Your children are adorable! Keep up the good work Alex. and yes, it is the garden of weedin”. Hi from Minnesota, where it is much hotter ( 90s).

Love the pictures. I am also a hot weather wimp, 60 degrees is warm enough for me.Your daughters are adorable. Have a safe and healthy summer and try to stay cool!
Marilyn

Thank you for sharing some nice pictures of spring and the great outdoors! Hopefully you will be able to continue finding ways to be outside and get back to your inner country. I bet it will be a lot of fun checking out all the parks. I wish we had that many parks here. I have been enjoying the outdoors myself. Twice a day I go out to check on my garden, to water some plants, and push my son in his swing. I can see a difference in both of us just getting out of these concrete walls. Amazing how that works!

I am a country girl stuck in the city also but I find ways to keep the country in my life ..I read blogs and country magazines ( I love Mary Jane’s farm ). I plant something every spring even tho I have to plant in pots..I look for good old country recipes like vinigar pie. I take drives in the country…one time I just HAD to see a cow so I loaded up my boys and we drove out to the country to find a pasture full of cows…I got to pet one..that was good therapy for a city girl missing the country life.

I always enjoy reading what you’re up to. In answer to your question, whenever I’m in a place with a lot of concrete like NYC, I go to great lengths to stay where there is at least one window I can open–hard to find actually. I love an open window because often there’s a breeze that will move the curtains ever so slightly, or perhaps a bird that will sing. It connects me somehow to home and instantly comforts me.

Very Cool Pics!

Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole

As a grandparent that stays home with my granddaughter, let me tell you that I understand what you are going through. I find that the winter has been hard as we have stayed in so much although it really was an easy winter. I am thankful for the summer like weather we are having and I am looking forward to getting some outside time now with the baby. The blessings are worth the effort and disappointments, but remember that you are what is important to them. Teach them to do the things you like as they grow. One day you will have friends that are interested in the same things that you are.

The days are tough and a juggle when your kiddos are young and you’re straying to get things done. But in the end being kind to yourself, acknowledging your planned day will not go to plan and learning to laugh and allowing yourself to cry when it all gets too much doing it all and being it all helps. They do grow up quickly. Parenthood is a crazy adventure filled ride no matter their ages, the challenges just change.
Feeling you here, big hugs from Australia xo

I just found your blog. When I saw the word Alaska, I just had to learn more about you. My husband and I live in the lower 48 but we were just in Eagle River staying at a B&B while we waited for our newest grandchild to be born at the Wasilla Midwifery. So I was excited to learn that you are familiar with the area and most likely delivered at the same midwifery. I look forward to following your blog.

Love this! You really spoke the truth here of what it’s like to be a SAHM. I have a 2 yo and a 14 yo who is homeschooled. Much love to you and your babies!
P.s. You did it right having them close together in age. They will be each other’s playmates soon enough.

As a grandparent that stays home with my granddaughter, let me tell you that I understand what you are going through. I find that the winter has been hard as we have stayed in so much although it really was an easy winter. I am thankful for the summer like weather we are having and I am looking forward to getting some outside time now with the baby. The blessings are worth the effort and disappointments, but remember that you are what is important to them. Teach them to do the things you like as they grow. One day you will have friends that are interested in the same things that you are.

Welcome back, Alex. You ( and your little angels) were missed. My time flies. Reading your post really took me back to my days at home with our kids. Some days my hubby would come home to find them in the tub at 4:30 in the afternoon. My way of trying to force an early dinner and bedtime. It never worked, but it gave us all something calming to focus on before the 5:00 o clock melt down happened. You are doing a fabulous job. As far as that whole feminist thing goes. It’s simple. You are a human being. You live in America. You can make any choice you want to make for yourself and your family. Period. Tap into your intuition. You’ll need that a heck of a lot more as a wife, and mom, whether you’re working inside or outside of the home. When you’re raising two young children there’s not enough energy at the end of the day to be battling yourself about what you “should” be doing. Save yourself the trouble and let what doesn’t fit right now go and make room for what is. That includes the messes, matted hair, no sleep and all. You got this girl!!! Sending hugs from the beach!
Deb

The days are tough and a juggle when your kiddos are young and you’re straying to get things done. But in the end being kind to yourself, acknowledging your planned day will not go to plan and learning to laugh and allowing yourself to cry when it all gets too much doing it all and being it all helps. They do grow up quickly. Parenthood is a crazy adventure filled ride no matter their ages, the challenges just change.
Feeling you here, big hugs from Australia xo

I just found your blog. When I saw the word Alaska, I just had to learn more about you. My husband and I live in the lower 48 but we were just in Eagle River staying at a B&B while we waited for our newest grandchild to be born at the Wasilla Midwifery. So I was excited to learn that you are familiar with the area and most likely delivered at the same midwifery. I look forward to following your blog.

