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<br />
Once we were within days of the due date, the contractions slacked off. We passed due date. Contractions still almost non-existent. After about a week after due date, they began coming back pretty fiercely. I would text my midwife to give her a heads up "tonight may be the night!" only to go to bed and wake up still pregnant.<br />
<br />
I ate eggplant parmesan two or three times. With Zade it seemed to work, but not for Micah. I walked. I prayed. I cleaned. I let the house get dirty (to tempt Murphy's Law). And I cleaned again. I went to the chiropractor. I painted the hall bathroom (shout out to Mythic non-toxic paint). We hosted students for dessert, we had staff meetings, I waddled up to church to take the girls to G.A.'s (Girls in Action, Baptist girls missionary group), choir practice and to ride their bikes. We had family come to visit, we let family leave with no results... we even let Zade visit my parents for a few days while we waited.<br />
<br />
Nine days after the due date, I took Gracie to proof for a memory award with Classical Conversations (two complete subjects, 100% verbatim, 24 topics). She did it! I was so proud! We needed to celebrate! I suggested a Chick-fil-A milkshake. Faith heartily agreed. However, it was Gracie's achievement and she wanted to go to the Science Center. <br />
<br />
Since it was Spring break, they had all the cool "Saturday stuff" all week and to Gracie's delight we ended up there as they were feeding the snakes. I have to say it was one of the coolest things I have seen. Faith also thought it was pretty interesting. We also saw "Kats, the Meerkat Musical" which was both lame and hilarious. During the meerkat program, I started having contractions. I did my best to track them on my phone (free app) without alarming the people sitting directly behind me. *this is not a subtle app, huge button that says "start timer."<br />
<br />
By the time the final song was sung, the contractions had stopped and we headed home. Pete's sisters had offered to pay for me to have a massage. My chiropractor recommended a lady who was certified in pre-natal massage who sometimes worked with him at his office. I called her and she had a space available that night. So Pete handled church and G.A.'s while I headed over to get a massage. It was really good - but no contractions. I came home all relaxed and Pete and I watched TV and ate cake.<br />
<br />
After some down time, Pete went downstairs to work (midnight-ish) and I went to bed. Pete came to bed around 3:30 a.m. I started having contractions. I knew he was exhausted so I got up and went to the living room as I waited to see if this was "it." I was hungry so I heated up some eggs and made toast. I turned on the TV and was "happy, happy, happy" to find reruns of Duck Dynasty.<br />
<br />
About thirty minutes later, I felt really strongly - these things are not messing around. The contractions were anything but textbook. Not progressive (some only 2 minutes apart, others 5 minutes apart) and varying in length (35 seconds to over 2 minutes long). *But* they were hard! I began muting the TV while the contractions came because it became irritating to me. Since I've already given birth three times, I knew that concentration to get through contractions was an absolute here-it-comes, real-labor-is-here sign.<br />
<br />
<b>Here's how things went down from there...</b><br />
<br />
So I texted my midwife.....and then I texted the other midwife (R).....and I went upstairs and let Pete know that his entire night's rest would consist of one hour. Pete heads downstairs to add more air to the birth tub that had been sitting inflated for the last 15 days. I hadn't yet heard from my midwife so I decided to call her. My texts had not gone through! She was out of town and that very night the other midwife's cell phone had taken a bath along with her toddler. My contractions are definitely saying "here he comes!" and we need a midwife on the way! I turn on the computer and begin playing the<a href="http://redeemingchildbirth.com/birth-planning-tools/worshipful-music" target="_blank"> birth worship music</a> I had found a few weeks ago.<br />
<br />
Pete fills the tub (talk to him about the rigging required to get the water down the hall into the den). I patiently wait - leaning on the ottoman - making guttural sounds through each contraction. I head to the bathroom and my water breaks at 6:17 a.m. (Pete makes a note). Pete helps me into the tub and I feel the urge to push. I tell Pete. He says, "Please don't!" When the color returns to his face, he fumbles for the phone to call our midwife. She says R should be there by now but that she can talk us through this if necessary.<br />
<br />
She advised trying to breathe through a couple of contractions without pushing. I tried, but couldn't not push... I just didn't tell Pete at the time.<br />
<br />
Gratefully just a few minutes later, R came dashing down the stairs and said, "I'm here, go ahead and push!" R noticed the water was a bit cooler than body temperature and Pete tried to warm it up, but the water heater couldn't keep up. So (stereotypically) Pete was sent to boil water. It was around 6:30 a.m. and Pete went to wake the girls so they could watch. Both Gracie and Faith stood at the end of the pool while I pushed out their brother. At one point Faith covered her ears. I guess my "sounds of labor" are a bit loud. ;-) <br />
<br />
This time around I was acutely aware of every stage of the descent (apparently that's common after the third birth). The music was great - it helped to focus my attention away from my natural tendency to think "help! I don't like this!" and focus on thanking God for each contraction. While I was very tempted to just push with all my might and get him out, R reminded me to slow down, don't hold my breath, gently let him come. Oh, how hard that was!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsLesA0_FJLWGukh-F8kh-j5oDD44GwLvOXKRhyphenhyphensD_k0Mhtu2azI6XHrgK8c_D2uxICXMxChydQOWz1IpWMMwiyhANL40zLU3T915FFSWjwzL8H6I1S-q9PYYeYmrCgootK84Rf4h8IEi/s1600/birthtub+pic+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsLesA0_FJLWGukh-F8kh-j5oDD44GwLvOXKRhyphenhyphensD_k0Mhtu2azI6XHrgK8c_D2uxICXMxChydQOWz1IpWMMwiyhANL40zLU3T915FFSWjwzL8H6I1S-q9PYYeYmrCgootK84Rf4h8IEi/s320/birthtub+pic+for+blog.jpg" width="320" /></a>I finally got his head out and it seemed like a long time (maybe 5 minutes) before I had a hard enough contraction and energy to push his shoulders and body out. R made some adjustments to his position, a good contraction came and finally Micah was born at 6:51 a.m. Did you do the calculations? Thirty four minutes from water breaking. Yes, Pete almost solo-delivered our son! He is extremely grateful he didn't have to.<br />
<br />
