Friday, August 29, 2008

Doctors Update

well, we're back! Good grief that was a long appointment! My fam doc has always just copied all my medical info from my previous births onto a new file...but not this place. Oh no, they had to had everything firsthand, so I had to sit and go through my entire medical history, every pregnancy/labour and birth. Good thing I haven't had a lot of complications! They didn't seem too pleased with my stance on being induced since I have been labeled as precipitous (fast labours). I said I am certain that the minor complications I had with my last two were a direct result from being induced and that I didn;t feel that this being my 7th labour that Pitocin was a good option for me due to the increased risk of Uterine Rupture. Apparently doctors do not like being told medical stuff back to them! We'll see what happens...I told them I would rather *risk* a homebirth than risk complications due to an induction.

Anyways, onto the details!
Ultrasound was great, baby is perfect, placenta is low and we will be going for another one at 30weeks.
Weight:126lbs (total thus far at 23W6D is 26 lbs)
Blood Pressure: 111/68
Baby's heartbeat:156
measuring: at 25wks
Other than that, not much else. I am supposed to go for the GD screen during my 26th week. Another test I am kind of against for me, since I am not at risk and have never had issues before.*sigh*

Anyways, got to get back to getting things organized and then it's off to get groceries tonight! Oh, but first I will post pics in the homeschool blog!!
Blessings!!
Thursday, August 28, 2008

Recalled!!

ok, so many of my Canadian readers are already well aware of the massive meat recall going on right now. Some of the meat has been tested and has resulted in testing positive for Listeriosis Maple Leaf Foods has expanded the recall to include the majority of it's deli/sandwich meat as a safety precaution.

All of the meat in my fridge was recalled (I used Bologna, Ham and Turkey breast in Bill's lunches). In a strange coincidence, I had already been in the process of revamping our eating habits to reflect a healthier approach to our diet....cutting out processed meats was next on the list!!
Yes, we did consume some of the meat before we knew it was recalled, I am trusting the Lord completely that he will keep us healthy and safe...especially this little bean in my tummy. No one has exhibited any symptoms of any kind, so I am praying.

So, I got a major shove into creating better lunches, mostly for Bill. Thankfully he enjoys other types of sandwiches. Our new food list NO-NO's are:
*NO processed sandwich meat of any kind
*NO hot dogs (we only ate these about once every month or so)
*NO pizza meat or pepperoni sticks (homemade jerky as soon as I can get my hands on a food dehydrator!!)
My goal of no processed foods has been pushed into full gear, my challenge is going to be to buy and prepare as much of our food as possible. We had already been on our way in this direction, but now it's in full force.
It means a lot more work on my part for some things, but in all honesty the health and well being of my family is worth every bit of it. I am positive that with time, these changes will become second nature just as the other changes have.
I REALLY wish Bill could start hunting again (ethically and legally for all my vegan, animal lovers) One deer or elk lasts us all year and supplies all of our meat and oh my stars do I miss venison!!!YUMMO!! Unfortunately, back when we were in serious financial crisis (when Bill had hurt is back and was unable to work or do anything) he sold his stuff....I wish we could've hung onto his gear. *sigh*

Well, time to get back to the day. We received all of our homeschool stuff yesterday so we've been busy organizing!! I'll post tomorrow with some pics of all our goodies, as well as an update from my doctors appointment tomorrow. got to go grocery shopping tomorrow night as well. Then it's the LONG weekend...WHOOHOO and we are in SEPTEMBER!!! Yipppeeee!!!

Have a blessed Thursday!!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Money..Money....Money

Do you love it or hate it?
Is your relationship with your money a healthy one? Do you know what a healthy financial relationship IS???

Like a lot of Mama's, I am in charge of the finances and believe that it is my job as a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) to be smart with the money that comes in and be a good steward with it. I take my job very seriously and feel a great sense of trust that my my husband has entrusted me with this job. I'm not an expert..by ANY stretch! I make mistakes and so does hubby...we're still learning!
What I have learned, especially as money becomes more and more scarce and times are getting a bit harder, is to have a healthy relationship with our money. Money needs love and nurturing just as any other family member, it needs tending and understanding. Don't hate it and don't obsess over it, either one is going to cause more pain than necessary. Be thankful for what you have...I'm very serious about this one!! Look around your house and be thankful for each and everything you have.

Don't try to spend more than what you have, this will eat you alive. Credit cards and debt will devour your soul...i know this sounds crazy but it's true. If you have racked up your credit cards it keeps you awake at night!! If the Lord has provided you with an income, LIVE WITHIN THAT INCOME!!!
It might mean that you cannot have certain things...or better yet, you must save for those items.

