Happy VERY Be-Lated *~Lammas~*

Gosh! Wouldn't you know it, late again...lol. Actually, we weren't even here for Lammas, we were away on holidays! We went to Kelowna for a week camping! UGH, the campground we stayed at was an absolute NIGHTMARE and I would never in a million years recommend it to anyone...BUT, that is another post all on it's own!

Then, when we came back, the next day Mariah ended up with some nasty stomach bug for a couple of days...ugh...then Matt got hit with some headache/fever illness that he just got over the other day. WHEW! Now, Bill and I are in the process of healing from this weird headache bug...so annoying.

All in all it was awesome to get to see family and friends out there, hopefully we can make it out that way again next year!! Although we plan on staying somewhere different, that's for sure!! Bill's step brother and his wife graciously offered us to 'camp' on thier property, so I think that is what we will do!! They are such awesome people, I am so happy for Bill's dad to have married Ellen and been blessed with wonderful family in the process. Nobody can ever replace Bill's mama, and EVERYONE knows that, BUT, having been blessed with Ellen and having someone special like her to enjoy this stage of life is truly amazing.

We also were able to make our way out to Penticton to visit other family out that way, Auntie Elaine and Uncle Mike! WOW! Let me tell you, these folks have it GOING ON! They have completed changed their lifestyles and diets and LEMME tell YA, it shows! They are extremely active, eat VERY healthy and have lost weight.  I am so proud of them and what they have done, it just shows that changing your diet and lifestyle has enormous effects on you...for the BETTER!

We went to a nearby lake and OH-MY-GOSH, it was amazing! Crystal clear water, silky smooth sand and gorgeous sunshine. It was a wonderful day. We headed back to their place for dinner and I swear, I have never seen my kids eat so much!! But, it was truly awesome. I cannot wait until we can see them again, it was such a refreshing and upbeat visit and I was sad to see it end when we left.

Now, I cannot believe it's already the middle of August!!! WOWSA, this summer has blown past!
My garden is coming along nicely, although my cucumber plant is is a sad state. Unfortunately, the person I left in charge of watering mis-judged the amounts of water needed and thought that some rainfall would suffice.....*sad face* and I came home to a dead cucumber plant, a dead strawberry plant and an almost dead pepper plant. So far, it appears that I may be able to save a very small portion of the cucumber plant, but no where near enough to harvest any cukes this year. The pepper plant seems to be doing okay, but the strawberry plant is long gone.

In the next few weeks I will harvest my carrots and radishes and hopefully some tomatoes (I have cherry and beefsteak) and some more Kale. Hopefully my Broccoli and Cauliflower will start to get better, as well as the Brussles. Hopefully my raspberries will really start to ripen as well!

In September I plan on going to the Harvest sale tp purchase the big stuff for canning! I plan on doing Tomato sauce, pickles, jam/jelly, peaches/pears, applesauce. Then I am also getting a pressure canner so I can can even more goodies like beans and meats!!
I am sooooo excited!!lol I feel like the only wife around who asks for appliances for holidays...lol. No earrings or jewelry for this lady, uh-huh, I am over-the-moon thrilled with a pressure canner!! haha!! I am asking my mom for a juicer for my birthday/Christmas too, I cannot believe how much I miss my juicer (it died a few months ago) sad day indeed!

Also with the approaching Autumn season is SCHOOL!!! I have been in the process of setting up the programs and 'wishlisting' the books and curriculum the kids want. I LOVELOVELOVE this time of year for that. Actually, I just love books in general!!lol This year looks pretty exciting with everything the kids are interested in. So far, we have some Hunger Games novel studies, art stuff, The Lightning Thief, Animorphs, Smurfs, Witchy goodies, Baking, cooking, gardening, self reliance activities, weather goodies, science experiments galore, solar and lunar activities....the list goes on and on!

And yet MORE Autumn hustle and bustle...Bill is officially going to hunt this year!! WHOOHOO!!! He has been busy getting his bow all sited in and get some practice shooting going on. The older boys are actually getting in on it too, they love bow shooting! They won't actually hunt any animals this year, but they hopefully will join Bill on some hunts and get to see what it's all about. Next year, hopefully, will be MY turn!! I am so excited!! How awesome will it be in the future for Bill and I to go on romantic get-a-way weekends hunting!!! YESSSS!!!! I love it!!

