I don't have any pictures for this post at he moment... I just wanted to chat about my vegan experience this month. I started this "thing" a little over three weeks ago, and let me just say, I feel amazing.
I have "cheated" here and there, but I did not stray very far or very often. (although, I did not give up chocolate this whole time!)
The course that I signed up through has provided some fantastic recipes and information that I really find quite appealing and the results are pretty nice too.
I have lost about 5 lbs in these 3 weeks, which really isn't surprising to me at all. I have upped my running and changed my diet, which is a no brainier for weight loss. But it is the way I feel too. I feel like I have more energy, and feel all around, MORE healthy from the inside, out.
I have been surprised with how delicious a lot of the recipes are, and KNOW that I will continue to use them (and try to convince Tyler that meat is not necessary at every meal!)
I just got finished watching the documentary Forks Over Knives. So much of the information, I already agreed with, but some great added knowledge on my part too. It really emphasizes a plant based diet, and I'm starting to agree wholeheartedly. But I am ready to compromise too.
Tyler and I had a conversation about our meal planning just today and how to budget a bit better for it. We came up with the idea of eating the same basics Monday through Friday, and a change up on the weekends. So I think my compromise will be eating vegan-ish on the weekdays, and get our meat fix on the weekends with good cuts of meat. If you take a general approach, saying Monday will be spaghetti, Tuesday will be tacos, Wednesday will be oatmeal, Thursday will be beans and rice and Friday will be pizza, and then just get creative weekly with diffent variations, I think this could work very well. And make it easier on me for menu planning! Then on the weekends have some wild Alaskan salmon on Saturday and a BBQ chicken salad on Sunday... Everyone should be happy, right?
You know who I really wish would give this "diet" a try? My parents. Mom and Dad, come stay with. Us for a m onto, and see how/if this changes anything for you.... If it does, GREAT! If it doesn't, well, you could cross it off your list! I worry about your guys' health on a daily basis. And I truly believe you would benefit from a diet change. Love you guys!
So there is my ramblings... Hope I haven't scared any of you. Are you going to look at your current diet a bit harder now? Do you feel good every day? Do you want a change? I have a few recipes I could pass on to get you started!
Like blueberry breakfast muffins... And an avocado and white bean wrap. An amazing peanut sauce.
Oh, and I ran 5 miles yesterday, with a smile on my face, and felt FANTASTIC! That book i read, Born to Run, made such an impact on me. Today I took my first Texas yoga class, and really enjoyed it.
Showing posts with label babbles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label babbles. Show all posts
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Running for contemplation
Running has always been my sport. It started in high school because of a knee injury, and ever since then, I have used running as a type of meditation, if you will.
I think a lot of people do this.
I run to get a few minutes of quiet time (unless I take the jogging stroller, which is a chore in itself).
I run to think about both my small bubble problems, and big world problems.
Some of the conversations I have had with myself include building a grand community garden; our self sustaining house in our future; why recycling seems like such a hard concept, but is not; how people can seriously think that renewable energy is a waste of our time and money (seriously?!); and then I have contemplated my kids futures (who will they become? Will they call when they move away?); friendships and the ebbs and flows that come with them.
I run because I have to.
As of this week, I am up to running two miles (straight, with no breaks) in about 19-20 minutes. I have started out this regimen really slowly because of how achy and sore my joints (particularly my knee) are after running. It is a hard sport on your body. All of that impact on your feet and knees and hips CAN'T be doing good things. But it does help me loose weight. Thank goodness!
To help with the problems that come with the impact, I am running alongside the paved paths here on base... so much nicer to my knees. I come back home feeling fantastic.
The Tough Mudder is my goal (October 6th in Austin) and I am so excited to act like a kid and play in the mud! I know it will be tough, but heck, I like having a goal in sight. AND I am so excited to have a couple female running partners for the race! (Thanks Jessica and Heather!) Two of my friends from my days back in Misawa, Japan... it will be fantastic. Tyler is running it too, but he is undoubtedly going to be faster than me...
Today I am doing a green smoothie fast. Something to help cleanse my system and (!) hopefully kick start more weightloss! The smoothies are mostly fruit and veggies and then added water. I know, I know, I am breastfeeding, but I figured one day of eating really good stuff isn't going to hurt that in the least bit.
Some cute pictures from May for you::
Soren is getting his two top teeth (one is out, one is coming), so he is getting a toothy grin! So cute! We took the kids to the dentist the other day, and Colton has 8 new cavities (in a YEAR!) not really confident with the work they want to do on him, so we are getting a second opinion, but hopefully we will not have cavities all the time with him (like Tyler and I do!). Ayla was in the no cavity club though!
Oh, and another thing... I am officially a NON facebook user. I have deactivated my account. It has become a huge source of controversy for me, so I am choosing not to have that clutter in my life. If you need to get a hold of me, feel free to email me, or call me!
I think a lot of people do this.
I run to get a few minutes of quiet time (unless I take the jogging stroller, which is a chore in itself).
I run to think about both my small bubble problems, and big world problems.
Some of the conversations I have had with myself include building a grand community garden; our self sustaining house in our future; why recycling seems like such a hard concept, but is not; how people can seriously think that renewable energy is a waste of our time and money (seriously?!); and then I have contemplated my kids futures (who will they become? Will they call when they move away?); friendships and the ebbs and flows that come with them.
I run because I have to.
As of this week, I am up to running two miles (straight, with no breaks) in about 19-20 minutes. I have started out this regimen really slowly because of how achy and sore my joints (particularly my knee) are after running. It is a hard sport on your body. All of that impact on your feet and knees and hips CAN'T be doing good things. But it does help me loose weight. Thank goodness!
To help with the problems that come with the impact, I am running alongside the paved paths here on base... so much nicer to my knees. I come back home feeling fantastic.
The Tough Mudder is my goal (October 6th in Austin) and I am so excited to act like a kid and play in the mud! I know it will be tough, but heck, I like having a goal in sight. AND I am so excited to have a couple female running partners for the race! (Thanks Jessica and Heather!) Two of my friends from my days back in Misawa, Japan... it will be fantastic. Tyler is running it too, but he is undoubtedly going to be faster than me...
Today I am doing a green smoothie fast. Something to help cleanse my system and (!) hopefully kick start more weightloss! The smoothies are mostly fruit and veggies and then added water. I know, I know, I am breastfeeding, but I figured one day of eating really good stuff isn't going to hurt that in the least bit.
Some cute pictures from May for you::
Oh, and another thing... I am officially a NON facebook user. I have deactivated my account. It has become a huge source of controversy for me, so I am choosing not to have that clutter in my life. If you need to get a hold of me, feel free to email me, or call me!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Friends
First off, I am not looking for anything here... just kind of blabbing.
I am not good at sharing. Especially friends.
From the time I can remember, I have consistently had one BEST friend at a time. I think I do this because I hate to be left out. When I find out my friends are out gallivanting around with other people, it kind of makes me sad.
I know I am grown woman, but, sadly, this still occurs.
When we lived in Montana, my friend Jill and I would always meet a couple times a week to go hiking up the local state park.... when Jill went with other people, I admit, I was jealous.
I was her hiking friend.
And then Jill moved. And I imagine that Jill was jealous (somewhat? maybe?) every time she heard that I went hiking up our hill with someone else.
And then I moved. And my second hiking partner, Becca, hikes up that hill with other people.
And I am still jealous and sad every time I hear about it.
Is this human nature?
Do we always want to be first and foremost on as many peoples lists as possible?
