Silly BlogThings Quiz

Since it's Friday, and I'm still recovering from all of the emotions of yesterday, and gearing up for yet another busy weekend, I'm weaseling out of anything even remotely deep and philosophical, by sharing one of those silly quiz things. You know you've always loved them, secretly, from the first time you took one in Seventeen magazine... *grin*

And, in honor of the fact that today is, indeed, Friday, for all of my blender-drink loving friends... Here it is...

You Are a Strawberry Margarita

You're so sweet it's a little overwhelming, and people are a little afraid of corrupting you... It's a little difficult to imagine you with a margarita. And you're truly a different person after you've kicked back a couple!

What Flavor Margarita Are You?

I suppose it fits... Once upon a time, I used to consider myself "sweet and innocent."  I do, however, like to think I'm still sweet, although maybe not so innocent as I once was... *bats eyelashes*

So, go on... Take the quiz. You know you want to... *grin* And share with me what flavor YOU are...

And to answer your question, YES. I fully intend to enjoy something cold and fruity from *my* blender later this evening. Even if it is flurrying, as predicted...

Happy Birthday, Hannah!

One year ago today, at 2:22 AM, we welcomed Hannah Kathryn into our family. And what a day that was! In case you missed it, you can read her birth story here. Her entrance into this world was just perfect, as was she. And every single one of those days since, she has been a true blessing.

Here are a few pics from that day...

Just 7 minutes old.  8 lbs 12.5 oz, 21" long... Perfect, healthy baby girl


Snuggled up with Mommy


Baby burrito

Being born is hard work...


Going home


Two days old, on Thanksgiving, with Daddy


Once upon a time, if you had told me that I would be the mother of six, I would have told you that you were nuts. Well, I might not have had the words, exactly. Who *does* that, anyway???? But I remain, every single day, amazed and humbled by these wonderful, priceless gifts that God has entrusted to me for safekeeping. I have the greatest job in the world. I am privileged to be able to watch them grow, to be included in their circle of love. Every time I look into her intense brown eyes, I am reminded of just what an incredible gift Hannah is. There are no words to express that feeling.

And yet, that overflowing in my heart is only a dim and dark reflection of that Love which our Father has for us. Wow. It's just almost too much to contemplate. So on this memorable morning, I thank God for all of the blessings that He has lavished upon me, His daughter. And I'll give my almost-no-longer-a-baby an extra snuggle, and rejoice as all eight of us gather this evening for cake and presents - and be reminded of the Feast to come.

Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

Wordless Wednesday - Autumn Randomness

David, on his tricycle


Amanda and David, in the leaves


David, engrossed in the joys of fall


Gotta love those leaf piles...



Hannah, on Halloween


More...


Earlier this week, first time with a fork. She did quite well...

David, being silly with me

Some Musings, as International Babywearing Week draws to a Close

As a mother to a rather large brood, I can honestly say that I don't know how I would have been able to survive if I had not worn my babies (and yes, toddlers, and even the occasional preschooler...).  And although it's something that's always come naturally for me, I must admit that I do, in fact, still relish the stares I get while wearing my babies in public.  Some are smiles of approval and the recognition, however brief, of a kindred spirit.  Others are wide-eyed shock, some questioning, and some, that all-too-familiar head shake - "Oh-look-at-the-hippy-granola-crunchy-wacko-lady."  The last is especially amusing to me, when I have all six kids in tow. *evil grin*

On more than one occasion, I have been able to mentor a young mom, who at first gave me those same askance glances, but after talking with her, was off to eagerly browse websites and join  TBW.com.  I love doing that.  No, it's not strange, alien, weird, or abnormal to use a sling.  And no, the baby isn't going to grow up spoilt, whiny, and clingy because they are being worn.  What you *will* find is a happy, secure, attached baby, and a more in-tune, relaxed mom.  Babies and their parents were made to need each other, made to need to crave closeness and intimacy.  And if you can get that while having both your hands free, everyone wins!

Slings don't take up room on the subway, and they are great in airports.  They fit easily in a diaper bag.  Some even have multiple uses - blanket, leash, nursing cover.... The list is almost endless.  And so what if I've dripped salsa on a baby's fuzzy head?  I've also been able to feed the same child while eating my own dinner.  Older children love to ride on your back - and Daddy's back is even better!

And I love it when my kids (especially Nathan - he's so good with babies...) ask to use the sling.  They will have grown up thinking it's normal to keep a wee one close, and already know how much easier babywearing makes life with a newborn.  Just as they think cloth diapers are "real" diapers, they'll know that babies are meant to be close to their hearts - in every way.  And while I know that not every baby enjoys being worn, many do, and learning his skill will make that transition easier for them as new parents.

