WCW #2

Last week I shared a couple of my Women Crush Wednesdays, and now I'm back with two more! I love these lovely ladies and hope you can get a glimpse at their awesomeness  too.

Megan:
What is your favorite thing to do around the house, and describe why you like it? Hmm, Well, given he way my house is pretty messy with remodel/moving stuff, it's hard to enjoy decorating. I am more limited to my room. I like to change things around and re-organize things. I'm not a huge baker ( I want to start more), but I do I enjoy baking! Healthy cookies is a favorite of mine.


 What keeps you feeling your best? What keeps me feeling my best? I'd say when I gt out and accomplish things on my to-do-list for the day, keeping up with my friends, and exercising!


 What's your most recent album purchase? Hmm, gosh, I can't even remember the last physical album I bought, but my last purchase on iTunes was "I'm gonna be (500 miles) cover by Blake Stratton. It's really different from the original, I recommend it!


 What kind of things do you do to pick yourself up when you're at your lowest? If it's nice out, I'll sit out in the sun, or listen to music, and read my Bible.


  What would be your number one health and wellness advice? Drink lots of water! Can't emphasize that enough. I think moderation is key to everything you eat. Of course, cutting down on sweets is always good, but I think you should eat a serving of chocolate after every meal, or before meals, or during meals...Mmm chocolate...Wait, what was I saying?


  What are some of your current goals? Current goals I'm wanting to get back into really good shape. (Especially coming back from New Zealand and YWAM food. ) haha Another goal would be to get better at the guitar. I learned a little while on my DTS, and I hope to keep at it. I'm not sure what I want to do at the moment. I'm enjoying my job, but in the long run, I'd love to be involved in ministry of some kind..and of course a good-looking man of God for a husband of course. haha I also try to get in some exercise more days. I use my stair stepper or my elliptical for at least 30-60 min. Whoops, I guess I missed the "number one" thing and went on a rant. haha


  How do you unwind after a long day? After a long day, I definitely need my chill/down time. I'll browse online, watch some T.V, and I usually have some painting project going on, so I'll work on that.


 Something unusual you do? haha gosh, I'm sure there are plenty of unusual things about me...I love eating Jalapeño stuffed green olives. Just give me a can of them and I'll be good. (is that unusual?) I am weird when it comes to buying certain things. Say I'm buying a water bottle, and I notice the first one I picked up has a little scratch on it, but the one behind it is perfect. I'll usually still get the first one because I feel bad for putting it back! haha (Water bottles have feelings, too!) Wow...


  In the un-cheesiest way possible, describe what makes life awesome to you? Un-cheesiest? I love cheese! Life is awesome when you have a great family, which I do, and I'm super thankful for! Wonderful friends, again, which I do and love them all dearly, and of course a Heavenly father who loves me no matter what.


  What is your personal go-to meal recently? Something quick that I'll eat for breakfast sometimes is a simple whole wheat tortilla wrap with cheese, (mmm, cheese!) lunch meat, jalapeño olives, (yeeaahh boy!) avocado and hot sauce.


 Name something that makes you feel great/empowered. If you can, describe why and how it makes you feel. When I get through a tough workout or something like that I guess...and work related, when I have a commissioned art piece to paint and the customer loves it. That always makes me feel good.


 What's a challenging obstacle in your life right now? I think the most challenging thing would be that I'm definitely in a place of waiting and trusting God with my future. It can be hard not knowing the next step in life, but He's been teaching me to focus on him and everything WILL work out! Jeremiah 29:11 14: Get married.


 If you ever had to just get away from it all, spur if the moment, where would you go? If money was no object, I'd hop on a flight back to New Zealand any day!


  What's something in your closet you can never have enough of? Summer dresses and leggings!


What usually gets your day going on the right track? Praying helps for sure.


  Last thing that made you feel happy? My fuzzy babies..aka my doggies. They are the cutest!


 What song lyric, quote, or verse is currently inspiring you? "The Call" by Regina Spektor has been stuck in my head lately. Love that song! I don't know if I could pin point a specific lyric, but rather the song as a whole.

Kasandra:

 How do you unwind after a long day? After a long day I normally unwind by getting into some comfy clothes as soon as i get home, throwing my hair up in a bun, getting something to eat and watching some TV or a movie. I like to do something that I don’t have to think and just turn my mind off.

