tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-179819172024-03-21T13:50:50.468-07:00The Fire WithinAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.comBlogger913125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-11089044314566446082015-04-15T05:58:00.000-07:002015-04-15T05:58:18.240-07:00Peace Out, sniffle sniffle, happy happy joy joy<br />
If you didn't get the memo from yesterday, <b>The Fire Within</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>is moving! From today on, if you wish to keep up on all things crazy, head over to my new site:<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://simplesaltytruth.com/">The Simple Salty Truth</a></span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b>
It's sad leaving this little blogspot behind, but oh so happy to start a new chapter. Crazy things are a-brewing, I tell you. For more details and to subscribe by email to the new site, click on over.<br />
<br />
<br />
See you on the flip side!<br />
<br />
<br />
-XOXO,<br />
KristineAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-24306616951812155282015-04-14T08:29:00.000-07:002015-04-14T08:29:28.235-07:009 months and an announcement<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just realized that by putting "9 months" and the word "announcement" in the same sentence that I might have just freaked people out. Heck, I freaked myself out. NO, not pregnant. But everything does have to do with babies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First baby: this one:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqvLhE7j7A9SFvjpEqkhKgYPVyn7wJU8Hmkf0VLaUs8kCYSEVncHDb6rVzK7uv6b3kf94Z2GB5O1oWydku0C4n95i7xLGkCIa2pD0jEuH7ADY79Riv_uuPOu1rPAvwxgTh9C1/s1600/IMG_3894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqvLhE7j7A9SFvjpEqkhKgYPVyn7wJU8Hmkf0VLaUs8kCYSEVncHDb6rVzK7uv6b3kf94Z2GB5O1oWydku0C4n95i7xLGkCIa2pD0jEuH7ADY79Riv_uuPOu1rPAvwxgTh9C1/s1600/IMG_3894.jpg" height="400" width="361" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
OMGeeee, she is 9 months old today! (Only 3 more months of nursing, yesssssss) This girl is just, well, there are no words. We are finally past the 9 month sleep regression (thank you Jesus) and she is finally over the annoying whining/singing that occurs at every waking moment. I actually think she's just frustrated she can't crawl yet. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Fh0hw99CVdz8xaD7qG2Pe6j9_gV_fdEoktQG0qCCpOXFeLMdJEFP_G_EIOdCiVf4DoGO_nGNgjNJoP4J2Y-WIecbvwdwGYwtbA_cvqJpStZ6oM2A8AkGXCIJaYkPRyv5EWXW/s1600/IMG_3889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Fh0hw99CVdz8xaD7qG2Pe6j9_gV_fdEoktQG0qCCpOXFeLMdJEFP_G_EIOdCiVf4DoGO_nGNgjNJoP4J2Y-WIecbvwdwGYwtbA_cvqJpStZ6oM2A8AkGXCIJaYkPRyv5EWXW/s1600/IMG_3889.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Her personality is so alive and real and I *love* this stage. Well, except for the diva part.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq30i4N2WlJY0jHt2OAxL9d6z6NeWkpU3ptbJy3JTH-Hhdg72VRQVLC3qxByJ5SLw8y2Tjbr8M1sx2hO_ZaxTvtQspl7xdHLjRacogT2etXpr-H8aaRoloEhZUphKmv7auK1Su/s1600/IMG_3788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq30i4N2WlJY0jHt2OAxL9d6z6NeWkpU3ptbJy3JTH-Hhdg72VRQVLC3qxByJ5SLw8y2Tjbr8M1sx2hO_ZaxTvtQspl7xdHLjRacogT2etXpr-H8aaRoloEhZUphKmv7auK1Su/s1600/IMG_3788.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last night, as I was rocking her to sleep, I forced myself to take in every single moment. I mean, I was holding a <i>baby</i>. MY baby. I was overwhelmed with how lucky I am. That, no matter how hard and crappy it can be sometimes, I never ever take a moment for granted. It all can be taken away tomorrow. I could never have this experience again. You never know. In that rocking chair I was humbled and emptied and filled and just so grateful.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZobV3EUiIM4kfThkofQ_yKTj-JLLiKfowOyN2GWu1W1y2vW7D6xalMOCYtNvdeKpHMPYSMsv3A_9wBpNakyFlXxCG8ZEjLWMQrApikNked6Tj13fEKBjCuZOfakSXPcoSnWaJ/s1600/IMG_3734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZobV3EUiIM4kfThkofQ_yKTj-JLLiKfowOyN2GWu1W1y2vW7D6xalMOCYtNvdeKpHMPYSMsv3A_9wBpNakyFlXxCG8ZEjLWMQrApikNked6Tj13fEKBjCuZOfakSXPcoSnWaJ/s1600/IMG_3734.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
OK, now onto my next baby. <i>This blog</i>. I've had a love/hate relationship with it in the past but it kept calling me back (we went over this already, like a while ago or something). And now, it's being born into something new. (see what did there?, good job Kristine.) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Today is the last day of <b>The Fire Within</b><i style="font-weight: bold;">. </i>This blog, <i>you all</i>, have treated me so well. But it's time she blossoms into something new. Actually this blossoming has been in the works for a few months now and tomorrow will be the next chapter in, hopefully, a long book. Man, I'm getting too frilly and sentimental - especially on a Tuesday morning. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
BUT STAY TUNED. I'm so excited I'm kind of jumping out of my skin. Peace Out.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-64817103123272234492015-04-13T06:41:00.000-07:002015-04-13T06:41:19.238-07:00this weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Well, a busy bee little weekend we had. Full of lots and lots of good (kind-of-crazy-at-costco) kid time. A mama needs alone time but sometimes more fun than that is just bringing a kid along. One kid. Turning something ordinary into a fun little date. AND making errands slash normal life a bit more lively. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Avila and I hit up the coffee shop and got our little toes-ies done after church yesterday. I'm kind of jealous of the gold glitter she chose. We chit-chatted, read books, and she told me all the amazing stories in her head. But everyone thought I was her sister, bahahaha.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjql_tgDbODdICpTTjv7H17WlAg6nYlPR9e1pvE1n-2rW_88z9xAvysnjJKb28qUIdpkFRIOFx8lWHkqlR_EQrTZBcegSS5f6YMOiHYMmNlw0NC4Fbx-3W43Xbj7b-678Sqksr/s1600/IMG_3855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjql_tgDbODdICpTTjv7H17WlAg6nYlPR9e1pvE1n-2rW_88z9xAvysnjJKb28qUIdpkFRIOFx8lWHkqlR_EQrTZBcegSS5f6YMOiHYMmNlw0NC4Fbx-3W43Xbj7b-678Sqksr/s1600/IMG_3855.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
On Saturday I chose the worstest time in the entire world to go to Costco. But it was bearable (lol, I'm on a roll) 'cause I had this dude with me. This FIVE-YEAR-OLD dude. He helped me stay calm when 10,000 people were blocking every entrance to every aisle and he helped push a cart through the parking lot (we had two, eek). He used his birthday money to buy Mr. Brown Bear Brown Bear what do you see? and his little voice from the back seat chanting along was just. so. melt my heart.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BvVMD7qGMmPNtZIk9Pc-lC6klzP8rAAook8OK6YGXlnueo7mqotkSe19mPj6M6aARfvVSv_ojJGucCdY1jHfHIDRWFUwZH1HCi0CiE9hQUOKpuXOcLY1wioUl896UjdqVs1Z/s1600/IMG_3848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BvVMD7qGMmPNtZIk9Pc-lC6klzP8rAAook8OK6YGXlnueo7mqotkSe19mPj6M6aARfvVSv_ojJGucCdY1jHfHIDRWFUwZH1HCi0CiE9hQUOKpuXOcLY1wioUl896UjdqVs1Z/s1600/IMG_3848.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
And, yes, FIVE. Friday was the big day. Five is like the transition from little kid to big kid and it is a special day for all. Seriously, when kids turn five things just get <i>easier</i>. Levi has two longish, better snuggle those cheeks now years to go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7NwpLLqyS_uVH4iHpJWx9hPpN8y079BBxOTV9v0b9t-q5iR9zq4qUuY1jhYfoPsqHy_BnSDgHw1vfMqpRhWpiTUcg9TbgZg5dHpsJ-akvTyG41GT5r6MvGLY-eD1ARwWt8nI/s1600/IMG_3812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT7NwpLLqyS_uVH4iHpJWx9hPpN8y079BBxOTV9v0b9t-q5iR9zq4qUuY1jhYfoPsqHy_BnSDgHw1vfMqpRhWpiTUcg9TbgZg5dHpsJ-akvTyG41GT5r6MvGLY-eD1ARwWt8nI/s1600/IMG_3812.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj172k43C6ZMO-Uhh6M90qGOopN2BIEy7ylTVZrPrg9P3kzEiedsDnRE_xsllp3WNzSZZYOp7gtiRUrpI_-M5H2L91bv6taMqjys9Sj1TEB5S4qeesefX9F3uzp4VWvDDPGIiI4/s1600/IMG_3817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj172k43C6ZMO-Uhh6M90qGOopN2BIEy7ylTVZrPrg9P3kzEiedsDnRE_xsllp3WNzSZZYOp7gtiRUrpI_-M5H2L91bv6taMqjys9Sj1TEB5S4qeesefX9F3uzp4VWvDDPGIiI4/s1600/IMG_3817.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
And speaking of Levi, he wanted a date too so he chose to be Mr. Hair Stylist. Super fun getting a Lego wheel stuck in your hair.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFnuDpPbmYvsciZXYEwmBnXQreOyuufsY3joITgHKmFnHq26k3jh1GDHk3GA2el-HIOdr9UQVGeFBDpydVdWq4MGyM-TH-u37251iWh2Kr_SzDGONgLUA96IIpoD9o37T6Ldq/s1600/IMG_3864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFnuDpPbmYvsciZXYEwmBnXQreOyuufsY3joITgHKmFnHq26k3jh1GDHk3GA2el-HIOdr9UQVGeFBDpydVdWq4MGyM-TH-u37251iWh2Kr_SzDGONgLUA96IIpoD9o37T6Ldq/s1600/IMG_3864.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Lola gets mama all the time and I tried to distract her with some golf (PS: I love love watching golf...it's so peaceful and relaxing...) but she chose to unfold errything instead. Don't let the angelic Instagram filters fool you - she's trouble man.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtevzUcamFQuC_GTPjPmXcHTlbXu-E7Csl0lwSRkTdFYXgTjVrTUED7s__Xpuq7PY3CyN1bDfAVAo2G5dhjFJU2u8L-OjAU4GSL08pVDdWMcxstAI1IPwDGNG1kYAZJek2PAQ/s1600/IMG_3898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLtevzUcamFQuC_GTPjPmXcHTlbXu-E7Csl0lwSRkTdFYXgTjVrTUED7s__Xpuq7PY3CyN1bDfAVAo2G5dhjFJU2u8L-OjAU4GSL08pVDdWMcxstAI1IPwDGNG1kYAZJek2PAQ/s1600/IMG_3898.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
And now, Monday. Fresh week. Busy week. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
But my kid-love-tank is kind of brimming over so it's all good. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-84809613297702328392015-04-09T08:39:00.000-07:002015-04-09T08:39:32.568-07:00From sick to not sick...Part 3<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Home stretch...then I'll stop talking about intestines. But perhaps I should start talking about my (lack of) parenting skills. Hashtag that's a knife.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia60Tz_KfS5oLSdtT89WGyVLBef_2pggKfABtLBPFadr4XMOAFqjBcYfKPB1RbauLZM_zxEPSu97O6liRwOSZRB1lL9N-V2QNDIFsRfH4syw7vGpSjXobRdfMe2mM8IhHTlohyphenhyphen/s1600/IMG_3707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia60Tz_KfS5oLSdtT89WGyVLBef_2pggKfABtLBPFadr4XMOAFqjBcYfKPB1RbauLZM_zxEPSu97O6liRwOSZRB1lL9N-V2QNDIFsRfH4syw7vGpSjXobRdfMe2mM8IhHTlohyphenhyphen/s1600/IMG_3707.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, this is the final installment of my current health journey. Sure, I'll update along the way and if anyone has any preguntas (questions...trying to keep my espaƱol alive) shoot them my way.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before I close this baby out there are two big things I want to acknowledge - things I have realized are key and that I carry with me while dealing with my current status in life:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1) GRATITUDE: I never (ok, how about hardly ever) let myself get down about anything I'm going through. Despite the pain, the unanswered questions, the long journey both behind and before me I am so grateful for everything I have been blessed with. Life is still. so. good. and this just happens to be my cross. I may cry about it here and there, but I embrace it. And, as Chrissy said in her comment yesterday, there is a big ol' spread waiting for me in heaven. WITH FRENCH FRIES.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2) IT IS NOT SELFISH TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. I was smacked in the face with this after my last meeting with my doc. Yes, I take time to workout but it has to be <i>more </i>than that. I <i>now</i> have to take the time to rest, put my feet up (probably while playing Legos or a rousing game of Old Maid), take my meds, and (in some cases) put myself first. I have to realize it's not selfish to say no. It's not selfish to read a book. It's not selfish to have to wait a couple days to respond to emails. It may not be <i>easy</i> but it's not selfish.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXPzUu3NsymPcRP5nB9dKUnT2Qo0_u5030cJPgSStnkQo5RWbzKy04dPk4sOpcJh0NgiB1u7lqRJ8ztQEltlJ2IcBnF7veB8eYpZUloBKLD1tgOWnLWbkR6y16PM5dQCXzpiH/s1600/IMG_2517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXPzUu3NsymPcRP5nB9dKUnT2Qo0_u5030cJPgSStnkQo5RWbzKy04dPk4sOpcJh0NgiB1u7lqRJ8ztQEltlJ2IcBnF7veB8eYpZUloBKLD1tgOWnLWbkR6y16PM5dQCXzpiH/s1600/IMG_2517.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
OK OK, without further adieu let's close this sucker out...picking up where I left off from yesterday:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>**Adrenal Fatigue:</b> this one totally caught me off guard. <a href="http://adrenalfatiguesolution.com/what-is-adrenal-fatigue/">You can read about it here</a> but pretty much the adrenal glands are responsible for managing stress hormones. If the body is in a constant state of stress for too long (from life, emotions, or even inflammation) the adrenal glands get waaaaay too taxed and they shut down. But you see, I had energy. I slept fine. I don't let myself get stressed out and when I do I can manage it pretty well. But my doc pointed out all the symptoms I <i>did</i> have that related to adrenal fatigue and, well, now it all makes sense. And looking back I guess I did set myself up for this: marathoning, being pregnant (again...), marathoning while pregnant, inflammation from my health issues, all the crazy busy-ness of normal homeschooling life with 4 kids, the fact that I never sit down (EVER), then the weight training and the this and the that and it all adds up to my little adrenals saying NO THANK YOU. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm on a couple different supplements for this one (I'll share at the end) but pretty much I have to take a step back in life and focusing on healing. Rest. Recovery. Which obviously led me to the question: <i>"Doc, can I run marathons???????"</i> Her response: <i>"Um, nooooo. Not right now."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
OK, exhale Kristine. EXHALE.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Not only should I not be running marathons at this point, I actually have to back off from what I'm currently doing. I'm used to operating at such a high physical level that to even take a step back is kind of paralyzing. All last week, when I was trying to take "breaks" I would sit down and then become overwhelmed by emotion - paralyzed in the "not doing" - because I have trained myself to just keep chugging along, one foot in front of the other, up this mountain of life. But apparently this mountain is killing me. Like yesterday for example: we were rushing out the door to get to our school class and all the craziness hit me at once. My stomach immediately seized up and I was in physical pain from the stressful episode for a few hours. Not fun.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sooo, current prescription: cut out anything non-related to the most important things (namely family...), seek out help for the times I do get overwhelmed, take an extra workout rest day during the week (or at least use it for a walk or something), focus on healing my inflammation, back off from bright electronics, and just slow the heck down. Even thinking about cutting back gives me both relief and fear: relief in that I finally have an excuse to let go. And rest. Fear in the thought of "how will it all get done...and how do I say no when more and more tries to get added to life???" </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHHGKFzeIiLoF1My90S7Ch9Tv-TgCYF0z85r-RDWBTl769oK_2dVdWSCybzEcLJD939uto6T4nlwTnresJ5x_8AmMgYMszhktrh8Xdqc8icQtGzB4oamWomkUmSfXHyBmjTcn/s1600/IMG_1939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHHGKFzeIiLoF1My90S7Ch9Tv-TgCYF0z85r-RDWBTl769oK_2dVdWSCybzEcLJD939uto6T4nlwTnresJ5x_8AmMgYMszhktrh8Xdqc8icQtGzB4oamWomkUmSfXHyBmjTcn/s1600/IMG_1939.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
