Baby baby baby

I'm so glad Amy hasn't stopped blogging. Hers was the first blog I ever read (in 2005) and it really introduced me to the world of blogging.
This is from her archives:

"When a person can barely walk, has to be manually rolled over, moans all day, attends weekly doctor visits, and can’t think straight, the usual protocol is to call a family meeting and arrange for home-health care, convalescent care, or some other form of involvement. It’s just the right thing to do.
But when these are just pregnancy symptoms, somehow standard protocol is overlooked. Ignored. In fact, not only is nobody rubbing my swollen ankles and feeding me mushy food, but they’re hounding my phone at the same rate as telemarketers."

I just love that.

I'm not getting hounded....yet. (though I surely don't mind it, don't get me wrong!)

Just wanted to say I have not had the baby yet.  I promise you all will know when I do. And I can't wait to share the news!!

Mama Monday review

Here is a recap of all the Mama Mondays:

Grab some tea or coffee and enjoy!

Betsy
Eve
(Eve has started a blog! Check it out here!)
Laurel
Marybeth
Kari Jo
Rebecca
Kristi
Aimee
Tonia
Elizabeth
Jeanette
Christine
Nichole
L.L.
Sara
Terry
Ann

Simple Laundry inspiration

I know it's easy to look at the photos in the previous post and feel overwhelmed at creating a laundry space to enjoy. I hope you all know those pictures are merely to serve as inspiration, not the ultimate goal.
The truth is, anyone can create a laundry space they like and *gasp* enjoy with what they have. Anyone can find something to make it enjoyable or more bearable. Simply cleaning out the laundry space and making it organized and clean can help change your outlook. Coming up with a new laundry system changes things up and makes us "eager" (right word? ha.) to finish the task. I have always had my washing machines in tiny, dusty, closets. The house we are in now allows me to have more room and it is cleaner. In all times I have learned and tried to be content with my laundry space in plenty and in want. Having pretty containers to store your laundry supplies, getting a new rug to use in the space, making and using homemade liquid laundry detergent, hanging up pictures, having a clothesline, a new perspective, or just throwing up our hands and laughing:
All can help us get out of the "laundry doldrums".

Elise from the blog "A Path Made Straight" shared in the comments how she created her laundry space:

I have more of a pass-through laundry room, actually... it's like a hallway leading to another hallway, with doors on three walls, and not one. single. window.

So.

I painted it sunny yellow, using Lowe's special light feature that allows you to check your color under different lights so that you'll have the same color on your walls as you picked out at the store.

I hung family pictures (12 years worth, now!) on the wall above my simple IKEA folding table, which runs almost the length of one wall. Hung an ironing board over the toy room door.

And in the tiny space that was left over, the one that leads to another hallway? I placed a round table with a pretty cloth over it, an extra dining room table chair, and some favorite books.

Now when I'm waiting for a spin cycle to finish so I can do a double rinse on the cloth diapers, I can sit and read a snatch. Even though there are usually children crawling all over me, it is so pleasant.

And when I'm folding piles and piles of pinks and blues and diapers and giant shirts and socks that will never be fully clean again, I gaze at pictures of my boys when they were round little cherubs, and a profile of my girl on a swing, and an engagement picture of me and my hubby... and it makes it...

...MORE than bearable!

Love it Elise!!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

Laundry inspiration

credit: Decorology

credit: Sarah Richardson Design

all other photos found at Life in the Fun Lane

Laundry at my house is the chore I hate the most. So I am constantly looking for ways to improve the situation. These pretty photos remind me to make my laundry space a comfortable place to be. Do you have any ways you make laundry more bearable?

Where He wants me

This cartoon kind of sums up how I've been feeling lately. There is a bible study at my church I want to go to, a friend I want to make laundry detergent with, a family I want to fellowship with, a friend I want to meet for lunch.  I've had to say "no" to a cookout, and altogether skip a parenting conference I registered to attend... because I just don't have the energy to do these things lately. I've had to say "no" or reschedule a few times due to my desire to just do "one thing" each day. I can't let myself get overtired. Then I'm no good to anyone.

