New Design...

I finally finished the layout/design of my blog!! Now all I have to do is adjust some formatting for it to be "perfect"!! What do you think?

My New-Week Resolution...

One typically uses New Years to make advantageous commitments about lifestyle choices, the reforming of habits, etc. But since New Years in another 4 months off, yet... I am going to make a New-Week resolution....

Taming the tongue...

Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred. ~ Job 6:24

The tongue is a powerful tool which can be used to greatly bless, or completely ravage those we love most. Yet despite it's power, many never learn to control it. I have come to realize that interrupting is an area of controlling the tongue where I really struggle.

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. ~Dorothy Nevill

We've all been there - it's super annoying. You're in the middle of talking, sharing a thought.... when all of the sudden someone interrupts you. And while their input maybe good and/or relevant to the conversation, you wonder... couldn't they have waited until I was done?

A wise person once said "Foolishness always results when the tongue outraces the brain."

We must remember our tongues [words] display who we are…..the true us… our character. Words build our reputation, and prestige.... they are a window into our souls.

The difference between a smart man and a wise man is that a smart man knows what to say, a wise man knows whether or not to say it. ~Frank M. Garafola

So my resolution... ask the Lord daily, to help me tame my tongue.

"Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord, keep watch over the door of my lips" ~ Psalm 141:3

Sour Cream Chicken and Stuffing

Once again, God provides! - Tonight we had Sour Cream Chicken and Stuffing for dinner (recipe found on AllRecipes.com)... and other than the salad... everything I needed to make it, was given to us. (yes, I even had the can of cream of celery. - lol!). It was SOO yummy!

Ingredients:

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  
• 1 (6 ounce) package dry bread stuffing mix
  (I used Stove Top, Chicken flavored)
  
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
  (See below how to make this from chicken broth!)
  
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
  
• 1/2 cup sour cream
  
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
  
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
  (I actually used white vinegar.)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Line bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with chicken breasts. Spoon prepared stuffing mix over chicken. Mix the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream, curry powder, and lemon juice. Pour mixture over top of stuffing.
3. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, until chicken juices run clear.

Note: If you are in a situation, like I was, where you only have a can of chicken broth, and not cream of chicken.... you can make your own... and it works!! Here's what you do:

Fall Is In The Air!

Though I won't ever see any of ^that^ Fall beauty around here.... I am always delighted when the sights & sounds of what is probably my favorite season, begin to give us just a small hint of it's absolute beauty. And surprisingly, it came early this year! The mildly cool, crisp autumn breeze has begun to blow... and the weather here has been just plain LOVELY!!! It's actually been cool morning & at nights (low 60's).... and it's been, sunny, mild, & just plain paradisaical during the day! I don't think it went above 82° *all* day yesterday - ok, so that probably still sounds pretty hot to you... but for us natives, it's *wonderful* I have comfortably had the windows open for the last two days... and the breeze is absolutely refreshing!

I love Fall! ~ I think I shall go out for a walk now....

A Child’s Ten Commandments For Parents

I stumbled this on another blog, and thought t was too good not to share... It's a great reminder and encouragement on how to be a loving, responsible parent to children... parts of it are quite humbling when you stop to think about it.
Ten Commandments for Parents:

1. My hands are small; please don’t expect perfection whenever I make my bed, draw a picture or throw a ball. My legs are short; please slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; please let me explore safely; don’t restrict me unnecessarily.

3. Housework will always be there. I’m only little for such a short time-please take the time to explain things to me about this wonderful world and do so willingly.

4. My feelings are tender; please be sensitive to my needs; don’t nag me all day long. (You wouldn’t want to be nagged for your inquisitiveness). Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5. I am a special gift; please treasure me as my Creator intended you to do, holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement, not just your praise to grow. Please go easy on the criticism; you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions concerning myself. Permit me to fail, so that I can learn from my own mistakes. Then someday I will be prepared to make the kind of decisions life will require of me.

8. Please don’t do things over for me. Somehow that makes me feel that my efforts didn’t quite measure to your expectations. I know it’s hard, but please don’t try to compare me to my brother or sister.

9. Please don’t be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids need a vacation from parents, just as parents need vacations from kids. Besides it’s a great way to show us kids that your marriage is very special.