 What keeps you feeling your best? What keeps me feeling my best is probably making sure that I am reading the word, taking some time to pray, and spending time with people that are close to me. I def can feel a difference when I haven’t taken the time to dive into the word or just talk with God for a little bit. I def think spending time with people that I am close to helps me feel my best. I use to think that I was introverted and maybe I am half and half, but since living on my own I have noticed that I enjoy being around people more then I do staying home and being by myself. I still need my time to recharge and be by myself, but I also get recharged and feel better when I have someone to spend time with.


 What's your most recent album purchase?  I can’t even remember the last album I purchased. I rarely buy a whole album, I usually pick a few songs that I like and thats it. However the last album that was bought for me was ummm…One Direction’s new album….don’t judge me haha. It’s actually a pretty good album! I never use to like them and then I heard their new song “Story of my life” and well I got hooked. Other then that I really just use Spotify a lot. One of the albums that I just discovered actually is OneRepublic’s new album Native. I can’t believe I didn’t listen to it sooner. Maybe I just like bands that start with the word One I don’t know, but this album is sooo good!


 What would be your number one health and wellness advice? My number one health advice would probably be focus more on what you eat then trying to work out. Yes working out is important and should still be done, but I think what you eat, how much you eat, and put into your body is more important.


 What are some of your current goals? Some of my current goals are…1.) get more focused on God, I’ve allowed a few of my wants and desires to take a priority, so I just really want to shift my focus back…which is usually an ongoing process 2.) continue getting fit and healthy, which I finally feel like I’m getting the hang of, since getting out of college, "freshmen 15" is no joke 3.) develop meaningful and strong friendships, I’ve kinda had a hard time with that since moving to OK, 4.) getting myself involved in something like maybe a sport, craft, i don’t know, something to take up my time and maybe get out of my comfort zone a bit.


 Something unusual you do? Humm…well I guess this is unusual, but I think its pretty good idea…instead of wrapping my hair up in a towel when i get out of the shower I use old t-shirts. I started to do this years ago and I think the reason I started was because I didn’t have an extra towel to dry my hair off so I just grabbed a shirt..put my hair in the inside of the shirt and twisted it up. It works great!


 Favorite piece of jewelry and why? My purity ring and the ring my mom gave me when I graduated from college. My purity ring is my favorite well because it keeps me pure of course! just kidding... no its just a cool promise to myself and God that I’ll stay pure before marriage, but heck once I’m married…just kidding…. again…;) And the ring my mom gave me for graduating just means a lot because it came from my mama and my mama is my favorite and I love her lots!


 What's a challenging obstacle in your life right now? Probably my most challenging obstacle right now is trying to be patient and trusting. There are somethings I just wish I had right now, but I just need to trust in God’s timing and that is def a struggle.



What is your favorite thing to do around the house, and describe why you like it? My favorite thing to do around the house is probably clean my house. That sounds weird, but I love just turning up some music and getting my house all organized. I love when everything is clean and fresh. I usually let my house get pretty messy during the week, mostly my room though cause every time I try and figure out what I am going to wear it usually ends with clothes all over my floor and shoes everywhere and then I have to leave, so I can’t really pick everything up. I like when everything is clean, but also its just a time for me to think and clear my head and it gives me an excuse to dance around my house.

 What is something general you'd like to accomplish before you die? Probably to become more of a traveler. There are a lot of countries I want to visit and right now a lot of them have not been crossed off my someday list. I want to be able to at least cross off half of them before my life is up. There is something about experiencing new things and going to places I’ve never been to that I get a major thrill off of, so I for sure want to find a way to travel more.


 What's something in your closet you can never have enough of? Scarfs they can make anything look good!


What usually gets your day going on the right track? COFFEE!


 Last thing that made you feel happy?The last thing that made me feel happy was being able to buy a plane ticket to go to New Jersey at the end of May for a Wedding/Master’s Commission grad. I didn’t think I was going to be able to go, but then at the last minute someone decided to bless me and get the ticket for me. God’s been providing for me a lot this year and it has been blowing my mind…its crazy! 


 What song lyric, quote, or verse is currently inspiring you?“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart” Psalms 37:4

WCW

Taking from the popular Woman Crush Wednesday, I'm going to share a couple of my WCW's. And I'll be back next week with two more! Hope you enjoy getting to know a smidgen about these ladies.

