My sentiments have already been written...

My blogging friend Brooke has written everything I have to say tonight in her latest blog post, "Prayer for the End of Pregnancy." Read it here.

My only change is to substitute "Diet Pepsi" for "Diet Coke." I encourage regular reading of Brooke's blog for anyone who likes to laugh and read a great writer. She has a great attitude and way with words. Oh, and we also live parallel lives as she is a former attorney turned stay-at-home mom as well.

I am still accumulating my facts and information for the next part of the Be Fruitful and Multiply post. Incidentally, today, I don't care what I read in there, the way I feel indicates that this should most definitely be our last child. And if that contraction this morning was courtesy of "Braxton Hicks," I say boooooooooo Mr. Hicks. Booooooooooo.

Be Fruitful and Multiply: Created to Mother (*Image of Nursing Mother)

One of the most persuasive parts of the book, to me, discussed the positive role of multiple births and nursing multiple babies on female physiology. (It does not discuss the increased medical risks of having multiple births, c-sections, etc., just the natural order of women's bodies and the way we are programmed.)

Romans 9:19-20 asks, "Who art thou that disputed against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?" In other words, who are we to argue with the way God made our bodies to function?

Cancer:

More statistics are constantly proving that the more a mother breastfeeds, the less likelihood she has of getting breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or even fibroids and endometriosis.

"Malcolm Pike of the Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, 'the epidemic rates of breast and other female cancers on a afact of modern life: The average American woman starts menstruating at age 12 and typically gives birth to one or two infants. Pike estimates she will ovulate a whopping 450 times during her lifetime. By contrast , a woman who lived even 200 years ago would have started menstruating at age 17 and would have delivered and breastfed eight babies. Thus our foremothers ovulated fewer than 150 times in their lives. Pike argues that pregnancy and lactation provide crucial resting period for the ovaries, the female sex glands that produce not only eggs, but also several powerful hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. Each month, a woman's body readies itself for pregnancy. The ovaries secrete estrogen and progesterone, which tell the breast cells to begin dividing in preparation for milk production. In years past, women went through this cycle less frequently because they were more often either pregnant of breastfeeding.'"

"'The Tania women of Hong Kong, who traditionally only nurse with their right breast, have more cancer in their left breast' (Mark Renneker, M.D., Understanding Cancer)."

"A recent CASH study involving about nine-thousand women revealed that the women with the least breast cancer were those who had the most children and thus a longer breastfeeding experience. CASH researcher Peter Layde, M.D., reports that women who breastfed a total of two years of more had nearly a third less breast cancer than women who did not breast feed."

For more on breastfeeding God's way, I was personally swayed by this article which gives eight solid reasons supporting the essential and nurturing reasons to breastfeed babies...and the more the better! :)

The other point made in the book is that the constant ups and downs of a monthly cycle can and will be averted by giving the ovaries and the hormones they produce when not pregnant or nursing, a much needed break. The average break I get from menses is about 16-17 months. Although pregnancy comes with its own tiredness and sometimes nausea, for me, this is a break from the monthly misery of PMS, cramps, etc. I adore this time of rest and I am a MUCH better mother when I am pregnant and/or nursing. I attribute this to many physiological factors with which God blessed mothers.

The segment below is also from Nancy Campbell's writings, which can be found here.
"OXYTOCIN:

This hormone, which is released by the pituitary gland, is the hormone that stimulates the mother's letdown or milk-ejection reflex (the tingly sensation you feel when the milk lets down). This is a wonderful hormone that has a calming effect upon the mother. Every time the milk 'lets down' she experiences a feeling of relaxation and calm and sometimes sleepiness comes over her. God is good. When we do things His way, we get His benefits. He knows that mothers need this calming hormone and He has graciously provided it for us.

I am not a calm person by nature, but after nursing my babies for many years, the continual release of oxytocin had a major calming effect upon my whole personality. The more children I had, the more I noticed it. Many mothers notice an increase in tension after weaning their babies. My daughter, who is very similar to me, is now nursing her baby and we see this calming effect upon her. My other daughters look on and say, 'Mother, that 'relaxin' (as they have nicknamed the hormone) sure works, doesn't it?'

A dear young mother who I know very well had just given birth to her third baby when her husband had an accident with very serious head injuries. They didn't think he would live through the night, but with prayer he did. The doctors then said that if he lived he would be a vegetable. It was a traumatic time for this young wife. Well-wishing friends advised her to wean her baby because it would be too much for her to cope with, especially as she had to drive an hour and a half to the city each day to visit her husband. But her wise mother encouraged her to continue nursing. Every day she went to the hospital, taking her baby with her, and continued to nurse her through the long difficult months. It turned out to be her greatest blessing. The hormone oxytocin helped to keep her calm through all this time. By the way, I should tell you the end of the story. Because of the prayers of God's people across the world, this husband, who they said would be a vegetable, is alive today and doing well - and they have since had two more children.

A study cited by Dr. Niles Newton, Professor of Behavioral Sciences at Northwestern University of Chicago says 'mothers who were exclusively breastfeeding their infants had higher levels of oxytocin during feedings than mothers who were breastfeeding and giving formula supplements.'

Randee Romano writes about a study, which 'indicates that the secretion of oxytocin is a conditioned response, meaning that a mother's body may produce oxytocin in response to familiar sights, sounds, or activities, not just from the direct stimulation of breastfeeding. In a small sample of nursing mothers, all showed an increase in oxytocin before the baby was put to breast. This will not surprise mothers who feel their milk let down when their babies cry. In fact, half of the women in the study experienced this. An increase in oxytocin levels was also measured in 30 percent of the mothers when their babies became restless and in 20 percent of the women as they were preparing to nurse.'

