Hannah's Quilt

My poor little girl is almost 4 years old and I still haven't made her a quilt.  I couldn't start one for my little guy knowing that I hadn't made sweet Hannah a quilt yet.  I had hopes of finishing up Hannah's quilt before Isaac was born, but I didn't get that far.  I did get the top made...

When finished, the quilt will measure 42' inches squared (I think, I need to remeasure to make sure).  This was a really quick quilt to put together, but I added to it several times to make it a little bigger.  For the larger squares, I just fussy cut a cute bunny print. 

I made 9 patch blocks using a charm pack and cutting the squares into fourths.  This gave it a great variety.  For the backing, I am using the minkee material, which is so super soft (although a bit tedious to work with).  Here is a picture of the top laying on the backing fabric.  It would also make a nice border fabric, but I didn't buy enough of it for that.  I haven't completely decided how I am going to quilt it either.  I think crossing the small squares of the nine patches would work, but I don't know if I want to also cross the bunny blocks.  I might just stitch in the ditch around them.

Hope my sweet Hannah enjoys her quilt!

More Freebies...Entrepreneurial Bootcamp audio collection from Behemoth.com

Just wanted to pass along some more savings...

 Behemoth.com is a Vision Forum affiliated site where you can purchase and download Christian movies, audio books, e-books, and lots more.  Everyday they offer 1 or 2 free downloads (you can check their homepage for the freebie of the day).  However, I just found out today that you can download the entire Entrepreneurial Bootcamp (click here to find out more about it) audio collection for FREE (It's $99 if you want to buy it)!  When you get to Behemoth.com, you will be prompted to create an account, then scroll down towards the bottom of the page to find the Entrepreneurial Bootcamp link (or do a search for it).  Click on it to buy it.  When you get to the checkout, make sure and type in the coupon code on the right hand side, then click buy.  There are 22 messages to download, but well worth the price!

 Coupon Code:  MSMBOOTCAMP

Only good through Saturday, February 28th.

Vision Forum Coupon Code

Just wanted to pass along some savings to anyone that might want to take advantage of Vision Forum's $25 off coupon.  They don't send out the coupon codes very often.  I only have one coupon code, so it is "while supplies last".   The coupon code is good through February 28, so you will have to get your order in by Saturday.  Just type the following code in at the checkout...

853NG72278AC

Vision Forum (click here to use the coupon code)

Any day now I should be receiving the newest faith and freedom tour album, Let Freedom Ring.  I will be posting a review on it to let you all know what it contains and how great it is.  I have always wanted to go on one of their faith and freedom tours, but at the moment they are a bit out of our budget.  This is a great way to learn the history behind these great destinations, so that when we do get to visit them, we will have the background knowledge to make them even more interesting!

OK I lost my post

What I'm Learning...

Aside from the everyday lessons of life, I am making significant progress in two areas of study...natural medicine and Spanish.  It is really hard to limit myself to just two areas, but I keep reminding myself that I need to put more energy into less things...don't spread myself too thin.  So these two areas of learning came about mostly by necessity, but also out of passion for them both.  So here's the rundown...

Spanish

I took Spanish in high school and in college.  Spanish is taught in a very visual manner in classroom settings.  You learn from a textbook, you read from the board, etc.  I am a visual learner, so I did very well in my Spanish classes.  However, I didn't learn Spanish.  Spanish is a language, and language is, well, auditory.  So although I can read fairly well in Spanish, I can't communicate in Spanish.  My husband speaks Spanish, and I really want our kids to learn it.  I guess I had resigned myself to the fact that we would probably never be a Spanish speaking family. 

God is funny.  He has plans for us that we really can't even imagine.   After living here in California for almost 7 years (which is a long time for an Air Force family), the Lord has seen fit to send us to a Naval base in Rota, Spain.  We are set to arrive in May, so we have been feverishly practicing our Spanish.  And I must say, it is coming along quite nicely! 

Over the years, we have dibble-dabbled with several different Spanish programs.  While they helped increase our vocabulary, we weren't able to master the language.  Once we learned that we would be moving to Spain, we decided to buy Rosetta Stone.  We had used the program once before, courtesy of our library, but reasoned it would be beneficial to buy it this time around.  Luckily, before I got around to spending the big bucks, I found out that the Air Force offers an online version through our base library!  Soooo, we signed up, bought a microphone headset, and here we go!