Realize your WANTS and NEEDS and be honest. This is tough, we live in a society that is constantly bombarding us with media that tells we NEED this or that. It's simply not true. We NEED food, we NEED clothing and shelter. What kinds of items fulfill these needs is where it gets murky. Do we NEED designer clothing? Do we NEED big fancy houses? Only you can decide, but I urge you do think long and hard about it...you'll be surprised!

Find joy and happiness in your friends and family, in the end, they're the ones who'll really matter. You're far richer in the time you invest than the money you generate!!!

Look at your current finances and decide if you're living above and beyond what you can afford, if you are, then it's time to make changes. You'll feel so much better emotionally and physically. It's tough at first, but after awhile, it really becomes second nature and you will just feel so much better!!
There are many resources available to help you and some of them are even free!
Find what works for you!
For us living without credit cards has been difficult at times (only because of stupid stores who REQUIRE them as proof of identity...like Blockbuster!) but for the most part, it's been a huge relief!! If we need something, we save...sometimes it takes all year!! But it's worth it. I've noticed we have a much higher appreciation for the item after we've worked hard to save up for it, rather than stressed and worked hard to PAY IT OFF. KWIM?!?


Just some random thoughts for you on this Tuesday morning!!
Be blessed!!!
Other Random Thoughts
Learn With Clara about cooking during the depression(I found this link from Maggie's site in the comments section...ooooh what a treasure this is!!!)
Friday, August 22, 2008

Busy, busy...............

I know it's surprisingly hard to imagine! I have decided it's time for a fresh new blog, of course I'll post here when I make the move with a link of course!!lol
If you would like a sneak peek check out HERE!!

Today I spent some time adding blogs to my bloglist over there...I discovered that it has been a really...reeeaaalllyyy long time since I last visited some of you and you have moved!!!ACK! I haven't decided if I will keep the template I have there or change it to the 3 column one like I have here....we'll see!

Not much on the go this weekend, we're taking it easy and I will probably start some of my fall/winter cleaning...just minor stuff. The kids talked me into going through their fall/winter clothes last night, so we'll have to finish folding and putting that stuff away. Bill will be earning hours tomorrow doing some work at a different housing complex from Habitat.

What's going on in your neck of the woods?
Well, best be going...the children are snacking on ice cream for dessert and they tend to get a bit messy....ya know, just a bit!!lol

Blessings!!!

New and Fresh!

I figured since there will be so many new and exciting changes going on as we embark on this next season of our lives, it was only fitting to have our blog reflect that!

So, here's the 3rd edition of our lives!! Technically it should be the fourth, however all of those posts are save in a file locked away in my old computer!! One day, I will get that thing running properly and retrieve it!!

So keep checking on here and I will announce when it's birthday is!!

Blessings!
Monday, August 18, 2008

Anniversary Week

Well, yesterday Bill and I celebrated 12 years of marriage! It's funny because it feels like we've been together forever, he is such a a part of me. Yet, it feels as though it was just yesterday we were married!lol We didn't do anything (other than earn our sweat equity hours) and we didn't buy each other anything. I don't care for jewellery at all (yes, it's true...I don't like diamonds and would actually be sad with a diamond ring or earrings!!lol Honestly!!) and we just have so much on the go right now with trying to earn our hours, but that's okay, we know in our hearts that it was our special day and that is all that matters.

It's an amazing thing, I am so blessed to have him for my husband and truly love him more and more each day. He is hard working and would do anything for us. He and I can have a conversation with no words at all, we know when one of us needs something and what that is. Sure we have our disagreements and spats, but we just shrug them off and let it go. We have mastered the art of compromise, which any of you who have been married for any length of time knows how vital that is!! Our needs as individuals are just as important as the other and we realize that. Sometimes his need for something is greater than mine and other times, I need more. We have realized that any relationship requires time, love, patience, understanding and it is constant. Like a garden, if you neglect it, it will wilt away.
He keeps me level and is always there to bring me back when I get all worked up and I am there to give him a boost when he slips off pace...we truly complete each other and for that I thank the Lord for my sweet husband, best friend, soulmate, and life long companion. I Love you!!

The next anniversary is not as happy, but one that I must contend with each and every year. Aug.21st will mark the 13th anniversary of my father's passing.
That day is also the day that Bill and I *officially* began dating one year earlier.

