Hopefully he will feel special because he gets his own post! This is our "little man" as Daddy calls him. Check out the previous posts from today to see more photos from this session.
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Last but not the Least
Hopefully he will feel special because he gets his own post! This is our "little man" as Daddy calls him. 
My Girls
Here are the older girls. I can't believe how time flies. Maggie is seven and Sammy is 5. They look so grown up in these pictures and yet these photos truly show a glimps of their individuality. I love them!
Look at the previous post for even more family photos from this session.
Look at the previous post for even more family photos from this session.
Family Photos
Here are the family pictures that we had taken a couple of weeks ago. I am really pleased with how they turned out. I love the lady who took them. She always does such great work. I can't wait to hear from you all what you think and which ones you all like.
So, what do you think? Which one is your favorite?
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Body After Baby - week 4
Well, week 4 was a tough one for me. The kids and I were sick all but two days of this whole last week. I did manage to get in my crunches everyday and that means 50 points a day for me. That is a whopping 350 points this week alone! I have lost another 2 pound and that marks my weight loss total at
yes, you read that right. I have lost 10 pounds and I am so excited! I have lost a little over 4 inches of my waist and I am really proud of myself. I have 5 more pounds to go and then I will be back to my pre-baby bearing days. And since I started bearing babies only months after I got married it will also mark the accomplishment of once again weighing what I did when I got married 8 years ago.
I hope all of you other moms have had a great week and that you and your family are blessed with health and safety in the coming week.
10 pounds
yes, you read that right. I have lost 10 pounds and I am so excited! I have lost a little over 4 inches of my waist and I am really proud of myself. I have 5 more pounds to go and then I will be back to my pre-baby bearing days. And since I started bearing babies only months after I got married it will also mark the accomplishment of once again weighing what I did when I got married 8 years ago.
I hope all of you other moms have had a great week and that you and your family are blessed with health and safety in the coming week.
Monday, October 26, 2009
VOTE FOR Katherine!!!
Katherine is entered into a Fall Baby Contest. The prize is a $50 gift certifacate. Please go vote for her this week. Visit Mama Note's to vote for her. She is number 44.
Not Me! Monday
So this week my kids have been sick so I have a bucket load of things that I certainly did NOT do.
I did NOT let my son lay on the couch and watch the same movie three times in a row because it kept him still and quiet. If I had let him watch said movie three times in row, which I did NOT, I certainly would have gotten more than 20 minute nap during this time. Myself being sick last week as well.
I did NOT allow my children to eat whatever I could get into their bellies for almost three days last week. Most of their meals did NOT consist of crackers, bread, chips, or noodles. We are a healthy family and I always monitor my children's diets.
I have NOT stayed in this house minus one trip out for the past seven days. My children have also been confined to this house, minus that one trip out, for the same length of time, a fact that doesn't seem to be bothering them yet, surprisingly.
I am NOT totally bummed that my husband is traveling for work again this week. He flies out tomorrow and will not be back until Friday night late. I am NOT very excited that this should be the final trip he has to make. I do NOT (in a very real way) like it when he is gone for weeks at a time.
And finally I just had to add that by this time next week it will be November and that means the holidays are upon us. It is my favorite time of year and I can't wait. I am NOT totally excited and filled with anticipation. It looks like all of my siblings might be home for Christmas this year. It would be the first time in 8 years. My children have never had a Christmas with all of my family at the same time, under the same roof. It is destined to be a GREAT holiday season around here!
If you want to join in the fun and admit to the crazy things that you have done this week then head over to MckMama's blog for more fun!
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Self - Feeding 101
We have a new lesson for you tonight.
It is one that has been taught four times over in our house now and it never leaves us for a lack of entertainment. Each time this lesson it taught it creates memories and smiles and giggles.
It breeds independence and frees up more of mommy's precious time. But while it is a fun and riveting lesson and it is one that holds many benefits it also holds a little sadness (at least for mommy and daddy).
For when it is time to teach this lesson babyhood is almost gone. The baby days are fleeting and we are entering toddlerhood.