and lastly (oh, please Lord LASTLY).......</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>**The Endo: <i><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/endometriosis/basics/definition/con-20013968">endometriosis</a></i> to be exact</b>. I was initially diagnosed with this fun stuff right before getting pregnant with the Lola. At least that's what all my symptoms pointed to and was going to do the laparoscopy thing but then, well, got pregnant. It lays dormant while pregnant and nursing but is starting to flare up again. I initially managed the flare ups (before Lola) with diet: no meat, sugar, dairy, grains - which seemed to help a bit. But that was just a band-aid and I'll be spending the next few months trying to figure out a course of action. Hawaiian sun kills this stuff, right??</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIMvpUpPVH-kx8DD2C7DIB4_dcE8yNWbpQmjbi2jmqLFIJn53V3246Q7Ex9_jqta8FaWatsqygtLjMHb2PFxMeLrmdXJ6kMxF9RbjASUyH9cJNQ2UqdeRVno62ubekQVqPTHj/s1600/IMG_2950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIMvpUpPVH-kx8DD2C7DIB4_dcE8yNWbpQmjbi2jmqLFIJn53V3246Q7Ex9_jqta8FaWatsqygtLjMHb2PFxMeLrmdXJ6kMxF9RbjASUyH9cJNQ2UqdeRVno62ubekQVqPTHj/s1600/IMG_2950.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Alright, here's a big ol' list of everything I'm on. Some of these I take just once, others multiple times a day. Again, this is MY OWN course of action. Check with your doctor before starting anything. Just make sure your supps/meds don't have fillers - the fillers in my Costco prenatal were contributing to the badness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Probiotics - 100 billion parts per serving: </b>restore gut health/balance.<br />
<br />
<b>L-Glutamine: </b>healing the intestinal lining<br />
<br />
<b>Vitamin D3: </b>energy, lack of sun in the PNW.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxKCpqvp4g6OUPX9dQ47ui1OchU_iD2Y9dNmjgjDz6iXI07s59t3j5rBHCOQIdsJOqT5EhUvX3qnvemAe4J5Dn9Z76uccvxS1zUPlFu0UV-7t1Guxu1Pgp2qb65RkEL5x7375/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxKCpqvp4g6OUPX9dQ47ui1OchU_iD2Y9dNmjgjDz6iXI07s59t3j5rBHCOQIdsJOqT5EhUvX3qnvemAe4J5Dn9Z76uccvxS1zUPlFu0UV-7t1Guxu1Pgp2qb65RkEL5x7375/s1600/IMG_3735.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>RAW Digestive Enzymes: </b>pre-meal</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Papaya enzyme: </b>after meal if needed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mVym4iZ4Z_al9jX66R7Zzh44uGtbpa6_1TxXD02XcFpWtO7JgHlLGE7cVN2soPIXNJRWfjn5io2g6PKu8C8V8BY1ebjqF79ssWVmRVXh3MNDYmaoEzZTWphFlz89W5DjtO19/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mVym4iZ4Z_al9jX66R7Zzh44uGtbpa6_1TxXD02XcFpWtO7JgHlLGE7cVN2soPIXNJRWfjn5io2g6PKu8C8V8BY1ebjqF79ssWVmRVXh3MNDYmaoEzZTWphFlz89W5DjtO19/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Vitamin C: </b>headaches, yeast die off, general health</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Eleuthro:</b> Adrenal health</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Prenatal: </b>nursing, general health</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-4MOu7FFih0Kkpkt70Lw8YhcPx0eyGmpuw-D_io0ByqwRKtKE1oFEPlLbVGLdVfVES5UbNKLtFijgtP0VDzfd1B1cDyTl4XIBVWZIhYEPYxIVkuB597XR3Fmob2wW5Vaq0OP/s1600/IMG_3737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ-4MOu7FFih0Kkpkt70Lw8YhcPx0eyGmpuw-D_io0ByqwRKtKE1oFEPlLbVGLdVfVES5UbNKLtFijgtP0VDzfd1B1cDyTl4XIBVWZIhYEPYxIVkuB597XR3Fmob2wW5Vaq0OP/s1600/IMG_3737.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Slippery Elm and Peplic tea: </b>adrenal health. But this stuff is gross.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG-qSmkSIH5-U9srH3hZn1TO67f2ow7fgz6tflDzQINZ10XyTUeKwUzO_2s3zGxx2NzTK_dcm84_jPo5GE455RofmPWBYFHEe4F8ErlT51F9nHmBwB8baz-nx3wf9CUSkbUl8/s1600/IMG_3738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG-qSmkSIH5-U9srH3hZn1TO67f2ow7fgz6tflDzQINZ10XyTUeKwUzO_2s3zGxx2NzTK_dcm84_jPo5GE455RofmPWBYFHEe4F8ErlT51F9nHmBwB8baz-nx3wf9CUSkbUl8/s1600/IMG_3738.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Diatomaceous Earth (FOOD GRADE): </b>intestinal health</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWcpP5teWbn9QnnTYjB7r3BU9BzPsODOcgkFZJDz0jRmxn2HlmBLJZfHIMQ4K9nQt46mApKaJvxV81YqyN6EKz30MOpn8jy6rvMeKKCWpsh1YyuGfy2IGTeIkxztRbUU006Pd/s1600/IMG_3739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWcpP5teWbn9QnnTYjB7r3BU9BzPsODOcgkFZJDz0jRmxn2HlmBLJZfHIMQ4K9nQt46mApKaJvxV81YqyN6EKz30MOpn8jy6rvMeKKCWpsh1YyuGfy2IGTeIkxztRbUU006Pd/s1600/IMG_3739.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I also believe in healing through food. This is HUGE and probably even more important than supplements. Organic, natural, REAL food. Grass-fed meats. Free Range eggs. Nothing artificial. No dairy, gluten, soy, corn, legumes. My body can also tell the difference between farmed and wild salmon. I eat a lot of organic fruits and veggies, lean chicken and fish, eggs, coconut and olive oils, plant-based protein powders, and sweet potatoes/squash. Very little grains. It can get boring but whatever. At least I don't get tempted by the twinkies. OOOOO, twinkies. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
OH and if you missed it, here's <a href="http://mikeandkristine.blogspot.com/2015/04/from-sick-to-not-sickpart-1.html">Part 1</a> and <a href="http://mikeandkristine.blogspot.com/2015/04/from-sick-to-not-sickpart-2.html">Part 2</a> of my journey. But that's all for now. My kitchen is a war zone and Max has some little buddies coming over soon to celebrate the last day that he's FOUR. Because tomorrow he's FIVE. Big kid territory. Whoa.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-75510927228256973212015-04-08T07:07:00.002-07:002015-04-08T07:07:20.277-07:00From sick to not sick...Part 2<br />
<br />
OK, before I commence Part 2 of this baby, I have to pat myself on the back. Who cares if bragging takes away some heaven points because yesterday I endured Poop-ma-geddon and didn't get a lick mad. Or say one swear word. It was inevitable I guess that the boys sneak some gluten or red dye #5 candy somewhere - especially after 5,000 Easter egg hunts and lots of yummy goodies lying around (on the ground...Levi likes to eat off the ground) and while I will spare you the details let's just say I was scrubbing walls.<br />
<br />
<br />
BUT I DIDN'T TURN INTO THE HULK. I was calm, people. CALM. And now I feel on top of the world. Bring it on, toddler diapers. You a'int got nothin' on me....Actually <i>don't </i>bring it on. I'm so over those.<br />
<br />
<br />
OK, Back to our regularly scheduled programming. But not sharing this failed muffin recipe. Bad...it was bad.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnm7iN3zGmpXf9rbGPgH0KMhit7gajf_gcvd0fOG5z0lQrzznH7GZnNjQO0kjLu1F3vGBgdk7JqvTuv8uA78d7NccUq6ioHnoXkvr1cXEKZjzneOKAEeY1-S1t37SApDZoBL6/s1600/IMG_3689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnm7iN3zGmpXf9rbGPgH0KMhit7gajf_gcvd0fOG5z0lQrzznH7GZnNjQO0kjLu1F3vGBgdk7JqvTuv8uA78d7NccUq6ioHnoXkvr1cXEKZjzneOKAEeY1-S1t37SApDZoBL6/s1600/IMG_3689.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is Part 2 of my "from turning sick to (hopefully soon) not sick series. Part 1 can be found here, where I explain everything my 5'1" body is going through. This part will focus on the steps I'm taking to get better. Disclaimer: check with your doctor before taking medical advice (which I'm not really giving - mostly just sharing my experience) and if you need a recommendation in my area I have some awesome names for you. Also, this is what's working for <i>me</i> so even if you're dealing with the same *stuff* you may need things tweaked here and there.<br />
<br />
<br />
AND to make it easy on the eyes (and fingers...at 5:30am...yes, you're welcome. I set the alarm extra early to bust this baby out) I will use bullet points. Short and sweet. Just like me yesterday when I didn't lose it over poop.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>**Celiac disease:</b> this one's pretty simple. Avoid all wheat, barely, rye, oats. None of it allowed in the house, sorry. I'm crazy psychotic about checking every label and I'm the weirdo that brings food pretty much everywhere I go. Even to Florida for 5 days - yup chicken in the carry on. I don't eat at events or parties or restaurants unless the chef personally comes out to explain to me <i>exactly</i> how/where he's prepared something and even then it's with reservation. I don't ever let myself get down about it - it's just life and the cards I was dealt. I just suck it up and, during meals out, I order champagne and focus on the conversation of those around me - not just the meal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>**FODMAP Intolerance:</b> <a href="http://www.strandsofmylife.com/8-symptoms-fodmap-intolerance-explained/">You can read about it here</a> but basically it's the inability to digest certain foods. Probably goes hand in hand with my leaky gut. Some things on the list are watermelon (sniffle sniffle), onions, garlic, cauliflower, beets (sniffle again) pears, apple, and on and on. Discovered this one after I was COUCH RIDDEN for 5 HOURS after consuming a homemade beet and cauliflower soup. Poor husband had to come home from work I was in so. much. pain. Most grains also bug me as do legumes and peanuts. Not really related to the FODMAP but keeping a food journal helps identify any culprits.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqPMm2CCvkgidqyN8QpnK3Pdg8jeaDz-UgMCaTbpZvzj_ManXIsG6CbDRHFGLzMIrJuBBo4GfMnRV-z1vjEX7O8CnYVF_HvwB0twCIrDU6V4oc8oV58OL50z7AumyrBDoRxni/s1600/IMG_2172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqPMm2CCvkgidqyN8QpnK3Pdg8jeaDz-UgMCaTbpZvzj_ManXIsG6CbDRHFGLzMIrJuBBo4GfMnRV-z1vjEX7O8CnYVF_HvwB0twCIrDU6V4oc8oV58OL50z7AumyrBDoRxni/s1600/IMG_2172.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>**Dairy Intolerance: </b> pretty self-explanatory. No dairy. I tried to incorporate some back in a month or so ago and was left with a horribly scaly mouth and canker sores. Anything related to the skin/mouth is food related. Hence Levi's cheeks yesterday. If your kids have these cheeks, get them checked out! And if anyone suffers from canker sores, get them checked out! It could be gluten/dairy/or a host of anything else.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwvgcAf9gayZRxwxkljB2PemM6YZQ2L9KJ_MaxTaOiJwQ3pZ1boA23cDAmegmRggGyfbJkrw7mggMNKHnvewFJJHr21NmyqY06jLJNFA2MpCK19wEm2Yy_9vY8Xt-WCm7BJWy/s1600/IMG_3714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwvgcAf9gayZRxwxkljB2PemM6YZQ2L9KJ_MaxTaOiJwQ3pZ1boA23cDAmegmRggGyfbJkrw7mggMNKHnvewFJJHr21NmyqY06jLJNFA2MpCK19wEm2Yy_9vY8Xt-WCm7BJWy/s1600/IMG_3714.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>**Low Iron:</b> My initial doctor missed this one the first time around (when I was running marathons, quite a few months before getting pregnant with Lola). I even ran my 50 miler anemic. Wahoooo. Got on supplements a few months later and they are totally helping. Took them throughout my pregnancy, because low iron and babies growing is not a good combo.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>**Fat Malabsorption:</b> <a href="http://www.healthline.com/health/malabsorption#Overview1">You can read about it here</a>. Working on this one naturally (<a href="http://empoweredsustenance.com/fat-malabsorption/">here is a good list</a>) but basically upping my digestive enzymes before meals, avoiding grains, adding in more coconut oil, and fermented foods. I also take L-Glutamine to repair the intestinal lining.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>**Yeast Imbalance: </b>The overuse of antibiotics has created such a horrible gut/yeast imbalance in our culture. Yes, they're necessary sometimes (like with all my births - group B strep positive and they save babies' lives) but they are still overused in many cases. Symptoms: bloating, red scaly yeast rashes (hence Lola's rash on her back and behind her ears), stomach pain, thrush (I had oral thrush 3 years ago and it was the most painful thing I ever went through. Knives in my mouth. I went to the ER after not being able to eat or drink for 3 days. They had no idea what it was and then the Holy Spirit or something popped this idea into my head and when I started treating it for thrush it went away). My treatments include a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PYZDLG/ref=od_aui_detailpages02?ie=UTF8&psc=1">super-powerful probiotic (found here - I take mine twice a day)</a>, Vitamin C, <a href="http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/diatomaceous_human_use.html">Diatomaceous Earth </a>(FOOD GRADE), and an <a href="http://www.thecandidadiet.com/anti-candida-diet/">anti-Candida diet</a>. Here is also a <a href="http://www.nationalcandidacenter.com/Self-Test-2-My-Body-Fluids-s/1877.htm">spit test you can use</a> to see if you have an overgrowth of yeast. When you start to kill off the little buggers you'll feel like you're going through drug withdrawals: brain fog, dizziness, the shakes, flu-like symptoms, cravings. I had to be careful with the die-off this time around while nursing as Lola got grumpy for a few days as the toxins were leaving my system. Epsom salt baths and LOTS of water helped with the detox. As did reminding my husband that I would be crazy for a few days.<br />
<br />
<br />
OH and side note, side note: bone broth! Sharing maƱana.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlcopopk6OCyCyuOStbCro1whFLTzXDes30xFpQMW-hu4aegr2e4b_tP0i_reAVKHnEL0wQS7rt4BmlMwS86bmvUGo5GLi_IUlbK0vW_j-bh6qDS3h84Mp616B8gPlkd97vX-/s1600/IMG_3637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlcopopk6OCyCyuOStbCro1whFLTzXDes30xFpQMW-hu4aegr2e4b_tP0i_reAVKHnEL0wQS7rt4BmlMwS86bmvUGo5GLi_IUlbK0vW_j-bh6qDS3h84Mp616B8gPlkd97vX-/s1600/IMG_3637.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