Well, that about wraps up what has been going on in my neck of the woods so far this summer!!
I will probably get back into more blogging when it starts to cool off, right now, we try to get outside as much as possible and soak up as much sun as when can.....gotta build up the vitamin D stores for winter!! ;)

Here's some pics from our belated Lammas celebration. We had a wonderful time with a good BBQ (Celtic Salmon and baked beans, baked potaotes and tons of fresh veggies) roasting marshmallows and good company!!

Blessed be!!

Magickal Graphics

Whipping up good things....and HAPPY SPRING EQUINOX!!

My skin is so extremely sensitive, so I have been using a combination of coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil and grapeseed oil. It works pretty good, and is a good compliment to my coffee/sugar/sea salt body scrub I use three times a week. Then, I cam across this Whipped Coconut Oil WOWSA!
This has been awesome! I blended mine with some Rosemary and Tea Tree essential oils and I love it.

My next batch I really want to add some Orange and Sandlewood essential oil for a fresh, summer scent.

Yesterday and today I was out in the garden checking on my soil and trimming up a few of the dead heads. Added a small amount of mulch and next up will be some fertilizer. I think I will go with my compost as well as a coffee ground and kelp mix again. It seemed to do really well in my soil.

I placed my first order for some seeds and plants earlier this week, so they should be arriving soon!!
Then I get those babies into the peat pots and get 'em growing! I am also trying to think ahead and see about having a late fall/early winter garden with some kale and brussles.
We are also going to be building another small raised bed for the fruit bushes (strawberries and raspberries) I simply cannot wait to get things going!!

Busy next few days around here, dentist appointments and family coming to visit this weekend! Yay!!

Happy Wednesday and Happy Spring Equinox

Want to KNow More About Herbcraft????

Herbs are a wonderful supplement to anyone's lifestyle. They can heal, inspire, rejuvenate, energize, stimulate, calm, and cure! Not too bad for just a plant!!
Herbs are a HUGE part of our daily lives here. I use them for almost everything from foods to teas to salves, tinctures, compresses, and vinegars. There are so many different uses, it's quite possibly endless to be honest. Different herbs have different uses and can help different ailments, yet knowing what to use for which ailment can be tricky when you are just starting out. Heck, I am still learning so much about their powers myself.

My kitchen cupboard is filled with mason jars and all kinds of dried herbs. I have things from Mugwort to Scullcap and of course the more familiar ones like chamomile and rosemary. I would be lost without my herbs, they play that big of a part in our lives.

So, you want to learn more? Well head on over to Herb Mother Herbcraft E-course and sign yourself up for her mini course to learn some valuable tips and tricks!

Better still, if you head over to Boho Girl's Giveaway for your chance to win a spot in the E-course! hurry though, contest ends tomorrow!!!


Blessings!!

Sh*t Crunchy Mama's say....

Okay, so there are a ton of these going on around you tube and I have to say that a lot of them are so darn funny. However, this one stood out.

And here's part deux!

Too funny, eh?!?!

The Power of Words

This short film is absolutely amazing and worth it's weight in information. Very humbling indeed.

Have a blessed day!

Garden on the Brain....*sigh*

Oh this is so amazing: Alys Fowler

I love this woman immensely, seriously, I could watch her for hours in her garden. :)

I am in the process of planning my garden and containers, so many different ideas. I want to be sure I have lot's of veggies and lot's of herbs (for teas, food, tinctures, and other uses) and of course some edible flowers for salads. When I have some concrete ideas, I will share here.

We will be having our new freezer delivered tomorrow...YIPPEEE! I am so stoked about that. It's an upright and is going to be awesome, here, check it out: Our New Freezer. It will be so awesome to be organized and for when harvest time comes around again. We are still keeping our chest freezer, until it dies. It's over 15yrs old, but we decided we would store bread in it.

In other news...Alyssa got herself a part time job! She is working one day a week at a local daycare taking care of the cleaning duties. Next on the list is Alex!

Ummm, let's see, what else?!?!? No word yet on my test results for Celiac. I'm not sure if that means it's negative or my doctor just hasn't got around to notify me yet. (it took her almost 2 mos to get back to Bill about him being low on Vitamin D and phosphorus...grrrr) Yet, if I call, they refuse to give any results over the phone! Hmph!