Sometimes I am frustrated that I can't do all I want to do, but it's a constant re-evaluation of my life: what is best for me? for my family? for the people in my life? (friends, neighbors, church) And ultimately, am I obeying the Lord and doing what He wants me to do, regardless of what I think I have to do? Sometimes the thing He is calling us to do is not a big change. Maybe it's improving on what we are already involved in. Maybe it's spending more time at home. Maybe it's not. Regardless, it all starts with Him.

I like what Katherine wrote in her latest post: (read the whole post, not just this quote, it's very good.)

"I guess I'm back to my usual spot, feeling like I'm not doing any one thing particularly well, trusting God to fill in where my efforts (again) run into the unforgiving curbs of my family's limits.
Which is probably where He wants me, anyway."

I love how He always just gently brings us back to Him. Letting us know that our efforts are not what saves us, but only His grace. And that where He wants me is clinging always to Him.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. ~Psalm 62:5

Wife and mother dressing

I'm drooling over this kimono from plum pretty sugar's etsy shop.

Every time I have a baby I have visions of myself lounging around for 6 weeks in beautiful comfy clothes, in all my matronly glory, rocking and nursing a sweet babe to my heart's content.

It doesn't always end up that way, but a girl can dream, right?

"...another point to keep in mind is that what you wear at home should blend in with the decor. You are the picture, your home the frame. Home may be your husband's castle, but you are the royal homemaker who garbs it and keeps it in running order. The colors, fabrics, and lines of your furnishings reflect your taste and outlook on life as much as your personal wardrobe."

~Anne Fogarty  Wife Dressing: The Fine Art of Being A Well-Dressed Wife

Mama Monday

Today's Mama Monday is the beautiful, smart Ann Kroeker from the blog  Ann Kroeker. Writer. 

Ann is a writer, most recently writing a book called Not So Fast: Slow Down Solutions for Frenzied Families.
(Available in August--available now for preorder.) She also has written another book(which I have personally read and love) called Contemplative Mom: Restoring Rich Relationship With God In the Midst of Motherhood.

What I like about reading Ann's writing, is that she focuses on living the "Slow Life" in her own life, as well as encouraging other mothers to do the same, with more than just the philosophy of "why"--but brings many great practical ideas. Ann also has a companion website to her book about slowing down, and many helpful links included at Not So Fast Book.

(worth a day of perusing all the links--some really great articles.)

More about Ann can be read here, and also at an interview I did with her back in January of 2008 here. 

Ladies I am pleased to bring you Ann:

1. Greatest thing about being a mom: The kids themselves! These four human beings in my care are amazing, and I get to be their mom!