Makayla:

 What keeps you feeling your best? Lately, just getting ready. Being a new mom you can usually find me in my day (or two) old yoga pants and my hair a little frazzled and probably thrown up in a bun with no makeup. Taking the time to shower, put on mascara, and curl my hair makes me feel so good. It even makes me feel like I have more energy which is kinda strange, I think, but it totally does. Just taking a little time for myself helps me feel good. 

 What would be your number one health and wellness advice? Being healthy and active doesn't have to be something to dread. For me, I don't like going to the gym. There is too many people and I don't really want them to watch me, so I like to do things like hiking with my husband or even just walking outside. Being outside makes it feel like it's not work. The warm sun, breeze, and fresh air make it so much more peaceful. Plus, the view is much prettier than treadmills Loving something will make you want to do it more rather than feeling like you HAVE to. 

 What are some of your current goals? It has always been my dream to be a stay at home mom. With our current finances though we just couldn't afford it. I've been praying and asking The Lord to provide a way if it is His will for me. I recently became a Beauti Control consultant and I am really excited for the opportunity to be able to make money and possibly stay home with my sweet little boy! Along with that, I am trying to be more of a Proverbs 31 woman and make more personal time with God. Life gets busy and I put other things where I should be making time for God. Even laundry some days. I am trying to find that perfect balance with work, being a wife & mother, family, cleaning, and God. 

 How do you unwind after a long day? The best thing after a long day is plopping down on the couch with a movie or on the patio next to our fire pit and just talking with my husband. We talk and laugh and everything is right, even when it's not. 

 Something unusual you do? I have to have the same about of silverware in each little compartment of my dishwasher. I don't know why, but it really bothers me if there is a ton in one and then a few in the others. So when I'm loading them I put one spoon or fork in at a time and then go to the next compartment. I know. I'm weird. My husband thinks so too. 

 Favorite piece of jewelry and why? I have this blue and green necklace that i always wear. I think it's my favorite because it's bright and it goes with a lot of my clothes. I wear a lot of neutral colors. And since it's blue it makes my eyes look bluer than normal.

 In the un-cheesiest way possible, describe what makes life awesome to you? I know the question said in the un-cheesiest way possible, but seriously having a husband that is truly my best friend. I can be goofy with him and be totally, completely myself. He makes me so happy and he helped give me a beautiful baby boy. Life really is just awesome. I've always wanted to be a wife and a mother and now I am and it's absolutely perfect. 

 What is your personal go-to meal recently? Chicken Chimichangas. They are my husbands favorite and super easy! There is only like 5 ingredients that you basically just throw together. The hardest part is waiting the 30 minutes while they bake! And they are super yummy! 

What's something in your closet you can never have enough of? Short sleeved, neutral, comfy shirts. They go with everything and you can always add a necklace, jacket, or scarf to add some color and uniqueness. And plus they are comfy!

 Something manly you can or know how to do that most women don't/can't? I hunt. Yep, I trek around in camo with a gun on my shoulder and try to find whatever I'm hunting. Usually elk or deer. I love it! And if you get something you can stock up the freezer without ever having to go to the store for steaks, hamburger, ect. 

 Last thing that made you feel happy? My little Liam. Everything he does just makes my heart smile. Being a mom is the most amazing thing. 

Jen:

 Name something that makes you feel great/empowered. If you can, describe why and how it makes you feel. Accomplishing everything on my “to-do” list. It rarely happens because I tend to procrastinate, but it’s a freeing feeling to finish all of my tasks. 

 What is your favorite thing to do around the house and describe why you like it? If I had my way, I would turn my walls into a giant sketchpad/art gallery/storyboard. Interior decorating is a fun artistic expression that I enjoy, but rarely have enough time or space to do everything I want. 

 What keeps you feeling your best? I go on walks in the morning before work. It helps me to spend time with God and enjoy the rich mountain landscape around me. 

 What's your most recent album purchase? Music by husband and wife duo, Jenny & Tyler.

 What kind of things do you do to pick yourself up when you're at your lowest? Make a list of things for which I’m grateful; when I’m at my lowest, this is the last thing I want to do, but it’s what gets me out of my self-pitying funk. 

 What would be your number one health and wellness advice? Eat well, exercise, and practice gratitude. I regularly fail at all three, but they help tremendously. 

 What are some of your current goals? Finish a painting series; write a book; travel to Asia....I can write my long-term goals, right? 

 How do you unwind after a long day? Movies, Facebook, and a good book. 

 In the un-cheesiest way possible, describe what makes life awesome to you? I like cheese. Seriously, though, I love creating things and making beauty from the mundane. Some of the most fulfilling things for me to do are painting, writing, photography, crocheting, etc. 