I held Micah close to me for several minutes while we were still in the tub. R kept handing me warm, dry towels to warm him up. As a family member pointed out, please note that the pink towel was simply warm and available at the time. He has been exclusively in masculine or gender-neutral colors for all blankets, towels and sleepers ever since. ;-)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXrXUZLNCR5CCbwiDulWfI_otDnDGvmTVHlbVf3RGxhRmlCrAJJHuFsT6JJD47qz43XZb1JAgeBdb93KKHdQz5OYJBtoqmW4_CRfsPz42vTkvMUdpaUQ3roCNV-snW3c2fVFE4rLl8_7O/s1600/micah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXrXUZLNCR5CCbwiDulWfI_otDnDGvmTVHlbVf3RGxhRmlCrAJJHuFsT6JJD47qz43XZb1JAgeBdb93KKHdQz5OYJBtoqmW4_CRfsPz42vTkvMUdpaUQ3roCNV-snW3c2fVFE4rLl8_7O/s320/micah.jpg" width="320" /></a>Gracie and Faith both pitched into help (putting towels in the dryer to warm them, holding Micah, even making calls to family and friends to share the good news). R said they were excellent assistants!<br />
<br />
After the placenta was delivered, the cord was cut and we were out of the pool - everyone was checked over. Once again, Praise God - no tearing for me. Micah was weighed and measured. This little ruddy, round-headed bundle of sweetness was 8 pounds, 7 ounces and twenty-one inches long. He nursed very well right from the start. Although Pete almost had to deliver his son, he managed to stay completely out of the birth tub this time, LOL!<br />
<br />
After the birth, my wonderful husband made turkey bacon and grits for me (which is really out of his cooking comfort zone). As we all enjoyed the delicious breakfast the feeling of "wow - this is over and I'm sooo tired" hit. Micah and I were doing well so R packed up and headed home (she would come check on us the next day). The girls sacked out on the couch to rest and watch TV while Pete went to find another hour or two of sleep before the grandparents and Zade arrived. Micah latched/nursed really well and then we both slept as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAw7LMp__Tz78Fy4egX8ZMaR_6qswlfBWw7xqHn5JrJEbr189kSdNcFgDPRat0z19erxOat8QNWg_DbTIl308USINuI8CjUaj8NeHY5ZXFD7p4waJT-4bEpobShPB_QZd0-9_ZvuPHWHC1/s1600/P1080005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAw7LMp__Tz78Fy4egX8ZMaR_6qswlfBWw7xqHn5JrJEbr189kSdNcFgDPRat0z19erxOat8QNWg_DbTIl308USINuI8CjUaj8NeHY5ZXFD7p4waJT-4bEpobShPB_QZd0-9_ZvuPHWHC1/s320/P1080005.JPG" width="320" /></a>I've now had four births, the last three being water births. Each birth story has its own unique mark of God's grace and provision. For the last several years, we have felt God leading us to have four children... and there is a sweet "completeness" to our family.<br />
<br />
Love, Carra<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLv3CfYj4t61XyjknpOARE0EfcTLyMBTkxeiBLAyS-0jr9pCv4Iq2AIOpR3sMWjK9hZETbFZHMxPRamASgwUA3CUD-AzB2msHTk_4eRTkQSOecgGpJUZfR15IuAuwtxRakRT4HCi9Sy-7l/s1600/fab+four.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Carrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-20348311894553461872013-03-24T13:16:00.001-04:002013-03-24T13:16:55.981-04:00Does eggplant help birth?<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9BsN03fanI3ZQnW5UP431g4IoSmoFSsIZ7e8Jgr7ogCY2hruw3_XllPSV8dQl0QsSUpRLgS0B5rpQgO4b0LkfEQifeBbdjygxYGmF3JKM6YQpOxa5m0PAm0xAQtJNpMsIGf9nXi7uLOF/s1600/IMG_20130323_194620-715981.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9BsN03fanI3ZQnW5UP431g4IoSmoFSsIZ7e8Jgr7ogCY2hruw3_XllPSV8dQl0QsSUpRLgS0B5rpQgO4b0LkfEQifeBbdjygxYGmF3JKM6YQpOxa5m0PAm0xAQtJNpMsIGf9nXi7uLOF/s320/IMG_20130323_194620-715981.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5858959952798512322" /></a></p><p>We'll see! I don't know what Pete or Faith said that made me laugh so much, but the double funny of a "belly laugh" was too much not to post!</p> <p>I had eggplant for dinner tonight. When Zade was several days late, I ate eggplant parm for dinner around 7:00 p.m. He was born around 9:30 the next morning.</p> <p>Micah is officially set to be "done" on Monday. However, I have been having contractions off and on pretty hard (but not enough to be true labor) for over a week. As I'm blogging, I'm feeling a few hard ones. *But* this has happened before so I can't yet say if I'm in labor.</p> <p>So here's what we do...text or call everyone involved with a heads up, it might be happening. Then...go to bed. If it is labor, I'll be in greater "discomfort" soon enough. If not, then I'll at least enjoy some rest.</p> <p>If you follow me on twitter or facebook, I'll update those first (quicker & easier). If you don't see a post in the next day with baby birth announcement, just assume he's still hanging around in there making me waddle around out here! Thanks for your prayers & well wishes!!</p> <p>Love, Carra</p> Carrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-4375543901567183972013-03-09T02:37:00.001-05:002013-03-09T02:37:59.451-05:00Birth room ready<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzm7ys6irB-Zetg-PD9Qs5F_mTlMrrnZMDrth19l-stS53dG3m4q892Yzs4n9bQe1B4ANZodnDTzNGh_jQH891UYpfGtVDCkoiTdFN8KsaHbic2XjQquMp6essLGao0aDwq9XD_Jzane7e/s1600/IMG_20130309_020803-779451.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzm7ys6irB-Zetg-PD9Qs5F_mTlMrrnZMDrth19l-stS53dG3m4q892Yzs4n9bQe1B4ANZodnDTzNGh_jQH891UYpfGtVDCkoiTdFN8KsaHbic2XjQquMp6essLGao0aDwq9XD_Jzane7e/s320/IMG_20130309_020803-779451.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5853244477692252226" /></a></p><p>Here it is as promised!</p> <p>It looks different than before...mainly because I can't seem to leave anything alone as far as furniture layout (really, ask Pete).</p> <p>We opted for a twin bed and have the co-sleeper set up with clean sheets and lots of lap pads.</p> <p>The "equipment" for the birth - tub, plastic sheeting, gauze, cord clamp, etc are in bins under the bed and in the drawers of the dresser (not shown). We're ready...at least as ready as one can be to give birth!</p> <p>The tub will be inflated and filled with water once things really start progressing. At this point, it would fill the room. So we're waiting with that. However, Pete already has the hose attached to the shower filter.</p> <p>Still March 25th due date. But lots of Braxton-Hicks contractions make me wonder... </p> <p>Love,<br> Carra</p> Carrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-55661279453249916092013-03-03T22:44:00.000-05:002013-03-03T22:45:01.363-05:00Belly picture<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX8Uj_KeKUyslfkmkhEtyNPl7qgNVw8xLwKAzRerU9iqPWFolC3UHp4e9lJHMsmbiDj_y2GODa0VB9m43PmePemVMluqVElorqBC3_XhsbNa7YxBPNHSe_4v_quzyWJwmV_bAGaNBJjTD/s1600/IMG_20130303_212635-701364.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX8Uj_KeKUyslfkmkhEtyNPl7qgNVw8xLwKAzRerU9iqPWFolC3UHp4e9lJHMsmbiDj_y2GODa0VB9m43PmePemVMluqVElorqBC3_XhsbNa7YxBPNHSe_4v_quzyWJwmV_bAGaNBJjTD/s320/IMG_20130303_212635-701364.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5851329019853067554" /></a></p><p>So here it is (here I am). I realize that I had not posted any real belly pictures. I was told today I looked like I was poking out more. Looking at this picture...wow I look even bigger than I feel....and I feel pretty big!