Weaning....by the signs!

You know those people who can always forecast the weather by the signs in nature? My grandparents are those people. I aspire to be one of those people. I would love to know that we will have a wet winter just by the signs! I think it'd make me seem wise.... ;)

I had my first successful experience with "the signs" a few months ago: WEANING!!

Now I, in now way, believe in astrology. But, I believe in the wisdom of those older and more experienced than I. So, I took my family's recommendation to wean my baby boy toddler "by the signs."

Samuel was becoming attached to his bottle. He only took a bottle before his nap and bedtime, but he had become attached to it in order to fall asleep. He's a "sleep training" baby, so he can fall asleep on his own, but the bottle had become his signal for sleep. He was also approaching his 18 month check-up, and I knew his dr would ask about the bottle - so, the week before his appointment, we stopped! ;)

I was told that the last week of June 2013 would be the best week to take away the bottle, cold-turkey, because of "the signs." I had NO IDEA what sign this was, but I figured it was worth a try since my family had previous success with it.

Turns out, the Farmer's Almanac had all the info on these signs. The link to a weaning and potty training schedule is here. (Evidently, these signs can also be used for weaning your livestock, as well. ha.)

It worked! We gave our baby little boy oatmeal (instead of a bottle) before bed and read his usual book. He cried his normal amount before settling down and sleeping through the night, but he never seemed to miss the bottle. (and we haven't missed paying the bill for Nutramigen!) He did cry for his "bah" when he saw one, but once they were out of sight, they were out of mind. We stopped cold-turkey that week, and we've not looked back!

I think I know where I'll turn when it's time for potty training! (eek).

A Lazy Girl's Peach Cobbler

I must confess, I have a sweet tooth. Not for candy, but for desserts. My Pinterest dessert board is overloaded with recipes I intend to make....I usually never get around to baking them, but today, I made one!

This recipe is SO easy - I tweeked it a lot and it turned out great!

Peach Cobbler

7-8 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
1/2 box of yellow cake mix
1 stick of unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
handful of dark brown sugar
sprinkle of cinnamon

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Grease a 9x13 dish. Place peaches in prepared dish.
3. Sprinkle with dark brown sugar and cinnamon. Top with cake mix.
4. Place the butter on top of the cake mix.
5. Bake 35-45 minutes or until cake mix is browned.

(if the cake mix seems dry, sprinkle with water and/or stir the cobbler just enough to moistened the dry spots)

(my oven took FOREVER to bake - it was close to an hour - I even put it under the broiler on low for a few minutes to brown the top).

Top with vanilla ice cream and ENJOY!!

Book Review

I love reviewing books for Bethany House Publishers! I love getting books for free to read and blog about them! This was my first book, (I didn't get my requested title for June... :( ). I really enjoyed this book!


While I admit that this book starts out slow with numerous introductions to various characters, it does get better!
I was overwhelmed with the number of characters that were introduced in the first few chapters - I found myself re-reading sections to make sure I knew "who was who". After finished the book, I realized that this is #2 in a series.(I received the Kindle version, so I didn't see the large print on the cover that reads, 'Book Two'. lol)
 Had I read #1, I would have known the characters, BUT, not having read #1, I did not miss anything while reading this book. I completely understand the story and the characters without reading #1.

Like most Christian romance fiction, this story involves a fire. Apart from that cliche, but the author did a good job with keeping the twists in the plot unique. I found myself trying to guess what would happen next, based upon other Christian romance fiction books I had read by other authors, but I was, thankfully, wrong each time. This book is entertaining and intriguing!!

The author kept my attention with her characters - I found myself swooning over Eoghan, and cheering for the two main characters. The are beautifully written and come to life on the page.

I did find that the Irish "slang" was difficult to understand. I could hear the characters speaking with an Irish accent while reading, but I admit, the few slang words confused me, at first.

I would highly recommend this book. It is not a cliche Christian romance story. The characters are beautifully created and the history of the times brought to life with the author's words. There are many twists and turns that keep your attention. You won't be disappointed with this book.