Oxytocin is known as the 'hormone of love'. Dr. Niles Newton says, 'Oxytocin also triggers nurturing behaviour.... Both men and women release oxytocin with orgasm. Married couples, after lovemaking, and nursing mothers, after breastfeeding, all reported lower levels of anxiety and depression than a group of mothers surveyed after a bottle-feeding. Even eating triggers oxytocin release, which is another reason to share family mealtimes.'"

Lastly, on this particular issue, I read what initially seemed awfully harsh to me, that women who delay pregnancy are more prone to have endometriosis or "career woman's disease." Studies reveal that women who bear their first child before age twenty-two are less likely to develop this disease and ovarian cancer as well. God knows this and says in Psalm 127:4, "As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of the youth." Interesting.

Saved by Childbearing:

1 Timothy 2:14-15 says, 'Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgresson. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and love and holiness with sobriety."

childbearing=teknogonia in this instance

teknon="child"
gonia=root word "gen"--"to beget"

Vine's says it "denotes bearing children, implying the duties of motherhood." This means more than clhildbirth, but rather a career in childbearing...

The "saving" referenced in this scripture is not the salvation from sin, but salvation from deception. Women will be saved from getting into deception and from being lured away from thsir divine destiny, if they continue to walk in the role of motherhood God planned for them...if they continue to view motherhood and childbearing as their career.

Now honestly, I know there are many questions begged by this post. But, let me reiterate, this is only one tiny section of this book that initially began the persuasion process in my heart. There is SO MUCH MORE! And many of those questions lurking in your head like, "What about finances? What about people having babies that are poor and uneducated? What about all those people who are drug addicts and abusive?" All those things are discussed or at least addressed.

And, I am quite sure, though Nancy Campbell might adore the praise and publicity, that she does not want me cutting and pasting her whole book here. So, tomorrow, I will pick up with her answers to the financial concerns this culture has with "big families." And then, I think I will leave it to you to read further yourself and pray about what you have read.

Although I feel peaceful with only four children in our home, there is something still tugging at my heart after reading this book...something very real, and very intense. I am so curious what other believers would think after reading it themselves.

For me, I am also concerned because I am almost thirty five! Would God have us continue procreating after this "high risk" age? Perhaps the last few chapters will address this quandary.

If nothing else, this book has really made me think. And I like that. I hope this post is making you think too. Blessings!

Be Fruitful and Multiply

I have been reading this book, "Be Fruitful and Multiply" by Nancy Campbell, more out of curiosity than anything.

I love Nancy Campbell and the Above Rubies Newsletter and website. She inspires me and challenges me to be a better wife, mother, and child of God.

So when this book came to me as part of the Above Rubies donation to our MOPS auction, I was intrigued--so much that I bid on it at the auction and won it!

The reason I was so curious is that I have never really subscribed to the we-should-have-as-many-children-as-God-will-bless-us-with philosophy. And I couldn't imagine any book could convince me otherwise.

What about college expenses? What about space in our home? Our car? What about food and shelter and medical bills? Weddings? Doesn't each child need their own room/bed/closet/bathroom space?

Well, I have been truly shocked to find myself persuaded despite all my pre-conceived notions that God made us to be fruitful and multiply and He wants that for our families...and our families will be blessed in greater measure as we obey His desires for our families.

The next few blog posts will be controversial I am sure, but I would like to start with the first persuasive chapter I read about the natural functions of women's bodies and the scientific evidence supporting our physiological need to limit menses and give the ovaries a significant resting period--this naturally created by pregnancy and breastfeeding.

I know, I thought the whole book would seem ludicrous to me in light of the world's population problems, the financial limitations issue, and of course, the fact that having lots of kids seems really challenging. But, I found my heart really changing as I read, especially the middle and later chapters.

Obviously, with three children and a fourth on the way, I love having children...I love being pregnant and NOT having PMS. I love nursing and the hormonal exhiliration and relaxation that accompanies it...but most of all, I cannot imagine our lives without any one of our children. Each provides such an intense source of joy and blessing. I am thankful every day that we decided to have them and for the one that is yet to come because I know she will only intensify that joy.

Some would have had us stop at one...and then two. Many were not quiet in voicing their disapproval of our growing family. "Shouldn't you be getting back to work?" "How will you pay for this?" "Why would you want to do this?" "Your house isn't big enough."

The questions were sometimes concerned and gentle, sometimes accusing, sometimes downright inappropriate and rude. But now, with each criticized "extra" child a living, present part of the family, none of the naysayers would ever say "send them back!" They are loved and provided for, and gosh, I don't think anyone would ever say Wyatt or Caden were mistakes now that they are here!

But, I never thought about having children as not being my choice. I never thought about how limiting the number of children we have could be harmful or less than ideal. I never thought about artificial contraception as interfering with God's blessings. I just really liked having kids.

I challenge anyone to read this book and not at least find something in it that challenges conventional ideas about child-bearing.

Stay tuned--"The Natural Function--Created to Mother" will be my next post. :) And then, "The Financial Questions Answered."

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"Make it Do or Do Without..."

I read this quote today over at Large Family Mothering, and it was such a good reminder (and her post about dishwashers was pretty funny too!)

Lately, I find myself searching the internet for replacements, improvements, and just plain new stuff. This has included agonizing over baby room decor and furnishings for my registry, new maternity clothes (that I will only be able to wear for three more months), flooring (to tile, to laminate, to re-carpet...), fancy egg cartons and baskets (for the eggs we give away), and a new bigger rectangular dining table with seven chairs.

But hello! We have ENOUGH STUFF for twelve families! And just because we currently utilize a folding craft table for our meals does not in any way degrade the quality of the meals or the time we spend there as a family. The kids wouldn't know the difference if we had an $1100 Cost Plus Dining Set.

The maternity clothes I have will be just fine for a few more months and then I can focus on getting back into the ones in crates in the attic.

The baby won't know if she had brand new beautiful furnishings and decor or if it's the same stuff the boys used! And who am I doing all this decorating for anyway? For ME! That's who! And that's a little silly. I plan to start making and sewing the bedding for her room next week from the bazillions of yards of fabric I have stored away.

