tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78620240159049708222024-03-12T20:12:39.872-05:00JoMommaLeeFamily, Friends, Food, Funjoannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-8850690870933450182017-09-06T12:27:00.000-05:002017-09-06T12:27:34.537-05:00Autism: Our Journey Thus Far<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Some of y’all know, we had Josiah evaluated (almost 2 years
ago) through our local school district for a few things, and the results were consistent
with autism spectrum disorder. Before and since then, I’ve had mountains of
feelings and thoughts about everything, and while I’ve shared with a few, I
have mostly kept it inside and the burden has become so much that I feel like I
absolutely have to get it off my shoulders in order to not feel so alone and
hopefully gain some support in this area.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That being said, what you’re about to read may be long and is
probably going to be all over the place so proceed with caution. But please,
please proceed especially if you are family or a good friend-- I deeply desire
your awareness and encouragement.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s hard to even articulate the facts that we’ve been
given. I find it difficult to even say, “Josiah’s autistic” or “He has autism”
or “diagnosed”. Does that mean I haven’t even accepted it? That I haven’t
accepted him as he is? Or that I haven’t accepted that label defining him? And
because I never posted about it from the get-go, I have felt like, “oh they don’t
know, so I can’t say something random about today’s struggle because they won’t
get it and there will be too many questions” but then it just gets more and
more and more difficult to share because of the lack of sharing. But I can’t
really keep it in anymore, so I’m gonna write a bunch of random thoughts and
then maybe I’ll feel more freedom to keep it up afterwards.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back story: I first suspected something was wrong (Dyslexia?
Autism? Sensory? Etc.) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a couple years
ago and told my homeschool moms’ group about my concerns. They prayed for me
and afterwards, one of the moms who has an autistic son, pulled me aside and
basically said, yep, I’ve noticed, I’ve prayed, I’m so glad you said something,
he’s autistic. I cried. And after I left, I spent the rest of the day worried
that she was right and mad that she would dare diagnose my son. We have become
better friends since then and she’s been a great support but at the time we didn’t
know each other very well so it was upsetting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took me several months to get him tested but we finally
did it and got the results in February of 2016. They (the school people) said
if you enroll him, here’s what we can offer, if you choose not to, here’s what
we can offer. We chose to continue homeschooling and utilize the services that
were still available to us, which is speech therapy. Now he has no trouble
pronouncing words, but pragmatics is what he works on with the therapist
(social communication). 30 minutes biweekly. He’s been going ever since and I
think it helps.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ve struggled with the thought
of whether we should put him in public school but so far there hasn’t been a
clear YES to do so. Frankly, while it may help in some ways, I know there would
be a whole new set of issues to deal with. Like, ok, these professional people
could help him in special education and what-not, I wouldn’t have to deal with
him all day, but then what about bullying and public school is SO LONG and he
already has a hard enough time with the minimal amount we do here. I wouldn’t
say we have “good days and bad days” but that just about every day, we have
good, easy, fun, I-know-that-he’s-learning moments, and “It’s too hard, I can’t
do it, Why do I have to do this, Why does everybody hate me, I’m just so dumb,
I’m hungry I’m tired I’m bored My tummy hurts” moments. I have to remind myself
that there are good times ahead, to push through the hard times, reach out to
my homeschool mamas for a pep talk and once again things are good. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Great news! Josiah was given a
scholarship through the Blue Autism Project organization to go to a social
skills camp at The Missing Peace autism therapy center in Keller. It’s 10 weeks
long, once a week for an hour and a half. They will be learning about appropriate
conversation topics, two way conversations, entering and exiting conversations,
appropriate use of humor, choosing friends, etc. I’m so excited for him to get
to go and so grateful for the provision and looking forward to seeing
improvement in this area! While he HAS friends, I think carrying a conversation
where he listens to the other person, stays on topic, and observes their
reactions to him speaking, etc, could definitely use improvement. He enjoyed
the first day so yay! I almost cried before they started, just sitting in that
room, looking around at the other parents and kids that “looked normal” but of
course were on the spectrum, and the place had scriptures on the wall and all
these positive phrases and just felt like, ok, a place to belong and find hope
and support. </div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He also started karate yesterday and liked it, so I’m
hopeful that it will be good for him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday was really rough trying to get part of school work
done. Anytime he doesn’t want to do something, we have a talk and it turns into
this huge ordeal where we discuss the deeper things going on in his heart and
mind. Which is good but almost always troubling. Like, I find out he thinks
everyone hates him and he thinks I didn’t teach him right and he’s not sure if
God even exists, and he thinks I don’t actually care about him or love him even
though I say I do. It’s heartbreaking and I’m often left speechless because I
just don’t know how to help him. I try to reassure him but I’m left with just
feeling like I’m not big enough to reach his heart but I know God is so I pray
that God fills in the gaps where I miss it and that He heals his heart and that
He gives us wisdom on how to help him with these big big feelings. </div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s hard for me to tell people that he is autistic. I don’t
want to use it as an excuse when he has a meltdown in public but at the same
time I want people to understand why. But then I think, if I don’t say
anything, will they assume it’s a disciplinary/parenting fail? And then I
think, who cares what they think? Usually I just address him privately and let “them”
think what they will. Some of my friends know, so maybe they understand. Of
course I can’t blame every negative behavior on autism. </div>
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I’ve wondered if there’s somewhere I went wrong. Like is it
because of x, y or z when he was a baby? Or is it because abc happened when he
was 2? Or because we moved when he was 4? So many what ifs. Is it diet? He’s
super picky. Maybe not as picky as some, but there are just certain things he
likes and others he doesn’t and it’s frustrating because I feel like it’s a
vicious cycle. Diet affects behavior so we try to change his diet but he won’t
eat certain things. And it’s not like other kids where you can just say, well,
no dinner for you then. They go to bed hungry and things change. Nope, not
here. There’s always a good excuse why he can’t eat whatever it is. It makes
his stomach hurt. It’s too spicy. It’s hard to argue with that. So while I can
cut out what I know is bad, that leaves us with a very limited array of
choices. So I’m just hoping this will improve to help him improve in different
areas.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is it video games? Do I ban them completely? Do I make
certain rules? Been there, tried that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We recently watched the whole first season of this new show
on Netflix called Atypical. It’s about this 18yo boy on the autism spectrum,
his family and struggles as he starts to date. While I wish the show could’ve
left out a lot of raunchy language and sexual discovery outside the covenant of
marriage, the series definitely had its merits. You see his quirks and
struggles and strengths and I just had so many Awww moments! We laughed a lot,
and it made me feel like, OK, this is one example that I can relate a lot to.
Almost like, yeah, if this is what autism (sometimes) looks like, then yes,
Josiah is for sure autistic. I don’t really like the label, but it made me feel
almost at home, like ok, he’s not alone, we’re not alone, we just need to find
our tribe of people who get it. Who accept him and can help us accept our
reality and do the best we can to help Josiah reach his full potential.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When I do tell people that his evaluation was consistent
with ASD, I sometimes get questions, like what does that mean, what is autism,
etc. I find myself at a bit of a loss. Like I just want to say Google it, that’s
what I did. It means different things for different kids. Apparently they don’t
use the term Aspergers anymore, but instead “high-functioning autism” as in,
maybe you wouldn’t realize someone is autistic at first because they’re verbal,
and otherwise “normal”. For us it means, sometimes things have to be a certain
way. The picky eating thing. The very easily upset thing that turns into
yelling and hitting himself or pulling his hair and can’t calm him down thing.
The not responding when someone talks to him even though his hearing, pronunciation
and vocabulary are just fine for his age, so he appears rude and I constantly
have to remind him to respond to them, but sometimes that means no eye contact
and you can barely hear his words. The frustration with if he can’t do it
perfectly he doesn’t want to do it, and it’s not ok to make a mistake. The
obsession with Legos. The only wanting to wear gym shorts and a T-shirt and
crocs or flip-flops. The talking your ear off about Minecraft even though I don’t
let him play very often. The not saying “I love you” back and not wanting to
hug but then wanting to snuggle just at bedtime. The blurting out something
totally unrelated to the conversation. The genius way he figures stuff out that
I couldn’t even do. The creativity when he builds or makes up a story or game.
And a hundred other things that just make him who he is, but when you put them
all together, some people say, that equals ASD. To which I can’t figure out
which to say: 1. Thank you! Or 2. Um, no, that’s just his individual
personality and quirks and some behavior issues we need to address just like so
many other kids. Gah. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have days where I feel good and hopeful and notice his
awesomeness and we get along and have fun and I have days where I break down in
tears because I just don’t know how to help him through a rough time and wonder
if he would’ve turned out differently if he had a different mom. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last night we started watching another show “Parenthood”. I
saw it on the menu and remembered people on FB raving about it when it was on
the air and thought, ok I’ll give it a shot even though I know nothing about
it. Well, shoot. The first episode and this kid Max is probably autistic. Didn’t
know that was gonna be a theme. It’s like I can’t get away from it, haha! I’m
hoping this will be a good show.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ok, I think I’m gonna stop for now (this was actually
written in two parts, a couple weeks ago and today) but plan to write more as
time permits and I feel the need to share.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please feel free to ask questions but know that I don’t have
all the answers and I just really need support. To all our family and friends
who know and spend time with Josiah, I hope that this information will serve to
help you know a bit better how to relate to him and you can explain to your
kids whatever you feel is appropriate and beneficial for their relationship
with him. I love you and am so thankful for your love for our family.</div>
joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-64791516934143553612015-02-10T18:16:00.001-06:002015-02-10T18:16:06.036-06:00My Thoughts on Vaccines<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fear, Anger, Hope, Relief, Confidence, Confusion,
Stubbornness, Ignorance, Obligation, Responsibility… all feelings or states of
mind that I have seen all over our society in regards to this hot topic. Some
of you know where I stand, and the rest of you, will at least a little bit more
if you take the time to read all of this. I apologize in advance if my
observations, thoughts and feelings are all over the place in the coming
paragraphs. I’m not a professional writer or scientist, but I do care an awful
lot about my kids and others, which is why I haven’t been able to get these
things off my mind, especially in the last few weeks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To tell the truth, I have some hesitation in opening my
heart and mind on the issue because it’s SO controversial and I know that some
of you are very passionate about your beliefs and I don’t want it to hurt our
friendship. Hopefully it’s strong enough to handle some disagreement and we can
both acknowledge that the other is genuinely trying to make the right decision
for their children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve read a lot of articles online, on BOTH sides of the
issue. I’ve heard the pleas and the fears and the name-calling and the threats
and the stories and the studies and the assumptions and I know that it all
comes from two paradoxical roots: LOVE and FEAR. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We love our kids so much. We want the best for them. We want
them healthy. We want to make all the right decisions, and sometimes we don’t
know who to trust. We want them to live life to the fullest. But we’re afraid. Afraid
of what might happen to them if we do or don’t give them the shot(s). Afraid of
what people might think if we ask questions or change our stance. What if I
don’t get them vaccinated and they get the measles or polio or whooping cough?
What if I vaccinate them and they start showing signs of autism or the disease
that the shot is supposed to prevent? What if my kid gets sick because of
someone else who deliberately skipped the shot? What if my kid gets a baby sick
and he/she dies?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I beg of you to let your decision be motivated by love and
not fear. And it doesn’t have to be cookie-cutter. You might decide to get one
shot but not another. You might decide to have them for one child but not the
other. You might decide to spread them out and only get them when they are
perfectly healthy. I may disagree with your choice but I believe you have the
right to choose, and I will respect that right as long as you have done your
homework. Not blindly following the advice of a doctor or a celebrity or
relative or friend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It can be hard to sift through all the statistics that don’t
match up, because many reports are slanted. The adamant cries of “There is no
link” and “It’s obvious there’s a link” never end. What shall we do then?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m going to be honest and share some of our history with
vaccines from as far back as I can remember. I showed up to junior high and
couldn’t get registered because I hadn’t had a certain shot. Looking back now,
I realize at least partly why I hadn’t had it, because I skipped kindergarten so
I was a year younger than everyone and the recommendation for whatever
vaccination it was, was age 12 and I was 11. But I had to go get the shot and
come back. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fast forward to my first pregnancy. So many choices to be
made and things to learn about parenting but I didn’t have a ton of spare time
to research what with working full-time, moving twice, planning a wedding and
going into labor early. So I just pretty much listened to whatever advice came
my way, aside from the things that I already felt strongly about, like
breastfeeding. I don’t remember researching vaccines at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We fell in love with our pediatrician. She was caring and
intelligent and respectful. We got every shot they offered from the very
beginning, without fear of side effects. I trusted her because in my eyes she
was the expert and wouldn’t recommend anything harmful. Honestly, I was also
very sleep-deprived so I was too lazy to do my own research, despite one or two
friends raising questions and encouraging us to think twice. To sum up, my
attitude was, “I’m sure my doctor knows best and I don’t feel like finding out
otherwise. Just do what she says.” I remember Julia running a fever and
sleeping more the day after each round of shots, but luckily nothing worse. Riley
was still a bit more skeptical, so I agreed to split up Julia’s 12-month shots
into two visits, and put off any further ones until we thought about it more
and were sure it was the right decision. At that 1-year checkup (or maybe it
was at the 18 month one, I don’t remember exactly), the doctor assured me that
Julia showed no signs of autism, and at least one of the shots was a booster so
we would’ve known already if she would have a bad reaction to it. She was
agreeable for the most part but encouraged us to at least get the DTaP because
a lot of children were getting whooping cough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I can’t pinpoint the exact moment where we realized/decided
we weren’t going to do them anymore, I guess it was gradual. Do I think every single vaccination available is evil and would I absolutely under no circumstances ever consent to receiving a single one? No.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Everyone who chooses not to vaccinate has a unique
combination of reasons for refusing them. Contrary to popular belief, most
parents aren’t ditching the shots because of Jenny McCarthy or Andrew
Wakefield, so let’s just stop throwing that around. Here are a few of ours:</span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God designed our children with an immune system.
He didn’t mess up, and I’m going to trust that it will do its job if we give it
the right tools (sleep, water, eating the right foods and using natural
medicine when needed). To me, it feels a little bit like the Tower of Babel to
go trying to create artificial immunity.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The original strains of many vaccines were cultured
in the cell lines of electively aborted human babies. These are still available
for purchase online, which I find appalling. It just doesn’t sit right with
me…ethically, spiritually, physically. Some people think well, what’s done is
done, and now some good can come of it, the sacrifice of one baby is worth
saving the lives of people who would otherwise die of a vaccine-preventable
disease, but I disagree. “By His stripes we were healed.” I could be wrong, but
it feels a little insulting to think that Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t enough and we
need some additional shedding of innocent blood to rid our world of sickness.
For you vegans out there, you might be interested to know that they also use
embryos of animals. [Note: I did not say the shots your kids are getting
contain actual cells from aborted babies. This is a common misconception among
some non-vaccinating parents. So don’t go misquoting me].</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The side effects of many vaccines are about the
same as or worse than the disease itself. You can find this information in the
package insert, but sadly most parents don’t bother, and I worry that many
pediatricians don’t either. I know for a fact that there are doctors who just
prescribe whatever is promoted by the rep who brought lunch that day, without
any further research. I know all doctors are not equal, and most have good intentions
and a sincere desire to “do no harm” and help people. But they’re not perfect,
and it’s our responsibility to do our part and not just leave our children’s health
and parenting decisions completely in their hands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This isn’t the biggest reason for me, because
our family probably consumes these in some of the foods we eat so I don’t want
to be a hypocrite, but just for your information, I will list some of the
ingredients commonly found in vaccines: Mercury…although this has been somewhat
eliminated, even some “thimerosal-free” vaccines still have a trace amount.
Aluminum, linked to Alzheimers. Antibiotics, which destroy the good bacteria
thereby hindering natural immunity. Formaldehyde. MSG, a neurotoxin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The immunity that MIGHT come from a vaccine is
inferior to the natural immunity that comes from getting the real thing, or
better yet, as babies from the breastmilk of a mother who has developed
immunity after having the disease. I had chickenpox when I was about 2 years
old (with scars to prove it), and I’m fine. My grandma had the mumps as a child
and lived to be 84. Are those reasons enough to refuse all vaccinations? Of
course not. Neither is seeing a picture of someone who died of Tetanus cause
for us all running out and getting “caught up” on our shots. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now let’s talk about just a
couple of the reasons TO vaccinate. I will use italics because I’m not
convinced these are true or factual.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vaccines
have eradicated many diseases, so we should keep using them.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> If you
read enough, you will find research that concludes that these diseases were
already well on the decline before vaccines were introduced, due to improved
sanitation and what-not. This argument will probably never end so you decide
which you believe.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">People
die from vaccine-preventable diseases. It’s irresponsible to refuse the shot. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s
talk statistics straight from the CDC. According to their website, before the measles
vaccine was introduced, approximately 1 in 10,000 people who got the disease,
died from it. Now let’s take a look at vehicle related deaths: 1 in 1,000. So,
make sure to buckle up, don’t run red lights and stay under the speed limit on
your way to that play date with an unvaccinated child. Now correct me if my calculator
is dysfunctional, but it looks to me like your child is 10x more likely to die
on the way than he/she is from measles, and that’s assuming the child has it
and spreads it to yours. Anybody up for mandatory banning of motor vehicles?
