My Baby turned 3

I think I have been putting off talking about this for almost a month now because there just doesn't seem to be away that my baby is 3 already! He is such a sweetheart and fills our home with lots and lots of laughs! Here are the top 10 reasons why we love you sweetheart: 1. You are a walking toy storage unit-- what would you do without your trusty pockets to hold all your treasures? 2. You give the best peck kisses ever! 3. You love your big brother and sister so very much and play so well with both of them 4. You still dont mind snuggling with mommy during books and movies 5. You melt your daddys heart when he comes home and you say a big Hiiiiiiii Dadeeeeee!!! 5. You milk being the smallest for all its worth! I not big enough to clean up this mess mommy-- uh huh sure ;) 6. You love food. I dont think any more needs to be said on that topic ;) 7. You make us laugh so much with your wardrobe malfunctions whether your bursting out of your pajamas, loosing your pants, or insisting that undies go on backwards, its always a laugh! 8. You love to be sweet to others whether you pick a flower, give a hug, or share a toy 9. You still sneak in some nights to sleep with mommy and daddy and nuzzle your little nose into ours and fall back to sleep 10. Your love for getting bigger and doing big boy things... just slow down a little buddy those days will be here before you know it!

I also am including pictures of his favorite meal-- breakfast! That week we had some wheat muffins, berries, and homemade applesauce :) We have also been enjoying english muffins homemade and this week-- homemade bagels (and they look so much better then last time!). http://johndlee.hubpages.com/hub/Homemade_bagel_recipe_Make_great_nadrolled_water_bagels__its_as_easy_as_baking_a_loaf_of_bread

Fall Fun

We have been busy this fall having some fun as a family with extended family and friends too! We are so blessed to live in an area loaded with activities to do! Early in September my husband and our oldest son went on a father son camping trip with our new church family and they had a wonderful time! On a side note, we are loving our new church body and wish we had followed the Holy Spirits promptings to leave our previous church sooner, but now that we have, what a blessing it has been to our entire family! It has a very strong mens ministry and having men prepared to lead their families and communities is so important! Anyway, while they were camping, my two sisters and brother in-law came up from NJ and went apple and raspberry picking with the two littles and I! The raspberries were amazing and while we did eat half, we froze the rest and have been adding them to whole wheat pancakes and our wheat berry muffins! We made lots of applesauce and applecrisp that week and ate a lot of apples and just like that-- poof! 20 pounds of apples were gone! We'll have to go back and pick some more soon!

http://www.weaversorchard.com/

We also have some dear friends with a wonderful little creek in their backyard and they invited us over one afternoon for some exploration! The kids had so much fun looking in the water for water creatures and getting wet. It was such a nice break in our day and a delightful experience!

We also did some corn maizing this fall. We went to two different places and both were a lot of fun! The one at Grim's http://grimsgreenhouse.com/ had an apple theme and as we went along there were apple questions to help us find our way out-- educational and fun! At http://cornstalkingusa.net/ we went through a football themed corn maize and had lots of fun! Both mazes took us about an hour to navigate our way thorugh and collect all the clues. Corn stalking USA is run by friends in our co-op and closer AND they do it at Christmas which sounds like a lot of fun!

And of course, we have been busy doing school-- we have 118 days left and my goal is to finish with room to spare before the baby joins us :) We are hoping to take a break from our traditional studies Thanksgiving week and do a Thanksgiving Unit study and a family Bible study on gratitude. Wishing you and your family a happy fall, The Gardner Gang