OK, tomorrow I will finish up this bad boy and chat about what I'm doing for the Adrenal Fatigue and Endometriosis. And what I'm doing for the kids. And a big ol' picture/list of all my supplements (a lot of which anyone can take and benefit from). Because I'm tired of typing and you probably need a coffee break. But not too much coffee, lest it taxes the adrenal glands. OH MY WORD, just please don't take away my coffee.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-48113294144338222912015-04-07T08:09:00.000-07:002015-04-07T08:16:11.194-07:00From sick to not sick...Part 1<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alrighty, this post has the potential of getting real long real fast....for when you deal with something for 20+ years there becomes mucho to share. But I cross my heart promise to keep it short and sweet - probably a part 1/part 2 dealio. That way my fingers won't die typing and you won't die of boredom. Well, I hope you won't die of boredom. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Honestly, I share all this health stuff because <i>I hope it helps someone</i>. Because I know how debilitating, hopeless, and full of despair it can be to live with ongoing health issues. To fight for pain free days with each and every waking sun. To throw your hands in the air and say <i>"well, this is just how it is...."</i> only to finally realize that it is <i>not normal</i> to live this way.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So there. If you're interested in this journey you're more than welcome to come along for the ride. If not, no worries - just stare at this and call it a day:</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4553UZyknigxpyvgBmjybcoXZxK_EZnArgJDtTpzrKUqagsIdoYahHcJR46LJSkU-mu7hOmfSYQ2ZixCaUtzqxXE140tDh_Ge67BDc1Rp4k2-8tMFJL9W7PxGaVE_v-Eh9DzR/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4553UZyknigxpyvgBmjybcoXZxK_EZnArgJDtTpzrKUqagsIdoYahHcJR46LJSkU-mu7hOmfSYQ2ZixCaUtzqxXE140tDh_Ge67BDc1Rp4k2-8tMFJL9W7PxGaVE_v-Eh9DzR/s1600/IMG_3674.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Looking back I have been sick most of my life - more specifically starting when I was 10 or so. Fast forward to Max at 8 months old and I was on the couch from 3pm until bedtime every. single. day. Fatigue. Joint Pain. Digestive Issues. Migraines. Numbness and tingling. Sever brain fog. Depression and mood swings. To make a loooong story short I was finally diagnosed with Celiac disease (an auto-immune response to wheat, barely, rye, oats and anything cross-contaminated with them). Almost 5 gluten-free years later I am at the point where, if I come into contact with a <i>crumb</i> of gluten, I am sick for three weeks. On the couch, dead to the world, sick. Which currently means no gluten in the house and not really eating out for me. (I get to enjoy a really really nice glass of wine instead...BUT going to bars give me a migraine with all the beer floating around. You know what I just heard though?! The first gluten-free brewery opening in Portland. ROAD TRIP?!) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But at least I wasn't dying so it's all good.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Except it wasn't. It wasn't all good. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I thought it all stopped there: go off le gluten and I'll be golden. Come to find out that not only is there other crap going on (of which I am <i>finally</i> figuring out with the help of the MOST AMAZING NATUROPATH. SHE IS AN ANGEL, PRAISE JESUS, HALLELUJAH) but there is just so. much. damage. still. from being undiagnosed Celiac for so long that I have to really hone in on full repair mode like stat.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And this is a big reason why I'm sharing this: if you think anything <i>anything </i>is out of whack with your body/health get on it NOW. We are meant to live pain free, energetic, full of hope lives. Our food/the overuse of antibiotics/hashtag all the chemicals are reeking havoc on our bodies - namely the digestive system. And gut health is correlated to pretty much everything else: brain health, our happiness (aka: serotonin levels), our skin, chronic inflammation/aches and pains, you name it. Even if all you deal with are mood swings of which you have no control over, get it figured out, for this, too, is a sign of something going on. (Dude, I KNOW.) And if you keep pushing it under the rug (like I did) saying it'll go away or you can deal (like I did) it will just keep getting worse and worse and do more and more damage. There. The End.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte8K9QVK6D6MIjd-nXzDg3L3cQvsZEm-k5xJREvs334ek0J2sbxaBBxXLweU61QFCCLYGKfzpmwGyFxg1EyBQe_kkmgknRNLEnyfF3riyQBEGPyFXrcDI_UcPgS4UEizO3XyS/s1600/IMG_3661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjte8K9QVK6D6MIjd-nXzDg3L3cQvsZEm-k5xJREvs334ek0J2sbxaBBxXLweU61QFCCLYGKfzpmwGyFxg1EyBQe_kkmgknRNLEnyfF3riyQBEGPyFXrcDI_UcPgS4UEizO3XyS/s1600/IMG_3661.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fast forward to now (and through all the different experimental stages of trying to figure things out) and I finally <i>finally</i> feel like I'm on the path to health. And not just "put a bandaid on it health." Like, really heal and BE NORMAL (oh, please Jesus) health. Can I get a what what?!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After my initial intake with my doctor she looked at her pages and pages of notes and said <i>"In all my years of practice, I have never made a list this long. BUT we WILL get you healthy."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, here's what I'm currently dealing with, some of them known for a while, other diagnoses new: Celiac, FODMAP intolerance, dairy intolerance (and still waiting for the other food panel to come back), low iron, yeast imbalance in the gut, fat malabsorption, adrenal fatigue, and endometriosis. At least my toes are healthy. Wait, except they aren't - there's that extreme cold all the time thing and my pretty little pedicure hardly ever sees the light of day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Current prescription: (not knowing my love of the islands) my doc turned to Avila and said <i>"Mommy needs to move to Hawaii for three months."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I knew I liked her.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tomorrow I will share how these beasts have individually affected my life and how I'm finally starting to overcome them one-by-one. But one prescription is for certain: <i>I have to focus on getting better</i>. I have to (force myself to) take the time to focus on my healing. That means I have to cut some stuff out and rest and do what kind of feels selfish. But getting healthy is not selfish. (At least convince me of this pulease - especially when I choose to sit on the couch with a book instead of doing the 50 million other things required of me...) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So now I will do the dishes and the laundry and the school and THEN I will put my feet up for a few and perhaps start dreaming about those three months in Maui. Doctor's orders.....</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-19634797193221919192015-04-06T06:18:00.000-07:002015-04-06T06:18:05.058-07:00Happy Easter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Happy Joy Joy! He is RISEN! Dude, we have been waiting for this day for, like, 40 days or something. Last night Max said he wanted to give up the treat I offered him as a sacrifice and I said, <i>"No way, buddy! It's EASTER!! And we get to have treats and party and celebrate for FIFTY days!"</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Insert a wide-eyed, over-joyed, soon-to-be-5-year-old boy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OH, and Insert totally reconstructed Instagram photo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9E1fwV-it1NeeWtmk7n5EHDCRkm4sRjilrn6bh2W0NWd5Bu2hiVlwuxZUmMhsPq0I7D9DFbixV-nG0h9L730Yf8jkyArTyVEFUX73ts7o6OXESyDI0B1jcl4DTWq84sPwoR6/s1600/IMG_3643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS9E1fwV-it1NeeWtmk7n5EHDCRkm4sRjilrn6bh2W0NWd5Bu2hiVlwuxZUmMhsPq0I7D9DFbixV-nG0h9L730Yf8jkyArTyVEFUX73ts7o6OXESyDI0B1jcl4DTWq84sPwoR6/s1600/IMG_3643.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's the real backstory AND the outtakes: tired baby (who "sang" all of Mass...I guess it <i>is</i> a high liturgy...), kids who were dying for grandma's homemade cinnamon roll, and a mama who just wanted her Easter pictures. C'mon, kids I birthed you. You owe me two seconds in a photo.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMTmODzfiLGf3D7p3GLp5_RqTO6q2EsSFDAeNd_MmsEtgOC0LTt7TjL8RmFPbMCOOogvdl3ieYBBy5y91hAcgNmDyRtjjTrAp8p6neMTFyOmplAhc68gDuMUx_B7Eklh104sz/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMTmODzfiLGf3D7p3GLp5_RqTO6q2EsSFDAeNd_MmsEtgOC0LTt7TjL8RmFPbMCOOogvdl3ieYBBy5y91hAcgNmDyRtjjTrAp8p6neMTFyOmplAhc68gDuMUx_B7Eklh104sz/s1600/IMG_3644.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>"Levi, come here or I will eat your cinnamon roll."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLKaY_wWqTz-rywqQ4GhbcRG2s4brhQeE1N2GtZuDWAvpBRfs_m75M8PMvhdrqInsrecIw5sUqfHLV2egjUXrRbXb2Vynuku-LjQtr12dJ3Kd6bfAsBJTuXDWwp1DoIrgu-oa/s1600/IMG_3645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLKaY_wWqTz-rywqQ4GhbcRG2s4brhQeE1N2GtZuDWAvpBRfs_m75M8PMvhdrqInsrecIw5sUqfHLV2egjUXrRbXb2Vynuku-LjQtr12dJ3Kd6bfAsBJTuXDWwp1DoIrgu-oa/s1600/IMG_3645.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>"Avila, stop making silly faces or I will eat your cinnamon roll."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSeuGryycwxBVe1g_hnuHjORi9M3fAHzX5w8D2D109EXR_AX0nkDW-YR4TO51_ZZmFL1knxUUEybPkepZcVzkHG-k4eadHVB7UGcEUhL8L9QZubmtkKQTbmmCrkwNTzgxW_bT/s1600/IMG_3646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSeuGryycwxBVe1g_hnuHjORi9M3fAHzX5w8D2D109EXR_AX0nkDW-YR4TO51_ZZmFL1knxUUEybPkepZcVzkHG-k4eadHVB7UGcEUhL8L9QZubmtkKQTbmmCrkwNTzgxW_bT/s1600/IMG_3646.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was a blessed day and a good weekend (away from home, where I could finally sit down....) and we are so excited for the Easter season. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After getting home and all unpacked (we've been traveling so much I have it down, man. Home and unpacked/laundry in/car washed and vacuumed in an hour...Mike does the car stuff....I do the other stuff) Michael took the boys to see a movie. Boy time: much needed. Avila stayed down with my parents and sister for an extra day (but I lied and told Max she was doing something else 'cause, well, sometimes as a parent it's OK to lie) and it was just me and Lola girl to finish up around the house. I had crap to do, and well a mama's gotta do what a mama's gotta do:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6T1-Da-XmJZz4A4cyCII69D2JbsQ-1rxL4ms9aAx1jKCOr2K-z1H6SgJ3Y52SlAyck7I4TRlsrrXuvI4Fpfh-OEX-j8QozmZmsk3oKr4yRUyXqVIoEa0ZQ5HV3qT2uK92ztN/s1600/IMG_3648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6T1-Da-XmJZz4A4cyCII69D2JbsQ-1rxL4ms9aAx1jKCOr2K-z1H6SgJ3Y52SlAyck7I4TRlsrrXuvI4Fpfh-OEX-j8QozmZmsk3oKr4yRUyXqVIoEa0ZQ5HV3qT2uK92ztN/s1600/IMG_3648.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time to party. And celebrate. AND stare at the flowers the husband got me (I almost wrote hot...yes, he's hot too) after a <a href="http://mikeandkristine.blogspot.com/2015/04/what-week.html">really <i>really</i> tough week</a>. BUT things are on the upswing and I thank everyone who reached out to me after my last post. THANK YOU!! I didn't mean to leave you hanging about all my health crap but I will share...tomorrow. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5hj-B4P12wjeb-VOf8hyphenhyphend2C6b_VJxjt5yViXfbLpj8fHPWamiDliArzmKR_uUiDelrbvz9rONXigIrB6YS4M7pkgdjISqpHj1DSBgT34BeFS89DrEsN5m9yDj7W5kZ__2Wcp/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5hj-B4P12wjeb-VOf8hyphenhyphend2C6b_VJxjt5yViXfbLpj8fHPWamiDliArzmKR_uUiDelrbvz9rONXigIrB6YS4M7pkgdjISqpHj1DSBgT34BeFS89DrEsN5m9yDj7W5kZ__2Wcp/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OH, and stay tuned! Major things are happening around these parts. The Fire Within is getting a brand-spankin-new makeover: new face, new name, new everything. Kind of jumping out of my skin excited. Yay for Easter!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-32071832899857501632015-04-02T09:27:00.000-07:002015-04-02T09:27:30.832-07:00What a WEEK.<br /><div>
Or should I say, what a HOLY WEEK.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And not really holy on my part - just, well, full of everything a holy week should be full of: trials, sufferings, crap going wrong, tears...you know...the usual pre-Good Friday stuff.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I guess God really wants me to join Him on that cross.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Honestly, I should've seen it coming. Things were rolling quite well around these parts. Nothing really hard, scary, or all that bad was going on. And funny thing is that it was making me uncomfortable.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8O0ux3HyqfmlJmHz9F_OjQX5_T8tUO8us55pjJIyAY3ID5wkALa6G7RA-K7P-t4hbwSeIcCa-ZgQOBtOLwMFvqWnTn-KAmzEIEXHuK76Lu3B3HIAsFq2VaLW_1bxZdW5RRUI/s1600/IMG_3272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb8O0ux3HyqfmlJmHz9F_OjQX5_T8tUO8us55pjJIyAY3ID5wkALa6G7RA-K7P-t4hbwSeIcCa-ZgQOBtOLwMFvqWnTn-KAmzEIEXHuK76Lu3B3HIAsFq2VaLW_1bxZdW5RRUI/s1600/IMG_3272.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know, I know...I should be content <i>even</i> and <i>especially</i> during the good times, right? I can't twiddle my thumbs waiting for the next bad thing to happen. 'Cause that's a silly (and sad) way to live. But perhaps it was something different - perhaps my discontentment in everything going well is that there is just something special about suffering.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before you roll your eyes, hang with me a sec.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You see, the times in my life where I have felt most at peace are the times I'm suffering. Pregnancy, baby crap, life, situations, etc etc etc are all times, oddly enough, where I have been content. And honestly I think this is why I am <i>so drawn</i> to ultra-running. There is contentment found not only in conquering mountains but also in taking just one more step when you can no longer, um, move. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, all that being said, I was thrown for a loop this week. Details later 'cause Lola is whining for a nap (me tooooo) but it has come in the form of major discernment, major life changes, health diagnoses I have been waiting years to hear, and just general over-whelmedness. (whoa, that's actually a word.) I guess it's good timing with Good Friday and all and I guess I will just climb up on that cross and anticipate the Easter awesomeness to come. And I will find a PEACE in this next phase - even if it's crazy tough.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And now it's time to unplug and preee-pare for the next few days. See you on the Easter flip-side.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-35309985627460145422015-04-01T21:49:00.003-07:002015-04-01T21:49:56.775-07:00Humility in the beets.<br />
Goodness me, I need to retitle this blog: <i>How Not to be a Dumb Mom.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
Either that or I need to give everyone a broom to knock me down off my high horse when I'm about to ride off into the sunset of "thinking I'm awesomeness."<br />
<br />
<br />
But in this case, the humility came in the form of beets...and a certain 7-year-old girl who didn't want to eat them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJof6ysbivzJC8LwmznWr1cR3eeZypAQVTYjbhZ_RHLRFmAAyLbDQVJ6WsXPOjZCbAiAAtC-06LY7lpJj4kHwRXUpdiW6lKuIe4_kh1QLq9NVq_l1fI-gJUOg1ZCfBk33c3sn/s1600/IMG_3531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJof6ysbivzJC8LwmznWr1cR3eeZypAQVTYjbhZ_RHLRFmAAyLbDQVJ6WsXPOjZCbAiAAtC-06LY7lpJj4kHwRXUpdiW6lKuIe4_kh1QLq9NVq_l1fI-gJUOg1ZCfBk33c3sn/s1600/IMG_3531.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
OK, time to back up and tell the story....<br />
<br />
<br />
Once upon a time (last night), there was a mom who was tired (me), AND it was dinnertime (daddy was at a workout). I actually made something other than steamed veggies and chicken for a change: I made my beautiful children a beautiful meal (tacos, homemade sweet potato fries, and roasted carrots/beets in an orange marmalade) thinking my kids would love and appreciate the change-up. Well, who was I kidding, I knew they'd hate the beets. But I had to use them up before they went to waste. 'Cause I hate wasting food.<br />
<br />
<br />
Anyway, dinner started out pretty good. Since it's Holy Week we said our prayers nice and slooow and proceeded to dive in. Wanting my kids to eat da beets and learn a little about sacrifice, I told them that I knew they hated them but they had to eat them anyway - that this was an ultimate Holy Week sacrifice to show Jesus how much we love Him. And that by doing so we would earn treasures in heaven.<br />
<br />
<br />
Dude, they were almost excited about it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Since I thrive on quiet (and desperately needed some silence at this point) we had a "silent dinner." I told them about a retreat I once went on when I couldn't talk for three days. So I set my timer and the rule was "no talking for two minutes." AMAZING. When the 2 minutes were up they wanted to do it again and this time I told them to listen in their hearts for what Jesus is telling them because He only speaks when we're silent.<br />
<br />
<br />
After the next two minutes I asked Levi what Jesus told him. He said <i>"Jesus told me to eat my beets."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