10. Please set a good example for me to follow in all the ways of life. I enjoy watching the things you do and want to do them just like you do.

COFFEE!!

Today I have to teach a music class for (for homeschoolers).... and since I was unable to get posterboard to make up the music sheets that I needed, until 10:00 last night.... I ended up being up until 4am this morning, trying to get them done!! So needless to say, I woke up pretty groggy this morning... thinking I need coffee... only to find this in the kitchen...

I love my husband!! <3>

Easy Crock Pot Lasagna

I made this recipe the other day... and it's so quick & easy.... and SO delicious... it almost seems to good to be true!!

Ingredients:

• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey or beef
• 1-2 medium onion(s), chopped
• 1 large jar spaghetti sauce (32+oz)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 2 tbsp minced onion
• 1/4 tsp thyme
• 1-15 oz container ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese  (or [shred] Italian Cheese Blend)
• 3+ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• about 10-12 uncooked lasagna noodles

Directions:

1. Spray crock pot with non stick cooking spray.
2. In large skillet, cook sausage and onion over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink. Drain.
3. Add sauce and seasonings, mix well, reduce heat to low.
4. In bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese.
5. Spoon 1/4 of the sausage mixture into the crock pot
6. Top with noodles broken to fit.
7. Top with half of the cheese mixture,
8. then 1/4 of the sausage mixture and noodles.
9. Continue with one more layer of each cheese mixture, sausage/sauce, and then noodles.
10. Finish with remaining sausage mixture.
11. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
12. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese, cover and cook 15 minutes until cheese is melted.

This could easily feed 6-8 people. With generous portions, it made enough for two meals for us!

Spooky!

For those of you who know us....

At first glance, do you think this picture...

Looks like KB...

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Well... it's NOT....
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and no, it's not a family member either....
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it's....
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Kate Hudson!

I am not kidding... look!
http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/gen...20483864,00.htm

Spooky!!!!

Childlike Faith...

Have you ever seen it? It's truly a beautiful sight. Last night I had the honor of observing two little girls and their childlike faith. To us, the circumstances may have seemed petty... but to these little girls, it was a special lesson on faith.

I was enjoying a time of fellowship with a few ladies at church, while our hubbies played/ fellowshipped.. and our little ones (all the same age) played happily on the floor around us. Suddenly Cheyanne came up to her mommy to ask her if she could go over to another little girl's house to make cookies. As her mommy agreed, her face suddenly lit up with a look of surprise yet extreme delight. Upon inquiry as to the look... Cheyanne finally admitted that she has prayed her mommy would say yes. Meanwhile Olivia (a drama queen to say the least) overheard her... and next thing we all know, she is knelt down in the corner, FERVENTLY praying that her mommy would have the same answer. Tears were running down her precious, beautiful, little face as she besought the Lord for what, to her seemed like such an important decision. She finished her prayer and rushed off the find her mommy (who BTW said yes - esp after she heard of her prayer).... it was all so innocent & sweet.

Then I got thinking.... we should have the faith of these little girls... to go to God with everything... even the things that may seem too insignificant & maybe even meaningless... you never know what might happen!

Democrats....

Look at what happened to our sign....

(image courtesy of my DH....)

Can you see what's in the background?! (yeah it's a Obama sign ::roll::)


Though personally, I think it should read:
Democrats
Causing damage & destruction to our society, since 1828.

but that works too... ;-)

(In case you're wondering... 1828 is when the modern Democratic party was formed)

"Just because everyone else is doing something doesn't make you a bad mom. Just because they do something that you don't agree with doesn't mean they are bad moms. You will know if something is wrong simply by being attentive and educating yourself. Have faith, you can raise children without a doctor. It's better than having to try and raise them in spite of one."

~ MrsPil

Learn new things every day!

Did you know that there is actually a difference between Co-sleeping and Bed-sharing? I recently learned that there is!!

While cosleeping is defined as having baby within arms reach of you. (Some will consider co-sleeping just having the baby sleep in the same room.) Bed-Sharing is referring to having the baby sleep in bed with you.

I think when most of us say co-sleeping we mean bed-sharing (at least I do - I had heard the term "family bed" before... but didn't think of it being different than "cosleeping".) and I think a few of you probably co-slept by definition of the word, but didn't realize that's what it was.