The new flooring will get dirty just like the old flooring. And the pets and kids will likely do some kind of irreparable harm to it just like they have our carpet (lately, I find myself wondering why oh why the carpet is so sticky in the kids' bathroom (I suspect toothpaste)--and why oh why did the builder put carpet IN THE BATHROOM???) But seriously, will I always fear that my kids will harm the new beautiful floors and be unable to enjoy them or the kids? Right now, the kids can't really make it worse, so I don't worry! :) That's a plus.

And the eggs...do I really need a neat $20 (plus tax and shipping) egg basket to retrieve the eggs and take them all 20 feet to the kitchen? Sure the plastic coated metal wire baskets will probably mean fewer drops, cracks, and delivery debacles, but we can just be a little more careful (well, Wyatt can...he's the egg collector in the family--thus the many debacles.) The new basket will not make him any more careful.

Ah, but the new table, surely a new table will make the whole kitchen so much nicer and more pleasant. The kids won't be able to move it as easily with the slightest kick if it is nice solid wood, but I think it is not going to help me with the dishes or meal preparation...and it certainly won't be self-cleaning.

And the things that have lasting value, raising our children, improving our relationship with God, nurturing and strengthening relationships with family and friends, are FREE! :) Me thinks me needs to keep a Godly outlook and realize that new-fangled stuff is not going to make any lasting difference in this life. The legacy of Godly children, a husband who feels loved and respected (and not financially strapped) by his wife, and a personal relationship with God that grows deeper daily...this is the stuff that will not rot or rust...or be covered in toothpaste within a week.

But you see how I am a little torn in two by my love of earthly stuff and my desire to walk as God would have me walk--giving up all "our" belongings to Him and being satisfied with His provision, which is plentiful...

I'm working on it Lord!

Happy Birthday Wyatt!

Our sweet Wyatt Scott Haner:

You came into our lives three years ago just after midnight on April 1, 2007 weighing 8 lbs., 14 oz. Mommy cringed when she looked at the clock after just 2 hours and 45 minutes of labor--just a few minutes earlier could have saved you years of April Fool's Day misery. But, God had a plan for your arrival, so who was mommy to cringe? It was a peaceful delivery with only daddy and the doctor and one nurse present. There was not a lot of hoopla, just you and us, and the peace and quiet of night during a very calm night at the hospital. We may have been the only ones there.

You spent a few days in the NICU, and mommy slept in the parking lot in the Volvo so she could nurse you every three hours on call. The nurses in the NICU said you had some great lungs because when you cried, it woke everyone in the nursery! We were a little nervous about that, but once we got you home, you were a very peaceful baby, who slept like a champ!

You have been the sweetest little man and blessed our lives ever since.

Three year old Wyatt:

- is almost completely potty trained (just a few pee pee accidents here and there);

- loves to cuddle on the couch and do "learning time";

- loves to play golf;

- loves his Grandpa Mac more than anything on earth even though he gives him a "whoopin'" now and then;

- loves to "be the fastest"--at everything!

- loves to play with his friend Grant;

- loves beverages--all day long must have some sort of drink...juice, milk, soda, Crystal Light, chocolate milk, strawberry milk, lemonade, smoothies, you name it, he loves it;

- loves to watch "Sight Words" videos (crazy kid);

- loves to snuggle into bed next to mommy in the quiet of the night, holds very still and curls up into a ball--by far the easiest of our kids to sleep and cuddle with;

- still likes to carry around his "lovies"--small lightweight blankets with hoodies built in, given to him his first Christmas by Kelly Kitchens--and his "baby doll"--not manly, but really really cute;

- loves to play with tools and help daddy build chicken coops;

- could eat "peanut butter and jelly, sock 'em in the belly, saaaaandwiches" for every meal;

- nicknamed "Wy Wy," "Wyatt Welker," and "Wyatt Wabbit" by those who know and love him best;

- calls all sports jerseys, regardless of team, color or name on the actual jersey, his "Wyatt Welker shirts;"

- lately, wants his hair "flat like Grandpa Mac likes it-- NOT spiky!"

- knows the whole alphabet and the sounds of all the letters;

- likes to dance and sing and has great pitch!

- enjoys a Disney princess flick as much as Bob the Builder;

- still takes a nap almost every day, for at least two hours;

- is the most cautious of our children when it comes to potentially dangerous circumstances;

- loves to sing country music with his daddy, including "Don't touch my Hat" by Country George and "Ten Gallon Hat" by some other beer drinkin' country music singer;

- loves God, church, family, friends, animals and the great outdoors;

- does not like to wear shoes--even really cute ones (definitely does not get this from me);

- loves to collect eggs from the chickens and seldom drops one these days;

- helps around the house with everything, but really enjoys cooking with mommy ("patting" pancakes in particular);

- loves to talk on the phone--to anyone--about anything;

- is quite good at getting himself dressed, but always had his pants on backwards. Interestingly, they fit much better that way; if he wears them the proper way, they tend to show crack;

- still does not have his second set of molars.

We love you little man! Thank you for all that you are and all that you bring to our lives. Happy birthday!

The Mountain--Walking the Line

What's the latest on the mountain pursuit? (Breckenridge Mountain ("the mountain") is pictured above.)

It's not really a mountain per se. It's a tall hill, but it's at 1200 ft., and the parcel looks down on so much that it feels mountainous to us.

Well, we had been pretty single-minded the past few weeks. Basically, acquisition of the mountain and beginning our lives there consumed most of our thoughts and conversations. It has been so much fun coming up with creative solutions to the lack of utilities, lack of family support, lack of available financing. We came up with an alternative energy plan, a written plan including our dreams and goals and financing a small organic poultry and egg farm on the land to encourage the nay-sayers with a written description of our vision, and we found some unique financing options that actually looked feasible.

