The Lonely World Between Nursing and Formula

I know that breast is best, but we also live in a fallen, sin cursed world. I am thankful for all your insight and encouragement on my first post in this subject. I was very relieved to hear I was not alone. I am learning there are many women who can not breast feed their babies. http://rachelwards.blogspot.com/2007/12/to-nurse-or-not-to-nurse.html
I know there are many people who would continue to judge my decision to go to the bottle.

I felt very lonely during this time. Friends and family encouraging me to keep on, friends and family encouraging me to give the bottle. My personality is people pleaser. I was so torn. No matter what I chose to do I was going to make some one upset. There were the advocates for nursing on one side "telling" me I would be a "bad mother" to go to the bottle. There were practitioners "telling" me I would be a "bad mother" to continue breast feeding. I did not FEEL that I had support for doing both at the same time...supplementing. I wish I could have felt comfortable doing both. I know there are women who supplement comfortably. Who are you and how do you do it?

Out of this ordeal, I am grateful. It forced me to make my own choice, to not consider who would be happy or upset. This decision had to be my own. It always was.

Many of us women breast feed. Many of us go to or start with the bottle. There is nothing right or wrong with either. The wrong thing is to make a mother FEEL bad for the choices she makes. The right thing is to encourage her in her decisions. Babies continue to be born and survive to adulthood. I had to nurse for my own self. I wanted to be able to say, "I did it!" That was reason enough for me. When it came time for the bottle, I could not sacrifice my baby on the alter of my pride.

We are not having any more children, but if we did I would try to nurse again. With each baby the path got easier because I had travelled it before.

Exonerated

Yesterday I shared with my grandparents how I took our 7 month old baby camping in freezing weather. I certainly expected to be chided for my foolishness. My fear of being "in trouble" melted away to smiles of joy as they encouraged me. In my grandfather's words, "you gotta break 'um in." My grandmother shared how the Eskimo people would strip the babies of their clothing and tuck them inside the mothers clothing...skin to skin.

They also shared with me how they used to go fishing with my mother when she was about 7 months old. They would make a "bed" out of a dresser drawer, lining it with blankets. This "bed" would be laid in the bottom of the boat or rested on the shore of the water...were ever they fished she was there with them.

My silly grin over the thrill of being exonerated changed to one of amazement. I knew my grandparents liked to fish. In fact my grandfather would take a bunch of us grand kids fishing during the summer. He would untangle the lines for us, and make sure we didn't hook each other.

Why was I amazed? My husband and I are not so different from them. They took all their kids out fishing, some thing they loved to do. Here I am two generations later taking my kids out to do some thing we love, camping.

Get to know your parents and grandparents, you might just find out you have a lot in common.

Camping With Children

Cold weather, fussy baby, lost and found diaper bag (which included my wallet!) were my only complaints.

The first night was murder. So cold. Despite bringing every blanket we owned, we couldn't get warm. I could hear my grandmother in the back of my head repeating over and over, "this is wrong, you shouldn't have a baby out in this weather. When we made our reservations the week before it was in the 80's. Around midnight I ran to Wal-mart to buy a $90! electric blanket. So much for saving money on camping for vacation.

My attitude improved with the weather. My husband did all the cooking as usual. I only had to sit and hold the baby. Surprise, he did think to bring the stroller! Yeah! With my hands free and every one warm, I was able to have some fun. We went canoeing, hiking and fishing.

The trip was a success. We all got home in one piece and all were happy.

Strange Mushrooms

One of the things I enjoy as a Home Maker is mushroom hunting. In many places of the world people still rely on mushrooms as a source of food. It is sad to me that this art has been lost to us. My grandfather knew what mushrooms were good to eat, but did not teach his kids because of the danger of picking the wrong mushroom. I am glad for his wisdom. Mushrooms are very dangerous if you don't know what you are doing.

Here is a mushroom that is definitely NOT edible. We found it in my small kitchen garden when there was mysterious USS (unidentified stinky stench). I believe the spores came from the cypress chips I laid down for mulch. Does any one know what it is? It stinks!!! It smells like...some thing dead or dung. I would like to know the real name given to it to tell the kids. We already have a few names ourselves. I can not find it in my mushroom books. Please help.

To Nurse or Not to Nurse

I have nursed 2 of my four children for 5 months, the other two I attempted and went to formula with in the first month. Why: I am not sharing this to advise you in what to do, but to let you know you are not alone. My Advice: Talk to your practitioner.

I wanted to nurse so badly.

1st child: I nursed and supplemented, she never gained weight properly until I stopped nursing.

2nd child: acted hungry in the first week, I did not want a repeat scenario, so I went directly to formula.

3rd child: I nursed for 3 weeks, when she became less active I made the switch.

4th child: As nursing has always been some thing I have wanted to do, I made my most humbled effort.