As far as attachment parenting goes though, co-sleeping is baby sleeping within arms reach so if you did that you were practicing that area of attachment parenting and reaping the benefits suggested in doing so

IMHO, The best sleeping arrangement is the one where everyone gets the best sleep possible (safely) so that may mean baby in another room for some, but I think usually a parent will sleep best knowing baby is close by, especially in those early months.

Cleaning à la Green....

Today I decided to try cleaning à la green.... by completely cleaning my bathroom using only: water, baking soda, vinegar, borax & liquid detergent.... and I absolutely love the results!! It only cost me pennies... which is awesome, given the price of conventional cleaners... and I felt good about using it! I finally didn't have to worry about us breathing or KB getting into/walking over whatever chemicals were around / being used!! I can't wait until our lemon tree goes into season and I can add lemon juice to the mix too!!

My baby girl & Me

B got some pretty good pictures of me & KB the other night!

My Favorite!

Over it....

All better!

Still LOVE it!!

Still love the Mai Tei!! KB was getting fussy earlier, and I wasn't a place where I could stop to tend to her... so I put her in the Mai Tei.... and as you can see, we were BOTH happy campers...

Wordless Wednesday

Hummus...

One of our new favorite snacks... and it's healthy too!! (well, minus the Fritos... but they are just SO good with it!!)How it's made...
* Note* - This is a simple base recipe - which I seem to change it in some little way, every time I make it... :-) -- Most Hummus recipes call for Tahini (sesame-seed paste), but we like it just as well without!

1/2 cup of olive oil

3 Tbs lemon juice (I used lime juice, and it worked just as well)
1 cup (1/2 can) of garbanzo beans (drained)
garlic powder (to taste; the recipe calls for 2tsp - but I used more!)
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
a squirt or two of Bragg Liquid Aminos
A splash or two of water, if needed

Johnny Appleseed Song

Tonight I was watching clips from some old (like 1940's & 50's old) Disney movies... reminiscing childhood memories (we had Disney channel when I was young - and it was still pretty innocent - so I have fond memories)... when I came across this "Johnny Appleseed Song"...



Lyrics:

The Lord is good to me
And so I thank the lord
For giving me the things I need
The sun and rain and an appleseed
Yes, He's been good to me

I owe the Lord so much
For everything I see
I'm certain if it weren't for Him
There'd be no apples on this limb
He's been good to me

Oh, here am I 'neath the blue, blue sky
a-doin' as I please
Singin' with my feathered friends,
hummin' with the bees

I wake up every day
as happy as can be
Because I know that with His care
My apple trees, they will still be there
Oh, the Lord is good to me

I wake up every day
As happy as can be,
Beacuse I know the Lord is there
Watchin' over all my friends and me
The Lord is good to me.

("The Lord is Good to Me" from the 1948 film, "Melody Time")"

What a blessing that song was to me!! - You would NEVER hear those words on a Disney film in these days!! It really is sad!! It would probably have 'ol Walt turning in his grave if he knew how his name was being connected to/slandered, with some of the filth the Disney company is promoting!!

Inspiration: How are you spending your time?

And this is why spending every moment we can as a family is so important to me.... and why I have no desires to be anything but a wife and mommy!!

Question of the day...

Is eating cheese puffs dipped in chili is really that gross or weird??

We had chili dogs, cheese puffs, brownies & lemonade for dinner at church the other night... (though not the healthiest meal.. it was graciously offered, at not cost to us!) After eating what was on my plate, I had some leftover chili, and so decided to dip my cheese puffs in it. I was quite enjoying myself, when all of a sudden someone goes.. "OMG are you pregnant?!" I was like, "um, no.. not that I am aware of." (confused) She seemed so grossed out me eating them - though I really didn't think it was that wierd! I told her so, as well as "if I was dipping my brownie in my chili, then that question would make more sense..." (lol!) I asked my DH and he said he thought it was pretty normal sounding... but I just wondered what y'all thought??? Weird, just different, or normal???

