tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42895936000302209832024-02-01T23:04:25.848-08:00Pursuing Prairiea journey toward a simpler and more sustainable lifestyleAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07563537984050428649noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-18171871633566033162014-11-23T13:54:00.003-08:002014-11-23T13:54:28.355-08:00Update #3: 2,014 ItemsIt's been a while since I've updated on our 2,014 item progress. Here are the numbers for the 3rd quarter of 2014 and the month of October:<br />
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July - 78<br />
August - 221<br />
September - 226<br />
October - 259<br />
Prior 6-month Total - 1,040<br />
Running TOTAL - 1,824<br />
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July: we were away from home for over half the month at GSP. Upon returning home, I was anxious to get some random junk out of various nooks and crannies of the house. We sold a few items, including our oversized toaster oven. I hoped I would love that toaster oven, but I used it so rarely that the visual clutter of it on our counter tops was weighing me down. My favorite part of the challenge of July, though, was finally determining to put our wedding china to use! One of my dear roommates in college gifted us a beautiful set of china that is dishwasher and microwave safe. I didn't grow up using such fancy things except on special occasions. However, the pottery style "everyday" dishware we had used for 9 years was starting to chip and failed at warming food in the microwave. So we found a new home for our dishware and embraced the beautiful china. I'm so glad we did. I feel so fancy. And I think it's a good lesson for our girls that every day we are alive is a day to celebrate.<br />
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August: I continued my mission from July of giving a hard look to everything hiding in closets. The biggest victory of this month was purging the CD/DVD tower! I am so proud of my husband for letting go!! We burned all of the music onto the computer over the years so it's hard to justify finding storage for overflowing CDs and DVDs. Look how nice and neat it is now:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamrsc8MXykgmsh9j2bDPdqOK6OcewkB8LmzWSUrcdgRx9BtD7hutsTJdNlSXJHEHZqNubITqYg_huksqO9uhYKrXlqZRcYXVjVPh0ZSRO7bmRSfB5Pq_5eX2lVd8ILi6ai1ZWxpg4gJou/s1600/IMG_3470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamrsc8MXykgmsh9j2bDPdqOK6OcewkB8LmzWSUrcdgRx9BtD7hutsTJdNlSXJHEHZqNubITqYg_huksqO9uhYKrXlqZRcYXVjVPh0ZSRO7bmRSfB5Pq_5eX2lVd8ILi6ai1ZWxpg4gJou/s1600/IMG_3470.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most of the CDs and DVDs we own. The girls' most watched DVDs live in the entertainment center drawer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
September: I decided to enter a few outgrown baby items in a local semi-annual consignment sale. I was slightly disappointed in the outcome revenue-wise, but I'm glad that what didn't sell went to local mothers in need. I am so excited that a huge pile of clothes that left our house were maternity clothes for my dear Pursuing Prairie partner!!!! We've been praying for this blessing for years and I'm so glad she can inherit the community maternity collection! :)<br />
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October: It's amazing what random junk you can continue to find even after months of decluttering! I listed that we donated 51 items to St. Vincent. I honestly couldn't tell you 1 thing that was included in that pile! Otherwise, more outgrown baby clothes and items found new homes. I suppose that will always be the case with growing children in the house. We have been so blessed to receive good quality hand me down clothing for our girls and intend to donate the majority of it as soon as we can no longer use it.<br />
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We will likely meet our 2,014 goal in November which is so exciting. But our mission cannot and will not end there!Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-51321091971412848162014-08-26T07:11:00.001-07:002014-08-26T07:13:07.020-07:00Linky Love: Guest post on children and contentment <span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My sweet and sassy sister in Christ, Michelle, honored me by asking that I pen a guest post on her blog, <a href="http://michellenebel.com/" target="_blank">Words to Spare</a>. Michelle is in the middle of a wonderful series on the building blocks of Contagious Contentment. Join me over at Words to Spare to read more about <a href="http://michellenebel.com/2014/08/guest-post-teaching-contentment-to-our-children/" target="_blank">Teaching Contentment to Our Children</a>. While you're there, be sure to see what "overflows" from Michelle's heart.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #f7f7f7; color: #3e454c; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15.359999656677246px; white-space: pre-wrap;">~Carla</span>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-14537729526075611222014-07-22T18:46:00.001-07:002014-07-22T18:46:15.700-07:00Update #2: 2014 ItemsI planned to update our progress on the 2014 item challenge at our half way point. But I temporarily misplaced the list in our GSP transitions. I was pleasantly surprised to locate the it after cleaning out the van. :)<br />
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Before I get to the count, I wanted to share some soul searching Steve and I did while at GSP. Being away from home in a 1 bedroom apartment for 6 weeks can really change your perspective on things. We can "survive" on so much less than what we currently own. So what's our break even point? What sacrifices can we make to be content with less yet still be comfortable? What example do we want to set for our family? Why do we own a 2000 sq ft home when 1000 would more than suffice? Why do we choose to stay in debt for the next 18 years if we could be debt free in a smaller home? And many more...<br />
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Turns out the answers to these questions are far more complicated when you involve the heart and not just the head. As the troll says, "the heart is not so easily changed." And our decisions are certainly more complicated when we view these questions from the perspective of our children as adults looking back at their childhood. So for now, we are embracing status quo, but renewing our efforts to be debt free by 40, reduce our clutter, and set an example of gratitude.<br />
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So here's our month by month count:<br />
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January - 257<br />
February - 158<br />
March - 104<br />
April - 172<br />
May - 247<br />
June - 102<br />
6 month TOTAL: 1,040<br />
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Some fun things went out the door each month. My favorite things in March were baby related. We had a couple of friends deliver baby girls in March and one of Katie's friends collected baby care items at her birthday party. Bye bye Breast Friend pillow. You served us well! In April, we took a load of items to a local women and children's shelter which also included many items Katie collected at her birthday party (friend donations not included in our total). In May, we had an amazing adoption benefit multi-family yard sale at our house. We personally let go of approximately 150 items at that one sale. We had such a great time that our small group plans to make it an annual event! June was a short month because we left for GSP mid-month. Before leaving, though, I did a clean out of our toiletry collection and renovated the girls' outdoor play area.<br />
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Half way through 2014, we are slightly over the half way point of our goal! I'm still looking forward to passing along some maternity and baby related items later this year, God-willing. And we are going to hit the CD and DVD collections hard in the coming days.<br />
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~Carla<br />
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<a href="http://pursuingprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/2014-items-in-2014.html" target="_blank">2,014 Items in 2014</a><br />
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<a href="http://pursuingprairie.blogspot.com/2014/02/update-1-2014-items.html" target="_blank">Update #1: 2014 Items</a>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-56455462677259284062014-07-02T11:41:00.002-07:002014-07-02T11:41:16.685-07:00Meatless MayThus far in 2014, I've been meal planning a month at a time. We've experienced many benefits to this process that could probably be their own post. In mid-April, I began to think ahead about events, trips, and meals that would occur in the month of May. I can't recall the exact inspiration now, but I decided to discuss with hubby the possibility of having a meatless month. We had successfully experimented with some meatless recipes and I felt we could take on the culinary challenge rather tastefully. To add to the challenge, we are basically dairy free in the house because we all have varying degrees of sensitivity to dairy. So we couldn't just eat a bunch of meatless lasagna, mac and cheese, or quesadillas.<br />
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Steve and I both grew up, like most southern Americans, in steak (cubed, that is) and potato homes. <span style="background-color: white;">Since we've gotten married, we've loved trying new recipes and cooking methods. Somewhere along the line, we added "Meatless Mondays" to our repertoire. It felt quite radical at the time. :)</span></div>
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Being the nerds, I mean intellects, that we are, we enjoy watching documentaries of all types. Our favorite genre is food related documentaries. Approx<span style="background-color: white;">imately 4 or 5 y</span>ears ago, we watched the movie Food Inc. Our eyes were opened about a lot of things in the food industry. Food Inc. is a movie I highly recommend that everyone watch. Regardless of whether you are a foodie or what type of eating habits you ascribe to, you can take away important information from the documentary. </div>
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Other inspiring documentaries we've watched include Forks Over Knives and Vegucated. Both of these movies discuss veganism. Veganism goes beyond vegetarianism to eliminate dairy, eggs, and other animal byproducts. The advantages of veganism are not only health related but also environmental:</div>
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<ul>
<li>reducing risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity</li>
<li>reducing carbon footprint created by the meat industry (fossil fuels from animals and processing facilities)</li>
<li>reducing water usage from watering animals and animal feed</li>
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(Source: <a href="http://www.sustainabletable.org/794/should-you-eat-less-meat" target="_blank">sustainabletable.org</a>) </div>
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Now don't get me wrong. We Ate Meat in May. We attended Steve's brother's wedding in Kansas City. How can you go to KC without eating some BBQ?! It was so delicious!</div>
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But what did we take away from a month of meatless meals at home?</div>
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<ol>
<li>We feel better after a meal that does not contain meat and especially dairy. We leave the table satisfied but not bloated.</li>
<li>Meatless meals can be exciting to create. We found recipes from around the world.</li>
<li>Basing meals around legumes, grains, and beans rather than meat is much cheaper. When we purchase meat, we purchase high quality meat. So the savings added up quickly.</li>
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What are we doing going forward? I hope we will continue to eat mostly meatless meals. I am not opposed to eating meat and definitely not opposed to eating eggs at this point in our culinary journey. I am personally going to do my best to avoid red meat as I seem to have digestive issues with red meat. We will likely plan meals with meat at least once a week. And we will not avoid meat away from home. </div>
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More than anything we are inspired to continue educating ourselves on what we're putting into our bodies. We are, afterall, what we eat. We may look back and laugh at what we thought was healthy based on the information we have now. But at least we can pat ourselves on the back for thinking outside of the meat case and attempting a new challenge.</div>
Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-25395861341824006282014-02-28T11:23:00.002-08:002014-02-28T11:23:33.974-08:00Update #1: 2014 ItemsOur household is 2 months into our <a href="http://pursuingprairie.blogspot.com/2014/01/2014-items-in-2014.html" target="_blank">2014 items challenge</a>. I thought I would provide a quick update on our progress so far.<br />
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January: 257 items!<br />
We had a great start to the challenge. My wonderful husband sold his beloved baseball card collection! He advertised that he estimated the collection at 4000+ cards. He was off by 7000. :) rather than claim we parted with 11,000 separate items and rest on our laurels for the next 5 years, we counted 1 pack of cards as 1 item.<br />
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February: 158 items<br />
While this is less than the monthly average we need to meet our goal, we still found new homes for some great stuff. A good portion of February's total consisted of baby items Karis has already outgrown. She's growing so quickly!! I'll admit I'm slightly sentimental about some of the pieces we passed on. But I'm even more elated that another sweet baby girl will enjoy them. Who knows where the clothing will go from there! Certainly getting better use than collecting age and dust in our attic!!<br />
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I'm anxious to get some big numbers under our belt and out of the house. But there are potential homes for several things when the time is right. We're also waiting for the weather to warm up to drop off at goodwill and other donation centers.<br />
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How are my fellow challengers doing?<br />
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~CarlaCarlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-24857172043446565572014-01-06T02:32:00.000-08:002014-01-06T02:33:25.685-08:002,014 Items in 2014It only seems appropriate <span style="font-family: .HelveticaNeueUI;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">that</span></span> I come up with a plan to let go of 2,014 items in my home in my year of <span style="font-family: .HelveticaNeueUI;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://pursuingprairie.blogspot.com/2013/12/2014-embrace.html?m=1" target="_blank">embrace</a></span></span>. But embracing <i>things</i> is not really a goal I need to have. I've been a member of a cloth diaper swap website for a couple years. One of the discussion forums under the minimalist heading focuses on a challenge to get rid of the number of items that corresponds to the calendar year. Hence the inspiration for 2,014 items in 2,014.<br />
