Baby Thoughts

Since we’re expecting #4 soon here, I’ve been reevaluating what we need and don’t need. All our babies have been super fussy (colic/food allergies/eczema/excessive crying) for the first year of life so our ‘needs’ may be different from others. I thought I'd share my favorites, and then those we've either done without, or had and then gotten rid of for some reason or another.

Needs:

-swing (we love Fisher Price’s cradle swing, as it goes side to side. All 3 (5 now) kids loved that motion but not the front to back motion of other swings). No worries about addiction- they get bored with it as they grow older.  Ours use it for about 6 months and it has been a lifesaver for our fussy babies.
-stroller (umbrella works for most needs (unless you're tall, then they're a pain), but I like a bigger one for all day treks to the zoo, etc),
-bassinet (got for $4 at Goodwill and is still going strong) we have it at our bedside for sleeping in part of the night and the rest we co-sleep,
-cloth diapers (bought used off craigslist almost new), I only use them at home in the day, so a box lasts about 3 months as opposed to 1 box/month with disposables.  Save about $200-300/year.
-mini-rocker (like a bouncy chair but I take baby all over the house with me in it) (that's the baby in the chair, not me!),
-babywearing carrier that you can nurse in (Moby type wrap (newborn), maitei (4-12 mon.) and Ergo(bigger babies)),
-boppy type pillow (made myself for under $5), I have tried other brands/ones, but my homemade one works the best.
-nursing cover (made myself for free for my super wiggly nursers),
-high chair that clamps to table (even easier to clean than the chair mounted type, and little babies love it once they can sit up, because they’re involved with meal time even if they aren't eating yet,
-baby car mirror (one of our babies heads flopped forward and he was too little to pick it back up at 3 weeks old and he was all blue when I looked back in the mirror. I hate to think what would have happened if I didn’t have it and was able to stop the car and readjust him immediately)
-reusable nursing pads (yep, lots and lots of them)
-zip up sleepers (why waste your time with dozens of snaps?)
-gripe water (for fussy babies)

Don’t need:
-double stroller (bought 2 kinds used and sold them too as they were too bulky to steer, plus they were both front heavy with the toddler in front. I do have a double jogger that I use for walks at home, but never take it anywhere as it has a stationary front wheel which makes turning it almost impossible, bought cheap at garage sale),
-johnny jump-up (don’t have a good place in my house for one and worry about back compression with them),
-baby tub (we just shower them with one of us as soon as their umbilical cord falls off. Put a washcloth around them so they aren’t so slippery),
-baby soaps (so many have yucky ingredients, and they don’t need all the extras anyhow),
-hiking backpack (good intentions, just never got used),
-limited clothing (one change for each day of the week, more for new babies, get rid of the rest)

I've also read "The Happiest Baby on the Block" since it was recommended by my sister and sister-in-law who both just had babies this spring. I keep praying and hoping this baby will be 'happier' than the last 3, although am not getting my hopes up. This book recommends the 5-S's (swaddling, swinging, side/stomach, shh-ing, and sucking) so I'm eager to try if these will help. He also explains how they need to be done (precise!), so we'll see. I've read A LOT of books with very little success, but am still trying to be an optimist! Our babies did love swinging (in the swing), but I always felt guilty having them in there endlessly. This book (along with my husband) both state that you can't keep them in there too much if it keeps them happy. Going to try more of that to save my sanity when my arms/head/back/neck are exhausted from carrying them. He says in the book that they'll outgrow it when they're ready, but some babies just need that swinging motion a lot more than others. For the price of a few extra packs of batteries, I'm willing to try it. (later note: LOVE this book.  Works!  Better than any other way, for sure!)

We're also trying different birth options this time, which I'll explain after the fact since I'm not sure how it'll all play out at this time. Prayerfully doing what we feel is best, and praying for wisdom and guidance from above, above all else!

Well, nighty night. I'll try to add more later, if I think of stuff or welcome your ideas too!

Homemade Bread Recipes

I'm going to share a couple of my favorite, easy homemade bread recipes. These yield a nice soft interior with a crusty crust, which is great for toast or dipping in soup. The links are listed below if you just want to print them yourself.

This first recipe makes just one loaf (which is great for first time bread makers). I make it in the evening and then it is ready by supper time the next evening.

