Small Group Christmas Party

thirteen couples [minus our 400 kids]

leaders+ their new baby

endless food

laughter

games

piano man

[don't worry] empty red cups

These Are The Days

Recently I heard the song "These Are The Days" by Natalie Merchant [not a Christian song] on the radio, and although I'd heard it growing up, it took on a whole new meaning now that I have children.


To me...it was reminding me to cherish these days...today...with my children. I just soaked up these words as she sang...trying to remember what my [blog] friend wrote about today and how when it comes to choosing between the temporary [day to day chores & tasks & demands] and the eternal [hearts of my children]. I pray more often than not I choose the eternal.

After all, all I can take to Heaven is my friends & family. I can't take my organized pantry or my washed and folded laundry. Isn't that what those silly Pharaoh's believed? I wonder if I had a tomb what I'd have in it? Would I have my pristine house and super mom accompaniments? Homemade baked bread does eventually turn to dirt just like everything else.


But not my little ones---they live forever.


Friends, cherish these days---with your little children. They are numbered. They won't be pulling at our shirts or sitting in our laps forever.

This song says "something will grow within you", and I remember when something did grow within me, and I know how the privilege of watching it grow outside me. Although much louder, much more work, and causing me more gray hair now...I'm still blessed.

Lyrics:

these are days you'll remember

never before and never since, I promise
will the whole world be warm as this
and as you feel it, you'll know it's true
that you are blessed and lucky
it's true, that you are touched by something
that will grow and bloom in you

these are days you'll remember

when May is rushing over you with desire
to be part of the miracles you see in every hour
you'll know it's true, that you are blessed and lucky
it's true, that you are touched by something
that will grow and bloom in you

these are the days
that you might fill with laughter
until you break

these days you might feel a shaft of light
make its way across your face
and when you do
you'll know how it was meant to be
see the signs and know their meaning

you'll know how it was meant to be
hear the signs and
know they're speaking to you
to you

And if you can handle this horrible 90's music video check out the song on YouTube. It's hilariously 90's so maybe just listen to the song and close your eyes and pretend none of us thought it was cool when it first came out.

How Moms Exercise: Vlog 7

Vlog 6

Identify?

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Yesterday I took the older two to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens for the homeschool day [cheaper tickets! yay!] and we had a super awesome time looking at all the beautiful and wonderful things God made. This week studying leaves has truly opened my eyes to the attention to detail our Creator has. He's such an artist. He's imagination is so fascinating and wonderful.

Below I've posted my 11 favorite photos, but here is a video of 51 photos of only the "plant life" we saw. The video is 3 minutes. Hope you walk away inspired by the beauty he handmade.

[You're going to want to click once to open this, and then double click once it starts, otherwise you're going to see an youtube advertisement that is sure to annoy you.]

Some of my favorite [edited] photos:

How Long Should You Wait To Have Kids

The answer is...


...there is no answer. Really it varies from person to person, but here is my experience---

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

         So are the children of one’s youth.

 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;

         They shall not be ashamed, 

         But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127: 3-5




How long did you wait?
Thoughts?

10 Thoughts on Playing Golf

This past weekend Charles surprised me for our anniversary and took me out of town for the night. Friday I had a massage & we went to dinner and Saturday we played 18 holes of golf. My lovely mother watched the kiddos. I've only hit a golf ball one other time [recent date night at the driving range] so this was for sure my first "round of golf".

Here is a 4 minute vlog on my 4 hour experience. I share my 10 thoughts/revelations [ha!] on golf:

[Could I look any more inebriated in this freeze frame from YouTube? ha!]

I feel as though I should add, on the way there I realized I did not pack a collared shirt or shorts [because it was a surprise] so we stopped at Wal-Mart and I got my "awesome" outfit for $22 [visor was $2, had to have it to complete the dorky golf look], and I was so glad I did because a similar shirt and shorts at the pro shop there were 5 times the cost!

Nation's In Kindergarten

Nation's 1st day of Kindergarten [homeschool]

In continuing with the last few Monday's, Here is a Vlog. Although the last two have been under 3 minutes, this skirts near 7...BUT I do answer 7 questions from last week AND there are two hidden surprises in here!

