My 40th Birthday Beach Trip

Mima shades Joshua

Josh poolside
Max shows off his shell
My Dad (Pipa) and Eden at Siesta Key Beach

Jamie and Mom
Buffet says "hi" to the kids
The fam at the beach
Eden hangs out with Celeste in the pool
Jamie 14, Jamie 37, Nancy 40!!

I had a wonderful 40th birthday. I will post a link to more pictures soon! My kids gave me an iPod Shuffle. It is SO much fun! I'm listening now! (I should be sleeping...) I went shopping with my Mom and had a GREAT birthday dinner with my family and birthday buddy, my brother, Jamie. It's hard work, but I am enjoying my 7 week old birthday present, too. God is good!

Jamie turns 14

Clifford James "Jamie"

June 2nd, 1994

9 pounds, 2 ounces

Interests: guitar, skateboarding, paintball...14 yo boy stuff!

They had fun out to dinner at Macaroni Grill. We got a sitter for Tommy & Eden. Jamie has really grown since the new year and is now taller than Celeste and I. It will be interesting to see how much he changes while he's gone for summer. He leaves in a week. I will miss you SO much~I love you, Jamie!

Cindy Lou Who says "CHEESE" for the camera!

Momma wears Joshua in her new sling...shhh...

A little something new

This is my new hair cut. I always do something different after having a baby. I'm excited about my new doo. Hope ya like it!

Today...

~The power went off for an hour this morning. It was very quiet... Tommy kept saying things were broken. It was cute!

~We all had cereal for breakfast.

~I am thankful for a surprise dinner last night with Stu. My friend, LaDawn, kept ALL the kids.

~I'm still in my pajamas. (Which happen to include the skirt I wore yesterday...)

~I am hoping to start Joshua's scrapbook soon...and work more on Eden's.

~I hope to get a nap today. I had 4 hours sleep last night in 2 installments.

~June is...Jamie's 14th birthday on the 2nd and my 40th on the 10th!!!

~I am getting a hair cut tomorrow and can't wait.

~Currently I'm home with 5 children ages 9, 7, 3.75, 20 months, and 5 weeks...eek!

Joshua's 1 month

Joshua in his swing--1 month old

Eden has little piggies. Notice the booboo on her head.

She fell off the couch and crashed into the baseboard.

Eden, Karyn, Celeste, & Allie at AGCC Homeschool Grad Ceremony

Joshua had his 1 month check up (a week ago!). He weighed 10 pounds (50%) and was 22 inches long (60%) and his head was 37cm (50%). We are very busy at home with kids in school and lots of other activities. We are going to the beach in Sarasota in early June--all the kids are very excited about that. If I could be rested, I would be, too!

BPA Free bottles

With all of the concern about chemicals in bottles and other infant feeding things I thought I would post a link to a site that has a nice set of lists and information on BPA free feeding products. We're switching because every small step for our child's health is important. Go here to see this list.

Also, I found The Soft Landing to have a large selection of healthy products, feeding included, for baby.

Joshua slept 5 hours last night (from 2-7 a.m.)...in his swing. I haven't had that much sleep in 4 weeks. He's 4 weeks today! Unfortunately, I awoke with a terrible migraine. It hung on all day, but has now subsided. Joshua is now napping and if there's one thing I've learned, it's go catch one myself. Sorry I haven't been on much, but I'm certainly overwhelmed right now (just being honest). Hopefully, I will see you in dreamland...zzzzzzz. (Also, still nursing, but he gets about half from me and half from formula.)

More pictures

Joshie is sleeping...zzzzz...

Eden loves to touch and kiss his toes.

Joshua is gaining, although it's probably from his bottles, not nursing. We went to see the lactation consultant today and he weighed 8 pounds, 6.8 ounces. Really close to his birth weight, yay! After nursing for 35 minutes he had gained 1 ounce. Not the best, but better than last time. I'm going to keep trying for another week or so and see what happens.

Celeste starts summer A next week and is taking 2 classes. Celeste rec'd an A in ENC1101, YAY!We're trying to finish up the school year with the other kids. The baby is crying...time to feed him again!

Baby Update

Here is Joshua 2 weeks old with the sweet blanket made by Mom's friend, Teri.

