So Just What IS The Deal?

I've sworn off Walmart... is the mall next?

Oh, a trip to the mall... that will cure blogger's block. Everywhere I turned I thought to myself, I am SO blogging this.

I find it completely inappropriate to see THIS hanging from the ceiling as we enter the Family Lounge. In the Food Court. And then around every corner throughout the rest of the mall. Who wants to see that?! Gouge. Out. Eyes.

And please tell me who would feel comfortable having their facial hair removed- right there, smack dab in the center of the mall at one of those kiosk things where they do threading and who knows what else as people walk by eating their hot pretzel? Seriously, every time I've walked by, there is someone getting it done! What is the deal with this?

Thankfully, I returned a few items with no problems and the boys were quite well behaved considering I had to shield their eyes from those vomitous movie banners every 20 feet.

But still, with three well behaved boys I get the looks and comments that I must be crazy to go to the mall with three kids. What am I thinking bringing these quiet and respectful children with me somewhere!?

Instead I just think I must be crazy to go to the mall, period.

Wordless Wednesday: Sleepyhead

Kid Was Here

Last night there was a slotted spoon between the couch cushions, and a baseball among the snacks in the kitchen cupboard. I am pretty sure you could find enough wooden tracks underneath the couches to build a Figure 8 set for Thomas and his cheeky Friends.

Hubby says to me as he looks in the trash, "Why is there a cowboy hat in the garbage can?"

Found more makeup in there along with it. And Gray's pants.

Before I became a mother, I remember very clearly attending a party at someone's house, and this someone had kids. The kind of kids that I swore I'd never have. And they kept their home how I swore I'd never keep it- there were toys in plain view in the living room! The carpet wasn't vacuumed. There was crayon on the wall!

Those judgements I made back then haunt me everytime I walk past a crayon-marked hall in my house today. I had to laugh as I picked up random odds & ends before going to bed, straightening up and finding imprints of where the kids had been that day. I am not reminded of their inability to keep any room of our house toy-free. I am not reminded that they did not put away/pick up/throw out that thing I told them to earlier.

I am reminded that they live here. And I love it. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

So It's Monday. Amuse Me.

Does She or Doesn't She? Only Her Stephanie Knows for Sure!

I've done that in the past and it makes me laugh every time.


Oh, and I'm Crusty Gizzardface...who are you?

It's Monday. Amuse me.

Rowrrr!!

Well, I can't ignore that in just one week the Super Bowl becomes a super big deal around here.

I am not a fan of football. Or any sport really, to be honest.

The men in my house think otherwise. I am praying that Da Bears win so that there is peace and happiness in my home.

*UPDATED* to add that I do remember when the Bears were in the Super Bowl 20-some (gulp) years ago. We had "Bears" day at school all week and I think I used to even enjoy listening to the Super Bowl Shuffle!


Super Bowl Shuffle - video powered by Metacafe


Anyway...

Back to this year's Super Bowl. I don't enjoy the crazy half-time show or even the commercials... but, the snacks and munchies part of it is fun.

I will probably whip up a tasty treat from the Tasty Vegan blog. I can't wait to try the veggie pizza. Hubby is begging for me to make the chipotle black bean chili for his Super Bowl party at work this Friday. Yeah, it's that yummy.

And if you really want to get all chef-fy and such, you should check out what's going on tomorrow, Monday, January 29, from 2-3:00 pm EST at AskABlueShirt.com.

Gourmet Magazine’s Executive Chef, Sara Moulton, is working with Best Buy to host a Q&A chat on throwing a winning party for the “Big Game” next week.

Sara will be joined by a Best Buy Blue Shirt expert who can answer your questions about upgrading your home theater just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. To throw a great party for the Big Game, it helps to have a great home theater, but also a great menu.

We've already got the big tv, and I'm always up for a great menu...

Eat up! Go Bears!

Eat At Mom's

The other day while I was nursing Gray, I giggled to myself when I thought I should have a shirt that says Breastaurant across the chest. Tee hee.

Can anyone relate?

And just when I thought maybe I should copyright that idea, I googled it and found this cool site. What a great idea!

What's In A Name

While Jeff and I were engaged, we talked about having kids, how many we wanted, and names we liked. The first boy name each of us had in mind, but hadn't told each other, was Noah. And we just knew our first child would be a boy (we didn't want to find out via ultrasound), and we named him Noah. His name means peace and comfort. It fits him perfectly.

