I haven't written in a while… when you throw kid #4 into the mix and new jobs, things get set aside.
But today I felt the urge to write. So here goes.
We've reached the end of the JBQ Quiz Season this year. This has been a difficult year as far as quizzing goes, because all 3 of my older kids were quizzing. While my husband worked almost full time out of town. It left a lot on my plate.
EE picked things up naturally. She's extremely shy and quiet, but fiercely competitive. It is quite the combination.
SJ did it this year so EE would have a beginner team to compete with, she didn't want to go up to juniors just yet.
SB on the other hand… She's a unique soul, not competitive, but wants to do her best. She actually does better in a smaller setting than a larger one, but that's an article for another day.
This weekend was the State Finals. Both teams qualified to compete at the National Tournament this summer. I'm very proud of the hard work they've done the last 9 months, only 1 left!
At the end of the tournament, each year the team goes out to lunch. It was pouring down rain, and I had kids and diaper bags in my hand. I'm 99.9% sure I locked my car, but since the viper keyless entry doesn't beep, without going back and checking, I had to trust that it worked.
We enjoyed a decent meal at Macaroni Grille. Not the best, but I tried to keep costs low, knowing I've got a trip to Nationals to save up for in a month.During the meal, I started to feel like it was time to go. I didn't want to be rude - the food wasn't even there yet - and the kids were having fun. Part of me now realized I probably should have just gone. Because 30 or so minutes later, when we left, I found that my car had been broken into, and my stereo was stollen.
It had been a Christmas gift from my husband, and inside was a CD that belonged to my girls. I was thankful for my husband's cousins' being there to help me; this was the last thing I would have thought to have happened. I mean, it was POURING BUCKETS!
EE took it really hard. None of our personal belongings were taken, even my computer was left alone (PRAISE GOD!!!!!). But she felt so violated, and found herself not trusting anyone or anything.
Our cousin and BQ coach prayed with her before we left the restaurant parking lot. As we were driving to see daddy at work, I asked them to think of verses they'd learned that would fit this situation: to help calm the fear, the actions of the person who committed the crime, how we should move on… I was proud. Here are the verses they gave me, and their explanations:
Proverbs 13:11 - Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase. Kids - Vanity is being selfish, and stealing is selfish, and so they will be punished.
Proverbs 18:10 - The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Kids - we don't have to be afraid, Jesus is taking care of us. But we still have to be smart and careful with important things. Family is the most important!
Proverbs 10:1 - The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. Kids - I bet this guys mom is really disappointed that he does stuff like this.
But my favorite:
Proverbs 1:7 -The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Kids - They were probably told it's wrong to steal, so they're being naughty and not listening to what they were taught when they were kids. Unless they were taught it's ok to steal, which is bad. They should go to church and meet Jesus.
I'm so mad at myself. I should have gone back to check, or left when I got the feeling like it was time to go. I try to do everything myself, and it's hard when you've got 4 kids, things fall through the cracks. My family's safety shouldn't be one of them.
But I KNOW I hit the button. It never beeps when it locks, which is a feature I don't like. And in the rain, I thought I did see the front lights flash. It doesn't look like a slim-jim was used, but with all the rain, maybe evidence washed away?
I know that God had His hand over my family today. It may seem silly, but even out of this awful and violating experience, life lessons were learned, teaching moments happened, and my kids saw me turn to God instead of freaking out.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Hair Donations
I saw Facebook posts from La Luna Salon & Spa, of the ladies who donated their hair. It got me thinking...
Over the last 7 1/2 years, I've donated over 50 INCHES to be made into wigs for cancer patients through Pantene Beautiful Lengths!
I'm thankful to be able to give something, even as simple as my hair, to those who are going through a difficult time. If my tiny gesture, small sacrifice, can bring a smile to someone's face, than it was all worth it.
17in, Oct. 2007 (at La Luna),
18in, Spring 2009 (Thank you Cara)
17in, summer 2011 (Thank you Jenn)…
Over the last 7 1/2 years, I've donated over 50 INCHES to be made into wigs for cancer patients through Pantene Beautiful Lengths!
I'm thankful to be able to give something, even as simple as my hair, to those who are going through a difficult time. If my tiny gesture, small sacrifice, can bring a smile to someone's face, than it was all worth it.
17in, Oct. 2007 (at La Luna),
18in, Spring 2009 (Thank you Cara)
17in, summer 2011 (Thank you Jenn)…
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Two Teeth in One Day
My youngest child (for now), my little man, my premie baby. He's all grown up now, he's lost his 2 front teeth. Less than 10 hours apart.
I woke up to my kids screaming; I thought something was wrong. Pregnant women don't usually move as quickly as I did. So they came running to me. And there it was, my little guy, holding his first baby tooth.
When his sisters lost their teeth, they were loose for over a month. The adult teeth were actually growing in behind the baby teeth (it was actually kinds weird, I'd never seen that before.) And they lost their first (and second) tooth just around their 6th birthdays
But for him, a few days of wigglers, and it was out. He said he touched it with his tongue and it just fell out. A whole month earlier than his sisters did.
I woke up to my kids screaming; I thought something was wrong. Pregnant women don't usually move as quickly as I did. So they came running to me. And there it was, my little guy, holding his first baby tooth.
When his sisters lost their teeth, they were loose for over a month. The adult teeth were actually growing in behind the baby teeth (it was actually kinds weird, I'd never seen that before.) And they lost their first (and second) tooth just around their 6th birthdays
But for him, a few days of wigglers, and it was out. He said he touched it with his tongue and it just fell out. A whole month earlier than his sisters did.
At dinner that night, I asked him how his other tooth felt. It was barely hanging on. So I told him to get me a tissue. I didn't even have to pull. It just fell out.
So now, my baby boy, my sickly little premie, my first child to need stitches and surgery, is without his front teeth.
Friday, March 21, 2014
Dealing With Mean Girls
Third Grade
That's when it really started for me. Something about 8 and 9 year old kids, especially girls, that this age is when they try to test the power of control over others.
I'd experienced it for myself, and now I'm starting to see it affecting my daughter.
I'd been made fun of for the clothes that I wore, how long my hair was, my slight Boston accent, stupid petty things. And yet, it really affected me. No matter how hard I'd try to ignore it, I couldn't avoid it. It continued through junior high and high school; I couldn't avoid it.
And now it's my daughter's turn. She was telling us about a situation, and she told us she tried to talk to the girl, but it sounded like she was trying to dish it back, and failing at it. She was being made fun of because of how she wears her hair, and because she did Bible Quizzing.
I sat and talked with her, trying not to cry. I told her that just because that girl might like the headbands with lots of sparkles and big bows, doesn't mean she has to. They don't stay in her hair very well. And if it's "too long" (as I was often teased for), maybe she's jealous because her mom cuts her hair short. My daughter has hair that most women swoon over, asking to borrow her for a little while to take to their colorist so they can get color just like hers.