BOOM.<br />
<br />
<br />
I then pulled out a little crucifix and set it on the table for our last 2-minute silent stretch. I told the kids they had to eat their beets by the end of the two minutes and if they hated them to look at Jesus and tell Him that they're doing it because they love Him. Boys rocked it, but Avila??? Not so much.<br />
<br />
<br />
I mean her little heart was in the right place but she just worked her little self up so much about those stupid beets. She would take the tiniest nibble and gag and well up with tears, attempting to get out of it.<br />
<br />
<br />
To make a long, gaggy story short, she puked. Yup. She started hyperventilating or something, stuck a beet in her mouth (and by a beet I mean 1/10 of a beet) and then lost her marbles (i mean her sweet potato fries). It was so not awesome. And by so not awesome I mean how I reacted. I was already on edge and I got super mad and I probably just screwed the whole holiness lesson I was attempting to instill in them in the first place. Sucky mom for the win.<br />
<br />
<br />
Fast forward 30 minutes, past the cleaning up and the crying and the yelling and the putting Lola to bed, to my bedtime snuggles with Avila. We hugged, cried, reconciled, and we both apologized a million times. Me more so than her. Because, c'mon, I'm the <i>adult</i> right? I should've held my cool but I didn't and, well, God sure served me some humble (beet) pie.<br />
<br />
<br />
It's funny how lessons are learned. I was all proud of myself for doing something so awesome at dinner: turning a hard thing into a sacrifice, getting the kids excited about doing what saints did (aka: choosing the hard simply for Jesus), being all holy and stuff. But then, in an instant, God reminded me that it's not about what I do, but rather about what HE does. The dinner we had really was beautiful but when I tried to take all the credit and puff out my chest things turned ugly. Such a reminder that life isn't a perfect package...that I'm not the one in charge...that (even when things fall apart) I shouldn't lose my cool.<br />
<br />
<br />
Or perhaps I just shouldn't serve beets for dinner.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-47909663088753855342015-03-31T11:03:00.000-07:002015-03-31T11:03:16.323-07:00Phone Dump 6.0<br />
<br />
Dumping el phono on this last day of MARCH. Aaaand, yes, I WILL be off to the Apple Store tonight to get it fixed. I've been putting it off for days and days. Bleh.<br />
<br />
Peace out March. Welcome April.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My uniform as of late: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/BLANKNYC-Womens-Skinny-Barefoot-Busted/dp/B00PL6AXR8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1427824612&sr=8-6&keywords=blank+denim">distressed denim</a>, my <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/free-people-long-beach-tank/4040541?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=WHITE&resultback=1195">free people tank</a>, an oldie plaid from target, and my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/swedish-hasbeens-Braided-Sky-High/dp/B00JOY92MK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1427824695&sr=8-3&keywords=swedish+hasbeens">swedish hasbeens via Amazon</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Oml8_glOkwfz4oRS6PuVq-ZA1KqTfqY_U9pifiFuBXjyow8ELPzF7zmtabz4CJMEEdh7IxLUtFyzmDRCjQdxBX1tzZEJBCyH5oDzXvL6MJbaLEzbf_i74wo9F2LckQjwoKGs/s1600/IMG_3094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Oml8_glOkwfz4oRS6PuVq-ZA1KqTfqY_U9pifiFuBXjyow8ELPzF7zmtabz4CJMEEdh7IxLUtFyzmDRCjQdxBX1tzZEJBCyH5oDzXvL6MJbaLEzbf_i74wo9F2LckQjwoKGs/s1600/IMG_3094.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And Lola's favorite baby food combo: steamed carrots, peas, spinach, cilantro, thyme, salt and pepper, and coconut oil.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvloifFvCC0-ap_Ktv-Lqz80Jq3SqFt88MZtSFvMijTycSZZINEqmnaqDQSRZuilxCNBEfAMG23rCEEwh-FNsvYCUB3SPKDd0_d2vztvWUfOV5GksoIH9Llis-pegTcabqckNN/s1600/IMG_3121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvloifFvCC0-ap_Ktv-Lqz80Jq3SqFt88MZtSFvMijTycSZZINEqmnaqDQSRZuilxCNBEfAMG23rCEEwh-FNsvYCUB3SPKDd0_d2vztvWUfOV5GksoIH9Llis-pegTcabqckNN/s1600/IMG_3121.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
They're multiplying or breeding. Living on the edge used to mean motorcycles and cliff jumping. Now it means going to bed without cleaning up the Legos.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz9UOtMPoVHsJs0ehIdRlVIVWvqHkvzSH6J4qs94Z-NICIrEJBqTQ5r9bLeoSaDyAjXjMb8HhkVUpwLkRilNUnr8Ilhpgrg0o7LeMfZ4Kp1UlbvHdZUo49IU5o5dTPqeRTFU5/s1600/IMG_3252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz9UOtMPoVHsJs0ehIdRlVIVWvqHkvzSH6J4qs94Z-NICIrEJBqTQ5r9bLeoSaDyAjXjMb8HhkVUpwLkRilNUnr8Ilhpgrg0o7LeMfZ4Kp1UlbvHdZUo49IU5o5dTPqeRTFU5/s1600/IMG_3252.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hashtag parenting fail. Hashtag playing with the medicine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdkdt24VJnHkuNKZqGRwgutRXbc9Av86h6PtCy6m0MnW1RCLk_Y1f7gg5OrGrkzg0e2ZBTyyUUoxaSN8swijnL6UhwiFFA1vT84kabIiHBHWcjgp88gk7BcsvG0ARKCWLhwPy/s1600/IMG_3307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSdkdt24VJnHkuNKZqGRwgutRXbc9Av86h6PtCy6m0MnW1RCLk_Y1f7gg5OrGrkzg0e2ZBTyyUUoxaSN8swijnL6UhwiFFA1vT84kabIiHBHWcjgp88gk7BcsvG0ARKCWLhwPy/s1600/IMG_3307.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Boys doing some Holy Week stuff. And that globe? It's a PUZZLE Avila put together. Awesome sauce. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ravensburger-Childrens-Globe-Piece-Puzzleball/dp/B005688T5E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1427824766&sr=8-2&keywords=puzzle+globe">You can find it here</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOU3MnorTXe2ByLhx2DgDk7UxAa_-1VKnr2o7BEaS2EaQ8hc0XNeSuMyv_1FOWXPo7j05emJp9btN2THCRfYExI_3mbiPByK9JKBBhl7aWAjrUaBuIc7M7U84qfdCiTKESNKHA/s1600/IMG_3362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOU3MnorTXe2ByLhx2DgDk7UxAa_-1VKnr2o7BEaS2EaQ8hc0XNeSuMyv_1FOWXPo7j05emJp9btN2THCRfYExI_3mbiPByK9JKBBhl7aWAjrUaBuIc7M7U84qfdCiTKESNKHA/s1600/IMG_3362.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Miss two teeth grumpy pants loves her plastic measuring stuff. And snacks. She loves snacks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSfjAe9t4M-IlWjn34vdCM9dEvPvRhzEge1kP9KTBKYkLEGxxoITNvpjugIPCS3yJwJi3nGi4gY84uaad580OxzRR0CnoOlXT4rBII1hyphenhypheniBRFI5dPS63PQkwc8VaHHZ1ivJ1h/s1600/IMG_3380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieSfjAe9t4M-IlWjn34vdCM9dEvPvRhzEge1kP9KTBKYkLEGxxoITNvpjugIPCS3yJwJi3nGi4gY84uaad580OxzRR0CnoOlXT4rBII1hyphenhypheniBRFI5dPS63PQkwc8VaHHZ1ivJ1h/s1600/IMG_3380.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bone Broth. Errryday. And these <a href="http://puravidabracelets.com/">bracelets</a> and s<a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/tops-long-sleeve/Pace-Pusher-1-2-Zip?cc=17898&skuId=3594824&catId=tops-long-sleeve">weatshirt/quarter zip running thing </a>errryday. And Lola pulling on my <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nordstrom-disc-y-necklace/3945214?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=2375500&fashionColor=GOLD&resultback=4962">necklace</a> errryday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjca3OHH-RSphpM_twp70IU22V9fq9AbaNTNI_03BCDv9JtwTMc29fKhO6Y4Gw6MnRk_aQn5D2ct7Y_sB9hPP6umgKHZv2rrY3YrrnBt6CaDz6Vuj_AEz_-qNllxPNzpw5b5S_T/s1600/IMG_3387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjca3OHH-RSphpM_twp70IU22V9fq9AbaNTNI_03BCDv9JtwTMc29fKhO6Y4Gw6MnRk_aQn5D2ct7Y_sB9hPP6umgKHZv2rrY3YrrnBt6CaDz6Vuj_AEz_-qNllxPNzpw5b5S_T/s1600/IMG_3387.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
LAUNDRY. But look for a post coming soon on how I do laundry in less than an hour and a half a week. Seriously. Not joking. Trying to get it down to an hour but who am I kidding.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA4Do1HS6jKMzEAeYBhUGwDLhDIAiVZW0UVwyUop0JQoLjOm4T2SdiPg2jK_xuxgN1msIFu2265ykYb4tfrBGX_ozyjVbxQO0K5KKbIaT6jvLOn4ZFFmf1Qo9dCBNFiilEj8w/s1600/IMG_3518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA4Do1HS6jKMzEAeYBhUGwDLhDIAiVZW0UVwyUop0JQoLjOm4T2SdiPg2jK_xuxgN1msIFu2265ykYb4tfrBGX_ozyjVbxQO0K5KKbIaT6jvLOn4ZFFmf1Qo9dCBNFiilEj8w/s1600/IMG_3518.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And lastly....outside all the time....enjoying this amazing spring God has blessed us with. AMEN. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEcK7EJx9BwLafqDZVxoJ_4GDwv0gVs1w-Ts4gTU_I4y_HIrPxxwhZrgPB7eAwQq7RGE5MhzVbuqrJFmyQMleaqX0CH2EZsj1Oy6Skx4v34PFtF-1OrnbMXoshjLmvwZGLhq9/s1600/IMG_2979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEcK7EJx9BwLafqDZVxoJ_4GDwv0gVs1w-Ts4gTU_I4y_HIrPxxwhZrgPB7eAwQq7RGE5MhzVbuqrJFmyQMleaqX0CH2EZsj1Oy6Skx4v34PFtF-1OrnbMXoshjLmvwZGLhq9/s1600/IMG_2979.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-46079033771683768672015-03-31T06:34:00.000-07:002015-03-31T06:34:07.267-07:00a date with my "best buddy"<br />
Well, to be honest he wasn't really my best buddy....You see, we had issues him and I. That crazy toddler man who's the third wheel in everything and so emotional about life and easy to forget about unless I'm disciplining him.<br />
<br />
Wait....discipline this face??<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Zl-jld4dhuvEwb_9lr71f_XouG6s0vdKXtBBxvPbT5k_gN9_4Vax1dPVaW6P0rztrrdtyF3cFTpUMXmjyUDAKspJehL2zQkg8fOka2EdL0HFY4QSGJL7wzU5FlOgT1NXAO9y/s1600/IMG_3432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Zl-jld4dhuvEwb_9lr71f_XouG6s0vdKXtBBxvPbT5k_gN9_4Vax1dPVaW6P0rztrrdtyF3cFTpUMXmjyUDAKspJehL2zQkg8fOka2EdL0HFY4QSGJL7wzU5FlOgT1NXAO9y/s1600/IMG_3432.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last week I had a moment (or ten) where I realized that, perhaps, I am the problem. What if it's not the three-year-old that has the issues? What if it's <i>mom</i>???</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You see, it's easy for Levi to get the shaft sometimes. I <i>have</i> to spend time with the other kids - nursing Lola, doing school with the biggies - but sometimes I can go a whole day without so much as reading him a book or (gasp, I might cry) giving him a hug.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And man, does this little man need his hugs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, on Saturday morning, after arriving home from a shweaty bootcamp, I told Levi we were going on a date, just me and him. I honestly didn't think he would get it but he turned to his brother and sister and said,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>"WOW! Not YOU Avila. Not YOU Max."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I guess he does get it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxraQzkH6TW3GHPIyhJHD9vMpHYKOopAH6fL6l65tZ0D6ttMmoE5z7njkA7TZ78NqKPb597q7kfkMz1DKWgfsZrtgmxwHPp8J0OrY18u0GTX2grWWEsDVgqeT6hJTK5gar021/s1600/IMG_3447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxraQzkH6TW3GHPIyhJHD9vMpHYKOopAH6fL6l65tZ0D6ttMmoE5z7njkA7TZ78NqKPb597q7kfkMz1DKWgfsZrtgmxwHPp8J0OrY18u0GTX2grWWEsDVgqeT6hJTK5gar021/s1600/IMG_3447.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And, so, hand in hand we set out for lunch and a date. Rocking out to "Uptown Funk" in the car with the windows down...check. A yummy (gluten-free, vegan, I can eat it all meal) lunch at <a href="http://www.viva4life.com/">Viva</a>...check. Strolling through the farmer's market and toy store at a leisurely pace...check. We chatted, squirmed (well, he did), people watched, dog petted, and just enjoyed being mama and kid. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNzx_Joby5h63314GlznXX1ZGK8pWfnp9zIiuXV9yvew4I3d_WFszxFI7H5i6rYN2VFhUT765UodbbvrzuRkb-gImHO5K-xPcnb2tEbyo1xb3bTiastgVpgG2mz-L21lI6DSw/s1600/IMG_3452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNzx_Joby5h63314GlznXX1ZGK8pWfnp9zIiuXV9yvew4I3d_WFszxFI7H5i6rYN2VFhUT765UodbbvrzuRkb-gImHO5K-xPcnb2tEbyo1xb3bTiastgVpgG2mz-L21lI6DSw/s1600/IMG_3452.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, though, when we got home Max cried because he saw Levi got a new firefighter man at the toy store and then Levi hit Max and got said firefighter man taken away and then everyone was crying and Levi had to take a nap and all was returned to crazy normal. But that's OK. For those two hours Levi and I filled our little love tanks and I was reminded, once again, that I love this little man so much. Craziness and all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOChER5hSWCeMy9S1YKGB-CS3wqriBcyrJplElH3se0v6v2Rh0i84NWeRgYn-6i8OSZN1vibVB5tPOpjE80zHU2-5smhwGdjLh9DZIRCQvuPZIeww2mO6hmgsx-pF_ZaOY9sy/s1600/IMG_3449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOChER5hSWCeMy9S1YKGB-CS3wqriBcyrJplElH3se0v6v2Rh0i84NWeRgYn-6i8OSZN1vibVB5tPOpjE80zHU2-5smhwGdjLh9DZIRCQvuPZIeww2mO6hmgsx-pF_ZaOY9sy/s1600/IMG_3449.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A bit more snuggling, a lot more book reading, and tons and tons of hugs are the new prescription around here. For toddler dude and his mama. Because in moments like those you get moments like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Me: <i>"Levi, knock knock."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Levi: <i>"Who's there?"</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Me: <i>"Bokey."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Levi: <i>"Bokey who?"</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Me: <i>"You're a bokey head."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Levi: <i>"Oh, mama. That was AWESOME."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yes, Levi. Yes it was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D17981917%26pli%3D1%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4607903377168376867%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-ibrkAhhzFZg%252FVRl9oI3uSJI%252FAAAAAAAAJCU%252FHnIw7dj7CRQ%252Fs1600%252FIMG_3449.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2280px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D17981917%26pli%3D1%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D4607903377168376867%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F4.bp.blogspot.com%252F-ibrkAhhzFZg%252FVRl9oI3uSJI%252FAAAAAAAAJCU%252FHnIw7dj7CRQ%252Fs1600%252FIMG_3449.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2280px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-35588153199803597892015-03-30T08:53:00.000-07:002015-03-30T08:53:32.942-07:00this weekend. AKA: the surfing edition<br />
Yesterday we went out to Michael's parents' place to celebrate Easter with his side of the fam. (PS, side note: prayers for his sister's pup: he was attacked by coyotes and is in serious condition. So sad for the little guy...and for the little boys who love that dog so much!)<br />
<br />
<br />
His family lives on the water so naturally I bring my poor man's yacht and hit the sound whenever I can. But pulease ignore the awkward picture - that would be me trying to keep my board from slamming into my face as I got into the water....fun times.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi719TjgrFvUhX5ZuVUf6MiJGTlrnI13CMSa1P8x4KNyqxiZYJZHICWmFvHAq4dhknaYH5bEGHYgLqdn-PjJPSqihvexL_ua4wZS_MMdhM1iflbzVBKwjf7oD6H-qRatua_tq2Q/s1600/IMG_2404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi719TjgrFvUhX5ZuVUf6MiJGTlrnI13CMSa1P8x4KNyqxiZYJZHICWmFvHAq4dhknaYH5bEGHYgLqdn-PjJPSqihvexL_ua4wZS_MMdhM1iflbzVBKwjf7oD6H-qRatua_tq2Q/s1600/IMG_2404.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Except yesterday was a biiiit eventful. Between the head wind and the waves it felt more like surfing and I didn't realize my feet were numb until I hit the beach after a two mile paddle/rock n' roll wave sesh. But that's OK....I had some Amos Lee and Florence + The Machine to keep me company on the water (no stalking sea lions this time) and some cozy socks waiting upon my return home.<br />
<br />
