Mama Do's

AZ Best Start Bag Project

2011-03-11T15:23:00.000-08:00

The AZ Best Start Bag Project needs your help! We've gathered the samples and information that we believe will help breastfeeding families overcome any hurdles they might encounter and continue to breastfeed longer. We have local Midwives and Birth Centers willing to share this information with their clients. What we don't have are bags and that's where you come in...

This is a call for simple, handmade, reusable bags. The finished product does need to be at least 12" wide by 14" long, have handles and be made of a sturdy material like quilting weight cotton. The tutorials here and here may help get you headed in the right direction. Please feel free to ask questions as well.

Don't sew??? We'll gratefully accept reuseable shopping bags!

Our goal is for 200 bags by April 30, 2011---to be donated to families in May 2011. Are you in? Leave a comment on this post or on our Facebook page here!

**Update:

For mailing address, please send an email to mishaleestrunk@yahoo.com

Drop off locations:
The Center for True Harmony & Wellness
480-539-6646
2152 S. Vineyard #138, Mesa, AZ 85210
(near Baseline & Country Club)

Women's Birth & Wellness Center
504 W. University
Mesa 85201
480-833-6582
Please call first

Blossom Birth & Wellness Center
2928 N. 18th Place
Phoenix, AZ, 85016

	602 256 7766

11 Months

2010-09-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

Eleven snapshots of our eleven month old for your viewing pleasure. A few new things this month are: Max is favoring his LEFT hand thus far (yay!) - he's a baby mountain goat, climbing up on the couch, the coffee table, anyone that will stand still...only problem is, he hasn't got his landings down yet - he's starting to talk (well, he has been talking, but we are just figuring out what words he's saying in English...dad, mum, stop, kiki (kitty) and he points at the dog and says NO!, wonder where he got that from.) We're working on some ASL signs to help us simple parents understand his needs. He's still nursing like a champ, tasting more and more foods and I can't believe he's this close to his first birthday.....

Spanky's Summer & The First of Second

2010-08-11T10:52:00.000-07:00

This summer, Spanky was able to take a couple of classes, spend a lot of time with friends, attend his first Cub Scout Day Camp and visit with family.

Feeling brave:

Swim class:

Making faces....

...for this reaction:

Loves his Gramma:

Day camp awards:

Drama Class:

And now my big boy is at school, workin' the second grade:

Maybe they'll teach him how to smile. And don't feel too bad for him...he was up at 5:15am and in the shower, dressed, made his lunch, ate breakfast and was ready to go by 6:30am. School starts at 8:30am. These pictures certainly don't show it, but he was so excited.

*And for the record, I held it together today. I got a little misty-eyed, but talked myself out of it! Still 2:45pm can't come fast enough....

10 Months

2010-08-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

10 pictures of the 10 month old...

It's hot, it's sooo hot.

Two top teeth to match to two bottom teeth.

How mom is able to accomplish some housework. Thank you ErgoBaby.

Still loving our cloth diapers.

Sometimes it's rough being 10 months old.

Other times it's so awesome, you sing.

Learning new things like standing up is great, it helps you get into more stuff.

The OREO

I didn't freak out as much over the oreo as I did the glass of milk, but Spanky assured me he didn't share that. I have the corner on that market.

A Grand Visit

2010-07-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

"It's Hot. It's soo Hot." --Jim Strunk, my father-in-law visiting from Oregon. This was his mantra for the week. I'm sure no one will let him forget it, least of all his grandson.

We had a good visit, eventhough it really was so hot. Grampa and Spanky were twins:

Max and Gramma snuggled:

We played Skip-Bo, Yatzee, and Monopoly (my least favorite game of all time.) Spanky cleaned house!

Me thinks someone looks like his Grampa and his Daddy:

We love you Gramma and Grampa!

9 months

2010-07-05T20:00:00.000-07:00

This is such a fun time in Max's babyhood. The two top teeth have just broken through, he's a pro at the army crawl and he's trying to pull himself up. He 'talks' and laughs and is such a happy boy.

He loves his big brother.

Daddy got him a sheepskin to snuggle at Ikea today (so what's a mom to do...I HAD to get a bare bottom shot!)

Max loves Gunther and says "key-key." But his first word, like his brother, was "da-da." Spanky likes to decode what Max is thinking and saying, so needless to say, we get some seriously funny dialouge around here.

See you next month!

(Spanky update coming soon...)

The Giving Tree

2010-06-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

I'll make something for you!

Here's the good news: I will commit to making something for you and four other people. A of mine on FB has sent out a similar note and, as a soon-to-be recipient of "something" from her, I agreed to pay it forward.

The first five (5) people to respond by commenting on this post will get something made by me.

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. Whatcha get is whatcha get. If you'd like to send me 15 words naming things you like, I will probably play with that.

2. What I create will be just for you, with love.

3. It'll be done this year (2010).

4. I will not give you any clue what it's going to be.

5. In return, all you need to do is post this text (you can alter it because I did) into a note of your own and agree to make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to your note. You can make whatever you want - cookies, paper airplanes, sock puppet, a poem... whatever you want.

6. Send me your email address.

7. It doesn't matter who you are - if I talk to you every day, or once every 10 years, worked with you, if you are a man or woman, or both or neither - if I talked to you twice in high school and have only just now gotten reacquainted it is because I LIKE you and have always thought you were COOL in some way or another... SO please if you want to participate, DO!

8. If you aren't one of the first 5, you can still start your own Giving Tree!

IMPORTANT: This offer is null and void if I do not see you post your own note to pay this forward. For reals.

8 months

2010-06-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

This month we had a special visitor: Tee! Fresh off her mission to London, we so enjoied her bit o' accent! We went to the Mesa Temple to snap a few pictures with her. Little Max and Tee, well this was their first meeting...I do believe it was love at first sight.

Daddy is teaching Max to be reverent.

Not a picky eater, he wants to do it himself...no spoon feeding going on here.

Blessings of Breastfeeding Part 5

2010-05-21T05:00:00.000-07:00

It was difficult to narrow this down to 5 posts. Breastfeeding has truly blessed my life in many ways. It's not a matter of preference, it's a way of life. I haven't even scratched the surface of topics like health, parenting or setting a positive example.

For this last post I really wanted to express my feelings of being blessed with a stronger marriage because of breastfeeding. My husband is amazing and supportive in many aspects, but when I think of how he's supported my desire to nurse our babies, I get emotional.

When I went through the pain of engorgement when I weaned Spanky, he held me while I cried. When I leaked through my shirt at the grocery store, he laughed with me. When I put our newborn son to my breast and he latched on right away, he marveled with me at the miracle and wonder of what we created together.

My Digger has helped to create an environment of love and respect, where breastfeeding our babies is a normal part of life. And that's something you can't get out of a can...

Blessings of Breastfeeding Part 4

2010-05-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

I wont be buying a Prius. I can't afford solar panels for my home. Our attempt at composting went horribly, horribly wrong. But I am a Green Mama in my own right! I take cloth bags to the store, most of the time. I like shopping yard sales and thrift stores. And my baby's carbon footprint is drastically reduced because he is breastfed. Go us!

Seems like a lot of things we want to do that are better for the planet are expensive, time consuming, or hard to find. I feel blessed that I am able to do my part, by doing what comes naturally.

Blessings of Breastfeeding Part 3

2010-05-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

(Our awesome Doula Nikki and her little VBA3C cutie!)

I am blessed with friendships and support from wonderful and amazing breastfeeding mamas who form a community dedicated to making the whole world better.

It's true. One positive decision, like breastfeeding can effect your entire life. Making you want to be better in many areas, providing opportunities to make friends that are like-minded. Here are links to some of the women and groups I am blessed to hang with:

Nuturing Hearts Birth Services
My local La Leche League meeting.
The Center for True Harmony
AZ Birth Network

(Super Doula Rose with us at our first birth circle after Max' birth---he's only 17 days old! I got to share our birth story and hear those of other moms. I love birth circle!)

Blessings of Breastfeeding Part 2

2010-05-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

I am blessed to be able to feed my baby for free, anywhere we go. Outfitted with little more then a nursing tank top from Target and some homemade breast pads, I can comfortably and discreetly feed my son no matter where we are. Peace of mind is knowing a fresh, ready supply of milk is always available. (And no bottles to wash doesn't hurt my feelings either.)

Let's break it down as if I formula fed my baby for the last 7.5 months:
Max has dairy sensitivity, so we'd probably need to go with soy and I'd prefer organic, so we're looking at about $30 for one 25.75 oz can or 190 oz of prepared formula. For the first four months baby might average 24 oz of formula a day (or 2880 oz. total) and from 4 months to today, he'd probably average more like 32 oz (or 3360 oz. total), for a lifetime total of 6240 oz, SO FAR. That's a little over 32 cans and $960. Doesn't seem possible, does it? So lets say I go the cheap route and get the Walmart off brand of soy formula-corn syrup solids are corn syrup solids, those same 32 cans will cost me about $438. My $350 breast pump has paid for itself either way, and that's not even a must have if you aren't going back to work. And I'm not even talking about the bottles, water, mylicon, co-pays for extra visits to the doc, prescriptions....

WHO says: Breastfeeding is the normal way of providing young infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Virtually all mothers can breastfeed, provided they have accurate information, and the support of their family, the health care system and society at large.

When you are informed, I think you'll find the real cost of formula feeding goes much deeper then your wallet.

Part 3 tomorrow...

Blessings of Breastfeeding Part 1

2010-05-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

As a friend and I were walking our kids to school the other morning, she asked me what made me want to breastfeed in the first place. I didn't have a good answer. During my first pregnancy I immersed myself in What to Expect When You're Expecting and TLC's A Baby Story. Neither of which are on the La Leche League's must read/watch list, believe me. There is one specific memory of my Auntie nursing my baby cousin in the car, I was four years old and I love my Auntie and want to be like her in many ways, so I'd like to credit her with planting that seed. But I always knew, from the moment I first found out I was pregnant, my baby would be breastfed.

With Spanky I had a goal of one year. We made it to 7 months and I reluctantly took my OB's advise and stopped nursing in an effort to shake a serious case of PPD. Mistake. Wow, I've learned a lot since then. I don't have a goal for Max's nursing, he can nurse until he's ready to wean. Nursing is not just about nutrition to me, it's a part of parenting, bonding and teaching from day one.

Breastfeeding isn't without challenges and there are many books and support groups available to help women through any issues they encounter. I've been feeling very blessed by my body's ability to nourish my babies and will share a few of those blessings this week.

I feel blessed that in a world of isles full of brightly colored bottles and packages, screaming out to consumers the benefits of formula, that I am educated in the truth and able to feed and parent my sons based on common sense, evidence based information and guidance from Heavenly Father. How many times do we have to hear it? Knowledge is power. The formula companies bombard new parents (often at their request) with information on how to feed their baby. Common sense says that's not the source you should probably get your education from. I am thankful that I can trust my body, which was made to grow and nourish babies, and in moments that might be a little trying I can ask for Heavenly Fathers help to be patient with myself and my son.

When Max was only a couple of hours old, his blood sugar was low. The nurse suggested 'we' supplement with formula--her 'we' meant her and me. I didn't have to say a word, my look stopped her in her tracks. I was educated and informed, and I trusted in my body's ability. I told her that 'we' (my nursling and I) just needed to nurse. So we did. And when they checked his sugars next...all was well. What a boost to my confidence as a mom and a woman!

Check back tomorrow for Part 2...

My Kind of Funny

2010-05-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

I had to peel myself away from a blog I just discovered. I mean I was laughing out loud, tears rolling down my cheeks and my baby was freaked out by the crazy lady that looked like his mama. Need a laugh, check it out:

For Love or Funny

I think my favorite post was this one:

How to Find True Love

Hallelujah!

2010-05-05T16:24:00.000-07:00

It's a Cinco de Mayo miracle......I have finished the Book of Mormon!!!

7 months

2010-05-05T10:58:00.000-07:00

I've been a slacker on the 7 month post and now it's almost time for the 8 month pictures! I'll leave this up this week and then file it under the 5th so I can find it in the future...

Brother + Gramma's Quilts = snuggle bliss

Two Teeth!

Honey gave us this magic chair that clamps on the counter.

Why were all the other numbers afraid of 7?

Because 7 8 9!

perspective

2010-05-05T07:25:00.001-07:00

Best Friends

2010-05-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

A few weeks (months?) ago we hit the Lego Store to spend some Christmas cash that was burnin' a hole in my 7yo's pocket. And I had a coupon, so there you go...

One of Spanky's favorite things to do/buy at the Lego Store are the little people you put together yourself. These are the three he came up with, but what's even better is the idea he came up with...