2. Hardest thing about being a mom: The nonstop responsibility of meeting these four people’s needs, organizing schedules, mediating disputes, cleaning messes, always having to be on the alert—it’s all so exhausting. Also, when I was a young mom, I was very insecure about motherhood; I rarely felt confident I was doing the right thing and wasted a lot of time second-guessing my actions. And as the kids grow older, it’s hard to help them deal with heartache. Growing up wasn’t easy the first time, when I had to do it myself; it’s no easier helping four other people grow up.
3.  Interests / Hobbies: Reading, writing, running, hanging out with friends, learning new things. Writing is my main thing. At a hobby level, my writing consists of blogging, messing around with Twitter, and occasionally updating Facebook; but the writing at a ministry level currently involves my second book, Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families. The production schedule hasn’t been overwhelming, so I’ve been able to pace myself and still meet deadlines. But this writing commitment (lasting about two years), has kept me from developing a lot of new hobbies or interests. One thing I’d like to improve is my photography. I love seeing beautiful photographs and want to learn how to improve my own and add that element to my blog. I have a decent point-and-shoot, but I dream of a better one (DSLR). I shouldn’t kid myself, though; having better equipment doesn’t guarantee better photos. And I don’t know if this would be considered a hobby, but I’ve learned functional French to communicate with the Belgian Wonder’s side of the family and would like to be fluent someday. I can’t conjugate verbs and my vocabulary is extremely limited. I could order baguettes at the “boulangerie” and buy jars of Nutella at the “supermarché,” but I’m not satisfied. I look forward to one day enjoying more profound conversations with French-speaking in-laws.
4. How you find balance in your life: Keeping life fairly simple helps, but the most important element for seeking balance has been to faithfully pray and read/study God’s Word. When I neglect these basic ways of connecting with the Lord, I can feel it (and the family can tell). Through prayer and journaling, I ask the Holy Spirit to help me see what needs to change and try to evaluate how things are going. Another earthly benefit is that I also have an extremely supportive husband who sees when my stress level goes up. Ever since the kids were little, he’s encouraged me to have solitude, knowing how that time with the Lord is essential to my survival. At a very practical level, I find that getting outside in God’s creation improves my mood, attitude and perspective at a level that I can’t fully explain. Finally, regular exercise helps clear my head and keep me healthy. When I’m not keeping up with running or aerobic exercise of some kind, I quickly get out of balance.
5. Inspirations: (in no particular order) Great books, invigorating conversations with friends, the Holy Spirit’s insights, beauty, nature.
6. I couldn't live without: Tea. No, that’s not true. I could live without it, but I do really love it. The truth of the matter is that I couldn’t live without the Holy Spirit, without a relationship with God the Father through Jesus. I can’t live without God Himself. Over the years, I have come to understand at a practical level the meaning of that verse in John, “apart from Him, I can do nothing.” At the same time, though, it’s reassuring to know that He will never leave me nor forsake me—I can’t live without Him, but He is always with me.
7. Ways you worship God: I was talking with a friend of mine about this recently. She is a singer, so her main way of worship is through music. I enjoy music, but it’s not my primary way of praising the Lord. Some ways I worship Him are through prayer, writing, quiet moments alone, and communion.
8. What helps me through tough days: The Lord, time alone, a few minutes of quiet, time to write, a run, a pot of tea, and some Nutella on French bread.
9. What do you want that you think you cannot have: To live where it’s warm year round, preferably a short distance from the Gulf of Mexico.
10. 3 quirky things about you: 1) I occasionally talk in my sleep. This is embarrassing when camping or on women’s retreats when I share a room with someone I don’t know well. 2) I’ve never had a manicure or pedicure. 3) After my first bite of a vinegar-based food like salad dressing, I usually sneeze three times in a row.
11. guilty pleasures: Reading a book all day and late into the night. Logging on to Twitter (the Belgian Wonder thinks it’s a total waste of time, but I find it kind of fun). Spoonfuls of chocolate-chip cookie dough.
12. Something I've been thinking about lately: My book is about families slowing down in this fast-paced world. Because the release date is coming up, I’ve had a lot of conversations about it. People respond immediately after I say the title (Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families) with a heavy sigh. “Oh … we are living so fast. We are so busy. We need to slow down!” Over and over people talk about their full-to-bursting schedules, and I continue to marvel at how our culture’s emphasis on efficiency and productivity can lead to a life without pauses, without rest stops, without Sabbaths or conversation or connection with people. It seems like families barely look each other in the eyes anymore—we’re forgetting to stop and make that simple, intimate contact. I can’t get over how many people are aching to slow down.
13. The best day would be: …spent on a beach with nothing scheduled, a stack of books to choose from, a pile of steamed shrimp to devour with fresh corn on the cob, a pitcher of sweet tea on hand. The kids would be having fun digging in the sand and playing in the surf, but be safe and not need me at all. The Belgian Wonder and I would go on a couple of long walks, maybe toss a Frisbee. We’d all eat out at a seafood restaurant and no one would complain about their meals, and they would eat every bite. I guess my best day would be a vacation day. But I don’t live near a beach, so if this best day had to be a normal day, spent at home in my land-locked Midwestern home, I would sleep in, go for a jog, brew a pot of tea, write something (maybe a blog post, maybe something just for fun), read something, go out for lunch with a friend, lounge in a hammock, bake something like a quiche or brownies, and gather for dinner outside on the porch. We’d stay up late enough to catch fireflies and watch the stars come out. On the porch, we might light some candles and friends might join us for dessert and hang out talking until late.
14. One word that describes me: It’s too difficult to be objective, so I asked my family what one word they would use to describe me, and here is what they shouted out: “creative,” “fun,” “ideas,” “learner,” “a good teacher,” and “encouraging.” Five people generated six responses, so someone must have called out more than one word. And the 7-year-old is the one who gave a three-word response. They also said “cool” and “awesome,” but those, while flattering, aren’t as specific or descriptive.