No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread

1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting. You may use white, whole wheat or a combination of the two.
1 1/2 tsp salt
Cornmeal or wheat bran for dusting

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add the flour and salt, stirring until blended. The dough will be shaggy and sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let the dough rest at least 8 hours, preferably 12 to 18, at warm room temperature, about 70 degrees.
2. The dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles. Lightly flour a work surface and place dough on it. Sprinkle it with a little more flour and fold it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rest for about 15 minutes.
3. Using just enough flour to keep the dough from sticking to the work surface or to your fingers, gently shape it into a ball. Generously coat a clean dish towel with flour, wheat bran or cornmeal. Put the seam side of the dough down on the towel and dust with more flour, bran or cornmeal. Cover with another towel and let rise for about 1 to 2 hours. When it’s ready, the dough will have doubled in size and will not readily spring back when poked with a finger.
4. At least 20 minutes before the dough is ready, heat oven to 475 degrees. Put a 6- to 8-quart heavy covered pot (cast iron, enamel, Pyrex or ceramic) in the oven as it heats. When the dough is ready, carefully remove the pot from the oven and lift off the lid. Slide your hand under the towel and turn the dough over into the pot, seam side up. The dough will lose its shape a bit in the process, but that’s OK. Give the pan a firm shake or two to help distribute the dough evenly, but don’t worry if it’s not perfect; it will straighten out as it bakes.
5. Cover and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake another 15 to 20 minutes, until the loaf is beautifully browned. Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/2007-12-01/Easy-No-Knead-Dutch-Oven-Crusty-Bread.aspx?page=2#ixzz1QalQPGGh

This next one also tastes pretty much the same, except you get more loaves out of the recipe. (about 4 depending on size). It pays to read the whole article, as they explain very well what ingredients do what, and why you do each step. There are many more steps to this recipe, but also many more options as to what to do with your dough (cinnamon rolls, pizza crust, etc) I bake these loaves on my stoneware pan, and it works great. Also a cast iron pan would be fine, just make sure your pan is good and hot.

The Master Loaf (Boule)

(Artisan Free-Form Loaf) Makes 4 1-pound loaves

3 cups lukewarm water
1 1⁄2 tbsp granulated yeast (1 1⁄2 packets)
1 1⁄2 tbsp coarse kosher or sea salt
6 1⁄2 cups unsifted, unbleached, all-purpose white flour
Cornmeal for pizza peel

Mixing and Storing Dough

1. Heat the water to just a little warmer than body temperature (about 100 degrees Fahrenheit).

2. Add yeast and salt to the water in a 5-quart bowl or, preferably, in a resealable, lidded container (not airtight — use container with gasket or lift a corner). Don’t worry about getting it all to dissolve.

3. Mix in the flour by gently scooping it up, then leveling the top of the measuring cup with a knife; don’t pat down. Mix with a wooden spoon, a high-capacity food processor with dough attachment, or a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook, until uniformly moist. If hand-mixing becomes too difficult, use very wet hands to press it together. Don’t knead! This step is done in a matter of minutes, and yields a wet dough loose enough to conform to the container.

4. Cover loosely. Do not use screw-topped jars, which could explode from trapped gases. Allow the mixture to rise at room temperature until it begins to collapse (or at least flatten on top), approximately two hours, depending on temperature. Longer rising times, up to about five hours, will not harm the result. You can use a portion of the dough any time after this period. Refrigerated wet dough is less sticky and easier to work with than room-temperature dough. We recommend refrigerating the dough at least three hours before shaping a loaf. And relax! You don’t need to monitor doubling or tripling of volume as in traditional recipes.

5. Prepare a pizza peel by sprinkling it liberally with cornmeal to prevent the loaf from sticking to it when you slide it into the oven.

Sprinkle the surface of the dough with flour, then cut off a 1-pound (grapefruit-sized) piece with a serrated knife. Hold the mass of dough in your hands and add a little more flour as needed so it won’t stick to your hands. Gently stretch the surface of the dough around to the bottom on four “sides,” rotating the ball a quarter-turn as you go, until the bottom is a collection of four bunched ends. Most of the dusting flour will fall off; it doesn’t need to be incorporated. The bottom of the loaf will flatten out during resting and baking.

6. Place the ball on the pizza peel. Let it rest uncovered for about 40 minutes. Depending on the dough’s age, you may see little rise during this period; more rising will occur during baking.

7. Twenty minutes before baking, preheat oven to 450 degrees with a baking stone on the middle rack. Place an empty broiler tray for holding water on another shelf.

8. Dust the top of the loaf liberally with flour, which will allow the slashing, serrated knife to pass without sticking. Slash a 1⁄4-inch-deep cross, scallop or tick-tack-toe pattern into the top. (This helps the bread expand during baking.)

9. With a forward jerking motion of the wrist, slide the loaf off the pizza peel and onto the baking stone. Quickly but carefully pour about a cup of hot water into the broiler tray and close the oven door to trap the steam. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is browned and firm to the touch. With wet dough, there’s little risk of drying out the interior, despite the dark crust. When you remove the loaf from the oven, it will audibly crackle, or “sing,” when initially exposed to room temperature air. Allow to cool completely, preferably on a wire rack, for best flavor, texture and slicing. The perfect crust may initially soften, but will firm up again when cooled.