My daughter is not athletic… she's tried sports, but they're just not her thing. She's not a bad runner though, but she doesn't want to be a runner. She likes music and reading. I'm not going to force her into team sports unless she wants to try it. But she loves Bible Quizzing. She's proud of the work that she's done. But in a public school, she doesn't get an opportunity to share her experiences and talents. Other kids who aren't active in a church don't see this as a real activity. She should be proud of her hard work, and even if the kids at school don't recognize her accomplishments, I know many parents who are.
As she was getting ready for school today, I told her that if someone is trying to say something to bring you down, just walk away. If they continue bothering you, and it's hard to ignore them, just pray for them; because even if they don't seem likable at that moment, Jesus still loves them.
As a mom, who was in her shoes, I just want to protect her. But most importantly, I need to let her grow and handle things on her own.
Have you had to deal with mean girls? How did you deal with it?
That's when it really started for me. Something about 8 and 9 year old kids, especially girls, that this age is when they try to test the power of control over others.
I'd experienced it for myself, and now I'm starting to see it affecting my daughter.
I'd been made fun of for the clothes that I wore, how long my hair was, my slight Boston accent, stupid petty things. And yet, it really affected me. No matter how hard I'd try to ignore it, I couldn't avoid it. It continued through junior high and high school; I couldn't avoid it.
And now it's my daughter's turn. She was telling us about a situation, and she told us she tried to talk to the girl, but it sounded like she was trying to dish it back, and failing at it. She was being made fun of because of how she wears her hair, and because she did Bible Quizzing.
I sat and talked with her, trying not to cry. I told her that just because that girl might like the headbands with lots of sparkles and big bows, doesn't mean she has to. They don't stay in her hair very well. And if it's "too long" (as I was often teased for), maybe she's jealous because her mom cuts her hair short. My daughter has hair that most women swoon over, asking to borrow her for a little while to take to their colorist so they can get color just like hers.
My daughter is not athletic… she's tried sports, but they're just not her thing. She's not a bad runner though, but she doesn't want to be a runner. She likes music and reading. I'm not going to force her into team sports unless she wants to try it. But she loves Bible Quizzing. She's proud of the work that she's done. But in a public school, she doesn't get an opportunity to share her experiences and talents. Other kids who aren't active in a church don't see this as a real activity. She should be proud of her hard work, and even if the kids at school don't recognize her accomplishments, I know many parents who are.
As she was getting ready for school today, I told her that if someone is trying to say something to bring you down, just walk away. If they continue bothering you, and it's hard to ignore them, just pray for them; because even if they don't seem likable at that moment, Jesus still loves them.
As a mom, who was in her shoes, I just want to protect her. But most importantly, I need to let her grow and handle things on her own.
Have you had to deal with mean girls? How did you deal with it?
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Kindness of Strangers
Over the last few weeks, my family has been blessed by the kindness of complete strangers.
Joni from FreeTastesGood.com had coordinated a meal sign up for my family for a few weeks. With the exception of 3 people, we knew none of the families who had signed up to bring dinners.
I know the weather made things difficult and prevented some families from being able to help, but their kindness is still very much appreciated.
From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU! We look forward to being able to pass the blessing forward.
Thanks to:
The Bryan Family
The Cain Family
The Cavin Family
The Charles Family
The Crawford Family
The Crothers Family
The Cutre Family
The Dillingham Family
The Hicks Family
The Hill Family
The Hough Family
The Kryminski Family
The Rasor Family
The Reau Family
The Vogt Family
The Szyperski Family
The Thompson Family
The Vogt Family
The Wilcox Family
Joni from FreeTastesGood.com had coordinated a meal sign up for my family for a few weeks. With the exception of 3 people, we knew none of the families who had signed up to bring dinners.
I know the weather made things difficult and prevented some families from being able to help, but their kindness is still very much appreciated.
From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU! We look forward to being able to pass the blessing forward.
Thanks to:
The Bryan Family
The Cain Family
The Cavin Family
The Charles Family
The Crawford Family
The Crothers Family
The Cutre Family
The Dillingham Family
The Hicks Family
The Hill Family
The Hough Family
The Kryminski Family
The Rasor Family
The Reau Family
The Vogt Family
The Szyperski Family
The Thompson Family
The Vogt Family
The Wilcox Family
Friday, February 28, 2014
Our First Surgery
My little guy was the first of my kids to need a procedure done.
He had his adenoids out a few days ago, though we've been planning for this for a couple of months (delayed due to weather and pregnancy issues.)
Aside from his awful snoring, and possible sleep apnea, his speech and hearing was greatly affected by the 85% blockage his adenoids had caused. We'd been slowly preparing him for this day, calling it a procedure, and not a surgery. I don't know why, that just sounded better to us. When we did use the word "surgery," it was our daughters who freaked out, not him.
The night before we let him stay up to hydrate and snack. I think he outlasted daddy, who fell asleep on the couch at 10, Steven went to bed shortly after. The next morning, we let him stay in bed until we had to go, we didn't want to have to worry about him asking for breakfast. But he didn't, thankfully.
He brought his favorite puppy with him, and when we were checking in, they even gave puppy a wrist band. He hated having to put on the hospital pajamas, and when they said he couldn't wear his underwear, just incase he had an accident, he asked if he had to wear a baby diaper (so cute).
The nurses all adored him. Anytime someone new came in the room, they'd ask "Can you tell me you're whole name?" and all giggled when he did… something about the way he said "The Third" I think. The anesthesiologist came in to talk with us, again, he was quite impressed with how thorough the answers to his questions Steven gave him.
The anesthesiologist gave me some advice regarding the baby… he could see I was having contractions. When I told him I was only 31 weeks he explained why the steroid shots are good, and that if I can make it past at least 32 weeks, baby will be perfectly fine. He filled it with a lot of technical stuff, which I tried to look like I was listening to, but I was here for Steven today.
Steven started to freak out a bit after all the nurses left, and then he heard "Dr. Duck." Dr. Merrill was absolutely fabulous, and made Steven feel so much better. And me, for that matter. I hated saying goodbye to my guy, but I knew he was in good hands.
And quick hands too. The procedure was done in less than 20 minutes. I was so anxious to see him. I guess when it was over and they stopped the anesthesia, he woke up and freaked out. So they gave him more "giggle gas" to calm him down.
When they brought me to him, he looked so sad. The nurses were trying to feed him a mashed up popsicle, but he didn't want it. He just wanted to go home. And he was mad that there was no TV - the nurses told him in pre-op that he could watch TV.
He got sick as he was being wheeled out to the car, which I was afraid of. But also kinda glad it didn't happen in the car.
He just relaxed and watched cartoons for a few hours, we both napped for a bit (stressful day for a pregnant mom). When he woke up, with the exception of a raspy voice, he was almost normal. I took the advice of friends and programed his Tylenol/Motrin doses for every 3 hours, on the dot, and that seemed to keep any pain away. He wasn't 100%, but was playing with his toys, and looking at books and moving around just fine.
Two days later, not so much. I really wanted to take my daughters to their JBQ tournament (Thank you Dillingham Family!), but due to my condition and Steven, hubby wouldn't let me take the almost 4 hour drive. Which, as much as I hated it, ended up being a good thing. Poor guy did not have a good morning, and refused to get out of bed for several hours. I kept up with his meds, but it took a while to get him up and going.