[Sure to make you laugh even if you learn nothing]

Have a question for me? Ask me below and I'll answer next Monday on Vlog4!

Master Cleanse Fail

Happy Monday Y'all...here is my Vlog for the week [I recorded yesterday]. Hopefully I can make you laugh in under 3 minutes so you can have a moment of humor in your day. Be it laughing at my hand gestures or facial expressions, or the way YouTube froze my face below...ha. If you need me you can find me under a stack of dishes or laundry or toys or dirt or things to do list. Monday's aren't my favorite days---but on the bright side---I did get to eat breakfast today.

First Blogiversary

365 days

335 posts

169 google followers friends
124 twitter followers friends
75 Curious Georgi facebook friends
18 feedburner subscribers

61,000[ish] page views

It all started one year ago, on our business trip to Ohio. Just wanted to say a big *in person* thank you to all of you who have read, shared, commented and just plain loved on me! It's been a pleasure & treat to get to know all of you. I recorded a Vlog below. You know I love you if I put makeup, fix my hair, and get out of my PJ's on a Monday. I did one take because that's all I had time for---excuse the double chin---note to self I'm going to use 5 cookbooks instead of 3 next time!

Love y'all!

If you'd like to "return" the thank you---please share my blog with your friends
 & family today via email or facebook or twitter or good old fashion word-of-
mouth! Thanks!

Have y'all had fun this past year?

Breastfeeding -Part 5- Nursing A Newborn

Nursing A Newborn

Those first few days and weeks, don't plan on doing much more than nursing because newborns nurse...a lot. You're a milk machine. Period. Eventually you'll be allowed a shower & change of clothes, but until then keep nursing and reading your facebook newsfeed.

Seems trivial to rewrite what's already been wonderfully outlined for you over at kellymom.com [educate yourself!], but here are some of my odds & ends suggestions...

1. Frequency: I prefer to nurse a newborn on demand, after a few weeks I will become more scheduled [2-4 hours], but to help my supply get [and stay] going I nurse as often as they like and if they don't wake up [very common] I wake them up every 1.5-3 hours]. Use the timer on your cell phone. Remember these numbers are based on the start of your last feeding...for example, if you nursed at 12, you nurse again at 3. Not, you started nursing at 12, finished nursing at 12:45, so you nurse at 3:45. That's really making the child go longer than 3 hours. I don't personally think you can nurse a newborn too much.

2. Pacifiers: I like them personally and try to get my kids to take them, but usually my children don't like them till after they are one month old. Two of my three kids have kept them. I think if your supply is low or struggling you should steer clear for the time being. They can cause nipple confusion. 

3. Positions: I started out with my first nursing only in my recliner chair with my Boppy. However, I became very crazy due to my sleep deprivation & one too many episodes of Law & Order at 3am. By the time I had my second and third, I loved side lying to nurse them those first few weeks. If you're larger chested this may or may not work as well. I found a way to lay on my side and nurse while still snoozing. Some call this unsafe, but it worked for me. I always kept my arm in a way so that I'd roll onto my arm before the baby. I also put a body pillow behind the baby so it wouldn't fall off the bed and faced the baby away from my husband so he couldn't roll on him either. I liked the nurse in the cradle hold, but would use football hold sometimes if my nipple became too sore on one side [also great when they get their teeth in to rotate positions]. 

4. Latch: I think this is probably also one of the biggest reasons people quit nursing. That darn latch. I'm not going to lie, it's a tricky deal. Sometimes more so than others. I think people exaggerate how important it is to the point where they stress moms out. I know I was. The fact is, if you have a bad latch, yes you're going to be more sore than if you didn't, but you can keep working at it and eventually they will be a few days older/wiser/less sleepy and fix their latch with some help from you. I think it's something better demonstrated than read about though. If you don't have a friend who will show you, go over to YouTube and do some homework. Something that worked for me was to have the baby completely naked except diaper & for me to be topless and put us skin to skin sitting up. Obviously teaching them to latch a few times doesn't require you both stay nudist, but it did help my first son "get it". Another trick I like is, like in this video, where you "tease" the baby with your nipple on the roof of their mouth and then usually they will go for it...and that's when you "shove" your nipple in their mouth. Sometimes I'll use my pinky finger to do this first and then try to nurse. Finally, I think it's always important to remember to drop your breast into their mouth verses laying the baby on top of your breast, just makes it difficult for them to breath and neither of you is comfortable.