But then, after church, Scott felt really drawn to walk the property line of the parcel, which includes some very rocky steep terrain, to see what this 40 acres really included. He wasn't sure why, but he felt it was important.

When you stand at the top of the mountain, where we would likely have our home, it all looks so surreal and beautiful. But, there is 40 acres around that house pad that we wondered...what would we do with that?

So, he walked...and his friend Ben walked with him...

And it wasn't so much a walk apparently as a hike. At times, belaying equipment could have been of some assistance. At times, there was no going any further due to shear drop-offs and/or impassable steep sections...and that was only half the property. At times, Scott thought perhaps Ben would not be his friend much longer.

It was the first time we had a realistic, non-positive thought about our move. Do we really want 40 acres, 80% of which is essentially unusable?

...to be continued...

For Brooke

For your shopping ease, here's the link.

Mommy Baby Nursing Set

I have been reading quite a wonderful Biblical study called The Power of Motherhood, and today I read about breastfeeding and its wondrous effects on baby and mommy. I think I may write more about this later because even though I have nursed three babies, it was eye opening and really gave some great insights about breastfeeding and now I am really excited to do it again!! I was a bit on the fence about it previously because the first few weeks have often been challenging physically and emotionally for me to nurse. I will spare you the details...but now, armed with this new encouragement, I am once again prepared for the challenge and ready to nourish a newborn in this special way.

Then, as I browsed the ON SALE at OLD NAVY Maternity section, I found this mommy and baby nursing set:

Doesn't it look comfy and oh so cute? I can't wait to snuggle up with this little precious princess and nurse. :) I can't afford the outfit, but it is making me yearn for my soft PJ's and a tiny newborn (though mine are rarely tiny) for a nice soft cuddle.

Size L please. :)

Shopping Makes Me Happy

Is it just me or does shopping for new clothes/shoes/handbags tend to make you think you are going to look cuter and skinnier?

Because I am fat and pregnant currently, I enjoy shopping so much more because it seems like it might make me feel a bit more feminine than a beached whale.

Don't get me wrong, I love pregnancy. I really do. The magic of life inside you is surreal and unfathomably lovely. But, then I see a picture of Jennifer Aniston's legs and I want to be skinny. So I shop.

Now, I can't go craaaaaazy shopping, so I find key buys that make me smile both because they are cute and because they are inexpensive. After all, it wouldn't be right to smile at my handbag while my children are eating Ramen...though I have contemplated the sacrifice at times. ;)

I like to feel like a princess now and then, and since I can't wear princessy heels or wedges right now (swollen sad ankles and legs), I got these fun princess gold sandals and a nice big bag to match.

I also bought some nice brownish gold nail polish (for 99 cents) over which I put a fantastic top coat so it doesn't chip for oh, maybe, TWO days instead of just one! :)

This maternity maxi dress (it has removable straps and don't worry, I'll wear a little cardigan to avoid showing my pregnant arms--how is it that my ARMS actually look pregnant???) was a splurge (at $15 after sales and coupon codes) but will be so flowy and nice (and black is slimming!) for those hot summer days to come.

MAKEUP: I got this sparkly lip gloss from that NYC cheap brand area at Target a few months ago and now I have five of them...one in every drawer, every purse, diaper bag, makeup case. Because I LOVE IT! And it's $1.29, so when Caden smears it into the carpet or eats half the tube, I don't have to cry (like I did when my Mac foundation was used to fingerpaint the bathroom wall), I can just buy a new one!!

New Stage

I can't find my camera cord, or there would be a very messy picture HERE.

Yesterday, I put Caden down for a nap and he kept making noise--thumping, talking, crying...not entirely unusual, but it went on for a very long time--almost an hour, which IS unusual, especially because he had to be exhausted after a long morning out and about.

I finally ventured into his room, only to be greeted by the strangest mix of smells...

Poop, so that explained PART of why he wasn't going to sleep...

And

LOTION.

I had left my very favorite lotion (expensive too) on the changing table because it is a diaper rash CURE (thank you Angie!). And the little Go Go Gadget Arm reached it through his crib slats, pulled it into the crib, took off the lid and dumped it EVERYWHERE...carpet, sheet, blanket, up and down many crib slats (super fun to clean.)

Lesson learned Caden. Lesson learned.

:)

More Space Please for Big Ol' Mommy

Remember that commercial where everyone was too big and all the furnishings, hot tub, etc. were too small? Was it Geico? I don't know.

Well, about this time in every pregnancy, I start to feel like that. Everything is too small, too cluttered, and I am way too big to be comfortable anywhere.

So, images like this, and the idea of minimalism start to really appeal to me. We may have nothing left in the house by the time this baby is born. But, we'll have plenty of room to move around.

Hmmmm, maybe I need a big mountain's worth of space? Stay tuned. :)

The Mountain

We are currently in the first stage of a potential adventure. I hesitate to write too much as nothing is set in stone, but we are creatively attempting to finance the purchase of beautiful mountaintop property. It is 40 acres, with a view like nothing I have ever seen in these here parts (y'all know I can talk Okie when I want.) There are four potential building pads, one of which is currently occupied by a renter who has her own mobile home. She has six dogs. And no electricity. I have never actually seen her...

Anyway, the road to the parcel from the main street is dirt, but sufficient. It takes us through rambling hills, free grazing horses, past an English bulldog breeder's estate, and up to the top of a "mountain" at 1,200 ft. From there, you can see 360 degrees the entire valley, orchards, parks, homes, hills, cows, widflowers. It is breathtaking.

Scott has had the unusual opportunity to safely shoot "clays" up there (a fun luxury we have previously only enjoyed on our trips to Texas.) We have stood together, literally and metaphorically, to pray on this mountain. We have enjoyed fellowship with the current owners who are struggling and wonderful and wanting to help us in any way they can.

