preconceived notion about you, and we probably don't like you. Nothing personal... it's just the way it is. You chose that life... now live it.

26. Regardless of the fact that your neighbor's sister's aunt had a baby at 30 weeks and it is perfect... that does NOT mean we're going to let you have yours at 30 weeks.

27. Your neighbor's sister's aunts baby likely had to stay in the hospital for 6 weeks, and could possibly have problems that you're not aware of... dumb dumb.

28. You'd better tell us if you're on narcotics... trust me...... We'll know soon enough, because our drug of choice is Stadol.... HA HA.

29. If you have track marks on your arm, "NO YOU CAN NOT GO OUT AND SMOKE" with your IV. What do you think we are, Stupid?

30. Don't scream. We hate screamers. It get's on our nerves and we just sit at the desk looking at each other and grinning and making faces. It's not to your advantage.

31. If you don't have custody of your 3 other kids, chances are you won't go home with this one either. We ARE calling Social Services. That's our job.

32. If the baby's dad is in jail, and he's still your boyfriend, we automatically assume "birds of a feather flock together

This is for real. I wish I was making it up. this list was created by a group of OB nurses on a message board http://www.cafemom.com/group/14160/

Awake at 2, what to do?

2009-01-05T01:38:00.000-08:00

I blog, thats what.

I was so tired this evening that I was in bed asleep by at least 6 and I woke like an hour ago. My sleep patterns are already so skewed, when baby comes it'll be an easy transition ;)

We were down here in the valley this Christmas so we spent it with my family, and unfortunately I was so..I guess distracted, that I totally spaced it on pictures so I don't have too many, I will just share some of the few that I got

My Christmas morning sleepyhead in his new Lightning McQueen jammies

Kevin presenting our minimalist tree
Andrew giving kisses to the Mary "Mama" statue
I didn't catch Andrew kissing baby Jesus in time, but it was sure sweet.

It was a lot of fun watching Andrew experience Christmas this year, he is so much older and getting to be such a big boy. I was especially glad to get more time to be with Kevin, since he was off from work :) That was probably the best present of all.

Oh-besides spending time together with family, and enjoying vacation, something pretty big happened this year....

If you still believe in Santa, I would recommend not reading the next part of this post.....

We decided that we weren't going to encourage Andrew to believe that there is a Santa. Kevin and I discussed it, and thought about it and decided that really we'd be lying to him, and I would rather he believe in the good spirit that exists during Christmas time because of the monumentality of Christ's birth, not some fake old guy who flys and somehow gives every child in the world presents. Ok, and I'd rather take credit for the really cool gift that makes Andrew's face light up, then saying is was some make believe dude with a beard.

So other than that, Christmas was pretty chill this year.

Oh, I guess to sum up the Holiday season...we didn't do anything for New Year's this year. We hung out at home, Kevin and I wished each other Happy New year and went to bed, lol. After about 4 years of marriage we've been tamed it seems!

I am excited for the chance to start a whole new year again, and specifically to start it off with the coming of this little one :)

Okay so realistically this baby could be here anytime from now to 6 weeks from now.... but I can't help but have this insane anxiety that this one is coming anytime now. I wake up in the middle of the night, many times with cramping and start to wonder...is this baby on its way? Then I force myself to relax and I am usually tired enough that I can get back to sleep...but of course so far no baby yet. Which is good since its early, but I just can't escape this funny anxiety that it is anytime now. I'm like past the nesting stuff. Everything is clean and done, we have little house projects that I am using to fill my time, but everything for baby is all ready. I am already past that need to be ready for baby and everynight I wonder...is it tonight? (I'm convinced this baby is coming at night.) Who knows though...

I just wanted to put a little comparison from this pregnancy to last to show the difference.

Me, this time, approximately 9 mths preggo (ignore the lines under my eyes, my body has decided to keep waking me at night)
My little basketball!

Me, last time, approximately 6 mths preggo (I still can't fit into those maternity pants in this pic, they won't stay up around my waste! I think its cause my butt hasn't gotten any bigger, in this pic it was already up like 2 sizes,lol)

33 Weeks

2008-12-17T19:24:00.000-08:00

My how my baby's grown!

Wow! Time has flown and yet at the same time its kind of dragging. I don't remember being this anxious for the baby to finally be here last time. I'm glad to have the holidays to fill my time and keep me busy, though it makes it hard too. I've got big issues with the holidays (Christmas) that makes me kind of a control freak now and when I don't get enough sleep poor Andrew bears the effects of that stress. Poor guy. We have talks at night about how mommy is sorry for losing it lately. I really hope it doesn't affect him long term. Yeah, I think about this stuff.

I guess its a good and a bad thing that this is the second time around. I mean, its good that I know what to expect when the baby comes...but then again, I know what to expect! I tell you practically every aspect of the last pregnancy and birth was pretty traumatic for me. The good thing is that I really can/need to expect and look forward to good things this time, especially as I have already had many of my prayers answered. As I mentioned in a previous comment and posts, Heavenly Father has really taught me a lot this time. One thing I have learned from Him is that while suffering and trials are a common part of the growth process in this life, it isn't absolutely necessary in all lessons learned. If we simply humble ourselves enough to let go of the things we think we know He will teach us the truths that are necessary to grow closer to him, and sometimes that even means, yes, avoiding trials and suffering. While I didn't suffer from so much of the "normal" afflictions of pregnancy, I was able to walk a different, difficult but highly educational and rewarding path. I've come to a closer understanding as to how to become more like the Lord and understanding what he is trying to communicate to me.

One thing that I pondered a lot before getting pregnant was--this may sound funny--weight gain. Last time I gained quite a bit, and something about it didn't seem right. I began my personal thorough study of nutrition soon after Andrew was born and found the raw food diet that rang true to me, to my spirit, as the way to treat our temples, or bodies.

I soon began to realize what a gift these bodies truly are, as this life is not possible without them and they allow us to experience such lovely things in this life, and also they set us apart as being one step closer to being like the Lord, unlike those who rejected his plan before this world was. As I learned more about the raw foodist ideas, (granted I have come to a more moderate view of eating,aka, I DO include some cooked food) I started studying the raw foodist ideas on pregnancy. Did you know that generally, from that school of thought, you shouldn't gain more than approximately 20 pounds while pregnant? And why would you need too? When you are giving your body the nutrition it needs, your temple is more pure, less toxins are being stored as fat, thus less weight gain.

I wish more people understood just WHAT IS IN FOOD these days. Part of that would include the additives- salt, and what not...SPECIFICALLY SALT. It really is very toxic for the body. Yes our body needs salt, but if we eat food the way the lord made it, the way it is intended for our bodies, we get enough. Studies have shown that the impact of unnatural/ an overload of salt can cause edema, specifically during pregnancy. This is commonly known but do people understand that this is because salt is so toxic that the cells in our body our having to pad themselves with a huge barrior of water to protect themselves from it, and even more so when our bodies are trying so hard to work at keep toxins away from our unborn children. Literally--we take in more salt--we will be more thirsty to PROTECT our bodies.

I actually have been avoiding salt to the extreme the past few months, since I AM pregnant and more prone to swell. I really didn't want to swell, though I started wanting salt and became a bit perplexed about it. Well this might also sound funny, but I pray about how to care for the baby and my body, and at times what to eat. One night, after such an occasion I had the random thought/picture in my mind CELERY. I thought, "Gee that's random and odd. Maybe a coincidence." But I couldn't get it out of my mind. That next day I decided to look up the nutritional value of celery, and just randomly, the nutritional value of most of what I'd been eating lately, (which happened to be lots of fruits, with very little sodium/salt--this wasn't purposefully, it just happened to be what I'd been craving.) Well it turned out that celery is one of the highest natural sources of sodium and also vitamin K, and for some reason celery has proven in studies to have the opposite effect of salt(aka, it will cleanse the body of any excess salt AND retaining water) After I read that I realized once again how perfectly he planned for us and our bodies in this life. Again it reaffirmed to me how important it is to lean on him rather than man for knowledge. How perfectly he balances his creations. I started snacking on the celery daily for awhile, (assuming from what I'd been eating, and the sodium in celery, that I did need sodium.) And not that there were any life changing outcomes, other than I stopped wanting salt, but guess what. To this day, no swelling in this pregnancy, even after whole days on my feet, carrying Andrew too, holiday shopping, even going jogging. Awesome, huh?

So back to the weight gain thing. So I really have focused on trying to feed my body and the baby in the way that Heavenly Father would want, in a way that shows respect for the trust he has given me in sending this child to our family, and in gratitude for this body I have been given. In return I have also developed not only a closer bond with the baby, but a greater love for my body. I am starting to really see how beautiful the changing pregnant body is. Not to say that seeing my body grow a lot bigger than it normally is doesn't have its challenges. If you didn't know, I'm a tad of a control freak. Not in a self-labeling, extreme way, but just in little things here and there. I don't let it define me. Because I know these flaws in life are temporary stepping stones in understanding how to be like the Lord. I have accepted that I am am one rough work in progress :)

So again the weight gain, control thingy. I like to pretend that since I don't gain like before I now have control of how much weight I gain while pregnant. When I start gaining fast it kind of scares me. I got so big so fast last time that it made me feel terrible. I was one miserable whale. Not that anyone really knew that. I like to keep those feelings to myself, who wants to listen to a complainer, right?

So I guess that is what I'm working on right now. More of a moderate approach at "controling my life". And for the raw unbelievers out there, no I don't starve myself, I truly eat as much as I want, it so happens that I am satisified more without having to crave and gorge junk like pregnancy does for a lot of women, including how it did for me last time. I think I can actually count how many occasions I've had really true junk, usually once for each holiday. I've learned that sometimes its good for relationships and memories to indulge. That control thing just barges it nasty head in though and then I think, oh no, I'm going to balloon, I won't be able to stop eating junk. But then I remember how much I love my baby and body and am grateful to Heavenly Father for both and I realize that I don't have to worry about it. And I go back to my healthy eating. Yeah, its an annoying tug-o-war in my head. Glad you don't have to be there, lol.

