Spaces between children

     What do you think is a good amount of space between having children?  My first 2 were only 18 months apart and when I look back now, my oldest was still a baby when his brother came along.  It was busy with both in diapers, but there was still one adult for every baby.  When the 3rd boy came along, 26 months later, my husband and I really felt the difference of having multiple children.  The children outnumbered the adults.  I'm not sure if I did it the best way.  Sometimes I feel like I didn't spend enough time with the 3rd child, because you are always running with the older ones.  The 3rd boy has always been independent and I think that is because he had to entertain himself and go with the flow.  My brother and sister-in-law have 2 kids, 5 years apart.  I think that is a nice idea, because the child has a lot of individual time with you during their toddler years.  They are also spaced out for college.  One child should be done with a degree as the next child starts.
     In the long run, there is not a right or wrong way.  You work with what you were blessed with and enjoy every moment, because it goes fast!

Weekend Wanderer

"The Bear" turns 17!

My 3rd son, Josh, turns 17 today.  Here are some stories about "The Bear"

* He was my first child that my mom could not be here for after he was born.  She was was fighting cancer and died when Josh was 5 months old.

* My sister and brother-in-law were looking at him in the nursery after delivery and overheard someone saying, "There must me something wrong with that baby, he looks like he has been here awhile"  Josh was 10 lbs 3 ounces and looked like he was already 3 months old.

* He was the first of my boys to put his head under water, while we were swimming with him. He was probably about 8 months. Soon after, his 4 year brother thought that he had better try it.  Josh loved the water as a baby.

* I had one panic attack with him.  We were getting ready to go to my middle son's baseball game.  My friend, a couple houses down, was going with her son and kids and, I thought, my other 2 boys.  So anyway, we get to the game and I ask her if Josh is on the playground and she said, I thought you brought him.  Josh was probably 4. Both of us look at each other with that panic look on our faces as my heart feels like it's beating out of my chest.  I get in my car and start heading home which is about 40 min. away.  I call my other neighbor and the teenage daughter said she would look for him.  He was with her sister, playing outside.  She watched him until I got home.

Weekend Wanderer

Favorite Fridays

Dermalogica daily microfoliant is a favorite product of mine.  It gently exfoliates and does not have any harsh beads or seeds.

A Basin

Just a cool pic of my brother and dad skiing at A Basin, with Vuarnet sunglasses in the foreground.

Fathers and Sons

My middle son is having a tough time adjusting to college.  Classes are going great, but he misses home, family and thinks his school is not a good match for him.  My husband, Mike, is very good about letting him talk, listening to his concerns and giving him advice about life.  Last night, our son sent Mike a text-

"Thanks for the advice today D.  You're the best dad I could ask for and you always go out of your way to help me solve my problems.  Thanks for always being there for me."

I think "D" is doing something right.

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds

This time of year I love making homemade pumpkin seeds.

After I remove and clean the seeds from the pumpkin, I soak the pumpkins seeds in salt water for 12 hours.  This makes them a little easier to digest and not so hard on your stomach.  After 12 or more hours, rinse seeds and lay out to dry.

After they are somewhat dry, put in bowl and drizzle with melted coconut oil or butter.  (If you use coconut oil, make sure it is the refined coconut oil used for cooking)

Lay out on cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees until lightly browned.

Weekend Wanderer

Favorite Fridays

Two out of my three sons have had problems with face acne.  My third son has a lot on his cheeks.  I think the helmet doesn't help.  We have tried oral medication, topical medication, drug store brand items, department store brands and tv advertised brands.  If it did go away for awhile, his skin would be so dry it bothered him.  This morning his skin looked really clear and he said he has been using the Juice acne cleanser I bought him.  I purchased it at ULTA, but I also saw it at Whole Foods.

Favorite Fridays

On Fridays, I am going to post a favorite product of mine.   Today,  I am liking a new mascara I purchased last week.  I read this article and bought his favorite one.  I usually don't like drugstore mascara, but this one I will keep.

Greece

If you ever find yourself on the island of Paros in Greece, stop by the Entropy Bar.  My sister and brother-in-law, Lisa and Scott, own this place and are there every night.  You will most certainly enjoy yourself with the great cocktails, conversation and atmosphere!  I hope to make it there next summer.

My beautiful sister Lisa and her handsome husband Scott.

Here is the link to their 5 star review on trip advisor.

Healthy Weekday Breakfast

My favorite weekday breakfast is made of of 5 simple ingredients :  coconut kefir, coconut flakes, mixed berries, flax seed and raw honey.  I purchase the coconut kefir at a local natural food store, where they make it themselves.  The rest of the ingredients are easy to find.  Make sure you buy the unsweetened coconut flakes, not the flakes found in the baking section of stores.  Just add all ingredients to bowl and mix together.