Love this! You really spoke the truth here of what it’s like to be a SAHM. I have a 2 yo and a 14 yo who is homeschooled. Much love to you and your babies!
P.s. You did it right having them close together in age. They will be each other’s playmates soon enough.

Your blog was very informative for me today. I have never made broth before and had no idea what it took to make them. It’s very interesting how beneficial broth can be for your body. Not only can broth fight illnesses but it can prevent them and help provide many nutrients people lack. I wish I would have known about the benefits it has after delivering a baby. I will remember that for my next one. Thank you for sharing your tips and tricks so I can attempt to make my first broth.

P.s. Mommy brain is legit. To bad we don’t have a broth to prevent that!

Yep, I am going to have to try this. Thanks for the easy directions. I love reading your posts. Always pulls me away from my worries and puts me right by your side while you do your stuff. Busy mom that you are, you always find time to write about something interesting. Thank you.

I love home made broth. When I make the beef broth I bake the bones before hand. I look for ones that have the marrow still in place. I place foil on a cookie sheet for easy clean-up. Then I season the bones with salt & pepper. Place the bones on the foil lined pan and bake in a 400 degree oven for 1-2 hours. Check them frequently so they don’t burn. Baking the bones first gives the broth a richer flavor. I place them directly into a pot of water so they are covered, and simmer away. Sometimes, I even add a bit of red wine to the broth for an even richer flavor. Enjoy! a great winter soup.

Good morning Alex!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVA!!! 🙂

Oh my goodness, those little girls are so beautiful. Nothing like a precious new baby and sweet little “big” sister to make life complete.

I learned the basics of knitting a number of years ago and just never could seem to enjoy it. The counting really got to me! 🙂 Last year I determined to learn to crochet. I basically kind of taught myself (YouTube is the best!) and designed my own dishcloth. (I wrote a post about it here: http://www.farmgirlbloggers.com/8165). So now, I use only my 100% cotton crocheted dish cloths because I love them so much. I have made hundreds I’m pretty, sure as they make the best quick gifts… a few of them tied up with string is a big hit! 🙂 My pattern is attached in that blog post above, you’ll have to try them. But beware. They are super, super addicting! So fun and simple to make.

I’m so glad your Mom is still there. I was hoping! I got to stay with my daughter for six weeks when her first was born. That is some of the best memories of my life. Luckily when she had her second we had moved here to the South, so I’ve seen that little munchkin almost every day of her life (and she’s four)!

Bug hugs… so glad you’re doing well!

– Dori –

P.S. I love the jelly fish. I must buy that book!

Your girls are gorgeous, Alex. I love your cute sea creatures you’ve crocheted. I’m sure all the kiddos that got them as party favours would’ve loved them. I haven’t crocheted in years but your inspiring me to give a go again. I’m also a very slow knitter, as In I take years to finish anything and not very good at it either, but I do try from time to time. I so love that knitting circles are coming back again – slowing down, connecting and creating all at the same time – definitely a plus in fast paced world. Scary about the earthquake! So glad you guys are all okay. Take care and enjoy the savouring in life 🙂
Denise
Australia

I love the jellyfish. I learned to knit and crochet the basics when I was 10 or so, but never really did much with it until lately. I prefer crochet; it seems to require less concentration, at least for me. I enjoy knitting too, but always end up holding my left hand knitting needle awkwardly. Real knitters would probably cringe if they saw me. I did knit a very pretty (if I do say so myself) Georgia afghan after finding the pattern in a book I was reading. It took me a few tries to get it started, but once I did, it was a very fun project.

Your daughters are precious.