With that said, I've really worked hard at keeping healthy and at the same time trying not to watch the scales. I don't try NOT to gain, I just freak if it happens fast. Of course I seem to gain a bit pretty fast, then nothing for quite awhile, than a bunch pretty fast again, then nothing again for awhile. Makes my head spin trying to control my control tendencies lol. That being said I am impressed that I haven't even gain half of what I gained last pregnancy (52 pounds). I think at this point I weigh in at 127, giving a total of 13 pounds gained. So if the baby is about 5 Lbs now and with extra maternal weight gain in blood volume, breastfeeding preparation, placenta and what not, so far I shouldn't have much to really lose after the baby is born. And truly if I am getting the right nutrition for the rest of the pregnancy and when I breastfeed, then I really shouldn't have much a need for extra fat gain, especially since most fat is actually toxins anyways. We'll see what happens. I don't think I'm gonna go much past 39 wks at most with this one either so I doubt the baby will be as large as last time. (Andrew was 8lbs 8oz, born around 1 1/2 wks past my due date, depending what date was used)

I say I doubt that this baby will be past my due date b/c I'm actually already dilated, since, I think...September? And I think last I checked, I'm like 2 cm, and I've been having a few pretty good contractions every week for the past couple months, and if that continues....well I've concluded that yes, either this baby will be earlier or I'm gonna have one short labor!!

I actually had 2-3 really good contrax last night right as I was nodding off too sleep. I had several totally differing thoughts run through my mind. One-"Gee, this feels just like when labor started with Andrew, these are some GOOD ones." Two- (I'm actually pretty sure was the spirit) "Yes, and it really is time to SLEEP, NOW. " Three- "I've been working myself up over the pains of labor that will be coming and, gosh now I remember what it feels like,"(then laughing silently) "Why did I think it was that bad? This feels like a balloon blowing up inside me, I can feel it stretching me! lol." Four- "Oh wait, this was only the beginning part, thank goodness the Lord gives a lead into the hard part." Five- (at about the third one I think, pretty sure the spirit again.) "Seriously need to sleep, NOW, its not time for more of these." Six- (like the little kid who just has to get in the last word) "Ok why, last time, didn't I force myself to relax and sleep like I am doing right now. Pretty stupid of me." (just to explain this thought, I was in labor from 12 in the morning 'till about 6:30 the next night, no sleep the entire time, with no drugs. I was just a TAD tired!)

Well speaking of, its time I head to bed, gotta stay on top of that sleep while I still can!

Oh, and I have more pictures to come...

Halloween

2008-12-17T15:59:00.001-08:00

This is the dress I made for Halloween.

I was Mother Nature, I figured that worked well with being preggo. It was easiest to make sleeveless then I wore a black wrap shrug to make it modest.

Have I ever mentioned how fun it is to sew! Adding all the leaves and flowers made this a great nesting project and I easily wired the flowers to the tops of the shoes and the leaves to the headband for accessories, and then removed them as not to waste a perfectly good pair of shoes and headband.

These are some of the grandkids (and a couple great-grandkids) on my dad's side of the fam. The two ladies on the right, with little girls on their laps, are my youngest sis's.

He wasn't too sure about having his pic taken, but he made one cute puppy!

All these goodies made it harder to avoid the sweets this year!

moving

2008-12-17T14:42:00.000-08:00

This and the next few posts have pics from a few months back that I haven't blogged.

Andrew trying out his old bath

It was a long day, but we still needed some good mommy son time.
Such a good helper/ supervising the packing
This little lady was there to greet us when we moved in. I hate killing things, even bugs so we told her sorry and that she was going to a better place then Kevin did the dirty deed. It may sound silly but I think it will be nice to be able to live in peace during the millenium, no need to kill Heavenly Father's creations. You have to admit that this is a cool looking spider.
My wonderful hubby and son helping keep the unpacking organized.

Andrew helping move in pantry items. Okay more like about to take a nap on the shelf.

I'm Back

2008-11-21T17:35:00.000-08:00

Well its been long enough. I think thats the longest I've gone w/ out blogging, but really I've just had so many other things on my mind, I guess I've now reached the "nesting" stage of pregnancy.

I can't believe the baby really could actually be born in less than 2 months. A lot has been going on that passed time pretty quickly. I need to get a ton of pics up of everything, but for now its just gonna have to wait. I have pic's of Halloween you have to see, (Andrew was a puppy, I was mother nature, I had a ton of fun making the costume too. Kevin was out of town for a football game so unfortunately I don't have any of him for Halloween.) I have pic's of Andrew's b-day, it was so much fun, especially now that he understands that b-days mean he gets to blow out the candle(s) He tries to blow all my candles out now, lol. I need to put up another belly pic too, it has really grown by now.

Well I don't really know what to say. I've sort of lost interest in blogging right now to be honest. All I can think about lately is working on growing closer as a family and preparing for the baby.

There isn't a day that passes that I'm not preparing for that big event- Labor. I recently read two awesome books and I have been practicing the techniques they have listed to prepare. My goal this time is to be fully prepared to have an enjoyable spiritual birth. I think that birth should be one of those special experiences right along with baptism, temple marriage and other spiritual times so I am so grateful to be able to have this baby at home.

I noticed a lot of people wondered why we weren't having an ultrasound and I guess the most simple to the point explanation is that it isn't medically necessary. If complications arose showing a need for it we would go get one, but there haven't been any so, because of the findings that show that ultrasounds could actually be harmful, we decided not to. This pregnancy really has been wonderful, and I fully attribute that to trying to keep myself healthy both physically and mentally and listening to the spirit.

Well I don't have much more to say for now. I'll post more about us when I get the pictures up.

20 wks

2008-09-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

Well before I delve into the moving necessities...

I am now at the half-way point!! Woot woot, half the countdown to seeing little "sunshine" has come and gone. I can't believe it. Although I am feelin' it, lol.

I am starting to feel how much this baby has grown. My body feels it. I forgot how draining of energy it can be. This same thing happened right about now with my last pregnancy. I am now a sleep-a-holic once more! Unfortunately just laying down and sleeping is an easier concept than it is to actually practice. And its not because of Andrew..nope, sucks to have screwy adrenals... :(

All in all things are still going great. I feel great and am growing more and more excited to meet this little one.

Movement wise its been a lot of fun. I am able to feel the baby's movements easier now that it is bigger, but its still the same. Or I guess its still NOT the same as with Andrew. This baby is just so gentle. If this is a boy, seeing him and Andrew interact together will be interesting.

Mentally this pregnancy is different too. Last time I honestly was in denial that a baby was coming all the way until Andrew was laying there in my arms. Even when I looked down and saw a baby coming out, lol!! So unfortunately I don't think I bonded as much with Andrew as I could have. This time around I really have spent time talking to the baby, rubbing my belly and telling it I love it. I am so in love with this baby already I can't believe it. I am so excited for "sunshine" to join the three of us! And I can't believe how much more I am in love with Andrew and Kevin. I have sorted through a lot of mental "junk" this pregnancy and I feel so much more at ease than I have been in my life. I love and feel so much closer to Heavenly Father and Christ also. I have realized sooo many things about myself. In all, I am so grateful for all the mental/emotional things that have arisen this time around. I truly do feel that the "hormonal" part of pregnancy is a positive thing and can be used to learn a lot about ourselves if we are honest and allow it to. Last pregnancy when I would get all emotional I would usually cry if I couldn't help it and otherwise just try to shut it down. This time if I feel like crying, I cry and then ponder why I am crying and what exactly is the issue. At times I pray about it. Its lead to some wonderful experiences. This pregnancy has pretty much been priceless.

Since about a week and a half ago things have changed alot. About a week and half ago I KNEW the baby was about to go through a growth spurt (I was craving lots of greens and also starchy "filling" veggies such as zucchini's, squash, corn, peas, beans, green beans.) And sure enough, the baby just feels so much bigger and my regular clothes are for the most part too small now, since then. I am happy that I can at least fit into my "fat pants" though. I avoid my maternity clothes as much as possible, even though they are now pretty much inevitable, lol.

Weight gain wise I am at about 120 lbs. Its funny because this is about how much, or slightly under what I weighed the summer after I graduated from high school. Ahhh, the freshman poundage. So that puts weight gain at approximately 6 lbs. I'd already gained around 21 lbs at this point last pregnancy. So yay for a better diet!!

I'll post again about how the pregnancy is going sometime in the next month I hope.

Well onto the sorting, selling and packing! (At least we got rid of a lot of extra stuff last move!)

We're doing it again...

2008-09-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

Yep, its official. We're moving again.

If someone had told me 3 years ago that we would get screwed over by insurance just a couple months before our son was born, gas prices would rocket, and that my husband's industry would fall through making a job change absolutely necessary (leading to a huge pay-cut), I probably wouldn't have wanted to believe it. And yes these things and more have happened over the past couple of years.

Honestly looking back we probably should have heeded the prophets' counsel and kept more money set aside for emergency.

It doesn't really matter though now, this is where we are. We are moving again, which will decrease our monthly payments, save us hundreds (yes, HUNDREDS) in gas, and being that we are downsizing for now, our energy bill and other bills will also go down.

I am excited, I actually love to move. I guess it's kind of weird but it's fun for me despite how much work it is. I'm just going to have to be cautious that I don't over do it, as I am pregnant for this move. But yes I am definitely excited. I think I am most excited about having Kevin home more!!! Those almost 2 hrs of the day spent in traffic will no longer be necessary, we are moving very close to town. No I don't give specifics, I try not to because my blog is public... But let me just say that the place we found we will be moving into in the next 30 days and was cheap, close and happens to be situated within a gated golf resort community, with pool and cheap golf access. Time to learn how to golf, lol.

So this may be the last post for the next little while, I will probably be busy moving. .....Eh, maybe not, I'm pretty addicted to blogging, lol.

My oh my, what have I done?

2008-09-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

So I'm impulsive. And cheap. Here is the result:

I chopped it. Myself. Yes, $3.47 later and this is the result. I bought thinning shears and used the hair scissors I already had. Yeah this is a classic Candice move. Its not the first time I've chopped my own hair and it definitely isn't as dramatic as the last time I did. I have to say that I'm pleased with how it turned out.
These are just some different angles of the hair cut. And you better savor these pic's, because if you haven't noticed I don't like to take and or show pictures of myself too often...

....and no more problems with blow-dry and headaches. I thinned it out so rediculously much that I have neither of those problems now! :)

19 weeks

2008-09-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how big the baby is! I just had another midwife appt the other day and they brought out soft miniature baby models that were size and weight accurate. It was so amazing to see what the baby approximately looks like right now. But what was priceless was when Andrew got to hold the miniature model of the baby.

As the midwife slowly handed it over to Andrew, he watched in awe, smiling behind his pacifier, then he held it so carefully and gently as we explained that that was just like what was in my tummy. He was quiet then as he held it he hugged it and smiled so huge and squeezed his eyes shut. Oh, so precious! That was one moment I wish I could have caught on camera. After that Andrew got to help with finding the baby's heartbeat and he loved that. I love seeing a midwife, they include the family so much more than a regular dr's office.

