This Beautiful Life

Catching up

2011-11-24T23:33:00.000-09:00

Month of Thanks:

Day 20: I am thankful for Jesus and his sacrifice which has set me free.

Day 21: I am thankful for new ideas and plans for DH and I.

Day 22: I am thankful for new clothes. I know I am spoiled living in the US and being able to have so much.

Day 23: I am thankful for Christmas music. It just brightens my spirit.

Day 24: I am thankful for wonderful extended family who are also friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

My sweet baby is also 6 months old today. He's sitting up, crawling, trying to pull himself up partially, starting to eat solids, trying to drink from a regular cup, not taking long naps yet and waking 1-3 times at night. He has no teeth, but drools like crazy and chews on everything(his feet are one of his favorite things). He is a sweet, happy baby who loves his siblings and Mom and Dad.

Christmas Cards

2011-11-19T22:08:00.000-09:00

Yes, I realize it is still November...

And searching this early is unusual for me...

But, I'm trying to follow Simple Mom's Plan to a Peaceful Christmas...

Week 3 is Ordering and Organizing your Christmas cards...

So I'm on the hunt for the perfect card...

And then the perfect pictures...

Only to realize that we have NO recent family photos...

How sad is that?

So now it's time to make sure that a family picture happens...

Before Christmas.

Month of Thanks:

Day 18: I'm thankful that the wind has stopped and it's sunny skies!

Day 19: I'm thankful for a wonderful church to be a part of

Routine/Rhythm

2011-11-18T05:00:00.000-09:00

How does one stick to a routine/rhythm on the weekends(or for us my DH's weekends)? How does one stick to a routine/rhythm in general?

I know that it would be beneficial for me and my children to get into a nice routine/rhythm for our days, but it's so hard. I am not naturally routine oriented and so it's a struggle to get into the habit of one. As far as meals go, I'm doing pretty good...those are generally served at the same time(though dinner can vary if I get started on it late or if the baby is extra needy that day). Otherwise, there is no truly consistent routine/rhythm to our day.

I'm noticing that the baby is needing one though...I really would like him to start taking longer naps so that I can have time to get some schoolwork done with the princess. Right now I'm doing great if I can get a 45 minute stretch from him.

I should also be getting to bed earlier...I just have such a hard time giving up the peace and quiet that happens at night. It's not quite the same for me in the morning, not to mention I'm more of a night owl than an early bird. I can get up earlier, before the kids, but then I have to tiptoe around, praying that I don't wake them(their bedroom is on the same floor as the kitchen and living room).

I also know that I need to spend less time online and more time with my kids. It's so easy for me to lose track of time when I'm on the internet. It's definitely something I need to curb.

Currently I'm reading Amy Lynn Andrews book Tell Your Time. I'm hoping that this will help me get into a daily routine so that I'm heading towards my goals.

What does your routine look like? Any tips for helping me get into a routine/rhythm? Do you start with one thing at a time or do you jump into a schedule?

(I have a really hard time remembering how to spell rhythm.)

Month of Thanks:

Day 15: I'm thankful for our home...that it's a warm shelter from the high winds and cold temps and that it's ours.

Day 16: I'm thankful for my families health.

Day 17: I'm thankful that I won a $500 gift card! I can't believe it!

Questions

2011-11-14T15:01:00.001-09:00

"We must be willing to confront and experience the discomfort that accompanies internal change. Only then will we be able to live freely." Amy Lynn Andrews in Tell Your Time.

This is where I am at...am I willing to do what it takes to go through change? I know where I want to be, but do I want it enough to make it happen? If I am, what needs to happen and change in my life so that my dreams become realities?

How about you? Are you ready to step out and making the necessary changes to move you to your goals?

Month of Thanks:
Day 11: I'm thankful for my Dad and Grandpa and all the other veteran's...for protecting our freedom!

Day 12: I'm thankful for farm fresh eggs and fresh raw milk.

Day 13: I'm thankful for my Mom. She is a wonderful Mimi to my kids and is so generous and loving. I wish I lived closer to her!

Day 14: I'm thankful for such wonderful in-laws who love my kids and me so well!

Thankful...

2011-11-10T15:23:00.000-09:00

Month of Thanks- Day 10: I'm thankful for the gorgeous snow falling outside. It's incredibly peaceful and beautiful.

Great recipe website

2011-11-09T11:36:00.000-09:00

Make sure to check out Eat Nourishing. A new recipe website for real food eaters. I can't wait to check out more recipes!

Bonus: They are giving away a $200 gift certificate to US Wellness Meats.