</p> <p>I hope to completely clean and finalize the preparations for the birth room tomorrow and I'll try to post some pictures.</p> <p>March 25th - we'll see if he waits that long. I kind of doubt it. But I've had my children trick me before with their birthdays LOL!</p> <p>Love,<br> Carra</p> Carrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-15582891873429366022013-01-22T23:34:00.000-05:002013-01-22T23:34:35.713-05:00House Crash Christmas Edition (with hotel life)If you are just tuning into the intriguing experience of an SUV crashing into our living room on Thanksgiving Day, you can catch up <a href="http://www.embracingtheseason.blogspot.com/2012/11/when-car-crashes-into-house-on.html" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="http://www.embracingtheseason.blogspot.com/2012/12/car-crashing-into-our-house-update.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzOOS1fn4ZgDakV3cZVzJnqelxwiaDAZjEhJIA9_PifmNum_fEn4Af7_GnCUcSTmX-kQd6tQyoG-bvVGeD-HXu-4nRRzohyBO7ldjQaUC3sr8AGj_rhmr_bCHYNOBXuzZmNM8LgNjaIB8/s1600/crash+-+den+as+everything.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzOOS1fn4ZgDakV3cZVzJnqelxwiaDAZjEhJIA9_PifmNum_fEn4Af7_GnCUcSTmX-kQd6tQyoG-bvVGeD-HXu-4nRRzohyBO7ldjQaUC3sr8AGj_rhmr_bCHYNOBXuzZmNM8LgNjaIB8/s320/crash+-+den+as+everything.jpg" width="320" /></a>It always feels like there is not enough time between Thanksgiving and Christmas to fit all the pieces in. I love to decorate (and I totally would do so before Thanksgiving. --not weeks, but just the week before so I can have everything in place before Black Friday). But Pete wants to keep Thanksgiving separate -- so I delay any decorating until the Sunday after Thanksgiving.<br />
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Well when a car crashes into your house on Thanksgiving Day, it changes your decorating plans a bit. From Thanksgiving to a few days before Christmas, we were unable to use our dining room and living room. So in our den, we ate all our meals, did home school, I kept my office, we played and watched TV and basically made a constant mess. The photo above was on one of the cleaner days (note schoolwork and dishes on the same little tables).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRQlQg1531DHDJTtPAfRMOdv0RzW8tgocyng5WXF95eyiJr7Ymyp7tVAYjkC6FC5y1X66X0rZU8OQzMOy1RJiXYdnuMBgE914OEoRTom5ucbOCihkS2D1tHXHqC399bAUeCRFBkDM6t3_/s1600/crash+-+christmas+in+empty+LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiRQlQg1531DHDJTtPAfRMOdv0RzW8tgocyng5WXF95eyiJr7Ymyp7tVAYjkC6FC5y1X66X0rZU8OQzMOy1RJiXYdnuMBgE914OEoRTom5ucbOCihkS2D1tHXHqC399bAUeCRFBkDM6t3_/s320/crash+-+christmas+in+empty+LR.jpg" width="320" /></a>So what did the four weeks of the Christmas season hold for us?<br />
<ul>
<li>Both girls sang in the church-wide Christmas program. This meant lots of practices (several that lasted past bedtime), three performances and a great show. We also got colds.</li>
<li>We celebrated St. Nicholas Day (Dec 6) with new pajamas (a family tradition) and the Veggie Tales DVD about St. Nick.</li>
<li>We observed Advent and incorporated a cool book that shares the history behind well known carols (then we sang the carols). It was a lovely way to keep the focus on Christ during the season.</li>
<li>I didn't decorate beyond a few cute towels in the bathroom and a dollar store super-basic nativity scene. The girls especially missed having lights up. Next year, as God wills...</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV46uM1IA1ub6p-RXZXFv_74TUlH5ASSOVTl-8pixFrQqTmXN0EjWw3Lg10_vzHTDrO8sJbzbEqR-ORoBlV3zq0oSAeZHb0OlmB5-XklOZWZzfkl54ZjZFFzyqlgnz4Xkb9K-EblfA0tbI/s1600/crash+-+LR+DR+empty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV46uM1IA1ub6p-RXZXFv_74TUlH5ASSOVTl-8pixFrQqTmXN0EjWw3Lg10_vzHTDrO8sJbzbEqR-ORoBlV3zq0oSAeZHb0OlmB5-XklOZWZzfkl54ZjZFFzyqlgnz4Xkb9K-EblfA0tbI/s320/crash+-+LR+DR+empty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Right before Christmas we were able to have access to our living room and dining room. Here's our Christmas Eve-eve dinner scene. I actually kind of liked the simplicity. Being pregnant, I just don't have the highest energy level, so decorating was one thing I was satisfied to let go of.<br />
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We found new couches and they were delivered two days after Christmas - which was the same day we had five family and friends come to visit stay with us. Yep, the photo of the den above - two days after Christmas it had to transform to a guest room!<br />
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Two weeks ago, we left the house four days so the contractors could repair the drywall in the girls' room and the hallway. We came home Thursday, then went to a hotel on Sunday so the floors could be refinished. That was a ten days ago. Once the smell (which was the most natural product available - Bona Traffic) has cleared, we are heading back home!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2GtD8Q3Ud-kiaGuB8D3k6WJsRQwnQV8vkEh3PuMRdLjjLJqDJYj53uLZ6Vphda__kmNN5Z_Irid9K6YgzmyHVl9rB1uT71lF6zQfldjI8s5eE7yKgB0AsxBZfZGaMHAD_y5OPsdQ3eKa/s1600/crash-+hotel+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2GtD8Q3Ud-kiaGuB8D3k6WJsRQwnQV8vkEh3PuMRdLjjLJqDJYj53uLZ6Vphda__kmNN5Z_Irid9K6YgzmyHVl9rB1uT71lF6zQfldjI8s5eE7yKgB0AsxBZfZGaMHAD_y5OPsdQ3eKa/s320/crash-+hotel+kitchen.jpg" width="234" /></a>The restoration company handling the repairs has a major air scrubber thing that is trying to help it get cleared. Pete also went over this afternoon to open windows to help it clear faster. If we had gone with a polyurethane, it would be even longer for the smell (and chemicals) to clear. We are hopeful that we may be able to move back home by this weekend. Here's a photo of our "kitchen" with a sink, mini-fridge and microwave (but we don't use a microwave). <br />
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Semi side note: I'm not sure if I have rhinitis (pregnancy-related stuffy nose etc) or if I am just really sensitive to all the smells. But its been a challenge for me ...and Pete (as I have dramatically increased my snoring). I want to be home and I really desire to be "still" for a while. I laughed and said I didn't want to use my suitcase for six months to a friend (who doesn't know me very well). She said, "You better get your suitcase - you've got to go to the hospital in couple of months!" Yay -- home birth. One more great reason, LOL! Hilarious, but once we get home and resettled, it will be time to set up the birth room again.<br />
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We're so grateful that insurance is taking care of most of the costs. But we're definitely ready to be home for a while. Thanks so much for your concern and your prayers.<br />
<br />