Thank you Ann!!

Thank you, Andrea, for the fun of hanging out with your readers for a day! Have a great week!

It's Fatha's Day

I debated on whether or not to write a post about my husband today on Father's Day. The truth is, there is so much to say, but no appropriate words to even express the thoughts. Writing about him feels sacred. It's not easy to say all I want to in a simple blog post.

Many of you know that I married my husband and became an instant mom. My oldest daughter, who is now 15, was 3 years old when we met. Because her biological mother had tragically passed away, I became "Mom" to her, and have been ever since she was 5 years old. From the outside, this situation could have looked complicated: young woman taking on the responsibilities of a a new wife and a new mother. I won't deny it was very difficult in the beginning. Many well-meaning people questioned what I was doing and tried to make me aware of the responsibilities. (I was very aware that it was not a decision to be made lightly.) Truth is, I loved my husband and wanted to marry him, but also saw it as a "bonus" that he was already a father. I loved him for so many reasons, but a big part of my attraction to him was seeing the kind of father he already was.

To this day I am in awe of his dedication to our family, his enduring love for our children, and his never ending devotion to them. Truthfully, I could not be a mother without him. (and not in the obvious ways!) I guess what I am saying is I could never be the mother I am without his love, help, and support.

So...to my husband: I write you love letters all the time, send you texts that tell you how much I love you and am thankful for you, and now you get a whole blog post devoted to you. I love you and Happy Father's Day!

Weekend reads

Parenting Paradigm Shift A twist on "Relationships not Rules" kind of parenting.

Three simple words

Tips for surviving and thriving the baby and toddler years Concise and practical.

Daring to rediscover what you love

Hearing the voice of the Lord

Sanitizing the suffering right out of our lives

Parenting trends and the gospel

Happy reading! (There are a lot of links here!) Have a wonderful weekend and Father's Day.

Fresh find

I'm so excited about my Goodwill find. Pine cones? With turquoise needles? And turquoise inside the cups? Love it.

The practicalities of Grace

I realize my last few posts on this blog have been mostly about my struggle with being 35 weeks pregnant, having little or no energy, but having tons to do. I apologize if the tone here is not uplifting. The truth is, life is hard and God requires us to hard things. I certainly don't go out looking for hard things to do, but if my life circumstances are difficult, then I run to my Savior. I guess that's what I'm trying to show here.

Yesterday I was emailing with a good blog friend about my recent woes. I feel like a failure in many aspects of my parenting right now. I guess I tend toward measuring my success on what I can tangibly see, not merely on faith. My friend told me: "You're not a failure. You are pregnant!"

I had to laugh. It really is true. That comment allowed me to extend much Grace to myself.

So often in many aspects of our lives, we forget that we need to not only extend ourselves grace, but also our brothers and sisters in Christ, our neighbors and friends, our families, our husbands, our children.

Extending Grace takes work. It means looking beyond the outside behavior and seeking to understand where the other person is coming from. I'm not complainin' for complainin' sake over here. I'm tired! I have a lot to do! I'm pregnant! Not only should we extend a graceful spirit to the people in our lives, but also look for the practicalities of Grace. A good friend of mine called me yesterday and said, "I'm coming over to your house today. Stay in your jammies. I'll give you a foot rub." That's practical Grace.