We are using the Spanish (Spain) version 3, which is new to us for 2 reasons: 1)instead of z sounds, Spain Spanish pronounces it as a th sound and 2)version 3 has lots of cool little activities to help cement the language in your mind (I saw that the homeschool version 3 even has audio cd's and printed test--ours doesn't come with these bells and whistles, but it serves it's purpose).  My kids are really enjoying using the program.  My son, who is 11, really wants to learn Japanese.  I told him he has to finish level 1 Spanish first (with as least 90% or better on each section), so he whizzing through the program.  I must say, he is doing much better than I anticipated, although the speaking is a little difficult for him.  I am hoping that once we move, being immersed in the culture and hearing the language daily, will help with our pronunciation.

Natural Medicine

Last January, I had started a course offered by Shonda Parker of Naturally Healthy.  After receiving my books and manual, I periodically read through the books and used the manual more as a reference guide than a course of study.  I enjoyed it, but wasn't motivated to really learn the material (actually, I didn't realize how much there was to it).  A couple of months ago, I received an email from Shonda stating that she was revamping the course, offering teleseminars, a student forum, progress review, and a certification option.  I jumped on board and have been working hard ever since.  I don't know why I didn't get into it before, because I really enjoy it.  I guess the timing just wasn't right.

We just received our new module 1, and I must say, it is intense.  There is so much meat that I really have to chew on it a bit!  We are studying nutrition, which I thought I knew a thing or 2 about, but boy have I got a ways to go.  What I really like about this class is that it focuses on whole health, every aspect, not just physically.  For instance, in the nutrition section, we talk about hospitality and serving others.  This is an area that I really need to work on.  I enjoy the company of others, but only if it isn't too work.  I really need to take the focus off of myself, and focus on meeting the needs of others.

I am going to have my daughter do the class with me as well.  I figure it would count for her advanced biology (you can use Apologia's Advanced Biology textbook as your source for anatomy and physiology learning), and at least a health and home ec credit.  I will have to evaluate it as we go, but there is so much there that I think it is worth several credits of study.  She is anxious to grow her own herbs, so I may have her do an extended garden project.  There are so many opportunities for further study.  Can't wait to get to all the good stuff!

What's Next

Well, after conquering Spanish and my Natural Health class, I want to work a little more on website design and photoshop type stuff.  We'll see how long it takes to get to that!

Wanted: Ergo Infant Insert

Prayer for My Mom

I shouldn't be surprised by God, but I am.  Just as he put it on my heart to lift up others and be more fervent in my prayers, He knew that I would have a need to do so.  My mother called this morning and let me know that her doctor had called her and let her know that she has breast cancer.  Here is my beautiful mother and sister, just a couple of months ago after the birth of my sister's baby girl.

My mother is my best friend.  When you live a military life, friends often come and go.  But no matter where I go in the world, she is always there.  I can't imagine living without her.  I pray that the Lord will heal her and let her live on this earth for a longer time.  Would you please join me in prayer?  My mother's name is Julia.

Standing in the Gap

Yesterday I found out that a dear friend has cancer.  She is in her 40s with a 11 year old daughter that she homeschools.  After finding out about it, I started thinking about times in my life that were really hard.  You know, when the pain and fear are overwhelming and you just can't seem to see the light of day.  You are physically exhausted, emotionally broken, and in a spiritual desert.  We have all been there, even if it wasn't cancer, there is something that has brought each of down. 

I am not one to get emotional around people other than my immediate family.  I don't know, it just makes me feel so...well, so vulnerable.  I don't like that feeling.  I want to be strong and in control.  What would others think of me if they knew that I was feeling completely overwhelmed, in the dark, and all alone?  Wouldn't they question my faith and cease to have fellowship with me.  Wouldn't they look down at me and think that I was weak. 

As I pondered these thoughts, I was thinking about how important it is for us, as Christians, to lift up our brothers and sisters in prayer.  They may have their happy faces on, but inside they are hurting.  It seems that when you go through physical trials, emotional and spiritual trials are part of the package.  In times like these, it can be difficult to reach out, even to the Lord.  God wants us to be intercessors for those to weak, to vulnerable, to cry out His name.  We are to stand in gap for those who have no strength do so.

