Mama Russell's Blog

I've moved!

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:35:00 +0000

Please visit me over at my new blog Wisdom Begun. See you there!

Why a new blog?

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:19:00 +0000

A couple of years ago I started my journey into the world of blogging. I am not sure of the reason why most people start a blog. Probably the ability to write out our thoughts behind the veil of a computer screen holds a small amount of weight to that decision. Our world likes to be easily offended when someone does not agree with us, so anonymity in any form while expressing the freedom of speech tends to draw us in.

For me, I just like to write. That is it. That was my whole reason to begin a blog. I was an English Major in college and while I never did finish that degree I still wanted to continue writing. I am not a great writer by any stretch of mental capacity. And as time goes on I find it harder to bring out my thoughts and put them down in a logical manner that would make sense to anyone. I tend to agree with those studies that have come up with the conclusions that bearing children tends to cause loss of a few brain cells.

I am one of those people that seem to be able to communicate better through writing than through the actual act of speaking. My husband tells me often that he learns more about me through my blog posts than through our every-day conversation. This tells me two things: 1) I need to learn to communicate better with my best friend and 2) I need to cultivate writing instead of letting it fester and die by the wayside. It is a sad thing when we neglect to care for those gifts God has given us.

What does any of this have to do with the title of this post? Seriously, why a new blog when I already have one? To put it quite simply: Mama Russell's Blog is dead to me. I feel as if that woman who started that blog a couple of years ago has grown into someone a bit different. That change can not be allowed to blossom in a blog still encumbered by immature thoughts. I need to break out, to learn, to become wiser.

God has blessed me with some wonderful Titus 2 women in my church. I had not had that when I started Mama Russell's blog. Instead I was under the mistaken impression that I had much to teach others when really I, myself, had much to be taught. Wisdom Begun will be my journey in learning what God desires to teach me. I hope to learn much from older women who have "been there done that."

Because of this I hope that you will join me from now on over at Wisdom Begun. It is pretty bare bones at this moment and the whole template and format will eventually change. I covet any helpful links you might like to add to my sidebars. Mama Russell's Blog will be kept alive but will feature no new posts. I look forward to this new journey!

In His grace,

A sunny Monday morning

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:34:00 +0000

How was your Sabbath yesterday? Were you able to rest, worship, and praise? I know I sure was. As usual, spending time with my church family in fellowship yesterday really did refresh me. Despite the fact that the new church chairs do not agree with my pregnant body I was able to focus on what life really is about: our God. What a blessing!

I have been silent on this blog for a variety of reasons. I am in the process of designing my new blog. While I enjoy the satisfaction of seeing something I have spent time creating coming together, it is a long process and very time-consuming. Add to that all of the books I am currently reading and Mama Russell's Blog has been a little neglected. Poor blog.

The final weeks before the Russell Family's newest addition arrives are going by quickly. Tiny pink clothes are out, the changing table has lost its clutter, and the bedside bassinet is patiently waiting to be put together. Aren't babies wonderful?

To all of my dear bloggy friends, I have not been able to read many blogs lately. This week I will more than likely be able to "stop by" and say hello. I miss you all. I sure do appreciate all of the emails and words of encouragement!

In His grace,

Menu Plan Monday

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:08:00 +0000

No, I have not disappeared from the face of the earth nor have I hidden myself away with no computer. Here is a quick rundown of what I've been doing this past month:

went on a lovely, heavenly, fun mini-honeymoon with my husband for our anniversary where we were completely alone with no children, GASP!
grew tired because hey, I am in my third trimester
went full-force into school with my precious little ones - it really is too hot to take a break during the summer
got sleepier and sleepier because, yes, you guessed it, I am in my third trimester
made endless lesson plans and unit studies involving butterflies while dealing with a dying computer which made everything go even more s-l-o-w-l-y
took naps on the couch as often as I could grab them because of that ol' third trimester
went on a special diet (not to lose weight, of course) which I must admit, I absolutely hate
fell asleep in the LazyBoy while conversing with my husband at night because of, yes, the third trimester
took care of three extremely needy, whiny children who were very ill with a virus for two-whole-weeks
watched as my three-year-old daughter experienced a near-anaphylactic shock to lentils. Had the epi-pen ready, but God blessed us and I was able to administer to her with claritin and albuterol and get it under control.
oh, and yes, just in case I did not mention it, I am in my third trimester. Enough said.

