Up in the SKy! It's a....

On Monday night, the three brightest objects in the night sky -- Jupiter, Venus and the moon -- will line up close together in a spectacular sight, closer than they will appear until 2052. One expert said the alignment will "be a head-turner."

let me know if you get to see it! (Nannette, tell Clay I wanna come over and see it thru his tele-thingy.)

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

The Caboose...after playing in the snow for around 10 hours...I'm not kidding. Mr. Wonderful calls her "Bulletproof"--cuz she is one tough kid! Love those rosey cheeks!

Jack Frost was here....he kissed my baby's cheeks and nose.

That's real snow on my door wreath! Love it!!!

My kids and all of their buddies are praying for a Snow Day tomorrow. I dunno, it's supposed to be 50o tomorrow and sunny, which means all of this will be melting...but a late start is fer sure, totally.

We watched favorite movies (Pride & Prejudice and Charlie Brown Christmas)...snacked too much of the turkey day leftovers, and in general were just lazy snow-lovin fools.

****It's Snowing in Colorado!****

This is what we woke up to at 8am....this is the back deck and the grill. This is the grill 3 hours later.

Boofus and The Caboose lovin every minute of it.

The caboose is kneeling...the thing I love about Colorado snow is that the kids can play in it for hours! it was too powdery to build a snow man though. ;-(

Dani's car....under there somewhere.

The roads are so snowy that Church was cancelled today. And the snow is still coming down!!

Did I tell you I love Colorado?

More Turkey Day 2008

Everyone pitches in, so the kitchen is the happening place to be! Everybody is in there!

Joseph is peeling potatos with Mr. Wonderful.
nana made Dean's favorite--Devilled eggs, which were gone in about 3 minutes--no kidding. I also made stuffed mushrooms...so yummy, but they didn't last either. We had cranberry salsa (mostly Brad & I ate it), and chips too. Oh, and lots of chocolate because we are all chocoholics in our family...isn't everyone?

Joseph & Dara & Momza--I didn't know I was in the picture, I was trying to stand back while Nana took it.


Dean wearing MY Momza Apron!
(here's a shout-out to Beth, my art pen pal...see your poster on my kitchen cabinet?!)



Dani got Brad busy too, cutting up stuff for her Hot pizza dip...which was fair because he ate most of it. lolOverall, it was a nice Thanksgiving.

Hot Pizza Dip Appetizer

If you know our Family, you know we enjoy cooking for fun and sharing with friends.
For Turkey Day, Diana caught Dani in action making one of our favorite appetizers: Hot Pizza Dip.

So you will need:
3-8 oz pkgs. of cream cheese
italian seasoning
red & green bell peppers
pizza sauce
mozzarella cheese


Cream together, either with a handheld mixer or spoon the cream cheese and italian seasoning. I also add a little garlic powder.
Then you pour on the pizza sauce evenly over the cream cheese.















Top the sauce with mozzarella cheese--to your liking....Dani also used some mexican blend cheese too, I see.
Top the cheese with the peppers that have been finely chopped.

Then add more cheese. We like lots of cheese in this house.

Then Bake at 350o until the cheese is melted and golden on top, about 12-15 minutes. Serve with chips, or small sliced italian bread. Makes 2 pie dishes full, as you can see from the pic. Now a fun thing I do, is to put the pie dishes in my pie holder, only put a water-filled pie dish on the bottom with a floating candle lit under it, to keep the top one warm. We didn't do that this time, but it's festive and works well.

Black Friday!

I came I saw I conquered!

First off I have to give my ode to good ol Chapel Hills Mall...the po-dunkiest mall in Colorado Springs. I love it. I love that it has the stores I like and I can get thru the entire mall without feeling overwhelmed or losing my car!! And I always see someone I know--which, after being away for 3 years has come to mean alot to me.

I am not an early morning shopper however. I used to do that kind of maniacal shopping years ago before we changed the way we celebrate Christmas ( See post of The 4 Gifts of Christmas)...when I shop, I shop with a specific purpose. I have saved alot of money on impulse buys by doing it this way.

Having said all that, I did find some good deals: JCPenney is always an interesting one. I worked there for 4 years, so I know how they market...those early-bird specials are pretty cheap items that JCPenney gets specifically FOR Black Friday--brands they don't normally even carry. But there were some good deals like their Stafford Brand of Men's loungewear/pj's...$7.88. Great quality and better than the Old navy deal...which had pj's on sale for $10.00 for everyone BUT Mens ($19.50 for low quality pjs). The thing about JCPenney's is that most of their prices were the same on Wednesday as they were on Friday. And in this economy, I don't see prices changing much through the end of the year. JCP sales and stocks are down significantly, so they're just trying to hold on thru the recession.