A little update on things here: I got an infection of some sort around my incision site, so I'm on antibiotics. This started last Sunday evening. We started out taking meds and had to double them on Wednesday because things weren't getting better. So recovery is slow going here. 2000 mg of Keflex is kicking my butt right now. Joshua is still very slow to gain weight and nursing isn't going the best. I am taking fenugreek--3 capsules, 3 times per day and that boosted my supply a little. Joshua is still sleepy and doesn't remove milk very well. He looks good and weighs 8 pounds today. All the other children are doing quite well with the new baby. Eden likes to poke him... Dan and Max are at their last baseball game right now (most likely). They have had a winning season this year 6-4. In playoffs they lost the 1st game, won the 2nd, and if they lose tonight then they're out of the tournament. We'll see! God is good! I'm still praying I don't get too discouraged about nursing. I'm seeing my lactation consultant on Monday again. Just keep praying for success and healing for the momma. Thanks!

Joshua

Baby Joshua 5 days old

Hi all! I know I have been absent this week! It's been a busy week and I'm doing rather well, but still having pain and I am tired. I have a prayer request for Joshua. He is a very lazy nurser and, subsequently, he isn't gaining weight. Yesterday (Friday) I went to see the lactation specialist and he was at his discharge weight of 7 lbs., 10 oz. A pound down (still) from birth weight. Please pray that he would wake up and nurse better. Also, that I don't lose my supply. I am pumping some and we are supplementing him after nursing, but all we can do is our best! I am trying not to be discouraged.

He's Here!

Joshua Ezekiel

April 17th, 2008 via C-Section

12:39 p.m.

8 pounds, 10.4 ounces

20 1/4 inches long

Momma and baby are doing quite well.

(Dad expected to recover, too!)

Tomorrow...

Well, tomorrow is the big day! I will be having a C Section at noon. Please pray for me as I am quite nervous and scared about it. The pain afterwards was horrific last time. I can't wait to meet this little guy. Also, please pray that nursing would be successful for me. Celeste will be posting a picture at one point, I'm sure, so look for that.

Also, Dan's 9th birthday was last week and I wanted to post a picture of him. He was hoping the baby would be born on his birthday. At least, they get to share the same month!

A link...

to some recent photos around here!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=33877&l=86668&id=637396851

Baby Watch

I am now 38+ weeks pregnant. I went in yesterday and had an ultrasound. The weight was estimated at 8 pounds, 8 ounces. They've been a pound low and a pound high before with me, so I don't know what to think! I haven't changed any...still 2 cm, etc. AND baby is floating with his head in my right hip/groin area. This doesn't bode well for a VBAC. I am scheduled for a C Section next Thursday. I am praying he moves and I go into labor or something before then. I have a check up the day before. Plus, my sugars have been high, so pray for me that whatever happens I can handle it. I'm very stressed about providing people to care for my family while I'm in the hospital. It's not all covered...

In Memory of Trigger...

Today my brother, Jamie, lost his best friend, Trigger. He was affectionately known as the "Trig Man." Trigger was hit by a car near his home. Trigger was the best Jack Russell Terrier that ever lived. We will all miss him. We loved him so much. Please pray for Jamie as he will really miss his buddy. Our hearts go out to you, Jamie! Remember, Jesus is right there for you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13)

A few of my favorite things:

~seeing Max get his first hit at baseball and running his big brother in

~a hot bath for an achy 9+ month pregnant momma

~Reese's peanut butter cups (thanks, Stu!)

~very cute questions and chatter from my 3 1/2 year old

~a good nap on the green couch in my room

~when the babe in my womb gets the hiccups

A busy day

I haven't posted much because I've been so busy. I went to pick up Celeste today at college and it turned out there had been a bomb threat, so her friend brought her to meet me. She was a little unsettled by it, but is okay. Jamie helped me set up some books for a used curriculum fair at our church. After that, I took him to guitar. He has a recital this Monday. (We look forward to that...) Then I dropped him off for an overnight, ran to the grocery for more insulin syringes (I'll be glad when I don't have to take that anymore!), and home. An hour later I went to a baseball game starring Dan and Max. They won 10-3! Max got his first hit during a game and Dan ran home from 2ND when Max hit that ball. It was cool! Did I mention I took Tommy and Eden to the game without any teen help?!? Stu got pizza from a really yummy local place. There are only 5 eating establishments here, so we're limited. Well, I'm about ready to pass out now. We're getting everyone bathed and uniforms washed because they have another game at 9 AM. I have to be at the curriculum sale by 9, too! Being this busy should make the time go quickly before I have my baby--I can't wait!