10. Refrigerate the remaining dough in your lidded (not airtight) container and use it over the next two weeks: You’ll find that even one day’s storage improves the flavor and texture of your bread. This maturation continues over the two-week period. Cut off and shape loaves as you need them. The dough can also be frozen in 1-pound portions in an airtight container and defrosted overnight in the refrigerator prior to baking day.

Read more: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Real-Food/Artisan-Bread-In-Five-Minutes-A-Day.aspx?page=4#ixzz1QanMnP4N

Boccone Dolce (sweet mouthful)

One of my mother-in-law and my favorite places to go is a restaurant in Portland called Papa Haydn's. We don't generally eat there, or then we wouldn't have room for their luscious desserts. This year for our tea at church, I decided to try one of the desserts for myself, and found that it was not only just as delicious, but fairly easy to do also. Here's the recipes I used. Must use fresh NW berries though! (one of the few bonuses of living here after putting up with all our rain all winter!)

I followed a different recipe for the meringues, although made them 8" round so that I could make the big cake, rather than individual ones. Also, with 8" round, we cut them into 6 slices. They looked huge, but everyone (except one avid dieter who didn't understand the beauty of eating the whole thing) ate the whole slice. After all, it's about 90% air (meringues and whipped cream)

Swiss Meringue Shells Recipe

Ingredients

3 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup sugar

Directions

• Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add vanilla and cream of tartar; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved.
• Drop eight mounds onto parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Shape into 3-in. cups with the back of a spoon. Bake at 225° for 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until set and dry. Turn oven off; leave meringues in oven for 1 hour.
• Cool on wire racks. Store in an airtight container. Fill shells with berries; garnish with whipped cream or ice cream if desired. Yield: 8 servings.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Swiss-Meringue-Shells


This recipe comes from Papa Haydn's, one of Portland, Oregon's favorite dessert masters. This recipe uses fresh Oregon berries, which are some of the best in the world.

Meringue Layers (2-3)

	6 oz melted bittersweet chocolate (feel free to substitute your favorite kind)
	3 pints mixed berries (may use your favorite fruit, we love fresh raspberry and blackberry)
	Sweetened whipped cream

For the meringue layers, you'll need the following:

	1 1/2 cups egg whites
	2 cups sugar

1. Bring egg whites to room temperature for 30 min. Whip the egg whites on high until they come to a stiff peak (use metal/glass bowl that's impeccably clean)
2. Turn down the mixture to medium speed and start adding sugar 1 Tablespoon at a time, every 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the sugar to be absorbed. You'll notice the meringue will become very thick and glossy.
3. You will need to line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw the circles (the size you want your meringue layers to be) on the under side of the parchment.
4. Take a rubber spatula and start spreading the meringue inside the circles.
5. Bake at 225 degrees for 2 and a half hours. Meringue should be white in color and crispy all the way through. If they're still soft after this time, you can bake them longer. The low temperature will prevent them from browning too quickly.

For the sweetened whipping cream, you'll need the following:

	4 cups heavy whipping cream
	1 Tablespoon vanilla
	1/4 cup sugar (or more, to your taste)

1. Whip cream to soft peak
2. Add vanilla and sugar

3. Whip cream to stiff peak -- then it's ready to use. The cream needs to be stiff in order for it to hold the meringue layers together. (I used Piping Gel to stabilize the whipped cream and make it stiffer ~R)
4. Flavoring the whipped cream to compliment the fruit with a smidgen of spice like ground cardamom or an orange liqueur adds another a counter point to the classic vanilla.

Let's put together the Boccone Dolce:

1. Put one layer of meringue on your serving plate
2. Drizzle melted chocolate over the layer
3. Spread 1/4 of your whipped cream on top of the layer, and top with berries.
4. Spread 1/4 of the cream on top of the berries.
5. Repeat with next layer
6. Top with 3rd meringue layer. Drizzle with chocolate.
7. Decorate with edible fresh flowers, fruit, mint or geranium leaves. Enjoy!

Source: Papa Haydn’s Natasha Ohlman - Portland, Oregon

http://www.subrosa.arbre.us/SubRosaBoccone.html

Pesto Potato Salad

I have a hard time finding potato salads (as well as coleslaws for that matter) that I LOVE (not just tolerate/like). Here's my new favorite though. If you love pesto, I guarantee you'll love it too.

Pesto Potato Salad

3 1/2 lbs. red potatoes
1/2 c. sour cream
1/3 c. basil pesto
1/3 c. mayo
12 slices bacon (cooked crisp and crumbled)
1/2-3/4 c. red onion, chopped fine (depending on flavor you want)
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese (shaved preferable)
1/4 c. chives, chopped fine

Boil potatoes until firm-tender. Drain and rinse with cold water, drain well, chop coarsely. Combine sour cream, pesto and mayo in a large bowl. Add potatoes, bacon and onion. Toss. Top with Parmesan and chives. Chill overnight for best flavor.
~from Company's Coming "Salads to Go".