5. Eating: I already wrote about on my feelings about taking care of yourself in the eating department, but another tip I have for you is...oatmeal! Real oatmeal [not instant], is a great milk-supply booster, my personal favorite is McCann's Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal. I took this along with Mother's Milk Tea. Don't be too shy to try some herbs either. Also, don't make the mistake of thinking that what you eat won't effect your baby. Not every mommy or baby is the same so don't think just because it didn't bother your friend's baby it won't bother yours. For example, I can eat spicy foods, but I can't have any milk products that first month unless I want a very-fussy-gassy-won't-nurse-well baby. 

List to consider avoiding at first:

1. Coffee [or caffeine drinks, cruel right?]

2. Chocolate [no chocolate cover strawberries for me]

3. Citrus Fruits [strawberries, oranges, you name it]

4. Broccoli [what makes you have gas makes them have gas]

5. Alcohol [wine totally makes my babies unhappy]

6. Spicy Foods [for the most part I seem to be okay with this]

7. Garlic [semi-notice this]

8. Peanuts [did notice pb&j made baby a little unhappy]

9. Wheat [I was fine with this]

10. Dairy [the worst, no ice cream for 30 days!]

11. Corn [didn't notice]

12. Shellfish [for allergy reasons]

13. Eggs [didn't effect us]

14. Soy [don't use]

15. Fish [just like pregnancy, the mercury ain't so good to have a lot]

16. Peppermint [used for weaning, actually reverses supply]

17. Parsley [also reduces supply]

Trust me, a fussy baby won't be worth the coffee or milk shake *speaking from experience*. Remember to send this list to those bringing you meals too---otherwise you'll just be watching your husband eat it all.

What was your experience?

5 Couples and 17 Kids -Small Group-

We've been attending the same [wonderful!] small group for exactly 1.5 years now. For the first time---we were able to host at our house! It was wonderful, did I say that already? 

The kids played outside for 90 minutes, then played inside upstairs for the same. We discussed Galatians, prayed, worshiped, laughed and heard Charles' new song. [More on that later]

The funny thing is, our small church group was missing 3 other families & 10 more kiddos. That's not even including all our lovely singles that join our crazy fertileness group.

Lego Club

Nation will turn 5 next week and I felt it was about time we accepted the invitation to our friends homeschool Lego club. The idea is that everyone brings 100 legos and swaps to build a creation on that day's "theme". The host mom had the genius idea to give each child a baking tray to keep all their legos & creation in. It was either that or 1200+ legos under her couches.

The children were given 45 minutes to create [without mommy of course] and then they took turns "showing and telling" [questions allowed]. It was really sweet to see what everyone made and hear them speak in front of the group. Some where shy, some built simple, some loved the stage, some built things that surely will take us to Mars one day.

It was hilarious to me that as the showing and telling continued---everyones creation [whose theme was "transform"] ended up with the added "superpower" or going under water. After all---it is the ultimate if your creation can go on land and water--isn't it?

Nation was a bit overwhelmed, nervous, stressed, and "wanting to win"---but he eventually borrowed some wheels from someone and thus solved his [he is very literal] dilemma of creating something that could MOVE because apparently to him transform is defined as being able to move.

He made a moving camera [with a shade]---that of course---ended up going under water and transforming into something that cleaned the ocean.

I'm going to use this post to focus on the lovely part of the Lego club today and not the knock-down-drag-out-exit we had to make when someone didn't want to leave...

...there has been many tears, much humiliation and embarrassment for me these past two weeks weeks. I sincerely appreciate your prayers and sensitivity as I am struggling to parent him.

To end on a happy note though---I think I might start a lego club in the [new] neighborhood just until school starts---might be a good way for Nation to meet friends here. Do you think my home owners association will allow a giant handmade sign inviting everyone? Ha!

Funny Friday #9

Who knows how long that has been on there...