From left to right: Spanky's BFF Natty (he's gonna be a vet when he grow's up, hopefully it doesn't drive him crazy and cause him to lose teeth!) Next up is Jongr, Spanky's BFF in TX, which explains the astronaut shirt and cowboy hat....the broom however I can't explain, but I'm sure his expression is a direct result of having to do chores. Last but not least we have skeleton-cop Spanky. Nuff said...

It's like a best friends necklace you break in half. Awwww...

The very night after we bought these, Spanky lost Lego privledges causing his mother (me) to lose it and toss all new Legos to the top of the fridge. And there they sat...until finally we got them down, did a photo shoot and are preparing to split up this unique trio, so each boy has his own Lego version of himself. I'm sure they'll last all of 34 seconds before they are ripped apart and made into new beings, and that's cool with me.

I love being mama to this boy!

2010-04-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

“What I’ve experienced is that I can’t know the future. I can’t know if anything that I do will change what happens tomorrow. I can’t know with certainty, but what I do know is if I do nothing, nothing will change.”

—James Orbinski
Former President Of Doctors Without Borders

a favorite poem

2010-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:00

Blood and Milk
by Sharlee Mullins Glenn

I dreamed of Oxford . . .
(spires, a thousand spires, endless lectures, musty halls
a solitary self in a Bodleian expanse
A good life my dear Wormwood. An orderly life.)

then awakened to laundry
and things to be wiped
(countertops, noses, bottoms)

How did this happen? And when, exactly?

Time flows, it flows, it flows
and there are choices to be made:

left or right?

paper or plastic?

blood or milk?

There's freedom in the bleeding;
bondage in the milk—do not be deceived.

Ah, but it's an empty freedom; a holy bondage,
A sweet and holy bondage.

Five times I chose the chains, those tender chains,
(though once will bind you just as well!)
and checked the crimson flow.
Suckled while dreaming of Trinity Term
but awakened, always awakened, to the laundry
and to that small and cherished captor at my breast.

*Motherhood is the ultimate expression of nature to me. Happy Earth Day

watch out, i've got a plan!

2010-04-20T08:59:00.000-07:00

found here

this is my mantra for the week as i clear out junk from my home and my mind.

focusing on completing the book of mormon, finishing some projects for babies and mamas i love, and making time for important things like eating at the table and snuggling.

(usually eating at the table and working on projects are a contradiction in terms, but i have a plan!)

oh and a little p.s. we have a tooth! it sprouted yesterday and little max's tounge is all over it, exploring.

pps this made me snort, i mean laugh right out loud: Amish Enemy Bread

have a great week!

2010-04-19T08:52:00.001-07:00

Birth of a Doula

2010-04-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

Last night I had an interview with an expecting mama at 5pm. She was two weeks from her EDD. She hired me to be her doula at 9:30pm and she welcomed her baby a little after 1am. Less than twelve hours after meeting her, I was back home in my bed and she was snuggled in with the newest member of her family.

Her story isn't mine to tell. I will just say that she was amazing, strong and beautiful.

I am thankful to have been invited to be present at such a sacred moment. I pray that I was able to fulfill my role in a way that was beneficial to both mom and dad.

Welcome little bundle!

6 months

2010-04-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

Sitting with support.

Chewing on fingers.

Studying his reflection in a very dirty mirror.

Trying to be like brother.

Wanting a nibble of Daddy's lunch.

This thumb tastes so good, wanna try?

Until next month...

duh?!

2010-04-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

Study: Breast-feeding would save lives, money**

"The lives of nearly 900 babies would be saved each year, along with billions of dollars, if 90 percent of U.S. women breast-fed their babies for the first six months of life, a cost analysis says."

How much the better for mom and baby then to nurse for the first year and beyond? Breast-feeding is better for health-physical and mental, finances, the planet...it's just plain better. So health care pros: stop passing out free samples of formula, be supportive of nursing mama's and for the love...educate yourself.

Here's a blog post I liked: Nipplephobia I've got a blog post saved that I keep adding to and taking from on this topic. Basically I've decided that whatever it takes for us Americans to get to nursing our babies, covers-information-support, WHATEVER it takes, is a good thing. That's what I think today, but I'm still pondering...

My nursing boy and I will be back here tomorrow with a 6 month update...we're just too plain tired and cranky for a photo shoot today. We'd rather just snuggle.

**This article was up on the Yahoo home page for about an hour and is now totally gone as far as I can see. It's true that breastfeeding will save tons of money, but not for formula companies...who's yahoo in bed with?

mamaing...

2010-03-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

...ain't easy.

i love my big boy, all 4' 1.5" of him.
he's my baby, eventhough i have another baby, who really is a baby.
he's a special spirit with wonderful gifts and talents.
since he was a tiny babe, he's had the talent of being a peacemaker.
blessed are the peacemakers.
he'd reach up and touch the cheek of mom or dad when we'd be upset with eachother.
an infants reminder of true importance.
before he could talk, he could bring calm and peace to our home.
at 2 he'd walk around the breakfast nook at gramma's
giving everyone at the table a blessing with his little toddler hands placed lovingly atop our heads.
sweet little mumbles with a clear amen.

he's not perfect, but he is one great kid.
we're struggling right now.
i decided i could sit around stewing on:
why?, what did i do?, what should i do?, what's wrong?
or
i could remind myself and my son of his
talents and divine heritage.
give him my time and attention.
love him.
pray for him.

thank heaven for half days and mama/son dates.
thank heaven for spring break.
we'll be quiet around here for the next week.
snuggling, lego-ing, bonding

Go on BID!

2010-03-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

Spanky's school is holding a silent auction at the annual Spring Picnic. We're looking for donations like this:

1. If you work for a company or have a business that has a service or product that could be donated, please consider making a donation. Examples: Gift certificates for beauty salon, music or language lessons, hotels, jewelry, makeup, tools, lawn services, auto body work or service, car wash or detailing, clothing, electronics, household items, games.

2. If you have a family member or neighbor that works for a company or has a business that could donate a service or product, please ask them if they could donate.

3. If you have a co-worker or friend with a special skill, such as making ceramics, sewing, wood working, etc. ask them if they could make or donate something.

4. If you don't know anyone, can you ask at the businesses that you patronize, the grocery, your barber, a baker or florist, a convenience store, etc. and see if they would be willing to donate. (Corporations are less likely to donate last minute, but all businesses will ask for a letter with the school information on it.) I will provide a sample letter next week, that folks can copy and use for asking for donations.

5. If you or someone you know travels a lot and has airline vouchers, or hotel coupons, or time-share days somewhere, these also make great items to auction.

6. Maybe you got a gift for the holidays that you didn't need and have not used, re-gifting to the auction is ok if you think someone else might appreciate it!

7. Maybe you have season tickets to the symphony or theater or a sporting event, and could donate one set of tickets to the auction.

8. If you can't do any of the above, consider making or buying something to donate. Here are just a few ideas that sell well:
*Themed gift baskets (movie night, beauty day, coffee break, lotsa pasta dinner, baking time, bucket o' bbq, garden bag, camping kit, game night, travel kit, ethnic foods, sports items)
*International items (unique boutique items, hand made)
*Tools and fishing equipment
*Quilts and afghans
*toy boxes, rocking horses and other wood objects
*Montessori themed toys and works and games
*Emergency Grab and Go kit for family - necessary objects for 3 days survival

So if you have a donation you'd like to make, please email me at mishaleestrunk @ yahoo dot com

***AND***

Check out THIS blog for a really cool auction to help an amazing family go to Africa to help the people there. The bidding opens today and there are some really amazing things to bid on. Go on, get outta here...bid!

5 months

2010-03-05T16:57:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Little Max 5 month update!

This month he has grown a whole lot. He is testing his limits, is quite pleased with his new baby pterodactyl sounds and the look on mom and dads faces when he's in full screech mode. He's rolling over...when he's in the mood. The biggest thing is that he's started eating bananas this week, little chunks and he's really good at it, even though his face reads like he's not too sure.

I'm trying to help, apparently he didn't want or need my help. This is one of those little mesh feeders and so far he's mastered chewing on the handle.

See you next month!

For every time there is a season...

2010-03-04T11:56:00.000-08:00

My birthday is one of my favorite days. Not for the attention or gifts, although they are welcome, **wink, wink!** I think it's a favorite day because I can give myself some much needed me-time without a hint of guilt. I think we should all be able to do that more often then once a year, but hey...I'll take what I can get for now. So I'm taking it easy today, spending a little time with Elizabeth Bennet and the lovely, brooding Mr. Darcy. I was in the mood for a little classical music this morning...don't faint...and when I went to google I saw this:

It's Antonio Vivaldi's birthday too! Four Seasons is one of the few classics I a) know and b) once purchased (on tape, so that tells you how long ago it was!) Maybe I shall treat myself to a new copy. Hope you enjoy this fine day and come back tomorrow for a Baby Max update.

Lucky Us

2010-02-26T10:12:00.000-08:00

We've had Gramma in the house for almost 2 weeks!

We got so much accomplished, like switching the boys' bedroom and my craft room.

We've snuggled her. Dragged her to doctor appointments and baby reflexology.

We slimed her with kisses!

Showed off our lego skills!

Ate at Cracker Barrel just so we could snap a picture of this cute 5 senses artwork.

Thank you Gramma for everything!

This is the oh-so-adorable quilt she made for Axel. Like my color-wheel quilt, I find new fabrics everytime I look at it!

happy valentines to you...

2010-02-12T17:02:00.000-08:00

love is...a handmade valentine from spanky under my pillow.
love is...kissing chubby baby cheeks.
love is...my very own mr. darcy.

wishing you love today and always.

4 months

2010-02-08T09:20:00.000-08:00

Being four months old has it's moments. I've learned to mimic my silly dad when he blows raspberries and coughs. Mom said I was a genius! It doesn't take much to please her.

No matter what mom does, this picture refuses to turn. So tilt your head and see how cute my brother and I are. Good stuff.

On really stressful teething days, the bubble beard makes its apperance.

That's when mom busts out teething tablets, oragel and if I scream loud enough...the tylenol.

Then I'm a happy boy again!

Dad and I watched the game, Go Saints!

Stay tuned for next month. Who knows what new tricks I'll learn!!

(Cute diaper cover made by Gramma, yeehaw!)

Eeek! February is Celebrate the Boy month, love it. Check out these blogs for super cool ideas: Dana Made It & Made By Rae.

Wanna Join Me?

2010-01-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

I am reading the Book of Mormon and working on the Young Women program called Personal Progress. Since I am a convert, I haven't yet earned the 'Young Women in Excellence' award (the girls version of an Eagle Scout award, sort of.) One of my goals this year is to get it done before my SIL McKenzie gets home from her mission...in May! So if I'm quiet round here, you'll know my nose is in a book or working on one of the many value expirences or projects I need to complete! Happy Saturday.

Stress Lip

2010-01-15T16:29:00.000-08:00

It's all about the glamour around here today.

I get this thing, we call it Stress Lip. Sometimes Angelina Jolie Lip when it's just so. Today it's not 'just so.'

Actually, it's been awhile since part of my lip has puffed up.

You're seeing this, right?

Here let me add another picture, just to make sure...

Yikes....

What am I so stressed about? Little life things, nothing major, nothing new. I can't wait until Digger comes home. One of the best parts of stress lip is greeting him with a big old kiss! Pucker up Buttercup!

3 months

2010-01-06T12:41:00.000-08:00

...growing...learning...sleeping...discovering...

99.9%

2010-01-05T11:50:00.000-08:00

UNreliable! Our internet worked fine, but was a little slow. So my husband asked the guy at the qwest kiosk about it and found out that for only $7/mo. we could upgrade to lightening fast fiber-optic internet that is billed as, you guessed it, 99.9% reliable. So we signed up and have pretty much been without ANY internet service until late last night. After 3+ weeks of calls and promises, turns out...whoever set it up initially did it wrong, ggrrrr!! So here I type, hoping all stays well and connected.

I'll admit though there was some inconvenience, there were also moments when I said, this is okay, I could maybe get used to this. Like when we wanted to order pizza and it turned into a learning moment for Spanky, who is now all about looking things up in the phone book. You could almost hear him processing this new found thing..."So that's what they're for!"

Coming very soon...pictures, news and updates. Happy 3 months to our little Max today! He's amazing and wonderful ---cooing, laughing, sleeping like a champ! Happy New Year....can't wait to see what it has in store!

Naughty & Nice

2009-12-09T00:20:00.000-08:00

You decide which is which!

Two Months!

2009-12-05T09:16:00.000-08:00

It's not as boring as all this really...

There's lounging for photo shoots....

...snuggling with dad...

...napping...