Blessed be!!!

How Many More Sleeps????

I cannot believe how quickly Christmas is coming!! Wahoo!! WE have been busy with our various advent calenders and each morning is the 'how many more sleeps' announcement.
Last night we celebrated St.Nicholas day for something new. We have been reading about Keltelven Tradtions and have been having some fun with that. Starting on the 14th we will begin counting down the days to Yule/Winter Solstice, there are a lot of fun activities to do for each day, so we are looking forward to that. If you would like to read some more into that check out here: Ross County, really neat and fun stuff.

We are all well on the mend now. Some of the kids have a nagging cough left that seems to bug them the most at night (of course!). Now is the time for me to get things into full swing with baking and crafts and all that good stuff. This weekend is Bill's company Christmas party, it will be nice to get out and mingle with adults for a few hours. I am crossing my fingers for no side effects from the meal!

It's been really neat around here lately, it seems as though people have been much more into the Christmas spirit than last year. There were lights up all around beginning mid November and some people (besides us..lol) even had their Christmas Trees up that early! Local radio stations even have regular Christmas music playing and have been since the last week of November (last year it was well into the first week of December) Yay!!! I love it when people play along and get into the spirit of things, however they see fit.

Here is something I came across on You tube and IT IS AWESOME, I had to share it!

How incredible is THAT?!?! This guy is going places and how awesome is that he is CANADIAN!!!

Love, love, love it!!

Blessed be!!

Autumn Has Arrived!

Brrrrrr, today certainly has had a chill to it. No snow (it's definitely not uncommon for us to have a bit of snow this time year), but it sure is brisk out there. The perfect day to whip up a batch of Pumpkin Spice muffins for dessert tonight. Oh how I love Pumpkin, and it's so super good for you!

Pumpkin has loads of vitamin A and is a great source of your B vitamins. Pumpkin is low in fat and low in calories. It is super easy to throw a scoop of raw pumpkin into almost any kind of muffin mix. We toss scoops of raw pumpkin into our oatmeal and add clove, nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger with some maple syrup, for a awesome tasting breakfast. Pumpkins are also an antioxidant,  anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory!! You can also toss a scoop into your smoothie! I would use 1 cup of almond/soy/rice/hemp milk, a scoop of raw pumpkin, a good sprinkle of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and some crushed clove to make a warming Autumn evening snack

You can even use it in cookies! I have used it as a substitute for oil/butter in some recipes.
Hurray for the Pumpkin, a member of the Gourd family who's name means Large Melon in Greek.

Of course, let's not forget the pumpkin's other important job: serving as a Jack-o-Lantern at Halloween!!
That will be for a later post though.........

Onwards! I thought I would share the recipe I will be using for our DF/GF pumpkin pie. I just buy pre-made GF pie crusts from our local GF bakery. It is one time saver I don't hesitate to use, although I have successfully made GF pies from scratch.
Here ya go:
GF/DF/SF Pumpkin Pie

Speaking of GF, I learned the hard way that Kraft Marshmallows are NOT GF. I checked the ingredients and nothing looks Gluten so there must be cross contamination. However, Walmart (cough, choke) does in fact have GF marshmallows (which is why I wrongfully assumed that Kraft's would be fine too, even though nowhere on the package does it say that) which set me up for a week of agony. Ugh, I cannot believe I spent so much time like that and thought it was normal. YUCK! Thankfully, I am on the healing road now and I won't be making that mistake again! I also have every intention on mastering the art of marshmallow making, the bonfires just don't seem the same without!

Tonight for dinner is Cream of Tomato soup (thank goodness for my Vitamix!!) with grilled cheese sandwiches (we use raw, lactose free cheese, so far it has not negatively affected anyone) and fresh cut veggie sticks, the perfect meal for this cool Fall day! Yum!

I most likely won't be on until after the weekend since Bill has the next few days off, but I will be back mid-week next week and hopefully might even have some pics of our new dog!!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!!

My Dream House.....

Whew, it has been very busy around here lately. Getting things set up with homeschooling, canning, getting things ready for Fall and the cooler temperatures, cleaning...gah, the list goes on!

I did however, find a video I wanted to share with you all. In a sense, this is my dream. There are a few changes I would make to fit our family size better, but other than that, the concept is bang on!