The gentleman who owns it sunk every fence post around the 40 mountainous acres with his bare hands. A little part of his heart and soul remains there and we intend to keep him and his family as friends if we acquire it. He is a good man.

The problems we are encountering thus far are:

1. Bare land requires 50% down; (Ours is not "bare"--there is a renter there in a mobile home, there is water to the property, road access, but no electricity from the grid);

2. Apparently, no electricity from the grid essentially means property is worthless, from a typical banker/mortgager/financing standpoint; and

3. Loans for residential and commercial acreage are generally very short term (like five years max) and often carry very high interest rates (like 12%) despite our outstanding credit and very well developed and intelligent (we think) business plan for the land.

We are continuing to get creative. And we know a God who can make all things possible when they are part of His best plan for us. We know in our hearts that this will be an amazing investment for whoever assists with financing and, of course, for us. This land will only go up in value in the future, especially with an eye toward shared electricity to the land (for which there is already a plan in place), and considering the truly unique and beautiful rural mountainous environment, still close to town and community.

The future will depend on our desire to take a risk on this opportunity and bank on the fact that it will pay off down the line. There is so much still to contemplate, but we are very hopeful. I would like to take some photos and post them soon to really start adequately journaling this adventure.

Stay tuned.

Off the Grid

We have been attracted to an "off-the-grid" lifestyle for years. We have never, of course, had the courage to take that step, nor the finances to make it a reality. But, as of late, our desires and God's open doors seem to be lining up for us to make this bold step.

Are you familiar with the "off-the-grid" lifestyle? Below, you will find an overview from Wikipedia. In the next year or two, I will be regularly updating this blog with our journey toward off-the-grid living.

Let me tell you, I am very aware there will be many ups and downs in this process, and I am quite sure many of these I can't even anticipate, but we are committed and excited about the journey. Changing this city-girl, bubble bath loving, appliance abusing, electricity guzzler into the conscientious environmentally aware, energy saver I know I should be, is going to be an interesting, sometimes painful process.

Stay tuned for Part One: The Mountain, to live vicariously through us if you don't have the courage (or desire) to do it yourself. If nothing else, I imagine, there will be a lot of drama and laughter to be had by all.

(From Wikipedia:)
The term off-the-grid (OTG) or off-grid refers to living in a self-sufficient manner without reliance on one or more public utilities.

Off-the-grid homes are autonomous —they do not rely on municipal water supply, sewer, natural gas, electrical power grid or similar utility services. A true "off the grid" or "off-grid" house is able to operate completely independently of all traditional public utility services. The idea has been recently popularized by certain celebrities including Ed Begley, Jr. who stars in Living With Ed television show on the Home & Garden Television network. Actress Darryl Hannah also promotes "off-grid" living and constructed her home in Colorado according to those principles.

Electrical power
Electrical power can be generated on-site with renewable energy sources such as solar, wind or geothermal; with a generator and adequate fuel reserves; or simply done without, as in Amish communities. Such electricity system is called a stand-alone power system.

Water
On-site water sources can include a well, stream, or lake. Depending on the water source, this may include pumps and/or filtration. Rainwater can also be harvested.

Popularity
On 13 April 2006, USA Today reported that there were "some 180,000 families living off-grid, a figure that has jumped 33% a year for a decade," and cited Richard Perez, publisher of Home Power Magazine,as the source. Assuming the same rate of growth, there would be a quarter million off-grid households in the United States by late 2007. Because many third-world citizens have never had the chance to go on the grid, current estimates are that 1.7 billion people live off-grid worldwide.

Environmental impact
The State of California is encouraging solar and wind power generation that is connected to the electrical grid to avoid the use of toxic lead acid batteries for night time storage. Grid-tie systems are more expensive due to the extra hardware costs (such as a grid-tie inverter) especially when old car batteries that can no longer supply enough current to start a car are re-used.

Going off-grid can be done for altruistic reasons or to lower the environmental impact of living, as the typically limited amount of on-site renewable energy available is an incentive to reduce its use.

It is often done to residential buildings only occasionally occupied, such as vacation cabins, to avoid high initial costs of traditional utility connections.

Other persons choose to live in houses where the cost of outside utilities is prohibitive, or such a distance away as to be impractical. In his book "How to live off-grid" Nick Rosen lists seven reasons for going off-grid. The top two are saving money, and reducing the carbon footprint. Others include survivalism, preparing for the collapse of the oil economy and bringing life back to the countryside.

Economic consideration
See also: Grid parity
In situations where grid parity has been reached it becomes cheaper to generate one's own electricity rather than purchasing it from the grid. This depends on equipment costs, the availability of renewable energy sources (wind,sun) and the cost of a grid connection. For example, in certain remote areas a grid connection would be prohibitively expensive, resulting in grid parity being reached immediately.

We are on our way friends! And though many of you already thought we might be a little crazy (homeschooling,etc.), I am quite sure this move will confirm the notion! :)

New Book...

Starting this book today! Can't wait to stop worrying. :)

The Closet Conundrum

Image from here.

I would like to shop for new updated clothing...well...honestly...every day. I enjoy a crisp new outfit with matching shoes and purse, as much as the next gal. But, I know that there are more important things in life...things of substance. I know that having new clothes is a temporary high that quickly leads me to wanting more new clothes, and more new shoes, and well, that's just not healthy...for our finances or for my mind.

So, I try to focus on other things like gardening, studying the word of God, training and playing with my children, feeding my household in a frugal and healthy manner, and cleaning/organizing. But, sometimes, I still get the itch.

Today, I am starting in our closet, throwing things out, getting rid of items that don't fit (or won't fit even when this baby is out) and color coordinating my very favorite wardrobe items...which consist of about five things right now...some dark blue denim maternity jeans from Old Navy, a long gray hoodie sweater, also from Old Navy, a black maternity sweater from...you guessed it...Old Navy...do you see a trend here?