I did learn to knit in Junior High School. I do intend to learn crochet.. Enjoyed the article. Your girls are beautiful.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AVA
Marilyn

Oh my heavens! Your baby’s cheeks are adorable. How precious.
I am actually learning how to crochet right now. I am working on getting my beginner level crochet merit badge. There is something so relaxing and enjoyable about crocheting. I haven’t completed a project yet but I am hoping to here shortly. I want to make some different things as well. Those jelly fish of yours are so cute and would be a cute toy for my little boy. Thank you for inspiring me to branch out and crochet something other than scarfs, washcloths and blankets! Enjoy your new hobby.

I have a granddaughter that knits and crochets anything she puts her mind to without using patterns. In October 2010 on a visit to see her, she suggested we write a book. Pencil and paper and quiet spot, the concept of my now PUBLISHED book came to be. A SIMPLE STITCH, A COMMON THREAD is the story of small town living, a yarn shop owner with a knitting grout, her great-grandparents old homestead still in tact, and an uplifting chain of events that happen throughout the fall into the holidays. The blog subject and conversation made me think of all of you, as I wish I actually had a shop named A SIMPLE STITCH,

I have crocheted preactically all of my life. My most recent obsession is making enormous chunky rugs out of old sheets torn into strips. I even wrote a blog post about it with pictures and instructions! http://momilies.susabelle.com/?p=809

I “made” my grandmother teach me to knit when I was 9 because I had a part in a school play where I was supposed to sit in a rocking chair and knit…so she gave me a skein of horrid yellow yarn, a set of wood knitting needles and I knit and unraveled that skein of yarn all through play practice and the “real thing”. My teacher said “you didn’t have to know how to knit. You could have pretended.” My reply was “Oh, yes I did have to learn”…but I never made anything more exotic than hats and scarves…later, when my oldest son was a baby, I had a neighbor who made fabulous crocheted things. She taught me to crochet. And still, I’ve only made hats and scarves and rugs and little bags, other than the year I used fabric and made “Soft pottery” bowls…for some reason or other! (I love experimenting with “stuff”…) – My oldest granddaughter can crochet. I taught her when she was little. She now makes all sorts of things, including granny square blankets for her GOATS. (She is 25 and owns a herd of dairy goats). She has made a lot of fingerless gloves and scarf sets and sold them, too. Yarn is just FUN to play with. Lately, I’ve been using up all sorts of odd yarn weaving little bags (think cell phones!) on a frame loom I made from a set of canvas stretchers and a LOT of little brads!
Keep on playing! And teach your girls how to play with yarn, too!!

Beautiful…

Congratulations on a job well done! She is beautiful.

Beautiful birth and beautiful family, what a precious story

Congratulations. She looks lovely and healthy, and so do you!

Congratulations. You have a beautiful family.

Congratulations!! What a beautiful experience that you sent us thru. You did a wonderful job. I have had 3 but never at home. My first one was in 45 min and the second was in 30 min. My doctor said I was a good laborer…I guess!! Of course they were both 2 weeks late and when they were ready they shot out..LOL. My last boy was induced as they were worried since I lived so far out that it would be born in the car. Bad mistake as that was my 7 hr labor but it was great. Beautiful pictures and thanks for telling and showing us your wonderful birthing experience and enjoy your new bundle of joy!!

Beautiful family ,! Congratulations!

That was such a beautiful documentation of quite important, blessed moments of your lives! Congratulations on living life well and feeling the sacredness of creating a family. And thanks for sharing it !

Congratulations and blessings to the entire family.
Marilyn

Congratulations!! She’s beautiful !

Congratulations to the Wilder Family an the blessing of you new daughter Opal.

I love your birth story Alex! You are so amazing!! Congratulations to you and the whole family. Opal is an awfully adorable name.

What a wonderful experience and absolutely precious baby girl. Love her name. Bless you and your beautiful family.

How beautiful! Thank you for sharing your story! Love this family!

Congratulations on the new baby girl. She is absolutely adorable!

Well, i was pretty sure it was going to be a boy! Congratulations!

What a wonderful and hopeful post you have written. It has given me positives to think about as the new year comes sliding in. I have enjoyed your posts all year long and look forward to them in 2016. Blessings on your and your family and may you all be happy, healthy and loved in the New Year.

Have you noticed there’s no tinsel anywhere? Did the gov’t outlaw tinsel for some weird reason — like, babies can eat it and it makes them sick? That’s basically what happened to D-con…

Love your post!!! pic’s and the thought that we all need to care about ourselves – JUST THE WAY WE ARE!!! We each have great qualities so why dwell on the bad – only perceived qualities. Now if the little one has not made an appearance – try to enjoy the time – I’ve been there and I know that that is very hard to do but you can do it. God bless.

