Beauty and Beasts

Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Beauty....Breathtaking...

Wisconsin is posting a campaign against woman co-sleeping. They use the anti-SIDS campaign to justify their disgusting bill boards. Firstly, it IS possible to safely co-sleep with a child. I have done it with both of mine and will always prefer a family bed. I can't imagine leaving a small baby in a crib after having co-slept with them. I am able to immediately respond to my child before they cry and that is amazing for mother and baby sleeping. Now, I have followed these rules. I don't put my children to sleep on their belly. I never do drugs (prescription or illegal) and do not ever feel compromised physically where I will not wake at the slightest move of my child. I am very sad by this beastly campaign. You must be aware of your limits to do this.

Tomorrow I will do a book giveaway!

Photo Card

I am Back! Sorry for the long hiatus. The move to the new house was to much for this mom. I am back and starting afresh with a look at the last couple months via our Holiday Card that I just ordered on Shutterfly. Tune in tomorrow for a book review.

Joy Love Family Christmas

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Massage: What every mamma needs!

I had my monthly massage today and it reminded me how amazing and important my massage is to my health and well being. I am a new person after it is done and feel more recharged and able to face my children.....especially the sick, whiny children I currently have. I recommend therapeutic massage for one hour. It does wonders for a body that is constantly lifting kids, bending over, playing toys and all other kinds of "mom" stuff.

I also try and do stretching during the day to make sure my body can handle the day to day tightness that arises. Here are some examples of what I do:

1) The best is to lay your baby on the ground, bend at the waist and tickle your baby.

2) Another good one is to do downward dog over your baby.

3) Get into a table pose over your baby and raise one leg at a time straight behind you.

4) Lastly, I love to lay on my back with my knees bent in the air. I set my 4 month old on my knees and while holding his hands I lift and lower my legs.

What are some things you do to help your body out?

Colds: Really it is that time already??

So we woke up in the middle of the night to a choking 4 month old. He was having a hard time swallowing all his drainage. Then a 2 year old came into the room at 2 am asking for the boob since he didn't feel good. When morning rolled around I was exhausted and empty and it was obvious both boys had a cold. My husband was also complaining of a cold. So I told him to Netti pot and then take some homeopathic medicine for colds and throat soreness. For the boys I have been giving them the homeopathic Hylands Aconitum Napellus, lots of boob and orange juice as well as chicken soup. Julien is still draining but his mood has been really good and he seems to be dealing with the drainage better. I am very glad I can handle these sicknesses without running to a doctor and using prescription drugs. I am glad my boys still nurse which keeps up their immune system. Now I just have to drink non-stop to keep up with the demand!

Horses: I want to ride one!

I found a groupon for 2 horse riding lessons and I had my first yesterday. It has been something I have wanted to do for awhile. The boys got to see a horse up close and I got to experience the awe and wonder of grooming and riding a horse. I highly suggest it!

What is your dream to experience? I hope you make it happen!

Fall: Cozy by the fire

Today it was a high of 65, and boy did it feel chillier as the day went on. My son has been taking long naps this week which makes me wonder if it is the cooler air or if he is growing. We even put up the fall decorations around the house.

So today felt like the perfect day for some homemade bread and homemade chili. Here is a snapshot of what I made for dinner. My husband didn't get home until 7pm from work so we ate at 8pm by candle light. It was quite nice and relaxing and my tummy is really warm right now as I sit by the fire.

Chili to warm on cool evenings:

Start your crock pot 8 hours before the meal is to be served.

Turn the crock pot on low.

Pour a can of black beans and kidney beans in a strainer and wash (I always find there are soap suds on my beans that need to be washed off). Pour into the crock pot.

Dice up 3 tomatoes and put in crock pot.*

Dice up 3-4 medium sized potatoes.*

Add a packet of chili spices.

Add a small tomato soup (I like the V8 soups that are not in cans but in cartons).

Add a cup or two of water, depending on how watery you like it.

Add a couple sprigs of parsley, leaves of basil and some rosemary.

Cook on low for 7 hours and switch to high for the last hour. Serve.

*preferably from your garden or a local organic farm.

Fresh honey wheat bread with a touch of butter was a great compliment to the chili tonight. I cheat and use a bread maker. Some day I will make bread by hand but right now I still prefer the bread maker.

What are your cool night rituals? Enjoy the fall as it settles in!

Park Days and Bike Rides

We spent 3 hours at the park today with my mom's group. Julien played on the swings and the slides but mostly in the sand with some trucks another child brought. As soon as he got home the first thing out of his mouth was "Mom, can I play in the sand box at our house?" I was shocked. Seriously?? After almost 1-2 hours in the sand you want more? What is it about sand that results in endless imagination and play? I know we will have to have a sand box no mater where we live. I also noticed that it really wore him out. My mostly non-napper took a 2 hour nap as soon as he came inside. Sand is magic!

Later on we went for a walk with the dog and he rode his bike. I was thinking he might be too tired from the morning, but oh no. I think every 2, almost 3 year old, has an endless supply of energy. I now know that I should really be giving my child way more ways to burn this energy then he gets usually. I guess we will have to do more 3 hour park days while it is still nice out.

What are some fun ways your child burns energy?