Month of Thanks:
Day 8: I'm thankful for a relaxing weekend with my husband and kids.

Day 9: I'm thankful for an on the move baby...as much as I'd like him to stay small forever it's fun seeing him on the move.

On the move

2011-11-07T21:47:00.000-09:00

Lookout world, my baby is on the move.

As exciting as it is, it also makes me sad. He's only 5 1/2 months and he's my last baby.
I'm not ready for him to be so independent.

Though I love that he's a healthy, happy boy who is intent on keeping up with his siblings and curious about the world around him.

A month of Thanks:
Day 7- I'm thankful for my cutey pie 2nd son. He is so funny, sweet and cute. I love that he comes up to me out of the blue with a hug and an "I wuv you doe mush."

White Bean, Sausage and Spinach Soup

2011-11-06T14:48:00.001-09:00

This winter one of my goals is to try more soups. They are typically pretty easy to make and taste great on a cold, snowy(more likely windy) day. My fall back soup has always been chicken soup...that was about it in my soup repertoire. We needed to try something different. My sister-in-law mentioned a White Bean, Sausage and Spinach Soup and I knew we needed to try it.

The original recipe comes from here. I made a few modifications and cooked it in my crockpot. It was a hit! (I made a double batch so we would have leftovers, this recipe is a single batch.)

My modifications were:
1. Using my homemade moose and pork sausage
2. Using dry Great Northern beans(I couldn't find Cannellini beans), which I soaked overnight
3. Using homemade chicken broth
4. Adding more seasonings
5. Using swiss chard instead of spinach

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

1 pound homemade moose and pork sausage crumbled

1 onion (chopped)

6 cloves garlic (chopped)

1 dash ground red pepper (optional)

4 cups homemade chicken stock

3 cups Great Northern beans (I used dry beans that had been soaked overnight)

3 teaspoon oregano

1 bay leaf

1 bunch swiss chard (chopped)

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Add the sausage to pan and cook until no longer pink.

2. Add the onion and saute until tender.

3. Add the garlic and red chili pepper and saute for another minute.

4. Add the sausage mixture, stock, beans, oregano, and bay leaf to crockpot.

5. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4.

6. About 30 minutes(or less) prior to serving add the swiss chard.

7. When swiss chard is soft, soup is done.

I served our soup along with a grain free biscuit for dipping. It was delicious!

Month of Thanks:
Day 4: I'm thankful for my smart, assertive, beautiful daughter. I'm so thankful that she made me a Mom.

Day 5: I'm thankful for my sweet, sensitive, fun loving all boy 1st son.

Day 6: I'm thankful for the snow that blankets the ground and mountains. It is so peaceful.

An update on us

2011-11-04T15:38:00.000-08:00

A small update on us since there has been so little consistent blogging...
First of all we added another sweet boy to our family. Baby B was born in May...2 days after his due date, the longest I was ever pregnant and also my biggest baby at 8lbs, 12oz. He is such a sweet, happy boy and we are all in love with him.

Here he is on his day of birth

Here he is now at 5 1/2 months:

Not much has changed really...we are getting more and more settled into our house. I just need to figure out how to decorate now. We had a great summer and winter has come to quickly. The princess is now in 1st grade, still homeschooling. She often finds it hard to concentrate with her 3 brothers playing while she is working, but she is doing well. The pilot is doing well...loving legos and all things boy. He is a fun kid. Guy smiley is happy and funny as ever. Ever the entertainer at dinner and sweet as can be. That's about it for now. More will be forthcoming as I see if I can fit blogging into my life.

Month of Thanks:

Today I'm thankful for my sweet baby boy...even when I have to rock him to sleep 3 separate times for bedtime. I'm trying to make sure I savor every moment as we're pretty sure he's our last.

Giving thanks...

2011-11-03T12:49:00.001-08:00

I'm wanting to learn to be more thankful for what I have so I would like to blog throughout the month what I'm thankful for. I'm a little late in starting, but better late than never.

Today I'm thankful for my DH...we've been married for 10 years today! It's been a journey and it's getting better every year. I'm looking forward to the next 10 and the adventures we have in store.

Day 1- I'm thankful my house...we just bought our first house in February and it's slowly becoming ours.

Day 2- I'm thankful for the beauty that surrounds us here in Alaska. It's breathtaking.

My Bucket List

2011-10-21T12:51:00.001-08:00

This is my entry in the Just Ask Bucket List Getaway Giveaway. Just Ask offers a breast and ovarian cancer screening and is encouraging people to share 15 things that I want to enjoy in my lifetime as a reminder to be aware of my health. Want to enter? Head over to TodaysMama.com to get the details.

