Hot chocolate and snow: Our Spring Break Adventure PART I

This Spring Break was highly anticipated. Mr. Man's been working ridiculous hours, and we were looking forward to some much needed family time. Monday morning, we left for Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, GA. 

 Why camping? You may ask. Well, we chose camping for several reasons.

1. With our family of 6, camping is the cheapest way to travel. Most state parks are between $15-$25 per day, we can cook our own food, and the wilderness is free.
2. We love the outdoors.
3. Camping vacations force you as a family to spend time together & really talk.   
4. We're trying to pay down debt, and didn't want to spend a lot for a get-away.

Here are some shots from our drive. 

I'm a pretty tough cookie. Few things rattle me, however, I get very woozy when driving over bridges or windy roads. Notice the sign about steep grades the "next 22 miles"? Mr. Man said, "See that mountain? We're going all of the way up." We were in the excursion, towing the camper, and I thought I was going to have a panic attack. Most of the mountain roads were very narrow, and had no shoulder. Guard rails were scarce, and the road kept winding and winding.

You get the picture. We finally arrived to Fort Mountain State Park, and came upon deer right by the bath house! It was a great welcome!

 The first night we arrived, it was cold and windy. I had anticipated colder nights on the mountain, but nothing like this. I convinced Mr. Man that we need to head back down the mountain and get some gloves and hats. The weather channel was calling for snow. No exactly how I had envisioned our Spring Break trip. We ventured back down the mountain and found a Dollar General. We stocked up on snacks, hot cocoa and cap guns for the boys. The closest thing we found for gloves were men's X-LG work gloves. Luckily, we rummaged through the excursion, aka "the Beast" and found gloves for all of the boys. In the morning, we woke up to this:

A big part of me wanted to pout and cry. It was snowing, the wind was cutting, and it was bitterly cold outside. I tried not to be envious of our friends who were at the beach with their toes in the sand. Mr. Man and the boys went outside and tried to start a fire. I watched them from the window, rosey cheeked and laughing. It was at that moment that I decided when life gives you poop, make poop juice, or hot chocolate in our case. We bundled up and took a hike around the lake. We played outside and watched the snow fall. The boys stuck twigs in the fire, and tried to burn each other. The highest the temperature got that day was 26 degrees. At breakfast and after dinner, we read the Bible together. We stopped after each verse and discussed what they meant. We turned on Air One and had it playing most of the day.  By mid afternoon, I dug out some road trip game we had never played, which was followed by 5 rounds of "20 Questions." By 5th round and 5th cartoon character as the "who" I suggested that we go start a fire. 

Mr. Man can do all most anything, except build fires. I must admit, I could not stop laughing watching him. The wind was blowing hard, and it was snowing on and off. Mr. Man didn't seem to have a real strategy except for throwing more and more wood on the dwindling fire. He built the fire to the side of the pit. When he DID manage to get some real flames, they were spitting off sparks and he all most caught his jeans on fire. Then, there was the smoke. I asked him if he was making "SOS" signals. He left to go get some more wood, and I may or may not have "helped" his little fire along. By the time he returned, the fire was steady, and Mr. Man brought out the big guns. "I've had this wood for 2 years. It is dry to the bone." (Technically, we were supposed to use our own wood to make a fire, something about bringing in worms or bugs or something harmful to the trees, but I wasn't going to say anything.) Two hours later, we finally had fire. 
 When it got dark, the boys went outside and played with their cap guns. I'm not really sure what kind of game it was OR what the rules were OR how they determined who won. Mr. Man would load up their guns, he'd count, they'd scatter, and then shoot each other, and someone would declare himself a "winner."

For Sale: My entire primitive country collection!

Another way to incorporate the decorative plates and house!
PRICING, let's get this out of the way 1st! =)
We have a saying in our house "pigs get fatter, hogs get slaughtered." It means, don't be greedy. All of my listings are EXTREMELY well priced. I've been purchasing and selling Primitive Country Items for 7 years. These are extremely fair priced.

Example: The 2 sconce, 2 printed pictures, 2 quilted pillow set for $45? 

• Each painting was purchased for $45 each

•  Each pillow was $30 each

• Sconces were $12 each, plus the berries, plus the candles

Total= Over $175 + shipping costs

I challenge you to go decorate a room for this amount. Moving on... 

I've been meaning to take pictures for a while of my "for sale" items. We are now on week 6 of the flu. Our last child to get it fell ill Monday. Last night and this morning, he has seemed to make a miraculous recovery. He's only running a low grade fever, and his energy is back to 110%.
I apologize for the quality (or lack thereof) of the pictures. I our digital camera is dead, and despite the 50 cords Mr. Man has, I couldn't find the one for the camera, thus, the grainy phone pictures. I have a passion for decorating! I love the whole country theme, but decided to switch things up, so I'm selling 6 years worth of collecting. I put a lot of thought and love into these items, and hope you all love them as much as I have. Something about a country home just feels welcoming and warm! You don't have to use the items as I have placed them. Switch them up! Put some on your mantel! They are very interchangable!