I am totally in shock at how crappy I must have been eating last pregnancy. Seriously in comparison I just feel great! Although I think I have been pretty blessed pregnancy-wise. I've never had any problems getting pregnant, and really I didn't have much morning sickness at all with either of these pregnancies. The only condition that proved to be problematic would be being short= not a lot of room for all my organs+baby. Okay, this means heartburn. We'll see how this pregnancy goes, seeing as I am much more aware of what I eat and how much, which seems to help so far. Only one extremely mild case of heartburn as of yet, and I knew that I had eaten too much at the time, but the baby is still small...

So far weight gain has been interesting. Pre-camping trip I'd gained around 3 lbs, it fluctuates a ton depending on time of day and what I've eaten that day, and if I'm retaining water. So pre-camping I weighed about 117. Post camping I'd gone up to a whopping 119-122. And of course I'm going to share too much info and say that the food from camping caused constipation, where most of the weight was. You'd be surprised how much weigh people can lose just by maintaining regular bowel movements. Anyways, I got back to my regular eating when I got back and the weight...well I'm not going to spell out where it went, lol. On top of that once all that was gone I was no longer feeling the leftover lethargy from the trip. Now I am around 117.5- 120.

My foods lately have been lots of fruits, lots of greens & veggies, and pecans. (Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, lightly steamed broccoli, TONZ of apples, oranges, bananas, canteloupe and watermelon. Andrew loves his cheese, so we have also been having some cheese with things such as over a salad or little pieces to snack on. (Its so funny, some morning he wakes up and comes with me downstairs then points to the refridgerator and says, "Cheee-eeeeeze!") The other day I was really craving these rice tortillas they sell at wholefoods, so this week I've had those too. Oh- I love that wholefoods has a salad bar full of organic lettuces and veggies. Their vegan ceasar dressing is yummy too, so I started making my own raw ceasar dressing. Here's where I got the recipe for the dressing. I've found it turns out better if you use less garlic, its made in advance, and then refrigerated for about half a day or more before use.

Well as of this point I feel great!! I am just in awe and am so grateful for all the knowledge the Lord has shared with me to help make this pregnancy wonderful, and allow me to prepare to love and cherish this baby as much as possible. We are all so excited for you to join our family baby "Sunshine"!

Labor Day 2008

2008-09-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Well, now that Labor Day is long past, lol...

It took me awhile to post, for one, I've been on detox from the food I had while camping for Labor Day weekend. I gave in to the roasted marshmallows, and had some pop-tarts, lol. Its amazing how much the body just doesn't know what to do with junk/processed food. I actually had 2-3 lbs worth of junk floating around in my body. This lasted until the end of my first week back, after eating mostly raw. My body was finally able to be rid of this stuff, my weight went back down and my energy is coming back, finally! :) So I am now posting.

I have to say my feelings about the annual camping trip are mixed. I guess I'm just a little frustrated about it but yes, I did enjoy it for certain aspects.

I absolutely love getting out to nature, feeling closer to Heavenly Father in a part of this Earth that is closer to his natural design. All the plants in the forest are such beautiful colors, colors that you just don't see here in the valley. I also love getting together with family members and just relaxing and having fun. Its great too, to watch Andrew with all the cousins, he loves being with other kids so much!. He seriously needs this next sibling--badly, lol. Oh- which reminds me of what happened at our last midwife appt ... ( See Here .)

But I was very frustrated when we were out there camping.

See, the reason I love a camping trip compared to any other type of family get together is that fact itself. Its camping. Like I said before, I love being a part of nature, so of course when we come each year, we are in a tent. I loved being able to hear the subtle sounds of the forest, smell the outdoors, actually feel like I am outdoors. I have always liked camping in tents best. And on top of that, it is way cheaper to camp in a tent, and seeing as we are working very hard to pay off debt, it is also the best option. Here is a picture of our awesome tent we take every year. It works perfectly for us :) Its kind of cluttered in the picture, because I took it as we were packing up. The tall one below is our shower/potty tent, lol.

So what could have been so frustrating you ask? Well, see we are one of the only ones in tents when we go camping....this means most of the others camping are thinking as if everyone there has campers. And I do hate asking multiple times for people to "keep it down". This makes nap time in the least, stressful, if naptime even happens at all. And with the combination of processed foods and pregnancy, lets just say that I really needed naps too, lol. Thats just the nap time sleep arrangements. And we could pitch our tent, oh, a mile away, but that defeats the purpose of coming, I think.

So we'll see how things are going next year to determine if we will go... :( Hopefully this little angel in my tummy will be adjusting wonderfully to life outside the tummy, we will be debt free, and we can have a tent. I could convince Kevin to pitch it just a little farther and again ask others to ..."keep it down". Again, crossing fingers.

But yes that aside, it was great to be able to go to our annual camping trip with the fam! I think my favorite part is hanging around the campfire with everyone, and the spiritual gathering on Sunday. Its great to reflect on the scriptures together as a family. I have to say that I was extremely glad to have that time, lol, it made it easier for me to be understanding about the situation. Its really easy to forget about how loud it is when you or your kids can go to an enclosed camper to sleep in.

Okay moving on, because I really did enjoy our trip inspite of this! I have to show pictures of some of the awesome mushrooms we found. There were mushrooms everywhere in the forest. I love seeing the natural process of life in the forest.

Geez, this post is long-winded! Here's some other random pics that were taken on the trip....

Fun times in the forest :)

Okay, Just Kidding.

2008-08-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

So I posted earlier that I was going to chop all my hair off...nope its still here.

I came to the decision that, since I have been wanting to grow my hair out for sooo looong that if its going to happen I just gotta suck it up and learn to blow-dry my hair. Then I can wear it down, thus ridding myself of hair headaches. And I can get it thinned out too.

So I'm doing it, I'm hoping to grow it for quite awhile, see just how long it will get...or at least until I get that itch to chop it all again! My grandma has hair that will grow past her back, so we'll see how long mine gets.

For now I am settling for a trim/restyle and thinning. Here is what I'm going for this time:

Raw Onion Bread

2008-08-25T16:21:00.001-07:00

I found this savory recipe a week ago and am so glad I did! It completely satisfies my taste for the Ezekiel bread, and is MUCH healthier. If you are interested in the recipe, click the title :)

This sandwich has cucumber, tomato, spinach, raw hummus, and a little bit of dressing. Boy was it tasty!!

Ooh I love raw foods!

To cut or not to cut...

2008-08-20T10:50:00.000-07:00

Comments Welcome...

I've reached that stage. It saddens me, but its true. For those of you fellow thick-haired ladies, you probably know what I'm talking about. The stage in which the weight from your hair gives headaches. On top headaches, it just takes too long to do, and I do hate blow drying long hair.

I really wanted to grow my hair out this time. I haven't had long hair in quite awhile. I just don't think its realistic for me because I get disappointed with myself (I end up with ponytail hair everyday because it takes so long to do) Oh and did I mention it causes physical pain? My hair is growing like a weed too...so I have come to the conclusion that I think I am going to cut it. In fact I think I am going to chop it next week, in time to have a nice easy cut for the camping trip.

I am just really hesitant this time, because I was VERY set on growing it out, so I would be disappointed if I ended up with a cut that I didn't like. Its just hard to know, until after its already cut, you know? So I'm going to post a picture of the cut I am getting, and if anyone out there thinks it wouldn't suit me too well, please leave a comment. Like I said, I am very hesitant this time...Not normal for me when it comes to haircuts. But I don't like headaches either so... otherwise its chop chop.

Here is the cut I'm going for I think I might ask for about an inch longer than this, simply because I don't like how short it would have to be in the back...

Week 16

2008-08-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a little update on my pregnancy since it doesn't fit in with my next post:

I know this looks just like my other picture, but if you compared you would see just how much bigger my belly is...

The belly has officially popped out. (Well to the point that I'm not the only one that notices it anyways.) This week the baby's growth has been fun to notice because it has been so obvious. I now can feel my little one in my belly when I bend over and it makes me conscious. I'm so afraid to crowd the baby or lean on my stomach and stuff. It won't be long before Andrew's gonna start intruding in on its space when he sits on my lap. (First lesson in sharing, lol)

This baby still hasn't been as active as Andrew was and I am still wondering if its a girl. Not that it would have to be active to be a boy, its just that feeling of what this baby is like already and impressions of its possible personality leading to my feeling it is a girl. I think I am going to wait a bit longer than I'd originally planned to have the ultrasound though. That's the nice part of seeing a midwife, you have the freedom to plan your pregnancy and birth how you would like to. We'll see if the baby continues to move small and subtle as it gets bigger.

Well to date I have gained a total of 3 pounds and although they say the average weight gain by now is 5-10 pounds, I am not worried. The reason being is I know I am eating healthy and often and I feel great!! I have calculated and its crazy to think how much weight I gained last time! If I gain a pound a week until the baby is born I will only gain half of what I did last time. I am working out this time too so that probably has made a HUGE difference. I was afraid to workout last time, not knowing if I would be prone to miscarriage or complications. Of course not working out at all was dumb, I've concluded. My family never had a history of any complications at all anyways, its just that I think I was extra careful because Kevin was so worried. Things are much more relaxed this time and I do have to say that I am glad I am not stacking the pounds like last time. My midwife isn't worried about how little I've gained either. I can feel the baby growing bigger and bigger everyday and whenever I go in, we are able to find the heartbeat right away, ideal heart rate each time. So all is well :)

Lately I have been wanting, as I mentioned before, fish. I have only gotten it twice and I am sort of hoping that craving goes away, lol. Also I have been wanting green veggies and leafy greens. (aka asparagus, celery, cucumber and spinach salads.) I also started wanting grapefruit too. Then there are the staples... apples like crazy, bananas, strawberries, oranges again, and grapes. Plus I am starting to want nuts again, specifically raw cashews and raw pecans. I also just recently started wanting dried fruits so I got prunes, dried apricots and dried cherries. Yummy!! Oh I forgot to mention, there is still the random piece of Ezekiel (low sodium) bread and slice of cheese. I have to share a tasty snack I created the other day (I can't say that it would be tasty for anyone other than a pregnant woman with a weird craving though, lol) I had a piece of Ezekiel bread then I took a mango, dried apricots, and flax seed oil and a little bit of raw agave and blended it together then spread the mixture on the bread, my mouth is watering just mentioning it! OH- and my homemade dressing recipe:

Raw Italian Dressing(or if you are technical, w/ the seasonings...not so raw)
I add all ingredients to taste, I fiddle with it each time, usually it never tastes the same, and occasionally I add some tomato juice too, preferable straight from a tomato.

lemon juice(can substitute raw vinegar)
salt (I try to limit this to just enough to even out the taste)
paprika
coriander
garlic powder
onion powder
raw agave
any oil of your choice --I prefer something cold pressed, I've tried Olive Oil, Flax and tons of others ...they all add a slightly different taste
BEAT UNTIL OIL AND LEMON JUICE(OR VINEGAR) MIX

Well I gotta go now, lol, I am suddenly starving!