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At first glance, the thought of removing over 2,000 items from my home seemed overwhelmingly impossible. The more I looked into how the challenge is played out, though, it didn't seem as difficult. When you consider all the nooks and crannies of your home, there are actually quite a few papers, unwanted toys, clothes, and nicknacks, etc that create clutter.<br />
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I've started a list on a piece of paper hanging on the fridge to compile my daily elimination (of items that is) :p And since this is a challenge for myself and not some sort of strict contest, I made up the following guidelines:<br />
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1. Each week's recycle bin = 10 items. I don't want to count each piece individually but I do want to give credit for not sending these items to a landfill.<br />
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2. Every time the compost bin is emptied = 3 items. Again the action reduces landfill waste.<br />
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3. Approx. 50 pieces of paper equals 1 item. However paper goes in the recycle bin so I haven't figured this one out completely.<br />
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4. Other household items that are removed through donation or selling = 1 item each.<br />
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5. Items thrown away don't count if the item is trash by nature. Ex: food wrappers don't count, but a useless coin machine doodad does<br />
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So far through the 5th day of the year, we've removed around 35 items from our house. I don't expect to keep up this pace everyday, but I'm pleased with the results thus far. I'm excited to see how far we get toward the goal. I may occasionally update our progress. <br />
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Wanna join me on this challenge? Comment and keep us updated!<br />
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~CarlaCarlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-86304046707780502402013-12-31T07:04:00.002-08:002013-12-31T07:06:50.931-08:002014: EmbraceI had forgotten until this last morning of 2013 that the trendy resolution these days is to pick a word to define your year. Did I claim one for 2013? Maybe it was "intentional." Well obviously I wasn't very <i>intentional</i> in remembering my word.<br />
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But this morning as I looked into my baby girl's big blue eyes, I was inspired. EMBRACE.<br />
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<i>Embrace</i> my family and friends with hugs and kisses...<br />
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<i>Embrace</i> the season of life I am in as a parent and the seasons of life my children are in...<br />
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<i>Embrace</i> the call the Holy Spirit puts on my life...<br />
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<i>Embrace</i><br />
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~CarlaCarlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-28859510741482489862013-12-21T13:00:00.002-08:002013-12-21T13:05:35.933-08:00Cookies!!Today seemed like the perfect "Christmas cookie baking" day, despite that it's 60 degrees on the first day of winter. Levi and I made the dough and cut out the cookies. Then, we invited Katie to come help us decorate. Impromptu cookie decorating is easy when you're only a minute away! Levi was so excited to see Katie! He loves her and mocks everything she does. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nM5D1688H34/UrX5nC_sCbI/AAAAAAAAAVA/o-MtVPHbH8s/s1600/13+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nM5D1688H34/UrX5nC_sCbI/AAAAAAAAAVA/o-MtVPHbH8s/s320/13+-+3" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lbiw7VS53kU/UrX5nNJtAKI/AAAAAAAAAVM/izfyN6qzch0/s1600/13+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lbiw7VS53kU/UrX5nNJtAKI/AAAAAAAAAVM/izfyN6qzch0/s320/13+-+1" width="240" /></a></div>
Here is the <a href="http://www.myhumblekitchen.com/20/12/12/naturally-sweetened-whole-wheat-sugar-cookies/" target="_blank">cookie recipe</a> I used. It was a simple mix of whole wheat flour, baking powder, butter, honey, and vanilla. The difficult part was finding natural food dyes to color our cookies. I made the icing with a bit of powdered sugar and whole milk, and we dyed the icing with strawberries and spinach. A few bits of spinach made its way into the icing, but the kids didn't mind. The icing may not be as bright as if it were made with food coloring, but the fact that is natural and not made from petroleum matters more to me! Find out more about why we don't eat artificial food dyes <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/03/13/real-food-tips-7-reasons-i-hate-artificial-food-dyes/" target="_blank">here</a>. We used dried fruit to decorate the cookies. Levi kept picking the "buttons" off the cookies to eat them as soon as I would put them on! <br />
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They were so cute and had such a fun time making them. <br />
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~TrinaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07563537984050428649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-34985313763430825042013-11-04T11:42:00.001-08:002013-11-04T11:43:14.810-08:00Tis a gift to come down where we ought to be (Part 3 of 3)<a href="http://pursuingprairie.blogspot.com/2013/10/tis-gift-to-be-simple.html" target="_blank"><i>Part 1 - inner simplicity</i></a><br />
<a href="http://pursuingprairie.blogspot.com/2013/11/tis-gift-to-be-free-part-2-of-3.html" target="_blank"><i>Part 2 - first 5 suggestions for a simple life </i></a><br />
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<i>6. Develop a deeper appreciation for the creation</i>.<br />
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One of my favorite places to be is in the woods on a cool autumn morning. There have only been a few times in my life when I've gotten to experience such a wonderful solitude. The beautiful colors of the foliage, the crunch of the leaves beneath my feet, the smell of a distant smoldering campfire... a sensory explosion. Who could deny a Creator in such surroundings?!<br />
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When I'm truly enjoying nature, whether in the mountains, on the beach, at an aquarium or zoo, I can feel the weight of the world lift off my shoulders. I usually leave such places refreshed and renewed. I should remember these feelings when I'm planning vacations and activities. Take time to include a creation experience on a more regular basis. <br />
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<i>7. Look with a healthy skepticism at all "buy now, pay later" schemes.</i><br />
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Steve and I were lucky enough to be exposed to Dave Ramsey during our engagement. I know Dave's principles and demeanor are not everyone's style, but we learned so many important lessons that gave us a strong foundation for money matters in our marriage. A huge lesson we took to heart was to save cash for items we want to buy. It's very easy to get in over your head in credit card and miscellaneous debt. Do we really need fancy furniture NOW or can we practice some self discipline and save up to pay cash for it? Our money almost certainly has a more kingdom-worthy use than paying interest.<br />
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<i>8. Use plain, honest speech.</i><br />
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Have you ever committed to something and then a more interesting opportunity came up that made you back out on your original commitment? I sure have! Living a simple life means we are dependable and trustworthy. We mean what we say. <br />
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<i>9. Reject anything that will breed the oppression of others.</i><br />
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This is a hard one! Most of the clothes and much of the food we purchase are produced in a country where labor practices are unfair. There are several ways we can reduce the role we play in these immoral cycles.<br />
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Steve and I have decided that we are going to purchase our clothing through either thrift stores, American-made brands, or fair trade resources. Thrift store clothing may have been made in a sweat shop, but giving them a second life prevents one more shirt or pair of pants from needing to be produced. Purchasing clothing that is American-made might not be as cheap as clothing made in Indonesia which is a change in mindset for me. I'm always looking to spend the least amount of money possible on clothing. But I can't justify the abuse of others to save myself a few bucks.<br />
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Where is your coffee grown? Your electronics produced? Do you ask others to do a task you find beneath you? Taking baby steps to improve the lives of those who work to provide for you in one way or another is at least a step in the right direction.<br />
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<i>10. Shun whatever would distract you from your main goal.</i><br />
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Back to the issue of the iPhone... I read A LOT online about <a href="http://www.ahaparenting.com/" target="_blank">gentle parenting</a>, <a href="http://www.karipatterson.com/" target="_blank">being a woman of God</a>, <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/" target="_blank">healthy cooking</a>, and <a href="http://www.becomingminimalist.com/" target="_blank">minimalism</a>. I try as much as possible to follow Christian bloggers or those that express Christ-like ideas.<br />
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I acknowledge, however, that I struggle with being WAY too distracted by these wonderful blogs. I don't feel the need to shun my phone, per se, because I find such encouragement from what I read. It's a support system for me in way to know there are others out there seeking to live out their faith in the same ways to which I'm feeling called. But I am going to challenge myself to limit my time on my phone to certain times a day and for limited amounts of time. It's more important to me to focus my energy on my family and friends.<br />
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Some things we might need to shun, depending on our distractions, include certain TV shows or TV altogether, shopping for leisure, buffets, or secular music.<br />
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With all of these 10 suggestions for expressing simplicity in your life, you need to spend some time in reflection. No two people will have all of the exact same convictions when it comes to living a simple life. A struggle for one person may not be an issue at all for another. Above all, spend time in prayer to seek out how God desires for you to live.<br />
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Foster eloquently closes out the chapter with a prayer:<br />
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"God give us the courage, wisdom and strength always to hold as the number-one priority of our lives to 'seek first his kingdom and his righteousness,' understanding all that that implies. To do so is to live in simplicity."Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-62203313258488673482013-11-01T12:07:00.002-07:002013-11-01T12:13:00.837-07:00Tis a gift to be free (Part 2 of 3)In my last <a href="http://pursuingprairie.blogspot.com/2013/10/tis-gift-to-be-simple.html" target="_blank">post</a>, I discussed focusing our inner attitudes about simplicity on worshiping The Lord. But as Foster says, "the inner reality [of simplicity] is not a reality until there is an outward expression." When our spirits are truly focused on Him, we can't help but live it out in our everyday lives.<br />
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Foster then gives 10 "suggestions" on how to live simply. He cautions that these shouldn't be viewed as law lest the actions no longer be genuine acts of worship. Here's the first 5 suggestions and how I'm hoping to implement them in my life.<br />
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<i>1. Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.</i><br />
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I feel like I have a handle on this for the most part. When I was a teenager, I did worry about clothing brands. This is not a concern for me anymore, even for the clothes that the girls wear. Obviously I want to look nice, but who's really going to pull the tag out of my shirt or pants and judge me if it says Faded Glory instead of Gap?<br />
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Other areas of life we might struggle with this as adults is what neighborhood we live in or what kind of car we drive. It's not inherently wrong to live in a nice house or drive a nice car, but do so because it's the house or car that meets your needs.<br />
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<i>2. Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you.</i><br />
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I hate forming habits. Occasionally I'll commit to stop checking Facebook or turning on the tv, etc because I realize I'm not being intentional. I'm doing things out of habit and distraction.<br />
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Where do you see addiction in your life? Sodas, coffee, tv, games, food, money? Free yourself from things that stand between you and a simple life.<br />
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<i>3. Develop a habit of giving things away.</i><br />
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This especially applies to anything you are attached to. I seriously have clothes in my closet from high school that I hang on to for that one time I might need it. Ridiculous. This is an area where I'm challenging myself.<br />
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I wouldn't consider myself a hoarder by any means, but I still finds rooms and closets that need decluttering. If I'm feeling stressed by the amount of toys scattered on the floor or the mountain of laundry needing tending to, I know that's my cue that it's time to let go.<br />
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<i>4. Refuse to be propagandized by the custodians of modern gadgetry.</i><br />
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Hello, iPhone!! I REALLY struggle with what I'm supposed to feel about mobile devices. I LOVE my phone, I LOVE the iPad. Does that mean I HAVE to give them away? Not necessarily I'm hoping. ;) (can you tell this is a touchy point for me?) <br />
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I got my iPhone when I dropped our iPod Touch in the toilet. I used the iPod Touch along with my $10 go phone to do all the same things I do now with my iPhone. So while I was "simplyfying" the number of gadgets I carried around, I opened the door (or toilet lid as the case may be) for buying a gadget the world convinced me I needed.<br />