Becoming a Mommy again

Okay, I feel like I was in a bit of a cold haze last week and just quickly shared a photo with you all and now I am ready to back up and share and always share what the future may hold for us :) I'm excited! First, I had previously shared how I was going through menopause this summer. I did get pregnant in August and miscarried and then in September when things didn't happen, I said to Matt, I just dont want to do the menopause and miscarriage thing over and over again. So, I didnt take a test till October and then realized we were not only pregnant, but past the point where we have miscarried two other times. This is God showing us how soverign and awesome He is. We just feel so blessed and know how big and impossible it could have been. I did share the news when I was 7 weeks along instead of waiting till the second trimester because if something should happen and we loose the baby, it was worth it to share the joy of our moment even if it lasted for a little while. We still choose joy and thanksgiving for the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. We're glad He is giving us another family member. We also went ahead and shared so you could join us in praying this baby into the world. I am physically and old hat in a 29 year old body and each pregnancy has gotton progressively more uncomfortable and the challenges increase. This time we are turning down the shots to stop my early contractions as last time not only did they not work, they worked against my gestational diabetes, and I felt awful. So Ill ride the contraction train to the end and just take it in stride as long as I am not dialating, we're good. This was something we discussed with our delivery doctor last time and she agrees-- its just not good to try and prolong my pregnancy in the long run as my body can only go so far and when we went over the 37 weeks last time, it just got a bit more rough then needed be. We are also going back and forth between a VBAC and a c-section. Our doctors will weigh on on this obviously, but I'm just gonna say I'm not the champ of the delivery room. Its actually pretty embarrassing how wimpy I am. If we go with a V-Bac (and thats where we are leaning) our doctors are very good-- the NICU doc is normally close by, I have to have an epidural to proceed, and some other precautions which make us have faith in the doctors God has placed in that room with us, just little faith in me. The other thing we are going back and forth on is breast feeding. Now, I had always envisioned myself nursing and then I had my first son and I was very very sick and it just wasn't a realistic option. Then came my daughter who also had some issues and so i pumped for 5 months and she drank that. Then came my third who did latch and we seemed okay, but again some weird complications and after 3 months it just wasn't realistic. I am choosing not to share some of the gory details here just because I don't feel it neccessary and you have to remember that my body underwent a lot of experimental chemo and radiation. Which, brings me to my next point-- the two children who did consume my breast milk had febrile seizures. The child who consumed it the longest, had them the most. I am a part of a study at St. Jude's and I wrote in and asked them and they have begun to look in to the affects on cancer survivors children. Sooooooooooo, all that to say, I dont know if my milk is best. It could be coincidence, or we could be right on the money. All we know is we are commiting this to prayer and accepting and following where God leads us in this area. I will say it has opened my eyes to why other moms literally can't breastfeed and choose the best for their babies which is not always breast milk ans that was very enlightening. So, all that to say we are thrilled to pieces and very excited for where God is taking us. We would love your prayers for a safe and healthy mommy, baby, and the rest of the family! Thanks friends, the Gardner Gang!

Pineapples

First, I dont even like pineapples even a little bit. And when you get to the bottom of this post, you might forget the title had anything to even do with pineapples. About 3 years ago when I was large with child-- with baby number 3 child, I saw a video called the Pineapple story. I Loved it. Its all about Otto the missionary and these people who kept stealing his pineapples. And laundry. And anything not nailed down. He was a missionary to some thieving natives. Some very proud to be thieving natives who drove him bonkers. So, at the end I came to realize Otto wasn't just there to minister to the natives (who did by the way stop their thieving ways and come to the Lord)... he was there for God to teach him about anger and patience. Today as a mom I thought, "Lord did you call me to do full time laundry or full time mommyhood-- because right about now, it feels like the first over the latter." And sometimes I feel like the full time disciplinarian, referee, maid, driver, cook, um, did I mention maid? Today we had a pretty crappy morning-- I could give you our daily break down, but lets just say someone is stil stubbornly finishing up school, laundry is waiting, dirty dishes abound, and mommy has been a crank. Am I perfect for the job of being a mom? No! Are there days I wish I could hide in my room with a book? Yes!!! But, like Otto-- I am not called to an easy road, I am called to minister to these children who can melt my heart, but they have also been known to melt toys and make catastrophies that would make the faint of heart run for cover. I love them, but I think some of that love that defies all understanding is that I love them when they drive me crazy and when I want to cry because I have cleaned milk up about a billion times in one day (numbers are not exageratted!). So, thats why as crazy as our lives are, I am about to share this picture with you. Because it is a calling. It is my mission field and that does not mean the days will be perfect and easy, if anything, I think they almost need to be the other way around so I can learn what God is trying to teach me.

and to check out Ottos story for yourself, the book version is here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Pineapple-Story-Bill-Gothard/dp/091688838X and the cd version is here: http://store.iblp.org/products/ctps/