...more napping...

...smiling...

...swinging (with stylish new cap)...

...and overall melting mama's heart.

We're having a great time with our new little bundle. We visit the doc on the 10th, so I'll have more of an update then. I'm guessing 16 pounds. Max is a sweet little boy and so alert. I have to remind myself that he is still an infant, you still have to support his neck a little, he still cries like an infant, but he's so big that it's easy even for me, to think of him as older then he is...

He is smiling so much and coo-ing, it's so fun to watch!

I've dusted off my Montessori books (Montessori from the Start and How to Rise an Amazing Child the Montessori Way) and we're working on a few sensory games. I hold a small soft toy on a string over him and he bats at it with his little fist, so cute. I also make sure I am describing things to him...when we change a diaper I wash his hands with a wipe (cloth of course) and we talk about it being soft, warm, wet... I don't have a swatch collection of different textures, but I will, (think Pat the Bunny without the book.) So for now we make due with what we've got, which is what both of the Montessori books I mentioned are about!

***Update: 14.3# and 24.5 inches long!

Riddle me this...

2009-12-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

...how does a 2 month old baby get dirt under his nails? Is he sneeking outside to play in the dirt?

Gratitude

2009-11-25T16:17:00.000-08:00

Spanky had his pick of prizes and he chose a crown for his brother, 'the king of babies.'

Digger said I was mean for taking this picture, but seriously, how could I resist?

And the little faker was 'sleeping', but the evidence shows otherwise...

Mr. Innocent???

or Talent Show ham???
I'm thankful for my two characters!
They add spice to my life!

Little Brothers Keeper

2009-11-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

I can't believe these pictures (not to mention my baby) are almost 6 weeks old. What I can believe is the love my big boy has for his first sibling. He sneaks kisses when he thinks I'm not looking. He tells me he wants to keep his little Max forever. He protects his baby from imaginary monsters when he plays. He decodes every cry and coo for his clueless parents.

I've spent many a moment (and I'm sure I'll spend many more) fretting over if I am doing a good job as The Mom. Am I teaching all that I should? Watching these two boys over the last few weeks has shown me that I am the one learning from them. They are such good little teachers, too.

Child Care

2009-11-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce that I have a full time spot for a child 12 mo. or older opening up in two weeks! If you know someone looking for child care in my area, please let them know. I can be reached at mishaleestrunk@yahoo.com

One month!

2009-11-05T05:30:00.000-08:00

My sweet baby boy is one month old! He's so alert. He's wearing 3-9 month size clothes. His daddy blessed him on the first of the month at church. He's met a lot of his family and close family friends already. He's had three professional photo shoots! His hair has lightened up a little, darn it! His eyes are still a smokey blue. He loves bath time! He smiles and has a little chuckle thing he does in his sleep that is too sweet~it looks like angels are whispering in his ears.

Here's how we're doing:

Nursing>>> Since day one, little Max has been a pro nurser. I am not the most coordinated Mama on the planet, but I am getting better at breastfeeding in public without giving anyone a free show. And most important, our boy is gaining weight (almost to 12#) and thriving! (I do love my Baby Bond covers and the coupon for $10 off each cover you order is still good, the code is MLS. More on these and a picture soon.)

Sleep>>>I can't complain. We are co-sleeping at night and I hear his little hints that he's hungry before he has a chance to get worked up and start crying. Plus we've been using disposable diapers at night. He hates feeling wet and in cloth he had to be changed 2-3 times a night, which woke us all up. We will remedy this with cloth one size pocket diapers soon.

Diapers>>>I'll admit he hasn't been a totally cloth diapered baby thus far, see 'sleep'. My sweet little XS fitteds I made...never fit. So sad. The smalls, barely fit and probably wont next week. But I have plenty of prefolds, just not a ton of covers. People who say you only need 1-2 covers a day are full of it. All in all, my opinion is that cloth diapering is almost as easy as paper diapering and the benefits make it well worth it. And a cloth diapered tush is so much cuter!

Recovery>>>As we were taken to our room after delivery, I told my husband to remind me of the pain next time I got baby fever. I said I could be done, two was good for me. Now a month later I'm thinking...I could have another one. I haven't forgotten the pain of pushing or the monster hemorrhoids that made me cry, but is it all worth it? Yes. Totally. 100% The headaches are back and being without them for 18 months of my life has been worth it too.

Blues>>>My baby blues were never ending after Spanky was born. I thought I would never get over it and then I found out about my thyroid issues. So if it's that my thyroid is under control or I've had more support at the right time or whatever, I am thankful that the weepiness really only lasted a couple of weeks.

Work>>>I tend little ones in my home. I have a 4 month old daycare girl and two toddlers. I don't know how mothers of multiples do it 24-7. I'll leave it at that.

Family>>>Spanky is such an amazing big brother. Baby Max is a really good baby. Digger is a loving dad and husband. I am one blessed mama.

Until next time.....

2009-11-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

All the fam is gone. Gramma and Grampa were the last to go this morning. Spanky was remarkable and said his goodbyes with dignity...making his mama look like a blubbering fool. He even deflated the air mattress for me. Then I sent him to get ready for school.

I wasn't thinking.

Gramma got him ready and made it fun all month. So when I noticed it was way too quiet, I went looking for him and found him in the fetal position bawling on his bedroom floor. This was no attempt to stay home from school. This was genuine sorrow that Gramma was on her way back to Oregon. It broke my heart.

When I dropped him off, he was still crying and wiping his tears on his lunch bag. (Oh how I wanted to gather him up in my arms and keep him next to me all day long.)

I thought about what today would have been like if we could have stayed home together. I think it would have involved snuggles, pizza and more tears. But he had to go to school and I had to tend to daycare on my own. It wasn't easy for me and I just pray my big boys' day got better.

Today I was a klutz. I spilled things all over the floors my MIL just lovingly mopped for me yesterday. That made me cry. I had to let my baby cry while I got lunch ready for the kids. That made me cry. My husband called a few times to ask me how I was doing. That made me cry. But all in all, I have a lot to be thankful for and that is helping me stay a little grounded. And just for the record...these are not PPD (post-pardum depression) tears, whew!

I am so thankful for all of the help, support and company we've been blessed to have for the past month. You know who you are. Thank you from the depths of my soul!

Stay tuned for pictures and a baby update on Thursday...little Max's one month birthday! Already, sniff-sniff!

Axel's Birth Story

2009-10-18T17:46:00.000-07:00

(photo by Boyd Robinson, Ironwood Photography)

We did it! I wanted a natural, unmedicated childbirth from the first day I found out I was pregnant. I started reading, practicing breathing and imagining my perfect birth as soon as the nausea subsided. Knowledge, preparation and support are essential for a birth that bucks this country's 'norm'.

I'm not going to tell you it was easy. I loved being pregnant and it took me until the last 3 days to get to the point where I was mentally ready to be done being pregnant. I started to feel very pressured, friends and family were calling to see if I was in labor yet and I felt like all eyes were on me. So, Saturday night October 3, my sweetheart took me to the mall and we turbo walked both levels. I had a few contractions, but nothing serious. On the drive home, we had a perfect view of the moon...it was almost full and I asked a silent prayer for her to work her magic on me.

Sunday morning, Digger told me he was taking me away for the day. I immediately felt more peaceful and calm. It helped a lot that Gramma was here to play with and spoil Spanky. I didn't need to worry about him at all. So we left and had some much needed alone time. Toward the end of the day, we were watching a movie and during the opening credits, I started to have regular contractions that continued through the entire movie. They faded out as we went back home and I went to sleep.

Monday morning at 2 am I woke up with 'the real deal'. I was so wide awake, but I knew it was early and I didn't want to wake the house up. So I decided to catch up on a few emails and get some housework done. I timed the contractions and when they got to be about 2 minutes apart and 40 seconds long, I let Digger know today was the day and I took a shower. Then I called my doula.

Well, the full moon worked her wonders on more then just me and my doula was already at the side of another laboring woman. Surprisingly, I didn't panic, I still felt calm. She sent over another doula, who turned out to be just who I needed. When she arrived it was about 6:30am and I was having to stop and focus on breathing through the contractions. My OB said to head over to the hospital when the contractions were about a minute long.

Nikki (my doula) helped rub my back, reminded me to eat a little something and helped Digger load up the car. Then we were on our way. I was a bit worried that I had gone too soon, but on the other hand, I really didn't want to deliver in the car on the 60 freeway. In triage, we found out we were at 5 almost 6 cm and I was pleased with that progress. During the contractions, I had to focus, breathe and close my eyes. But in-between I was carrying on conversations, walking around, showering and feeling really pretty good. As per my wishes, the nurses did not check my progress except for when we first arrived and right before we delivered. This was a huge help to not have to stop for that kind of distraction. We also had remote monitors, so I was not tethered to the bed.

Digger pulled up the James Taylor station on Pandora and it really helped distract me and give me a feeling of peace. Somewhere around noon I started feeling pushy, my OB showed up and broke my water. My calm and peaceful demeanor left the building. I tried to stay on top of the waves (contractions), but couldn't. I started to retreat into myself, but every so often I heard Nikki's voice and it helped to bring me back. I labored on all fours, tried the bar and on my side...but when it came down to it I felt I was getting the job done best mostly on my back, slightly tilted to the side. Digger held one of my legs for me, what a man!

When I finally stopped or got a grip on the primal screaming, I got some good pushes in and was told to touch my baby's head. I did and then I felt him go back up...I wanted to scream and felt a little panic come over me, but then it was time to push again. I begged Heavenly Father to let this push be The Push. And eventually it was, at 1:32pm.

Axel got stuck momentarily right round his chest, then he was out and on my chest. The cord pulsed, we snuggled and then I got to cut the cord. The nurses had to take him, because he swallowed some of his amniotic fluid. Digger stayed right by his side. Imagine my surprise when when they announced he was 10 pounds, 10 oz. I knew he'd be a big boy, but honestly couldn't imagine him being that big! And lots of dark hair and cute chubby cheeks.

So while they were fixing up my boy, the OB and L&D nurse were working on me. I delivered the ginormous placenta, then I was bleeding a lot, so they were massaging my belly. That was the worst part of the whole thing. I couldn't even help but push the nurse's hands away as she was digging into my stomach. I wanted to hit her. Nikki got my attention and I stared into her eyes to try to get through it. I was hooked up to pitocin at this point to help stop the bleeding.

Before they got everything cleaned up, Nikki showed me the placenta and explained all of the parts. It was really cool. Then she took pictures of Axel. When I finally got him back, we started nursing, I ate lunch and then we were moved into our recovery room.

The hormones and adrenaline had me on a major high. I felt so good after delivery. I am thankful for a husband who was so supportive and loving throughout the whole pregnancy and birth. I am thankful for my mother-in-law who stayed with, loved and spoiled my firstborn. I am thankful for Spanky and his sweet spirit. And for all of my blessings. I am paying the physical price for birthing such a big boy the old fashioned way, but mentally...this experience has healed me in many ways. I wouldn't trade it.

It's a great day...

2009-10-05T13:32:00.000-07:00

...for a birthday!

Introducting

Axel James Strunk

Monday, October 5, 2009

1:32pm

10 lbs. 10 oz.
21 inches

10 fingers, 10 toes

100% amazing!

(more pictures coming soon)

Happy October

2009-10-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

(my pumpkin last year enjoying his birthday cake)

I love October! Halloween is fun. The Nightmare Before Christmas is out in theatres again (although, I wont be sitting through it this year, sadly---but I can always watch it at home.) It's slightly cooled down, just a tiny bit and there's a breeze in the air...seriously refreshing here in AZ. It's nice to have hope that there is an end to 110 degree heat. This weekend is General Conference, always uplifting and motivating.

Not to mention that October is home of my favorite little boys birthday. And oh...so...soon, I'll have two favorite little boy's birthdays to celebrate in this fall month.

My bags are packed, the honey do list is printed off, my doula is programmed on the speed dial, the doc says all is ready and we're waiting on the contractions to start. So I'm signing out of blog land and I'll be eating spicy food and walking my legs off. As Digger's mom says..."I'd walk a mile for a mild labor!" Send all your happy labor and delivery thoughts this-a-way please!

Next post will feature a new Strunk!!!

Womens Conference Report

2009-09-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon I let Spanky loose on the wii, had a 10 minute nap and took a bath. I shaved my legs. Yes, that's right...eight and a half months pregnant and I shaved my legs. It's not easy people. I got dressed and walked over to the church for the annual Relief Society General Broadcast. Found myself a seat on the aisle, just in case.

