In the Nursery of the Nation

Chickens Are Gross. Boys Are Too.

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Fri, 25 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

(Originally published 6/7/11)

We went into the chicken business.

The first set of fifteen chickens did well until they encountered a chicken hawk and two of them lost their heads--literally. One of the others was a victim of something akin to a Wal Mart massacre on Black Friday, and then there was the day we found nothing but feathers and the other one who drowned in the heavy rain. We were down to ten chickens within about six weeks.

Those ten somehow made it to adult status and should start laying, and earning their keep, any day now. However, out of those ten "guaranteed" birds that are left we've discovered that two of them have been posing as hens and obviously are not. Their secret is out, the perverts.

Eight hens just will not support our family's dozen-a-day egg habit and so we went and bought some more hens to replace the dead ones and the two devious ones. They are younger so we keep them in a separate pen from the original flock because otherwise the bigger ones would peck the smallers til they died.

The other day I was caring for the back-up, teen-aged chickens and they. are. disgusting creatures. Chickens use their drinking water as an outhouse and then bathe in it. These birds haven't been cute for a long time now.

My eleven year old son was helping me and we needed to move the chickens completely out of their pen in order to clean it up and move it over fresh grass. As I stood there deliberating (procrastinating?) on how I was going to do this without getting dirty (ha!), my boy just started grabbing up chickens as they squawked and tried to peck him. They flapped their wings in protest as he took it like a man. Wet chicken poo was going in every direction, including all over his face. He never seemed to be phased but just kept grabbing up those angry bitties til every last one was in the holding pen, and all the while I stood by gagging.

There are many times when I think how nice it would be if my four boys would sit and color nicely like their sisters. When the girls are found missing, we might breathe a sigh of relief and relish the silence for a moment. When the boys are missing--someone had better go find them.

My boys are always aggressive and love to "fight". They are reckless, impulsive and dirty. True that in all of these areas self control must be learned, but these are virtues in a young man.

Do we want our boys to have the fortitude to go out and defend their country when they are men? Do we want them to have the courage and strength to roast grub worms on some remote island so to be granted permission to share the gospel to a tribe of pagans? How about pull bodies from a vehicle in an emergency? What would we do without little boys who grow into these kinds of men? The kind of little boys who don't give a second thought to wrestling with wet chickens?

But you say he's hyperactive? I prefer "energetic" :) God made him that way so that one day he would go out and conquer the world. At the very least we pray he will one day use that energy to provide for his family, minister in his church and be a pillar in his community.

Our boys are wired to be manly, they are just untaught and young. Masculine characteristics, like chicken wrestling, will grow into virtues as long as we are there to diligently train, teach and disciple them. We don't want them to be nice and quiet. That would be interfering with the way God has created them-- made in His image. Real men should be protectors, adventurous, courageous, heroic, full of endurance and fortitude. There is precious little that is nice and quiet about that.

Theology for Children

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Thu, 24 May 2012 12:48:00 +0000

In just a brief three minutes, Simonetta Carr touches on the impact of teaching our children through catechism. It is so crucial that we fill our children's minds with truth while they are young, and she explains why it is okay that they don't understand all they are parroting back to us from memory right now.

Keep your band-aids handy--are you a prideful parent wanting your children to seem spiritual for your own glory? She also hits a sore spot with that subject as well. Hope you are blessed by this today:

(Email readers will have to click through to see the video)

A Matter of Life and Death

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:29:00 +0000

We're all in a hurry. Thousands of times per day, it seems like, we throw out quick and sharp corrections to children who are in need of it. Complaining, hitting, disobeying house rules such as running indoors... the list goes on.

Recently I've been reading Humility: True Greatness by CJ Mahaney. The cancerous sin of pride invades every aspect of each one of our lives, but I am in a revived struggle against it. I have come to see it everywhere, and most especially in how I am mothering my children.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Eph. 4:29

"Let no...but only..."

Corrupting words spoil like that forgotten dish in the back of my refrigerator I find months too late.

Spoiled words.

Decayed words.

Death giving words instead of life-giving words (Prov. 18:21).

No talk of this kind is allowed by God. Mahaney says, "Among believers there is to be no decay-spreading communication of any kind, in any form, at any time, by anyone."

It's been said that people speak about 25,000 words each day. Language is constantly flowing out of our mouths and having an impact on those around us--our husbands and children. How much of my speech reflects pride, rather than humility in Christ?

Corrections
"...that it may give grace to those who hear."

This is the purpose for speech, but my problem is that many times I don't stop and think before I give corrections. I must be prepared to give grace during times of correction.

This is hard to do when someone unexpectedly lashes out against a sibling or defies us with sudden rebellion to our authority. We just want the poor behavior to stop. Right now and don't ever do it again do you understand? It's hard to give grace during those moments, but we can strive towards it.

The one doing the correcting is the worse sinner of them all. And when we moms fail at life-giving correction, we appeal to the Grace-Giver for our own sin as well, asking for wisdom and patience in the midst of those hard moments.

I would never want someone to correct me without also offering hope and grace, and this is what I want to offer to my children as well, when they break God's laws.

And hope, grace and forgiveness are always found in the cross. If we give our corrections in light of the gospel, our words are bringing life, not death to our precious little hearers.

Shared at Raising Homemakers, A Wise Woman Builds Her House

Raising Children: A Give and Take Relationship

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 +0000

The following is a guest post by my friend Terry of Mom's Many Lessons:

After reading a recent post on the blessings of giving responsibility to our older children to care for their younger siblings, I had to consider where we’ve come as a family and where we’re headed. The big question arises - What does this looks like for my youngest children as they become older?

I know that seems a far off place for many of you. You still have little ones under foot and you’re either reaping the blessings of those wonderful older children to encourage and add energy to your depleted reserves, or you’re looking forward to it with eager anticipation! I know – I’ve been there. I have been and continue to be blessed by my older children as they support our family and endeavors. As our children grow, they certainly add energy, ideas, enthusiasm, and focus to our day. This is much needed, as I am often depleted of vigor, lack new ideas, am too tired to dream, and get sidetracked by the complexity of knowing too much - you know – those thoughts of “if’s” and “buts” that go on in our mind!