Baby 7 Update

I'm getting close. Last week I was already 1cm and 50 % effaced AND the baby has dropped. I'm having a hard time getting around and I have a cold, so I am really ready to get this over with. I have another appt. on Wednesday. I will be 37 weeks then. I'm hoping it's in the next 7-10 days.

Tuesday

Woo hoo, I just looked at my baby ticker up there. Getting close, I am. I'm thinking about 2 1/2 more weeks (hoping less). I still have a very small belly button, so there's a little more room.

Tonight the boys are at baseball practice. Stu is an Asst. Coach for their league this year. Dan and Max are on the same team--thank goodness. They have 2 practices and 2 games this week. Busy! I'll probably make only 1 game. They have a 7:00 game on Friday and I just don't feel the greatest by the end of the day. I'll have to go on Saturday to their game!

Anyway, just checking in. Celeste is overnight at her best friend's house. She's working on a research paper for ENC1101. She's doing very well in the class, yay! Jamie has guitar tomorrow. They have a recital in April. There is so much in April that my mind in swimming...AND I'm having a baby. Aaahhh!

Stuart Turns 40 Today!

Happy 40th Bday, Stu!

Click under the picture to watch the little video we made!11

Here are a few Easter pictures of us. Just click on the link!

35 week check

We went in for our 35 week check up today. I had a Non-Stress Test today where they hook me up to the baby monitors and watch contractions, baby heart rate, and I push I button every time he moves. All looked great! I lost 2.5 pounds this week, but now I'm measuring 43 (fundus) and I'm 35 weeks, 1 day. I'm supposed to take it easy because I'm so big I'm in danger of preterm labor. Guess what that is (center, left) in the ultrasound photo above. My OB thought he was SO funny! Hint: It's a package with two parts. I am thinking his name will be Joshua Ezekiel. Joshua means--Christ is my salvation. Ezekiel means--whom the Lord makes strong.

The kids had their homeschool evaluations this week. Of course, all did great! We need to work on some more phonics with Max in the area of special sounds and Celeste needs to brush up on some of her computation skills. Dan (who is a 3rd grader) tested on a 6th grade math level. We'll probably use a 5th grade curriculum next year. All in all, I was told I am doing an excellent job and am very organized. Big sigh of relief here! It's been a year!

34 week baby update

Here is another ultrasound picture of our sweet little boy. (I don't get tired of them!) He had really fat little cheeks. My amniotic fluid levels are down into the normal range. The baby is in the 80th percentile with an estimated weight of 5 pounds, 14 ounces. That's a big baby, at this point. Of course, we know they can be off on that! I am measuring 41 weeks (fundal height), but am 34 weeks, 1 day. Please pray for a safe, regular birth for this big guy. I'm very worried about a lot of things right now...

**Update: We discovered Eden has Roseola, so at least we know what virus she has!**

I have been dealing with some illness (and other weirdness) around here the past few days. Eden ran a fever from Sunday afternoon until early this morning. No other symptoms, but it did get over 103. Just a virus. On Monday, I took Tommy in to our pediatrician because his left ear was swollen 3 times normal size and purple. (The picture above is after a dose of benadryl and it looked a lot better!) We are guessing he got a bug bite of some sort and just used allergy medicine and cream on it. I have had a headache for the past 3 days. I suppose it's pregnancy hormones, but it's not fun. Both the littles are better today and my headache is slightly better right now.

My brother is moving to Dallas tomorrow. My 13 yo nephew broke his arm yesterday and my 10 yo nephew gets his cast off today from a broken arm. Whew! Please pray for safe travel for them.

Eden came into the kitchen yesterday morning wearing this...

Baby 7 Update

I went to the OB today. I am now 32 weeks and only measuring 5 weeks ahead, which is good. This means my amniotic fluid levels are down a little. I am taking insulin twice a day and it appears to have helped with that. My blood pressure was a bit high (for me) when I arrived, but by the time I left it had come down. I am still hoping for a VBAC this time, but that remains to be seen. Next visit is in two weeks with an ultrasound to check on fluid level and baby size.

