The beginning of fall finds me frantic with the last of summer preserving and cleaning up my garden. Once that's finished with, yes, I slow down. But only sort of-- I think I mostly just switch gears. Now I'm starting to plan all of my inside activities, like sewing or crafting or organizing family photos or decorating, etc. It's a slower sort of busy, or so it feels. I usually don't care for winter very much either, but this summer was particularly hectic for me and though it's my favorite season and I'm not so happy about the grey and blah of winter, I'm actually eager this year to take some time to just be... be with my kids, be in the house, be able to rest. I need it. And take all the breaks you like. It's YOUR blog, after all! :) If you need to slow down, then do so and no worries about us. We'll still be here!

I've been overall enjoying the new format, but am having problems today. I want to use the regular text editor, but for some reason only the lite is coming up no matter what I do (refresh, log out and log back in, etc.). I'm not even sure the lite is working correctly, and I really don't know how to use it (which is why I think something is wrong with it). Anyways, I need to be able to edit my posts properly, so I'm going to switch back for a day or two and then try again. Hopefully the kink will be worked out!

Hi Stacy, Yep, I'd go with the 100% grass fed cows. I know it's a lot of money, but the nutrition really is worth it! I actually think you're getting a good deal, lol! Half of what I pay! I'm excited for you! And yes, I'm blessed with Azure, and I don't take it for granted at all. It's a wonderful company!

Hey Megan, I can totally understand why you're feeling a little overwhelmed, and asking for guest posters! Truth is, I'll be doing the same in just a few short weeks as I get ready for baby's arrival. :) I was going to offer to do a guest post on homebirth, but I see that you've already had a plethora of offers! That's great! I'm also for not vaccinating, but truthfully I don't know that I have the time or stamina these days to come up with a post that I feel is well-thought out, researched, etc. enough on such a volatile topic. Let me know, though, if I can help out with something that you think I could write on for ya. :) Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home

Hey Megan, I can totally understand why you're feeling a little overwhelmed, and asking for guest posters! Truth is, I'll be doing the same in just a few short weeks as I get ready for baby's arrival. :) I was going to offer to do a guest post on homebirth, but I see that you've already had a plethora of offers! That's great! I'm also for not vaccinating, but truthfully I don't know that I have the time or stamina these days to come up with a post that I feel is well-thought out, researched, etc. enough on such a volatile topic. Let me know, though, if I can help out with something that you think I could write on for ya. :) Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home

Great reminder, Megan! It is TOTALLY about what God is speaking to us, not about all of the various opinions of man. Though some may be wise and may have been led of God, ultimately He can and will speak to us in our own circumstance, showing us what is best for the family He has blessed us with. You're not alone in struggling with that false guilt, either. It is so easy to see/read/hear about what others do, and suddenly put these expectations on myself that don't necessarily have anything to do with me at all. Oh, I wish I spent so much more time simply sitting at His feet, asking what He has for me, instead of looking around at everyone else! I'm so glad those words offered you encouragement this week. I know that I was so challenged and encouraged by them myself last weekend, and it has helped not only my attitude, but my example. My kids and I had a great time getting some work done together this week, and it was actually such a joy to do it with them, teaching and training them. :) Blessings on your computer-less weekend, friend! (Love your new stuff over at Simple Kids, too!) Stephanie Keeper of the Home

Great reminder, Megan! It is TOTALLY about what God is speaking to us, not about all of the various opinions of man. Though some may be wise and may have been led of God, ultimately He can and will speak to us in our own circumstance, showing us what is best for the family He has blessed us with. You're not alone in struggling with that false guilt, either. It is so easy to see/read/hear about what others do, and suddenly put these expectations on myself that don't necessarily have anything to do with me at all. Oh, I wish I spent so much more time simply sitting at His feet, asking what He has for me, instead of looking around at everyone else! I'm so glad those words offered you encouragement this week. I know that I was so challenged and encouraged by them myself last weekend, and it has helped not only my attitude, but my example. My kids and I had a great time getting some work done together this week, and it was actually such a joy to do it with them, teaching and training them. :) Blessings on your computer-less weekend, friend! (Love your new stuff over at Simple Kids, too!) Stephanie Keeper of the Home

Awww, thanks for the link and mention! :) And we've all been cranky, meanie moms at different times. Hang in there, hon! What you're doing is such a good thing and will be worth it after this first tough week! Why don't you send me an email, Megan? I had previously emailed you, but I'm thinking you must not have gotten it. I have a proposition for you. :) Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home

Fun shop! I really loved the gardening themed stuff... especially the framed tile and prints. The flower stuff was cute as well, and the cards would make really nice all-purpose cards to have around.

I came here for info on wool soakers, and ended up getting caught up by the discussion. Great topic! :) To be honest, I would say that it is because of the child-centered family practices (that often do put marriages below the needs of the child) that I prefer not to refer to myself as an AP'er. Though I practice and believe in many of the same things (on demand and extended nursing, some co-sleeping, baby wearing, etc.), this has been one of the issues that I can't reconcile myself with (not the co-sleeping per se, but rather my belief that the marriage is primary and foundational, above parent-child relationships. Personally, we've made our nighttime arrangements based primarily on the needs of my husband and I, and the health of our relationship, over and above what might be ideal for the baby. That isn't to say that we don't take our babies and their needs into strong consideration, because we do, but when we start to get to a place where it feels like co-sleeping and room sharing is no longer allowing us to keep our marriage strong and central, then it's time to change things up. I like what you said in your last comment- that it doesn't have to be either/or and that it is about balance. I agree. I'm interested to read your next post on this topic! :) Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home

So. positively. precious. I love it!