But even when this lesson is being taught there are times when we get a glimpse back into the baby days of messy hands and messy face. And we all get to laugh at the irony of a spoon in one hand and a handful of food in the other.
Aren't the stages of childhood amazing. The lessons they learn seem so simple and yet they are so intriguing to the learner and the teacher. Finding the little things in this life is what family and pure joy is all about. To reach true contentment in life we must be willing to stop the "race" of life and stop to enjoy the simple pleasures that our children afford.
Baby Wearing
I am a huge advocate for babywearing. I feel that it is beneficial to both mom and baby. I have been an extended baby wearer with all but my firstborn. There is nothing that I love more than snuggling up to my baby while having my hands free and able to be productive. If you have a baby, plan on having a baby or know someone that is having a baby, head over to My Organized Chaos and enter the giveaway for a Sleepy Wrap. I haven't personally used this brand of wrap but the wrap style carriers are by far my favorite.
Good luck to all who enter!
Good luck to all who enter!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Flu!!
Well, all of my efforts to keep us healthy haven't helped this week. We have the flu in the house. I have it as does Maggie and Samantha. For right now, the rest of the family seem to be avoiding it. I hope that it stays that way.
Those of us that are ill have the whole kit and caboodle of symptoms. We have high fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, lack of appetite, and headaches. It is no fun around here as we all assume our positions on the couches and chairs each morning and remain there the majority of the day. Please remember us in your prayers as we battle to get well and keep those that are well healthy. I will update more at a later date when I am feeling better.
Those of us that are ill have the whole kit and caboodle of symptoms. We have high fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, lack of appetite, and headaches. It is no fun around here as we all assume our positions on the couches and chairs each morning and remain there the majority of the day. Please remember us in your prayers as we battle to get well and keep those that are well healthy. I will update more at a later date when I am feeling better.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Our Zoo Trip
Yesterday we were able to take advantage of a really beautiful day here (the first in over a week) and we headed to the zoo. It was our first time this year I am sorry to say. We live close to one of the best zoos in the nation and yet I seldom make time to go. But yesterday was an awesome day and one that convinced me that I MUST do it more often. Well, without further ado here are the pictures -
Katherine and her big sister, Maggie. They love each other and spend time together all the time. I love to watch Maggie enjoying as Kate sees things for the first time. It is so precious.
The St. Louis zoo has really improved their Children's zoo. It is free before 10am and we made it this time. My kids had a blast. It was so cool to see some of the animals up close.
This was Katherine's first visit to the zoo. She had a lot of fun exploring and practiced her walking quite a bit as well.
Katherine and Grandma
The butterfly exhibit is now free at the zoo so we were able to enjoy it this time. It was the first time I had been to anything like that before. It was really neat. I got some great pictures of the butterflies and I will share them in a later post.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Give Me Your Opinion
Here are two photos of Katherine from this fall. I can't decide which one to enter into a contest for cute fall baby photos. I would like you to vote in the comments section for your favorite photo. So enter either #1 or #2 in your comment and help me choose which one to enter. I mean, please, I am never bossy. I don't act that way ever. I am no good at telling people what to do at all. Just ask my family and the people at church. I am sure they would say the same thing ;)
Here is the first photo - #1
And here is the second photo - #2
Body After Baby - Week 3
Well, I have lost another 2 pounds and one inch off of my waist. I am down to 142 and have lost 8 pounds total. Last week's challenge was to see how many "healthy" meals that we could eat. A "healthy" meal had to have at least two food groups in it. I got 20 out of 21 points so, not too bad. The only meal that I missed was breakfast last Tuesday and that was before I read the challenge. I had only a protein bar but no fruit or anything with it. So, it was still a good breakfast but just not two food groups.
This week is all about exercising. The challenge - 50 sit ups a day! Worth 50 points a day! What a way to rack up some points. I usually exercise twice each day. Once in the morning and then before bed after the kids are sleeping. The morning work out doesn't always happen but this week I hope to do 25 in the morning and 25 in the evening.
