Jan
20
2009
20
2009
A big thanks to everyone who contributed ideas for blog posts in 2009…I’m excited to talk to you more about homebirth, unschooling, cloth diapering, my faith, and living green! 
Here is the first round of Q & A…there will be several more in the coming weeks.
Sheri asked:
“What does your typical day look like?”
We don’t really have a “typical” day around our house, but we do have a loose rhythm that we follow. We are blessed in that Matt runs his own business and I work from home (20-25 hrs a week), so we are able to have a pretty flexible schedule. One thing that I am working on changing is my bedtime lately…I tend to stay up late to get stuff done that I didn’t have a chance to do during the day, and end up staying up too late. Which affects my mood in the morning My goal right now is to get to bed early and rise early (as in around 5am)…but it’s an ongoing battle!
7:30-8:00 am:
We all wake up…Matt usually goes to start the fire while Bella and I snuggle in bed.
8:00-9:00 am:
Breakfast together, read Bible, read newspaper, check email.
9:00-10:00 am:
Getting dressed and ready for the day.
10:00-1:00pm:
Depending on what day it is, we have ballet lessons, women’s Bible study, story time, prenatal yoga class, etc.
1:00-5:00 pm:
Home time…Matt might take care of Bella while I work if he’s between job sites, we might do some arts and
crafts, work on reading skills, watch cartoons or a movie, have a tea party, play outside, etc.
5:00-7:00 pm:
Supper prep, family supper, clean up. On Tues. we have small group Bible study at our house.
7:00 pm:
Bella takes a bath and gets her pajamas on.
7:30-8:00 pm:
Matt and I take turns putting Bella to bed each night.
8:00-10:00pm:
Alone time with Matt…usually hanging out in bed with our computers, watching a movie or TV.
10:00-11:00pm:
Goodnight!
LaLibertad asked:
“Were you raised in a religious household and how has your faith changed over time?”
I was definitely raised in a “religious” household…but it was mostly just a Sunday thing and not a relationship with living Savior. I grew up and was confirmed in a Methodist church and went to youth group, etc. mostly to socialize, see the boys, etc It wasn’t until the 8th grade that I really started to “get it”. We moved to a new town and my best friend, Heather (some of you might know her from The Laundry Pile), went to this “weird church” where they put their hands up in the air when they sang and everyone had TONS of kids There was just something so different about their family and their community of friends and I loved being around it. I started going there with her (even though my own family stayed at the Methodist church), and slowly, I came into a more authentic relationship with Christ. We moved again when I was in 10th grade, and my faith wavered a bit. I stopped following wholeheartedly and tended to look to PEOPLE and THINGS to fulfill my needs instead of Jesus. That continued into college…I dated some non-Christian guys and really got off the right path for awhile. But then I met Matt and everything changed. With him, it was so easy to be who Christ had created me to be. He is an incredible man of God and encourages me daily. After that point 10 years ago, I’ve never looked back. This is not to say that I don’t have highs and lows in my faith…I absolutely do. I am not perfect by any means. But God is faithful and is also full of mercy…he sees my faults, but loves me unconditionally, as a father loves his child. I am so thankful for my relationship with Jesus…it’s a source of daily joy and a shelter in the storms of life.
Jeannine asked:
“How did you began your “green” path?”
You can read about my “story” here.
Cassandra asked:
“How are you and your family going to deal with the economic crisis and how do you budget, etc??”
I guess I don’t feel like there is much to “deal” with … we don’t own a home, we don’t have any stocks, and we have a somewhat stable income. We have been living frugally for so long now, it’s just second nature to buy everything used, budget, meal plan, etc. Those things would probably seem like “cutting back” to some, but they are common for us. As far as budgeting, we follow Dave Ramsey’s methods. We LOVE the cash budgeting system and find this is the only way for us to stay on track. I will be doing a post about that in the coming months. God is still sovereign…He is still in control of all things, including the economy. And my hope is not in the economy…it’s in a coming Savior! Times are hard, but God is good and will not leave us in times of trouble. Even if we lost everything…we still have hope and the joy of our salvation.
Heather asked:
“What does your family think of your chosen lifestyle?”
My family and Matt’s family are super supportive of us in everything that we do (which is a blessing!). They will ask the hard questions when we are dreaming up something new (like when we decided to sell everything and travel the country)…but they have been nothing but wonderful throughout this process. When I first decided to have a homebirth with Bella, there were lots of questions…but after I explained the process, etc…they understood my reasoning and were behind it 100%. I do have 3 younger brothers who like to pick on me about not eating meat…which can be annoying at times…but it’s usually just playful bantering back and forth. They all know their sister is a “crazy hippie” (their own words) and they’re cool with that. I guess I don’t even remember most of the time that how we live is different than anyone else It’s just normal life for us.
Elizabeth asked:
“Are you still eating mostly raw…now that you are in such cold country?”
