~One Step at a time~

gagets and thingamabobs, taking over our lives one piece at a time...

2012-10-23T13:28:00.000-07:00

My Mom and I were talking a while back about the internet.

Don't worry, we are not banning it. trust me my husband wouldn't let me lol.

He would go through borderlands and minecraft withdrawals, since he gets on his Xbox and computer and plays with his friends. :)

Anyway, we were talking about how the internet has taken over every corner of our lives.

We are on the internet constantly. we can even get internet on our phones,

(even without smart phone capability.) Just have them send a message in txt form.

Our lives are permeated with it.

I was watching TV the other day, and a quote from the show sums it up.

these kids had the internet taken away until, they learned to use it properly,

A girl spoke up and said "I read on the internet one time, that kids used to do stuff without the internet."

And its true, today's children do not know how to do anything without computers, cell phones or electronic devices.

When I was growing up, I watched a lot of TV Much of my generation did. That is what we did for fun, Now I played outside as well, But a good portion of my time, was spent watching TV. I would get home from school and I would go straight for the tv.

A tv commercial cracks my husband and I up, It's for a car, but holds such relevance for this.

The thing about it, is that, while she was sitting there at the computer her
parents were out enjoying themselves. and that is how today's generation are,
they would rather, "socialize" on face book then get out and enjoy their friends in real life.
I ran across an article today about internet fasting and thought I would share as well.
click the picture below to go to the link. :)

I had the great Blessing, when I was 13 of moving to the woods with no power and water.

The only thing we had was a battery operated radio.

We lived that way for about two years.

We hadn't set out to "rough it" so to speak, It wasn't necessarily that we made a decision

to go without TV or such.

The simple reason we lived for two years without it, was that the price to bring the electric poles was something we could not afford after buying the property.

It wasn't that it was right there, it was I'm going to say a mile, or 2 to get it back. that's expensive when one person is paying, or even three. We had split the property, (20 acres) with my Aunt and uncle and family, and my grandparents.

So we just lived without it, until we could afford to get electricity...We didn't completely go without TV or movies, we had a generator, still gas was expensive, to just toss it away on a simple two hours, every day.

So, it was reserved for when we need the light at night, (Dad working on a car or running power tools for building.) Or, the occasional birthday or a special occasion.

Instead We listened to the radio.
Music, while we were cleaning, or such, and in the evenings
our local radio station aired Adventures in Odyssey
a christian children's program (which, I still listen to once in a while, when I can catch it.)
We would listen almost every night. We loved it.
Mom also bought us a dramatized version of Pilgrims Progress.
I can still remember sewing yo-yos while listening. :)
Then some of my favorite memories of those two years, was my mom reading to us.
We would get a chapter book, usually a classic and we would spend the evening
reading a few chapters of the book as a family. Some of the most memorable were:
Treasure Island, Huckleberry Fynn, and Jack London's Call of the wild.
It got to the point where we would all look forward to it.
All of us, even Dad would sit in our spots and listen to mom read,
I, many times did my hand sewing when mom was reading.
It was enjoyable and brought us together as a family.
And... we played outside. (Us, kids)
We read books, built forts and went hiking, swimming, and exploring.
and in the winter we went sledding, snowboarding,
(not me don't have the coordination...lol.) had snow ball fights
and even a few times went "hooding"
It wasn't about about learning something (although we did.)
And, it wasn't about filling up the time (we did that too.)
or even about Becoming closer as a family (And, Yes This was accomplished.)
It was about having fun and enjoying each other.
It was about making due with what we had, learning to be content with little
and just Enjoying life and being happy with what God gave you.
We didn't set out to discover that, but somewhere along the way it discovered us.
You know, after we got the electricity back, it wasn't the same,
we began to be super busy with our own lives and
that sense of enjoying the simple things somewhere in all the noise
and confusion of an electronic, "internet connected, and busy world,
It vanished.

So, pick up that book, yes, even on a kindle and read.
grab one of your children's books or even one of the classics
and read together.
Grab your tennis shoes and go for walk, get out and see the glory
of Gods beautiful reation, change with each season.
Go build a fort with your kids, even with blankets.
Turn the tv off and sit down to a family dinner.
You won't regret it, because
before you know it, those sweet little ones,
will be grown and off raising a family of their own.