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:18

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1 Timothy 2:1

Be Fruitful and Multiply Part 2

Just as I started this "series" on being fruitful, I read a wonderful letter by Beall Phillips of Vision Forum.  I am by no means an expert on being fruitful, so I really enjoy reading what others have written on the subject.  When I decided to write on the subject, I was rather hestitant because I do know so little and even then have a hard time putting my thoughts into coherent sentences!  However, as I think back to all that I have read, I am encouraged most by women just like me who have a heart to let others know that the ways of this world are deceitful. 

Almost 2 years ago, I was working on the Vision Forum Treasure Hunt, when I first learned of a woman named Margaret Sanger.  This woman was a contemporary of Hitler, Stalin, and Mussolini, and is responsible for more deaths than the 3 of them combined.  Her motives were much like those of these three men, and yet she executed her murders under the cover of deceit and lies.  Instead of the gas chamber or the machine gun, she hid under the cover of women's rights and feminism.  Her weapons of choice were the scalpel and a tiny pill.  She kept her own hands clean by propagating her ideas and thoughts, and selling her vision to a new generation of women that wanted to be free from the ties of home and children.  As founder of Planned Parenthood, Sanger pushed for acceptance of contraception, abortion, and sterilization.  The Latin meaning of contraception greatly describes Margaret Sanger, for she was against (contra) conception (conceptio), or the bringing forth of Life.  For a detailed look at Margaret Sanger, George Grant has written an excellent exposé entitled Killer Angel: A Biography of Planned Parenthood's Margaret Sanger.  You can download the free e-book by clicking on the link.

Winner of the Be Fruitful and Multiply Contest...
Because I only had 2 commentors on part 1 of Be Fruitful and Multiply, I am going to send you both a copy of the book.  Gloria and Charity, would you both send me a private message with your mailing addresses and I will get copies out to you both.

As a reminder, Vision Forum's Blessing of Children sale ends tomorrow, Feb. 10th.

Spell Check....Anyone?

Are you all really great spellers, or do you run your post through Word to do a spell check, or am I just missing a spell check somewhere on this blog???  I am a terrible speller, I don't have time to run every post through Word, and I can't find spell check when I type in my post so I am just wondering if I am doomed to misspelled words in my post!

Ladies and Gentlemen.....We Have a Winner!!!

No, I haven't done the drawing for the Be Fruitful and Multiply book...

I have finally found something that worked in getting rid of our persistent thrush.  After 6 weeks of trying to be patient and consistent, we have found that 1 ounce of water mixed with 20 drops of grapefruit seed extract has done the trick.  I just swabbed his mouth, as well as myself, after each feeding and the white patches have disappeared!  I will continue to keep up with this routine for another week or so, just to make sure every last bit of yeast is gone.  I certainly don't want to deal with this again!  I have included some before and after photos...

Before

After

Be Fruitful and Multiply Part 1

It seems that in my quest to ponder the path of my feet, I have researched topics only to set them aside for a while and let the information sink in.  Then some time later, I pick up where I left off and delve deeper into the subject.  Like most of you, I wasn't raised with the mindset that children are a blessing from the Lord.  I lived a very secular life, until by God's grace I was shown His ways. 

There are several blogs that I enjoy reading and I sometimes catch myself thinking that these women must be super human.  "I know she has 10 kids, but she is different...she is ________(fill in the blank: more patient, has more energy, has more time, her husband helps more, etc."  The truth is, we are all just human, with struggles and obstacles to overcome.  We all have desires, dreams and wishes.  And in reality, we are all just trying to be obedient to the Lord. 

There are many topics that I have found to be "touchy topics" with a lot of Christians.  No one wants to hear that the way they have chosen to live is wrong, or sinful, so it is politically correct to use the term "conviction".  The thinking goes like this, "the Lord convicts people in different areas of their lives to live certain ways, and if He hasn't convicted you in that area, it must be OK to live as you are."  There have been many times in my life where I have felt this way.  Here is what I have found though.  God's Word never changes.  He doesn't have a different set of standards for different people.  He does, however, offer grace right where you are and if you diligently seek His ways, He will lead you on the path He has laid out for you.