I talk a little about that here. But no…for the time being, I am not eating “mostly raw”. During the first trimester of this pregnancy, it was physically impossible for me to do green smoothies…but now I have been working it back in. They are sooooo cold though! It’s hard to motivate myself to make one when I wake up in a cold house (waiting for the fire to get going). Plus, my midwife has recommend that I gravitate towards “warming foods”…which doesn’t always mean hot foods, but I’m sticking mostly with warm soups, eggs, sandwiches, hot teas, etc. I usually eat the raw kale avocado salad several times a week. I am obsessed with it. The problem is that it tends to give me heartburn while pregnant, but most of the time I just don’t care! We eats lots of fresh fruits and veggies, and eat homemade, whole foods as a general rule. I avoid caffeine, high fructose corn syrups, trans fats, food dyes, preservatives, etc. We still have a very clean diet, it’s just not completely raw anymore and we’re ok with that Eating raw tends to be more expensive as well, and we’re trying to work within a pretty tight budget. I’m looking forward to the summer months, when I can sit down and eat an entire (in season) watermelon! I LOVE the raw diet and believe that it’s the optimal diet for me, but right now in this season of life, it’s been modified a bit.
And EVERYONE asked:
“When do we get to see photos of your new place?!”
Soon…soon…soon! This week we’ve finally gotten some stuff on the walls and are making some steps towards completion. I still have a lot of little projects to do, but I won’t make you wait until those happen…because it could be awhile! I will try to have some photos up in a few weeks, if not sooner.
Posted by Sara @ 9:07 am | Leave a Comment
20
2009
Hi there. I am wondering which of Ramsey’s books or programs you would recommend to read? I’ve been trying to do something to get a grasp on a budget, and I need some advice.
Thanks!
20
2009
I have followed this blog for quite some time. It’s so good to see you back. Loved reading the questions and answers. Can’t wait to read more.
20
2009
Erikka…I would recommend his book, The Total Money Makeover, as a great starting point. Here is a link: http://www.totalmoneymakeover.com/ If you follow his program, you WILL be able to get control of your budget and will feel so much more peace! A further step would be to see if there are any “Financial Peace University” classes taking place in your city. Search for those classes here: http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/
20
2009
Thanks for posting your routine. I want to make our day more predictable for my 19 month old daughter but since structure and routine don’t come naturally to me it’s helpful to read what other people do.
20
2009
I am loving all the questions!! Thanks for sharing your life! I can’t wait to see pics of the new place!
20
2009
Sara,
THIS: “God is still sovereign…He is still in control of all things, including the economy. And my hope is not in the economy…it’s in a coming Savior!” speaks to my soul and brings tears to my eyes. I have been worried about the economy and losing my house, job, etc, and I need to learn how to stop worrying. I need to learn to place everything at Christ’s feet and leave it there. Thank you for sharing that with me. <3 I love your blog and you are truly an inspiration to me!!
20
2009
Just a story … We live in Nashville, and our daughter was in daycare briefly, just about a month, at a local church. They had a harvest celebration at the end of the month, and Dave Ramsey was there helping to set up. He was very friendly, and joked with my husband and me as we exited the church with our sleeping daughter. We were both excited by our Ramsey encounter
20
2009
so fun reading more about you … you sound like you are a delight to be around. i bet MT is BEAUTIFUL!
20
2009
Thank you for doing this, Sara. I thoroughly enjoyed reading, and it feels like sitting across the table, enjoying a good cup of tea/coffee with you.
20
2009
I loved this Sara! And God has certainly worked through Heather and her “weird church” to change my life too
20
2009
Curious…..
why is your midwife recommending “warm foods” right now? something to do with your body type or pregnancy? just wondering.
20
2009
Andrea…she has done a lot of study in ayurvedic and traditional chinese medicine and that has a lot to do with it. So yes…body type I think
I’m still learning more about ayurveda…
20
2009
I just wanted to let you know that you’ve really inspired a change in my relationship with God. I have been looking for the things that He can give me to make my life easier (more cushy), when I now am starting to realize that what will make me happy is following his commands to live with intention ( work harder). Did you eat raw while breastfeeding? I am currently breastfeeding our youngest and feel God leading me to eat foods that don’t comfort me, I need to be comforted by Him. That you have bucked the system I have been afraid to leave behind helps.
20
2009
Ruth…what an awesome realization, so glad I was able to have a little part in that! Bella was 4 when we were eating 100% raw, and yes, I was nursing her at night and in the morning…however, the majority of her food came from other sources so I didn’t pay much attention to my milk supply. I’ve heard from several others that they had trouble keeping their milk supply up on a totally raw diet. I would just listen to your body and watch your supply. Don’t make an overnight change…instead add raw and healthier foods slowly.
20
2009
The Dave Ramsey link didn’t work. =( Mind fixing it because I’m curious to find out what he’s all about!
20
2009
Keri…I tested the links again and they seem to work for me, but try this one too:
http://www.daveramsey.com/
21
2009
Hi Sara,
I too have been trying to sleep earlier and get up earlier (the goal being to spend morning time with God in the morning and sleep better)… and it seems to be one of my hardest habits to get under control. So, I feel you there.