Why is it so hard to be content with your relationships ALL the time, and know where you stand?
Here in Texas, I have made many good friends. But because of kids and husbands, we don't meet up as often as I would like.
And when I hear that they are hanging out together with out me, I get a little sad.
I think it is mostly because when I am invited to hang out with MORE than one person, I wonder if they are inviting me because they think I will find out and they don't want to hurt my feelings. Or do they genuinely like me? This is so hard for me to figure out.
I shouldn't really worry about stuff like this. I am likeable enough. Sometimes I talk too much, but mostly I am a good friend, I think.
But I am a born worrier. About everything.
Meeting my two friends from the Navy, Bianca and Traci, down in Austin, the same thing occurs. We three (four if we are serious here...) were friends together while stationed in Texas years ago. We have all worked at maintaining the friendships; going to each others weddings, visiting hometowns, etc... but still I wonder if they still like me, in all my mama glory (they don't have kids) or do they think I am boring and have changed since my wild and crazy days. Well, of course I have changed, but I mean ... you know, do they still like me? For me?
Why is everything so complicated and in need of explanation?
I guess that is just life.
No matter where you are, who you are, who people think you are; life happens. Relationships change and start and finish and continue, either for better or for worse.
(I told you I was babbling here)
Back in grade school, I was good friends with a girl in first grade, Brittany. I remember that after I got hit by a car and was in a wheelchair, everyone wanted to be my friend and push me in my wheelchair. And I would choose a different friend everyday to push my chair. Not just Brittany. The novelty of being popular, even for a first grader in a wheelchair, made that friendship line grey instead of black and white.
Do you remember grades in school by your best friends at the time?
I think I do for the most part :)
I don't know, but it is sad how friendships kind of go up and down.
(wow, I am really rambling now)
I wonder if those same friends who I considered my BEST friends then considered me theirs?
Facebook makes it easy to stay in contact with these people, but do they remember all the good times you had together? Or is it merely "All in your head?"
Enough.. I will leave well enough alone.
I hope to continue my craziness at another time and place.
For now, I will drink my beer, and contemplate life and all its complexities.
I am not good at sharing. Especially friends.
From the time I can remember, I have consistently had one BEST friend at a time. I think I do this because I hate to be left out. When I find out my friends are out gallivanting around with other people, it kind of makes me sad.
I know I am grown woman, but, sadly, this still occurs.
When we lived in Montana, my friend Jill and I would always meet a couple times a week to go hiking up the local state park.... when Jill went with other people, I admit, I was jealous.
I was her hiking friend.
And then Jill moved. And I imagine that Jill was jealous (somewhat? maybe?) every time she heard that I went hiking up our hill with someone else.
And then I moved. And my second hiking partner, Becca, hikes up that hill with other people.
And I am still jealous and sad every time I hear about it.
Is this human nature?
Do we always want to be first and foremost on as many peoples lists as possible?
Why is it so hard to be content with your relationships ALL the time, and know where you stand?
Here in Texas, I have made many good friends. But because of kids and husbands, we don't meet up as often as I would like.
And when I hear that they are hanging out together with out me, I get a little sad.
I think it is mostly because when I am invited to hang out with MORE than one person, I wonder if they are inviting me because they think I will find out and they don't want to hurt my feelings. Or do they genuinely like me? This is so hard for me to figure out.
I shouldn't really worry about stuff like this. I am likeable enough. Sometimes I talk too much, but mostly I am a good friend, I think.
But I am a born worrier. About everything.
Meeting my two friends from the Navy, Bianca and Traci, down in Austin, the same thing occurs. We three (four if we are serious here...) were friends together while stationed in Texas years ago. We have all worked at maintaining the friendships; going to each others weddings, visiting hometowns, etc... but still I wonder if they still like me, in all my mama glory (they don't have kids) or do they think I am boring and have changed since my wild and crazy days. Well, of course I have changed, but I mean ... you know, do they still like me? For me?
Why is everything so complicated and in need of explanation?
I guess that is just life.
No matter where you are, who you are, who people think you are; life happens. Relationships change and start and finish and continue, either for better or for worse.
(I told you I was babbling here)
Back in grade school, I was good friends with a girl in first grade, Brittany. I remember that after I got hit by a car and was in a wheelchair, everyone wanted to be my friend and push me in my wheelchair. And I would choose a different friend everyday to push my chair. Not just Brittany. The novelty of being popular, even for a first grader in a wheelchair, made that friendship line grey instead of black and white.
Do you remember grades in school by your best friends at the time?
I think I do for the most part :)
I don't know, but it is sad how friendships kind of go up and down.
(wow, I am really rambling now)
I wonder if those same friends who I considered my BEST friends then considered me theirs?
Facebook makes it easy to stay in contact with these people, but do they remember all the good times you had together? Or is it merely "All in your head?"
Enough.. I will leave well enough alone.
I hope to continue my craziness at another time and place.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Right now :)
Right Now I am::
:: soaking in the sun while I can! The weather here has been crazy: snowing on Sunday and in the 70's by Tuesday!
:: wearing mostly leggings and loose shirts... but I have lost some baby weight! Down to 180, woohoo! Only 30 more to go!
:: wondering if Colton will get this stomach bug that has been around since Saturday :(
:: hoping that he doesn't get that silly stomach bug!
:: laughing because that is all you can do when it there is sickness going on around your place, right?! But really laughing at all the funny things the kids are saying. Yesterday, Ayla went around saying "That is highly over-rated." To everything... it was cute.
:: enjoying our evenings at OUR park.
:: smiling because these kids of mine crack me up. Kellen is singing Bob the Builder on a regular basis, and keeps adding more words daily. It is kind of fun to see his progression.
:: deciding whether or not I should continue to work out like I have been doing because of an ankle problem... hmmm... these ailments are annoying :)
:: feeling pretty tired most days... but entirely happy. I really enjoy my life.
:: reading LOTS! I just finished two books in three days (I guess that is what happens when you spend your day in bed sick!) Blue Diary by Alice Hoffman (good read in my opinion) and Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares (the end of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants stories; also a good read in my opinion)
:: knitting not much, but thinking of finishing up a diaper cover that has been waiting for months. Also thinking of knitting a little vest for a doll named Rainbow (and maybe one for Rose)
:: working at getting the kids into a cleaning routine (Not to mention myself included) Every day I have them pick chores and help around the house... and if they get in trouble, they get an extra chore. Sometimes we even get Kellen to lend a hand!
:: thinking about turning our house in Montana into a vacation rental in a couple years... like here and here. (our house isn't as awesome as these, but it is near there, and ... well, it is a thought for the future)
:: watching movies with my husband on the weekend. We saw Win Win the other night... very good. We also watched the Hangover II, which we both thought wasn't as good as the first, but still pretty funny!
:: remembering fun times had in the Navy with my girls! Three of the four of us (we will miss you Bryr!) will be meeting in Austin in March, and I.AM.SO.EXCITED!!!
:: itching to get out running, but ailments (ankle, knee and back) seem to be at every corner! frustrating, for sure!
:: wanting to stop buying THINGS! I look around my house and see piles of things, useful things, but things that seem to clutter and make me FULL.
:: wishing that we could live somewhere that has beautiful trees... Astoria would be nice :)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
I am.... a closet hoarder.
I think.
I am.
I think I am a closet hoarder.