The Past Few Days

The past few days have found me busy...as usual! On Friday, we attended my brother's (Ed) retirement party from the local police department. My younger brother, Jamie, showed up and we had a great time. We had a wonderful dinner at a local restaurant; just our immediate family which included myself, Stu, my Jamie, Celeste, my Dad, Lainie, Ed, Tanya, JT, Justin, and Jamie. We NEVER get to do that. Ed is leaving in less than a month. That will be a sad time for us.

Also, Friday night we had a severe thunderstorm that woke up the entire house around 2 AM. Well, Eden never woke up, thank the Lord! We had 3 little boys on the floor in our room and even had a visit from both of the teens. It was quite windy with 60 mph winds and lots of thunder and lightning. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep. Tommy kept kicking me in the back until I made Stu move him out of our bed and onto the couch in our room. I am very fortunate. My kids never come into our room at night and wake us up. This was a very rare occurrence. We were all quite tired on Saturday!

I have another OB appointment this week. We'll see just how big I am now. (I say with trembling.) I feel almost full term and am getting very slow. I am taking insulin twice a day now. The good news is that I have needed less over the past few days than was originally prescribed, so I'm excited about that. I'm finally able to stomach the Juice Plus and I think that has made a world of difference! I'll update you on baby when I have more info.

I have some cute little girl's dresses for sale. Look at them here.

My family's favorite dinner here.

Baby 7 Update

Last OB check-up (2 weeks ago) I was measuring 6 weeks ahead, so we scheduled an ultrasound to check on things. I had that today. Baby Boy is quite average coming in around the 57%. But I am carrying lots of extra amniotic fluid. I'm at 95%. This is probably due to my blood sugars being above normal, so now I'm on an oral anti-diabetic drug once per day. We'll try that before doing insulin this time. Today I measured 36 weeks and I am only 29 weeks, 1 day. Dr. M's concern is premature labor because my body will think I'm further along. Hopefully, this will even out a bit of the next few weeks. Baby looked good today! Please pray for mom and the amniotic fluid (I feel like a balloon).

One of my favorites

After dinner, Celeste wanted to have me listen to a song to see if she could purchase it for her iPod. We got involved in listening to old Christian songs on YouTube from Petra, Amy Grant, and Michael W. Smith. I have a 20th Anniversary concert video of Smitty. I wanted to share one of my all-time favorites with you. This is the Gospel. The most important message anyone will ever share or receive. Be blessed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BRUsSztA44

I'm Still Here

Yes, I'm still around...literally, ha! We actually had a pretty packed weekend. It started with Max's 7th birthday (on Friday, February 1st!), then we had dinner at my brother's yesterday, and we went to church today for service and a Superbowl/fellowship night. Tonight I dropped off my truck for new brakes--gotta have those! I'm hoping it will be done quickly and I can get it back by early tomorrow afternoon.

We're doing school tomorrow, of course. I'm adding a writing program for Jamie. We decided on Jensen's Format Writing. Check out the link for more info and a review. Also, Celeste is doing American Government from A Beka. We'll see how we like that. It's a senior course, but we'll start it now and maybe finish it early next year. It's only a semester, but we're getting a late start. In addition, we'll do an Economics course next year.

Dan and Max start baseball very soon. This was a very busy time for us last year. I'm hoping the season is over before baby comes. Max didn't play last year, but his Daddy wanted him to this year. They wil be on the same team together with a wonderful coach we know. I think it will be lots of fun! I enjoy watching the games and all the practices are close to home.

We're still really working with Tommy on potty training. He is wearing pull-ups. He is now 3 1/2 and I am quite frustrated with his lack of interest. All of my other boys were trained by now and wearing big boy underwear. I'll keep on it, though. I don't relish the thought of 3 in diapers! Eden is growing by leaps and bounds. She is such a cutie. Her newest word is "Guys!" She yells it at the boys sometimes from her crib. I must say it a lot. She got a new stroller and rolls it around the house constantly with her dolly in it.

Read about the failure of the chicken pox vaccine at my vaccine awareness blog.

My beautiful daughter

Here is a picture of my gorgeous daughter, Celeste. Her friend, Angela, is taking a photography course at college and took this for an assignment. WOW! I just had to post it.

