Next Step Down The Path

So after a few months following Misty's blog on building a 72 hour kit, I read a post from a guest blogger on her site. I noticed that the fellow blogger was also a Thrive Life consultant and that she lived close by me. I was excited and contacted Misty via email and asked if she could hook me up with Andrea the guest blogger so that I could host a party and sample Thrive foods once again.

 Not long after that email, I received an email from Andrea who was more than willing to get together with me and have a one on one so I could ask questions and sample some food. Who doesn't like food, right??? I was impressed and decided to schedule a party to invite my family and friends to try the food as well.

 The day of the party came and I was really tempted to cancel. My mom wasn't interested and didn't sound like she wanted to come. My sister said she would go but didn't have anyone to bring with her and my friend Abigail said she would come but that she couldn't buy anything. So needless to say I felt like it was going to be a waste of time. But I decided to see what would happen. At the last minute, my mom decided she would ride along with me. Once we got there, my sister showed up with a friend. I was totally shocked. Abigail showed up and then Andrea informed me that a neighbor lady was going to be there as well. Yay!! I was so glad that I didn't cancel my party. Everything went great and the party sales ended up being over $1200. I was floored. I was going to be getting some great host benefits. Andrea asked me if I wanted to become a consultant. I was interested, but didn't think I really wanted to go that route. I knew I wanted to get Thrive foods in my pantry and I wanted it as cheap as I could get it. But I didn't think I wanted to stand in front of people and do parties. I have a hard time speaking in front of people. So Andrea told me to think about it and to let her know. 

I went home super excited about my party and told my husband all about it. I also talked to him about me becoming a consultant. He was encouraging and told me that it was up to me, but that he would be there to encourage me if I decided to do it. So the next day I called Andrea and told her I would do it. I ordered my kit and with in a short amount of time, I had my kit.

Quite A Leap Down The Path

It has been a long time since I have blogged on here. So many things have happened. And so I have decided to start again and try to journal about the new path I have decided to take. So the next few blog posts will be covering things that have happened and gotten me to where I am currently. First, I will start out by saying that, over a year ago the Lord put it on my heart to get my house in order and to get prepared. For what I wasn't sure. But I took the plunge and began researching preparedness sites. After many months of searching and tons of reading, I came upon a blog that really made things simple for me. It was a step by step guide to building a 72 hour kit or a group of bags that have all the supplies you would need to take care of yourself and your family for a minimum of three days should there be an emergency or evacuation of your area. I was intrigued. I followed the blog for several weeks and saw that the author of the blog was also a Thrive Life consultant. I had also searched out many companies that provided freeze dried and long term food storage. So I emailed the author and asked for some samples. She lived in California at the time but was willing to mail me some sample out. She also included a recipe to make some soup. My family and I were super excited to try the samples and the soup that we received in May of 2012. We loved the individual samples but when we tried the soup, well let's just say it wasn't our favorite. So Thrive Life foods went on the back burner of my mind as I continue to follow the blog and gradually put my and my families 72 hour kits together.

So close!

I woke up yesterday at 2:30am having contractions. They were pretty strong, but they were 20 minutes apart. I was waiting for a call from my midwife giving me the green light to try some castor oil to get things going. She finally called around 7:30am and gave me the thumbs up. None of her other clients were doing anything. So by 8:00am I drank my castor oil smoothie. From there, I start to have some contractions that grew closer together (2-3 minutes apart lasting 1 minute). Finally some progress. By 1:15pm the loose stools kicked in until 3:30pm. By this time I was having some very strong contractions and hoping they were getting the job done. By 4:00pm, I was soo tired and just wanted to take a nap. I finally gave in and took a nap, but then woke up to my contractions being gone. I was very disappointed. I had really hoped that the castor oil would get this baby out. I am going to try again either tomorrow or Monday depending on how things go from here. My midwife will let me know if we are in the clear again.

Where did October go?