Curtains make the room! This set was originally hundreds of $$$$ dollars from Country curtains:
It Includes:

• 4 panels (84 inches long)
•  2 striped valances
• 2 scalloped coordinating valences  total:$100 for set

You can layer. I've had the striped valences w/ 1 panel pulled with a tie back, or do the valance alone, or 2 panels by themselves. These curtains are quality material org. purchased at CountryCurtains.com, you CANNOT buy this quality for this low! Here are just a few ways you can hang them! (Pardon the decor, this was our first 3 mths in the house!)

One way you can hang these curtains!

Option 2, layer 1 valance w/ 1 panel, and pull panel back

Option 3, 2 panels pulled back w/ hook at top

4 84 inch long floral panels

2 Scalloped valances with floral and stripes

2 Striped panel valances

$75  Large custom framed and matted picture featuring a country house and hillside, sorry, sconces are SOLD!

Double candle star sconces<SOLD>

Shelves and decor on shelves sold only as sets, will only sell both shelves together.

$40, for everything in picture, including shelf. 2 Primitive house decorative plates, 1 star basket, 1 "simplify" basket, mini black chair w/ "inspire pillow" also for sale, burgundy shelf

$30 for everything in picture, including shelf: 2 stacking boxes, 3 stars, 1 decorative plate "May our home always be too small to hold all of our friends", 1 framed picture "How do people make it through life without a SISTER?"

 Here are a few pictures of how we hung the sconces & pictures in our dining room! (Notice the ladder and Mr. Man, he was re-hanging the curtains after we painted!)

2 Star black sconces <SOLD>, 2 primitive house paintings in black frame (All from the countryhouse.com)

$35 for 2 primitive paintings, & 2 quilted pillows,  (Bench, not included) This is a phenominal deal. Each painting, was $45 per piece + shipping! <SORRY, SCONCES SOLD>

$15 for decorative items, ROOSTER not for sale!!!!!

$30 for everything in the picture including all signs, stars, star wreath, & star garland, willing to separate set!!!!!!

$25 for everything in picture: Winter Welcome Sled, small Let It Snow sign, matching Winter Welcome Garland

$5 for: burgundy bucket, just add berries or flowers! <SORRY, house is sold!>

$5 berry bucket

$8 Apple Quilt:"No matter how far are seeds are thrown, are hearts are drawn to home" Gorgeous Country quilt w/ mustard yellows and reds. Display on a wall with quilt hooks, throw over a bench, or use as a throw.

Close up of quilt

I'll be pricing everything out for a bundle price! As of now, I have several buyers, however, I will allow the first buyer who contacted me last week preference. Will be going through and adding suggested prices within the next hour. We can bundle. I'm open to offers! Happy Shopping! =) <3 Suzzy

Wanted: Baby for Rent

(I decided I need a little mental break from the plague IE: flu that has been in our house for over a month. Oldest child is currently moaning on the couch with a 100.6 fever. I've barely left the house in weeks, and feel like i am losing my mind. So, here is a conversation Mom and I had the other day, enjoy.)

Wanted: Baby for Rent

Oh, sweet babies! Our family hasn't had a sweet baby to love on in 3 years. Liam was the last grandbaby, and family functions just aren't the same without a sweet baby to pass around and love on. Mom and I were talking the other day about how nice it would be to rent a baby, but we would only need it for certain times. You know those want ads? Well, I've compiled one of my own.

Wanted: Mom of 4 done having kids seeks baby to rent, duties would include, but are not limited to:

• A baby to take to the grocery store and sit in the cart to talk to 
• A baby to take on a walk in a stroller on a nice day
• A baby to buy cute things for: toys, clothes, sweet little hats
• A baby to snuggle and take afternoon naps with
• A baby to pass around at family events and make laugh
• A baby to take to the zoo and park and show all of the animals and fishies too

Baby must love walks and car rides. No teethers please. Since I enjoy waking up quietly, and like my evenings to myself, preferable hours are between 9am-5pm. Baby must be happy, and enjoy being held by a whole room. Would prefer a baby that coo'd, pointed, and smiled easily. (This is negotiable) Rates are: free babysitting. Please include a picture and video with your application. Thanks. 

=) Know anyone with a baby like that? Mom and I can dream. =)      

 

Labor and Delivery: What to expect, and what to pack in your hospital bag!

By my 4th son, I was an expert at labor and delivery. However, back in 2003, my experience was much different. I was a terrified 19 year old, and I had no idea what to expect. After I gave birth, I felt like I had been hit by a train. I wasn't prepared, and spent the better part of three days in a hospital gown in a daze. The whole experience was very surreal, and came with a lot of unexpected surprises. So, sit back, and relax while I explain the process of L&D, the good, bad, gross, and ugly truth.

