Chronicles of a Babywise Mom: Days of Motherhood

Chronicles of a Babywise Mom: Days of Motherhood: Life with one baby is significantly different than life with one baby plus four children. As in all things, the differences are varied. One isn't really better or easier than another, it is just different.

Photo by Candid Memory

Many people think of a mom with three or more children and think it must be incredibly difficult and can't imagine how they would  handle it. I get that--I often had that thought myself. Yes, there are challenges to multiple children, but having four children is not four times harder than having one child.

Living in Utah, I see many large families around me. Something consistent you hear from people with large families is that after three, the difficulty is all the same. It really doesn't get harder. Even my friend's mom, who had 13 kids, says 3 was the hardest number. She was absolutely done at three. She wanted no more--it was too hard. She felt she should have more, however, and after that it was actually easier than three was. 

I think one reason it doesn't get harder and harder is that children get older. When McKenna was a baby, Brayden was 3 going on 4 and Kaitlyn was 1 going on 2. Having three children who really needed me was a challenge. With Brinley, Brayden was 7, Kaitlyn was 5, and McKenna was 3. Brayden and Kaitlyn are very self-sustaining and can help with McKenna and Brinley when needed.

I must interrupt myself here and caveat that my intention is not to tell you that you must have more than two or even one child. I don't believe in a "minimum" requirement. My parents had two kids and that was perfect for them. My intent here is only to be encouraging.

In many ways for me, having more than one child is easier than it was just having one. Having your first baby is a bit of a shock. It is your first time having someone so incredibly dependent on you. It is your first time consistently being deprived of sleep. These are things to adjust to.

With one baby, your days can easily get lonely and monotonous. For several months, you are home all day with a baby who only slowly becomes interactive. You feed baby, spend some time with baby, then you put baby down for a nap. Things are quiet. You do some stuff, then you start all over again to feed baby, play for a bit, put baby down for a nap...I remember the hours dragging on before my husband would get home. I enjoyed Brayden and loved being a mom, but day after day of the same things means that by Friday, you are just ready for something different to happen. Maybe your baby is fussy and so you spend hours in a day trying to calm your baby down. You can get overly consumed and worried about poor naps and fussiness from baby. 

As a mom past that point in life, let me just encourage you to do your best to enjoy the perks of that time! When your baby is asleep, you can sleep, too, if you want. You don't have another child who needs you. You can clean your house and it will stay clean. You don't have another child who will come along and mess it up right behind you. You can read a book in silence. You can put your full energy into that one baby. Perhaps if you are home on maternity leave you are better at relishing the moments you have since you have a known deadline when things will change.

There are many perks about one baby that you won't realize you have until it is gone.

And with that said, I love the atmosphere that many children bring to the home. Believe me that my days are anything but monotonous or lonely. Seven years ago, I counted down the hours until my husband got home. Today, when he walks in the door I am shocked that the day is almost over. My children keep things interesting. If Brinley has  bad nap (and it happens--all babies have off days), I just don't have the time to mull it over and stress about it. Luckily, I know babies well enough that I don't need to put a lot of time into problem solving. I just don't have time to worry about those naps. I have to move on because there is a lot going on--and there are bigger things to be concerned with than a bad nap here and there.

What is the point of this post? I have several points. One is, if you are a first time mom stuck in the monotony of babyhood, know that you are not alone in this. As I talk to other moms, most if not all of us felt the same way. Try to find the things that are unique to your situation and savor every minute of that. Find the positive and focus on that. You get to give all of your time and attention to one baby--take advantage of it! Take in every coo and smile. Spend some time just holding the baby and savoring the ability to focus on your one baby.

Another point is to encourage you that yes, one baby is hard. Definitely hard. It is an adjustment--a HUGE adjustment. When you have one baby you look at moms with multiple kids and think, "how does she do that?!? How will I ever manage more than one child?!?!" When Brayden was a baby, I had a hard time managing to get ready for the day each day. That is not difficult for me in the least now, even with a baby and three other kids to take care of. As a mom, you learn how to do juggle. It is a learned skill that you pick up over time. You get better and better as time goes one. You build the skills to be able to care for multiple children over time, just like you would build endurance to run long distances over time. If you want more than one child, but are worried about your ability to do so, you can do it! You can have more than one child. It does not get exponentially harder. My husband and I often laugh, "Remember when we thought one baby was hard! Ha!" But it was. It was hard for us at the time. 