Better than the Mall was Castle Rock's Outlet Stores...where I found a top for the wedding/reception here locally for $60.00 but at the outlet store it was 50% off!
Yea! And I have to give a shout out to the Outlets-- I love them! Eddie Bauer, Timberland, Columbia...all favorites! And they had deals galore!

The best thing about Black Friday was that I got to spend the entire day with Kent. We haven't had a day together in Months and Months. It even started snowing while we were at the Outlets, and for us, that's just great fun...walking thru the outlets all decked out in lights and holiday music in the snow. Feels like Colorado to us!

It turned out not to be a Black Friday so much as a White Friday...with all the snow, it's beginning to look alot like Christmas!

Times Such As These...

Being Grateful for Times such as these, I have come to know is more important than any other.
It doesn't take a discriminating eye these days to see that Right Now, alot of people are struggling to make ends meet, to make sense of trials and all that is going "wrong" in society. Of course, there's lots of finger-pointing, blame-placing and other unbeneficial wastes of time to preoccupy ourselves to the point of frustraed distraction. All of that is pretty much over my head.
I don't have the inclination to look around for someone else to blame for my trials, Past or Present...I'm too busy trying to keep my head above water looking for "dry ground" as it were, because treading water becomes exhausting for even an expert swimmer, sooner or later.
Last year was a difficult one for us. Kent was unemployed for one very long long year. In the beginning, I thought it was only temporary...if someone had said to me that it was going to be a year long experience, I probably would've freaked out on the spot--found myself a corner to cry in and refuse to move. But that wasn't the case. For some reason, I just had hope that it would all resolve itself in the Lord's due time.
Last Thanksgiving, I thought it would be over with by Christmas. By Christmas, I was eyeing the New Year. By February, I was thinking by March. And by March, May.
And on and on it went.
Why was I so utterly optimistic? A few reasons: my faith, my friends ( who are all marvelous cheerleaders!),and my obligation and duty as a Mother to show my children How to Face A Trial. In my mind, there will come trials to my children that I have not had to face, and they need examples of perseverance and faith to draw upon when Life seems unkind and unfair (which it most certainly is!) so that they can move forward and not shrink in defeat. That was important to me. I couldn't plop down in a corner and suck my thumb, or walk around in an angry fit and I couldn't lay in bed wishing it all away. I kept busy.
Now that this trial is over with, and Kent is gainfully employed, you might think I would look back in anguish over what was asked of us. I do not. We came away from the experiences in Idaho a stronger family. We are each individually stronger people. We proved our Faith(" you don't know if you believe a thing or not until you live it"). We did not shrink away from our covenants, but leaned into them with our hearts. Did I have moments of despair? Yeah I did. But I would always pray for Strength and to be able to see things clearly. When trials come, as they most certainly do, it is easy to lose your focus, to become muddled up in the moments of darkness. So when that happens, I pray for strength to endure and vision to see the way clearly.
We find our weaknesses and our strengths in times such as these. Which is kinda weird, isn't it? I just think that the lessons we learned couldn't have been taught any other way. It appears Heavenly Father teaches us when we are most vulnerable...most humble. My heart was turned to my Father constantly...if He was speaking to me, I wanted to hear Him. I needed to hear Him.
And that seems to be when I learn the most. When my ears are preened to hearing the directions of the Spirit, I find the Peace I am seeking.
A Story:
When my oldest kids were 7 and 8 years old, we took them to Six Flags over Georgia.
Once in the Park, we took them to the scariest ride there: FreeFall. A huge tower that you are strapped into a seat which takes you straight up to the top which is several stories high, and then Dropped...reaching speeds up to 80mph.
I didn't tell the kids this was the scariest ride in the Park. We just directed them to get in and have fun! Well the ride was so intense that I could've cried too once we hit bottom. Danielle was in tears and David Scott was in disbelief.
They looked at me, and I just said, "Wow, that was scary, wasn't it? But guess what?! THAT is the scariest ride in the WHOLE PARK and YOU DID IT!!" For the rest of the day, we rode every single roller coaster and twisty-turny ride there was, without hesitation. And the FREEFALL became the Standard..."It's not as scary as Freefall! We can do it!" As my kids saw other children reluctant to go aboard other rides, I could see the confidence in my kids' faces--they even tried to encourage the other children to not be afraid. Afterall, they had ridden the Scariest ride in the Park, after that, everything else was Easy!