Bonding

2008-08-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

At my last midwife appointment my midwife asked me if I wanted to borrow a book from their collection. It got me thinking...my last pregnancy I devoured books on natural birth to the point that I am not too interested in reading anymore just yet. I do need to refresh and study up on a lot of points of birth that I have forgotten though. But my point is that I started thinking about this: What issues/topics can I work on educating myself on this time around? And it immediately came to me. One thing I have really had to work on is attachment issues. I grew up not having an attachment to my parents, thus leading to a life where I was constantly mad at and avoiding them. I would absolutely feel terrible if I passed this on to my children. So I left that appointment with a book called Bonding (by Marshall Klaus, M.D.; John Kennell, M.D.; and Phyllis Klaus, C.S.W., M.F.C.C.)

This book was so interesting and so good to read!! I learned a lot from it. One thing I learned was very encouraging, being that there are many things I already knew to do that encouraged bonding and attachment and I didn't even realize I was doing it! I guess that would be why I have felt that things have gone well in that area with Andrew. It also confirmed many things that I already felt. Such as: I always felt that when Andrew misbehaved it didn't mean he was a bad child or was intentionally being "bad". No person is born into this world with the intent to be bad. It may be affected by their natural temperament, but generally misbehavior stems from something they are TAUGHT (even if it is taught by an experience). Meaning my child's misbehavior may rest more on my head. When the children are blamed it teaches them nothing because when they act out they are only trying an avenue to communicate. I am just glad that the spirit taught me this (there was no way I could have known on my own, I was extremely confused on how to be a parent before I had Andrew) so I didn't create the same pattern of attachment disorder with my children.

I have to admit that it is shocking to realize that our society is possibly the way it is simply because of the problem with parent/child bonding. We are here on this Earth to learn and grow, and to necessitate that we need to be secure in ourselves. The ONLY way to be truly secure is to have a secure bond with our parents. Society generally does not recognize that quite possibly the parents are responsible for teaching their children to be independant and secure, leading to a happy fulfilling life.

I have to apologize if anyone out there reads this and finds it offensive, if this happens I would not be surprised (as I don't think this is something accepted by society) but I would like it to be known that it is not my intent to offend. My intent in this post is to share a little tid-bit that I have learned and has created a wonderful relationship between my son and I. If you are interested in learning more about this, or simply would like a better relationship with your child I would totally recommend this book, I could never put well into words what this book teaches. I wish I'd read it before I'd had Andrew, and I definitely think every new parent out there should read it, it is very insightful.

So last pregnancy was my study of natural childbirth, maybe this one is attachment and bonding...

Anniversary with the best husband ever!!

2008-08-20T07:36:00.000-07:00

Last week was Kevin and I's FOURTH ANNIVERSARY !! It is crazy that its already four years. I feel like just last year Kevin and I were living in our first apartment, just the two of us newly-weds. As you get older, time must speed up, I've decided.

For our anniversary we originally didn't have plans, sadly. This is for a number of reasons, number one being I've been hesitant to leave Andrew lately because he has needed me more and I just am extra cautious of creating opportunities for him to have abandonment issues. But when my wonderful sister Camille came to visit and offered to baby-sit Kevin and I couldn't resist, I mean its our Anniversary, a time to go out and celebrate! (By the way, thanks so much Camille! And I don't expect you to remember our anniversary, but thanks for coming over with such perfect timing :)

Kevin and I went out to eat, which was kind of funny for me. We never go out to eat, so as I sat there waiting for someone to bring out food that someone else was preparing for us, I just felt odd!

It was so nice to spend alone, date time with Kevin. There's such a difference when you get to dress up and go out together. We haven't done so well at this lately, but I do feel its very important to have dates. It continues that fun, loving feeling you have when you are dating, before all the serious responsibilites of marriage were there. Oh, I love my dates with Kevin!!

I had the weirdest thing happen when we were at the restaurant though. I ordered fish. For those of you who don't know, I hate fish. I hate the smell, I hate the taste, I hate to see them. But not that day. When we sat down to order I just knew I needed to get some fish. And when we got our order I wasn't disappointed. I got a tasty salad and a wonderful herb cooked Salmon. So yeah, not so raw, but the better of meats. Even though they are full of toxins, I have come to the conclusion that I am ok with including occasional fish (that is if I ever want it again, lol). I say this because thinking about it, Christ ate fish and if he did than...how can I argue with that? If any Christian rawists out there have any comments on the issue I would love to hear them by the way. I know there are probably arguments about there being more toxins now than back then and yadda yadda, but its the same with other produce so...

That night Kevin and I went to see Dark Knight. Let me tell you, it was kind of disturbing and a lot darker than I thought, but boy did it give me inspiration for writing bad guys :) I have so many ideas rolling around in my head now...

I'm so glad Kevin and I got to go out :) This time around we didn't do any presents, we have been working on getting out of debt and building a years supply (another reason why we haven't dished out the dough to go out very often, either). I have to say that I don't thank Kevin often enough for how wonderful he is. And if he is reading this, he knows that I always use that word for him...Wonderful. We have joked about how maybe we knew each other in the pre-existence, because honestly it feels that way, he is such a perfect match for me. He is a spiritual example for me, its something I definitely need, I have such a looong way to go... He is such a terrific provider for our family. I feel bad for all the stress that that brings, but I am so grateful to have married such a goal-oriented, hard worker. Kevin is such a loving person too, again, just what I need!! I wish I was as affectionate and loving as he was. And patient...with me and with Andrew, and I know he will be with our next baby too. I am so extremely lucky...my list could go on and on and on about how wonderful Kevin is. I am just so glad he picked me. Kevin--If I could I really would give you an award, so this verbal one online will have to do...Kevin: Best Hubby There Ever Was!! I love you Kevin!

15 weeks

2008-08-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

So after promising another belly shot and never posting, here it is.

I can't believe how big I got at the very beginning and how much it has pretty much stayed the same. The baby is definitely growing though, man I feel it getting bigger and bigger everyday. This last month has definitely been a growth spurt for little bean because I can no longer button up my regular pants. I've gained a total of 1.5 pds as of yet and I am very interested to see where I go with weight gain. So far it has definitely been less than last time. I think by this point with Andrew I'd gained about 5 pounds, and of course ate like crap.

Cravings. I seriously think cravings are the pregnant bodies' way of saying what the body is missing, granted some cravings are just the bodies addiction to harmful, addictive substances put into products so they will sell. Lately I've been wanting apples apples apples and orange juice like crazy. Oh, and pears everyday too. I think this email has been around a couple times, but I loved the one that talks about what foods look like what body parts and also happen to be very good for that specific body part. Pears are shaped like the uterus, interesting. On top of that stuff I have enjoyed having this organic pregnancy herbal tea. Last pregnancy I had to force the stuff down but this time its been soooo different. It has this nice earthy mint taste, I add in a small pour of apple juice or tiny bit of honey and it is so nice and relaxing, mmm. This is great before bed.

One thing I have noticed that helps by leaps and bounds for me is this: now that morning sickness is gone, we have dinner earlier, so we are done a few hours before bedtime, and my stomach is pretty empty when I sleep. This has solved heartburn and stomach bloating problems, but of course so does steering clear of processed foods, and I am on my way back, just not there yet.

Welp, bean still continues to make small rolling movements, no more kicks yet. It has picked a favorite spot though, the lower right of my abdomen, and sometimes I swear its trying to sink into that little hip pocket or something because I feel it pushing around over there, its kind of funny. This baby really is a lot different than Andrew was. Andrew was always jumping kicking flailing around and this one's movements are less punchy, less often and a lot more fluid.

Girl maybe? Hmmm...We'll see in about a month...

Breaking Dawn

2008-08-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe the craze over the Twilight books. I saw some pic's online of the gatherings for the release of Breaking Dawn. See Here...

I didn't attend one of the midnight parties but I was lucky to be able to get the book the day it came out :) Kevin was oh so wonderful and surprised me by buying a copy then making our bed and laying it out on it that morning.

Not so surprisingly, it was another swift read. I got through it in less than two days (754 pages baby!), and without neglecting my husband or son, I'm proud to say :) In my opinion though, this may have been a little to swift a read. I loved it, don't get me wrong but there was seriously way too much story crammed into this last book. It should have been extended at least another book probably. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't gotten to finish it yet but the jump made from high school girl to where the story ends is just a bit much I thought. The ending/ last third was awesome, which totally redeemed that aspect, but the middle....? That's another story. All I'm gonna say is Dawn of the Dead--it was pretty gory! Despite that I am adding this book to my list of favorites, and because of the ending, it ranks right under The Host for me. Thanks Stephenie Meyer for another great read ! :)

More baby news

2008-07-29T15:24:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it.

Last night Kevin and I were laying down in bed, talking, and Kevin was feeling my belly, where the baby was at and the baby kicked!!

I have felt a kind of rolling around sensation a couple of times but nothing more than that really. It was as if the baby knew its daddy's hand was there b/c Kevin put his hand there and then not more than a couple seconds later it gave an obvious kick! We were so excited.

Little bean's first family interaction, lol.

Okay so I can't stop blogging.

2008-07-25T02:40:00.000-07:00

Well first of all I said I wanted to put some of my writing on here one day. So here it comes. I know it is rediculously late at night, but as I've picked up writing again, this is what happens. I practically can't sleep because I want to keep writing and writing.

So this is REALLY scary to me, I will come right out and say that. I have only shown writing to family members. I just have the curiousity to see what its like to have something I've written out there. So here is a recent tid-bit that I've written, not what I promised yesterday but... I don't think it will give too much away either. I have to keep it a secret for now ;)
This is from my YA paranormal story originally called Laine's Story, Now called:

Awakening

This one thing I had to know: Did he feel the same way? Had I imagined it that night?

Eric continued to carry me as he walked silently, I guess he was deep in thought himself. What I'd said was enough to occupy him, too it seemed. And that was fine for now. Except that he was carrying me. That was so much more personal than I was used to with him. And then I looked up just as he glanced down, watching me again as he gently slowed his paces in the sand.