Mother and daughter Apron set give away at seamingly smitten :)

2012-10-01T18:15:00.004-07:00

This is a beautiful apron set and she has great patterns as well. :)

My little one year old blessing

2012-08-24T03:10:00.000-07:00

So my precious little sunshine turned 1 today...

*insert panicked breathing and that sad sigh that starts in a mama's heart that means your baby's growing up*

I doesn't seem that long ago when I carried her and delivered her. I can still remember little details

that made it so special to me.

the Lord blessed me with a wonderful pregnancy.

i still had a few aches and pains, and no it was not a walk in the park.

but by no means was it as hard as some pregnancies of friends and families

I had a "morning sickness free" pregnancy. Not once did I get sick or throw up,

for which I am very grateful.

In it's place,

I was plagued with terrible migrains,( It felt as though I was taking a ton of tylenol)

heartburn that never quit. (I was eating tums like candy, which helped me with my calcium intake)

And, my hips were out of alignment (I have one leg shorter than the other and I have always had hip trouble it was just a horrible pain, because my center of alignment was off and it made walking, sleeping and sometimes even sitting a challenge.I will probably have hip trouble with every pregnancy, but I digress)

My pregnancy was a joy. I loved and enjoyed every minute.

In the words of my husband and a good friend

I have a "nesting" type personality.

When I had suspicions that I was pregnant with aurora,

I got excited and told my friend Missa (she is one of the ones I tell nearly everything to)

even before I had taken a test.

I was just so excited to be a mama.

I even enjoyed my labor (well, as much as you can )

I wasn;t a perfectly calm person through the whole pregnancy and labor

there were yimes I cried over stupid stuff and I yelled at the closest person standing to me

and i remember during one point the nurse came in and showed my friend Sharon, who came to help that day a few massage techniques that may help to ease the pressure.

When the nurse did it there was instant relief,

she had hit the pressure point that just relieved the pain from the contraction.

Poor sharon, she tried it and nothing

this is how the convorsation went

(which is hilarious to us now but trust me afterward

I felt so bad and had to apologize for being so mean :(

Thankfully she is a true friend and did not take it personally)

Nurse: "ok, try to massage here" *demonstrates*

Me: *smiles because for a split second there was no pain. :)*

Sharon: * tries a few spots, than innocently asks* "Does this help

Me: " try here *points*

Sharon: "How about Now?

Me: No, Your doing it wrong your not doing what the nurse did!

Willie: Jessica, stop yelling at Sharon, she is doing her best.

Me: I know *sigh of frustration* I don't know what the nurse did,

but it felt better.

When it got to the pushing I was ready to see my sweet girl.

I pushed her out in four contractions and because I never got

an epidural I felt those contractions.

at the point of the "ring of Fire"

a couple of things very clearly ran through my head

mainly because a nurse said that when her head crowns

that was what was called and you will know just as I was starting to push.

The Johnny Cash song "ring of fire",

I get to see her soon,

and as she was coming out,

I can feel her whole body from her little head to her

teeny tiny toes.

Then it happened she was there in my arms and I fell in love at first sight...

The year that followed was full of

fear, uncertainty, at times frustration, exhaustion a complete helplessness

a feeling of inability.

but with those finite human responses

came spirit filled response that can only com from our heavenly father.

LOVE, Satisfaction, Energy (which at times felt directly heaven sent)

Capability, and a Confidence that no matter how many times

I felt I couldn't do this my heavenly father was right There. and the Big one Love,

you know the kind of "fruit of the spirit love...

joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self control

He sent friends and family who were more than willing to answer

any question no matter how stupid it sounded. and I am sure a few of my "new mama "

questions merited a hardy laugh and a shake of the head .

So reflecting on her one year (and nine months) ;) as my daughter I cannot

understand how God could have Blessed us with such a ray of sunshine...

Because that is exactly what she is,

A BLESSING

In whom we will never stop thanking him for

" 'Nite, Nite"

2012-07-06T12:31:00.001-07:00

Rora is a night owl ...