 What is your personal go-to meal recently? A mushroom-turkey sandwich. 

 What's a challenging obstacle in your life right now? Learning how to hear and obey God, and trying to figure out which direction He is leading. 

 What is something general you'd like to accomplish before you die? Lead a celebrity to Christ. 

 If you ever had to just get away from it all, spur if the moment, where would you go? With money being no object, I would visit a good friend in Scotland. 

 What's something in your closet you can never have enough of? Scarves. It’s a dangerous addiction.

 Something manly you can or know how to do that most women don't/can't? Put snow chains on my car!  

 Last thing that made you feel happy? Spending a beautiful day with friends. 

 What song lyric, quote, or verse is currently inspiring you? “May God be your strongest desire, your sweetest friend, and your truest romance.”

I Thought Everything was OK

There's a point in your life when you feel OK.
Just OK's not bad, It's pretty great when everything's OK.
But when you're laying in bed after, what you thought was an OK day, you think back on it and realize you were wrong.
You think about your 3 month old letting out her first belly laugh a few hours ago. You keep rewinding it over and over in your head as it keeps you awake with the permanent smile it leaves on your face.
You think about how much more strong willed, you thought your husband really was, by cutting sugar from his diet and trying to be a healthier, better person. Even if it's just to be a better example to his kids.
You think about your Three-and-a-half-year-old son being cuddly and loving for no reason at all, just wanting to show you how much he somehow loves you, even after all of your flaws as a mother.

That's the moment when you put it all together and realize your life isn't OK. It's way more than OK. Sure you don't get everything you think you need. You don't get to run out and do all the things you've ever wanted. That's not what makes your life awesome. What makes it awesome is being in that exact moment where you are, no matter where it is, and realizing everything it way more than OK. "Everything is Awesome!"(couldn't help the Lego Movie quote).
Have an awesome day everyone!

Eastering, and of course some babes

Our Easter was so, so busy but of course incredibly fun. The kiddos were worn out way before their normal bed time. The kids learned a little about what Easter is at my Grandma's that morning and then got into their Easter goodies while we set up for lunch. We ate a huge, wonderful meal, and then ate some more. We found eggs, enjoyed all the kiddos and of course took tons of photos. We met up and hung out with David's parents after that and then headed straight to church for a great Easter service where David played drums. Hope your Easter was wonderful as well!
I just heard news that David's sister just had her tiny baby girl today(Monday) and I'm so, so excited to meet her. I can't believe she's finally here for all of us to enjoy! Congratulations guys!!!

Darby's Birth Story

I have posted here Everett's birth story, but I'll just fill in the big differences between the births for you. If you've been keeping up with this blog you know that Darby was a breech baby. I tried literally everything in the books to get her to flip, but I eventually gave in to the not so pleasant ECV. Although it was much better than having to plan for a c-section. After the ECV came most of the pain though. I had contractions and cramps that were so strong and painful over the next two weeks, so when real labor finally began I didn't even notice the difference for a while. It was about one am, on January 25th, after tossing and turning when I finally decided to time my contractions. After that, I knew it was real. I got out of bed and started packing our bags and called my sister so she could stay the night over to be with Everett. I let my husband sleep as long as possible, because I think the whole birthing experience is  almost harder on him than me. I took a warm bath, woke David up, finished packing and headed out the door. We drove around for about 20 minutes before I decided we should head into the hospital. We got in and just as I had predicted my contractions lessened.
 I never experienced nausea while in labor with Everett, but I did this time around. I never threw up, luckily, but it didn't help that the our shared bathroom was filled with the sounds of a very nauseous laborer.
We walked into our permanent laboring room and all I wanted to do was lay down, but my back labor was so intense, it didn't help me much. My midwife suggested I get on my hands and knees and have David press on my lower back during contractions. That helped a lot, but pretty soon I was pushing and pushing while David stood at the head of my bed as I tried breaking the bones in his hand squeezing so tight, poor guy. As I labored I whispered under my breath, "By His Grace," over and over and thought of the pain that Jesus suffered on the cross. It helped me so much to focus on what I needed and I was so thankful for his grace to pick me up when I was at my weakest.
My husband didn't see anything with Everett's birth until the baby was out, but he couldn't help but look when Darby's head came out and the midwife squealed with delight at her dark hair. It was unlike the bald head, that we were expecting and I can only imagine in my mind what David saw when he was one of the first ones to peer at that beautiful round face.
At 6:30am they laid her on my chest and I couldn't help but notice how much she resembled a round ball, which was partially why we decided on her middle name, Margo, which means "Pearl". The nursing and recovery process was much better this time around. She is a completely natural nurser from the beginning. And, I believe, my recovery process was much shorter because of my first being so much larger. I had prayed for a smaller baby(but not too small) and I got the perfect, healthy sized baby girl!
I went through too much emotional worry during the weeks I was trying to get her flipped, I decided to give it all up into the hands of the Lord because he knew what was best, even what I needed to go though, to have the best birth. It prepared me for ANYTHING to happen along the way and to help me to let go of what I couldn't control and I'm so thankful for that.