This Saturday is a family reunion AGAIN! and I am giving myself a "free" day. I am watching it closely until then so that I at least stay the same and not gain this week. But I need a break and this will be a good "reward" for sticking to it thus far and it will be about the half way mark so it works out great.
I hope all of you other mommas had a great week and are blessed with the time and motivation to stick to it this week and see some results from all your hard work! God bless you and your families as you strive for better health.
This week is all about exercising. The challenge - 50 sit ups a day! Worth 50 points a day! What a way to rack up some points. I usually exercise twice each day. Once in the morning and then before bed after the kids are sleeping. The morning work out doesn't always happen but this week I hope to do 25 in the morning and 25 in the evening.
This Saturday is a family reunion AGAIN! and I am giving myself a "free" day. I am watching it closely until then so that I at least stay the same and not gain this week. But I need a break and this will be a good "reward" for sticking to it thus far and it will be about the half way mark so it works out great.
I hope all of you other mommas had a great week and are blessed with the time and motivation to stick to it this week and see some results from all your hard work! God bless you and your families as you strive for better health.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Not Me! Monday
It has been awhile since I have participated in this carnival but today, as I sit here with writer's block it seems like the best thing to do. It is not like I am suffering from a shortage of things that I DID NOT do all week.
I DID NOT take my four children to a hayride/family reunion on Saturday by myself. That would be crazy to attempt such a feet by myself.
At the afore mentioned hayride it was NOT so cold that my children were huddled under quilts with coats on during the hayride.
Such snuggling DID NOT result in two out of my four children falling alseep on the hay wagon while buried in the straw and blankets. This was such a cute sight and I would love to share it with you through pictures but I can't. It is NOT because I forgot my camera or anything.
I also DID NOT break my diet at the family reunion. There was NO good food there and I totally stuck to my diet this weekend.
Well, it was quite a weekend and one we will NOT (actually this is true) soon forget. For more very honest truth telling posts hop on over to MckMama's blog for Not Me! Monday fun!
I DID NOT take my four children to a hayride/family reunion on Saturday by myself. That would be crazy to attempt such a feet by myself.
At the afore mentioned hayride it was NOT so cold that my children were huddled under quilts with coats on during the hayride.
Such snuggling DID NOT result in two out of my four children falling alseep on the hay wagon while buried in the straw and blankets. This was such a cute sight and I would love to share it with you through pictures but I can't. It is NOT because I forgot my camera or anything.
I also DID NOT break my diet at the family reunion. There was NO good food there and I totally stuck to my diet this weekend.
Well, it was quite a weekend and one we will NOT (actually this is true) soon forget. For more very honest truth telling posts hop on over to MckMama's blog for Not Me! Monday fun!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Remembering The Little Ones
I am in awe over the number of women that have lost babies. Some held, some not. Some named, some not. But all babies none the less. All of them grieved over. All of them missed. My own loss was at 10 weeks. I remember the day I found out that the baby was really gone. I will never forget it. The following three days were some of the most emotional that I have ever experienced. I was blessed to have a friend come and stay with me while my husband was gone to work and such. She helped to care for my toddler, cooked meals, and prayed and cried with me. Every year on the date that I delivered that baby I find myself asking "those" questions. Who would it have been? Boy or girl? What would they have looked like? I wish I could hear that baby giggle, each one unique but each one as cute as the next. Some days I just feel like screaming to everyone that I really do have five children. Maybe not here with me but in my heart I have five children. But then I also rejoice that God is sovereign and He choose when to call that baby home. The purpose was complete, the life had served its purpose and now my baby is safe in the arms of Jesus. I will meet my baby someday when my life has fulfilled its purpose and God calls me home.
Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. I am joining with other moms to share about our children that we don't often get to talk about or share with others. These children that often get "lost" in others eyes, but that to the moms who have walked this road are still very real and very much our children. Please remember to lift up in prayer all those that you know that have suffered this loss. It is a loss that runs very deep and is remains tender for all time.