Wow, I couldn't sleep so I got out of bed at midnight and realized it is November 1st already. October seems to have just flown by. I am really hoping that November does the same. I have only 6 weeks left until my due date, but I have my babies early, so technicaly I could have as little as two weeks left. They won't stop me from delivering after 36 weeks. I get a little nervous thinking that this baby could be here really soon. I have everything ready, it is just hard to believe we will be having a boy. I am a bit nervous about how the first few diaper changes are going to go after having five girls!!! Please pray for me :)

Sympathy Pains

I went to see my midwife today. I ended up being a half an hour early. As I sat in the waiting area of the birthing center, I could hear a mother giving birth in a room of the birthing center. One of the ladies that works there came out and told me that my midwife would be out soon. As I sat there waiting, I found myself remembering how it was when I gave birth to my first. I said many of the same things that this mama was saying. Things like....."I can't do this", "Cut me open and take the baby out", and "It hurts too bad". I felt her pain. I started to contract after a few minutes of hearing her labor.

Soon, my midwife came out and took my blood pressure. She said it was high and asked if listening to the other mama was stressing me out. I said "No, my heart just goes out to her because I've been there before". It is amazing how our bodies can react to what others are going through. The rest of my appt. was rushed so that my midwife could get back to deliver the mama's baby.

I pray that the mama and baby have a speedy recovery.

Waiting: Part 2

Well, I went in for my second ultra sound the other day and I was very excited to learn that the placenta has moved away from the cervix. It is now 4-5 cm from the opening. Yay!! That means I can have a "normal" delivery.

I also found out today that the choroid plexus cyst that was on the babies brain, is now gone and the brain looks normal. I am very thankful for that.

The right kidney is still bigger than the left, but I am prayerful that that also will resolve before birth. Even if it does not, it seems to be a minor issue that can be easily fixed at a later time.

So overall, I am very blessed and thank the Lord that things are moving in a more possitive direction. Now I just need to get my gestational diabetes under control better so I won't end up having to go to my OB/GYN and have to get shots :( I REALLY, REALLY don't like needles!!! That also may change my homebirth into a hospital one. So, I will do my best at trying to control my blood sugar by eating right and see how things turn out.

The girls helped me get my home birth box together last night. They are very excited to see this new baby :)

WAITING!!!

I am finding it hard to not get concerned for this pregnancy. I guess it may be my age or just the many high risk issues I am having to deal with this one. My last pregnancy was so easy (or it seems that way now) compared to how this one is turning out. But of course things can still change. But for some reason, I am finding it hard to imagine it turning out as I had hoped in the begining.

In the begining, I had imagined another beautiful home birth, but this time a water birth. The thought of laboring in the warm water seems so relaxing and painfree (I know, wishful thinking....right???). I also imagined only my midwife, family and closest friends there to welcome my little one. But as of my 20 week ultra sound, that has all seemed to go by the way side.

Now I imagine bed rest, lots of restrictions, and possible bad outcomes. The 20 week ultra sound showed that I have complete placenta previa, which means the placenta is blocking the babies exit. This can cause serious blood loss and possible death if it gets too bad. It can also mean a hysterectomy if bleeding can't be controlled after delivery. Oh and I didn't mentiont the obvious.....a c-section, possibly an emergency c-section at that.

Plus, baby has two issues that, in and of themselves, are no big deal and should resolve on their own. But, they are "soft markers" to down syndrome. So that makes me a little nervous, but doesn't change the way I will feel toward my baby. I love him unconditionally and will take him however the Lord sees fit. Oh, did I mention that it is our first boy after having six girls :)

So with all of this being said, I am playing the waiting game to find out more information as to whether or not the placenta has moved (so I can have my home birth) or if I will end up in the hospital having a c-section. I have my next visit with my midwife in one week and will be scheduling the next U/S at that time (which should be just a couple days later).

To Be Continued.......

Mother's Day

I didn't wake up this morning to breakfast in bed, flowers, or cheerful voices wishing me a Happy Mother's Day. Instead I opened my eyes to another day of nausea and just not feeling well. But then I turned over to see my littlest lying next to me with one eye glued shut and the biggest smile on her face as she covered her face and quickly pulled her hands down and says....Peek :) Oh how sweet motherhood is! I love all of my girls very much. They are each a blessing. Hannah cleaned the entire kitchen, even scrubbing the floor. Moriah helped with the laundry. They are both growing into little ladies. Happy Mother's Day to all Mamas out there!!!

Blah, Blah, Blah!