Love, Carra Carrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-47822706054365943912012-12-26T16:15:00.003-05:002012-12-26T16:15:30.801-05:00Christmas Flash Mob - little long but really good<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Vnt7euRF5Pg?rel=0" width="420">T</iframe>Carrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-83546753787885228792012-12-11T01:00:00.000-05:002012-12-11T01:00:42.829-05:00Car Crashing into our House UpdateSo it has been a couple of weeks since <a href="http://www.embracingtheseason.blogspot.com/2012/11/when-car-crashes-into-house-on.html" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a>. So far, we have been visited by a structural engineer, two city inspectors, contractors and assessors.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLeXyyTNENSNYXSyilAO-Gz7JmlcpjVe6rrae9hVbTJVpady0p0Ggj06NY9vELk_qCPqWcE_kBvCT5uHWGrK33W9QWxe5GNxJuOc4Ec4Pj5xBe_FJlCGSvuAnaZf62hAC6Mbi7_BspgQZ/s1600/boardeduplivingroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLeXyyTNENSNYXSyilAO-Gz7JmlcpjVe6rrae9hVbTJVpady0p0Ggj06NY9vELk_qCPqWcE_kBvCT5uHWGrK33W9QWxe5GNxJuOc4Ec4Pj5xBe_FJlCGSvuAnaZf62hAC6Mbi7_BspgQZ/s320/boardeduplivingroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's our living room right now. As you can see in the right side of the picture, the wall has no longer been merely boarded up, but framed for becoming a "real wall."<br />
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This morning a city of Greensboro inspector came to check over the work. We have been so blessed and impressed with how quickly the city has been to check over work. And Paul Davis Restoration (PDR), our contractor, has been great to work with and accommodating to do the work around our family's needs.<br />
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It looks like we will only have to move out of the house one more time (when they refinish the floors) but that will be longer than the original hotel living of six days. I think we may move between two hotels just so we can bother the maximum number of guests and hotel employees! (Just kidding!) But it does look like we will be back in the living room and dining room sometime mid-January. As far as the outside masonry - no idea how long that will be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszNzzOkpP5JPwDylp89wo2fJVi3xjFyCIleCb99JB5KQrCRnoJK-LSXBPFJ84DaPl6n7VAkzst-fuShSVInPm53L2PWoNP1wYv-dLt38mWPeKFZuo65_tSQL_MU3A23MhmSvLVH3uVsOq/s1600/pileofbrokenpieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjszNzzOkpP5JPwDylp89wo2fJVi3xjFyCIleCb99JB5KQrCRnoJK-LSXBPFJ84DaPl6n7VAkzst-fuShSVInPm53L2PWoNP1wYv-dLt38mWPeKFZuo65_tSQL_MU3A23MhmSvLVH3uVsOq/s320/pileofbrokenpieces.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's some other photos of our lives right now. This pile of broken pieces include a cedar chest that has a rug full of glass laying across it. It was a really nice cedar chest filled with baby blankets made by my mom, my grandma, my great-aunt and my great grandmother. Those precious things were the hardest to see amongst the rubble.<br />
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But PDR is doing their best to clean them and we will be keeping them (and not using them on future babies just in case of glass embedded somewhere). The white object is a stand we used in our wedding (almost 12 years ago). Neat thing though...the table (it's hard to tell it used to be a table) is also laying halfway on the bottom of the lamp was directly in front of the window. It was (obviously) completely shattered and the items on top of it were thrown across the room. Everything in the corner (from the table to the cedar chest to the globe) were damaged or completely obliterated. ...except...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCEnguQoree2ME3zUGVyKhOYEsm55tDd3lT3iMFP3swbtEw6j6Ul8E76Gr65trLOk9R0ZNt1vmsipK2P_IfMj1HO4oLHXls0SUwB4tTgrxdZ7C98Y3h1BPjCoTV5qtXc39fvxKiprI4H5/s1600/livingroombefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCEnguQoree2ME3zUGVyKhOYEsm55tDd3lT3iMFP3swbtEw6j6Ul8E76Gr65trLOk9R0ZNt1vmsipK2P_IfMj1HO4oLHXls0SUwB4tTgrxdZ7C98Y3h1BPjCoTV5qtXc39fvxKiprI4H5/s320/livingroombefore.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's a photo of our living room about 10 days before the accident. We had decorated for Thanksgiving and Gracie wanted to take some photos. Isn't that awesome? It has definitely helped with the insurance situations. If you look in the right hand corner, you'll see the globe, lamp, glass top table and cedar chest that you see the parts of in the above photo. Notice right behind the lamp, you'll see our wedding picture.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSO5-aOvj8ikJRN4DLkHSE9NZStEO9xl1dOYVX93-v8f1zN19uMEZJxJQ_adXgkdkGkAgLC_qOzqvuNqv_NXhzseCbxH72lFVMX3N3VoTxgIlftSwIgBIb5jFdqhkI5gpHLdOsRSQrN_5/s1600/weddingpicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSO5-aOvj8ikJRN4DLkHSE9NZStEO9xl1dOYVX93-v8f1zN19uMEZJxJQ_adXgkdkGkAgLC_qOzqvuNqv_NXhzseCbxH72lFVMX3N3VoTxgIlftSwIgBIb5jFdqhkI5gpHLdOsRSQrN_5/s200/weddingpicture.jpg" width="200" /></a>Our wedding picture. It was on the table. It must have been launched
into a pile of baby blankets,the loveseat, into the pile of dirt from the peace
lilies that sailed across the room or some other soft place. It's scratched up but not broken. <br />
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I don't know what to say - but it makes me happy to see our wedding picture still in tact. In spite of being in direct harm, God chose to keep it unbroken. It's just a photo. But there is something extra sweet that it was protected. <br />
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God protected our family from physical harm. He protected the gentleman in the SUV from injury. He has blessed us with insurance and favor from city officials, contractors. He has poured our blessings, prayers and gifts from neighbors, friends, church family, home school community, family members and fellow Cru staff. We are extremely grateful.<br />
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Thank you for your prayers.<br />
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Love, Carra<br />
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P.S. Next time, I'll try to share how we are making our den into living room and dining room among it's previous roles as home school room, play space, my office area and meeting space. Carrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-37197431377124565402012-12-01T00:53:00.001-05:002012-12-11T01:01:00.101-05:00When a car crashes into a house on Thanksgiving Day<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpK4zQg4p1k5TNtx_gfpw3i9uSq8ji6IQ4Ag32-0I7YYTGgTi-mHv8GoEd1rsJ13xJxqpHA7FjfibvVSuYZRybgO_0kdP0tNmhzG5pGHDF2SFKsZ8QNrTj8lFIooF8vxmIVLesFlewbwI/s1600/IMG_0760-737008.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5816851321784824370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpK4zQg4p1k5TNtx_gfpw3i9uSq8ji6IQ4Ag32-0I7YYTGgTi-mHv8GoEd1rsJ13xJxqpHA7FjfibvVSuYZRybgO_0kdP0tNmhzG5pGHDF2SFKsZ8QNrTj8lFIooF8vxmIVLesFlewbwI/s320/IMG_0760-737008.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH9jCvTPyPkyXTeiAAE11Yr_hWnl2pDlh2nvs0rKzE6PoYFLNFD4rWHxnZah0B2LBEw0G67K7y_XICjGG7HfxQa7fACnT5Zph-EQYVqrW5voH8LTu2hc_WuGeKQ7lO-e5EH0eyzoQBo2n/s1600/IMG_20121201_000704-739842.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5816851336395724002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGH9jCvTPyPkyXTeiAAE11Yr_hWnl2pDlh2nvs0rKzE6PoYFLNFD4rWHxnZah0B2LBEw0G67K7y_XICjGG7HfxQa7fACnT5Zph-EQYVqrW5voH8LTu2hc_WuGeKQ7lO-e5EH0eyzoQBo2n/s320/IMG_20121201_000704-739842.jpg" /></a></div>