I have been ~~insanely~~ slightly busy. To get back into blogging I'll participate in today's Menu Plan Monday. This is the family meal plan; mine is slightly different due to my special diet.

Monday ~
Breakfast - Oatmeal
Lunch - Cheese and Crackers, Carrots, Apples
Dinner - Beefy Vegetable Soup, Corn bread, Salad

Tuesday ~
Breakfast - Oatmeal
Lunch - Buttered noodles, raw veggies
Dinner - Pancakes, Eggs

Wednesday ~
Breakfast - Oatmeal
Lunch - Rice, Fruit, Carrots
Dinner - Roast Turkey, roast veggies, salad

Thursday ~
Breakfast - Oatmeal
Lunch - Grilled cheese, raw veggies
Dinner - Leftovers, sauteed zucchini and squash, salad

Friday ~
Breakfast - Oatmeal
Lunch - Pigs in a blanket, raw veggies
Dinner - Fourth of July fare: Hot Dogs, Brats, Salad, Beans, Corn, etc.

Saturday ~
Breakfast - Cereal
Lunch - Sandwiches, raw veggies
Dinner - Homemade pizza, apple sauce, carrots

In His grace,

Neat link for grades 1-6

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:20:00 +0000

Barnes and Noble has a summer reading program you might want to check out!

Hope all are doing well!

In His grace,

Great homeschooling site

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:38:00 +0000

While searching the internet for lapbooking instructions, I discovered this free lapbook on butterflies by Homeschool Share. This website is extremely useful for those who need ideas in lapbooking and step-by-step instructions. This is one of my new favorite sites! :-) By the way, for those of you whose children aren't homeshooled, this is still a great project to try during those summer months!

Hubby and I decided to just go ahead and order the pool instead of trying to look for it. I remember seeing it at Toys R Us once but they didn't keep it stocked very long; I should have just gotten it then. Oh well. Thanks for all of the suggestions on how to fill it with water. We are going to purchase the tub/hose adaptor for it.

I hope you have a blessed day!

In His grace,

Labor Pools

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Mon, 26 May 2008 13:17:00 +0000

Two quick questions on laboring in a pool (I will be laboring in the pool, but most likely will not give birth in it):

1) Where did you buy your pool? I was recommended to use one like this but cannot find anything comparable to it at any brick and mortar stores.

2) How did you fill the thing up??? That is my biggest question. I suppose I could google it, but I don't feel like wading through tons of links. :-)

In His grace,

Good morning!

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Wed, 21 May 2008 13:48:00 +0000

Online life has been put on hold for me as I am finishing up my daughter's dress. I only have the hem and collar left and it will be complete. I realized last night that I did not have the right color thread to match the bias tape for the neck so it looks as if I will have to make another trip to Joann for some good ol' Gutterman. :-) Oh no! (For those who don't know me very well, I love Joann, so any excuse is a good excuse)

We are also going to pick up some dresses from the girls that we bought at our local Strasburg Children. I am so excited because these dresses are just so gorgeous and so girly. Isn't it fun to be feminine???

I am feeling very well pregnancy-wise. I have had some health issues but those seem to be rectified. My prenatal vitamin that I have been taking for over a year now is now making me nauseous! So it looks as if I need to try another one. Any suggestions? (I have been taking the Rainbow Light brand) I'll ask my midwife at my next appointment. I can't believe how close I am! I still have so much to do. I remember with my first and second pregnancies how slowly the time seemed to pass. Now I am well over halfway there and I feel as if I need more time. We have finally picked a name but it is a surprise. :-)

We were blessed yesterday with an out-of-the-blue offer by someone dear to us to watch our children so that hubby and I could go away for one last trip for our upcoming anniversary. I am so excited about this and so very happy that we have such people in our life to offer us such a gift.

Hopefully I'll be able to blog more sooner rather than later! Hugs to all my friends.

In His grace,

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:45:00 +0000

My new sewing machine is my new best friend. It works so well and is quiet. I can sew during nap time now without worrying about waking anyone up. Of course, I should be resting at nap time as well, but that is another subject.

