The Estrogen Files

Thanksgiving

2012-11-21T21:32:00.000-07:00

Only a few more weeks till Baby. Meantime, Happy Thanksgiving.

29 Weeks Pregnant, Halloween!

2012-10-30T12:17:00.002-06:00

I've seen those pictures of pregnant women painting their big bellies to look like basketballs or pumpkins or what-have-you, but that's just not me. I find it mildly repulsive. I find it immodest. Needless to say, I wouldn't do that to myself.

So I will not have a painted belly for Halloween. I am not sure that I will dress up at all. Where we live is on a highway and we don't get many trick-or-treaters. Last year, we had not even one kid! The good news is that I get to stay home, warm and comfy, while Hubbers and the kids go out and troll for treats. And bring them home to me to ~~plunder~~ ~~sort~~ check.

Meanwhile, my baby is 29 weeks!! I start my every 2 week midwife visits next week. I had a horrible itchy rash on my chest last time and we talked about a few different ways to treat it. It doesn't look or act like a yeast, but she suggested I treat it as such. The apple cider vinegar wash helped a little bit with the itches, but didn't remove or heal it. The dandelion root herb didn't seem to do much. The probiotic was expensive and perhaps unnecessary. I finally took matters into my own hands.

A few months ago I had a case of ringworm. It's not worms, it's a fungus you get from animals that spend time outside shaped like a ring on your skin. The only thing that cured that was Absorbine Jr. That stuff is a miracle! It fixed the ringworm FAST, though it did sting.

I decided to try the Absorbine Jr on my unidentified rash. It worked overnight. The itching stopped dead. The rash has disappeared. I'm relieved in so many ways. Going to keep a bottle of this miracle on hand for the REST OF MY LIFE!

I'm linking up at My Joy Filled Life today. The question is to share some scriptures that have been on my heart. I don't have any specifics, but the ones that speak of the care and love God the Father has for me in particular have been touching my heart so much lately. We've had some financial struggles and been very worried over money, but every time I feel like I'm at the end of what I can handle, KLOVE's encouraging word or the daily missal reading swoops in to save me.

Praise you, Jesus.

Here's an update on the Baby Bean via The Bump:

Baby already measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long. Right now, we weighs about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds but he's still got a ways to go -- can you believe he'll triple in weight before birth?

She's getting a little cramped in there, since she's growing so fast. But you probably already realize that, since you're getting all those jabs and kicks.
She's growing white fat deposits under her skin, and her energy is surging because of it.
Feel a subtle twitch? It might be baby hiccupping.

What's For Dinner Monday: 26 Weeks Pregnant

2012-10-08T14:48:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend I was given a large bag full of green tomatillos! (Squee!!) We love tomatillos but usually have to resort to the grocery store variety. Luckily for us, the recent hard freeze in the area made many gardeners have to harvest early and I benefit from that!

A good friend, N, is an older lady with a beautiful garden in her backyard. She gave some space over to a mutual Hispanic friend who wanted to grow tomatillos. L had more in her harvest than she could use, so N offered them to me, after I strategically angled after them some months ago. I never thought there was a hope of getting any, but God is very good.

So tonight is a family favorite for dinner: Chicken Tomatillo Soup. It's just chilly enough outside to make it feel like soup weather. Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

8 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes
2 tsp. chili powder, to taste
1 tsp cumin, to taste
1 tsp crushed red pepper (a little bit of spiciness)
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 small can diced green chiles
2 cups finely chopped tomatillos (about 8, remove husks, wash, chop)
4 cups cooked diced chicken
2 cans pinto beans, drained
4 cloves garlic pressed
Optional:
freshly squeezed lime
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

Directions:

In large pot, combine chicken broth, canned tomatoes with juice, chili powder, cumin, crushed red pepper, chopped onion, oregano, green chiles, and chopped tomatillos. Simmer about 30 minutes, until onions and tomatillos are tender and flavors are blended. Add cilantro and lime juice now.

Add diced chicken, pinto beans, garlic and lime and simmer about 45 minutes.

Serve immediately. Add shredded cheese and sour cream. Garnish with more chopped cilantro if desired.

My kids beg for this recipe even in the middle of high hot summer.

In the meantime, I'm 26 weeks along now and the baby weighs 2 pounds!! She's an active one, when I'm resting. I think this baby will really enjoy the baby carrier I plan on using. Her ears are more developed now than ever and her eyes are starting to open!! I've noticed her hiccuping now, too. I tried to explain to the kids today why this happens (to practice breathing) but the 15 year old asked how they can hiccup without air. Diaphragm spasms, I suppose.

It's hitting me that we are so much closer now to her arrival than ever before. 14 short weeks.

My back is hurting, my umbilical hernia is ramping up and I'm dealing with PPD before the baby even arrives. It's a laundry list of "bad" but I know that it's all worth it and God has his hands upon each and every ache.