Another point, and possible caveat, is to not overlook the importance of training your children while they are young. My children can be self-sustaining because I have taught them to be. It takes a lot of work and effort, but it is so worth it! Oh yes, it gets hard. And you don't have a lot of free time. I spend most of my time helping my kids with something or other. My three oldest can wait for me, but they do still need me often. Taking the time to teach children from the beginning makes managing and juggling a larger family much, much easier.

Finally, no matter where you are in life, try your best to really enjoy the moment. Every stage has its good points and bad points. Every stage has joys and difficulties. Do not spend today wishing away what is before you. You might have a moment of perfection somewhere along the way, but it would be fleeting. Life isn't perfect. Take what it has for you and love it. Love what there is to love right now. I love this quote:

If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the piles and piles of laundry will disappear all too soon and that you will, to your surprise, miss them profoundly. – Thomas S. Monson

I always try to keep this quote in mind as I look at the disaster my children managed to create in the course of the last 20 minutes. Someday, my children will be gone and things will be perfectly clean. I have no doubt I will miss the mess. Profoundly. There isn't one week that goes by at church when some older person comes to me and tells me, essentially, to enjoy it and that time goes by so quickly. It isn't the same person each week. Every one of them seems to take turns spreading that wisdom around. I don't think the one piece of advice these people with years of wisdom consistently choose to give should be ignored. Enjoy it. Times goes by too fast. If there is one thing they want to collectively tell me, it is to enjoy it. So I look for the happiness in what is before me and try to live in the moment. Savor it. Have a sense of humor about it. I don't want to wish each day away. Because of that, I am able to be very content and optimistic about what our life is. 

And that is how you manage life with multiple children.

You love it for what it is. There is much to love! You laugh at the blunders that are sure to come. There are many! You plan for the worst and expect the best. You love each moment. You are grateful for what life is now, not upset about what it isn't. No matter what your day looks like, spend your days of motherhood trying to enjoy it for what it is so you can look back with fondness rather than with regret.

Right Now - Elijah - 7 weeks

* I love how you still hold your fists so tight!
* you are cooing more and smiling a lot more
* when you are sad - your lower lip puckers out and it's the most sad face I have ever seen
* you're beginning to be ok in the swing (thank goodness) and will even fall asleep in it some times
* you still eat about 3 hours apart in the day if we don't travel or mess you up with noises
* you're eating more now - sometimes up to 5 ounces but usually 3-4 oz per feeding
* you're still refluxing some
* you LOVE the frames on the wall
* Ian can't get enough of you!
* supposedly you're going to drop your late-night feeding here soon - we'll see
* mommy's getting nervous to go back to work and to begin exercising again

Excerpt: Reasoning for not doing Santa Claus

Sometimes as Christians, we have to make decisions about how we will live our life differently because of the difference that Christ has made in our lives. And sometimes these decisions are not popular with other people.

It’s difficult to go against the flow.

We made one of those decisions recently. We are not including Santa Claus in any of our Christmas celebrations. It’s been difficult. And our child is only two and a half years old. How much harder will it be when she’s in school?

First, there are the random strangers who ask our daughter if she’s ready for Santa Claus. Then there are our 8 and 10 year old nieces who claim they still believe in Santa Claus. (We may not follow the crowd on Santa Claus, but I am not about to rain on any kid’s parade.) Then there is the rest of the family. Some are Christians and some are not, but they don’t understand why we wouldn’t want to include Santa Claus. After all, EVERYONE is doing it.

How do you deal with the criticisms, the looks, and the sometimes-harsh words regarding this kind of decision? As you would with any matter of faith.

Know what you believe. Know why you believe it.

We have prayerfully considered how the decision to not include Santa Claus will impact our family and our daughter as she grows. We have listed our reasons WHY we do not want to celebrate Santa. And we are ready to share with those who want to listen.

This decision was not made lightly. And it wasn’t made with the intention of rocking the boat. We are respectful that other people hold very dearly to the Santa Claus story and all that he represents.

I’m not sharing all of this to try to convince anyone else of what they should or shouldn’t do. I’m sharing because it’s hard to be different, and it’s comforting when we find others with similar beliefs and values.

Paul tells us in Romans 12 that we are not to “copy the behavior and customs of this world.” (v.2, NLT) That tells me that “just because everybody else is doing it” isn’t a good excuse. (And I have a feeling that I will be reciting that verse a lot as our daughter gets into her tween- and teen-age years.) Paul says it’s okay to be counter-cultural.