In the Swing

A few months ago I wrote about going through premature menopause and I realize that this is a very personal topic to discuss. I can only hope that someday a survivor will stumble across these entries and find a connection and someone who can relate. I also think it is much easier to write this all out here with no one around and no real fear of rejection, questions, or pity stares then to sit down and share. It just seems kind of vain or depressing if I were to bring this up in friendly conversation. So sharing is a two-fold purpose.... I hope this helps others and it is therapeutic to me. Over the summer it became clear that I was nearing the end of my cycles due to high levels of radiation of a child. It makes me realize all the more how miraculous it is that my children are here. They shouldn't be and it is a huge testament to how big my God is. Over the summer I literally was having a cycle every 8-12 days which made me a crazy hormonal mess... Especially because I knew what it meant. Then in August I slowed down and felt more pregnant then I have ever felt before. Matt and I were secretly rejoicing... Had we once again defied modern medicine? I was late and we got even more excited. Almost a week went by and then I began cramping and after my third babies labor, it felt like that... Like my body was pushing on its own and we miscarried. It was a weird feeling. I was sad, but also slightly hopedul that we could maybe have a chance of having another baby. And then this month came around I began to think what if I keep getting pregnant and miscarrying... Is that even possible? Is that the equivalent to the worse hormonal months ever!? It's just so many unknowns that make for a very unsure walk of faith. But God knows and we are trusting Him. If its a no, it's a no.... But we won't stop praying or trying until we know for certain no matter how much heartache we go through on the way, because following him is worth it. The other night I was in some pain and emotionally drained and I looked at my husband and said, "I am so thankful we married when we did. I am so thankful we never said our apartment is to small to have a baby. I am so thankful we never worried about money. Because if we had, we wouldn't have any of our three babies." I know we wouldn't. If we had decided God couldnt handle it for us, if we had let all the negatives and worldly things stop us, we really and truly would have missed out on some of e greatest gifts God has ever given us. I am so, so glad we trusted the Lord even though it was so hard. When we got pregnant when our first born was 9 months old, I remember thinking what will people think? You know what I think? How could we have thought for a second God didn't have another precious gift he was so excited to give us. And we had our only girl and she lights up our lives. And then our third... We live in a small three bedroom home and had one of each, so shouldnt that be enough? I'm so glad we didn't stop there and got a wonderful surprise third baby. He's crazy, but rounds us out so nicely. His older brother and him are two peas in a pod. So now I am going to go to the heart of the matter.... It kills me... Literally breaks my heart and keeps me in tears when I hear people say they planned it out, they can't afford more, or are on the pill. I know I can't judge, but I can hopefully shed some light on the truth. It's wrong. God is the author of life and oh, how he loves us. He knows what is best and he has plans for these little ones. When I think of the what ifs I get chills. What if we had waited... What if we had waited? I'd never have children most likely. And to hear of people who can and don't.... I honestly don't understand. I ache for more, to receive Gods blessings, and see so many others carefully planning it out, but missing Gods plan. You are missing Gods plan when you wait when you are married. You are disobeying his command to be fruitful and multiply.... It is a direct command he gave us and one of the first actually... It's not an option. It's not a when we're ready. When we have more money. When we have a bigger house. When we are ready, we'll let you know God. I can't imagine asking Him to work on my timeframe. The God who for,Ed the stars, shaped the mountains, gave food exploding flavor, fields vibrant color pallets.... Please wait, I'm not ready. Would you turn away any of his others blessings? If he said he was giving you. Million dollars, would you say, well... I'm not really ready for that type of blessing? Children are priceless... Much more precious then anything on this earth. Precious are they in His sight and I imagine the current thought trend breaks His heart. Okay, I know that was personal, but I needed to get that out. It's been swimming around my heart all week and then some. Now I am off to check on my three sleeping babies and rejoice that they are here :)

Does Disney Still= the Most Magical Place on Earth for Families?

Okay, let me begin by saying how much of a Magical place Disney is-- it really is! The cast members are all super sweet and very helpful and your family will have memories for a life time! I am hoping to do a post on how to make it easier and much more relaxing for all involved, so stay tuned!

But, is Disney still the best place for families with values and standards? We went to one of their waterparks for the first time this year (Blizzard beach) and there were so many Europeans and Brazilians wearing very revealing bathing suits. Very, very revealing bathing suits. It was embarrassing when our kids asked why some ladies bottoms didnt fit in their bathing suits and the men with their teeny tiny speedos-- oh my! Supposedly, if you complain to a cast member, they will ask the other guest to change-- but why should we even be put in the position to complain or draw it to their attention, because, honestly, you can miss it!? Its a family waterpark and it will make the bikinis that you see at other waterparks look almost modest!

Another incident that happened wasn't directly related to disney, but just wait... My husband got very sick one day at Epcot and as he was in the bathroom for all the world to hear getting sick (literally-- the whole world since we were in Epcot)-- a lady walked by and said right to my kids, "Oh my wife is really sick from food poisioning-- hope he doesn't have it too!. My oldest son waited till she walked away and then said, "Mom, why did that lady say she had a wife?" We talked about this life choice and the sinful life style this person was chosing to live in, but really-- not where or when I wanted to have that conversation. I couldnt believe that lady said that right to my kids. We know a few gay people and they are very sensitive and considerate and don't flaunt it in front of the kids. Disney is known for being extremely friendly to homosexuals and here is an article that goes into more detail-- http://www.cuttingedge.org/news/n1181.cfm. Do be aware that this is something you will encounter whether its two mommies in line or a couple holding hands, or a male dressed as a female (yes we saw that too). Be prepared to know how to handle it and that it could very well be encountered on your trip. Another thing we were also surprised at was Epcot's night time light show. We had been told this was the firework show to see so I was pretty excited. We got seats early and all of the sudden, a boat catches on fire! I really thought it was a real fire and thought someone might be on fire, but my husband who had read the information said it was a re-telling of how the world began as the Globe all lit up comes out next. I really am glad my kids had no clue as we don't see evolution as having an ounce of truth. So, again, just something to be ready for. There was an Ellen show with Bill Nye that we walked out of as well-- mainly because so many people came into the theater as it was running talking really loud and my husband was pretty sick-- but Bill Nye openly supports evoulition and Ellen is an open homosexual. Epcot can be a great learning environment, but there are a lot or re-teachable moments that will happen there more then anywhere else. Did we love Disney-- yes! Will we go back, we'll see-- as our kids get older, these things will be even more noticable to them and if Disney embraces the world and it's lust for sin more and more, then maybe not. We shall see.....