Perspective is everything. I want my kids to know they can face trials and challenges with Faith in God and Faith in themselves. They are stronger than whatever comes their way. There is nothing in this world so strong as your belief in yourself.
Times such as these demand the best in us. You cannot afford to be faint of heart right now. But we are not asked to do the hard things all alone. We have friends, family and others around who are put there to assist and encourage. I know my Idaho Journey would've been much more difficult had it not been for sweet kind, generous folks whom were put in my path for a divine reason. They taught me how to be more loving to others, and to not wait for opportunities to pass me by. And truly, my belief in an ever-watchful Heavenly Father was strengthened. He knows me, and despite all of my imperfections, loves me endlessly.
I am on dry ground and the veiw is beautiful. How thankful I am that I did not shrink, that God in His wisdom showed me my hidden strengths by which I have my own Standard...I can do hard things. With God nothing is impossible. Where there is Gratitude there is no Need, expecially is this true in times such as these.

Gifts in all Sizes

Today was a warmer than usual day here in Colorado Springs. Yesterday it looked wonderfully white and wintery--but today revealed bright blue skies, warm enough to wear only short sleeves out and about. Have I told you I love Colorado??

The TO-DO list for the wedding is winding down. So is my hectic life. The doula client has delivered, the scentsy-candle party is over, the invitations are done, wedding plans are in stone, and now all I have to do is find a nice top to wear to the wedding, and I am done. Done, I say!

I have to say this week has been full of tender mercies in my life...I recieved so much love and attention from both old and new-found friends that it has taken me back abit at their generosity.

As I reveiw recent events, I can gratefully say that my life is full of good people! I don't want to embarrass anyone but really here is just a small list of tender mercies aka GIFTS this week:

*My Visiting teachers brought over a yummy homemade pumpkin bread and neat candles for my birthday!

* I went out to Olive Garden with some sweet friends(Nannette, Chrissi, Kelly!) who have been so good to welcome me Home and reminds me of why keeping girlfriends in my life is so important!

*Lori R. gave me a gift of two pictures of the Salt Lake Temple and a beautiful quote by Vaughn J. Featherstone (she has it in her house and I admired it when I "staged" it last month!)

* My daughter Dara has signed up to do all the dinner cooking next week! She planned the menu and we bought the groceries for it too! She will use this as a Personal Progress project. YEA~!

*My good sisters/friends gave Dani a wonderful Bridal Shower this week.

* I was privileged to attend a sweet miracle "home birth" on Monday--and Nannette took over the Scentsy party for me! My guests were totally okay with that, and I left knowing everything would be great and it was!

* Our law suit was settled in our favor and handled by a wonderful attorney, and a dear sweet soul at the Bank whom I truly believe is a gift to me.

*Dani will wear her "dream wedding dress"!!

* I rec'd an awesome work of Art from my art pen pal, Beth! (I will post pics of it asap!)

*Gas prices are down to $1.66 a gallon!

I could go on and on but I won't. I have lots of thank you notes to write.

Is Santa real?

Being a Mom of seven children, I've been asked that question about seven thousand times..."is Santa real?"

Now that my youngest is seven years old, I admit I am reluctant to let the magic of Santa go away like the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.

I like Santa. I love the whole Santa Claus-North Pole-little toy-making-elves Deal! It takes me to my happy place just thinking about it! I love this time of year when one of "Santa's helpers" sit in the beautiful red velvet chair at the Mall, listening to little dreamers and wishers share with him.

My 9 year old looks at me suspiciously as he STATES: "you and Dad are Santa. I know it." His voice isn't firm with conviction, though logically I believe he knows the answer, still there is a question in his voice. The Caboose is not asking whether Santa is real or not--she tells me that her neighbor friends do not believe in Santa but she does!

Again, there is a question in her voice. Both of the kids are at that age where they want to believe in a kind soul named Santa Claus who is magical and rides around in a sleigh filled with toys, driven by flying reindeer....but they're really too smart for that...maybe.

