Wordless Wednesday with Tiany.

Another first! I thought you might like to see the photos that I have taken of clouds lately and see the most recent photos of my flowers. So here goes:

If you would like to join us, go HERE!

Enjoy!

Heather

To join us this week, go HERE!

I hope you don't find this offensive, but there is nothing sweeter to me than a baby while she's nursing!

To join us for Wordless Wednesday, go HERE!

I have another blog at blogspot, as many of you know; and it is called Running the the Cross. My dear friend, Amy, at Blessed Motherhood, had this novel idea of giving me a Baby Shower Guestbook *blush*!

As you can imagine, I am quite honored by her kindness. She has requested that I request all of my friends to sign this online "book" so that she can print up all the baby care advice, etc. and place it in a lovely book! Again, I am quite honored...but at her request, I am posting up this "call to all my friends" so that all may have a chance to sign it!

Here is the link, Baby Shower Guestbook.

Blessings!

Heather

I posted this on my other blog, Running to the Cross, but I figured I would at least put this up on this blog as well, for those who do not visit my Running to the Cross blog.

Now, I will not be linking this blog to Tiany's since my other blog is already linked, and I don't feel right about entering the giveaway contest twice. But if you don't know about the Homeschool Open House, I certainly want to get the word out!!! So here is the post that I posted at my other blog:

• OUR FAMILY

• OUR CURRICULUM

At first we used very little curriculum books. I basically taught colors, shapes, letters, writing, and other important skill. I still do this for kindergarten and preschool.

I use the Saxon Math curriculum to teach all levels of math.

We are using Shurley English for grammar.

For science, we are using Apologia Science.

And for history, writing, literature, geography, fine arts and activities, Bible Survey and Church History, government & philosophy (both of these are upper level grades), we are using the Tapestry of Grace curriculum...this is our first year with this curriculum.

For handwriting, we often use scripture and Keach's catechism.

And for physical education....our children get plenty of exercise and eventually we will teach them about sports, I'm sure.

• MY HOMESCHOOL DAY

• Get up & dressed.
• Breakfast for all (Hubby works at home).
• Clean Up.
• Homeschooling until lunch.
• Lunch for all.
• Clean Up.
• Naptime for littles, and more homeschool for others.
• Finish up school, littles awake.
• Afternoon Chore time.
• Freeplay/Outside for all, except littlest & Dinner prep for mom.
• Dinner for all.
• Clean Up.
• Freeplay/Outside time.
• Devotions/Bedtime.

I have a basic "to-do" list that I have memorized and I do as much of it as I can each day. If it doesn't get done one day, it will be there for me the next!

• WHERE DO WE HOMESCHOOL?

• MUST SHARE TIPS?

1. Relax! Don't stress if you don't get everything done that you had intended. Your children will learn regardless and they will someday amaze you with all that they have learned.
2. Need a break? Find a video for your children to watch that will teach them a thing or two and give your brain a rest.
3. Make it fun! For crafts you can make cards to send to others. Teach your children about math in the kitchen by making something yummy!
4. If you have something to read to your older children, give the younger children a picture to color while you are reading. Maybe you should purchase a special coloring book for them for such an occasion.

• QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

I have many of these. I often feel overwhelmed by the task at hand, I guess I need to take my own advice and RELAX!

I often feel unqualified as a teacher, even with a college degree. There are no manuals that teach you how to parent, and homeschooling is much the same with me. No matter how much I read, I am finding that I am learning how to homeschool as I go. It all involves experience. I was not homeschooled myself, so in a sense, I am a pioneer in my family to homeschooling.

Some days go wonderfully, while others are a flop.

My main questions are:

I know I probably have more questions, but I must stop for now. I have homeschooling to do!

(She's the one with the goofy smile and the crown of roses and ribbon.)

Blessings!

Heather

I found out that I was expecting my second child shortly after my husband and I discussed the issues of using birth control. As we did our research, we discovered that some birth control pills could cause a miscarriage (or keep a fertilized egg from attaching to the uterine wall). When we realized this, we decide it was time to stop. We would trust God to control our family size.

Just a couple weeks after our discussion, we found out that we were, once again expecting. My oldest son was about 9 months old when we found out, but I was elated! During this time, we decided that once our lease ran out on our duplex that we were going to try to purchase a home. We found a delightful home that, at the time, suited our family.

My due date was January 8, 1999 and that day came and went. I began rearranging furniture around the time of my due date, and cleaning everything that I could get my hands on. I actually rearranged an entire room!!! The nesting urge had hit me, but the baby stayed safely in the comfort of my womb. My mother-in-law arrived about a week after my due date, and waited along with me for the impending delivery. She kept me company as I impatiently waited to go into labor.