We weren't home. To say "Praise God" doesn't quite express it. When Zade's favorite box of toys were literally thrown across the room. When Faith's favorite couch was shoved so hard that it broke a table and prevented the front door from opening. That is much more than a "higher being" watching out for you. That is my God who is protector, provider, sustainer, and Savior.<br />
Thanksgiving Day. One week plus ago. A gentleman who was on his way to dinner at our neighbor's house went to repark and his accelerator got stuck and he hopped the curb, made an arch and a reasonably large hole in our house. He's okay. He could have hit the tree and he would have been badly hurt. He could have hit the center part of the living room and according to the structural engineer the upper floor would have likely fell in (Gracie and Faith's room).<br />
Five feet. One car width give or take. But God allowed him to hit the window, and some brick. Oh it did some damage....but could have been so much worse.<br />
I'm not sure how I feel. It's a pretty surreal experience. I do not like returning home from Thanksgiving weekend (we knew what had happened b/c we have awesome neighbors!) & going directly to a hotel. Even a nice one with breakfast. It feels so disconnected.<br />
But now yesterday the structural engineer came, our assessor form Farm Bureau, our new friends from Paul Davis Restoration (who answered the phone on a holiday)....and we were cleared to move back home! We don't have use of our living room or dining room but that's okay. We put the baby gates back up to keep Zade out of there because of the glass shards. <br />
We decided yesterday to work through our own homeowners insurance (& stop trying to get a major propery repair done through the auto insurance liability). The driver's insurance will still pay up to whatever liability limit he has, but this way we don't have to be the learning curve on this. It feels way better. Our assessor knows the business and how to make homeowners feel cared for. I appreciate that. I promise...more updates as we go along.<br />
Love, CarraCarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-50370723069922766082012-09-25T20:17:00.001-04:002013-02-27T14:00:49.598-05:00Parenting...in a new light<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijs-5jFe6fbf_NVfvwWE2p5e3pe8cSNcnloZhY_qUfYOjKcUg4hOhfkkRVzVpjTDHzg4cAj8QQLNIF-WHXPbrihDvL9kX5ouN1Hiypp_R6YzczwsvjqCJp8vaGmgCx1Z2jL9YoefjvI1d/s1600/IMG_20120925_195207-779405.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5792273121328810194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijs-5jFe6fbf_NVfvwWE2p5e3pe8cSNcnloZhY_qUfYOjKcUg4hOhfkkRVzVpjTDHzg4cAj8QQLNIF-WHXPbrihDvL9kX5ouN1Hiypp_R6YzczwsvjqCJp8vaGmgCx1Z2jL9YoefjvI1d/s320/IMG_20120925_195207-779405.jpg" /></a></div>
I have a son. I have been living with daughter/s for well over eight years. Gracie has certainly given us some scares and two trips to the ER.<br />
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However, there is a spunky kind of dangerous delight that seems to dwell in our son of 20 months. Zade loves buttons. He seems uneffected by disciplinary measures. He has learned how to turn on the dishwasher. He has learned how to unplug (and unfortunately plug back) electrical cords.<br />
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This week he learned how to give his mama a freakout. I lose him pretty frequently but mostly inside our house so I know I'll locate him eventually. But today he was outside. I had seen him less than 2 minutes ago and now he was gone.<br />
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I can now tell you that Zade has learned how to unlatch the rabbit pen and crawl inside. Completely inside. Gratefully he has not (yet) learned how to close the door behind him. Boy found.<br />
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Now about the picture...Pete noticed today that due to the number of repurposed items we have in our house, our den has the potential of trapping a small boy inside. We have doors that came from other places. Locks that require keys. Keys we do not own. Given his propensity for <span style="font-family: Verdana;">curiosity</span>, one little "push" or "twist" and Zade very well could lock himself in our den leaving us no choice but to destroy a perfectly good repurposed door.<br />
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So it's Tuesday, it's Duggar night on TLC and I plan to be sitting on the couch at nine. But between getting the kids to bed, I'm changing the door lock on the den. Tomorrow he might discover a new way to cause me to flip. But tonight, one less opportunity. And I guess I better hurry over to Lowes to see if they have a childproof lock for a rabbit pen.<br />
Love, <br />
CarraCarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-90638131588955647512012-09-10T19:23:00.001-04:002012-09-10T19:23:39.394-04:00Shiner<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0qd6L1Do_iyzq3Vc9gbmotKAW0ECCmfcc39UDUBXjVU4MEXQ0-G8Bzo4QBaQod7Tzca0lFlR9dsrxVh5K1xR7tIad-C_sDgSB1fiBKDoXUAb49-AIgFzKk2uotKYZIf8zU2igxiUeytZ/s1600/IMG_20120910_190929-719394.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0qd6L1Do_iyzq3Vc9gbmotKAW0ECCmfcc39UDUBXjVU4MEXQ0-G8Bzo4QBaQod7Tzca0lFlR9dsrxVh5K1xR7tIad-C_sDgSB1fiBKDoXUAb49-AIgFzKk2uotKYZIf8zU2igxiUeytZ/s320/IMG_20120910_190929-719394.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5786692845564050162" /></a></p><p>Well sometimes a big sister, swing, a slide and a little brother combine to form a minor head wound. Here is Zade with a bit of a bonk with a side of scrape.</p> <p>We immediately put an ice pack on it (which he hated). Because it is an open wound, we did not apply an essential oil (also too close to the eye). I gave him some Arnica to help with inflamation. Then Pete sprayed it with collidal silver (which he loved). So he was sprayed and sprayed and sprayed. This picture is while he's looking for the next spray. See the happy anticipation.</p> <p>Granted, he looks a little beat up but he happily ate all his dinner (mexican casserole of sorts) with green beans. So another happy granola family story ends with effective homeopathic intervention.</p> <p>Love, <br> Carra </p> Carrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-20829789978304275292012-09-06T10:00:00.000-04:002012-09-06T10:00:05.528-04:00More about Silver"Thanks to eye-opening research, silver is re-emerging as a wonder of modern medicine. An antibiotic kills perhaps a half-dozen different disease organisms, but silver kills some 650. Resistant strains fail to develop. Moreover, silver is virtually non-toxic."