*crickets*</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Herd
immunity. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">First of all, that term lends itself to treating people like
cattle.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>But Oh Boy. This is a doozy
and I’m a little scared to attack it because I haven’t spent my adult years
developing a thesis on epidemiology. But I will just counter with this fact:
Vaccinated children can shed the virus they have been injected with, and infect
other vaccinated or un-vaccinated children. So you can be mad at me because my
child may get the disease from someone else, and then infect your child who is
too young to get the shot, and/or I can be mad at you for infecting my child
with your child’s shedding virus. Or, I have a better idea. You can do your best
to beef up your child’s immune system, and I’ll do my best too, and we’ll stay
away from each other if a fever pops up. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But here’s the deal: the world
we live in is broken, and only in heaven will sickness be gone for good. “But,
Joanna, you haven’t seen a patient dying of measles or whooping cough, because
they were unable to be vaccinated and some anti-vaxxer got this kid sick.”
You’re right, I haven’t. Does that mean we should all go get vaccinated? Hmmm.
What about all those OTHER patients the media likes to ignore? You know, the ones that have been injured, sometimes fatally, by a vaccine. Those are someone's children, too. What if there’s a
better solution but it’s not so simple because not everybody will ever
cooperate? What if there is NO solution because disease will always be here and
we need to just do the best we can? I want to be sensitive to those who have
watched their own children or patients suffer or die from an illness, so I
hesitate to harp too much on this. Please forgive me if I’ve offended you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There will always be those that
claim, “Vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective” and those that
assert, “Vaccines are not as safe and effective as they say they are.” Some
people back this up with conviction and years of study, while others just say
it because they’ve heard it said enough times. I beg of you, whichever side
you’re on, to keep asking, and seeking, and knocking, even if you KNOW you’re
right. Try to see the other point of view, because you might see the light and
change your mind, and/or become even more convinced in your position and then
be able to confidently share that truth with others. So if you’re going to be
staunch on one side, at least be able to say, “I’ve looked at the reasons to
vaccinate (or not) and this is what I believe is the best for my child.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now listen, I’m all for caring
about the health of other people’s children. It’s no secret that I care more
about my children’s than yours, and I’m sure you feel the same way. But this
whole notion that I should have to put my child at risk in order to save your
child from risk just doesn’t add up to me. Again (and forgive the gravity of
this scenario), the odds are much greater that I will fatally injure your child
in a car crash than my child infecting your child with a vaccine-preventable
disease. Why isn’t anyone calling me names and threatening to throw me in jail,
for daring to drive anywhere? We all take risks, every day. Each parent decides
what is worth the risk and what isn’t, and what they’re willing to do to
protect their kids, and other people’s kids. Got a peanut allergy? You won’t
find me serving PBJs to my kid on our play date. Going through the most fragile
steps of alcoholism recovery? I’m not going to break out the booze when you
come over. But I will not stand by and let someone put a virus in my child’s
body in order to (arguably) decrease the odds of some other child catching it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">One day you’ll read an article
about a toddler that showed signs of autism the day after getting vaccinated.
The next day you’ll read an article about a baby that died of whooping cough
because he was too young for the vaccine and the parent of whoever he got it
from didn’t want to vaccinate for whatever reason (I can assure you it’s not
because they didn’t care about your child, it’s because they care about THEIR
child). There will probably always be fear-mongering on both sides. But one
thing that bugs me is the hatred and anger and name-calling between parents on
opposite sides of the fence. I get it, we disagree. Figure out what you think
is the best choice for YOUR CHILD (that’s the one you’ve been entrusted with,
this isn’t communism), and then leave it in God’s hands. Hope that he or she
won’t die of the disease they were or weren’t vaccinated for. But don’t try to
get others to do it your way by sending fear or guilt into their hearts. If you
want to motivate someone to change their mind, the best way to do it is (with
kindness) to present them with unbiased, double-blind studies, un-slanted
statistics, convincing them that the shots (or lack of) will be of greater
benefit than risk to THEIR child, not others. By the way, you CAN send your
child to public school without “mandatory” vaccinations. Or you can just
home-school. But I digress. =)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I guess I’m not really here to
try to talk you out of vaccinations. Is that because I’m afraid you’ll skip
them, get sick and blame me? No. Is it because I don’t have the tiniest clue
what I’m talking about? No. I just felt like I needed to get these thoughts off
my chest and share with y’all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*Please feel free to comment with your {civil} opinions and questions. If things get nasty, I may have to take this post down. Love to you all.</span></div>
joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-9556212246225831202013-06-28T22:20:00.001-05:002013-06-28T22:20:44.397-05:00This and thatI feel like I should blog more instead of all my thoughts just getting out through facebook status updates. Oh well, here I am.<br />
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Just a few things going through my mind and heart lately, all here in this post because I know better than to think I'll write an individual post all about each one.<br />
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* I am super duper happy about the small group of moms that has formed within our church. We have a facebook page to communicate about get-togethers, personal thoughts, etc. Play dates and meeting in one of the moms' home for fellowship, bible discussion and prayer has been a real blessing. As primary caretakers of little ones it's all too easy to get secluded and drown in motherhood, so it's incredibly important to build friendships with eachother. I'm hoping to connect with an older mom in a mentor-like relationship in the near future!<br />
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* Finishing kindergarten with Julia was hanging over my head so I decided to cut the stuff that wasn't working well for us and just plow through the rest so we could be officially done before the end of spring. Success! Of course, counterintuitive as it may seem, I already picked out and ordered some of her first grade curriculum for the fall. I'm looking forward to it and hope that she will continue to soar as she has been doing thus far. Although, I'm reminded once again of the truth that it's more important to sow seeds of God's word into her than academic education. Lord, help me prioritize this in my time with her! And Josiah, of course... Which leads me to the fact that sometimes I feel like he takes the back burner... like I'm just running along with her to help her grow and he just follows and copies and doesn't get as much personal attention as she does. That's so not how I want it to be! Lord help me focus on him more and meet his needs and teach him with the intensity that I give to his sister.<br />
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* I am really proud of the Summer Passport I made and gave to Julia as a kinder-grad present. The idea was inspired by something I saw on Pinterest, and it turned out to be even better than I set out for. It's super cute and Riley spiral-bound it and everything. It has pages of Places to Go, Places to Eat, Play Dates, and Fun at Home. With all kinds of fun stuff to check off. We've already done A LOT of it and it's only been 2 weeks. I will insist on at least a month break from school but we may be starting back early! Or not. We'll see. Life is learning, learning through life is joyful.<br />
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* I thought once I got down to one book, I would blaze right through it, but no, the real me is still here. I get all excited about a new book, dive into it, then plateau and ever-so-rarely pick it up to read the last 3/4 of it. And it's not because I pick boring or hard-to-read books, it's just me. I don't know if it's because I don't think I can get through a whole chapter or really focus on the topic, or what... but I wish I could just read all the books I see that look interesting, fast, learn and apply immediately, and onto the next one in a heartbeat. But no. Hmph.<br />
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* Josiah is crazy about playing with daddy, airplanes, helicopters, balls and sticks. Julia is crazy about reading. Reading, reading and reading. And I have zero complaints about any of that. What I really wish though is for them to love Jesus with all their heart. I want them to be what I want to be, what I have yet to achieve and what I sometimes doubt I ever will. Hmmm.<br />
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* The Lord has really been tugging on my heart lately, which is so good, but honestly, I haven't been responding like I should, wish I had the desire to, part of me wants to, and I know he holds out the strength for me to choose him over all other distractions, so I'm not quite sure what keeps me from running to His presence every moment that he invites me!<br />
<br />
* Ok I guess I do know. Satan wants to sabotage my relationship with Christ. Duh. How can I sit by and let him have his way?! That's it, I'm publishing, closing the laptop and going to have some time with the Lover of my soul. joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-57957131161983756852013-06-03T01:42:00.000-05:002013-06-03T01:42:11.666-05:00My baby girl is SIX!<span style="font-size: large;">We've been in California over a year now and this is the first blog post I've written. Hmm....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's crazy that my little sweetheart, Julia Brynne, is turning six. SIX. SIX!!! I became a mom the day she was born and it has been quite a ride the last 6 years. We've had ups and downs, and being a mom has been harder than I ever imagined, but just as fulfilling as I always hoped it would be. But enough about me! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This girl. This girl, I don't even understand how she can be so smart. She is constantly making our eyebrows raise and our chins drop. The way she discovers things and invents and creates and figures things out is absolutely astounding. The last time I checked, her reading and spelling level was that of a 4th grader or something. Woah. And her heart... oh how she LOVES to serve. Like, almost to a fault. I'm trying not to squash that in her... but sometimes she just wants EVERYONE (not just in our family, like if we're at a huge event) to have something to eat or drink, and wants to keep holding the door open well after the rest of us have already walked through, just in case someone else comes along. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And I can't forget to mention how affectionate and loving she is! I've lost count of how many precious "I love you Mommy" decorated notes she has written and given to me or hidden for me to find. She randomly comes over, gives me a hug and tells me in the sweetest, most sincere voice, "I love you Mommy"... and I know she means it, despite all my parenting failures. Julia is also INCREDIBLY curious! I am 100% sure she got that from me. People say she looks just like me, to which I always respond (either in my head or out loud), "Yep, a younger, cuter version of me". Personally I take it as a compliment because she is absolutely beautiful! I tell her that often, but I also hope she learns the value of inner beauty... gentleness, kindness, patience, humility, wisdom, bravery...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">She's growing up so fast! They were right. There have been, and are still, days and weeks that seem so long but looking back the years have flown by. I almost feel guilty that I can't remember everything about her lifetime thus far! Maybe it was the sleep deprivation that blocked out some of those early memories ;) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So right now, her favorite things to do are-- dance, sing, play games on the iPad, play with friends, swim, cook, go shopping, climb trees and READ. Her favorite TV shows are Curious George and Berenstain Bears, and her favorite songs are Ave Maria, I Would Walk 500 Miles, Jukebox Blues, Angel Eyes, Time Is A Flooded River, One Thing Remains, Happy Day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The best part about the past year has been how her heart for God has blossomed. She's asked SO many questions about Jesus, heaven, being a Christian, etc. There were a lot of homeschool lessons at the beginning of this year that included salvation topics and I could see the wheels turning in her spirit, but didn't want to push her into saying a shallow prayer so I just waited patiently for her to make the first step. Well, on March 23rd, the Sunday a week before Easter, her teacher at church told me that during class she had raised her hand to accept Jesus in her heart. I had a lot of questions and wished that I had been there but regardless, it was the best news ever! She's still pretty shy about praying, at least in front of us, but I know that Jesus has her heart in his hands and will continue to draw her to himself and I look forward to seeing their relationship grow. The thing I want most for her is to know Jesus intimately and to walk with Him her whole life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This little lady is a great buddy, too. I love taking her on dates and so does Riley. She's so much fun and has a great sense of humor. Her laughter is so pure and silly. She loves ice cream and just about any opportunity she has to pick where she wants to go you'll hear her say "Tutti Frutti!" (just like Josiah would-- it's our local frozen yogurt shop). It's been pretty nice getting free dessert the last couple times we've gone out to eat because of her upcoming birthday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Julia still hasn't had her hair cut, but she does have a loose tooth! Well, two but the first one is really wiggly. Seeing that milestone come to pass will definitely be a dose of reality in how much she's growing up! We are finishing up her first official year of homeschool this month and will be moving up to first grade in the fall. Woohoo! She has been a great kindergarten student and makes my job pretty easy. Watching her handwriting improve, as well as her math skills, memorizing bible verses and learning science and history, has been so awesome. She got to go with Josiah, Lolly and Poppy to Disneyland for the first time ever in April and had a blast! I'm so thrilled that they get to live in a place of so much natural beauty. They see mountains (or at least really big hills) every day and we get to the beach every now and then too. Another highlight of her 6th year was being a flower girl in my dear friend Amanda's wedding last summer. Instead of petals, she got to scatter glitter down the aisle... how fun is that?!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next couple weeks bring some promotion for her, too. Our church moves the kids up to their next grade class in mid-June, so she'll be moving out of the 4-5 year old class into the 1st-2nd grade class. AAHHHH!!! Also, she and Josiah take gymnastics and turning 6 will bring her out of the kinder class into the girls only 6-8 year old class. She is super excited about both of these changes! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her friendship with Josiah has been fun to watch this year as well. Of course sometimes they scream and fight and hurt each other and refuse to share and what not, but seeing them help each other and entertain each other and work together to accomplish a goal and invite the other one to go to another room or outside to play because they have an idea and want a playmate, is so cute and totally warms my heart! I'm glad they are buddies and I hope they will always have a good relationship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm so excited to give her her birthday presents! Especially her first full-length Bible! I look forward to watching her soak up God's Word =) She has requested donuts and orange juice for breakfast, hot dogs for lunch, swimming in the afternoon and burgers for dinner. As you wish, princess!</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a very quick trip down memory lane:</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGL2XZfJzjl9LjadbgutK9bfpnmDveJwVl6SJY_hjx6hXpbq9AUNQHzmF5LSYNMsjkRg7AUdRtXBxd1tu91z8lCmpyVwfYMxO5zBL-5zPFfkvhWq52WMjXvHkHhxbC3sB1gVn_2Io45s/s1600/julia7wksold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGL2XZfJzjl9LjadbgutK9bfpnmDveJwVl6SJY_hjx6hXpbq9AUNQHzmF5LSYNMsjkRg7AUdRtXBxd1tu91z8lCmpyVwfYMxO5zBL-5zPFfkvhWq52WMjXvHkHhxbC3sB1gVn_2Io45s/s320/julia7wksold.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">7 weeks old, first smile</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCN1US6l0pnukQGLEfHqWHZiEsLyEjUd82_eQeO7rEeuQWP8Tv6yUMpC46PnJD2N4hpoe7ccI603QaKQl_P3Rt-WWMaO7JY6c5nx8EiEaZuz0I4bv1riuGYbQYsk8Sw2BhiD7-vWQhKY/s1600/julia2yrsold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCN1US6l0pnukQGLEfHqWHZiEsLyEjUd82_eQeO7rEeuQWP8Tv6yUMpC46PnJD2N4hpoe7ccI603QaKQl_P3Rt-WWMaO7JY6c5nx8EiEaZuz0I4bv1riuGYbQYsk8Sw2BhiD7-vWQhKY/s320/julia2yrsold.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2 years old</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPP-l157UMvxexgzkLpfymILX_CIkefRtEguzReLWrdYVaDcfocQcBTFxOAOPAGJBwY_VoRZ1TNUHmJSuXWIsiDg_BdpfSDNc5lW2HJ9FYqdmwgFkLDL81lpj9onbwB-9h1uk4oImRuI/s1600/julia4yrsold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPP-l157UMvxexgzkLpfymILX_CIkefRtEguzReLWrdYVaDcfocQcBTFxOAOPAGJBwY_VoRZ1TNUHmJSuXWIsiDg_BdpfSDNc5lW2HJ9FYqdmwgFkLDL81lpj9onbwB-9h1uk4oImRuI/s320/julia4yrsold.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4 years old</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRoQaKri849AK4-lrhD6mGvZw_J8U8HI0NNHaMvkNZhzfaGy72NNd5xRkQkUO8YxGsSQo__EJei806T3yx_H3dUwcUpZA5pDYLmxBQP1wLABrHmxQ8a0_vHrVZAv8IL2tpxJr_bIpfi4/s1600/945784_10200690053468937_912566862_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRoQaKri849AK4-lrhD6mGvZw_J8U8HI0NNHaMvkNZhzfaGy72NNd5xRkQkUO8YxGsSQo__EJei806T3yx_H3dUwcUpZA5pDYLmxBQP1wLABrHmxQ8a0_vHrVZAv8IL2tpxJr_bIpfi4/s320/945784_10200690053468937_912566862_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">about a month ago =)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So without further ado, HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIA!!! You are such a
blessing to our family and you bring a smile to our faces every single
day. We love you so much and hope this year of being six is the best
year you've ever had!</span></div>
joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-40325216586570529192013-05-31T14:40:00.001-05:002013-05-31T14:40:45.996-05:00The Heartshaping Mother---This post was a draft from February of 2012... yes, I haven't written in like a year and a half. I'd like to change that soon, blah blah blah, no promises. Figured I'd just go ahead and publish this even though it's oooold. I also attended this again in Irvine and it was just as great... but I gave my notes away so... you get last year's manna. But don't worry, it's not stinky. It's all good stuff!--- <br />
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I went to the Mom Heart Conference this past weekend and it was so encouraging! This was my second year to attend and I'm so glad I did. This should definitely be a permanent event on my yearly calendar. Except next year I think I'll stay the night at the hotel. =)<br />
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Last year I blogged all my notes, and now I'm here to do the same! I hope something here will inspire you, refresh you, challenge you, and give you the joy and grace to carry on strong and passionate in your walk as a mom!<br />
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(Forgive me for any inconsistency in thought, as some of these are random, while some go along with certain themes that were spoken about in the sessions. Some are tips, some are reminders, some are words of encouragement. I'm just going straight through my notes from start to finish, not in order of importance).<br />
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The theme this year was "The Heartshaping Mother"... how to open, fill and hold your child's heart.<br />
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* Find an older woman who makes you want to love God more, and let her mentor you.<br />
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* Your children WILL mimic you-- Be, say, do what you want to see in them.<br />
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* When you feel like you lack support, make sure your hope isn't misplaced away from God-- HE is your help.<br />
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* Motherhood isn't just a sacrifice, it's a GIFT-- it's "the good works He has prepared in advance for you to do." Look at an "inconvenience" and see it as an opportunity. Embrace it!<br />
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* Entrust older children with authority to help with younger siblings.<br />
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*When they ask "Why?" say "Ill give you two guesses -- They guess right and you praise them.<br />
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* If you don't enjoy the moment while it's there, it's gone.<br />
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* They are not out to get me. They get hungry, tired, forgetful... but they DO want to please me.<br />
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* God is not finished yet! With me OR with them.<br />
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* Psalm 121:1 "Where does my help come from? The Lord, the maker of heaven and earth."<br />
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* It's never gonna get easy, but it's worth it and your capacity is greater than you think.<br />
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* Your children are your ministry. Serve as unto the Lord.<br />
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* Motherhood is the most powerful thing you can do.<br />
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* You are a supermodel! A rockstar! Kind of a big deal =)<br />
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* You have to be in God's Word, know it and share it with your kids- they WILL remember the verses you speak!<br />
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* Method for studying the Bible: SOAP- write Scripture down, Observation, Application, Prayer<br />
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* Satan lies to us when we are along-- have friends around you to encourage you and tell you the truth!<br />
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* Every morning we have to gather "manna" to nourish our souls and it will be exactly what we need for that day.<br />
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* Just as dads who are teaching their kids to ride a bike want them to get back on when they fall, and don't expect them to be perfect cyclists from the get-go, God feels the same way about us as mommies.<br />
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* Teach your kids how to write their testimony, and urge them to tell their friends.<br />
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* Teach them to read their Bible for themselves.<br />
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* Disciple them-- so they can do it on their own.<br />
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* Encourage them to serve and be exposed to pain in others' lives.<br />
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* TARGET: to walk intimately with God. Decide 1) When to have time with Him. 2) Where 3) Why 4) What you will read/study and 5) How (read, write, SOAP, mark, memorize, meditate)<br />
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* The iPod, iPad, iPhone may pacify, but only the I AM can satisfy<br />
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* Are you pacified or satisfied? Pacify = soothe agitation. Satisfy = meet all requirements, fulfill all needs. What would happen if all we gave our babies was a paci and never fed them? Same with our spirit and soul.<br />
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* If you're not great, it's not because God didn't give you the opportunity; it's because the world gave you the opportunity to compromise and you took it.<br />
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* Do you want to build a condo or an estate? It takes years to build a legacy.<br />
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* God's goal is our heart, so our goal should be our children's hearts.<br />
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* Our goal is not morality, for them to mimic spirituality, to fill a bucket, but to LIGHT A FIRE!<br />
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* No one can live your life with integrity but YOU.<br />
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* Where are your kids going to learn unconditional love if not from you?<br />
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* I am a steward of my kids brains! "Love the Lord with all your mind."<br />
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* What do we want our kids to say about who we were as a Christian mom? We have to live that way NOW.<br />
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* God delights in using normal people to change the world, if they will just engage their hearts to be faithful!<br />
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* The wise woman builds her house (Prov 14:1)-- she has a plan! If you don't have one, someone else will give you one.<br />
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* She raises them in the Lord (Eph 6:4)-- You can't win the heart of your child if you're a Pharisee! They don't need to be indoctrinated. Don't live by rules, live by love!<br />
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* Lead them to show others God's love, to reap God's harvest. You can't live a radical life from inside a box.<br />
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* If we just don't know what do, we will follow the wrong people.<br />
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* Are you an adversary (in your face parenting) or an advocate (in your heart parenting)? Adversary is enemy based; advocate says, "I'm for you, I'm with you, and I believe in you."<br />
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* What is a heartshaping mother? She shapes with relationship that opens her child's heart with grace. She shapes with influence that fills her child's heart with truth. She shapes with culture that holds her child's heart with love.<br />
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* Our biblical model Jesus-- Our job isn't just teaching them all the facts they need to know, but to LOVE.<br />
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* A heartshaping mother's heart is shaped by God's Word-- every heart has two beats: intake and outflow. Deut 6:6-7 You cannot teach diligently to your child's heart what is not already in your own heart.<br />
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* The goal of a heartshaping mother is 1 Tim 1:5 "The goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith."<br />
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* Winning the battle is never easy, but it IS possible!<br />
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What makes this mommy-me-time-away different from other conferences or retreats is that instead of feeling like you don't want it to end, you spend the last session tapping your foot eager to get home and love on your kids with your fresh revelation, while simultaneously soaking up every last bit! I highly recommend you check out Whole Heart Ministry and plan to attend next year... Sally Clarkson is full of so much wisdom and grace, and I was very blessed to listen to her speak about the gift of motherhood. =)joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-48874045603762372222011-11-12T22:12:00.000-06:002011-11-12T22:12:12.046-06:00GAPS and our family<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbq7W1qNl8vTQ74CFOEi4KniarvtXjWJwVdOGtjWK0veEgM0ar7tM8qiylg9Ko3uqfUlMEJHs4jFDTkJvhszwZxtoyw14iojG0RhX-ZYzzr0xqi_s5IAMJPGCnDRX5y94NRlCPyf4Gtek/s1600/mindthegap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbq7W1qNl8vTQ74CFOEi4KniarvtXjWJwVdOGtjWK0veEgM0ar7tM8qiylg9Ko3uqfUlMEJHs4jFDTkJvhszwZxtoyw14iojG0RhX-ZYzzr0xqi_s5IAMJPGCnDRX5y94NRlCPyf4Gtek/s1600/mindthegap.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">Since embarking on this adventure, many of you have asked me about the GAPS diet so I thought I'd just write a <strike>not so</strike> little blog post about it. </div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Basically, GAPS is about rest and healing for the gut, and slowly introducing fermented foods to refill it with good bacteria. Bone broth is very important in this process. The gist is, when you heal the gut lining, issues such as irritable bowel, reflux, ADD, autism, food allergies, and a host of other problems, can be eliminated. For some people it can happen quickly, for others it can take years. Most people are on this diet for 6 months-2 years before reintroducing foods not allowed on the GAPS menu. A sick digestive system decreases immunity and causes psychological disorders, hence the acronym for “Gut and Psychology Syndrome” People are starting to find out that there is a big connection—a lot of times when a kid has autism, he/she also has some kind of digestive/intestinal problem. It makes sense because Riley has struggled with ADD, reflux and other tummy troubles for several years, in addition to being overweight.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As far as what’s allowed and not allowed…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There is a long list of “avoid” and “recommended” but for the most part, no grains, sugar, starch or lactose. These are not easily digested and can cause all kinds of problems. Yogurt and some cheeses and a couple different legumes are allowed. Mostly we eat meats, fruits and vegetables, nuts, eggs, animal fats and lacto-fermented foods. Soups, stews and chilis are a frequent occurrence (which is perfect for this time of year!) Anything bread-like is made with coconut flour or almond flour, and local raw honey (which is great for seasonal allergies, another nuisance of ours) is used instead of sugar.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I first learned about GAPS when my friend Heather and her family went on it, mostly for her husband’s sake, but she and her daughter (and now her son) joined with him and now they are in better health than ever. She has done a ton of research and through personal experience become quite the expert on nutrition. Her blog has a wealth of information about real food, among other topics such as parenting. When I read her posts, it all made so much sense to me and I felt like I was discovering the cure for many of Riley’s ails. I knew it was what he needed, bought the book and skimmed through; it just took us a long time to finally take the plunge. Here are links to a couple of her posts about GAPS (instead of just copy-and-pasting everything she says):</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">http://www.mommypotamus.com/an-introduction-to-gaps-diet/<br />
http://www.mommypotamus.com/why-gaps-healing-your-inner-junkie/<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </div><div class="MsoNormal">A lot of people ask why I am dieting since I don’t need to lose weight. I’m not going to lose weight because I don’t have it to lose. Riley will because he has it to lose, even while eating the same things as I am. Plenty of high calorie foods and staying away from grains and sugar has left me feeling great and with smoother digestion. It has taken a big commitment on my part to cook almost all our meals from scratch, but it’s worth it. We are already seeing benefits after only 2 weeks. Riley has lost 10lbs without exercise or pills or counting calories, Josiah is eating vegetables which he would never touch before, Julia’s behavior has improved (not that it was terrible before, she is just incredibly more pleasant and agreeable), and doing this together has strengthened our bond as a family. I’ve felt the urge to start this diet for several months now but was too scared. What I think pushed me over the edge (besides the fact that Riley got desperate for change) was the revelation that we are one flesh, my body is his and his mine, which led to the conviction that it didn’t matter that I could eat whatever I wanted w/o gaining weight or having apparent health issues… he needed my support. And if him getting better meant I had to give up some of my favorite foods, well, it’s as if I had to do it for myself, and that was a commitment that I needed to make as an act of love.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">So why would want to remove grains? After all, they’re cheap and yummy and filling! The simplest answer is there is nothing you can get from grains that you can’t find in a more easily digestible form somewhere else. There is so much sugar and grain and additives in practically everything that comes in a bag or box or restaurant these days, it’s ridiculous. Which on one hand, makes it harder to only eat what we are allowed, but on the other side it’s so simple. Removing everything GAPS-illegal from my kitchen has simplified things a lot. It has taken some new creativity and different ways of doing things, but we are getting used to it. Life-changing in difficult yet rewarding ways!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Right now we are doing the full GAPS menu, and the tentative plan is to do “Intro” starting in January (more intensive stage of GAPS, starting with just broth and meat and veggies, slowly introducing eggs, cultured dairy, nuts, fruits, etc. when they are well tolerated). We expect to be on the diet for at least 6 months, possibly 2 years or longer.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve found most of my new recipes from Heather’s website <a href="http://www.mommypotamus.com/">www.mommypotamus.com</a> and <a href="http://www.healthhomehappy.com/">www.healthhomehappy.com</a>, although searching “grain-free recipes” on Google will produce even more. Many of the meals we ate before the diet are still allowed; some have just required a little tweaking of the ingredients.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Feel free to ask any other questions you may have!</div>joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-34624798239662827352011-10-27T09:05:00.000-05:002011-10-27T09:05:30.306-05:00Zesty Chicken Meatloaf (Grain free!)Oh man, I wish I had a photo. But, this stuff was gone too fast. It's that yummy! Ok, ok, I could've taken a picture before it was devoured, but I forgot. <br />
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I found this recipe online, but changed a few things to make it GAPS-friendly (a grain-free diet we are starting soon).<br />
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1. Preheat your oven to 350 and grease an 8x4 loaf pan.<br />
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2. Mix together in a large bowl:<br />
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2 eggs<br />
1 pound ground chicken<br />
3 tablespoons salsa<br />
3 tablespoons taco seasoning (I used a pre-made mix but when we're officially on GAPS I'll have to make/find one w/o sugar and other additives)<br />
1.5 cups ground walnuts<br />
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3. Pour into the pan and bake for 1 hour.<br />
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4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream (optional)<br />
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Super easy and yummy! I was a little nervous about how it would turn out with the walnuts instead of bread crumbs but I decided to go for it and I'm so glad. When I put it in the pan it was NOT like a big moldable lump like my usual meatloaf, so I thought we'd end up with a big mushy mess but alas, once it cooked, it turned out to be the best consistency ever! I could actually slice it without it falling apart like every other time I've made it. It tasted great and I will definitely be making this again. =)<br />
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Let me know how you like it!joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-22345544135029748702011-10-18T23:10:00.000-05:002011-10-18T23:10:12.513-05:00Mom's Last Days: The Facts (and a few feelings)It's been 18 days since my mom passed away, and as you can imagine, I've had countless thoughts and feelings about everything... and let me tell you, God has really been changing me through this, in ways I didn't expect. But before I get into everything personal, I wanted to share the basic story of what happened for those of you who haven't heard the details.<br />
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Riley and I and the kids took a road trip to Midland to visit his sister and her family the weekend of 9/23-25. On the way there I called my mom to see if she could meet us in Abilene (about halfway between DFW and Midland) on the way back for dinner on Sunday (she lived in Novice, 40 minutes south). She agreed and we looked forward to the visit, especially since we usually only see eachother 2-3 times a year.<br />
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We had dinner at Cracker Barrel. Enjoyed the food, the visit, the beautiful weather outside, sitting in the rocking chairs on the huge patio out front, watching the kids race back and forth and racing with them, dancing and laughing and talking. It was great! We didn't know it was the last time she'd see us and talk to us. Had we, it wouldn't have been so sweet. I am absolutely certain now that that time together was a gift from the Lord.<br />