I have ten children with five out of the home. My oldest daughter, who is 31, has helped me change diapers and rescue pacifiers for as long as she’s been a big sister! She has known nothing else. And now that she’s a momma, she still helps care for her younger siblings even when she’s an hour away in her own home. She thinks of them when she goes to the thrift store and finds just the right skirt for her sister. Or she thinks of me when she’s shopping and comes across a great deal that she knows I’d appreciate. It’s just a part of her life. And this goes for our other grown children. They call with deals or ideas for our family because that’s just what they know. It doesn’t take away from their life, but adds to all of our lives.

But back to my question - What does this looks like for my youngest children as they become older? I have had to re-evaluate raising children, as we don’t have any little ones in our home anymore. My youngest is ten and there just isn’t much that beckons our attention or sidetracks us from our plans for the day. So what am I finding? I’m realizing that without little ones needing to be cleaned up after meals, watched carefully so they don’t get in the pond, or needing a diaper change, we are actually getting lazy. Yep – all of us – me included!

We’re finding that we get to do anything we want to do, when we want to, and how we want to. Yes, we still do daily school and chores, but they can be done whenever and wherever we choose to do them. This is so unlike the days of old for us, when we had to adjust every minute, it seemed, to the needs of a hungry baby, a nauseous momma, or a toddler getting into something. And to tell you the truth, we’re all a little bored! (I can hear your groans and sighs already – you’re not hiding them very well! :o)

So what do we do with this inevitable change of season? I’m recognizing the fact that I need to create tasks and projects and deadlines to encourage this “next set of children” to mature and become responsible. I see that if I don’t, they can become lazy, selfish, and less flexible than their older siblings. My husband and I have chosen to take on house remodels, grow large gardens, raise puppies, plus lots more, all with the picture of building responsibility into our children’s hearts. And whatever we do, we are seeking to glorify God in and through it all, with whomever we come in contact with.

So why do I share this? To encourage you to press on and not be afraid of hard work for your children. To encourage each of you to prepare for that coming day when life will change in your home.

Something we’ve discovered is that having grandbabies nearby helps during this change. Children caring for their nieces and nephews for an afternoon or a weekend is not quite the same as 24/7 care, but it does help. I clearly see a loving God who has given us the next generation to help each of us adjust to the changes of a ‘growing older’ family.

So don’t be afraid of the effort and sacrifice that comes with older children caring for their younger brothers and sisters. It creates such character, selflessness, compassion, and integrity that will last for their lifetime! Just be ready to make some adjustments as your older ones leave the nest. Plan for activities and projects to keep the younger ones busy and active and serving. The character this creates will build strong families in the future which helps build that strong nation we so much desire to see!

