Doula

I have officially begun my training to become a certified birth doula through DONA. I am both thrilled and apprehensive.

Childbirth- as well as the period after a woman gives birth- is a passion of mine. I have a tremendous desire to assist in empowering women and supporting them through this monumental rite of passage that- like it or not- will transform them. I heard once: "A woman will never forget how she was made to feel when she gave birth." The truth of this statement blew me away.

I just began The Doula Book and came across these words that I wanted to share:

"For women in labor much of the birth process is about permission: feeling total permission to be themselves and feeling free to let down emotional and physical barriers and to release expectations- those yardsticks or measures of performance that women carry with them into the institutional environment. Feeling completely safe with another human being creates a kind of freedom that enables a woman to begin to test the limits of her own capacities and to experience capacities possibly not recognized before- or perhaps recognized but not risked. This freedom to be one's true self produces feeling of empowerment, of creativity. As a new mother said to one doula, 'Your staying with me all the time and your total support, at the same time trusting me completely, gave me a sense of knowing that I was strong enough to handle anything in my life.'"

Little ones

I had the chance to spend the evening with Kaedmon and Clara while David and the big boys went to Noah's music program at school. I realized how I forget to stop and enjoy them when they are little. I also forgot how easy babies are compared to school-age children!

The hardest thing to do is open your Bible

This afternoon I came across an article from Molly Piper. I feel like she could have written it just for me. She says:

"It’s funny how we convince ourselves that the main thing we need for survival of our soul is not a daily necessity."

That's me. Is it you? If so, take a gander.

Our Christmas

We had a lovely Christmas!

David's mom joined us from western Kentucky and arrived on Christmas Eve. We gathered alongside Apostles Anglican Church (which is where The Point Community Church: LEX gathers) for a candlelight Christmas Eve service. I thoroughly enjoyed the service. It was very different in that much of the service was liturgical. It was very refreshing, indeed!

All dressed up and ready to go:

 

On Christmas morning, we began with opening gifts. We started out with only the 3 big boys and Kaedmon and Clara joined us later on in the morning (those two love their sleep).

Next we celebrated with a big yummy breakfast of bread pudding (with sprinkles, of course) and casserole!

And then, we played. All. day. long.

The evening brought a delicious dinner and a reading of the Christmas story. It was quite entertaining and it's always rewarding to learn how much your children do, in fact, "get" in regard to the meaning of Christmas (although you rarely get a glimpse of it on Christmas morning as wrapping paper is flying).

Merry Christmas!

Meijer Deals this week!

Best of my Meijer trip this week!

Fruit Chillers= $1.99
Use $1/1 coupon
.99 each!

Orville Red. popcorn= B1G1 FREE!
Buy 2 @ $2.99 (second one will ring up free)
Use 2 .40/1 coupons (which will double to .80)
.70 each!

Betty Crockers Sweet Moments= 2/$4
Used $1/1 coupon
$1 each (these are delicious, but dangerous =))

16 count Bagel Bites= $2
Use $1/1 coupon
$1 each!

Wishbone salad dressing= $1.99
Use .75/1 coupon
$1.24 each!

I believe the Kraft catalina may still be going on. If so look for some $1/1 coupons to get some free Kraft cheese!

Walgreens

My Walgreens didn't carry the Dial Nutriskin. Big bummer.

1st transaction:

Secret soothing effects deodorant= 1 @ $2.29= $2.29
Received $3 RR

2nd transaction:



Pilot V5 pens (2 pack)= 1 @ $1.99
Used $1/1 manu. coupon
Used $1/1 coupon from Aug. coupon booklet=

FREE!

2 Nivea bodywashes= B1 @ $5.99, G1 FREE
1 Nivea for men bodywashes= 1 @ $4.99
Used $4/2 manu. coupon
Used B2G1 free coupon=
3 bodywashes for $2!

2 Lysol toilet bowl cleaners= B1G1 FREE @ $2.99
Used $1/2 manu. coupon=
2 for $2

2 Kotex U @ 2/$7
Used 2 $1/1 manu. coupons
Used $2/1 coupon from August coupon booklet (deducts $4)=
2 for $1

Used $3 RR

Total= $4.94
Total savings= $41.94

We paid cash!

My "We Paid Cash!" story was recently featured on Money Saving Mom. How exciting!