However, Paul also reminds us in Colossians 2:16ff that we are not to condemn other Christians who observe customs of the culture. Just because we do something that is counter-cultural doesn’t make us or our children spiritually superior.

Back to the original advice: Know what you believe and why you believe it. Be able to explain why you celebrate Christmas (or any other holiday or cultural custom) differently. Plan ahead. Talk to parents that have made the same decision who have older children and ask them what obstacles they have encountered.

And be prepared. Your children will question why your family does things differently. They may feel left out. Let them know that it’s okay to be different. Use age-appropriate words to explain why this decision is best for your family.

It may not be the easy road. But teaching your children to honor Jesus will be worth it.

Truth in the Tinsel & Alternatives to Elf-on-the-Shelf

I'm loving the journey of seeking alternatives for presenting Santa to Ian for Christmas. We decided long before Ian not to participate in the magic and story of Santa Claus and instead to focus solely on Christ's birth and the meaning of the holiday that is Christmas.  Although there may be some of the "magic" of the season that he might miss out on, we believe that the focus on Jesus will actually be just as magical and even more meaningful with various traditions and crafts. See next post.

Go here to see it all.

I know people love the Elf on the Shelf. It’s a magical little tradition that gets kids ready for Christmas and apparently, controls their behavior. (It does sound magical, doesn’t it?!) For those who don’t want to incorporate Santa and his elves into their daily December, here’s a few fun alternatives to a Christmas countdown activity.

1. Christmas Mouse

Source: minimocha.blogspot.com via ohAmanda {impress your kids} on Pinterest

This is the cutest little thing you’ve ever seen! The Christmas Mouse travels the world and takes a mini-vacation at your house during December. Every day he leaves treasures from his travels. {please click over to Mini Mocha and see all her gorgeous ideas!}

2. Christmas Angel

Source: yourchristmasangel.com via ohAmanda {impress your kids} on Pinterest

The Christmas Angel comes with a cute plush angel, a bag of gold  dust and a storybook. The story explains how the angel came to Mary and told her she was going to have baby Jesus. So, like the Elf on the Shelf, when your child wakes up every morning, they look for the angel who has written a message in the gold dust–”hug mom”, “make cookies”, “give a gift”. The idea is to give every day after reading the message from the angel.

3. Book Countdown

Source: vanderbiltwife.com via ohAmanda {impress your kids} on Pinterest

I’m a sucker for a Christmas book. The day after Christmas is my favorite day because Barnes and Noble puts all their Christmas books 50% off! So, grab 25 of your favorite Christmas books, wrap each one individually and every day of December unwrap one and read it together with your kids.

I love this because it gives your kids quality time, you are reading together and it makes for a surprise each day! My friend Jessie has a great list of 25 Jesus-centric Christmas books for this tradition!

4. What God Wants for Christmas

I got this at a Christian bookstore on an after-Christmas clearance a few years ago. It’s a kit that includes seven boxes which house nativity scene figures. Every night for a week, you pick a new box, read the story and open the box. The last night, you think would be baby Jesus, instead it’s a mirror! The gift God wants is YOU!

I love it because it’s only a 7 day countdown. You can fit 7 days into December for sure!

5. Mary & Joseph’s Trip to Bethlehem

I tried to find a link to this online, but just couldn’t find one. It’s such a simple idea that doesn’t require any crazy set-up or even a big purchase.

If you have a nativity scene, set it all up except for Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Just hide Jesus away and then place Mary and Joseph far far away in another part of the house.Each morning, place Mary and Joseph a little closer to Bethlehem…er, your manger scene. By Christmas Eve, they can set up in the stable and on Christmas Day, place Jesus in the center!

My kids would love to search for Mary and Joseph every day! I think I’m going to do this in December!

6. Advent Wreath

Source: adventtolenttoascensionwreath.blogspot.com via ohAmanda {impress your kids} on Pinterest

This is a meaningful, beautiful piece of art which doubles as a countdown activity. Each day, move the donkey and Mary figure closer to the center of the wreath adding Advent candles as you go. You can extend it (and use it again) during Lent as you get ready for Jesus’ death and resurrection on the cross. You have to click over to see all the gorgeous pictures of this wreath!

7. Light ‘Em Up

Source: lillightomine.com via ohAmanda {impress your kids} on Pinterest

You’ve heard of Random Acts of Kindness during the holidays, right? Well, Courtney at Lil Light of Mine gives over 50 fun ideas, printables and more to light up December with kindness!