Edith Schaeffer writes about how we can do this in her book The Hidden Art of Homemaking:

"Food cannot take care of spiritual, psychological and emotional problems, but the feeling of being loved and cared for, the actual comfort of the beauty and flavour of food, the increase of blood sugar and physical well-being, help one to go on during the next hours better equipped to meet the problems."

Sometimes a simple word or simple gesture of help makes all the difference in extending Grace.

Edith also speaks of taking care of children's physical needs when they are grumpy or misbehaving. Perhaps they need a warm bath and a snuggle instead of discipline. A cup of hot chocolate and whipped cream can do wonders for someones frame of mind. (including children.)

I just also want to say "thank you" to you all who have emailed me and/or left comments here telling me you are praying for me, and local friends who have so graciously offered help. I appreciate each and every word and gesture immensely.

Though

(empty bottles to recycle)

The fig trees might not bud,

The vines might not produce any grapes.

The olive crop might fail.

The fields might not produce any food.

There might not be any cattle in the barns.

But I will still be glad

because of what the Lord has done.

God my Savior fills me with joy.

The Lord and King gives me strength.

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer.

He helps me walk on the highest places.

~Habakuk 3: 17-19

Though the cupboards are empty...

Though the bank account is low...

Though I am exhausted...

Though my body is in pain...

Though I am overwhelmed...

Though my time and energy is limited (and depleted)...

Though....

YET will I trust the Lord God. He is my strength.

Please watch this. It will make your day.

Mama Monday

Today's Mama Monday is Terry from the always interesting and informative blog Breathing Grace. Here you can always guarantee that Terry will have interesting links on her sidebar, as well as informative thoughts and ideas. I really enjoy her "Monday Musings" where she simply expresses things on her mind from politics, to issues in the church, to schooling, to recipes. You can always expect varied content, as well as content to make you think. All dosed with a heavy sprinkling of grace. Terry moderates "controversial" topics in her comments very well, and even though I may not agree with everything she says, I enjoy the dialogue there: I can put my feet up on her coffee table, so to speak.

Terry has 6 beautiful girls and a heart for following the Lord.

Ladies, I bring you

Terry:

1.Greatest thing about being a mom

There are three great things about being a mom that stand out in my mind right now. With the babies, it’s seeing as they reach milestones (first steps, potty training, etc). With the teens, it’s seeing the light come on when they seem to grasp a life principle that I despaired they never would. Lastly is being able to appreciate the Divine ingenuity inherent in the different parenting styles my husband and I bring to this very daunting task.

2. Hardest thing about being a mom
At this juncture it’s balancing the needs of two toddlers against the schedules and demands of teenagers. It’s a stretching experience. But you know that, don’t you? (Andrea: yes, I do, Terry, all too well!!)
3. Interests / Hobbies
Reading, Writing, Baking, and family get togethers
4. How you find balance in your life
Truthfully? I don’t think I have found balance. I do know that days that start out with prayer and the word go infinitely smoother than others.
5. Inspirations—
My husband has a spirit of excellence that always inspires me to try harder. My children are also a primary source of inspiration. I always want to be better for them.
6. I couldn't live without—
Oxygen. Not trying to be facetious. There are many things and people I don’t want to live without, but I could if life demanded that.
7. Ways you worship God—
I believe the way we relate to other people should be an act of worship. We are supposed to share the love and mercy God has so graciously given us. I try to remember that. I used to think worship was all about music and church, but I was barely nicer than a rattle snake when I’d get outside.
8. What helps me through tough days—
Prayer, my children’s hugs, and when my husband expresses appreciation for what I do.
9. What do you want that you think you cannot have—
A trip to the bathroom alone.
10. favorite color—
Blue
11. guilty pleasures—
Snicker’s Bars and the TV show LOST.
12. Something I've been thinking about lately—
What does it really mean to be a follower of Christ?
13. One word that describes me—
Tired!