Enjoy!

COFFER from thismustbetheplace on Vimeo.

I love it, love it, LOVE IT!! I can imagine my own cows and goats. More chickens, of course! Beautiful garden space....oh my goodness! I love how he has combined the good things of our present with the wisdom from the past. I always have said that I wish there would be more of this concept. Blessings!

Trimming the Fat

As some of you may have noticed, my Facebook account is gone. Yup, my family and I decided it was time to trim the fat and delete things that are not benefiting us as a family. Sure it's a way to stay in touch with family members and friends or to perhaps get back in touch with people from the past. However, we were just finding it ridiculous with the amount of drama that entails and not to mention the useless status updates! (Does the general population care that you ate at 'such and such' place with 'such and such' or that you are sitting and watching TV?!?!?) I suppose some folks might find that interesting or some may find constant updating from their Iphones/blackberries a good use of time, and to those people: All the more power to you!! For us, it just wasn't something we wanted to be a part of. For me personally, I MISS MY BLOG!!! I miss writing up meaningful posts about things that I find interesting and our lives. I love that I have far more freedom to write a post as long or as short as I want. If people want to read it, great! If not, then they don't!  I can share my passions and my frustrations. Clicking that delete button was so releasing!

There is always the good ol' fashioned phone and email to stay in touch and it's far more personal that way. I hate texting, really, really hate it. In fact, I would rather spend time having a root canal done than to sit there texting. :)

We are also drastically reducing other sources as well, like the TV! We don't really watch it that much anyways, but we are taking a more conscious approach to it and using it more as a tool rather than just 'something to do'. We all have our favourite shows and will watch those as well as some movies too. We have a ton of board games to enjoy and tons of books to read. For us, this just seems a far better use of our time and much more meaningful!

This is a good time of year to make some changes in your life, what are you guys going to change? Anyone want to share some goals?

Here's my list of Autumn Goals:
1. Get all my canning done and have a pretty good stocked storage. I also have dehydrating and freezing to tackle as well.

2. Organize our book shelves

3.Go through and shred old paperwork and files. (I'd imagine I don't need to hang onto our income tax from 1995, eh?!?)

4. Get my garden all prepped for the winter and get a good amount going in the compost bin for spring.

5. Clean and organize my sewing area so I can tackle the fall/winter sewing I need to do.

I'd love to hear what your Autumn plans are!!!

And the Dentist says...........

We went for a check up on Monday to the dentist. While I don't do well-baby checks or even yearly checkups (unless there is a concern) we do all go for pretty regular dental checkups. All of the children have awesome teeth. No cavities at all.(the dentist and hygenist were very impressed) Barely anything to really clean off. Now, here's a secret that I am sharing. It's just between you and I internet. I do not make my kids brush their teeth.  There, I said it. Oh sure, I tell them before bed to brush their teeth, but I certainly do not stand over and observe the process. I definitley do not have them floss. I attribute their oral health to their diets and abundance of fresh veggies. They all LOVE fresh veggies. Also, no fruit juice and processed foods make an impact as well. I don't believe cavities are all about the sugar, while I believe it's a significant contribution, it's not the only reason.

I do hope that their oral health will continue, I am certain it will if they continue with a healthy diet filled with wholesome nourishing foods.

I on the other hand am still reaping the effects of my past diet...ugh. Just a few more cavities to fill up in my lower jaw in May. A wisdom tooth to pull in the very near future and my new permanent partial plate soon as well. Then, I should finally be done with all my dental trauma and can hopefully take care of my remaining teeth. If only I could go back in time and smack that girl who drank so much soda and ate so much junk.....hind sight is, as they say 20/20.

On the table for the rest of the week grocery shopping this weekend. Valentine's Day treats and Daddy's birthday dinner this weekend too!!

Waiting patiently for spring, I NEED some trees and grass and to feel warm sun on my face.  I can't remember a time where I have wanted that season so badly. Normally I am the winter girl and content to have months of winter's beauty upon us. This year, the Ice princess needs to be on her merry way to let the fresh renewal of spring surround me. Her promise of growth and rejuvenation and life.
We have changed so much in the last year or so. Our eating, thinking and whole approach to life. I feel more changes are coming and I am excited. Excitied to see what the journey has to show and where this path will take us. Growth can only happen when we open ourselves up to it and allow it to take place, even if we are unsure of where it will take us.