There have been many areas of my life that I have had to give over to the Lord.  I have been stubborn and prideful, and He has had to gently show my that His ways are so much better than mine.  Even though at the time, I felt justified in how I was living, looking back I can see that it wasn't in a way that honored the Lord.  I didn't "feel" sinful at the time, but now I can see that if was sinful.  It is easy to see in hindsight, but what about the here and now.  I think we really have to lean on the Lord and seek His guidance. 

Trust in Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknoledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Be Fruitful and Multiply Give Away
With that said, I wanted to do a blog series on being fruitful.  I recieved an email from Vision Forum with their newest sale items.  I am going to post a link at the bottom of this post, but I also wanted to have a give away.  Of the four items Vision Forum has on sale, I have only read Nancy Campbell's book Be Fruitful and Multiply.  I really enjoyed this book and it was such an eye-opener for me.  So I would like to bless someone else with a copy of this book.  Soooo, to enter the contest, just leave a comment with your name and I will draw a name Monday morning.  I hope to have another post in the series done by then as well.

Praise God for His Protection

My hubby is in the Air Force and consequently must be gone frequently.  I don't believe in Murphy's law, but in the Sovereignty of God.  So when I look back over the years and everything that has happened while he was away (broken leg, broken arm, death of our cat, miscarriage), I know that God's Word is true...I will never leave you nor forsake you.  Last night I experienced God's protection once again.

I was busy washing dishes after dinner, when my six year old, Maddie, came into the kitchen to ask me something.  As she chatted away, I continued cleaning up until I heard the click click sound of our gas stove.  I turned around to see Maddie leaning against the stove, and subsequently against the knob on the stove.  In a split second, I saw flames race through her hair.  Without a moment to think, I grabbed her head and smothered the fire.  She looked up at me in bewilderment, not even aware that her hair was on fire.  She wasn't hurt at all and after a good washing, you could hardly notice the burnt hair.

Of course I was still shaking for some time afterwards, but I praised God she wasn't seriously hurt.  Last night, as I lay in bed praying, I asked the Lord, "Why do I have to deal with these things, especially when Jamie is gone?"  Then I thought to myself, if I didn't go through these experiences, I wouldn't have seen God's hand of protection over our family.  Looking back, in each situation I had to face, God was there with me.  And each situation has made me stronger and allowed my faith to grow.  Praise God for His protection!

Natural Remedies for Thrush

This is the first time we have dealt with thrush and I must say, it is not fun.  When Isaac was 2 weeks old, he developed a yeast diaper rash.  After reading up on Well Tell Me, I ended up treating it by mixing unrefined virgin coconut oil with garlic oil (took garlic capsules, pierced them with a needle, and squirted the oil into a small bowl with the coconut oil).  At each diaper change, I would just put a little on him.  If you haven't used coconut oil before, it is lovely.  It melts on contact with the warmth of the skin, and it smells just like a fresh coconut.  I also layed baby in the sun without his diaper.  After a couple of weeks, the diaper rash cleared up, but the thrush in the mouth developed.

So, we have been dealing with the thrush ever since.  I have read up and tried so many remedies, but we are still working on getting rid of it.  After reading some other experiences, I have determined that there are many things that might work, but you have to find the one that will work for you.  I think it also has to do with consistency and maybe even letting it run its course.  Any how, I thought I would share what we have tried, in case someone finds that one of our remedies works for their little one.

• Pau d' Arco (Taheebo) Tea - I made a decoction by simmering the pau d' arco bark in some distilled water for about 20 minutes.  I let the tea cool, and wiped baby's mouth several times throughout the day as well as treating myself at the same time.
• Tea Tree Oil/ Lavendar Oil - I mixed about 3-4 drops of each with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil.  I dipped a q-tip in the oil and put a few drops in baby's mouth.
• Raw Apple Cider Vinegar - Again, wiped baby's mouth with vinegar and treated myself as well.
• Garlic Oil - This is where we are right now.  I have been pricking a garlic capsule and squirting the oil on a q-tip.  I treat baby's mouth and myself after each feeding.
• Acidophilus - I open us an acidophilus capsule and pour the powder in a little bowl.  I put some powder on my finger and put it in baby's mouth several times a day. 