Now, therapy foods: Room temperature definitely worked best for him. I had purchased PediaSure, pudding and Jell-o, as well as Go-Gurts and Ice-Pops. He really only wanted the pudding, Jell-o and PediaSure. Oh, and my Shakes from New-Trition (though I made him his own at home without ice). He really wanted a grilled cheese sandwich, but I was told not to let him eat until day 4 or 5. He didn't like that so much.
We went in to this procedure knowing that his adenoids were huge, and that was affecting the number, and severity, of his ear infections, which in turn affected hearing and speech. Within the first day, we noticed improvements. The first time I heard him say "Samantha" and not "Saman-ta" I almost cried.
Thanks again to Dr. Merrill for taking such amazing care of my son.
He had his adenoids out a few days ago, though we've been planning for this for a couple of months (delayed due to weather and pregnancy issues.)
Aside from his awful snoring, and possible sleep apnea, his speech and hearing was greatly affected by the 85% blockage his adenoids had caused. We'd been slowly preparing him for this day, calling it a procedure, and not a surgery. I don't know why, that just sounded better to us. When we did use the word "surgery," it was our daughters who freaked out, not him.
The night before we let him stay up to hydrate and snack. I think he outlasted daddy, who fell asleep on the couch at 10, Steven went to bed shortly after. The next morning, we let him stay in bed until we had to go, we didn't want to have to worry about him asking for breakfast. But he didn't, thankfully.
He brought his favorite puppy with him, and when we were checking in, they even gave puppy a wrist band. He hated having to put on the hospital pajamas, and when they said he couldn't wear his underwear, just incase he had an accident, he asked if he had to wear a baby diaper (so cute).
The nurses all adored him. Anytime someone new came in the room, they'd ask "Can you tell me you're whole name?" and all giggled when he did… something about the way he said "The Third" I think. The anesthesiologist came in to talk with us, again, he was quite impressed with how thorough the answers to his questions Steven gave him.
The anesthesiologist gave me some advice regarding the baby… he could see I was having contractions. When I told him I was only 31 weeks he explained why the steroid shots are good, and that if I can make it past at least 32 weeks, baby will be perfectly fine. He filled it with a lot of technical stuff, which I tried to look like I was listening to, but I was here for Steven today.
Steven started to freak out a bit after all the nurses left, and then he heard "Dr. Duck." Dr. Merrill was absolutely fabulous, and made Steven feel so much better. And me, for that matter. I hated saying goodbye to my guy, but I knew he was in good hands.
And quick hands too. The procedure was done in less than 20 minutes. I was so anxious to see him. I guess when it was over and they stopped the anesthesia, he woke up and freaked out. So they gave him more "giggle gas" to calm him down.
When they brought me to him, he looked so sad. The nurses were trying to feed him a mashed up popsicle, but he didn't want it. He just wanted to go home. And he was mad that there was no TV - the nurses told him in pre-op that he could watch TV.
He got sick as he was being wheeled out to the car, which I was afraid of. But also kinda glad it didn't happen in the car.
He just relaxed and watched cartoons for a few hours, we both napped for a bit (stressful day for a pregnant mom). When he woke up, with the exception of a raspy voice, he was almost normal. I took the advice of friends and programed his Tylenol/Motrin doses for every 3 hours, on the dot, and that seemed to keep any pain away. He wasn't 100%, but was playing with his toys, and looking at books and moving around just fine.
Two days later, not so much. I really wanted to take my daughters to their JBQ tournament (Thank you Dillingham Family!), but due to my condition and Steven, hubby wouldn't let me take the almost 4 hour drive. Which, as much as I hated it, ended up being a good thing. Poor guy did not have a good morning, and refused to get out of bed for several hours. I kept up with his meds, but it took a while to get him up and going.
Now, therapy foods: Room temperature definitely worked best for him. I had purchased PediaSure, pudding and Jell-o, as well as Go-Gurts and Ice-Pops. He really only wanted the pudding, Jell-o and PediaSure. Oh, and my Shakes from New-Trition (though I made him his own at home without ice). He really wanted a grilled cheese sandwich, but I was told not to let him eat until day 4 or 5. He didn't like that so much.
We went in to this procedure knowing that his adenoids were huge, and that was affecting the number, and severity, of his ear infections, which in turn affected hearing and speech. Within the first day, we noticed improvements. The first time I heard him say "Samantha" and not "Saman-ta" I almost cried.
Thanks again to Dr. Merrill for taking such amazing care of my son.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Looking For "Alternative Therapy" to Compliment Prenatal Care!
(Follow along my story at www.sociablysurvivingHG.blogspot.com)
I'm currently at 30 weeks, and cannot have any additional treatments after week 34. They all just stop.
Now, with the steroid and magnesium, if I deliver at 34 weeks, our NICU time is predicted to be very short, doctor doesn't think it would be more that 2 weeks.
But I don't want to go into labor the week after all my meds stop. I'd really like to make it to at least 36 weeks this time. I don't want the fear of NICU time.
So I'm looking to my Northwest Ohio friends: if you know of any "alternative therapy" providers with experience in treating high-risk pregnant women in their third trimester, please let me know. I'd really like to stop taking the Procardia, and I'd really like to make it to AT LEAST March 25 (36 weeks)!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
More Snow Days
I feel like my kids are being cheated out of their education.
First the Common Core rubbish, now, excessive snow days.
They have been in school a whopping 8 days in the month of January. It's really taking a toll on them; they're tired of being in the house, they miss their friends, they've read all their books (print and on the kindle), and the girls are almost 2 weeks ahead in their Bible Quizzing memorization.
I get it, today the high is -9… it's too cold to let the kids go to the bus stops or walk to school. Yesterday we had a snow. I'm not complaining that they shouldn't have canceled schools, I'm just saying, my kids are bored.
With me being on bed rest, I can't really entertain them the way I'd like to. And I hate to have the TV or video games on all day. They've done their computer games to practice math (which I hate, but what ever), and the printer is out of ink, so I can't print out any worksheets for them.
I'm thinking I'm going to have to stock up on some more activities… maybe even have them over-nighted from Amazon, just in case there is no school tomorrow, too.
First the Common Core rubbish, now, excessive snow days.
They have been in school a whopping 8 days in the month of January. It's really taking a toll on them; they're tired of being in the house, they miss their friends, they've read all their books (print and on the kindle), and the girls are almost 2 weeks ahead in their Bible Quizzing memorization.
I get it, today the high is -9… it's too cold to let the kids go to the bus stops or walk to school. Yesterday we had a snow. I'm not complaining that they shouldn't have canceled schools, I'm just saying, my kids are bored.
With me being on bed rest, I can't really entertain them the way I'd like to. And I hate to have the TV or video games on all day. They've done their computer games to practice math (which I hate, but what ever), and the printer is out of ink, so I can't print out any worksheets for them.
I'm thinking I'm going to have to stock up on some more activities… maybe even have them over-nighted from Amazon, just in case there is no school tomorrow, too.