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127:3-5

Blessings as you raise mighty warriors for Christ,
Terry

Terry is a 50-something woman, a lover of God and grateful recipient of the love of Christ. Married 32 years, yet still learning to love like Christ, she presses on as the mother of ten, grand-momma to four, and homeschool mom of 21 years. She’s an avid reader and seeker of things new and worthy to learn, is passionate about guiding her children to walk in truth, intentional about helping marriages grow strong to last, and loving the continuum of building a multi-generational legacy! She shares her vision and the many lessons God has given her on her website, A Mom’s Many Lessons.

~~~Shared at Visionary Womanhood~~~

Letter to My Pregnant Self

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:00:00 +0000

Hello Self. Put down that bottle of Tums and listen up one sec.

You're not looking so good, Self. Your gait is strange, you have circles under your eyes and the elastic in your maternity skirt is shot. This is about the time you think you will be the first woman alive to be pregnant forever.

I know the nights are trying. I know you think you can't survive one more person asking you how much longer now, or if you think you could be having twins. You went shopping and you couldn't even find shoes to fit you. (Like you told your husband last night during that hormonal crying jag, Payless Shoes should have a maternity section.)

You want your body back, stable hormones back and you want that weird thing that used to be your belly button to never come back. But fertility is a privilege and gift, not to be taken for granted. You won't always have it. Stop all that complaining and enjoy it.

Let me tell you what's in store for you. In a mere two months those long nights getting up to go to the potty every hour and massaging away muscle cramps, will be replaced with quiet moments in the rocking chair staring at a sweet face that is helpless and dependent on you. The impatience that tempts you in your last weeks will be replaced by a love and thankfulness so fierce you can only stare at her and praise your Heavenly Father. You will gaze at this beautiful morsel of humanity and again and again wonder in astonishment that God created this life and He used your body to do it. Not because He had to...He wanted to.

And you will not be pregnant forever. The Lord has your baby's days numbered, the beginning as well as the end. The God who knows when the mountain goats will give birth (Job 39:1), knows all about your birth too. He has it all planned according to His will.

All the ways pregnancy has changed your body, has made you beautiful. Stop that laughing, Self. Yes, I said beautiful. You are a walking display for the Author of Life, as well as a purpose for His design for marriage, and that is so beautiful.

Speaking of that man that still holds your heart after all these years, your precious baby has his nose and forehead (but the eyes and chin? Yours. Score!) She's evidence of the love the two of you share, and it will bless you to watch his strong, calloused hands transform into gentle and soft, when he carries her and mutters shhh, shhhh in her little ear at bedtime.

Don't sweat the housework, Self. I know you're too tired to get to everything you'd like to do. But it will still be here two months later.

Your oldest children are a blessing to you, and they are mesmerized by this new sibling. The sisters all want to dress her and the boys all want to protect her. The toddler has adjusted quickly and beautifully. The Lord has given them such a blessing, in a new sibling.

Embrace motherhood, Self. Embrace it with joy and be blessed as a fruitful vine. Willingly and joyfully receive this child the Lord is graciously giving to you:

this fresh act of God,

this latest revelation of His handiwork,

this marvel of possibility and potential.

Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Visionary Womanhood

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Eat Chocolate

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:59:00 +0000

If you don't care for chocolate, you need to back away from the screen. Seriously--you're in the wrong place at the wrong time. This cake is very moist, very rich and it will improve any type of Monday you encounter.

Chocolate Sheath Cake

Bring to a rapid boil:
2 sticks butter
4 T cocoa
1 cup water

While cocoa mixture is heating, mix together 2 cups sugar and 2 cups flour. Pour the hot cocoa mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well.

Add:
1 t. vanilla
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 c. buttermilk (or sour milk)
2 eggs slightly beaten

Pour batter into a greased and floured 9x13 pan and bake at 350 for 35 minutes.

Five minutes before the cake is done start the icing. Bring the following to a boil:
4 T. cocoa
6 T. milk
1 stick butter

Remove from heat and add:
1 box powdered sugar
1 cup pecans
1 t. vanilla

Pour icing over the hot cake.

Then avoid the bathroom scales for a few days, but we all know that anything made of chocolate is good and useful, right? And that's it's woman's best friend. At least it's my best friend.

Happy Monday!

Raising Homemakers

Giveaway Winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Sat, 12 May 2012 03:09:00 +0000

Congratulations to Sarah (comment number 131) who wrote:

"What a great giveaway!! The last book I read was Give them Grace by Elise Fitzpatrick."

Sarah,please contact me to finalize the details of winning this giveaway.

Thank you to everyone who participated!

She's Got the Mother's Day Blues

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 +0000

It's almost here. Mother's Day. The stores have flower bouquets readily available, and pink, feminine greeting cards are easily accessible in every grocery checkout line. I saw a huge sign outside a jewelry store the other day: "Tell her you appreciate her... with a diamond."

Last time I checked, my five-year-old didn't have enough money in his piggy bank to buy me a diamond. Unless your children are adults, the recognition of Mother's Day falls on a husband's shoulders.

And what if mom is single? What if her husband is deployed? What if he's an unbeliever or a loving husband who simply doesn't choose to make a big deal--or any deal--out of Mother's Day?

Discontent
Mother's Day can have the potential to bring discontent to our hearts. I'm ashamed to admit, in Mother's Days past, I have found myself tempted to get a wee bit self-focused. Surely one day out of the year mothers deserve to be honored for all our hard work and sacrifices, right?

But the thing is, children don't rise up and bless you until they are old enough to rise. A few of us may have young children that understand sacrifice and the eternal significance of our discipline, hard choices and protection of them, but most don't. They won't for many years.

I once helped a group of 6 year olds make homemade cards for their moms on Mother's Day. I asked them to be specific about what they were thankful for in their mothers, remembering everything their moms did for them. Every single one of them said they were thankful their moms made meals. That's all they could think of even after I prodded them. One of them even had me write, "Thank you for the bowls of cereal." Ha!

The moral of that story is that number one--mealtime is very significant to children and number 2--it's one of the only things they see that you do. Their little eyes just don't see the magnitude of your influence on their lives, until much later.

And so it's an unspoken rule, especially in the early years of motherhood, that Mother's Day could be better named: Wife's Day... or Husband-Better-Make-Wife-Feel-Good-or-He-Will-Get-the-Silent-Treatment-and-Probably-Never-Know-Why-Day.

Mother's Day Focus: God and Others
It's inside of all of us. We all want to be noticed, appreciated and valued. But if we're to consider others more important than ourselves, we can instead:

*Make it a day of personal thanksgiving to God for the children He has blessed us with. Thank him for a husband who provides so that we can be keepers at home and enjoy the beautiful tasks God has called us to, as mothers.