I should say that I have tried each remedy for several days before trying something else.  I have decided to try the garlic oil and acidophilus for a little longer to see if sticking with it for a while will net better results.  In the meantime, I thank God that he is allowing me to learn so much, pray He will give me patience, and that baby's thrush would clear up soon!

Cloth Diapers Revisited

Funny how life goes in cycles...here we are back in cloth diapers.  Isaac is the second of my children to wear cloth diapers and the first to wear them from day one (we started using them with Hannah when she was a couple of months old).  In fact, he has never worn a disposable.  There was something so sweet about putting on that first diaper, snuggling him up close and feeling a soft padded bottom rather than crunchy sounding paper. 

I never thought I would even use cloth diapers, much less love them.  When I was 7, my youngest brother was born and I became the diaper hanger outer.  It wasn't too bad of a job to have, just glad I wasn't the diaper swoosher!  Seeing mom dip diapers in the toilet left a lasting impression.  When my oldest daughter was born, I felt an air of haughtiness as I thought to myself, "glad we can afford Huggies".   Not sure how it happened, but sometime during my fourth pregnancy I found out that I could use cloth diapers and not have to swoosh!

I decided to use Fuzzi Bunz for my daughter.  I know, they are pretty pricey.  But here is how I justified the cost...it was costing me $100 to buy Huggies and wipes.  If my baby was in diapers for 24 months, that would be $2400 out to the garbage.  At the time I bought my Fuzzi Bunz, they were much cheaper than they are now.  But I did just find out they came out with a one-size-fits-all Fuzzi Bunz, so that might be a more economical option.  We just bought 24 smalls for our newest little guy which cost a little under $400 (free shipping and free inserts).  I had mediums and larges from my daughter.  The medium diapers I had lent to a friend, so they have really gotten lots of use.  I think I probably paid about $400 for all my mediums and larges.  So for 2 children, I spent about $800 in cloth diapers saving $4000 over disposables (I would have spent $4800 on 2 children in diapers).  Not to mention I saved my friend a couple of thousand as well.  So for us, I didn't mind the cost especially since I don't have to swoosh the Fuzzi Bunz!

I did want to share what we use for wipes though.  I took fleece and cut it into sections that would fit in a wipe box.  At the time, I thought I would keep them in there already pre-moistened.  I have since found out it is easier just to keep them with the diapers, grab a couple when I get the diaper, and wet them at the sink (or have one of my young helpers do so).  They are thick enough that nothing gets through and the size is just right.  I have tried baby washclothes, but they seemed to thin.  Here is a picture of ours...

Here is the place where we get our diapers. They are a Christian family and we have had great service from them. I think they have a store in Houston, if anyone is in that area!

Introducing Baby Isaac

Isaac James
born December 5th, 2009
weighed 8 lbs 2oz (we think...more on that later)

Jumping Back In

When I was young, I remember waiting anxiously every year for the swimming pool to open.  It usually opened the first day after school let out for the summer.  The water would be freezing and even though you had waited weeks, months, to go swimming, there was always some hesitancy before jumping in.  Sometimes I would dip my foot into the water to see how cold it really was...this would only increase my hesitation.  I would have to mentally build myself up, then just force myself to jump in.  After the initial shock, I realized it wasn't so bad.  I would swim around a bit and begin to warm up.  A few minutes later, I wouldn't even notice the cold.

I guess this is how I feel right about now.  For weeks, even months, I have wanted to get back online and start blogging away.  I would log on and read other blogs, but still feel very hesitant and just kinda stand on the side trying to get the courage up to jump in.  I guess it is because I am an all or nothing kind of person.  I don't like getting into things unless I can give it my all.  I really enjoy blogging and interacting with others online, I just knew the timing was not right for me to "give it my all".  One thing I have realized over the last year, about myself and blogging, it that you have to be willing to open up and let people see who you really are.  This is very hard for me.  I am a quiet, private person.  To let others see the real me would make me, well, vulnerable.  And who wants to be vulnerable.  However, I realized that the blogs and websites that have been the most uplifting, the most encouraging, and the most supportive to me over the last year, are the ones that are the most real, the most open, and the most vulnerable.  I guess you could say the same about books, friends, or almost anything worthwhile.  You can't really appreciate something unless you can love it flaws and all.