Friday, January 24, 2014
My Issues with Common Core Curriculums
Common Core
It's a phrase that most parents I know have come to dread.
I understand that it's just a level of standards that they children need to learn by the end of the year, and how the teachers teach it is their discretion.
However... The programs that appear to have been made available to the teachers are, in my honest opinion, ridiculous.
I'm annoyed at the fact that my daughters rarely come home with homework. They can't build a study routine when they don't have studying to do. We limit screen time, so these practice websites are not my top choice. I purchased math workbooks to supplement, but it's not enough. And when they do come home with homework, we are overwhelmed with questions, because it's a printed page, and there is no text book to help them find the answers.
My biggest critique is of this math program; it doesn't cater to my eldest daughter's learning style. 2+2=4. It always will. She hates having to learn all these other devices to come up with the same answer. And the terminology they want the kids to learn. It's all "grouping;" not carrying over or borrowing. If you want to make it make sense, use terms that a kid will understand.
My eldest is learning multiplication now. I don't remember learning it until the fourth grade, she's in third. But some of the stuff she's brought home looks like algebra, which isn't a bad thing, necessarily. But the problems are written poorly:
Then we get things like this:
I know from the parent-teacher conferences a few months ago that their teachers aren't happy with this curriculum, but don't mind the standards. Both my girls have exhibited exceptionally high standardized test scores (which is what schools ALL ABOUT, right?) and read/comprehend 2 grade levels above where they are.
But they are bored; not feeling challenged, but confused by the "silly work."
Seriously, though… homeschooling and private school are starting to look a lot better now...
It's a phrase that most parents I know have come to dread.
I understand that it's just a level of standards that they children need to learn by the end of the year, and how the teachers teach it is their discretion.
However... The programs that appear to have been made available to the teachers are, in my honest opinion, ridiculous.
I'm annoyed at the fact that my daughters rarely come home with homework. They can't build a study routine when they don't have studying to do. We limit screen time, so these practice websites are not my top choice. I purchased math workbooks to supplement, but it's not enough. And when they do come home with homework, we are overwhelmed with questions, because it's a printed page, and there is no text book to help them find the answers.
My biggest critique is of this math program; it doesn't cater to my eldest daughter's learning style. 2+2=4. It always will. She hates having to learn all these other devices to come up with the same answer. And the terminology they want the kids to learn. It's all "grouping;" not carrying over or borrowing. If you want to make it make sense, use terms that a kid will understand.
My eldest is learning multiplication now. I don't remember learning it until the fourth grade, she's in third. But some of the stuff she's brought home looks like algebra, which isn't a bad thing, necessarily. But the problems are written poorly:
2 x 2 + 2 = __So, does anyone see the problem with this question?
(2 x 2) + 2 = 6
2 x (2 + 2) = 8So which is it that they're asking for? I had her write it both ways… a week later, I haven't seen the graded assignment, so I don't know which was the answer they were looking for.
Then we get things like this:
This is a practice test. There is no explanation that each X=1 "creature." Then, what if the child doesn't know that an ant has 6 legs or the spider has 8 legs, because they haven't covered insects in science.
For my husband to see homework like this and say "Maybe it is time to look into private school," it's serious.
I know from the parent-teacher conferences a few months ago that their teachers aren't happy with this curriculum, but don't mind the standards. Both my girls have exhibited exceptionally high standardized test scores (which is what schools ALL ABOUT, right?) and read/comprehend 2 grade levels above where they are.
But they are bored; not feeling challenged, but confused by the "silly work."
Seriously, though… homeschooling and private school are starting to look a lot better now...
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Hospital Food
I had to spend the weekend in the hospital with some baby issues. Baby is healthy, big and strong. Now just time to build my strength.
But how the heck do they think they're going to build up someone's strength with that food?
I mean, really?
I was there 3 days. I had 8 meals during my stay. 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners.
Breakfast was the same options every day: eggs (scrambled or hard boiled), several choice of bread, a few cereals and juice. I ordered the same thing each day: Scrambled Eggs, Frosted Flakes, wheat toast & jelly, and apple juice and decafe tea. I know they probably use a pre-mixed egg product, but each day the texture was different, and usually cold by the time it got to me. The "toast" was just a slice of bread. The hot water for the tea was never hot. Thank goodness for the cereal!
Lunch and dinner, a different story. My first day, I was not given a full menu to chose from, just the daily options. I had forgotten that vegetarian options were available (as they had been 6 years ago when I had my son). So I mostly ordered sides. Soup, salad, potato, mixed veggies and a dinner roll.
The first day, no problem. They gave me what I ordered. But day 2, they made it up! I had been transferred to a different room, in the wing with all the moms who recently delivered (instead of being with all the moms in labor). So maybe that's why the nutritional team felt the need to put the gross meats on my plate, and NOT my vegetable medley. I mean, the chicken could have been edible, if it wasn't mostly bone. And salisbury steak? I don't eat beef, but even if I did, that looked gross. I was offered a grilled cheese, but by the looks of the breakfast "toast," I passed.
Yay for my nurse, tracking down the vegetarian menu for me. She got me a yummy hummus plate.
I've been tracking my food intake for a few years, monitoring my diet. Especially the last 6 months. This weekend, I was barely hitting 1200 calories, when I need to be getting at least 1700. I was missing my protein shakes. I was missing variety. I was missing food that actually had flavor!
I know they make thousands of plates at each meal, and that delivery time can affect food temperatures and so forth. I totally get that. But seriously?
And I was really surprised by their "Plate Mandate". On the menu, it had a circle of what your plate should look like: Protein, Vegetables/Fruit, Carbs and Dairy. However: At breakfast, no fruit or vegetable was offered, only juice. And juice was listed as a "carb". I got some flack for posting that image on Facebook. I know that the sugars in fruits are technically a carb, but when I need to fill 1/4 of my plate with a fruit or veggie, shouldn't you offer one for breakfast?
In the first room I was in, no 'outside food' or additional snacks were allowed. They didn't care as much in the other room, which was good because I had my husband bring me a shake from NewTrition first chance he could get! Ahh.. good ol' Monster Cookie never lets me down!
But how the heck do they think they're going to build up someone's strength with that food?
I mean, really?
I was there 3 days. I had 8 meals during my stay. 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners.
Breakfast was the same options every day: eggs (scrambled or hard boiled), several choice of bread, a few cereals and juice. I ordered the same thing each day: Scrambled Eggs, Frosted Flakes, wheat toast & jelly, and apple juice and decafe tea. I know they probably use a pre-mixed egg product, but each day the texture was different, and usually cold by the time it got to me. The "toast" was just a slice of bread. The hot water for the tea was never hot. Thank goodness for the cereal!
Lunch and dinner, a different story. My first day, I was not given a full menu to chose from, just the daily options. I had forgotten that vegetarian options were available (as they had been 6 years ago when I had my son). So I mostly ordered sides. Soup, salad, potato, mixed veggies and a dinner roll.
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| Dinner |
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| Hummus plate, much better |
I've been tracking my food intake for a few years, monitoring my diet. Especially the last 6 months. This weekend, I was barely hitting 1200 calories, when I need to be getting at least 1700. I was missing my protein shakes. I was missing variety. I was missing food that actually had flavor!