You know the type. Maybe you are one too. You get one thing that you LOVE, and then you must have more. You are not happy with just one. (This also pertains to food for me, unfortunately)
Admittedly, I am a clothes and shoes snob for my kids. I tend to buy the super cute, mostly expensive stuff when we have a little extra to spend (or for birthday's and Christmas usually). And then, when I see it on sale... I THINK I HAVE TO BUY MORE, OR IT WILL NEVER BE AVAILABLE EVER AGAIN!!!
Ayla looks adorable in anything (in my unbiased opinion), but she looks even cuter in clothes from TEA or Mini Boden, or Hanna Andersson.... you get the picture. And Google and Facebook know how to do it. They know to put those ads up for those places that taunt me with deals. Also, I "like" them on Facebook, so they themselves taunt me. Maybe I should just "unlike" them?.
I figure with the boys, it might last through two of them, right? Or if I am lucky, all three.
I look around our house and I just see a bunch of stuff though. It has been really getting to me lately, and I feel an incredible need/want to purge some stuff. But when I go to do said purging... I find that most of the stuff is GOOD stuff. You know, wooden toys that for some reason I LOVE, or toys that one of them thinks they can't live without. Or things that we may SOMEDAY need. This good stuff needs and is begging to be let go... but I find myself holding on for some unknown reason.
I think I am going to start trying to consciously make the effort to find out why I can't let go, and then try to get around it. I don't think of myself as overly sentimental. I have let go of some of the kids baby things that a bunch of people I know would not get rid of. I have decided I will keep only handmade stuff or things that I ABSOLUTELY ADORE. Maybe these rules are good to live by.
There are so many ways to accumulate stuff though, isn't there? You can buy it, or get it given to you. You can find it, or it is made. Some stuff the kids make is pretty hard to let go. What if they want to see it when they are older? What if I want to see it when they are older?
Letting go is so much harder when it is you that has to let go. Even of stuff.
The last couple of days, I have had some crazy ideas that need some extra money.... so I am going to try to save said money over the next couple years to try it. Let's see how long this lasts. We already save a decent amount of money for ourselves and the kids; we tend to live within our means (even with my buying expensive kids clothes :) ); and I think it would be a really good thing for our family.
But dreams are always nice as dreams too. Someday.
Someday, I will not be a hoarder.
Someday, I will be able to let go of the things that own me, so that I can be owned only by the things I love.
Someday.
I am.
I think I am a closet hoarder.
You know the type. Maybe you are one too. You get one thing that you LOVE, and then you must have more. You are not happy with just one. (This also pertains to food for me, unfortunately)
Admittedly, I am a clothes and shoes snob for my kids. I tend to buy the super cute, mostly expensive stuff when we have a little extra to spend (or for birthday's and Christmas usually). And then, when I see it on sale... I THINK I HAVE TO BUY MORE, OR IT WILL NEVER BE AVAILABLE EVER AGAIN!!!
Ayla looks adorable in anything (in my unbiased opinion), but she looks even cuter in clothes from TEA or Mini Boden, or Hanna Andersson.... you get the picture. And Google and Facebook know how to do it. They know to put those ads up for those places that taunt me with deals. Also, I "like" them on Facebook, so they themselves taunt me. Maybe I should just "unlike" them?.
I figure with the boys, it might last through two of them, right? Or if I am lucky, all three.
I look around our house and I just see a bunch of stuff though. It has been really getting to me lately, and I feel an incredible need/want to purge some stuff. But when I go to do said purging... I find that most of the stuff is GOOD stuff. You know, wooden toys that for some reason I LOVE, or toys that one of them thinks they can't live without. Or things that we may SOMEDAY need. This good stuff needs and is begging to be let go... but I find myself holding on for some unknown reason.
I think I am going to start trying to consciously make the effort to find out why I can't let go, and then try to get around it. I don't think of myself as overly sentimental. I have let go of some of the kids baby things that a bunch of people I know would not get rid of. I have decided I will keep only handmade stuff or things that I ABSOLUTELY ADORE. Maybe these rules are good to live by.
There are so many ways to accumulate stuff though, isn't there? You can buy it, or get it given to you. You can find it, or it is made. Some stuff the kids make is pretty hard to let go. What if they want to see it when they are older? What if I want to see it when they are older?
Letting go is so much harder when it is you that has to let go. Even of stuff.
The last couple of days, I have had some crazy ideas that need some extra money.... so I am going to try to save said money over the next couple years to try it. Let's see how long this lasts. We already save a decent amount of money for ourselves and the kids; we tend to live within our means (even with my buying expensive kids clothes :) ); and I think it would be a really good thing for our family.
But dreams are always nice as dreams too. Someday.
Someday, I will not be a hoarder.
Someday, I will be able to let go of the things that own me, so that I can be owned only by the things I love.
Someday.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Birthing Soapbox
I feel like I am experienced enough (and possibly intelligent enough) to speak on this subject of giving birth. So here goes...
I have given birth in 3 different states: North Carolina, Montana, and now Texas. All three were completely different, obviously. At each birth, I had them all natural (no epidural or pain meds) but only one was me going into labor on my own, which was the first with Colton in North Carolina. The other three were induced with pitocen.
Now, my opinion is strictly just that, MY opinion. And I am completely biased.
We will start with North Carolina, which rates at number 2 in my book. One thing they had going for them is that midwives were in abundance. Although it was a military hospital (Ft. Bragg) where we gave birth, it had a definite big hospital feel, and everything seemed pretty rigid. They did let me go into labor on my own, and instead of admitting me the first time I came in, they sent me home to labor there. No forcing me to be tied to a bed with an injection of pitocen to speed up my contractions so that I would have the baby before their shift ended. This is good.
Colton was put on my chest right away, and they were very mama/baby oriented.
One con was that I had to share a recovery room for the two days we were there. Again, not the end of the world, but not the best situation either.
So here is Soren's birth story::
Now, we will go with Texas. If I could rate it lower than number 3, I would. And my experience wasn't bad. It just left a sour taste in my mouth.
From the moment we walked in at 515am, I was in bed. Now, bed is nice, but when you are in labor... without pain meds.... not exactly the best place. The doctor broke my water at about 8am, and told the nurses to start the pitocen in half an hour if my contractions didn't start coming regularly. They didn't.
At 930am they started the pitocen at the lowest dose. A two on their medicine pump. Contractions started coming pretty regularly every 5-6 minutes. Not very intense, but contractions.
They upped the pitocen to a four at 1130am, and contractions starting getting more intense and coming every 2-3 minutes. I was still in bed. I could only get up to pee because of an interuterine contraction measurer contraption thingy. (Not used during my other TWO inductions, but told that it is standard procedure in Texas to do when induced)
We watched Top Gun and A Baby Story during this time, since I could not walk around.
At 2pm the doctor checked my cervix and I was dilated to 8 cm. He said to me that I was far too pleasant to be that far along. The contractions started becoming more and more intense soon after, but i could still breathe through them. When the nurse checked me at about 230 and said I was still 8cm, I almost bit her head off. I knew I was close. 10 minutes later, I told her I HAD to push. She had the nerve to tell me no, the doctor is not here yet. Well, he better get here, was all I could think. Needless to say, I was not able to stop pushing, and although I tried, 3 pushes (contractions) later, Soren made his appearance.
The doc made it... barely.
Right away, because of the interesting knot in his umbilical cord, the doctor was distracted. He cut the cord, without even offering the option to Tyler. I had asked to have the cord delayed in clamping so the blood could all be given to the baby. Yeah, that didn't happen.
They cleaned us up, the doctor left. Soren was given to me and all was good.
All I could think about was how much better this birth could have been if I was in Montana. (you will see why.)