Join me at the linky above to answer this discussion question for yourself:

Discussion Question: Will you find out the gender of the baby before birth? Or have you already?

I knew from the beginning that this baby is a girl. The morning sickness is as bad or worse than when I was pregnant when with my first. At the 20 week ultrasound, the tech couldn't tell for sure if it was a girl, but my iridologist read my eyeballs and tells me that it is. I already knew.

I wish I could share the beautiful name we've picked, but I don't want to potentially expose my kids to the bad of the internet, so I keep that quiet. This is Baby Bean, a sweet lovely we can't wait to welcome. 14 short weeks.

16 Years of Married Bliss

2012-10-06T16:33:00.001-06:00

Traditional Anniversary Gifts

Hubbers and I are celebrating 16 years of marriage in just a day or two. I was reading a book about "traditional" gifts for XX number of years of marriage and after an internet search I found that there is no traditional gift for 16 years. A modern gift would be Silver Hollow-ware (what is that, anyway?) or travel. But what about people like us who have more ~~kids~~ love than money?

Hubbers is an act of service love language guy. I try to do things for him to show that I love him. I will try to make him a special dessert or give a good back rub, or make a favorite dinner, but it seems that I never can find the best present for purchasing. I've stopped trying.

He likes to give me flowers but they have to be the kind that I can transplant and grow in or around our home. This is the kind of gift that keeps on giving and I've come to really enjoy it. I'd also like a night out without having to cook, but again, the budget comes into play.

So, what I'm giving Hubbers for our anniversary this year is no surprise. I will continue my life-long job of bathing him in all the love he can take. He has had my heart since before he ever knew.

It's silver and *somewhat* hollow.

Sweetie, here's to 100 more years together. I love you.

24 Weeks: Backache!

2012-09-23T16:17:00.000-06:00

I have my 24 week appointment at the midwife tomorrow and don't anticipate any surprises. I love hearing the heartbeat, having the midwife tell me what position the baby is laying in, and the womanly chats.

I am having backaches galore, as well as round ligament pain. I have a support belt that I use, but I have no rear end to hold it in place. It slips down and I yank it back up. It's a vicious cycle that I do ONLY in the house since I don't want people to think I'm pulling up some wayward undies.

My baby is getting so big!!

I Am Pregnant.com

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon. (via BabyCenter)

Discussion Question: Who will be supporting you during your upcoming birth? Will you have a doula? Your husband? A close friend or relative? Do you have any advice for other pregnant moms who are considering a doula, or trying to decide who they want to have attend the birth?

I had my mom present at my first two births. I didn't invite her for the third. And it was good that way. Number 4 was an emergency C-section (baby transverse in super fast labor).

Number 5 we used a doula. I loved her. V was the most excellent doula ever and made that first natural labor bearable. The Dr induced me because of gestational diabetes and the risk of stillbirth, but I did the laboring without pain meds and made them turn the pitocin off after things got rolling.

By the time number 6 was "cooking", V had become a midwife apprentice and we had her deliver ChickyPunk at home. That was my longest labor ever (16 hours! compared to my normal 4), the baby had her head tipped the wrong way, my sciatic nerve was bruised and I couldn't feel my right side toes for three months. But she came!

Now, expecting this new baby, I'm only planning on the midwives and the hubby. I could NOT do labor without him and I think anyone else would be so distracting. I considered inviting the older children who want to attend to view the birth, but I think it wouldn't work so well for me. Again, the distraction factor.

My advice would be to have a plan in place of whom you would like to attend, but make sure they are prepared to roll with the whims of the labor. You could have a large support team in place with you but then decide that you only want hubby, or someone else there. And since you are the woman at the head of the show, it's totally your choice. Don't let your mom bully you into attendance and then want to be the center of attention.

A doula is a beautiful wonderful fantastic addition to a birth and I would encourage you to consider having one. When all else "fails", they have ideas that make the contractions bearable, encouragement in the dark times, and they thrill at your success almost as much as you do. We used our doula as someone to run interference between us and the hospital staff.

Join me at My Jo-Filled Life: Pregnancy link up.

23 Weeks

2012-09-15T16:05:00.000-06:00

It's week 23 of pregnancy and my baby is the size of a large grapefruit.

She's moving so much and I've felt some hiccoughs lately, too. In the last two weeks I've also felt the first of the noticeable Braxton-Hicks contractions.

We have a name picked out for her, but we don't publish them online. Needless to say, it's a cute name and traditional. We like to give the kids "big" names and then shorten them into nicknames. The name we've chosen has become pretty popular lately, thanks to a stupid movie, but we're moving beyond that movie and using it anyway.

The discussion question this week is supposed to do with a previous birth story, but I don't know that I have one. Instead, here's a great video called "Genesis".