That is how I have been feeling lately. The last two days I have really been hit with nuasea :( This is the worst part of pregnancy for me. My morning sickness lasts all day instead of just mornings. It would be bearable if it was only in the mornings. I will have my first visit to see the midwife next week. The girls enjoy seeing how big the baby is each week. We look it up on the internet and I let them watch videos of babies the same age.

Wasn't Expecting That!!!

Found out yesterday that we are expecting another blessing in December. I was totally shocked. I thought seriously that we were done having babies. But once again the Lord informed me that I am not the one in charge, He is!!! I am very thankful for that, because I would mess things up for sure!

It Begins

Today Mike left on his trip to see the doctor. This is a big deal since he NEVER goes to a doctor unless he is in serious pain. He left before ten o'clock this morning and it is supposed to be an eight hour trip. He should have gotten there by now, but he hasn't called and he has his phone turned off. Very irritiating!!

His appointment is at eight o'clock our time tomorrow. He is planning on sleeping in the car, which has me a bit worried since the low is supposed to be at freezing. I hope he will be safe.

We shall see how things go. I hope to have more news tomorrow.

New Road

Some friends of ours called over the weekend and felt led to tell me about their experience with a homeopathic doctor that they have been seeing for some ailments they have. Both doctors are Christians and run their practice according to Biblical teachings. Today I called to make an appointment with these doctors for Mike. We will be going to see them March 9th. It is going to be an eight hour drive. I am praying that we will be able to get Mike's issues resolved. I am going to be taking pictures and mapping out his progress on here so he will be able to see the changes that will be made naturally without "modern medicine".

One Step at a Time

Tonight my baby girl took her fist two steps unassisted. It is hard for me to believe that she is getting so big. She will be a year old in only 35 more days.

I have been thinking lately about God's messengers (the angels) and how they watch over us.

Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Psalm 91:11,12 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in [their] hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

I thank God that He has angels watching over my little ones as they take all of their firsts. It is a comfort to know that even if I am not always able to watch everything they do, that God does see.

Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

The thought of angels being part of our daily lives is something that intrigues me. Something to think about :)

Baby Steps.

No matter how hard I try to keep her in one place, my little one refuses to stay put! She is 8 1/2 months old now and going everywhere. Once she figured out how to crawl, she has been very busy! I have also been busy trying to keep her out of harms way. I think she has become used to the word "No". She stops what she is doing and looks at me to see if I am serious or not, then she proceeds with caution.
And as soon as she realized that she could get to all those places she has been looking at for months, she is determined to get into every cubby hole there is.

She has also been pulling herself up and standing. I am really not ready for her to be walking yet. I have been looking for a play-pen, but haven't found one. I am hoping to find one soon so I can keep her self contained for a bit longer.

Life has been very busy with starting back to homeschooling for the year and with baby being mobile.

Proverbs 16:9

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps."

THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME with LYRICS - JIM REEVES

What next?

It seems as if we are about to embark on a new path yet again. Our lease is up the end of August and we are going to be moving, AGAIN. This will be our fourteenth time we have moved in less then nine years.

I have no idea where this path is going to lead us, but I keep praying that the Lord will return very soon, because truely "this world is not my home, I'm just a passing through".

It seems so silly to be packing all this STUFF up and relocating it to another home. I will be so thankful when the Lord Jesus Christ does return! We won't be taking any baggage with us. But yet at the same time, we won't have time to prepare for our move. That is why we need to examine our hearts daily and get right with the Lord. Get rid of our baggage and just hold on to Jesus! That way we will have clean hearts and have the filth of this world washed away.

I packed our first two boxes today and no one would ever be able to tell what it was I packed. I doubt we would miss any of it. I wonder how many things I could actually get rid of and never miss.

My Path to Motherhood

I have always imagined becoming a mother. When I was little I would imagine myself having three children. I was certain that my first would be a blonde headed little boy. Little did I know that the Lord would lead me down the path to motherhood in a different direction than I had invisioned.

Our first daughter (Hannah Ilisabeth) was delivered the day before our first anniversary in the hospital. I had hoped that it would be a quiet delivery with just my husband, myself, the midwife, and maybe one nurse. Little did I know that I would have at least ten people in the delivery room watching me deliver my first child. I ended up with pre-eclampsia and was very sick. For the first couple of days I couldn't even see straight. I wasn't able to get a clear look at my new baby girl. She was beautiful and perfect. What a blessing.