But it was a great birth because we got adorable little Soren out of it. And he was healthy and HERE finally!
The whole time, it felt like pregnancy was a disease or an illness that had to be cured. Which I find about as impersonal as can be.
I remember at different times during labor I would mention to Tyler... we could still be at home right now if we weren't induced. How much better would that be? To labor at home. Now, I am not a homebirther... admittedly, I am scared of giving birth at home. It seems to me that anything could go wrong. But here in Texas, I really wish I would have considered it a little bit more! I am so jealous of my SIL, Danielle and her beautiful third birth that she got to have at home just a month ago.
Now Montana, was very much as close to homebirth as you can get. It was awesome. I am so thankful that I was fortunate enough to have two of my babies there. For one, I had the best doctor ever. And I am not just saying that. She took the time to get to know my family and what I wanted...so wonderful.
We were induced with both Ayla and Kellen, but those inductions were so ... different. I didn't feel like I had wished I had considered having them at home. I didn't feel like it was routine. It was a birth for gosh sakes.... it was a miracle.
With Kellen, I was lucky enough to experience a water birth. Even though I had been induced! Can you believe it? They had monitors that could be used while you walked around and labored. (Here in Texas they are behind the times, and had REALLY old monitors.) A waterbirth is about as peaceful as you can get.
All in all, my four births were wonderful. I just don't feel like there are enough options for birthing here in Texas. And it breaks my heart that the general population here won't know how amazingly peaceful a waterbirth can be; or how strong and capable you can feel after giving birth naturally. The nurses were amazed that I wasn't using pain meds. They asked two different times if I needed anything. It seems a standard procedure memo went out to all the doctors and they have to do everything accordingly.
Now I will get off my soapbox. Thanks for listening :)
Colton and Ayla's birth stories are somehow not written down... maybe sometime soon. I have them in their journals, and of course I remember them by heart :)
(Actually here is a short and sweet version of Colton's birth... really it was more INTENSE than conveyed here!)
Here is Kellen's birth story.
I have given birth in 3 different states: North Carolina, Montana, and now Texas. All three were completely different, obviously. At each birth, I had them all natural (no epidural or pain meds) but only one was me going into labor on my own, which was the first with Colton in North Carolina. The other three were induced with pitocen.
Now, my opinion is strictly just that, MY opinion. And I am completely biased.
We will start with North Carolina, which rates at number 2 in my book. One thing they had going for them is that midwives were in abundance. Although it was a military hospital (Ft. Bragg) where we gave birth, it had a definite big hospital feel, and everything seemed pretty rigid. They did let me go into labor on my own, and instead of admitting me the first time I came in, they sent me home to labor there. No forcing me to be tied to a bed with an injection of pitocen to speed up my contractions so that I would have the baby before their shift ended. This is good.
Colton was put on my chest right away, and they were very mama/baby oriented.
One con was that I had to share a recovery room for the two days we were there. Again, not the end of the world, but not the best situation either.
So here is Soren's birth story::
Now, we will go with Texas. If I could rate it lower than number 3, I would. And my experience wasn't bad. It just left a sour taste in my mouth.
From the moment we walked in at 515am, I was in bed. Now, bed is nice, but when you are in labor... without pain meds.... not exactly the best place. The doctor broke my water at about 8am, and told the nurses to start the pitocen in half an hour if my contractions didn't start coming regularly. They didn't.
At 930am they started the pitocen at the lowest dose. A two on their medicine pump. Contractions started coming pretty regularly every 5-6 minutes. Not very intense, but contractions.
They upped the pitocen to a four at 1130am, and contractions starting getting more intense and coming every 2-3 minutes. I was still in bed. I could only get up to pee because of an interuterine contraction measurer contraption thingy. (Not used during my other TWO inductions, but told that it is standard procedure in Texas to do when induced)
We watched Top Gun and A Baby Story during this time, since I could not walk around.
At 2pm the doctor checked my cervix and I was dilated to 8 cm. He said to me that I was far too pleasant to be that far along. The contractions started becoming more and more intense soon after, but i could still breathe through them. When the nurse checked me at about 230 and said I was still 8cm, I almost bit her head off. I knew I was close. 10 minutes later, I told her I HAD to push. She had the nerve to tell me no, the doctor is not here yet. Well, he better get here, was all I could think. Needless to say, I was not able to stop pushing, and although I tried, 3 pushes (contractions) later, Soren made his appearance.
The doc made it... barely.
Right away, because of the interesting knot in his umbilical cord, the doctor was distracted. He cut the cord, without even offering the option to Tyler. I had asked to have the cord delayed in clamping so the blood could all be given to the baby. Yeah, that didn't happen.
They cleaned us up, the doctor left. Soren was given to me and all was good.
All I could think about was how much better this birth could have been if I was in Montana. (you will see why.)
But it was a great birth because we got adorable little Soren out of it. And he was healthy and HERE finally!
The whole time, it felt like pregnancy was a disease or an illness that had to be cured. Which I find about as impersonal as can be.
I remember at different times during labor I would mention to Tyler... we could still be at home right now if we weren't induced. How much better would that be? To labor at home. Now, I am not a homebirther... admittedly, I am scared of giving birth at home. It seems to me that anything could go wrong. But here in Texas, I really wish I would have considered it a little bit more! I am so jealous of my SIL, Danielle and her beautiful third birth that she got to have at home just a month ago.
Now Montana, was very much as close to homebirth as you can get. It was awesome. I am so thankful that I was fortunate enough to have two of my babies there. For one, I had the best doctor ever. And I am not just saying that. She took the time to get to know my family and what I wanted...so wonderful.
We were induced with both Ayla and Kellen, but those inductions were so ... different. I didn't feel like I had wished I had considered having them at home. I didn't feel like it was routine. It was a birth for gosh sakes.... it was a miracle.
With Kellen, I was lucky enough to experience a water birth. Even though I had been induced! Can you believe it? They had monitors that could be used while you walked around and labored. (Here in Texas they are behind the times, and had REALLY old monitors.) A waterbirth is about as peaceful as you can get.
All in all, my four births were wonderful. I just don't feel like there are enough options for birthing here in Texas. And it breaks my heart that the general population here won't know how amazingly peaceful a waterbirth can be; or how strong and capable you can feel after giving birth naturally. The nurses were amazed that I wasn't using pain meds. They asked two different times if I needed anything. It seems a standard procedure memo went out to all the doctors and they have to do everything accordingly.
They're all mine!!! (well, Tyler's too!)
Now I will get off my soapbox. Thanks for listening :)
Colton and Ayla's birth stories are somehow not written down... maybe sometime soon. I have them in their journals, and of course I remember them by heart :)
(Actually here is a short and sweet version of Colton's birth... really it was more INTENSE than conveyed here!)
Here is Kellen's birth story.
Monday, September 12, 2011
9-11 in our lives
On 9-11-01, I remember being new to the Navy, and the way of the military. I shared a room with my good friend Kadie. We were getting ready in the morning for our language classes, and I turned on the radio, just like I always did. But this day was different.
There was no music, just news. News of the awful thing that happened that no one quite understood, and no one could explain.
We went to class just like usual, but classes were anything but usual that morning. All of us were in a daze, wondering what that meant for us as young Americans, and us, as military members.
I had just turned 21 two days prior.
Tyler was fishing, and heard two old men on the bridge talking about the planes that hit the building in New York. He had no idea they were talking about huge planes that took the building down.
It happened to be one of the last things that pushed him to join the Air Force.