Alexandra, my new year resolution is to live each day without worrying about tomorrow. Our daughter is 16, and she will be going off to college in two years! We are at the opposite end of parenting a child as you are, and my advice to you is to cherish each day with your children, no matter what, because you will get from where you are, to where we are, in a flash! Honestly, it goes by so fast, one day you will look up and realize how much time has passed and it will literally shock you. So ENJOY those babies! Much love and best wishes for a healthy delivery!

I enjoyed your post very much. I’m new here, but couldn’t not reply. I agree with your thoughts for a more forgiving voice for ourselves. I wish you and your’ s a safe and Happy New Year. I pray for a safe delivery for both you and baby.

I enjoyed this post and I hope that you have a newborn that you are enjoying.

Alex: What a sweet letter to your next babe. You are such wonderful parents and your children will be loved and cared for forever. I hope your delivery goes well and say hi to your mom from Minnesota, I’m from Minnesota too. Merry Christmas.

Eek! This made me a little verklempt, and not just because I miss you all so much. I cannot wait to meet the newest addition. You will be the best mama x2!

That was one of the most beautiful letters I have EVER read that was to a child!! I have printed it out and I will read it to my two boys who are now 19 and 13 years old. I remember being pregnant and thinking, feeling and doing all of the things you mentioned in your letter. Congratulations to both you and your family.

Have a beautiful Christmas and Happy New Year and I will be thinking of you when I re-read this again tonight!!!

Blessings,

Deborah Anderson

Big hugs,
Deb, ( Beach Farmgirl )

Well, I read this for a second time and cried again. What a beautiful letter and I love the photos. I’m so glad that “Sampa” Mickie is there. Please tell that Sampa to give lots of extra kisses to Ava’s little brother or sister. Love Sampa and Sampa Pederson

It is the 23rd and I hope all is well!!!! Your post is simply ‘PRECIOUS’. God bless, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!!

Sorry I’m late reading this…. You should be a writer! You write so elegantly. Im hoping all goes well with your pregnancy and the little guy is not so restless. You might want to eat peanut butter and an apple with a glass of milk in the afternoon. It has a way of calming the baby at night inside you…as they get what their mommy eats. There’s plenty of magnesium and calcium in those, ehich helps restlessness i. You and the baby. Hope jt helps you. May your fsmily be blessedwhrn he comes….im pretty sure its a boy as your bearing down much….boys are restless too. Good luck with staying relaxed.Susana

We must have peanut bars. Some people call them mocha cakes, but my beloved mother-in-law called them peanut bars and thus they shall remain. These once a year treats are small squares of yellow or sponge cake dipped in a thin petit fours type frosting, and rolled in ground peanuts – salted is best. The cake cannot be a cake mix cake – it must be a fairly dense homemade cake. I used the ancient family birthday cake recipe. The delightful confections are wonderful fresh off the production line but actually taste better if left to age a few days in a cool spot. The flavors meld together and are literally food of the gods. I learned to make these 45 years ago as a very young wife. Mom is no longer with us but the memory of making peanut bars and ca 20 other kinds of Christmas cookies is strong and precious.

Having moved a thousand miles away from our families five years ago, we have our own T-giving dinners now. Sometimes we invite single or at-odds friends who have nowhere else to go. This year it was just my daughters and my husband and I; we had horrible weather and it was best that most people just stayed home and away from icy roads. I wet-brine the turkey (I won’t do it any other way any more), peel lots of potatoes, trim the Brussels sprouts, toast the bread in the oven for stuffing. All sooooo good. We usually eat in the afternoon, so we can lay around being lazy the rest of the day. I do most of the work myself, because I’m truly a one-(wo)man wrecking crew in the kitchen – I work like a very well-oiled machine. I know what goes in next and I am not idle the whole time, about four hours or so. Then we eat all the noms. So good. 🙂

Thank you for sharing this post. One of our traditions is to hang our stockings up. We always purchase a tall 7 to 8 foot tree. In fact we bought ours today. We also open Advent calendars and have for many years. Wishing you and yours a Blessed and Merry Christmas. May 2016 bring you joy,health and love.
Marilyn and Family