I am using this pattern from Butterick to sew my girls some nice dresses for church. The hardest part so far has been changing the sleeves from being set-in to sewing them flat. This is due to the free arm on either of my sewing machines being too big for the tiny sleeves of children's clothing. This makes for slow going right now but it is comforting to know that once I can figure it out on this first dress, I will be able to tackle those sleeves on other projects fairly easily.

It seems as though my usual second trimester spurt of energy is short-winded this time so I did not participate in Tackle it Tuesday this week. Instead I took the day to rest a bit and get some work done that did not involve standing. I was able to cross of the following on my to-do list:

Bought Kindergarten curriculum. Just waiting for it to show up on my door step now.
My three-year-old is completely potty-trained! Yay! She was a fast learner.
Joined a local homeschool support group.

This Sunday is Mother's Day, however we are starting to celebrate Mother's and Father's Days on the Saturday before. We are often at church for most of the day which leaves no time to do anything extra special. I am still trying to decide what I would like to do for Saturday. I had wanted to do something outdoors, but it is going to be pretty hot this weekend, so we may settle for something inside.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mamas out there!

In His grace,

Home Birth

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Thu, 01 May 2008 12:47:00 +0000

Good morning! I have been up since 4am this morning and so I have had a lot of time to think. Since this birth is planned to take place at home, I am in search of blogs, links, etc., on different home birth experiences and stories. Thanks!

Also, I will be putting together a whole resource on sewing your own cloth diapers, as well as different links of mamas who sell them. Please email me ( mamarussell at gmail dot com ) or reply in the comment box with your links! Links for where you buy the fabric or notions for making your cloth diapers would be especially helpful! There is so much information on sewing your own cloth diapers out there, but it is not all in one place, so I will make that my own special project and work on it when I have the chance.

I am off now to order homeschool books and supplies, touchtape and more diaper fabric, a cutting foot for my sewing machine, and who knows what else. :-)

In His grace,

Tackle It Tuesday - Tackling LAST week's tackle!

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:53:00 +0000

Lest you think this blog has become only my Tackle It Tuesday challenges, I'll throw in a bit of an explanation: I am nesting. Badly. So instead of coming up with ~~something interesting to write~~ wise and witty words of wisdom, I'll be sharing all of the little household things that this Mama is conquering! I was not able to blog much last week as I had a bit of a cold and also as I was a little worn out. Hubby Russell wisely asked me to slow down a bit and so I did not get any of last week's tackles done. Most of what I've been doing has been working on my other blog, a bit of sewing, catching up with friends on Facebook, email, etc. All things that involve sitting. So on to tackle these things from my to-do list plus an extra or two that was not there last week.

Work on new blog.
Join support group. (I really am so excited about this! I have found a wonderful local one).
Organize craft and sewing supplies.
Make a reading list for this year.
Go through recipes and organize.

This weekend I will enjoy purchasing a few dress patterns for my girls as well as some pretty fabric and notions to make them a few church dresses. They are growing like weeds and with their daddy's height thrown into factor, I imagine I will be involved in sewing dresses quite a bit throughout their years at home.

For more Tackle it Tuesdays, visit 5 minutes for mom!

In His grace,

Probiotics for kids/infants?

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:48:00 +0000

I am supposed to be taking today off, but wanted to throw this question out there: Can anyone recommend a great children's probiotic? I want to start my little 19-month-old guy on them but wanted to see what others recommended first. I would prefer those probiotics that are not contained in synthetic enteric coating. Thanks!

Decisions in Homeschool Curricula

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:51:00 +0000

If you look at my left sidebar, you'll see that I have listed under the "My Homeschool" section the following: Weaver Interlock, Bob Jones K5 math, and All About Spelling. We have decided to ditch the Interlock as I don't feel it is offering academically what my 5 year old really needs or wants. I searched and researched to find a total curriculum to fill in the gaps of history and science, etc. Most of it was too involved so after discussion with husband and much prayer, I decided to piece together my own.

We will not be following a normal school year schedule. Instead of starting the late August or early September, we will be starting our school year in mid-to-late May. This allows me to get many lessons done with her before baby girl comes and also makes use of the fact that the hot summers of Texas don't allow for much outside time and we are better of spending those time inside where the air conditioning is. We can take breaks when it is cooler and of course when our newest little one arrives. That is one of the beauties of homeschooling!