It was hard to make out the coloring of his eyes in the dark night. All I could see was dark brooding pools staring straight back at me. I began to feel my heart flop and run away with its self. The moon shone and bounced off his dark wavy hair and suddenly, whether it was his doing or not, it was as if I didn't need any courage do what I needed to do. My arms went from around his neck to reaching, placing a hand on both sides of his face. Then he tilted his head down slightly causing me to bite my lip. Nervous again, I dropped my hands. And I'd been too focused on him to know he'd stopped walking and I felt myself being lowered as he set me down on a cool surface so glanced to see what it was-- a short, gravelly wall. He'd brought us to the marina... already. And even though it was still dark, in the distant East was evidence that it was very early morning. Maybe I'd wait until I could see the green in his eyes...for some reason that familiarity seemed like it might make me more comfortable. His eyes always seemed to put me under that spell..I'd wait for that to know.

I grew silent, as I'd said more than I'd definitely intended and wasn't sure else what to say just yet even though the silence seemed to create this annoying pressure to speak. I couldn't risk saying anything else though. Instead, I just followed Eric silently to the jet ski, pulled my bag over my shoulder and allowed Eric to help me as I limped carefully onto the jet ski, seated right behind him.

Having never been to the marina before, I studied what it looked like with as much detail as I could. Not that I needed to, but it was one of those times where...I just needed to.

It definitely had been around awhile, with an intricate layout that must have been a sight to see back in the day. Everything looked a kind of brownish gray. It was pretty old and crumbly now, but served purposes well for the needs of numerous docked boats and people coming and going. And soon it was disappearing. Civilization, soon to be gone for as long as necessary, I realized.

I took one last look as the jet ski roared and put distance between us and the now decrepit Marina Del Rey.

Then I turned around, put my arms around Eric tightly and closed my eyes, wishing there was some way I could sleep and still hold on.

There I've put it on here...and I bite my nails knowing a piece of my story is public.

Almost to 2nd trimester!

2008-07-24T21:01:00.000-07:00

I'll add a belly pic soon, I promise.

As I mentioned earlier...all that yucky "Morning Sickness" is finally gone, it went away around week 10 and I am now a little over 12 weeks but I'm not going too concretely on that. Andrew was over a week late and I won't be surprised if this one is that, or even more considering I used herbs to get labor going last time. So, going off how I feel alone, I'd say that the first trimester is over for me :)

So far its been interesting. I actually put on 3 pounds about he first month, then lost it all and so far still haven't gained anything. I am a little scared to gain weight this time considering that last time I gained almost 60 pounds, and that was eating healthy too! But it was the S.A.D. diet so I shouldn't be surprised about that.

I haven't been eating all raw this first part of the pregnancy and that bothers me but has also been interesting. I actually do crave TONS of fruits and some veggies, particularly salad, carrots and zucchinis. Other than that I have been wanting very grainy toast, some pastas, and cheese. Added to that would be occasional tuna or very rarely some meat like Turkey. On my normal raw eating, I normally included some egg, but since I've been pregnant the thought of eggs kind of makes me sick.

I've also developed this kind of nausea meter, although it doesn't matter too much now, but when it was bad I would walk in the kitchen and look around at the food that we had and imagine eating anything that sounded good to me. If it was the right thing, it would make the nausea go away. Usually it was an apple, orange or carrot. For a whole week and a half it was tomatoes. So much that I probably ate up to 50 cherry tomatoes and 20 regular tomatoes during that span of time. Let me just say that it took a couple of weeks after that to even be able to look at tomatoes.

Unfortunately my food aversions haven't gone away, and I am not able to eat quite normal or even high raw right now. I can't seem to stop wanting cooked grains and cheese, and if those are some of my worst things to eat, then so be it. (Although I had a week where I wanted lifesavers and tootsie roll suckers, and normally if I want junk, those would NEVER even enter my mind, not before something like chocolate. I haven't even wanted the classic ice cream. The thought of it just DOES NOT appeal.) I'm hoping that things get better and I am able to get back to more raw, but I have the feeling that I am going to want stuff like cooked oatmeal for awhile.

I have a funny (or should I say crazy abnormal) thing I want to admit. I am so excited to have this baby. And not just the baby coming but I mean the actual birth. That's because I am having this one at home and I know its going to be such a great experience. I already went through the hospital scene and saw/felt what its like to have the birth interfered with even though it was only the fact that they made me lie down on my back in bed with monitors on for about 6 hours.

If I could call anything true human torture, that is it. My body was working so hard that my contractions were shooting immediately off the screen and all I was allowed to do was lay there. I knew I needed to walk around or stand in the shower, and a testament to this would be the fact that the first couple hours at the hospital I was allowed to walk around and stand under the water in the shower and in about an hour I dialated from a 5 to 9 and 1/2. Then they got scared that the baby would fall out and they made me lay down (Ha ha, rediculous. Unfortunately there is no such thing as woman's intuition in modern obstetrics, and I knew Andrew was not going to fall out, I wasn't numb, I could feel what was happening.)...and I didn't dilate any further for about 6 hours, starting after they made me lay in bed. I was just so exhausted and focused inward on my body that I didn't have the clarity of mind to stop and tell them that I shouldn't be laying down. So after having a 17 hour labor, most of this being at the hospital, I feel confident that this one will be a lot shorter and a lot easier than the last. I remember the few times they let me get up to go to the bathroom during labor, and as soon as I got up and I walked with Kevin, immediately the contractions were bearable. On the bed it was so bad it was practically insanity. We found wonderful midwifes this time too, so I am extremely excited. (They have a website in case anyone else is out there looking for a good midwife. I put in the link above.)

Something else I just HAVE to mention-- I felt the baby move the other day!! I know its really early, but I felt Andrew really early too. And I know it was the baby. Sometimes you feel things and think...maybe?? But there's a different feeling when you just know. I have felt it a little here and there but it isn't that often, obviously because the baby is so small at this point. They say about this week its only the size of a lemon I think. Last pregnancy I felt Andrew move at about 14 wks though, and Kevin felt Andrew's kicks from the outside, at about 16 wks. Its one of the most exciting experiences of pregnancy I think. And now that the sickness has gone, before I started feeling this baby move I have to say that other than being more tired than normal, (I usually take a nap every day now.) I sometimes forget that I am pregnant!

I'm excited to see what else is in store for this pregnancy and to bond with this little one while its in my belly.

I'm so proud of my hubby

2008-07-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

Just to warn you, this post skips around quite a bit, because I waited way to long to post all this stuff...

This last week was very exciting. My husband didn't seem to think so, but I am very proud of him because he graduated. I am so proud of all the hard work and time he has put into his schooling. I guess Kevin just thinks its only part of the journey to finishing schooling. Nope, he's not done yet, he's onto his master's now.

We were very excited to find out recently that Kevin got a raise. It sure makes it easier to pay off debt and feel secure when you know there is a little more coming in. (Although I've never been too worried anyways. Even when my insurance dropped me in the middle of my last pregnancy and we had to pay over 12 thousand in costs to dr's office and the hospital for the birth, I always knew Heavenly Father would take care of us. And he has :) )

I splurged and made some whole wheat, homemade donuts for Kevin to celebrate but he seemed to think a better celebration would be sleep so he actually came home from work, announced the raise, then when to sleep at like 5! These donuts...well many of them didn't last long enough for Kevin to see them the next day. Turns out Andrew loves donuts.

Recently we also had fun in Snowflake for the Fourth of July men's softball tournament. Kevin got to play with his brothers and many more of the Reidhead guys. I have to say that the most fun was the last game. Maybe it was because it was a lot cooler and the kids were all back home and us ladies got to sit together and really cheer for our guys. I think it helped team spirit for the games too, that us ladies all had shirts matching the team's. Also that weekend I got pretty sick. I think it was some kind of flu bug, but I was sicker than I have been in a few years. Luckily I felt tons better the next day and was able to join the ladies in volleyball. We actually played for a few hours, then a couple more that night with the guys for a total of about, I think, 5? hours of volleyball. Let me just tell you that all the squatting down caused me to be extremely sore the next day.

I have had plans over and over the past couple years to finish schooling. I have completed classes at community colleges here and there, and found online programs to enroll in, now that I stay home with Andrew. I still haven't finished though and I know I really need to. Not that I plan on having a career working outside of the home anytime soon, not that I feel like I need it to have something to fall back on--I already have experience in dental assisting if we ABOLUTELY needed that. I mainly just want to because I know there are things I'm passionate about that one day I would like to go into. OH- and also I need to get on a roll because I realized a more necessary degree for me to finish first would be an education degree. I plan on homeschooling and am...vain? enough to want to be able to say that I am fully educated for the task. Even though I am totally aware that being able and willing to homeschool is more than just being your children's teacher. There is so much more too it. It takes a lot of work and attention and love. And frankly I think that is exactly what is missing from public schools right now. At least I will know that my children are getting an education that will be from one of the people who loves and cares for them the most, their mother. A teacher just can't give that. I've now decided to postpone the online holistic nutritional counceling ed. and first finish elementary education at University of Phoenix.

You know what? I can't believe it, it seems to have just snuck up on me but Stephenie Meyer's next book is due to come out already. Well August 2nd anyways. The fourth and last of the Twilight books, Breaking Dawn, not including the one from Edward's perspective..Midnight Sun. I can't wait :)

Lately I have been writing again, too. For the past couple months it has been on hold, being nauseous has kind of put a dampener on my writing flow, lol. Luckily once I reached about week 10 that has gone away and slowly my desire to write has returned. I actually finished about 4 chapters in two days, just a day ago. I am so stuck in my story now. I think about it alot but mostly it has been wonderful for me. I have learned that I am more screwed up than I even realized, lol. Writing has been really good for me. Even if it goes nowhere I would never give up the experience I've had. I think I finally have the guts to put in an excerpt from my story, now that I have at least 21 chapters completed. (Its getting to be longer than I imagined, lol) Look for a post in the near future with a small excerpt of one of my very favorite parts of the story, the actual scene where the story stemmed from for me.

I haven't blogged for awhile, so that is enough for now, but I am going to come back and add another about how the pregnancy has been :)

Belly Pics

2008-06-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would post a belly photo to show how big I am already. Its not as easy to show, since I have no before photo, but for anyone who saw me in Mexico, I think you can probably tell. Unfortunately when my belly is as it normally is, covered by clothing, it just looks like a fat pooch.

Okay here is my belly, 6 wks.
(If you look close you can see my little white chicken pox scars.)

Here is my belly, flexed, at 6 wks.
(A small difference, but I can't believe how much its showing, even flexed!)

