Our Little Brave

He has arrived!!!!! This little brave took his time to make sure he was ready for the world, 10 days late. His birth was quick and beautiful and hard.

The evening consists of getting Jane to bed, cleaning the kitchen, doing the checklist of making sure we're ready when he decides to come, talking wih James and other do-dads. This night was much like all the rest. Except we were naughty and stayed up late. Then in the wee hour of 3:15 am I woke up to use the restroom and felt some pretty strong and consistent contractions. I had already experienced a few contractions throughout the last two weeks so thought maybe it was yet another false alarm, but no! These were consistent and strong. I tried going back to bed for a bit but they were not letting me. Attempting to wake up James I realized he'd need strength to help me when it got too hard, so I let him sleep for another half hour.

Timing began to get very close and I told Mister it was time to prepare to go to the birth center, around 5:45. I did not want an awful drive too late in the game plan. So we called my sweet neighbor who was to watch Miss Jane and she came over to take Jane for the day once she awoke. We informed the midwives that we'd be on our way and we packed up. The drive was beautiful. A glorious Idaho sunrise lit up the sky as we drove to bring a new little man into the world. Oh how lovely was the morning...William came into the world.

We got to the birth center and waited for a bit in the car as our great midwives traveled to meet us. Contractions were getting quite strong and close at this point and sweet James was my anchor. Once in the birth center I stood through all the first waves of pressure, leaning (hanging) on James or the bed. Then I got into the warm water of the bath. We had thought about a water birth and decided we would really like to experience and try it. The warm soothing water seemed I really help take the weight off of my aching limbs and soothed the pain. I hung over the edge with James right by. Then things started to pick up and we changed positions with James' legs in the water, sitting on the edge of the tub. It's amazing how long it feels for that opening to get big enough for he pushing to begin. Patiently breathing and relaxing is key, and is hard to do. Keeping focused is so important!

Then I felt the strong urges of pushing. Women who have had a baby naturally can relate to the excitement and utter exhaustion of this step. It takes EVERYTHING you've got to keep pushing through the pain and working with your body. I felt extremely exhausted having not slept a ton or eaten in a long while (both of which I learned a lesson from to never do again). But the mind is powerful and the woman's body is incredible. The desire to end the pain and to meet my little brave pushed me through (no pun intended ;), or maybe intended). I was hanging in James' arms and he truly added great strength and confidence in one of the hardest moments of my life. Good Husbands and Fathers are so important to Wives and Mothers! They truly add a strength just by their presence and touch. How grateful I am for my man.

Having William born was amazing, when you feel the body of your baby finally exit it is the most relieving and spiritual thing. He was born at 9:30 and was a little angel! He was peaceful, alert and perfect. I can't believe he's mine! I just kept telling him he was handsome, perfect and a brother! And I couldn't stop thanking James!

James got to clamp and cut the chord which was awesome. His chord was perfect and was the neatest twisty shape, we even got to feel the pulse of the blood still going to William. Placentas and chords are incredible, they provide life to a baby for 9 months!!! They are heavenly made for sure. It took me a while to "birth" my placenta because I was so exhausted and supposedly a water birth can make it take a little bit longer. But once that is out you feel empty and free. James got to have some sweet holding time while I got all washed up and then we both got to just be with William for a bit.

James went and got us breakfast sandwiches at Subway and I fed little William, who has a mighty good latch! It was special to just lay there and take him in. The midwives checked me and decided I'd need a few stitches, ugh. So I got to get all shot up and sewed which isn't the funnest, but a necessary evil after birth sometimes. Then it was time for the new born exam.

We were quite impressed at how calm little William was. He got his feet stamped, his body tugged and measured and weighed. He was a whopping 9 lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I guess that's what we get for a late baby, I was shocked he was that big. He seems quite grown up already and is so very alert and mature seeming. We love and adore this sweet bundle! We all took a little nap and then packed up to go home. So from beginning to end it was about a 12 hour process from start to finish of being back in our own home.