This is what we'll be doing:

For mathematics - we will continue in Bob Jones K5 Math

Language arts will continue with All About Spelling and copywork using McGuffey's Readers passages.

History studies will be sort of unit study. We will study different missionaries using biographies. The first unit will be about a woman whom I admire greatly: Amy Carmichael. Since she served in India, we will also take the time to study the geography of India and make foods of India.

Science will be nature studies, ala Charlotte Mason. We will be purchasing a butterfly garden and will plant some flowers. We will also make some pretty spring tablescapes.

Art and music will focus on classical composers and famous art scenes. This first unit we will listen to Mozart pieces and will study the artwork of Grandma Moses.

Bible is comprised of our daily Family Worship time with Daddy as well as scripture memory and Bible verse copywork.

What are you doing for your homeschool? I enjoy hearing what others do for their families! Please comment and let me know.

Tackle it Tuesday - Crossing more things off of my list!

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:04:00 +0000

I truly am enjoying Tackle it Tuesdays because I am able to see how much I really am doing. Plus I get the added benefit of visiting other blogs and receiving inspiration by their projects. I was so busy with my tackle this past week that I haven't even had much time to blog.

I was able to tackle this past week last week's tackle and a few extras:

Thoroughly clean all baseboards.
Find a science book or program for Kindergarten. Decide on other areas of interest to add into the curriculum.
Clean out and organize pantry.
Pick out Kindergarten-level homeschool curriculum.
Organize all school supplies.
Shampoo carpets.

I was even able to accomplish a couple more items - organize school supplies and pick out what I want resources or curriculum I want to utilize for my daughter's Kindergarten year in homeschool. Yay! More things to cross off of my to-do list! And even though I thought of one more thing to add on, I really am getting things done and it feels great. I am in nesting mode right now so I am trying to get the bulk of the list done.

Here are my tackles for next week, again taken from my to-do list:

Organize craft and sewing supplies.
Make a reading list for this year.
Go through recipes and organize.

I was given two huge garbage bag fulls of little girls' clothing from one of my bestest friends that I need to go through as well. Busy busy!

For more Tackle it Tuesdays, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

Tackle it Tuesday - My Schedule

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 11:59:00 +0000

Taking on my personal tackle challenge from last week, I finished my MOTH schedule and am quite pleased. I imagine that in another month or so, once the kinks need to be reworked, the schedule will change a bit, but for now, I am as "pleased as punch." Obviously, once my little girl arrives, things will drastically change. Mrs. Maxwell advices feeding on schedule; I prefer not to do that and so I feed on demand. We will have to see how I can work that. I do love how this schedule is actually giving me more time with my children -think quantity time, instead of quality time! All time with one's own children should be considered quality time, don't you think? The schedule hangs up in Mama Russell's Central Office, aka "the Kitchen," and is easily accessible for viewing by any member of the family.

I was also able to buy most of my cloth diapering supplies at Joann. I still need to order some Aplix and I want to splurge a little and buy some cute girlie fabric for the outside of the dipes. Pictures coming soon!

For this week's tackle, I will take on these items from my to-do list:

Thoroughly clean all baseboards.
Find a science book or program for Kindergarten. Decide on other areas of interest to add into the curriculum.
Clean out and organize pantry.

For more tackles, visit 5 minutes for Mom!

In His grace,

Our precious addition to our family

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 12:52:00 +0000

Our ultrasound went very well early Saturday morning. The baby is beautiful and so healthy and so busy! My three older children were so happy to be a part of this special event. The sonographer that my midwife uses is such a sweet lady. We were able to bring home tons of photos and a DVD of our little one in utero, happily kicking or resting away.

We love to find out what the gender is of our little ones. I am so happy to be saying "he" or "she" instead of just Baby. I cringe when people refer to them as "it." I will be able to pull out all of the necessary clothing and make cute cloth diapers in the right colors.

We are having a sweet little girl! I laughed and laughed in joy and the funniness of the moment when we found out. My husband and son are definitely outnumbered, and my son will have the joy of having not one, but 4 mothers. :-)

To say that we are so excited does not adequately describe how we are feeling. I look forward to the day when I can greet this little girl in my arms. It will go by quickly!