Oh, and THIS. This upon my arrival: the sweetest grandpa/granddaughter moment. They are so in love.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNChyphenhyphenkqjCnKl5r6HtO3HvOg8VQ5VMlCPzm8XfbSOScFDL_EiG73gUJoQyTOzg0iHK9Z4ScS5ftl4J0fRb9D4y4KBQHPwV0_6rE8bXQNZ_fBujxgbX-9_2rWovsyjVnS_WtH5D/s1600/IMG_3500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNChyphenhyphenkqjCnKl5r6HtO3HvOg8VQ5VMlCPzm8XfbSOScFDL_EiG73gUJoQyTOzg0iHK9Z4ScS5ftl4J0fRb9D4y4KBQHPwV0_6rE8bXQNZ_fBujxgbX-9_2rWovsyjVnS_WtH5D/s1600/IMG_3500.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Grandma had a super fun Easter egg hunt set up for all the cousins and lots of yummy candy and lots and lots of bike riding, beach playing, and hide-in-the-new-puppy-crating. Good times all around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And this guy? Can't get enuuuuffff.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h4NfXqsW6EaJ7n_DKABTXSF-YV6aYeQ1mzhyA5kfDV-b2izCl0jfVQCw0kfrOUT7Cu3Xrb4A3QsVXYZmU7PE113vKtJMeIMTru2xQVr-FGsLIilVXOldmxYrxzNGGIkfd4m-/s1600/IMG_3480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3h4NfXqsW6EaJ7n_DKABTXSF-YV6aYeQ1mzhyA5kfDV-b2izCl0jfVQCw0kfrOUT7Cu3Xrb4A3QsVXYZmU7PE113vKtJMeIMTru2xQVr-FGsLIilVXOldmxYrxzNGGIkfd4m-/s1600/IMG_3480.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B9clD9NeZuhb_f5e0OAnuqyZjzKEVg4urn1hdRx4lnDJO0a3L-2BaNz_5jXA2JzVUe60ScV6GTQjJn-Pz2MreTwMcH0woS0ebADxIXT2eCvkOgZjT7LNZFwFYHP1guMuc4Yr/s1600/IMG_3484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B9clD9NeZuhb_f5e0OAnuqyZjzKEVg4urn1hdRx4lnDJO0a3L-2BaNz_5jXA2JzVUe60ScV6GTQjJn-Pz2MreTwMcH0woS0ebADxIXT2eCvkOgZjT7LNZFwFYHP1guMuc4Yr/s1600/IMG_3484.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And my still broken phone camera (I have to take everything backwards, can't you tell): yup, so over it. Ugh, to the Apple Store I go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmg-Eu_TSULaOHkKZ1NB_dXPPQUAX1vTKsaNRqv-9W4EwtnM-12084x32iXk-RLwMuDo05SGC5vBSW4l9E2dh2pgawkggmLFhAwAx6NA1VpT1dJGF0A-ETWO-M6ZIWt2VuGyQ/s1600/IMG_3504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmg-Eu_TSULaOHkKZ1NB_dXPPQUAX1vTKsaNRqv-9W4EwtnM-12084x32iXk-RLwMuDo05SGC5vBSW4l9E2dh2pgawkggmLFhAwAx6NA1VpT1dJGF0A-ETWO-M6ZIWt2VuGyQ/s1600/IMG_3504.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And one more of toddler man. We had an awesome date this weekend (more on that later when I don't have dishes and laundry and remnants of the weekend staring at me in the face) and it was much needed. We've been at war with each other and now we're buddies again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9w8yzK3MuiAhl-Q239ZV0S5iLDng8j4AMoJ5v1BavDu5rxsewJkphJ4TUoVLZl2P2rMc0PTqYdOvbD2szCMnnbHTmpqcKMxJx2-s8ICJ472FxwyX-uiJggKRurPie_IHSQyB/s1600/IMG_3487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY9w8yzK3MuiAhl-Q239ZV0S5iLDng8j4AMoJ5v1BavDu5rxsewJkphJ4TUoVLZl2P2rMc0PTqYdOvbD2szCMnnbHTmpqcKMxJx2-s8ICJ472FxwyX-uiJggKRurPie_IHSQyB/s1600/IMG_3487.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
ONE MORE, ONE MORE. Girlfriend you getting too big. But keep getting bigger so you don't suck at night anymore. Hashtag 9 month sleep regression.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPB5NAnCBAwDgUmcP3J5siFmtU6xl5Y0LU2VO1VMVyVm7rbIHuuA1h2zZrcGU0uGJ93VJ0JFEhQYR2LPlkVh9xHpj8smeg1f1KHjvMrKipecdiYeIFh86T-FppcSCCJIUT1rN/s1600/IMG_3475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPB5NAnCBAwDgUmcP3J5siFmtU6xl5Y0LU2VO1VMVyVm7rbIHuuA1h2zZrcGU0uGJ93VJ0JFEhQYR2LPlkVh9xHpj8smeg1f1KHjvMrKipecdiYeIFh86T-FppcSCCJIUT1rN/s1600/IMG_3475.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-42672054634142110012015-03-26T06:24:00.000-07:002015-03-26T06:24:05.786-07:00a simple thought.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus said to the Jews: "Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death." So the Jews said to him, "Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, Ā“Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.Ā“ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?" Jesus answered, <b><span style="font-size: large;">"If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, Ā“He is our God.Ā“ </span></b>You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you a liar. But I do know him and I keep his word. Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad. So the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM." So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the Temple area.</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">John 8:51-59 (emphasis mine)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEKGymfTRbY5kmCPrBy4Dmu0O7e1U7_XdH-JU9-4QpED7uOO6NrPR434EjS_y6XsSvyQ8Li8MC7sxeGDD362xhMw7uJwx44bED6lWmmR-n16VM_lReSNo2Zx54ucGLw7VxoST/s1600/IMG_5694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIEKGymfTRbY5kmCPrBy4Dmu0O7e1U7_XdH-JU9-4QpED7uOO6NrPR434EjS_y6XsSvyQ8Li8MC7sxeGDD362xhMw7uJwx44bED6lWmmR-n16VM_lReSNo2Zx54ucGLw7VxoST/s1600/IMG_5694.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">OOPS, I did it again. I <i>was</i> going to write about something else (laundry....ooooo how exciting) but then all these thoughts started swirling during my morning prayers and, well, detour. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is today's Gospel reading and </span>sometimes I choose to read it instead of my usual ditty. And, this morning, I'm glad I did. I chose to include the whole reading for context but there was one line in particular that jumped out at me - the line I bolded and made big (so that it can slap me in the face with it's awesomeness over and over). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><i>"If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing...." </i>Ah, snap. How easy it is to fall into this trap. Social media. Seeking the validation we all need and crave. Putting our little selves on big pedestals. These things aren't bad in and of themselves however once we receive the props it ends there. Whatever it is we used to seek this attention has it's purpose "fulfilled" in the accolades. And I use quotes because there is (there should be) more...so much more.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><i>"...but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, 'He is our God.' "</i> THIS. This is where it all should end, right?! It's up to the FATHER to gives us the props - the so called glory we desire. What does this mean?? Well, Jesus gives us the example. Our actions, our words, our lives aren't meant to end with just us. They're meant to reflect and point back to the Father - the one who gave us life. And in this process God will illuminate and make beautiful everything it is we have to offer. The glory won't end with us - it will bounce off God, shine <i>through</i> us out to the world, and hopefully (HOPEFULLY) suck everyone in and draw them back to the Father. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;">That's why I'm here people - to suck you in and draw you back to the Father. Muhahahaha. Speaking of suck, I really do suck at it sometimes (a lot of the time). Selfishness, vanity, needing validation are all easy things to get swallowed into and I'm SO not immune. Goodness gracious I pray every morning that whatever it is I put here is well intentioned, not dumb, and doesn't just stop with me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Won't you join me in this prayer?? And if you're not the praying type how about joining me in making life not about <i>us</i>. Let's make it about everyone else - making others better. Loving others better. This is where true peace is found - true glory is found. Although, to be honest, I haven't quite figured out how to reflect God's glory in hashtag all. the. laundry.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-1645390661467767842015-03-25T06:46:00.003-07:002015-03-25T06:49:53.937-07:00On being open.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For me, having a baby is (for lack of a better term) a very bipolar experience. One day, one second, I feel all this love and am overflowing with immense joy and the next second I'm super grumpy pants - swearing I will never have another child. Ever. Again.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And then two seconds later I'm in love...and the cycle continues.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoylvn0QheuD6kdI-itLxycUWS3vVc2HKCCHSH4KyNoasaqWX-Smm8PzN2yK9vRSgKtg95c-PxSXX3VShw48GvrCif3TRWzDHEQWUNjeG74zVlVWQMBzcYWDEuJpqa-rMrdke/s1600/IMG_3277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoylvn0QheuD6kdI-itLxycUWS3vVc2HKCCHSH4KyNoasaqWX-Smm8PzN2yK9vRSgKtg95c-PxSXX3VShw48GvrCif3TRWzDHEQWUNjeG74zVlVWQMBzcYWDEuJpqa-rMrdke/s1600/IMG_3277.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There really is no other time during my children's lives that I feel so polarized. Maybe it's the hormones. Maybe it's the baby crap (literal and figurative). It is just so funny to me how these emotions happen and can quickly change. I mean, it feels so weird to swear off having children in one breath and then, in another, feel this bursting joy of baby fever and want to have another like right now.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39BT83R1YU5Wvyc8cUHPhNDUqAqXoOB8qdbkJ4qWooqDPIrKMh_P8Z8Vf9q0HRLtQSQMqPRHN4EqyJ0LvQfCPhExnq-jQXuoJWT7SMeoXlDORHIW63qPsOY6mU0qfzq6UfocR/s1600/IMG_3197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh39BT83R1YU5Wvyc8cUHPhNDUqAqXoOB8qdbkJ4qWooqDPIrKMh_P8Z8Vf9q0HRLtQSQMqPRHN4EqyJ0LvQfCPhExnq-jQXuoJWT7SMeoXlDORHIW63qPsOY6mU0qfzq6UfocR/s1600/IMG_3197.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I/We often get asked if we'll have another baby. Totally a loaded question for sure and the long, real, answer is usually too long/real for reply. So the short answer is: <i>well, at this point we might just keep on going, right</i>, (insert coy hahaha here). But in all seriousness, <i> I don't know.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't know what the future will hold 1, 5, 10 years from now. My emotions about babies seemingly change on a whim so I can't really rely on <i>that</i> to make our decision. (whoa, this post is turning heavy. didn't mean for that to happen but I guess I'll roll with it....) My heart wants 100 more babies one day and sell the ones I have the next but it's obviously a bit more complicated than that - and again, can't let those darned emotions make all the decisions.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT2Y4JBTVLUgOrG3kgrre7gnrpre7r2G81sruIVc2REZNYmqfuHtSi7cUn4mJHWs9ewP-zRUWRVY1FPwkCMaKdyE1uT4TtgJmO5GOcTSjDwGJBDDTstQ6yj2hSUzMHskYSaY0/s1600/IMG_3154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT2Y4JBTVLUgOrG3kgrre7gnrpre7r2G81sruIVc2REZNYmqfuHtSi7cUn4mJHWs9ewP-zRUWRVY1FPwkCMaKdyE1uT4TtgJmO5GOcTSjDwGJBDDTstQ6yj2hSUzMHskYSaY0/s1600/IMG_3154.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, what do we do in the meantime. We pray. Michael and I pray about it every month - <i>are we ready???</i> <i>Is there anything major/pressing/so crazy in our lives that it would be not wise/prudent/smart to have a baby??? </i>And if the answer is no: <i>Is there anything we need to root out of our lives in order to be open to <strike>pulling 4 months of all-nighters</strike> having another one???</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are many, many more things we add to the prayers/discussions/thinkings about having more kids. But at the root of it all we try to remain open in our minds and hearts to whatever direction God wants to lead our family. 'Cause one thing I know for sure is that my own silly emotions should never drive the train. (Actually, if I allowed myself to do that I think I'd go insane with the pressure of translating my feelings to decisions...eeeek) God has taken our family down paths we never knew were ahead of us and I don't want to stop those surprises by being set in what I think should happen - whether it has to do with babies or not. Duh, we have to be prudent, but the leap of faith is sometimes way more exhilarating.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Who the heck knows what's around the corner - for me, for you, for Joe Shmo next door. (sorry, just wanted to say shhmmmo) But perhaps all we really need to do today, in this moment, is just be <i>open</i>. To let go of the clenched fists and open our palms and be ready to experience the joy ride of being led. Having to have it all figured out RIGHT NOW AT THIS SECOND hurts my brain (and annoys my husband...although he's good at smiling and nodding) so instead let's NOT have it all figured out. Let's roll through the day with intentionality and purpose (loving the people right in front of us while doing so) and be at peace with all the surprises (good or bad) waiting around the corner.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Oooooo, I like surprises. Clap clap jumpy jumpy happy happy joy joy.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-51698196308072110472015-03-24T06:44:00.001-07:002015-03-24T06:44:50.599-07:00A child's work. <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">-Mr. (Fred) Rogers</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdvfG11WKMjNoEVy3CUOa8_iVqHtZRoB29g2wChQuKoV5AFqkkoJFe17qbEjbrXU0Gam0uvGONrj2GGy6qwcqi3yWrccn3sR0XejqSrkdZqV2AHsusbycVsqzCNZoNiO5ScIF/s1600/IMG_3238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdvfG11WKMjNoEVy3CUOa8_iVqHtZRoB29g2wChQuKoV5AFqkkoJFe17qbEjbrXU0Gam0uvGONrj2GGy6qwcqi3yWrccn3sR0XejqSrkdZqV2AHsusbycVsqzCNZoNiO5ScIF/s1600/IMG_3238.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My kids wants to play all. the. time. Well, duh, what kids doesn't. But what strikes me, honestly, is little Miss Avila. She is 7. She does cursive and multiplication and division. She reads chapter books and falls anywhere between the 1st and the 5th grade for her school work. I don't say this to brag...so hang with me for a sec.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By the nature of being 7 and all growed-up (and like a super sponge in school) the common notion would be to keep at it with her - to push her to go further in her studies, to dive deeper in unit work (or just more work) and all that jazz. Now I'm not dissing unit work and pushing kids but I've noticed something really interesting with her: as much as she loves (well, sometimes "loves") school and as serious a student as she is, the thing she wants to do more than anything else is....drumroll....play.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Legos, barbies, forts, superhero, pirate, boxing, riding bikes....it doesn't matter what it is. After their massive fort building this morning they are now immersed in a world of dress up - some Seahawks dude married to a Belle with a Rapunzel daughter. Unfortunately Levi is the Rapunzel daughter. (I have the cutest picture but Michael would kill me if I posted it. He has a thing about his boyzzz in dresses and I don't blame him.) </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPK07aszEbUwJ1i7IoeXVuausOIt-aaoYZK5aV-0rUAOsW6H3v5VfrAYAXxQfVswD4GSbqxoIEIbOChdEBr1Lk1PvyD75LaV9hfZe_2fvi8nzgmCeBihZGyRYQNUekJPkF1ZJj/s1600/IMG_3109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPK07aszEbUwJ1i7IoeXVuausOIt-aaoYZK5aV-0rUAOsW6H3v5VfrAYAXxQfVswD4GSbqxoIEIbOChdEBr1Lk1PvyD75LaV9hfZe_2fvi8nzgmCeBihZGyRYQNUekJPkF1ZJj/s1600/IMG_3109.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lucky for Avila she got all her school work done bright and early. Well, lucky for me, too, because once they build a world it is like PULLING TEETH to get them to come out of it. They become different people: fire fighters and princesses and bad guys and whoever else they want to be. They spend hours, HOURS, building Lego creations and if I were to interrupt with a silly little math lesson my head would get chopped off. Or at the very least I would hear over and over from the school table: <i>"Levi, don't touch my tower!!!" </i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes it's really hard to balance getting our school work done with their desire to play. I try to get it busted out after breakfast so I don't have to worry about interrupting them the rest of the day (unless it's some review while they're eating or a read aloud while they're coloring). But if we can't ('cause you know, insert baby) then we just make it work. I give her 5,000 warnings that school is starting and then we roll through our work with intentionality. (Hence the reason I don't do busy work. That would be the death to us all....) Yes, sometimes she has to sacrifice some/lots of her play time but I also realize how important this stage is to her little heart and soul (not to mention development). So we get 'er done so she can go back to her "real work."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And don't get me started on Max. Actually Max LOVES school. He wants to do more than his sister. Luckily we can get 500 chapters done in like 30 minutes (most days I only spend 10-20 with him one-on-one and in that time we can get reading and math done) but he's just about 5 and there's no way I would push anything at this point. In the fall I started direct reading instruction but soon realized he just wasn't ready so we shelved it for a few months and now he loves it. As a former educator and current mother it's my opinion that early childhood education is pushed way too much and that kids just need to PLAAAAYYYYYY. But that argument's for anotha day. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mejFXOf2LzogXen-F4jJfEaQaCd_ZLCYeXMo5YNCGCNuUQQwa4BzXi262pMrH9xUAK3o-C7xfuqqzaHLyoMwuxS8MSHqkDT20dYdYvpNxpvKR8BjSSGdjuBkI_hPNfGYVFD-/s1600/IMG_3203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mejFXOf2LzogXen-F4jJfEaQaCd_ZLCYeXMo5YNCGCNuUQQwa4BzXi262pMrH9xUAK3o-C7xfuqqzaHLyoMwuxS8MSHqkDT20dYdYvpNxpvKR8BjSSGdjuBkI_hPNfGYVFD-/s1600/IMG_3203.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
