Where have I been?

That is a good question. I have not been feeling well at all lately. Just making it to work has been a challenge. I have struggled with migraines for years and lately they have been kicking my butt! I am one of those people that experience more of the neurological systems like numbness, aura, and compromised speech, instead of just pain. All that being said I just have not been out and about this Fall much with the kids. I promise when I feel better we will play catch up. Fall is probably my most favorite season and I feel that I am missing it.......

The Southeastern Women's Herbal Conference

Lyn and I had so much fun at the Southeastern Women's Herbal Conference in North Carolina last weekend. Well, Lyn had a lot of fun. I was a bit under the weather. Migraines and not breastfeeding put me out of commission for some of the activities. Ben is 21 months old and I took this weekend to continue my efforts to wean him at least from some feedings. The little man will nurse all day if I let him. I am OK feeding him but he nurses like a 3 month old if I let him.

Lyn made a lot of friends and learned a lot. I connected with some great women. It was an experience sleeping in a cabin and enjoying Black Mountain.

Paw Paws

On our way to NC we found a Paw Paw tree!!! I so want to plant one in my yard....

Yes, I am 2 days late...

My oldest daughter turned 13 two days ago. We spent the day together and she got presents from her granny and her friends. (I slipped her a little something too.) She got everything she asked for.....

A pineapple
Duct tape 9various colors)
A denim shirt


Well, that is what being a teenager is all about!

My favorite time of the year?

Why yes... I believe it is. fall is in the air. Yes. I am in Alabama and my children rarely wear shoes and are still wearing shorts but it is definitely cooler. It is October and the church at the end of road  had their pumpkins delivered today. We walked down to see them. Ben enjoyed playing with the wood farm cutouts and he got used to seeing pumpkins bigger than himself. I know we will begin our family field trips to the pumpkin patch every evening now. Lighting the candles outside a little earlier every night and being able to actually sit outside with COOL air blowing is awesome.....

Last day of September

Ahh about time...

That is what happens when you wake up at 2am and then biggest sister walks you around the neighborhood.

My big 4 year old....

Eliot turned 4 yesterday...  Wow, where does the time go?

If you can't appreciate a cotton field why live in Alabama?

As I work in rural counties I come across a lot of things. This time of year the cotton fields are white and ready to be harvested. Cotton can mean a lot to different people in Alabama. For some it is a respected crop to grow and to others it is a symbol of slavery. I am going to keep it simle. As I gaze at a cotton field and hold a fresh picked piece in my hand I will be greatful for a plant that keeps me in jeans, warms me at night, and wraps my baby's bottom when needed.....

Labor and Delivery Candles

I am trying something new. I took two simple white candles and etched two designs into them. One is a spiral and the other is a simple mother figure. I then took some beet root powder and mixed it with safflower oil. I rubbed the mixture into the designs and wiped the excess off. These candles burn for 5 and a half hours each. I added them to a Blessingway kit for a friend. No one needs to watch the clock when they are in labor but these may offer some comfort as they burn. I'll be adding them to my Etsy store soon. Tell me what you think?

Happy Fall Equinox

My favorite time of year has arrived. As I was waiting to go to work today I spotted these growing on the roadside. I picked a few to take home. I am not 100% sure they are Black-eyed Susan's but I am going to say they are. Just seeing them today made me happy.

I could not wait to get home today to update our altar for the season and decorate the house a little. I felt rushed all day. I was able to stop by a friend's house though and drop some apples and apple pie fixin's for her kids. She is letting me borrow some books for my post-partum doula training. I am required to read at least 9. Between her and the library I am set and don't have to buy any except those I really want to own.

This friend of mine is pretty amazing. She is the mother to 4 wonderful children. They are smart, beautiful, and just plain COOL! And because she is such a good mother (and her husband is such a great father) the universe has found two more children that need her desperately!!! She is fundraising to bring these two beautiful girls home. They are so close. Take a moment to visit their blog to see their whole story and consider helping the last little way to bring them home.

There is Mayah and Sharon!!!