Thank you Terry!!!

How I like my oatmeal

In these bowls.

On a foggy morning.

With my darlings at the table.

(...and brown sugar, bananas, and walnuts on top.)

How do you like your oatmeal?

More oatmeal recipes:
A week of breakfasts: Oatmeal

The best that I can do

It's hard to be weak.

I'm not sure how we came to this point.

I am sure it has something to do with our sinful nature: work, work, work; do, do, do. Leave no room for God to work, try to be God.

Being pregnant with my fifth child gives me many opportunities to feel weak. No, I'm not screaming "yay" at that. It's hard. It's frustrating.

I'm 35 weeks pregnant; big, tired.....and this week I pulled a rib muscle and have a cold and cough.

Now just imagine how fun that is. I'm joking. It's a horrible combination.

My latest mantra is: "It's not faaaiiiirrr."

The beginning of this week had me stuck in bed with piles of laundry from our vacation all around me, and the looming thought that I-have-six-weeks-until-this-baby-comes-and-I-have-done-nothing-and-I-have-no-energy-and-I-have-no-time.  Panic!!

So I told God: Lord, I don't know why you have me in this situation. But I trust You know what's best for me and I accept that.

Weakness. I am panicking because I cannot do, only be. 

Gluten Free Girl has a good post up about doing the best we can.

She says:

When life threatens to boil over, like a pot too full of water, I do three things. Tickle Little Bean and watch her giggle. Look down at my wrist at the yes in blue ink, to remind myself to say yes to this moment too. And I think of Paul Raymond, who led a full, imperfect life, and gave me this gift:

"Do the best you can in the time available to you."

For me, in this moment, it means resting as much as I can. Writing down one thing on my "to do list" every day, instead of ten things. When I can't "do" for my children, I pray for them.

I don't like to be weak. I fight against it constantly. However, I rest in the truth of His words when He says:

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My Power is made perfect in weakness." 

Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

(II Corinthians 12:9)

Thriving, riding on uncertainty

I am one of those people who craves stability and certainty. I'm a planner.  I like routines, I like "sameness". So when life's circumstances take a different turn than what I expected, it's unsettling to me.

Due to many recent life circumstances in my life the past year and a half, I am beginning to see and understand more that uncertainty is the one thing we can be sure of in this life.  Jesus did say there would be many storms in this life. He never promised a life without challenges or uncertainty. So with that knowledge, I have to learn to face the challenges and uncertainty head on.

I guess you could say it's a coping mechanism of sorts: I expect unknowns. I expect uncertainty. That is certain. Because we have Jesus guiding us, He is our rock, He is the One who is certain and unchanging. This way I can thrive on uncertainty, I can ride the wave, so to speak.

This is the one thing I know. You said you won't let me go. You've done a good work in me and now You're making me free. ~The One Thing I Know by Sara Groves

Image found here.

Mama Monday

Today's Mama Monday is the colorful, vibrant, thoughtful blogger Sara Janssen of the very popular weblog Walk Slowly, Live Wildly.

I was very lucky to be able to meet Sara and her husband Matt, along with their daughter Bella, when they road-tripped across the United States in a fabulous RV in 2007-2008. Their adventures were documented at their blog Live Lightly Tour.(for some reason, this link is not working.) 

If you are a regular reader of Sara's blog, you will know she has a week old little newborn named Lucia Mae (a.k.a. Lucy Mae):

Isn't she precious perfection?

Sara also has a very informative food blog with yummy recipes: 

Happy Foody 

Delicious.

Sara and her daughter Bella.

Ladies, I bring you Sara:

Greatest thing about being a mom—

Seeing the unbridled enthusiasm in Bella’s eyes when she is excited…and realizing that we can all experience that same emotion if we just stop “acting like adults” for awhile ☺. Being a mom has changed me in every way possible and I am so grateful.