Plus, I get to try my hand at making beautiful little girl dresses! Yay!

I hope you are all doing well.

In His grace,

Sewing your own cloth diapers - links

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:10:00 +0000

I have stumbled upon many great links out there for those who are attempting to sew their own cloth dipes. They are kind of scattered, so I thought I would list some here. Today's link topic is patterns. Enjoy!

Free Cloth Diaper Patterns

Fern and Fairie. Tutorials available here for fitteds, prefolds, flatfolds, etc. Not as in depth as other sites, but still useful as you have the benefit of pictures.

Mama Bird Diapers. Her patterns for the fitteds are actually what I will be attempting to sew at first. I have heard nothing but good things of the final products made from this pattern. The directions are a bit hard to follow and not laid out as organized as they could, but there are some great pics. Just make sure you read all instructions, as well as the info on soaker material and elastic, first. She does have bandwidth problems for her site, so you may not be able to access it at all times.

Diaper Sewing - Free Diaper Patterns. These have great pictures, the instructions might be a little muddy for those just beginning. One word of caution: they list Velcro brand as an acceptable hook and loop tape to use for cloth diapers . . .Velcro brand is a big no-no for cloth diapers! Use Applix or touch tape instead.

Ottobre cloth diaper pattern. This is in English, yet is a Finnish site, so all measurements are in cm. Still, there are good, concise constructions.

These four are good enough to start you out. Obviously you could google "free cloth diaper patterns" and get many more links. Remember, I am not an experienced cloth diaper seamstress, nor have I made any of these patterns (yet). I have listed these links merely as a helpful resource for those who are interested in crafting their own cloth dipes for your little ones.

Thursday's Thoughts

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:10:00 +0000

Good morning, dear readers!

Have y'all been over to Kelli's House lately? You just have to check out her post about Meet in the Middle cards. They look so pretty, I think I may try one myself.

I have been able to cross off the following from my to do list :

Replace a/c filter. It was pretty dirty. Yuck!
Sewing machine serviced. Since I just got a brand new one, I won't need to worry about that for now.
Completely wean son. Yay!

I still have quite a bit more to check off of the list, but at least I am getting somewhere. Today I will be working on cutting out the fitted diaper inner and outer and get the soaker cut and sewn. I think I'll make one first for my son and see how it does on him and then start to make for Baby. By the way, we'll hopefully know if this Baby is a little girl or a little boy on Saturday morning. I am very excited to say the least. :-) I will also attempt to sit down and finish my schedule. It must get done before summer and the Baby's arrival.

Today is a good day to get some school work done so my oldest and I will work quite a bit on math and reading. We have had company for a couple of weeks so have not gotten much school work done. I am not as organized as I need to be in this area and so I know the schedule will help so much.

Has anyone noticed that when we put our entire hearts into what God has called us to do, with happy, joyful, submissive, thankful hearts, how much better our days flow? I go through periods of the whole "woe-is-me" attitude and my days just seem to drag on for eternity in monotonous monotone. Yet the Lord has graced me with a cheerful attitude for all of those dishes, dirty clothes, and dirty diapers and I am actually so excited to be doing what I am doing. I can honestly exclaim "Praise God!" on that one because it is so true. I am truly thankful for His work in my life.

In His grace,

Tackle It Tuesday

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0000

My Tackle It Tuesday mission for today till next Tackle It Tuesday is simple: a) finish my MOTH schedule; b) buy supplies for and start to make at least one cloth diaper (I'm also adding this to my "to-do list" seen in this post ).

I need to get this schedule finished! I've had it almost finished for a long time now and it is necessary that it gets done soon! Besides, hubby keeps saying things like "It sure would be nice if you had a schedule in place." :-)

I need to start my newborn and infant cloth diaper stash! With my nifty new sewin' machine I really feel that once I get one or two done, I can zip through making a good stash in no time at all. I have a few patterns to try and I think I'll stick with fitteds and some beautiful covers and also make a few AIOs.

For more Tackle it Tuesday endeavours, visit 5 Minutes for Mom!

My Wonderful Surprise

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:38:00 +0000

After my midwife's appointment last Wednesday, hubby and I loaded up the children into my truck and headed toward our cabin. We had been at the cabin for overnight the previous Friday because my in-laws had come down to stay nearby in their travel trailer. When we left that Saturday morning we gave them the key to our cabin in case anything needed to be checked on.