Join the link up here:

21 Weeks

2012-09-03T17:34:00.001-06:00

Precious baby via ultrasound last week:
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Baby's now the size of a pomegranate! Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion, and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, if baby is a girl, her womb is now stocked up with her lifetime supply of six million eggs (the number will drop to around one million by birth).

Join me at My Joy-Filled Life linky.

19.5 Weeks

2012-08-24T20:45:00.001-06:00

I've been so busy these past few weeks that many things have gone neglected. My house isn't as clean, meals are simple & fast, & I haven't changed the sheets on my bed in 2 weeks. Gross, I know. Waves of different kids were gone for most of July visiting Gramma & Grampa. When they came back we had a week to prepare for the county fair & their 4H project books. The fair was last week & the kids did very well. Two nice new trophies came to live at our house, along with a multitude of ribbons & rosettes. It was a long LONG week. Now the last 2 are visiting Grandparents & I pick them up Sunday. School starts next week, but I've been easing into it with The Boy this week. Next week I have my 20 week midwife visit, the big ultrasound the next day & I see my iridologist the day after. The discussion question this week was about birthing a new baby during the school year & still handling homeschool. This was our situation 2 years ago & will be again this January. We schooled during the traditional breaks & instead took our breaks when the baby showed up. I intend to do the same again this time. I also relied on my oldest children, teens, to help out quite a bit. They already know that they will take more on this time, too. They will help me with schooling, meals, household & animal chores, & however else they think they can. I'm so grateful to have the older children & I try to reward them both intangibly & physically. I also work hard to ensure that they don't feel like I'm taking advantage. My baby is the size of an heirloom tomato! Since I'm mobile blogging, I don't have any pictures to post, but be sure to visit the link up I'm part of: My Joy-filled Life. http://myjoy-filledlife.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-pregnancy-journal-link-up-17-week-of.html href="http://myjoy-filledlife.blogspot.com/search/label/My%20Pregnancy%20Journal%20Link-Up" target="_blank"><img alt="My Joy-Filled Life" src="http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn99/slavila/Pregnancyjournal1-1.jpg"/>

14 weeks: Back after a break

2012-07-19T13:00:00.000-06:00

No, no. Nothing is wrong here. I took a short break from my (erratic) blogging to run back and forth, 250 miles each way, a few times these past three weeks. My oldest two baby girls went on vacation to IOWA on a plane ALONE to see Grampa on the Farm.

They had a blast, enjoyed their freedom, loved their second ever plane ride, and vacationed until they were bone weary. THEN they came back to Grammy's house for a few days. THEN they went to Gramma Jo's house for two weeks. Except for I dropped the rest of the kids off and brought CurlyGirl home with me to help tend the menagerie here. Whew. It has been exhausting just trying to work out all the departure/arrive times and the scheduling.

So the kids, other than ChickyPunk and CurlyGirl, are visiting with Gramma Jo, learning some art from Super Auntie, and generally enjoying their time away before school cranks up again.

Speaking of which, all my boxes from IDVA arrived earlier this week! It's official, school is starting up again V-E-R-Y soon. I have six or seven large boxes of books, tools, and just plain STUFF sitting in my school room, waiting for me to have the gumption to pack up and send back last year's unused and returnable stuff so the new things can be shiny on the shelf before getting used daily.

Meanwhile, I had my 12 week midwife visit and couldn't hear the heartbeat. I wasn't too surprised, since my uterus is retroverted (tipped backwards) and I'm rather (cough) padded. I went back on Monday past at 14 weeks and heard that beautiful pounding. 158 to 178 beats per minute: healthy baby!!

In summary: I didn't wait to post for any reason other than being the busy mom of six kids, goat wrangler, chicken herder, geese watcher, taxi mom, exhausted pregnant woman.

On to the linky!! I want to say thank you so much to Sarah for stopping by to check in on me. You are wonderful, Sarah, and not just because we have the same name.

Source

How far along are you? Woot! 14 weeks! I just love the pictures of a real baby in the womb, rather than the artist inspired ones.

Best Moment this week? I heard the heartbeat on Monday! I had lost a baby at 12 weeks several years back, but that loss still haunts me until I hear that beautiful sound.

Baby's growth? My baby is the size of a lemon!


Source

Symptoms? I'm finally feeling less sick, but the urge to retch is still strong. My round ligaments are telling me that they are very much in use.

Weight gain (or loss)? My weight, as of this morning, is down to 1/2 pound less than when I got pregnant. This is normal for me, to loose weight at the beginning and not put on much at all.

Cravings? I am dying to eat TUNA salad all the time. I like tuna anyway, but I must eat tuna at least once per day. I did this with TheBoy, too. In fact, I took a lot of ribbing about this.

