So...I went shopping at Whole Foods with the kids yesterday, and a reporter from Channel 6 popped out from behind the baby food aisle, wanting to interview us!
Some disclaimers:
1.) I'm definitely not a "natural" on camera, sheesh! What a dork. Having watched the tape, I wish I could reword things a bit...but I guess that's not possible with an interview! However, it was way cool to see my kids on TV, yay!! :)
2.) I never said I've taken ALL additives out of our family's diet. The kind folks at Whole Foods would probably be alarmed to find Oreos in my pantry. ;)
3.) It was strange having a camera follow us around the store as we shopped. I think I bought more than I would've normally, haha!
If you want to check it out, the story is here. You can watch the video clip too!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Reflections
Joel and I were blessed to be able to attend the Weekend to Remember marriage conference this past weekend. It was so. so. good! We didn't get to stay overnight at the hotel where the 3-day conference took place because our daughter is a nursing 9-month old, and I didn't know how nights at my parents' would go...instead, we drove back and forth from my parents' house, to the conference (which was an hour each way!) I'm so very thankful that my Dad & Mom watched the kids for us. They're the best! The conference was well worth the miles we put on (and the complete exhaustion!) ;)
We both learned a ton. One speaker at the conference pointed out that for most things we do, we have to get licensed...or certified. There's driver's ed, and a test you have to take before you get to drive on your own. With marriage, you say, "I do...I do"...and bam! You're on your own. Ha! Usually no one really teaches you how to be a husband or wife. I realized there is a LOT that I don't know about being a good wife. The Bible if full of rich truths to lead us, and has much to say about the "roles" of marriage. This conference was 3 days of being immersed in what the Bible has to say about marriage and hearing first-hand accounts from people who have walked the walk. Real people. Married people that fight. And make up. And lead productive lives. The speakers we heard are a positive example to their children as to what marriage should be.
By Sunday, I was feeling overwhelmed. I admit I was afraid to fail at all the wonderful truths I learned...and for that reason, I'm thankful the final speaker of the day challenged us to pick TWO THINGS to begin working on this week. Just two. He said not to expect a new husband/wife by Monday, haha! I think he was saying that to me. ;)
Two of the things I want to work on are:
1.) Realize that Joel and I are ONE and not to continually be on the defense. One point in our take home book, is that "Oneness in marriage is only possible when we consider our spouse before we consider ourselves." I love that! I don't need to always be defensive when Joel makes a comment to me because (usually!) he is not saying something to try and hurt me. On most of the surveys we filled out, he and I were complete opposites, so if we misunderstand each other...there is a reason! I guess opposites really do attract. :)
2.) I want to submit to Joel on decisions, realizing that he is the ultimate authority in our home. On Sunday, the guys and ladies were split up...and in the ladies' session, we learned about the Biblical definition of submission. Submission is NOT just doing everything your husband says and it is definitely NOT allowing yourself to be part of an abusive relationship, because you are wanting to just "submit". Submission IS respectfully following your husband to make the FINAL decision. This doesn't mean that I can't tell Joel how I feel about things, of course...but it does mean that I need to ultimately trust that he will make the right decision. And...if he doesn't, it means that we'll be wrong-together! ;)
Because it's hard for me to post without adding a photo, here's a pic of the kids and I from yesterday. :)
We both learned a ton. One speaker at the conference pointed out that for most things we do, we have to get licensed...or certified. There's driver's ed, and a test you have to take before you get to drive on your own. With marriage, you say, "I do...I do"...and bam! You're on your own. Ha! Usually no one really teaches you how to be a husband or wife. I realized there is a LOT that I don't know about being a good wife. The Bible if full of rich truths to lead us, and has much to say about the "roles" of marriage. This conference was 3 days of being immersed in what the Bible has to say about marriage and hearing first-hand accounts from people who have walked the walk. Real people. Married people that fight. And make up. And lead productive lives. The speakers we heard are a positive example to their children as to what marriage should be.