Our second daughter (Jennah Faith) was born by emergency c-section at 31 weeks gestation. Not the quiet homebirth I had planned and hoped for. Our precious little one went to be with Jesus seven hours after deliver. My heart was broken, but I knew she was in good hands and that I would see her again some day.

Our third daughter (Moriah Hope) was delivered in the hospital after a very scary pregnancy. I was so concerned that I would lose her also that I didn't allow myself to enjoy the pregnacy. The Lord blessed me with a wonderful VBAC with no complications. Moriah came into the world posterior (face up) with only three pushes. She is such a blessing!

Our fourth daughter (Lydiah Ruth) was also delivered in the hospital. When the doctor broke my water, it was maconium stained. I was a bit concerned. I knew if she were to inhale it after delivery that she could have some serious issues. But the Lord had his hand on her and kept her safe. She was a cuddle bug from day one. She didn't want me to put her down.

Our fifth daughter (Micah Joy) was born in the hospital with no problems at all. Very easy and uncomplicated VBAC. She was so cute and precious.

I had thought at that point that I was done having babies. But the Lord proved me wrong. I ended up having two miscarriages after Micah was born. The first miscarriage was very scary. I ended up in the hospital needing a blood transfusion. I had gotten to the point where I really did not like needles. I never wanted to go to the hospital again. Now I had three children who had gone to be with the Lord.

Then a month after the last miscarriage I was pregnant again. I called my midwife and asked what I could do to keep from miscarrying again. She gave me some suggestions and I went from there praying constantly. I didn't want to allow myself to get attached to this new life that was growing inside of me until I knew that I wouldn't lose it also.

January 6th 2010 Rebeccah Lynn came into this world. I finally got my homebirth which was absolutely amazing! I never thought I could do it. So many doctors advised against it. Even a few midwives refused to deliver me. I praise the Lord that he lead me onto the right path to the midwives who helped me through this pregnancy and delivery. It was a very healing experience.

The path to motherhood has not been easy, but it has been wonderfully rewarding. I thank the Lord every day for the precious lives that he has intrusted me with. I pray that I can be the mother that they deserve and that the Lord would have me to be. May they too one day enter the path of motherhood!

People Who Make An Impact On Our Lives

Yesterday, my baby and I went for a road trip together. As she slept in her car seat, I drove while listening to a christian program on the radio on modesty. The speaker was talking on the topic of dress. As a young woman she thought that she dressed quite modestly. One day an older gentleman came up to her and informed her that her attire wasn't as modest as she had thought it was. This man made quite an impact on this womans life and she has changed the way she looked at herself in the mirror due to his comment.

I wasn't so much touched about the topic of modesty, as I was on the influences that others can have on our lives. I got to thinking about my life. I started to wonder where I would be and what I would be like if I hadn't married my husband. I was clearly not headed on the right path before Mike and I got married. I look back at where I was then, compared to where I am now and I thank the Lord that he brought Mike and I together. I don't believe I would have gone down the same path that I am on now. It scared me to think where I would be. I would have more than likely follow the ways of the world and justified myself in it. That path would have lead me straight to the steps of Hell.

Now don't get me wrong, my life with my husband has not been a walk through the daisy fields by any means. We have had our share of trials and testings, but through it all we have held on to Jesus and have let Him guide and direct us on the path that He wants us on.

I got rather emotional as I realized the many blessings that have come into my life since my husband and I have been married. And how thankful I am that Mike chose me. I know that I don't tell or show my husband how much I love him enough. And I fall short in many ways from being the wife he deserves, but I am thankful the Lord is there to help me and to remind me of the blessing that my husband is to me!

Thank you Michael for loving me and leading me on this path of life that the Lord has set before us. I love you!

Thank you God for using a simple radio program to get me to look at my life and realize how much you have spared me from. I thank you for bringing Mike and I together as husband and wife and for the five beautiful children that you have blessed us with. And for the three blessings you hold in your hand that we will one day meet in Heaven! Thank you God for loving me, a sinner, and sending your son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for my sins.

Thank you Jesus for the pain and suffering you went through on my behalf. Thank you for setting the example for others to follow. Thank you for being the gate to the path less trodden. Few there be that find it! Please help my life to be an example to others to point the way to you.

1 John 1:7

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."