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Mom was feeling bad on Tuesday and Wednesday, stayed home from work and everyone including the doctor just thought she had the flu. Jimmy (my stepdad) let her have the bed to herself so she could be more comfortable with all the pillows she likes to sleep with. He checked on her every hour or so in the night to make sure she was okay. Early Thursday morning he went in and she wasn't talking straight. Then she had a seizure and started gasping for air. He yelled for John (my 23yo brother) to come in and call 911. He did so, and also performed rescue breathing on my mom, successfully resuscitating her. Go John!<br />
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The ambulance came and rushed her to the hospital. On the way there is when I received the call from John about what all had happened. This was at 6:something a.m. He said he'd keep me updated. I had been asleep and so was Riley; I told him what happened and we prayed. I wondered if we would need to go out there, if she was going to die, etc. I remember having this feeling like we needed to go and that she wasn't going to make it, but I just tried to go back to sleep, which didn't happen. I sent out a message to our church's prayer chain. Around 8 we were all up and eating breakfast, and I got another call from John. He said they'd made it to the hospital (in Coleman, 20 min south of Novice), that she was doing better and that she'd be fine in a couple days. Whew! I was so relieved.<br />
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Riley headed into work and the kids and I lazily went about our morning. I took a shower around 9 and I remember thinking how glad I was that she was OK. As soon as I got out the phone rang again, John. He said that she had another seizure, they kept having to resuscitate her, that they were going to do a spinal tap and CT scan, and that we should probably head that way. John had already talked to Riley so I called him to see how we were going to do this. Barbara (my stepmom) agreed to keep the kids for us so I packed them and ourselves up enough for a couple days and I just walked around putting stuff in bags feeling like I had no idea what to expect, pack, do, think.<br />
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Riley came back home and helped me finish up, then we headed out the door. Right then Jimmy called and told me they had found out what was wrong: a blood vessel had burst in her brain and that she might not make it. This was when the first tears came. He said they were careflighting her to the bigger hospital in Abilene. I was happy about that because it is a better hospital and also a shorter distance for us to drive. We dropped the kids off at Barbara and my Dad's house. This was at 10:something a.m. I don't think we stopped the whole way there. I made a few calls, texts, FB posts while Riley drove, to let people know and ask for prayer. Crying off and on.<br />
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At some point John called and said they had arrived in Abilene (Hendrick hospital) and were going to do surgery for a subarachnoid brain bleed. When we were almost there he called again and told me that the doctor had just given them the bad news talk, saying that she was basically brain dead because there was no brain activity (after the seizure in Coleman she went into a coma).<br />
<br />
We got there around 1 or 2 and met John and Jimmy in the parking lot. Jimmy said that brain activity had increased and that there was a glimmer of hope for survival. Exhale.<br />
<br />
We went inside and they showed us the special little waiting room they'd been given and I instantly knew it must be really bad. I never knew these rooms existed, but it didn't take long to figure out why they were so pretty and private... they're for families whose loved one is dying. Sally (my 21yo sister) was in there and we just hugged and cried. Later on my stepsister Jodi (Jimmy's oldest daughter) showed up with her husband.<br />
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I asked if we could go in to see Mom. We went down the hall to her room (in ICU) and I'm sure I cried at the sight of her laying there in that bed. Tubes and machines everywhere. Her chest rapidly going up and down like nothing I'd ever seen, but came to find out that was her own breathing and that the ventilator was just down her throat in case she needed it at some point. It was obvious she was fighting. We met her wonderful nurse, Stephanie. This young lady was so informative and kind. Probably the best nurse I've ever dealt with.<br />
<br />
She told us about the numbers on one machine, primarily oxygen level, cranial pressure and blood pressure. She told us about all the medicines that were going in. It was all a vicious cycle, one fixing one problem but then the other problem getting worse, etc. There was a blanket covering the top of her head, where a tube had been inserted to drain blood in hopes of relieving the pressure so that they could do surgery on the aneurysm. As it was, if they were to open up the head, her brain would swell outside her skull. Stephanie showed us that a couple of Mom's reflexes were still working: being poked in certain places caused her to move her arms in a defensive motion. But no pupil constriction or other response showing good brain activity.<br />
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And there began the long road the rest of the day. We took turns going in there with her, waiting down the hall, eating, talking, making calls, etc. Mom always had at least one of us with her. We still didn't know what to expect as far as timing, but Stephanie was honest enough to tell us that there was only a little chance of survival, and even then, she wouldn't be the same: eating, talking, walking, personality, all that would suffer in terms of normal function. She told us that Mom could hear us so we continued talking to her, telling her how wonderful she was as a mom and wife, and how much we loved her. I read her a list of reasons I was thankful for her, mostly silly things I remembered from my childhood, which I had written on the car ride. We held her hands and kissed her cheeks. Time seemed to disappear.<br />
<br />
The swelling kept increasing and the oxygen levels weren't high enough, and the little brain activity that had presented was no longer there. By the end of the night the new nurse on shift told me that Mom was no longer breathing on her own, so the ventilator was keeping her alive. She said the doctor would be coming in the morning to reassess and talk to us. Mom was the nurse's only patient, so that was comforting to know she was in good hands.<br />
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Riley and I slept across the street at a dorm-like hotel house that the hospital hooked us up with for hospital visitors. I got about 2 hours, from 1-3 am, then Jimmy called to tell me the cranial pressure was up to 60. For reference, 7-15 is ideal.<br />
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I couldn't get back to sleep and finally around 5 I woke up Riley and started talking about all I was thinking and feeling. We went back over to the hospital around 645 and met with the neurologist. Mom looked totally different. Thursday she just looked asleep but at this point it seemed as if she was already gone. It was hard to see. I kept thinking about how we had just seen her on Sunday and she was happy and healthy, and how I just couldn't believe she was laying there before me, dying.<br />
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The Dr. told us that what we were dealing with was brain death. They would do a brain flow test to confirm what we already know, and then we could all say goodbye and they would remove the ventilator. They wouldn't be able to do it till 10 though. So we all just cried and held eachother and waited and kept caressing and talking to Mom.<br />
<br />
As the time drew near for the test, Stephanie came in and I was the only one in the room with Mom. Tears were streaming down her face, as were mine. She said something to the effect of, "I'm sorry, I always try to hold it together, but..." I think I told her thank you for everything she'd done or something. She went on to say that it wasn't my mom's condition that made her cry, but rather witnessing how our family interacted with Mom and with each other. Wow.<br />
<br />
She asked if my mom's organs would be donated and I told her no, then she informed me that in that case we didn't legally have to do the test, only if we wanted to be 100% sure. When Jimmy came back in, she told him the same and the decision was made to forgo the test, since they would have to take her to some other part of the hospital away from us for an hour, then wait another couple hours for results. At that point we were allowed to all gather in there together around her, take our turns saying goodbye and then Jimmy wanted to be alone with her before and during the withdrawal. Riley said a prayer while we surrounded her; I don't remember all the words but it was powerful and peaceful and loving. The whole time we were there, he was a rock, a spiritual leader for everyone, and my admiration for him soared.<br />
<br />
Throughout the day and then this one last time I put my ear and hand to her chest to feel the warmth of her skin and the beat of her heart. I'll never forget it. I just cried and told her how she was such a great mom and how much I loved her and would miss her. I told her to save me a spot in her mansion in heaven. We all knew that's where she was going, and we knew she wouldn't want to just be kept alive while in a comatose state. I felt ready to let her go, free of the struggle. We stepped out of the room one by one and just held each other, sobbing.<br />
<br />
We proceeded down the hall to wait for Jimmy to come out. I think it was around 11a or 12n when he walked into the room. He said Mom went peacefully. Her last words (backtracking to before she went into a coma the day before) were "I love you." I'm thankful that John was able to bring her back to life even if for just this "one phone call".<br />
<br />
To be continued...joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-42597503137706739932011-06-12T22:54:00.000-05:002011-06-12T22:54:06.483-05:00How To: Homemade Chicken Stock<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A few months back I made my first batch of homemade chicken stock. I felt so proud and upon the first taste (made into a soup, of course) I could just feel myself getting healthier. And then one time when some bones went to waste, I was devastated. I love to use this stuff in all the soups I make, brown rice, lentils, etc. If you don't already know, homemade chicken broth is one of the best things you can put in your tummy. Here are a few benefits: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">1. Promotes healing: successful in treating gastro-intestinal disorders, including hyper-acidity, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and infant diarrhea.<br />
2. Digestive aid: Aids in the digestibility of grains, beans, legumes, vegetables and meats<br />
3. Macro minerals: Contains highly absorbable forms of the calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur and fluoride as well as trace minerals<br />
4. Gelatin and Collagen: rich in both; promoting bone and joint healing in addition to supporting digestion<br />
5. Protein: adds easily digestible protein to your diet<br />
6. Amino acids: Glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and lysine are formed, which is important to detoxification and amino acid production in the body<br />
7. Joint support: Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and hyaluronic acid are produced and present for additional muscle and joint support<br />
8. Immune system: Promotes the assimilation of vitamins and minerals and thus supports the immune system<br />
9. Delicious and nutritious: use as soup, cooking liquid, sauce or as a tea.<br />
10. Synergy: Finally by initially healing the GI tract, broth creates an environment for all of the nutrients being taken in, whether by food or supplementation, to increase their bio-availability to your body.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br />
-From Lance Roll, CEC, HLC1, The Flavor Chef</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"So why can't I just go pay $2.50 at the grocery store for it?" you ask. Well, unfortunately it's just not the same. Most store-bought stock-in-a-box is full of MSG, "natural flavors" and other undesirable ingredients, and void of the nutritious gelatin you get from making it yourself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">"Wait, there's jello in your chicken soup?" Not exactly. Gelatin (as you'll see in the last photo down below) is probably the best part when it comes to homemade stock, and comes from the bones.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">"Gelatin was found to be useful in the treatment of a long list of diseases including peptic ulcers, tuberculosis, diabetes, muscle diseases, infectious diseases, jaundice and cancer. Babies had fewer digestive problems when gelatin was added to their milk. The American researcher Francis Pottenger pointed out that as gelatin is a hydrophilic colloid, which means that it attracts and holds liquids, it facilitates digestion by attracting digestive juices to food in the gut.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">The gelatin in homemade bone broth helps the lining of the intestine. Many of us today have leaky gut, diverticulitis, Crohn’s and other intestinal problems. By helping to strengthen the gut walls, this also supports immunity. It also strengthens digestion which helps you absorb more nutrients.Gelatin also helps people digest milk and dairy products.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">-From Sally Fallon, "Broth is Beautiful" </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">"Ok, so how is this done?" Well, take a little walk with me to my kitchen...</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">I usually just use a whole chicken which I cook in the crock pot. We eat whatever we want off of it, put the bones on a plate, and when we're done with dinner I pull the rest of the meat off the other bones and use it the same week for another meal or two. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXCkMupc9NPCHvfanSs1YflafpuwCiiwxcVEwKWE4bGsVc1laaYPKf4ybUMWv0CILNpnp4qt-WKRM44PCUoGlXslw8GMNf_JgLv9Qj9QKeOoo44h2NIoautP4chgy5w25UKtLYIz0AfQ/s1600/chickenbroth5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXCkMupc9NPCHvfanSs1YflafpuwCiiwxcVEwKWE4bGsVc1laaYPKf4ybUMWv0CILNpnp4qt-WKRM44PCUoGlXslw8GMNf_JgLv9Qj9QKeOoo44h2NIoautP4chgy5w25UKtLYIz0AfQ/s1600/chickenbroth5.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">There's usually already a lot of natural juices that came out of the chicken during cooking, which I use in making the stock as well. So, I've got my bones all separated from the meat. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-JSyQkVmZkK_ihsAt19QSJK923K8WKZ4sSzprVGHvXg9JJM2SzbY_W3OjjgHZJP1_nPDyNB6KK_fa9mBdMlwdLN3cUctCkSi6vngr9VYPokoi080dZ2qJ3KFJcmHCi3fPj0UeQkOQyM/s1600/chickenbroth9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-JSyQkVmZkK_ihsAt19QSJK923K8WKZ4sSzprVGHvXg9JJM2SzbY_W3OjjgHZJP1_nPDyNB6KK_fa9mBdMlwdLN3cUctCkSi6vngr9VYPokoi080dZ2qJ3KFJcmHCi3fPj0UeQkOQyM/s1600/chickenbroth9.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"> They're in separate bowls because after pulling all the meat and bones out, I poured what was left in the crock pot in another bowl. Ok, so next you want to place a steamer basket into the crock pot you used to cook the chicken in the first place. No need to clean the pot first, it's all the same stuff you just cooked and you don't want any of it to go to waste!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjynEVKNVXsCAJxcrzTus-QfREaHeut8GA_40XNvyep93daIIgSyR3PFCGyCMKLip8IAHmwX4EOONb96pipSFdyAlDp4l-chVvMdcRWhMILroK1nIqaopP4FaapZrWA-qoUTY8khJMuVA/s1600/chickenbroth6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjynEVKNVXsCAJxcrzTus-QfREaHeut8GA_40XNvyep93daIIgSyR3PFCGyCMKLip8IAHmwX4EOONb96pipSFdyAlDp4l-chVvMdcRWhMILroK1nIqaopP4FaapZrWA-qoUTY8khJMuVA/s1600/chickenbroth6.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">Then you just put all your bones back in there. You can do this without a basket but it's just easier with it, because then you don't have to separate everything from the liquid with a spoon when it's done. After the first time doing this the hard way, I went out and bought one. It's totally worth the $7 or whatever.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1z1itAXhqMGpX21C034Eeux7SquyU5y_pN9Z4lOOuznGVrIhtw64S2e4gFM4qwqjhDrQdv2w7dPC1LwnNiozAGKMyaZXAlMtfe0zzA_1tbx9OtHR0XFc9td6E81W33BjjapimTy71gV0/s1600/chickenbroth10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1z1itAXhqMGpX21C034Eeux7SquyU5y_pN9Z4lOOuznGVrIhtw64S2e4gFM4qwqjhDrQdv2w7dPC1LwnNiozAGKMyaZXAlMtfe0zzA_1tbx9OtHR0XFc9td6E81W33BjjapimTy71gV0/s1600/chickenbroth10.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"> Next you want to add some carrots, onion and celery (if you have them, otherwise don't worry about it... it'll still be chicken broth). And a bay leaf.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrr8TTaAy2Dkl8y2b0myOmqZyj0eg5HePGxupSie8l1FRC7CeLcjuFb4DabrMuBC7uo53fiiERJzPOdssBow3SO2fgZiMCFaoE-_1Db1r1zMH9_kdKX5piXpVN2sYinRgoEjJ-IicK7k/s1600/chickenbroth7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrr8TTaAy2Dkl8y2b0myOmqZyj0eg5HePGxupSie8l1FRC7CeLcjuFb4DabrMuBC7uo53fiiERJzPOdssBow3SO2fgZiMCFaoE-_1Db1r1zMH9_kdKX5piXpVN2sYinRgoEjJ-IicK7k/s1600/chickenbroth7.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">Now top it all off with the chicken juices and enough water to fill up the pot. If you're using a huge stock pot instead, just put as much as will cover the bones and veggies. Then add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK381AJ8drxjnBEBHevN2p2fqo7yL7FiXXqqNw1hzqCmuGpkqp9noYObOO3NTAs1wL9QgsLzh-kp1zk6UXZgVGeeaqRxn7mXkpn6GTOtg1gnOGa-Bb_DVud0YraqauYht12raj1-qYN-I/s1600/chickenbroth8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK381AJ8drxjnBEBHevN2p2fqo7yL7FiXXqqNw1hzqCmuGpkqp9noYObOO3NTAs1wL9QgsLzh-kp1zk6UXZgVGeeaqRxn7mXkpn6GTOtg1gnOGa-Bb_DVud0YraqauYht12raj1-qYN-I/s1600/chickenbroth8.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">You'll probably notice that I put the vinegar in before the water (just this last time on accident) but it's probably best to do it after the water so that it mixes in better. Oh well. Ok, so put the lid on and let it sit for an hour.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">Set your timer for 12-24 hours (I usually do 18 and it's done the next afternoon) and turn your crock pot to low.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">When it's all done, just pull the steamer basket out and do whatever you want with the bones and veggies. Feed them to your dog, add them to your compost (actually I'm not sure if you should do that), throw them away... I usually go with that last one. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2YdP1h6MQLNX-6_Yn4_Lb2glKFoSxGj7sfIVmw940Qaen4ODXeLFmNJzrqauLK6I5-rXNRXID4Lj0AAz428viTKiW-zOS3bIZLDXPS5OyUFXxU-5JIneu_T272ZWLh3CHcqnRWQwD6Y/s1600/chickenbroth4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2YdP1h6MQLNX-6_Yn4_Lb2glKFoSxGj7sfIVmw940Qaen4ODXeLFmNJzrqauLK6I5-rXNRXID4Lj0AAz428viTKiW-zOS3bIZLDXPS5OyUFXxU-5JIneu_T272ZWLh3CHcqnRWQwD6Y/s1600/chickenbroth4.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">If you want to really get a kick out of this, take one of the bones between your fingers and crush it. See? All the good stuff that was in there before is now in your stock. So much yummier than a calcium pill.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">Alright so now you have this pot full of chicken stock. You can use it right away to make soup, or you can store it in jars. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeKM6neBS1q71yztj0SuxU8U09vskrxhtC0JmQI7Pc0Tj_mPNi2tXc6-10cU5iGoSBusTLIWG500Q8iwosy7Oeo8o5TMMwN-n_HJQhQMgehPY7Ss0v9Z3KG9B07bdiTmivA6ljUY6K2A/s1600/chickenbroth3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEeKM6neBS1q71yztj0SuxU8U09vskrxhtC0JmQI7Pc0Tj_mPNi2tXc6-10cU5iGoSBusTLIWG500Q8iwosy7Oeo8o5TMMwN-n_HJQhQMgehPY7Ss0v9Z3KG9B07bdiTmivA6ljUY6K2A/s1600/chickenbroth3.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">See how greasy it looks? That's the kind of fat that's good for you. And probably what turns into gelatin later. I'm not an expert, can you tell? I just know grandma knew what she was talking about when she told you to down some chicken soup when you were sick.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDq1q-vWiBq_bdsicZJdyBcGoBzrlwtjmCxubBV08fmHL0t-2h7xa6zcNdUmPtFDnGMPTG1ejadY7hRKF1FnwPnBrXTDBOVfdQTn18V6m3aJytizM3yga6OiL8xGrgsnLbd4K7X-FTJPs/s1600/chickenbroth2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDq1q-vWiBq_bdsicZJdyBcGoBzrlwtjmCxubBV08fmHL0t-2h7xa6zcNdUmPtFDnGMPTG1ejadY7hRKF1FnwPnBrXTDBOVfdQTn18V6m3aJytizM3yga6OiL8xGrgsnLbd4K7X-FTJPs/s1600/chickenbroth2.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">I end up with 8 cups on average, ranging anywhere between 6 and 10. You'll probably want to wait a little while to let it cool off so you don't burn yourself pouring it all in and handling the hot jars.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"> Don't put them in the freezer right away, even if you know you won't be using it this week. Let it cool in the fridge first so the jars don't burst. I used a quart the next day for dinner then put the rest in the freezer. It thaws pretty easy in a sink full of hot water.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">Alright so the next day, you can look at your jars and see how the gelatin has formed and risen to the top: YAY!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPzBBuuecoyGMRp5G3b57K0UinqZp_Rv8ZQtZ8ksleFPO3Vn8Yw9ZiqoWFeuS-qghwIZ5VkkggPurMB8c5aNcGLKv5vaFQFND2DRtqfOe0CbEJx1lrUwGIDrBpKFfmSjLTiscm_UHp3I/s1600/chickenbroth1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPzBBuuecoyGMRp5G3b57K0UinqZp_Rv8ZQtZ8ksleFPO3Vn8Yw9ZiqoWFeuS-qghwIZ5VkkggPurMB8c5aNcGLKv5vaFQFND2DRtqfOe0CbEJx1lrUwGIDrBpKFfmSjLTiscm_UHp3I/s1600/chickenbroth1.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">So when you go to use this stuff, don't throw out the gelatin! It's like pure medicine right there in your dinner.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">Ok, so try it out and let me know what you think!</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></div>joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-28853854789000759322011-05-19T16:14:00.000-05:002011-05-19T16:14:44.294-05:00One Hundred Posts! Go ME!I did it! Woohoo!<br />