*Focus on other moms who don't have children who have "risen up" yet either. Make her a pie, send a card, call, text or email. Consider it a special opportunity to encourage her. And be specific about the virtues you see in her and the progress you see her making in her marriage and children.

*Plan a special meal for the mom or mom-figure in your life.

*Help your children send homemade cards to other women in their lives, and teach them to recognize their character and strengths so they can be specific in their letters.

*Remember women who aren't mothers. Older women who were never able to have children, as well as women currently experiencing the trial of infertility. Take the opportunity to write them a homemade card that encourages them with scripture, or give them a simple gift.

*If you have children who would like to have a gift for you, help them by providing craft supplies or give them a few dollars (or extra chores to earn it). You can take them shopping rather than hoping or expecting that your husband will do it.

Don't We Deserve Just One Day of Honor?
If our husbands, children or others honor us this weekend, it will be a blessing. But we don't deserve it. What we did deserve has already been paid in full. The penalty we owed--has been paid by the sacrifice of Christ, justifying us and satisfying the wrath of our Holy God.

We've been saved by the grace of God, Christ's righteousness imputed to us. No works...not even good wifely or motherly works, are enough to save us, nor do they earn us extra credit.

We serve our families all year, 24/7. If we know the call to lay down our lives for them it's only because he laid down His life for us. We can serve and serve and serve, but apart from His sacrifice there is no serving. True greatness is attained only by emulating Christ's example, the ultimate Servant--and only made possible by His sacrifice.

That is worth celebrating every day and every moment.

“If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”
Mark 9:35

Weekend Links: Would Jesus Have a Facebook Page, Free Family Worship Download and More

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Sat, 05 May 2012 12:29:00 +0000

***Welcome new readers***

It's been sorta quiet here this week on this side of The Nursery. But be assured, the other side has not been quiet. And alas, all the reasons that you shouldn't read this blog, are the same ones why I shouldn't write it :)

Weekend Links
A post I shared at Raising Homemakers this week:
It’s sobering to behold many young ladies today. Despite claims to be “different” the great majority are desperately seeking to be exactly alike in dress, speech, attitudes and actions. Satan has sold the world a cruel lie–evolutionary teaching that life results from microscopic goo. Ultimately, this brings a terrible hopelessness and insecurity to humankind. Young women are no exception, and often inward insecurities are reflected outwardly by tattoos, body piercings and startling hair color. Sadly, many times we see no difference in daughters of the world and daughters of the Living God.
Finish reading here

15 Tips on Blogging...from John Newton
You'll love this!

At the White Horse Inn:
Would Jesus Have a Facebook Page? A post about the use of technology in chuches.

A tongue-in-cheek list:
Top Ten Reasons NOT to atted or join a Reformed Baptist Church

Hat Tip to Berean Wife for this:
Free pdf download on family worship. Read online or download to your Kindle.

Don't forget to enter our Mother of all Mother's Day Giveaways. I have loved getting to know you all by learning what you like to read!

Have a beautiful weekend, sweet readers. I'm off to clean my beastly bathtub and delegate household duties to the rest of the tribe.

True Liberation

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Thu, 03 May 2012 03:00:00 +0000

Mothers, don’t let anyone ever dupe you into thinking there’s anything ignoble or

disgraceful about remaining at home and raising your family. Don’t buy the lie that you’re repressed if you’re a worker in the home instead of in the world’s workplace. Devoting yourself fully to your role as wife and mother is not repression; it is true liberation. Multitudes of women have bought the world’s lie, put on a suit, picked up a briefcase, dropped their children off for someone else to raise, and gone into the workplace, only to realize after fifteen years that they and their children have a hollow void in their hearts. Many such career women now say they wish they had devoted themselves to motherhood and the home instead.

~John Piper~

Fox Hunting

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

So you're at a yard sale. A good one. You know the kind: nice neighborhood, items are displayed well and all the clothes are hanging according to size and still smell like Downy. Cute little girls are selling lemonade under a shade tree.

You see a large box of books that are marked 25 cents each and you make a beeline to investigate. Just one look at the covers on top and you know you've hit the jackpot. Classics and wholesome hardback titles; many of the ones on your list to purchase off Amazon.

That's when you see her. Another ~~homeschool mom~~ Yard Sale Terminator. She's wearing her denim jumper and has 89 well-behaved kids trailing behind her. Your pace quickens as you hurriedly pick out books, but it's too late. She sees the box of books and she's headed your direction.

I'm posting about a fox hunt over at A Mother's Heritage today. Curious? Grab a cup of coffee and head on over there to finish reading.

Women Living Well, A Wise Woman, Raising Homemakers

Mother Of All Mother's Day Giveaways

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:00:00 +0000

This time of year means I am cleaning off shelves. Due to my book addiction, (in which I have found I have duplicate copies of some great books and resources--sheesh!) I have put together a rather large bundle of family resources for your Mother's Day, as well as items the entire family can enjoy. Some of these items have evidence of being gently loved by our family, but most are still in the wrapping.

Also, while perusing some older posts of one of my all-time favorite blogs the other day, Berean Wife, the author made the statement that people don't read anymore. Her content has to be made short and choppy for small attention spans cuz folks just don't read. Friends, tell me it ain't so. I love to read! In our home the motto is "Buy books and if there's anything left over, buy groceries."

So here's what I have and what one of you will win:

Chosen By God by RC Sproul (Note: Ours has a different cover.)

When You Rise Up by RC Sproul Jr

Passionate Housewives, Desperate for God by Jenny Chancey and Stacy McDonald

Hold Fast, a book for fathers and sons, by Douglas Bond

What to Expect from a 12 Year Old, CD message by SM Davis (one of our all-time favorite messages by Dr. Davis)

The Influence of Older Children on the Younger, CD message by SM Davis

Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America, CD message by Jeff Pollard

We were blessed to host our friends, the Bowers Family, a few weeks ago. They stocked us up on their new CD: "Firm Foundation " You will love their beautiful family harmonies, and your children will love the patriotic songs and hymns, with solos by little guys sprinkled liberally throughout. Most of the songs are done acapella. So I'm adding this in to the box of goodies, as well as their amazing documentary Agenda: Grinding America Down.

Here's the best part: Indoctrination DVD

Watch the trailer!

Your husbands and sons will love the League of Grateful Sons DVD:

Not pictured: God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew. Paperback, thriftstore find!

And what giveaway would be complete without a Lilla Rose lovely to give you that Mother's Day pizzaz you know your hair is craving? (Winner will receive a coupon for a free flexi of her choice, valued at $15 or less. )

I guess that's it, unless one of you would like to have our cat. I'd be happy to throw him in, just be prepared he suffers from some rare mood disorder. I don't know why.

To enter:

Leave me a comment telling me the last book you read. Yes, Clifford the Big Red Dog can count.