9-11-07
We had just moved to Kalispell, Montana and were getting ready to welcome our second child into the world. Granna and Papa came to visit to help with little Colton. We scheduled an induction on the eve of September 11. And looking back, the only thing I was thinking about was having a baby. I was so excited to meet my little babe, that I don't remember really reflecting on the actual day. We had headed up to Glacier National Park that day to show the family the sites and were, as always, amazed with what we saw.
The next day, at 11:01am we welcomed little Ayla into the world.
The world.
Thinking small picture, we loved our world... we were so excited to be living in Northwest Montana.
Thinking big picture, the world was scary. To bring another little one into the world as it was, seemed almost wrong. But we wanted a family of our own. And we added another. (And another, and another!)
There was no music, just news. News of the awful thing that happened that no one quite understood, and no one could explain.
We went to class just like usual, but classes were anything but usual that morning. All of us were in a daze, wondering what that meant for us as young Americans, and us, as military members.
I had just turned 21 two days prior.
Tyler was fishing, and heard two old men on the bridge talking about the planes that hit the building in New York. He had no idea they were talking about huge planes that took the building down.
It happened to be one of the last things that pushed him to join the Air Force.
9-11-07
We had just moved to Kalispell, Montana and were getting ready to welcome our second child into the world. Granna and Papa came to visit to help with little Colton. We scheduled an induction on the eve of September 11. And looking back, the only thing I was thinking about was having a baby. I was so excited to meet my little babe, that I don't remember really reflecting on the actual day. We had headed up to Glacier National Park that day to show the family the sites and were, as always, amazed with what we saw.
The next day, at 11:01am we welcomed little Ayla into the world.
The world.
Thinking small picture, we loved our world... we were so excited to be living in Northwest Montana.
Thinking big picture, the world was scary. To bring another little one into the world as it was, seemed almost wrong. But we wanted a family of our own. And we added another. (And another, and another!)
9-11-11
Yesterday, we celebrated Ayla's birthday one day early. Tyler is on twelve hour shifts during the week right now, so we figured a weekend party was the best option.
Ayla invited 4 little girlfriends over and we had a great time making butterflies, playing dress up and of course, beating the daddy-made pinata.
I think they all had fun.
Then the moms came back with the littler siblings and we all had cake and ice cream.
The celebration occurred because that is what we do. We get on with our lives. Admittedly, I did reflect on the 10 year anniversary of Sept. 11, and what it will always mean to the United States.
But mostly, I celebrated my little girl's 4th birthday.
And what a day we had.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Hippie-ish
So, I went for a walk last night, while Tyler was putting the kids to bed. Recently, someone had mentioned that they were the hippie of their family. And I had answered, "Yeah, Me too!"
But what makes me a hippie? I mulled this over, and of course the obvious came to mind ::
*I recycle
*I use cloth diapers (and when I don't, I use chlorine free diapers)
*I try to buy organic food, and clothing when possible
*I try to find and buy from companies within the US (not sure if this qualifies, but it sounds good)
etc, etc...
Then, I thought "but why does that make me a "hippie" per se?"
<>
Because I think, and truly believe, that everyone should do these things!
And a light came on, and I figured that THAT was exactly why I am a so called hippie.
This Earth was meant for us to live on, but SO MANY people take advantage of our dwindling resources (it is pathetic).
Some people use God to hide behind; some just use laziness. And think "what does it matter if I do these things, it won't change anything".
But if everyone even did one of those things I listed that makes me a "hippie" we would actually see a difference. And I truly believe this.
And here is the definition of HIPPIE (per wikipedia) Noun: (esp. in the 1960s) A person of unconventional appearance, typically having long hair and wearing beads, associated with a subculture involving a rejection of conventional values and the taking of hallucinogenic drugs.
I guess I am not a hippie after all!
HaHa! :)
But what makes me a hippie? I mulled this over, and of course the obvious came to mind ::
*I recycle
*I use cloth diapers (and when I don't, I use chlorine free diapers)
*I try to buy organic food, and clothing when possible
*I try to find and buy from companies within the US (not sure if this qualifies, but it sounds good)
etc, etc...
Then, I thought "but why does that make me a "hippie" per se?"
<
Because I think, and truly believe, that everyone should do these things!
And a light came on, and I figured that THAT was exactly why I am a so called hippie.
This Earth was meant for us to live on, but SO MANY people take advantage of our dwindling resources (it is pathetic).
Some people use God to hide behind; some just use laziness. And think "what does it matter if I do these things, it won't change anything".
But if everyone even did one of those things I listed that makes me a "hippie" we would actually see a difference. And I truly believe this.
And here is the definition of HIPPIE (per wikipedia) Noun: (esp. in the 1960s) A person of unconventional appearance, typically having long hair and wearing beads, associated with a subculture involving a rejection of conventional values and the taking of hallucinogenic drugs.
I guess I am not a hippie after all!
HaHa! :)
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
why am I not here?
that is the question I ask myself daily... why are you not blogging today? You know what my answer is? I am busy!!!
So here are a few things we have been up to::
:: we found out we are moving to Abilene, Texas! At the beginning of May. Feels like it is tomorrow!
:: I am in my final weeks of physical therapy for my knee... only 3 more weeks, and then I have to take it a bit easy, but I should be back to running in May...
:: I have been knitting up a storm! I am almost done with my Shalom sweater... but.... I ran out of my butternut squash yarn and had to order some more. So that is on hold.
:: I started a jacket for Kellen, and hooded baby snuggler for someone that is having a baby...
:: the sun has been shining around here, and although it is still SUPER cold (I mean in the teens mostly) we have been trying to get outside; now that I am not as scared to slip and fall and mess up my knee again. The kids have been loving it! They even rode their bikes. It took a couple pedals for them to remember how to do it, but they figured it out!
:: Kellen has been being mischievous. He JUST recently realized that he doesn't have to lay on his back in his crib (I don't know why it has taken him this long to even try to roll over in there!)... so he is having a tough time calming down for bedtime. Or naps. That kid hates naps. I swear that he only sleeps maybe 45 minutes during the day. Sometimes he sleeps well at night, and sometimes he doesn't. Oh well, he is REALLY super cute and makes up for the lack of sleep.
:: I recently discovered a Chinese food restaurant that is SO good here in Montana... The Alley Connection. Just thought I would through that out there.
Hope everyone has a great week.... Tyler is gone for a work thing for a couple days so it is just me here to hold down the fort. I am SO not looking forward to him EVER being deployed. Three days is tough!
I will post pics soon!
So here are a few things we have been up to::
:: we found out we are moving to Abilene, Texas! At the beginning of May. Feels like it is tomorrow!
:: I am in my final weeks of physical therapy for my knee... only 3 more weeks, and then I have to take it a bit easy, but I should be back to running in May...
:: I have been knitting up a storm! I am almost done with my Shalom sweater... but.... I ran out of my butternut squash yarn and had to order some more. So that is on hold.
:: I started a jacket for Kellen, and hooded baby snuggler for someone that is having a baby...
:: the sun has been shining around here, and although it is still SUPER cold (I mean in the teens mostly) we have been trying to get outside; now that I am not as scared to slip and fall and mess up my knee again. The kids have been loving it! They even rode their bikes. It took a couple pedals for them to remember how to do it, but they figured it out!
:: Kellen has been being mischievous. He JUST recently realized that he doesn't have to lay on his back in his crib (I don't know why it has taken him this long to even try to roll over in there!)... so he is having a tough time calming down for bedtime. Or naps. That kid hates naps. I swear that he only sleeps maybe 45 minutes during the day. Sometimes he sleeps well at night, and sometimes he doesn't. Oh well, he is REALLY super cute and makes up for the lack of sleep.