*I like to add a bit more pesto, bacon and Parmesan as I love those flavors.

Luke turns 6

Well, now our last birthday is done for the year. My big boy turned 6. He's definitely fitting the class of 6 year olds, who is losing teeth and tying his shoes by himself (although he'd much rather throw on his crocs to save time). We're hoping he'll learn to ride his bike this summer, but up until now he's been pretty timid (our steep gravel driveway doesn't help matters).


















I just love this boy so dearly too, and feel so blessed to be able to spend every single day with him. Luke is my thinker, who is ever helpful and thoughtful (and doesn't forget a thing, even if you should want him to!) He loves books, and has been learning to read all year. I've tried to teach him slowly, because I know he'll end up a bookworm, and want him to be creative on his own as long as I can prolong it. Lately he's been "reading" the Far Side comic books we have. I'm not sure what he find so interesting, since most of it is adult humor, but will admit that the pictures are pretty funny!



















He loves playing on the floor here at home, and lately it's been Cars as we recently watched the movie again. Thus he wanted a Tow Mater cake for his birthday, which I decorated while we were camping. He is getting more independent, and loves to be learning from Dad all the time (and pestering and bugging Dad too). I'm so proud of how he takes on his role as the oldest, and pray that he'll always stay as sweet as he is to his younger siblings. The little 2 find such security in his bravery in different situations.














I'll try to write more about our Luke another night, but tonight my pregnancy hormones are overwhelming me, and I just come to tears thinking about how much I love this boy and how I want him to grow up to be a man like his Dad, but how I also want him to always stay my little sweet boy. (sniff, sniff)

Camping Conclusions

So, this past weekend we managed to get out and go camping for Memorial Day. Our church group goes every year, and we went last year as well. I've come to a few conclusions, which I'll share, and hope that some of you veteran campers can help me find more ways to make it enjoyable with small children (without nixing it altogether until the kids are bigger).













The good:
-Warm, dry camper to sleep in, make meals in (since it was too windy to build a fire much of the time), play in and relax in
-Kids having a very good time, especially the birthday boy!
-Family time together- building memories
-Decent weather- only a few short rain storms
-Showers at the campground for needed refreshment
-Good meals/treats that we don't usually have at home, and the dishes situation worked well (paper plates, real cutlery, a few pots to wash)
-Ability to bring family bikes along, although didn't really have a chance to ride them
-Visiting time with friends and family that we don't always get
-My sweetie to make breakfast for us (as seen in below picture)














The not-so-good:
-Pregnant Mommy (yeah, that'd be me) who had to do more lifting/bending/climbing than usual (resulting in poor/very little sleep and much discomfort)
-Recently sick kids who Mommy worried about with the cold wind present much of the time
-A sharp cornered camper door that is just the level of a curious little girl's head (which did get whacked numerous times), as well as her fingers getting stepped on for playing on the stairs
-No enjoyable rest the whole weekend. I did bring a book along, in hopes of reading...it never left it's spot in the truck. I'd love to just drink a cup of tea while sitting by the fire reading. Umm, yeah, that'd be dreaming!
-Too cold/windy to enjoy a fire most of the time (we only had one on one evening for just a little while)
-No potty in camper and too public to pee in woods/grass, spent most of our time taking well-hydrated boys to the bathroom; never at the same time, of course!














My suggestions for better success next time:
-Camp with Grandpa & Grandma (or like folks who can share the work- meals, kid watching, etc.)
-Camp closer to home (we were very tired when we drove the lonnng 3 hours home, and both ended up sick the next day).
-Park near woods so the boys can pee there. (We have a 'bathroom' in our camper, without a toilet, but currently need that space for spare tire and such...rearranging somehow could make it work). I brought along the kiddy potty, but they refused to use it.
-Camp later in the summer when the weather is predictably warmer.

There were two trains of thought (and possibly more out there) as I discussed "camping with little kids" ideas. One was: it's worth the work as the kids love it and will cherish and remember the memories. The second was: it's not worth it. Camp in the backyard and the kids will enjoy it just as much, without tiring out Dad & Mom so much. Then go further away as they get bigger. I think I'm more on the second train of thought at this stage, but we'll see what the summer brings.

James turns 4

So, it's birthday season in this house again, and James' turn was next. He turned 4, and is quite proud of the fact. Me...not so much. These kids are growing up way too fast for this Mama's liking. I know they'll still be my kids forever, but they won't be my hug-gable, kissable, cuddle kids forever. Anyhow, James is now 4, and there's not much I can do to change that!