Father,
I ask you today to wrap Your arms around these mothers that have suffered the loss of a child. From the moment of conception these are children and the bond is real and deep. The love is true and unconditional. The loss of that relationship at such a young age is never expected and so hard to accept. Please help us to be tender to each other, to use these experiences to better minister to each other. We rejoice in the blessing of life, no matter how short. Thank you for choosing us to carry these precious children that are gifts from you. Rather we see them now under foot or only think about them in their home in heaven, they are precious gifts from You. Thank you for loving us and walking with us through our time of grief and sadness. Thank you for the promise that those that mourn will be comforted. We love You and serve You with all that You have given. In Jesus' loving name I pray, Amen.
Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. I am joining with other moms to share about our children that we don't often get to talk about or share with others. These children that often get "lost" in others eyes, but that to the moms who have walked this road are still very real and very much our children. Please remember to lift up in prayer all those that you know that have suffered this loss. It is a loss that runs very deep and is remains tender for all time.
Father,
I ask you today to wrap Your arms around these mothers that have suffered the loss of a child. From the moment of conception these are children and the bond is real and deep. The love is true and unconditional. The loss of that relationship at such a young age is never expected and so hard to accept. Please help us to be tender to each other, to use these experiences to better minister to each other. We rejoice in the blessing of life, no matter how short. Thank you for choosing us to carry these precious children that are gifts from you. Rather we see them now under foot or only think about them in their home in heaven, they are precious gifts from You. Thank you for loving us and walking with us through our time of grief and sadness. Thank you for the promise that those that mourn will be comforted. We love You and serve You with all that You have given. In Jesus' loving name I pray, Amen.
To read other mother's stories please visit "She Looketh Well".
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Body After Baby - Week 2
**** UPDATE****
Well, I weighed again this morning and I have lost another pound. So now my total weight loss is up to seven pounds in two weeks. My hard work is paying off!! It is exciting to see it working.
Well, we are two weeks into this challenge and this week was a little harder for me. My husband's birthday was this week so there were parties and special meals and all the things I should not be enjoying. But I still walked everyday. It rained here a lot but I have walking videos so they saved the day with this week's challenge.
I was able to get a total of 28 points this week. I have felt better all week. I love fall and getting out to enjoy the weather has been fun. I am hoping to keep it up this week as well.
I have lost another 3 pounds. But the biggest bonus is that I have lost three inches off of my waist!! I am wearing clothes now that I haven't been able to wear since before my third pregnancy. For me, that is amazing. I don't really care about my "weight" I just want to feel good, be healthy, and be comfortable in my clothes. And that is what is already happening. I am very excited to see where I will be at the end of the eight weeks.
To all the other Body after Baby mommas that stop by this week, hang in there! We can do this together. Every week is a new start. Don't give up and we will all feel better for it.
Well, I weighed again this morning and I have lost another pound. So now my total weight loss is up to seven pounds in two weeks. My hard work is paying off!! It is exciting to see it working.
Well, we are two weeks into this challenge and this week was a little harder for me. My husband's birthday was this week so there were parties and special meals and all the things I should not be enjoying. But I still walked everyday. It rained here a lot but I have walking videos so they saved the day with this week's challenge.
I was able to get a total of 28 points this week. I have felt better all week. I love fall and getting out to enjoy the weather has been fun. I am hoping to keep it up this week as well.
I have lost another 3 pounds. But the biggest bonus is that I have lost three inches off of my waist!! I am wearing clothes now that I haven't been able to wear since before my third pregnancy. For me, that is amazing. I don't really care about my "weight" I just want to feel good, be healthy, and be comfortable in my clothes. And that is what is already happening. I am very excited to see where I will be at the end of the eight weeks.
To all the other Body after Baby mommas that stop by this week, hang in there! We can do this together. Every week is a new start. Don't give up and we will all feel better for it.
Monday, October 12, 2009
A Simple Woman's Daybook
FOR TODAY...October 12th
My Daybook
Outside my window... It is grey and cloudy. But a cozy day for sleeping in (what my children are doing)
I am thankful for... my home today. It is dry and warm and a place that I love to be. I haven't always loved it though. While I always liked my home I used to love to "run" and "be gone" often. But God has changed my heart and truly turned my heart "toward home" and now it is my favorite place to be.