I know they make thousands of plates at each meal, and that delivery time can affect food temperatures and so forth. I totally get that. But seriously?
And I was really surprised by their "Plate Mandate". On the menu, it had a circle of what your plate should look like: Protein, Vegetables/Fruit, Carbs and Dairy. However: At breakfast, no fruit or vegetable was offered, only juice. And juice was listed as a "carb". I got some flack for posting that image on Facebook. I know that the sugars in fruits are technically a carb, but when I need to fill 1/4 of my plate with a fruit or veggie, shouldn't you offer one for breakfast?
Friday, January 17, 2014
Dr. PetPlay is in the House
We recently got a few new iPad games for our kids, that had been free during the Christmas Season.
Dr. PetPlay was one of these games (usually $2.99).
My middle child loves animals (especially cats) and would like to be a vet when she grows up. So this game was PERFECT for her. And her enormous collection of stuffed animals made for a full waiting room.
The kids have spent their days being snowed in taking care of their animals. I was doing some work when I heard an awful cry coming from "The Doctor's Office." It was my son. And his beloved puppy Shadow (named after my parent's dog) had not one, but two broken legs! Thank you creators of Dr. PetPlay for that image for my son.
The tears on his face were real, and the sadness in his voice. But Dr. Emmalee told him that with some bandaids and rest, puppy would be all better.
We've recently been bombarded with animals who needed homes, temporary and permanent. After the snowstorm left an animal shelter without heat, my heart broke and I wanted to help. But I also know the kids wouldn't want to give the animal back, and we're not really in a place to be taking in any animals, especially cats or untrained puppies.
So we'll continue on with the stuffed animals, and visiting adopt-a-thons, waiting for that time when a pet will be a part of our family…. many, many years from now.
Dr. PetPlay was one of these games (usually $2.99).
My middle child loves animals (especially cats) and would like to be a vet when she grows up. So this game was PERFECT for her. And her enormous collection of stuffed animals made for a full waiting room.
The kids have spent their days being snowed in taking care of their animals. I was doing some work when I heard an awful cry coming from "The Doctor's Office." It was my son. And his beloved puppy Shadow (named after my parent's dog) had not one, but two broken legs! Thank you creators of Dr. PetPlay for that image for my son.
The tears on his face were real, and the sadness in his voice. But Dr. Emmalee told him that with some bandaids and rest, puppy would be all better.
We've recently been bombarded with animals who needed homes, temporary and permanent. After the snowstorm left an animal shelter without heat, my heart broke and I wanted to help. But I also know the kids wouldn't want to give the animal back, and we're not really in a place to be taking in any animals, especially cats or untrained puppies.
So we'll continue on with the stuffed animals, and visiting adopt-a-thons, waiting for that time when a pet will be a part of our family…. many, many years from now.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Tummy Aches Return
In the past, we'd dealt with tummy troubles for our eldest. Now it's my middle child's turn.
E has been having tummy issues for months, so after discovered the pattern of right after every meal, we cut everything out and went vegan and gluten free for a few weeks. We slowly added everything back, and found the culprit: dairy.
So we invested in the lactose pills for her to take at meal times, and started giving her pro-biotic pills daily. As long as she takes her meds, she's fine. For the most part, the school has been accommodating to her, giving her dairy free options. But in the case of snacks from classmates, she's often needing reminders to take a pill before she eats it - even dairy in baked goods upset her tummy.
I've been researching natural ways to help her deal with it, even been given some seemingly contradictory advice. But the consensus is to just ELIMINATE all dairy for 3 to 6 months, then introduce it.
That means soy/almond milk alternatives, which can be pretty pricy. She was mostly upset about not being able to have sour cream on her tacos… her favorite part.
Any other Lactose Free families out there with suggestions for me?
E has been having tummy issues for months, so after discovered the pattern of right after every meal, we cut everything out and went vegan and gluten free for a few weeks. We slowly added everything back, and found the culprit: dairy.
So we invested in the lactose pills for her to take at meal times, and started giving her pro-biotic pills daily. As long as she takes her meds, she's fine. For the most part, the school has been accommodating to her, giving her dairy free options. But in the case of snacks from classmates, she's often needing reminders to take a pill before she eats it - even dairy in baked goods upset her tummy.
I've been researching natural ways to help her deal with it, even been given some seemingly contradictory advice. But the consensus is to just ELIMINATE all dairy for 3 to 6 months, then introduce it.
That means soy/almond milk alternatives, which can be pretty pricy. She was mostly upset about not being able to have sour cream on her tacos… her favorite part.
Any other Lactose Free families out there with suggestions for me?
Friday, January 10, 2014
Our Take on "Bread and Milk" Videos
Three extra days of winter break… It would be an understatement to say the kids got a bit stir crazy.
My husband had shown them the infamous "Bread and Milk" YouTube videos, and our theatrical children wanted to make their own.
And so, we did.
My husband had shown them the infamous "Bread and Milk" YouTube videos, and our theatrical children wanted to make their own.
And so, we did.
We were in fact running low on milk, but the Level 3 Emergency that we were under (making it illegal to be on the roads) was going to be lifted soon.
Regardless, the kids had a blast making this, and I crack up every time I see my son on the screen.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Snomageddon 2014
Well, 2014 has certainly been fun!
Living in the midwest, particularly our part of the midwest, snow can be hit or miss. We always seem to be on the cusp of any snow storm that has potential to close the county.
Not this year!
Winter Storms Henry and Ion shut us in, even giving the kids a few extra days off of school from Christmas/Winter break. The hardest part is dealing with the temperatures: The kids WANT to go play in the now, but it's -7 degrees at 1in the afternoon: not really happening.
Snow has kept them in for the most of the past 2 weeks, and they're getting stir crazy in the house. Wasn't it just a couple of weeks ago when we could go for a walk? Now we can't even step outside the house.
AND with this snow emergency (making it illegal to be on the roads, thus businesses are closed), it only figures that I would get a random pregnancy craving...
Living in the midwest, particularly our part of the midwest, snow can be hit or miss. We always seem to be on the cusp of any snow storm that has potential to close the county.
Not this year!
Winter Storms Henry and Ion shut us in, even giving the kids a few extra days off of school from Christmas/Winter break. The hardest part is dealing with the temperatures: The kids WANT to go play in the now, but it's -7 degrees at 1in the afternoon: not really happening.
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| All bundled up for 5 minutes of play |
It was so cold today that we tried the whole "toss boiling water into the air to make snow" thing. Yup, it totally worked. And it was awesome!
The girls were able to get ahead on their bible quizzing verses, and our son is enjoying all the toys he got for Christmas. But they really miss their friends and having someone other than their sibling to play with. School should be back in session tomorrow, right?
AND with this snow emergency (making it illegal to be on the roads, thus businesses are closed), it only figures that I would get a random pregnancy craving...
Friday, January 3, 2014
New Years Resolutions?
I don't have any real "New Years Resolutions." Something always happens and I fail.