I can't believe we're down to the last two weeks of 'summer' here, WHOOHOO!!! Today is supposed to be gross and hot (something like 35 degrees Celsius and will feel like 40 degrees Celsius....there is a Fahrenheit converter at the bottom of my blog!!) it's been pretty hot and humid the last couple of days and the only thing that keeps me from really going mad, is the fact that I know in just a week or two, these temps will be gone. Actually, I could even place fair bet that these next few days will be it...sure we will have a day or two here and there in September, but that's easier since it will drop so quickly come evening. In two weeks it will be a long weekend and that will also be the weekend we do a fall/winter clothing switch! Time to start getting ready for the Used Toy and Clothing Sale..it's Sept.20th! It will be last one, so I plan on selling off summer/spring stuff as well. Lot's to do!!

well, time to go put summer heat plan of attack into action...gotta go around the house and close up the windows and lower all the fans.....ugh A/C would be sweet today!!

have a blessed Monday!!!
Saturday, August 16, 2008

Thinking of Going Organic......Here's the Lo Down

I, personally, do not need to be convinced of the goodness of organics. To me, it's just common sense really, I wouldn't eat pesticides/herbicides why would I eat food that has been bathed in it? Don't even get me started on GMO's!!! It's mind boggling at times and even downright confusing more times, but us as consumers really need to be conscientious about our buying habits and what we are putting in our bodies.
Of course cost is a HUGE factor, trust me I'm SO THERE with you, but remember, the more people who buy organic the more the price will come down. Yup, I wish a bit more quickly too!! Not to mention that it would be helpful if manufacturers would make JUMBO sized packages!!!lol By the time I buy enough crackers let's say, to feed my guy's I've paid a disgusting amount of money!!!!

Here's some more really good info:
12 things you don't have to buy organic


Have a blessed Saturday!!
Friday, August 15, 2008

Heard in My House Today and it's only 8am

Mariah crying: "Mommy, Robbie called me pouty McPoutpants"

Mariah: "you doornog, your shirt is on the wrong feet"

Alyssa: "MOOOOOOOOMMMMMMYYYYYY there are Rice Krispies in my hair"

We slept in, the kids are SPUN.OUT, groceries are supposed to be arriving, and I have to get things ready for our evening tonight. The sheer volume inside my house right now is enough to make your brain spin inside her head. They are fighting, yelling, arguing and then running to me to tell me all about it. So, I did what any normal mother who hasn't had her morning coffee would do...........I ran to my room and jumped on my computer to tell my cyber friends all about it!!!lol How did my ancestors ever survive?!?!?

Alright, now that I have had a few deep breaths, said a prayer and begged my heavenly Father to have mercy on me...I must face the day...............

God bless, Penny
Thursday, August 14, 2008

Survey Says..............................

Boy or Girl?????

Wellllllllllllllll, what do you think??

little spine
*~SPINE~*

baby #7 "BabyFace"
*~BabyFace~*

Little foot and ten little toes..perfect!!
~*Perfect Little Foot*~

Well, this baby is modest!!lol He/She kept his/her thighs tightly closed and would not give us a peek at all. For a brief second I thought I saw boy parts, but it could've been the umbilical cord. Bill announced just before we went in that he has a feeling it's a boy....he has NEVER had a feeling before!!!lol
I will have to go back near 30wks for another scan though, as usual my placenta is low lying (has happened with everyone!!) so hopefully little bean won't be so modest!

Hmmmm, maybe the
Drano Test is next up??!?!?!

Have a blessed Thursday!!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008

On My Mind................

I proudly breastfeed in public, always have and always will. Not once have I ever been approached by someone and asked to move. I HAVE received plenty of glares and looks of disgust. I can't really understand why, I mean it's not like I have removed my shirt and flopped my breasts out onto the table in a restaurant. I, like most women I know, casually lift up our shirt and babe latches and you carry on with whatever it was you were doing. For most of us, by the time we venturing out and about with a new babe, breastfeeding is fairly well established. Heck, most of us can eat, drink, and carry on a convo all the while our babe enjoys a snack!

Well, apparently there are still people out there who have serious issues with the whole concept and I am SO SICK OF IT.
H&M Incident

I am so proud of these mama's for coming together and supporting one another...that's Mama power!!! I know that even here in my neck of the woods, if I or someone in my group was harassed in public...ooooooooo...there would be a Nurse-In hands down.

What get's me is the disgusting, derogatory comments made by the general public.
Gimme me a break, breastfeeding in public is the equivalent of ur*nat*ng/d*fecati*g/mastur*at*ng in public......are you kidding me?!?!?!
Apparently because breastmilk is a bodily fluid, suddenly it is categorized with these acts and should be done in private?!?!?!