I am wearing... jean that I haven't fit into since before my third pregnancy! It is a good day!
I am remembering... what a great weekend that I had with family and friends.
I am going... to paint my new sunroom today! Yes, it is ready for paint. And I am ready to paint!
I am reading... "Believing God" by Beth Moore. It is a great read so far.
I am hoping... to finish sewing Samantha's new dress and start on a skirt for Maggie
On my mind... is that truly my focus must be on MY walk with my Saviour or all of the other ministering that I try to do for Him is futile. I am trying to set aside more time for my personal study and quiet time with my Heavenly Father.
From the learning rooms... Week 5 in our curriculm. I am really loving it and my children are too. They are learning a lot and having fun while they do it!
Noticing that... the years go by quickly now. How can it be that we are already enjoying the fruits and smells of fall. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. We must make the most of everyday and touch the lifes that cross our path for eternity. Time is running out.
Pondering these words... Change my heart oh God, make it ever pure. Change my heart oh God may it be like You.
From the kitchen... birthday cake for my husband, chicken quesidillas, black beans, rice, and fresh tomato and cucumber salsa
Around the house... today is laundry day, plus painting, and cleaning, and getting out of winter clothes. Plus putting up fall decorations! This will be my "reward" if I work hard today.
One of my favorite things~ is the early morning quiet time by myself, broken only by the cries of my children. While I love this quiet time, I also enjoy hearing the pattering of feet down the hall. And on these cool fall mornings, the need for snuggles to warm up sleepy, chilly children. Oh, my favorite thing!
I am hearing.... children stirring. My time on here is almost up.
A few plans for the rest of the week... is to enjoy having my husband home this week, for the first time in two weeks. Staying home a lot is also one of my plans. Plus a lunch meeting here with some great homeschool mothers. They are such an encouragment to me.
Well, there is my day. How is your day shaping up? Any plans for the week? Care to share what is on your heart? Write a post and leave me a link.
My Daybook
Outside my window... It is grey and cloudy. But a cozy day for sleeping in (what my children are doing)
I am thankful for... my home today. It is dry and warm and a place that I love to be. I haven't always loved it though. While I always liked my home I used to love to "run" and "be gone" often. But God has changed my heart and truly turned my heart "toward home" and now it is my favorite place to be.
I am wearing... jean that I haven't fit into since before my third pregnancy! It is a good day!
I am remembering... what a great weekend that I had with family and friends.
I am going... to paint my new sunroom today! Yes, it is ready for paint. And I am ready to paint!
I am reading... "Believing God" by Beth Moore. It is a great read so far.
I am hoping... to finish sewing Samantha's new dress and start on a skirt for Maggie
On my mind... is that truly my focus must be on MY walk with my Saviour or all of the other ministering that I try to do for Him is futile. I am trying to set aside more time for my personal study and quiet time with my Heavenly Father.
From the learning rooms... Week 5 in our curriculm. I am really loving it and my children are too. They are learning a lot and having fun while they do it!
Noticing that... the years go by quickly now. How can it be that we are already enjoying the fruits and smells of fall. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. We must make the most of everyday and touch the lifes that cross our path for eternity. Time is running out.
Pondering these words... Change my heart oh God, make it ever pure. Change my heart oh God may it be like You.
From the kitchen... birthday cake for my husband, chicken quesidillas, black beans, rice, and fresh tomato and cucumber salsa
Around the house... today is laundry day, plus painting, and cleaning, and getting out of winter clothes. Plus putting up fall decorations! This will be my "reward" if I work hard today.
One of my favorite things~ is the early morning quiet time by myself, broken only by the cries of my children. While I love this quiet time, I also enjoy hearing the pattering of feet down the hall. And on these cool fall mornings, the need for snuggles to warm up sleepy, chilly children. Oh, my favorite thing!
I am hearing.... children stirring. My time on here is almost up.