About the Babies

Darby's a little over two months now, which means it been over two months since I've logged on here. There's, of course, so much stuff I've wanted to write about since then but to get to this point to where I've felt like I've accomplished enough to deserve some free time to sit down and write a smidgen. To start off is of course, the fact that I now have TWO kids. It's crazy! I never thought I would have two kids, but here we are. It's been crazy, emotional, stressful, a little overwhelming, but absolutely, 100%, terrifically, wonderful! If you are thinking of having a second kid, I highly recommend it! ;) This time around has been so much more enjoyable. Knowing a little more (from practice) has made it a lot easier and a little more relaxing. Although I have a three year old to take care of as well. He has for sure been pushing buttons a lot more since his sister has been born to see how much he can get away with, but he's also been a great help, like when I'm getting dinner ready and the baby starts crying i'll ask him to go talk or sing to her and it usually gives me a few more precious moments to get our food on the table. It also, at least seems like, she smiles WAY more when he's around her making noises, playing pretend, singing his made up songs, or telling us stories.
I can't tell you how much anxiety I had about how everything was going to work with two kids. Before Darby was born I would spend a lot of time getting Everett ready for bed, tucking him in, getting him whatever he needed, waking up on time to make him breakfast, and so on. Since then, a lot has changed. David has lovingly taken over most of the bedtime part, which Everett likes way more, because he gets to spend a little more quality time with his Dad, who he adores more than anything. In the morning time, if Darby and I are still asleep Everett's become independent enough to find a snack or something to tie him over until I've had enough sleep to tie me over. I wondered how everything would work out, but now that we're here and have our system  down, I realize I didn't need to worry so much. It all kinda worked out naturally. I know this might seem boring but it might be helpful to someone. For now our schedule is:

8:30pm: David starts getting Everett ready for bed(bath, brushing teeth etc.) while I nurse Darby.

9:15: Darby's in bed and David is either finishing up a book or saying goodnight and I usually try to make it up there in time to say goodnight too.

4:00am: Darby wakes up to nurse for a few and then we get back to bed.

7:30: Darby wakes up again to nurse and falls back asleep. I peek on Everett and go back to bed if I still need it.

10:00 Darby wakes up again hungry and usually likes to fall asleep again right after for an hour or two. I love this time because I can eat and get ready for the day without worrying about her.

11 or 12: Darby wakes up for good(or I don't let her go back to sleep right away).

She nurses every couple hours through the day and takes about one long nap and cat naps the rest of the day. She doesn't usually sleep, in the late evening, which I think might be why she's so ready for bed and sleeps so well at night.
I'll be back later to share a little more when I can get the time ;)

Getting Ready

First, to answer every ones question, nope, no baby yet haha. As you might have guessed, most of my days have been filled with as much getting ready for baby as possible. 

Some of you know that I was trying to flip a breech baby. I tried so many exercises for a couple weeks, a special acupuncture called moxibustion, and even went to a special chiropractor that could do the Webster Technique. After all of that, I called my midwife to get something else going, in a hurry(since I was already over 38weeks). We met at the hospital that day and met with a special doctor that does versions. The actual turning was fast(and painful), but the whole process was a long stay at the hospital of monitoring and nurses worrying about my contractions turning into labor, but she DID turn with no problems! The next few days I had really strong contractions, but nothing near regular enough for me to freak out about. 

Other than that, I've been cleaning and getting things together as much as possible the last few days. I feel like I still have a few days left, especially since my last one was almost a week late, but other than being anxious, I'm not quite ready anyway. I'm waiting for all the colds going around to dissipate and to have enough energy to finish my laundry pile! So here are a few snapshots of baby things lately.

 

 

 

...And my full time helper