It's a fact.
a fact that can be exhausting for her mama.
Her sleep schedule has always been a late one.
with bedtime being at 11 pm ...
W are usually up then so its not that bad, unless she decides that she is going to
stay up until two am and believe me she is very capable of it.
Anyway...
since she was born one of the few
thing`s that has helped has been music.
If I could I would put a youtube video on of the particular song
But the singers name is Brian E And I have never heard of him since we were in Kalispell. The Song is Come thou fount .
Rora has never been one to just
lay down and go to sleep, which can be hard on her mama.
But when she was just a few weeks old I learned a trick... a very simple trick,
but so helpful... She was crying and I had been walking and singing
Willie was out cold it was about 1 in the morning I had sang every hymn I could remember
every Sunday school song, even some lullabies I was now on Come thou fount again.
It was working, but only if I was walking up and down
Th Lord, sent me an epiphany.
I had recently gotten a new phone and had put music on it.
I'm not sure why I chose but it was soothing maybe it would help.
I put it on repeat and let it play after about the second go around she was out.
sound asleep.

PRAISE THE LORD!
As she got older it didn't work quite as well, you see she was more alert
and had more energy.
The cry it out method never worked... the only thing it got me was a fussy,
clingy baby who for two days after would hold on to me and cry everytime I tried
to put her down. So, I would have to pack her around until she was confident I wasnt going to leave
her.
We tried the baby whisperer method... didn't quite work either, although it was closer.
I tend to try a whole bunch of things
and make a method that works out of a hodgepodge of methods and ideas.
Because Rora is unique... just like any other baby
and she doesn't fit in to a cookie cutter image of what
someone thinks that ~~ALL babies should be.~~

Here I am on a bunny trail ....
Ok back to bedtime. The bedtime situation is interesting
You see we even went through a period of every Saturday night
she would stay up. Occasionally we would have an odd night where she
would stay up but without fail
Our darling ray of sunshine would be up ALL NIGHT.
I think we went through this for about two months. It didn't stop until we committed it to prayer.
Now, she is sleeping lots better. :)
We have finally found a good bedtime routine it took a lot of trial and error, but we found it.
So this routine takes anywhere between an hour to an hour and a half
We start by 10 pm sometimes earlier, like 9:00.. it just depends on her tiredness level. Anyway,
We start by telling Daddy Nite, Nite If we don't , we can't because Daddy is for playing and even if he just smiles, she wants to play. she has been this way, practically since she was born. Daddy is her bestest buddy.
We turn on Pandora through our ps3. I have a lullaby station that plays instrumental hymns, lullabies, and soothing music Next, we read Stories this is one of my Favorite times. she cuddles up in my lap and we read together. I know she isn't old enough yet to completely understand what I read to her, but she loves it.
(In fact just the other night, she was getting tired and there were these two books in her way and she was fighting with them getting very frustrated. I grabbed one of them and she picks up the other one toddles over and brings it to me to read. It just melted my heart.
By the time the story was finished she was sound asleep. She also has been picking books up and 'reading' them she sits down on the floor opens the book and jabbers away.
But I am getting on a bunny trail...
So, after reading stories, we cuddle for a few minutes. By this time,
she is usually calm and beginning to relax and getting sleepy. After that we walk, since
I don't have a rocker. I sing along or hum to the music. We pray. I tell her that her family loves her. (Jesus loves you, Daddy loves you, Mama loves you... ect. all the way through her cousins.
And just depending on how tired she is she may be fast asleep. She doesn't always go down for bed or naps so easily. (we use a simplified version, for nap time, I sing and we cuddle, sometimes we read a story ) Sometimes she throws a fit because she hates going to sleep and missing something. Sometimes she sleeps for only 15 or twenty minutes other times she just wants mama.
So we start out in her bed and halfway through the night she wakes up to nurse and snuggles for a while then we try going back to her bed. Sometimes she does and sometimes she doesn't.
But our best plan has been to take things slow and give her just a little independence at a time when she feels ready... We will be there to guide her and direct her... but when she is ready to take the next step in her growth like running... or sleeping all night in her bed we will be there cheering her on telling her we love her and that we are right here for her and just how proud of her we are.
And we'll take it one step at a time. :)

Update: School days

2012-06-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

Ok so we have been super busy ... and this last year or I should say almost two years has been quite

the adventure. as you know

Willie has been busy with school and has finally made it to the almost end stretch... oh boy. :)

He will now be entering into his upper division classes which consists of two semesters.

Now, I'm not sure if its at the end of this summer before he starts or after he starts, but he

also has a test called the praxis 2 now it is the second praxis test he has to compete before

he can move on. hence the name . But he has to pass it.