A few plans for the rest of the week... is to enjoy having my husband home this week, for the first time in two weeks. Staying home a lot is also one of my plans. Plus a lunch meeting here with some great homeschool mothers. They are such an encouragment to me.
Well, there is my day. How is your day shaping up? Any plans for the week? Care to share what is on your heart? Write a post and leave me a link.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
It's A Party
I have a blog in my favorite blog list that I have read for some time now. This woman has been a huge inspiration to me not only through her blog but through personal email as well. She has taught me, and blessed me, challenged me, and lifted me up. Well, this week she is throwing a party and I am joining in. I love parties and this week I need one more than usual. With my husband out of town on business for the second week in a row I am in need of some "adult" conversation and girl talk will be fun. I can't wait to meet a bunch of new women and have some fun girl conversations.
So, welcome to all the new ladies that are visiting here from the blog party at "She Looketh Well". I hope that you find yourself at home here and are blessed by what you read.
You see, you will find a little bit of everything about my life here. I am a mother to four children. They range in age from 7 to 1 and are spaced two years apart. So, this year, being an odd numbered year makes my children 7,5,3, and 1(photos here). Because they are part of my life I blog about them.
I have a family to feed and clean for and organize so, I blog about that. I blog recipes. I blog cleaning schedules. I blog budget ideas. I also blog homeschooling ideas and updates as that is also a part of my life.
But one part of my life not to be left out or "hid under a bush" is my personal walk with my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. I am a sinner saved by grace constantly reminded of my own short comings and my ongoing need of the forgiveness that my Jesus offers. I love to share what Christ is doing in my life. I also share what He lays on my heart in a hope that it will bless my readers.
Another aspect of my life would be my family's ministry. You see, my husband is a minister. He pastors a church of about 40 - 50 attenders near our home. I help in the children's ministry and the women's ministry and also help my husband in any way that I can as he works a full time job and pastors "part time". But, if you have ever been involved in a ministry you know that there is no such thing as "part time". As my husband is always reminding me, "A ministry that costs you nothing accomplishes nothing." He is so true and he lives his life self-sacrificially to proof it. I am so proud of my husband and his ministry. I stand behind him and help him in any way that I can. So, sometimes I blog about the ups and downs of life in the ministry.
Well, there is ashort simple overview of my life. This blog is about my life and you will find bits and pieces of life through the posts on my blog.
So, welcome to all the new ladies that are visiting here from the blog party at "She Looketh Well". I hope that you find yourself at home here and are blessed by what you read.
You see, you will find a little bit of everything about my life here. I am a mother to four children. They range in age from 7 to 1 and are spaced two years apart. So, this year, being an odd numbered year makes my children 7,5,3, and 1(photos here). Because they are part of my life I blog about them.
I have a family to feed and clean for and organize so, I blog about that. I blog recipes. I blog cleaning schedules. I blog budget ideas. I also blog homeschooling ideas and updates as that is also a part of my life.
But one part of my life not to be left out or "hid under a bush" is my personal walk with my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. I am a sinner saved by grace constantly reminded of my own short comings and my ongoing need of the forgiveness that my Jesus offers. I love to share what Christ is doing in my life. I also share what He lays on my heart in a hope that it will bless my readers.
Another aspect of my life would be my family's ministry. You see, my husband is a minister. He pastors a church of about 40 - 50 attenders near our home. I help in the children's ministry and the women's ministry and also help my husband in any way that I can as he works a full time job and pastors "part time". But, if you have ever been involved in a ministry you know that there is no such thing as "part time". As my husband is always reminding me, "A ministry that costs you nothing accomplishes nothing." He is so true and he lives his life self-sacrificially to proof it. I am so proud of my husband and his ministry. I stand behind him and help him in any way that I can. So, sometimes I blog about the ups and downs of life in the ministry.
Well, there is a
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Body After Baby
Well, week one is done and it wasn't as bad as I thought. With two church fellowships to handle over the weekend I was a little worried. But as of Monday morning I had lost 3 pounds and I am happy with that. I exercised 5 days last week pretty well with smaller workouts on Saturday and Sunday.