-- Science Digest, "Our Mightiest Germ Fighter" by Jim Powell, March 1978<br />
<br />
"All of the organisms that we tested were sensitive to the electrically generated silver ion, including some that were resistant to all known antibiotics…In no case were any undesirable side effects of the silver treatment apparent."
-- Dr. Robert O. Becker, M.D., Syracuse Medical University<br />
<br />
It is pretty amazing gift - colloidal silver. Here are some ways we have used it.<br />
<br />
1. When we bought a generator from the silver edge (which is a great site that I pulled these quotes from), it was partly due to an article Pete read. As most of you know, I had two miscarriages between Faith and Zade. (I share about that experience <a href="http://embracingtheseason.blogspot.com/2009/07/birth-stories-part-three-loss.html">here </a>and <a href="http://embracingtheseason.blogspot.com/2010/01/birth-stories-part-four-second-loss.html">here</a>.) He had read that one speculation of a miscarriage was due to a low lying infection in the mom. Since there was really no adverse effects, during my pregnancy with Zade (and recovering from the miscarriage). I took about an ounce of CS (colloidal silver) most days.<br />
<br />
2. When we feel sick, we drop about three drops of CS in our ears (one at a time) and let it sit for seven minutes, then drain it out. We have literally felt sick one evening, did ear drops and felt better the next morning!<br />
<br />
3. Boo-boos, cuts, scraps, etc. We use CS on all open wounds. Essential oils on bangs, thuds and otherwise below the surface injuries. Spray bottles that are amber colored are all over our house filled with silver.<br />
<br />
4. Sore throat - spray directly. Zade loves having "spray" anytime.<br />
<br />
5. Any skin infection or eye infection. Silver was the only thing we treated Faith's sty on her eyelid and it was gone in three days. She hated having anything dropped in her eyes, but she proudly says, "My sty is all better!"<br />
<br />
Love, CarraCarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-6746425063550825332012-09-04T21:16:00.000-04:002013-02-27T13:53:32.821-05:00Sick Kid (I'm Pregnant and We Didn't Paint)Well, you know I tend to blog about whatever is going on in my life. This is no different.<br />
<br />
Just an update - we didn't get to paint Pete's office :( It was sad that he will be spending another semester in a dark space (well, when he's home at least LOL). It was going to be transformed from all darkish wood to nice cream color with the shelves white. We have gallons of Mythic non toxic paint in the closet waiting for us.....<br />
<br />
Ok, another part of my life --- "ta da" I'm not just gaining weight and getting paunchy. Coming March 25 (give or take) we will have baby number 4! I'll tell you some more about this pregnancy soon.<br />
<br />
But the other main part of my life that is taking my attention is my biggest girl. My normally energetic 8 year old has been lethargic and complaining of a sore throat but no stuffy nose. I know you're thinking, "Strep?" I really hope not. Her fever is very low grade so that is a promising sign. In addition to consulting the ONE that created her (i.e. prayer), we have been employing homeopathic remedies.<br />
<br />
How have we been treating it?<br />
1. Rest!<br />
2. Vitamin D (2000 iu twice a day)<br />
3. Colloidal silver - half an ounce a couple of times a day, sprays as needed for discomfort as well as ear treatment (whole post coming this week)<br />
4. <a href="http://www.planetaryherbals.com/products/GP1623/" target="_blank">Old Indian Wild Cherry Bark</a> (before bed and middle of the night if necessary)<br />
5. Garlic capsules (once a day before bed) <br />
6. Water<br />
7. Pineapple juice and warm water (1/3 juice to 2/3 water as warm as she can handle) couple of times a day.<br />
<br />
These remedies are pretty much what we do for us as well - just increase the amounts. And of course I <a href="http://embracingtheseason.blogspot.com/2009/03/recovery-without-antibiotics.html" target="_blank">chew raw garlic</a>.<br />
<br />
Love, CarraCarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-29647808671317915322012-08-19T18:06:00.001-04:002012-08-19T18:06:39.945-04:00The Parent Rap : So hilarious, so true!<a href="http://www.bluefishtv.com/Store/Downloadable_Video_Illustrations/5494/The_Parent_Rap#.UDFjFZrtbFw.blogger">The Parent Rap : Downloadable Video Illustrations at Bluefish TV</a><br />
<br />
So glad I was stalking my friend Kitty's facebook - found this gem! Enjoy! Carrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-88651978645041653572012-07-31T14:30:00.002-04:002013-02-27T13:54:39.687-05:00Spirituality of Being Weird<br />
I just read an amazing chapter in the Pursuit of God on meekness. <span style="font-family: arial,Arial,Helvetica;">A. W. Tozer wrote, "The meek man is not a human mouse afflicted with a sense of
his own inferiority. Rather he may be in his moral life as bold as a lion and as strong as
Samson; but he has stopped being fooled about himself. He has accepted God’s estimate
of his own life. He knows he is as weak and helpless as God declared him to be, but
paradoxically, he knows at the same time that he is in the sight of God of more importance
than angels. In himself - nothing; in God - everything. That is his motto."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: arial,Arial,Helvetica;">I live in a world of misunderstanding. I know we have some "wild ideas" about things, but they are not unfounded, mythical or unscientific. However after reading the chapter about meekness, I am more profoundly tuned into how much I really care about the opinions of others. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,Arial,Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial,Arial,Helvetica;">It's kind of laughable - given some of the choices we've made. have our babies at home, utilize natural as opposed to synthetic antibiotics (<a href="http://embracingtheseason.blogspot.com/2009/03/recovery-without-antibiotics.html">remember how I chewed raw garlic</a>?) etc. cause me to automatically be on the outside of most conversations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,Arial,Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial,Arial,Helvetica;">But still it can be hard. Not hard enough to go eat a hotdog. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: arial,Arial,Helvetica;">But seriously, I have begun assessing my own meekness quotient. I recently had a conversation that the person on the other side had no idea how belittling they were toward me. I had a long talk with Christ in my prayer journal this morning about that. Meekness = rest. I don't have to feel compelled to defend myself. Our family choices are result of research and prayer. But I don't even have to say that. As Tozer reminds me, "in myself - nothing; in God - everything." I'm satisfied.