Let the journey begin!!
Blessings♥♥

Just another day

It is beautiful outside today, a gentle breeze and bright sunshine. I am listening and watching the kids laugh and chase each other around the park enjoying every second of it.  Playing games, chasing games no doubt! Tag is always a big hit around here...who could tire of endless rounds of Frozen Tag?!?!?

I have an annoying headache and random body aches, so what better thing to do than sip on tea and blog!!

We officially are fully decorated for Christmas! A bit earlier than normal with reagrds to the tree, but it couldn't be helped this year.  My mom bought us one as our family christmas present this year! What a perfect Christmas present I think!!
Now the fun can begin with our Christmas gift making!! I am soooo excited to get going on that! I do still need to buy a few things to make or help make the gifts, but mostly everything is handmade this year!!

Well, I have a gaggle of children that are heading this way, most likely in search of a drink and snack and then possibly some handheld microscopes to search for creepy things living in our backyard or perhaps a pixie or two!!!
Here's some pics of the last week or so...notcie the abrupt change in holidays!!lol I take down and start decorating for Christmas early the morning of the 1st of November! Normally though, Bill leaves for work in the morning with a Fall theme surrounding his house and comes home to Christmas...lol...it's pretty funny!!
Although the tree is a family affair, no one can miss that. I LOVE LOVE LOVE family traditions and can't get enough of them. They build such a sense of togetherness and unity in a family.

here's the promised pics:

$75 Grocery Challenge Update and other happenings.......

So we did it! We managed to stay within our budget of $1190 for the month, which is about 40% less than we would have had if I was still babysitting my friends daughters. This month it's a little bit higher since I do not have the Used Toy and Clothing sale or Bill's licence and renewal to worry about, but still it's much less than before! I discovered that it's very possible to do and manage it just takes a lot of effort and time. This month I plan to follow the same plan as last month since it worked so well last month. I also have to plan for Thanksgiving dinner next weekend!!YUM! I need to practice and figure out how to make a GF/DF pumpkin pie, which I am fairly certain I can do. 


Speaking of grocery shopping........it's that time again! Last night we went to the Costco near our house...ugh, we will not be doing that again. We'll make the trip to the one farther away. Tonight it's Superstore!



Oh yes, the Used Toy and Clothing sale...it went pretty well. Although I was robbed! I had about 4-5 prs of pants stolen and I'm 99.99% sue of who did it, but what can I do? I will however be on the lookout in the spring sale. I was pretty certain this same woman stole a few things at my last sale, but I think I was in denial that someone would actually steal at a USED toy and clothing sale. Now, I know. SAD!!!! They had nothing for Alex or Breanna or Mariah and a few for Matthew. I did get Matthew a full piece snowsuit, but he still needs pants and some hoodies and a few long sleeve shirts. Breanna still needs a few things and Alex still needs some PJ's as well as Robbie. WHEW! Ah well, bit by bit it will come together!! Of course there was TONS for Kayla and Alyssa's age groups.....sooooo much in fact! They however, are good for clothing.




I went and saw my Grandma on Tuesday night. I had a nice visit with her gave her a little massage on her feet and legs, which I think she really enjoyed! They say she only has a few weeks left. My Grandmother however, is clueless. Dementia is weird that way I guess. We looked through some old pictures of hers and she was able to tell me who all the people were and where they were when the pic was taken. She was also able to recite a few school type poems to me for fun. She says the food stinks there. I'm going to miss her when she's gone, she is such a spicy sassy woman, even at 88 years old!


The temps are begining to drop her now. I don't mind it all that much. I like the thoughts of cozy cool nights. Hot tea, flannel jammies, warm baths, soft fluffy blankies, and warm yummy snacks! Then of course, the BAKING!!! Whoohoo!! I have so much on the go and in the planning stages for that. I also have to get my rear end in gear to make other various Christmas gifts for friends and family!! So much to do!!


Well, I'm going to wrap up this post since I have to more to get up as well on here and an email to send!!

Blessings!!

Finding calm in chaos

have you seen it???? Nah, me neither. I wouldn't mind a few extra hours in a day though, but I guess that would really mess things up globally, now wouldn't it?!?!lol
So, I will make do with the 24 I have.....too bad I need sleep!!lol

Well back to work I go, here's some pics for you!!