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Do you need the newest upgrade of a mobile device or other item just because it's available? Consider using something until it wears out. <br />
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<i>5. Learn to enjoy things without owning them.</i><br />
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This can apply to large purchases such as time shares as well as small purchases such as books and movies. In our younger days, early in our marriage before expenses like babies came along, we dreamed of someday joining the Disney Vacation Club. We were suckers for that Disney spirit. :) We now have other financial priorities and desire to see much more of the world than we would be committed to with the Vacation Club offers.<br />
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On the smaller scale, the library is an amazing resource for being able to enjoy books and movies without actually spending any money. (Unless you're like me and forget to renew 3 DVDs for a few days.) Katie is obsessed with a Toy Story Collection book we checked out from the library. We can check the book out for 3 months as long as no one else puts a hold on it. And if she decides a couple weeks later she wants the book again, we can check it out for another 3 months. Surely by then she or I would get tired enough of the book that we'll be glad we didn't fork out $15-20 for the book just to sit on the bookshelf. Don't get me wrong, I think books are one of the best investments you can make for a child. But the extensive selection available at the library guarantees exposure to a plethora of writing styles, illustration styles, and topics. <br />
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Don't underestimate the value of friends with resources either. If you're considering purchasing an appliance that you would use on a very rare occasion, check with friends to see if they already own a similar appliance. Chances are, they're only using the appliance on a rare basis and would love to have an excuse to blow the dust off of it. Borrowing appliances such as ice cream makers, bread makers, sewing machines, etc. can save you a lot of money. You might find you don't care for a particular brand or don't have time to use the appliance as often as you thought.<br />
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So that's suggestions #1-5 of living a simple life. Part 3, we'll explore #6-10.<br />
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~Carla Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-24764489579830395322013-10-29T12:50:00.000-07:002013-10-29T12:50:31.982-07:00Tis a gift to be simpleOne of the original objectives of this blog was "a journey toward a SIMPLER... lifestyle." A discussion about simplicity can go so many different directions. What renewed my spirit about simplicity, though, was a chapter from Richard Foster's classic Christian book, "Celebration of Discipline," entitled "The Discipline of Simplicity. This chapter discusses both the inner and outer attitudes toward simplicity as it relates to God's Kingdom and spiritual growth. <br />
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Side note: Foster identifies himself as a Quaker. I think I could get along very well with the Quakers. :) I've been calling Steve "Friend" for many years (and yes he answers to that as if it's his name). Plus I love oats. ;) Seriously, though, I can respect many of the ideals of the Quaker denomination.<br />
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I tend to teeter between having a materialistic mindset and having what Foster calls an "ascetic" mindset. Ascetics renounce possessions and generally feel the need to deny themselves any level of joy from what they would consider the "trappings" of this world. Example: I once deliberated for a ridiculous amount of time over a $25 pillow from Target that perfectly matched my bedroom and I thought was beautiful. I even brought the decision up in small group. When there are people starving in this town, why do I need such an overpriced luxury item? Ultimately I bought the pillow to teach myself a lesson. :)<br />
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Probably the best lesson I learned from the chapter was keeping the Kingdom of God the central purpose for simplicity. "When the kingdom of God is genuinely placed first, ecological concerns, the poor, the equitable distribution of wealth and many other things will be given their proper attention." Wow. If I'm pursuing prairie as an act of gratefulness to God and not so much as a hobby, then He will guide me in what decisions to make. Yes recycling, reducing, and reusing have many worldly benefits, but the point of doing any of those is supposed in worship of The Lord. He desires for us to enjoy His creation, the milk, and the honey. I am free to live and free to give.<br />
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So now that I'm focusing on the inner purpose of simplicity, how can I apply that to everyday life? In the next part of this series, I'll cover Foster's first 5 of 10 "outward expressions of simplicity" and discuss what they mean for me.<br />
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~CarlaCarlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-41808142493369862022013-10-13T14:00:00.001-07:002013-10-28T11:21:12.503-07:00Karis' Birth Story - Unabridged :)To begin the journey of Karis' birth story is to take a step back 3.5 years to March 31, 2010. That's when our lives were forever changed with the arrival of our precious Katie. Katie was delivered via cesarean section due to breech presentation. Circumstances surrounding her delivery, our subsequent hospital stay, and the first weeks at home prompted me to start doing extensive research into the realm of vaginal birth after c-section (VBAC for the birth nerd world).<br />
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In December of 2012, we found out we were expecting our 2nd miracle. I began purchasing classic natural birth books like Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth and Dr. Robert Bradley's Husband-Coached Childbirth. Ina May's book was especially inspiring that my body was designed, capable, and extremely competent to deliver vaginally. Other ways I prepared for VBAC included switching care providers to an amazing midwife, focusing on optimal fetal positioning to avoid another breech baby, and monitoring my diet which involved daily protein boosts of pb and chocolate. ;)<br />
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On Saturday, August 10th, at nearly 38 weeks, I was feeling joyous for being full term. I harnessed what little energy I had to scrub the house from top to bottom, corner to corner. That afternoon, I spent about 5 hours in prodromal "false" labor. I was excited, but exhausted by the irregular back contractions. This was a sign that my body was gearing up for the main event!<br />
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After a good night's rest, we went to church the next morning and I felt fairly normal. Around 1:30 Sunday afternoon, on our way out the door to my aunt's retirement party, I decided to make one last bathroom break. I was surprised to find signs that labor was on the horizon - granted that horizon could have been 2 days to a week away. I felt a little uncomfortable the rest of the day and into the night so Steve decided to at least take Monday morning off school.<br />
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Monday around lunch time, Steve headed off to school. I was very grateful when Michelle volunteered to pick up Katie and take her back to her house to play so I could rest alone. She brought over chocolate and some magazines and warned me that things may start to get a little exciting now that I could rest and focus on what my body was telling me. Boy was she right! Not long after she left, I started having timeable, regular, slightly uncomfortable contractions. I was finally convinced that this was the main event! <br />
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My mom came over after work to play with Katie so Steve and I could get our act together. Trina also came over after work to provide support. I needed the spirit of my sister by choice present and to draw on her <a href="http://pursuingprairie.blogspot.com/2013/03/levis-birth-day.html" target="_blank">natural birth mojo</a>. :) Around 7 pm, I suddenly had this urge to go to the hospital. Up to this point, I had been coping through some strong contractions, but was definitely still in the early stages of active labor. My brain questioned whether it made sense to go to the hospital, but my gut said go! Cristin, the master doula, was just finishing up teaching childbirth class and met us at the hospital.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjPPgZs6uyd6nnt8GT1X6T0UesYBrmtKRCibppEyNzwB-0cmIQ1XpDyju4OBu_9fjvUX-LcJRo6n1Eztr2ZlQOj29jDb6WJ8bEISeqDnZyx9JCv41eWCJAzr6L08TC7uVd9NQ5yl3jXm4/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjPPgZs6uyd6nnt8GT1X6T0UesYBrmtKRCibppEyNzwB-0cmIQ1XpDyju4OBu_9fjvUX-LcJRo6n1Eztr2ZlQOj29jDb6WJ8bEISeqDnZyx9JCv41eWCJAzr6L08TC7uVd9NQ5yl3jXm4/s320/018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie, junior doula, applying counterpressure</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNJ0GESGYjkJAX7mP3XYJkvHh5nmSXn5RtQTw09hzb46xIvG1P-UI83z137Q_HiTm6yZvMVbhIcIsaXGDbDc8dWgOU1A3YHuotpANi_ysU8kHaW-6-qnO82ntvnspfCbSer4p48wijFy8/s1600/checking+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNJ0GESGYjkJAX7mP3XYJkvHh5nmSXn5RtQTw09hzb46xIvG1P-UI83z137Q_HiTm6yZvMVbhIcIsaXGDbDc8dWgOU1A3YHuotpANi_ysU8kHaW-6-qnO82ntvnspfCbSer4p48wijFy8/s320/checking+in.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy, Mommy, and Aunt NeeNee deciding whether to check in. Still all smiles!</td></tr>
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Once we arrived, I still hesitated to check in. My worst fear was to check in at 2 cm and be subjected to all kinds of interventions. Our labor troupe wandered around the new hospital killing time until I was ready to move on. Finally around 8:15, my midwife requested that I go ahead and check in. I was relieved to find that I was 4 cm dilated. Everyone estimated a 3-4 am birth. We spent the next hour and a half settling into the delivery room and getting registered. I changed into my birthing outfit of a nursing sports bra and skirt. I wanted to be able to move freely and have easy access to the fetal monitoring belts. <br />
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I was very happy to be able to get back on my feet and move labor along. I felt that I needed to make up for lost time. The mood was still light. For some reason we go on the topic of pop tarts. We also started watching an episode of Golden Girls on Trina's iPad. Random, I know, but I remembered that Ina May said one of the most effective ways to open up your sphincters is with laughter. Pretty much nothing else makes me laugh as hard as good ole' GG.<br />
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Cristin suggested swinging my hips like a hula hoop and in the figure 8. At 11:15 pm I felt a familiar and strange pop (my water broke with Katie as well). Suddenly I was thrown into transition!! It was all I could do to hop back into bed and land on my right side grasping the bed. I couldn't believe the words, "I can't do this" were leaving my mouth. I couldn't imagine feeling that level of intense discomfort for the next 4 hours. Everyone replied, "yes you can" but basically realizing "you have no choice!"<br />
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The next 45 minutes were a blur of lights, sounds, pain, hormonal rollercoasters. One minute I was yelling "damn ya'll, damn ya'll", the next "I love all of you guys." Before I knew it, I felt the urge to push. My birth plan stated that I wanted to push with my own urges and not be told when to do so. Everyone was very patient with this process. My sweet midwife sat on the edge of the bed encouraging me along the way. Steve was by my side, letting me squeeze the heck out of his hand. Trina was documenting the process with pictures that I will treasure forever, but will spare anyone reading this from viewing. Cristin, bless her heart, was holding my left leg up in the air. Pushing was quick and actually not very painful at all! The worst pain I felt was from my backside. In hindsight, I would have requested compression if I could've gotten the words out.<br />
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At 12:05 am on August 13th, beautiful Karis Lynn left her warm cocoon and joined us earth side. She was placed on my chest and I immediately felt a bond - something I was cheated out of with Katie's birth. A few short minutes later, we were nursing and snuggling. Daddy cut the cord after delayed cord clamping. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxExkzVyYrbCQ3hyiqomB0QOQAFpvO4IWiIls7ls_BaIaWo4Or7BSUVKZFsFKyZ4C25J-l-WaJ5TGZzRCok32BrYXSwFFHyEmF8MPTYIZ8Aaz2URMiXI-5D592bh0e4z-lb5C8GivDj8XE/s1600/2013-08-13+01.59.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxExkzVyYrbCQ3hyiqomB0QOQAFpvO4IWiIls7ls_BaIaWo4Or7BSUVKZFsFKyZ4C25J-l-WaJ5TGZzRCok32BrYXSwFFHyEmF8MPTYIZ8Aaz2URMiXI-5D592bh0e4z-lb5C8GivDj8XE/s320/2013-08-13+01.59.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skin to skin with Mommy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4tiZAZB4z35Rm13XY4lbVCSQlQHGNgTtQeo0Ogw524nSO2OmTqQfoxiV2KRYgDPd3S1aa3yfmExP6UHAUQ-xKTljtq2MRSa5SVEYWVertHrw_HoaOtbOwTYh0tNS4QMjHpUM3vLFI2yb/s1600/2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4tiZAZB4z35Rm13XY4lbVCSQlQHGNgTtQeo0Ogw524nSO2OmTqQfoxiV2KRYgDPd3S1aa3yfmExP6UHAUQ-xKTljtq2MRSa5SVEYWVertHrw_HoaOtbOwTYh0tNS4QMjHpUM3vLFI2yb/s320/2113.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud Daddy</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cristin: doula, BFF, soul sista</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The most amazing midwife, Brende!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6AW6gSB2zkFWvEVXOwK1Esm6vnAPd68rCt_7Sm2RPcMn772AY6IclGPwn-ELSaM5917emhNb6oB0o_eVhyg5GcZr9UsJLPNfK15ufMOOG56KfDLJuhULzpKh3JYORWNqRv5d0sTY3hiX/s1600/Katie+Karis+and+Mommy+hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6AW6gSB2zkFWvEVXOwK1Esm6vnAPd68rCt_7Sm2RPcMn772AY6IclGPwn-ELSaM5917emhNb6oB0o_eVhyg5GcZr9UsJLPNfK15ufMOOG56KfDLJuhULzpKh3JYORWNqRv5d0sTY3hiX/s320/Katie+Karis+and+Mommy+hospital.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Big sister, little sister, best forever friends"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karis Lynn, Greek for grace</td></tr>
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People have asked in the days and weeks since if I would have natural birth again or if I would change anything about our experience. My answer is a wholehearted NO! I encourage every woman to educate themselves on natural birth and to believe in God's divine design. Everything about my pregnancy and her birth was a redemptive experience by the Grace of God! <br />
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~Carla<br />
<br />Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-14586525748580226382013-06-30T18:01:00.000-07:002013-06-30T18:06:45.206-07:00There's no such thing as a free lunch<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are so blessed to be spending our 3<sup>rd</sup> summer
as part of the Governor’s Scholars Program.