Especially now with as sick as I've been, I'm not going to try anything too crazy. I'd say "get healthier," but my doctor doesn't care what I eat or drink at this point, as long as I can keep it down.
With the birth of our 4th child coming however, I really want to try to be more frugal this year.
I coupon occasionally, when it's products that we'd regularly use. I don't do the 'extreme coupon-ing' for major stocking up; I don't buy 12 newspapers and the thought of ordering coupons by mail is weird to be, but some people swear by it. But I love reading coupons blogs to see what kind of deals I can get, if I could manage to get my hand on THAT many coupons…
I've started researching to make my own cleaning and beauty supplies… some other DIY things to save money.
We thought about cloth diapers for the baby, but not sure how the childcare situation will be yet long term, and not everyone is a fan of cloth diapers.
I'm taking the pants that my daughters, which they had received from my cousins, and have grown to tall for (thank you elastic adjusted waistbands!) and turning them into skirts. I don't have a wide variety of Maternity clothes, but I've found patterns to make my own… the catch is finding the energy to do it…
I know many moms who have started their own side businesses - crafts, skin care, etc. But I'm not that crafty and you have to spend money and make a ton of products in hoping to sell a few.
I've tried to sit through those survey sites, too, but I never seem to qualify, so it's almost a waste of my time…
I have a Sam's Club Membership, I'd like to start doing more bulk meal preparations, but again, a lot of it has to do with time and energy…
So at this point, I'm just trying to cut as many corners as I can, trying to set money aside for things like Bible Quiz trips, and maternity leave.
What money saving tips are you using? Any suggestions for me?
Especially now with as sick as I've been, I'm not going to try anything too crazy. I'd say "get healthier," but my doctor doesn't care what I eat or drink at this point, as long as I can keep it down.
With the birth of our 4th child coming however, I really want to try to be more frugal this year.
I coupon occasionally, when it's products that we'd regularly use. I don't do the 'extreme coupon-ing' for major stocking up; I don't buy 12 newspapers and the thought of ordering coupons by mail is weird to be, but some people swear by it. But I love reading coupons blogs to see what kind of deals I can get, if I could manage to get my hand on THAT many coupons…
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| Me and the Coupon Queen herself, Joni Meyer-Crothers at her book signing (FreeTastesGood.com) |
I've started researching to make my own cleaning and beauty supplies… some other DIY things to save money.
We thought about cloth diapers for the baby, but not sure how the childcare situation will be yet long term, and not everyone is a fan of cloth diapers.
I'm taking the pants that my daughters, which they had received from my cousins, and have grown to tall for (thank you elastic adjusted waistbands!) and turning them into skirts. I don't have a wide variety of Maternity clothes, but I've found patterns to make my own… the catch is finding the energy to do it…
I know many moms who have started their own side businesses - crafts, skin care, etc. But I'm not that crafty and you have to spend money and make a ton of products in hoping to sell a few.
I've tried to sit through those survey sites, too, but I never seem to qualify, so it's almost a waste of my time…
I have a Sam's Club Membership, I'd like to start doing more bulk meal preparations, but again, a lot of it has to do with time and energy…
So at this point, I'm just trying to cut as many corners as I can, trying to set money aside for things like Bible Quiz trips, and maternity leave.
What money saving tips are you using? Any suggestions for me?
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Surviving my first year with P.O.T.S.
My New Year's resolution for 2013 was to eat healthier and run a 5k. Who would've thought cutting out french fries and soda would darn near kill me….
I'd been diagnosed with NCS after the birth of my daughter Samantha in 2005. I'd been exhibiting symptoms for YEARS, but because they came and went, and seemed 'unrealistic' to my childhood pediatrician, it was untreated.
I'd spent a few years taking Toporol and a variety of Beta Blockers, all of which were absolutely awful, and actually caused some pretty severe anxiety issues. One morning I woke up and decided that I wasn't going to allow the headaches and dizzy spells control my life, and I threw my pills away, in Jesus Name!
I'd been symptom free for about 3 years, a few bad days here and there, but nothing like it had been. Then Pastor called for a church-wide Daniel Fast, and I thought it was a perfect time for me to cut my yucky soda habit.
And no, I'm not exaggerating when I say it almost killed me - started having my first 'episode' (considered by my neurologist to be seizures) while driving. Not good, but I was able to pull over before things really got dark.
I didn't really realize what was going on. I did a 48 hour detox water drink (water, cucumbers, lemon and mint), to help cleanse out the chemicals in my body. It was suppose to last a week, but I couldn't handle more than 2 days.
I switched to just water, no juice and NO SODA and still felt really dehydrated, like I was voiding more than I was taking in, when I knew I was drinking at least 70 oz each day. Then other weird symptoms started to develop. My word would slur, or I'd use the wrong word completely. I'd loose focus, and would be extremely exhausted. All this within a 1 week period. I went to my doctor (who was a new doctor, fresh out of med school), who was testing me for diabetes, everything came back normal.
So I went to Facebook to lament. I'm thankful I did, because a few high school classmates of mine had also recently experienced similar symptoms and had been given a diagnosis of POTS. So I looked it up. Sure enough, everything I'd been experiencing was right there. So I printed out the information I found and brought it to my next appointment. She'd heard of POTS, but was told in one lecture that covered it, that she'd likely never see a case.
As it happens, she'd had a patient come in earlier that day who also had already been diagnosed with POTS, and was picking her brain about her condition because her case reminded me a lot like mine. My doctor told me that the brain fog and word jumbles were this other patients biggest hurdle, as she was a university professor.
The more research I did, the more people I spoke with, I realized that this was going to be another fun battle. I needed to maintain my BP or the seizure would start again (Gotta love when the Doctor tells you to add salt and caffeine to your diet) and I needed to keep my stress levels low (Did I mention I have 3 kids?).
We tried some meds but I hated them. The Beta blockers gave me anxieties again, and the BP meds made me exhausted. I phased them out and trusted in Healing, because medications were not the answer. I adjusted my diet, added salt (I honestly don't use salt in my cooking) and enjoyed my tea and soda. I also forced myself to drink more sports drinks (the zero calorie ones, which are gross, in my honest opinion).
Now that I'm pregnant, it's brought on all kinds of new experiences… (See my other blog Sociably Surviving Hyperemesis).
I still have bad days, and I've learned from others with POTS and from experience what triggers can be such as antibiotics and dehydration. I may have to deal with this condition from time to time, but I'm not going to ever let it control me.
I'd been diagnosed with NCS after the birth of my daughter Samantha in 2005. I'd been exhibiting symptoms for YEARS, but because they came and went, and seemed 'unrealistic' to my childhood pediatrician, it was untreated.
I'd spent a few years taking Toporol and a variety of Beta Blockers, all of which were absolutely awful, and actually caused some pretty severe anxiety issues. One morning I woke up and decided that I wasn't going to allow the headaches and dizzy spells control my life, and I threw my pills away, in Jesus Name!
I'd been symptom free for about 3 years, a few bad days here and there, but nothing like it had been. Then Pastor called for a church-wide Daniel Fast, and I thought it was a perfect time for me to cut my yucky soda habit.
