About Me

I am the common-law wife to a wonderful man (Maelduin), who has lead me faithfully for twelve years. I am also the mother of six wonderful children who range in age from three to twenty years old. I am also the grandmother to a beautiful Little Man, born in December of 2011.

We utilize many non-traditional parenting methods. I began cosleeping with my oldest, a “million” years ago, because I felt that we both slept better. We still cosleep with our youngest. I breastfed all but the oldest, and believe whole-heartedly in exclusive, extended breastfeeding and child-led weaning. I have worn them all, starting with the oldest back when I was too young to know it was good for her. I just knew it made my life easier! They were all, at least partially, cloth diapered. They are not (or partially) vaccinated, the boys are intact, and we avoid medication whenever possible. However, Venture Scout (15yo dd) and I are both asthmatics with seasonal and medicinal allergies, and Scout (11yo ds) and I battle migraines, so we use some medications. We limit caffeine, sugar and violence in our home. We try to discuss, rather than dictate, rules and provide as much child-autonomy as possible. Our children are currently happily attending the local public school, but we have home-schooled and they have attended parochial school in the past. We believe that learning happens continually and fluidly throughout life.

Lil’ Mama (20yo dd) was a happy, healthy hospital birth with necessary medical interventions. Three were happy natural hospital births, two with midwives. Two were c-sections, one because of breech presentation, and one because our local hospital does not allow VBAC and I preferred a c-section with my doctor to traveling 100 miles to attempt a VBAC.

We live in a small town in southeastern Iowa. I am on the Board of Directors of the local soccer club in which our children play. I knit, crochet, sew, and do needlework. Many, but not all, of our children also do these handcrafts. We are actively involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, theatre, music, and art, and volunteer our time whenever possible. I am a faithful donator of A- blood.

I currently work outside the home as the primary wage earner for our family. I am an independent consultant for The Pampered Chef in my “spare” time. I have also been a full-time stay-at-home-mother, a work-at-home-mother, and a single mother working outside the home. M’duine is a full-time university student and part-time stay-at-home father with a passion for web design and all things tech-related.