I go in for another baby check-up tomorrow. After that I go to every two weeks. I'm glad to finally be in that territory. I'm not feeling the greatest and am hoping my hip and tailbone pain will ease up some soon. A visit to the chiropractor helped a lot this week, but it's not all gone. The weather is dreary here today, but not cold. Homeschooling is going pretty well and Celeste is enjoying her college classes. She has a test in math and a paper to finish on Friday. We'll check her progress next week. We are very proud of her!

26 weeks belly shot

Okay, here it is. Yes, this is me at the end of a long day. Not the spiffiest picture, but I'll post it anyway. I am feeling huge! I hope this baby slows down in the growth department. I would prefer to deliver a baby that is less than 10 pounds. I'm already having a bit of a time getting around for laundry, cleaning, and baths, etc. Looks like Stu, Celeste, and Jamie will be called into more action. Please pray for Tommy. He is almost 3 1/2 and we're having a terrible time with potty training. I really need it to be done before this baby comes. I don't relish the thought of 3 in diapers. I can't believe I'll have 3 children aged 3 and under. From what I understand, it's a special "club." Be afraid...be very afraid!

Friday Inspiration

All I need is a 15 month old in her onesie to inspire me to greatness... But remember that truly only God can do anything. He is the Greatest of All! I shall praise Him for encouraging me in small ways. Have a super weekend!

Okay, sorry for my absence! I have been busy. Celeste started college this week as a dual-enrolled high school student. She's taking college classes and getting college credit. She has ENC 1101 and Intermediate College Algebra. She'll take 1-2 classes this summer A. We'll do more in the fall, maybe 3 classes fall and spring. The kids came back Saturday night and we've been non-stop since. I've been busy with Mary Kay and homeschooling. I haven't been feeling the greatest, either. Being almost 40 and pregnant with my 7th child, I'm really feeling it. I need more sleep than I usually do now.

Please pray for Stu's business. We need ALL the prayers we can get. It's dead, dead, dead. Can't feed 8 people on air...

IN THE PINK

I have just signed up to be a new Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant!! (I have previous experience.) I love, love, love the new products!! Mary Kay just came out with a new mineral powder make-up (like Sheer Cover, etc., but better, in my opinion!) and new lipsticks. They're switching over to black packaging, too!

Check it out at my website HERE!

I'm offering free shipping on purchases of $25 or more for the month of January. Also, spend $40 and get a free gift. Go take a look, now!

New Year's A-Comin'

Happy New Year's Eve! I trust 2008 will be an exciting year. I don't do resolutions, but I do like to look ahead and think about my goals for the year. This year, well, it's anyone's guess. It will be interesting with a new baby in the house and all the goings on!

Today Eden went for a 15 month check-up. She's having trouble switching to milk--runny stools and bad diaper rash. We've got her up to 1/2 milk and 1/2 formula. That's really the only reason I went in. I think well check-ups are just a money grab and are for administering vaccines (which we don't get). We weigh her at home. I'll probably skip the 18 month check unless I can't figure something out... Anyway, our pediatrician (who I love) suggested lactaid milk. We'll try it. I am thinking it's probably less costly than formula. Eden weighed 21 pounds (30%) and was 31 inches tall (75%!). She's tall and skinny. She still looks like a peanut! Tommy and Eden got a play kitchen for Christmas. The picture above is them having fun with it!

I posted an article on the dangers of the new HPV vaccine being marketed to girls. Please make sure you read it here.

We're having a lazy Saturday. I just finished up lunch with the kids and we'll probably go out and run a couple errands this afternoon. Celeste and Jamie come home in a week. I am missing them. It sure is cold up there! The past 2 days it has been in the 80's here. Not winter weather if you ask me!

I don't do resolutions, but I am thinking about goal setting for the year just so I have an idea what I want to accomplish in 2008. With a new baby coming, I will try to be kind and grace filled in my aspirations. Have a super weekend!

Baby Boy Palmer 23 weeks

Baby Boy Palmer 23 weeks
Originally uploaded by N Palmer

Today we had another ultrasound to look at the baby's heart. Praise the Lord everything looks fine! He is SO cute with his little hand up to his mouth. Also, that sweet little nose looks just like Tommy's. I can't wait to meet him in April!