"If you could have a vaccine for your child, that was RISK FREE,
ENSURED that they would be the healthiest & smartest they could
be, in general it would be the GUARANTEED best thing for them.
SCIENTIFICALLY proven to have NO risks for YOU or YOUR child.
It would REDUCE your risk of cancers more than any other ONE
single thing... and to boot, it was FREE. Would you do it?

That "thing" - that "vaccine" - is BREASTMILK."

- LaLa

Of bean dip and rainstorms...

Tonight we are going to Karabeth's friend Zoe's 1st birthday party. It is a potluck, so I planned on making a Mexican bean dip... the problem being, I only had half the ingredients in the house to make it. I look out side. It's getting more overcast by the minute, and the wind in starting to pick up, like there is definitely going to be rain in our near future. I debate if I want to risk it or not. I decided that there was no choice... I *needed* that stuff, and had to get it, have it assembled and chilled before 5pm. I look at the clock... 2:30. Not much time. I go and find my shoes, say a quick prayer that the Lord hold back the rain, load the bare necessities in one of our reusable grocery bags (my wallet, a spare nappy, wipes, a pacifier, & KB's cup), put KB in the Babyhawk, and start walking. Wow it's humid out. I make it almost to corner when I hear my name being called. huh? I turn around and it's my Aunt Heide and cousin, Brooke. They give my a short lift the rest of the way to the grocery store. Ahh... the air in the Honda Element feels good! We bid our farewells, and I head into the store. My list isn't very long, so other than not being familiar with the layout, I find everything pretty quickly. Now it's time to head home. I look up to the sky... still cloudy, and *oh*so*hot*.... but no sign of rain, yet. I say another prayer, as I walk across the big parking lot area to Burger King. A nice cold ICEE sounds good right now! I order an ICEE and a spicy chicken, for which I had a free coupon! I quickly eat it down, soaking in all the AC that I can... and then with KB still on my back, my bag of groceries on one shoulder, and my ICEE in my other hand... we start walking home. Once home, I set about unloading the groceries and assembling the yummy bean dip... when I suddenly hear pounding on the kitchen roof. I look outside, and the rain is coming down in a torrential downpour... the wind is howling & whipping around... it's really nasty looking. But I am inside perfectly dry... with a tasty bean dip all made and ready to go! Thank you Lord for hearing my prayers and holding back the storm!!

My take on the HPV vaccination...

What is it? HPV:Human Papilomavirus is a viral STD.. contracted through direct sexual skin-to-skin contact from an infected partner, not through an exchange of bodily fluid. No penetration is required to contract HPV. There are 100 types of HPV, and about 30 or so of them are transmitted sexually. There are currently two HPV vaccines on the market: Cervarix, and the more popular, Gardasil.... whose marketing stratagey tries to convince ladies that by getting the shot, they will be "one less" female to get cervical cancer. Both vaccines only carry the claim that they "may" protect against "certain kinds" of cervical cancer.... and targets only limited strains of the virus, which again, may be associated with the development of cervical cancer and genital warts.

Why? Not only do I think they are in need of years and years of research before giving it to our preteen daughters. Here's some of the things I have discovered through my research...

• While I will agree cancer is a very scary thing to deal with... HPV is only linked to cancer.... and in no way means HPV = cancer!

• Gardasilonly covers 4 out of over 100 strains of HPV... (so what about the other 96+?? )
  
• The overwhelming majority oh HPV infections (around 90%) clear on their own within 2 years. If a woman becomes infected with genital HPV, she has about a 10% chance of it not clearing on its own, and even if a woman contracts genital HPV there is only about a 1-2% chance that she will get cervical cancer. Yet they play it off like cervical cancer is at epidemic proportions, but the fact is that the odds of developing it are low anyway.

• HPV is a sexually transmitted disease...  If your daughter was never to have sex or only have sex with one man who never had sex with anyone else, your daughter would never get HPV. So that within itself is a whole can of worms depending on how you feel about premarital sex or whatever, right?  

• The vaccine doesn't always work to prevent cancer - even the vaccine manufacturer, Merck & Co., Inc., will tell you the vaccine won't prevent cancer.

• Gardisil could cause or provoke cause other types of cancer. including cervical cancer that's associated with HPV types not in the vaccine.

• Even the best doctors will tell you, that best way to prevent cervical cancer is routine pap smears!

• Gardasil contains aluminum, among other nasty ingredients.