:: I recently discovered a Chinese food restaurant that is SO good here in Montana... The Alley Connection. Just thought I would through that out there.
Hope everyone has a great week.... Tyler is gone for a work thing for a couple days so it is just me here to hold down the fort. I am SO not looking forward to him EVER being deployed. Three days is tough!
I will post pics soon!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
My love for crafting
I have a confession:: I love to make things. It is usually a problem. Well, maybe not a problem... just an obsession. I would say on any given day that you would find me having a few treasured moments to add some stitches here, or cut out a pattern there. It brings me joy. It brings me peace.I read a beautiful post today over at Shivaya Naturals (by the lovely Heather) and it made me think. Why do I craft? And do I really have the time? So this is what I came up with.
I craft, mostly, to keep my sanity. I feel like I can totally immerse myself in my craft of choice and come out on the other side more relaxed. AND, I also craft because I love that I can figure things out and make something with my own two hands... and I like to think that I am pretty good at it. I REALLY love seeing my finished product and giving it to someone who will use it. But my favorite, is seeing my kids (or husband or myself) wearing something I have made (or using it). It fills my heart with joy and accomplishment. Luckily my husband is very supportive and seems to appreciate my craftiness. He doesn't usually appreciate the mess quite as much, but he knows it is a necessity :)
To answer the question of "do I really have the time?", I find that I make time for this. Every spare second I have, I find myself reaching for my knitting or gravitating toward my lovely sewing machine. I also don't deep clean any of the house on a regular basis. I surface clean and use the theory of stacking, but I leave the serious cleaning to a whirlwind cleaning bug or to my husband! I do cook on occasion... no, I cook everyday. But dinner time menu is my nemesis. I am constantly looking for a good way to figure out dinner. It has been kind of nice these last couple of weeks to not have to think about it too much (my husband did most of that!) So I guess it would be like those "other" people who spend their free time working out or cleaning. Now, I think they are crazy! Just kidding.
Often, I get the comment, "You must be so busy".... and I have to admit, I am. I have 3 kids that require a lot of time and attention, I have a husband who I adore and try to spend as much time as I can with, I love to read, I love to blog and read other blogs, I have lots of outdoor activities I enjoy, and I love to knit and sew. Of course I am busy. And I wouldn't want it any other way.Here is the new sweater vest I made for Kellen. I think it is the most adorable little thing. Usually we don't put a sweater over PJ's, but it is pretty cute anyways.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Some Random Stuff and Shops I love
Colton's kitty drawing (his first one!)
Pretzel fun
So here goes:
CLOTHING
Gaia Conceptions (Etsy is a WONDERFUL place to find small local companies that are AWESOME)
Kate Quinn Organics
Happy Green Bee
Little Lark (Portland)
Hannah Andersson
Abe's Market
Sweetgrass
Earth Creations
Wooly Baby
Handfull (Eugene)
Blue Corduroy (California)
SheShePDX (Portland)
Starry Knight Designs (Montana)
JEWELRY::
Seaworthy :) (Portland)
Lisa Leonard
Eager Hands
TOYS::
Natural Family Supplies
The Enchanted Cupboard
Little Sapling Toys (ID and UT)
Natural Earth Farm and Fiber
Imagine Childhood
ART SUPPLIES::
Natural Family Supplies
Stubby Pencil Studio (Portland)
NATURAL FAMILY CARE::
Natural Family Supplies
LuSa Organics
Winkydinks
CRAFT::
A Little Sweetness (Seattle)
And I know I am forgetting a whole bunch of shops that I love, but maybe I will just expand on this as I remember them!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Today:: The beginning of 2011
(Ayla took this picture! This is my new haircut to start out the new year!)Today is the beginning of the year for me. I know, you say it is the 4th; what are you talking about?
Well... The doctor told me today that I can walk on both my legs now. My knee is healing beautifully he said, and even though I have a lot of physical therapy ahead of me, this news makes me oh-so-happy.
I haven't been able to hold my baby boy in 4 weeks and walk him to soothe him to sleep. I have felt so helpless in the whole realm of the house because all I could really do was crutch around. I know, many others have way more obstacles to overcome. This was mine though. Being responsible for 3 little ones and not really being able to meet any of their needs is hard. Really hard. I am so thankful for my husband and all the work he has put into this family in the last 4 weeks. He has been truly amazing.
I can only hope that I can repay him someway. I try to be very easy going and handle things. He has been going at least once a week to the gym with the neighbor to climb the rock wall a couple times, also a weekly soccer game is a recent thing too. At least it is something.
So having all this time to sit and stew... I have made a couple of personal rules to live by for at least the next 6 months; maybe a year.
#1:: No buying clothing for any of the immediate family members, unless they fit in this criteria :: have to be handmade in the USA :: or second-hand.
(this is huge. I have a problem with buying clothes. well, not all the time, I go through spurts, but it is never pretty :)
#2:: Try really hard to hand-make items for people's special days (i.e. birthdays, christmas, etc.) I don't think this one will be too hard, but this will help me use up the fabric and yarn that I already have, plus, people love hand made stuff, right?! HOWEVER, I will give myself an out here and give the option of buying something hand made if it comes to crunch time. I don't want myself to go crazy! So etsy will surely be a place to look.
These afore mentioned people include my hubby and kids. Kids are not a problem, but Tyler is another story! He did mention he would like a robe.... but seriously, not easy!
Let's hope I can at least remotely stick to these rules. One of the tabs I have open right now is a clothing shop that does not meet this criteria... and I have 13 items in the cart! So this is going to save me money for now... until I make that purchase from Gaia Conceptions :)
Have a great Tuesday! this week sometime, I am going to list some of my favorite shops that are either local (for me, that means Oregon or Montana) or just plain awesome. Maybe I will make some shopping matches :)
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Year in Review
Our Year (2010) in Review
I got this idea from a different blog, and thought it was fabulous. Also a good way to reminisce about the year that has passed and look more forward to the year ahead. So here we go::
..................................................................................................................................................
::JANUARY::
We started One Small Change (more meatless meals) :: hurt my back (again) :: made a list of 50 things to do in 485 days (We accomplished 24/50 so far) :: celebrated Colton's half birthday :: couldn't sew much, so knit alot :: tried my hand at a picture a day :: won a giveaway ::
...................................................................................................................................
::FEBRUARY::
Finishing Ayla's quilt :: very itchy during the last weeks of pregnancy :: tried our hand with family cloth for the One Small Change for this month :: Ayla got her hair cut :: Valentine's Day hike up Lonepine :: made some super cute things for the soon to be Kellen (if I do say so myself!) :: clarified our savings plan (I love this post and the comments that came!) ::
.......................................................................................................................................
::MARCH::
Welcomed Baby Kellen into the family!! (This is my favorite thing of the whole year) :: March One Small Change was lowering the thermostat :: Participated in a Vintage Swap :: Lots of family visiting :: started walking and eliminating things from diet to help Kellen :: Kellen's first bath ::
......................................................................................................................................
::APRIL::
One Small Change is take a plastic bag for garbage on walks and hang laundry out (didn't do too well on either of these :( ) :: Put our house up for sale :: Easter egg hunt and books :: start of the bypass construction :: started up some post-baby projects (niece Natalie was turning one!) :: gave up dairy for Kellen's sake :: started the Green Smoothie challenge (I need to go back to this!) :: playing in the park in the sunshine :: bought some 5 finger barefoot shoes :: kids craft with old sewing machine :: Kellen is starting to smile
.......................................................................................................................................