My Favorite Math Curriculum

Three years ago I was at the end of my rope. My daughter had tried 3 different Algebra 1 texts with lots of confusion and frustration. Finally, I asked the MOMYS what curriculum they would recommend. Many kind ladies highly recommended Teaching Textbooks. This has been a lifesaver for us. We have used Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry texts from this company. The fabulous thing: you don't have to remember how to teach upper level math, this program does it for you! Each level consists of a lesson book, answer key with test booklet, CD's that include course lectures on each topic and solutions for practice, homework, and test questions. This curriculum is designed for the independent learner, and so, functions like a tutor for your student. Each lesson includes previous material so that the student is reviewing previously learned concepts. This increases concept retention.

In format and method, Teaching Textbooks is very similar to Saxon Math. I believe it explains this upper level material more clearly than Saxon. Your children will enjoy the funny illustrations and word problems. Also, Teaching Textbooks is geared toward homeschoolers and Saxon is not. We have only found one weakness in Teaching Textbooks. If you are a Saxon user, you are familiar with each homework question having a lesson number in parenthesis out to the side which refers you back to the lesson where the problem was taught. TT does not have this and it would helpful if it did. What do the kids like best? My 13 year old, when asked, says he prefers Teaching Textbooks. Both of my teens have a B+ or better math average. Also, Celeste passed into college level math and begins this January. This is enough testimony for me!

FYI, we use A Beka workbooks for grades Kindergarten thru 2nd grade, Saxon for the middle years, and Teaching Textbooks for the upper grades. TT has just come out with lower level math texts and we may be looking into switching over to those, too! It is an investment, but I figure that I have so many children coming up from behind that these books will pay for themselves. Also, resale is almost full price when in good condition. I hope this review was helpful to you! Happy New Year coming up!

Merry Christmas Eve!

I am home sick with a stomach virus and very sad to be missing a family Christmas dinner. (Yes, if you hear weeping and knashing of teeth, it's me.) I hope to be better by tomorrow as I've been sick 3 days now.

Here's a link to a fun party we had the other day when I was feeling okay!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=23909&l=7c077&id=637396851

Homeschooling

I think you will be interested in this topic even if you don't home educate your children. Do you believe the government has the right to tell you how to educate your children? There are so many choices out there today: public school, private school (Christian or otherwise), charter schools, online education, and home schooling. I am a member of a group called MOMYS (Mothers of Many Young Siblings). In the past through this group, I have personally been in contact with a nice mother and fellow homeschooler, Denise Mafi. Please read this article defining her plight as a home schooling parent in Utah. Note that she thought she was in compliance with Utah's laws regarding homeschool documentation.

I belong to Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA). If you look at this map, you will see how the regulations differ from state to state regarding homeschooling. FL is considered a moderate regulation state. If you home educate I encourage you to join HSLDA. For a reasonable fee, they will represent you should you encounter problems relating to your choice to homeschool your children. I feel very strongly about not educating my children in the public schools. This is mostly for religious reasons, but I feel strongly about the state's agenda in the public schools as well. For the most part, it is a liberal environment that is hostile to Christians. Not for me and not for my kids! Unfortunately, when my children hit the college level they will be attending state schools. At the point that they do, I believe their Christian beliefs are solid and they will be able to refute any liberal bias that is thrown at them. And I will pray, pray, and pray some more.

As always, my advice is to be informed. Arm yourself with information and make your own decisions. Don't let the government do it for you.

I needed a laugh. It's the first day I'm without my big kids (Celeste and Jamie). Go to this link to see a very funny video...

http://www.doublesharpevideo.com/HomeSchool2/Homeschool2.html

Here's a couple pictures from the church Christmas party we attended last week. Our good friends, Teri & Dan Garard, are with us in one of them. It was a fun time! I hope I look pregnant and not just fat!

Saturday musings

It's going to get a bit colder here for a few days. I anxiously await this development as it was in the mid-80's yesterday. This is December?!? Send some frost our way...bring it on!

I just posted an article about childhood arthritis and vaccines at His Healthy Child. This subject hits home as my oldest daughter suffers from JRA. Currently, she is not taking any prescription meds for her condition. We are praising the Lord for her good health over the past couple of years. She still has to watch her diet, but hopefully she can continue without the use of pharmaceutical intervention.