• Gardasil went on sale in June 2006. As of the end of August 2007, the number of gardasil related adverse events recorded by VAERS (vaccine adverse event reporting system) has grown to 3,779, including 8 deaths -- As of July 3, 2008 the death toll had gone up to 15.... with 105 patients with reactions considered life threatening... 255 hospitalized... 1236 unrecovered at the time of the report.... and 159 disabled at the time of the report.

• Also, 3000 women die each year of cervical cancer in this country. However, since the vaccine has been introduced, there have been thousands of adverse reactions ranging from fainting, paralysis, bell's palsy, guillain-barre syndrome, and blood clots leading to death. here's a link. http://www.judicialwatch.org

• The clinical trials did not last long enough to actally prove that cervical cancer really could be prevented with this vaccine, and the vaccine itself hasn't been evaluated for whether or not it can cause cancer or fertility impairment.
  
• The The Hpv vaccine has been linked to five cases of birth defects.

• Most people with HPV DO NOT have symptoms, and most people who have symptoms DO NOT get cervical cancer (so what exactly are your chances? it doesn't say of course).

Tacos a la creativity....

I am stating to find that I really do enjoy cooking.... and am even becoming braver in the creativity department. Tonight, tacos sounded really good, but I didn't have any shells. (hm...) So I decided to make homemade Mac & Cheese. Then I suddenly got a great idea! I browned some ground beef and made some taco seasoning to put on it. Then I layered the Mac&Cheese, seasoned ground beef, and some cut up some lettuce & tomatoes... then I topped the dish with a dollop of sour cream! It was so easy... and turned out SOOO tasty!! My hubby liked it so much, that he even took seconds.. something he only does, if it something he *really* likes!!

Sarah Palin!

Seems that the vice-presidential nominee, Gov. Sarah Palin is not only extremely pro-life... but she's also a babywearer and an Breastfeeding (& pumping) mommy!!! Meaning that for at least for a few months, breastfeeding and babywearing are going to be front and center for people to see!! Yay!!

(photo courtesy of AP)

(photo courtesy of AP)

(photo courtesy of the State of AK)

(photo courtesy of the State of AK)

(photo courtesy of the State of AK)

Article: Palin Will Indeed Bring The Breast Pump

Any publicity for AP is sweet, I love it when celebs and politicians come out and show that it's great and entirely possible to keep baby close!

Better Water.... For a better life!

We just got a shower filtration system from pHionH2o.com... and after only two showers, I absolutely LOVE It! My hair is SO much softer and less weighed down feeling!! Apparently there is a lot more chlorine and gunk in our water than I realized!! (Eww!! - really kinda gross, when you stop and think about it!) So now we can take showers without soaking up/inhaling all those nasty chemicals and such!! Yay!

Also, the filter we got is the exact same filter as Aquasana, only with a private label, pHionh2O.... and cheaper!! (always a plus)

Here's the deal they are currently running...

pHionH2O is offering 50% off their Viva shower filter system (removes chlorine, lead and other contaminants) if you sign up for their auto-ship filter refill program.

For a comparable filter on other sites you pay at least $170.

1. Add the pHionH2O Viva Shower Filtration System : $97.99
2. Join the Auto-Ship Program, Ship in 6 months : $00.01
3. coupon price : -50% | Code: 50offsystem ( Exp : 09/30/08 )
(Shipping & Handling is free!)

Final Price: $49.00 Shipped

Plus, every 6 months you will be shipped your replacement cartridge for a special price of $42 (reg. price $57).
For full detail, click here

For drinking water we have a water ionizer! It seems that most people have reverse osmosis'.... but while RO's strip *everything* out of the water (including good-for-you minerals), ionizers convert your tap water into antioxidant alkaline water! Americans typically have very acidic diets, so you need the alkaline for a balance. We recently tested my in-laws reverse osmosis, and on the acidic scale (4 being most acidic, 7 neutral, and 12 most alkaline... (a battery is below a 1).... the RO rated approx a 6.

Now we just need to get something for the [bathroom] sink, and we'll be all set!

~Tiph

My turn!!

In light of today being Grandparents day.... I am excited to announce that my mom is going to be a Grandma again!! :-D


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* LOL, you think I am pregnant again... don't you?! :-P


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* Well, (to my knowledge) *I* am not pregnant...