8. Shepherd’s Pouches

Source: blog.jamesandjuliepaquette.com via ohAmanda {impress your kids} on Pinterest

I super love this idea. Instead of stockings, hang up small, unadorned pouches. During December, when your children help someone, do chores, are kind, etc. place money in the pouches. On Christmas Eve, take the money from the pouches and use it to buy a gift from Compassion’s gift catalog or give it to someone in need.

This is cool because it gives the same feel as the elf watching your behavior, but with better motivation. Head over to Julie’s blog to read all her wording and ideas on how to implement this with your kids!

9. TRUTH IN THE TINSELYou knew I was gonna say that, right? It’s a wonderful and simple idea: read the Christmas story from the Bible, make an ornament to go along with the passage and talk about it with your kids. It includes printables, the words to say and simple tutorials. It doesn’t get much better than that! Get your own copy now! 

10. What’s your favorite fun Christmas countdown, activity or tradition for getting kids ready for Christmas?

Amanda is the author of Truth in the Tinsel: An Advent Experience for Little Hands. She is a mom of two, former Children’s Pastor, Disney-fan, kids’ book lover and collects too many Christmas ornaments. She blogs at ohAmanda.com on a semi-regular basis. 

A Gratitude Jar or Chain

I believe I am going to do this with Ian and Mark this year for Thanksgiving - should be fun! Even if we're almost half-way through November!

Go here for the pdf download from Paper Coterie.

In my 20's - What I Learned...

In my 20's (as told to a friend recently) - I wish I would have told myself: 
* it's ok not to work full-time right now - it's a season
* I am called to be obedient and to do the things that I know are right 
* asking for help is a must and i never know how God is going to work in someone else's life when they are able to help me
* home improvement and organizing/cleaning are my best stress-reliev

ers and help when I am anxious
* not focusing on what I don't know is a must (meaning focus on eternal things and not on what I wish I could change or think I "should" change)
* I feed my anxiety and depression by eating too much sugar...not drinking enough water......thinking that this will last forever...
* there are trigger points for me: not having those important and meaningful conversations with other women/eating the sugar & feeling bad/not exercising or feeling guilty that i haven't moved
* not giving myself grace!

what I totally learned:
* give myself grace
* ask for help or offer to help another
* get out of bed immediately & focus on what I am excited about today
* remember it is a SEASON
* don't say "always" or "never"
* God's power is waaaayyyy bigger than my thinking and my own plan
* it's ok to not know if I will ever use my degrees or get full licensure (master's in marriage & family therapy & social work)
* my role will change with Mark and my boys as my identity changes in relation to how I interact with those around me (my identity primarily in Christ but does transform depending on whom I am around & serving)
* SIMPLIFY
* declutter and keep only what is needed...
* humble myself
* know that God will bring me people who will support me and be there for me (IF I allow myself to access them & allow them to help)
* being vulnerable is a beautiful thing....I am still guarded but am able to discern people much better through His Spirit - HIS doing not mine
* doing studies by Beth Moore & Priscilla Shirer really opened my eyes to what I needed to learn and how to grow...
* change is good
* in your 20's you are still searching for YOU and for what you think you might want or who you are.......as you grow older, it becomes more defined and a bit clearer (although God may change it as He changes your heart)

Right Now...Eli 6 weeks

* you are eager, eager, eager
* I call you a "spirited" baby
* you're falling into a 3-hr feeding routine which I love...and can't wait for a 4-hr routine
* you're eating 2.5-4 ounces each feeding (up to 5-6 at times!)
* you have girth now and are filling out
* you are almost out of the newborn clothes :( and definitely into the appropriate 0-3 month clothes
* you are cracking smiles occasionally but are a bit of a tough crowd
* your song is "Elijah, Go, Go!" or doot doot doot (Ian's version)
* when you coo it's worth it
* cuddling with your head underneath my neck is the most blissful position!

  

 

Right Now...Eli 5 weeks

Today you are just perfect. You are beginning to coo more and to smile which makes up totally for any spit up that ends up on my shirt. You love to look at the walls of frames and to listen to Ian’s voice as he circles around you. You still struggle with the reflux some and end up quivering your bottom lip each time you spit up and seem to say “why is this happening to me, I don’t like it”. Your dark hair and bright eyes are gorgeous!  And you are so strong. You are already strong in your neck with lifting your head (you even did that in the hospital) and your legs prompt you to stand as if you already knew how to walk! You are getting better with tummy time and at 5 weeks of age are sleeping better in the night.