Discussion Question: Share a favorite freezer recipe or easy, go-to recipe that comes in handy after the baby is born.

This one is a little difficult. My favorite gift to give or receive for a new baby is a meal. That and clean toilets. Throwing something in the crock pot is easy for mom to do, instruct dad to do, or freeze for later. My older kids are going to learn this when our BabyBean comes. Here's a link to my recipe blog for Super Chili. Good, filling, makes a TON, easy to freeze, crowd pleaser.

If you're a pregnant blogger, if you know a pregnant blogger, please join us. Here's a snip from Sarah's site, our sweet linky host:

Let's encourage and support one another as we go through this season of life together. Blogging through your pregnancy is an excellent way to keep track of your thoughts, feelings, and growing baby (and belly)!

I pray that this link-up bring glory to God; that this link-up becomes only what God intends; that this link-up be a source of encouragement, support and friendship to all those who participate.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart...

Jeremiah 1:5

11 weeks, Stomach Flu

2012-06-26T17:16:00.002-06:00

Have you ever had the stomach flu? You feel like you are emptying out from both ends (sometimes simultaneously) and just wish wish wish it would stop. Now, imagine that this happens to everyone in the family at the same time. Now imagine that you have severe morning sickness on top of that. Welcome to my week!

My sinuses got hit right after the stomach flu left. Sadly, most of the time my sinus goo turns into sinus infection. I'm trying to ward it off using my neti pot, some herbal things (as per my midwife) and lots of prayer!

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart...

Jeremiah 1:5

Here's my link up to the Joy-Filled Life Pregnancy Journal.

Discussion Question: This week's question is from Katherine over at Proverbs and Pacifiers. "I'd love to ask all those nursing mommies out there about how their nursing relationship changed when they got pregnant. Did you have problems with milk supply or babies wanting to wean early? Did anyone have to supplement with formula? Oh and how difficult is it to nurse both a toddler and a newborn?"

- I can't answer this as I've never tandem nursed and my babies were mostly self-weaned before I got that big fat plus sign.

How far along are you? I'm 11 weeks 2 days. I found myself worrying last weekend that I wasn't feeling "enough" morning sickness. The next day, I knew I needn't have worried.

Baby's growth? My baby is the size of a fig! I've been certain this was a girl since the beginning, due to the excessive morning sickness (the worst it's ever been since I was pregnant with #1) and my Iridologist confirmed it. Apparently you can read it in the eyes! He was right on with the last baby, so I don't doubt him.

Baby is growing hair follicles, fingernails, and ovaries (if she's a girl). She has distinct human characteristics by now, with hands and feet in front of her body, with ears nearly in their final shape, open nasal passages on the tip of her tiny nose, a tongue and palate in the mouth, and visible nipples. What else makes her look human? Those hands and feet have individual fingers and toes, no more webbing! source

Weight gain (or loss)? I've gain about 2 pounds, according to my own measurements, since I discovered the pregnancy. I'm a plus size woman, so to see the hard work I put into losing weight seemingly disappear is hard. I'm reminding myself that I'm eating healthy, exercising and growing a new human life. It's all okay.

Prayer requests? For health. It seems like this last week has just knocked us all right over. I have so many responsibilities and my oldest three helpers are going on vacation starting soon so I'll be even more busy. Having some health on my side will make it much easier for me to look after the three littles, chase the goats back into the field, run laundry for 7 people (including some bed wetters), cook for, feed & wash up for 7, as well as carve out a bit of time for sleep.

Honestly, I find that I'm letting my link up here turn into such whining! It's probably because I have no one else to share it with as this baby is still a bit of a surprise that is still in the bag. I shall endeavor to pack away the whining and tell you just how happy we are to be having another baby. I purchased some cute fabrics for a raggy quilt and can't wait to get started. For now, my current baby, Chicky Punk, is intent upon helping me type, so I better be finished. See you next week!!

Park Blogging

2012-06-20T13:01:00.001-06:00

I too the kids to our very small area library this morning. Just how small is a sight! The entire library is housed in a double wide construction type trailer. They make the best of what they have, though, and a bonus is that they are only 2 or so miles from our home. My kids can and do ride their bikes to the library just like I used to do!

The library is situated next to the local elementary school, so the kids are playing at the "park" while I mobile blog. God bless the 3G network.

I just got called for recess duty. I hope you enjoy your day as much as we are!

Week 10, Nausea Galore

2012-06-17T21:59:00.000-06:00

I'm linking up today for My Pregnancy Journal at My Joy-filled Life. If you are a pregnant blogger, please visit and join us!

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart...

Jeremiah 1:5

How far along are you?

I am 10 weeks straight up today. It sure feels like time is creeping along. Even this early, I'm really ready to get to the "good part"!

Best Moment this week?