By Sunday, I was feeling overwhelmed. I admit I was afraid to fail at all the wonderful truths I learned...and for that reason, I'm thankful the final speaker of the day challenged us to pick TWO THINGS to begin working on this week. Just two. He said not to expect a new husband/wife by Monday, haha! I think he was saying that to me. ;)
Two of the things I want to work on are:
1.) Realize that Joel and I are ONE and not to continually be on the defense. One point in our take home book, is that "Oneness in marriage is only possible when we consider our spouse before we consider ourselves." I love that! I don't need to always be defensive when Joel makes a comment to me because (usually!) he is not saying something to try and hurt me. On most of the surveys we filled out, he and I were complete opposites, so if we misunderstand each other...there is a reason! I guess opposites really do attract. :)
2.) I want to submit to Joel on decisions, realizing that he is the ultimate authority in our home. On Sunday, the guys and ladies were split up...and in the ladies' session, we learned about the Biblical definition of submission. Submission is NOT just doing everything your husband says and it is definitely NOT allowing yourself to be part of an abusive relationship, because you are wanting to just "submit". Submission IS respectfully following your husband to make the FINAL decision. This doesn't mean that I can't tell Joel how I feel about things, of course...but it does mean that I need to ultimately trust that he will make the right decision. And...if he doesn't, it means that we'll be wrong-together! ;)
Because it's hard for me to post without adding a photo, here's a pic of the kids and I from yesterday. :)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Sick Baby
My baby loves to eat! :)
This little lovey has been so sick. Yesterday morning, her temperature was 104 degrees. She was a little oven! And so very lethargic. I've never seen a temp that high or a baby that "out of it". It was scary. I called the doctor. And the pharmacy. And got her on an antibiotic. We'd just been to the doctor the day before...and her ears were red, which may have been from a lingering ear infection or maybe something new??
This morning her temp was normal!! I was so relieved and glad to have some sweet baby smiles. I did call her doctor's office again though, because since yesterday, she's had a very red half-circle under her right eye. It almost looks like she got punched in the eye! The nurse seemed concerned that it might be cellulitis. I didn't remember even hearing of that before. So, I looked it up...and sure enough, I found pics online that look almost exactly like Mckenzie's eye!! The treatment for periorbital cellulitis is an oral antibiotic...so we've got that covered. Thankfully, her eye looked better after her afternoon nap. She's presently asleep for the night. Hopefully my little girl will be 100% in the morning.
On a different note, at supper tonight, P asked me, "Mom, did you know that a sugar glider is a flying marsupial?" Um...okay? He LOVES the PBS show Wild Kratts, where these two guys investigate how animals live and get "creature powers" to make them fly/swim/glide or whatever the animals do. Apparently P vividly remembers what he learns about the animals featured on the show. He then went on to tell me how the sugar gliders "fall forward" to glide...etc. I think he'll make a good teacher someday. :)
This little lovey has been so sick. Yesterday morning, her temperature was 104 degrees. She was a little oven! And so very lethargic. I've never seen a temp that high or a baby that "out of it". It was scary. I called the doctor. And the pharmacy. And got her on an antibiotic. We'd just been to the doctor the day before...and her ears were red, which may have been from a lingering ear infection or maybe something new??
This morning her temp was normal!! I was so relieved and glad to have some sweet baby smiles. I did call her doctor's office again though, because since yesterday, she's had a very red half-circle under her right eye. It almost looks like she got punched in the eye! The nurse seemed concerned that it might be cellulitis. I didn't remember even hearing of that before. So, I looked it up...and sure enough, I found pics online that look almost exactly like Mckenzie's eye!! The treatment for periorbital cellulitis is an oral antibiotic...so we've got that covered. Thankfully, her eye looked better after her afternoon nap. She's presently asleep for the night. Hopefully my little girl will be 100% in the morning.
On a different note, at supper tonight, P asked me, "Mom, did you know that a sugar glider is a flying marsupial?" Um...okay? He LOVES the PBS show Wild Kratts, where these two guys investigate how animals live and get "creature powers" to make them fly/swim/glide or whatever the animals do. Apparently P vividly remembers what he learns about the animals featured on the show. He then went on to tell me how the sugar gliders "fall forward" to glide...etc. I think he'll make a good teacher someday. :)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Redirecting...
I clicked on a link recently, and the website took me to another page. Nothing unusual there, but I noticed in my browser that it said "redirecting"...It hit me. This is what I need. Sometimes. A lot of times. I get sidetracked. Stuck. Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night...and then can't get my mind to stop. Other times I let things consume me...not good!
Throughout my life, there's been several circumstances that have caused me to spend many days and nights in turmoil. Not to blame the way I am on pregnancy at all, but it seems for me that things began to stress me MORE when I was pregnant with P. To the point of sleeplessness, etc. When I was a kid though, I know I stressed my Mom out with all of my "what-if's" and questions about what MIGHT happen. I was a worrier...even then.