Just in case I had to go to the bathroom, but for some reason, I also keep having day dreams of my water breaking at inopportune moments. So on the aisle, I could make a break for it. But I couldn't just leave a soggy seat behind, gross. Then my friend and her mom come in and sit two pews ahead of me. Perfect. Now I have a plan. If my water breaks, I quietly ask the girl in front of me to get Shauna's attention. Then I give Shauna my best holy-crap-my-water-just-broke-look. She rescues me, informs the powers that be of the mess, rushes me to my husband and whisks away my boy so I can labor and birth his brother.

Yup, I planned that all out in the 30 seconds left before the conference actually started. And, if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear...and your water wont break. (For the record, I do feel a little crazy at this point.) But I am able to settle down, relax and enjoy the messages. Which were great.

I took some notes. Here's what stuck out for me:

*Attendance to Relief Society on Sunday will bless you. Participation in Relief Society blesses the whole church.

*NOTHING can separate us from the love of God. The Holy Ghost testifies of that love, so we must strive to be worthy of his companionship.

*Don't let doubt or uncertainty cloud your mind.

*There can be no salvation without compassionate service.

*The legacy of the Relief Society is passed from heart to heart.
I have a testimony of the truthfulness of this last one. As an investigator of the church, on my very first Sunday, I attended Relief Society Meeting. I knew none of the women in the meeting. A passionate and articulate girl about my age (we were girls still, I was just 21 and she was 20) was sharing a lesson on journal keeping. As she shared her testimony and her love of keeping a record of her life, I found myself in tears. I tried really hard to hold them back and I remember thinking..."I don't even know these people and I'm totally crying!"

Little did I know that she and I would become not only sisters in the gospel, but family...sisters-in-law! I think her brother was already plotting this, by the way. Anyways, that day, my SIL Jamie passed the legacy of Relief Society from her heart to mine. Thank you Jamie!

To hear the messages for yourself, click here.

At our home this week...

2009-09-25T09:31:00.000-07:00

Monday in the kitchen...

(Part of our basket from the bountiful baskets co-op, the corn was awesome!)

Tuesday at the machines...

(Still plugging away at some last minute small fitted diapers.)

Wednesday brought organization...

(Diggers baby toys will make a great display over the diaper changing area. For now they are gathered to one safe spot.)

(The boxes are on sale at Target right now. Bonus!)

(This is a shot of Diggers man-nesting. We feel it's very important for young minds to be exposed to Star Wars right away.)

Thursday at Birth Circle...

(It was my turn for the bead ceremony. Each person chooses a bead and as they string it they share a word or a wish for you. Some wishes I received were, peace, patience, beauty, fun, courage and many more kind thoughts. I'm going to beg my SIL to string them into a nursing necklace for me.)

Finally Friday... (and my one and only cousins birthday...Happy Birthday Thomas! Enjoy those ribs!)

Tomorrow is the General Relief Society Conference broadcast, one of my favorite times of year. I am looking forward to being uplifted! (And I hope President Uchtdorf speaks to us, but I wont pout if they give him this conference off...he'll for sure have a message for us next weekend at General Conference!)

One week until Gramma is here! One week until I'm totally 100% okay with my little Axel making his appearance!

Big Baby

2009-09-24T06:05:00.000-07:00

At first this news clip read like a horror story to me. I'm still wrapping my mind around em home birthing a 10lb. 8oz. cutie. But now when the old bags in public remark how huge I am, I know there is really a woman on the planet who gave birth to a toddler! When Dr. Brass measures me today and exclaims "Whoa, girl!" like she did last week, I know if Emily can do it, so can I!

I feel ready when he decides it's a good day to have a birthday. Maybe it's because I am not sleeping well and it's difficult to get comfortable laying down (anyone got a spare lazy boy?) Maybe it's because I have the much talked about back room a little more in hand. Maybe it's because walking like a duck, is good for a duck, but not for humans. Maybe my prep work is paying off. Or maybe it's the realization and acceptance that not everything on the list is going to get done before he's here, and that's okay.

Last Saturday

2009-09-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

We took a class at the hospital we are delivering at called "Sibling Adjustment." It was a really cute class, even if Wilhelm refused to talk (he just pointed at me for everything.) My favorite part was when the RN gave each child a 'toy checker' (aka toilet paper roll) and a toy. If the toy fit through the checker, it was not safe for baby and if it was too big, not sharp or too loud...it was probably a safe baby toy. What a great thing to teach kids!

Spanky practiced his diapering skills...and much to my dismay opted for the sposie they handed out over the cloth we brought with us. Darn it.

Then we went to pick out Axel's going home outfit. It's very cute, but no spoilers here...you have to wait for the real deal. We did lots of running around and hit lots of stores, including the Spirit Halloween store where we got to pose with the reaper (I really didn't want to be in this picture.) I finally got my Mongolian BBQ, yum! and there was a dragster out front, so we snapped a few pictures with it as well.

Scarey!!!

Family Organization

2009-09-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

Our ever evolving way of doing things around the house has a few new 'helps.'

We've not been as diligent with the family blessing hour as I would have hoped, but just a few days ago we did it and it was great! Then we went out to see a movie and coming home to a clean house was fabulous!!! So I have renewed hope in this tool!

Next, I have a huge problem in the kitchen: I don't enjoy cooking. Sometimes Digger truly does believe that he married someone exactly like his mom. I'm just not a quilter and don't like diet pop. My MIL wishes the kitchen would fall off the side of the house and I've got to tell you, most days I'm with her. However, with my husband just having been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, we've got to be more serious about eating at home and eating healthy.

I loved this post and idea and implemented it last week. Of course, Jessica makes it so easy on you....you can just print them onto magnet paper, but......I have to do a green/frugal Misha spin on things (read: I had no magnet paper and didn't want to go out and spend money on it.) I used scrap scrapbook paper and magnets from the front of new phone books, pizza ads, etc. (I get a bit teased for saving them on the side of my fridge, but they come in handy a lot!) As for the meals, my husband has had success in the past following the Abs Diet, so that is where most of them come from. (Yes, this diet comes across gimmicky, but it is essentially the Superfoods Rx book geared toward men. It's healthy and I approve, so we're using it.)

Finally, my boy is having trouble staying on task. I have no idea where he gets this from, by the way. Ahem, anyways, we have a new chart that I am hoping will help all of us. My friend Shauna suggested letting Spanky choose 3 chores from a list, so I did columns. I'll explain to him that he'll have to mix it up and not avoid certain chores, or we'll have to change the way we do it.

What do you think? What works for your family chores and meals?

I wonder...

2009-09-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

...what kind of grand-mama-do I'll have as a little old lady. Short or long?

...if I will be mama or auntie to Rennah (I came up with the name and it has been our girl choice with both pregnancies. I have been asked to surrender it upon not having a girl by one of my SIL's. I said just wait until my ovaries shrivel up, please.)

...what Axel's birthday will be.

...where we'll live when we leave Arizona, someday.

...if the Holy Ghost will ever speak so clearly to me as he did when he said "Give Digger a chance." Twice.

...why on earth there is no chocolate in this house!

...what color to paint my toes. (Look at this post!) Totally want glitter toes!

...who our next President will be and if he'll be a better leader (and pray that he wont be worse.)

...if you love my new blog look as much as I do? Thank you, Angela!

Laboring......

2009-09-04T15:52:00.000-07:00

.........on home improvement and organization projects this fine Labor Day Weekend. *Not planning to go into labor. Hope you have a great 3-days yourself! Look for an update to this site next week......so exciting!

Mrs. Digger

2009-08-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

Eleven years ago today I married my Diggie.

In this beautiful fairy-tale-come-true place.

Surrounded by people we love.

It hasn't always been easy, but it sure as heck is worth it.

Together, we've done great things.

And had lots of fun.

I love you Dig.

Baby Bond

2009-08-24T10:54:00.001-07:00

I found a nursing cover that rocks! Okay, so I haven't got to actually use it yet, but I have two of the styles and I've tried them on (lots!) and I think they will be perfect for little Axel and I in a few short weeks. I love, love, love it when a real mama comes up with a great idea and goes for it. Missy of Baby Bond is one such mama and so I emailed her and told her I think her and her product ROCK! She gave me a coupon code to share with other mama's who might want to give her cover a try. Check out http://www.babybondnursing.com/ and should you want to purchase, use the code MLS to save $10 ON EACH ITEM YOU BUY! Um, how cool is that??? Not off your total purchase, off each item!

Here's why I personally love this cover: baby is not covered up, just mom---made very well out of t-shirt knit, so not bulky or hot---solid colors, a girl has got to be able to wear it with more then one outfit and most covers are made from pretty, but wild prints---rolls up so small---has a removable burp cloth on the shoulder---can be used with normal tops, so I wont have to buy a bunch of nursing tops---the couture style can be used from the top of your shirt or bottom and will keep your tummy covered, awesome!---

Spanky hated being covered and would pull at the material I'd put over him, resulting in.......exposed me, joy. Plus, it's sort of hot here, okay...it's like living in a dryer on high heat. Who wants a blanket over them in that? I know a lot of nursing moms who are so pro they can nurse and no one is the wiser. That wasn't me the first time around and my coordination hasn't improved in the last seven years!

I'd love to hear if you try one and I'll be updating my review sometime in October...or November!

yw's

2009-08-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

Funny how when the topics in YW's seem a little difficult, not to teach, but rather to come up with ways to make them 'stick'...well those seem to be the ones I have the better handouts and object lessons for!

This blog has helped me more then once, including with last Sunday's handout for a lesson on "Personal Purity through Self-Discipline":

Reads: When you exercise self-control, you will receive sweet rewards.

Now I'm working on this weeks lesson, "Avoiding Degrading Media Influences." I'm sure my best idea will come late Saturday night........

Big Bad Diaper Bag

2009-08-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

So remember the small diaper bag I made? It's still my new favorite purse. And I went on to reworking the measurements and coming up with a larger one, that's a little more 'diaper bag-ish.'

Still reversable, still a long enough strap to wear messenger-style or put across a stroller handle, bigger better pockets with snaps on the center one....

...and still utilizing cool buttons. These are vintage from my stash, thanks Katrina!

Eek! I love it.

I'm working on a simple tutorial so if you want to make one you may. Coming soon!

Whoa Mama, check out that belly!

Have a great Tuesday!

sharks

2009-08-13T15:54:00.001-07:00

I love to swim.

I hate sharks.

Against all odds and rational thought, I am positive that one might wiggle up through the pipes and bite me on the tush when I have to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. I'm sure that if I am submerged in water, be it the bathtub or a pool (even kiddie size) that Jaws is for sure going to eat me alive. Even in the shower, if my eyes are closed and my face is in the water, I have a Jaws flash, jump and quickly wipe the water out of my face.

Dig got me in the pool at the gym some months ago...he outfitted me with a new suit, goggles and ear plugs. Let me tell you, the goggles made the perfect blue water easy to see all the way to the deep end and the ear plugs made it sound like some Jacques Cousteau PBS special from the 70's. I freaked, almost inhaled half the pool and sprinted to the shallow end. Haven't been back.

Usually I can prepare myself and still enjoy a swim in a pool, IF I can see the bottom. Can't swim at night or in the ocean or a lake. I am capable, but would die of fear, not drowning.

I even tried to get an image of Jaws for this post and back clicked so fast when the search results came up....can't do it.

I don't know if most people know why they have a certain phobia, but I know. My mother can't swim, so when I was little and we hung out by the pool a lot, she'd tell me Jaws was going to get me if I went to the deep end. Also, someone decided it would be a good idea to get me a Jaws coloring book when I was like 3 or 4...nice. That stupid book with it's life like picture of the beast was on the floor by my bed one morning and I couldn't get out of bed for a very long time. Those are just the things I can remember.

And now, the people I love, namely Digger and Spanky, find much comedy in my affliction. Last week was Shark Week on Discovery...imagine the fun they had with that. Here's my sweet six year old proclaiming "Look mom, it's your best friend!" in a taunting voice. Ugh. Oh and they watched more Discovery that week then normal for sure.

One good thing came from stinking Shark Week...Spanky picked up a new line. He was playing Wii with another boy his age and winning big time. This boy was whining as much as Spanky was winning. I'm about ready to tell the boy he can't play if he keeps acting like that, when I hear Spanky say:

"If you swim with the sharks, you're gonna get bit."

Awesome.

First

2009-08-12T11:04:00.000-07:00

I had my boy all to myself this morning. I snuggled him, studied his perfect little face as he slept and thanked Heavenly Father for such a gift. I woke him up at the last minute to get ready for his first day of first grade.