Hardest thing about being a mom—
Wanting to parent perfectly, but realizing that it’s impossible.
Dying to myself daily and letting go of my “agenda”.

Favorite blogs/websites—
I wish I had time to read all of the amazing blogs that are out there! I have simplified my blog reading lately, and try not to add a lot because I get overwhelmed with it all! ☺ It’s hard to pick just a few, but here are some that I really enjoy:

Tara Whitney – my favorite photographer. Her photos make me insanely happy.
Tara Whitney

Bluebirdbaby – Great photography and writing. Check out her self-portraits…amazing stuff.
Bluebirdbaby

From Under The Laundry Pile - My good friend from high school…who is soon to welcome their 8th blessing. She cracks me up like no one else.
From Under The Laundry Pile

Journey Mama – Rachel is the friend of several people we’ve met on tour, and I just adore her blog. Very real, passionate, and inspiring.
Journey Mama


How do you find balance in your life?
By pursuing it …it doesn’t just happen. In today’s world of “go go go”, it’s very easy to get out of balance and let certain things take over the top priorities in my life. It’s easy to be swept away in the excitement of things, but I want to be very mindful about where my time is going. I want to focus and place a priority on the things that are eternal…spending time with family and friends mostly. Maintaining connection with those I love here on earth as well as with my heavenly Father help me find balance.

When things are getting stressful…I have no problem saying ‘no” to events and invites…even if they are fun. I know my limits better now than I did when we were first married…and yet it’s a daily thing. It doesn’t happen naturally!

One word that describes you---
Passionate.

Hobbies/interests/passions---
Jesus, photography, design, traveling, vegetarian and vegan cooking, raw foodism, whole and organic foods, Thai food, tea, coffee, breastfeeding and child-led weaning, babywearing, homebirth, the family bed, cloth diapering, vaccination awareness, attachment parenting, natural remedies, holistic medicine, homeschooling / unschooling, different cultures, eco-village living, anti-consumerism, questioning everything, protecting the environment, buying local, crafty things, becoming debt-free, being frugal, homemaking, simplicity, yoga, tiny houses, thrifting, recycling, using cloth everything, raising chickens, gardening, vermicomposting, camping, backpacking, worship, and singing.

Favorite thing to wear—
Right now? Sun dresses! But when I’m not super preggo, you can find me in skirts or jeans and comfy tanks/t-shirts. I’m a very colorful and casual kind of girl. In the summer I LIVE in my Chacos, and in the cooler months, I’m all about the Birkenstock clogs. Of course, in Montana, I’m forced to be all about the snow boots most of the winter months!

Top three events in your life (so far)—
1. Bella and Lucy's Birth.
2. Our Wedding Day.
3. Touring the U.S. and meeting inspiring people.

Three random "quirks" about you—
1. I like my hot drinks to be HOT…not luke warm.
2. I have my pilot’s license, but I never use it.
3. Even though I love food and all things fresh, I have never had my own garden (we’re trying our hand at a few things this year!) ☺

One thing that has been on my mind lately—
Well, this one is easy…having a baby! I’m 39 weeks pregnant right now and that’s pretty much on my mind all the time.

I couldn't live without---
Hmmmm….I could get all philosophical, but here are some things that I LOVE (but that aren’t necessary to life).
• Avocados, watermelon, and kale
• Soy caramel lattes
• Snuggling
• Sunshine
• My camera

What helps me through tough days---
Remembering that “this too shall pass”. I’ve gotten pretty good at realizing my triggers and the things that are harder for me to handle…and then I try to avoid those things (i.e. not trying to cram too many things into one day, for example). Saying short prayers frequently throughout the day helps immensely as well.

Something the Lord has been telling me—
That His love is unconditional and that I can never stray out of His reach. He has also been gently reminding me that life is so much easier when I abide daily in Him…and relying not on my own strength, but on His.

Bible verses you have been enjoying lately—
Isaiah 30:18
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!

Philippians 4: 4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thank you Sara!!!