First things first, what to pack:

• Comfy socks
• Big cotton underwear, buy a 6 pck, and plan on throwing them away
• Nursing bra
• Nursing tank top
• Comfy pants (yoga, sweats, etc..)
• Zip up hoodie
• Breast pads & nipple cream (you can buy these at Target, or Babies R Us)
• Toiletries, pony tail holders, hairbrush, and make up, tooth paste and brush
• Chapstick
• Cell phone charger 
• Camera
• Breast pump

For the baby:

• Baby blanket
• Hat 
• Going home outfit
• Diapers & wipes (the hospital will supply these during your stay)
• Burp cloths
• Boppy to help nurse
• Several onesies, nightgowns, and socks. The baby will spit up, poop and pee through several outfits a day.
• Carseat            

Am I in labor? As you near your due date, you will be obsessively asking yourself this. Trust me, when it's time, you'll know. Some women lose their "mucus plug". It looks exactly as it sounds. A yellowish, sometimes blood tinged clump of mucus, however, with all 4 pregnancies, I never saw mine. I DID feel increasing pressure down there. With every step, I felt as though the baby was going to fall out on the floor. I also had "bloody show." When I wiped after using the bathroom, there was a bloody/mucusy substance on the toilet paper. Don't be embarrassed if you rush to the hospital expecting to deliver only to be sent home. Better safe than sorry, and most of us seasoned moms have made many a trip to L&D only to be told it's not time yet. 

Prepare the husband.
Prepare your hubby ahead of time. Explain exactly what you want, and expect. Men aren't that great at anticipating and guessing needs. This is just a man thing. 

 My ex husband, bless his heart, was the worst birthing coach ever. He slept through both of my labors, and when my 2nd son starting crowning, I was literally throwing things at him to get up and run and get the nurse. It was horrible. I felt so alone and depressed. 

For this reason, I fully prepared my new Mr. Man for my L&D. I expressed wanting his undivided attention. He delivered 100%. My 3rd and 4th deliveries were amazing. Mr. Man encouraged me, fed me ice-chips, and cheered me on when I told him I was too tired to push. The whole birthing process will be an intimate time of bonding for you and your Mr. Man. After I had delivered, Mr. Man helped walk me to the bathroom, put on my lovely ace bandage underwear, the world's largest maxi pad, and helped tuck me into bed. I could not have asked for a better partner.
 

It's time! 
If this is your first delivery, expect it to take a while. You'll get changed into your hospital gown, and you'll have fetal monitors placed around your belly to monitor the baby. If you opt for an epidural, do NOT, I repeat, do NOT look at the NEEDLE! I never understood why my husband got so woozy during this process until I was watching one of those delivery shows, and saw the needle. Yes, it is very long, but trust me, it does not hurt anymore than a normal shot. By the time I got my epidural, I was in so much pain, I barely felt the needle going into my back. You'll need to sit very still while the epi is administered. I recommend sitting on the edge of the bed, with your partner in front of you. You almost hug your spouse, and slightly curl your back. Don't worry, the anesthesiologist with walk you through this. 

(side note: Check, and double check ALL pictures before posting to social media. The next picture which shows my husband cutting the cord, also debut's my lady parts. This was overlooked. I know the well meaning nursing thought she had captured an amazing moment, and she had, we just needed to crop first.)

Pushing is the easy part.
Truly. I hear so many new moms terrified about pushing the baby out. This, my friends, is the easy part. After 9 grueling months of waddling, uncomfortable sleep, pelvic pain, nausea, and the general feeling of discomfort, I couldn't wait to get the baby out. My favorite pushing position consists of having your hubby and your nurse hold your legs, placing your chin to your chest, and pushing like you are about to take the mother of all poops. And yes, some of you may actually poo on the table. It's completely normal, and to be expected. The nurse will wipe it away, and you'll continue pushing. My first son, I pushed for 16 minutes. By my 4th, I pushed 3 times, and out he came. 

  
 This ain't Hollywood ladies. Now, brace yourself. I'm about to tell you all of the things about after birth that no one told me. After you deliver your sweet bundle of joy, you will need to give another small push to deliver your placenta. Once this is done, the doctor will push and prod, and poke your belly to make sure everything got out, and you will hear gushes of blood falling into a container. If you tore, the doctor will take this time to stitch you up. Focus on the sweet baby.