Anyway, I may only have a few things left in my closet after today, but they will be things that I like, that fit, and when this baby stops making me fat (I love you baby, and I adore feeling you growing inside me; it's not personal, but you are making me fat...well, you and the quesadillas), I may have to do a little shopping here and there to repopulate my wardrobe, but with prices and quality like what I've been finding at Old Navy, I am OK with that.

As a sidenote, I got a card with Old Navy last month, just to capitalize on the no shipping and online discounts afforded to cardholders and I saved a TON. It will be a good long while before I can afford to do that again, and I will...probably...cut up that card, but oh my, it was fun. :)

Where do you like to shop?

Change of Bloggin' Plans

I was contemplating blogging about my obsession with the movie I didn't even want to see that ended up being seriously one of the best movies I have ever seen (Avatar.) Then I realized there was silence in the home and I turned around to see that after the kids made a bed on the living room floor, they actually went to sleep! So sweet and unexpected, it almost made me forget the h-e-double hockey sticks they put me through this morning...almost.

The Smallest Things

As I awakened this morning at 6am, there were no children in bed with me and I had slept through the night! I couldn't believe it. I got dressed, put my makeup on, read the Bible, did my yoga workout, and here I sit reporting on it all and still not a peep from the babies.

As I read Leviticus 24 and 25 today (it was the "reading of the day" for the "Bible in a Year" chart at the beginning of my Bible, so I thought, "Huh, I never read Leviticus, I'll check it out.")

I became more and more convinced that God is concerned over the smallest things in our lives as I read...our homes, how many years we grow grapes, what we eat, how we live...He gets pretty specific and nit picky in Leviticus. If we will listen to that still small voice as He whispers to us the detailed answers to our dilemmas, we will prosper too. If we will cry out past the noise in our lives, He will provide a way for our best.

Thank you for the reminders this morning Lord. And thank you for this morning with you. It was absolutely lovely.

Oh, I hear a baby boy awakening! This is going to be a great day.

In Search of Peaceful Mommy

Image from here.

So, I've been trying to figure something out. How do I achieve the peaceful mommy mindset that comes from a full night's sleep, arising one hour before the children to have quiet stretching/yoga/exercise/Bible study time, when I haven't had a full night's sleep in several weeks...and have a child who keeps waking up for the day at 4:45?

Mommy is not peaceful. Mommy feels like she might have a little rant at the drop of a hat, fall over asleep on the kitchen counter (where she would be stuck eternally to the PBJ remaining there from lunchtime), or melt into a puddle of silly ol' tears at any moment.

Surely Lord, you will bring me through this time, but help me see the light at the end of this tunnel! Mommy is sleepy and welcomes your peace. I have felt it many times today when I thought I might lose it and for that I am so thankful. Thank you for the "Mommy hold me" moments and the joyful laughter of a toddler. Thank you for the life that is this household. Your presence is evident and your love is wondrous.

And now I would like to get some sleep please...

Trend Alert! A Hairdo I Can Do!

This topknot 'do I can definitely get into--TREND ALERT! I hear you!!! Moms everywhere rejoice!

So You're Thinking About Getting a Trampoline?

In case you are considering getting a trampoline for your small children, this video may convince you it is a good...or bad...idea, depending on how you see it. I definitely pictured unending hours of reading on the patio while the children amused themselves. Not so much. There is a lot of up close supervision required, especially when they all three want to be on there--or when Caden (our fifteen month old) first learned how to unzip the net...yah, pretty much ever since then, it hasn't been fun...for me. And that's what matters, right? :)

If you are reading this on Facebook (which automatically imports my blog posts), and cannot view the video, go to http://hanerhome.blogspot.com to view.

Pastor Jim

Check out Pastor Jim at his site by clicking on his picture above. Mandee, I told you!!!!

My New Read

I am really excited to have a new beautiful hard back book to read from my sweet mother-in-law. One chapter is called, "Why are Doctors so Bad at Washing Their Hands?" Bahahahaha. I can't wait. As I struggle to "rest" today with two sick little boys and a very energetic little girl, a husband out of town for a basketball meeting, and a big pregnant belly, I think this book will help. :) Has anyone read it?

Canaan's Story

This story continues to inspire and move me. Please continue to lift my dear friend and her sweet little guy up in prayer. It is these moments when life, strength, love and spirit collide that make this journey of womanhood so...deep. Our hearts are so regularly torn into a billion pieces over our little ones. May God continue to be with and move through you Rossie!

Why we are choosing to homeschool...

Why we are choosing to homeschool...

1) We feel that we can best teach our own children according to the bent, personality and learning style/capability of each;

2) We feel that we have the best interests of our children in mind always, in education and all things;

3) We feel that our children are like plants, who will bear awesome fruit once trained, protected, girded up, and loved to maturity, at which time they will be able to handle the "elements" on their own; but, we do not want to expose them to the elements before they are properly trained and prepared...by us;

4) We feel that the social and spiritual well-being of our children will be best served by training in the home, in church, in extra curricular activities, and at their charter school enrichment classes; we feel that socialization by varying ages under our supervision is better for our children than socialization by twenty + other five (or six, or seven, or eight...) year olds whose backgrounds, lifestyles, influences and values are unknown to us;

5) We do NOT feel that everyone should homeschool or that those who choose not to homeschool are inferior in any way; we feel that our decision is very personal and very much directed by our own personal convictions and guidance from the holy spirit; we are open to future changes in these convictions;

6) We feel that the range and breadth of curriculum and homeschool support networks is an amazing blessing offered to this generation in a way that has never before been available, and we look forward to taking advantage of it all;

7) We are blessed to know many homeschooling families personally, some of whom have been very successful in raising well-adjusted, amazingly intelligent and charismatic homeschooled children, including Ivy Leage University grads; we will glean knowledge, inspiration and resources from them all!