So here it is...20 items on my bucket/life list:

1. Take my kids to the small town in Austria where DH and I met.

2. Take a 2nd honeymoon with my DH to the Cook Islands.

3. Take my family to Disney World, especially my daughter so she can meet the Disney princesses.

4. Lose my sugar addiction.

5. Race in a Tough Mudder.

6. Own laying hens so we can have eggs!

7. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef.

8. Hike Cinqueterra.

9. Visit our missionary friends in the Philippines, Zambia and Northern Ireland with my kids.

10. Float the Kenai River.

11. Take an around the world trip with my family.

12. For my DH and/or I to work from home, therefore allowing DH to be home with us.

13. Visit Paraguay with my Mother-in-law and the rest of the in-law's.

14. Visit Japan with my Mom.

15. Learn Spanish fluently.

16. Take a Mom/Daughter trip to Paris.

17. Swim with dolphins.

18. Learn to use my sewing machine well.

19. Go hunting with my DH.

20. Wrap my grandbabies in the wraps I wear/wore my children in.

Project Simplify: Week 4

2011-04-02T22:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm finally joining in with Project Simplify over at Simple Mom...I've been meaning to be a part of it from the beginning...

However, the first weeks hot spot had been done the month before when we moved, so I escaped it...my closet has stayed well organized since moving in(mostly in part to being in maternity clothes, of which I have very few). The second hot spot, however was one I should've done and did work on some, just not enough to participate fully. I was amazed at how quickly we had accumulated paper in the short 2 months of being in our new home. I'm still working my way through some of it...I just need to find a home for some items still(ones that can't be thrown out). Hot spot 3 was kid's clothes and toys...we had just done this one as well when we moved 2 months ago, though I again went through their clothes and purged what wasn't worn or was too small all ready. And dh just finished some shelves in our toy area so when we put away more toys, puzzles and art supplies(some that had still been in boxes since our move in January) we did purge more, but that was just this week.

But my kitchen...oh...

Yes, we just moved in 2 months ago, but after having used my kitchen for that time frame I realized that it just wasn't working like I wanted it too. It was time for a rearrange(all ready!). I have been thinking for about 2 weeks or so now that I need to move things around to make better use of the space, since it's so much more than we had in our previous apartment, but yet still felt small. So last night I went to town rearranging (and seeing other kitchens on Simple Mom motivated me and gave me ideas of how to better organize). So here are the before and afters...

This:

Turned to this: (Please ignore the pile of chocolate chips thrown in after my shopping trip today):

I have a lot more room in here and I'm not sure what I'll do with it(things just seem to get lost in the abyss of the corner cabinet.)

This:

became this: (yes, crowded, but much better use of the space and now I have all my baking ingredients and tea by the stove and my mixer.)(Sorry for the crooked picture.)

This:

is now this: (again, easier for us to use since we don't have much in the way of snack foods)

This:(which I hated...since I have so many types of flours)

now stores pots and pans(some are in the sink, dirty)...so much more functional, especially since this is closer to our stove

than this cabinet...which is now housing most of what was in the corner cabinet, with room to see it all and for more when needed)

Now off to work on my refrigerator(and spice cabinet), which is in desperate need of wiping out all ready. How do they get so gross so quickly?!

Multitude Monday

2011-03-21T23:27:00.001-08:00

Starting fresh...and on Mondays.

I'm thankful for...(161-170)
-the hiccups, punches, kicks and general movement coming from this little guy in my womb
-warmer weather...who knew I would be so happy for 30 to 40 degree weather
-our new house with so much more space
-everyone being healthy over the winter
-my soon coming Bosch Universal Mixer
-figuring out a rhythm that works for our family
-our fresh snowfall this past week...the most snow we've had all winter in one day
-a quiet house in the evening
-abundance
-new couches

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An update

2011-03-20T22:10:00.000-08:00

So as one can see easily, I have NOT kept up with my blog whatsoever.

My reasons for not keeping up or even posting at least once a week:
- My computer tower went on the fritz...I could not post anything from any internet program or else they would just shut down. And I'm not a big fan of typing on my phone. (I finally replaced my tower in the last 3 weeks).
- We moved...yes it was only about 5 minutes down the street but it still required packing up everything and then unpacking it(which is still happening...just down to the last few boxes)
- This pregnancy is making me very tired...you'd think my brain would still work but even that seems to have slowed this time around

Those are my main reasons or excuses...that said...I didn't want it enough either...I just didn't want to take the time or mental capacity to work at it. So...I think I just am going to start small with a smattering of posts...I definitely want to keep up with Thankful Thursdays...though I might move it to Mondays which is when the link up takes place. I might start writing out my thoughts on our homeschooling journey this year or on how I feel about adding a 4th baby to the mix or about how much I just want to keep my home in order. We shall see...