It's not good, I know that. And it's not right. That is obvious. Proverbs 12:25 states, "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad." Philippians 4:6-7 says it well: 6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." 7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." And 1 Peter 5:7 tells us what to do with worry, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Often times I need to just give it over to God. Lay it down. Forget about it and focus on what it is that HE wants me to be focusing on. I believe He wants me to be encouraging others, teaching my children, spending time in the Word, and growing in Christ. There is a lot of GOOD things to be doing, and none of those things include being weighed down with worry.
The Lord has been redirecting me. Through prayer and time spent in His Word. Through the women's Bible study I've attended for 3 years now (love those ladies!) And through my husband. I'm so thankful for Joel. He helps me see what is valuable in life.
What does it feel like to have no worries? I believe Mckenzie knows...
It seems to me that getting to experience childlike wonder is like receiving tiny pieces of Heaven while here on Earth. :)
Throughout my life, there's been several circumstances that have caused me to spend many days and nights in turmoil. Not to blame the way I am on pregnancy at all, but it seems for me that things began to stress me MORE when I was pregnant with P. To the point of sleeplessness, etc. When I was a kid though, I know I stressed my Mom out with all of my "what-if's" and questions about what MIGHT happen. I was a worrier...even then.
It's not good, I know that. And it's not right. That is obvious. Proverbs 12:25 states, "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad." Philippians 4:6-7 says it well: 6 "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." 7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." And 1 Peter 5:7 tells us what to do with worry, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Often times I need to just give it over to God. Lay it down. Forget about it and focus on what it is that HE wants me to be focusing on. I believe He wants me to be encouraging others, teaching my children, spending time in the Word, and growing in Christ. There is a lot of GOOD things to be doing, and none of those things include being weighed down with worry.
The Lord has been redirecting me. Through prayer and time spent in His Word. Through the women's Bible study I've attended for 3 years now (love those ladies!) And through my husband. I'm so thankful for Joel. He helps me see what is valuable in life.
What does it feel like to have no worries? I believe Mckenzie knows...
It seems to me that getting to experience childlike wonder is like receiving tiny pieces of Heaven while here on Earth. :)
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Marching On
So far, March has been a busy month.
The 1st is my Mom's Birthday, so we had a party at our house in her honor. I picked up cupcakes from Cupcake Island (and used the rest of my Livingsocial coupon.) Anyone else on the daily deal site bandwagon? Groupon and Livingsocial are my favorites!
P is taking Kindermusik once again, so that provides us with weekly entertainment and an instrument to practice! The kids are learning to play glockenspiels, which are similar to xylophones. The teacher did inform us that these are not toys though...but musical instruments. She said that siblings are not to play with them. :) I'll make sure that P's little sister gets that memo, ha!
Babysitting has slowed down some. The little girl I've watched regularly (2-3 times per week) since the beginning of the year is going back to her Grandma's, who is back from CA. So now we'll only have one little guy, still each Thursday.
M has been rolling all over the place and is finally sitting really well. This took her longer than I thought it should, but it may be because she has such a long torso. She's got a lot to balance. People keep saying what a long baby she is...I guess she may get that from me. :) My baby will be 9 months on Friday!! I'm taking her in for her check-up on Friday morning. Time has definitely went faster with our second baby. P still loves her, although I've told him NOT to kiss her this week, because he's got a nasty cold. I'm so ready for Spring!
The 1st is my Mom's Birthday, so we had a party at our house in her honor. I picked up cupcakes from Cupcake Island (and used the rest of my Livingsocial coupon.) Anyone else on the daily deal site bandwagon? Groupon and Livingsocial are my favorites!
P is taking Kindermusik once again, so that provides us with weekly entertainment and an instrument to practice! The kids are learning to play glockenspiels, which are similar to xylophones. The teacher did inform us that these are not toys though...but musical instruments. She said that siblings are not to play with them. :) I'll make sure that P's little sister gets that memo, ha!
Babysitting has slowed down some. The little girl I've watched regularly (2-3 times per week) since the beginning of the year is going back to her Grandma's, who is back from CA. So now we'll only have one little guy, still each Thursday.
M has been rolling all over the place and is finally sitting really well. This took her longer than I thought it should, but it may be because she has such a long torso. She's got a lot to balance. People keep saying what a long baby she is...I guess she may get that from me. :) My baby will be 9 months on Friday!! I'm taking her in for her check-up on Friday morning. Time has definitely went faster with our second baby. P still loves her, although I've told him NOT to kiss her this week, because he's got a nasty cold. I'm so ready for Spring!
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