Our sweet neighbor brought Jane and dinner over and we got to introduce Jane to her baby brother. It was really sweet and she kept waving and saying "hi" to him. I hope and pray that they will be the best of buds! I also got a hand delivered beautiful bouquet from James' mother which made me feel so special!! It was a special little homecoming.

Little William fits right into our family and we love him so much already. He instantly captured his Daddy and Mommy's hearts forever!!! We love you our little brave boy!

My Misters Love

My mister surprised me with a few sweet surprises this week. It has made me feel so special during these last few long days of waiting for baby William. First he walked home from his little office and carried a beautiful orchid home for me. I have never received an orchid before and it is beautiful!! It really was the sweetest thing to open the front door for him and see him holding them. Flowers somehow make a woman feel so special and loved. I don't get them very often and so when I do it means all the more!!

Then in the mail today he sent me a beautiful silver heart necklace that says, "A Mother understands what a child does not say!" I can't wait to wear this sweet reminder of motherhood every day. I firmly beleive in the power and importance of motherhood and do feel that this little saying is so strong. Mothers are connected to their children in a very special way and they care so deeply about this little ones hey carried. I pray that I will always be a mother that is in tune to the spirit and to my children to help them throughout their lives. I love Jane, know I'll adore William and know that the children we continue to be blessed with will be so important to me. How grateful I am for a husband who supports and upholds motherhood and makes me feel loved and special!

EGGS!

So we have been wondering if we should pluck and cook these silly hens because they just haven't started producing eggs for so long. But we've been patient and feeding them and waiting and waiting. Well Monday when I was refilling food and checking in them I noticed 4 eggs!!!!!!! They were all at the bottom of the coop broken on the ground! At first I was elated and so excited, and then realized what a bummer it was we didn't get to enjoy them. 

We have neglected making them little nesting spots for quite some time and I think the poor ladies have just been waiting. So I finally poked Mister and told him we HAD to get that in for them. So yesterday we helped each other construct their little egg couch :) (that's what James called it). And this morning an EGG was in it!!!!!!! Our first (unbroken) egg.

I can't tell you how many childhood dreams came true as I opened the hatch and their was an egg! When I was young I always fantasized romantic things and egg collecting was definitely in the list of fantasies. There is a part in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" where the girls mention egg collecting and I always loved that part! It's such a romantic idea to me, a thing of the olden days. So the Lady Hens are safe, I guess James will have to be content wh store bought rotisserie chickens for now ;). We are really excited to keep finding eggs throughout the summer and hope to keep these ladies comfy and happy to keep laying!! Hurray for home grown eggs!!

Bathing Baby Bums

Bathing Baby Bums.

Bubbles and baby bums in a bathtub really can make your day! I probably shouldn't take photos of her nake but that little bum is just so cute!!! I love bath time with my little Jane. She makes the greatest of noises when she's in the tub and right now just chatters away. There is something special about bath time and the memories it holds in childhood. I'll never forget some of the funny memories I have of bath time. Our favorite toy was this silly little frog. You would pull a bug that was hooked to a string in his mouth and he would wiggle his legs and swim to eat the bug. I loved that toy! Another fun memory was making waves with siblings. Watching and feeling the water slosh around us. Screaming under water. Floating just on top and listening to what sound was like underwater. There are so many little things I can't wait for Jane to experience and so many I love witnessing right now with her. She is a very curious, fun and friendly young lady.

The Family is of God

There is no doubt in my mind that the Family is being attacked and undermined in our great nation and world. Many proclaim the right of freedom, of choice, of allowing their own opinions to dominate millions of traditions that work. There is much that is good but there is much that is changing the way the family is viewed, how it functions, how it's protected and why it's important. I could go into many topics, public education, non-married couples, media, "selfi-ism", gay rights, divorce, abandonment, abuse,  abortion...the list could go on. But the most basic and essential topic is that of gender and of families: a man is a man, a woman is a woman, both are needed in a family, and that is ESSENTIAL in the plan of God.