I'm just not sure where to start with this boy. I'll try not to brag, as that will surely backfire on me, but this little guy just melts my heart. Pretty much everything out of his mouth is either hilarious or the sweetest words you'll ever hear (unless he's bossing little sister, then he's not always so nice). I regretfully neglect to discipline this kid as often as I should, because he's just so darn cute (even when he's naughty). Who can resist that little dimpled grin? Whenever he talks, he raises his eyebrows like what he's saying is the most important message in the world. You just have to listen (with anticipation, of course) as he is always so enthralling to watch and listen to. Last night the last thing out of his mouth was, "I should go check on Daddy, and make sure he remembered to take his medicine" (Dad is sick and James was in charge of getting the medicine to Dad when we got home from town). Tonight it was, "Mom, we forgot to build a scarecrow to keep the animals out of our garden" (which we planted today). He is always quite concerned about something or someone, and is our prayer warrior. He remembers to pray for people when we often forget.

















This year he wanted a "Busytown" (from the Richard Scarry books) cake for his birthday. He had seen a picture of a 3-D one that his second cousin had, and thought I could recreate something of the like. He got the cake, but it was much simpler than he had explained that he wanted. He was quite thrilled none the less though. He loves Sally the Cat, and the kids play Busytown pretty often where Sally and Huckle (Luke) and Hilda the Hippo (Elise) go on all sorts of adventures. Here he is trying out his new bike that he acquired for his birthday.

















Here's a few of his latest sayings: (all 'r's and 'l's are said as 'w's)
James was peeling a banana when I asked him to share it with his sister. He replied, "Sure, just as soon as I can get this plastic wrap off of it!"












While driving the other day, he asked me to turn the car so that the sun would shine in his window because he had something to tell the sun (it was shining only in the front). I was turning soon anyhow, so when I did he said (to the sun), "Hello, Mr. Sun. Thank you. Thank you for making our world so bright!" And then to the rest of us in the car, "That's all I have to say to him!"

When James was playing outside the other day, his play pants had holes in both knees and he told his Daddy, "Look, my knees are getting vitamin D!"

Elise turns 2

Her "Cake Cake" ball she got (Strawberry Shortcake is her favorite these days)

It's about time for a birthday update. Our Elise has now turned two, and we are beginning to see the boy/girl difference. She loves necklaces and many types of shoes. She often 'does' her own hair, which is quite lovely, as you can see from the picture. My Mom loves to buy little shoes, and keeps her well supplied. She calls them her "Gaga shoes" (Grandma shoes) and her black ones are the favorites. She'd wear them all day everyday if she could!

She is talking quite a lot now, and parrots everything we say. The other night Greg said, "oh, boy" with a weary sigh, and she followed suit. Very cute! She loves to ride her tricycle (and of course always asks for her "hat" (helmet) too. She calls me "Bubby" and Greg is "Daddy", Luke has been "Wook", "Kook" and now this week is "Wukey", and James is "J" and she is "A-Wee". It's pretty neat to see her thoughts, since our boys never talked this early. Her favorite saying is "took 'way" which is whenever the boys have something she wants, and she claims they took it away (which, sometimes they do, but most often they don't). These past couple days she's been "shut a door" alot, whenever she can find a door that needs shutting. She has learned to get into the fridge and came to me the other morning (while I was still in bed) jostling a nearly full milk jug (lid already off) and a cup wanting me to pour her a drink.

This picture below is the only time I've ever thought she looks like I did when I was little. I'll have to find a picture of myself at that age to compare. She most often gets told she looks 'Somero'. One friend of ours saw her running through a wedding reception and said, "that little girl must be Clark Somero's granddaughter". People also say she looks like Grandma Somero, and Great Grandma Davidson too.

Here's one of her and her "Be-A" (baby). She loves to push them around in her shopping cart and here is singing songs to one of them. She has finally figured out that pacifiers are for babies, and gladly gives them to her dollies and doesn't even want hers any more. (Yay!)

Here's at the ocean a few weeks ago. Greg was fishing, so the kids and I played in the sand. It was a gorgeous beach, which I'd love to go back to (and quite uninhabited too, which made it more enjoyable)













And that's all for now!!

Nighttime Thoughts

It's late, but I'm having one of my pregnancy induced insomnia nights, so I might as well update a post (or two if I can't sleep!)...So, where were we?

I do believe it's time to write a bit about the next biggest change in our life, which will be baby #4, coming soon to our home (due mid Sept.) I have different thoughts with this pregnancy, knowing that I'll have as many children as my parents ever did, and surpassing Greg's parents. That's a weird feeling! Adding homeschooling to the mix, and I'm really not sure how it'll all work out, to be truthful. The blessing I can see right now though, is that my biggest helper will be home with me, and not off to school where I'd be stuck at home with a medium-good helper and a very useless (but eager) helper and a new baby. This baby does happen to be arriving at the middle of gardening/canning/school starting time of year, so that should leave for a busy fall. And since I have ideas of grandeur about my garden (again) this year, I hope some things will work in my favor.