I went in for a stress test at about 9 days overdue. The midwife said the baby was fine and that we would wait it out. Tuesday, January 19, my mother-in-law and I decided it was time to go grocery shopping. When I arrived home that day, I noticed that I may have began to lose my mucous plug. Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel!

At about 11:30 p.m. that night, I began to have contractions. I called my mother, and she couldn't help but come over and wait out the night with me. The contractions were very irregular for the longest time. They seemed to regulate a bit by 7 or 8 a.m. the next morning so we called the midwife and told her we were coming in. When we arrived there, I was only dilated to 1 cm, so the midwife told me to go eat breakfast and go to the mall to walk for a while. UGH!!!

Off we went. First we found this little country diner to eat (where all the hunters go to eat breakfast). My son loved the place because he got a huge stack of pancakes, his favorite. Once we were finished eating, we took off to the outdoor mall.

The weather was actually really nice that day. The sun was shining, and I think it was in the 50s. Perfect weather for walking outdoors. We walked and walked, and shopped and shopped, and I labored and labored. I would stop at the benches with each contraction and breathe it out.

Shortly after lunch time we decided it was time to start heading in the direction of the birthing center. I was downright tired of walking stairs and walking on the hard sidewalk, I just wanted to rest on something more comfortable than the hard benches at the mall. However, before we got to the birthing center, we had to make one more stop at Walmart. By that time my contractions were 5 minutes apart and getting stronger with each contraction. I was extremely uncomfortable, but again very calm for the most part. Finally, after our trip to Walmart, we were headed straight for the birthing center...no more stops.

We finally arrived at the birthing center at around 1:30 p.m. or so. The midwife checked me and I was dilated to 7 cm. YEAH!!! I was immediately ready for the jacuzzi with jets. Oh, what a relief to get into the hot tub. It was so relaxing!!! Especially after walking all over the place!!!

When I got out I was dilated to about 9 1/2 cm. Again, NO transition. I was beginning to feel the urge to push, but I needed to empty my bladder one last time. Once I did, the midwife checked me and I was complete.

At about 3:55 p.m., I began pushing...this time I decided to try squatting. Although the squat bar was on backwards, I did find it much easier this time. I had such an urge to push that the midwife was telling me to slow down! I told her, "I can't stop pushing!!! I have to push!!!" After about 25 minutes of pushing, I had a baby! Much faster than the last time! I laid down and she put the baby on the warm towel on my tummy. I couldn't wait for my husband to tell me what I had. I immediately threw the towel off and screamed, "It's a boy, it's a boy!" Our second son was born at about 4:20 p.m. on January 20, 1999 weighing a whopping 7# 14 ounces and was 21 1/2 inches long.

My husband tells me that I was crying, but I don't remember the tears, just the joy I felt knowing that I had another little boy. I don't remember much after that. I do know that I tore a little again, so the midwife had to stitch me up.

Nursing was also much easier! He didn't have any problem latching on and nursing. In fact, I think he may have nursed for the first 1 1/2 hours after he was born, but my memory has faded since then, so I am not positive on that fact.

He had me on a schedule within the first week of his life. He nursed every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. He was very colicky, but very much a sweetie!

My first pregnancy was a very exciting one. I had never experienced pregnancy, so every new "stage" that I entered was an absolute joy to me. I had folks telling me how healthy and energetic I was for being pregnant....What?! Am I supposed to be sick? The only thing that I really dealt with during this pregnancy was low blood sugar and anemia. I had to relearn how and what to eat, making sure that I avoided sweets and increased my protein intake. My midwife also told me to take liquid chlorophyll and eat leafy green salads for my anemia.

I had chosen to have a midwife deliver me, so I went to their clinic for all of my appointments and the birth. When she checked my pelvis for size, she told me I would have no trouble delivering babies. It was all a new experience, but a very enjoyable one. We were hoping for a boy.

The day drew nearer to my due date which was July 31, 1997. I can remember on July 20th...the day of the full moon, hoping to go into labor. That night my husband and I went for a walk, walking up and down hills and such. That didn't work. I was somewhat disheartened but I knew that I wouldn't be pregnant forever.