Here's a random pic of mommy son playtime. I love staying home with him, Its the best job in the world.

News

2008-06-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

Andrew's sand discovery

taking a walk as the tide came in

I've been wanting to post about our Mexico trip and get our photos up but I have been slacking. After we got back from Mexico I was exhausted, nauseous and had a 24 hour headache. I didn't get any sleep the first night we were back. The trip was a lot of fun though, despite the fact that I had this continuous uncontrollable urge to sweep the house. (I quickly learned that a beach house filled with approximately 30 people and one dog accumulates A LOT of sand.)

The weather there was perfect the whole time and the water was really nice. Well, excluding the fact that it was supposedly stingray infested. The thought of having a stingray stinger flying up out of the sand at me was freaky so I didn't spend a whole lot of time in the water, especially after being scared to death by a crab hiding in the sand our first day there. I dug my hand in the sand next to Andrew and I to make sure we weren't sitting next to any stingrays and out popped this crab that clamped right down onto my finger. You would have thought I got bitten by a shark or something because I screamed and ran out of the water, holding my finger. As soon as I was on dry land I actually started to faint. I know, pretty pathetic, and I didn't faint after all. Its just that I am weak when it comes to finger injuries. When I smash my fingers or cut them, I tend to start getting dizzy and faint. So that was enough water excitement for me to last the trip, mainly I made sure the water was safe for Andrew and then hung around in the sand. C-O-W-A-R-D.

Anyways It really was tonz of fun to spend time with family, playing games and just hanging out. Because it was so much fun, I am hoping this becomes an annual family trip. Thanks so much for putting it together Jenn and Tyler!!!

One of the days there, Matt decided to put on Michael Jackson and Andrew loves to dance so Kevin got it on video. Andrew is hilareous to watch, he just keeps going and going and going....
(Andrew is the little guy wearing the green and blue bodysuit, and Kevin got a little wander happy with the camera, so it cut him off a bit)

So yeah what with my insane need to sweep, fatigue and nausea it should have been obvious, and upon further investigation, well..

I will let the picture tell you

We are all really excited, and I keep telling Andrew everyday that "there is a baby in my tummy" and he looks at it and smiles. The other day he put his eye right up to my belly button, it was pretty funny.

I am a bit perplexed though. As soon as we got back from Mexico I started getting nauseous and I started having to go to the bathroom more often while we were in Mexico. But isn't that a bit too early? I am already starting to pooch out my pants and have gone up a bra size, and in the past month have put on 3 pounds. Is that normal for a second baby? We went to Mexico less than 3 weeks ago and on Wednesday I will start week 7. Seriously, how is this happening this early?

I am beginning to wonder if there is more than one baby in here because not only did I start having symptoms sooner and am growing waaay faster than last time, I am a serious narcoleptic. Ok not narcoleptic, but at almost anytime of the day, anyplace, I could lay down and nap. Plus if I haven't eaten in a couple of hours, I start to feel like its fast Sunday. It wasn't like this at all when I was preggo w/ Andrew. Is that just how it is with second pregnancies? Its definitely been interesting... Well I'll keep you posted on how things are going.

And to the family- I am emailing the family photos right now :)

Kevin's B-day/ A continuation of exciting things

2008-05-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Notice the little hand...Andrew discovered how yummy b-day cake frosting is.

Swiss Rolls are saved for special occasions :)

My birthday Man :)

Well this week was Kevin's b-day. It was nice to have a little family time together to celebrate and I splurged! That means that...I bought an actual birthday cake this year. I haven't had the time I used to have for raw foods and so I've slacked off.

I planned on baking Kevin a homemade cake but I went in to town so Andrew and I could have lunch with him and I didn't have time to make the cake. Its a 45 minute drive in to his work alone, so another 45 back, on top of that a grocery trip while I'm in the area. So this resulted in a run to pick up a store bought cake on the way home.

Kevin is so hard to get presents for. Luckily there was a book he had been wanting to read, Book 4 of the Ranger's Apprentice Series. ( Ranger's Apprentice: The Battle for Skandia ) I wanted to get him a 'Wii' but our extra funds all got poured into this house, so that was a no go for this birthday.

I have to update on The Host. I actually read it so fast, I practically breathed it in. That is a testament to how extraordinary it is. I have to say that it is one of my new favorite books, to me its better than all three Twilight books, even. I have to explain myself because so many people like the Twilight books. For me the twilight books were like an addiction. Or like rich dessert that you just want more of. The Host for me, was like a delicious filling meal. I just liked the substance of The Host vs. Twilight. The Host explores love in so many different facets. It also was exciting and unpredictable, fun and in typical Stephenie Meyer style, impossible to put down. In the end I just felt like a better person after I finished reading it, than after I'd read the Twilight's. So, if that makes any sense? I wanted to explain why I liked it without giving the story away.

So about the signing... It was exciting, unbelievable and...embarrassing.

I was so excited to go, and being able to hear my favorite author/ inspiration talk about her book was awesome. There was a Q&A, and among the near thousand people there, she answered one of mine, I felt like the excited school girl, excited for being the one picked upon. Stephenie Meyer seems to have a magic to bring out the giddy fanatic in all of us, I noticed when I was there. All the fans were just as excited as me if not crazy more than me.

I tried to post the Q&A but for some reason it isn't working right now.

Anyways, I went to talk to Stephenie and get my books signed, and I had the luckiest opportunity present itself. An ASU adolescent lit professor was a volunteer for the signing, chatting with fans in line and I got to talking to him. He told me he would help me edit my story, and not only that, but if he thought it was any good he would send it to a literary agent, that he has a connection with. No Lie. (You need an agent to get your book published, at least at the top publishers anyways)

I was so excited that I totally forgot about having my books signed. When my turn came around I was suddenly so nervous. I seriously had no control over my mouth. As soon as I stepped in front of the table I blurted out, "OhmyGosh, IHaveBeenSoNervousToSeeYou!"

She looked at me funny and was like, "I don't know why..I don't bite." Or something along those lines. I'm not sure exactly because my adrenaline was pumping like I'd suddenly been presented the opportunity to speak to a celebrity. Well, for me she was. I wouldn't have found out how much I loved to write if I hadn't heard about her experience. Then I had a small chat with her about how she had inspired me to write and she was like, "Isn't it so exciting?!"

I said, "Yeah, but I have a little boy I stay home with, writing is so addicting Its difficult to make sure I keep it balanced."

And she raised her eyebrows and said, " yeah...and when I wrote twilight I had three [little boys]."

I don't know how she did it. It was a lot of fun to see her though.

I feel like I am so lucky. I have the best husband in the whole world, I have the best little boy in the whole world, best job- Stay at home mom, and the best hobby in the whole world. I feel so blessed that Heavenly Father has given me such a wonderful life.

Exciting things.

2008-05-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

I'd have to say that I have been more excited this past little while than I have in a long time.
First of all, we finally got our couches and entertainment center in our family room, woot woot! It gets really old sitting on the floor watching a t.v. also on the floor (not to mention painful, too).

Next in line is the Reidhead family trip to Mexico coming up. I haven't even been to the beach in YEARS, pretty pathetic. So yeah, I am super excited for this family trip! Thanks Jen and Tyler for getting this one organized!!! My story that I am working on right now takes place during a girl's trip to Mexico for spring break anyways so it will also be great for on-site experience descriptions.

And finally- I also can't wait for tomorrow and then next week. Tomorrow Stephenie Meyer's new book The Host comes out, and Tuesday of next week I am going to her book signing. I have never been as big a fan of anything until I started reading her books, so this is all kind of new to me. I never had a favorite boy band when I was younger nor was I part of any fan clubs or anything so I feel kind of silly on one hand, but on the other I don't care, I love her books!

Which reminds me-- I am still too shy to put any of my stories on here yet, even though I am almost finished with one, that I am tentatively calling Laine's Story simply because I have 2 or 3 other stories bouncing around in my head of others girls in a similar situation as my Laine character. However, here is a poem that just kind of popped into my head once when I went to go write. It is about what happens between Laine and another main character. In no way does it encompass the whole story itself, but more of the introductory conflict in the total round of their relationship. (Which, by the way, if I ever share this story, I definitely see at least 1 or 2 more stories in addition to it.) Well now that I have thoroughly confused you, since you haven't even read the story anyways, here is the poem. Actually its really a song, that's how it popped into my head anyways, as a song. I thought about putting it into the story somehow but I don't know what context to put it in.

She’s the stilted, jilted one

You're the wronging hilted one

Your words the stabbing wilting sun

Under pretenses you seem to shun

Is this all for play?

Don’t you rue the day.

Is this all for play?

For play?

Why does the hour rewind the days?

In miring innocence they were laid

In the dark you betrayed

You betrayed, you betrayed!

Is this all for play?

Don’t you rue the day.

Is this all for play?

For play?

At times, I see you standing there

Unthinking, sinking dandy there

In the end I hurt you there

This is the truth I cannot bear

Is this all for play?

Don’t you rue the day.

Is this all for play?

In truth it may go both ways.

She’s the stilted jilted one…

I doubt it will make much sense but, there it is :)

Now that we have been doing raw,( high raw, not 100%) I have realized how much I really love summer. For me, it is the best season for produce simply because all the delicious juicy fruits are in season. Lately we have been having strawberries, watermelons and whatever else looks tasty in the fruit section at wholefoods. They have made some yummy shakes, which is what we have for breakfast every morning. I usually juice several oranges, apples and then combine that with bananas, strawberries, maybe some blueberries and on occasion some rehydrated goji berries. Then I add flax oil, acidophilus powder and either psyllium or raw wheat germ, and it is super tasty. Me and Andrew have that everymorning for breakfast. I had to cut a huge hole in the top of Andrew's bottle just so it wouldn't get clogged, lol. Plenty of fiber in these shakes.

Welp, thats us me lately! Oh, we got a new camera too, but my computer isn't working now (we always seem to be having technical difficulties) and I would rather not load the pictures on this computer to eventually have to take them off again (so there aren't unneccesary files on it- or maybe I'm just lazy ;) so I will have to wait to load more pictures again.

Moving In, Secret Hobbies, and Things To Do

2008-04-11T23:45:00.000-07:00

Well its been a few weeks now but we are moved in to our house. (Yay, finally!) That doesn't mean we are done with the actual "moving in" though. We still have plenty of boxes to unpack, furniture to arrange and little tid bits of housework all to be done. On top of that Andrew has been sick and not wanting to take his naps. Poor guy, I think he misses our old house. I've been trying to imagine what it would be like to be him, leaving the only place he had ever lived in since birth to a bigger house that he has to climb up and down the stairs sometimes just to see where mommy went.