I'm sorry, but a baby/toddler/child eating in public IS NOT the same as those things. Not even remotely close!

Like I always say, if you have an issue with my child breastfeeding in public....feel free to eat YOUR dinner in the bathroom or pull a blanket over YOUR head, because MY child never will.


I have always felt so very blessed to be able to nourish my children with my body. There is something so wonderfully, beautiful watching your baby grow from the liquid gold your breasts produce. It's a gift to my children that I am honoured to provide them with. The mental, emotional, nutritional value that breastfeeding can provide is unsurpassed. I embrace it, I encourage it, I will fight for it.
Breastfeeding will become normal again, because Mama says so!!

Have a blessed Wednesday!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008

It's a Crazy, Busy Week!!!

All in a good way of course!

Well, 2 more sleeps until the big day!!! I keep reminding myself that there IS a possibility that the baby will not co-operate, despite my late night conversations with him/her. Just for fun though, I had my drs appt on Friday (well, THAT by itself was NOT fun...but I'll spare you the details and just say it was the initial prenatal. Those of you who've been down the pregnancy path know what I am talking about, those who have not....I'll spare you the details!!lol) ANYWAYS.......two things that are consistent with girl pregnancies for me...my weight and the baby's heartrate. Both of these were on the money for a girl pregnancy. They are: 1.my weight....my weight is consistently higher with my girls, I gained 1.3lbs in a week and am right in the weight gain bracket that I am typically in for girl pregnancies. The other, the heartrate....this is kind of spooky to me....with all my girls at the the checkup between 20wks and 23wks the heartrate was 133.....sure enough last Friday I was 20w6d and the heartrate was 133!!!lol I totally started laughing, I'm sure the doc thought I was a bit weird, but by that point I didn't care, she had drove me crazy by then. So, I obsess more!!lol It's kind of fun not knowing, I'm not sure I could do it the entire way through....but if this bean keeps his/her legs closed I guess I'll have to!!!lol Then ya'll can obsess with my for the next 18.5weeks!!!!

Next on this weeks agenda....I had to order the groceries this week and am having them delivered Friday morning because Friday night we're off to sell tickets for Habitat!! It will be really cool because the venue we'll be at will have a fireworks display at the end of the night!! The kids have never seen fireworks before, so they are uber excited!! Then on Saturday, Bill is off to do construction again!!! Finally, on Sunday, (Our 12th wedding anniversary!!!!WHOOHOO!!!) we'll be heading back out to sell tickets again and see fireworks again!!! Me, I'm looking forward to the variety of food they will have...food from every part of the world!! OOOOOOOOOOH!!! Indian, Thai, Chinese, Ukrainian, Jamaican....oh my!!!

I've also been busy packing!! I figure the more I can pack now, the less I'll have to do later. Although it bothers me to the core living with boxes stacked everywhere!!lol We did the homeschool shelves yesterday, since I had to make room for our shipment that should be arriving in the next month of homeschool goodies!!! I packed stuff that I know we won't be using this year and even will have a bag ready for Freecycle soon!! I discovered I had a few books that seriously do not mesh with our philosophy of learning anymore, it was bizarre for me reading some of the stuff....after reading John Holt and John Gatto...it was really weird!!lol
Today, I want to finish up the last little bit from those shelves, get some more laundry done and maybe get to the cupboard above the fridge...*shudder* that could be interesting!!lol

Well, time to get the ball rolling!! Have a blessed day!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Just Passing the Time

I've been busy cleaning and re-organizing some of our important documents and paperwork..blech. I am one who keeps EVERY.LITTLE.THING. I have mine and Bill's income tax stuff from the first year we filed as a couple!!lol
It feels good to have things organized in boxes. I mean I don't suppose we REALLY need the receipt from the tape we bought on April 24th 1995!!HA! Slowly, but surely, bit by bit, I'm going to go through things and only pack essential things instead of moving boxes filled with crap. I can't possibly be the only person who has boxes of stuff you never unpack, but are too worried to toss?!!?!? I'm down to ONE BOX as of today....oh and I REALLY need to invest in a paper shredder as well.



So keep voting ya'll!!! We've got 8 sleeps to go!!!!
Here's my kiddo's votes!!!
ALEX: boy
ALYSSA: 2 girls
ROBBIE: girl
KAYLA: girl
MARIAH: girl
MATTHEW: booboo, macka gecko meehaw
I vote girl, although the morning sickness thing really threw me for a loop.
Either way, I'm happy. All I pray for is a healthy lil' bean!