Additional entries:

Share on facebook or use your favorite social media tool to spread the word

Follow In the Nursery of the Nation via email, RSS or Google Friend Connect

For five extra entries make a Lilla Rose purchase or a Vision Forum purchase (where most of the above books and resources can be found.) Be sure and leave a separate comment for each thing you do.

This giveaway will run for two weeks and the winner, chosen at random.org, will be announced on May 11th.

Linked to: Raising Arrows, Better Mom, Growing Home, Mother's Heritage, Wise Woman, Women Living Well, Raising Homemakers, Deep Roots at Home

{DIY} Sidewalk Paint and Bubbles

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 06:00:00 +0000

We've been having fun this week painting the sidewalks! Here's the recipe for do-it-yourself sidewalk paint:

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup cornstarch
12 drops food coloring

Easy enough for little ones to mix up themselves and safe enough they can play around mixing their own colors.

Homeschool writing lesson :)

I also purchased these bubble wands for a couple of bucks that have been worth every penny the past few days.

Need more bubbles?

To mix up your own just use equal parts of dishsoap and water and voila! Everyone is happy again.

Not that sidewalk paint and bubbles are terribly expensive, but I like knowing I can mix up my own entertainment with what I have on hand without running to the store. Also, the dishsoap bubbles made better bubbles than store-bought. Bigger. More durable. More bubblish.

Hope you're enjoying spring with your little treasures! What sort of outside activities have you been doing with your children?

Linked to I Can Teach My Child

Free Shipping at Lilla Rose!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:18:00 +0000

With Mother's Day quickly approaching, Lilla Rose is offering free shipping on orders over $20. That's right! From April 25th to April 29th you can enjoy free shipping!

Also, Lilla Rose is offering their featured May flexi just a wee bit early as well:

"A Mother's Love"

Need a sweeter deal? My personal April special still applies! Order over $50 in Lilla Rose products and receive a set of lovely bobby pins from me! Just place your order and I'll send them right out from my own personal inventory!

So what are you waiting for? Go grab some gifts!

Naming Babies

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Shelbi, Shelbi Bo-Belbi Banana Fanna Fo-Felbi, Me-My Mo-Melbi......Shelbi!

Again!

Seth Seth Bo-Beth, Banana Fann Fo-Feth, Me-My Mo-Me-eth.....Seth!

Again!

Okay, maybe not.

Did you sing The Name Game when you were a kid? I did, but never dreamed the Lord would bless me with so many children that I would play a real-life name game with real-life people.

One of the most important things we can give our children, is their name:

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
Prov. 22:1

Choosing the Name
Baby names are chosen for a variety of reasons...the way they sound with the last name, for instance. Sometimes certain names are avoided just because we associate another person with that name. If you knew a kid who was a really mean bully in grade school, chances are you're not going to call your son by that name.

Choosing a name with purpose and meaning can be a great encouragement to a child as they grow. We can teach them about why we chose their name and why their name is special.

Names of the Nursery
When our first two daughters were born we chose names for them that we liked. "Shelbi" is our oldest and "Savannah" was born 13 months later. We thought these names sounded southern, sweet and feminine. And we still love their names. They fit their personalities well. There have been a few times I've regretted the spelling of their names because, ya know, there are no cool personalized ink pens with the name Shelbi spelled with an "i", not a "y". And most times Savannah is spelled without an "h". My poor daughters have never had a personalized ink pen. Please send cash for their therapy.

Our third child was supposed to be our last. The Lord saved me that year and was drawing hubby and I both closer together and closer to Himself. We really liked one syllable names and also wanted a Bible name so we named our little boy Seth: "Appointed". We prayed, and still pray, that Seth is "appointed by God," and will glorify Him with his life.

Once we discovered we were expecting number four is when things got interesting. We now had unintentionally named three children with the same first letter. Would we continue naming our children with the beginning letter "S"? What if this was our last baby and she felt left out not having an "S" name? That would surely require more therapy. (I know that's crazy, but it was our thinking at the time.)

We wanted to name our daughter something that had great meaning to us and would to her as well, as she grew up. We named our Thanksgiving baby Sarah Grace. Abraham's wife Sarah was a woman of great faith and an example of biblical submission. And the "grace" of God was indeed granted, in giving her to us so quickly after a vasectomy reversal.

Our fifth child was a few days old before we named him because we couldn't decide on a name. After seeing his sweet face we named him Stephen: "and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit..." His middle name, Nehemiah, is for the king's cup bearer who went back to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall along with the faithful remnant of God's people.

The Lord blessed us with another son just 19 months later. We named him Silas after the apostle Paul's companion and co-laborer. I love to tell my little guy the story of Paul and Silas singing in prison after being beaten for preaching the gospel. I sometimes wonder if the biblical Silas had a mother that had to repeatedly remind him not to throw bricks at the family cat.

When the Lord gave us our seventh child, we named him Shiloh Knox. We really spent a lot of time in prayer over Shiloh's name because we knew it was a bit unusual, yet we had very specific reasons for his name and felt this was the name the Lord would have us give him.

Once we learned with my last pregnancy that our little one was a girl, we were on a quest to find a name that was meaningful and began with an "S," finally landing on Serenity ("Peace"). Other names that were in the pot were Sophie, Shanna-Joy and Selah. Her middle name, Brenlyn, is a combination of my mother's name and my mother-in-law's name (Brenda + Carolyn), two very loved and important women in my life.

We've known large families who have named their children with a theme in mind, a certain letter, or named them for long-gone family members that they hoped their child would emulate. One family we knew spelled the word "rascals" with the first letter of their seven children's names!

Who Gets to Vote
In our home we do let the other children give their input on the new member's name, although mom and dad get the final say. And we are quite an opinionated group. In fact, some of the younger kids weren't finished with the name fun and are still coming to me with their suggestions, five weeks after Serenity's birth.

How about you? Inquiring minds want to know: How have you chosen your children's names? If you have a large family, have you adopted a theme in how you name them? Do you tell your baby's name to others beforehand or unveil it after he/she is born?

Linked with A Wise Woman Builds Her House

Infants Grow Up

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Lord, Help me remember, when I feel it's a chore
the time will come when I'll hold her no more
asleep on my chest, the crib refused
the blanket, the pacifier, gone unused.
What better place is there to lay her head
than against my heart, my arms her bed?

For infants grow up and leave us behind
with only memories left to remind
us of midnight walking and predawn rocking,
of soft, helpless babies unable to sleep.

So, Lord, make me patient and keep me awake
while I cradle this child, and don't let me take
for granted the moments I spend in the night
with this ~ Your gift, my joy, my delight.

~Jan Dunlap

