In which "comments" make my day.

Comments are fairly important to a blogger. This is the case because the average blogger's purpose is not only to share their thoughts on a particular area, but to invoke their readership to "chime in" and share their thoughts as well. Most bloggers also hope to inspire, change, or have some kind of affect on people as a result of their writing. Its always nice to hear from someone that your voice has touched them in a positive way. Some of the comments made in response to my posts have made me smile, some have made me laugh. But, this one made my day!

Ashley said...

LaSandra your blog is fantastic! Now, I'm not an older woman and I can clearly teach you nothing about being a Mother. However, I must say that this blog has encouraged me and allowed me to see how wondeful holiness and family life can be. Yes it's challenging, yes you sho nuff be going through. But, the blessings of the Lord are upon your family, God's favour, God's mercy, and God's grace is with you when you're abiding in His perfect will. I don't see many families raising their children in the Lord and doing it with so much joy. So, it's awesome to see you and the few others I know doing so! This blog is blessing me and I wanted you to know that in the midst of your children, in the midst of your Husband, in the midst of your responsibilities, and in the midst of balancing your own spiritual life, the Lord has still used you to reach others and bless them :-) Girl, God is so good!

Thanks Ashley! Way to encourage a young blogger mother!

Life With Three Under Three-Series

"Motherhood isn’t meant to be survived but enjoyed. Yet, the skills we need to enjoy it usually are learned after-the-fact. I hate it when that happens."

~Amy Scott

Amy Scott is an a fellow blogger and mother of six children under the age of 11. I recently discovered a blog series she wrote some time back called Life With Three Under Three. In the series she shares her perspective and advice on homemaking for moms who are dealing with a house full of little ones. Here is an excerpt from the series:

It’s maternal instinct to desire and nurture babies. We’re created for it; it’s basic biology. The problem is that our culture suppresses the natural urge and calls it unnatural. This is why I messed with nature, took synthetic hormones, and hung over a toilet for months. If I said, “I’m getting married and hope raise a family soon,” I’d likely be labeled “irresponsible” by my evangelical brethren; for the more fortunate, it’s possible to escape with just being weird.

But there is a resurgence of women (that I’ve never noticed before—maybe I had my eyes closed or maybe the internet made it possible for them to band together) who are now saying, “Yes, I want to raise a family. I’ll agree that babies are good and can glorify God….but how?”

After a few babies, reality sets in and the Christian mom begins to think that maybe everyone had a good point. This is really hard. She is knee-deep in Cheerios. The laundry has an unnatural smell to it. She’s knows the theme song to every show in the PBS morning lineup. Her husband gets to talk to people that are taller than his waist during the day and she feels jealous. The kids are crying, but when it’s quiet she is left with the thought, “How does doing THIS glorify God? And how in the world do I do this?!”

Our 21st-century homes do not have front porches. Quilting circles are only found in books. And the hospital nurse at your last delivery? She was 20. Her coaching consisted of asking every few minutes if you were ready for an epidural.

Has it really come to this? And if so, is it OK?

I don’t think it’s OK. I also think many women agree with me. We weren’t meant to do it alone. We weren’t meant to take our cues from the broader culture. We want to know that it’s OK to cross-the-line and have Baby #3 (on purpose). We want to raise them to love Jesus and not lose our minds at the same time. We want to know that our sacrifice means something, and at the end of the day, our pursuit of God’s glory made a difference.

I think Amy hits the nail on the head when she explains that there are mothers who believe children are a blessing and want to have them, but when the realities of parenting and homemaking set in, if a young mother doesn't know "how" exactly they are a blessing and/or how to train them and manage their homes, she becomes doubtful and distraught. At that point, a tubulagtion starts sounding pretty good. 

Also, I agree with her point that "we weren't meant to do it alone." The bible says  that the older women ought to "teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed" (Titus 2:4-5)  Now if you know me, you know I am not one who is afraid to ask for help/advice (in fact, this has gotten me in trouble a time or two;). Therefore, I would gladly welcome instruction from some older women who have a biblical worldview and have successfully brought their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord(Eph 6:4). Nevertheless, though I have a few mentors in my life, most of them are not much more than 10 years older than me and are still in the thick of parenting. 

