More than 60 pounds

I recently had someone mention that I had "gotten so fat". This was when they were looking at a picture of me while I was pregnant with my 8th child. Well, in case someone cares or is counting since the birth of Elaina I have lost over 60 pounds. That includes the weight of my tiny baby and all that comes with birth. I am 10 pounds from my target weight and 20 pounds from what I weighed in my twenties....

At 38 years old I feel proud of my health and my lack of stretch marks thanks to my genetics. I have a migraine or two sometimes and due to breastfeeding my breasts are larger (than I prefer). Other than that I think I look OK. Besides, it is what is on the inside that counts and last time I checked my friends and family tend to like me the way I am both inside and out.

And having a husband that loves me and tells me I am beautiful doesn't hurt either.

Tree shopping

Which one should we get?

Making my Winter oil for arthritis and other aches

Put your order in. This oil has arnica, rosemary, and cayenne infused in it for pain relief and warmth... Remember, locals get free shipping. Go to my Etsy site to order some. $4.00 special right now. A link to my Etsy store is on my side bar.

Thanksgiving...

 

 

Playing at the park

My table

 

 

 

I fed 7 children (OK, Elaina still only nurses) and two adults at my table today. Most of the kids helped in some form or fashion and all the food and the atmosphere turned out peaceful and just plain yummy. We usually go to grandparents' homes for Thanksgiving. I am glad this year I had it small and intimate at our home. There are NO leftovers so I guess that says a lot right there!!!

If you notice each child had a small candle beside their plates. We lit our Chalice and share joys for the day. I was pleased that most of the children placed having Connor at the table as one of their joys.

Annika's special made to order tea

 

Annika definitely shares her Mother's love of different kinds of teas. Well, today she wanted to "design" her own tea. Of course that is fine with me and I support her creativity. She added lavender, nettle,dandelion, and a little lemon balm. She used the cast iron teapot to heat up the water and then poured the steaming water into a porcelain teapot with a strainer holding her tea. She was so proud of herself. She picked one of my new "old" teapots to drink it out of. This cup was made in Korea I assume before the north and south split. It is pretty and it was perfect for her creation. The color of the tea was a light green and the flavor was smooth and a little flowery. I think I have a new "worker" in my shop designing teas.

Beads

This is a replacement order that sent out today because the first one went missing in the mail. I learned my lesson I hope this second order finds its new home safely.

Cookie Communion at church today

I helped lead Children's Chapel today. The theme was thanksgiving and sharing. Each child added ingredients from small glass or wooden containers to a bowl to symbolize what we all add together can make a difference. And then of course we ate cookies.

Yesterday's auction

I was proud to provide a few items for one of the biggest fundraisers my church has each year. They went pretty quickly. I was surprised. I also picked up a few items myself in the silent auction. I can't wait to try the homemade mead.....

Purple everywhere

Lyn found my purple sweater that I lost last month at church. To match my favorite  headband Lyn chalked a piece of my hair purple.... Teenagers can come in handy.

Out with the old....

I have been waiting to find spots outside for the dried flowers in my pitcher that I keep on the table. I also wanted to find a home for some seeds we found on the way home from the beach in September. I added some birdseed and tossed them all into Nature near our backyard. I can't wait to see what sprouts in the Spring. Eliot and Elaina helped me. Elaina loved digging into and feeling the birdseed....

This is one of the things that helps make my days meaningful with my children.....