This is a KEY point in his education. If he doesn't pass it

He has to change his major and find a different path... ugh

not that God can't work through that, or even that God will provide a job that might be better. It's just all that time, work, stress and effort I have watched my sweet husband go through to make it this far.

Now the praxis is a series of tests that grade you on your overall education.

With the first one it took three tries (on the reading test) and lots of prayer So I'm asking for LOTS of prayer for that upcoming test this fall.

The next step in our school adventure is 3 semesters... yep that is how much we have... just three semester or a year and a half and you wont find a prouder wife. :)

These are the classes that really matter the "meat" so to speak. it really has been a big adventure to get here. I am so amazed and awed at how we have made it here. Now he hasn't graduated yet and your probably wondering why I am so over joyed. ...

To get here has been a very hard road for my husband. in 2008 he had to do an academic fresh start. because of bad school choices he made at 18 at this point he is working full time at Moller and taking night classes, Moller lays him off and he starts unemployment. There is a choice ... find work and take never ending night classes, or go to school full time, and utilize his unemployment. We all start praying and we both feel that he needs to go to school full time. The Lord made the unemployment last through the majority of his school and right when we were ready to finish that up the Lord provided a grant that would keep us afloat. :) Next came the summer... no grant money... :( BUT, he provided a job that is a really a nice job, and if it weren't for school he would continue to work there. the company is Federal Mogul and they make brakes... its a factory job, but its still a good job that is gonna help us through the summer. :)

The Lord is going to provide for us, and help us get through this next little hurdle

Project Run and Play: Flicker Friends Guest Post: Amanda from Double St...

2012-06-19T16:40:00.001-07:00

Check out this darling little summer dress. It is so quick and easy... you would be able to whip up a dress in no time. :)

Project Run and Play: Flicker Friends Guest Post: Amanda from Double St...: Welcome Amanda from Double Stitching ! My husband and I have identical twin daughters who turned two this spring and I love making dress...

Kraft Philadelphia

2012-03-30T21:33:00.001-07:00

Kraft Philadelphia

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe - Swagbucks TV

2012-03-28T04:21:00.001-07:00

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe - Swagbucks TV

YUMMY! For Mine and Willie's first sit down date, we ate at Cheddar's, and one of the dishes we always get is the spinach artichoke dip its our one constant. Its always a must and we always enjoy it's. Oohy gooy. Goodnessso can't wait to try it. <3

2012-03-24T11:56:00.001-07:00

Stevie Wonder - I Just Called To Say I Love You

2012-03-23T10:44:00.001-07:00

This is the ringer on my phone for Willie. <3

I really like it. just a classic love song.

Hearty Portobello Benedict Recipe - Swagbucks TV

2012-03-13T01:07:00.001-07:00

Hearty Portobello Benedict Recipe - Swagbucks TV

Swag Bucks!

2012-02-13T21:32:00.000-08:00

So I'm not big on joining websites for things because they always draw you in then get you to do stupid things that end up costing you bunches of money. Not to mention it usually is a big waste of time you don't have.

I had been hearing a lot of stuff about swag bucks and thought... ok maybe I will try it,

I had gotten a kindle for Christmas and love amazon.com for the fact I usually find some pretty good deals.

I signed up and that was when I became hooked.

I thought, well If I can get amazon gift cards for free that is at least is worth a little extra time...

besides... I already search a lot , I might as well get something out of it. :)

Its fairly easy to get the swag bucks and doesn't cost anything if you use the search and swag-bucks tv.

now i don't have a lot of time to just sit at the computer especially with a growing, bouncy, giggly baby girl who loves to monopolize all mama's time.

But here is where my new favorite gadget comes in...

my kindle fire has a web feature where I can get on and search...

I cant watch the videos but just clicking on them gets me points.

Sometimes I search a little while I nurse Aurora. or

in the evening when we watch tv.

I have already gotten two gift cards and almost have enough for two more.

so its not that bad. :) rather enjoyable when you get stuff for nothing. :)

helps on the pocket book too. :)

So I will continue to use swag bucks .

The Trials and blessings of a natural gift to mothers

2011-11-10T20:45:00.000-08:00

I have been a mom for almost three months now.