By the way, Eden is now spending the majority of her time walking! It's so strange and funny to see this little tiny person round the corner standing up. She is so cute and looks like a cross between Frankenstein and someone who's tipsy. At 14 months, she only weighs 20 pounds. She's our petite little wonder.

It's Beginning to feel like Christmas...

Hey everyone! We finally decorated the tree today. Yes, I think I can say that this is the latest we've ever done that. I let the kids do it all and I just watched. I enjoy watching them have fun. I won't mention the arguing over ornament placement that went on ;). Eden has stolen so many ornaments off the tree at this point that it's quite comical. We'll just put them back on later. Since we live in FL and don't have a fireplace, where do you hang the stockings? I just love the Command Performance hooks. The stockings are hanging on the wall in the foyer thanks to this wonderful invention. I took a picture just for fun to share with you.

Also, I would like to recommend an excellent book on children's health. I think it is out of print now, but can be found. When I bought mine it was about $20. Here it is: Take Charge of Your Child's Health by George Wootan, M.D.

Merck vaccine recall. Read about it at His Healthy Children.

Vaccine Awareness

Since 2003 I have been researching the subject of vaccines and their affect on health. My oldest child, Celeste, has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis which was diagnosed at age 3. Jamie, my second child, had allergy induced asthma for years and it made for many sleepless nights. Dan, my third child, had a 180 degree personality change after receiving the MMR vaccine. (Needless to say, we didn't get the booster at age 5!) I recently came across an article that I saved awhile ago. It is very clear reading and puts forth a different vaccine schedule than the CDC or your state might. I want everyone to be aware that most states have exemptions for vaccines due to medical, religious, and philosophical beliefs on the part of the parents. Think about it, does the government have the right to tell us what to put into our children's bodies? If your pediatrician is not friendly to a different vaccine schedule, or perhaps, no vaccines at all, then I suggest you find another pediatrician. FYI, my two youngest children are not vaccinated at all and have been the healthiest children thus far. Arm yourself. Don't just do what the government or the doctors say is best. Be informed.

Here is the article: A User-Friendly Vaccination Schedule.

I have recently received information regarding the HPV vaccine (Don't give this one to your girls ever!) and meningitis vaccine. I will try to get that info up. I have the HPV info in email format and am trying to figure out the best way to post it as it is long.

P.S. I decide to create a blog that includes vaccine information so that everything will be in one place. Hopefully, I will find the time to work on it over coming days. It's in my sidebar.

Yummy Christmas Recipe

Looking Towards Heaven is hosting a Holiday Par-tay today! I thought I would participate by putting a recipe all the kids love below. If you like Rice Krispie Treats, you'll like this! This is a recipe my mother made when I was growing up. I have never seen it at another party all my life.

CHRISTMAS HOLLY CLUSTERS

1 stick butter
30 lg. marshmallows
1/2 tsp. green food coloring (add as much as you like to achieve desired color)
4 1/2 c. cornflakes
1/3 c. red cinnamon candies

Melt butter in saucepan on low heat. As the butter begins to melt, add the marshmallows. Stir constantly. Add the green food coloring when the marshmallows are mostly melted. Stir until melted. Turn off heat. Add cornflakes and stir until they are coated. Drop a spoonful of cornflakes on waxed paper and press 3 red cinnamon candies on each cluster. Let dry about one hour. Eat them up, yum!

Today it's off for a little Christmas shopping. I feel like I have done a lot, but when you have 6 children to buy for it can be overwhelming. Each child will receive 3 gifts and some stocking stuffers, so that's 18 gifts + a few little ones. It's interesting, because a couple of them haven't been able to give me many ideas. It's nice that they're not so caught up in the stuff (I only have 1 who is, really). I love giving and receiving gifts. This makes Christmas fun, but I don't like how commercialized it is. Jesus is the real reason we are to celebrate this season. Let us not forget to focus on that!

Jamie and Celeste will be leaving for St. Louis in just over a week. They will be gone 19 days. Please pray for me as I am pregnant and not used to caring for 4 children under 8 all by myself. I'm having a hard time carrying the baby (Eden). My right hip has been giving me trouble, so I'm trying not to pick her up. She is only walking about 20% of the time, so that makes this difficult. It's hard for the rest of us when our whole family isn't together during Christmas. The little boys really miss their big brother and sister. I am praying for safe travels and that Jamie and Celeste enjoy their family in St. Louis.