And no, I'm not exaggerating when I say it almost killed me - started having my first 'episode' (considered by my neurologist to be seizures) while driving. Not good, but I was able to pull over before things really got dark.
I didn't really realize what was going on. I did a 48 hour detox water drink (water, cucumbers, lemon and mint), to help cleanse out the chemicals in my body. It was suppose to last a week, but I couldn't handle more than 2 days.
I switched to just water, no juice and NO SODA and still felt really dehydrated, like I was voiding more than I was taking in, when I knew I was drinking at least 70 oz each day. Then other weird symptoms started to develop. My word would slur, or I'd use the wrong word completely. I'd loose focus, and would be extremely exhausted. All this within a 1 week period. I went to my doctor (who was a new doctor, fresh out of med school), who was testing me for diabetes, everything came back normal.
So I went to Facebook to lament. I'm thankful I did, because a few high school classmates of mine had also recently experienced similar symptoms and had been given a diagnosis of POTS. So I looked it up. Sure enough, everything I'd been experiencing was right there. So I printed out the information I found and brought it to my next appointment. She'd heard of POTS, but was told in one lecture that covered it, that she'd likely never see a case.
As it happens, she'd had a patient come in earlier that day who also had already been diagnosed with POTS, and was picking her brain about her condition because her case reminded me a lot like mine. My doctor told me that the brain fog and word jumbles were this other patients biggest hurdle, as she was a university professor.
The more research I did, the more people I spoke with, I realized that this was going to be another fun battle. I needed to maintain my BP or the seizure would start again (Gotta love when the Doctor tells you to add salt and caffeine to your diet) and I needed to keep my stress levels low (Did I mention I have 3 kids?).
We tried some meds but I hated them. The Beta blockers gave me anxieties again, and the BP meds made me exhausted. I phased them out and trusted in Healing, because medications were not the answer. I adjusted my diet, added salt (I honestly don't use salt in my cooking) and enjoyed my tea and soda. I also forced myself to drink more sports drinks (the zero calorie ones, which are gross, in my honest opinion).
Now that I'm pregnant, it's brought on all kinds of new experiences… (See my other blog Sociably Surviving Hyperemesis).
I still have bad days, and I've learned from others with POTS and from experience what triggers can be such as antibiotics and dehydration. I may have to deal with this condition from time to time, but I'm not going to ever let it control me.
Friday, December 27, 2013
What CHRISTmas means to me
I really wanted a low-key Christmas this year.
With as sick as I've been, I didn't want to have to cook, I didn't want to go anywhere, I couldn't even handle going shopping for gifts.
Thanks to my husband and online shopping for the gifts, the kids were pleased with the gifts they received. They didn't get many gifts from us, but what they got they were thankful for. We did have a big surprise hiding for them, but without them knowing that any other gifts were coming, they were happy with new gloves and fun slippers and crafts.
It's been our tradition for the last 9 years to go around and look at the lights in some of the neighborhoods here in town. There is one in particular that just about every house is decorated. Some are kinda gaudy, with every possible inflatable in their yard and every inch of the house covered in lights. Others are more subtle, but those are my favorites.
We saw more Nativity scenes this year… which is really what the focus should be. There are houses with a star on the roof with strings of light going down to the manger scene - I've always liked that. But there was one house… I really want to get this for our house next year. It was 3 panels: on the left, shepherds and the angels, on the right, the wise men, and in the center, Jesus, Mary and Joseph. It was subtly lit, but so beautiful.
While in the car for 45 minutes the kids were sharing what Christmas means to them. "It's not about Santa, it's about Jesus" was the most common thing heard. That made me happy. We've NEVER encouraged Santa. We've always made sure the kids knew who their gifts came from: us. But this year at school, Santa was pushed REALLY hard on 2 of the 3 kids. My younger two had Elf on the Shelf in their classrooms, and were suddenly convinced that Santa was really real. But that night, it was all about Jesus.
My 5 year old son had the most precious things to say. He told me on Christmas Eve night that Jesus is the most important thing in the world, and that He is real. And you can feel Him in your heart, and that He loves us very much. Christmas morning, I pulled him aside after all the gifts were open to ask if he knew who Santa was. His answer: Jesus, because He gives us the best gift of all! Proud Mom, right here!
I sit here, my kids reading the new books they received, sitting on their new beanbag chairs, while the tree sits in the corner, and I'm so thankful for the blessings that we have: each other.
With as sick as I've been, I didn't want to have to cook, I didn't want to go anywhere, I couldn't even handle going shopping for gifts.
Thanks to my husband and online shopping for the gifts, the kids were pleased with the gifts they received. They didn't get many gifts from us, but what they got they were thankful for. We did have a big surprise hiding for them, but without them knowing that any other gifts were coming, they were happy with new gloves and fun slippers and crafts.
It's been our tradition for the last 9 years to go around and look at the lights in some of the neighborhoods here in town. There is one in particular that just about every house is decorated. Some are kinda gaudy, with every possible inflatable in their yard and every inch of the house covered in lights. Others are more subtle, but those are my favorites.
We saw more Nativity scenes this year… which is really what the focus should be. There are houses with a star on the roof with strings of light going down to the manger scene - I've always liked that. But there was one house… I really want to get this for our house next year. It was 3 panels: on the left, shepherds and the angels, on the right, the wise men, and in the center, Jesus, Mary and Joseph. It was subtly lit, but so beautiful.
While in the car for 45 minutes the kids were sharing what Christmas means to them. "It's not about Santa, it's about Jesus" was the most common thing heard. That made me happy. We've NEVER encouraged Santa. We've always made sure the kids knew who their gifts came from: us. But this year at school, Santa was pushed REALLY hard on 2 of the 3 kids. My younger two had Elf on the Shelf in their classrooms, and were suddenly convinced that Santa was really real. But that night, it was all about Jesus.
My 5 year old son had the most precious things to say. He told me on Christmas Eve night that Jesus is the most important thing in the world, and that He is real. And you can feel Him in your heart, and that He loves us very much. Christmas morning, I pulled him aside after all the gifts were open to ask if he knew who Santa was. His answer: Jesus, because He gives us the best gift of all! Proud Mom, right here!
I sit here, my kids reading the new books they received, sitting on their new beanbag chairs, while the tree sits in the corner, and I'm so thankful for the blessings that we have: each other.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Body Images
Being a woman is tough... it's absolutely awful at times.
Women can be mean and judgmental... don't deny it, we try not to be, but we all make at least one mean comment in our lives.
There aren't many women who portray themselves as the positive role model that I'd want for my daughters. So that's who I've got to become. But who do I look up to?
So many women look to Hollywood as to what they should be like. Hollywood is a lie. When I read this recent article about Jennifer Lawrence and airbrushing, I was sick to my stomach. She's gorgeous, and even with the makeup on, they still felt the need to paint her face more and make her look skinnier. It made me sad, and yet I was glad to know she didn't appreciate it either.