As a younger mom, I resented my lost sleep and the nightime feedings. Now, how I wish I could have just one more "long night" back with my little ones who are now on the brink of adulthood. It's such a short season, moms! Gone like a vapor that we'll never get back. Enjoy it; each day is such a gift with these little ones.

A Vlog: Ending the 90 Day Challenge, and Meet Baby Serenity :)

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

The only thing more humbling than hearing yourself speak is hearing and seeing yourself speak. Nevertheless, I am giving the whole "vlogging" thing a go! I did not want to miss the opportunity to hear how you ladies did on the B-90 Challenge we started in January. And I certainly couldn't resist the chance to introduce my new baby girl to you all :)

Vlog from Bambi Moore on Vimeo.

Linked with A Wise Woman builds Her Home

You Have to Choose It

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

She has a long evening of bath time, bedtime and "I'm firsty," followed by a lengthy time in the rocking chair comforting a fussy newborn. A bit of colic maybe? As the precious babe finally finds sleep, the mommy collapses into bed herself, missing a shower for the second night. She sleeps little but continues to mother through the wee hours of the morning.

She awakens to Resurrection Sunday. The challenge awaits her of locating belts, matching socks, brushing teeth and hair for several little ones, and a husband who needs wardrobe counsel. Older kids help the youngers inhale their breakfast, and everything that didn't get prepared the night before, is done at lightening speed in order to leave for church 90 minutes after waking.

No time for a photo in the new spring clothes from Grandma, as the mama stares into her wardrobe searching for something to cover a 3 week post partum body. Is that closet laughing at her?

It's pouring down rain. And her head is pounding with a headache that makes her ears ring.

She's the last one ready to leave. The motor is already running in the big van as the rest of the family sits waiting on her. She runs through the rain, gets inside, and plops down the diaper bag and make-up bag as she surveys the family. Matching shoes? Check. Yellow teeth? Gone. Bed-head tamed? Done.

She throws a Lilla Rose clip into still-wet hair, and riding down a bumpy road she uses the tiny compact mirror to cover the circles under her eyes, and the thought crosses her mind:

Why do this?

What's the point of having so many children?

Come on, eight?

As if it's not enough to be misunderstood and marginalized by people who don't know you, as well as a few who do? What's the point of this work and exhaustion? During the moments when there are no rainbows or waterfalls, no belly giggles or relaxed Dr. Seuss readers under a warm quilt in the recliner? When even the Lord's Day is a logistical hurdle and requires effort to keep her mind stayed on Him... why do this?

Because by pouring her life into them, she is pouring herself out for HIM.

But then she wonders if the task is too great. To do this job well.

The rain comes down harder and the windshield wipers work faster. She digs in the diaper bag for something to relieve that relentless headache as a three-year-old points out the water droplet races on his window.

Is it worth it?

If the goal is to have beautiful, middle-class trophy children who grow into adults she can brag to her neighbors about in her old-age, no.

If the goal is to have attractive, intelligent, polite children with impeccable manners that make her look like Mother of the Year, no.

And while their love, laughter, daily accomplishments and fellowship do bring her inexpressible joy, no, even this doesn't make it "worth it."

But if the goal, the prize she strives toward, is another generation of sword wielding, scripture bleeding, gospel sharing, truth loving, I-will-die-on-this-hill-even-if-no one-else-does Christ Lovers, then yes, she will press on.

And as she wonders if she really has what it takes to make all these people into those kind of people she realizes the answer is no. But as a vessel of the Lord she knows He does. And He will equip her. Maybe not ahead of time. But yes, for today.

So she breathes another prayer to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these will be added...

And in that moment she reaches her hand out toward His nail-scarred one, and takes hold of the joy and peace He offers there. She chooses to take the joy, even during the hard moments. She knows there is nowhere else on earth she would rather be, than taking a long rainy drive, in a van bursting at the seams with potential giant-slayers, to go worship their King, together.

Linked with A Wise Woman Builds Her House, The Modest Mom

Making Room for Little Hands

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The following is a guest post by Kristy of Little Natural Cottage.

I am blessed to have a mother who took the time to show my sister and me how to be a woman- not with her words so much as by her patient and consistent example.

Now that I'm a mommy with a house full of little people, the challenge is for me to step up to the plate and pass the torch of womanhood on to my own daughters.

I decided I can't wait until they reach the shores of adulthood to start their training... there's no time like the present to teach my girls to love being a homemaker!

I'll be the first to admit that it's easier to have a DIY approach to running a household, especially when you've got little ones under foot. But moments like these make the extra time, energy, and mess worth it. Very, very worth it.

Most days, I have to ask myself the question:

"Which is more important- clean floors, or welcoming my children into the kitchen to 'help'?"

Being a perfectionist, I struggle to "let things go". Messes bother me, and children generate messes with nearly everything they do.

Day by day, the Lord is teaching me to enjoy my children's antics, appreciate their clumsy efforts, and simply embrace the imperfect life of Motherhood.

My house is never perfect; these days, it doesn't even stay "clean" for very long. But it is full of love, laughter, and little people who are busy learning, along with their mama, the things that truly matter in life.

"The time we spend teaching our daughters...
about the joys and responsibilities of womanhood
will provide benefits for generations to come."

Emilie Barnes

-------------------

Kristy Howard is a believer in Jesus Christ, a pastor’s wife, and homeschooling mother of four. She is passionate about living simply, naturally, and Biblically for the glory of God. Kristy is the editor and owner of LittleNaturalCottage.com, where she furiously writes about her loves during nap time. She and her husband, Jeremy, make their home in North Texas, where they enjoy their growing family, their church, and their pursuit of a debt free life.

Lessons on Living Books

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The following is a guest post by Jacqueline of Deep Roots at Home

The reading material we give to our children forms them almost as much as their associations in life.

Giving them books that elevate the way they see life is more important than we can know. It forms their worldview and instructs their mind to more easily observe the command in Phil. 4: 8.

When we decided to home- educate our children (with the help of the Lord), an almost irresistible urge seized me to find 'living books' for use as our readers. It ended up being something that has carried over till now.

A 'living book' is a book written by someone who loves his chosen topic and interjects interest and the human touch into it.

Karen Andreola (an advocate of the Charlotte Mason teaching method) summed up very well what I knew in my heart to be true. She said," A home-school cannot function without enthusiasm and curiosity. Enthusiasm enables the child to educate himself. Curiosity makes the child want to learn!"

I would hunt in second-hand bookstores, the Goodwill, at garage sales, and at the home-school convention. I was passionate about it! I would ask the Lord to guide me and help me in finding books that had noble themes and wholesome content. He did bless the effort! I started this before the children were reading. We have collected some wonderful books at very little cost for a comparable library.