Well, time to get dinner on the roll...nice and easy tonight...French Toast and Fresh Fruit!! Perfect summer dinner!!!
Blessings!!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Halfway There!!!

I'm 20wks3d today!! Whoohoo!!
Here's the belly pic!
20week belly pic

9 sleeps until Ultrasound day!! I'm really excited since if baby co-operates, I'll be able to find out if this peanut is a boy or a girl and have it be an actual suprise!!!lol Just for fun to help me pass the time by, I'm going to add a boy/girl poll for ya'll!! Here's some background info:
-Both the Chinese Gender Chart and the little quiz at Childbirth.org say GIRL.
-The ring test above my belly does circles, above my hand goes back and forth.
-My face and back have had terrible acne and that has always been the way with a girl in my belly.
-I had morning sickness, which I've only had with boys before.
-I craved chocolate, which I have never craved in ANY of pregnancies before!(well, before the 12th week anyways...*giggle*)
-My butt has definitely grown with this pregnancy and I am carrying the weight everywhere.
-Baby's heartbeat was 156.
So, help me guess to pass the next week and a bit!! What do you think???
Are we gonna have a Brianna or a Nathan?

I will also be posting another Habitat Hours update in the Habitat blog!!!
Have a blessed Tuesday!
Friday, August 1, 2008

Happy Friday!

This week just zipped by, actually this month zipped by! I can't believe it's August already! Whoohoo, you know what that means...it's almost my favourite time of year!! One more month of summer! HURRAY!!!

So I went to my doctors appt yesterday, I swear those people make me want to rip my hair out!! GAH! Anyways, it wasn't my regular family doctor which was a good thing because then my appt would've really irked me! This doctor though was in a total state of panic because of how far along I am and not having had any tests done!! I just sat there calmly while she freaked out about my not having blood work and all the things that could be wrong RIGHT NOW and we wouldn't have a clue! I just kept saying "I know everything is alright" Gah! So anyways, I left there with all these requisitions and an appt for next Friday for my 'initial prenatal'. At least I get to go for an ultrasound, which she was totally panicked about "Oh dear you need to book that ASAP" lol, that is booked for the 14th. I don;t get to go to my group of docs that delivered Matthew, I've been referred to some group of docs that take on us stragglers and those who don't have a family doc....should be interesting.

I also got to hear the heartbeat!! Only one perfectly sounding little beat!! I guess I'm just fatter this go around!!LOL Although my weight is basically right on track for me at this stage...my weight usually follows along with my current week of pregnancy, give or take a pound or two.......I was 19w5d yesterday and weighed 121.8lbs, perfect! Except I grew an inch, I don't know how that happened...lol Since 8th grade I've been 5 feet on the nose, yesterday I measured 5ft 1in, I asked if she was sure and she measured again...yup, it was correct! Hmph! Maybe there was a bulge in the floor?!?!? Weird! My blood pressure was perfect 98/65, I don't think I've ever been past 110 before!!lol

Not much else on the go, other than being busy!!lol I am getting excited....soon it will be time for our school stuff to arrive!! That is going to be like Christmas!!!
I can't wait to watch all the kids dig into the books and arts stuff and the huge Knex set I ordered!!! It is going to be a blast!!

This weekend I plan on doing a laundry blitz and helping the kids organize their rooms a bit. They don't have much in the way of toys, but because the three girls are in one room, it get's very chaotic, very quickly!! I have also decided that each child will be allowed one large Rubbermaid container filled with their toys to bring when we move, it won't include books or stuffies, just those miscellaneous toys like Bionicles and barbies and race cars. The books and puzzles all fall under the 'community shelf' stuff and I would never limit that stuff. Stuffies are in a category all on their own, and I don't mind because they all truly love and adore their stuffies. Bill will be working on construction this weekend with a small group of guys from Habitat and even a guy from his work is coming to help! They most likely won't be working on our house, but hours are hours and Habitat is all about working together and with each other, doesn't matter who's house!!

In other news, Matthew is still nursing! I was certain that he would drift, but nope, he's happy to nurse now even if he's getting nothing!!lol Me on the other hand.....eh.....we'll see what happens. I know once new baby is here, it will be all good, but at certain times...oy......it's not the most comfortable to be honest. Thankfully though, if I have had enough, I can tell Matthew that Mama needs a break and he complies, he's usually okay with a snuggle. I think he's been feeling the baby kick and is wondering what the heck is going on!!LOL Not too mention the space is getting cramped on my lap!lol Oh well, we'll see where it goes!

Well time to go finish putting groceries away.....before Matthew has them all hidden!
Have a blessed Friday!!!