Have a blessed day!!!

Updates!!!

Happy Saturday my fellow cyber posse!!
Things are going wonderful! I hope everyone had a great New Year and is all geared up for a brand new year!!
This is the first year I didn't make any resolutions..per se. I do have some goals that I would like to accomplish in the next year though!
We have so much going on right now...so please excuse the bullet point updates!

FAMILY:
Everyone is doing good...the Il's, SIL's and us too. SIL is now engaged (Bills sister) to a great guy, so we're very happy for them. They are planning for a wedding in 2010 in the summer. MIL is doing good and has been feeling good as well. My Mama is doing great and and praise the Lord, we are approaching 3yrs sobriety!! I am so very proud of her! My sister is doing really good, they moved back to the city!! Henri is doing great and growing like crazy.....hopefully we'll all be able to see each other in the new year!!
We as a family have been doing really good, everyone is so happy to have Breanna home safe and sound and not have Mama trudging to the hospital every night. We have been really enjoying being an unschooling family......plenty of life lessons the past few months!

BREANNA:
This is one tough cookie, let me tell you! As I said before, she is breastfeeding exclusively after only had the opportunity to nurse a handful of times given the amount of time she was NPO (no food by mouth). This was achieved by my going on a dairy/casein free diet. There is a story that goes along with that and when I have a longer time at the computer I will share it with you...because like the majority of the stories from that experience, they are long! Breanna has a severe allergy to both and hopefully she'll outgrow it, but for now, this is how it is.
She is a doll, but very outspoken! If she is not happy she will yell until it is fixed...which is typically just a feeding or a bum change! She HATES to have anything on her head or her face and will scream if this happens, she also does not like to have her hands/arms restrained in any way (no swaddling!!) she does however, LOVE the wrap! She would happily spend the entire day there and has done so!!
PICS!!!

*Breanna all wrapped up in Elsa *10wks old*


*Breanna 10wks old with her beloved suckie from the hospital*


*Breanna 10wks old....finally her eyelashes have darkened a bit!!*

She is just so precious and I thank the Lord every.single.day for her....I thought for sure when I saw the blood that frightful night, that I was losing my baby girl.

***ETA: This was from last Saturday!!lol***I had intentions on coming back and writing more, but alas, it did not happen that way! But I'll post it anyways!

Freaky Friday

Okay not really, although switching places with my oldest wouldn't be such a bad idea.
Today is crazy, I am pulling from all of my internal resources and prayer. The children are SOOOOOOO grumpy...this is totally not like them. Yes, they fight and argue, but this has been non-stop since 7:42am! They have screamed, yelled, stomped, fought...you name it!
Hopefully things will come down a bit now...I told them all to snuggle up on the couch and order a movie...although I am certain there will be some rumbling over WHICH movie to order...oi!

Tonight I am going out with my Mom. It's her birthday today so I wanted to take her out for a coffee, but first I am going to hit Value Village. The kids would like something for Halloween and I want to scope out some wool and cotton and maybe a pair of maternity pants...since I've discovered that I have no pants!!!lol All I have are capri's!! I have two prs of cotton ones, but they no longer fit!!lol I've posted some stuff for sale on various sites in the hopes to be able to earn some paypal to buy the stuff I need...but the economy is so sad right now and then the exchange rate...ugh! It's awful!!!
I am selling and have sold all my wraps and carriers...(I have two for sale if you're interested!!!) I have sold and am selling cloth diapers (I have a beautiful Berry Plush diaper lot for sale!!) Bill is taking all my itty bitty baby boy stuff to the consignment on Sunday....so hopefully I get a bit back from there!
I am trying to make as much as much as possible, but my time frame is slipping away!!lol
So here's my TO GET FOR BABY LIST:(or rather, a wish list of stuff I *hope* to buy!!!lol)
-clothing (the extent of this list, I don't know...a friend of mine is passing down some of her little girls items...Have I mentioned my love of second hand things?!?!)
-I am hunting for an all cloth Diaper bag, preferably Mama made and girlie
-more wool sweaters for mitts, longies, breastpads etc...everything!!lol
-Aden & Anais swaddling blankies (saving up!!)
-Organic mattress pad for the baby's bed (saving up!!)
-Maruyama wrap (should be able to get her at the end of the month!!)
-more cloth pads for me
-Babylegs for baby
-wash cloths (I was going to make these, but this turned out to be too time consuming without owning a serger)
-a couple receiving blankets
-herbs for labour and postpartum
-Emergen-C vitamin stuff (for labour and PP)
-1-2 prs of good mat jeans for me (brrrr, it's getting colder around here...capri's don't quite fit the bill!!)
-2-4 more Kissaluvs or AMP's in NB size, but will see.