Before we found out we were expecting this baby, I had some qualms about having more children. Although I wanted a 'large' family (whatever that may be), I didn't have the confidence to trust that God would adequately supply me with the strength and wisdom to do so. I talked to one of my wise friends, and she advised me of some things that I found very encouraging, which I'll share with you.
1) In the Bible, children are always spoken of as a blessing. Why would we turn away/delay having blessings heaped upon us? (and debt is a curse, in yet we're often quick to get into it)
2) God also always promises that He is with us, and will adequately 'arm' us for the task He has given. (money, health, strength, wisdom, etc.)
3) We need to look at child spacing/fertility/family planning with an eternal perspective, not a carnal one. Pray that God would override our limited human understanding, and fill us with His wisdom and truths.
4) Pray daily for strength, wisdom, patience, and all other virtues we may need as a parent. "Lean not on your own understanding" to tackle this most important job.
5) Don't let the world's views shape our Christian walk and decision making. This can often be influenced by well-meaning Christian people who do not have Biblical wisdom when it comes to these matters, and can often be our own family members (or even spouse). Pray for conviction, that you wouldn't be swayed by ideas that are not from above!

That said, I was confident that God would not only adequately arm me (and my dear husband), but that He would willingly take over all the details that I seem to fret about. This is a daily struggle; as I want to know all, see all and understand all that is going on in my world, but I know that I just can't handle it on my own. I've tried that before, and only end up in failure.

I do still have lots of fears (umm, not sleeping for instance) that I am trying hard to hand over to Him, but can only continue to trust that God knows what is best for me, and that He's shaping and molding me into the person He wants me to be. Challenges are never easy, but we do gain experience, patience, and sympathy for others when we are faced with trials.

I do have a few new things to try as far as sleeping/nursing goes with the next baby. I don't know that they'll solve anything, but that's my only hope from this end of things. I've had 3 babies with the same issues , which is why I've been scared to go forward. I see other people's placid babies around and wonder what that could be like. I've never had even moments where I could relax that first year, or moments when nursing my baby was even the least bit enjoyable. It's just a job that I do because I know it's best for my baby and myself, and through it all have been able to look back to see where I've bonded with them and been thankful for those sleepless nights (after they're done and over with). I also feel I am in tune with my children alot more through my added time with them when they are babies. It's not enjoyable time for me, because usually they have a tummy ache or are over tired (a.k.a. excessive crying), but I do learn alot about them that would be easier to miss if a baby was more relaxed. I've also discovered baby wearing, which has been the biggest blessing so far. With my oldest two kids, I just let everything else go to care for them, but with more kids, that just can't happen. We need to eat occasionally, and clean clothes are a bit of a necessity.

So, that's about where it stands. Trying to take it one day at a time, and praying for guidance to make changes that may make things run smoother, so that I can actually enjoy my baby, while he/she is yet a baby. Please keep us in your prayers, that we could seek His will more and that we could also trust His guidance rather than try to figure things out on our own.

Oh, and James is convinced this baby is a girl, because that's what he's been praying for. (so that Elise will have a sister to play with and will leave him and Luke alone). Luke was praying for a kitty, but will agree to a new baby instead since he didn't have a choice in the matter. We'll have to wait and see!

Garage Sale Guru

I happen to be a garage sale fanatic. I love the thrill of finding something needed and unusual (or usual) for a bargain, and the chase is on. Yesterday we tackled my favorite sale of the year, and came home with many treasures (in this house that's cheap kids clothes), money left in our pockets and tired kids and parents. But, since we only do that big sale once a year, I figure we can handle it. Thinking about things today, I was trying to come up with what would make things go better. It went really well, so instead I'm just going to list what we typically do. Also, some ideas on how to make more sales if you're having your own sale. I'd also like input as to more ideas that could save us money or make more money if we have our own, so please comment! (things I've learned from helping others with theirs, as well as Better Homes & Gardens ideas in their May 2011 issue)

On going to sales with kids:

1) Obedient kids who are well rested, well fed and potty-ed. Be prepared by bringing snacks along, as well as I usually buy a cheap 'new' toy or book at one of the first sales that keeps them happy in the car during those many stops. (yesterday we had about 15-20 stops) Yesterday Greg and I both went, so we could tag team it by running through sales quicker and keeping the kids in the car most of the time. If I'm on my own, I don't leave them in there unless I can park right next to the sale where I can see them and leave the windows down. They don't like unbuckling and rebuckling any more than I do, and they like to just watch the action (unless they see some tempting toys!)