My question is: where are these "older women" at? I might just be overlooking some great resources, but there don't seem to be many older women who have a godly outcome and perspective on family who are willing to mentor and teach. Judging by our society's post-feminist cultural norms, it might be just be safe to assume that they would love to help, but their too busy at work.

With that said, I praise God for godly women like Amy who have been there and are not too busy, too proud, or too scared to share a thing or two with us "young mommies" over the blogosphere! Not only is she a riot, she has great tips, and offers a honest and realistic idea of the challenges that face moms during this season of life. 

Almost Reunited!

I have a confession. During the first weeks after delivery, I almost take as much pleasure in watching my swollen extremities shrink as I do in watching my newborn develop. This pregnancy was the first one in which I had to remove my wedding bands. My hands were swollen during the other pregnancies; however, I opted to continue wearing my rings until they were so big I could not longer take them off. This time I developed a rash under the rings so they had to go.

I was very self conscious when it came to removing my bands, seeing as it is the most recognizable symbol of marital commitment and fidelity in our culture. But, hubby convinced me that it was better to be mistaken for an unwed mother than to continue to allow a skin rash to spread and take over my hand. I guessed he was right, so I eventually relinquished.

I've longed for the day when I would be reunited with my precious bands, and it looks like I'm almost there! I can get the wedding band on all the way, but I'm still off on the engagement band. Take a look. What do you think? Maybe another few weeks and they will both fit?

How to Make a Rice Sock

Hubby made two rice socks for me a couple of days before I delivered. They were a great help in soothing my back pain during pregnancy and in labor. They have also been helpful in softening the breast during this time of engorgement. Natural, easy, and inexpensive pain relief: It's the way to go!


How to Make a Rice Sock

1. Get a clean cotton sock and fill it with uncooked rice. You can heat white rice, brown rice, barley, flax seed, etc. Don't pack it in tightly, leave some room for the grains to move around so that it will more easily conform to the area to be treated.

2. Use a thick athletic type sock, so grain will not stick through. Tie the open end of the sock with yarn, ribbon or string.

3. Put the filled sock in a microwave oven for approximately 1-3 minutes (or to chill the sock, put it in a freezer for about 45 minutes).

4. Shake the rice/grain sock to evenly distribute the heated or chilled rice.

5. Apply the sock to the desired body part.

6. To use for physical therapy, just create a smaller rice sock and knead it slowly and gently with the affected hand. As time passes and the hand gets stronger, knead harder.

Breakfast Served

Hubby has been working very hard to take care of us during this postpartum time. Nevertheless, things do get quite hectic. Consequently, it seems that when he was moving a little too slow for two hungry ladies, they decided to help themselves to a box of cereal.

When he found them, Noelle said "Daddy, Can you clean this mess up?" Suddenly, we felt conflicted on whether we should "get" them or laugh and snap pictures of them. So, we did a little of both:)

Postpartum Pillow Talk

4 days in with a 3 year old, a 1 year old, a newborn, a sore mama, and a tired daddy. Morning pillow talk goes like this:

Hubby: "You're a good mom" (after he kisses me on the cheek).

Me: "Thanks. You're a good dad" (my eyes are still closed).

Hubby: "We're good parents. We ain't got it all right. But, we ain't got it all wrong either."

I love how he so eloquently keeps me encouraged:)

More Baby Noah!

There he is!


The proud dad!


Yes, we have been kissing those cheeks! (I think he has a dimple too!)



After we arrived home from the hospital.

It's a Boy!

Noah Kenneth Hutchinson

March 17th, 2:23 a.m.

8lbs 10oz, 20"

Thank you for all the prayers and rejoicing around the birth of our first son! Our baby boy finally arrived early Tuesday morning. I was in labor for about 24 hours and it was my first unmedicated birth. He was posterior, so I had alot of back pain. Nevertheless, we are doing well, and Noah is getting the hang of nursing. Hubby is excited and Noelle and Bella are eager to help and interact with their baby brother!

More pictures and details will follow soon!