OK, time to get back on track here. At the end of the day I've realized that kids have a short window to be kidzzz. Play is so important to them...and they need it. Like a mama needs her coffee. Yup, serious bizzness. So, let's not feel guilty or like we're cheating them out of something "bigger or smarter" than playing. Plus, when they're off in their own world I get to have alone time. Sweet, precious, don't bug me alone time. I guess play really is that awesome.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-34752972415568703672015-03-23T07:04:00.001-07:002015-03-23T20:41:08.221-07:00When it all seems too much.<br />
Yesterday, while rocking Lola after a marathon nursing sesh right before bed, I did what I usually do while rocking Lola: I exhaled.<br />
<br />
<br />
A big, freaking long, worn out, sink into the chair exhale.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-saZ4b8LGJ04y9fF7ddzVsSuN4sSSYcQrBfm_kMnrCx8NEBvogSfte20Av92cBKd-4ZxraXkSlyeH4GC-fxsKHLUczK9r5D9OCwmg38bD-GYLRKNuKEdHkoIWJEyjIVvHJSuZ/s1600/IMG_2793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-saZ4b8LGJ04y9fF7ddzVsSuN4sSSYcQrBfm_kMnrCx8NEBvogSfte20Av92cBKd-4ZxraXkSlyeH4GC-fxsKHLUczK9r5D9OCwmg38bD-GYLRKNuKEdHkoIWJEyjIVvHJSuZ/s1600/IMG_2793.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes I wonder: how will I go on? Not in a despairing sort of way. But rather in a "I am responsible for so many important things and (little) people and if one of the pieces gets broken the whole darn puzzle is ruined" sort of way.<br />
<br />
<br />
Know what I mean?<br />
<br />
<br />
After that exhale I tallied it all up in my head - everything on this mama's plate: homeschooling, running a household, being a support to a busy busy man, cooking, scheduling, working out, blogging, dealing with health issues, so much laundry, so much poop, and the mommy list goes on and on. Now I really know you know what I mean. 'Cause you're there, too, right??! Sometimes we think of all those balls in the air and they become heavy - almost too heavy to keep juggling. We feel as if one will come down crashing, at any moment, at then it all will be at a loss.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2IWdMdjZiK11njElvGFtVcMrE5FVwOF3mVHWKC0tPhv9VUDJs0Rchyphenhyphen9aU4TcGKJd-_UfkaOZbnUDjitAvgu3dH39uUeYaoCTOyhW79jzj14r19EubjtlN5xPF-larRKiSMFO/s1600/IMG_3189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2IWdMdjZiK11njElvGFtVcMrE5FVwOF3mVHWKC0tPhv9VUDJs0Rchyphenhyphen9aU4TcGKJd-_UfkaOZbnUDjitAvgu3dH39uUeYaoCTOyhW79jzj14r19EubjtlN5xPF-larRKiSMFO/s1600/IMG_3189.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So, what's a mama (or a papa or a grandpa) to do??? I don't have all the answers but I do know this: it'll be alright.<br />
<br />
<br />
God has asked me to do each and every one of those things I listed above. (How do I know? Well, that's a whole other post....) And if He's asked me to be responsible and tend to the sheep in this crazy sort of way then I guess (no, i KNOW) He will give me the strength. His burden easy and light? Yup, I'll take that one please.<br />
<br />
<br />
In more practical terms ('cause even though God asks me to do these things He doesn't give me a magic wand to whip them all out...but that would be awesome) here are some things I've found helpful during the days, the moments, the seasons when it all seems too much:<br />
<br />
<br />
**I smile. Yup. After my exhale, I smiled. There is just something peaceful and relaxing about smiling - something that forces the body to chill out and focus on the good. And I have so much good.<br />
<br />
<br />
**I stop multi-tasking. I actually stopped this one a looong time ago (because it's annoying and overwhelming to me) and I focus on the task at hand, and only the task at hand. Whilst snuggling Lola my brain wanted to remind me of the 11,000 things I had to do. But snuggling Lola was more important (and preferable to those 11,000 things) and I let myself be in THAT moment. Folding laundry? Sometimes I talk on the phone but mostly I just. fold. laundry. No music, no TV. Making lunch? Sometimes I play the school review on the computer for the kids but mostly I just. make. lunch. Try it out. The brain needs a rest.<br />
<br />
<br />
**I remind myself that everything will not fall apart. And then I remind myself of this over and over.<br />
<br />
<br />
**I tell myself I'm not in charge. It's not up to me to save the world. My only job is to be a darn good wife and mother and to focus on the task at hand. Gotta take the pressure off, man.<br />
<br />
<br />
**I remain GRATEFUL. Dude, this one is tops. And I battle for gratefulness everyday. Whenever (and autocorrect just turned that one into whiners...bahahahaha) I want to complain I stop myself, immediately, and make my brain tell my heart every-thing that I have to be grateful for. And in almost an instant my grumpiness or overwhelmedness turns around and I am supported by the peace of knowing that, even if everything <i>does</i> fall apart, I still have so much to be thankful for.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNWyakTicRMbUSbcTPvQtvu70ue9yUpX3HLuzBcFNXj_fauIQN4USpcHsX8gFsiFXNfKq85S_7_jQiEcCGfyYA3foatURtXgr5jjNP53-rVAolEHqiij8PI-tyuPlMMm7rRj3/s1600/IMG_3193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMNWyakTicRMbUSbcTPvQtvu70ue9yUpX3HLuzBcFNXj_fauIQN4USpcHsX8gFsiFXNfKq85S_7_jQiEcCGfyYA3foatURtXgr5jjNP53-rVAolEHqiij8PI-tyuPlMMm7rRj3/s1600/IMG_3193.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
OK, so I guess it WILL be alright. As I face another Monday, another week, I embrace that big long list. I'll take it moment by moment - chiseling away at the sculpture of my life (ooooo, like that one?!) until the masterpiece is formed. It may take years and years to finish but that's just fine. In the meantime I will roll up my sleeves and make some pancakes (and bone broth...mmmmmm) and juggle the balls with pretty pink fingernails.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-85608478256690242252015-03-19T06:42:00.001-07:002015-03-26T10:40:28.910-07:00a simple thought<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"I THINK THERE IS BEAUTY IN EVERYTHING</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">What 'normal' people perceive as ugly, I can usually see something of beauty in it."</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-Alexander McQueen, legendary fashion designer</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes life, people, circumstances, the clothes kids pick out to dress themselves in for the day can be ugly. But...are they really? What if there <i>is </i>beauty in everything? What if the mundane, the seemingly unapproachable, the unkind, the stuff of life all still possess so much beauty that - if we look beyond outward appearances - we can see it?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxILtIMNvJoGP-oYmhyY_GXpDofx8bUUvx8VTiOxrxwkekv3f-Ffg4L1c9AQwhkWW-vfLTAxgbYi5XorALQwN7Sy-Ij52mJ4jrBurxdqhnGL7zZw-zkGAJArVIlDnT6NyFrcP/s1600/IMG_3084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxILtIMNvJoGP-oYmhyY_GXpDofx8bUUvx8VTiOxrxwkekv3f-Ffg4L1c9AQwhkWW-vfLTAxgbYi5XorALQwN7Sy-Ij52mJ4jrBurxdqhnGL7zZw-zkGAJArVIlDnT6NyFrcP/s1600/IMG_3084.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
I say yes. I contend that <i>everything</i> is beautiful. We just have to dig deep enough to find it sometimes. But once we get our shovels out and reach the spring of beauty under the sand of crap we have truly found a treasure. We have found a means of peace and contentment and rocking a smile no matter what life throws our way.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, today, let's find the <i>beautiful</i>. In whatever you (WE) are faced with, let's look for the glittering gold under the gray. 'Cause gold is pretty and sparkly and much more fun.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-87836028362016556282015-03-18T06:19:00.002-07:002015-03-26T10:40:20.302-07:00getting my sweat on - 2X5 style.<br />
Like 2 feet by 5 feet is all I have to work out in style.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0SzB2_gJhbn3apieCeRAu1tVidNGliGVo9TTwmy3GDmnRI29Viv16O1FEK2FYpDu8zvZC_An-HhIUk5-1VVILMwidOd-ypzhGedCM7dxLJsmU5r5-8MBlCEpVixeDxH7z6xw/s1600/IMG_3059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0SzB2_gJhbn3apieCeRAu1tVidNGliGVo9TTwmy3GDmnRI29Viv16O1FEK2FYpDu8zvZC_An-HhIUk5-1VVILMwidOd-ypzhGedCM7dxLJsmU5r5-8MBlCEpVixeDxH7z6xw/s1600/IMG_3059.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Going on vacay for 4 days (Thursday-Sunday) I knew I would miss three workouts. One I can handle. Two is pushing it. But THREE? No bueno. I knew if I didn't get my move on somehow I would probably die (or be grumpy. the latter is worse) and since I didn't know what the running sitch would be like I packed up my adjustable weights (these babies have been a-round), my bands, and my furniture sliders. Yup, you heard that right.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, instead of hitting the gym Thursday night I made sure to get in a weight circuit at home - that morning before we left. Friday I took as my usually rest day and Saturday morning (when Lola was napping and the big kids hit the pool with daddy) I busted out this little ditty:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzHZ9VkUprqYqt-GG1XsfswIjaIbVtBQP3W0aj7jNNWcPJJOctVXNJdyvhbQu-UU4BSpxg9HliVRQ7JJJ2gqlryNgSjmJDV3ANFpoPIexj-Mswi9ekC-Zfg-Hav_EdEOAvq9N/s1600/FullSizeRender+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzHZ9VkUprqYqt-GG1XsfswIjaIbVtBQP3W0aj7jNNWcPJJOctVXNJdyvhbQu-UU4BSpxg9HliVRQ7JJJ2gqlryNgSjmJDV3ANFpoPIexj-Mswi9ekC-Zfg-Hav_EdEOAvq9N/s1600/FullSizeRender+15.jpg" height="640" width="556" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In addition to the above I finished with 100 band walks (50 per leg) and 4 rounds of 10 band pull-aparts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And this is <i>literally</i> the amount of space I did it in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEI8YY0kbZEDFLwDh_OkEVKadLkopMeDf44_DWXTU8SHbm3SneFTKt5dxwU-Latg-ArUnTqBn_GN9eitb8NL4nZvpEePx9PQbAdchIsyC5uES85tBVCuvfIeMg_GjXTnvqqmR/s1600/IMG_3056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEEI8YY0kbZEDFLwDh_OkEVKadLkopMeDf44_DWXTU8SHbm3SneFTKt5dxwU-Latg-ArUnTqBn_GN9eitb8NL4nZvpEePx9PQbAdchIsyC5uES85tBVCuvfIeMg_GjXTnvqqmR/s1600/IMG_3056.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But that's OK 'cause I got to watch CABLE. And Real Housewives at that. Be still my heart.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V276glaYClcEkFcQv9drmCBIl7GxxizTWsAdS_sphgDn58VVDlVZjfvNQIGPJr82-tSbGAnCBrKLkAfjCs2iaeCZuTKiTdyMCsH7ZRLRq-n6RMjF6ocJBfqMQnHqCDTjcygu/s1600/IMG_3055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_V276glaYClcEkFcQv9drmCBIl7GxxizTWsAdS_sphgDn58VVDlVZjfvNQIGPJr82-tSbGAnCBrKLkAfjCs2iaeCZuTKiTdyMCsH7ZRLRq-n6RMjF6ocJBfqMQnHqCDTjcygu/s1600/IMG_3055.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
PS: love the pink chair I used for dips? Kind of wanted to steal it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Aaaaannnnyyyway, there you go. I didn't write the weight I used down but I lifted as heavy as I could - reaching failure by the last rep or two. It only took me 45 minutes (plus 5 for a funny little warm-up) and it must've been a good sweat session because I woke up sore the next AM. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next day, beings Sunday, I usually run and had the intention of dong so when we got home but after unpacking, doing laundry, getting random crap back in order I said screw it and vegged. Balance people. Balance.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, there you have it. No excuses right? Especially if you can make it work between a bed and a wall. Next to a heater.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-51690986431991172612015-03-16T10:08:00.003-07:002015-03-26T10:40:05.715-07:00this weekend.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4 days of beach combing, kite flying, no make-up wearing, bowling, swimming, movie watching, book reading, cigar smoking, marshmallowing kind of fun. Ventured off to <a href="http://www.seabrookcottagerentals.com/">Seabrook</a> (um, the cutest little town) and Mr. Weather Man cooperated with awesomeness. Except for the crappy monsoon drive home. But that's alright 'cause we were all filled up with sweet family time...and lots of shugar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJ0YZ7tGiPxOwvulWxXmqL8WidSKwWN-CImoJi7jBO4eSAHgF2DPBkD4bKWndkUB1HOFiVqZy5Nd-mEmm7S13K6T9nMAkhAZAOGczbyEi0F8hvn7PurF8zoe8imNJeMy8VwpG/s1600/IMG_3050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhJ0YZ7tGiPxOwvulWxXmqL8WidSKwWN-CImoJi7jBO4eSAHgF2DPBkD4bKWndkUB1HOFiVqZy5Nd-mEmm7S13K6T9nMAkhAZAOGczbyEi0F8hvn7PurF8zoe8imNJeMy8VwpG/s1600/IMG_3050.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4eN9aldubide_hag3g5M-mHgTcopfzXiXRnN0vYOExNsc5fH7FzKuEO0ytsULDunfY0zlV18OzU3N5Qu1acGrLT8uz0o7zYZZvM2_OoR6gbK8RExxDp7PRA5JnW7SIbv0MWA/s1600/IMG_3043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-4eN9aldubide_hag3g5M-mHgTcopfzXiXRnN0vYOExNsc5fH7FzKuEO0ytsULDunfY0zlV18OzU3N5Qu1acGrLT8uz0o7zYZZvM2_OoR6gbK8RExxDp7PRA5JnW7SIbv0MWA/s1600/IMG_3043.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYPbvsLOFfH6Qs3fvES3dkwBYTgDpRCd-9Y5UhLnr3LZg1Me_2V3u0PoCAaG8UgmZakid3Tq2HH-S65KaNYAQACVaI1t7bM6Q6YUWyOVdvYHLQkTUK5inhtN-6b-5IrFJNVOL/s1600/IMG_2327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYPbvsLOFfH6Qs3fvES3dkwBYTgDpRCd-9Y5UhLnr3LZg1Me_2V3u0PoCAaG8UgmZakid3Tq2HH-S65KaNYAQACVaI1t7bM6Q6YUWyOVdvYHLQkTUK5inhtN-6b-5IrFJNVOL/s1600/IMG_2327.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgcpCAudITkusvRPaoFg-ITL34kCEkJjFuRuoBYMun23t69pwCftlhoi3n7kcj-4JOE1ZdQCQNmUlSBzWFVmhNgA7mpWHUEV1No6MOk-99pRKmt1z5XauImMm3pS5PNlpLJbu/s1600/IMG_3038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgcpCAudITkusvRPaoFg-ITL34kCEkJjFuRuoBYMun23t69pwCftlhoi3n7kcj-4JOE1ZdQCQNmUlSBzWFVmhNgA7mpWHUEV1No6MOk-99pRKmt1z5XauImMm3pS5PNlpLJbu/s1600/IMG_3038.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And apparently Waikiki Beach is just 2500 miles <i>that way.</i> Perhaps I should pull a Forest Gump and run until I get there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-12368670187451631762015-03-13T06:59:00.001-07:002015-03-26T10:39:39.431-07:00A March Daybook<br />