God blessed me with a wonderful midwife. I trusted her insight and experience. I asked all the questions I that my pride didn't allow me to ask with my first three. She assured me that I was fully capable of nursing my baby. What a relief, some one who believed in me. I surely did not believe in myself at this point. Not believing in myself may still have been my undoing. Yet, I was able to solely nurse our last child until she was 4 1/2 months old. I was successful in that she was that she was thriving and gaining a little weight.

I am know there are many people who would continue to judge my decision to go to the bottle. I however could not sacrifice my baby on the alter of my pride.

The big questions I came to were "In light of eternity, will nursing or not nursing make a difference?", "Will my nursing give her better quality of life or allow her to live longer/forever?" and "Does this matter to God?", "Didn't HE make my body to do this?"

I had to forgive myself. I felt like such a failure even though I nursed solely for 4 1/2 months. Answers: The most important thing I can give to my child is not my breasts, it is my life. My life with Jesus, teaching her to follow her Creator. Nursing or not nursing will not change her life as GOD is the one who knows the number of her days. As to quality, that is in God's hands too, and my living a life in devotion to God. Yes, Yes, Yes, it does matter to God because my pride was involved. And, yes, HE did make my body for this, BUT do not forget this is a sin cursed world. I am no Eve, only one of her daughters 6,000 years removed.

Concerning pride, the Bible tells us to examine ourselves: I Corinthians 11:28, II Corinthians 13:5 and Galatians 6:4. I was very proud at that time. I was attaching some of my self worth to fulfilling one of the "female rights." As we reap what we sow, my fall was great. I was not looking to my Savior for my satisfaction.

As I confessed my sin of pride, my Shepherd applied the soothing balm of HIS Word. I found comfort in I Peter 3:3-4: "Do not let your beauty be that outward adorning of arranging the hair, of wearing gold, or of putting on fine apparel [or the 'girl scout badge of nursing']; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." (NKJV)

Because my life was crashing down around me, I needed to know where my value lay. God in HIS mercy showed me HE is my value and following HIM is my life's love.

I have to praise HIM for allowing me to live in a time when baby food is easy to acquire for the survival of our children.

Stay tuned for these topics, as they are close to my heart.

1. The lonely world in between nursing and formula

2. Exactly how long was I expecting to nurse my baby?

3. Benefits of nursing after 3 months

Corn Husk Doll continued

Corn Husk Doll continued

If you had corn last week and saved the husks you can make this doll.

You will also need dried corn silk, a 5-inch length of wire for the doll's arms and light colored thread for tying the husks together.

These are the steps I followed to make my doll.

1. Roll five husks together and tie at the center, peel top half down, and tie 1 in. below top to make head. Make a second bundle of five husks, set this one on top of the first, peel down, and tie the same. The first bundle is like the filler. Hide thread around the "neck" with 1/4-in. husk strips tied at back of head.

2. Thread arm wire (5-in. piece) through the length of one husk (cut off extra husk), then roll husk around wire. Tie at center and at wrists. Tie husk strips around wrists and elbows to hide the string. Push "arms" up through the middle of the body. Lash arms onto body with 1/4-in. husk strips, crossing each other. Then cover with 3/4-in. strips tied at waist, this will look like a shawl.

3. Wrap layers of husks-wide ends down-around waist for skirt, and tie in place. I ended up gluing these pieces on, they tended to slip off when I tied them. You can hide the waist with a 3/4-in. husk strip tied in place with two 1/4-in. strips

This was a fun mother daughter craft. Mary is cherishing her new doll.

Look What We Made!

Look What We Made!

I like to make things from scratch. I get this from my grandmother. My daughter and I collected the materials and made this doll. It cost nothing but time and the resouces we have around the house. The next time you have corn on the cob don’t throw away the husks.

1. Dry husks for one week between pieces of news paper, old phone book or boards, with weight on top.

2. The night before making the doll, place husks into a plastic bag and sprinkle a litlle water on them.

If you like this craft have corn on the cob tonight. Stay tuned for the rest of the instructions.

Proverbs 31:14

vs 14 "She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar,"

Many of us don't like shopping. All the people, noise and rush can send us batty. Not to mention if we have the kids in tow. What we do today is no different from what this woman did over 2,000 years ago. Be encouraged as you battle the check out lines. You are accomplishing Proverbs 31!

Another Variation of a Menu

If you have any recipes you especially like (and are easy), I would love to feature them on my blog.

Monday - Soup and bread night. I like to make Chicken soup of some kind. My mother taught me how to use the left over bones of a chicken. They usually have a bit of meat left on them, you can add what ever extra you need. This makes a nice broth...add salt and spices, some vegetables. Take out the bones of course. And BINGO, PRESTO Chicken soup. You can add dumplings or pasta or rice. Make a salad and bread to complement the meal.

