NIP

Or, Nursing in Public. I just came across the blog and breastfeeding advocacy site. It seems that it is still growing, but has some wonderful articles. Be sure to check out the one about the nurse-in at Hollister this Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 4 PM, Eastern Time. I cannot understand the negative attitude the United States has  towards a woman nursing her child. It really needs to change so that women can take care of an infant without being humiliated or threatened. 

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Ten Years

Happy Anniversary, Garrick! Today we have been married for ten years. They haven't been the easiest ten years. We've had a lot of wonderful times and a lot challenges. I am glad they have been with you. I simply cannot imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone but you. You bring me so much happiness. I am beyond proud of everything you do and have accomplished. Thank you for everything you do everyday. You are the most amazing man I know and I love you more than any words I could write here. Happy anniversary, baby!

Sister Sunglasses

Now I just need a pic of Kerrie wearing these. And yes, I'm wearing my
regular glasses underneath.

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Merry Christmas Santa!

Today the I took the boys to the mall so the could see Santa Claus. Hunter was very excited to see Santa this time! No tears this year! Trent has started asking Santa for ridiculous things. I told him to ask Santa for something that will fit in the sleigh and not a giant robot. This year the Santa picture is not included with our Christmas card, so you need to get it here at my blog. 

Birth Trauma PTSD

When I had Hunter, my experience giving birth to him was terrible. I felt like things were so out of my control and that I was very much betrayed by the hospital. It was a horrible experience. I cried every night for the first year after having him, and a lot of nights of the second. That was even being on medication to help me cope with my feelings. 

Nowadays, it's not so bad. I'm still on my medication and it has been working really well for me. However, I wish I had known about this website those years ago. If I start having issues again, or I have another baby, I know it's there now. I'm blogging about this to try and help others who have been effected negatively by child birth. There is a wealth of information for mothers, fathers, providers and others who have dealt with witnessing and delivering babies. 

Resources on their site range from Health and Nutrition to Post-Adoption Depression to Post-Partum Psychosis and many others. There are links to many other sites that can be quite valuable to those in need of help. Please do share this wonderful resource with new moms. 

WellMama

I'm a Witch

It's true. I've considered myself a witch for about ten years, too. I've been a non-practicing Wiccan for quite a while now for the simple reason that I've put my family as my main focus, not my spirituality. 

Well, it would seem I've inadvertently stumbled back into the world of witchcraft. I had some friends over a few weeks ago and one of them pulled out a library book while complaining about the small section on Wicca and witchcraft available at our library. I simply smiled and said, "Come with me." I then proceeded to pull out as many books as I could find in my personal library of witch-y materials. I have more books on Wicca, witchcraft, paganism, shamanism, etc., than I realized. After I lent out the first books to her (I think it was nine), I went through and found another sixteen to loan to her. 

There are three of us who are starting our own coven. I'm looking forward to practicing my spirituality in a very laid back and comfortable forum. I am VERY excited about it. So, in addition to my normal ramblings about the struggles of homeschooling, you my readers will now be treated to some Wiccan/Pagan material as well. Enjoy!

Keeping Warm

My friend made me a heat pack to help keep my cold tootsies warm while my bone heals and I'm in a cast. Here I'm using it to keep my neck warm in my chilly house. Thank you so much, Tab!