This list is just some random thoughts.......we'll just have to see what I can come up with!! some I have already got and am awaiting to arrive!!!
I will post pics and stuff when they arrive as well as links to where I got it!!

Well, I'm off to post a long overdue update in the Habitat blog!!!
If any of you Mama's are interested in seeing pics and knowing prices...send me a line!! I accept funded paypal only, but all my prices include shipping (to USA and Canadian addresses only) and all prices are USD if you're in the US and CAD if you're here in Canada!! If you're on my Flickr, you can see pics there!!
email me at:
mama26blessingsATyahooDOTca (changing the DOT and AT to the symbols!!)

Doctors Appt Update!!

Just a quick note!

Everything went very well and I am very blessed to have such a great doctor!

Soooo, here's the verdict:
My body is not favourable for an induction right now (via breaking my water) I'm still at 1cm(which is nothing to jump around over when you've given birth 5 times!!!LOL) and there isn't enough forewaters (bulge of the amniotic sac above baby's head) for her to break. She did say that I am in 'early labour', but knowing me, I can be there for a month!!!LOL She did mention that I could go in and have an IV with Pitocin started, but I'm not comfortable with having that unless my body was showing it was a bit more ready. Basically I won't 'allow' anything unless I'm at least 3cm.

So, now I will spend the day cleaning some more and 'enjoying' contractions every 6-8mins!!!LOL!! Praise the Lord I feel good and can do that!!!I'm also so happy that Matthew is a happy little guy in there as well!

So for right now, nothing exciting to report, but if things change I'll let ya'll know!!!!

Thankyou for all your well wishes and prayers!!!
Have a blessed Friday!!!
~Penny

Doctors Appointment

Happy Monday!!!

Here's the latest scoop from my 37week appointment!!
HB:145
Blood pressure: 100/60
weight:130 (but I'm sure it said 135, the nurse was looking at it over her desk)
measuring:37.5 weeks
and I am dilated to a 'good' 1cm!!!

Next appointment is Nov.3rd and we should be scheduling the induction that day(although not for that exact day, I don't think)!!!
WHOOHOO!!!!

POsted a couple new pics in the flickr, I was playing with my camera in the mirror!! I so totally love that trick!!!LOL!!

I'm also going to be doing a regular belly pic tonight for the top of my blog, only about two pics left for that....:o(

Well, time to start bedtime routine!! Have a blessed Monday night!!!!

Look what I made!!!!!

It's a lumpy, bumpy, Nursing Pillow!!!LOL I made this with no pattern and in less than 1/2 an hour, the stuffing part took the longest because I wanted it pretty firm.
What do ya think?!?!LOL






I also finished up baby Matthew's Room today as well, I posted the pics in my Flickr!!

Three things, there is no crib, change table, or dresser. His pack 'n' play is set up in our room and when I get it all set up, I'll take a pic. It will eventually go in the far right hand corner of his room. I don't have a dresser for him either, still keeping my eye out for one on Freeycycle. For now, he has a hanging shelf in is closet that holds all his tiny outfits perfectly!! I also do not use change tables, I had one for a couple of years, but got rid of it just before Mariah was born. All I ever used it for was to take up space and hold JUNK!!!LOL I have a mini change station set up at the foot of the bed in his room, and all his supplies will be in a portable basket. I usually just end up changing my babies wherever!!!LOL

I think I am all set and ready for Matthew. I will have to get a couple packs of disposable diapers. The hospital where I deliver doesn't supply you with them. Besides, cleaning those first poo's out of cloth diapers is really not fun!!LOL
Oh and I'm also waiting for my mom to go and get the carseat!! That is a very important part, if I plan on bringing him home!!!LOL

Have a blessed Evening!!!

It's almost the weekend!!!!