What happens when you give your father- and mother-in-law the keys to your cabin? You come in on that Wednesday morning and find this sitting on the little dining table:

This picture was taken a few days after, but at the time, I walked through the door and it was covered in a huge bow. Yes, my lovely in-laws bought me a brand new sewing and embroidery machine! Let me tell you . . . this machine is my dream come true. I am in love.

My mother-in-law had just bought one and while there one day I had played around with hers and my father-in-law saw how much I liked it. I am one spoiled gal. Yep.

Immediately, dreams of dresses to be made, hankies to be embroidered, and busted seams to be mended all popped up in little clouds around my head. Not really, but I was dreaming, and in dreams clouds seem to pop up a lot. My usual Brother sewing machine from WalMart sadly shook it's little presser foot and knew it would be collecting dust.

Sigh. Someone pinch me.

In His grace,

Tackle it Tuesday and A Jumble of Thoughts

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:19:00 +0000

My tackle for today is nothing grand. I have laundry to wash, dry, fold and put away. I have a shopping list to put together for our trip. And yes, I desperately need to clean off the stove! A very simple tackle today, yet definitely needs to get done! I like those simple tackles, though . . .

For more tackles, visit 5 Minutes for Mom.

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I woke up this morning to little kicks coming from my womb. My little one, my sweet babe, was exercising early. Those precious reminders of the new life I have been blessed with made my day begin with joy.

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I have been struggling with feelings of worry and doubt over a certain matter and while reading Keep a Quiet Heart by Elisabeth Elliot last night, I was convicted by her constant plea to "Give it all to God." I am unsure as to why I have not been hit so hard by this fact until now, but I have been turning aside all of my worries over what has been occupying my mind and have given them to the Lord. One of the phrases that have come up repeatedly while I pray is "Lord, I cannot do it by myself!" How much more peaceful my life would be if I would just remember that . . . I would love to know what specific Scriptures you use to remind yourself that we must rely on God and not man (or ourselves!) Please let me know in comments.

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How can I pray for you, my guests? Leave in comments any prayer requests. My aunt's husband was recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. They are still trying to determine which kind it is (apparently there are over 30 types). If you would, please pray for this family!

In His grace,

Really Neat Links

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 12:24:00 +0000

Here are some links that are worth checking out.

Shannon did a really beautiful job making some pretty burp cloths over at Rocks In My Dryer. Even those of you with little sewing experience could do these up very quickly. And they would make great, inexpensive gifts!
Need help figuring out what books to read next? Check out What Should I Read Next?
The Internet Public Library. Enough said.
Nancy Leigh DeMoss does a great job, as usual, showing us godly truths that women often forget amongst all the lies the world would have us believe. If you have not read her book Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free, I highly urge you to pick up a copy!
My all-time favorite recipe website. I have yet to make anything from there that has not turned out well.
As usual, Amy has done a wonderful job on this post. What is something that you have changed your way of thinking on?
One of my favorite sewing sites! Wondering if you should attempt a certain pattern? You can get reviews from other PR members and their thoughts of that particular project.
This site has a plethora of great links for those times you are looking to find something specific for your craft project.
A homeschool site. Be sure and check out their extensive links section!
Need to find heirloom seeds? Check out this link. It even lists seed swaps you can participate in. Best of all, you'll be buying non-GMO. Yay!
Fun ways to spruce up your photos.

Happy Friday!

In His grace,

My "to-do" list - What am I in the process of . . .

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:44:00 +0000

My to-do list seems very doable for the most part and I am glad I decided to think one up. It puts int perspective what really needs to be done and helps give me a sense of accomplishment as I am able to check things off. Out of all that I listed, here is what I am currently working on:

Finish new blog. - This will take a long time. I am currently working on the banner for the top and, as anyone with Paint Shop Pro experience knows, this can be a bear. I am excited, however. I need a fresh start with blogging and hopefully this will jump start my creative juices.

Completely wean son. - He has not nursed but once since last Thursday. I would say we are pretty much there. Not ready to completely cross it out yet.