So when the question comes up, I always say, "What do you think?" That lets me off the hook from having to be the bad guy...now, when they come to me, seriously and ask, I tell them all about St. Nicholas and the true story of his life...that he was a good man who loved children and gave them gifts at Christmastime. And then I tie it to Jesus Christ--from Whom we have received the Greatest Gift of all...eternal life. Our tradition of the Four Gifts of Christmas helps with the transition.

We do have a saying in the house tho, to help keep the Magic alive, even a little, during this sweet season of giving and it is: "If ya wanna recieve, ya gotta believe"--this keeps the older kids in the spirit of the season with a little magic added.

So yes, I believe Santa is as real as we need him to be in our lives, whatever age we are.

A Dinglehopper!

Yesterday morning as I was driving the younger kids to school, Joseph announced that he'd forgotten to brush his hair. He asked if I had a brush in my purse, so I felt around but didn't have one. Then, I saw it! A black plastic fork (from who knows what?!) on the seat console--I said,"I don't have a brush, but I have this!"--showing him the fork. I thought for sure he would laugh at this silliness but he surprised me when he said "Hey that's a dinglehopper! I can use that!" and took it from my hand and laughed all the way to school while combing his hair with a fork.
I am a poor excuse for a Mother--not making sure my son's hair was properly coifed before school--but I have no guilt about it whatsoever. Well maybe a little.

Doula Things...a Home Birth!

Yea! I attended my first home birth yesterday...as a Doula, not a Mom;-).
It was a first baby...the Mom was extraordinary. She labored in the Labor tub, with Dad close behind her, always encouraging, praising, encouraging, praising. She was relaxed enough, even in transition, to nod off between contractions. She was perfect. She did all that was asked of her and more, never complaining, always working to relax and breathe for the baby. She was Perfect.
A beautiful little boy was born, Ezra. 8lbs and some change, 21 1/2" long.
A sister of the Dad was there too, witnessing her first birth, and said afterwards that when she came in the room and saw the lights were down low, the music was softly playing, everyone was quiet or whispering--she was amazed at how different a home birth is from a hospital birth.

Having been a doula at the hospital and now a Home birth, home births win handsdown!

The midwife, Dottie, her birth assistant, Jessica and I worked well together, I thought and it was such a pleasurable experience, I am anxious to do it again!

The Bad News is...

We got the dress. It's not the same dress we wanted. And it's too small. And there's purple blotches on the front--tailors' ink maybe? And it's not temple ready--it's too low in the back.
{SIGH} I feel let down, sad, stumped. It is a knock-off of the original. It IS a pretty gown, but it won't work for us. Wahhhhh.
We'll list it on Craiglist to recoup the mula on it hopefully.
You know that saying, "if it seems too good to be true it is" yeah, it is.
So I got on the horn and called Eternity Gowns in Utah. They're aware there are knock-offs around but didn't know about this manufacturer using their catalog pics to sell their own gowns.
The gal I spoke to said they have the gown we want in the size we want--only in Silk--and it's on clearance for $500.00 With shipping it'll be $547.00. I did call the local dealer/dress shop here, and they have the actual gown Dani tried on, but it's a couple sizes too big, but it's also on Clearance for $500.00 +tax and we'll have to alter it which can go up to $150.00...making it more expensive to buy it locally. (are you following me? isn't this ridiculous?!)
Poor Dani. She left for work in a funk. I don't blame her, I feel the same way.
So we're gonna go look at more dresses tomorrow. We have 5 weeks left. And this. bites.

Taking Courage and Adding Addictions...

So I saw this on someone else's blog and I'm thinkin of makin' it all cute-sy on a wall hanging, or vinyl lettering, or maybe just a big fat tattoo on my forehead. Here goes:

The Scripture says

"And it came to Pass..."

Not

"And it came to Stay."

Reminding me that all trials will pass and life is still an exciting journey. Thank you wonderful anonymous blogger on someone else's blog. You wrote that for me.

My Bff, Nannette (what? you don't watch Hannah Montana? BFF= Best Friend Forever)...anywho, she treated me to a Fantabulous birthday surprise this morning!

I got a Tibetan Foot Soak and Massage. What is that like? Only heavenly. Perfect.

You sit in this awesome comfy chair with your tootsies in a lined basket filled with 26 herbs and spices (wait, That's KFC!), 18 herbs and warm water...like a tea party for your feet! And you listen to music that makes you forget about laundry, carpools and bills. Then, the really great part begins...a wonderful Chinese woman rubs your feet like a baker kneads dough, with wonderful oils/lotions/potions STUFF that induces your brain into a quiet tranquility of serenity....ahhhhhhhhh.