I am amazed by you and amazed by how blessed I feel. Each obstacle we encounter (and there have been a lot with you), we all seem to learn from and move forward with. I know that I have only “moments”  with you and then life begins its crazy routine and course when I go back to work.

I know I will miss you little face with me all day even though I won’t miss the fussiness, grumpiness or spit up but I will miss the expressions and even some of your firsts. But this is a season and you will grow and I will grow with you. What a great little human you are and I am so proud of you…and you don’t even do anything yet!

MY WORD & Holiday Eating: Mission Possible

I'm prepping myself for the holidays and for intentional eating where I can lose this baby weight in order to help my body return and improve to a better condition. The key word for 2013 I think I know already...{consistency}.

It isn't about me running a half marathon 4 months post-baby (which I did twice after Ian - CRAZY) but rather about re-establishing a base for my body to build off of for years to come. I was privileged to do Yoga and Pilates classes after Ian and that is just not the case now so I'll have to figure out another way to help my core to rebuild.

                                           

Probably my consistency needs to be primarily in my relationship with God although my tangible brain if more ready to pursue a running/cycling/swimming routine. I'm not sure how this will look but I know it is of utmost importance.  Consistency in parenting...with Ian in discipline and love and with Eli's routine. 
                                                 
Consistency in fitness and pursuing a base to build upon. In addition, I'd love to continue to gain knowledge in running and in triathlon training. I love speaking to other women about it and how they can gain confidence, gain energy and help any depression or emotional turmoil in their lives. So we'll see - so here's the article I wanted to share and remind myself of as Holidays come upon me:

If you've ever tried to stay on track with nutrition throughout the winter holiday season, you can forget the saying "it's as easy as pie." Weight gain, stomach distress, lethargy and poor body image are a few of the many common side effects of approaching the holidays with an unhealthy relationship with food and the body.

Do you feel out of control with holiday sweets? With 365 days in a year and only 3 federal holidays between November and January (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day), consider that your anxiety about preventing the typical holiday weight gain may be a bit exaggerated. Perhaps it is the added stress about an overabundance of seasonal holiday food (much prior to the actual holiday), alongside the unintentional weight gain from January until November, that causes you to feel uneasy about the holiday festivities.

Do you feel better after you eat than before? If so, there's absolutely no reason to worry about a few trivial added pounds over the holidays. Instead of speaking poorly about your body in front of the mirror (thus forgetting what your body has allowed you to do in life, like crossing finishing lines), find enjoyment as you indulge in your grandma's cobbler, prepared with love and memories. Whether you are eating a balanced, wholesome diet or enjoying the occasional treat, never forget the importance of mindful and intuitive eating. As you eat for fuel and for health, eat with a plan and a purpose.

Instead of adding to the hundreds of tips available on the internet on the topic "Healthy Holiday Eating," here are a few tips to overcome the anxiety that comes with having an unhealthy relationship with food. 
Instead of saying......
 

1) "I shouldn't eat this," say
"I am so thankful that I have an opportunity to enjoy some occasional treats (prepared with love) with the people who I care about the most in this world."

2) "It doesn't matter if I eat that, I already ruined my diet," say
"I am really proud of myself for being able to regret, reflect and change my past habits, which will ultimately help me reach my short and long term goals."

3) "I may as well have another because I already cheated," say
"I am thankful that I have a balanced diet where no food is off-limit. Because I eat well most of the time, I don't have to worry about the rest of the time."

4) "I'm being so bad," say
"Knowing that my daily habits such as not going into a meal starving, eating balanced meals, snacking nutritiously with a purpose, drinking plenty of water and focusing on wholesome foods are helping me to control blood sugar and reduce cravings/overeating, I feel great because I know I will stop eating when I am satisfied and will be well-fueled for my next workout."

5) "I am going to be so fat after this," say
"I know that my weight fluctuates throughout the day and not all is lost or ruined in one day or in one meal."

6) "Uggh, I need to find a diet to help me lose weight, fast!" Say,
"I know that an extreme diet is not a lifestyle. I want to create balanced eating habits in order to live a quality life in order to reduce my risk for disease, to help increase longevity and to improve my fitness. If I cannot address my weaknesses on my own, I will seek out a qualified professional (ex. Registered Dietitian) to help me in my personal nutrition journey."

Final reminder: If your body is in good health, recovering from injury/illness/disease or if you are overcoming obstacles in your life, spend your energy on being thankful for living another year. Never forget that food should not be your life. Use food wisely and let it enhance your life.