Potty-train three-year-old. - She is doing really well. She still has accidents a couple of times a day yet she alerts me often to let me know that she "needs to go potty." Almost there!

Prayerfully consider joining a home school support group. Join. - I have found a really neat, local, Christian group with inexpensive dues. I have emailed back and forth with one mother and she says the children and I would fit in just fine.

I am still on the lookout for recommendations on great books to read. Again, they can be fiction, non-fiction, biographical, whatever. Any and all ideas would be oh so appreciated.

In His grace,

To Do List

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:18:00 +0000

I have so much to do before my newest little one arrives and thought I would make a to-do list and post it here on my blog. I know what you are thinking. It is the end of March and she is just now making her yearly to-do list? I am behind the times. So, without further ado, here is my Seemingly Never Ending List for 2008 - and of course this list will change and grow as time goes on. *Items with a star next to it have just been recently added.*

*Make a newborn/small infant cloth diaper stash. I have not decided on the amounts of fitteds, covers, or AIOs that I'll need. *added April 9, 2008*
~~Pick out and buy Kindergarten level homeschool curriculum~~.
Go through children's clothing. Sort, box up, and give away as needed.
Finish new blog.

~~Finish MOTH schedule.~~
Take down all window mini-blinds and put up curtains.

~~Replace a/c filter.~~
~~Thoroughly clean all baseboards~~.

~~Shampoo all carpets.~~
Get ~~sewing machine~~ and serger serviced. *Since I received a new sewing machine that won't need to be serviced till next year, I am crossing the sewing machine off of my list!*

~~Completely wean son.~~
Join HSLDA.
Purchase flowers to put into front flower bed.
Go room-to-room and get rid of all junk and stuff we no longer need/use.
Deep clean refrigerator.
Order birth kit.
Organize care for older children for labor and birth.
Buy labor pool.
Pick up extra midwife supplies for birth.
Make birth plan.
~~Potty train 3-year-old~~.
~~Clean out and organize pantry~~.
Get baby's clothes ready.
Focus on each room in the house and purchase or find items to accentuate that room.
Make a reading list for this year. Buy books. *In progress!*
~~Prayerfully consider joining a homeschool support group. Join~~.
Find a nanny or mother's helper.
Write at least 5 people a "snail-mail" letter.
Purchase camping trailer.
~~Organize all school supplies~~.
Organize craft and sewing supplies.
Go through master Bathroom and throw out all junk.
Hang up all family photos.
Get one more family portrait done before Baby comes.
Organize a menu for major meal freezing before baby comes.
Have at least 20 entrees frozen.
If possible, purchase stand-alone freezer for garage.
~~Buy new video camera~~.
Clean engagement ring and wedding ring.
Get teeth cleaned.
Make weekly menus.
Pick blueberries, at least 20 pounds. Freeze.
Throw out makeup and buy new stuff.
Make up a guest "welcome basket."

Tea and Books

mamarussell@gmail.com (Kelly @ Wisdom Begun) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:23:00 +0000

I have become a tea drinker. I never thought I would say it, but yet it is there now in ~~printed~~ typed word. For the past few years I have just loved my coffee. Give me some strong coffee with cream and a bit of sugar and I am good to go. While I cannot drink it while I am pregnant because the smell drives me up the wall - after all, my poor husband has to brew his coffee in the garage when I am in the throes of those wonderful trimesters - I love how it becomes a part of my morning wake up. I think coffee has gotten a bad rap from most of our society and I will defend it quite staunchly. Moderation is key, after all.

This second trimester has found me using my tea kettle more often than I ever have. I refuse to drink out of tea cups and I still use my coffee mugs. Of course, if I actually owned any tea cups, I might use them. My favorite tea, Constant Comment, is an occasional treat, though I am starting to lean more towards Green Teas. Chamomile and Licorice-type teas are out during pregnancy but everything else is pretty much safe. Again, in moderation . . .

What kind of teas do you like to drink?

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I have finished all 8 books of the Anne of Green Gables series and I am on the lookout for recommendations for more books to read. They can be fiction, non-fiction, biographic, whatever. I would love to hear what you like to read!

I will be starting next a book my midwife gave to me called Creating your Birth Plan: The Definitive Guide to a Safe and Empowering Birth by Marsden Wagner.

In His grace,