Even though we still have plenty of stuff left to do, now that we are finally here it's as though the urgency to finish everything is gone. We'll finish one day I hope, lol. But in the mean time I have picked up on a secret hobby of mine that I am now coming out of the closet with... I like to write. The trouble is, I have been writing little poems and stories, bits here and there since I was young and yet I have always hated what I wrote. But I was inspired after reading author Stephanie Meyer's website.

She talked about how her Twilight books sprang from a vivid dream she'd had. Have you ever noticed that things you think about right before you go to sleep tend to end up in your dreams?Well, when I was younger I had difficulty relaxing and going to sleep, so I would come up with fun or interesting situations in my head to think about and hopefully start dreaming when I fell asleep. I thought of it as a way to live out cool stories all night long, when I slept. I actually had some dreams that were so awesome I ended up telling my friends about them. Kind of nerdy, yeah, whatever. But as I got older I never stopped; I loved it. (Creating dream stories, not telling my friends.) So after reading the website I thought, " Gee, I'll bet my dreams could be turned into awesome stories."

I didn't think much about it after that. Then, one night I had a dream where I was really taken aback by how real it had been. In the dream there was a sad girl standing on the hilltop in a forest, alone. (So she thought.) She could feel this strange awareness to the creatures and plants around her, as if she was tapped into their intelligences. Then, She sensed something. Turning around, she saw this enormous brown bear. It stood about ten feet away and it looked her right in the eye. But from the moment she made eye contact she knew this was no ordinary bear. Then I woke up. I actually got straight out of bed and started pacing our bedroom thinking about how cool it had been. (Uh-huh, nerdy again, lol.) So that was the start of Behind The Stone Wall. I have a few other stories I am working on and its been really fun and interesting. Maybe one day I will get the courage to put an exerpt on here. Maybe. Its really scary to think about other people reading your stories. Kevin says he likes them though and keeps promising me he would truly tell me if they did indeed suck. I'm not so sure, lol.

At this rate anyways, I have a room full of unpacked boxes, an unfinished house and several incomplete stories. I have to keep telling myself- one thing at a time!

My Tart Green Juice

2008-02-20T20:42:00.000-08:00

Isn't that lime green gorgeous!? As I was driving home from Wholefoods today I kept feeling like my body needed some leafy greens, the kale I had bought, in particular. (Later I read up about kale and found out it actually aids in body detox, and I am in the middle of an herbal body cleanse so my body must have needed that little extra bit of kale?) When my husband and son settled into our couch to relax this evening and watch a movie together I made us all some of this little beauty. Yes I am proud of my little concoction- it turned out so tasty and I just couldn't stop admiring the glowing color.

I have been inspired by the blogs I have read lately on juicing, something I'm not very familiar with. On my journey back to raw I have found it a bit harder to be strict with myself. Those unhealthy goodies have got my number and really don't want to let up lately. I've repented of my little carnal imperfections, and will probably for the rest of my life, but each time it is a learning experience. Anyway, I have realized that lately all I want is fruit and juices so I am in the process of coming up with some good staple juices to make at our house.

When I unloaded the groceries today all the pretty colors of green really stood out to me so I combined them to make my:

Tart Green Juice

(all organic produce of course!)

3 stalks of celery

2 stalks of kale

3 granny smith apples

Run through juicer and enjoy fresh! Don't forget to admire the beautiful colors of Heavenly Father's creations :)

My husband and I enjoyed the movie Stardust for the first time as we slurped this down. Andrew enjoyed it too, but he also had fun shaking his bottle leaving little green drops around the house, little stinker!

(no, unfortunately I didn't get a pic of Andrew sprinkling his juice)

Protein and Misc.

2008-02-19T22:31:00.000-08:00

For those of you who can't get passed all the "missing protein" in eating raw foods,
check this out. I know its pretty long but it is worth reading; Its eye-opening to the misconceptions about protein requirements.

Lately my husband has been working on our new house. He is so wonderful, the poor guy! Everyday (when he gets off work) he drives a 45 minutes out there, works a couple hours then drives about 45 minutes back home. (OH- thats on top of his online schooling too) What a trooper! It will be nice when we are all moved in and he can finally take a break, right now he doesn't get much extra time in the day but to eat and go to bed. Andrew and I look forward to seeing Daddy again :) Our house has taken longer than we had anticipated- many extra repairs, floor replacements and man(Kevin)labor. We are hoping this weekend it will be ready for move in but I am thinking it will be more like next weekend, we will see.

For Amy if you are reading this: After my son was born I couldn't do anything! I would be lucky to get chores done once every other week. If I worked out I was too tired to do anything but nurse my son-and this lasted about 4 months. (Also he pretty much slept through the night since he was born, with little bouts of waking during teething, a cold or other normal stuff so it really wasn't sleep fatigue)

Before I was pregnant I always thought it was odd that a good night's sleep was about 10 hours for me. I was tired after only 8 hours sleep and I could keep going for about 12 hours, often. Then there were other things that I just thought were "me".

When there was any kind of "drama" I would just break down. I couldn't take it. I cried if my boss had to correct me on anything, and if I didn't get along with someone about anything I didn't know what to do, it was too much. I always just thought I was a "lazy perfectionist" but in my heart I knew I wasn't lazy, that there was something wrong.

But mostly I just always had the thought that I could never get everything done and that I was lazy and tired and I couldn't understand why I couldn't get things done. I thought I was "permanently tired" except at funny times of the day, like night time! After my son was born I couldn't take it. I felt so guilty, my husband would end up doing the chores, plus full-time work and school too. I felt useless. Then I just kept having the feeling that "something" was wrong so I started seeing holistic dr's. They all said the same thing: ADRENAL FATIGUE. I did my homework and I realized that was it. Before then I had a hard time fulfilling callings and a lot of other things that I "should" have been able to do and kept feeling that I shouldn't feel guilty even though I did and when I finally heard and learned all about it, the spirit confirmed this to be true and I could finally get things accomplished.

It takes a while to heal from this and there are many reasons why it happens, for me it was a combination of constant emotional stress growing up, waking up really early over and over and not resting properly from that and long distance running, and extreme toxin exposure over the last 2 years (so bad that it has people trying to figure out what is going on out here).

If you feel like you might have Adrenal Fatigue (a.k.a- low adrenals/ adrenal burnout) I would search the internet and/or see a holistic dr about it. Unfortunately allopathic dr's don't accept this to be a real thing until it turns into different forms of adrenal crisis, which is way too long to wait to work on adrenal stores. Well if you are still wondering more about it, let me know. Oh- a big tip off for me that I had/have it- anything that causes an adrenaline rush makes me feel better/have energy. If traffic stops suddenly, almost causing an accident, all of the sudden I feel like I can scrub the whole house down, lol.

So Many Things....So Little Time

2008-02-06T22:18:00.000-08:00

(above) So handsome-takes after his daddy

(above) He actually pulled the drawer out all by himself and was so pleased that he fit in it just right
(Above) Another b-day pic

Don't you wish there were just a few more hours in the day?!

I have so many things I want to get done and it always seems the day passes and I only accomplish a few. I know part of the problem is that I have Adrenal Fatigue. (This makes it hard for me to wake in the morning and hard for me to go to sleep at night, and if I don't eat mostly raw, I am too tired to do much but take care of Andrew and lay on the couch most of the day.)
check this out if you don't know what adrenal fatigue is : http://www.custommedicine.com.au/adrenal/

Luckily I found the "magical diet" and can get the necessary things done- such as chores, quality time with my sweet boy, lately packing and maybe a few extra things like grocery shopping, sewing or taking a walk or watching something on t.v. with the hubby. On the best of days, when I eat ideal (a.k.a.- all raw), I feel like running circles around the house.

I call those my power days. But I'm not perfect so those days aren't everyday : "Power" days inspire me though. They give me the strength in believing in myself, to know I can accomplish my dreams. While I have already accomplished some- marrying the perfect man (I am so lucky to have snagged him before someone else did!), and having a wonderful little boy, I know I still have yet to finish my education.

I think the idea of "education" is really funny. Most people think that word means sitting in some type of public school in front of an instructor learning what is required of you, or the degree you have chosen. Where is the degree in family care or family living? That is one of the most fundamental and crucial careers there could be, I feel

I'm an idealist, unfortunately, and this really isn't an ideal world, were we could sit in class and learn about being a mother or father, then get paid for it. Am I alone in thinking that *should* be more important than the hours and hours spent learning how to dispute legalities so one can finish their degree in law school to become a lawyer (for example) just to have that very same thing they are learning about take them away from their family for 10 hours a day? Isn't that sort of wrong? ( I can't wait to see what the millenium is like) Ever since Adam and Eve had to leave the garden we have been set to a life of working to live. What a world that would be, free of the shackles of a job to get by each day, to not have to worry about this and that. To be able enjoy healthy food that Heavenly Father provides that grows freely. (lol, my mind wanders to some interesting places) Until then we must prepare ourselves in a way that we see fit to provide for our family.

I have a wonderful husband who does a terrific job providing financially for our family, and enables me to be a S.A.H.M. I wouldn't want it any other way, I love my job. I began unprepared, I didn't know how to manage all the chores it takes to run a household and I feared having children- I felt I didn't know how to raise children to be happy and successful, as Heavenly Father wanted. As I put my trust in the Lord, he taught me and led me to people to help me over come my fears. My most crucial education has come from the Lord.

I don't think I could be content without going back and being able to say "yes I have an education" though. I know it is something the prophets have encouraged and the Lord has let us know that we will be at an advantage at another stage in life, the more education we have. In a way I think it is a little vain of me, I do look forward to having a title, "Nutritionist". But I have been told in my patriarchal blessing things that have led me to believe I need to teach others the things that the Lord teaches me. One of the most important things as of lately he has taught me is that our body is our spirits temple.

We can't accomplish all the truely amazing things the Lord knows we can do, without a body that is in a condition to do it. Most people in these latter days suffer from some type of disease that debiliates in some way. Whether it is in physical abilities, mental abilities, emotional abilities or other, when our body suffers, so does our spirit. It makes you wonder what life was like in the Garden of Eden, free of these things. It must have been wonderful. It brings a little more clarity, I think maybe, to what Joseph Smith meant when he said we would kill ourselves just to make it to the worst of the Kingdoms. Sorry, lol, I'm not trying to be morose.