Thankful Thursday

2011-01-20T10:18:00.000-09:00

I'm thankful for(151-160)

-the beautiful white flakes falling from the sky
-a new house...that we will hopefully be moving into next week
-the peace of a quiet morning
-the many (and usually fun or insightful) questions from my kids
-my helpful kids
-wonderful friends
-that my dh has a stable and good job
-new slippers(yes my feet are always cold)
-that it's warm enough for the kids to play outside
-being able to purge while packing

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Food for Thought on "Unschooling" or Freedom in Learning

2011-01-18T04:00:00.003-09:00

Wow, were these 4 articles/blogposts ever interesting...

Children Educate Themselves I: Outline of Some of the Evidence

Children Educate Themselves II: We All Know That’s True for Little Kids

Children Educate Themselves III: The Wisdom of Hunter-Gatherers

Children Educate Themselves IV: Lessons from Sudbury Valley

Fun with soap and water

2011-01-16T21:50:00.001-09:00

We've been home a lot this past week, first because of high winds(constant blowing 40mph with gusts up to 75mph) and then due to the extreme cold setting in...so today we brought out some water with soap and sugar and tried our hand at making our own bubble solution. The kids had a blast(we waited until guy smiley was napping to do this)...here are some pictures from our fun:

Weekend Links

2011-01-15T04:00:00.000-09:00

A few different things I've been reading this week...lots on homeschooling as we get back into the swing of it after a long break at the end of last year...

Enjoying the series "A Day in the Life" at Simple Homeschool.

Another, oh yay, I'm not alone in my relaxed homeschooling blogpost.

Found this new blog on Leadership Education and how it looks for one family. Am loving looking around and reading about all they do and have done.

Enjoying this blog as well and the funschooling that goes on at her house...and I can see us in it in some ways...especially with boy #3 on the way soon.

Raising Homemakers- a new way of looking at correction...I wonder if it will help my 6 year old stop whining and whimpering when getting her hair brushed?

A Day in the Life with a 6, 4, and almost 2 year old

2011-01-14T17:28:00.000-09:00

Today I'm linking up to Simple Homeschool talking about a typical day for us as far as homeschooling goes...I'm a bit late doing this as I've been having issues with my computer and Firefox...so I'm using dh's computer.

We are new to homeschooling this year as the princess just started Kindergarten, but really they've been being "homeschooled" since they've been born. The princess did go to preschool last year but we decided not to put the pilot in preschool...instead he can learn with us at home.

We are also still trying to figure out what a typical homeschool day will look like. We've had lots of breaks this year as from the end of September through the beginning of November I was out of commission with morning...well all day...sickness...due to baby #4 and then in December I was gone for 10 days plus the craziness of the holidays and 2 birthdays so we took a break then too.

As far as January goes, I'm feeling better now that I'm past the halfway point in this pregnancy and am feeling like we can finally find some balance and routine with our day(which will go out of whack again I'm sure in 2 weeks when we move...fortunately we are only moving about 5 miles away).

So here is what we try to do(4 days a week...the days Dh is working usually, which are not all weekdays), though we are pretty relaxed:

The older two kids are usually awake between 7:45 and 8:30 and they will play by themselves until I force myself out of bed about 9ish or whenever guy smiley wakes up. After I'm up I will make breakfast for everyone and enjoy a cup of hot tea. After breakfast I try to do something around the house...either a load of laundry or unloading the dishwasher and then we start with schoolwork.

The princess is working through Explode the Code Book 1(we just started after not enjoying the program we were using...she seems to like this one much better), Saxon Math 1(which she loves...she just loves Math), and Handwriting Without Tears...these are our three main subjects we try to make sure we do at least 4 days a week. I am still trying to figure out how to work in History and Science...but we'll get there eventually. The princess is only in Kindergarten.

During our morning we usually take a break for snacks and the princess can play a little. The boys will play pretty well for most of the morning, sometimes in their room, sometimes wanting to color at the table with the princess and I.

About 12:30 we have lunch and afterwards the kids play while I either work on some chores or knit until quiet/nap time. Guy smiley goes down for a nap about 1:30 or 2 and the older two have quiet time where they either read, draw or watch a movie. Sometimes we'll run errands and I'm hoping to get back into a library day once a week. Also the princess has art lessons once a week as well.