::MAY::
Tyler ordered me a Lisa Leonard necklace that I LOVE! :: local photographer, Alicia Brown, took newborn pictures of Kellen :: actually made a couple more things for the family :: Tyler turned 28 (I love this post; makes me tear up) :: won three different blogging giveaways! :: kids playing a lot of doctor themed play :: made some weight loss goals :: our first (and Kellen's first EVER) camping trip of the season :: farmshare started :: hiked alot with friends :: considered training for a half marathon ::
....................................................................................................................................
::JUNE::
hurt my knee (tore the meniscus) :: went camping in Glacier and saw our first moose! :: kids got stomach flu on said camping trip :: Kellen reached 16 lbs. :: knitted alot with Kellen on my lap :: Colton learned to ride a 2 wheeler (with no training wheels) :: fun in the sprinkler :: mosquito infested camping trip! :: messes revealed in Truthful Tuesday's ::
....................................................................................................................................
::JULY::
Kellen had first taste of solid food :: another moose sighting :: more camping :: visitor's from Oregon (Granna, Papa and cousin Jaden!) and my brother and boyfriend from Maryland came too! :: Colton turned 4! :: kid's journals :: Our grizzly bear encounter! :: and even more camping
......................................................................................................................................
::AUGUST::
went rock climbing with our wonderful neighbors (now Tyler is hooked!) :: made homemade bagels :: made Kellen some AWESOME new pants :: crossed over to Canada for a camping trip; saw lots of bears :: picked lots of raspberries :: hosted my first giveaway :: went to Yellowstone and to Grand Teton with good friends (pics here and here)
.......................................................................................................................................
::SEPTEMBER::
Lots of homemade goodness for Ayla's birthday :: Colton started preschool :: I turned 30! :: Kellen turned 6 months old :: we got family pictures done by the lovely Alicia :: Ayla turned 3 (here, too) :: me and the kids headed for a trip to Oregon sans Tyler
.....................................................................................................................................
::OCTOBER::
shared our Oregon trip here and here :: volunteered :: went to the pumpkin patch :: got an itch to get rid of things :: Tyler went to Vegas for a couple of days :: we got our beautiful pictures back :: went to Glacier for an impromptu fishing trip as a family, and met up with a train :: went to Mexico! :: had a great Halloween
...............................................................................................................................
::NOVEMBER::
found a great high chair for a great price :: trying to simplify dinner plans :: won another giveaway! :: knitted some sweaters for Christmas :: chugging along on my Christmas gifts :: made family tree pillows :: Tyler shot a deer :: Kellen's first encounter with snow :: :: went to Oregon for Thanksgiving (once again bringing a pretty decent cold and not being able to visit as much as we want)
...................................................................................................................
::DECEMBER::
hurried to get Christmas presents done early :: MORE pictures from Alicia! :: went sledding before the surgery :: had knee surgery :: Ayla's doll got a washing :: got our Christmas tree early (a little too early!) :: the kids really enjoyed the decorating for the season :: lots of knitting being done :: made lots of snowflakes and hung them up around the house :: Kellen started crawling/scooting :: Tyler made a tutu for Ayla :: Christmas was wonderful :: tree was taken down on Christmas day ::
we have been so lucky to have such a great year. Hopefully this next year is just as awesome! I have a feeling it will be. Life is good. I hope your life is as wonderfully full as ours is; everyone should be this lucky.
(right now i am snuggled on my bed in the living room (because of the knee) with a kitty in the crook of my arm, my kids playing around, my husband tending both the kids and the house.... all I need is some chocolate and a cup of chai... perfection!)
I got this idea from a different blog, and thought it was fabulous. Also a good way to reminisce about the year that has passed and look more forward to the year ahead. So here we go::
..................................................................................................................................................
::JANUARY::
We started One Small Change (more meatless meals) :: hurt my back (again) :: made a list of 50 things to do in 485 days (We accomplished 24/50 so far) :: celebrated Colton's half birthday :: couldn't sew much, so knit alot :: tried my hand at a picture a day :: won a giveaway ::...................................................................................................................................
::FEBRUARY::
Finishing Ayla's quilt :: very itchy during the last weeks of pregnancy :: tried our hand with family cloth for the One Small Change for this month :: Ayla got her hair cut :: Valentine's Day hike up Lonepine :: made some super cute things for the soon to be Kellen (if I do say so myself!) :: clarified our savings plan (I love this post and the comments that came!) ::.......................................................................................................................................
::MARCH::
Welcomed Baby Kellen into the family!! (This is my favorite thing of the whole year) :: March One Small Change was lowering the thermostat :: Participated in a Vintage Swap :: Lots of family visiting :: started walking and eliminating things from diet to help Kellen :: Kellen's first bath ::......................................................................................................................................
::APRIL::
One Small Change is take a plastic bag for garbage on walks and hang laundry out (didn't do too well on either of these :( ) :: Put our house up for sale :: Easter egg hunt and books :: start of the bypass construction :: started up some post-baby projects (niece Natalie was turning one!) :: gave up dairy for Kellen's sake :: started the Green Smoothie challenge (I need to go back to this!) :: playing in the park in the sunshine :: bought some 5 finger barefoot shoes :: kids craft with old sewing machine :: Kellen is starting to smile.......................................................................................................................................
::MAY::
Tyler ordered me a Lisa Leonard necklace that I LOVE! :: local photographer, Alicia Brown, took newborn pictures of Kellen :: actually made a couple more things for the family :: Tyler turned 28 (I love this post; makes me tear up) :: won three different blogging giveaways! :: kids playing a lot of doctor themed play :: made some weight loss goals :: our first (and Kellen's first EVER) camping trip of the season :: farmshare started :: hiked alot with friends :: considered training for a half marathon ::....................................................................................................................................
::JUNE::
hurt my knee (tore the meniscus) :: went camping in Glacier and saw our first moose! :: kids got stomach flu on said camping trip :: Kellen reached 16 lbs. :: knitted alot with Kellen on my lap :: Colton learned to ride a 2 wheeler (with no training wheels) :: fun in the sprinkler :: mosquito infested camping trip! :: messes revealed in Truthful Tuesday's ::....................................................................................................................................
::JULY::
Kellen had first taste of solid food :: another moose sighting :: more camping :: visitor's from Oregon (Granna, Papa and cousin Jaden!) and my brother and boyfriend from Maryland came too! :: Colton turned 4! :: kid's journals :: Our grizzly bear encounter! :: and even more camping......................................................................................................................................
::AUGUST::
went rock climbing with our wonderful neighbors (now Tyler is hooked!) :: made homemade bagels :: made Kellen some AWESOME new pants :: crossed over to Canada for a camping trip; saw lots of bears :: picked lots of raspberries :: hosted my first giveaway :: went to Yellowstone and to Grand Teton with good friends (pics here and here).......................................................................................................................................
::SEPTEMBER::
Lots of homemade goodness for Ayla's birthday :: Colton started preschool :: I turned 30! :: Kellen turned 6 months old :: we got family pictures done by the lovely Alicia :: Ayla turned 3 (here, too) :: me and the kids headed for a trip to Oregon sans Tyler.....................................................................................................................................
::OCTOBER::
shared our Oregon trip here and here :: volunteered :: went to the pumpkin patch :: got an itch to get rid of things :: Tyler went to Vegas for a couple of days :: we got our beautiful pictures back :: went to Glacier for an impromptu fishing trip as a family, and met up with a train :: went to Mexico! :: had a great Halloween...............................................................................................................................