He took a shower and I didn't have to hurry him, a first. He brushed his teeth, got dressed and combed his hair while I made his lunch. The clothes are all Spanky...he requested only one outfit for school, black jeans-red polo-red converse, and a mom has got to appreciate how well it all coordinates with his lunch bag. I offered to help him with his new shoes, but he said he'd get it. Next thing I know he announces he's tied his shoes all by himself, another first. I slip a love note into his lunch bag, amazed at how well I am keeping it together. Go Mom!

He asks if I'll take his picture, last year he tried to hide from me. I snap a few out front and we head out the door to share a pancake breakfast. He doesn't look twice at the play area, another first. Then we're off to school.

I walked him to the door of his new class. Thank heaven a kiss from mom is still acceptable. I got in my car before tears escaped and as I'm sitting there trying to hold it together, I realize I haven't signed him in yet. I find a napkin and try to adjust my face, get out, sign him in and then get back to my car before I am officially labeled The Crazy Mom.

You could blame it on pregger hormones, but....I did this last year and the year before. Probably will next year too. I love that kid and I know his awesome Montessori school is where he needs to be, or else I wouldn't be leaving him there.

Bet I am the first parent in car line! Is it 2:45 yet?

Be still my heart........

2009-08-06T15:04:00.000-07:00

As Spanky was getting ready to head over to his best buddys house for the afternoon, we packed one of the new lunch bags with some snacks.

Then he whispered in my ear,

"Mom, did you put a love note in there?"

"No," I said, "would you like me to?"

"Yes, please."

Quickly I jotted down a note, wishing him a fun time with his friends and of course...

I told him I love him.

Signed,

Mom

This made me smile...

2009-08-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

Blessed are the children of scrapbookers, for they shall inherit the scrapbooks. ~Unknown

yo-yo

2009-08-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

The past few days have had me in tears. Happy tears. Sad tears. Anxious tears. Painful tears. Way too much leaking eyes and red blotchy face. I'm done with it, but the pregger hormones apparently aren't...

The ultrasound was okay. The tech was nice enough, I guess. According to her, the placenta had moved a little and now she'd call it marginal placenta previa. Good news, right? I'm confident that my OB will cheerfully announce that I may proceed with the natural childbirth of my dreams. Rock on. But, just to be sure........I call and leave a message to see what she thinks.

Whilst on the phone giving the bottled water company a piece of my mind for shorting me 10 gallons after a month of record breaking heat, the other line beeps. I click over and it's the PA from my OB's office, calling to tell me all about my ultrasound. The conversation starts off with her telling me how huge my baby is, I'm starting to get edgy about this by the way. Axel is above 'normal', but he's proportional, healthy and if any one has been listening that's just how I grow them! My mother is a skinny little thing and I was 9 lbs. and my husband wasn't whimpy by any standards either. BUT this PA is a little more 'medical' then my actual doc. And I believe if given the opportunity, she'd have me believing my dates are wrong. I got a little um, bold and cut her off....I said I know he's big compared to other babies, but what I really want to know about is the placenta. She very nonchalantly says, well it hasn't changed and if it doesn't move, you'll have to have a c-section. Like it's no big deal.

I am a bit of a drama queen, I'll admit it. I called my husband and blubbered like a baby. I acted like the end of the world was close at hand. I was in a funk most of the night and really started to think things through this morning. I know that this information did not come from the doc herself. I know that I need to talk to her before I go off the deep end and make myself depressed. I know that if I do have to have a c-section, it will be okay, but I don't have to like it.

I was feeling a bit like a jerk. Like maybe I was being selfish to want to do this my way. But I don't think so now. This birth will be the one and only time Axel and I will have to work together to bring him into this world. I would prefer not to have him extracted from me on the date of a doctors choosing. If it happens, I will mourn the loss of a dream. And I don't think that's selfish. Sometimes I try to keep my opinions and thoughts to myself, because several good friends have had c-sections. I am not comparing myself to them or judging their choices or situations.

The key in whatever happens is empowerment. Maybe that's what I let be taken from me a little yesterday. I let this PA tell me what was going to happen to me and I took it for gospel. I let her take a little of my say in the matter by not asking questions and letting her opinion send me into a tizzy. I let her tell me that they'll just send me in for another ultrasound at 34 weeks. Um, no you wont.

So, on the today list:
*chill out with yoga
*do something for someone else
*call a midwife friend
*make something pretty
*be thankful for every not-so-little movement Axel bestows upon me

*edit: I spoke with an amazing midwife who really helped put things into understandable terms for me. She gave me the questions to ask my OB that would give me the answers I am looking for. So I called the office. My Dr. called me back and now I'm back to crying. The placenta is partially covering the cervix. We'll do one last ultrasound at 36 weeks. If there isn't a change, it's surgery for us. At least I know what may be ahead, and still it could go the other way. Hurry up and wait, story of my life. I need to get through this and enjoy the remainder of my pregnancy. It's no good for little Axel to have a weepy mama.

Darn near perfect!

2009-07-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

If I do say so myself! Whipped up this small diaper bag Wednesday, but I'm using it for a purse already, because I love it! It's reversible, has three pockets inside and out and the sweetest little button closures. I started with the 'recipe' from this book, but it is a little too simple so I busted out my trusty graph paper and redesigned it with boxed corners, a longer strap---well by the time I made all the changes...it's pretty much my own design.

I think it will be great for short outings and church. I will be making a pattern for a larger version for longer time way from home. Also in the works are wet-bags for dirty little cloth diapers and cloth wipes. Coordinating of course.

let's do lunch

2009-07-29T11:19:00.000-07:00

how about a goal of minimal waste from school lunches for this school year? not to mention not having to buy the disposable lunch junk! there's still going to be an occasional go-gurt or raisin box, but no paper lunch bags because we've got cool, washable, insulated, snap top, little-pocket-inside-for-love-notes-from-mom.....cloth lunch bags:

these are the three i made for spanky and two of his friends (plus the tester one i made first):

(roughly based on these instructions) can you guess which one is spankys???

this is the cutesie one i made for the little girl in my life who starts kindergarten in two short weeks:

(based on this tutorial) and i must say that she chose the butterfly fabric, which is heidi grace, who also designs scrapbook paper.....love that!

it was a learning experience to make these. my sewing skills are far from perfect, but i'm getting better. i used insul-bright, lined the bags, applied snaps......the works! it took some brain power let me tell you.

i've revised my to-do list to be my today list. even when all things are not accomplished, the list still says today at the top and tomorrow is an new today, right? if that made sense to you we either are or should be bestest friends. so.....on the today list are some napkins, fabric sandwich wraps and snack baggies, but i am awaiting a fabric order to complete those projects. i'm going to make my own patterns this time, i think i can handle it.

i just might put a few up in the shop in the near future as well...

the machines are cleaned and oiled and calling for me, must run!

Wilhelm's Birth Story

2009-07-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

There's nothing quite like looking ahead to the birth of Axel, to bring about all the memories of the birth of Wilhelm. But let's start back a little further...

After Dig and I had been married about a year, we found out we were pregnant. I knew right away something was up. We spent three months dreaming and planning. Then we had an ultrasound and there was a heartbeat, but the baby was measuring much smaller then the dates I knew to be correct. I was worried and my fears were confirmed one morning when I used the bathroom and there was a little bit of blood. I freaked. I went to my OB, there was no heartbeat. I had a D&C that evening. My hopes were crushed and I fell into depression. I know that 'Bean' was a girl and I know that someday we'll see her, hold her and raise her...but it still hurts.

Dig and I moved to Vegas and then to Arizona. We worked...a lot. That was pretty much all we did. I became somewhat ambitious and started traveling for my job. Time apart is not good for Digger and I. We need each other. We had mounting arguments and fighting. I even thought about what I would do if we split up. But I never wanted that. Then we took a road trip to see the fam in California. The time together was really good for us.

A few weeks later we were at WalMart and Dig picked up a pregnancy test. I was like, what is that for?? He knew because of my moods that I was pregnant even before I really had symptoms or was really late. I found an OB near my work, watched "A Baby Story" every day I had off and still continued to travel. I did get a little more domestic, sewing maternity panels into jeans and a diaper organizer, reading up on breastfeeding and searching the pages of "What to Expect When You're Expecting."

At about 15 weeks we had some blood work done that came back with a high percentage that said our baby may have Spina Bifida. I was scared, Digger was my rock. We agreed we would do our best for our baby no matter what. We went on vacation again, this time to Oregon to visit his family. I think that's when I started to get really excited, even though I knew we'd be finding out if there were any medical issues with our little one the week after we got home.

On that Oregon trip I saw all the cute blankets my MIL made (there were like a dozen, and I teased her that this was going to be an Arizona baby.) We shopped for more maternity clothes, oohh'd and aahh'd over baby things and the men-folk went and did whatever men-folk do...fish, look at old rusty cars, etc. I felt peaceful, like everything would be okay.

At 20 weeks we had a super fancy 3D ultrasound. He was perfect and big and a BOY, we were elated. Digger gave him the nick-name of Spanky in the elevator on the way out of the appointment. I said NO WAY, but as you can see I was totally outnumbered and caved before too long.

The rest of the pregnancy went smooth. I felt great. Ate gobs of fresh pineapple and Paradise Bakery turkey sandwiches on molasses brown bread. Seriously, a lot of money was spent at Paradise Bakery that summer. Also, my little SIL McKenzie came to stay with us and check out ASU that summer. I have great memories of kicking it in the pool with her for hours, not so great memories of being dragged around ASU on a campus tour and having to chill under a tree at Big Surf while Dig and his sister played...but it was good times really!

In early September 2002 my doctor told me I lost my mucus plug. She probably said all kinds of other things like, it still could be weeks until you deliver, but all I heard was baby...coming...soon. I called my MIL who was here with a car full of baby gear and her sewing machine within days, all the way from Oregon. I don't remember working much for that month, I remember several trips to fabric stores, cleaning carpets, setting up and sorting through all the things she brought along.

We all started to get a little impatient. Around Oct. 8th, I had another OB appointment and was told we'd be inducing on Friday, the 11th. My favorite doc in the practice would be out of town and I'd have to have the one I wasn't super comfortable with. Around 2am on Thursday the 10th I woke up with new and strange sensations. I waited in the dark, trying to be quiet. Digger knew something was up right away.

After we decided these were contractions, I went to my MIL and woke her up to walk to 7-11 with me about 5000 times. We played some Yatzee, called the doctor and tried to get a little sleep. Around 9am we went in to the OB's, got checked out, was 2-3- cm dilated and were sent to the hospital next door. My OB checked on me a couple of times, but was getting ready to go to a family reunion out of state. They started pitocin, she broke my water...which seemed to never stop coming out and I tried to walk.

Now I know that the the pitocin was making my contractions horrifying and difficult to deal with, but at the time I just thought this was labor, live with it. I was very conscience that there were other women who could hear me if I screamed, so I tried to keep my moaning under control. I successfully refused an epidural, but when the contractions got closer together, I was hooked up to the fetal monitor, on my back, stuck in bed. My back labor was so intense I caved into the pressure to have a 'half dose of stadol.' That junk made everything worse. Now I was loopy in between contractions and not able to prepare for them, so when they hit, it was even more intense...which I didn't think was humanly possible.

At some point I felt like I could push and I closed my eyes. I remember talk of needing to get the baby out and fetal distress. My mind concentrated on the empty crib at home and this picture of Christ:

Around 9pm: I couldn't look when they told me he was coming out. I was hardly aware of who the doctor in charge was, but his voice was the one I could hear. I needed his particular voice at that point. I didn't realize they were using a vacuum to help me get my boy out or that it had come off with some force the first attempt. I had no clue I was being cut and that even with the cut, I still tore. My task was push this baby out now.

Digger didn't get to cut the cord. Everything was happening quickly. Wilhelm had the cord around his neck and was handed over to nurses immediately after he was free of that tangle. I tried to look, but it was like coming out of the movies into a summer day. I caught a glimpse of the huge raspberry on the top of his head from the vacuum and that was frightening. He never really let out a good scream, but he got good Apgar scores and must have pinked up right away.

When he was handed to me, he was bundled, tagged and hungry. I tried to start nursing, but they brought me dinner and took him off to be vaccinated. I ate like a ravenous bear after being NPO (nothing by mouth) all day. Wilhelm was in the nursery.

I was moved to another room and talked Digger into taking his mom home and getting a good nights sleep. A very sweet and kind CNA brought my baby to me. I couldn't believe she was going to leave him with me. I wasn't qualified to be the sole person in charge of this precious little bundle. She gave me a few kind words and a reassuring smile and left the room.

I can't put those hours with my baby into words. I looked into his little face and I knew him and he knew me. I felt an overwhelming sense of respect for all women who had ever been mothers. I was still nervous that I might do something wrong, but I couldn't imagine letting go of my boy. We worked on our nursing skills, snuggled and fell asleep. I was too afraid of dropping him to keep him in bed with me, so I put him in the little plastic bassinet they had wheeled him in on.