2) Small change and an empty car to load up on stuff. The other day I came home with a free upholstered rocking chair, which we fit in the back of our van. I just happened upon the sale on my way home from town, so was lucky enough that we got it in. It sucks to turn down a sale item because there isn't room and the sale is too far to go back to pick something up. (which many of the sales I go to are)

On having your own sale:

a) Take the time to clean your items. No one wants yucky stuff, no matter how great a deal. Don't try to sell stained clothes. If you want to get rid of stained stuff, offer limited amounts for free. This is especially true for baby clothes. No one is going to take the time to try to get stains out, and if they see a few stained clothes, they will assume the whole lot is probably stained.

b) Arrange like items together. Organize by room/function/clothing and label your areas.

c) Clear, concise, consistent prices. Add extra info if needed ("works", "like new", "all parts here"). If you want to move stuff, keep your prices low. If you want to take 1/2 your items back home, then price them higher. A rule of thumb is to never ask more than 10% of the original price if the item is in good condition (and never pay more than that if you're the customer, unless it's a hard to find item that you're likely not to get for a better deal) I never pay more than $1/item for clothing ever, unless it's good quality shoes or coats. Clothes are the hardest thing to sell, so price them low. If you are selling them, they are of no value to you, so don't try to recoup your 'investment'. It's better to sell quantity and make money that way! If you want to make money on your clothes, take them to a consignment shop instead.

d) Gear up. Have essentials for customers on sale day- measuring tapes, calculator, extension cord, batteries so people can check things out for themselves. Be ready to help customers keep shopping by starting a bag for them if their arms are getting full.









e) Advertise, advertise, advertise. There is nothing more irritating than losing your directions half way to the sale because signs fell down or are misleading or missing. Or the font is too small to read while driving. Or they give a street address without arrows. Or a car is parked in front of a sign and you drive past and miss it. Or the sale is so far from town and no one told you so you wonder if you'll ever get there and so you turn back. Tall fluorescent signs in bold writing are best with really big arrows pointing the way. You should be able to see and read it clearly while driving the speed limit past it. Put an ad in your local paper as well as craigslist.

f) Have enough people to help to answer questions, help customers and load cars. Have plenty of boxes and bags so people can load up. Sell drinks if it's a hot day, and snacks too, if you like.

g) Have enough change for the whole day.

h) Have Free or $0.25 bins for items you want to go fast up front. Don't put broken stuff in there unless it is still fully usable. No one wants broken toys/dishes/etc.

i) Display:
- place large eye-catching items close to the road to encourage people to stop, move more outside as you sell the items that are out there
- hang clothes and separate clearly by size (I like to write the size on the sale tag too, so then people don't have to look inside each item "ladies 12" etc. in case people don't put them back in the sections they got them from) Organize kids clothes by size & gender and put in separated bins if possible. No one is going to dig through mountains only to find nothing in their size.
- cover tables with brightly colored plastic (this is supposed to entice people to pay what you are asking for your items) Things at eye level sell faster too. Things on the ground sell last (if at all)
- display jewelry on a fabric covered cardboard
- use vertical space, it gives the eye something to see beyond the flat tables. Use books under the table cloth to help do this.)
- hide and get rid of junk. No one wants to see or buy junk, so don't try to even offer it for free. It'll bring down the value of the rest of your sale items.
- mow your lawn and have your yard looking neat. This will make people think your items are of better quality.

j) Be prepared for rain/wind. Have things tied down and tarps ready if the weather does turn bad. Don't end your sale early if you advertised it until a certain time. Slow lulls are normal, and people will get discouraged if you said you'd be there and you're not.

k) Be willing to negotiate on prices. If you want it gone, know in advance how low you'll go. Write 'o.b.o.' on the tag beforehand helps too. And be willing to take people's numbers if you'll go lower later in the day if the item doesn't sell at full price.

l) Don't try to sell Christmas items in July. You'll have trouble giving them away! (that's Greg's contribution)

m) Most of all, have fun. Have fun on your mission, and have fun meeting people and wheeling and dealing. It's so much more fun than shopping at a store, as you never know what might be around the next corner!

Dying to Self

Our church federation puts out a monthly magazine called the Christian Monthly, and this was published this past month (April). Makes us realize how much we really need a Savior at this precious Easter season!

Dying To Self

When you are forgotten, neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting or hurt with the oversight, but your heart is happy being counted worthy to suffer for Christ;

That is dying to self.

When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinion ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart or even defend yourself, but take it all in patient, loving silence;

That is dying to self.

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any annoyance; when you can stand face to face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility, and endure it as Jesus did;

That is dying to self.

When you are content with any food, and offering, any raiment, any climate, any society, any solitude, any interruption by the will of God;

That is dying to self.