The Country Dairy Of An Edwardian Lady is one example of a Goodwill find. It was $1.99. My daughter has spent hours in this volume and in The Country Diary Of A Victorian Lady.

Things to look for:
~content in which the author communicates a love of the subject and stirs the imagination and enthusiasm of the topic in the reader

~widens vocabulary; takes the reader to far away times and places

~content that is wholesome and uplifting

~it can be old, but should not have ever been wet and is not musty ~it must smell good, like a great old book should

If you start when your children are young and you love to read, it will most likely become a fondness of theirs. One of our sons voiced his feelings many years ago while lying on the couch with a old volume about sandhill cranes. He said, "I just love the smell of our old books."

Started later, it just may rescue a bored or unmotivated student. Ask the Lord to show you how to proceed.

We bought books specifically for each child. We used a stamp, and their name was written into each book. These books have become the basis of their own collection for their families some day.

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." ~ Proverbs 2: 1-5

"Be as careful of the books you read, as of the company you keep; for your habits and character will be as much influenced by the former as by the latter." ~ Paxton Hood

Linked to A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

For 38 years now, I have been first a wife, but also a teacher of our children in the home. Now a new season is here, and with the blessing of my husband, I write DeepRootsAtHome as an encouragement to myself and others. (Titus 2: 3-5) What I share will be varied and practical…focused on being a good steward at home, of our time, and our relationships…but I also love to do things that bring beauty and order to our hectic lives and reflect God’s creativity. Oh, may we learn how important our jobs are as we become older women of God to speak into the younger woman! The habits of the home in one generation become the morals of society in the next. As William Ross Wallace said: “The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.” 10 May, 1996 Washington Times.

Weekend Links: Hunger Games, Christians and Politics, Family Centered C-Sections

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 02:00:00 +0000

Situational Ethics at It's Best: The Hunger Games
Here are two reviews if you are in the dark:
Kevin Swanson
Doug Wilson

Children As Blessings
A stark contrast in filmmaking: The Moore Family's Children As Blessings can be watched for free through April 30th.

Visionary Womanhood:
Read Put No Confidence in Princes:
I was armed with campaign literature and my intrepid little army of helpers, and we were going to do our best to make sure the GOP held on to the White House as we distributed our flyers to our California Bay Area neighbors. This was the “most important election ever”!I didn’t want to think about what our country would be like if Clinton and his feminist wife Hillary got hold of the reins of government. Dark days would be ahead for sure.

Family-Centered C-Section:
Sounds like an oxymoron but if you have to have a cesarean, this will encourage you! A video of a different kind of c-section at Raising Olives. Enjoy the comments as well!

Homeschool Tool
Do you have a reluctant writer? My daughter has been writing up a storm this week using this story starter gadget . Have fun!

Are You Malnourished?

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:09:00 +0000

Originally published 12/29/10

In the early days right after a baby is born there is an amazing amount of sweetness along with utter neediness and dependence of that baby. There is really nothing like those first few weeks. With all of my children I look back on it and it is somewhat of a blur due to lack of sleep, and this time is no exception. Many times there is just nothing that satisfies this sweet little person except more milk.

Read the rest at A Mother's Heritage

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 12:09:00 +0000

An Unplanned Cesarean--Birth Story Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 14:12:00 +0000

Read Part 1 here or watch the birth video

This has been a difficult post to write. Mostly because my emotions have run the gamut these last two weeks. Also because I am one busy mama. The Lord has been gracious and faithful to calm my anxious heart many times.

Some of you reading this have had multiple c-sections and prefer it. Maybe some are thinking what's the big deal--it's the most common surgery performed in America. Others of you, perhaps my natural-labor loving sisters, think I was probably just one more unnecessarean. Maybe I was. You wonder if I should have fought harder against joining the ever-rising statistics.

But then there are those who are like me--love natural childbirth yet through the Lord's providences have felt the disappointment of having a c-section or some other traumatic delivery. Some of you, like me, have fear. You have fear of ever having a c-section. Or maybe fear of having a VBAC or fear of going through childbirth without meds when you had planned to, or needing them when you didn't plan to use them.

Fear of not having the control you want during a time in which you know you will be weak and vulnerable. This post is for you:

An Unplanned C-Section
We walked into the hospital and I felt as if I were moving in a dream watching someone else. For a week now we knew this could be a possibility but I really never thought it would happen. Through my contractions I tried to keep up the walking pace of our midwife who was escorting us to the labor and delivery unit. A few nurses showed us to our new quarters, where we would spend the next three days.

The room was filled quickly with hospital staff. An IV was started, papers were hastily signed and there was a hustle and bustle all about me. A quick sonogram confirmed again that the baby was head-up. A fetal monitor was strapped to my belly and a blood pressure cuff was secured on my arm where it stayed the next 12 hours. Several people asked me if I wanted to have my tubes tied, the nursery nurses kindly told us we could not refuse aspects of routine newborn care that we normally decline, and I felt thrust into a place where there was no place for me to rest my hands on controls or press the stop button. My heart was beating fast.

And all the while, the Lord was there. He was carrying us through a storm--an experience that required us to depend on Him, and Him alone, completely.

I begged for privacy that I never got as they made all the necessary preparations for surgery. The dignity and modesty I've always been able to preserve at my other deliveries--was torn away from me and I could do nothing.

The hospital staff were only doing their job and I needed them to do their job and help my baby before she got in trouble. But this was not how I wanted my daughter to be brought into the world!

My heart was broken, and I struggled. But I was resigned And the Lord gave me the grace moment by moment to walk this path He hemmed me into and proving that because of Him, when I am weak then I am strong.

The Lord sent a compassionate anesthesiologist in, and he explained his procedure for the spinal block. When I asked repeatedly for details, he was patient and kept his back to me as we spoke. Also, even as quickly as everything was happening, the Lord saw fit to allow my sweet younger brother to make it to the hospital and be near my side as well, just in time. More tender mercies from the Lord.

Thirty minutes after setting foot in the hospital, they wheeled me into the operating room. They waited for a break between contractions before starting the spinal block. The anesthesiologist continued to be such an advocate for me, keeping me informed, reassuring me and making certain Kevin was brought in to the OR as soon as he finished with the anesthesia.

I was terrified of the reactions and side effects he told me I could have, especially the feeling of not breathing. But praise be to God, I didn't experience anything but complete numbness from the chest down.