Tuesday - New recipe night. I like to make a good meal at least once a week. I used to do that on Sundays. I discovered this was too stressful, so I moved it to a week night.

Wednesday - Bean Burrito night. Our family loves bean burritos. It is cheep and very healthy. You get the protein from the beans, add cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomato and onion. YUM!

Thursday - Baked chicken casserole (easy). They used turkey, I only had chicken.

Friday - Pizza and a movie night.

Saturday - I like to pick a family favorite.

Sunday - Left overs.

Hope you have fun planning your menu this week. Let me know what new recipes you come across.

Proverbs 31:13

OK, verse 13, "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." (NIV).

This woman was a sales woman and a bargain shopper. I don't think I know any woman who does not like a bargain. Yes, as home makers we can shop. Just always ask, "do I need this?"

I have found asking my husbands advice, especially at the beginning of our marriage, has been helpful. He thinks differently than I do and often asks questions I would never think of. Now that we have been married 10 years I do not bug him with many questions. Only when I am stumped I seek his advice. I know he trusts me.

She is also willing and eager to work hard with her hands. Lets face it ladies. Some times the only way to do a job right is to get in there and get our hands dirty.

To me de-boning a cooked chicken was the grosses thing. To save money I had to 'humiliate' myself. YUCK! I actually ended up spending more to begin with because I bought latex gloves to wear to do the job. I had to be desensitised. Now after many boxes of latex gloves I can de-bone a chicken in little time.

Making Meals Easier

Hello Friends!

I was chatting with my sister about meals. We all know how hard it is to plan what we are going to eat, especially if it is going to be nice. Sure a can of soup and a tuna sandwich might be good for us and the kids don't mind. But, what about our husbands? Yes, they should be happy with whatever we place in front of them. Yet, some times what we place in front of them is...well, a great exuse for take out.

So, not all of us can afford take out every night and "science projects" well, don't always look appetising. Good though they may be. Presentation is 50% of the taste.

It was important for my husband for us to have a nice dinner at a specific time every day. This is not always accomplished, but it is my goal.

This is what I have done. During the day the kids and I eat what ever is easy for me. My menu for the week only encompasses supper. I begin preparing about 3pm for supper to be on the table at 6pm. If I am going to be out or have any appointments, I prep things in the morning or use my crock pot.

Here is my menu for this next week. I also try to shop between Wednesday and Saturday. This is when stores usually have the best sales on meat.

Monday - Chicken Noodle soup with bread and salad

Tuesday - Beef Stir fry

Wednesday - Bean Burritos

Thursday - Chicken wraps

Friday - always pizza and a movie night

Saturday and Sunday - I cook up enough beef to have tacos on Saturday and taco salad for lunch on Sunday.

What are your family favorites?

I found trying to have a traditional 'nice' lunch on Sunday was too stressful. It's leftovers for us.

You can e-mail me for any recipes. wardtravel4@msn.com

Proverbs 31:12

Proverbs 31 in the 21st Century

Hello again. I hope every one had a great weekend.

This next verse is one of my favorites.

Verse 12 says: "She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." NIV

When we marry, we are trusting ourselves to another person. Some one we believe will take care of us. Some times though we get a few weeks, months or years into our marriages and realize this husband is not doing for me or being the person I expected him to be. Regardless of our husbands actions we can still obey scripture ourselves. We have been commanded to bring our husband good and not harm all the days of our lives.

I know, I know, what if he is not obeying God? You worry about you. Certainly pray and talk to God about it. But, it doesn't change your command. Remember I Peter 2:20-21, see September 14th's "Face It!"

Face It!

Face It!



Let's face it ladies, we work hard. Hard work is worth rewarding. But, some times the only thing we are working hard at, is trying to get our own time and space. Have you ever noticed when you are TRYING to have time to yourself there are ALWAYS interruptions?



I remember being so frustrated at my husband, children and house because I could never get a moment to myself. It was a sink or swim situation. I certainly couldn't get away, I did love them after all.

So then, was I to sink in despair and anger OR was I to give up my time and "swim with the flow". Much against my will! Pure survival. For the love of myself (avoiding insanity) and my family I MUST swim. I had to FACE IT!




Surprise! Did I just have a relaxing, reflecting moment to myself? How did that happen? You can not imagine unless you have experienced it. As I gave up time for myself it seemed the more I began to have...and it was guilt free! As my focus changed to God's directive, being a worker at home and for home, I noticed all the little interruptions that used to get under my skin became little blessings.



Do I still struggle? Most emphatically, YES!



I want to encourage you. Where is your focus? The dishes and laundry and wiping of snotty noses still have to be done. Don't RUN from it. FACE IT! Don't get angry. FACE IT! Yes some times, most times, we feel beaten. Do not despair. Look to Jesus. I believe we as Home Makers can follow Jesus' command to "pick up our cross daily and follow Him." ATTITUDE changes perspective...to the good or the bad.