When I woke up, they were just bringing him back! If I had known they'd come take him, I would have held on to him. They didn't want to wake me up, so they gave him a bottle. I was pissed off. Here I am trying to nurse and they pump him full of formula. That nurse must not have liked my attitude, because she was not nice to me the rest of her shift. She repeatedly asked me how much breast milk Spanky had taken. Seriously, my milk wasn't even in yet-I was totally new to this-the night nurse ignored my baby's name tag that stated "I'm breast-fed." in sharpie and this broad wants me to tell her in ounces? I was too flustered to give her a proper talking to, I regret that. She said things to me like..."He's too big of a baby to be getting so little milk." I stuck to my guns and with my family back in the room, no one was taking him from us.

During my stay, I pretty much kept to my room, but I did have to call to the nurses station several times for a new ice pack for my girly parts. Imagine my surprise when I did venture out to the nurses station and while I was there chatting, another new mom called for something and it was broadcast, loudly...for all to hear. I am pretty sure that was the first time in this whole deal where I got flushed from modesty or embarrassment.

Every time a nurse would come to check me, they would start by wanting to see my back. And every time they would be in shock that I had a 8lbs. 13oz. baby without an epidural. At that time I thought I was pretty much all that is woman for accomplishing that feat. Now I think it's sad that an epidural is that common, that a nurse would be shocked that a woman chose not to have one.

Over all, we had a beautiful, healthy baby and that was the most important thing. It doesn't change the fact that now that we're looking toward the next delivery with better preparation, education and extra support in the form of a doctor who supports natural childbirth and knows my wishes and with a doula to speak for me when I may be too busy to have my head in the real world. No pitocin, no stadol, no formula........no taking my baby out of my sight. Birth norms in this country need to change. I am glad we have the ability to intervene when it's necessary, but it is necessary a whole lot less then it's actually happening.

That being said, Thursday, we find out if the placenta has moved out of the way. I hope, pray and feel confident that it has.....BUT, if it hasn't and a c-section is in my future...I will do my best to be grateful, even though it's not what I want.

craving...

2009-07-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

...chips and salsa (but what's new?)...

...frozen reece's peanutbutter cups (I have a stash....sshhhh!)...

...black plums...

...hot chocolate (yes, it's 115 degrees outside)...
*edit: we're talking real hot chocolate like from starbucks and this is how I order: venti hot chocolate, one pump, no whip >>>sound like I know what I'm doing, right? This is like hot milk with a hint of chocolate, delish, no matter the weather!

...YC's Mongolian Grill, someday soon I will be able to visit you, I've missed you. It's been too long. Keep the garlic sauce full for me...

2009-07-13T11:32:00.000-07:00

I love checklists. Seriously, like Goob from Meet the Robinson's. Every morning I revise THE CHECKLIST; the one that gets added to, scribbled on, and even has been used for a coaster. Every week I start a fresh one and any old paper will do, but I am a tid-bit obsessed with graph paper as of late. The only thing better than the actual checklist, is completing a task and checking it off.

One more 'before Axel gets here' project is complete-my glider and ottoman are covered! I now have a place to sit and nurse in comfort, a place to rock my baby that is all fresh and washable. The old cover was gross and not removable, so there wasn't a whole lot I could do about it. Now, thanks to my awesome KAM snap setter, I can just unsnap the covers and toss them in the wash. For the ottoman, I basically made a fitted shower cap, it just slips on and is held in place with elastic. Even gave my tush and arms some extra comfortable padding. One of my favorite things about this chair now is that it is girly. There's not a whole lot of girly in my house and I'm not a super girly-girl, but having a little feminine touch is kinda nice, now that I see it.

Here's the glider as modeled by Gunther, who apparently approves (he's not afraid of his feminine side, he sports a pink collar with rhinestones) :

The thing about crafting/sewing/scrapping...heck any project, for me, is that while I'm working on it, my brain comes up with complimentary projects. It's like trying to finish the laundry...that's my definition of insanity. So it was obvious early on in the re-covering process that this is a whole lot of the same print and so now I MUST make a couple of little red pillows to give her some contrast. A coat of paint would be nice, but that'll have to go on Digger's checklist, no fumes for me and the babe.

Also on the checklist for this week:

*one dozen size small cloth diapers

*at least two more projects off Axel's list

*boppy cover (with snaps for easy washing, of course!)

*more listings for etsy and ebay

*set the crafting aside and play with my boy...

What's on your list?

cut, mark, stitch

2009-07-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

I've finally got three whole listings up in my etsy shop! More is on the way and I am really excited about the 'crafting with kids' items I have in the works. Even figured out how to add that nifty little box to the right....ohhh, ahhh! Watch out!

I am saving my pennies for my Doula's fee and some necessary baby items I just can't make myself (namely, car seat.) Speaking of making baby things, it's about time I share a few little goodies I've been working on for my own little goodie! Without further ado, I present:

The first diaper!

Warning: It's addicting. I said....just this one and then I need to finish up other projects BEFORE I dive head first into serious diaper making...

...but one just wasn't enough. I've got a six-pack of newborn nappies and I made my templates for the next size up this morning! They are so dang cute (if I do say so myself!)

***No six is not enough newborn diapers, but I will be using prefolds and a few hand-me-downs. Plus, Axel is already a big boy, so I will be focusing on the size small for a serious stash.

Here's the pattern I am using from Very Baby.

Now remember that stash of fabric I bought in May? Here's what I've got completed so far...

Roll-up changing pad:

Soft blocks:

Drool bib:

Tag blankies:

Little pants:

attitude 180

2009-06-25T08:36:00.000-07:00

seems like the usual blogs i visit all have current posts that have me shaking my head and saying what is she thinking? seriously, we've got a mom teaching her daughter to say 'wee-wee' instead of penis, because it sounds 'cuter' (no it doesn't), or a beautiful birth story shared by a 'natural' childbirth mom who took tylenol pm and drank wine to deal with labor (it made things worse, duh!) --then there's the worst...a nursing mom who is okay with sucking down alcohol and blogging about it-promoting it even. i'm pretty sure i was the lone shocked reader, since the overall comments had this theme: "if you're sober enough to drive, you're okay to nurse." what a load of crap. then this article came out this week. even the link she put up to validate her actions (click here) clearly states the negatives.

most of these blogs i visit for the awesome crafts these girls come up with and i realize that to each her own. i'm not going to agree with everyone. real simple solution to not be grumpy at other peoples choices...stop looking at them! easy. so i haven't been on the computer a ton lately.

what i have been been doing is going into serious nesting mode. tomorrow morning a good friend (and owner of a spotless and lovely home) is coming to my house to help me figure out the back room. ah, the back room. we don't do nursery's in this family, but we do need an area of quiet for nursing/pumping, naps and diaper changes. however, the back room is also my craft area, storage, library...well honestly, it was sort of the junk room (most people have a drawer, we have a room.) so i have been sorting, tossing and giving away. trying desperately to get this room organized enough that i can invite shye in without turning beet red from embarrassment (oh, and so that we can actually get something accomplished.) i can't wait to be able to look in that room and happily imagine rocking my baby in a soothing environment...

yesterday's huge project was me removing all of the books out of our enormous bookshelf into our room. the plan was: digger gets home from work and moves the bookshelf and i neatly organize the books and put them away. plus, as an added bonus, i neatly put all of our give aways in the carport, you know, so dig could load them up and drop them off at deseret industries for me. well...what i didn't think about was that it was opening day of transformers 2. so my calm and orderly evening turned into dig moving the bookshelf, cramming the books back on the shelves, tossing the give aways in the car (but first he managed to 'rescue' a few items....ugh!), then we got the stuff dropped off in the nick of time and headed for the movie. it worked out well, although i am paying for it now in sleep-deprivation. friends of ours were at the theater and spanky sat with his buddy. that was a first and i thought about him and looked for his little blond head through out the show.

here's to getting lots done, having a great attitude and choosing the right!

Happy BDay Little Miss

2009-06-11T06:06:00.000-07:00

My little niece Adeline turned one year old yesterday. She sported the little dress I made her and a cute 'gramma sweater.' Isn't she sweet??? I usually see her dad in her, but in this picture (even though that's him right behind her) I am reminded of pictures of her mom as a little girl, my Digger's little sister. She is so dang cute, just like her mama! I miss her.

update

2009-06-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

My baby is officially a Kindergarten Grad. His class celebrated with a pool party and potluck. I did not cry, can you believe it? Mostly, because I am so darn excited to have him home for the summer! Or maybe the fact he's officially a grade-schooler in August just doesn't seem real. He's a great kid and he's grown and really blossomed in the last year. He's reading, loves math and has the most beautiful imagination. The other night he drew a story board for a movie he wants to make called "The Red." I'd tell you what it's about, but trade secrets you know...

Spanky and his best buddy Natty on Crazy Hair-Pajama Day. Shauna and I tag teamed the matching outfits and I cut the pants a wee bit big, so they'll be twins for at least the next year!

I finally finished my little niece's birthday gift! She'll be one on the 10th, but she's a very petite girl, so this is probably going to be huge. All three pieces are from Simple Sewing for Babies and Toddlers. There's the dress, with 'pocket buddy'--a little kitty attached with a ribbon, so he'll never get lost. Then there's the kerchief, which can be used as a bib or head covering. Finally the 'bloomers', but to me it's a diaper cover, bloomers should have more of a leg. Can't wait to see pictures of her in them!
Last week's YW lesson was about being a positive influence and used the analogy of being a light unto the world. I made the girls a hand out and check out the supplies:
*upcycled baby food jars: free
*one spool ribbon: 99 cents
*one sheet scrap paper: 50 cents
*tea lights: $2
*misc.: glue dots, copy paper
total of ten handouts
Pretty good for $3.49 and 30 minutes work, huh?

I figured out a little secret for busting out of that slump I was in...new supplies. Man I love this fabric. This is Axel's six yards of fabric, washed, pressed and waiting for me to transform it into fun baby things. But first I made a list of all 14 projects from the 3 books pictured that I really wanted to make. I sorted them into priorities and placed the projects that can be made with scraps last. This prep work helped me to complete the first 4 projects and get half way done with two others, this week! That's on top of having extra daycare kids, mind you---and no, I didn't turn the TV on so I could sew, I mostly worked at nap time. I'll be sharing all of the projects when they are done in one post.

Other things I did this week:
*Wished I had a cute pink and white waitress outfit with a name tag reading Flo. I was in the kitchen a lot this week. Wished I had Mel to do the cooking.
*Drove my MIL crazy with cloth diaper conversations.
*Dropped a lot of stuff, like a whole can of peach juice across a newly mopped floor and a full glass of Cream Soda across a newly cleaned counter. At least I'm not falling down. Yet. Knock on wood.
*Started waking up at 2:30am in addition to the 4:30am potty breaks I've been having for weeks, yay! Who need's sleep?
*Saw Up last Saturday. Cried like a baby at the beginning and end, fell asleep for 10 minutes in the middle. No more 2pm showings for me, I was just too tired. It was a really good movie though.
*Saw Land of the Lost last night. Yes, it was dumb (but funny) and really not appropriate for my 6yo (language mostly.) BUTT, I totally love Will Ferrell, LOVE him. Can't help it. I see his face and start laughing (I'm sure he'd appreciate that.) Also, I wanted to see a movie that wouldn't make me cry. So far this summer I have blubbered in almost every movie we've seen. So if you don't think Will is the most hilarious person on the planet, watch the preview online and there, you've seen the most funny parts of the movie and saved yourself some cash.

*Last but not least: I finished Sacajawea! Woohoo! Great book, I just slowed way down at the last few chapters.

I'm off to Pregnancy Stretch class...enjoy your weekend!

slump

2009-05-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

i have too many projects to be in this funk, but i am having a hard time shaking it. i got zero done yesterday and today i woke up in the worst mood after having dreams of getting into a yelling match with my father-in-law. we're not fighting that i know of, but my prego dreams are totally random and bizarre. i slept in and didn't get my yoga done this morning. maybe the kids will do it with me when breakfast is over.

projects to be worked on if not finished this week:
*baby dolls for craft hope
*dress/bloomers/kercheif for my niece
*organization of my craft area

what do you do to find the 'umpf' to get going when you just want to sit around?

blame it on my brother....

2009-05-22T16:48:00.001-07:00

Spanky was such a champ at the hour long ultrasound appointment yesterday. He was super quiet and not surprised that we get an Axel instead of the Rennah he originally requested. After all, he did scan my belly with a laser pointer and pronounced it was a boy four whole days before the US. He's excited to have a baby brother.