Eating Healthy Menu Planning Ideas on a Budget

When we say that we are eating or trying to eat better people say that must cost so much more money or they're not sure where to start or it doesn't matter- food is food.

Well, we believe all food was designed by the creator to be the same, man just got in the way and didn't make things much better. Where to start-- again, begin making small changes-- a few things here and there. Go from vegetable oil to coconut oil, white flour to whole wheat flor, and store bought to homemade.

Saving money-- okay-- I am going to tell you how and why this can be so easy and affordable. Our recent trip was some of our healthiest choices to date, I shopped for two weeks, and all for 170.74. AND thats for a family of five. Which, for each week, thats 85 dollars and 37 ish cents (its late-- forgive my math right now). Pretty dang good. I will probably go out for more fruit-- so lets say five more bucks a week and 90 dollars a week for five people-- still awesome! And I did this at Giant-- so very doable!

Here are what some of our meals look like--




Breakfast-- homemade wheat and berry muffins (http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/05/12/recipe-fruit-nut-or-berry-or-whatever-you-want-them-to-be-whole-wheat-muffins/), half a hard boiled egg, and some blackberries on the side. The kids also had some choc. almond milk too.

Lunch-- we either have some sort of sandwhich on homemade bread (I bought two bags of really good whole wheat flour and so far onebag has yielded 4 huge loaves of bread, 12 muffins, and some other small things-- a very well spent 4 dollars)-- the kids like PB&J-- we have found some really good no sugar added brands.




I like hummus, some tomato, spinach leaves, and some fresh mozzerella on mine. We also will probably have some egg salad as the bread goes a little stale next week :) Leftovers are also a lunch choice as are WW crackers and PB&J. On the side of our sandwhich we have some strawberry and kiwi fruit salad and some all natural chips (I told you-- these are my weakness!). Everything is portioned out and we have such a colorful display and it is very fulfilling.




For dinner-- here is what we had tonight. http://life-as-a-lofthouse.blogspot.com/2010/09/baked-sweet-and-sour-chicken-with-fried.html. I am not going to lie-- I love fried rice and if we had gone to wegmans where I happen to find theirs to have too many onions, it would have cost us around 40 dollars for the whole family-- this was 8 dollars for the whole kit and caboodle! score. I made the sweet and sour chicken too with two large chicken breasts and there were leftovers (read-- for lunch tomorrow). I also used a much healthier rice grain, honey instead of sugar for the sweet and sour and some other better choices then what you'd find out to eat.

Last night we had rice (hey-- rice is a great starch that can be done many ways and is healthy when you pick the right grain and a great way to strecth your budget), shrimp skewers (fresh shrimp that I had to peel) and some leftover tortillas from when we made them last week with cheese and spinach and cilantro.

So, if you want to save money and eat better here are some tips--

1. Make your own breads, tortillas, muffins, etc. The quality will be better and the quanity greater so you can stretch your dime and fill up on some yummier and healthier items. We are making homemade granola next week and for how much I paid for enough oats for many meals is less than what I'd pay for a puny bag in the health aisle.

2. When you get home from the store-- cut your fruit up, boil your eggs, make some muffins for the next day, etc.

3. Make a menu plan that fits your family and a budget and stick to it. Know what you are eating each meal.

4. use whats left in your pantry and freezer and incorporate these items into your meal plan if at all possible.

5. Make large batches when possible and freeze some extras. We defrosted some homemade naan bread for the day when I did grocery shopping and it was yummy and homemade and using what was already there.

6. Things like spinach are so healthy and can pop up all over in many meals.

7. Grow your own veggies and borrow from others. My parents had a huge basil crop-- I went down and picked as much as I could and have some nice homemade basil in my fridge and freezer :)

We're still navigating, but hoep this helps other people who dont know where to begin or think it will cost an arm and a leg. It won't- trust me!