I didn't feel the doctors make the first incision. After a few minutes on my back I began to feel the tugging and pulling, my upper body being rocked side to side on the table as they freed my captive baby from my body in the most unnatural way. We didn't know until later that our baby was a footling breech, which would have made the vaginal breech delivery we'd considered, an impossibility.

being pulled out feet first

Kevin sat at my head the entire time, snapped a few pictures, and repeatedly asked if I was okay. He watched them lift Serenity from my womb by the feet and hand her to the nurses upside down. At some point he and the anesthesiologist decided to give me something "to relax me". I thought I was doing fine, but perhaps my vital signs showed otherwise.

And so from that point on, the details are fuzzy. And that was a hard sentence to write. My other births stand out in my mind like strong, bright threads in the tapestry of my life. I remember them vividly and have recorded the details so I'll never forget. But not this time. One of my prayers is that clarity will come to my memory as time passes.

Serenity didn't cry right away and needed some oxygen. Kevin was saying to me, "Don't worry, she'll cry. She's going to cry." I looked over and saw my baby under the arms of several nurses and was thankful they were there, but also sad that I was not holding her skin to skin still connected by the cord as in my other births, alone with just Kevin and me thanking God for bringing her out. Instead there was the smell of betadine, the sound of metal everywhere and a dozen voices or so chatting and tending to the task of cleaning off my baby. But no baby's cry and no mama's tears except from relief. No touching of that fresh, still-creamy skin and matted hair as that of a baby that comes straight from the womb to her mother's arms.

Still I could see from several feet away as I watched, that she was so perfect. So beautiful. So chubby. Praise the Lord!

Before I went in for the c-section I had asked to be given my baby as soon as possible afterward, and the staff was accommodating, handing me my girl as soon as she was stable, and letting her ride back to the room with me in the hospital bed.

Few minutes after Serenity was born. No, I didn't decide to have my wisdom teeth out while I was in there. This is what 89 gallons of IV fluid does.

The staff asked permission each time they took her to the nursery, which was only three times in three days. Kevin and I (mostly him) were able to care for her in our room the majority of the time, and I am so thankful for that.

The next three days I spent in pain that is far different than any I'd ever experienced and gave me great empathy for all my fellow c-section sisters. And for a girl who before wouldn't take a Tylenol for a headache, I felt like I was lost in a world of pills.

In the next few days I had many emotions. I missed (in some strange way, grieved) the pain that comes from natural childbirth. That unique pain that only a woman knows. Instead I had a cut in my lower abdomen that made my entire upper body ache, made me nauseated and cry randomly. I sometimes felt guilty for taking pain medicine (learned pretty quick to get over that!) and my pain would get out of control. I had reactions to medications that made me itch like crazy and I ended up with scratches and scabs on my face, and a slightly black and swollen eye. Yep, I was pretty pathetic.

I also had an unsettled feeling, that I'm told is common, that I somehow didn't give birth to my daughter. Yet it wasn't true...because she was here. My thoughts, emotions and hormones had to be taken captive again and again.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:2

What the Lord Has Taught Us and Still Teaching Us:

~He is enough. His grace is sufficient. He has deepened our faith in Him through this entire circumstance. We praise Him for the kindnesses we saw His mighty hand in, repeatedly.

~He is King of the delivery room, the OR, the birth center, the home birth! He is sovereign over every single detail of the lives of His children. He planned Serenity's birth to be just as it was. And that makes it beautiful. No, I never would have planned her birth this way, but He did. He is all powerful and could have changed it if He'd wanted to, but He didn't. Because He tells me He is working all things for the good of those called according to His purpose, I can know that this was His perfect will for me.

~He loves me. He loved our family repeatedly through those first few days through the Body of Christ that ministered to us in too many ways to count. One special evening he sent a married couple, (whom I have met only once, but immediately felt the Lord knit our hearts together) to pray with me. She has ten children and had a c-section on number 8 as well. She cried with me, she assured me that God was faithful and His ways are perfect if not always easy. And her husband prayed for our little girl to grow to be used in the Kingdom of God and useful to the Church. That prayer softened my heart so much, getting back my eternal perspective. I have praised Him over and again for that 15 minute visit of love that He gave to us, through our brother and sister.

~That bitterness and anger come when we expect the right to have it better. When I am feeling thankless and overwhelmed and questioning why did it have to be this way, Lord... it's because I think I deserve better. Ugh! No, I don't "deserve" better. I deserve far, far worse.

~ I am so very grateful for seven natural and beautiful births. Seven!

~God has not only strengthened our faith in Him, but our marriage and family as well. I have never known the sacrificial, enduring and unconditional love of man and wife like I have during this time. The Lord gave Kevin supernatural strength to lead me when I was not easily "lead-able" to say the least.

John Greenleaf Whittier, in his poem "The Eternal Goodness," wrote of life's sufferings. He said:
Yet, in the maddening maze of things,
And tossed by storm and flood,
To one fixed trust my spirit clings;
I know that God is good!

Kevin left the second day to go get our two oldest daughters so they could meet their new sister. We had a special, quiet time with them that day.

Our corner pillars!

Some at the hospital snickered at our Serenity's name, saying she certainly didn't start life serene. But we have known peace like no other time. The Lord was faithful in our storm and day by day, brings more and more peace to my heart...and overflowing gratitude for this precious life that He created, sustained and preserved. Praise His Holy Name!

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thess. 5:16, 17

Linked with A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Serenity's Birth Video

noreply@blogger.com (Bambi) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:30:00 +0000

(Contains some c-section photos...if you have a weak stomach, this isn't for you :)

In the Nursery of the Nation

Chickens Are Gross. Boys Are Too.

Theology for Children

A Matter of Life and Death

Raising Children: A Give and Take Relationship

Letter to My Pregnant Self

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Eat Chocolate

Giveaway Winner!

She's Got the Mother's Day Blues

Weekend Links: Would Jesus Have a Facebook Page, Free Family Worship Download and More

True Liberation

Fox Hunting

Mother Of All Mother's Day Giveaways

{DIY} Sidewalk Paint and Bubbles

Free Shipping at Lilla Rose!!

Naming Babies

Infants Grow Up

A Vlog: Ending the 90 Day Challenge, and Meet Baby Serenity :)

You Have to Choose It

Making Room for Little Hands

"The time we spend teaching our daughters...about the joys and responsibilities of womanhoodwill provide benefits for generations to come."

Lessons on Living Books

Weekend Links: Hunger Games, Christians and Politics, Family Centered C-Sections

Are You Malnourished?

An Unplanned Cesarean--Birth Story Part 2

Serenity's Birth Video

"The time we spend teaching our daughters...
about the joys and responsibilities of womanhood
will provide benefits for generations to come."