So when he called Gramma and Grampa to tell them the good news he talked their ears off. Gramma knew I also had my yearly thyroid cancer ultrasound yesterday, but didn't know it was later in the afternoon. So she asked Spanky if he also got to see inside mommy's neck. After a pause, he said "Gramma, the baby is in mom's belly!" I imagine it's not always easy to be 6 years old and have to explain to your Grandmother where babies are before they are born.

I wonder if he 'got it' later that day when we did got for my thyroid US. (Which, by the way, showed no visable cancer, woohoo!)

Enjoy your weekend!

oh boy, oh boy, oh boy

2009-05-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

Absolutely no doubt that HE is all boy. We can't show you the proof, it's too graphic! Axel James Strunk's 20 week ultrasound looks a heck of a lot like his big brothers... he's long, string bean-ish, big feet and measuring bigger than his 20 weeks. They estimate him at 14 oz. with a due date of Sept. 30, BUT we've heard this before with Spanky and will stick with our EDD of 10-09-09

Here he is in all his glory:

Long little legs:

Sweet little face:

Lounging:

Finding out he is healthy and doing all the things a growing baby should was great, the BOY part was the icing on the cake!

pinks and blues

2009-05-20T18:59:00.000-07:00

in 12 hours we'll be on our way for our 20 week ultrasound. yes, i can't wait to know if he's a boy or she's a girl, but i really am looking forward to seeing my first borns reaction to the images. just how am i going to get any sleep tonight? maybe i'll finally get through the last 200 pages of sacajawea......

baby toes

2009-05-18T06:32:00.000-07:00

Two friends had baby showers last week. If I were truly on the ball the little outfits they got would have been homemade, but......I did get little shoes made using this tutorial.

A pair for baby boy:

And a pair for a baby girl:No matter how I photographed these little pink cuties, I couldn't capture the glittery fabric. Trust me they sparkle. I also included a package of homemade thank you cards and found the cutest onesie at Hot Topic of all places. This family is totally into super hero's, so when Dig pulled a pink onesie off the rack featuring Wonder Woman, Bat Girl and Super Girl that reads: Girl Power! I knew we had to buy it!

I sure hope baby cooperates on Thursday morning, so I can make more little shoes. Did you vote yet? See the top right.

grateful for...

2009-05-14T14:04:00.000-07:00

...the opportunity to teach some seriously wonderful teenage girls at church. They teach me so much by their examples. I am so excited for their bright futures.

...a hard working husband. He's interviewing for a second job right now. He takes such great care of us.

...a little boy who loves to learn. I pray for the ability to help him continue to grow his reading and math skills this summer.

...tiny kicks. This little one in my tummy is tough and wants to make sure I know it! I love those reassuring tumbles and turns.

Making things is fun to do...

2009-05-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

fun to do, to do, to do!

For my Grammy for her birthday, I whipped up some notecards and this cute holder (using this pattern.) It was pretty easy and fun. I will for sure use this template again. On the same daay, I made all of the cards I'd need for May, a package of thank you notes to go with a baby shower gift and a brag book. It feels good to have those days of mucho productivity. I am so in love with Bazzill's Dotted Swiss paper. I'll be stocking up this weekend when I get to take a class at Scrapbooks Etc.

After tie-dyeing 5 little boy shirts, this is the tangled, beautiful rubber band carnage. I had to take a picture of it. Isn't it pretty?

And here's my chicken boy in his yellow tie-dye shirt. The song they performed at the school picnic was in Portugese and they were so cute (even if all the feathers made me itch, eewww!)

Next up: *baby booties, rag dollys, scrap-scrap-and more scrapbooking! Woohoo!

2009-05-11T09:48:00.001-07:00

mama thoughts

2009-05-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

mom's day is coming up. i already bought myself a giftie of this necklace and this herbal tea. come on, you know my boys weren't going to order them for me.... it's okay to treat yourself every so often, i say.

last night digger was wanting me to stay up and watch a little t.v. with him, but i so wanted to sleep ... so he tempted me with: "i'll watch your birth movie with you." sold! we watched 'the business of being born' and it was pretty good. i knew there'd be images of birth and naked mamas in birth action, so i've had it sitting there just waiting for a night when spanky actually passed out before me. shows like this should be the norm, not 'a baby story.' i watched way too much baby story shows when i was prego with spanky and really thought pitocin, etc. were 'normal.' i felt a little sad at the state of our country and how we treat birth, but happy that i care enough to educate myself and go against the grain. every time they had a clip of ina may gaskin, i was giddy. i asked dig if we could travel to tennessee to the farm to birth #2, he said no. ;o)

also i read the 4 birth stories of jessica this weekend. i love these uplifting, powerful and inspiring stories. although i still wont be giving birth at home, i am thankful for the knowledge of those stories to help me have the experience i want at the hospital, i pray it's possible. i am thankful for a husband who is willing to watch and listen and will be my natural birth bodyguard.

now with all of this, i am thinking of finally writing down spanky's birth story, but found that like jessica, now that it's after the fact and i am a lot more knowledgeable, it may sound not so pleasant. it really wasn't that bad, i just know it can be better. i'm gonna write it anyways, for posterity (and scrap it of course...silly.) did you write your birth story? any suggestions?

have a great week!

Boys of Summer

2009-04-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday we took the light rail to the ball park for Little Leauge Day with the DBacks. There were thousands of LL kids and they got to parade on the field before the game. My boys are right there in the center with the green shirts.

One decent picture of mom & dad out of a gzillion where Digger was making goofy faces, sticking out his tounge, trying to lick my face, etc...

Since Spanky is totally a chip off the old block, the closed eyes picture is the best I got from him, stinker!
Boy, but he'll ham it up when he wants to...

DBacks lost (of course...) but we had a lot of fun. Just a few more TBall games this season, then we're on to coach pitch next year....my boy is growing up!

pictures

2009-04-21T12:42:00.000-07:00

wow i'm behind on uploading pictures, so this post is a little random, but here she goes:

*started a little baby book for #2. i know there are things i forgot from being preg with spanky, so i'm capturing some highlights this go...

*one of 3 maternity tops i've made so far and me trying to get a decent pic of it in the bathroom with two burnt out lights, not good.

*the grass house we started last friday. it sprouted this morning! (sponges, sewing pins, grass seeds, water---from Family Fun.)

*easter egg fun

*frames painted, check. pictures and proclamation updated, check. tied together with scrapbook paper, check. room for new pictures, check. i love checklists.

*my awesome digger tiled our hallway at my request (read: ultimatum.) i am one step closer to living in a carpet free home, yes! he did such a great job.

i'll leave you with a bit o' herbal tea wisdom. have a happy day!

Foster Love

2009-04-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

Friends watched Spanky this Saturday so we could attend orientation for foster parenting. We've talked a lot about kids in need and fostering just seems like more of a fit for us than traditional adoption. This was something we've discussed over the years for 'someday....when we have our own home, when we are not likely to pick up and move...etc." All of a sudden, someday is upon us. Getting pregnant didn't change our views one bit, so we took the first step.

The orientation was very informative and answered questions I didn't even know I had. It appears that the system is slightly improved since I was in foster care. There are very few long-term foster kids being juggled from placement to placement anymore, that is a very good thing for the kids. We learned about 'foster-adopt' where you may have a child who's case is moving in the direction of parental rights being terminated, so that they will be up for adoption sooner then some other kids. Foster parents also don't have the same kids for years and years...the goal is adoption. I think that is great, but there was at least one couple who didn't agree. We felt like they were looking at it like a business, which was my experience in the system and not the best situation for the kids, in my opinion. Money shouldn't be the motivator in bring kids into your home that have experienced trauma and loss. We believe foster and foster-adopt are the right fit for us.

Lots to think about. Lots to pray about.

We're faxing our paperwork tomorrow to get started on the trail of getting certified, licensed and educated on the foster care system in Maricopa County. It's not a quick process. I imagine being ready for placements after the baby is born. We've discussed all of this with Spanky and man the kid is awesome! He says things like "Helping kids is good, Mom." I realize the reality of it all might be a little different and we'll have an adjustment period of course. I just think Spanky will be the best big brother ever. (We wouldn't bring in kids older then him, that's something we've always agreed on. And no more then 2 at a time, our house is not so big.)

Here we go.........

2009-04-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

for the first time, last night when checking out at lowe's, the cashier asked 'what are you having?' i immediately thought...a can of paint and some brushes, that was an odd thing to ask. then i realized, OH...i have a bit of a bump, i bet she means boy or girl. duh, me. i kept it a secret for long enough that i get stumped easily when quizzed on the spot.

wanna know what the can of black enamel paint and brushes are for? i am starting by painting all of my mismatched frames, so they match...then i'll do a collage of our family pictures...it's going to be great! then i have a thrift store chair to paint and recover the seat, but i have yet to find the perfect fabric. then theres the case of the sad condition of my glider. it was a cheap-o walmart buy when spanky was born and it's been moved around a lot. so fabric, paint and some tightening up of the bolts, should give it a new life! if i do any of this when spanky is home, he has announced he needs to paint his bug box. that's a lot to ask of one little quart of paint, but i think we can do it!

books!

2009-04-08T06:00:00.000-07:00

I spent WAY too much money on books at Amazon last week, but I am so excited to dive into them. Not one is a novel, because I have a pile of those waiting for me to give the sewing machine a break. But that's not likely to happen soon with this book in my hot little hands:

Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas for Inspired Stitching

and this one on the way in May:

Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing for Baby: 20 Easy Projects for Newborns to Toddlers

I preordered Soule Mama's next book and it should arrieve in the height of my nesting, so that's exciting!!

Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures

...and for those moments when I can't park it in front of the sewing machine, I can get my baby fill with the following:

The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method

See what I mean. Way too much moola on books, but I checked for used locally first and no luck.

Are we Good Reads friends yet? See my side bar>>>>>>>>>

*Update: I have devoured Ina May's Guide to Childbirth over the past few days and it is truly life changing. I knew I wanted to do things differently this time. I just didn't know how to go about trying to have a natural birth in a hospital. Birthing at home holds no appeal for me, at all. This book is so common sense, but it's things we have shoved so far to the back of the closet, that generations have past by thinking the medicated, induced, c-section births are 'normal.' After reading this book I can see the problems with Spanky's birth were that I was uninformed and too trusting of what strangers were telling me to do. I am thankful that I have a healthy, perfect boy...but I believe there was unnecessary trauma due to my lack of education. In no way do I think that the L&D staff is evil or uncaring, I just think our whole society has rearranged the process of birth and it's not better. I am so excited for my next OB appointment to really discuss with her the things I've learned and my vision for a safe, healthy birth!

Thyroid Cancer and Pregnancy~1st Trimester

2009-04-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

Thyroid cancer may be 'the' cancer to have if you have to have cancer, but that doesn't make it any less of a pain in the butt.

I found out I was pregnant at 5 weeks, immediately called my Endocrinologist (even my OB got second place) and the blood bath began.

5 weeks: First blood test. TSH .34 ~ and what exactly does that mean? Well if a 'normal' person, you maybe, had this # you'd be cleaning house, turning cartwheels and probably be pretty skinny. Not me. I make it through the day, sleep okay most nights, still have trouble losing weight.

6 weeks: The OB sends me in to get my blood work done, because it's so much fun for me. I get a bloodsucker who can't find a vein, yet continually pokes me. Finally she gets the baby butterfly needle out and manages to see the blue line on the back of my hand. People, I may have veins that hide in fear from so much abuse, but I am a pale, pastey, white girl...find the target for the LOVE! Anyways, that bloodwork comes back (I'm STD free by the way, you'll be happy to know...I didn't know I was suppost to be concerned!) and my TSH is 0.14, which sends my OB's office into a tizzy, but not my Endo's...they tell me to take 6.5 pills a week instead of 7, no problem. But because I like to humor people, I go back for MORE blood suckage at...

7 weeks: Now we're at .04 and am I bouncing off the walls? Nope, I'm crashing even earlier. I feel like a slug. Try to research thyroid suppression therapy in pregnancy, relivent to thyroid cancer. Not a whole lot out there. I am a member of Thyca in Childbearing yahoo group, so I've emailed them and looked into past posts for people with similar issues. That's helped a little, but kinda made me nervous about miscarriage as well. But after talking to my Endo, he says it's okay, just take 6 pills a week, now Sunday truly is a day of rest! Woohoo!

10 weeks: More blood suckge, but this time at my Endo's office again, whew...cause tht's one vampire who knows what he's doing. Hardly felt a pinch. I find out the results at...

11 & 12 weeks: Not a lot of change, but everything seems to be fine and that's all that matters!

introducing...