Overall the biggest result is that I feel better. With my new diet routine of increased protein and fewer carbs, I have found that I have more energy. I am getting more accomplished in each day and having enough energy to enjoy my work again. That is something that hasn't happened in a long time. For me, that is pay off enough to stick with it. Losing the pounds is a nice bonus but feeling better is the best reward by far.
Every week there is a mini challenge set up for this "Body After Baby" challenge. Last week it was to see how many glasses of water we could drink each day and for every glass we got one point, up to eight points a day. This was a pretty easy challenge for me. As a nursing mom I drink a lot any way and this challenge just helped me to make it all water that I was drinking. So, I did pretty well.
Here are the stats for this week -
Pound lost - 3 (current weight - 147)
Points earned - 62 (Monday - 7 Tuesday - 8 Wednesday - 7 Thursday - 8 Friday - 8 Saturday - 8 Sunday - 8 Monday - 8)
Exercised - 5 days
Overall the biggest result is that I feel better. With my new diet routine of increased protein and fewer carbs, I have found that I have more energy. I am getting more accomplished in each day and having enough energy to enjoy my work again. That is something that hasn't happened in a long time. For me, that is pay off enough to stick with it. Losing the pounds is a nice bonus but feeling better is the best reward by far.
Every week there is a mini challenge set up for this "Body After Baby" challenge. Last week it was to see how many glasses of water we could drink each day and for every glass we got one point, up to eight points a day. This was a pretty easy challenge for me. As a nursing mom I drink a lot any way and this challenge just helped me to make it all water that I was drinking. So, I did pretty well.
Here are the stats for this week -
Pound lost - 3 (current weight - 147)
Points earned - 62 (Monday - 7 Tuesday - 8 Wednesday - 7 Thursday - 8 Friday - 8 Saturday - 8 Sunday - 8 Monday - 8)
Exercised - 5 days
Monday, October 5, 2009
In the Trenches
Well, it is Monday morning again and as I sit here I am alone in my thoughts. Soaking up the quiet of the house on this rare occasion there are many thoughts on my heart. So, know that this post will contain many random thoughts that may only seem to flow in my mind. But I needed to put them into writing and "deal" with them before the day starts here.
See, it is 6:00am and I have been up for an hour. My husband left today. Now before you think the worst, he did not leave, leave. Just left on a business trip. But he will be gone until Friday. This is the second week in a row that he has been gone all week and frankly I don't like it. Travel is not normal for his job. In fact in all of our married life he has never been gone longer than one night. And since having had multiple children even those one night fishing trips have been very rare. But I got a taste last week of single parenting. Man, that is a hard road.
I hate that my husband is gone. I miss him and I know he doesn't want to go. He misses home. I know he misses the children and the children him. Katherine, our newly turned one year old, is on the brink of walking. And I am praying that she wait until the weekend to do it or until Daddy is done traveling. You see, after this week he still has one more week to travel. And that fact really STINKS!!!
I don't like being by myself. I don't sleep as well at night in the quiet house without him. I really don't know how some families do it whose husband/father travels all the time. I am growing weary of it. And to add to the weariness and the heaviness of my heart this morning as my husband left is the knowledge of an upcoming doctor's appointment today.
Would pray please for peace of mind for me while I tackle this appointment alone. It is for Josiah. He has had a tough way to go medically speaking from the start (Read here and here). Now he is over-all healthy but when something medical does happen his little body seems to always take the hard road. So, after months and months of chronic ear infections about 18 months ago my husband and I opted to have tubes inserted in his ears. It all went fine at the time of surgery and for once we thought he was actually going to take something "routine" and be "routine" about it. But at his one year check up it was discovered that one of the tubes is blocked and is not coming out. Now, the "not coming out" part is not the problem as tubes can take years to come out. The problem is the "blocked" part. I am afraid, as is the doctor, that the clogged tube is affecting Josiah's hearing. So, if it is still clogged today we will probably be scheduling surgery to remove the tube from that ear. Today the task of the appointment and the pending surgery are almost more than I can handle. I feel lonely and alone as the week starts out.