On Saturday, July 26th, at 4:30 a.m. I woke up to my first contraction. I was excited, but went back to bed...I am not sure how long I slept, but I was able to go back to sleep. I had irregular contractions throughout the day. We were scheduled that day to clean the church, so that's what we did. I would stop for each contraction, but they still weren't regular at that time. My husband had some brush to haul off, so he and I drove separately to my folks house...Yes, with contractions I drove to my parent's house. (O; The contractions had begun to get more regular, but they weren't really strong yet. We had dinner at my parent's house...PIZZA, but I was getting more and more uncomfortable and was only able to eat one piece. I also took a hot bath at their house to help with the pain.

We headed home sometime around 9 or 10 p.m. and I continued to labor at home. I was having some bad back labor, quite painful, but my contractions were still not very close together. I got on all fours to help the back labor. I can remember rocking back and forth on my hands and knees, and having my husband rub my back (around the sacrum). Around 11:30 p.m. or so we decided it was best if we headed to the birthing center, my mom and sister had come over and they followed us there. Yes, we had called the midwife already, so when we arrived she was waiting on us.

I feel very blessed yet today to still have my mother and sister alive. As they were driving to the birthing center, they were nearly hit head on by someone who appeared to be drinking and driving. God was watching over them, for they arrived safely to the birthing center and were not hit by that driver.

We arrived to the birthing center at 12:30 a.m. There my midwife checked me and I was dilated to 4 cm., I still had a long ways to go. I was beginning to get really uncomfortable, so my midwife suggested that I get into the hot tub with jets. That was SOOOOOO relaxing, I absolutely loved the jacuzzi, in fact while I was in there I could hardly tell that I was in labor. But the time did come for me to get out and when my midwife checked me again I was dilated to 9 cm!!!!

I continued to labor in bed, never experiencing transition. At this time the contractions were coming about five minutes apart, and were pretty intense. However, I was sleeping in between my contractions and I remained calm and focused throughout the labor. Normally, I am a high strung individual, but when I am in labor or pain, I become quite calm and controlled. Unusual, I know. (O;

Finally, I was near 10 cm. with just a little lip that the midwife easily pushed out of the way. I was now able to push, and it felt so good to push. I relieved the pressure that I was feeling. I think I began pushing around 4:30 or 5:00 a.m. I pushed for a long time! I was still resting in between contractions nearly falling asleep, but when the contraction came again I would push. I pushed for nearly 2 hours, until the midwife threatened an episiotomy...then I pushed with all my might and the baby began to crown. Once the head was out, the midwife checked for a cord around the neck and the cord was around the neck twice....no wonder I had such a hard time pushing the baby out!!! Once the head was out, I gave a gentle push and out came baby at 6:57 a.m., Sunday morning, July 27th...the day before my birthday! What a great early birthday present!

The midwife had put a warm towel on my tummy and then baby, and my husband came over to reveal to me that we had a son! He weighed 6# 13 ounces and was 22 inches long. Once the cord stopped pulsing, my husband cut the cord. Then the midwife took our baby boy, rubbed in the vernix, and gave him to daddy while I delivered the placenta. When the midwife examined the sack, she made and amazing discovery! My placenta was very large, in fact it was a double placenta and there was a double sack as well. The midwife showed me the sack. The sack that my son was in, a line down the middle, and a sack next to where my son was. TWO SACKS!!! I was amazed and very grateful for the one son that I had. The thought of possibly having twins was quite amazing to me. What an awesome God we have!

I tore a little with the delivery, so the midwife put in a couple of stitches (one's that dissolve). I was able to nurse him almost immediately, but as a first time mother, I struggled to get him to nurse. I stayed at the birthing center for about 4 hours and then was able to go home. I don't remember much when we got home, except when I had to nurse him at about 12:30 a.m. I remember sitting up in bed, Indian style and dreaming that I was feeding my son peas and carrots!!! Oh, what the mind does when you are so exhausted. This feeding he actually seemed to "get it" that is, nursing, finally he was nursing well. I remember that I had struggled all day trying to get him to nurse.

My mom and sister came to visit me the next day, and brought me flowers and a balloon for my birthday. I think I had actually forgotten it was my birthday, but that birthday in particular, I felt very, very, VERY blessed!!! I have received a son from the LORD!!!

Blessings!
Heather

For all of you who are interested...

I finished planting my garden on June 21st (with my dear hubby's help)!!! YEAH!!!

I planted my green beans and cucumbers. They are growing nicely.

My sunflowers are coming up around my deck!!! They are about 18 inches high right now.

I am SOOOO excited. Just think, in August, I will have tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans and peppers to eat fresh from my garden! YEAH!!! I get antsy just thinking about it! I feel so blessed! God is sooo good!

What did I plant?