I'm the first to admit that I'm fairly plain... I hate make-up, but use it for "special occasions." I had a hormone imbalance that caused acne in my adulthood that no product would remedy. I don't have the money to get my hair done every other month, and my mousey brown hair is dull. I have health issues preventing me from being as athletic as I use to be; I'll never have the skinny chicken legs I'd always wished I had. I've got stretch marks and hips from carrying 3, now 4, babies.
And you know what, I'm OK with that. Will I be parading around in a 2-piece bathing suit? No. I'm too modest for that, my body is mine and it's private. I'm not going to be ashamed of the body and face that I have, but I'm going to take care of it. Will I go on crazy diets to be a size 2? Probably not. But I'll eat right, drink my protein shakes and take my kids for walks and on bike rides.
While I do all these things, to show my girls who a real woman is, I can't be the only one. I want their teachers, their baby sitters, their friends' moms, and their friends, to also be confident in themselves. While I show them daily who I am in my, my husband's, and in God's eyes, I pray that the other women in their lives will also look away from what 'popular culture' is telling them is appropriate, and look to God for what is right.
We are made in His image, and we should take care of the body we've been given, but we shouldn't be looking to gross exaggerations of what some Hollywood photographer thinks a beautiful woman is.
Women can be mean and judgmental... don't deny it, we try not to be, but we all make at least one mean comment in our lives.
There aren't many women who portray themselves as the positive role model that I'd want for my daughters. So that's who I've got to become. But who do I look up to?
So many women look to Hollywood as to what they should be like. Hollywood is a lie. When I read this recent article about Jennifer Lawrence and airbrushing, I was sick to my stomach. She's gorgeous, and even with the makeup on, they still felt the need to paint her face more and make her look skinnier. It made me sad, and yet I was glad to know she didn't appreciate it either.
I'm the first to admit that I'm fairly plain... I hate make-up, but use it for "special occasions." I had a hormone imbalance that caused acne in my adulthood that no product would remedy. I don't have the money to get my hair done every other month, and my mousey brown hair is dull. I have health issues preventing me from being as athletic as I use to be; I'll never have the skinny chicken legs I'd always wished I had. I've got stretch marks and hips from carrying 3, now 4, babies.
And you know what, I'm OK with that. Will I be parading around in a 2-piece bathing suit? No. I'm too modest for that, my body is mine and it's private. I'm not going to be ashamed of the body and face that I have, but I'm going to take care of it. Will I go on crazy diets to be a size 2? Probably not. But I'll eat right, drink my protein shakes and take my kids for walks and on bike rides.
While I do all these things, to show my girls who a real woman is, I can't be the only one. I want their teachers, their baby sitters, their friends' moms, and their friends, to also be confident in themselves. While I show them daily who I am in my, my husband's, and in God's eyes, I pray that the other women in their lives will also look away from what 'popular culture' is telling them is appropriate, and look to God for what is right.
We are made in His image, and we should take care of the body we've been given, but we shouldn't be looking to gross exaggerations of what some Hollywood photographer thinks a beautiful woman is.
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| Me, all dolled up |
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| Me, on a normal day |
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Baby #4
My husband and I are excited to be welcoming baby #4 into the family this spring. I've been journaling since we found out, though only now making it public.
It's been a difficult pregnancy, so I've been in hiding, literally, for months.
Thankful to now be somewhat active again.
Follow along with my journey at Sociably Surviving Hyperemesis Gravidarum
It's been a difficult pregnancy, so I've been in hiding, literally, for months.
Thankful to now be somewhat active again.
Follow along with my journey at Sociably Surviving Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Surviving our first Bible Quiz Season
After 9 months, countless hours of study time, 9 state and regional tournaments, and finally JBQ Nationals, the Junior Bible Quiz (beginner division) season is over.
My Bella Samantha, who only just turned 8, accomplished more this year than many thought she could. Did she win a lot of individual trophies - no. Did that disappoint her - yes.
But she's taking away so much more than a few pieces of hardware from this season:
First, she memorized 191 verses, 13 chapters of Psalms. How many kid, let alone adults, can say that?
Probably the most important thing that came out of it all: in February, she was filled with the Spirit of God, and in March Baptized in His Name!
I could stop listing right now, and that would be enough for me.
This year, she made new friends. To many, she may seem outgoing, but she's really quite shy. It was nice to see her making friends at the National competition, knowing they'd probably compete against each other. And when it was done, they hugged and said "See you next year".
I watched her confidence grow this year. Not to say that she still didn't get shaken and made mistakes, but she's learning to just move past it.
We watcher her handle loss like a champ. Whether a horrible landslide defeat or a tight match, she made me so proud to watch her walk away with a smile and be thankful for the questions she did answer, or learn from the ones she got wrong.
We saw her become a much better student, understanding concepts quicker than before. Even testing into a 5th grade level in one area of study, while she's only in the 2nd grade.
I'm so thankful for the coaches, Gary, Rachel and Naomi, for teaching and encouraging her. To her teammates Ashlyn and LJ, the Junior Team Jadon and Caelyn and all the families: it's been a great season, and we were all truly blessed.
Only 3 months until next season starts, she already wants to get started studying. I told her to enjoy the rest of her summer! Next season Emmalee will be on her team, and new challenges will be faced. Emma is even more shy than Samantha, but boy is she a little spitfire...
My Bella Samantha, who only just turned 8, accomplished more this year than many thought she could. Did she win a lot of individual trophies - no. Did that disappoint her - yes.
But she's taking away so much more than a few pieces of hardware from this season:
First, she memorized 191 verses, 13 chapters of Psalms. How many kid, let alone adults, can say that?
Probably the most important thing that came out of it all: in February, she was filled with the Spirit of God, and in March Baptized in His Name!
I could stop listing right now, and that would be enough for me.
This year, she made new friends. To many, she may seem outgoing, but she's really quite shy. It was nice to see her making friends at the National competition, knowing they'd probably compete against each other. And when it was done, they hugged and said "See you next year".
I watched her confidence grow this year. Not to say that she still didn't get shaken and made mistakes, but she's learning to just move past it.
We watcher her handle loss like a champ. Whether a horrible landslide defeat or a tight match, she made me so proud to watch her walk away with a smile and be thankful for the questions she did answer, or learn from the ones she got wrong.
We saw her become a much better student, understanding concepts quicker than before. Even testing into a 5th grade level in one area of study, while she's only in the 2nd grade.
I'm so thankful for the coaches, Gary, Rachel and Naomi, for teaching and encouraging her. To her teammates Ashlyn and LJ, the Junior Team Jadon and Caelyn and all the families: it's been a great season, and we were all truly blessed.
Only 3 months until next season starts, she already wants to get started studying. I told her to enjoy the rest of her summer! Next season Emmalee will be on her team, and new challenges will be faced. Emma is even more shy than Samantha, but boy is she a little spitfire...
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| Team Toledo Juniors and Beginners |
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| Steve and a Dinasaur, Samantha and her Quizzing Out prize, Emma and Steven, and Samantha's awards from Nationals |
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| Team Toledo Beginners, 13th Place JBQ Nationals |
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| Go Cart Fun for the team and families |
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| The Season is OVER! Time to Celebrate! |
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