Where have you been?

When people ask me "Why haven't you been blogging?"
I simply say "I'm a mom".... that should be all that needs to explain why, or so you think huh? *Insert sarcasm*

I'm JUST a mom of 3, just a homeschooling, stay at home, live in maid, mom of 3.

A mom of a 7yr old that asks 1001 questions in the first 5 mins of his feet hitting the floor, a 4.5yr old who insist on being the baby yet a big girl, and a now 11mth old who destroys the house in 10 secs if left to her own, as well as hates being left a lone (please read this blog to understand her). BUT I love it, and I chose to be mom and wife first. Now that sleep has finally come our way, I feel like I can finally get back to blogging! So I am going to try and commit to blogging as often as I can.

Because LIFE is NEVER boring over here in CRAZY TOWN!!!

Blessings,

Tina

Crunchy Mom

 Today was another "Crunchy Mom" moment. I laugh as I sit here writing this, simply because I never imagined myself this way!

This morning was milestone, Vanessa slept in til after 7am! That's right she slept in AND slept in her own crib for 12hrs! But when I went to go change her, it changed the celebration to fear. She was completely covered with a rash from head to toe. MY WORST FEAR! Something is wrong and I don't know what it is. My first thought "Hand Foot and Mouth", oh no we've been through this BUT she never had a fever. So I called the Dr as soon as the office opened. And they said I could come in but because of no fever and she is nursing, they'd see her at 2:45pm. Ugh!

We finally get there and turns out she has that lovely virus that breaks out in a rash, at the end stage. The treatment plan: Oatmeal bath and store baby lotion. I smiled, and said ok! Then strap her into her ring sling and walked out, and as I walk with her in arm (Which by the way, anyone who's been to DePaul *Norfolk,VA*, knows the walk is amazing around that hospital) I looked at her, all smiles and said "Not for my baby! You just need a Small bath with lavender oatmeal soap (made by my good friend Wendy at Lavame Clean) and Coconut Oil!!!"

I can say that just that a lone has helped her already. Her cheeks looks almost cleared, and her skin has calmed down a lot. I gotta say I love it! I love seeing the natural things in life work.

Praying tonight is a calm and restful night!


Blessings
Tina

Why I am a Crunchy mom.

The other day at a Dr's visit, I was called a Crunchy mom! Never thought I was a crunchy mom. But I guess I am and here is Why I chose to be THAT mom. Yes by that mom I mean, a Babywearing, cosleeping, cloth diapering, breastfeeding, and homeschooling.

Well where to start? How about cosleeping, I will be honest. It wasn't my first idea, when I first started having children. I always imagined myself as a working mom and my kids in public school. But something changed the moment my son was laid in my arms. Something happened that I never though could happen: Motherhood. Motherhood does some crazy things to a woman. She becomes this person no one ever knew about. 

Well 6yrs ago I had a little (ok he was 10lbs at birth but he was still little) baby boy who I loved more than anything. But he didn't fit the cradle. His shoulders where too wide... and I couldn't put him in his crib yet, and our bedroom was way too small for a pack and play. So I chose the one thing left, cosleeping. Now a lot of older mom's gasp when I say I cosleep. Number one reason for them "it isn't safe". Well I have spoken to several drs over the past 6yrs, and read about it. And they all agree as long as you don't smoke, drink, take heavy narcotics, and your partner doesn't do any of those, it is safe. I will say, because baby #3 is the longest cosleeping baby, if I had a drink or like hubby, who one night took cold meds I slept on the supported chair with her. And usually if I sleep in the chair I have a firm grip and firm pillows. She's not rolling or able to get away. But I have found that cosleeping not only gets me sleep, but my kids and babies are so much happier. Now we do sleep train to give them independence, we don't have a family bed. Hubby has his rule, that I respect,  once they are walking and talking "you are not allowed in bed when daddy is in the bed sleeping". And I agree, now if they are to the point of breaking down, I will allow them to sleep in the room on the floor. But rarely have I had to do that. Cosleeping best thing I ever did I tell ya! 

Now to Babywearing, oh how I love to wear my babies. 

It's another personal choice that again some find it pointless and border line spoiling. And I laugh! The first time I wore my son it saved me so much stressful moments of "I can't do anything". Now some of them it didn't work out perfect and stress free while wearing (hint from my last blog "just let it go").  And I will say, some days Nessa hates it, but I chose to wear them because I can, and it is good for them. It gives them security and comfort when they are tiny,  and you burn extra calories, so it's a win win! Now since Kris I have become obsessed with baby wearing! I own/borrowed 2 slings, Boba Sleep Wrap and a moby, Ergo and a homemade sevens sling. And here is my opinion on it them: moby great for the first month (maybe more if you have small babies which I do not), and the Boba Sleep Wrap is great for larger babies and longer wrap wearing. Slings: Ring Slings are the BEST BEST BEST thing ever invented! Easier for breastfeeding and carrying to and from them car and being at church. Honestly the Maya Wrap sling is amazing! It has a pocket for your stuff, comfortable for baby and me,  and very easy to use!! And the Ergo, need I say more? Ok for those who don't know about an Ergo, it the most amazing carrier invented. I think it's better for when they are older, like 3 months. But it's a back saver, and a life saver. I do love this for park days and walking around the house. Then the most exciting thing this year, because my daughter loves to be worn. My mother bought me the Boba Hoodie, for my birthday! I haven't gotten it yet, but it's amazing looking. Man, I can't wait with the weather getting colder I can't be more excited. The homemade seven sling I've honestly never really been able to use, because my first was to big for it and baby #2 didn't like it. But I've had friends who loved it. So there are tons of baby wearing ideas!   

Now as you can see how the other things fall into place: cloth diapering and breastfeeding easy choice! It's better for them, and saves money! Now cloth diapers start out pricey but in the end saves money. And breastfeeding, while it isn't the easiest thing it's been a money saving, calorie burning, healthy for me and baby decision. 

And last but not least homeschool. 

The decision to homeschool wasnt the easiest, but to our family we knew it was the best decision for us. I have many many reasons why we homeschool but the main thing is to teach them God first, morals second and education last. I can say we've had the normal backlash, from people. And that's ok, I always say "it's what's best for our family". I can say my son is doing great, and my oldest girl is coming into schooling age and love it. I love watching them learn and grow. 

So this is why I am a "crunchy mom" lol. I pray you read some good information :) 

School is where you are

Friday we explored our local Garden today, and I packed the magnifying glasses and nature journal. I figured it would be a great learning while having fun day.
We got to the butterfly house, and I was nursing my youngest, while the other 2 explored and "wrote"/drawed in their journal. When one lady, who was watching them explore freely, asked my son "how old are you?". He politely told her 6, she then looked at me, "shouldn't you be in school? Or does 1st grade do half days?" I smiled then my son jumped in "No I'm home schooled, I'm doing my work now... " and proceeded to educate her on All the butterflies in the Butterfly Garden.
It was a proud moment, that not only is he proud to be home schooled. But it was also that he paid so close to attention to what he learned that day he could teach them.
I love the fact that with home school, it isn't limited to being in the same area every day. It's about learning with what's around you, and learning where you are. And I love that they are proud about home school.