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But... my sister, Heather is!! ~ (I'm going to be an aunt!!)




She is due right around April 1st!! We are all SO excited!! (Yay!)

BFF... engaged!

My childhood-long best friend just called.... and her boyfriend proposed to her tonight!! I cannot tell you how excited I am for her!! Her ring is the one pictured above.... Isn't it absolutely gorgeous?! I can't *wait* to see it in person!! The really neat thing about her call last night.... is that I called her the night B proposed to me, and she thought it to be so special, that she wanted to make sure I was one of the first to know of her happy news! Wasn't that so sweet of her?!

Congratulations Vanessa! I wish you ALL the best! Let me know if there is *anything* I can do for you!! Love you!!

A gift-card family night

Tonight we spent some well-needed quality time.... my having a family night... almost completely paid for with gift cards!

We hit Starbucks... where I had the first wonderful glimse of one of my favortie sesons... fall!! B and I spit and enjoyed our first "Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino"of the season! Yum!!

Build-a-bear, to get Boo's birthday present. (There, after the gift card & $5 off coupon, we we able to get about $12 worth of stuff for a little over $4!!)
Bath & Body works, to buy a body cream & shower gel in my favorite new scent... Rainkissed Leaves™ - Where I not only had a $27 gift card (from returns)... but then, they were running a buy-one-get-one-50%! - So I even still have $11 & change on my card!!

I am in love!!!

I wore the Babyhawk Mai Tei last night and loved it! The padded, more backpack-like straps are so awesomely comfortable!! (vs. the Maya, which have more fabric so you can spread them). Of course, of I ever find a Maya-tie for a a really good price... I will probably get one of those, too... (just because I am a babywearing-aholic! lol) But I no longer have any hesitations as to why I picked the BH, or the $$ I spend on it! It was SO worth it!!

Babyhawk Mai Tei!!

As I've briefly mentioned before, I have become a sort-of babywearing-aholic these days! :-) Since KB is getting older, I have been looking for an easy way to carry her on my back. I tried a wrap, and liked it *ok*... but it's been slightly difficult to get used to on my back - for both me & KB. After trying on both Babyhawk Mai Teis and Maya Ties... I decided that's the route that I really want to go. I have been on the lookout for one (preferably a BH) ever since - watching them on eBay, etc. - but was yet to find a pattern/color mix that I really loved. (for that kind of money, I needed to *love* it!) Well, this morning at babywearing group, one of the gals had four Babyhawks that she was selling for a really great price. I debated whether I should even look at them, when someone showed me this one (the straps are olive green, with this pattern)...




Isn't it beautiful?! The colors & pattern are ME through & through!
I was instantly in love... and so I did the only logical thing I could think of... I bought it! I am SOO excited (I finally have a Babyhawk!! yay!!)

I will try to get pictures of me wearing it, soon!

A little background on us & no-vaxing....

The non-vaccination decision was pretty much a "no brainer" for us. Technically, we are both second-generation... but while B is totally with me and backs me 100% (it was most definitely a mutual decision!)... he really has no interest in actively seeking/researching any information, beyond that. They are bad... that's good enough for him.

A little history... DH had some vaccinations before his mom began reading, researching & learning about vaccinations. After that he didn't have any more. - his brother & sister were never vaccinated.

My second born sister (Christina) has an autoimmune disorder (like celiac disease), that reacted with her vaccinations, and caused her to now be [thankfully only mildly] autistic. Not knowing what was going on, mom started researching the vaccinations (and the connections between the two), and stopped all further vaccinations on the both of us. My other three sisters were never vaccinated! Since then, we have come to learn that my youngest sister (Becca) also has the disorder.... and after much studying and know further knowledge of what she didn't know with Christina.... it hit mom that according to Becca's tendencies, etc... she would be just like Christina (if not worse) had she been vaccinated. (talk about getting hit with a load of bricks!) So, in a nutshell, one of my reasons (among many) for our decision not to vaccinate, is because autoimmune disorders have an hereditary influence, and close relatives (especially first degree relatives, such as children, siblings, and parents) have a higher risk of being affected with the condition. Why risk it with something that isn't necessarily going to work anyway?