So, technically it's two minutes till midnight, BUT it is still Friday in Texas and California, thus I'm going to continue to write this post. I would have blogged earlier, but I was busy being responsible. Okay, maybe a little of that and a little practicing for hours on the embroidery machine.

Either way, we were walking through the mall this week and Nation [insert attitude with the following] says,

"Ohhhh...NO WAY are we taking the kids in there" 

----> points to Abercrombie & Fitch I have no idea where that came from, honestly, I don't. I've never said that to my knowledge, but he's wise for a 4 year old, what can I say?

What kind of person stops at CVS on the way to a wine tasting?

Buys a test.

And takes a test in their bathroom?

Me.

You know me.

Let's just say, The results...

I spent the evening swirling, sniffing, & savoring French wines.

[it's really all very fascinating, I should have put:
Become Wine Snob on my 2011 resolutions]

and finally---

For the "real" followers [and or...for the grandparents atleast...]

--what we do on cold, rainy days to get the wiggles out--

You?

[Semi-Serious] Funny Friday #8

I wish I had something funny to report, but this week was pretty rough with my oldest child. The whole week is sorta a blur after these last two days.

bottle of water poured into iPhone

several pieces of dishes broken

attempt climbing out a window [again]

getting out of carseat [again]

broken window screens

dissembled [older] iPod

pages of books torn out

coloring everywhere

attitudes, arguing, and lying oh my

I could go on...

He's a sweetheart, but he's will needs to be broken [again] for all things Jesus and not all things flesh. He's not like this all time [thankfully], but has moments/seasons of training and re-trainging.  I've thrown in the towel a few times this week, but my husband has picked it back up. I love that kid more than anything, but he gets to me...and I'm pretty sure he knows. That's where I'm at, and I know where I'm working towards. Prayers and kind advice welcomed.

[In case you're wondering we do discipline him, but alternative/creative suggestions welcome]

I know that's life parenting, but nevertheless, a good laugh for us all...

Theme: Chick-Fil-A

A Valentine Song for Me

I love Valentines because...

Pinkness

Chocolate

Romance

Hearts

Flowers

Date Night

It just so happens to be my favorite holiday. I'm slightly obsessed with pink, and it's a wonderful day to celebrate it. Shopping at target this time of year makes my heart most happy...I dream about decorating my entire house in pink & hearts [all year round]. However, these days, barely manage to. I have pink pancakes, and afternoon cupcakes on our menu, but with three boys under 4...we might just eat the M&M's and call it a [holi]day.

I tried to make this year extra special for them and bought them each a little gift, decorated a bit, and like I said...have some plans for Valentine activities. We'll see. I always look forward to Charles' surprise evening plans though!

What are you Valentine plans?

To date, my only real Valentine tradition [besides eating an ungodly amount of chocolate] is making Charles a handmade card. 

Last year I also made him this video of some of my favorite photos of us...

Funny Friday #1

This picture was taken about three weeks ago on our cruise. Please try not to be offended by it's lack of modesty...it's a T-shirt. Go ahead. Laugh. Let's just say it's the closest thing I'll ever come to wearing a bikini again [...for several reasons]. One definite being, no matter how much weight I loose, I'll never loose those lovely belly stretch marks. My husband calls it "the fire of God".

I joked with my mom today...

 "Maybe by the summer we'll be in bikini's again...okay okay...maybe tankini's." 

If only looking like that was as easy as putting on a t-shirt. I think they should make the "I've just had three babies back to back and have been to busy [and lazy] to loose my baby weight" version. I'd buy that on sheer hysterical giggling factor alone. You never know...that could be the next genius billion dollar "bubba teeth" idea.

Okay, if that didn't make you laugh...this video will...especially if you have boys!

---Nation asked me this week if God understood Spanish too.

---Solomon asked me this week what I was doing [confused...puzzled] 

I was cooking. #neverseesmedoituntilnow

***

I think by the time Friday rolls around we could all use something good to laugh at. I thought it might be fun to try linking up and seeing [or reading about] funny things that all happen to us this week.

***

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

-Proverbs 17:22

***

4 RULES:

1. Write a post or share photo [or both] that you think will make us giggle

2. In your post hyperlink back to this post [and or use my button]

3. Join this blog hop below by entering your post address

4. Go see what funny things happen to others this week

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LAUGH...It's biblical!