I Peter 1:20-21 (NKJV)

"For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer for it, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in His steps:"


BE WHO YOU WERE CREATED TO BE

Proverbs 31 woman in the 21st century cont.

Proverbs 31 Woman in the 21st Century cont.


If you haven't read August 29th's post, I would love to read your thoughts on "Does your husband trust you?"


Today's verse and question:


"Her husband lacks nothing of value." Proverbs 31:11b


What is of value to you and do you have it? What does your husband value? Please don't presume based on his actions. Men and women do and think differently. Go ahead ask him what is of value to him. You may be suprised.


Any one have any practical application?


Value to me is happiness.
My mother always strove to create a happy home for us and our father. So, it is sometimes natural and taken for granted having a happy home. The house is not always clean and supper is not always ready, but when my husband comes home we give him a royal welcome...deserved or not deserved. This welcome always makes him shine. Remember, he has been working hard too.



Value to me is God.


Making sure we have time for Prayer, Bible study and Church is a priority. Jesus is our only savior.





Value to me is time spent with family and friends.

How to get rid of lice in one day

LICE...we have had an invasion!!! I knew lice was going around and have been checking my daughters' long hair. I never suspected my son!

My parents opened our home to foster kids when I was a teenager. We did not have a clue about lice then. After the third recurrence we got serious. We did not realize what a monster it was. To be sure you have rid your home you must be serious about "sanitizing" your house. I have found the following protocol to be very successful in ridding your house of lice in one day.

1. Don't worry, they are going to die. Have purchased and ready:
"Lice killing shampoo"
"Lice killing spray" for your furniture (don't forget the vehicle).
conditioner
cheep hair spray

2.Pull your own hair back and hair spray it well. If you have lice this will keep them contained. Wear a button down shirt. When you are finished with your work this will prevent having to pull your shirt over your head.

3.Begin at the furthest point from your washing machine.

4.Get all clothing and bedding to the washer and start washing. It is helpful if you can put one person in charge of washing (after their hair is "sanitized" and they have "clean" clothing on). If you need to call a friend for help have them do step 2. I have helped other moms get rid of lice and did not get it myself.

5.Collect all hair accessories. I've thrown out a lot of hair ties. Brushes and combs can be put in a bleach bath. I fill the sink with water and some bleach.

6.Pillows can be put in the dryer for 30 min. The dryer bakes the little boogers.

7.ALL, how can I emphasize this, ALL stuffed and cloth dolls, animals or toys. Seal them up in a plastic bag for about a week or two. This suffocates the lice. Be sure you have them sealed in. If your child has a special toy they can not wait for, I am sure you could stick it in dryer with the pillows. Cloth hats can also be put in the dryer.

OK, now your house is clean and your laundry room is a mess. Again don't worry, you are closer to being done.

This is the time, if you are going to, for hair cuts. Cut hair before treatment.

8.Shampoo. Read all the instructions before you begin. Follow the instructions. Use a small bit of conditioner after your finished washing. This helps the combing process go smoother.

9.Have clean clothing ready for each person. I have them sit in their towel until combing is complete.

10.As you finish each person with long hair it is important that it is pulled back in some way. I prefer a french braid. Spray persons with long hair with lots of hair spray. Lice don't like places that are stiff and full of chemical. Spraying helps prevent re-infestation. I would do their hair like this until you have completed the second application of shampoo (7-10 days later).

You are almost finished.

11.Time to spray your furniture, beds, hats and vehicle. Follow instructions.

Your hair and clothing are "sanitized". Finish the laundry. Have a designated "sanitized" spot for the clean laundry.

12.Vacuum.

Your house is now "sanitized" in one day. You only have to put every thing back where it belongs as it comes out of the dryer. This may take a day or two depending on where your laundry room is.

Happy sanitizing!

Remember, "It is not a shame to have lice, only to keep it."

What is a Home Maker?

I believe a Home Maker is a woman that, working inside or outside the home, devotes her energy, time and money to creating a place of comfort and rest for her husband, children and self. Yes, for herself as well. How about you? What is a Home Maker? I'll ask "Why" next week.

Proverbs 31 woman in the 21st century

Ahh, the Proverbs 31 woman. We all hate her. She makes us all look bad, and yet we all try in our own ways to be like her. But, does she really make us look bad? I would like to show that we as women attain this goal daily, on both levels, spiritual and practical.

So, what does it look like in the 21st century to be a Proverbs 31 woman? Let's examine.

Spiritual - vs11, "The heart of her husband trusts in her," (NAS)

Does your husband trust you? Can he? Do you even care if he trusts you? What do I do if I don't trust him?