There are so many benefits to being involved in this community, not the
least of which is not having to cook for weeks!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At lunch and supper
every day, we choose between two fast food chains, an asian station, a pizza
station, a grill (hamburger/hotdog), a hot line with rotating entrees, a
sandwich station, and a salad station.
While Steve and I are attempting to eat as healthy as our will power
allows, we’ve had a little more trouble convincing Katie to eat a variety of
foods. Bless her heart, she is drawn to
the apple & orange case every time we go to the cafeteria. So at least
there’s that and a few random fruits and vegetables she’ll eat from the salad
bar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In college, one of my professors shared the economic idea
that there is “no such thing as a free lunch.” At the risk of sounding
completely ungrateful, I’d have to say the same applies for our family this
summer. No I don’t have to cook, or
clean up the dishes, or plan the menu, or even pay for the food! BUT, I miss cooking, and planning the menu,
and purchasing the types of foods I want to eat. (notice that I still don’t
miss washing dishes. J
). So the “cost” of our luxury is not measured
in dollars and cents per se. It’s the compromising
of many of our views on food.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I definitely do NOT want to come across as a food snob
whatsoever. However, Steve and I have
been making changes through the years, and even moreso in the past few months,
to eat what some online foodies classify as “real food.” The definition of “real food” can mean
different things to different people.
For us, it means eating foods with the least amount of ingredients
(especially those we can’t pronounce), and as close to how God intended. We often buy certified organic products
because we feel that the price difference is justified by reduced health bills
now and in the future. And frankly, most
organic foods taste better!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It saddens me how much American society has normalized
unhealthy food choices. Yesterday I
overheard some women at a museum talking about how you shouldn’t eat bananas if
you want to lose weight because bananas do not contain as much water as other
fruits. To be fair, I didn’t eaves drop
on the rest of the conversation, but I couldn’t help but wonder, what do they
feel is an acceptable substitute? We are
bombarded with images of low calorie, low fat, low whatever else products that
contain ingredient lists longer than the Los Angeles phone book! And we’re exposed to these ideas at such a
young age, that it’s definitely an uphill battle to unlearn these habits. From experience I can say that your body
craves whatever you eat. When I ate
overprocessed foods, I craved and overindulged in overprocessed foods. When I ate “diet” foods, I craved and
overindulged in diet foods. Now that I’m
attempting to eat more whole foods, I truly do crave fresh foods. In my opinion you cannot overindulge in
fruits and vegetables when they are prepared in a healthy way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m also saddened by how hard it can be at times to raise a
family on real food. At least twice in
the past few weeks, complete strangers have offered Katie ice cream and cookies
when she was upset about something.
Thankfully the offers have been made directly to Steve and I, and by
some miracle of God, Katie either didn’t hear or decided not to protest our
gracious decline. We want our girls to
have a healthy view of all food. Ice cream,
cookies, fast food, etc. can be tasty and perfectly fine to partake in on
occasion (ideally less than once a week in my book). We don’t want them to have any sort of eating
disorders because we were so strict on food that they either feel ashamed to
join in celebrations or go off the deep end when they are old enough to buy
their own foods. We want them to have
control over their own bodies and decide which foods make their bodies feel the
best. But I am so done with the belief
that we should let “kids be kids” and let them eat all kinds of junk. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is by no means a knock on the amazing service we are
receiving in the cafeteria. I feel that
many of my complaints are merely a small example of the huge problem we have in
this country with nutrition. I could
probably ramble on about this subject for days.
In fact, many people do as there are entire blogs dedicated to this
topic. And I don’t really have the
energy to turn this into an activism post.
I just hope we can stay focused on our family’s goals while at home or
away. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite blogs on real food that includes an
extensive recipe index. I also follow
her on Pinterest and Facebook: <a href="http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/">http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our breakfast every morning is a variation of
Dr. Sears’ smoothie recipe. Gives us so
much energy and is such a tasty way to start the day: <a href="http://www.drsearslean.com/resources/recipes/#breakfasts">http://www.drsearslean.com/resources/recipes/#breakfasts</a></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">~Carla</span>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-23868158143626267322013-06-16T21:20:00.002-07:002013-06-16T21:20:40.514-07:00Dumping the Disposables (diapers, that is)Carla and I have both cloth diapered out children. In fact, Carla has probably CD my child more than I have ;). While we both love the environmental and financial aspects of it, there are times when I am so thankful to have a disposable on hand. More on that later.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2hrFLoTe4gyX1UoocRHBO8RdGceP54i5CaAvbAUFhacFac9jgjfWbjj0jk34o9VUAFm9ua4nXfuP1IS90zWz4MDqKrYXw9IT3evBn_QqPonouWO_9o-JOZ33RNA0BWaW-Mk63vD4U2E/s1600/IMG_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2hrFLoTe4gyX1UoocRHBO8RdGceP54i5CaAvbAUFhacFac9jgjfWbjj0jk34o9VUAFm9ua4nXfuP1IS90zWz4MDqKrYXw9IT3evBn_QqPonouWO_9o-JOZ33RNA0BWaW-Mk63vD4U2E/s1600/IMG_0156.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 months old with Carla "lala"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2CKwlkVZxydjWeFdxwECc7LQWDEj-GorM1pRPOaM12iN2v-oe7c4yz2hzITQCmFJGll9n39PC1Y0rAn8x7vXSrj83x22sLMnCL39fTbf1ilU2B_9g8NJdxKsRVSCDNG0_iwlh0frYt4/s1600/Levi+043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2CKwlkVZxydjWeFdxwECc7LQWDEj-GorM1pRPOaM12iN2v-oe7c4yz2hzITQCmFJGll9n39PC1Y0rAn8x7vXSrj83x22sLMnCL39fTbf1ilU2B_9g8NJdxKsRVSCDNG0_iwlh0frYt4/s1600/Levi+043.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pocket diaper with insert at his 1st birthday! See how cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We have both used pocket diapers. These have an outer shell with a pocket, and an insert (typically made of microfiber) that fits into the pocket. Carla has also used pre-folds with a cover. We've used a variety of brands, and in my opinion, they are all similarly made.<br />
<br />
I have certainly had a love/hate relationship with cloth diapering. We didn't start until L was about 3-4 months or about 10 pounds. I knew I wanted to cloth diaper and a friend of mine helped me start the journey by selling me her used diapers. Stop. I know what you're thinking, USED diapers?! Really though--it's no big deal (mine are washed on hot and rinsed a gazillion times-more on that in a minute). So I bought Fuzzibunz pocket diapers from her for $5 each. This was incredibly cheap. New pockets are at least $20 each. <br />
<br />
CD is simple when/if your baby is exclusively breast fed (EBF). EBF babies' poo is water soluble so you just throw them into the washing machine. I did a load of diapers every 2 days or so. With a 4 month old, you change a LOT of diapers, so I did supplement with disposable at times. <br />
<br />
Here is my typical wash routine:<br />
I use Rockin Green soap, but am in the process of switching to Carla's recipe which you can find here: <a href="http://www.pursuingprairie.blogspot.com/2012/08/laundry-day-natural-way.html" target="_blank">Laundry Day the Natural Way</a> <br />
<br />
I first remove all inserts from the outer shells of the diapers, and throw them all into the washer (I have a front loader HE), along with the washable trash can liner I use. I run a cold water rinse first. Then, run a hot wash with detergent, then 2 more cold rinse cycles. And voila=clean diapers! I dry the diapers on this fabulous <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/catalog/products/70243241/" target="_blank">drying rack</a> at Ikea per Carla's advice.<br />
<br />
At first, I was worried about staining, but Carla came through again with advice to put the drying rack outside and leave the sun to the stain fighting! Amazingly, the sun does have the power to bleach my white inserts white again! <br />
<br />
When L started solids, I had a hard time CD. So, there for a period we did use mostly disposables. Also, he went through a weird phase where they didn't fit him that great. Poor Carla, who was watching him during the day for me, was having to constantly change his clothes due to leaks. For the poo, I researched and found that many people use a diaper sprayer that hooks onto the toilet. I read both positive and negative reviews, but ultimately decided that I didn't want to spend $50 on something that I wouldn't be satisfied with. Enter the economical but vomit inducing metal spatula. This little dear was used to scrape L's breast milk/sticky solid (mostly bananas and avocado then) poo into the toilet. And, it wasn't pretty. I just couldn't handle gagging every time I changed a poo diaper and I knew that if we continued down this road, mama was quittin' the cloth. So, I found flushable liners and they changed my life! :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeYDNjXibjYVuVYw99MieL1qmb7_Si_RaK4yPD5FkpR30ffKHwg8zJhf38-w2zIp8lhb1HF8MqPNj5EVwpmKxq0rJ2CL5onKhxM_sMuDFCr8HHi906DyKhgRqBQCghPmmR8nNlzLfje4/s1600/51SXL--KhWL._SL1000_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeYDNjXibjYVuVYw99MieL1qmb7_Si_RaK4yPD5FkpR30ffKHwg8zJhf38-w2zIp8lhb1HF8MqPNj5EVwpmKxq0rJ2CL5onKhxM_sMuDFCr8HHi906DyKhgRqBQCghPmmR8nNlzLfje4/s1600/51SXL--KhWL._SL1000_.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Amazon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now, I simply pick up the liner and throw it into the toilet! Much better. We are back to CD almost full-time now, due to the fact that L no longer leaks and my husband (aka babysitter during the summer since he's a teacher) is a hardcore CDer. I love that it doesn't bother him at all!<br />
<br />
During the school year, L is at a sitter's house 4 days/week, so we do use disposables during the day. We have always used disposables at night too. The few times we've tried cloth at night (even recently) he leaked. We also use disposables when traveling for convenience. <br />
<br />
<br />
Since several of my friends have inquired about CD, here are several factors I would use to convince you to cloth diaper (ahem, Jamie/Carrie/Macyn/Jennifer...)<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Cost- I have maybe bought 3-4 boxes of diapers and my son will be 15 months in a few weeks. There is a <a href="http://www.greenspotdropoff.org/blog/uncategorized/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers/" target="_blank">statistic</a> that people spend $2500 on disposable diapers until a child is potty-trained. At least when you buy cloth- you can also use them for your next child, and so on. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>One-size- with snaps and elastic on the FuzziBinz they truly are tailor made to fit your baby. I have a skinny mini and although we occasionally had leaks, I can tighten the elastic around the legs. I love knowing that I can use the same diapers from newborn until L is potty-trained. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Washing- it's not that bad. See above. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<ul>