All I can say is that my only critique from the experience was that afterwards, they insisted I put my shoes back on and walk to the car myself. They have no curbside carryout for patrons. Despite their oversight in that matter, it was Wonderful with a capital "W"...cuz it deserves it! I lay there thinking about all the people in my life that could seriously use a Tibetan Foot Soak and Massage...hubby, sons and daughters, friends (Lorna! Wendy! Laurel! Dodee!)...

and I have decided that this will be my new addiction! I'm blaming it on Nannette, of course. She said I could. She also said next time we go, she'll pull the car up to the curb for me. Now, I need a nap.

A Nine Year Old

My youngest son is Nine today.

He is the one making faces in alot of our family pictures. I'm used to this because his oldest brother did the same thing when he was this age.

He didn't want to smile anymore. He wanted to play. He adores his big brother David Scott almost as much as he practically worships his Daddy.

These were taken this past May in Boise, Idaho.

He's the tallest boy in the 3rd grade at his school. Dad would like him to go out for sports, but he's all about contraptions, paper airplanes, and is fascinated with the military. Dad used to design turrets for tanks, and Joseph has that interest too. He is way interested in Norad.



Last December he was baptized by his number one fan, Daddy.

Before the baptism. He likes to match his tie with his dad's on Sundays.

Halloween 2006 Prince Peter of Narnia.

Halloween 2008, a military guy.

Last summer hiking at Rocky Mountain National Park. He LOVES wearing bandanas and always finds the best walking sticks!

Pinewood Derby 2008...with Mckay and Colin.

Bein' silly.

At Montana's Glacier National Park, a couple years ago. He is his Daddy's pride and joy.

He likes to try to tell jokes at the dinner table. Last night he says loudly: "Call Me Ishmael!" turns out his teacher's fav book is Moby Dick.

This 9 year old loves to play around, but always likes to play fair. Last weekend when he and Brad were playing with Nerf guns, Joseph would collect and return Brad's "bullets" when he'd shot them all off instead of pummeling Brad with no mercy.

This little guy has 4 sisters...he hasn't had the experience of rough-housing like my brothers did, practically killing each other. He has a little sister whom he loves and protects. He has big sisters whom he tolerates and sometimes has to answer to...he's gonna grow up knowing how to talk to girls that's for sure. His tender heart burst to tears last night when the family was talking about Dani moving out when she gets married next month! He locked himself in the bathroom and cried. He has a sweet bond with Dani as he does with David Scott. He said the day David Scott married was the "worst day" of his life. He's not looking forward to Dani's wedding day either.

Joseph aka "Scooter" to Mom and "Boofus" to Dad...we love you little guy. We're so glad you're here.

A Walk in the Woods -- book review

I love this book! I bought it for Kent, but ended up reading it myself and then re-reading it with him when we went camping. It is so funny you will laugh outloud!

I love everything I've read by Bill Bryson over the years and this is my favorite! It is even being made into a movie, with Robert Redford! No kidding!

I don't read books more than once through very often, but this is an exception...I take it with me whenever I know I will be waiting in line, like at the DMV--it's great for just picking it up and reading anywhere. You will really get a kick out of it!

Gas Prices!

Do you remember what we were paying for Gas this past summer???

Out of sheer amazement, I am posting what I paid for gas this weekend.

$1.95

I cannot believe it. Still.

I paid $40.00 to FILL UP my 2002 Suburban.

What are you paying for gas where you live?

What gives?

Engagement Pics

Are they not the Cutest Couple? We went out to Garden of the Gods and took these--plus a bazillion more...one of which they'll decide to use in their announcement.

The Wedding Channel

It's Channel 1: The Wedding. All things pertaining to the Wedding that is happening in just 5 more weekends!

Weekend Update: The Ring. That's it right there.

She loves it.

Money-saving Tips for Weddings

We have 5 and a half weeks left til the wedding. The best thing about having a short engagement--financially--is that you don't have alot of time to think about the "extras" so you save money! I'm not kidding! And sheer panic makes you look long and hard at what is really essential...and how to get the "look" you want for Less. I sound like a TJ Maxx commercial. "The look you want for less".

Anywho, I wrote about the deal we got on the dress. If you ever pay full retail again for a wedding dress, shame on you. SHAME ON YOU! Don't do it!