Today has been an 'interesting' day with my oldest. He has had a poor attitude for most of the day. I think it's mostly because I let him stay up a bit later to watch his dad play his computer game...so I guess you reap what you sow, huh?!?!?

Anyways, other than that, it's been a typical day. Tomorrow will be a bit busier as I am taking my three girls out first thing in the morning to go grocery shopping and then we're coming home and cleaning!!! No school for them tomorrow, or I guess we could call it a life skills day!!LOL

Oh, I was doing laundry the other day and overheard Kayla playing in her room....it was too cute not to catch on video!!!




Isn't that just the funniest thing???

I also received an email and thought I would post my reply here. Thankyou to all of you who take the time to send me emails!! I'm so happy you all find my blog a blessing to your life in some way or another!!
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Dear, Penny

I read your blog quite often and I find myself amazed at the things you do and keep a sense a humour about. I only have 2 children (boy 10yrs and girl 4yrs) and can find myself in a stressful mood quite often. Thank you for taking the time to write about your life and how you manage it. Your blog has been such a blessing to me. I had some questions for you and I hope you can answer them, but only when you have the time. I know you are a very busy woman.
1. what are your favorite baby items? I think having so many kids you must have some favorites!!

2. what are your least favorite baby things?
I ask this of you because my good friend from church is having a baby and there are so many baby things out there and it has been so long since I had a baby.

your friend,
Doreen in Manitoba
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First of all, thankyou so much Doreen for taking the time to write to me!!! I'm so happy you enjoy my blog and are interested in my opinion!!
Here are my answers and I hope you find them helpful!!!
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1. Hmmmm, I had to think of some of the things I simply cannot live without when I have a baby and here are some that I can think of:
-baby washcloths (I usually try to have at least 2-3 dozen of these on hand because I use them as bumwipes. I make my own wipe mix and then use it with the cloths)

-receiving blankets (the flannel ones, I use these for everything...burppads, change pads, swaddling you name it!!LOL I try to have 2 dozen of these)

-My Snugli (Mine is one of the old corduroy ones and I have used it since Alex, I LOVE it.)

-my pack 'n' play ( I don't use cribs anymore, so this has been an awesome lifesaver. It goes anywhere and I can use it for so long!!)

-My favourite baby bath products!!(I LOVE the Canus brand of Goat's Milk stuff, I have only found it at The real Canadian Superstore, but I highly recommend this product. It smells so fresh and clean and comes in lotions and balms and soaps and shampoo's!! and an AWESOME zinc baby bum cream)

-Newborn and size 1 diapers (I use cloth, but I have always loved and been grateful to receive some packs of disposables, it can make those first few days/weeks a little less stressful)

-a baby chair (like an infant seat, I love the portability of these as well. My new personal favourite is this one baby papasan chair
It looks so cozy!!!(they need to make on in Mama size!!LOL)

- a swing is nice to have as well, although some babies love 'em and some HATE 'em!! I've had a couple of each!!LOL

-my Pump 'n' Style breast pump by Medela. I was so blessed to have one this by entering in a breastfeeding essay, otherwise there was no way I would've ever afforded it!!LOL It is well worth the money though!!!

-breastfeeding pillows (these are a lifesaver in those early weeks and really help position baby)

-my infant car seat bag (I LOVE not having to bundle baby up or worry about snowsuits, just buckle 'em in and zip them up in the bag!! What a dream!!!)

-my new favourite a head position for in the bed!!! After dealing with Mariah's flathead, I simply can't live without mine!!!)


2. I can't really say there is anything I don't like. I guess manual breastpumps, those are so time consuming.

-undershirts that don't attach to the crotch, they always find their way up the poor baby's back and around their neck!!LOL

-baby bath tubs (can you imagine they have baby spa's!!!LOL Gimme a break!!ROFL!!! I only ever used a baby tub with Alex and it was such a pain and messy. I either use a large mixing bowl or just take the babe in the bath with me!!!)

-baby bath towels (I don't have anything against them, I just never found them that useful!!LOL I always end up using a regular soft towel and forget about my infant towels!!LOL)

That's all I can really think of. I guess each Mama is different in what they prefer, but for me, I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase something extra fancy, unless your friend has specifically asked for it. you don't mention if this is her first or not. I hope my answers help you out!!! Best wishes and prayers to you and your family and congrats to your friend!!!
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