<li>There are many cute colors and patterns to choose from! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGCGYyfiClJ5IXkgfjDNQ1v8_SNdu0TgTnEt-SVrC2HP2oUHi7KmgUA48mZOqy5IHo4WhTbv0Y4AJKCzEvV93HragCOP3vxNAd8I7sa7wtK2lJ5WLEIClqtIQInK1zlmOiLKEd6be6VQ/s1600/IMG_0760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGCGYyfiClJ5IXkgfjDNQ1v8_SNdu0TgTnEt-SVrC2HP2oUHi7KmgUA48mZOqy5IHo4WhTbv0Y4AJKCzEvV93HragCOP3vxNAd8I7sa7wtK2lJ5WLEIClqtIQInK1zlmOiLKEd6be6VQ/s1600/IMG_0760.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockin the argyle print! And no, I can't figure out how to flip it!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Environment- I can't stand to think about all those diapers in the landfill!!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNl8_Q00JspJIMbHhyf-fo747BtfgiP6Y6MedE0MV2quEqnwuqs51bv7T_sIaoyFsvt_u0K0C1VuLsqD40d9pbe0bzqITWoqMjx8BL5wi31M-wOcNrg7RMtmjl2OOHYfAhu_PGzfK5VM/s1600/windowdisplay-1024x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNl8_Q00JspJIMbHhyf-fo747BtfgiP6Y6MedE0MV2quEqnwuqs51bv7T_sIaoyFsvt_u0K0C1VuLsqD40d9pbe0bzqITWoqMjx8BL5wi31M-wOcNrg7RMtmjl2OOHYfAhu_PGzfK5VM/s1600/windowdisplay-1024x768.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: <a href="http://www.greenspotdropoff.org/blog/uncategorized/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers/">http://www.greenspotdropoff.org/blog/uncategorized/cloth-diapers-vs-disposable-diapers/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
</ul>
<div>
So if you're having a baby, if you've had a baby, or even if you have a diapered toddler- consider cloth diapers. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And---check out my friend's informative post on specifics: <a href="http://cmnebel.blogspot.com/2008/06/all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-and-more.html" target="_blank">All You Ever Wanted to Know (and more) About Cloth Diapers</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
~Trina</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07563537984050428649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-69280627623405544622013-03-29T19:45:00.001-07:002013-06-30T18:02:22.220-07:00My name is Katie. I am three! I would really like to see a tree...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2MBb7gG_kLNTC7P_BptqE6BlFL7Gp4pAmMqnic-crNoxyvMbpEQMpCxcz20ODMwPbVvnN2hn0AdmjIVFOsoALbqiJx0GvYtAY2kX4CD4vsyTJRYvhFaRMelmHJTCZCsCR_xoB7inGdSdJ/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
A few months ago, I started asking Katie what theme she might like for her third birthday party. I love to get all crafty and plan ahead. She had become obsessed with the Lorax movie around that time and decided she wanted a "Lorlax birthday."<br />
<br />
The main premise behind the Dr. Seuss book and movie is that the
Lorax character is the guardian of the trees. When the Onceler starts
chopping down the Truffula trees to makes Thneeds (a fine thing that all
people need), the Lorax sets out to warn him about the dangers of
cutting down the forest. Can I just stop here and say how warm it makes
my heart that my daughter is a tree hugger at her core? No brain
washing needed. :)<br />
<br />
Keeping with the environmental awareness theme of the story, we used no disposable kitchen products other than the flexible straws that we decorated with Lorax mustaches for the kiddos to use. I really appreciate our family and friends going along with keeping up with their plates, napkins, cups, forks. Next year I'll try to remember that it would be nice to have separate plates for dessert. To me, the clean up was really not much more work since we just put everything in the dishwasher. <br />
<br />
Here are some shots from the festivities:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWflCkMjPASiUKV_eAZWwfHIu_EoEu7n07_pXTt0QHhCSIVb95YEYk_J5ZAofyDb9N8h7dWD4Y0LSWZwL_mqWWSCAM5Y6Yb3ZdVXIwJvLImQAo8z_UmJQXytjJoz1Hcrl2Uy809bn39JL/s1600/031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWflCkMjPASiUKV_eAZWwfHIu_EoEu7n07_pXTt0QHhCSIVb95YEYk_J5ZAofyDb9N8h7dWD4Y0LSWZwL_mqWWSCAM5Y6Yb3ZdVXIwJvLImQAo8z_UmJQXytjJoz1Hcrl2Uy809bn39JL/s320/031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Truffula tree light fixture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDZ-l_tV_XPEkhGinVH6tRKpbVYOQ6aTRSb1tiKcrsIBrPABD5j5ERwlwuNL4skzpGmzdhgYbVsVrWVRkd762K1kEcVK6OXJN5pedbbufOzdiZIL2DaLev3BI1eSZuv2JHCP3FbdMvPSN/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDZ-l_tV_XPEkhGinVH6tRKpbVYOQ6aTRSb1tiKcrsIBrPABD5j5ERwlwuNL4skzpGmzdhgYbVsVrWVRkd762K1kEcVK6OXJN5pedbbufOzdiZIL2DaLev3BI1eSZuv2JHCP3FbdMvPSN/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOnYDCr3i8Ah2eHpA2U4XYmVyHffdFOCE0F1C5cCa_D6shWHyDzqFYO2-X9ddiLfxGBFRYmmFbVckFxS_wakinQN06S_Kfi3YN9wPnBupw0Fn8VvPnzb2H0oIU87qpwTHu2NPPZ7Um4o3/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOnYDCr3i8Ah2eHpA2U4XYmVyHffdFOCE0F1C5cCa_D6shWHyDzqFYO2-X9ddiLfxGBFRYmmFbVckFxS_wakinQN06S_Kfi3YN9wPnBupw0Fn8VvPnzb2H0oIU87qpwTHu2NPPZ7Um4o3/s320/030.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie's artwork for the party. The Lorax on the left and the Onceler on the right. I am extremely biased, but I see a little bit of a future Picasso in her collages here. ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzloBXMBUBu1cgzCTKF0TdtW23rrBYPSLa2OY0Y-776_WO7gVV7tO9o_Semrl3xjHy94pCgw-Nzwc4ZFK-txAp0Azfhn7sSOL6Svh9RirnzmYltgkYfJqZTF3hQs7j0z9yy6_PNWnk4Iw0/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzloBXMBUBu1cgzCTKF0TdtW23rrBYPSLa2OY0Y-776_WO7gVV7tO9o_Semrl3xjHy94pCgw-Nzwc4ZFK-txAp0Azfhn7sSOL6Svh9RirnzmYltgkYfJqZTF3hQs7j0z9yy6_PNWnk4Iw0/s320/047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trina and Levi playing pin the mustache on the Lorax. He was a little dizzy from spinning in circles before making his move. ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSycTEi4bz-ELB0quAQlHV6pmR9GVF6dfSDMcHgbtTE3C_g2ymCP0goqApEU9bXXD2gsqwycSfGgwr7fxTGwVDmb3h3hle4OjusPjfmpaLDQPmxO05MGmUNf1ZKGC16hwqAUu9AMx-AV6d/s1600/2013-03-29+11.38.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSycTEi4bz-ELB0quAQlHV6pmR9GVF6dfSDMcHgbtTE3C_g2ymCP0goqApEU9bXXD2gsqwycSfGgwr7fxTGwVDmb3h3hle4OjusPjfmpaLDQPmxO05MGmUNf1ZKGC16hwqAUu9AMx-AV6d/s320/2013-03-29+11.38.10.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake! Made with almost all natural or organic ingredients. Used spinach for the green icing color. Truffula tree tooth picks from Target and Barbaloots made out of Teddy Graham crackers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhesYmNQGHFp1ir2K1PiH4I2fuDTT430wLoESiioVE5g5yxL9u27DgLkurzNjTRw05_cnw7jMcYLgv1eUqqklxBnDVZVSCXPaClKVq5YfAD_XgOaPWC24GzIlXoc4hvrj9EEnLGhZyEBZ/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhesYmNQGHFp1ir2K1PiH4I2fuDTT430wLoESiioVE5g5yxL9u27DgLkurzNjTRw05_cnw7jMcYLgv1eUqqklxBnDVZVSCXPaClKVq5YfAD_XgOaPWC24GzIlXoc4hvrj9EEnLGhZyEBZ/s320/058.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday to you!</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDahJzWVV8UBOLuM-X7EvJGRw8VqoB72YQHmx0NEMecteLKMulGVyUR1wZu6WU6Tg8MoyWRBY2Dr1hnOrxWk1tigYPUJuLWjcXI7SOq9jCsYmPAvOxQ1ZKOdOXGMeaIsEHlR7jMjX2GwM/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQDahJzWVV8UBOLuM-X7EvJGRw8VqoB72YQHmx0NEMecteLKMulGVyUR1wZu6WU6Tg8MoyWRBY2Dr1hnOrxWk1tigYPUJuLWjcXI7SOq9jCsYmPAvOxQ1ZKOdOXGMeaIsEHlR7jMjX2GwM/s320/071.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of Katie's friends enjoying cake.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u_AYqY18b2115gjDpVWBvakhuCUQSJjpPu1QVX1pYfEdCxnm7DhhKkkIb5As7DvADzAeuoxBrGSmzR6_V3r3TRW7pkHj_orb0YkEIeOBd2Y7OjNkd3HE11Zu7xRKKGsqT02bRse3EMt0/s1600/2013-03-29+10.26.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3u_AYqY18b2115gjDpVWBvakhuCUQSJjpPu1QVX1pYfEdCxnm7DhhKkkIb5As7DvADzAeuoxBrGSmzR6_V3r3TRW7pkHj_orb0YkEIeOBd2Y7OjNkd3HE11Zu7xRKKGsqT02bRse3EMt0/s320/2013-03-29+10.26.51.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am the Boo. I speak for the trees.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Since her birthday actually falls on Easter this year, we thought a
"small" party with her little church buddies and a couple of cousins
would be easier than planning a big shindig right before Easter. By the
time we added in parents and siblings, we had a house full. And the
kids partied hardy!<br />
<br />
A huge thank you to all our friends and family that helped us get ready for the party and celebrate! We are so blessed to be surrounded with love!<br />
<br />
~Carla<br />
<br />Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-24258765305377964152013-03-27T20:03:00.001-07:002013-03-27T20:19:57.367-07:00Levi's Birth DayI've been meaning to write this for a while. Like for a year. I kept thinking I would get around to it. Well, what a great day to write the story of Levi's birth, on his birthday. Seriously, where does a year go? I thought time went fast before I had kids, I had no idea. <br />
<br />
Tuesday March 27, 2012<br />
<br />
7:00 am- I woke up that morning expecting to go to work. I got out of bed, and was about to get in the shower when my water broke. It was exactly how people describe it: a gush! I was 39 weeks and 2 days pregnant. My due date was April 1. Adam was already downstairs getting ready to leave for work. I yelled down the steps, "I'm pretty sure my water just broke." He replied, "Really?" He called work and made arrangements for a sub and ran around the house like a chicken with his head cut off. I immediately called my mom and my friend/doula/nurse extraordinaire Cristin. Cristin said I could get into the shower, but to come to the hospital as soon as I could. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My mom got to the hospital around 8:00. In fact, she beat us to the hospital. When we walked up to the doors, there she was filming. We walked into L&D and casually told them we were there to have a baby. We were checked into Triage where the nurse confirmed that my water had broken. They put an external heart rate monitor on my belly. The nurse went to call Dr. Moore, but came back to inform me that she was off on Tuesdays. I was BEYOND upset. I had spoken with Dr. Moore about my birth plan and she agreed to no interventions unless absolutely necessary etc. The nurse told me that the on-call doctor wanted to start Pitocin immediately. I was devastated. I wanted to attempt a natural birth, but I knew that it would be more difficult with Pitocin contractions. Cristin convinced the nurse to call back and explain my situation. The nurse came back with good news that Dr. Moore had agreed to deliver my baby on her day off! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQocruSfGeoWBwI02ZYA8WotncMCBTKE9IHvXGPUtErYcYidEPQCpqQ3AE6fNj6Vul0IvUXbEBbJTfdPAhNDnSfllJvRJpau2AwWntP_OyM-rZbonXoQxLhJcO-V2HG3YLSidxXj_s1sE/s1600/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQocruSfGeoWBwI02ZYA8WotncMCBTKE9IHvXGPUtErYcYidEPQCpqQ3AE6fNj6Vul0IvUXbEBbJTfdPAhNDnSfllJvRJpau2AwWntP_OyM-rZbonXoQxLhJcO-V2HG3YLSidxXj_s1sE/s320/027.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the contractions: eating a popsicle. </td></tr>
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Dr. Moore agreed to let my body start contracting without Pitocin. Cristin, Adam, mom, and I moved to labor and delivery from Triage. They were able to put a portable heart rate monitor on me so I could move around and attempt to start contracting on my own. Cristin, Adam, and I walked the halls constantly. I bounced on a stability ball. Still, nothing.<br />
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Around 12:30 Dr. Moore came in to say they wanted to start Pitocin. I conceded. She explained they would start it on a low dose and increase it every 30 minutes. I still wasn't sure what to expect. I hadn't really felt any pain yet. I knew I had the option of an epidural if I decided I needed one. I really just wanted to see how far I could get without one. I was determined to at least attempt a natural birth. I had read up on natural births and knew my body was meant to do this. It helped me to think that women birthed babies for thousands of years before the "epidural."<br />
<br />
My contractions pretty much started immediately. They became intense pretty quickly. They were every 2-3 minutes at first, but I was breathing through them. Honestly, I found that as long as I focused on something (which happened to be one of the diamonds in a pattern on my hospital gown) the contractions were over before I realized it. It's almost as if your mind blocks everything else out during the contraction. It was a very spiritual experience for me. I loved knowing that my body was meant for this and I found comfort in that. After a contraction, everything went back to normal and I was allowed a few minutes to rest. My contractions weren't lasting too long at this point.<br />