"Essential" is not a light word. When we are told by prophets that gender is essential, than it IS! When we choose to disregard that fact it is like saying a body doesn't need food. Or a world doesn't need water or sunlight. Those things are essential, period. Within the Family Proclomation, a piece of modern scripture, there are key phrases that the Lord uses to enhance this importance.

Quotes from "The Family A Proclamation to the World:"

- marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God

- the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

- Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

- God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

- Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children.

- Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan.

- Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.

So, no wonder the adversary of our happiness is trying so hard to break apart this ESSENTIAL part of Gods plan for us. The family unit is what holds societies together, it is what strengthens nations and brings order and peace to this earth. There is no other unit that can teach individuals better principles than in a home. You gain so much knowledge in a home and family. If we do not protect this unit in our society we have been told by prophets of calamities that will ensue. That is also a promise. We cannot break commandments of God and escape the consequences. Even though our society has lost the concept of responsibility and has forgotten that EVERY choice has a consequence. You cannot (shouldn't!) kill without consequence. You cannot (shouldn't!) steal without consequence. We have certain laws in our society that have consequences and so does God. They don't just disappear because we are a "modern age" or because "our choice" is more important. A good home has rules to keep order and a good parent doesn't let those slip just cause they love their child and they're cute as pie so let them get away with it. No. That is where disorder and disintegration occurs. We need rules, laws and guides to keep us protected and happy.

I have a firm belief in a Heavenly Father. I know there is more to this life than just living and dying. I know that Gods laws are the highest order of happiness. I know that the family is to be led by a man and woman and that the sanctity of hat Union is crucial! I know that children are essential and need to be protected. I know that all these truths must be protected.

The prophets and the Lord have asked us point blank to protect these teachings. In the Proclamation it states, "We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society." And so I will defend the family with all my heart and soul to the best of my ability!

Some great Talks to listen to:

"Defenders of the Family Proclamation"
       https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/defenders-of-the-family-proclamation?cid=HP_TU_7-21-2015_dPTH_fGC_xLIDyL1-B_&lang=eng

"The Family is of God"
       https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-family-is-of-god?lang=eng

"Filling our homes with light and truth"

       https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/filling-our-homes-with-light-and-truth?lang=eng

To read the whole Family Proclamation go here:
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/11/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng

"Oversexed"

I have been thinking about this a lot, especially this morning...why is it that our nation is so oversexed? We care more about a man/woman change, gay rights and celebrities opinions than adopted children stuck in other lands, babies being killed, and families being undermined in our society. In the movie "Chicken Run" the wise old rooster even comments to the yank about it. We are an oversexed and selfish society. Don't waste time on such filth. Don't watch it, don't listen to it and don't encourage it.

I have never really listened to Taylor Swift before but have heard so much good about her. She seems like a very sweet girl that sincerely cares about her fans and has fun spreading joy to those who need it. I think that's awesome. However, when I decided to finally listen through one of her songs on the radio I was shocked! 

"Blank Space"

"Nice to meet you, where you been?

I could show you incredible things

Magic, madness, heaven, sin

Saw you there and I thought

Oh my God, look at that face

You look like my next mistake

Love's a game, wanna play?

New money, suit and tie

I can read you like a magazine

Ain't it funny, rumors fly

And I know you heard about me

So hey, let's be friends

I'm dying to see how this one ends

Grab your passport and my hand

I can make the bad guys good for a weekend

So it's gonna be forever

Or it's gonna go down in flames

You can tell me when it's over

If the high was worth the pain

Got a long list of ex-lovers

They'll tell you I'm insane

'Cause you know I love the players

And you love the game

'Cause we're young and we're reckless

We'll take this way too far

It'll leave you breathless

Or with a nasty scar

Got a long list of ex-lovers

They'll tell you I'm insane

But I've got a blank space, baby

And I'll write your name

Cherry lips, crystal skies

I could show you incredible things

Stolen kisses, pretty lies

You're the King, baby, I'm your Queen

Find out what you want

Be that girl for a month

Wait, the worst is yet to come, oh no

Screaming, crying, perfect storms

I can make all the tables turn

Rose garden filled with thorns

Keep you second guessing like

"Oh my God, who is she?"