I was very tired, had a migraine and was laying in bed trying to recover myself. My husband came in and I misunderstood something he said as he walked to the bathroom. I was getting myself up to fuming and when he came back out, he graciously told me to stay in bed as long as I needed, he would keep the kids out of the room. Stunned! Blessed!

Prayer requests?

I find myself so often lately thinking the worst of people, especially my hubby. It's so easy to just make an assumption of motive or cause and jump to the wrong conclusion, as evidenced by the above statement. Pray for my slowness to conclusions.

Also on my mind is money, insurance, and the deductible that starts over at the beginning of the year. Since baby is due just 2 weeks into January 2013, I'm afraid we are going to get stuck with the ENTIRE bill out of pocket. Please pray for my peace.

One last thing. On my next visit I have to take all my meds to show the midwives. I'm hesitant about that since everything in my body is so balanced right now, working so well, and I don't want them to tell me that one of my meds is a deal breaker and they won't do my delivery. I need to have full honesty with them for the health and safety of my baby and myself. No matter what.

Baby's growth?

My baby is the size of a kumquat (a what?) or a prune (more understandable). That is, about an inch long with a wide, high forehead where the brain is taking over. Baby has fused eyelids, hair starting to grow on the body, and four chambers to the heart.

Symptoms?
Oh. My. GOSH. Of all my pregnancies, I don't recall being this nauseated with any but the first. Good heavens, I can't wait for food to sound good again and eating to be less of a chore.

Medical Stuff?
I'm seeing midwives, so I probably won't have another ultrasound unless I choose one at 20 weeks. I told the midwife that I would wait and see where we are then.

I'm also watching my blood sugars since I had gestational diabetes with my fifth child. I successfully used a kinesiologist and herbs during my last pregnancy to avoid both high blood pressure and high blood sugar. I'm on the same program this time. My only concern is the morning levels are just a snitch high, hovering around 100 when they should be under 100.

Weight gain (or loss)?

Gained 1 lb since the beginning of this pregnancy. Since I was overweight to begin with, this is okay. Also, I was on a great diet/exercise kick when I got pregnant and lost 21.5 lbs. Now, I'm gaining a bit but reminding myself that it's not just fat. I also find that when I walk consistently, I not only feel better, but the water weight stays off.

What Made Me Cry This Week?

Why hello constant mood swings. I cried yesterday because I sent a text message to a friend (okay, several) and she had to tell me that she pays per text so quit it. I felt so smacked down and low. I cried today because hubby didn't appreciate how I jury-rigged a device to pump bike tires when I couldn't find the right attachment for the air compressor.

Sleep?

What's that? On a good night I get four or so hours uninterrupted. I also try to nap or at least sit and rest during the afternoon.

Maternity Clothes?

Nothing is fitting my waist. I have had to get creative with summer dresses and have started looking for some maternity items from Old Navy. I'm plus size (said that before) and have to look pretty hard for the things that I like, are modest, and fit as I wish.

Discussion Question: What is the must-have item(s) that you pack in your hospital bag? Or, if you are having a home birth, what is the must-have item(s) that must be readily available?

I'm having a home birth (yay!!) and MUST HAVE a pool to labor in. I didn't get to birth in it last time, but maybe this time. Chicky Punk damaged my sciatic nerve and I couldn't walk, easy move my leg, or feel my toes for several months after her birth. She was born on the couch in the family room. Sadly, the kids threw the cat in the pool (why?!) and she popped the wonderful labor pool I had. It was even decorated with friendly ocean creatures. I will have to get another, I guess.

Congratulations!

2012-06-12T19:10:00.001-06:00

I read a favorite blog of mine recently, Raising Arrows, and found out that after a recent miscarriage, Amy was expecting again! I am so very happy for her. And since she is due in January, I felt that I would share something with her, too. It's something that I hadn't shared with anyone else yet. And it's something that I'm not sure about sharing now. But a very nice lady named Sarah contacted me from that Raising Arrows comment about linking up to her pregnancy blogging and I just couldn't resist.

So, yes. Baby #7 is on the way here at our house. Unless you count the two miscarriages we've had, then it's Baby #9. Even though I don't really mention those to others, in my heart they are still my children and I love them. My heart just breaks at the thought of their loss.

Well, congratulations to us! Here is a brief overview of how things are going, thanks to My Joy-Filled Life linky.

How far along are you? I am 9 weeks 2 days. My baby is the size of a grape.

Yes, it's a grape tomato, but it's the same size.

Prayer requests? I'm putting off telling people because I'm tired of the culture of death that we have. People just don't understand the beauty of life, birth, children. Anything more than 2 kids is considered odd. 7? I may be locked up. Pray for my hesitation at sharing this news. I have God's perfect peace about the baby, but I foresee many well-meant concerns expressed by others we know.