An early anniversary gift

Stuart and I celebrate 10 years on Thursday. I really wanted to surprise him this year with a special picture of us, but I decided it would be more special if we did a family portrait because we've never had one done. (So it wasn't a surprise.) We'll have to do another after the baby comes, too. Here are the pictures I chose. Yay, I think they turned out great! This is one great anniversary gift. We are SO blessed. Thank you, Jesus!

Welcome to December!

This morning we had whole wheat banana pancakes. (I may have posted this before, but go here for the recipe.) They are so good that if you close your eyes you can imagine being in some fancy restaurant for breakfast. I do grind my own grain which makes them that much better, but store-bought whole wheat should work fine. They're best when the bananas are very ripe. By the way, Hillbilly Housewife is an excellent site to learn how to save money on groceries and lots of other neat tips. One of my favorites!

I had a great time scrap booking last night! I finished Eden's book up through Christmas last year...okay, now she's 3 months old in her album. The goal is to get it up-to-date before the baby comes. I don't know how it happened, but I'm a year behind in scrap booking right now. Ahhhh!

Today we're going to attempt to get some Christmas decorations and lights up on the house. Our eaves are so high that we need a special ladder. We'll try to borrow it from friends today. I don't know that I will put the tree up this weekend because of Eden. I foresee a tree with ornaments only on the top half, ha! This evening I am going to a "girls" party. The late teens/young 20's girls at our church want to mentor the 10-18 set, so they're having a little event. Moms are invited, too! It's at a farm and there will be a bonfire, so it should be a fun night out.

Notice my new banner? Many thanks to my 16yo daughter, Celeste, for creating a new December banner for me!

WOW!

IT'S A BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, I've never been so surprised! I was just so sure... As soon as the ultrasound tech put the scanner on my tummy we saw it--the package. Now I have to think up cute boy names. I would really like a bible name with good meaning. Any ideas? I have more phone calls to make. I feel so blessed!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all. I hope yours is a very blessed day with family and friends! We are meeting at my older brother's (Ed) home which is closeby. It will by my whole family (including my little brother, Jamie, who I hardly get to see), my sister-in-law's family, and Stu's parents. Ed is moving to Dallas in the spring, so we thought we'd do this special. I'm looking forward to a fun day. Now I need to get cooking and cleaning!

Eden's First Steps

Eden took her first steps to Celeste last night. Stuart and I were at a party and we missed it! I still haven't seen her walk more than 3 steps. Here is video to prove that she can really do it! The girls took the video and I got to see my baby's first steps on facebook at the party we were attending. Who can say that?!?

It's Veterans Day! On a holiday, we awoke to the DHL guy on the doorstep with the doppler I rented, yay! I got it from Baby Beat. Today I am 16 weeks, 5 days pregnant and we heard baby's heartbeat for the first time. What an amazing blessing! Stu did the honors and called all the children in to hear baby's heartbeat, too. Tommy seems to be the most interested and is always asking me if the baby is awake. He's so cute! Ultrasound in two weeks. I am feeling very blessed.

Ad nauseum

The past several days I have been suffering from some pretty significant nausea. It seemed to get worse over the past week or so. I am 16 weeks pregnant tomorrow and am just puzzled by this. You know how they say that every pregnancy is different? It's true. Although, with my other 2 girlie pregnancies I had nausea much longer than the boys. By 14 weeks with the boys it was over. So...I am thinking this is a girl again. I think that would be fun, but am not sure which I prefer. I guess at this point it doesn't matter. I didn't have a sister at all, so it would be nice for Eden to have a baby sis close to her age. I think there will be a lot of fighting between the two because they are close. We'll just see! Today I am taking vitamin B6 and going to get a sea band so that maybe that will help me. Here's to hoping!

We don't normally celebrate Halloween. I have some serious problems with this "holiday" that so many find fun. However, our family group from church handed out candy to neighborhood kids with a really nice tract attached (Jesus message). We went and cooked out. The theme was Gator fan spirit, so most of us had our Gator attire on. A couple of my kids wanted to play dress up, so they did that. Charity made up candy bags for the kids, so they would have some goodies, too! Enjoy the pics!