***Ok, is anyone else a little freaked out that I'm thinking of grandchildren already???***

And so, on that note, I'll bit adieu to International Babywearing Week, with the hope that more mamas and daddies out there will discover the joys of holding their babies close to their hearts.  And that I'll be able to continue to spread the babywearing love to everyone I meet.

Long live babywearing!

My Stash of Baby Carriers

So I'm back to posting in honor of International Babywearing Week. And as promised, here are some pics of my stash. And yes, I even dug out the trusty old Snugli. *grin*
My Lucky Baby, lined with green minkee


The Comfy Joey - green side is silk, I think...


Kozy Carrier mei tai, with pocket, Blue Swirls

My mama-made ring sling (thanks, Leeann!)

OTSBH, from Amanda


NoJo BabySling


The Snugli that started it all...


And finally...  My rainbow of babywearing love... All together, living in harmony...

I've really come a long way from those first days of my blue and while Snugli.  I'd like to add a BabyHawk, and maybe an Ergo, one of these days.  But really, I'm happy with my stash. And I'm happy to have been able to share the babywearing love with you!

A Sunday Full of Blessings

Today began like any other Sunday, with Brian and Nathan getting up and leaving for the early service, and me getting the other ones ready for Sunday School and the late service. Hannah is still teething (darn molars), and wanted to nurse and nap instead of letting Mommy get ready. So we just make it before the service music begins, and as I drop Hannah off in the nursery, I have to deal with bad attitudes from both Nathan and David. *sigh* Not exactly the perfect lead-in for worship...

But somehow, through all of the noise God met me there, and the day began to change.

Brian had been gearing a noise coming from the blue van, newly fixed, and running again (thanks, Dad!), and had quit driving it. He thought it might be a belt coming through one of the tires (yeah - we need 4 new ones - they're bald. *sigh*), because it felt wobbly and kind of thumped. He drove it to church this morning, though, so I could come in my van at my convenience, since Hannah was so fussy. Well, as it turns out, it wasn't the tread. When the garage changed the flat while doing the other repairs, they apparently didn't tighten the lug nuts all the way. *eek* And it was completely by the grace of God that the wheel didn't come flying off at any point during the last month. Brian got them tightened down after church, and we're good. What a miracle!!!

And so, as the kids are settling down for a much-needed quiet time (they were wiped out from the wedding and trip yesterday), I sat down at my computer and logged on to FaceBook, to be greeted with a friend request from our former neighbors in Ambridge, while Brian was in seminary. I can't tell you how good it was to see her name! They have a large family, and homeschooled also, and our kids played so well together. I can assure you that we will never have better neighbors anywhere we ever live. Ever. And both of us have been too busy to catch up by other means, so FaceBook is the perfect opportunity for us to keep in touch. Well that, and the fact that my kids want me to ask if her kids have Webkinz, so they can play together. Again, what an unexpected shower of God's goodness and grace!

And lastly, I was perusing one of my favorite Mommy Boards while nursing Hannah to sleep, when I noticed one of my friends posted a link to Target for an INCREDIBLE deal on a Britax Marathon. This top-rated convertible car seat, which retails for around $250-$280, was on sale for an amazing $42.99. Yes, you read that right. FORTY TWO DOLLARS AND 99 CENTS.  Well, $46.00, with tax. Free shipping. I have been stressing about how we were going to afford a new carseat for Hannah, who has pretty much outgrown her Graco SnugRide. I have lusted after a Britax seat for years, but we were never in a position to be able to afford one. These are the safest, highest rated seats on the market.  And now, I am the proud owner of one.  It might take up to six weeks to get here, but I really don't care.  It was such a good deal!  Once again, God knew the need, and met it, going beyond my wildest dreams.

We are called to abundant living.  God wants so much for us - he is just waiting to let our cups overflow with bounty.  And today I was given a lesson in that.  Truly, He is great and loving beyond measure.  My heart is spilling over with joy, praise, and love.  Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings you have poured out on me today.  And, please, make me truly thankful.

Amen.

I'm Half Way There!

I'm taking a break from International Babywearing Week today, mostly because I'm leaving in a few minutes for a wedding in Des Moines this evening (Congratulations, John and McB!!!!). I'm looking forward to the celebration because we'll get to see many of our old friends from St. Tim's. But I'm bummed because we can't attend the luncheon reception tomorrow, since Brian has to get back for services in the morning. This is one time when I wish we lived closer to Des Moines...

But I'm also very proud of myself, because I've made it to the half-way point in my NaBloPoMo quest. I wasn't sure I'd make it this far, and I *know* my dear husband is shocked! So I want to thank all of my faithful readers for indulging me, for inspiring me, and for coming along for the ride.

Gotta run - but I'll be back tomorrow!