Medical Stuff? I saw the midwives at an unseemly early date to have an ultrasound to determine dates. This baby was a surprise not heralded by the usual restarting of the cycles after the birth of Chicky Punk. My next appointment isn't until July.

Cravings? I crave to keep food down without feeling sick.

Gender? I don't know. I'm feeling so sick, just like I did with all my girls. With the boys, I felt okay. I think it's a girl.

What I miss.... Sleeping. I can't sleep the night for the life of me.

What I'm looking forward to.... The birth. I'm having my second home birth and I'm very excited about it. I loved the last one, even though it was my longest labor.

Discussion Question: More kids? Why or why not?

Here's my thoughts on the matter. What children we do or don't have is between me, my hubby and my God. Being Catholic, we don't believe in "standard" birth control. Natural Family Planning (or fertility awareness) is the way to go and it's extremely effective (99%) when used properly. No, it's not the rhythm method of the 1960's church, but a scientific method of recognizing and charting your body's fertility signals. You simply abstain if no pregnancy is desired. (Many people use it "backwards" in order to achieve pregnancy.) I used to think that was dumb, abstaining for half of the month when I just wanted to be active with my hubby. But the older I get, the more I see how NFP works with God's plans.

So those people who wish to lynch me for "overpopulating" and "geez, get cable tv" will be hearing my new party line, which is something along the lines of "Why? Will you be raising them?" or perhaps "How is that your business?". I am feeling confrontational about this just now. Hello mood swing.

What scripture is speaking to you this week? I put off this question until the last because I just didn't have an answer. What was God saying to me this week? After that big blowout on the discussion question, this verse came to mind:

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

What is more of God's purpose that a baby to further His kingdom?

(If you aren't a pregnant blogger, but know someone who is, please help spread the word about the link-up. Also, if you aren't pregnant, or a blogger, please feel free to stop by the linked up blogs and offer encouragement and support if you feel led! Thanks!)

grape tomato image via Rutgers.com

If - Then

2012-04-27T15:36:00.000-06:00

I am doing my best to raise my children as God intended me to in this vocation. And I'm often at a loss, especially for the older kids, for a punishment to match the "crime". It's easy to punish the three year old with a time out or quick swat to the butt (if it's serious, like running in the street when told to stop). But what about the older kids? Sadly, I don't always remember that they lost their computer time or dessert. I try to write it down to remind myself, but don't always make it in the heat of the moment.

I have a copy of a nifty chart on the cork board in my bedroom. It's right by the bathroom door so that I see it whenever I walk past. I've had it for years, but when I saw it in full color on the Raising Arrows website, I knew I had to share it here.

The chart is a Biblical reference chart for punishment. I'm putting a small image of the front of the chart here for your viewing pleasure, but you can get the whole chart, in its complete form, at the Raising Arrows post. I know that Amy won't mind seeing you visit!

Homeschool Prayer

2012-04-25T15:27:00.000-06:00

I'm having one of those days days when I wish my kids weren't around. Homeschooling, while a blessing, is quite often a trial for me, too. I miss the days when the kids went off to school for 8 hours a day, leaving me with a clean house, time for myself, and sanity.

Here's a small prayer that I sure can use.

Thank you to Raising Arrows for this prayer.

{this moment} - A Friday ritual

2012-04-20T13:03:00.000-06:00

{this moment}

. . . . . . . .

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments

for all to find and see.

Inspired by SouleMama.

Quick and Easy Toilet Cleaning Instructions

2012-04-17T18:17:00.000-06:00

I got this from my dad today.

1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the water in the bowl.

2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the bathroom.

3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids. You may need to stand on the lid.

4. The cat will self-agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.

5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a 'power-wash' and 'rinse'.

6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are no people between the bathroom and the front door.

7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both lids.

8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom, and run outside where he will dry himself off.

9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.

Sara, I think this will cut down on a lot of bathroom work for you. I think you should try it today.

Love Dad.

The only change I might make? Making sure it's one of the KIDS who does all the dirty work...

The Good Wife's Guide eBook

2012-03-31T19:02:00.000-06:00

I've been reading this book avidly now for a while. It's not my usual "racing speed" that compels me to finish a book in just days. I'm taking my time, thinking through each page, each sentence, each idea presented. And Darlene Schacht, The Time-Warp Wife, presents a lot of very heavy ideas for me to churn through.

Here's the book I'm talking about:

I know that you're totally thinking "what a horribly old fashioned, out of date, oppressing idea THAT is!". Well, you'd be wrong. The Good Wife's Guide reminds us of our calling to be the help meet to our spouse. But what is a help meet?

Here's what the dictionary says:

help·meet (hlpmt)

n.

A helpmate.

[From misunderstanding of the phrase an help meet for him, a helper suitable for him (Adam), in Genesis 2:18, referring to Eve.]