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,Arial,Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial,Arial,Helvetica;">Now, I'm going to go install a re-purposed old door as a scandalously large desk inside a closet for a crafting space. Good times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial,Arial,Helvetica;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial,Arial,Helvetica;">Love, Carra</span>Carrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-61684434167126729992012-07-20T23:57:00.001-04:002012-07-20T23:57:34.224-04:00A Yard and a Garden<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2iE1kYggip0NuGJVda2TOsyl3Wn5NgficOMeE6WhuqbPIbBErZudpK_kEblRVeyKy0orMscQKai5V6fHFDuhIwfyfGM4qOdmD8Yz7mwz-pLuxcVHXA28mA434XSt_R_My9ZqzUsrcExE/s1600/house+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2iE1kYggip0NuGJVda2TOsyl3Wn5NgficOMeE6WhuqbPIbBErZudpK_kEblRVeyKy0orMscQKai5V6fHFDuhIwfyfGM4qOdmD8Yz7mwz-pLuxcVHXA28mA434XSt_R_My9ZqzUsrcExE/s320/house+picture.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our house in suburbia :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We live in a city of approximately 275,000 people. We live in a neighborhood that is an older established "subdivision" but suburban for sure. From our backyard, we can see six houses (just those that touch our property or at a corner). All our neighbors are quite nice, but sometimes you just want a little more "boundary." We have a lovely chain link fence which keeps the dogs out and the kids in. <br />
<br />
Just last week, we visited some of Pete's cousin's in Vancouver - what a lovely place! His cousin R & Y have the most beautiful (albeit small) urban yard (garden really) that I have seen by someone who is still working full time LOL! Sanctuary, oasis, cozy... Those are just some of the words that describe their little back yard. So I come home inspired to develop our yard into a little oasis as well.<br />
<br />
However, do not fear - there are still high ambitions for the urban homestead! I'm trying to blend homesteading with landscaping with frugality. Here's what I've come up with so far...<br />
<br />
1. We need some bushes or something for a visual barrier in the back of the yard. In poking around google, I found some blueberry bushes that can be grown as a hedge. It will take five years to get them to full height, but they should produce some berries even after the first year. I love the idea of growing blueberries. They are so healthy and can be frozen or dehydrated to keep for a while.<br />
<br />
2. Creative shade plans. If we can find some clumping (not hyper-grow-all-over-your-yard runners) bamboo that is affordable, we can plant that on the side of the yard. It would be pretty beautiful (R & Y have some black bamboo in their yard). Shameless beauty. Added serenity.<br />
<br />
3. Dirt for free. I need to exercise more. I need dirt for my garden projects. We have dirt underneath our house. Yup, that's the plan. As long as I don't dig close to the foundation, I can dig out some dirt for my garden. Random, I know, but super frugal. <br />
<br />
There you go, the first three items on the list of frugal-serene-oasis-yard-garden.<br />
<br />
Other ideas for creating a sanctuary/homestead includes eliminating (or at least greatly reducing) the quantity of plastic toys out there. Seriously, if I'm all about this natural stuff, our kids should be playing with sticks and dirt. Hmmmm, I kinda like that idea.<br />
<br />
<br />Love, CarraCarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-47813145850294000472012-07-03T22:59:00.003-04:002012-07-03T23:00:15.966-04:00Painting Plans and Ponderings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzITSKtNcjaGICevuhpwj5M-KDZ6X1E_9w4Txr5JD_gkvHl_eKhgsLYb5OHaEehOalGibH_UpH6dKHxHQoysUFUftAYozXvzKsj4pa8bgL8GpRORcq5VQrumGKrgh4rj12zQPvJf7vtN1N/s1600/natural+store+w+faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzITSKtNcjaGICevuhpwj5M-KDZ6X1E_9w4Txr5JD_gkvHl_eKhgsLYb5OHaEehOalGibH_UpH6dKHxHQoysUFUftAYozXvzKsj4pa8bgL8GpRORcq5VQrumGKrgh4rj12zQPvJf7vtN1N/s320/natural+store+w+faith.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
So here's my wacky little faith in front of the Marmoleum display at the Common Ground Building Supply.<br />
<br />
It is a great little shop in Durham, NC. All of our Mythic junk-free paint has come from there. I love that there are so many colors available even in the natural stuff.<br />
<br />
Right now, Pete and I are contemplating two big renovations. One is the painting of his office. It is wood panel walls and very dark. I spend a lot of time in there too (I'm actually sitting in his office right now balancing the laptop on my knees) especially when we're talking about ministry plans and strategies.<br />
<br />
It is an interesting dilemma - where I should land for my office-y stuff. It seems the location is a bigger reflection of my crazy life. I'm cooking, schooling, gardening (sort of), naturalizing, etc. a big chunk of my life. And I'm emailing, balancing, budgeting, strategic thinking, and planning another big chunk of my life. When fall semester rolls back around (and it's coming quickly), I'll be regularly on campus again... so there's another chunk of my life. My life is very mingled. My head is mingled as well. Where will I end up as my "base"? I guess I'll see how nice the paint job turns out LOL!<br />
<br />
Love, CarraCarrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-22322165570222888162012-04-22T22:05:00.001-04:002012-09-13T22:14:59.414-04:0020 min and $20 can save a baby's life<div class="MsoNormal">
New Zealand did a campaign (beginning in 1998) to
encourage parents to wrap their baby mattresses. If you look at this link,
there’s about 8 facts that show the history of their campaign: (<a href="http://www.babymattresscovers.com/crib_death_summary.html">http://www.babymattresscovers.com/crib_death_summary.html</a>)<br />
<br />
<div style="color: red;">
Over 190,000 babies sleep on wrapped mattresses in New Zealand. There
have <b>been<u style="background-color: yellow;"> 0 deaths</u></b> in of babies sleeping on a wrapped mattresses. <i><u>In
other words, for over 10 years, wrapping mattresses has been <span style="background-color: yellow;">100% effective</span> in
saving babies from SIDS. </u></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you research SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) you’ll
find that some experts say that breastfeeding and sleeping with your baby helps
prevent it, other experts say it increases the likelihood. In 1994, the
American Academy of Pediatric launched a campaign to encourage parents to have
babies sleep on their backs. The response to that was a dramatic drop in
SIDS deaths. But they didn’t go away. If you look at a graph
showing the drop of SIDS, you’ll see that while it dropped in response to back
sleeping, it has leveled off. Deaths from SIDS have not decreased since
2001 (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Back_to_sleep_plot.png">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Back_to_sleep_plot.png</a>).