<br />
Now what?<br />
<br />
<i>More blogs, of course.</i> =)<br />
<br />
It occurred to me this morning while brushing my teeth (or was I putting my contacts on?) that I need to go back and reply to some of your comments! Rest assured that I DO see them (email notification) so forgive me if you were expecting a response and didn't get one. It's on my list for sure. =)<br />
<br />
After I get caught up on that, I have many more posts floating around in my head...<br />
<br />
like, The Story of Riley and Me, Life According to my iPhone, Homeschool?, Is Your Body More Important Than Your Soul?, Fit For A King, I Have a College Degree In Marriage, Fun At The Park, Movie Reviews, How To Make Your Own Chicken Broth, and more <b>giveaways</b>!<br />
<br />
Don't worry, they won't all come at once. It might even take all summer. And it's still spring.<br />
<br />
Anyway, thank you so much (as few as y'all may be) for taking the time to read my blog! I enjoy writing when I can do so without interruption (ha! HAHA!) and it's so nice to know that my thoughts are actually going somewhere. I hope you'll stick around!joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-77314377518956003702011-05-09T23:35:00.000-05:002011-05-09T23:35:39.636-05:00It's fun to stay at the...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc9r2dwwxkkOeSmLZCmp_bz8mFSDFdF-PiCCEeZX2jJ-Y8Ln66AArbXG9lPLtKrln8rL3YUtboZdTBPnXFzsCx9SzSgyaCzJ33-TLCk5MMIqeDmEm7ADm4QLpwE_mafe6vt8WtZFEjBs/s1600/ymca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCc9r2dwwxkkOeSmLZCmp_bz8mFSDFdF-PiCCEeZX2jJ-Y8Ln66AArbXG9lPLtKrln8rL3YUtboZdTBPnXFzsCx9SzSgyaCzJ33-TLCk5MMIqeDmEm7ADm4QLpwE_mafe6vt8WtZFEjBs/s1600/ymca.jpg" /></a></div>...<br />
Y-M-C-A!<br />
<br />
Sorry, I just had to.<br />
<br />
For the record, I don't know any other Village People songs. At least, I don't know any that I know are theirs. I'm really bad at knowing who sings what.<br />
<br />
Ahem.<br />
<br />
So, I have a gym membership at the YMCA just outside our neighborhood.<br />
<br />
Let me back up a bit... when we lived at our last apartment in Bedford, I went to the 24 hour fitness a few minutes down the road. It was alright. I did the machines some, but mostly walked the treadmill to train for a 5k that I never actually went through with. The childcare was free but I never knew if they were going to be full and therefore have to go back home, which was a pain in the rump.<br />
<br />
Then when we were about to move we tried to figure out where we wanted to work out. There was a 24hr 10 minutes from our new house, the Y we go to now, and some other one that was quickly eliminated from the running. We decided to go with 24hr. It was the really nice kind that they don't have very many of. Like, they really are open 24/7, have tons of classes, indoor pool, outdoor family pool and lap pool, sauna, childcare that always has room for your kids, a zillion machines, you get the picture.<br />
<br />
But it was a drive especially during rush hour, and I just got into a phase where I plain ol' didn't want to go workout. Riley wasn't going either. So long story short, we decided to switch to the Y when they had an $11 enrollment fee special going on at the end of January. It's cheaper than 24hr, takes 2 minutes to get to, and the kids really enjoy playing there.<br />
<br />
So why am I so excited about a gym? Don't I hate to exercise?<br />
<br />
Well, the thing is, I finally found what works for me. I go twice a week, either before lunch or after 4 (the kids area closes from 1-4, which is fine because Josiah naps after lunch). It's not as big and fancy as 24hr but it's got exactly what I need, which isn't overwhelming like the other place was.<br />
<br />
Here's what I do: 40 min cardio (mostly treadmill, sometimes I bike 1-2 miles for the first 10 min), then they have these 2 rows of machines that I go through in about 25 min. I skip a few that annoy me (guess I can't figure out how to adjust them properly, oh well). All the major muscle groups, bam bam bam DONE. Love the machines, they're so easy, and I know they are working because I've been able to increase the weight on a lot of them so I must be getting stronger! I've gained 5-10 pounds in the last few months so maybe it's muscle? I hope so.<br />
<br />
Anyway, so simple, and I'm really glad that I've finally found a workout program that fits me. And fun, now that I finally put some songs on my phone! Listening to music really makes everything go by super fast.<br />
<br />
OH and another good thing is that they have a break area with couches, tables, chairs, coffee and vending machines. Not that I care about the vending machines, actually it's ridiculous for a health-oriented facility to sell sodas, but I digress. There has been at least one or two occasions where I've just dropped the kids off, walked over and sat down to read a book or magazine, crochet, whatever. It's grand! And I refuse to feel guilty about it =) <br />
<br />
They have classes that I haven't tried, but if I get bored with my current routine I'll probably try them out. Oh, and when the pool opens at the end of this month, you better believe I'll be spending a lot of time (alone and with the kids) there!<br />
<br />
We just added the downtown Y to our membership for $9/mo which will allow Riley to do indoor lap swim before or after work or on lunch. That's his cup of tea!<br />
<br />
And now, we're signed up for a 5k on May 28. Super excited! Who knows, maybe we'll even do a 10k later this year! Walking though, of course. Running's just not my thing, at least right now.<br />
<br />
Ok, so for those of you who hate the gym or can't leave your kids with strangers, I have a recommendation! My friend Dr. Cindy is the new owner of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stroller-Strides-of-ArlingtonMansfieldHurst/126792079932?sk=info">Stroller Strides Arlington/Mansfield/Hurst</a>! I haven't tried it out but many of my friends have and say that it is awesome! A great workout that you can do with your kids in tow, and have fun with friends at the same time. So you should definitely check it out =)joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-28873047186272740242011-04-29T21:27:00.000-05:002011-04-29T21:27:33.424-05:00How To: Rain Gutter BookshelvesOver the past 3 years our children's book collection has grown exponentially. And boy am I glad. Julia loves to read and be read to! Josiah is more interested in playing with trucks at the moment, but he'll get there.<br />
<br />
Although we have always felt very blessed with to have so many books, for a long time it was a big challenge trying to figure out how to store them. I don't even remember where they were at our first apartment. At our last one, we had them stacked on the fireplace hearth. I tried to find "sling" bookshelves like you see at doctor's offices, classrooms, libraries, etc. but never came across anything affordable.<br />
<br />
Then one day not long before closing on our house, I don't even remember where, I came across rain gutter bookshelves. Huh? You mean those things that run along the roof of my house? Yessiree.<br />
<br />
I'd never heard of anything like it. I looked around at more pictures online and just KNEW it was exactly what we needed! I immediately put it on our list of things to do for our new home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu65kTzMw6YXsoHMe4u5VGw5n2ZXP8P7-EYQoflwAKBXtzJ6u3NJXJjOBZ7U4SdaNCIhEO0CH8zW-ByhXKuUhdCbBC-C39_D-ttviw2-DR3MXeq-hBctGn5h7-e84DXWjRXydZHcYEMKw/s1600/raingutterbookshelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu65kTzMw6YXsoHMe4u5VGw5n2ZXP8P7-EYQoflwAKBXtzJ6u3NJXJjOBZ7U4SdaNCIhEO0CH8zW-ByhXKuUhdCbBC-C39_D-ttviw2-DR3MXeq-hBctGn5h7-e84DXWjRXydZHcYEMKw/s1600/raingutterbookshelves.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The books take up absolutely no floor space, don't fall off and everyone can easily see which books are which. It looks great on the wall too! I suppose you could paint them if you wanted, or decorate them some other way as well.<br />
<br />
So, how do you get this? You go down to Home Depot/Lowe's and get a 10 ft rain gutter. White vinyl. Decide how many shelves you want to split it into, and get end caps (right under the gutters on the same aisle) for each shelf. Haul the gutter over to the cutting section (unless you can fit the gutter in your vehicle and do it at home) and saw away. Or try to talk an associate into doing it for you! We used some special scissors they had there, I forget what they're called, but the people there will know what to suggest. We divided ours into three 40-inch pieces.<br />
<br />
You'll need some heavy duty screws to support the weight of the books. It's also a good idea to secure them into as many studs as possible. Just for reference, there are 60 books on ours right now, so you can see how many you will need.<br />
<br />
I situated mine onto the wall so that the kids would have access to the bottom shelf, and put enough room between each so that tall books would fit anywhere. You can stack them, put one on each wall, one in each child's room, stagger them... lots of options!<br />
<br />
Alright, how good of a deal is this?<br />
<br />
10 ft rain gutter: $4.99<br />
3 pairs of end caps: $17.97<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Of course, if you decide to do fewer or more shelves the price will be affected because of the number of end caps needed) </span><br />
12 Screws: already had some ($0)<br />
<br />
Total cost including tax-----------$24.85 =)<br />
<br />
<br />
Now I dare you to show me some bookshelves for $25 that are as great as these!joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-75282162102268871342011-04-28T14:11:00.000-05:002011-04-28T14:11:51.728-05:00"There Was This Black Guy"Before I begin, let me apologize for the lack of a photo. I just couldn't find anything appropriate, non-cheesy, or un-biased. There was one of a baby with the caption "<u>arrest black babies before they become criminals</u>" but I don't want to give the wrong impression. Besides, I'm not certain what message it is meant to convey.<br />
<br />
<i>Moving along.</i><br />
<br />
Sometimes I need to vent. This is one of those days. As you can all see from my picture on the left, I am White/Anglo/Caucasian/European-American/whatever. If that matters.<br />
<br />
I have this pet peeve, see. When someone (non-black) is telling me a (true) story about something that happened to them or that they saw, more often than not, if a Black/Negro/African-American person is part of the story, they are going to specify the race.<br />
<br />
For example,<br />
<b>"I was walking down the street and these 2 black guys stared at me as I passed them"...</b><br />
<b>"This big black lady at the grocery store was my cashier and she was so rude"...</b><br />
<b>"We went to the park this morning and this little black kid pushed my kid off the swing"...</b><br />
<br />
You get the point.<br />
<br />
I have to bite my tongue because I always want to say, "Um, does it really matter that they were black? If not, why did you mention that fact?" Maybe I should sometime. I just don't particularly enjoy putting people on the spot. <i>Usually.</i><br />
<br />
Why is it, that people feel the need to tell me that the person in their story is black? I almost feel like it's pretty safe to assume they are white unless I am told otherwise. Now, of course, sometimes Asians and Hispanics are mentioned too, but never in my life have I heard (at least from a non-black person) "So I was driving down the highway, looked over at the car next to me and this white guy flipped me off." No, they're just going to say, this jerk, or this dude, or the like.<br />
<br />
<b>Grrr!</b><br />
<br />
Does this mean that people are trying to prove that blacks are more [insert adjective] than non-blacks? I don't get it. Does it really matter in your story that the person you are telling me about is black? Do you think it would make me feel differently about the person if I assumed they were white?<br />
<br />
Forgive me, because I just don't understand. I'm not jumping to conclusions that these people are racist, it just makes me wonder WHY people have to unnecessarily include race in their descriptions of events. As if they think I need to know that the person was black so that I can perpetuate whatever mindset I have toward that race.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> I ask you (whether you consider yourself racist or not):</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Should race always/never/sometimes be indicated? Do you find yourself doing this? Should it only be mentioned when absolutely essential? </span><span style="font-size: large;">Why or why not?</span>joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-24320046652702968622011-04-26T16:17:00.000-05:002011-04-26T16:17:38.678-05:007 Minutes to a Clean House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNc7SF1M1iaDzK2dmXRw7kFuRlaUyUqjbN3XG1Tsixh9vw3gT_jqMkRGAbYQqSDUWdU3lTcN7Pfr_Ys4PBb6fpp3pkCmTXs4T1dUNCdzd0RwCE-3hcA1KZ_YGMSovdWLZQI-oxsJUxWYE/s1600/basin-wash_300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNc7SF1M1iaDzK2dmXRw7kFuRlaUyUqjbN3XG1Tsixh9vw3gT_jqMkRGAbYQqSDUWdU3lTcN7Pfr_Ys4PBb6fpp3pkCmTXs4T1dUNCdzd0RwCE-3hcA1KZ_YGMSovdWLZQI-oxsJUxWYE/s320/basin-wash_300.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br />
Most people, if you're like me, enjoy having friends and family over! Spending time with those you love (or are getting to know) is one of the simple pleasures in life.<br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but I get really excited the days/hours leading up to the time someone is supposed to arrive. BUT, something that can really squeeze the life out of that excitement is a dirty house.<br />
<br />
Now, don't get me wrong: Our goal should be to bless, not to impress. We're not talking perfection here, just a place that makes people feel welcome. I for one am more relaxed when my house is in order. If it's not, I just can't get comfortable.<br />
<br />
For those of you who have a bad habit of procrastinating, or have the occasional short-notice visitor, I've come up with a 7-minute quick clean-up so your home can be company ready!<br />
<br />
Let's say your guest is coming at 2:00.<br />
<br />
1:53-- Grab your laundry basket, do a quick walk around and pick up all the stuff in each room that doesn't belong. If your laundry basket is full, put the clothes back in the dryer. If the dryer is full, put them on your bed.<br />
<br />
1:54-- Return as many of those things as you can to their home, then place the basket in a closet to do the rest later (don't forget to finish after they leave).<br />
<br />
1:55-- Move all the dishes from the sink to the dishwasher. If the dishwasher is full, stack the dishes in such a way that you can place a large cutting board across the sink for a cleaner look.<br />
<br />
1:56-- Put some music on and/or light a candle.<br />
<br />
1:57-- Check the bathroom they might use. Do a quick wipe/scrub of the toilet and floor if needed, and make sure there is enough toilet paper.<br />
<br />
1:58-- Clear off your kitchen table and set with snack plates and/or cups.<br />
<br />
1:59-- Sit down, wipe the sweat off your brow, close your eyes, and say a prayer that it would be a time of refreshing and encouragement for everyone! Ask God to use you to bless them in some way while they are in your home.<br />
<br />
2:00-- Knock, knock! Enjoy your time together =)joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-4242252208524766992011-04-22T14:59:00.001-05:002011-04-22T15:03:28.345-05:00My Favorite Things Giveaway!Well, it has taken me almost <b>three</b> years but I'm so excited to be on the cusp of 100 posts! What does that mean? GIVEAWAYS! They will all be a few of my favorite things (that money can't buy), and I'm really looking forward to sharing them with you. =)<br />
<br />
First up, is the greatness that is called <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bare Fruit Cinnamon Apple Chips</b></span>. I started buying these at Sprouts a while back and <i>it was love at first chomp.</i> Riley never gets any because they just don't last till he gets home. Poor baby. One time I actually polished off a whole bag (each one contains 5 apples, mind you) solely on the 17 minute ride home. Although I may have shared one or two with the kids, hehe. They also come in Fuji Apple and Granny Smith, but I like the cinnamon ones best!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57GAshMoH25eUDIzyRrXtsbuw1w3viE2pUwnftOf82IodLQTTAb9oHyywpYmhYh9_PzRfB6oSHTZ8JIvr9jdid-28WlB51rPcdIgKjBwGv5DTPD2eMDHXt-tZWnWx1_ppARlQcn-zonI/s1600/Bare-Fruit-Organic-Dried-Cinnamon-Apple-Chips-Fat-Free-013971000214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57GAshMoH25eUDIzyRrXtsbuw1w3viE2pUwnftOf82IodLQTTAb9oHyywpYmhYh9_PzRfB6oSHTZ8JIvr9jdid-28WlB51rPcdIgKjBwGv5DTPD2eMDHXt-tZWnWx1_ppARlQcn-zonI/s1600/Bare-Fruit-Organic-Dried-Cinnamon-Apple-Chips-Fat-Free-013971000214.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So. Anyway! I found them online by the case, for less than what I was paying before. If I don't share, they'll be all gone in no time. Being the bighearted girl that I <strike>am</strike> would like to be, one of you is getting half the case! That's six 2.6 oz bags of this delicious treat. You can thank me as soon as the last chip is devoured. Oh, and these aren't your run-of-the-mill chewy apple rings you find on every corner. They are crunchy and sweet (but not overly so) and will leave you and your friends/kids/spouse begging you for more. I really need to audition for their first commercial, don't I?<br />