As we have been planning the rest of the wedding, we've dug deep on the internet, asked friends for suggestions, directions, and flat-out help along the way.

1- The Colorado Springs reception: Old friends directed me to another gal in the Stake who does wedding receptions, so I called her for suggestions. I told her the colors Dani has chosen: magenta, black and white AND our budget. She did a holiday wedding last year in those colors, and let me BUY from her all the magenta ornaments at 30% of her original cost! We're renting the table-toppers and little things from her with a discount too.

2- The Photographer: We're using the same photographer we used for a previous family picture in Salt Lake. I was thrilled to find her available and asked for her help in customizing a package that fit our needs: www.lightstrokes.com . She'll take the formal pics at the Temple, but for the receptions, we'll have family members take pics--every family has their own papparazzi-esque member, so use them! Also, if you want a professional printer instead of say, Walmart, check out this site: http://www.mpix.com/.

3- The invitations. This can be a huge expense, and it does help set the tone for the wedding but there are bargains to be found! By doing this, we'll spend HALF of what is considered "average" on announcements. You can go to http://www.formalinvitations.com/. And I am doing the calligraphy for them.

4- Flowers. I love Flowers...the same gal we bought the ornaments from is doing the flowers for us, at a considerably less price than a retail shop. Again, ask around. Make sure the flowers you want are "in season". If they aren't it's more expensive to ship them in to your florist.

5- The Cake. Talk to the Bakery gal at your local King Soopers, Albertsons or favorite market. We found out that while "fondant" cakes are great at presentation--noone actually eats the fondant. I didn't know that. Eww. (If you've experienced otherwise, let me know!). There are ways for "buttercream" to look very smooth for an elegant look, which is what Dani is going for: simple but elegant.

6- THE DJ for the reception is a long-time friend who actually does this for dances. (Thx Matt!)

7- The Bridal Shower. We're using the "Firsts" theme. First date night, first movie night, first firght, first illness, first Christmas, first Italian meal, first mexican meal, first family home evening, first road trip, first picture framing, etc. We came up with about 30 "Firsts". We printed our own invitations, and again, I calligraphed them. But you can save money by asking someone you know who has lovely handwriting to do that too, instead of buying labels and printing them. It may be quicker, but handwriting is more personal.

And that's all I got for now. One other bit of advice to the Mothers/Wedding Planners out there: Be sure to take a break from it all every day. Otherwise your brain will shrivel up and die. SO be sure to include your friends and your friends' friends. You'll be glad you did! (I love you Nannette & Kelly!)

A Love Story

Today is mine and Mr. Wonderful's Tenth Anniversary.

Almost but not really Famous

So I was looking for a photographer for Dani's wedding, and with Dani's help we remembered who did our temple picture when we were sealed. Imagine how surprised we were to see OUR family picture on her website!

Check it out!
http://www.losedebt.org/Lightstrokes/families.htm

Pregnancy Scripts/Positive Affirmations

Positive Affirmations

(Partner, give mom time to repeat the sentence in her mind between affirmations.)
Now, please repeat the following statements:
I am a healthy and loving mother…………………………………………….
I am a healthy and loving mother…………………………………………….
My body is perfectly designed to birth my baby……………………………..
My body is perfectly designed to birth my baby……………………………..
My baby’s body is designed for a smooth birth………………………………
My baby’s body is designed for a smooth birth………………………………
My baby is a healthy, happy little spirit………………………………………
My baby is a healthy, happy little spirit………………………………………
I prepare daily for a gentle birth………………………………………………
I prepare daily for a gentle birth………………………………………………
( you can add your own affirmations)

The above book is also required reading for Hypnobirthing Doulas and is a must-read for all pregnant women who want a positive birthing experience--whether or not you want to have a natural birth. The above is just a teeny tiny sampling....get your own book from Amazon.com --go do it now!

Being a Doula--tips for pregnant women

My first doula client in Colorado is due any moment to have her first baby--a son. I am so stinkin' excited, it's always in the back of my mind no matter what else is going on in my life.

I love being a Doula!

What makes this birth even more exciting is that it's going to be a Home Birth, and the Attending Midwife was My midwife at Joseph's birth, Dottie K. I've always wanted to work with her at a birth, and now I get to! If you've had a child at home, you will understand me when I say Dottie became my bestest friend on the planet when she became my midwife. She has seen me at my most vulnerable and shared with me and my family a sacred event--the birth of a child.