• cherry tomatoes (10 plants)
• Big Boy slicing tomatoes (7 plants...it was supposed to be a six pack, but one of the slots had two plants so I separated them)
• Burpless cucumber (2 hills, Tasty Green Hybrid)
• Pickling cucumber (2 hills, Burpee Pickler)
• Green beans (1 row, Burpee's Stringless Green Pod--bush type)
• Green beans (1 row, Brittle wax--yellow bean--bush type)
• 1 row of green & yellow beans that I mixed
• Sunflowers (Mammoth--Gigasol Gigante) These sunflowers are actually supposed to get 12 feet tall ( not six feet).

I'm back! At least for today. I figured I better get over here and write up a quick entry about what has been going on.

So What's Been Going On?

We have been very busy, plain and simple, and keeping up with more than one blog can be quite challenging.

We finished up school on June 8, and I have been trying to get everything in order around here during our two week break. I have hardly made a dent on all the things that need to be done and I only have 2 days left!!!!! I am NOT ready to start school again, but I will probably start school again on Monday anyway. I plan to do some math with my oldest son (almost 10), reading with my youngest son (8), and phonics with my first grade daughter and my kindergarten daughter. My daughters especially love school. My almost 4 year old daughter, I'm sure, will be begging me to do some "school" as well.

I probably won't be around much, but I will try to at the very least copy and paste some entries from my other blog(s). I have 3 over at Blogger that I update from time to time. Here are the links if you are interested:

Running to the Cross ...this is my main blog.

Home Management Basics ...this is my online Home Management Binder (in process)

Home Inspirations ...this one is mostly pictures of things that inspire my creative side (home decor &  poetry)

I apologize to all of my friends who have been checking my blog for some entries, only to find none. I am just busy. And if you notice my baby ticker is counting down quite quickly! I am sure that the old nesting urge will hit me soon...I hope. Lately, I have been hit quite hard with fatique and discomfort.

For a while the bananas helped me with my round ligament pains, but now they are back. I also have a slight case of restless leg syndrome (as with all of my pregnancies). I usually treat that with a hot bath and a foot and leg scrubbing. This seems to calm the nerves (or dull them) so that I don't have the creepy crawlies in my legs and feet quite as bad.

So there you have it in a nutshell...I AM BUSY! What do you expect for a mom of six, soon to be seven, all under the age of 9? Ask anyone who has been there, and they will tell you the same thing! I am busy being blessed!

Have a great day in the Lord!

Blessings!

1. Bags: diaper bags, back packs, purses.
2. Stuffed animals.
3. Doll clothes: brushes, hair accessories, doll shoes.
   
4. Baby dolls.
5. Miscellaneous plastic toys.
6. Bucket for legos.
7. Bag for plastic animals.
   

If you look at my list you will see that I didn't get everything done. I found it impossible to clean my entire house in one week. However, I am not disheartened by it. I am merely motivated to keep the areas that I got cleaned maintained. ;O)

We have a very large home (we rent). It fits our family well, but it can be a challenge to keep clean. We have 5 bedrooms, one that is used for the office; 2 very large bathrooms; 2 living areas, one of which is very large (in my opinion); a medium sized eat-in kitchen (small for our family); and a laundry room that seems small because we also have an upright freezer and a side by side refrigerator in it with the washer and dryer. Yes, my house can get very messy sometimes.

We took a week off of homeschooling to get it cleaned. I could not have gotten it cleaned if I had spent the week homeschooling, as well. So instead of finishing up this year on May 30, we will finish on June 6. That is fine with me because we are schooling year round this time.

Anyway, enough jibber-jabber. WHAT DID I GET DONE????

1. I completely cleaned and organized the girls' room. I also vacuumed under all the beds and washed all the sheets & comforters.
2. I completely cleaned and organized the boys' room (with the exception of their dresser drawers). I vacuumed their room and washed all the sheets & comforters.
3. I completely cleaned and organized the tiny guest room, closet included. I also vacuumed.
4. I did several loads of laundry, more than I can count...which got folded and put away.
5. We cleaned and vacuumed our living areas, which are cleaned daily anyway.
6. I cleaned the kitchen which is also done daily. I didn't thoroughly clean our living areas and kitchen. There was just not enough time. But they get cleaned enough that I didn't stress to much about these areas.
7. I cleaned the downstairs bathroom. This is another room that gets done regularly.
8. I didn't get the master bedroom cleaned, but I did get the sheets and comforter washed.
9. I got almost all of my flowers planted (except for about 8).
10. I DID NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!!!!