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation or record your own good works or itch after commendation, when you can truly love to be unknown;

That is dying to self.

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met, and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and you are in desperate circumstances;

That is dying to self.

When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit, inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart;

That is dying to self.

Author Unknown

Philippians 2:1-4 (KJV)

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

http://www.apostoliclutheran.org/christian_monthly.php

New Job!!

So, the next topic I said I'd write about is my dear husband's new job. This has been a long time coming, mostly due to the stress and workload at the previous job. Although it was a very good job, he came home every day exhausted (mentally), couldn't leave his problems there as there were so many, and could barely recover over each weekend before facing Monday morning again. Not fun.

He had said when he started there, that he hoped to stay at least 5 years, for the experience. He did end up there almost exactly 5 years (to the week) and learned a wealth of knowledge for future jobs and possibly owning his own business someday. But, it was time to move on. He felt obligated to stay for many reasons though, one of which was comments like "be thankful you have a job, so many people are out of work right now" (well meaning, but not very helpful). So, he'd grudgingly pull himself out of bed at 0430 and try his best to be thankful.

The last straw came last fall when he was taking a much needed 1 week of vacation (which was a rebooking for a canceled vacation in the summer, canceled by work, not him). His folks were in town and had agreed to watch the kids overnight so we could go to the beach for a getaway. While we were there (Tuesday, his second day off), his boss called and wanted him back "urgently" for work on Thursday and Friday. Being the good employee he was, he of course went back, but on the way home stopped in at a shop on our way to talk to them about a job.

The next step was updating the resume, and then getting it to that new shop. He also toured another shop while waiting where he knew someone. The shops both called him back wanting to hire him, but he ended up taking the first one in Kelso (where he had first stopped, had the first interview, etc). It wasn't an official interview, as Greg had just stopped by the shop again to talk to them. I was supposed to meet him in town that day after he had done that (1/2 hour later), but 4 hours later he hadn't called me yet, so I assumed either things were going really well or else really bad. His new boss is quite a talker, and he and his wife (who also works there) were just visiting all that time. Needless to say, I didn't meet him in town that day, as it was bedtime by then!

The transition came then in giving his notice at his old job, and starting the new one in reasonable time. We had really hoped for a warm, relaxing family vacation, so we were able to fit that in between jobs as well. His old boss made a very sweet offer in hopes that he would stay, but Greg felt he would throw up if he even considered it. That was how burnt out he was.

The new job started, and he loves it. The people at the second place he applied at is friends with Greg's new boss, and was joking at how the new boss "stole" Greg away from him because he was a few days too slow. Oops. That's the way it goes! At least Greg knows he has another option if this job doesn't work out for whatever reason (although he is loving what he does now). His boss is very laid back, and they have alot of fun at work, still while getting stuff done. Totally opposite his old ex-Marine boss. He also has some old customers who've shown interest in him, if he should ever be in the job market again.

And me, well, I'm glad to have my husband back. He's happy and relaxed, not distant like he was for so long. I felt like he'd either have a heart attack or end up on blood pressure meds if he kept up the stress level he was at. He now also gets every Friday off, so that's a good change in our household. His pay level went down, so we'll see over the long term how that affects us. So far we're doing just fine and know that God will provide for our every need.

Chicken Coconut Curry Soup

A friend made this recently, and it is absolutely delicious. I don't have much time to write, so I'll just post it instead. It is divine!!

What you need:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped – except for a few matchsticks for garnish

1/2 onion, chopped finely

1 red bell pepper, chopped finely – except for a few thinly sliced pieces for garnish

1 cup cooked chicken meat, chopped (canned is fine)

1 cup cooked rice (or quinoa, barley would work too)

2 tablespoons red curry paste (if you like it less spicy, just use 1 tablespoon)

3 tablespoons brown sugar

13.5 oz can Asian coconut milk or cream (unsweetened)

21 oz chicken broth (roughly 1.5 cans of Swansons brand)

Optional: 2 tablespoons fish sauce and a few sprigs of cilantro

Note: Reserve some of the coconut milk, carrots, and red bell pepper (and cilantro) for optional garnish.

Directions:

In a medium sauce pan, heat olive oil on medium heat and cook chopped onions, carrots, and red bell pepper for approximately 5 minutes. Add curry paste, brown sugar, chicken, rice, and fish sauce stirring and sauteing everything until curry paste is completely incorporated (approx. 2-3 minutes). Pour chicken broth and coconut milk into the pan and give it a good stir for a half minute. Reduce heat to medium and allow the soup to cook for 15-20 minutes. Serve with a spoonful of coconut milk added on top with a few matchstick carrots and a slice of red bell pepper for garnish. Enjoy! (she did it in a slow cooker to simmer, which worked well too)

http://savorysweetlife.com/2010/01/chicken-coconut-curry-soup/