That's where I come back to the oh so wonderful miracle healing raw food diet. I have been fortunate enough to find a way to get an education without leaving my son or spending quality hours of the day driving across town to go to this class or that. I found an online school teaching holistic nutrition!!! ! Yeah all that blah blah up there just to mention that haha. Maybe that is why I can't get all the things done in one day-to much blah blah in the wrong places!

I am grateful for the things the Lord has taught me though and I do look forward to sharing it with others :)

Who are they tricking?

2008-01-30T14:21:00.000-08:00

I'm addicted to searching the web for raw food diet success stories, but when I came across this article I became pretty irritated. It's titled : More Osteoporosis Seen With Raw Foods Diet.... and in small print... But No Signs of Vitamin D Deficiency or Higher Bone Turnover, Says Study. (the title actually negates itself!)

Once again, something found good and wholesome for our health is being slandered. The people who are speaking out against the raw food diet either: A) have never tried it B) are not honestly educated about it C) have evil intentions- lol yeah that's putting it pretty dramatically, but is it not true? Satan doesn't want us to be happy and healthy. He is jealous that we have bodies and he NEVER will. Read D&C 89:4 if you would like a little clarification.

This Article is pretty bogus, it lists characteristics of raw vegans that also happen to be risk factors for osteo. One example would be that raw people are thinner- hahaha. They also state that they are still within a normal BMI!! (yeah, is that so terrible?!) Another example is a lower consumption of calcium and vitamin D. Did you know that in cultures where there is no consumption of dairy products/milk there are no cases of osteoporosis. Interesting, right? But Milk is our vit. D and calcium staple!!! There is a theory that even though those who drink milk take in more of both of these, Calcium and vit. D from these sources are not good for our body and actually LEACH it from our bones! So yes- raw eaters consume less of these nutrients but what they do consume is from a natural source, from where our bodies were MEANT to assimilate it from. The rawists actually "had higher levels of vitamin D, which was another surprise. " (no not really surprising at all)

In general the only thing they have going for them in this article is that if you only read the bold print and not the rest of the title and certainly not the whole article, then maybe it MIGHT steer someone clear of the raw diet. And its as conclusive as a politician.

Coming out with my Raw-ness

2008-01-20T21:03:00.001-08:00

Well Its Sunday evening and having time to sit back and think has encouraged me to get back on here again.

I had someone comment, saying my blog was what came up when googling: (is that a word?) "raw food mormon". So after that, knowing that I plan on finishing a degree in holistic nutrition specializing in the raw food diet, I realized the blog shares a whole lot of NOTHING on raw foodism- I'm just going to start making up words :) I would like to be able to share any incites or places I consider good little nooks of knowledge so I have gone back and added links at the bottom of my blog. For me these sites really have the basics to inspire and teach when first starting out on a raw transformation. First and foremost I recommend comparing the Word of Wisdom to what the raw food diet actually is and gaining a testimony of it.

I have had many wonderful experiences on the raw food diet and I hope to eventually share as many as possible. (D&C 89:18-19) I say "had" because we are only about 40-50% raw right now. Also, I am no where near an expert in this area; I only have 6 mths experience as a raw foodie. I just know a good thing when I see it (taste it?) and I truly feel this is what Heavenly Father wants for my family and I. That being said- we are on the path back to 100% raw. We got off a bit after I had appendix prob's and I tend to lean toward doing what my body says and at that time my body said raw was repulsive. So in conclusion- I'm the primary food maker and we didn't do raw for a little while, lol. Well enough raw rambling- its a foreign language to those who don't know what raw is anyways. If that includes you take a look here

p.s.
Off topic a bit but-- I found the wiring I needed to upload pictures already in our house so I am inserting the pictures I intended to put in awhile ago, enjoy!

Better Late Than...

2008-01-19T12:11:00.000-08:00

Never--seems to be the soonest I will get pictures up and running on here!! Its frustrating to have pictures on my camera that I can't share. We should have gotten camera attachments for Christmas or something but we decided to get other stuff instead, which I'm not going to complain about. (Oh- such as a sewing machine for me, hurray! Also a big red Radio Flyer wagon complete with a canopy, seatbelts, cup holders and a storage bin on the back; Andrew's living the life of luxury now, lol. Kevin didn't get anything grand this year, just little hobbies and necessities. Aka books, cd's and clothes- he is really hard to buy for.)

Christmas was wonderful. We spent it up north in Snowflake with Kevin's family this year. It was nice to enjoy vacation time and family. I would like to share more but we have been pretty busy. We are in the process of moving right now and also have to fix up the house we are moving into. We are really excited but busy!! Well hopefully soon I will have more to share on our raw food attempts during the holidays, lol. I actually lost 3 Lbs this holiday season, woot woot!! Oh- and those pics?! We'll see. :)

(jan 20- not a problem now :) )

Enflamed Appendix

2007-11-26T23:00:00.000-08:00

Lucky me :/

The past 2 weeks I have been dealing with an enflamed appendix. I have been fortunate enough to know many dr's in the alternative healthcare field, so no unneccessary appendectomies for me! It just really stinks b/c we were going so good on the raw food diet and I was feeling great then all the sudden my appendix started acting up and I crashed. Now food in general is only MILDLY repulsive to look at/ smell, and I can at least force myself to eat. It was a lot worse than that for awhile, but I will be kind enough to keep those details to myself :) I am doing detox to take care of the appendix toxins and that on top of things is detoxing the rest of my body making me feel even more sick. On top of that, I had to wean Andrew so he wouldn't be getting the toxins in my milk. (we were pretty sad) The weaning caused me to get engorged, so yeah, that was pretty bad too lol. I was lucky to learn about an awesome poultice and long story short- it was like magic!! Combined with frequent doses of Sage leaf tea and 24hrs later the engorgement is no longer a problem.

I feel bad for Andrew and Kevin! Andrew just caught the sniffles (which I suspect is a result of spending time with family on Thanksgiving combined with the sudden cease of antibodies from nursing) and his sleep has been pretty fitful, poor guy. It has been difficult to spend all the quality time with him that he needs, the past few weeks, but he actually has been very patient and loving (giving kisses-big open mouth smushed against any place of me he felt needed a kiss- and hugs) despite that. Kevin was having to take up my slack around the house and help take care of me, on top of his full time work and school. He has been so patient and really helped me stay positive. What troopers they are! I couldn't ask for a better family.

These recent 2 days I seem to be improving dramatically and hope to get started on our moving/packing. I am very excited to be moving in January and shortly after starting my holistic nutrition and herbalism courses/certification.

Life really doesn't seem to turn out how you would think! I never once thought, when I was younger, that I would be into the "kooky" alternative medicine one day, let alone seek out training to help others with it. I am grateful for the opportunities Heavenly Father has provided and inspired me with to lead me to where I am today. I am truly grateful for the Word of Wisdom and all the insight and knowledge the spirit has helped me glean from it. There are so many blessings ready for those who truly seek to understand the Word of Wisdom. Take a look HERE at some pretty cool quotes by prophets, and a different way of looking at the Word of Wisdom.

I guess I am a little late to be posting my "attitude of gratitude" but better late then never, right? Anyways- I am also truly greatful for the wonderful family and friends that I have. I have been so richly blessed when it comes to them. I am loved and cared about more than I feel I deserve at times! What wonderful people I have in my life.

Andrew's Birthday

2007-11-12T21:28:00.000-08:00

This last Saturday was Andrew's birthday and a busy day for me! Since we are moving we had decided to have a garage sale on that day also. The garage sale started at 6:00 and I had been up late the night before wrapping presents and preparing some of the raw ingredients for Andrew's b-day cake; I was pretty tired! It was worth it though, I was so excited for our first child's first birthday, It felt like Christmas. lol.

The day dragged on a bit, but it was fun to spend time with family and neighbors who had joined us in the garage sale. We all had so much junk to get rid of, it filled my driveway and whole front yard! I ended up buying a bunch of stuff from the neighbors (including a couch) and I wondered if I was buying more than I ended up selling! The couch was a great inspirational piece for decorating our loft at our new house though. I will try to post a pic of it and Andrew's b-day once we can load pictures from our digital camera again. (Our upload program doesn't work right now unfortunately. )

After the garage sale I made "Rawberry" Shortcake for Andrew's b-day. I plan on posting the recipe soon, after I go back and write out how I made it! I am really bad at recording my recipes, I just make stuff as it comes to me, tasting it along the way. Anyways, the cake turned out pretty good, decent enough for all those who came for Andrew's b-day not to barf anyways, so I think my raw chef skills are improving. For those of you who don't know, I am a raw foodie, which means I only eat vegan raw food- a.k.a. the Raw Food Diet. Nothing cooked or processed, as living as possible and no animal products. At All. But more about that in a little bit.

I really enjoyed our little birthday get together that evening. My husband's brother, wife and daughter came and so did some family friends/neighbors down the street. It was an interesting transition that day to look at my little son and realize he wasn't my little baby anymore, he is now my little boy. As we all sang happy birthday to him I looked his deep blue eyes and felt so special to have such a wonderful little guy in my life. I love him so much and am grateful to be able to be home with him everyday to teach him and watch him grow up. Saturday was a special milestone. All in all, it was a long day, and I felt bad that Andrew had to wait out our little garage sale on HIS day, but it was fun too and will definitely be a memorable one.

P.S.-
Here is a short quote from Rawteacher.com about eating raw:
"Why eat a raw and Living Food Diet?
There are so many reasons why you should eat a raw food diet. A few of those reasons being that you can lose amazing amounts of weight, heal your body from illness and look and feel younger.WHY? Because raw foods are not heated above 112 degrees, therefore the enzymes are not destroyed in the cooking process. These foods retain an enormously higher nutrient value than foods that are cooked. Enzymes are the life force in food. They aid in digestion and absorption of food and will not cause toxicity in the body as most cooked foods do.Raw foods also have an alkaline PH, which is ideal for optimal health. An over acid body is found in most people with acute or chronic diseases.

What is a Raw Food Diet? Uncooked Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts, Seeds and Sprouted Grains make up a vegan, organic, Raw Food Diet. These foods are consumed whole or chopped, blended, shredded, diced and juiced to make delicious, gourmet raw food meals."

Out Of The Loop

2007-11-08T00:23:00.000-08:00

So I come to find out that I'm the last person to start an official blog, or something. I am finally getting one started up and I also find out that I have no idea how this stuff works! I hate being unknowledgable, so of course I'm not asking anyone for help, haha. (silly me :p)Thats how you learn, right? As of now after many blog help searches and the like, this blog is officially begun! I hope to be able to share all the interesting (or not) happenings in my family and my life. Enjoy :)