8) We have known some families who have been unsuccessful in their homeschooling endeavors and we are blessed to glean from their experiences as well;

9) We look forward to a time when our children can be salt and light in the world, but they cannot do this without preparation and a solid foundation; when we feel they are ready, we will send them out, and prayerfully, we will have prepared them in a way that allows them to be the most salty bright little lights possible.

Finally, I just want to say to all those who are reading this and still question, criticize, or seek to disparage our decision, please do your own research. There are countless studies coming out these days about the success of homeschooled children academically, professionally, spiritually, and socially. They are, as a group, scoring higher on standardized tests, above grade level on average at every stage in every subject, getting and staying married and committed to their families, more often obtaining higher educations, generally much closer to their siblings for life, much less likely to be involved in gangs, drugs, pornography, or criminal activities...and the list goes on.

As a product of public education, I have nothing bad to say about it. As a child of public school educators, I know there are excellent teachers out there. As the wife of a public school educator, I know that there are teachers who care and are working their tails off to make a difference and teach effectively.

But, this knowledge also affords us the basis for a logical decision (I think) to provide our children with one on one (well, four) teaching (instead of one on 20 or 30.) It gives us insight into the challenges that exist in today's classrooms, which we can avoid at home.

For instance, if our children don't "get" something right away, we can review it until they get it. If they do get it right away, there is no reason to dwell on it, we can move on! There are not twenty something other students to consider.

And finally, one of the books I recently read mentioned this: the one constant complaint among teachers is that they wish parents were more involved in their students' education (and life in general). We are just taking that one step further and becoming the most involved parents there could possibly be. :)

Really?

I subscribe to many litle fashion newsletters because my job does not really allow me to stay abreast of the latest trends, and I like to see what's happening on the fashion scene, even though, really, I am SO not a part of it.

Most of it I look through quickly, some of it I dismiss due to my own modesty preferences, but it was nice to know green nails were the newest "in thing." That way I was not QUITE as astonished when the cutie pie clerk at Target had pistachio colored fingers. (I actually have a nice minty shade on my toes and fingers currently.) I'm surprised by how much I like it now.

Anyhoo, this dress popped up this morning as the latest sexy dress craze. Um, really? Have I been out of the fashion loop that long?

Green nails have grown on me; this dress...will not.

Diapers.com

Hi all!

If you haven't tried diapers.com for diapers, it is super cool. Free shipping over $49 and no sales tax. If you don't like the leaky brands, and prefer a nice dry baby in the morning, this is the way to go. There are often coupon codes and promotions that net you a great savings over even Costco. If you decide to try it, enter my email address at checkout and get $10 off your first order!! hanermom@hotmail.com

Thanks friends!

Rossie and Canaan

Rossie and Canaan are doing well. I am so thankful for all your continuing prayers for strength, growth, provision, healing and peace over mommy and son. Click here for Rossie's updated account.

A VERY Happy Valentine's Day!

My sweet hubby took me on an overnight date for Valentine's Day to the Four Points Sheraton, where we spent our wedding night.

We ate a delicious dinner at the Roadhouse and talked about all kinds of deep and not so deep things. It was so nice to be in each others' presence. It was nice to eat a great big dinner (although the baby didn't seem too pleased as she wiggled for every ounce of room remaining in there!) We had lofty plans of watching movies and eating treats back at the hotel, but when we got back, after I cut his hair (romantic, I know), we fell asleep..and slept for ten hours straight!!! LOL!

We awoke to a call from our babysitter, saying that Wyatt was throwing up, so we went home a few hours earlier than we had planned, and nursed our poor sick boy back to health. I felt like I had the patience of a saint, even with all the throwing up and chaos upon our return; must have been all that sleep and having reconnected with my love.

I am definitely a better mom (and person in general) when I have had good sleep and good connection with my sweet hubby.

Wyatt is feeling better today and we are on the road to Easter! I feel like my life revolves around the next holiday in so many ways, and I love it!

How did you celebrate Valentine's day?

Oh Happy Jewelry!

I don't know what it is lately but I have really got a thing for jewelry. I have returned to wearing bracelets and a watch and have even been wearing my silver hoop earrings again. It just feels so stylish to have some bling goin' on. Silly, I know, but sometimes fashion just makes me happy. It's a Proverbs 31 thang. :)

Anyhoo, I also wanted Kya to have a little something special to go with her Easter dress, so I ordered a custom necklace and bracelet from Beadiful Kids. And this is how it turned out! So cute, huh?

Can't wait to get my family all matchy matchy and take some pics! What a nerd, I know, but this is such a fun part of mommyhood and womanhood for me. :) Don't you love this set?

New Happy Healthy Pregnancy Menu!

My new happy healthy pregnancy menu is inspired by two things. One, I have gained way too much weight every pregnancy I have had and since this is my last, I would like to have that cute little pregnant body and healthy..ahem...digestive system...just ONCE!

I also read an interesting article about the missing nutrient in many pregnant women's diets, choline, which plays a critical role in neural tube development (along with folic acid) and other development (I know her neural tube is already developed at this point, but it can't hurt.)

In addition, I have just found myself a little yucky feeling lately eating too many carbs, too few veggies, and too much food in general, so I needed to make a change!

BREAKFAST: 1 hard-boiled egg, whole wheat toast, 2 Tbsp peanut butter, 1 orange;

LUNCH: 2 cups mixed greens w/ lowfat dressing, 3 oz. grilled chicken, 1 medium banana, 1 cup nonfat milk;

DINNER: 3 oz. salmon fillet, 1/2 cup edamame, 1 cup brown rice;

SNACKS: 1 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt, 1/4 cup slivered almonds.