Since we're waiting...

...let us enjoy the children I've already given birth to, shall we?

Recently, I conducted an exclusive interview with Noelle and Bella ("The Girls") to learn more of their thoughts surrounding their baby brother. I wasn't surprised to find they had a very unique take on things!

1. What's the first thing we're going to do when Noah gets here?

The Girls: "Change his diaper!"

2. Will baby Noah look more like Daddy or Mommy?

The Girls: "Daddy!"

3. Will baby Noah look more like Noelle or Bella?

Noelle: "Noelle!"

4. What color will baby Noah's eyes be?

The Girls: "Black."

5. What color will baby Noah's hair be?

The Girls: "Pink."

6. What will baby Noah like to eat?

Noelle: "Oranges."

Bella: "Milk."

7. What will be baby Noah's favorite color?

The Girls: "Pink!"

8. What will baby Noah watch on television?

The Girls: "The Baby Noah Show!"

40 weeks and a day...

...and guess whose still pregnant!

I figured this would be the case sometime around Sunday night when it seemed like I was having little to no "onset of labor signs." Nevertheless, yesterday the midwife did say that there was some progress in terms of lightening and effacement. 

I've also had some actual "nesting-like" spurts of energy this week.  I declared last week to be nesting week, but I really had to push myself through it. On the contrary, this week I found myself scrubbing on hand and knee, somewhere between the stove and a corner area of the wall thinking, "Oh my God! I can't bring a baby into this filth!" (as if he's going to be sleeping back there:). I'll take that as an indication that some genuine nesting is occurring.

I still have plenty to busy myself with this week so I don't become too preoccupied with waiting. But, I sure do hope he makes his debut soon!

Modest Fashion Week!

Perhaps you could use some fashionably modest items to spruce up your wardrobe?

Joy at Stay-At-Home-Mom Missionary is hosting Modest Fashion Week! She is not only posting great info on modesty, but she is also giving away some good stuff! All you have to do is click on the picture above and leave a comment so your name can be entered in the giveaway!

But God...

I've seen this skit performed at a couple of different youth services, and it never gets old! I think it notably captures man's struggle against sin, and the love of Jesus that gives us the victory over it!

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. ~Ephesians 2:1-7

"N" is for Noah

Hubby and I rarely agree when it comes to baby names. So, when we both instantly fell in love with this one, we decided to stick with it!

Noah: The boy's name Noah \noah\ is pronounced NOH-ah. It is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is "peaceful." Also possibly "long-lived", "comforter", or "wanderer."

But Noah found Grace in the Eyes of the Lord. ~Genesis 6:8

In Case You Haven't Already...

...here's a movie worth seeing!

Is it Possible?

We're curious as to if our son will look like his daddy or not. However, there's already some steep competition for the "daddy-look alike" in our family. I'm not sure if one can get much more closer than this. What do you think?

God is Good...

...Oh yes he is!

Please believe that with all of the physical, emotional, and mental, strains that are associated with being 39 weeks pregnant, complaining has become a  persistent temptation. However, lest I make matters worse by becoming like the children of Israel, which the bible warns against saying; Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer (1 Cor 10:10), I'll opt to focus my attention on the fact that God is good! 

Among other things, God is good because:

#1) With a week until my due date, God has blessed us with just about every thing we need for the new baby!

#2) As I mentioned in this post, I've declared this week to be my nesting week. It commenced on Monday, so this is day 4 and I have already cleaned and organized two "monster" closests and the dresser in my bedroom!  

#3) In order to help me nest, Hubby decided to by take over the responsibility of cooking dinner this week! On day 2 of nesting week, He pulled an all-nighter in the kitchen, cooking three big meals that will last us awhile!

#4) Our children's god-parents have offered to take them for the day today so that after my midwife appointment, I can frolic around town and treat myself to some pampering! I'm going to get a manicure, pedicure, and then I'll be off to a hair salon!

5) Finally, just when it seemed as though I might not complete all of my nesting week goals by Saturday, a wonderful sister from our church contacted me saying she wanted to come by Saturday to help me do anything I needed!

HALLELUJAH!

"I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalm 34:1).