Betsy's Blessingway

Last night, my good friends, Terri and Pidge, planned and arranged a Blessingway for me at my home, with some of my good friends and family members. It was an all female event, celebrating birth, womanhood and friendship/family. Blessingways are actually derived from a Native American birth ritual event, so many of the customs and cermonial things in this are Native American. It is supposed to prepare and honor the mother, in preparation for the upcoming birth. It was such a unique and memorable event. All 5 of my dogs also hung out and participated in one way or another...which added some comedy to the situation. I want to thank all my friends and family who participated in this event.

Ken took the kids out for the evening and went to the Lake Erie Monsters hockey game, with Christy's husband, their 3 kids, Kathy's husband, Jeff and my Dad and brother. So, the gals got to hang out alone at home, until at least about 10:30pm or so, and then all the guys ended up crashing the party with us. It ended up being a fairly long ceremony, and wow...I can not describe all the things that happened. You will just have to view some of the photos and see for yourselves.

Here are some fun pictures from last night's Blessingway!

My sister Christy, crowning me with a wreath of flowers!

My Mom bringing a photo of me at age 9...and telling a funny story.

My Mother in Law, giving me a nice necklace, with a family tree and inscription on it.

My friend, Terri, drumming and singing, during the Blessingway ceremony.

The ceremonial circle of women at the event...dogs included.

Here is everyone gathered around me during the ceremony. My sister, Megan (not pictured), took the photo.

My shrine of candles, with the program for the ceremony.

Me with my midwife, Pam. The next photo you will see of me with her, will be at the birth!!

This is me with some great friends, Pidge, Lori and Terri.

My brother, Brian, modeling the lovely Belly Cast that my friends helped to create with me before the Blessingway!

My sister Megan, my Aunt Barbara, friend Bessie, me, sister Christy, sister Kathy, sister Mandy and Mom.

Ken and Betsy...possibly days...or short weeks before welcoming Baby #6.