But let's get a little more in depth, a little more to help us understand. Here's what the root words mean from the Hebrew:

HELP

Strong's # 5828 (Hebrew = ezer) aid: -- help
Strong's Root = # 5826 (Hebrew = azar) azar = prime root: to surround, ie, protect or aid: help, succour
Gesenius adds that the primary idea lies in girding, surrounding, hence defending

MEET

(Hebrew = kenegdo) corresponding to, counterpart to, equal to matching
The traditional teaching for the woman as help (meet) is that of assistant or helper subservient to the one being helped. This definition would appear to line up with Strong's definition of the word. However, if you look at the context of every other use of the word ezer in the scripture, you will see that ezer refers to either God or military allies. In all other cases the one giving the help is superior to the one receiving the help. Adding kenegdo (meet) modifies the meaning to that of equal rather than superior status. Scripture is so awesome. God says just what He means.

Dr. Susan Hyatt gives the following definition from her book In the Spirit We're Equal "Re: Hebrew ezer kenegdo. In Genesis 2:18, the word "helpmeet" does not occur. The Hebrew expression ezer kenegdo appears, meaning "one who is the same as the other and who surrounds, protects, aids, helps, supports." There is no indication of inferiority or of a secondary position in an hierarchical separation of the male and female "spheres" of responsibility, authority, or social position.

The word ezer is used twice in the Old Testament to refer to the female and 14 times to refer to God. For example, in the Psalms when David says, "The Lord is my Helper," he uses the word ezer."

FOR A MORE DETAILED EXPLANATION CLICK HERE

That's one big chunk of words, but mostly what it boils down to (as my limited brain understands it) is that a help meet is Adam's equal, his partner.

Back to the book: God has uniquely prepared me to be my husband's partner in life, his HELP MEET. And isn't that what marriage is supposed to be about, anyway?

Darlene has prepared for me a path to use as my guide in being the very best partner I can for my sweet Hubbers. She uses Biblical support to share with me (and YOU) why that particular idea is pertinent. She reminds me why, when I feel downtrodden, un-respected and unappreciated, that it's still okay. The Good Wife's Guide reminds me that my man still needs me to be that woman who worked to be attractive to him and to accept that he is as human as I, not flawless. She reminds me that I am modeling every. single. thing! I do for my children, four of them girls, so it better be worthwhile.

Working in the home (aka: housewife) is a service that we should joyfully take on when we are prepared in God's word. And I don't have to be perfect in my household, just do my best to God's glory.

And that sticky "submission" part of the Bible? Where God tells us:

“Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.” Ephesians 5:22-24

Yep. That's addressed in The Good Wife's Guide, too. A short, favorite quote from this section:

"Scripture isn't a candy bowl by which we pick and choose our favorite words hoping to satiate our palette. It's a well-balanced diet of truth which is difficult to swallow at times, but nevertheless it brings nourishment to our soul."

Stings a little, huh?

My favorite part is the Practical Application section. I crave to know how other women manage their homes when mine looks, at times, like the crap bomb exploded and I didn't care. There are lists!! I love me some awesome lists. Squee!

I'm still churning through this book. I'm sure I will continue to dig deeply in this for a time to come. I want to thank Darlene for writing this book, which seems to have come at the utmost proper time. God surely does grace us with the words we need exactly when we need them.

Be sure to visit The Time-Warp Wife and pick up a copy of The Good Wife's Guide.

I received a copy of The Good Wife's Guide in exchange for my review. Truth be told, I'd have bought and reviewed it on my own!

The Good Wife's Guide

2012-03-24T13:53:00.001-06:00

I am currently reading this very convicting book by The Time Warp Wife. If you can, grab a copy today and dig in. More on this later.

All Your Fault

2012-02-25T10:20:00.001-07:00

As I stepped on the scale for my morning weigh in, I found myself perturbed at the results. My immediate response was "stupid scale!" rather than the more appropriate "stupid bad choice".

I thought about it for a time and realized my mistake &willingness to blame something other than myself. Isn't that just like a human? We don't want it to be our own fault. Even when it clearly is our own.

My sweet first born son is having his First Reconciliation this morning, so I find my blame of the scale extremely ironic. As my son takes his first steps into adulthood, I hope to teach him that self acceptance of fault, rather than the blame game.

As to weight loss, it is going... ok. I am fighting two stubborn pounds. Lose, regain, lose, regain. It's a vicious cycle.

I'm limiting my calorie intake to only 1500 calories a day and end almost every day under the limit. Why only 1500? That's the lowest amount a nursing mom should intake in order to continue to make quality milk for her nursling. And BabyJoy, at 12 months, is still nursing, although not exclusively. But it just struck me that the nursing may be the reason behind the stubborn pounds.