Noah was 8 months old when we found out we were pregnant with Carter. We did find out by the ultrasound that we were having a boy, and I think we came up with his name pretty quickly. My best friend Jen had a friend named Carter and he's our age and I just thought it was a cool name. I told her to ask him if he liked his name (I wasn't sure if it was one of those names that is cutesy for a baby, but not so fun as an adult.) He said he loved his name, and hubby and I really loved it, too.

Carter means "transporter" and "maker of carts" and he does love cars and anything on wheels actually... if that means anything? I think I read somewhere once that it also means "introspective," which is very fitting, too. Anyone that meets Carter will agree that he is such a Carter!

Gray's name was much more difficult for us. We again found out we would be having another boy and hubby and I just couldn't agree on a name. I got one of those 50,001 Baby Names books and would write down a new set of names each night. Hubby dreaded it. He hated every name I came up with. I am serious when I say I really liked the name Tazo (it means third son!) and hubby thought I had just about lost it. We could call him Tay or Tayz...

Anyway.

A couple weeks before my due date, I was emailing my Aunt Diane in Louisiana to help us come up with some names. My family down there had to evacuate from Hurricane Rita at the time. They were getting cabin fever and needed something to do. They sent me a huge list of names including middle names!

The very last name on the list was Grayson. I just liked it immediately. I then had a feeling that Jeff would hate it, so I almost didn't even mention it. (He was getting pretty annoyed by this time at all the names I was coming up with.) I remember him at the top of the stairs as I came up and suggested the name. He gave a cute look and said, "And we could we call him Gray?" I said I liked that. He did, too. Then we agreed not to tell anyone until he was born, and we wanted to meet him first before we officially decided his name. We didn't want to hear anyone else's opinion about it either!

Less than a week later, our little Gray was born. I was so glad we had a name for him! Grayson literally means "son of a gray haired man." But, my mother-in-law interpreted the meaning as "the Lord's son" ... saying who is The gray haired one? The Ancient of Days. I like that meaning!

He's such a Gray... and we didn't even end up getting his name out of that book of 50,001 baby names! But, I love the special way we came up with all of our boys' names.

Tazo's obviously out if we ever had another boy. Hmmm... wonder what names mean 4th son? (Just kidding, hubby! Well, kinda...)

Opinion-Nation

So, I caught Oprah the other day about the battle between working moms and stay at home moms...

First of all, why does it have to be us against them? Ah, can't all moms just band together?

If you are a stay at home mom, did you always plan to? Do you enjoy it? Do you plan to go back to work someday? If you are a working outside of the home mom, did you always plan to do so? Do you enjoy it?

I have never worked full-time outside the home while being a mother, so I have no idea what it would be like. We always planned that when we had babies I would stay at home with them- both hubby and I desired that.

I personally love staying at home and get shaky and light headed if I think about if I ever had to go back to work and not be with my kids... but that's just me! I know some moms are pulling their hair and practically clawing their eyes out by the time hubby gets home somedays. Don't think I don't have those days either...

I have a friend that tried the staying at home thing and it did not work for her. She just wasn't "cut out" for it. She's a great working mom and devoted and involved in every area of her kids' lives. She does more with them than I do, I think sometimes! They are really great kids, too.

And another topic of opinion I was thinking about the other day, kinda goes along with Ashlee's recent post about parenting and mothering instincts... I just want to emphasize the importance of sticking with your inner instincts when seeking opinions, whether they are minor or medical or so forth.

Personally I feel like God speaks to me through my mothering instincts. My own examples have proven me right on so far- like last year when Gray was having "chronic sinus infections" or "allergies" according to the doctor, but deep inside I kept thinking it could be something in my diet that he was getting in my breastmilk. I just knew it had to be milk. I don't know why, but I just knew.

The doctor wanted to put him on an allergy medication. I asked if it could be a food allergy and he said I could just give him the medication and see if it cleared up. In my mind I thought it made more sense to get to the root of the problem and eliminate it. So, I left the doctor without the prescription (no thank you!) and made an appointment for allergy testing on my own.