<br />
The best part (besides being so yummy) is that they are 100% organic, bake-dried and the only ingredients are apples and cinnamon. That's it. No sweeteners, preservatives, GMOs, trans fats, MSG, common allergens, gluten-free, and manufactured in a nut-free facility. What's not to love?<br />
<br />
Ok, so here's how you can win:<br />
<br />
Leave me a comment stating your new favorite snack!<br />
<br />
And for extra entries (winner will be chosen via random.org):<br />
<br />
~Surf through my blog, find a post you like, comment on it, come back here and leave another telling me you did so.<br />
<br />
<br />
~Post the link to this giveaway on Facebook, leave another comment.<br />
~Tweet this giveaway, leave another comment.<br />
~Blog about this giveaway, leave another comment.<br />
<br />
You must leave a separate comment for each entry in order to increase your chances of winning! All comments must be left here on the blog (not on FB) to be valid. Make sure your name is included somewhere.<br />
<br />
You've got till 3pm Central time (US residents only) on Tuesday 4/26 and the winner will be announced later that evening.<br />
<br />
<br />
Ready, Set, <b>GO!</b>joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-74198839119445200292011-04-20T10:17:00.000-05:002011-04-20T10:17:09.759-05:0020 Easter Egg Treats Sans the Sugar Rush<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUSJ-V4ZlvV4OhAkNxot5V1ZC40hhclIUktXxk22khHXb_ukd1eGao1L5DFowGJqqBFsru_pSViq1E02oLOfPgWUWCo3uMfHNjSFLaMpMaK9uf2AAQ8J9kon1gDyJU8DoEE2j-2X2FT8/s1600/easter_eggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUSJ-V4ZlvV4OhAkNxot5V1ZC40hhclIUktXxk22khHXb_ukd1eGao1L5DFowGJqqBFsru_pSViq1E02oLOfPgWUWCo3uMfHNjSFLaMpMaK9uf2AAQ8J9kon1gDyJU8DoEE2j-2X2FT8/s1600/easter_eggs.jpg" /></a></div>The last couple of months I've been thinking about Easter coming up and the imminent surge of candy that it typically brings, i.e. egg hunts and baskets!<br />
<br />
While I love to watch my little girl find those colorful little eggs and open up her basket, it would be so nice if we could avoid all the junk! Don't get me wrong, I love candy and so do my kids. But it's just not good for them, especially in such large amounts!<br />
<br />
All I could come up with on my own to put in Easter eggs was miniature raisin boxes. <i>Exciting, I know. </i><br />
<br />
So naturally, I googled for ideas.<br />
<br />
I found some really great ones that I'd love to use! If you're like me and want some candy alternatives without having to forgo the fun, try filling your eggs with these instead:<br />
<br />
1. Coins<br />
2. Marbles<br />
3. Stickers<br />
4. Dice<br />
5. Top<br />
6. Hairclips<br />
7. Beads<br />
8. Squeeze ball<br />
9. Seashells<br />
10. Polished rocks<br />
11. Lip gloss<br />
12. Whistle<br />
13. Nail polish<br />
14. Jewelry<br />
15. Temporary tattoos<br />
16. Small plush animals<br />
17. Playdough<br />
18. Silly Putty<br />
19. Mini bottle of bubbles<br />
20. Confetti<br />
<br />
* Obviously some of these could be choking hazards so be careful with little ones and choose only things that won't end up in their throat!<br />
<br />
Have fun! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Credit: http://specialchildren.about.com/od/holidays/qt/easteregg.htm</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: http://www.pbc.org/events/93064</span>joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-17087007503901279582011-04-11T14:01:00.001-05:002011-04-12T23:58:28.012-05:00My growing HunkabooI started writing a status update on Facebook about "little" Josiah, then realized it was turning into a blog post. So here you go!<br />
<br />
The prince of the house is 20 months now, well closer to 21. What's new:<br />
<br />
~ He's been walking up and down the stairs for a few weeks now. One day I just noticed him doing it and was like, whaaaa?! He usually says "ats" though if I'm close by because he wants to hold hands while going down. Doesn't really need it, but how could I object? It's so sweet.<br />
<br />
~ Just started climbing out of his crib 2 days ago at naptime. So far, he stays in there to sleep then just gets out when he wakes up at the end of nap or in the morning. *I'm hoping it stays that way!*<br />
<br />
~ Still pretty picky about veggies but everything else he devours... especially fruit and meat! If he's all done and I get him out of his chair (or he takes his own tray off and climbs out, haha) and Julia leaves the table and there's food left on her plate, he climbs up to her seat, sits on her stool and snatches it all up. Watch out girlfriend!<br />
<br />
~ He used to give me kisses after every nursing session but then he got too old for that I guess. I was sad! But now he's giving them again, except now he actually makes the kissing sound! Happy momma =)<br />
<br />
~ Loves to clean! This is refreshing because it takes some real skill to get Julia to pick up after herself. But this boy, oh my, he wants a napkin for his hands after he eats; if he spills something, he finds a towel and wipes it up; when I sweep/mop/vacuum, he grabs another from the pantry and joins me; when I'm doing laundry he helps put the clothes in. It's pretty awesome! I'm already thrilled for his wife ;)<br />
<br />
~ I can tell he understands a lot because he follows instructions really well. But he doesn't say much yet, although I hear that's the norm for boys. Here's his vocabulary:<br />
<br />
ah-puh: diaper<br />
a-ee: daddy<br />
ap: cup or up<br />
at: outside or light<br />
ats: hands<br />
ah-mun: i don't really know, one time he actually was talking about almonds but he usually just says it when he wants something... maybe he means mommy? ;)<br />
beep: when the oven beeps<br />
ar: car<br />
baby/beebee: his stuffed monkey<br />
af: off<br />
no: oh no<br />
ba-ba: bye-bye<br />
ups: chips<br />
ith: outside or cheese <br />
<br />
I think that's it.<br />
<br />
~ He's really starting to get independent... doesn't want to stay in the sling as long, and hits the ground running anytime we go outside!<br />
<br />
~ If you're wondering, NO signs of potty-training.<br />
<br />
~ If you're wondering, still nursing (Julia stopped at 21 months but Josiah will probably go till 2 or later).<br />
<br />
~ For close to 2 months now, he's been MUCH better about going to sleep on his own. I still nurse him at bedtime but it doesn't take near as long because once he's done I can put him in his crib whether he's asleep or not. This is huge!<br />
<br />
~ He's grown a little attached to his stuffed monkey, which he started calling "baby" or "beebee" while we were on vacation in San Antonio last month.<br />
<br />
~ Loves going outside. Like it's the first thing he wants to do in the morning, even before breakfast. I usually make him eat first but the whole time he's pointing at the glass door to the backyard.<br />
<br />
~ He can take his cup (no lid) with one hand, and push the spigot on the filtered water container on the island, and stop before it spills.<br />
<br />
~ Does pretty much everything Julia does, which gets them both in a lot of trouble! For example, pushing the chair into the kitchen, climbing up and pulling out whatever he thinks is cool and trying to cook.<br />
<br />
~ Can take his own pants off for bathtime, and if he ever doesn't have pants on any other time of the day, the diaper comes off pretty quick! Ooh, maybe it IS time to potty-train! Maybe after his birthday.<br />
<br />
~ Record time for going without me is 22 hours. Will be doing that or a little longer next month!<br />
<br />
~ If he knows you have an ouchie, he kisses it. So precious.<br />
<br />
~ I can't remember who got it for him for Christmas, but he loves his "scoot-n-zoom"... rides it all around the house, takes it outside, carries it up and down the stairs. Great gift! <br />
<br />
~ When we sit down to eat dinner as a family, he holds his hand out to me before we pray (and I caught him closing his eyes last time!)<br />
<br />
Okay I guess that's enough for now. Love that boy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBPeaVwOK-oEDvug3qXtYxf20ZHosHUWhiWKVilKdZpXfOGdwS8_D4_gvxsU0Vb3CFQ-HaL_ZTzthzm-FdqwJxnmArYI0xsQ8obEt9cYq5U4l8Vai4zkmkkFIsB0jw-xQJvH_5auUv1I/s1600/josiahsleepchair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBPeaVwOK-oEDvug3qXtYxf20ZHosHUWhiWKVilKdZpXfOGdwS8_D4_gvxsU0Vb3CFQ-HaL_ZTzthzm-FdqwJxnmArYI0xsQ8obEt9cYq5U4l8Vai4zkmkkFIsB0jw-xQJvH_5auUv1I/s400/josiahsleepchair.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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This is actually the first time he's ever fallen asleep in the highchair, which was always a frequent occurrence with his big sister!joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-59714146349086181932011-04-10T21:46:00.000-05:002011-04-10T21:46:40.470-05:00Motherhood is a giftAs I rocked my baby girl to sleep tonight, I was reminded of the tremendous privilege it is that God chose me to be her mother... her teacher, her ouchie-kisser, her chauffeur, her cook, her maid, everything.<br />
<br />
She is so infinitely precious to Him and He entrusted her life into my hands. It was no small decision, either. Of all the women on earth, throughout all the thousands of years past and future, he knew her, picked ME, formed her in my womb, knowing every single mistake I would make in raising her. And I've made a lot.<br />
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It blows my mind. It's overwhelming yet encouraging at the same time.<br />
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How can I take that for granted? Or have any sort of disdain for the responsibility?<br />
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No matter how hard it gets at times, I choose now to remind myself what a blessing it is to have such a sweet, sensitive, caring, funny, beautiful, intelligent, helpful adventurous, curious, creative daughter!<br />
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Out of nowhere she tells me she loves me. She asks the most amazing questions, and tells me the most brilliant ideas that I have no idea where they came from. She shows compassion for those that are hurting. She takes care of her little brother in ways she's seen me do without me even having to ask. She loves to learn and help and cracks me up on an hourly basis. Almost every morning after getting out of bed and dressing herself, she comes into my room and gently wakes me up. We sit outside together while Josiah naps, and enjoy a cup of water or a smoothie and enjoy the sun or chalk on the patio or new bubbles. She more than exceeds my expectations when we go through her preschool workbook. She loves to run but would watch movies all day long if I let her! She giggles when I tickle her then says "uncle!" She dances her own dances and sings her own songs.<br />
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She will be 4 in less than 8 weeks and I'm in for it! Another great year, that is =)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ySm2LaxOUdJTqC_a9qpIG8y4oiEhovMumi0_g8HT-W997F00mY8-nI9-qwtU2mUTmTDyqafZtNggETUKNb5mK2tOtrNZoSR_pQQgPSN_VLRt5RspuhjkC8iXpHamcyYgoWRHxG5dSss/s1600/juliapurim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ySm2LaxOUdJTqC_a9qpIG8y4oiEhovMumi0_g8HT-W997F00mY8-nI9-qwtU2mUTmTDyqafZtNggETUKNb5mK2tOtrNZoSR_pQQgPSN_VLRt5RspuhjkC8iXpHamcyYgoWRHxG5dSss/s400/juliapurim.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I love you so so so much, Julia Brynne. The past 201 weeks have been the best of my life!joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-78913749223191525172011-04-07T00:02:00.000-05:002011-04-07T00:02:16.165-05:00I control my little world!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Nqe89skiFmKbR87HM33k46dLChRPWKpiKwKrzcYiYaJKk9SLieTvPdzoaqC8I4RVdh7cwBJ9Jn1myAfmML7Y61tIKv404D2uzwsTGxkCBxZ3D7iLd342AKIvv1heaix7IXBNCaFYu08/s1600/world-in-your-hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Nqe89skiFmKbR87HM33k46dLChRPWKpiKwKrzcYiYaJKk9SLieTvPdzoaqC8I4RVdh7cwBJ9Jn1myAfmML7Y61tIKv404D2uzwsTGxkCBxZ3D7iLd342AKIvv1heaix7IXBNCaFYu08/s200/world-in-your-hands.jpg" width="200" /></a><i>Do you ever get the feeling that your every move is like pushing the buttons on a remote control?</i><br />
<br />
<br />
For example, you take a pregnancy test and then voila! The next day you get your period.<br />
<br />
Or, you mop the kitchen and BAM! Somebody drops a glass of milk on the floor.<br />
<br />
One of my personal favorites is when I lie down in bed, find the perfect position, get the covers just how I want them, sigh and just when I'm about to sink into sleepyland...WAAAHHH! One of the kids needs me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>What about you? </b>Somebody please tell me I'm not alone, weird and watched "Click" one too many times.joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-78290013407921269932011-04-01T22:35:00.000-05:002011-04-02T15:13:37.763-05:00To Snip or Not To Snip?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT6JY9-hPTtOSYY37fKedMcfNn7jQV9wwB5XDJq__sq0839uxDLeY42zN6sLu36XAMZFPWpObCs_f8OC5rru-vSBIL_UTYzEsH-LkJCGardcDi2wOfKG9vXlnxnyeqGnksDyEMzu9AnI/s1600/circlooklikedaddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT6JY9-hPTtOSYY37fKedMcfNn7jQV9wwB5XDJq__sq0839uxDLeY42zN6sLu36XAMZFPWpObCs_f8OC5rru-vSBIL_UTYzEsH-LkJCGardcDi2wOfKG9vXlnxnyeqGnksDyEMzu9AnI/s400/circlooklikedaddy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>As all parents will admit, we make a lot of mistakes. I make them every day. One of the ones I regret the most happened when Josiah was a mere 11 days old. We paid a doctor to permanently amputate a perfect, functional, healthy part of his tiny little body.<br />
<br />
Why? I really don't know. Cultural tradition, religion, preventative health... several bad excuses we could choose from.<br />
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<br />
The problem is, well, there are several problems.<br />
<br />
First of all, it shouldn't have been our choice. There was nothing at all wrong with his foreskin. It was not medically necessary. No parent should have the right to subject their child's body to cosmetic alteration. He had no choice. Had he had the choice, I have no doubt what he would've chosen. That's why they have this thing called the circumstraint. <br />
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Most babies that are breastfed really like to nurse. It satisfies their hunger along with calming mental/emotional/physical discomfort. Josiah refused after the procedure. I could immediately tell he was traumatized. Had I had my brain turned on before the procedure, I would've taken one look at that room, snatched him up and taken off running.<br />
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But I didn't, and I will always regret it. Someday I will apologize to him and hopefully he will forgive me. In the meantime, I fully intend to try and inform people who are still under the impression that routine circumcision is the right thing to do, that it is by all means NOT.<br />
<br />
Here are a few facts:<br />
<br />
~In the US, an average of 117 baby boys die every year from complications to circumcision.<br />
~Circumcision is the most commonly performed medical procedure in the US, so of course there is money to be lost. Think about it.<br />
~Were it to be left intact, a baby boy's foreskin would grow into 12-15 square inches of adult skin.<br />
~The circumcised infant penis actually requires more care than the intact one. A natural, intact penis requires no special care, beyond gentle washing while bathing.<br />
~The American Academy of Pediatrics says on their website that "circumcision is not essential to a child's health." No professional medical association in the United States or the rest of the world recommends routine neonatal circumcision.<br />
~It's not a birth defect! The foreskin has many purposes: keeping contaminants from entering the urinary tract; sexual pleasure due to the thousands of nerve endings contained therein, and natural gliding.<br />
~Circumcision as it is routinely performed today is not a mere snipping of some extra flap of skin. It has to be sliced and pulled off.<br />
~You wouldn't circumcise your baby girl (it's illegal, as a matter of fact), so why the double standard?<br />
~Some statistics claim that the percentage of boys now being circumcised is only one out of three.<br />
~Most medically advanced countries leave their boys intact, and people throughout the world are appalled to hear that American doctors routinely remove part of a boy's penis shortly after birth.<b> </b><br />
<b>~</b>Most men in the United States are circumcised, but our STD rates are as high as or higher than those in countries where circumcision is rare.<br />
~Even if they don't remember, that doesn't make it okay. Experiences not consciously remembered later in life still contribute to a negative or positive effect on each individual.<br />
~Studies have shown that boys who are circumcised have a lower level of pain tolerance later in life. <br />
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And the #1 most important reason you should not circumcise your son:<br />
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<b>"Because children should be protected from permanent bodily alteration inflicted on them without their consent in the name of culture, religion, profit, or parental preference.</b> Under accepted bioethical principles, parents can consent to surgery on behalf of a child only if it is necessary to protect the child's life or health. "Routine" circumcision fails this test because it painfully and permanently removes a normal and healthy part of a boy's penis, does not protect the child’s life or health, and in fact creates new risks. Removing the foreskin is no more justified than removing a finger or any other healthy body part."<br />
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I'm amazed at all the controversy there is around this subject. It might even rival vaccines and spanking. Anyway, for me it all comes down to this: most boys are born with a foreskin that has absolutely no problems and were it to be left intact would most likely never have any medical reason to remove it. Most medical doctors will tell you that routine circumcision is purely cosmetic. Only the person whom the body part belongs to should be able to consent to any kind of modification. I'm not saying that if your son has a real issue with his foreskin, that you shouldn't be able to get a doctor to take care of it. Neither am I condemning the practice of, after much prayer and scripture-searching, taking your son to a mohel to have him perform a biblical circumcision (nothing like the kind they do in hospitals today, rather a simple nick to draw a drop or two of blood).<br />
<br />