<br />
After laboring 2-3 hours, they checked my cervix and I was at 3 1/2 centimeters. I was so disappointed. I had worked through a lot of contractions to gain a couple of centimeters! At this point, my contractions were picking up as they were continuing to increase my level of Pitocin. I remember saying, "I don't know," trying to get someone to acknowledge me. I think Cristin had spoken with the nurses and told them my plan was to go natural. Not one nurse ever said, "It's okay honey, you can have an epidural whenever you're ready." I think that was a huge part of my success. No one ever mentioned the word "epidural." I think if someone had, I would've said, "Yeah, okay, I'll have one." I could have easily convinced myself at this stage that I needed one. I couldn't imagine how much worse my contractions would get.<br />
<br />
I just kept thinking "If I can get through the next one." That was how I did it. The contractions continued to get closer together. My breaks between were becoming much shorter. They became so intense that I felt like I couldn't move at all during one. During my breaks I would just melt, almost fall asleep instantly. This was my body recovering. When Cristin left to teach her childbirth class, Adam, mom, Carla, and my mother-in-law provided my support (literally and figuratively). Mom and Carla would provide "counter pressure" on my hips, while my mother-in-law would massage my feet. During what I guess would have been "transition" my tone completely changed. It was almost as if I was alone. I zoned everyone and everything else out. I really couldn't hear conversations around me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaigJNUreCzXdK8SbnjhrS3Le5ygsNN4jW5StjaWMEUXJLsY7vArrRXwvd4aXgX20nMT2JWP3nPKmn4X0IhigDDD6lBezgFzL_fM4XI_HDW5DvNMDewymTHa2EFMIOju2ial0OlF94Ok4/s1600/032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaigJNUreCzXdK8SbnjhrS3Le5ygsNN4jW5StjaWMEUXJLsY7vArrRXwvd4aXgX20nMT2JWP3nPKmn4X0IhigDDD6lBezgFzL_fM4XI_HDW5DvNMDewymTHa2EFMIOju2ial0OlF94Ok4/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">7:43 pm- coming into Transition</td></tr>
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8:00 pm- I started to feel the need to push. It was a strong feeling and one that was hard to ignore. This was by far the worst part of the whole experience. The nurse told me not to push so I didn't stretch my cervix before it was fully dilated. Somehow, I made it through another 45 minutes of contractions.<br />
<br />
8:45 pm- The nurse came in and told everyone except mom and Adam to leave. The lights came down above my bed. It was a bit of a show. Everyone was in the room getting ready. They wheeled in the cart they would put him in. Dr. Moore arrived at this point. I was so ready to push!! <br />
<br />
Dr. Moore instructed me to push when my next contraction started. When the contraction started the nurse/doctor counted from 1-10. It felt so amazing to push. After the first round, I felt what they call the "ring of fire." It felt like his head was there! It hurt, but it was more of a relief to push. They turned off my Pitocin (it was on the highest possible level) to give me a longer break between contractions/pushing. I remember Dr. Moore looking at the monitor and saying "He's not liking being down there," referring to him in the birth canal. When I heard that, I was committed to getting him out with the next push! They put an O2 mask on me and that freaked me out. I think I pushed 1-2 more times and I heard the cry! Oh what a wonderful sound! I was so relieved. He was born at 9:15 and weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz, and 19 in. long. <br />
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I had communicated to the staff and my family that Kangaroo care was very important to me. As soon as he was out, they gave him to me for skin to skin. I laid with him on my chest for about an hour. He breastfed almost instantly. It was so beautiful.<br />
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It seems like it was only yesterday. We've made so many memories over the last year! Mommy loves you Levi Joel! Happy birthday baby!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07563537984050428649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-12130668921986120332013-03-11T16:56:00.001-07:002013-03-11T16:56:17.674-07:00Katie's WeaningTo say that the first few months of breastfeeding were HARD is an understatement. Well, let me back up a bit. Actually the first few days of breastfeeding far <i>exceeded</i> my expectations. We started off amazingly well considering the initial obstacles we faced. Katie was born via c-section at 12:51 pm on March 31, 2010. My first record of being able to latch her was 4:38 pm. According to askdrsears.com, "Studies show that newborns who have early contact with their mothers
learn to latch on more efficiently than babies who are separated from
their mothers<u> in the hour or two following birth</u>." Because we had been separated for <u>nearly 4 hours</u>, I made it a priority to put Katie to the breast every time she smacked her little lips. I was thrilled and encouraged when less than 48 hours after her birth, my milk came in (breastmilk usually changes over from colostrum to mature milk between 2 and 5 days after birth).<br />
<br />
Within a week or two, though, something just didn't seem right. Katie was extremely fussy (partly her temperament) and I experienced intense pain. My original goal of making it to 6 months seemed nearly impossible. After several consultations and a couple of doctor visits, we were both diagnosed with thrush. Even then, it took several more weeks of pain and various remedies to eliminate the infection in both of us. Interestingly, the best solutions were the most "natural" ones: gentian violet, homeopathic drops, and diligent cleaning with vinegar.<br />
<br />
Another element to our breastfeeding relationship early on was pumping. I went back to work when Katie was 8 weeks old (America, get with the program on reasonable maternity leaves!). I pumped at work twice a day and was blessed to be able to take my lunch break every single day to go nurse her at the babysitters. Thankfully Katie took to bottles very well. It was difficult at times to not be able to enjoy lunch dates with friends or to be able to run errands. But I treasured breaking up my day to go cuddle with my boo. Also, I was never able to "build a stash" of frozen expressed milk during my maternity leave because all of the milk could have been infected with thrush. However, with a little bit of planning and a flexible work schedule, Katie was never short for milk.<br />
<br />
Somewhere along the line, days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and suddenly Katie was a year old. In the US, the AAP recommends breastfeeding infants until <i>at least</i> a year (the World Health Organization says at least <i>two</i> years). We had arrived at that wonderful one year mark, and if anything, Katie showed MORE interest in nursing than less. We had entered into the realm of "extended breastfeeding."<br />
<br />
I poured over books and articles to educate myself on the benefits of extended breastfeeding (see some links below). I also felt the need to arm myself with facts if I ever needed to defend what we were doing. Admittedly, I was self-conscious about breastfeeding a toddler. Looking back she was still so much a baby, but it didn't feel that way at the time.<br />
<br />
I eventually resigned to not worry about what others thought and follow my daughter's lead in the weaning process. Breastfeeding was for her afterall, so why should it matter what other opinions were? Breastfeeding is a relationship, though; a two-way street. Any time I was starting to feel "tied down" or antsy for forward progress, we made changes. Katie wasn't always ready for these changes, so I occasionally had to back off until she obliged.<br />
<br />
As of 6 months ago, Katie still nursed about once during the day and once at night. The nighttime part was especially frustrating and exhausting for me. Over fall break, with Daddy's support of stepping in if needed, we nightweaned. Katie and I talked about what that would look like for about a week before we even attempted it. She didn't put up much of a fuss, which was our indication that she was ready.<br />
<br />
In December, we found out we are expecting our second child. I knew that the days of nursing Katie were likely coming to an end. Breastmilk changes over the course of pregnancy. Some nurslings wean quickly, others don't seem to notice or care. Katie noticed, but didn't care. Mommy did though. I was becoming more uncomfortable and anxious to move on from this chapter of our relationship. With a little bit of nudging and A LOT of negotiation, we started spreading out sessions to every other day, every few days, once a week...<br />
<br />
The last time I noted that we nursed was February 7, 2013. Katie was 2 years, 10 months, and 1 week when she was officially "weaned." It feels very bittersweet to say that I don't remember anything about those last few moments of such an important aspect of our relationship as mother and daughter. On the other hand, life with Katie has continued to flow in the same way it always has. Her cuddles are just as sweet and we are just as connected.<br />
<br />
We would not have made it as long as we did without the support of family and friends. You know who you are. Thank you for not treating us like freaks (at least to our faces). Thank you for believing that although we weren't considered "normal" for this area of the world, we were doing what was "normal" for us. And last, thank you Katie-boo for continuing to teach me every day what it is to be your mommy.<br />
<br />
~Carla<br />
<br />
<div class="entry-title">
Helpful links for those considering breastfeeding/extended breastfeeding: </div>
<div class="entry-title">
<br /></div>
<div class="entry-title">
<a href="http://kellymom.com/bf/normal/newborn-nursing/" target="_blank">Breastfeeding your newborn — what to expect in the early weeks</a> </div>
<div class="entry-title">
<br /></div>
<div class="entry-title">
<a href="http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/" target="_blank">Breastfeeding Past Infancy: Fact Sheet</a></div>
<div class="entry-title">
<br /></div>
<div class="entry-title">
<a href="http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/breastfeeding/faqs/weaning" target="_blank"> Weaning</a></div>
Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-47335522206040592502013-01-02T18:58:00.000-08:002013-01-02T19:03:49.584-08:00Prairie UnpluggedI watched a lot of Norm Abram and melodramatic after school specials growing up. Sure I felt a little deprived not getting to watch Nickelodeon or Real World marathons. But I truly didn't know what I was missing out on until my parents <i>finally </i>got cable when I was 17. We were "movin on up!" I then had access to seemingly hundreds of channels. And you know what? I still complained that there was nothing on sometimes (ridiculous really).<br />
<br />
Neither Steve nor I had consistent access to TV for most of college. I never missed it! However, we have had either cable or satellite for the last 6.5 years of our 7.5 year marriage. We became experts at DVRing two shows at once while watching a show we had previously recorded. Prior to becoming parents, we watched A LOT of TV. What else was there to do?<br />
<br />
Parenthood has changed our lives completely. I am home with Katie during the day and try to keep the television off as much as possible. I want her to play and be creative. When we do watch TV, she really likes the shows on PBS. In the evenings, Steve and I typically wait until Katie is in bed to watch anything because we don't want to expose her to some of the language and subject matter of prime time. <br />
<br />