Over the last month or two, I have been praying that the Lord would allow me the time and creativity to get back online.  There was a time last year when I thought to myself, "there are so many of us bloggers, blogging about the same thing, what good can I possibly do".  Then I realized, it's not about me.  If God puts something on my heart to share with others, it's not about the how many read it, or how many others are saying the same thing.  It is about following His leading and being obedient.  I was thinking back over this year, and all that I have been through, learned, and experienced.  I would often read through blogs that were going through the same things and it was such a great encouragement to me.  Many of us don't have an "In Real Life" support system, people who are just like us that will encourage us in our homesteading, homeschooling, home living life style.  It is so nice to get online and realize that there are others out there who are feeling the same convictions we are, living a life God has called them to, even if they are alone in doing so.

It is my prayer as a boldly jump back in, that God would use me to His glory.  Not my own, but His...His words, His thoughts, His love.  May I be a light that shines in a dark world.

Blessings!

Preparing for next school year

I have started planning for next years school year.  I always do it at the end of the current school year, just to give me that boost of excitement to finish strong!  Actually, our school years are blended together and we usually start and stop different curriculum or activities throughout the year.  But I do like to have a general plan of action for the following year.  Next year my oldest will be a 9th grader, so I have mostly been planning for her.  The rest of the kids will pretty much be doing the same routine.  Here's what things look like so far...

Maddie (6dd) - Math U See, 100 Easy Lessons (phonics), violin, Five in a Row (I hope to get some done before the baby gets here in Dec.  Hannah (3dd) can join in on the fun.)

Tristan (11ds) - Math U See, Phonetic Zoo (just started it this week and have really seen great results so far.  My son struggles with reading and spelling, but does great with the auditorial learning), Institute for Excellence in Writing (I let him type his work on the computer and use an electronic thesaurus - he loves using both!), still doing cursive writing, Homeschool in the Woods (he really enjoys the hands on activities.  We just bought a KONOS wall timeline chart, so I am hoping to be more diligent with timeline figures.  I like the KONOS one because it doesn't stretch out from here to the next town over.  It is compact, althought you have to have a large area of wall space to hang it.  We hung it above our white board.)

Kendra (14dd) - Jacob's Geometry, Apologia Biology, Latin Road to English Grammar, Cornerstone Curriculum's World View of the Western World, IEW (my challenge is going to be spending enough time with her to at least go over her work, grade it, and help her when needed.  She is pretty independent with her work, and because of that I sometimes move on to more pressing needs.  I just want to make sure to spend enough time with her.  Any suggestions from mother's of high schoolers would be greatly appreciated!  I am swimming out to uncharted territory!)

I guess that it in a nutshell.  I do want to add that I have been very blessed to have bought most of my curriculum used on www.vegsource.com/homeschool.  I am sure there are many used curriculum sights, but have had great luck in finding what I need here.

Glad to be back

Wow, I didn't realize how long it has been since I have written anything!  I have checked in every now and then just to see how everyone was doing.  I just couldn't bring myself to share anything.  The last few months I have really been trying to focus on my role as wife and mother and I guess just healing (both physically, emotionally and spiritually).  I am amazed at how closely they are all tied together.  When you are physically broken, you feel emotionally drained and yet it is so difficult to seek God consistently.  It really made me realize how much more we should pray for and lift up those with physical impediments.  We sometimes don't see the spiritual battle going on during times of illness. 

I was just reading some info on the Samaritan Ministry.  It is a type of healthcare where each person sends their monthly "payment" in to a family in medical need.  They are also asked to send a card and pray for the family.  What a huge blessing this is compared to our traditional medical insurance! 

I do have a huge praise.  God has blessed my womb again and I am now almost 12 weeks along.  Praise be to the God that brings joy in the morning!

Well, I hope to get back to writing a little more often.  I guess I should also get back to doing activities that would be interesting enough to write about : )

Blessings to you all!

Ebay business