<span data-jsid="text">We fully intended on having it done on the 8th day with a rabbi, although we didn’t really do any research on the subject. Plus Josiah was born 2 weeks early so we didn’t have a chance to arrange it as we had h<span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><span class="text_exposed_show">oped, although we did refuse it in the hospital. Obsessing about getting it done on the 8th day, we quickly tried to make an appointment with somebody to have it done but the soonest we could get was the 11th day with an MD in an outpatient facility. I had no idea how or where to hire a mohel. If I had known at the time that it was completely different, I most definitely would've waited until we could figure it out and do it the better way. The good thing is, God is gracious and like one of my favorite songs says, "I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way He loves us!"</span></span><ol class="topten"></ol><br />
<br />
If any of you still think signing your son up for a typical infant circumcision is a good idea, I strongly encourage you to go watch this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmX6RdRNoqk&oref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fresults%3Fsearch_query%3Dcircumcision%26aq%3Df&has_verified=1">video</a> and see exactly what you would be putting your son through in the name of whatever reason you think you may have.<br />
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Now before you start writing me hate mail, let me say this: I am not out to condemn or judge anyone who has allowed their son to be circumcised. After all, I did it too. What I am after, is for people to be better educated about the truth behind this awful practice, so that one or a hundred or a million less boys have to suffer the way our sons and brothers and fathers and husbands have. While many circumcised men have no complaints or angst toward their parents for getting them circumcised, it doesn't change the fact that they were robbed.<br />
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If you're interested in reading more, my friend Heather (aka Mommypotamus) has posted two great blogs about circumcision, you can find them <a href="http://www.mommypotamus.com/snippity-snip-or-is-circumcision-that-simple/">here</a> and <a href="http://www.mommypotamus.com/the-accidental-intactivist/">here</a>. Another friend, Dr. Cindy has a really good one <a href="http://www.drcindyblog.com/they-dont-remember/2010/">here</a>.<br />
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Credit: intactamerica.org, mothering.com.<br />
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PS- nothing against my tattooed friends, y'all know I love you! I just couldn't resist that pic ;)joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-83293117273733528272011-03-08T22:04:00.000-06:002011-03-08T22:05:35.174-06:00Ratatouille and Pearsnip Loaves<span style="font-size: small;">I've been feeling adventurous in the kitchen the last couple days, and successes have come forth! That's always nice, especially when I have to face the mountain of dishes once the last bite has been devoured.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So, here are two completely unrelated things I've made: (sorry I don't have pix... just trust me, they're delicious!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">First off, last night's dinner-- Ratatouille! (We watched the movie yesterday so I was inspired, and I happened to have a recipe for it in my Williams Sonoma Vegetable Cookbook) Here it is, my own version because I didn't have everything it called for:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 zucchini</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">5 T EVOO</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 onion, thinly sliced</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 red bell pepper</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">5 cloves garlic</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 can diced tomatoes (or 3/4 lb fresh + 2-3 tsp tomato paste)</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/8 t dried thyme</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1/2 T dried parsley </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 fresh basil leaves, finely torn</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Salt and freshly ground pepper </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cut the zucchini into 1/4" slices. Lightly sprinkle with salt. Let sit for about 30 min, then wipe with paper towels to remove excess salt.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While those are sitting, heat 2 T of the EVOO over medium heat (assuming stainless steel). Thinly slice the onion, then saute until almost softened, about 5 min. Seed and dice the bell pepper, coarsely chop the garlic, add half the peppers and half the garlic to onions and cook over low heat until peppers are softened, about 7 min.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Return pan to medium heat and add 2 T EVOO. Add zucchini slices and saute until they are golden, about 4 min.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add the remaining garlic, tomatoes (and paste if using), and herbs to the pan and stir well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Return pan to low heat and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 20 min.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Remove from heat and stir in the last T EVOO. Serve hot, at room temp or cold. Goes great with roasted chicken! Makes 4 servings, 65-70 min total prep/cook time.</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">And then today, I made Pearsnip Mini Spice Loaves! Yummy. We get organic produce through a local co-op and parsnips came in Saturday's delivery. I'd never eaten them before, and didn't really know what to do with them, so I treated them like their cousin, the carrot. Steamed and added cinnamon, turned out ok. Decided I wanted to do something a little different today. I'd heard of apples and carrots together making baked goods, so I thought parsnips and pears being similar, they'd be a winner too! I found a recipe online, changed it up a bit and here's mine:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">3 parsnips, shredded<br />
1 large pear, shredded<br />
1 cup pecans<br />
2 cups all-purpose flour <br />
1/2 cup sugar <br />
3/4 teaspoon baking soda <br />
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder <br />
1/2 teaspoon salt <br />
1 teaspoon ground ginger <br />
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg <br />
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon <br />
1/2 cup raisins <br />
2 large eggs <br />
3/4 cup coconut oil, melted <br />
1/2 cup milk </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br />
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract </span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="method" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Preheat oven to 350°F and place rack in center of oven. Grease loaf pans.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <br />
</span></div><div class="method" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Toast the pecans about 5 minutes or until lightly browned and fragrant (while oven is preheating). Let cool and then chop coarsely. <br />
</span></div><div class="method" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Combine parsnips and pear in a large bowl and set aside. In a second large bowl whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir in pecans and raisins. Set aside. <br />
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In a separate bowl whisk together eggs, oil, milk and vanilla extract. Fold egg mixture and parsnip mixture into flour mixture, stirring just until moistened and combined. Bake until deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaves comes out clean, about 35 min. Cool on a wire rack.</span></div><div class="method" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="method" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="method" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So there you go! What new dish have you discovered lately?</span></div>joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-36086102111611574742011-02-23T14:37:00.000-06:002011-02-23T14:37:26.384-06:00My mom heart matters!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6l0ZjiggdrMrxkvrzEJwNdwh2wwu2r7cAJ_uhbANlPZYy0FlCkcjtu4VvKXKqgpyGiXmwrG5HKn8H8QqU6UxHadC-HkE8nb990JGT56RWRHoPapLMuS2bX1EWerLprKb9DP5GOxvOzUg/s1600/momheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6l0ZjiggdrMrxkvrzEJwNdwh2wwu2r7cAJ_uhbANlPZYy0FlCkcjtu4VvKXKqgpyGiXmwrG5HKn8H8QqU6UxHadC-HkE8nb990JGT56RWRHoPapLMuS2bX1EWerLprKb9DP5GOxvOzUg/s1600/momheart.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I went to a conference last weekend called, "Your Mom Heart Matters." The main speaker was Sally Clarkson, author and mom of 4. It was so encouraging and inspiring. I came in with a burden, and left without it. You know the one... where you hear about what you should and shouldn't be doing as a parent, and just feel worse because you already know some of those things but now it's rubbed in?<br />
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I went with several moms from my bible study group, and we all talked this morning about a little bit of what we got out of it, so that those who weren't able to attend could be blessed. So, I thought I'd share here as well, a few of my notes and nuggets that I took away from the weekend...<br />
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* Of all the women in the world, God chose ME to be the mother to my children. With all my flaws and weaknesses and sinful tendencies, he decided that I was the #1 choice for them! I've had days where I've felt like they'd be better off with someone else, but God does not make mistakes. He gave my kids to me, not to the perfect mom<br />
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* Many of the things that I knew in my head that I should be doing better as a mom, got into my heart. So now, instead of feeling guilty for not living up to those standards, I feel encouraged and empowered to act on my convictions, even when they are very challenging. Probably every mom out there wishes to be more gentle and patient, and I can see it coming through me a little more now. Not that I'm perfect by any means! But God isn't looking for perfection, he's looking for our hearts.<br />
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* My kids' hearts are treasure chests, and I am a gardener of their souls.<br />
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* Life is hard so put some good music on when you wash dishes!<br />
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* Live according to the beauty around you, not the mess.<br />
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* What kind of woman do you want to be in 10 years? It will only happen if you are intentional and have a plan!<br />
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* The expectations of a perfect soldier actually hindered David from doing what he was supposed to.<br />
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* Don't let someone else's laws control how you feel about your life!<br />
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* God might not fix the kinks how you'd like him to, be he always provides a solution!<br />
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* Jesus chose discipleship as a means to change his world. Treat your kids like Jesus treated his disciples.<br />
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* You are either growing or dying in your spiritual walk.<br />
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* If you want to speak to the heart of a child, you have to invest time into it!<br />
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* How do you build an estate? One brick at a time.<br />
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* If you only live by what you can accomplish yourself, you'll be stuck in works for the rest of your life. Live by faith-- you have to try things you can't do yourself! God is not limited by anything except our faith.<br />
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* Don't wake up TO your children, wake up FOR your children.<br />
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* If you want to clothe yourself with dignity, you have to cultivate contentment-- no whining!<br />
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* You can't control what people do to you, but you can control your bitterness.<br />
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* When YOU take the leap of faith, you are launching your children! Do you leave a trail of faith for your kids, or spread anxiety? Faith isn't taught, it's CAUGHT. You have to model it.<br />
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* Pass on the knowledge of the Word-- memorize scripture, have devotionals, speak the Word morning, noon and night.<br />
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* God really does have a plan for my children! They aren't just mine, they're HIS.<br />
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* You can only teach your children what you know. Treat the Word like food-- you need it multiple times a day!<br />
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* Use character qualities to praise you kids. For example, instead of saying, "Great job!" Say, "Wow! You were so diligent to study, I wonder what God is gonna do with that diligence someday!"<br />
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* Take advantage of the time you have them under your roof. Then trust them to God! He won't let your investment go to waste.<br />
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* Peter was given to us an an example-- God gives a lot of freedom for personality, even when we don't show 1st time obedience!<br />
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* When you are squeezed, what comes out?<br />
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* If an angel came to you in the night, are you prepared to believe? Mary told the angel, "Be it unto me according to your word" Jesus said something similar shortly before his death on the cross. I wonder if he heard his mother say things like that his whole life?<br />
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* Identify what enriches your soul-- types of music, art, colors, scents, and cultivate that. If you aren't full, how can you pass that on?<br />
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* God meant for us to walk with people. We are most like Him when we initiate love.<br />
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*Traditions give kids a sense of identity. They are like anchors in the years.<br />
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* We must get outside to know the soul of God. Gen 1:1-- He created.<br />
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* My greatest need is not to be a excellent mom or virtuous wife, but to KNOW JESUS. So empty myself of me, fill me up with Jesus and let His excellence shine through!<br />
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* It is God's kindness that leads to repentance-- I should treat my kids with the same kindness.<br />
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* I'm not the perfect parent, but I belong to the perfect parent.<br />
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* Just because my child disobeys doesn't mean I'm doing something wrong and God is displeased. My kids display the sinful nature they were born with. Likewise, when they obey, I'm not more righteous. Train your child out of obedience to Christ, not to win approval.<br />
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* The world says our kids need lessons, clothes, computers, etc. God says they need our time, attention, validating their heart, letting them share with you, laughing, believing in their dreams, building a relationship with them.<br />
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All that being said, my son is awake from his nap now so I'm gonna go do my best to live what I learned!joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-9266949342948390622011-02-23T13:52:00.000-06:002011-02-23T13:53:26.173-06:00Who am I?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATuG_sRwioyLvf4jYX50b8i93zcrnrENoYQ-64l5C62SKaBIPL1B7ZYP-j_lOlZIti-I4vh64ntIzIGljyiRLO2xAoSdMQ8_ir0uvtaOu01QXEHqmuI7SKNMf4pwynw8erAj_ZFVWO10/s1600/IdentityCrisis.jpg" /></div><br />
<br />
Alternate title:<br />
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<u>My Identity Is All Over The Map</u><br />
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Do you ever have days where it just hits you in the face, I <b>don't really know</b> who I am?<br />
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I certainly have. I know in my head that I'm a child of God, rescued by his son Jesus, who so graciously redeemed my life from the pit. I know that being a wife, a mom, a friend, a writer, an artist, a dancer, a food-lover, and everything else I can describe myself as, are just secondary. But I feel like I'm still waiting for the day when it sinks down into my heart that the most important thing that defines me is that <i>I am my beloved's and He is mine</i>. Where all the other priorities in this earthly life line up underneath my relationship with God.<br />
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Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I should abandon all my duties and desires to lock myself up to do nothing but talk to God all day. I just mean, I get caught up in all the things I need to do and want to do that sometimes I forget who I really am. Maybe I don't even fully know yet!<br />
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It's especially difficult when I'm reminded that in the course of my life, I've been:<br />
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~The youngest child, the only child, the oldest child, and probably the middle child somewhere in there too.<br />
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~The teacher's pet, and the girl who got caught shoplifting.<br />
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~The straight-A student, and the girl that slept through/skipped class.<br />
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~The girl that never gets asked out, and the girl that can't get rid of her baby's daddy.<br />
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~The girl that's the only virgin left in the group and plans to stay that way until marriage, and the girl that got pregnant barely 6 months after meeting a guy.<br />
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~The girl that's super-organized, and the girl that wants to hire a professional organizer because the clutter is just too much to handle.<br />
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~The girl that has to make every penny count because there's only $5 a week to work with, and the girl that has everything she needs and a lot of what she wants.<br />
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~The girl that wants 8 kids, and the girl that gets rid of everything baby-related because she feels DONE after 2.<br />
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~The candy addict, and the crunchier-by-the-minute food snob.<br />
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~The girl that wants long hair so bad, and the girl that is so over long hair and keeps cutting it shorter.<br />
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~The girl that's so bored out of her mind with nothing to do, and the girl that would kill for a day back then.<br />
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~The girl that wants to be a teacher, a waitress, a beautician, a model, an astronaut, a nurse, a surgeon, a dancer, a missionary, and the girl that doesn't want to be anything other than "just a wife and mom."<br />