I also wanted to let you know that just reading your post today… and pretty much anytime I read your blog… fills me with hope and peace. I long to live a healthier, more natural life and when I read how you and your family are doing it it gives me hope that God will make a way when the time it right for my life to be lived in a more healthy way. I’m taking little steps as I can now, but it’s not the optimal time for me to just leave my job, etc as I want to do. Anyway, just wanted to tell you that even in the little things, like just talking about your day you bring hope to others. *hugs* Thank you for being such a great example of following Christ.
21
2009
i love the answers to your questions. I neat to get to read more about you and your family.
you continue to be a source of inspiration!
21
2009
heehee…that last question was my unspoken one!
I guess I just can’t wait so I can get some ideas myself! 
21
2009
Sara, I just have to thank you with all my heart for sharing your thoughts and wisdom. It is my own journey towards simplicity, and with Gods guidance, that lead me to your blog 2 years ago. Your experience has really helped my family. I admire you greatly for having the courage to live an authentic life, to listen to your heart and have faith in the passions that God has placed there. I have alot in common with you (although we have never met
) and it’s comforting to know there are others who feel they same way about life. 
21
2009
I can’t wait to see your new place!!!
21
2009
Sara, I haven’t been blogging long, but after reading your posts about the raw diet I decided to take the plunge and do it! I gained quite a bit of weight while caring for my ill Grandmother and have just been totally disgusted with myself! I eat organic only, but there’s a lotta organic goodies out there that still pack on the pounds when you shovel it in! Imagine that!! (: I went ahead and purchased a couple of books about it, but then realized you offer coaching. I’ll be contacting you soon!! Thank you again for all the info and encouragement!
21
2009
Can’t wait for those photos. You always make whatever space you are in so cozy and so Sara. I love it.
22
2009
Hi Sarah,
I’ve been reading your blogs for about 2 years or so. I really like Walk Slowly, Happy Foody, and I also followed the Live Lightly Tour and came to see you at one of your demos.
You talk about so many things that I believe in, as well…simple living, green living, natural parenting, and more.
We’ve simplified and live debt free for years now and we’re pretty green, but always trying to improve.
One thing that struck me when I read this post was how your daily schedule is so open and free, and most importantly, family focused.
I hope you post how you accomplished this through simple living.
Our daily schedule is dominated by work…two careers and long hours seem to take up all our time, and family time/recreation time gets compressed into whereever time is available.
We need to make a change, but the demands of the working world make that challenging.
I’d love to see a post on this sometime! Thanks!
23
2009
Sara, your comments about your friend Heather (from the “weird church”) stirred up some ideas for me, and I would be curious to hear your reaction to them in a future post.
Have you ever wondered how your adolescence might have been different if Heather’s parents had homeschooled? Maybe she never would have influenced your life.
As a member of a religious minority (less than 1 percent of the population), I have put a lot of thought into how to raise our children to be connected to my religion and spirituality. Some Jews believe it’s best to live in neighborhoods with lots of other Jews, or even to send kids to a private Jewish school. They grow up knowing much more Hebrew and Jewish history than I did.
It seems like a lot of Christian homeschoolers are similarly trying to immerse their children in the family’s culture, keeping them sheltered from mainstream culture as much as possible.
I think back on my life and the benefits of attending public schools where almost none of my friends were Jewish. First, I absorbed from an early age that my family did things differently, and we didn’t believe the same things or celebrate the same holidays as most other people. Obviously my parents were doing a lot in the non-school hours to educate me about our religion (I think any involved parent is “homeschooling” to some degree).
I believe that learning from an early age that we don’t follow the mainstream helped me to ignore peer pressure later in adolescence and young adulthood. Maybe it’s more accurate to say that being different, and feeling confident about being different, helped me to choose peers who were tolerant of differences and would not pressure me to do things that went against my values (sex, drugs, drinking).
I also believe that diversity in schools is good, as people are more likely to be ignorant or prejudiced about a group if they’ve never gotten to know anyone from that group.
I would not send my kids to a public school that was terrible or failing on a fundamental level to meet their needs, and I am not against homeschooling. But I wonder if homeschoolers ever consider the benefits of letting their children learn from an early age how to deal with being outside the mainstream in a mainstream environment. There are valuable life lessons there.
Also, while none of my non-Jewish friends became Jewish, I think they would agree that getting to see my “weird church” when I had my bat mitzvah affected their lives in a positive way. So we all benefited from the way public school threw us together.
Which is not to say any parent should rely solely on school to educate their children.
Just some thoughts I’ve had.
23
2009
You are such a breath of fresh air to me. Thank you!
26
2009
Just wanted to let you know that God used you in a neat way (as I’m sure he does often)… about a week ago I was just worshiping God and I felt led to pray for Him to help me & Jeromy learn to manage our money better. It was the next day that I read this post and it sparked my memory… I had a copy of The Total Money Makeover! I’ve had it for a couple of years and never read it. Well, I just finished it today and am SO glad that I did. Thanks!! You were part of an answer to prayer.