My First Midwife Confrence (with INA MAY GASKIN!)

I was able to rub shoulders with INA MAY GASKIN, we ate lunch together, we talked, and laughed, shared birth stories...

no exaggeration!

I attended the FIRST Kansas City Birth Network Conference held in KC, Mo.

I was in a room with 150+ participants who may be just as engrossed and drawn to birth as I am! Although I did not see one T-Shirt that says "Birth Junkie" maybe I should make one and market it at the next conference ;)

I was able to study the statistics of home birth vs. hospital birth, and
the rates of risk involved in a VBAC.

I took tons of notes, and met some really neat people. Wes even tagged along, it was awesome. reminds me why I love birth, there is so much potential to be truly in love with labor, to know that as you ride a "rush" (what Ina May calls Contractions) and look forward to the climax of holding a pink, wet, warm little wiggly creature, its all worth it in the end.

These little angels come to us, trusting that we will do our best to ensure their needs are met, and can you imagine the fear & anxiety they must feel as they are tugged out of their environment , or have high stress surrounding their entry?
[Soap-Box]
Just like when you enter a room and notice all the inhabitants are rushing around, shouting, and lights are blaring int your eyes, now compare that to entering into a dimly-lit room with candles, and soft voices, gentle laughter and soft touch upon your shoulder greeting you.

I know my baby appreciates a calm environment.

I know I do....

More about the conference later.

When a Door closes, a window opens....

I am so grateful to the Lord for his mercy & his light. I appreciate His words, and His guidance

Today during Sacrament meeting I saw a familiar face. A face I had not seen in nearly 17 years. A face that brought a smile to my day.

Jef Jones is married to my idol. Shirlyn Anderson was my childhood mentor. She was older and wiser, and so kind to me. I would watch her put make-up on preparing for dates, I would try on her clothes to find my personal style.

She lovingly taught me. I have always wanted to grow up to be like Shirlyn.

Jef is pretty phenomenal....

How inspiring and kind, and a joy to be with. I can't wait to spend more time with him, and his family. I am enjoying his books, I am thrilled with having them move into my neck of the woods!

The Purple Sprout: An Early Start

The Purple Sprout: An Early Start

A must read, a talented and darling HS mom. with energy & zeal for gardening I growing adorable kids....

6 month countdown

We have come to a decision, It has been a life long dream to spend time abroad, serving those less fortunate and suing my talents & resources for good.

Wes & I are going to work our tails off, fix the BUS, and drive to Guatemala.
(lots of research and paper work in the mix....)

I had the idea last night to blog all about the bus, the work we are doing on it, and the efforts we are enduring to secure the funds to accomplish this feat.

So tomorrow, I will post the pic/video of the first installment of our fixing the bus into a living quarters for the family. We have a 6 month plan.


Any one who wishes to either
1) join us! or
2) donate to the cause.....
You are welcome to Email me and we can arrange a pay pal transaction!

Here is the orphanage we plan to serve in:

http://www.safehomesforchildren.org/

Wish us LUCK! (and we are planning on buying Rosetta Stone for Spanish, if anyone has access, let me know!)

Crazy Adventure continues.....

We bought a bus, a Blue Bird Bus, it is apx. 40 ft long 8 Ft. wide. The *PLAN* is to modify her into an RV. putting in Beds, couches, and a dining area. self contained and able to travel with the family.

her first outing is scheduled for June, lets hope we can get her innards put together as good as her engine and outsides are... She runs pretty durn good (as we drove her from Tennessee to Missouri)

I have so many fun things I want to do, and maybe with a rolling Motel I can figure out ways to see the World, and enjoy my children at the same time.

I do not believe in waiting until I retire to enjoy my life, so I will be the crazy- wild haired- lady dragging half dozen kids across the country seeing the sites & experiencing the culture of our wonderful land.

Wish

Me

Luck

(yes yes , I Know, pictures soon )