::NOVEMBER::
found a great high chair for a great price :: trying to simplify dinner plans :: won another giveaway! :: knitted some sweaters for Christmas :: chugging along on my Christmas gifts :: made family tree pillows :: Tyler shot a deer :: Kellen's first encounter with snow :: :: went to Oregon for Thanksgiving (once again bringing a pretty decent cold and not being able to visit as much as we want)...................................................................................................................
::DECEMBER::
hurried to get Christmas presents done early :: MORE pictures from Alicia! :: went sledding before the surgery :: had knee surgery :: Ayla's doll got a washing :: got our Christmas tree early (a little too early!) :: the kids really enjoyed the decorating for the season :: lots of knitting being done :: made lots of snowflakes and hung them up around the house :: Kellen started crawling/scooting :: Tyler made a tutu for Ayla :: Christmas was wonderful :: tree was taken down on Christmas day ::we have been so lucky to have such a great year. Hopefully this next year is just as awesome! I have a feeling it will be. Life is good. I hope your life is as wonderfully full as ours is; everyone should be this lucky.
(right now i am snuggled on my bed in the living room (because of the knee) with a kitty in the crook of my arm, my kids playing around, my husband tending both the kids and the house.... all I need is some chocolate and a cup of chai... perfection!)
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas Season
The Christmas season is pretty much behind us here. We took down all the decorations yesterday (due to our tree being a pretty serious fire hazard!). But that doesn't mean that this Christmas wasn't full and special here in our house.
I woke up to hearing whispers (think:: our bed is downstairs, right in the living room, and was right next to the tree!) and little feet scampering back to the stairs. And more whispers and then two REALLY excited kids coming out and inspecting what Santa left for them. I think they were pretty happy. Ayla got a box of dress up clothes (mostly pink) and Colton got a cool firetruck. Kellen got a star that we have been meaning to get for him before we leave Montana (since the other two have one and when he gets older, he may realize that). It was the sweetest Christmas just for the simple fact that Tyler and I really enjoyed seeing the wonderment and magic alight on our kids faces. We talked a lot about what kind of emotional hardship it will be when our kids find out the truth.
Speaking of truth, I really felt like this Christmas I couldn't do much, but I did watch my kids and how they were reacting to all the "getting". And I wasn't very happy with it. They seem to think that it is a season of "getting", and I know this to be our fault. So it is my goal for next year to really get involved with more giving. I have thought of a couple different scenarios:: pick a giving project each month, and go out with a bang next Christmas (meaning a really good one for December!) or for the month of December do something "giving" every day leading up to Christmas. I do lean towards the first because I really would like my kids to know that giving is an all year thing, not just during the "season". What do you guys think?
We spent Christmas Eve morning with some of our favorite people, the neighbors, Luke and Becca and their adorable girls. We exchanged small gifts and had chocolate croissants and just talked and enjoyed the company. Last year, we did something of the sort with some other wonderful neighbors (although they sadly moved this year to Idaho :( )
Then we had a great steak dinner. Watched a Christmas movie and went to bed... well, tried to go to bed. Colton could not go to sleep, he was too excited. So we waited until 11pm when he went to bed, and then we could set up for morning. It was great. All of it.
Tyler got climbing (rock) gear. He seems to really enjoy it, and Colton does too, so I think it may be something that they or we as a family will continue to do.
I received some wonderful gifts, one of my favorites being a knitting kit with different needles (I have taken a real liking to knitting lately. In fact, alot of people on my gift list received something knitted by me this year!) And the kids got me awesome socks! I love a good pair of socks!
I am debating what to spend my Christmas money on:: I recently revisited a shop that I LOVE (in fact, I covet almost everything in it!) and I think I may splurge and buy an outfit. I have really decided that I want that style. I love its simplicity. The shop is called Gaia Conceptions, on Etsy. I recommend you don't visit, you might get hooked!!! I am finding it SUPER hard to say just what I would like, but I think I am narrowed down to this or this. I absolutely love how the first looks with the dress underneath (which would be a future purchase), I think I would order it in the same color shown (terracotta); and the second one is just so pretty (I would order this in a blue or grey, which is shown)! And versatile. I am thinking I would need these anyhow (in chocolate), also.... oh, the choices! Or check out this.
I figure if I limit myself to one outfit from there a year, I could slowly make a wardrobe. Right? Plus, maybe I could get ideas of my own, and make some myself? I am trying to justify the extravagant cost!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Before and After
On our trip to Oregon, as we were driving into Astoria, Ayla says "Mommy, look at this". I turn around and look, and I was so mad.
I was just so mad.
She said that she looked better with purple on her, and she actually asked for it.
I still don't believe her.
I was so mad, that I was silent (which meant I was really mad).
I took the doll, and the pen.
I told her that she wouldn't get the doll back for some time because she wasn't ready for her.
The rest of the trip, it was forgotten.
When we got back home, I brought the doll in.
I looked at her for a couple days, thinking of a proper way to fix her.
I contacted her creator, and she mentioned some ideas.
I used her babywipe idea, and then I used Ecover Stain Remover.
It worked beautifully! I was so happy!
I did, however, tell Ayla that we might wait awhile to play with her.
I was just so mad.
She said that she looked better with purple on her, and she actually asked for it.
I still don't believe her.
I was so mad, that I was silent (which meant I was really mad).I took the doll, and the pen.
I told her that she wouldn't get the doll back for some time because she wasn't ready for her.
The rest of the trip, it was forgotten.
When we got back home, I brought the doll in.
I looked at her for a couple days, thinking of a proper way to fix her.
I contacted her creator, and she mentioned some ideas.
I used her babywipe idea, and then I used Ecover Stain Remover.
It worked beautifully! I was so happy!
I did, however, tell Ayla that we might wait awhile to play with her.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The turtles
After having eluded to a disaster with the turtles the other day... here is the story::These cute little turtles... Pinky, John Deere, Mariner, August, Yin and Yang (guess who named what, and I will give you kudos!)... we don't know their fate, but we can only hope for the best.
Here is a link with a little info on the program.What they don't tell you is that if you release the turtles with birds nearby, they will QUICKLY spread the word that cute little morsels (turtles) are bobbing their way in shallow water... easy picking. It was like a horror film.
We get to hold the cute little almost helpless turtles.
We get the go-ahead to release them into the water.
They make their way through the sand to the surf.
We watch them floating, bobbing their cute little heads.
Then, we watch them being dive-bombed by seabirds!!
Yes, about 500 were released, but it was really sad. We told the kids the truth, but felt bad doing so (they don't seem to be scarred by it). But my mother-in-law, whose favorite animal is the turtle, I think is permanently damaged from it!
After the biologists saw what was happening, and that they were helpless, they gathered up the ones that hadn't made it to the surf, and we saw (and helped) release them later that night when there were no birds around.
Talking with people after the horror show, we quickly came up with some things they could have and should have done:
use fireworks as bird deterrent.
have a shotgun on hand.
released them all later at night (the obvious one!)
Here is some really interesting baby turtle facts::Hatchlings use the horizon and the crests of waves to make it to the ocean.
They also wait under the sand aftyer they hatch until it is cooler, which indicates nighttime, when they are less likely to become prey on their first leg of the journey.
Go here for more facts too.
It was really neat, but sad at the same time. I hope Pinky, Mariner, John Deere, August, Yin and Yang make it to adulthood.
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