After quiet/nap time is more playing until about 5. Then we pick up the main rooms and make sure the house is looking neat before Dh gets home. I also start on dinner...which we try to eat at 6:30 but that doesn't always happen.

After dinner is more playing(usually rough housing with Dh) and then jammies, teeth brushing, prayers and bedtime about 7:30 for guy smiley and 8/8:30 for the older two. On work nights Dh goes to bed pretty much with the older kids and on non work nights we hang out for a while.

Now if only I could stop my nightowl habits and get in bed before midnight...I enjoy my quiet nights usually with a cup of tea and reading or knitting.

Thankful Thursday(a day late)

2011-01-14T17:04:00.000-09:00

Firefox and my computer aren't getting along lately so I'm having to use dh's computer and I'm finally finding time to use it today...
so here is my Thankful Thursday post that should've gone up yesterday.

(141-150)
My sweet and curious guy smiley.
Guy smiley's cute voice while learning new words.
A warm house(at least I'm not experiencing the crazy wind outside firsthand)
Happy kids
Helpful kids
Ultrasound pictures
Under bed forts
Makeshift beds on the floor
Quiet time
Making toy pick up into a game

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Continuing/Renewing Thankful Thursdays

2011-01-06T22:50:00.000-09:00

I'm so thankful for (131-140)

-a new little boy joining us soon
-warmer weather
-a wonderful Christmas with family
-a great vacation even if it was quick
-chips and salsa
-a soon to be new home
-friendship
-a beautiful sunset tonight
-the way guy smiley says Happy Birthday
-the sweet thoughts of the princess when I tell her it's my birthday and she says "I haven't made you a card."

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Starting anew

2011-01-05T23:41:00.001-09:00

Starting fresh with blogging this year and hoping my computer will cooperate with me so I don't have to continue posting from my phone.

I'm wanting to get back to the simple things in life...get back to appreciating my kids and my Dh, get back into our homeschooling(after a morning sickness break and then the holidays), make sure I take care of myself, my kids, the house.

We have a few changes coming in the next few months. The first being a move which I'm dreading and looking forward too. It's not a far move fortunately and we will finally be homeowners which is exciting. But packing and unpacking is always painful yet so good for purging and cleaning.

Our next big change won't be until May when a new little boy will join our growing family. I'll be very grateful to be in our own place when he joins us.

There will be more posting and hopefully not in 3 months from now like this post.

Realistic expectations...and goals

2010-10-15T21:58:00.000-08:00

So I've had to lower my sites for now...to more realistic expectations...this is due to the fact that I'm now growing a baby and I have had some of my worst morning(all day) sickness to date. So for the next few months I have lowered my goals...here is what I'm hoping to accomplish:

I would like to have just a few things that I need to do daily and then I need to do at least one extra chore everyday.

Daily:
Dishes
Pick up the living room/vacuum as needed
Feed kids
Make dinner

Extra items to add in daily:
Wash laundry
Fold laundry
Put away laundry
Vacuum downstairs
Clean bathrooms
Vacuum entryway
Clean kids room

Today I felt a bit better and was able to clean out my fridge, fold laundry and get it mostly put away.

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Brothers

2010-10-02T16:14:00.000-08:00

Love this:

18 months

2010-09-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Guy Smiley just passed the 18 month mark. He's getting so big...it's making sad. I'm not ready for him to be growing up so quickly.
He is just a sweet, happy boy. He loves to snuggle and hug and laugh and play.
His current vocabulary is expanding rapidly. Some of his words are are all none(all done), bye, yook(look), piple(people), airp(airplane), wha(dog), meme(Mimi), and ah uts(ah nuts!). He can also sign for more, please, thank you and drink. He also tries to run most places...the fun, jilting run of a toddler(I LOVE it).
He loves his Daddy and as soon as he hears him coming will run to the window and yell "Dada!" over and over and once Daddy is out of his car he runs to the door to greet him saying "Hi Dada!" It's SO cute and sweet.
He is quite tall but still has wonderful knee chub.
He loves his brother and sister and plays well with them for the most part.
He has a total of 16 teeth with his canine teeth having just broken through. I am so glad for a small reprieve before his 2 year molars.
He is our best eater ever...he can seriously pack the food in. It's great!
He's very adventurous and brave. He just takes off on his own with no fear...we have to keep an eye on him.
While he's incredibly snuggly, he's also very independent...he won't let you feed him and does NOT want to hold your hand.

He has just been such a joy and I'm loving it!