Along with yoga and my daily walks with the Double Stroller of Delight, I am excited to feel a little more energetic, and...ahem...regular. :)

Rossie Update

Rossie asked our friend Raquel to update her blog with the latest news on baby Canaan. Thanks friends for your prayers and love. Click here for the latest. If you are reading this on Facebook and are unable to click the hyperlink, you can visit my blog at http://hanerhome.blogspot.com/

BLESSINGS!

Living a "Good" Life by Reaching Higher

Image from here.


On our date night last night (Ahhh, it is so nice to be having weekly date nights again. Thank you Debbie!!!!!!!), Scott and I had a really cool discussion about living well. We wondered when it was that we became focused continually on being "better" people.

It seems that the past few years (perhaps tracing back to the birth of our first child, perhaps even before that), we have become all about...becoming. Scott listens to the Thomas Jefferson hour, Radio Lab, and other intellectually stimulating and inspiring radio programs.

We go to a church that challenges us constantly to become better people, better parents and better spouses, and I, of course, have my little blog obsession, where I have found several blogs I routinely visit for inspiration on everything from homemaking, menu planning, homeschooling, and mothering to being a fashionably modest woman...spiritual growth to church history. In another post, I will list all my favorite blogs that really keep me motivated and excited about this stay at home mommy journey.

But, we're not sure when this process began in our lives or whether everyone eventually gets to a place where they are focused on self betterment for the good of others. (i.e., not just self improvement in career, status, appearance, etc., but bettering our souls and hearts so that we can be a blessing to our family, friends, community, world, and God's kingdom.)

Anyway, it was a great discussion and I came away thankful for a husband that is always striving to be better intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. What a blessing he is to our family.

Along these lines, this morning, a friend asked me about Psalm 128:5 and so I looked it up and read some commentaries about it (she just asked me whether it was in the Old Testament.)

Here is an interesting commentary I found on the Psalm, and it speaks to the living a "good" life.

From Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:

128:1-6 The blessings of those who fear God. - Only those who are truly holy, are truly happy. In vain do we pretend to be of those that fear God, if we do not make conscience of keeping steadfastly to his ways. Blessed is every one that fears the Lord; whether he be high or low, rich or poor in the world.

If thou fear him and walk in his ways, all shall be well with thee while thou livest, better when thou diest, best of all in eternity. By the blessing of God, the godly shall get an honest livelihood. Here is a double promise; they shall have something to do, for an idle life is a miserable, uncomfortable life, and shall have health and strength, and power of mind to do it.

They shall not be forced to live upon the labours of other people. It is as much a mercy as a duty, with quietness to work and eat our own bread. They and theirs shall enjoy what they get. Such as fear the Lord and walk in his ways, are the only happy persons, whatever their station in life may be. They shall have abundant comfort in their family relations. And they shall have all the good things God has promised, and which they pray for.

A good man can have little comfort in seeing his children's children, unless he sees peace upon Israel. Every true believer rejoices in the prosperity of the church. Hereafter we shall see greater things, with the everlasting peace and rest that remain for the Israel of God.

As I read this commentary, I found two things at work in my mind. One, "happiness" does not necessarily equate to a "perfect" life by the world's measure. It is a peace that comes from knowing that you are living in a way that is good in God's eyes. It is from a peace of conscience. Oh, I believe there are material blessings that flow from this as well (and we have seen this material provision countless times in our own lives), but that's not the point really.

And two, I realized my knowledge of Jerusalem and Israel, and all that stuff, is sorely lacking and that I would like to know more, especially since it is referenced SO often in the Bible I claim to love so much.

Peace in Israel supreme above all my other wants and needs?... I don't think...no, I KNOW I have not got that priority because I simply don't know enough about Israel to even know what is going on there (sorry Dr. Cruikshanks, my International Relations professor in college). This requires some depth of study, and it is so much easier to focus on the other aspects of faith, rather than church history and support of our beliefs.

But I find myself wanting more lately, and I feel that perhaps I am being led to intellectual and scientific study of the Bible and its history, so this is a good topic of study for my next few weeks of study...

"Israel, What's the deal?"

Anyway, I realize more and more that the life I lead is FAR from perfect or "good," but I am enjoying trying to become better. Some days, I still feel like I'd really just like to settle for a materialistic surfacey life focused on being skinny and having a beautiful house, but that happens a little less these days than it used to, so I'm hopeful! :)

Thoughts?

Prayers for Rossie

Lord, I know you and I know your love for your children. But I also know that sometimes your plans are not ours. And that scares us Lord. Right now, I pray for my friend Rossie, for her about to be born child, and I ask you Lord, PLEEEEEEEASE, cover them with protection, love, peace, health, strength beyond measure. I love you Lord, but I am worried, even though you say not to be. Could you please be with my friend while I cannot?

 ¹The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

 ²He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

 ³He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

 ⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

 ⁵Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 ⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. (Psalm 23, King James Version)

Rossie is a wonderful amazing woman and friend, mom to five (soon to be six), and a wonderful follower of Christ. If you could please pray for her and her little baby, about to be born by c-section at 32 weeks, thank you!!!

It's a...

Well, I suppose by now, the cat's out of the bag. We know what gender Haner baby #4 is.

But, let me say this before I share the gender, I was surprised by my reaction. Armed with the conviction that it really didn't mattter what it was, no prior premonitions or preferences, I was startled by the tears that came on the way home from the blessed ultrasound that not only revealed the gender, but the apparent good health of this baby. My eggs are getting old after all, so it was nice to see all four limbs, ten fingers and ten toes, and a cute little face and intact spine.

Perhaps I was just tired from the night of no sleep. Bad dreams for Kya last night. I don't mind being awake to cuddle my girl through her fear, but it does make for a rough next morning.

Perhaps I had to mourn the loss of that other gendered child...the fact that I will never again have another of the opposite gender...

I don't know what it was, but I was really really sad.

UNTIL...


I started thinking...


ABOUT...


...all the bows and dresses and skirts and tutus I get to make!

IT'S A GIRL!!!