I know that I have neglected my

blog, facebook, e-mail, and such...

but I have a beautiful, smiley, sweet, blue eyed

red haired little darling for an excuse.

I love being a mama.

It has opened my eyes to the wonderful blessing

of my own mother...

Something i did not appreciate when I was younger

and regret profusely. Its an understanding that I think you can

only see after you become a mom.

To carry a budle of blessing and joy for nine months,

to nurture and nourish it with your own body is something wonderful

Then to go through the process of labor. to ssuffer through all the pain

and uncertainty of your ability to do something so hard and something you have

never done before is quite the feat.

To feel her head crown and her whole 7 pound little body go through the

birth canal, But then comes that moment.

The moment of relief, to finally have her out and the doctor finally placing he;r in your arms.

to have her look at you with those very alert beautiful eyes.

This is the moment your love becomes tangible, the moment you know it was worth all the

waiting, the pokes and prods of the doctors, and the pain of labor.

The moment the world fades away and it is just the two of you...

Fastforward to now...

I feel as the the Lord has given me a second chance to

experience another blessing.

To breastfeed my daughter.

I know it sounds silly and maybe a little confusing.

Here let me rewind...

The day my daughter was born, was one of the best day of my life but there was a moment that

made things hard for this little mama.

while pregnant I tried to do as much as I could to get ready for her birth,

but sometimes no matter how hard you try things

just have those little speed bumps that slow the process down.

The nurses gave her to me to try to nurse and she; latched well,

she was one of those they call a natural, she knew what she was doing.

But my body protested and my nipples cracked and started bleeding

immediately. By the time I got home from the hospital both sides were cracked and bleeding.

No matter how many different positions we tried It hurt

I felt like red hot needles were piercing my breasts and

I would sit and cry because of the pain.

Please don't think I mean to discourage anybody ,

quite the contrary. I wish to let others know so those young women

who have struggles can say "I can do this, I will do this"

I didn't want to give up.

I guess that's where my determination comes in (The good side of my stubbornness)

Not only was there pain, but she kept falling asleep, so she wasn't getting what she needed

and my milk supply wasn't getting a good establishment.

That first week home, it felt like we were going every day to our pediatrician

just to check her weight which was going down and wasn't getting better.

after a few days of things not working I tried pumping.

I got half an ounce, and she wanted more. I woke my husband up

and had him go to the store and get bottle stuff we needed..

. later we ended up settling on "Dr Browns" because regular bottles were causing her tummy troubles.

This struggle went on for about a week when one night I was walking the floor with

her and she and I were both crying, she because she was hungry, me because I couldn't

do anything. My husband woke up and I told him to get the formula... (I had gotten samples in the mail)

That was the first time we gave her formula, the first time she slept full and satisfied, and first time I felt like I

had failed in this situation.

The next day we had another appointment and our doctor weighed her... she was right at the
10% weight loss mark... :( It was labor day weekend so we had a long weekend ahead
of us and she suggested I pump, give her everything and supplement. We would see where she was after that. All the while my milk was increasing. (We only supplemented for about a week or so to get her weight up, and my supply of extra bottles of milk up which eventually did work and we were back on just my milk, the supplementing lasted about a week)
Through this whole ordeal I had a few people who were mad at me for even trying to breastfeed.
they openly said so and made sure I heard (or over heard) what they thought about it.
When you hear things like "That baby isn't getting enough." "She needs to stop because some women just can't breast feed" "That baby cries too much, you need to switch to formula"
And this from the person who told us to let her cry because they need to learn
how to self sooth...
So the stress was not helping my milk levels, and then hearing the formula thing from the dr
was so discouraging I cried all the way home. heartbroken
(Remember by this time I am at a really low point, and still emotional from hormones.)
I felt like a failure, like it was my fault this had happened and that things were not quite right.

But the Lord reached down and picked me up.
My husband rallied behind me was my encouragement
and researched and told me everything he found out, helped whenever we tried to latch on
(he was right there listening to the lactation consultant, and helping me every way he could)

When we started trying to nurse again later, he was right there telling me how proud he was of us.
And the ladies at my church were awesome encouraged me in every way that
they could suggested way to help me heal encouraged me to keep trying and told me that it was better to pump and give the milk than give up completely

All in all I have dealt with low milk supply, cracked and bleeding nipples, clogged ducts, milk blisters. , and pain of over stimulation from pumping.