We have debated cutting the perverbial cord several times in the past. But a few months back we were started looking ahead at our looming satellite introductory rate expiration. I already felt like we were paying more than I was comfortable with and couldn't stomach jumping up a significant amount more (you know I'm a major tightwad). We finally decided we were done... at least for now. Steve mourned the loss of convenient access to sports, especially UK games. I binged on Sister Wives and David Tutera's My Fair Wedding. On the morning of December 31, we turned on the TV to find our service had been cut off. It was an end to an era.<br />
<br />
Here's what we're doing to "cope"<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>UHF/VHF HD compatible antenna - not pleasing to the eye, but gets us 9 local and public broadcast channels</li>
<li>Netflix membership - this is very handy for filling the void when "nothing is on"</li>
<li>Watching some of our favorite shows online</li>
<li>Listening to UK games on the radio</li>
<li>Exercising</li>
<li>Reading</li>
<li>Getting stuff done!</li>
</ul>
<div>
We have also considered a membership to HULU Plus, but have decided to forgo that for now. We plan to hook up our old VCR to record shows when we either can't watch a show in real time, or catch it later online. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We know how difficult this decision was for us, so we know it's not a decision that's right for everyone. It's just a fun exercise for me, though, to challenge myself to break habits and find what my bottom line comfort level is. I'm not ready to completely throw out the TV. I've had friends in the past that did and I admired what other activities filled their time. Baby steps...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
~Carla</div>
Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-40673510073649779482012-12-31T18:51:00.001-08:002012-12-31T19:07:24.142-08:00Nuts about Coconut Oil!It seems that coconut oil has been growing in popularity, especially on the "crunchy" prairie. However, some of you may not yet be privy to the many health benefits of this oil. <br />
<br />
Adam and I recently had friends in town from Oklahoma. My friend's hands were so dry and brittle they felt like sandpaper (Love you Jamie). I love sharing natural tips with my friends, and I suggested we butter her up with coconut oil. It took a little while to soak in, but after it did, she agreed her hands felt softer. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://greensmoothiegirl.com/2012/12/28/what-to-do-about-wrinkles/" target="_blank">Photo Source</a></td></tr>
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Coconut oil is used extensively in tropical climates. It is anti-fungal, anti-viral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and an antioxidant. It is in solid form until it reaches 76 degrees, then it melts to a liquid. This makes it easy to use for a variety of purposes. Coconut oil really is one of those products that can be used for hundreds of different things. <br />
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We (Carla and I) use coconut oil for the following:<br />
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Moisturizer- body and facial<br />
Cooking/Baking in place of hydrogenated oils and butter<br />
Deodorant<br />
Diaper Rash Cream- one of the few that's cloth diaper friendly<br />
Nipple Cream when breast feeding<br />
Hair conditioner<br />
Shaving Cream<br />
Eczema<br />
Pet Care<br />
Cradle Cap<br />
Acne<br />
Dietary Supplement<br />
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I recently began using coconut oil as a facial moisturizer and have been pleased with the results. I have also used it in the past as a deodorant and in baked goods (I used it in place of butter for my sweet potato casserole and it was AMAZING). I have also used it in my dog's ear, to treat an infection, which healed within a couple of days. <br />
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I will link to several sites where you can find other information. I typically buy the Virgin, unrefined, and organic variety. <br />
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<a href="http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html">http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.livestrong.com/article/28296-health-properties-coconut-oil/">http://www.livestrong.com/article/28296-health-properties-coconut-oil/</a><br />
You can purchase Coconut Oil at your local grocer (Kroger sells it in Owensboro), health food store, or online here <a href="https://www.vitacostrewards.com/XATAQAN" target="_blank">Vitacost</a>.<br />
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~Trina<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07563537984050428649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-30829778450306009492012-12-06T18:42:00.003-08:002012-12-06T18:42:31.235-08:00I HATE WASHING DISHESUgh. There's not a night that goes by that I don't find myself facing a sink full of bottles and pumping parts. They seem to multiply in the sink. Typically, I will spend 30 minutes washing bottles, pull out the sink stopper, only to find that I have two more dirty bottles sitting on the counter. <br />
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For the past few nights, I have been making mental reminders that "we're almost out of dish soap." Well, tonight we were officially out. And since I don't have the time, energy or money (that's another blog post on our new commitment to budgeting), I decided to make my own. <br />
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After a quick search online for "homemade dish soap," I found several recipes. This one is from <a href="http://www.ecokaren.com/2011/11/how-to-make-dishwashing-liquid-with-castile-soap/" target="_blank">ecoKaren</a>, and uses castile soap. I can't comment on it's effectiveness, but it was easy and inexpensive to make. I even had all the ingredients on hand! <br />
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I love making my own cleaning supplies. It seems all the recipes use most of the same ingredients in some way or another: vinegar, essential oils, water, baking or washing soda, castile soap. Buying these products in bulk also saves money. The next time you "run out" of something, consider making it. I'm convinced (except the one time I tried to make my own toilet bowl cleaner- bust!). <br />
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~TrinaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07563537984050428649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-35213578102682369382012-11-15T19:44:00.000-08:002012-11-15T19:44:25.743-08:00Solid Food with a Spoon?I've always been indecisive. I just like to make informed decisions. I will spend hours on end researching child development, sleep habits, etc. When I was pregnant, I bet I had 5 books I looked at every night before going to bed. My night stand is full of books and my downfall is google. I google EVERYTHING. When my son was born, I think my googling went into overload. (How many times can I type google, hmmm.)<br />
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My latest googling craze has been: "feeding baby solids" "solids baby 7 1/2 month" "baby food recipe" "homemade baby food," and the list goes on and on and on. <br />
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We waited until 6 months to really introduce solids. I "decided" to not start with fortified rice cereal (after reading a La Leche League book on solids). I felt it was important that my baby receive actual food for his first "meals." His first solids were banana, sweet potato, and avocado. These were easy to prepare. I simply smashed the banana and added some breast milk. <br />
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As I googled "baby solids," I happened upon a practice entitled "Baby Led Weaning." This idea was created by Gil Rapley. It does not refer to "weaning" from the breast, but adding complementary foods. It involves the idea of giving your baby real solid foods. Foods that they can pick up and eat. From this perspective, if you have waited until 6 months to give your baby solids, they are ready for finger foods. <br />
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This may sound crazy. Think about it though. Did we always have little pureed jars of baby food on supermarket shelves? When did solids become thought of as "Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 2 1/2?" It seems silly. If you are feeding your baby solids at 4 months (which is not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics), then yes, you may have to spoon feed purees. A 4 month old is no way near as developmentally prepared for solids as a 6 month old. <br />
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I personally like the idea of baby led solids. I like that he will be able to experiment with foods. The speech therapist in me appreciates the sensory aspect and allowing him to develop his chewing skills. His fine motor has really developed from picking up small pieces. He has a pincer grasp at 7 1/2 months! <br />
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But, I don't know. I go back and forth. He recently had a choking episode with a banana. No, it wasn't "just gagging." It was real deal, no air coming in or out, no noise, choking. And I was scared to death. Yes, yes, I know I'm trained in CPR and am a feeding therapist for goodness sake. But when it's your own child, it's scary. <br />
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So, we've resorted to my eeeny, meeny, miney, moe lifestyle. This morning I gave him a banana to hold and experiment with, while I spoon fed him some organic Earth's Best apples and bananas (Stage 2). I've also given him apple slices in a mesh feeder, which he LOVES. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He loves his baby yogurt!</td></tr>
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I have to wonder if I will spend the rest of his life riding the fence. Maybe it won't be such a bad thing for him to experience the best of both worlds. <br />
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~TrinaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07563537984050428649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-12759469815599484422012-10-27T18:03:00.001-07:002012-10-27T18:09:09.186-07:00"When something seems bad, turn it around and find something good."About this time last year I signed up, and subsequently became addicted to, Pinterest. I suddenly saw all of my wardrobe in a new light. Old t-shirts became scarves; other old shirts became handkerchiefs and dryer balls. One old turtleneck (circa junior year of high school!) became an infinity scarf, leg warmers, and a headband for me or Katie (have I ever mentioned her big noggin?).<br />
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Lately, I've gone through another closet revamp craze. I've been reading some blogs about minimalism and have gotten rid of several pieces of clothing that I have been holding on to "just in case." I'm also repurposing a few items to give them new life. A couple of v-neck sweaters are some of my favorite go-to sweaters in the winter time. One of the sweaters is UK blue so I wear it very often on game days. The other has a nice gray and red argyle pattern which I like to wear around Christmas. I'm sort of getting tired of them in their current style and other people are probably tired of seeing them too! So I decided to take the plunge, cut both sweaters straight up the middle and turn them into cardigans! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red and gray argyle sweater turned cardigan begging to be worn over my black dress!</td></tr>
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I used iron-on fusible webbing that was passed down to me from my late Mammaw Edna (perhaps where I inherited my seamstress itch that isn't yet satisfactorily scratched because of sub-par skill level). For now I plan to pair these cardigans with a belt until I have the wherewithal to add a button. I can now wear these sweaters over dresses or turtlenecks too. I just LOVE the versatility of cardigans!<br />