When we lived in Idaho, I had the wonderful opportunity to assist couples at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, and I loved it--I love my families there--But, to be at a Home Birth is going to totally Rock! There will be no clock-watching, drugs, needles, changing of nurses, and all of the medical protocals to get out of the way of! It will be just the Couple, Dottie, a birth assistant, and Me...and this new little baby, all working together harmoniously, naturally.

We met last night together at Dottie's office. Mommy M. is just beautiful. She is at that stage of pregnancy where sleeping at night is not as easy at cat naps during the day. Did you know that it is common for pregnant women to sleep better during the day than at night? It is. A theory is that women feel less vulnerable when the rest of the world is awake while they sleep. Makes sense to me.

So, if you or someone you know is pregnant, there are some ways to "prepare" your body for bedtime:

Take a warm--not hot--bath before bedtime. Add some Lavendar to the water or use lavendar lotion when you're finished.

Get a foot massage from your sweetie before bedtime. Long, slow strokes with lotion help relax the body & mind.

Have some carbs before bedtime too. Nothing heavy like pizza though. Crackers are good.

Play a cd with Ocean Waves on your nightstand. Or white noise. (you may find your baby likes white noise to sleep with too--it drowns out household noises once he goes to bed).

Read for a little while before bedtime. Not on the PC tho. That's too stimulating.

Make sure you have enough pillows to support your hips, neck and back when you lay down. Those body-pillows have a reputation for being great for pregnant women.

And finally, Self-talk can be calming--just make sure the words are positive, true, and relaxing. I will post a "script" later today with more on that.

The book pictured is a fantastic resource (and required-reading for doulas) for anyone who wants to know how to support a woman in labor.

Birth is a wonderful natural part of our human existance. I am grateful to have a small part in other women's sacred experience.

Do ya think Kevin Costner would be my Art Pen Pal?

Practice, practice practice.
I signed up to be a Pen Pal Artist because I wanted a reason to force me to start drawing more. I already doodle alot, do calligraphy, etc.,. but now, because of C. Beth Blog I am committed to putting myself out there. Yikes. So by Nov. 14th I have to send something artsy to my new friend in Georgia. I have tossed around a bunch of ideas, and begun sketching in my 2 year old un-used sketchbook.
This sorta freaks my guts out. That's all I'm sayin. I started a patriotic drawing this morning with pencil and colored-pencils relfecting the National Election. By the time I got to a point where I thought it was done, it reminded me of my elementary kids' coloring pages. I can't send this!
I need a muse...Mr. Wonderful suggested I sit out on the deck and draw the Rockies. My Rockies. I love Pikes Peak in case you didn't know that about me. If the Rockies were in human form as Kevin Costner, I'd marry them. Demented, I know. Twisted, yup. My fantasy could only be better if chocolate was involved.
But no more demented and twisted than to sign up to be an Art Pen Pal.
I better get my sweater on...it's cold on the deck and Kevin is waiting.

My Small Fascinations

So I'm following someone else's TAG about my "addictions" --but since I don't like the word "addiction"--as it brings to mind a mom who spends her grocery money on selfish things like lotto tickets and wine coolers, I am using the word "Fascination"...as if to invoke a fairy-tale image of my not-quite-obsessive-but -still-questionable choices that hold my attention for longer than most people.

Are you still there?

Okay...SOAP. As in boxed soaps. I love them. I love the little decorated boxes and tissue paper that comes around them. I blame my Granma Guy for this one. She always had little soaps in her bathroom. They look so special. When she gave me some for my 10th birthday I felt like a Princess.

SOCKS. Decorated, but not obnoxious Socks. I have cat socks, and frog socks, Scottish terrier socks, and floral socks. It's like my own little party for my feet.

STATIONARY. Beautiful die-cut or funny roosters with clothes on, puppies or kittens, floral or funny. I love fun notecards and pretty stationary. I still buy Stamps in an age of email. And I always ask for pretty stamps. Right now I have lots of Sunflower postage stamps.

MOTHERS and Children collectibles. Ceramic, porcelain, glass, resin, whatever, I love art that reflects Motherhood....even mother and baby animals. I don't have a TON of this stuff, but the ones I do own, are sweet to me. Is that narcissistic? (I just amazed myself for spelling that word.)

And that's all the fascinations I'm sharing today. (My obvious fascination is blogging. duh.) Anyone else want to run with this idea and share theirs?