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are still approximately 2000 <u>babies that die in the
US every year</u> due to SIDS. It is the leading cause of death for
babies under one year and typically occurs between 2 and 4 months of age.
So babies sleeping on their back helps, but there must be some other reason. I
believe that it is the foam and fire retardant chemicals that slowly off gas and
break down coming from the mattress. Older babies usually are fine
because their lungs are more developed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
There is something we do which is not mainstream but
totally easy, cheap and potentially life-saving. It can be done in 20
minutes and never have to be done again and will provide protection for your
sweet babies for the entire time they sleep on their baby mattresses.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
My posts about it including how to wrap a mattress:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<ul>
<li><a href="http://embracingtheseason.blogspot.com/2009/04/this-may-make-you-angry.html">Baby mattresses</a> (my post)</li>
<li><a href="http://embracingtheseason.blogspot.com/2010/08/wrapping-mattress-diy.html">DIY Mattress</a> Wrapping (my post) </li>
<li><a href="http://www.prevent-sids.org/">Prevent SIDS</a></li>
<li><a href="http://divergentview.blogspot.com/2007/03/those-astute-or-concerned-readers-will.html">Divergent View</a> (another passionate mom convinced we can pretty much eliminate SIDS.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.cotlife2000.com/">Cot (Brit way of saying mattress) life 2000</a> (the deepest research available)</li>
</ul>
So maybe you are on the fence about the validity of this. I know I'm a bit on the passionate side... But really, what's the harm? It's $20 (less if you split a roll of plastic with someone) and takes so little time. We buy baby monitors, plug protectors and set up baby gates over stairs. We protect our babies from what's obvious. Why not protect them from something not so obvious?<br />
<br />
Love, Carra <br />
<br /></div>
Carrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-64284757388504938852012-04-16T21:01:00.001-04:002012-04-16T21:01:11.289-04:00Getting antsy about things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgEIDumYpbBjt4fzEKpAtzC0_WSK610gsLxSAvtr4-S-JQbvkz_21_3hc8jU4fZoQzbmOqKNIOyj0KUvZILdIDcPyhCNg0oAOyIEgziGqmq4HscE62fblOxU59mKEdM62pK7Ns1EWqLTT/s1600/Old+Blog+screen+capture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWgEIDumYpbBjt4fzEKpAtzC0_WSK610gsLxSAvtr4-S-JQbvkz_21_3hc8jU4fZoQzbmOqKNIOyj0KUvZILdIDcPyhCNg0oAOyIEgziGqmq4HscE62fblOxU59mKEdM62pK7Ns1EWqLTT/s320/Old+Blog+screen+capture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I get antsy sometimes. <br />
I'm currently antsy.<br />
<br />
My life has been on whirlwind high for almost a year. I miss the lower levels of simply "hectic" or "crazy-busy." There are just a few weeks left of the semester and then I think I'm going to paint something.<br />
<br />
I might redo my blog again (this was the layout and colors before this one). I think I want more green and purple in my life. I had the craziest idea today to paint an outdoor table a really bright color. I think I might just do it. Since it's outside I think I might live dangerously and use some chemically paint (frugal side talking). I'll wear a respirator mask and do it while the kids are inside.<br />
<br />
I have a twin headboard and three chairs I am eager to paint (non toxic).... <br />
Curtains to cut off and hem....<br />
Basil to purchase and plant....<br />
Something else to purchase and plant that I have not decided what it will be yet to fill the other side of the garden spot....<br />
A pantry to clean out and reorganize.....<br />
<br />
Homemaking is calling.....I must put her on "hold" a couple more weeks.<br />
Then just wait for the blog sharing to commence!<br />
<br />
Love, Carra <br />
<br />Carrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4843691951708323215.post-4104540395694701312012-03-28T00:57:00.000-04:002012-03-28T18:16:24.152-04:00Zade with a Sunsceen Hairdo<div class="mobile-photo">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkFqxgcAl6A7o82aSjQmFPmDN95lPGHQ9-vI8RFCCW63SgZpq5q_UO5zqSOEpWviE-bShMV9ysDbpwNYbqnHFUcn5NqzVJXT2V-Ty4_WL3fMs0LZglVcTzU1HO5jm_2jc0vsJYiTIeapR/s1600/IMG_20120310_153443-764533.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5724811581530690018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkFqxgcAl6A7o82aSjQmFPmDN95lPGHQ9-vI8RFCCW63SgZpq5q_UO5zqSOEpWviE-bShMV9ysDbpwNYbqnHFUcn5NqzVJXT2V-Ty4_WL3fMs0LZglVcTzU1HO5jm_2jc0vsJYiTIeapR/s320/IMG_20120310_153443-764533.jpg" /></a></div>Carrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04501693574209268065noreply@blogger.com0