A MIDDLE OF MARCH Daybook. A Friday the 13th Daybook. And TOMORROW IS PI DAY.<br />
3.141592356<br />
<br />
3-14-15 at 9:26:53 am I will be eating pie.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Outside...</b>Gray. Sucky. And am I hearing rain????! (I wrote this part Thursday. Friday - today - is supposed to be awesome so I'll retract my complaints)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>I am thinking about...</b>dude, how fast these next few months are going to Fa-Fly by. How about the rest of this year? Kind of filling up fast. With awesomeness. Mauss Family Adventure awesomeness. And it's filling up with the hope of potty training Levi soooon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>I am hoping for...</b>a spring that resembles our winter. And another paddle board so the hubs and I can adventure <i>together. </i>Hint hint wink wink mother's day birthday Christmas.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvA75ZbeqCedhrIqs9YjMP5Ij9LwVZVwOKMlbdDYoI_RnUOCWfLN0Jk7ELHJaU_T4oCYzNB4qaQAHL8pryzMLxwb0K51kDlx7uGx34y8mEF2JqKz_Rjcm4yHk4fFooFkWiAJHT/s1600/IMG_2932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvA75ZbeqCedhrIqs9YjMP5Ij9LwVZVwOKMlbdDYoI_RnUOCWfLN0Jk7ELHJaU_T4oCYzNB4qaQAHL8pryzMLxwb0K51kDlx7uGx34y8mEF2JqKz_Rjcm4yHk4fFooFkWiAJHT/s1600/IMG_2932.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<b>I am praying for...</b>my sister and her new job. She's gonna rock it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>I am thankful for...</b>the ability to lower my heart rate at the drop of a hat. Hashtag thank you ultra-running.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>I am reading...</b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/081298160X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426254034&sr=8-1&keywords=power+of+habits">The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. </a>15 pages in and it rocks.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>We are learning...</b>Max is reading! Like so barely, just a few words, but he's doing it man! And they are totally into story dictation at the moment. Max tells Avila a story. She writes it down (in Max's Story Notebook) and he draws the pictures.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3erSsLzNCw8M7rsmwum42lqEaMs9oOI_GDkUk6mr_7_Tl4azLkPyoVvZegJrejhpCSwumtWTiqEgzAzwxZvkZapSKw_FytK51o8hNeeMR1TYyFSjyO-QFSY2VVJBLwJhzkidI/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3erSsLzNCw8M7rsmwum42lqEaMs9oOI_GDkUk6mr_7_Tl4azLkPyoVvZegJrejhpCSwumtWTiqEgzAzwxZvkZapSKw_FytK51o8hNeeMR1TYyFSjyO-QFSY2VVJBLwJhzkidI/s1600/IMG_2941.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>From the kitchen...</b>the same things on repeat. Kind of boring in these parts: chicken, fish, sweet potatoes, steamed veggies. Oh well, the kids eat it and I don't have to make 5,000 things. Plus Lola's joined the club. Her new fav: sunflower seed butter and jam sandwiches. And cookies.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I am working on...</b>playing more with the kids. Our read-alouds are going great. But I'm working on sitting down to play cards or do puzzles and stuff like that.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I am struggling with...</b>figuring out more health stuff. Oh my poor stomach is just so damaged. (Insert frowny face.) But at least this stuff makes me happy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnt7ShkV-yXk3_ibCWLKtZVrr9Rc7KvDem-A3K4I8zy8H9XyM05rqqVJ3waoi6kj0pEawx4tBLlBC28Ptldwo3De4pbpmOMJVbcnE56z860IFClFX5SgvpT38N7wddy42ZHx5/s1600/IMG_2947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnt7ShkV-yXk3_ibCWLKtZVrr9Rc7KvDem-A3K4I8zy8H9XyM05rqqVJ3waoi6kj0pEawx4tBLlBC28Ptldwo3De4pbpmOMJVbcnE56z860IFClFX5SgvpT38N7wddy42ZHx5/s1600/IMG_2947.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Around the house...</b>Living on the wild side. AKA: not cleaning up the playroom before bed. The kids and their Legos are hard to divide and it's easier to let them be strewn (but just on the Lego table, I can only take so much) than hear "NOOOOOO, not my CREATION!"<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Towards health and fitness...</b>as mentioned above I'm still trying to figure out why my poor stomach gets stabbed with knives and all twisted up when I eat certain things. Food log is helping and I think I've identified two more culprits: crappy coffee and <a href="http://chriskresser.com/fodmaps-could-common-foods-be-harming-your-digestive-health">FODMAP foods</a>. Fresh ground coffee? Totes fine. Buy it in bulk from Coscto? Death trap. And you can read about FODMAP foods here, but it's safe to say more of my favs are out the window. I make a rocking cauliflower soup but it kills me so, ya know, gone. It's a cross fo sho. But we all have 'em I guess.<br />
<b><br /></b><b><br /></b>
<b>Towards faith...</b>Ugh, trying to finish Lent strong. Michael and I are also praying the <a href="https://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/novena/joseph.htm">St. Joseph Novena</a> (a prayers said for nine days straight) with a certain special intention but it's long and I'm grumpy reading it aloud late at night. But if I do it even if I don't wanna, do I get extra props or grace or candy on my sugar house in Heaven? Right, Lord, right?<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<b>One of my favorite things...</b>LOLA. EVERYTHING ABOUT HER. (Except the fingernails that grow ridiculously fast and scratch the crap out of me.) Soaking up every moment with this girl. Her laugh. Her snuggles. Her discoveries of the world around her. The fact she is NOT crawling yet. Not even close people. A-Men. (And that milk face....bahahaha)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fWxrZjOREKQtSTQ__U5j28qPRjhBZZbBjDub5XXU1XFpPCHtbu28NqRz5TuG7iHxEwBkLr9PgQ5TnyjPhAztgQxIDs57IbBDO38T6TgKXqMHWMB5xbwFrB4vt_8PNNT5qEzO/s1600/IMG_2965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fWxrZjOREKQtSTQ__U5j28qPRjhBZZbBjDub5XXU1XFpPCHtbu28NqRz5TuG7iHxEwBkLr9PgQ5TnyjPhAztgQxIDs57IbBDO38T6TgKXqMHWMB5xbwFrB4vt_8PNNT5qEzO/s1600/IMG_2965.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>A picture to share...</b>Shreds. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Teaspoon-Womens-Awesome-Baggies/dp/B00O210SNW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_a_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=13DJGJPGQY6J1VBCWYSH">One Teaspoon: My new favorite denim.</a> Scour Amazon 'cause you'll find them cheaper there - and with a 20% off coupon code (20OFFDENIM entered at checkout) these found their way to my spring chicken legs.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHduNWHaG1nz12RtsecSdg_iaESb9pwYM0nxbhL_tmeI3BRpQ8Mcj1teUA-S885CjmsCqrC67f844tVIwpWw_dIt870LG0raenflO9lGno33VIy0MVpC4UxUj_DQQyoqBsFSDa/s1600/IMG_2872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHduNWHaG1nz12RtsecSdg_iaESb9pwYM0nxbhL_tmeI3BRpQ8Mcj1teUA-S885CjmsCqrC67f844tVIwpWw_dIt870LG0raenflO9lGno33VIy0MVpC4UxUj_DQQyoqBsFSDa/s1600/IMG_2872.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-50489402177408085712015-03-12T06:19:00.000-07:002015-03-26T10:39:10.633-07:00Lent...the lite version<br />
Well, I have a confession. (Actually Confession is probably good during Lent...wink wink.) But this year we are so doing Lent Lite. I mean, in year's past I kind of had my crap together: coloring pages, a crown of thorns, activities to get our little hearts and souls ready. But this year I'm treading water. Partly because we just have so much going on (and a baby. Still have to remind myself of that one) and partly because I'm just in a stage of life where everything has to be simple.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtr5pEhQy_23gIAajy8XRAVwmGF-pDENDCBN2kbV-eIcXzFmvZR0F-QqhNv_7Q8x4mD56FSv7OceL3JUCegwaTowvnmPt4Fb87QOaPQP_ZMVY_5haRkfoiVxpaX7Ef9wH41GS/s1600/IMG_2993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCtr5pEhQy_23gIAajy8XRAVwmGF-pDENDCBN2kbV-eIcXzFmvZR0F-QqhNv_7Q8x4mD56FSv7OceL3JUCegwaTowvnmPt4Fb87QOaPQP_ZMVY_5haRkfoiVxpaX7Ef9wH41GS/s1600/IMG_2993.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_2096046280"></span><span id="goog_2096046281"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
My printer's broken so no coloring pages. I haven't gotten the ingredients together so no Crown of Thorns. And the only activities we've done so far are talk about Lent. But the funny thing is that, well, it works. The kids are pretty much just doing a sacrifice a day (one day it's giving up TV, the next day it's giving up treats, the next day it's taking money from their spend jar and putting it into Give) and we talk about why it's important to prepare our hearts for Jesus to die and rise. We'll go to Stations and participate in at least one Holy Week Service and read some books on Easter but that's probably it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Actually now that I write it all down and say it out loud it doesn't sound so dinky. Not that simple is bad - it's oh so good - it's just that it's easy to feel like I'm cheating my kids when really doing the bare minimum is sometimes the better way. So if you're in the same boat as me: awesome sauce. Let's turn that crappy boat into a catamaran and sail into the sunset of doing just enough...and filling the gaps with love. Good ol' old fashioned love.<br />
<br />
<br />
There, that's not so bad after all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-23093036017314230132015-03-11T05:58:00.001-07:002015-03-26T10:38:57.609-07:00a simple thought<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">What's coming will come and we'll meet it when we does.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">-Hagrid</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBh_HQoNtPbsxUgbrxKEmOxyKR84RZPXajuGHUlhhZ5GSxN5hMAnQfw3Of8iiTezQHkPRC84UXP1A09yZOAAYY-IYUHlgaRthjuRGFaspE5AuhMiQ_RUxsmviaLzdwnWK_oU1/s1600/IMG_0912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBh_HQoNtPbsxUgbrxKEmOxyKR84RZPXajuGHUlhhZ5GSxN5hMAnQfw3Of8iiTezQHkPRC84UXP1A09yZOAAYY-IYUHlgaRthjuRGFaspE5AuhMiQ_RUxsmviaLzdwnWK_oU1/s1600/IMG_0912.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Who knows what tomorrow or the next day (or the next minute for that matter) holds. But when it comes may we meet it with grace and peace and the knowledge that we will have strength for it all.<br />
<br />
Happy Hump Day! XO</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-59875066730220484552015-03-10T06:56:00.001-07:002015-03-26T10:38:49.765-07:00My Journey Towards Health and Fitness<br />
It's no secret I love to run/workout/torture myself on a daily basis. Whether it stems from good example (thanks Mom XO) or the fact that my happy endorphins crave sweat and there's no way around it, I have to get my move on most days of the week. (taking a rest day is hard for me - today is rest day. But the treadmill is calling my name....)<br />
<br />
<br />
But there is also a darker side to all this that I don't think I've shared much here. When I was in high school I had a severe eating disorder. One that left me emaciated, on the brink of hospitalization, and facing demons in the face. This battle arose from many different circumstances (of which I don't <i>really</i> need to go into except to say they are things young/old/middle aged women can relate to I'm sure) and with parents who forced me to get help, a God who latched on and never let me go, friends who showed me what it <i>really </i>means to be a woman, and a husband who loved me to death through the early years of our marriage while battling this disease I can safely say that I've won. (Well, I'm <i>winning...</i>) Yes, I can look that demon in the eye, call him by name, and shove him off for the liar that he is. A liar that attempts to destroy my dignity, confuse me about my body, and destroy my happiness.<br />
<br />
<br />
BOOM.<br />
<br />
<br />
Annnyyyyyway, this isn't a post about all that. But it is, ironically, about how running/lifting weights/blah blah blah helped me ultimately conquer those demons and put myself in right relationship with my body and my health.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZL4qRT7a3avM_-xB0Jw1xEh6PpJkKMY4BvChrvGngoO1DyBa-cuYgfeJWQPcTpNUDNHJ2uyJEZv-SSuUMFhySx6aGJp1qhHY5MxucZFLFcUPTN14Lbj9fJWtVG3xpYPt5TCaI/s1600/IMG_1159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZL4qRT7a3avM_-xB0Jw1xEh6PpJkKMY4BvChrvGngoO1DyBa-cuYgfeJWQPcTpNUDNHJ2uyJEZv-SSuUMFhySx6aGJp1qhHY5MxucZFLFcUPTN14Lbj9fJWtVG3xpYPt5TCaI/s1600/IMG_1159.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It all started when I started running. (<a href="http://mikeandkristine.blogspot.com/2013/06/why-i-run-part-1.html"><b>Why I Run Part 1</b></a> and <b><a href="http://mikeandkristine.blogspot.com/2013/07/why-i-run-part-2.html">Part 2</a></b> here is you're interested) But ultimately running became about reaching goals, pushing myself to the edge, and finding strength I never knew I had. My body became a machine to be used to conquer mountains - and I shed the desire to merely see it as an ornament to make look good. After having three babies I really didn't care all that much if my abs were squishy because well, three babies, and well, my goal was different. Food <i>had</i> to be my fuel - <i>not </i>my enemy. And over the course of 15 marathons/ultra marathons (and one 50 mile experience that I still think of every darn day) my body and I were reconciled. We made peace. It could trust me again. And I could love it - the right way.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmWs7brCafEeG04ZwDuc3_qXvxBs6rggi8b_eNOooIaLR8W29TSIdrEAWCqOye9OqG4bR25T60zotCiaqB9NvQeiqMHjdr3_xA7acGbfdGmT5lOkPDGmaq1P3N9r3S4Gz51t6/s1600/FOMO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmWs7brCafEeG04ZwDuc3_qXvxBs6rggi8b_eNOooIaLR8W29TSIdrEAWCqOye9OqG4bR25T60zotCiaqB9NvQeiqMHjdr3_xA7acGbfdGmT5lOkPDGmaq1P3N9r3S4Gz51t6/s1600/FOMO.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMOeGo6ypCJAu9A3PJ53mj9vRlT6GAnMxbR-GX5FER0NupK8wz7vWYXzOFjMJV0-Im2m1oMNPWF4IB1XERatVp2A6X3cnk1fjbTU5RFSFNnA04uN3Y5rJgYtxnRwn0LnyIp-z/s1600/WR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMOeGo6ypCJAu9A3PJ53mj9vRlT6GAnMxbR-GX5FER0NupK8wz7vWYXzOFjMJV0-Im2m1oMNPWF4IB1XERatVp2A6X3cnk1fjbTU5RFSFNnA04uN3Y5rJgYtxnRwn0LnyIp-z/s1600/WR.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Through pregnancy #4 I kept running and added more weight training to my repertoire. I learned the hard way (aka: silly IT bands) that you have to have strong muscles to run as much as I was and so adding in weights is key. (You can read more about <b><a href="http://mikeandkristine.blogspot.com/2015/01/pregnancy-40.html">my health journey during pregnancy here,</a></b> if you want.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFQaG5cAQ9jqE1bImR-RqLZuYvYZGw6GHsVLGAnZB-JFQiD6Iof1WXLmrowgw_huKTiUGCiQIf9WdGrISAG0uOXkLTRAk1Iq418fSVzfyU3qUQoz4mZcclcPJW4ZUibVAzJRL/s1600/Baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFQaG5cAQ9jqE1bImR-RqLZuYvYZGw6GHsVLGAnZB-JFQiD6Iof1WXLmrowgw_huKTiUGCiQIf9WdGrISAG0uOXkLTRAk1Iq418fSVzfyU3qUQoz4mZcclcPJW4ZUibVAzJRL/s1600/Baby.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After Lola was born I went through a big discernment process with all my workout/running stuff. I have four kids now. FOUR. And one of them a NEWBORN. I picked up running again when she was 3 weeks old but every time I went out for my long-at-the-time runs I would be thinking about my marathoning future and what all that meant. I had a mental checkpoint of bouncing back for my first marathon when she was 4 months old but a few weeks into the training I decided that I would rather spend this time snuggling up on a baby then out for some 3-hour-run. The trails will always be there. The baby won't.<br />
<br />
<br />
