A little Sunday dinner

This evening Sophie and I tried out a new recipe for the fam. We made Cubed Steak Sandwiches. As the cooking process began, I realized that this was a meal my father-in-law would love and quickly got on the phone to invite my in-laws to dinner. We carmelized two onions, cooked our meat that had been seasoned to perfection and broiled hoagie rolls. We piled everything onto the sandwiches and drizzled them with the buttery and flavorful juice that had been created during the cooking process. It was delish!!! (By the way Woodruff family, we would have invited you but 1) It's Sunday and we assumed Josh and Adri were going to be your dinner guests and 2) Mandy is not a big onion fan but oh Woody...I promise to make them again for you). By no means at all was this a "low-fat" meal but it was worth every calorie and my home still smells scrumptious from all the yummy dinner smells.

Have I mentioned how much I have grown to ADORE being in the kitchen? When I was growing up, my sister was always the cook and I have to admit that it was a bit intimidating when she and my mother would get going in the kitchen. They had this unspoken system and I felt like an awkward outsider. The cooking process always made me nervous and I constantly stressed about trying new recipes. But gladly, (and here is yet another reason to love my husband) I have had a wonderful test subject over the last 9 or so years. He has endured charred food, over-spiced food, undercooked food (sorry about that food-poisoning babe), overwhelming food and most recently yummy food. I am finally at a point in my life where I enjoy the cooking process and look forward to trying new recipes and filling the bellies of my husband and children. Sophie loves to put on her apron and help me prep, cook and serve. This is a great time for us girls to take care of our men and also get in a bit of "mama time," which she quite often tells me that she loves.

All that being said...I have started creating a "kitchen supply list." I didn't realize all of the handy things that I have been lacking in the cooking/baking department and why oh why do they have to be soooo expensive? I'll just dream for now and keep my fingers crossed that Santa will be extra generous this year???

BTW...Miles has found a new place to hide. Sophie has upgraded his nickname from "Baby" to "Boy." The statements just echo through our home. "Boy! Get out of there right now you boy!" Have I mentioned that sanity is something I pray for often? You could always pray for me too ya know...sanity, patience and the ability to take it one day at a time.

The morning birds are chirpin', time to start the day.

Hair cut time

We finally decided to deal with the peacock feathered mess on the head of our sweet Miles. He had been resembling a balding old man as he had several different lengths of hair on his head. It was a cross between a baaaaad comb over and a 70's feathered hair cut. Oh my poor little boy.

But, we fixed it!!! Pop and I worked our magic (involving scissors and clippers) and with a little Grandma Nono assistance, tada! He now looks like a little boy!

I think that he likes his new "do." He suddenly looks much older and I was reminded yet again, they grow up too fast. :(

Lincoln Boaz

This little man is the latest sweet babe born safely and peacefully at home.


He weighed in at 8 pounds 6 ounces and 21 inches long. Exactly the same weight and length as the baby born the previous week!
This family and birth will always have a special and memorable place in my heart as this little man, Lincoln Boaz was my first "catch." I was able to be a huge participant in assisting this mama in welcoming her son into this world.
Again, have I told you how much I LOVE what I do?

Growing up

So as of today (actually yesterday), I am officially the mother of a 13 year old, 3 year old and 1 year old! I am speechless. I realize and accept that not only am I getting older, but my kiddos are! It definitely makes me step back and "take in" my life and family. I love all that I have: my children, husband, every blessing that has been bestowed. My heart, at times seems as though it might burst at the seams...my life is good. I realize that as Alec continues to grow and mature into a young adult, there are MANY more lessons to be taught and experiences to be shared. His voice is changing and he is almost as tall as I am but he also knows at any given moment I might gather that child in my arms, take in his "boy" smell and love him forever.

Today... my boy is a teenager.

A Beautiful Birth

Yesterday evening I had the honor of being invited to the birth of Miss Victoria Ann. This was yet another beautiful, peaceful homebirth. Mama did an amazing job and I feel blessed to have been included.

I absolutely adore what I do.

Introducing Miss Victoria Ann. 8 pounds, 6 ounces and 21 inches long!!!

A Joyful Day

I love the "groups" and "cycles" of how monumental events make their presence.

Today was very busy...two births (attended by other midwives but I was there in spirit) and another one possibly tonight that I will be attending and I should be sleeping but I am excited. Witnessing life come into this world is difficult to put into words. I am moved every single time and I wonder if and when I will stop crying at these events...I hope not.

Tonight I get news from TWO close friends that they are EXPECTING! What a special day...filled with happiness, blessings and yet another reminder that God truly is amazing!

I'm off to bed for a bit of shut eye, before my phone rings and I'm off to another beautiful birth.