Thankful Thursdays Top Ten [#25]

Thankful This Week For:

[1] A perfect cruise with my husband for 7 long days

[2] Being home after 5 months out of town, and 30 days "on the road"

[3] Back at our home church [David, by Beth Moore, started today]

[4] A reminder that life isn't always an emergency

[5] Local homeschool moms that encouraged me through their transparency

[6] My mom, who not only watched my kids all week, but cleaned my house too

[7] Caty, our family babysitter, I trust her & know she loves my kids

[8] The Christmas stocking candy I found while unpacking [reward!]

[9] A living God, a Shepard...who speaks to His sheep

[10] Opportunities to give

YouCapture Photo Challenge: Circles

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Thanks for keeping me in the top 25 by voting today

***

Every week I invite my friends in blogworld to...

 join me in being thankful. 

[1] write a blog post with 10 things you're thankful for this week

[2] mention this blog post [hyperlink my blog and/or grab my button]

[3] use McLinky below by clicking on "Click here to enter"

You don't have to do it on Thursdays. You can do it any day of the week. Call it whatever you want. Be creative...use words, pictures, poems, etc. Come back throughout the week and read other's lists and make new friends.
Ask others to join too. 

***

The Joys of Toy Packaging

Hope all of you are enjoying your last twenty four hours before...

...the joys of opening toy packaging begins

Merry Christmas Mommies!

***

If you think toy packaging is from The Devil click once below

Black & White Wordless [#6]

Sometimes Gummy Supplements Get Stuck To Our Backs

In theory, this post should be wordless, but I can't help myself. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to talk to you about our daily supplements we take.

We: all take Juice Plus+ Chewable Gummies [Fruit & Veggies]. These gummies have 17 different fruits, vegetables, and grains in convenient soft chewable form. Juice Plus+ is made from fresh, high quality fruits and vegetables, and is carefully tested to ensure that no pesticides or other contaminants affect the natural purity of the product. Its appealing taste comes from two all-natural sweeteners - tapioca syrup and organic cane syrup - with absolutely no high fructose corn syrup. Juice Plus+ Chewables contain no artificial flavors or artificial colors and are 100% vegetarian; the 'chewiness' comes from fruit pectins, not gelatin.

You can read more about Juice Plus+ & purchase here from my consultant.

Did you know Bear Grylls & his three boys also take it?

My kids take 2 a day of each and we take 4 a day of each. Ironically, Charles use to sell them. I started taking them right before I met him [2004] after my mentor suggested them for my constant sinus & stomach problems. 

Four times a year I'd get sick and every time it was the same thing, a sinus infection. Also, several times a week I would have a lot of trouble digesting food and my stomach would hurt. It didn't happen over night, but after a few weeks of consistently taking them I can honestly attest that my stomach issues were gone. Not only that, but I can't remember the last time I had a full blown sinus infection. There are lots of others reason to take Juice Plus, but those are two reasons I still do.

I'm not sure they are as good, but if you don't want to pay for JP, Yummi Bears has a alternative thats similar Yummi Bears Whole Food Fruit & Veggies. 

Me: I always stay on Rainbow Light Just Once Prenatal One Multivitamin because I'm usually either pregnant or nursing [or just want great hair]. I have been taking them since 2004 and I love them because they are a whole food, which means my body recognizes and uses the ingredients. They are organic and extremely gentle on the stomach. I sometimes use the Rainbow Light Complete Prenatal System Food Based if I'm feeling extra healthy [and up for taking 6 a day instead of 1]. I usually buy them from Amazon online because they are the best price. 

Charles: I'm just starting him on Rainbow Light Men's One Energy Multivitamin 90 tablets.

The Kids: Yummi Bears Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Gummies & Yummi Bears Omega 3-6-9 Gummies. In the winter: they take Yummi Bears Vitamin C and a probiotic as well. We use Yum-Yum Dophilus chewables, but we buy them from our local health food stores refridgerator. A decent alternative online is: L'il Critters ProBiotic.

I'll talk more about pregnancy supplements later. 

What supplements do you take?

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This photo is apart of photo challenges for:

The Long Road to China

Supermom