But I know that I have wonderful friends and family that will be here for me. I have a full week of things to do and I know that will help. But I also know that my Savior will be here to walk through this season with me and, as scripture says, for everything there is a season, and I know that this season will soon be over and just a memory. So, through another long week of long days and lonely nights, I will cling to Jesus to be my company. And as this new day dawns, literally, I am choosing to embrace this week and spend extra time loving on my children and cleaning my house. I WILL make the most of this season. I am resolved to learn the lesson that Christ is trying to teach me through this. Whatever that may be I am praying for open eyes, ears and heart through out this week that I may learn from Him what He has in store for me.
You know, when you look at a situation as a learning experience specially made for us from our Heavenly Father, it can be rather exciting. What can we learn this week if we are just open to the teaching?
Father,
Open our hearts and ears and eyes to the teaching that you have in store for us. You are at work all around us and I pray that we will "see" it. You work everything for our good if we love You, scripture says and we claim that promise now for the coming week. Please help us to minister to others that you bring our way and to be an effective witness for You in all that we say and do. We love You and thank You for loving us. Amen.
See, it is 6:00am and I have been up for an hour. My husband left today. Now before you think the worst, he did not leave, leave. Just left on a business trip. But he will be gone until Friday. This is the second week in a row that he has been gone all week and frankly I don't like it. Travel is not normal for his job. In fact in all of our married life he has never been gone longer than one night. And since having had multiple children even those one night fishing trips have been very rare. But I got a taste last week of single parenting. Man, that is a hard road.
I hate that my husband is gone. I miss him and I know he doesn't want to go. He misses home. I know he misses the children and the children him. Katherine, our newly turned one year old, is on the brink of walking. And I am praying that she wait until the weekend to do it or until Daddy is done traveling. You see, after this week he still has one more week to travel. And that fact really STINKS!!!
I don't like being by myself. I don't sleep as well at night in the quiet house without him. I really don't know how some families do it whose husband/father travels all the time. I am growing weary of it. And to add to the weariness and the heaviness of my heart this morning as my husband left is the knowledge of an upcoming doctor's appointment today.
Would pray please for peace of mind for me while I tackle this appointment alone. It is for Josiah. He has had a tough way to go medically speaking from the start (Read here and here). Now he is over-all healthy but when something medical does happen his little body seems to always take the hard road. So, after months and months of chronic ear infections about 18 months ago my husband and I opted to have tubes inserted in his ears. It all went fine at the time of surgery and for once we thought he was actually going to take something "routine" and be "routine" about it. But at his one year check up it was discovered that one of the tubes is blocked and is not coming out. Now, the "not coming out" part is not the problem as tubes can take years to come out. The problem is the "blocked" part. I am afraid, as is the doctor, that the clogged tube is affecting Josiah's hearing. So, if it is still clogged today we will probably be scheduling surgery to remove the tube from that ear. Today the task of the appointment and the pending surgery are almost more than I can handle. I feel lonely and alone as the week starts out.
But I know that I have wonderful friends and family that will be here for me. I have a full week of things to do and I know that will help. But I also know that my Savior will be here to walk through this season with me and, as scripture says, for everything there is a season, and I know that this season will soon be over and just a memory. So, through another long week of long days and lonely nights, I will cling to Jesus to be my company. And as this new day dawns, literally, I am choosing to embrace this week and spend extra time loving on my children and cleaning my house. I WILL make the most of this season. I am resolved to learn the lesson that Christ is trying to teach me through this. Whatever that may be I am praying for open eyes, ears and heart through out this week that I may learn from Him what He has in store for me.
You know, when you look at a situation as a learning experience specially made for us from our Heavenly Father, it can be rather exciting. What can we learn this week if we are just open to the teaching?
Father,
Open our hearts and ears and eyes to the teaching that you have in store for us. You are at work all around us and I pray that we will "see" it. You work everything for our good if we love You, scripture says and we claim that promise now for the coming week. Please help us to minister to others that you bring our way and to be an effective witness for You in all that we say and do. We love You and thank You for loving us. Amen.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
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