Status to Date

The year is 1/3 over and it seems it has only just begun. My youngest son is already 18 months old and becoming quite the little man. He is still breastfeeding, although I would honestly be happy to give that up as soon as he is ready. Walking, talking, blowing kisses and well in to the terrible 2's already.

My middle son is 7 and still a pleaser in life. He wants everyone to be happy all the time and is eager to jump in and be my little helper at any minute. He is such a kind soul with a great heart. :-)

My daughter is 11 going and starting Jr. High in the fall. It's hard to believe. She possesses the narcissus of a child, but the sense of humor and love of life of someone well outside her years. She loves her family and is becoming a beautiful young lady. Her laughter echos in my mind throughout the day and keeps me smiling.

The relationship between my husband and I is amazing. Soul mates feels right. Our life is filled with love, laughter, food and just enough challenge to keep us moving forward and motivated to be our best. We have that zing that makes you thankful for life every day.

My life long desire to change the world hasn't faded. While I am perfectly content with my contribution to the world in the form of happy, healthy and loving kids that I know will make the world a better place, I want to do more. I want to urge the world to recycle. To come back to nature. To embrace what their bodies are telling them, to recycle and to be kind to animals. It's silly. I know. But, the feeling exists and I need to find my way.

Do I want to reach the milestones in my education I hoped to long ago by obtained a med degree and apply to med school? Focus on nutrition and psychology? Anthropology and somehow travel the world bringing cultures together for the greater good? I'm getting too old to not know anymore!

Don't get me wrong, I have a really great and successful career. I enjoy my job, I make enough to provide the things we need and save enough to travel and explore within reason for a family of five. I'm fulfilled in so many ways. I just want to do more.

Thankful

My (big) baby sister, Alexis received the best "Sweet 16" Birthday present yesterday. She got to go home! She will now start post-acute brain injury rehab in an outpatient setting. We know Alexis has a long road ahead of her, but the doctors anticipate a strong recovery. Alexis (and our family) has been blessed in so many ways since this began. We are so thankful for everyone that has offered prayers and support.

Alexis is an amazing, strong and beautiful young lady. Through everything, she never lost her sense of humor and keeps us laughing every day. She has inspired us all and managed to renew our strong family bonds. This Christmas season, we all remain humbled and thankful for such a generous and loving God. Money, gifts and material things will never equal family, health and happiness. Merry Christmas everyone & may God bless you!

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Our Family

Ugh! I'm sick and drippy...

It's so hard to stay motivated in the office today when all I want to do is go home and lay down! My head is killing me and my poor nose is sore from all the tissues. Who knows how many trees I have killed today just blowing me nose and washing my hands. I just want to go home and hold my babies!

Natural/Green Parenting

Everyone knows I am an avid supporter of breastfeeding. After breastfeeding 3 children, I have been through a lot and consider myself a breastfeeding guru of sorts and I do my best to support others in the process. I could go on FOREVER about the benefits of nursing your baby, so I will just stop right there. In addition to breastfeeding, co-sleeping and what they now call attachment parenting, I was able to take it a step further and Go Green!

Honestly, it was scary when I started researching  the chlorine, chemicals & bleaches used to make disposable diapers, not to mention the waste it creates. But, when Sawyer reach 2 1/2 months old I found out that the awesome caregivers at Daycare would support cloth diapers! Since then, we transitioned fully to cloth (using 1 occasional disposable for overnight use). I'll admit, you lose q lot in convenience, but you gain so much in other areas. The benefits really are outstanding! I am happy to say that Sawyer has never had a rash, UTI, infection or any other side effect typically associated with diapering. Not to mention the long term financial saving after your initial investment. I would highly recommend it!

I have also been fortunate enough to find my 3 kid parenting groove, finally! I have a pretty set schedule for each day of the week and have set Wednesdays and Sundays for baby food preparation days. This allows me to ensure Sawyer receives only healthy, natural, organic, homemade baby food. I am able to introduce so many superfoods that I wouldn't be able to give him otherwise. I have always been interested in nutrition, but after all the research I did on pesticides, preservatives, contamination and packaging I have been inspired and have a new found love of the subject. So much so that I have decided to pursue a degree in Nutrition. Eventually, I plan to write a book that include many awesome baby food recipes! I have many that I have read that I can certainly recommend.

Well, my lunch break is about over so I better get back to work. Have an awesome day cyber world!