I am glad to report that I'm down almost 20 pounds now! I just need to keep grinding away at it. I'm eating high protein and low carbohydrate. Hunger is satisfied by apples or cheese between meals.

I'm hanging in there. Hope you are, too.

Love Notes

2012-02-19T10:44:00.001-07:00

With six children rioting the house, finding time to reestablish the couple relationship is tough. I wanted to share one simple, easy, and fast way Hubbers and I reconnect & remind each other of love.

This is my first time blogging on my mobile, so the picture may not show where I want it to be displayed. But the photo is important. Hubbers and I use our private bathroom mirror (no kids) to leave each others notes, loves, and inspiring or lovely quotes.

I say no kids because in a more public setting it would be not acceptable to display some of the things which have been written (!), but also the kids don't need to be involved in the sanctity of our very personal relationship.

So invest in a dry erase marker and tell your sweetie just how important he/she is to you.

I Stand with Komen

2012-02-02T22:37:00.001-07:00

By now, I'm sure you have heard that the Susan G. Komen foundation has severed it's ties with the nation's abortion giant, Planned Parenthood. While I wish I could be snarky and write a mean epitaph instead of the horrible name that is about anything BUT parenthood, I will refrain.

Join me in signing the petition to thank the Susan G. Komen foundation for breaking off supporting this murder machine by visiting I Stand with Komen. You can also see them on Facebook.

In my own humble words, on my own humble blog, thank you so very much for supporting the cause of life.

Blatently

2012-01-18T23:00:00.001-07:00

I am nothing, if not a Pro-Life mama. I will stand up and cry foul in the face of abortion every time. But I simply did not realize how insidious the abortion proponents are!

A Girl Scouting tradition is in my background. My "no time for anything" mom made time to be a leader for my troop one year. I enjoyed the projects and camps. But have you seen who the Girl Scouts have thrown in with? Planned Parenthood, the abortion giant.

Look at this snippet:

Several years ago. a quarter of the Girl Scout councils nationwide admitted to partnering with Planned Parenthood, the nation’s abortion giant. When questioned about the affiliation on NBC’s “Today Show,” Girl Scout CEO Kathy Cloninger had no compunction in confirming it.

The Girl Scouts have been “pro-choice” for years, but now they’ve been caught supporting promiscuous sex for girls. The Planned Parenthood sex guide offered at that “girls only” U.N. meeting offered this advice on Page 11: “Some people have sex when they have been drinking alcohol or using drugs. This is your choice. … If you want to have sex and think you might get drunk or high, plan ahead by bringing condoms and lube or putting them close to where you usually have sex.”

Heard enough? There’s a lot more at 100questionsforthegirlscouts.org.

Earlier this month, a young Girl Scout employee, Renise Rodriguez, made the mistake of stopping by the office to do extra work on her own time in a T-shirt bearing the words: “Pray to End Abortion.” A supervisor ordered her to turn the shirt inside out or leave the office. She left, for good.

So should we all.

Cross dressers? Boys in a girls group? "Hot S#x" brochures?

I will not EVER let my children be involved with Girl Scouts ever again. Period. Not to mention that the kids' troop only get 10% of the price of a box of seriously overpriced and overrated cookies. That $3.75 you are forking out? The kids get 37 cents.

Looking for Skinny Me

2012-01-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

Here we are, just 7 days into the new year, and I'm 5 days into my new lifestyle diet. I'm doing the hCG diet again, with which I had great success last time. The reason I stopped before my goal last time? Easy. Chicky Punk was on her way.

I'm using the Dr Simeon's protocol again, but being only 5 days into it, I'm still working on the right dose to keep me from being hungry. It's a very low calorie diet but it works wonders. I've lost between 1 and almost 3 pounds a days since I started. I am finding myself craving things I cannot have and I just keep telling myself I can have them in moderation after this first phase is done, next month.

I'm kind of following along with Tania from Larger Family Life and her Free Skinny Me.

So, it's a whiney post for me today. Let's end with a great quote:

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.

— Jim Ryun: Former track athlete and politician

I'm posting my progress on top of my blog. See that My Fitness Pal banner? Yup.

New Words for Study

2011-12-23T16:16:00.003-07:00

1. Cashtration (n. ) : The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite period of time.

2. Ignoranus : A person who's both stupid and an asshole.

3. Intaxicaton : Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

4. Reintarnation : Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

5. Bozone ( n. ) : The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

6. Foreploy : Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.

7. Giraffiti : Vandalism spray-painted very, very high

8. Sarchasm : The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.

9. Inoculatte : To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

10. Osteo****osis : A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit. )

11. Karmageddon : It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.

12. Decafalon (n. ) : The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you.

13. Glibido : All talk and no action.

14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

15. Arachnoleptic Fit (n. ) : The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.

16. Beelzebug (n. ) : Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

17. Caterpallor ( n. ) : The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.