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While I had the iron and webbing out, I also mended a pair of really cute bermuda shorts that I haven't bothered to wear for the last two summers because one of the hems had fallen out. The entire project took less than 30 minutes for all 3 pieces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuCMb1SDi-4fUTaxjMzwZEWTuF_DDX7DDpA2GrbajbOM8upQ6k8fnqH74j-yhLQQ_Isusyg4PozFDaEa06rvA8XjxzL1FqydtAr06Z42lCB88FsxyayJ0vbbnG48qM_Xwd4SfMKl_rMrw/s1600/019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuCMb1SDi-4fUTaxjMzwZEWTuF_DDX7DDpA2GrbajbOM8upQ6k8fnqH74j-yhLQQ_Isusyg4PozFDaEa06rvA8XjxzL1FqydtAr06Z42lCB88FsxyayJ0vbbnG48qM_Xwd4SfMKl_rMrw/s320/019.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Repairing the hem of my sailor-striped bermuda shorts.</td></tr>
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I'm already giving a few other pieces a critical eye when I pass by them in the closet. I can hear them all running to hide from the scissors!<br />
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Oh and credits to Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood (one of Katie's favorites) for this post's title.Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-83317468720567953922012-10-10T20:17:00.001-07:002012-10-10T20:17:06.953-07:00Planting Our Little PrairieI'm so excited that Fall Break is finally here! The local school system is off all week which means my wonderful hubby is at home all week! I've been very much looking forward to this week as we have set it aside to finally add some plantlife to our dull/dead suburban backyard.<br />
Some of the plants we bought on clearance at Lowe's. The rest we transplanted from my uncle's extensive and beautiful master garden. I wanted hearty, drought resistant perennial bushes that flower at different times of year as well as some breezy grasses. Steve is gracious enough to let me run with my vision of our little prairie all while doing most of the grunt work.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kkJsAoz8rQeWw6Qv12OHhdG3WUds2Mcey7hK73togP_UzQUfGpdPg25lj4RTakLcQGgvIMHV_XC6NPq7944smQsFObEaC60jkOVDiapTeyCXQIOZlrcnuyahrgEysRwMNEkoGU6t1QiM/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kkJsAoz8rQeWw6Qv12OHhdG3WUds2Mcey7hK73togP_UzQUfGpdPg25lj4RTakLcQGgvIMHV_XC6NPq7944smQsFObEaC60jkOVDiapTeyCXQIOZlrcnuyahrgEysRwMNEkoGU6t1QiM/s320/098.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little helper toting an azalea around to the backyard.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve working hard to dig a hole for one of the two forsythia bushes. Every spring the bright yellow buds of forsythia bushes remind me of my dear college roommate, Beth.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie and I planting an azalea. Bless her heart, Katie's lived in the city her whole life, but she's a country girl at heart. Outside in 65 degree weather with bare feet in the mud!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We finally have a tree in our yard! A transplanted maple that's about the same height as Katie. I look forward to seeing it grow as she does.<span id="goog_960527170"></span><span id="goog_960527171"></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not sure what this is, but it's a purple grass that feels like feathers. I LOVE it!! We planted it so that it can be seen from the large dining room window.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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My heart is full of joy when I look in the backyard now. I can't wait to see how each plant grows and transforms with the seasons and years. Isn't nature such a beautiful illustration of life in general? Thank you God for Your creation!<br />
<br />
And one last note... while Steve was taking a short break he noted, "you've turned me into a dang hippy. I'm working in the garden, drinking water from a glass jar, and wearing crystal deoderant." I shot back, "about time your lifestyle matched your politics." ;) <br />
<br />Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-16333883130553003722012-09-25T18:08:00.002-07:002012-09-25T18:09:24.799-07:00Honey Granola Recipe<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">The term "crunchy" in "crunchy mama" is a wink and a nudge to the use of the word "granola" to mean hippy. So I guess every good crunchy mama needs a tasty granola recipe. Here's how I found my favorite.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Steve and
I came across a show on the local NBC station called, "The Kentucky Proud
Kitchen."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This show was made for us
as it combines our love of cooking, Kentucky, and local products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A recent episode featured various recipes
with local honey as an ingredient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
of the recipes was for a simple and nutritious granola sweetened with honey.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I've been
on the search for an easy granola recipe for several years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I've focused on attempting bar types because
I thought they would be the most appealing to Steve for his lunch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been taking various brands of
processed store bought bars as a workday snack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However every recipe I tried either ended up stuck to the pan or too
sticky to be enjoyable.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">I was
intrigued by the basic ingredients of the KY Proud recipe and thought I would
give it a try even though the end result would be a crumbly, traditional
granola rather than a bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was also
excited that the granola would feature local honey which is a great way to cut
down on seasonal allergies and is a healthier alternative to other sweeteners.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"><u>Honey Granola</u>:</span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>6 cups old-fashioned, rolled oats (I use a combo of Bob's Red Mill 5 Grain Cereal and store brand)</li>
<li>1/2 cup walnuts, chopped</li>
<li>1/2 cup pecans, chopped</li>
<li>2 tsp cinnamon</li>
<li>1 ½ cups honey</li>
<li>½ cup oil (I use coconut)</li>
<li>1 ½ cups sweetened dried cranberries (or less)</li>
<li>Other suggested add-ons: 1/2 cup chopped almonds, chopped all-fruit leather, shredded coconut, flax seeds </li>
</ul>
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, and cinnamon. Add honey and oil, mixing well to
combine. (Honey can be gently heated in the microwave to make it more
fluid.) Spread oat mixture onto a baking sheet which has been greased (I brush with coconut oil). Bake oats for 20-25 minutes, turning
mixture over with a spatula every 5-10 minutes to ensure even browning.
Remove from oven, mix in dried fruit, and return to oven for an
additional 5-10 minutes. Remove from oven, allow to cool, and transfer
to an airtight container.<br />
<br />
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">After
letting the granola cool, I store in several different recycled
containers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put smaller portions in
old baby food jars for Steve's lunch each day.</span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">We have
all enjoyed eating this granola, or as Katie says, "granole."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve says that he doesn't mind that it's not
a bar and thoroughly enjoys the little bit of something sweet/protein boost for
his school day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="Body1">
<br /></div>
<div class="Body1">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Here's a
picture of my little granola making helper sneaking a bite:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FEFjXeI1h041xda-zVUH2FYuCvTQfJryC8JLRqtfLdgPvB8jGKARt2paFd_xZ0BbYydI_9wGbqekyqhHyQeoluWe90FQsDFIEofdHIN-jkBVTOhxLkt-jnFLHn8nIO0kkySuvC3ZfcA0/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8FEFjXeI1h041xda-zVUH2FYuCvTQfJryC8JLRqtfLdgPvB8jGKARt2paFd_xZ0BbYydI_9wGbqekyqhHyQeoluWe90FQsDFIEofdHIN-jkBVTOhxLkt-jnFLHn8nIO0kkySuvC3ZfcA0/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">And
here's a picture of her drying out black walnuts to hopefully be included in
future granola.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-hansi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">~Carla</span><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: #0400; mso-bidi-language: X-NONE; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: #0400;"></span></div>
Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289593600030220983.post-46783949185788737862012-09-15T06:49:00.001-07:002012-09-15T06:52:13.420-07:00"I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses..."I've come to enjoy what I call "divine appointments" at 2 am in the morning. These appointments are usually prompted by my little nursling's cry for mommy (yes I have a 2.5 year old that is <i>still</i> nursing and <i>still </i>doesn't sleep through the night; but that is an entirely different post for an entirely different day!). But I actually see these moments, or hours, in the middle of the night as a time that God uses to reveal Himself to me.<br />
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Last night He rang and boy am I glad I answered! Among many things that are beyond the scope of this blog, He spoke to me about what we've been working on here for Pursuing Prairie. First, if my body is a temple in which His Spirit dwells, I want to give my best effort to keep it free of harmful chemicals on both the <u>inside </u><i>and </i><u>outside</u>. Second, I feel the call to be a good steward of all of His creation and the resources assigned to my care. <br />
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I don't want to live in guilt about the choices I've made in the past or the mistakes I will continue to make in this life. There's grace and forgiveness for that. But I feel like I have a renewed outlook on why I am so drawn to the "natural" world. I see it as an act of love and gratitude to my Creator.<br />
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I look forward to what He leads me to next and to sharing that in order to hopefully inspire others to seek their calling too. <br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">I come to the garden alone</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">While the dew is still on the roses</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">And the voice I hear falling on my ear</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">The Son of God discloses.</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;"><br /></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">Refrain</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;"><br /></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">And He walks with me, and He talks with me,</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">And He tells me I am His own;</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">And the joy we share as we tarry there,</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">None other has ever known.</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;"><br /></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">He speaks, and the sound of His voice,</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">And the melody that He gave to me</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">Within my heart is ringing.</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;"><br /></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">Refrain</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;"><br /></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">I’d stay in the garden with Him</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">Though the night around me be falling,</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">But He bids me go; through the voice of woe</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">His voice to me is calling.</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;"><br /></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;">Refrain</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><span style="color: #00509f;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">~Carla</span>Carlahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02614627483271316335noreply@blogger.com0