I get drunk on jealousy

But you'll come back each time you leave

'Cause, darling, I'm a nightmare dressed like a daydream

So it's gonna be forever

Or it's gonna go down in flames

You can tell me when it's over

If the high was worth the pain

Got a long list of ex-lovers

They'll tell you I'm insane

'Cause you know I love the players

And you love the game

'Cause we're young and we're reckless

We'll take this way too far

It'll leave you breathless

Or with a nasty scar

Got a long list of ex-lovers

They'll tell you I'm insane

But I've got a blank space, baby

And I'll write your name

Boys only want love if it's torture

Don't say I didn't say, I didn't warn ya

Boys only want love if it's torture

Don't say I didn't say, I didn't warn ya

So it's gonna be forever

Or it's gonna go down in flames

You can tell me when it's over

If the high was worth the pain

Got a long list of ex-lovers

They'll tell you I'm insane

'Cause you know I love the players

And you love the game

'Cause we're young and we're reckless

We'll take this way too far

It'll leave you breathless

Or with a nasty scar

Got a long list of ex-lovers

They'll tell you I'm insane

But I've got a blank space, baby

And I'll write your name."

Not only is the Lords name taken in vain (the basic and first commandant), but it teaches some of the worst morals I've ever heard. This is the idol and the music our girls/society loves!? Why do we stoop to this level and act like it's ok? No. Even if the beat is awesome to dance to, and the tune is catchier than baseball, do you care what it's teaching you!?

This goes the same for television and movies. Many a time in conversations I will have to sit out cause the topic turns to TV shows and Mister James and I don't really watch any. Many a time I'll listen to the plot line of some of these series and be in awe that individuals and couples can spend so many hours entertained by them. They are packed with acts that would normally make one blush or turn in horror. Why do we spend hours of life watching such things?

Now, I am not saying music is bad, tv is bad, movies are bad....we all need to be Amish. Even though that does seem tempting sometimes ;), probably cause I served a mission amongst them and admired them in many ways. However, have some discretion and class to what you allow to fill your lives and your children's. There is still much on the note of good entertainment and I'm one who loves a good movie or song! We are greatly affected by what we see and hear and taking a good analysis of our intake is important. So go out and listen to, talk about and view good!!!

Happy Pioneer Day

Happy Pioneer Day! Today we honor the faith, courage, sacrifice and diligence of the early saints. We watched "17 Miracles" and were reminded of the amazing journey these early settlers of the west took. The things they experienced and went through are awe inspiring to me. Great sacrifices were made for their faith. How grateful I am to belong to a long line of pioneers that showed strength beyond compare. One of which was Hyrum Smiths wife, Mary Feilding Smith. Soon after the martyrdom of her husband she walked the plains with her children all on her own. There are many stories of this amazing woman that I am grateful to know. We got to see the home she built when they reached Salt Lake City last month. She built it all on her own with her children. What a strong and faithful woman she was!

The things we wore today for a Pioneer Program all have a little meaning behind them. I'm wearing a bonnet I bought as a little girl in Nauvoo where both of my Grandparents served missions and many of my cousins. And my apron is one that my Grandma Priscilla wore when she worked at a dairy. Jane's bonnet is from my wonderful Aunt Ramona. 

James is wearing a hat from his Grandad, Frank Heaton. His heritage came from the green lands of England and they settled in Canada. They were not part of the pioneers crossing the plains for their faith but pilgrims of courage making a new beginning for their families.

We are so thankful for the heritage that makes us who we are today. It is so important to not forget the past and to hold our ancestors dear. I'm grateful we have a day to honor them in our religion. The men, women and families of the past are beacons to light the way our families need to continue in!