Did you know that it is OK to disagree with your doctor, or NOT fill a prescription, or get a second opinion, or NOT take their advice? Have you ever been afraid of "offending" your doctor? I would much rather risk offending a doctor if it was in the best interest of me or my child... I'm just sayin'...

Back to the allergy test- sure enough- Gray is very allergic to milk, and also eggs and peanuts! I just wish I would have paid attention to my instincts immediately and stopped my intake of milk earlier on!

I have clearly never been to medical school, but in this instance I am SO glad I went with my instincts and not with the professional's opinion. I cringe every time I hear people say "I just trust my doctor!" as if that's the final word. As much as you'd like and hope to believe it, they are not always right and don't always know best. We learned the hard way early on with Noah, too.

It's ok to trust your doctor. That's important to be able to have that trust. But it's also very important to trust your instincts, too. I still seek the opinion of an allopathic pediatrician and also a naturopathic doctor. I usually will talk to both before making a decision regarding the kids' and my health. Ultimately, we bring everything to the Lord in prayer before making any decision! There are several decisions we are currently waiting to make- we haven't gotten our answer yet!

Oh, and another great thing about opinions... I am always changing my mind & opinions about everything. That's one great thing about knowledge and continuing to learn. I really try to not be close-minded and try to see both sides. Walk in the other person's shoes type of thing. So, my opinion is ever changing as I grow.

At the bottom of my birth plan- a long list of wishes and desires for my labor & birth of Gray- I had highlighted: I also reserve the right to change my mind about any of these things if needed!

Wordless Wednesday: New 'Legs

I promised pictures... get your BabyLegs here!

It's A Jungle In Here

I have a large world map above my desk that truly fascinates me.

I am not really that great with geograpy (seriously- when I first put this up I thought they had left Hawaii off.) Did you realize how far away from the continent Hawaii is!?

The idea of visiting other countries seems so exciting. I find myself praying over the map every time I look up at it, Show us Lord where you want us to go.

I taped the following quote to the bottom of the map:

God doesn't call the qualified, he qualifies the called.

Sometimes I expect to look up at the map and have a clear answer- maybe a bright light will shine on "the country" we are called to go do whatever God wants us to do. I also know very well that maybe He doesn't need us to go very far at all.

Whether I travel to New Zealand (hopefully someday) or to the grocery store (almost everyday!), I know I am one of the called. He may not need me to even step outside my house, as I could be called for the sole purpose of raising these three Godly men.

I pray I am always sensitive to God's call for my life, and never view my ministry as wife, mom, and friend as less than. I pray the same for you today. It's a jungle in here... I can't imagine sometimes what it's like out there!

Take A Trip

Today I'd like you to stop by Peanut Butter & Jelly Boats and read Sheryl's latest post regarding homeschooling. I don't homeschool our children, but have really been feeling the calling for it more & more everyday. This post pretty much explains exactly what I've been thinking and feeling...

I'll be taking a trip to the grocery store today, as usual, and I wanted to tell you about Tasty Vegan, a new blog Ashlee started with great vegan recipes. Might give you an idea of just what a vegan eats!! This week I'll be making the Glazed Seitan Stir-Fry and Chick-Un Noodle Soup... yum!

Plans...

Yesterday's Schedule Of Events

• Sleep in
• Manicure at 11 am
• 5 pm start getting ready for Gala
• 6:30 drop kids off at Grandma's
  
• 7 pm Formal Benefit Gala (dinner, auction, & dancing!)

Actual Events That Took Place

• Wake up early- Gray has a very high fever
• Vomiting ensues
• 9 am Cancel manicure
• Snuggle and nurse in bed all day watching movies and sleeping
• 4 pm call Grandma to tell her we won't need her
  
• Cancel Gala plans

But am I disappointed? Maybe a smidge. I had a fancy dress to wear. But I'll wear it for another time. As for the manicure- I don't have any nails as it is... I was wondering what the heck they'd be able to do with them anyway!

And having to stay snuggled in bed all day... (hubby took older boys out for a few hours so we had lots of peace & quiet) it was quite a treat.

I'd say it was a pretty good day.

More About Me Me Meme

I was tagged by Shelly...

What’s your name and website URL?

My name is Stephanie and if you are reading this, then you have arrived at Adventures In Babywearing!

1) What’s the most fun work you’ve ever done, and why?