Marni Sumbal, MS, RD, LD/N

Marni works as a Clinical Dietitian at Baptist Medical Center Beaches, is the owner of Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition, LLC and provides one-on-one consulting in the Jacksonville, FL area. Marni is a Registered Dietitian, holding a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology and is a Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). As an elite endurance athlete, she is also a Level-1 USAT Coach and a 5x Ironman finisher. Marni is a 110% play harder, Hammer Nutrition and Oakley Women brand ambassador. Marni enjoys public speaking and writing, and she has several published articles in Fitness Magazine, Bicycling Magazine, The Florida Times-Union Shorelines, Lava Magazine, Hammer Endurance News, CosmoGirl magazine and Triathlete Magazine, and contributes to IronGirl.com, USAT multisport zone and Lava online.

Email trimarnicoaching@gmail.com
Blog: trimarniblogspot.com
Website: trimarnicoach.com

The Plan

My goal is to keep the gains I made during off-season while enjoying the break. In an effort to keep in shape and rest at the same time both  athletes and I use some of the following strategies.

1. Try something new. Fall is a great time to try that new aerobics class you heard about at the gym or new workout tape you have been wanted to try from the television. During the season you are really tied in to a specific plan and there is not always a lot of room for creativity or something new. Use this time to spread you wings and exercise for fun alone.

2. Flex Those Muscles. I am an advocate for year-round strength training but for those athletes who have not incorporated it into their regular training schedule the Fall and offseason are the perfect time to start. When you start the offseason lifting program, you do not want to gravitate to the major muscle movements. You really want to hit the smaller ones first. These should also be done at a slightly slower movement rate to help work on stability, balance and strength simultaneously. This will help you to focus on areas that can be the most vulnerable for triathletes and runners such as the hip/glute complex, core, and shoulders. If you are unsure as to where to start I encourage you to seek out a local training group or coach who can help you in this area.

3. Eat with a plan. When you reach the Fall and your offseason you know that you will be navigating the dietary minefield of the upcoming holiday. By having a plan of you can stay ahead of the game. I recommend spending a few hours each Sunday stocking your kitchen with healthy foods and planning your menu for the upcoming week. When you plan ahead and are prepared you are less likely to fall in to the food traps the holidays can bring and lose the progress you made throughout the season.

Fall can be a treat for the senses: the crisp air, apple picking, pumpkin carving, a gorgeous canopy of fall foliage, and the crunch of leaves underfoot. It can also be a time of rest and relaxation. By employing a few of these strategies you can enjoy the offseason without sacrificing the gains you made during the season.

Kristen is currently a full-time triathlon coach, personal trainer, and kid wrangler. Her love and passion for the sport can be seen in many aspects of her life- as a competitor, coach, and fitness writer. Kristen races in sprint to iron distance races, 5K's to marathons and is the founder of Moms Who TRI (Train Race Inspire). She holds a Masters in Administration as well as a degree in Sports Medicine and a degree in Education with a Kinesiology focus. She is a Nationally Certified Athletic Trainer and Certified USA Triathlon. For more information about Moms Who TRI, visitwww.momswhoTRI.com. 

Blogs & Thoughts

women's blogs and their form of "art"....

http://www.superherolife.com/good-things/

http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/

http://planetsark.com/

http://mightygirl.com/mighty-life-list/

I think my creative self comes out more in down times...working full-time can suck some of my life out...in that way; although I consider my work at the hospital as art as I document (write about others' experiences & information/details), meet with families (create experience), follow & adhere to system rules & protocols (systemic work), be a broker with patients & facilities (an in-between within paths) and minister to my co-workers (creating relationships along with new parts of myself).  But when I stop, explore others' blogs or speak with you and other strong & brave women, I am enlightening and more acutely aware of my own thoughts, opinions and feelings. Each person brings out a part of myself that create more of me.  I think that is why reading Scripture is so important as much as I do not do this - b/c it influences my thoughts, choices and actions just as those conversations with others shape me.  Think about who you speak with the most including God...how much are you shaped or swayed by others (not necessarily a bad thing when you take the best out of each conversation you have).

Fall Festival - Ian's School

This year we had great fun at the Fall Festival at Ian's school!! We made a family scarecrow which was wayyy fun!

Birth Announcement :)

Here is one of the birth announcements we will be sending out at some point in the near future...

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Trunk or Treat - Fall Fest @ TCC

Love this Idea!! - But here is what we did this year!

Source: itswrittenonthewalls.blogspot.com via Melanie on Pinterest