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~The girl that had been to 6 different countries in 3 years, and the girl that hasn't left the country in 6.<br />
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~The girl that stays up late and gets up early to study the Bible, and the girl that can't remember the last time she picked it up.<br />
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So, I choose to say, <i>"Lord, I turn my eyes toward you. I just want to love you more. Show me who YOU are and help me shed the false identities that I've attached myself to through the years. Live through me to make me more like you, and remind me each day that I am yours, and everything else is just accessories."</i>joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-48265147942111552462011-02-21T23:54:00.000-06:002011-02-21T23:54:24.606-06:00Ode to KatiebugSeveral weeks ago I had the privilege of spending SEVEN hours in the same chair at the same coffeehouse in uptown Dallas, across from my bff that I've known for over 12 years. Today is her birthday!<br />
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This is her... are those not the most gorgeous brown eyes you've ever seen?!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5VjJLt_kFnOkFgCQVFbaYZJRrmOO_xeMpjhAx-U-PGWh5wZRh2XT2ssA8liT2ExYOWR7VT2WBTkr9Lqfh7iGj9GPVdEVtNDHAVtariPmUwi3Mg7y0BxayuzVnh58bX28_gk-cszmJhc/s1600/katiezugsay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5VjJLt_kFnOkFgCQVFbaYZJRrmOO_xeMpjhAx-U-PGWh5wZRh2XT2ssA8liT2ExYOWR7VT2WBTkr9Lqfh7iGj9GPVdEVtNDHAVtariPmUwi3Mg7y0BxayuzVnh58bX28_gk-cszmJhc/s320/katiezugsay.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><br />
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Seven hours sounds like a long time but if you average it out over time (we very rarely get to see eachother) it is a drop in the bucket. But it was lovely. I drank chai tea for the first time, and it was super yummy. I've been missing out all this time. Who knew hot tea could be sweet and creamy?! So now I can feel cool at Starbucks when I get something besides apple cider or passion lemonade. w00t.<br />
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We talked about everything. I planned on spending a couple hours there and then coming back to ftw to relieve Riley from daddy duty, but he kept telling me to stay and enjoy. Isn't he wonderful?!<br />
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Katie's in her last semester of law school, so I may not get to see much of her until after the bar exam in July, but hey, it wouldn't be the first time we've spent months w/o talking.<br />
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We have been through a lot together. We've been through a lot separately. But every time we reconnect, nothing's changed. Well, you know, of course, a lot has changed, but our friendship still seems so young at heart. We went to school together (met our 1st semester at cfni then she moved in with me and my roomies the 2nd semester), spent 3 weeks in India together on a mission trip after graduating 10 years ago, bared our souls to each other with almost every man-related heartache...<br />
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We've never seen each other naked. I know that's random and maybe tmi, but a lot of bff's have so whatever. Her subway sandwich of choice was always veggie delight and mine is turkey on wheat.<br />
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I always thought her wedding would happen before mine, but it didn't turn out that way. I might be even more eager than she is for her to join me in the married club. ;)<br />
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We've always gotten along so well, although there have been times where we've hurt each other. One time she forgot my birthday and instead asked me to take one of her friends who I didn't even know, to work at 6am that morning. One time we almost ended our friendship because we had plans to hang out but then neither one of us wanted to make the 30 minute drive. I was a terrible friend and didn't go to her 30th bday party because I had already made other plans but totally should've canceled.<br />
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She's funny and kind and carefree and stylish and pure and intelligent and I just love her to pieces. It's a shame we don't keep in touch more often. She sent me flowers the day I told her I was pregnant out of wedlock. Even though we don't get to hang out very much, when we do, she's so present, if that makes sense. I feel like I'm all that matters to her in that moment. Ok, that sounds so self-centered, but that's just what an awesome person she is. We take turns talking and listening and there's no rush and no awkward silence and we just laugh and confess our less-than-holy experiences and give each other the ok instead of any judgment whatsoever.<br />
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Katie must be a better friend than I am because she's been a bridesmaid in so many weddings. Everyone adores her. And it's easy to see why.<br />
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I'm incredibly proud of her. When we were roommates she worked 1-12 after going to school 8-12, and still managed to graduate, moving up the corporate ladder. She then got her bachelor's degree while working full time, and is now about to be a full-fledged lawyer. Woah. I hope I'm not embarrassing you Katie!<br />
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I don't think our friendship is the typical one that you see between BFFs. We both have lots of other close friends and idk if we've ever really consistently labeled our friendship the way others do. I've been jealous of her other friendships in the past (that may be true for her but idk so i doubt it) and we've gone through seasons where we were totally uninvolved in each other's lives. But I think I've gotten to the point where I feel safe and happy with who we are to each other and no matter how far apart we ever live or how seldom we connect, she'll always be "the bestest friend i ever wanted!" (quoting my very young niece) *yes, riley is my best friend but you know what i mean*<br />
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So of course I had to dig out the old 35mm photo albums and give you a little taste of our friendship!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">This is us at cfni where we first met.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ndC94TTfSsN_d0d2dMIKv2B4_wvpUft3nj2Gqa2C9lITrlbAcixBMbHSxZYMWqcstGt-pcV5cRDQKU-j_WUdYUpp0_qgUewX3rd7sw8TiKyHPGmJTNBmHeRhXDZ2gQDUbD50gWutalg/s1600/PokeyBugs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ndC94TTfSsN_d0d2dMIKv2B4_wvpUft3nj2Gqa2C9lITrlbAcixBMbHSxZYMWqcstGt-pcV5cRDQKU-j_WUdYUpp0_qgUewX3rd7sw8TiKyHPGmJTNBmHeRhXDZ2gQDUbD50gWutalg/s320/PokeyBugs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQe3C3CWll7r7mcsm8xaEhUylFfYZZgcbrBfdW4Od0bZ267UilTjbNHLzKQQ-kW7KtTz73UWVRTLyik4IihASAJ60dcaj12aogC12WJ3nyx9S7QkNkCYL6ryPhdEwItbdjlDlu1enG6vY/s1600/PokeyBugs2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQe3C3CWll7r7mcsm8xaEhUylFfYZZgcbrBfdW4Od0bZ267UilTjbNHLzKQQ-kW7KtTz73UWVRTLyik4IihASAJ60dcaj12aogC12WJ3nyx9S7QkNkCYL6ryPhdEwItbdjlDlu1enG6vY/s320/PokeyBugs2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMCyZeqmc8nU6i86rpc2z9sFxvhiYvGSBVj3ZWR2dKztgFCEFau8kHIHGQbXVPv6uPzNOwLeS5iy7EJVr_jzKIriNFOCkVJtdCvciAfgK4Wk2QLBdAdWwciWfS-T8_q_hCZJasnxp6tM/s1600/PokeyBugs9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMCyZeqmc8nU6i86rpc2z9sFxvhiYvGSBVj3ZWR2dKztgFCEFau8kHIHGQbXVPv6uPzNOwLeS5iy7EJVr_jzKIriNFOCkVJtdCvciAfgK4Wk2QLBdAdWwciWfS-T8_q_hCZJasnxp6tM/s320/PokeyBugs9.JPG" width="242" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Saree shopping in India:</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9b6pPRBKlx63hQheBY5-g4U_w-dGXfyZcbmsmJ_evCFExQ876uKOX0WgCWGmli_dLsEXOiEJUSTVah4A6cyqU8jyMbOrB0EwWXg6vvwAREV5oUwW_8Ac_hGaF6D6orZHL05RqKF_EfSA/s1600/PokeyBugs4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9b6pPRBKlx63hQheBY5-g4U_w-dGXfyZcbmsmJ_evCFExQ876uKOX0WgCWGmli_dLsEXOiEJUSTVah4A6cyqU8jyMbOrB0EwWXg6vvwAREV5oUwW_8Ac_hGaF6D6orZHL05RqKF_EfSA/s320/PokeyBugs4.JPG" width="228" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Young summer fun:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9t5cL4kYbGCPxR7qeOM0bL9Z_-6GOrWpN8nfA8ks5mXDoYW_mzQ-sK6EuILZRflcYQSEnFyuagc3mRp7OebIbR7gJG3iGT0k0aRPInUaJ9Kf47aeQ8eWvv3LJnrNYFXjp3rBpqfStCo/s1600/PokeyBugs7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9t5cL4kYbGCPxR7qeOM0bL9Z_-6GOrWpN8nfA8ks5mXDoYW_mzQ-sK6EuILZRflcYQSEnFyuagc3mRp7OebIbR7gJG3iGT0k0aRPInUaJ9Kf47aeQ8eWvv3LJnrNYFXjp3rBpqfStCo/s320/PokeyBugs7.JPG" width="226" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqH9JnsPcg8Dgtqyc1SogqbXTj8jOpcAIduzuzoR02LQLrwhnd5yFdTBmIoCfatgVUcx5gOnUFrnEOY1-0TNv5Utmt1_F81xWEBIVmG36Mjcq4nC3o3ScqB2asAMJQ64cp4fV-W93wI1g/s1600/PokeyBugs8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqH9JnsPcg8Dgtqyc1SogqbXTj8jOpcAIduzuzoR02LQLrwhnd5yFdTBmIoCfatgVUcx5gOnUFrnEOY1-0TNv5Utmt1_F81xWEBIVmG36Mjcq4nC3o3ScqB2asAMJQ64cp4fV-W93wI1g/s320/PokeyBugs8.JPG" width="241" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9dURTcKiojp2twDv9TODODbAUw3xTtDDxYY04fq2nLlZ6NKIOV7FbxqzGEtaA-IFVyxD_6VNsX8idR2VocWxVz9UcLexse78f-WLo7jPpdr5dyNXn7n5uMZSKOD5oQuy9lg2dKUyAbQ/s1600/PokeyBugs6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9dURTcKiojp2twDv9TODODbAUw3xTtDDxYY04fq2nLlZ6NKIOV7FbxqzGEtaA-IFVyxD_6VNsX8idR2VocWxVz9UcLexse78f-WLo7jPpdr5dyNXn7n5uMZSKOD5oQuy9lg2dKUyAbQ/s320/PokeyBugs6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Katie's graduation from DBU: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NvG-EyVzor3TlR1UkNG8FaeawuPoNkVE-r9F43Ac8ToiMDfJN7THhbMmQECCwsFUACSlbLNyYAa0dDQpMr2P_dpD9eQzgk6NKpXdB2FrOYxiXEDE_Qn8xBZSBuUSNhvKxVbefbGzxrw/s1600/PokeyBugs1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NvG-EyVzor3TlR1UkNG8FaeawuPoNkVE-r9F43Ac8ToiMDfJN7THhbMmQECCwsFUACSlbLNyYAa0dDQpMr2P_dpD9eQzgk6NKpXdB2FrOYxiXEDE_Qn8xBZSBuUSNhvKxVbefbGzxrw/s320/PokeyBugs1.JPG" width="315" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">At my new apartment in 2004: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9qvqWNkjDsZ8bYJmZ5d43SF_Nlrz46eYZIJ-71wlXIYgK_i8kFMG4T843NTwKO4nR2b4G0T9y-_koBJlk9AvKYGrElYrzEHX32wG_jJV07D8sV8KX8k0Wg-UWHKO4XY4F2d8GYzJXYM/s1600/PokeyBugs5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9qvqWNkjDsZ8bYJmZ5d43SF_Nlrz46eYZIJ-71wlXIYgK_i8kFMG4T843NTwKO4nR2b4G0T9y-_koBJlk9AvKYGrElYrzEHX32wG_jJV07D8sV8KX8k0Wg-UWHKO4XY4F2d8GYzJXYM/s320/PokeyBugs5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my bridesmaids: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfX-6nMw08cPFuMogBo5JBzxf3u-JDDQIu5IQqYRw17QxtEJUZu1rpy28P-mGoXVdREnTWgQLspi4_75qn0d8Y13dIcnH8sEIsu97iE2vfSQePMyBU2B7XfQG8yMgyjZDNiFB9E9MxzAI/s1600/CHS_0062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfX-6nMw08cPFuMogBo5JBzxf3u-JDDQIu5IQqYRw17QxtEJUZu1rpy28P-mGoXVdREnTWgQLspi4_75qn0d8Y13dIcnH8sEIsu97iE2vfSQePMyBU2B7XfQG8yMgyjZDNiFB9E9MxzAI/s320/CHS_0062.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">At some friends' wedding when I was pregnant with Julia:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufzzWr4b5xwBVZJPHIVx95RwGaMGWinBMC3-IWvdz_bA_j52XuIwsmvgPpx-ig5gJKqQCSo_E0blExw2dj0ukJm6RAK5JnQCi5HpB34EZQNy_i31aq022kMDXAf9ldfmbIFu8Ct_3zcg/s1600/pokeybugs11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZcOm9MVRg4wJ95JGiDZbxJJcUFWUjieKen52yZyN8_lRMO8icp6iehorQii_948skDazl4aEgwONBTdrEu8OxQVOYQ-r3MJgFqS4DRFy6pHGHddrNnEvb1Zu7Tq9cg213PzerHiO0KM/s1600/pokeybugs12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZcOm9MVRg4wJ95JGiDZbxJJcUFWUjieKen52yZyN8_lRMO8icp6iehorQii_948skDazl4aEgwONBTdrEu8OxQVOYQ-r3MJgFqS4DRFy6pHGHddrNnEvb1Zu7Tq9cg213PzerHiO0KM/s1600/pokeybugs12.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Holding my firstborn:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiSW9tk21SEqIKFQloMLGd5rN2nV0B4j87vIF3QBxJWgebGng49BjgZ5QBluI5p9aBL6tQXQdlm7WIIBMmWZuvZThTajh5-niJH-RKxdSqLUC5WfHXOMddZPTZLgpoRPw7d0JwbL6ST0/s1600/Katie+Julia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiSW9tk21SEqIKFQloMLGd5rN2nV0B4j87vIF3QBxJWgebGng49BjgZ5QBluI5p9aBL6tQXQdlm7WIIBMmWZuvZThTajh5-niJH-RKxdSqLUC5WfHXOMddZPTZLgpoRPw7d0JwbL6ST0/s320/Katie+Julia.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">At the State Fair a couple years ago:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M2iWKvIHvN6ofYCW6p1j3Mz97a0PI-sLnIxzMmbMtXeYTdHuUe0fgk4D2tv6TXdgOGa0uu8pZRVQHKll4dW6zcGbcYF8jpNiIVOsP1S5gn5s3Tx2lfdgToGDO9z0LaU1hzpoYiAeBm8/s1600/DSCF1424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M2iWKvIHvN6ofYCW6p1j3Mz97a0PI-sLnIxzMmbMtXeYTdHuUe0fgk4D2tv6TXdgOGa0uu8pZRVQHKll4dW6zcGbcYF8jpNiIVOsP1S5gn5s3Tx2lfdgToGDO9z0LaU1hzpoYiAeBm8/s320/DSCF1424.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Fast forward to 9 days ago at our roommate reunion:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhFqxWgFL4pl1FAqqWHa5tc0A2GEIwVv89l6rqhjqjmxx3RNN_Be_LoP4YGY1ghKtkXS0rLa7u9ZAJ6OKcY_PTfSxjQxDZYdOC684kDPeJf4snB0W9yyvM-9gfhKZwTQYraeAdC6edmw/s1600/pokeybugs10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmhFqxWgFL4pl1FAqqWHa5tc0A2GEIwVv89l6rqhjqjmxx3RNN_Be_LoP4YGY1ghKtkXS0rLa7u9ZAJ6OKcY_PTfSxjQxDZYdOC684kDPeJf4snB0W9yyvM-9gfhKZwTQYraeAdC6edmw/s1600/pokeybugs10.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Some warm memories:<br />
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*working in some lady's garden while reciting Princess Bride word-for-word.<br />
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*singing "Yesu-raja-vanderickiya" on a stage in south India in front of a sea of people. Wait I do have that pic...<br />
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*trying on hideously cute vintage outfits at a thrift store in Arlington.<br />
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*waking up at 7:53 and swiping in by 8:00.<br />
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*making lasagna with a homemade sauce that took 3 hours to simmer.<br />
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*painting our toenails outside our apartment while listening to Louis Armstrong.<br />
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*going ice-skating at the galleria (she bought me socks because I was wearing sandals!) for my bday.<br />
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*having her in the room when i was in labor for the first time, she rubbed my feet and sympathized for my agony and held Julia so sweetly afterwards.<br />
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*canceling her plans at the last minute to come over and give me a shoulder to cry on right after a breakup.<br />
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*watching a marathon bollywood movie one night at her place.<br />
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*i still have cute magnets and keychains she's given me as souvenirs from many places she's traveled to.<br />
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*she told me "why don't you just marry [riley]?" early on when many of my friends totally disapproved of him. she was so right!<br />
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Katie is a great listener, always encourages me and convinces me that I'm funny. We wear the same size jeans but for different reasons... kind of weird in a sisterhood-of-the-traveling-pants way. Her family is small and mine is big, but there's still so much in common there.<br />
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Her only flaw EVER was that she was always late... but worth the wait! And now she's only sometimes late ;) <br />
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I love you Katie and your friendship means the world to me! I hope you had the best birthday ever! AND... Let it be known that it was I and I alone who first donned you Katiebug! ;)<br />
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Pokeyjojoannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862024015904970822.post-59856274579865801172011-01-24T20:55:00.000-06:002011-01-24T20:55:23.994-06:00Start My Own Business?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN6mdpEFPitpBLlZc3qWegRcFcgqZkkLCg_v5vYHYl1Jw_AIG325O6nCgYFw6JCZmMtlPAusuY3DUZBr4EOeYtfgt0fzWlqjuRnteFdGeIsgXDa_sc544o5ySxWk6NIa_b86lWC1hj_Y/s1600/pastelyarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN6mdpEFPitpBLlZc3qWegRcFcgqZkkLCg_v5vYHYl1Jw_AIG325O6nCgYFw6JCZmMtlPAusuY3DUZBr4EOeYtfgt0fzWlqjuRnteFdGeIsgXDa_sc544o5ySxWk6NIa_b86lWC1hj_Y/s1600/pastelyarn.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>I'm toying around with the idea of opening an Etsy shop or just a Facebook business page that I can sell through. See, I have this obsession with crocheting baby blankets (aside from being generally crafty when the occasional whim hits), and I get really giddy when I find a new yarn that is soft and thick and comes in lots of great colors. I've gotten in the habit of making them for my expectant friends, but they just aren't popping out the little ones fast enough.<br />
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I've thought for a while how nice it would be to make a little extra income doing something I love, without having to leave my kids. But, I haven't felt confident enough that there would be much demand for my creations, despite some hints from friends and family that I should do it.<br />
<br />
However, I was encouraged by the recent success of my friend Kathryn and her new business, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#%21/pages/Baby-Buttons-Design/259418151722?v=wall">Baby Buttons Designs</a>. She and her mom make the sweetest, most fabulous hats and booties, for all ages! <br />
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So, I think it might be time to just give it a whirl! I'll also be looking into donating some to NICU babies, due to a great suggestion from a couple friends.<br />
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I do scarves and diaper cakes as well, and am trying to get good at leg warmers, but the main thing will probably be blankets, at least starting out!<br />
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It would be really cool to to do a jumpstart giveaway soon too, either through this blog, or maybe on a friend's. So stay tuned for that!<br />
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Alright, so what's in a name?!... I need votes and/or suggestions. Here's my list so far of ideas: (some variations that were already taken have been eliminated...be honest but don't laugh!)<br />
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Sweet Snuggles<br />
Sweet Little Snuggles<br />
Cozy Little Snuggles<br />
Little Baby Cuddles<br />
Little Baby Snuggles<br />
Little Cuddles<br />
Little Snuggles<br />
Cozy Petite<br />
Cozy and Sweet<br />
Cozy Cuddlebugs<br />
Sweet Cuddlebugs<br />
Cuddly Petite<br />
Pookie Petite<br />
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<br />
I think I prefer the 2-word names for simplicity sake, but I want something that's catchy and cute without being cheesy.<br />
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It will probably take a little while to set everything up, what with samples and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=31938&id=1089174438&l=6c6641c31f">pictures</a> and pricing and sizes and colors and kinds of yarn, etc... but I've been analyzing and calculating that lately anyway so I have a starting point to work with.<br />
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Ok friends and family... now it's your turn... opinions? suggestions? advice? words of wisdom/encouragement?joannaleehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10319971583873855679noreply@blogger.com8