I think one of the most fun places I worked was as at The Art Institute of Chicago's museum gift shop. Yeah, it was in the gift shop but it was also in the museum, which was awesome. I was there during the big Monet exhibit in 1995. I worked with some of the most interesting people ever- including Bob Harris (Ed Harris' dad.)

2) Name one thing you did in the past that you no longer do but wish you did? (one sentence max)

Act on stage.

3) Name one thing you’ve always wanted to do but keep putting it off? (one sentence max).

Learn to sew.

4) What two things would you most like to learn or be better at, and why? (two sentences max).

I would like to be a better knitter because I enjoy knitting so much but can't do the really cool projects. I would like to be better at inviting new people to church.

5) If you could take a class/workshop/apprentice from anyone in the world living or dead, who would it be and what would you hope to learn? (two more sentences, max).

Ah, way back when I would have said an acting workshop from Meryl Streep. Now, oh maybe I'd love to sit and chat with Ruth Bell Graham & Erma Bombeck about motherhood.

6) What three words might your best friends or family use to describe you?

Positive, Happy, Dependable

7) Now list two more words you wish described you…

I wish I were super-organized and athletically fit.

8) What are your top three passions? (can be current or past, work, hobbies, or causes– three sentences max)

Promoting the Ketogenic Diet to treat seizures before/in place of medications, encouraging others to be informed about vaccinations, living a greener life (inside & out)

9) Write–and answer–one more question that YOU would ask someone (with answer in three sentences max)

If you were not a wife, mom, whatever you are now, what & where would you be?

I think I would have wanted to be in New York or L.A. doing some sort of acting/theatre but in reality would be working retail in Chicago acting in small parts there... I think I got the better deal right here.

I tag Lori, Sandra, & Jenn... play along, too, if you'd like!

Tune In Today!!!

On Dr. Phil today Dr. Sears and his sons are on and I am just LOVING how awesome they are!

So far they've given their medical opinion that you should breastfeed after 1 year, bring your baby to bed with you (and they noted that recent studies show SIDS is reduced when baby is brought into the same room as mom & dad), and also to follow your motherly instinct and respond to your baby's cries!

Co-sleeping is a tender issue with some folks and Dr. Sears does recommend that you do whatever gets everyone the best night's sleep, including baby. For us, that's co-sleeping and I love it.

I think it airs around 3-5 PM most places and then re-airs again this evening after midnight. Tune in!!

A Prize

Last weekend I watched The Prize Winner Of Defiance, Ohio and was truly touched by this movie! It's the true story of how a mother raised ten kids on twenty-five words or less... winning contests and prizes to make ends meet...you'll just have to see it.

I can't imagine any housewife and stay-at-home mom coming away from that movie uninspired and unmoved. There were a couple words toward the beginning that I wished they would have left out, but the rest of the movie is clean as can be- still meant for a mature audience as some parts can be intense. I have just been thinking about it still all this week!

Now I am off to make the most out of this truly remarkable day ahead!

Green On The Inside

I feel like I am putting so much focus here lately on our decision to live a greener life in the ways of material things. But last week my brother-in-law, who is also a wonderful pastor, reminded me of this verse:

2 Corinthians 7:1
...let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence to God.

All this talk about doing my part, contaminants in vaccines... I don't want to ignore that there are worse dangers of toxins in my spiritual life.

What is keeping me from living a cleaner & greener walk with the Lord? I have been inspired again by some posts by Sara at Walk Slowly, Live Wildly and what she says regarding wanting and computer time. I've already unsubscribed to a crazy amount of emails and businesses that only cause me to want to buy things that I don't need and also cause me to spend more time on the computer.

It's a reality check here- we get so caught up with life and just trying to survive as a mom and housewife and doing the best we can... but I feel like I could be doing better. I just need to get my priorities in order. In the right order. I am not so sure that the tired mom excuse is going to really work any longer.

And I have to remember who I am doing this all for. Is it truly out of reverence to God? Or to myself? Or someone else? Or for what others might think of me?

I've noticed quickly that ridding ourselves of want and unnecessary distractions has not only decluttered our home and lifestyle, but also our hearts and minds.

How silly and embarassing, some of the things we put first on our list. When He is all we need, and will take care of the rest.


photo courtesy of WineVines.

Wordless Wednesday: A Stripey Bundle