2009-04-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

Axel James

Rennah LeeAnn

ha! gotcha.

3-13-2009

this little bugger put on a show for his/her grateful parents. measuring at a little over 1.5 inches/10wks, 4 days (three days ahead of schedule, thank you very much)...baby stretched his legs and did a 1-2 punch! on top of that, baby was sitting up...already!

pure genius.

big brother didn't have much of a reaction. he is sticking with his request for a sister.

the clarity in real life was so amazing. ultrasounds have come a long way since our first one. we could see little arms and legs, one amazing brain and a little one already transforming from ailenish to babyish.

how can you not feel like the most blessed people on the planet when you see your prayers answered? we are extremely grateful and feel very loved.

2009-04-03T06:54:00.000-07:00

Check this out:

Rocket Fuel Chemical Found in Baby Formula

Yikes.

pouting...

2009-04-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

3-4-2009

...prego-ness has left me with a limited palate. I make something to eat, knowing I need to eat...but I just can't do it. Then all of a sudden I think of something delish (it's usually something I don't have to make) and I must have it. Such was the case in mid-February when inspiration struck at about 8pm on Friday night....must have Super Burrito (well they changed their name and painted fake bricks on the building, but to me it was still Super Burrito), NOW. Must have a quesadilla, chips and gobs of fresh pico, yummy.

It was pure heaven...

Then in March, mere days after my late night Mexican feast...we drove past to discover...my favorite hole in the wall was boarded up, OUT OF BUSINESS. Not fair.

I do realize that there is a Super Burrito (or ____berto's...you've noticed that right, there's all of these little places with different names, but they all end in 'berto's, if we opened one it would be Digoberto's, ha!) on just about ever corner, but they were not MY special place, with horchata, friendly people and the bestest pico of all time.

and all of this they did to a picky-eater pregnant woman...

...so I'm pouting!

Create

2009-04-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Relief Society

2009-04-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

Since I have been serving in the Young Womens and growing to love it, I have missed attending Relief Society less and less. It was difficult at first, I admit. I really love Relief Society. However, last night we had our annual RS Birthday Party at church and I remembered while sitting there listening to the wonderful speakers, that you don't have to attend RS on Sunday to be a member. No, that doesn't mean you can ditch....it just means that we all have our seasons in other capacities...in Young Womens or Primary.

Each speaker had one of the 14 past RS General Presidents to discuss and I was asked to introduce Sister Louise Y. Robison, General RS President from 1928-1939. Sister Robison was awesome. She was tactful, resourceful, and best of all...she had common sence, a virtue in my opinion that is greatly lacking in our world.

Serving during the Great Depression probably brought out her ability to make due. She was able to use humor and gentleness to make her point known. When the General Authorities suggested the women remove their large hats during services, many did not comply. (A personal pet peeve of mine is hats in church. Usually you only see it at Easter in our church.) So Sister Robison announced at RS Conference that they would remain seated for the first hymn, stating: "I'm sure you have your book and papers and your hats on your laps, and I'm afraid it would be hard for you to hold all of them if you stand." I wish I could show that kind of tact instead of getting grumpy. I wonder how often I don't heed the 'suggestions' of the General Authorities, because they aren't put into commandment form?

I am really thankful for this assignment to learn more about this great lady. Her example is very relivent to us today. If you'd like to learn more about Sister Robison (here or here), Relief Society or the Church in general, click on the links.

"Go where you're needed; do what you can." Louise Y. Robison

Guess What?

2009-03-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

That nice bold line is the one that says we're having a baby!!! Woohoo!

We've known since 2-3-2009 at 5 weeks. Finally I am letting the cat out of the bag in our 13th week. Feeling better and more confident that all is well. So the next few prego posts were written in the last 8 weeks.

2-3-2009

Once again Digger knew first.

He said the death threats and stink eye gave me away. Guess I am a little grumpy when first prego.

Due date: 10-09-09
(Spanky's birthday is 10-10, so we're fairly consistant.)

Yes, we'll find out the baby's gender.
I'm afraid Dig and I will be the only ones excited if it's a boy.
Seems most of the fam and friends, even the big brother...have fingers crossed for a girl.

I'm going for even more natural then I did with Spanky...no pitocin, no talking me into pain killers that don't help anyways and a more informed mama.

Even got me a Doc who's all for as natural as you want to go!

Right now I am pretty excited about cloth diapers (no, I don't have a fever.) The more I research, the more I know this is the right route for our family.

Breast is best and my baby will be nursed, but Spanky has already insisted that he gets to help feed the baby. So I'll be dusting off my trusty pump (the 2002 version), getting a few replacement parts and buying GLASS Medela bottles.

Ever seen a grown woman squeel in delight over baby bottles?

That was me at Target the night I found these. Eeekk! So excited!

Still thinking over logistics. I loved having Spanky in bed with us most of the time, but I literally just got him out of our bed this school year. I always said #2 was going stright to the crib. Now, I think...this may be my last baby. I want every snuggle minute I can get. On the other hand, Saturday nights are Spanky's nights to snuggle, can't take that away from him and wouldn't be able to sleep with all 4 of us, even in a king bed. I just don't know...

Pregnancy in the summer in Arizona isn't the funnest thing in the world, espcially without access to a pool. I do believe we'll be hanging out on the patio with a kiddie pool and spray bottles this summer.

Will I still want to knit for my baby when it's 115 degrees?

I think I may be eating my weight in fresh pineapple again this pregnancy. I'm behind on the last time, because of the wretched morning sickness....but have a sneaking suspicion I can catch up.

Overall...excited, thrilled, nervous, grateful, preparing, dreaming...

Kitchen & Apron Sewing

2009-03-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

FINALLY, I have completed a couple of projects for the kids.

The apron is a free pdf you can get here.

The roll-up kitchen is also a freebie you can find here.

Both were very simple to make. I would have liked to do a better job on the kitchen and add a few embellishments (like H & C for hot and cold on the sink knobs.) I was totally being pressured by a persistent 4yo girl who had prep'd 'burger-cheese's' and was waiting on me to be able to cook. People were hungry, there was no time for extras.

The apron is very small. Perfect for the 4yo, but I have some star wars fabric I want to make one for Spanky out of, so I will have to make the pattern pieces larger. All in all, these were fun to make and used very little in the way of supplies.

I am super grateful for talented ladies who share their talents so beautifully and without asking for anything in return. Now that's friendly!

Squeaky Clean!

2009-03-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

I've been collecting 'recipes' and trying out new ways of cleaning things around the house, both in an effort to be greener and to save money. Let's face it, if I were to buy all the happy, healthy green products in the health food stores...I'd go broke. Broker. To me part of being 'green' is being frugal.

So here's what works so far:

*100% aloe vera gel for hair gel.

*Water and vinegar in a spray bottle for cleaning.

*Cloth wipes and wipe solution.
I had a dying towel I cut into 8x8 squares, FREE!! I'll be surging the edges as soon as my surger is fixed.
There are several wipe solution recipes out there. I tried the most simple one I could find and it is perfect!

2 cups water (I'm using bottled, if you use tap: boil it and let it cool first)
1 Tbs. baby wash
1 Tbs. baby lotion
I put it all in a glass pickle jar I saved, shake it up, let the bubbles go down, shake it again and then pour over the wipes that I have folded and placed in an old disposable wipes container. I get the next batch ready and toss it in the fridge so it's good to go.

Easy. Cheap. Best of all, they work great!

The baby wash and lotion I am using are from Arbonne. I have a personal use account with them, so if you ever wanted to order, I can get you 30% off, but I don't do parties or anything like that...I just like the products for myself and am willing to share the love.) Please no frou-frou baby lotions and washes that have nasty chemicals...read the labels.

Washing them is no big deal. I have a pail I toss them into and then into the 'rag' load they go. I use a mild detergent (only 2 Tbs.) and vinegar in that load with an extra rinse, no need to dry them, just fold and place back into the container! Please no harsh detergents or fabric softeners.

Dishwasher 'Detergent'

This took some experimentation due to the nastiness of Arizona water and here's what I came up with:

1 tps. Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap
(I have almond on hand right now, but any 'flavor' will work.)
1/8 c baking soda
1/4 c vinegar

I put the soap and the baking soda in the detergent spot of the machine and just pour the vinegar in the bottom. If you over do the soap, you'll get spotty dishes. It's hard not to be heavy handed with the cleaning supplies for me, but I am learning. I still wash my dishes before they go into the dishwasher, I just haven't met a dishwasher I trust (except Digger, he's a very trustworthy dishwasher!) At least now I know they are extra clean and sanitized.

In an effort to not totally freak my husband out, I am slowly adding these things to our home. Here are a few of the things I am going to be testing out in the next few weeks:

Homemade toothpaste, coconut oil conditioner/moisturizer, homemade deodorant and other household cleaners all found on a really wonderful blog called Passionate Homemaking.

I've already cut out some of the junk in my shower and use Dr. Bronner's exclusively for soap, but I haven't found a recipe for shampoo that looks do-able for my crazy-frizzy-wild-woman-hair. That is one product I may have to splurge on. For make-up I am using up what I have and adding natural mineral products when I need something new. Passionate Homemaking has a great post on mascara that I will be using to help me find a new favorite.

Have you tried anything that works for you?

greenies

2009-03-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

i think this is spanky's leprechan impression:

yes, i am a little bit crazy. i tie dyed shirts with several small children-green of course. but the results are so great i think! and we really didn't make a mess. best of all, they love them and are all wearing them!

they gobbled their green eggs and guzzled their green milk before i could snap a picture at breakfast. i read green eggs and ham to them while they ate, which they loved. next up: green jell-o is chillin' in the fridge for afternoon snack!

lucky me, i am not feeling green today...so i have to go with this day of feeling good and be productive!

happy st. paddy's to you!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!

2009-03-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Our trip to the Renaissance Fair:

gosh, thanks

2009-03-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

what a great bday i had.

my colorwheel quilt, thank you mommy-in-law:

posies from my sweetheart:

my visiting teacher is so sweet, thanks burgess:

other gifties:

tball bat from spanky, wrapped and everything!

a new outfit and comfy under things from digger.

my FIL finally got me a John Deere bag and hat, thanks Jim!

cards, calls and emails from peoples i love.

weekend outing of mini-golf and Organ Stop pizza.

good times!

33 and loving...

2009-03-04T13:24:00.000-08:00

...etsy finds. I am lurking here, here and here. Not buying yet, just dreaming, budgeting and thinking can I make this myself? I did buy this one, hoping to make it (correctly and cutely) for my mum-in-law's birthday.

...calming, meditative yoga. Pure joy.

...tutorials. Seriously, you can find the most amazing how-to's on the net and people make these beautiful and FREE pdf files with details and pictures, how nice is that? I have a couple of things I'd like to make into tutorials, when I figure how to do it. In the mean time check here, here and here. Tutorials and patterns for free!

...dreaming about this for birthday cake, but probably settling for the peanut butter & chocolate chip cookies I just made. Maybe my Grammy will make me angel food cake with strawberries, *hint, hint*wink, wink*:

...all the calls and emails from friends and family today! Thankful for the sort of friends that, even though we haven't talked for a few...it's like we talk daily when we do!

...a little boy who so sweetly requested I make him cupcakes for my birthday.

...an amazing supportive husband who still makes me all giddy. Can't wait for that man to get home!

Hope my birthday rocks for you too!

Post 101

2009-02-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

Check me out....I've had something to say 101 times! I am way better at this then I am at keeping a journal.

Well, I've got projects galore in the works. This week I made wristlets and I'm almost done with the matching scarf for my sister-in-law who is currently freezing her buns off in London.

One of my former daycare kids is getting baptised tomorrow, so I am working on a "Remember Who You Are" picture frame. I was also asked to give a short talk at the baptism, so I need to prepare that.

My sons school is putting on an opera, "The Song of Hiawatha" and I get to sew up 8 pairs of brown pants. Granted they are the easy jamma style pants, but remember how I got Spanky's Christmas jammas done at like 10pm on Christmas Eve and Diggers on Christmas morning and mine on New Years? Ya, so I get the fabric this afternoon and need to have the pants sewn up by Tuesday or Wednesday. Lucky for me...my mom-in-law is coming to spend the week with me starting Monday, woohoo!!! It's a wonder she keeps coming back, I set up a little sweat shop for her and make her sew all sorts of things, I was suppost to sew myself!

My housework has suffered the last couple of weeks, due to another yet-to-be-named project. My husband has been a lot of help, but you know...the house really needs a "woman's touch." So that is my big weekend project...clean up the house! I pray for the energy to accomlish all my tasks!

What are you working on?

Pictures of completed projects coming soon.....Have a great weekend.