In all these trials, God has shown me true blessing.
Even when it is hard, even when you feel like a failure,
even when your not sure if you can go on with it and even when the obstacles
seem overwhelming and insurmountable.
If you persevere unto the end you get the reward.
You see nothing compares to the moments you spend nursing your child.
Bottle feeding and pumping does not compare It truly is something magical and wonderful
to receive that blessing

I also have noticed that there is a difference in her.
she is more of a happy contented
baby than she was before and I thought that couldn't happen.

So, no I don't regret not being able to do this from the beginning, yes it was hard,
but it made me stronger and gave perspective.
When I was younger I thought its so easy, not gonna be a problem.
But breastfeeding is hard, that's not a bad thing
Don't be afraid to say something is hard,
lots of things that are good are hard
I am joyful that not everyone has to struggle with nursing,
But to those of us who do have to work all that much harder,
The moments that we do succeed are that much more precious
and that much more satisfying.
to know that we earned these moments, that these moments are the payment
for every ounce of hard work (pun intended)
In the end I am so much more thankful for the moments when we are snuggled up
or she stops nursing long enough to smile at me. than if It had come so easy to me.

...Hospital bound...

2011-08-22T10:32:00.000-07:00

We are headed to the hospital tonight.:)

Tomorrow is the day we are going to be induced.

I have Gestational diabetes and our Doctor

does not want us to go past our due date

So we check into the hospital tonight and

start the process tomorrow. :)

Can't wait to meet our little one. :)

...Waiting...

2011-08-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

So... I have been waiting for our Daughter to arrive since we found

out we were expecting in December.

I decided I wasn't going to sit around and twiddle my thumbs... :/

We had decided we would find out the gender in order that we might be

a little more prepared, considering we are living on a tight budget since Willie is in school.

There is always a test that needs payed for, books to be bought or the silly little expense

of an extra class that needs payed for "right now!"

But there is a wait to find out ... and I had to find some way to keep busy

I do have a part time job with my church, caring for

"my kids"... The ones whose parents are in choir or orchestra. But that is

only twice a week and special occasions.

I wanted to make baby things, but without knowing it was kind of hard.

I have a lot of friends who are pregnant or are having babies, or had babies...

so I started there. :)

And this is where I learned that waiting can be a blessing.

I learned a lot about baby stuff, and sewing.

I found a lot of fun projects to make for baby gifts.

Then when the time came I started working on my own baby stuff

which helped with the other end of waiting, but if I had never taken advantage

of the beginning part I would never have had the chance to practice on my sewing.

So now that I have only 9 days or less for baby to come I will view it as a blessing

get some rest, try to get a few last minute things done and just enjoy this few

days with my husband, before baby and before He starts back to school.

Baby Gifts

2011-07-18T22:36:00.000-07:00

I have begun to receive baby gifts...

I have always loved baby things. Always loved to browse

the baby isles.

But I never really had an excuse until I became pregnant.

I always really liked little girl outfits and all the

accessories...

Getting to pick out and sort all of the baby things, not to mention

sewing for my little sweetheart has been such a joy for me.

It takes me back to when I was a little girl..

I would use my baby sister's outfits to dress my dolls.

Anyway, Every time I get a package or card I just sit and dream about
the day when I have that sweet little angel

in my arms and get to use all the beautiful gifts my very dear family

and friends are blessing me with. :)

One of my very favorite gift is from My cousin Hannah.

She knitted a beautiful set of booties, mittens and a little hat.

The reason its one of my favorites

(My very favorite is the Minnie outfit Willie bought)

is because she put time and effort into something so beautiful.

Neely's Chicken Salad in Tomato Cups on the Food Network

2011-06-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

This sounds so very good. And I can actually have this one lol :)

Neely's Chicken Salad in Tomato Cups on the Food Network

Maybe I should stop watching food network... lol

I keep finding food I like.

White Chocolate Mousse with Cranberry Sauce on the Food Network

2011-06-27T08:34:00.000-07:00

This looks so very yummy! :) can't wait until I am not pregnant to try this...

may even fudge a little and try it before. :)

... As long as my sugar is fine I can try a little. :)

It definitely gives you ideas on how to serve it...