At the same time some good friend of ours - who own a <a href="http://innovativefitnessllc.com/"><b>more-than-a-gym called Innovative Fitness</b></a> - were running a fall fitness challenge. I joked with Katie (XO shout-out love you!) that she needed to do one in the fall so I could (attempt to) lose the baby weight and well, here was my chance. But the thing was is that, well, I was a bit scared. I didn't know how to lose weight the safe and healthy way. I was afraid my body would freak out and think I was turning on it again. Plus, I had to find motivation other than <i>just losing the weight</i>. Because one thing I've realized in my health and fitness journey is that is has to be about more than the number on the scale or the way I feel about my body. Those things can be deceitful...and dangerous.<br />
<br />
<br />
And so I made it about doing something I had never done before. It was a whole new process of working out (one that included way way way less running and more more more lifting weights) - a process that I didn't quiet understand at first and was uncomfortable with. But I trusted the process, and my trainer Jesse, and I fought through the doubts and the hard stuff to push through.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuE7jq_341jMV_XTf10OjhuKdB7sNl1XR-9BdX72jaoFIR3qDwBfRk5WytMhZ8B1V_p-KIWjelfrCcO8eujcUmglWH1Y4qPkoUrxP2ulT0w9E409wgnpud6QHIX2n_hbq3BflQ/s1600/IMG_1902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuE7jq_341jMV_XTf10OjhuKdB7sNl1XR-9BdX72jaoFIR3qDwBfRk5WytMhZ8B1V_p-KIWjelfrCcO8eujcUmglWH1Y4qPkoUrxP2ulT0w9E409wgnpud6QHIX2n_hbq3BflQ/s1600/IMG_1902.JPG" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9rtPbItxpQgJWFZtahTelo_sNTKT6mHalC523R7uWaWeJxZwNulr1F5ntJAzSuMfbQH710MxP3UvNmacJ8VElT3VTjbVpALrG2oiCEYjBIRp4JDwqdHK9qB3G0vIzTeg7n2b/s1600/IMG_0682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9rtPbItxpQgJWFZtahTelo_sNTKT6mHalC523R7uWaWeJxZwNulr1F5ntJAzSuMfbQH710MxP3UvNmacJ8VElT3VTjbVpALrG2oiCEYjBIRp4JDwqdHK9qB3G0vIzTeg7n2b/s1600/IMG_0682.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
You see, THAT is what working out means to me. It is a physical means to push me to my limits. It makes me do hard shiz when I really just want to take a nap. Baby up at night? Laundry to fold? Just don't feel like it? I can't let my excuses get in the way of a goal and it is this very thinking that translates over into other areas of my life. I wouldn't be as mentally tough without something to push me physically. I can be so easily swayed by my emotions and desires, so to have a challenge in my life that doesn't allow for all that (whether it be running or weight lifting or sticking to the meal plan) is exactly what I need.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKTvGy89zQwFFuUqR-CDWUXV7aSB-WAi9JCbUHo6a9wrICRUEZo6AEva53zxJu4_eI4TQ2Vu8PrzGede83DikFWiScOTXs82inE8Z_5IUhTIKDe6c8_hVTSsSptVGr0TcDtsg/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLKTvGy89zQwFFuUqR-CDWUXV7aSB-WAi9JCbUHo6a9wrICRUEZo6AEva53zxJu4_eI4TQ2Vu8PrzGede83DikFWiScOTXs82inE8Z_5IUhTIKDe6c8_hVTSsSptVGr0TcDtsg/s1600/IMG_1012.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I also see my current fitness journey as one that is forcing me to "finish strong." It's easy for me to bounce from one thing to another - like in reading, I always just read 3/4 of a book and never finish it, ugh. But I am currently forcing myself to see myself through to the end. Being on a meal plan for 6 months is not easy. But it's more to me than just chicken - it's following through with a goal, with something I originally set out to do. I don't ever want to quit something just because I'm scared, or bored, or tired. I want to be the sort of person that pushes on to the finish line and perhaps one step further. Again THIS is what my health and fitness journey mean to me.<br />
<br />
<br />
OK, I hope this was helpful and not dumb. I know it was long but writing it enabled me to down three cups of coffee IN PEACE. I post a lot about workout/health stuff and I felt like I need to clarify my motivations for it all - mostly because I want people, women in particular, to see that our health journeys aren't just about the pant size. I know a lot, <i>a lot</i>, of women who struggle with body image and I'm here to say that you <i>can </i>have a healthy relationships with yo-self. Working out, being healthy is not bad. But for it to change us for the better we have to embrace the amazing bodies we have, treat them with respect, and not let any little lies infiltrate the amazing vessels they are.<br />
<br />
<br />
Alright, I think that's good for now. I'll continue to share my journey with y'all but I wanted to give a jumping off point. Kind of like box jumps. Or the big-A jump rope. Both of which I used to hate. Now I luuuv. Lol, who am I kidding...now I <i>like. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-70967903051444630222015-03-10T05:58:00.000-07:002015-03-26T10:38:39.977-07:00Dude, where's my bed?<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I should totally be sleeping right now ('cause hashtag stupid time change) but alas I'm watching my one episode of The Bachelor for the year and now I'm sucked in ('cause hashtag who will he choooooose?) And now I want to live on a farm in Iowa. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I mean, I'm not just tired from the whole loss of sleep thing but also from tattle-tale kid drama AND migraine workout drama. Pushups + exploding head = a silent Kristine for an hour that just busted it out and didn't complain. Except for now. I'm complaining now.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But what I really wanted to share is...my daughter. That crazy beautiful girl who turned 7 last week (and who will have her dates grilled like the Bachelor - and now he's choosing the RING. My pick: the big sparkly one! Ooooooooo...)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSYmoUoPanpdt2kwAzV7rU_ljRNYc1O65OoDq-Nwh8UCc03hPH_FfVqFxI2JBA8qIkom4fegUtNV9cRCc8sNWJ3ZCjky2GqrAQdvGYNrMF9pSQaBsVRkGBS2PAJN1lG829LR_/s1600/IMG_2687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSYmoUoPanpdt2kwAzV7rU_ljRNYc1O65OoDq-Nwh8UCc03hPH_FfVqFxI2JBA8qIkom4fegUtNV9cRCc8sNWJ3ZCjky2GqrAQdvGYNrMF9pSQaBsVRkGBS2PAJN1lG829LR_/s1600/IMG_2687.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Aaannnyway, we gave baby girl the choice of a present or an experience for her b-day and she chose dinner with <i>just mom and dad</i>. "And no where fancy, mom." We ended up at El Gaucho, my bad. What can I say, we had a gift card. (That I couldn't find on our way out the door...my bad again.) Watching her order a Shirley Temple, attempt to eat a raw oyster, and try the beet salad - not to mention all the <i>conversation</i> - she was just. so. grown up. A little girl and a big girl all wrapped into one. Man, is this kid special. Her heart? Selfless. Her self control? OMgosh gimme some of that. Her peaceful nature? I could learn a lesson or five. She's sure come a long way from the toddler who screamed herself to bed every night until age 3. (love you, Avila XOXO)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDBZNWBhq_2RDPCZIa_-DnV_vDRN67MQGqhL5ZcBN0o1eezsdq9aS0mCzqbWlflQ5QCETk9zB_ekgR3QGjsMvVcGzk8-TUP8K4GE3nT8yaDh4mprfJuszNj8UlVgJBT6x5I5Y/s1600/IMG_2677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTDBZNWBhq_2RDPCZIa_-DnV_vDRN67MQGqhL5ZcBN0o1eezsdq9aS0mCzqbWlflQ5QCETk9zB_ekgR3QGjsMvVcGzk8-TUP8K4GE3nT8yaDh4mprfJuszNj8UlVgJBT6x5I5Y/s1600/IMG_2677.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vHwt0OH1Kz-2TQnAqpkKFrGzJDSrkxqZEV_ITufiQBcksw-MSZO8PwKTxXWtIWQMQBd68vw6eGvVeFUlsCWSfdtMdvPYXe64cGYLr45wxdVVH__DG4y7H8B9aPTiqsMrTZI1/s1600/IMG_2682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vHwt0OH1Kz-2TQnAqpkKFrGzJDSrkxqZEV_ITufiQBcksw-MSZO8PwKTxXWtIWQMQBd68vw6eGvVeFUlsCWSfdtMdvPYXe64cGYLr45wxdVVH__DG4y7H8B9aPTiqsMrTZI1/s1600/IMG_2682.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In keeping with the box-cake-put-stuff-on-top theme she wanted a Frozen cake and it's the third confectionary delight I've made IN A ROW without screwing up some ingredient. Hashtag for the win.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbPAuNJlDzOFZWmq6Kv4kyr8I7DKmHMk_IOKidVfCxH4h3ydgeY42KPktEGO9Uea0VSHb4Rryzy7ujFAz2CmIuu20v_IZpBJm8uE9QapmbCgwoT0pUKyW3NsOBBxbiCH-SEoJ/s1600/IMG_2749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYbPAuNJlDzOFZWmq6Kv4kyr8I7DKmHMk_IOKidVfCxH4h3ydgeY42KPktEGO9Uea0VSHb4Rryzy7ujFAz2CmIuu20v_IZpBJm8uE9QapmbCgwoT0pUKyW3NsOBBxbiCH-SEoJ/s1600/IMG_2749.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But forget El Gaucho. 'Cause the girl's actual birthday dinner was more her style. She requested rice (plain, mom), and hard boiled eggs (with lots of mayonnaise, mom). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3GRIxRo8c_hcqTsaPeKDFMRRGvnMSxUE7qonoKDwblg5z-P7Xh9IDlJ_G94aVXNLaC8XNZQ2Sl9jLa4c-gW9F-wP6atpy_7Hyx-u2F2RRXPMpWlT1Y6fxwX8Yn7TmyqaA_pj/s1600/IMG_2746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3GRIxRo8c_hcqTsaPeKDFMRRGvnMSxUE7qonoKDwblg5z-P7Xh9IDlJ_G94aVXNLaC8XNZQ2Sl9jLa4c-gW9F-wP6atpy_7Hyx-u2F2RRXPMpWlT1Y6fxwX8Yn7TmyqaA_pj/s1600/IMG_2746.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dude, I love this girl.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17981917.post-79878762462097677202015-03-09T08:18:00.003-07:002015-03-26T10:38:20.548-07:007 Quick Takes...eeeko I'm back edition<br />
1. Um, yeah, lo siento about that. Apparently I just didn't feel like blogging last week. No offense, I still love you all XOXO but sometimes a break from things screen-related is good. But if you know me then you know that when the sun is a shining and the weather is a rocking I'm outside any chance I get so that must've taken priority. Oh and the 4 kids thing. Here's my peace offering. I even pulled over to take it which apparently made someone behind me mad so this picture comes with extra luv.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlW3o070NaQBwvqhQTORz_OpLtWyw9XbOd3G3YXYICfogjkfSxuCsRtCBSL1pTkIR6W9rlTibEkgRIZkNIAD7OG2dGC3BQ5hdiwzPP_l29Rr8IWlWqJfarVy9Tmsd6WC88cvU/s1600/IMG_2878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlW3o070NaQBwvqhQTORz_OpLtWyw9XbOd3G3YXYICfogjkfSxuCsRtCBSL1pTkIR6W9rlTibEkgRIZkNIAD7OG2dGC3BQ5hdiwzPP_l29Rr8IWlWqJfarVy9Tmsd6WC88cvU/s1600/IMG_2878.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
2. Yup, outside. I have a chair and a blanket by the garage door so I can pull them out when need be. And when it's winter (hence no leaves) we have a teeny tinny peekaboo sliver view of the water but it could be the size of a 3X5 postcard and I'd still be happy. Mmmmmm, the ocean. Filler-up Mr. Love Tank. I also got out on my board this weekend which was awesome - just me <i>just me</i> out on the sound singing praise and worship and chilling on my poor man's yacht. Except I was stalked for an hour by a little seal and it kind of felt like Jaws. First he'd pop up next to my board, then I wouldn't see him for 5 minutes, then he'd pop up behind me. Perhaps he wanted to tell me to stop singing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3lR8miSzcgZA-vKuSqKDzkWTyMxp6aEuk5u9ERzhZfEWL06Dzek_G20QCHkX3-KiZSvA3qz3AVrLr04FtpfLW9-kTaFmgFYelJueYw8e8M-minlElSiIhDJJCDU60Er_Zm2w/s1600/IMG_2894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3lR8miSzcgZA-vKuSqKDzkWTyMxp6aEuk5u9ERzhZfEWL06Dzek_G20QCHkX3-KiZSvA3qz3AVrLr04FtpfLW9-kTaFmgFYelJueYw8e8M-minlElSiIhDJJCDU60Er_Zm2w/s1600/IMG_2894.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKhG97v7wnpyDhX4zvsH202rM9lx2piILvybP2sHbhwD_Jco0k-_-Y9ihmHXC11u2UBd1_Ahiyg1M9Tb8ZBAkGLXQHZSvvz5KejGeVIsNHpO4-b2Nzr-PJhueTJUoTtZE20u3/s1600/IMG_2895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKhG97v7wnpyDhX4zvsH202rM9lx2piILvybP2sHbhwD_Jco0k-_-Y9ihmHXC11u2UBd1_Ahiyg1M9Tb8ZBAkGLXQHZSvvz5KejGeVIsNHpO4-b2Nzr-PJhueTJUoTtZE20u3/s1600/IMG_2895.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3. Max loves his sister so much he kind of asks to marry her. Obv I say "no buddy" but whoever <i>does</i> get to marry this guy is one lucky lady. He is just so darned sweet. Nothing phases him, much like his daddy. AND you know what he prays for every night: <i>for my mama, who's my teacher</i>. OMGoodness heart swoon melt.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0P9qLt7783Z3fc-j2PH-P_AW29Dbn_ngBgA6ll8m_I0NE3la4P_pKO29UFFQrE2oTQLciqyg3F-PFIRruv8T-FTSyJ4fyJb-oHWoHKhhkP3Dy69_PBA3oqvx26tSVpgXx8YA/s1600/IMG_2886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0P9qLt7783Z3fc-j2PH-P_AW29Dbn_ngBgA6ll8m_I0NE3la4P_pKO29UFFQrE2oTQLciqyg3F-PFIRruv8T-FTSyJ4fyJb-oHWoHKhhkP3Dy69_PBA3oqvx26tSVpgXx8YA/s1600/IMG_2886.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
4. I posted about a smoothie recipe I'm in love with and mentioned that I added dairy (cottage cheese) just to see. Well, the just to see turned out to cause me to die. Well, not super dead but almost. I had the most horribly chapped/dry/red lips, I was bloated from here to kingdom come for days (you know you love that imagery), AND I was an emotional wreck. If there's a time when I can't control my emotions (other than the normal/usual mom-freak-out-yelling-mode) then I know it's food related. I cried people. Last Thursday. For no reason. Took the cottage cheese out and now I'm pretty much back to my normal selfie. Sooooo, I kept the recipe the same BUT added a cup of coffee and mmmmmmm it's a chocolate mocha thing now! Complete with awesome socks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRlRCctCGi0WP1Oi0LTajMHzOubbj6J-2sDWwOEr-8GAIGiElcGJCcoNl0WaLTRR6WQYJVCGCE3c_XXylu8pJthqG5tgOb1vuM3jsjLdycrlLW-WMWmkZVKNew-CovfllGOkX/s1600/IMG_2884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRlRCctCGi0WP1Oi0LTajMHzOubbj6J-2sDWwOEr-8GAIGiElcGJCcoNl0WaLTRR6WQYJVCGCE3c_XXylu8pJthqG5tgOb1vuM3jsjLdycrlLW-WMWmkZVKNew-CovfllGOkX/s1600/IMG_2884.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
5. DOWNSIDE of said smoothie (and life in general)? I am so freaking cold. All the time. This was a 60 degree day and I'm in sweats, socks, and a couple sweaters...by the fire.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6jyOmwkgujuDgOvKlkghX6Jl-SgEGwR7OuNuGVONoHNOzjKR0pjAf7sFKu04hy1YKyimqiZUC4LOwihGBO5o8WaU71spHPKiXCsG3yYfEhVuBK5kNNXAiNOGZFk-aAjD09_D/s1600/IMG_2890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig6jyOmwkgujuDgOvKlkghX6Jl-SgEGwR7OuNuGVONoHNOzjKR0pjAf7sFKu04hy1YKyimqiZUC4LOwihGBO5o8WaU71spHPKiXCsG3yYfEhVuBK5kNNXAiNOGZFk-aAjD09_D/s1600/IMG_2890.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
6. Library hold system = favorite thing in the world. I feel like it's cheating. Reserve online. Pick up in 5 seconds.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4dJEd1FLvtngqQKujYXxC1oO9x4AIcgtC3ur9sbloTz9ziMA552rv3Pp0bD09AonyWtKYSjfQn1s6BmkB57qdEHP_EtYPOcNXErWT-igaJBCYPBFRvICJsMyDwyXF5BEdBni/s1600/IMG_2914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4dJEd1FLvtngqQKujYXxC1oO9x4AIcgtC3ur9sbloTz9ziMA552rv3Pp0bD09AonyWtKYSjfQn1s6BmkB57qdEHP_EtYPOcNXErWT-igaJBCYPBFRvICJsMyDwyXF5BEdBni/s1600/IMG_2914.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
7. And one last for good measure: rocking no flour/nut/dairy/gluten muffin cupcake things.<br />
<br />
Recipe:<br />
2 bananas<br />
6 dates<br />
1 cup sunbutter<br />
<br />
Blend in high powered blender or food processor. Top with dairy free chocolate chips and Bake in muffin tins (sprayed with coconut oil) for about 20-25 minutes at 350. They last about a day. If you can keep them around that long.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhYZYhwQ4YWJhNYm5x819fI8TqKUonOYxOipEymXKw5XWc9-wYavL3UoOW8lAGDgOD0eJAkevEeOCQnOdSqOPZhl3JXWm0i_FfJgGLnT7g5tcVBXAxm3CWYW1nKhSEKmrnc7v/s1600/IMG_2910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhYZYhwQ4YWJhNYm5x819fI8TqKUonOYxOipEymXKw5XWc9-wYavL3UoOW8lAGDgOD0eJAkevEeOCQnOdSqOPZhl3JXWm0i_FfJgGLnT7g5tcVBXAxm3CWYW1nKhSEKmrnc7v/s1600/IMG_2910.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Peace Out. More later.............<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08570812813078461156noreply@blogger.com2