After you deliver, you'll have the option to try to nurse. I opted to bathe baby after our nursing attempts. We wiped him off, and I put him straight to the breast. He suckled a little, but he was so cold, that it didn't work out. The nurses took him away for a bath, and a little time under the heating light. If this is your first delivery, your labor and delivery nurse with help you attempt to breast feed. She will man handle your breast, and manuver the baby to suckle. Take her help. Nursing is nothing like what you see on the movies. The baby will thrust it's tongue, and move its' head, and you will become frustrated. Relax. It will take a few tries. 

Let the hemorrhaging begin. After you've delivered, and your epi has worn off, you'll be allowed to get up, use the bathroom, and change clothes. Your stomach will still resemble a 5-6 month pregnancy, so pack large clothes. Some hospitals offer you ace-bandage like underwear, take them. Have your husband help you in the bathroom. You'll need to pull on the elastic underwear, and place a huge maxi pad down there. The hospital will supply you with a little water bottle. You'll need to rinse "down there" and you may get soothing foam to place on your maxi pad. (It helps with swelling and pain, because trust me, nothing down there will look the same for a little while.) Thus, begins your bathroom regime  for the next 10 days. Each time you use the restroom, you'll need to rinse, change pads, spray foam etc. And you will bleed. A lot. It's like the mother of all periods. Nursing helps shrink your uterus, so I always bled more while I nursed. Again, pack large granny panties, and big comfy sweats or yoga pants.

 
 I'm so hungry. After I delivered my 4th son, I sent my husband out to get me Chick-Fil-A, and large chocolate shake. I was famished. The hospital will send up a meal after you deliver, but I wanted real food. I think Mr. Man was just happy to have a reason to get out of the hospital for a little while. After I ate, I got baby back from the nursery, and we all slept. During your hospital stay, you will not sleep well. Nurses will come in to check your blood pressure, temperature etc. and your bundle of joy will want to eat often. I could not wait to get home, and get some real rest. Beware of the crazy picture person who will come by and ask if you want newborn shots. Decline. I have never seen a single good infant shot. Newborns, even the prettiest, are not very photogenic that first day, and you will get better shots on your own. I took these when Liam was 3 days old by draping a blanket across the couch.

 
 Nursing
I have a love/hate relationship with breastfeeding.
Myth: Nursing doesn't hurt, it does, a lot, at least the first week. Why else do they make nipple cream? Not to mention those lovely uterus cramps you'll feel the first week or two. Yes, nursing helps shrink the uterus, and you'll feel like you're experiencing L&D all over again.
Myth: Your milk is in, you're just not nursing correctly, except that I am, and drinking your magical milk boosting tea, and pumping around the clock. Unless there's a way to tap into it other than the nipple, it's not there.
Myth: Breastfeeding is so amazing and rewarding! Yes, it can be, but it is also very time consuming, and hard being the only one to feed this precious life.

Notice the disgruntled woman in the background with the breast pump..

My milk never fully came in for my 3rd and 4th boys, and subsequently, I had to supplement with formula. Repeat this to yourself: I AM NOT A FAILURE IF I CAN'T BREASTFEED!!!!!!!! I tried everything to get my milk to come in. Pumped around the clock, drank fenugreek tea, took prescription pills. Nothing worked. I cried and I cried and felt like a failure. I consulted with lactation consultants who assured me my milk was in, I just wasn't nursing correctly. Finally, after my 3rd son was down 1lb a month after birth, my pediatrician told me to supplement. Commence more tears, and "I'm a failure" speeches.

Luckily, by #4, I realized that formula wasn't "poison" and my child would not be "dumb" if I used formula. I nursed for 1.5 mths before I ran dry, and switched over to the bottle. No mommy guilt. Breastfeeding is WONDERFUL if it works for you, if it doesn't, do not be consumed with guilt, and more importantly, do not let other mommies make you feel terrible or like you didn't try. No one gets to Kindergarten and says, "My, he is smart, he must have been breastfed!" 

Crying in the shower.
Beware of post partum depression. Some nights, it was all I could do to wait until my evening shower (yes, you won't shower until your hubby comes home!)  to have my big cry. I'm not sure what I was even crying about, but it sure felt good. Motherhood is hard. Sleep deprivation, bleeding nipples from nursing, and having to attend to one person's every need is exhausting. Take help. 

My mom came and stayed a week with me after I had my 4th. I was phenomenal. She cooked, cleaned, and told me my only job was to watch over baby. I wish I had done this with all of my births. I was able to focus all of my attention on my new bundle of joy without worrying about all of the other responsibilities. Enlist a girlfriend, or mother in law, or mama or whoever you can to come help! If you're still feeling the baby blues, talk to your doctor. It is 100% normal, and chances are, all of your mommy friends have gone through the same thing! 

There it is girlfriend! Did I miss anything? Each story is unique and special! What made your labor and delivery unique? What was your absolute must? Remember, while the first few days and weeks are hard, looking into those sweet little [sleeping, for the love of mercy, please sleep] faces makes it all worth it! <3 Suzzy