Also, I read on the comments

that If you do not like cranberry sauce,

try making a raspberry sauce...

or any type of berry sauce. :)

White Chocolate Mousse with Cranberry Sauce on the Food Network

Wedding Bells... again... :)

2011-06-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

On June 18th, 2011

My little sister, the last of us three kids got married.

Not only that, but she is moving away... :'(

But hopefully this will get us traveling back and forth

So we can take "Mini vacations" and get to visit.

She was a Beautiful Bride, and the wedding was

very good. :)

Very enjoyable. :)

Pink...

2011-05-14T00:21:00.000-07:00

In honor of SPRING, SUMMER, BABY GIRLS, and All things lovely. :)

I have changed my blog up a bit... added bits of lovely pink. tell me what you think. :)

To use or not to use that is the question!

2011-04-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

To Use or NOT to Use...

That is the Question!

I am writing this because I inadvertently set in motion a slightly heated debate.

Now I am not one to purposely put something up to cause an argument, or debate, but this is kind of important...
It started with the posting of a picture of a MOBY WRAP

Anyway, the concern was of suffocating of the infant
which, can very well happen, but can also happen with
other baby products even if used right-------------.

The subject I want to address here is the middle ground.
what I mean by this is:
rather than being the overly worried, over protective, and non joyful mama
or even the careless, non-responsible and neglectful mama.
We choose to be the mama that is informed, joyful and confident.

I once had a girlfriend that with her first child she practically
sanitized the poor baby she was so afraid of germs...
she was such a stickler, that she made you wash your hands
before you could even get near her little tyke.
this is a classic case of allowing fear to control your life.
of being so afraid that you don't enjoy your baby.

Than there are mothers who could care less about there
children. who knowingly allow their children to be placed
in a dangerous situation...

I'm not saying this person who voiced the opinion was an over
protective mama,In fact far from it she is a great mama, but it got me thinking about things,
and wondering if sometimes we even as regular everyday
parents don't sometimes go overboard in some things.

Now obviously you wouldn't subject your child to something such as this....
Note: this is a gag I found on the internet... :/

But, the key to things I think are

#1 the seeking guidance from God. That is super important.

I know as expectant parents my husband and I sometimes have

uncertainties Our goal is to rely on our Heavenly Father and the wisdom

of others who have gone before us

#2 And using common sense. Don't allow someones fears and insecurities

to rule your life.

#3: Be informed. know what your children are using and you are using for

your children.

I won't say anymore on that because each person is led down a different

path The Lord leads each of us and convicts us differently.

But whether it be a crib or baby carrier the most important thing

should always be, before you buy do your research check the pro's and cons of a product

and always know the risks. So anyway,

thanks for listening to my ramblings and being patient with me while

I got my babbling done. :)

with Love,

Baby's first picture....

2011-03-04T08:03:00.000-08:00

The other day we went for our march Doctors visit. :)

all went well and my blood work came back clear.

The doctor went to check our little punkin's heartbeat...

Well He/She had other plans... my oh my.

The baby decided to play a little game of hide and seek...

We tried like three of four times and kept picking up my heartbeat...

at first I was just fine no worries...

But then we sat the lobby for about twenty minutes waiting for the

ultra-sound room...

Then the Worry hit me. and for about five or ten minutes

I was scared not being able to hear the little heartbeat.

To me it has been a reassuring thing knowing my

baby's heart is still beating and that He/She is OK

But is was Awesome to see the baby,

and witness the amazing creation God is forming in my womb.

2011-02-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

oh my goodness .... I am so far behind on my blogging.

For those of you who know me, know that I always have some sort of sewing project going.

Lately it has been baby stuff. :)

I am trying to keep myself busy while my husband is at school and I am by myself.

So, in my little tiny space, and sometimes in

our unfinished trailer, and sometimes even at Mama's I sew.

I have done burp cloths,
A diaper bag,
a bib (for a friend)
I made a changing pad
and a binkie holder.
I am putting my baby stuff on hold for a little bit...
I have a few friends who are pregnant and decided it would be fun to make
a few baby gifts.
for both I want to make a little carry-all bag, a diaper clutch
a custom diaper wipe case and maybe a burp cloth.
haven't really decided yet, but I will post pictures when I get a chance. :)

Chris August - Starry Night

2011-02-07T10:49:00.000-08:00

This Is The Stuff Lyric Video

2011-02-07T10:47:00.000-08:00