01 March 2011
Stations of the Cross: Hands-On for children
Click here for the link to Catholic's Icing's printable Stations of the Cross. I think they are beautiful and can't wait to print them and glue them onto cardstock with Ruby Red!
Breathe easy
I recently read an article titled "Tame Your Temper" from one of my last issues ever of Mothering Magazine. Although I am personally frustrated and have recently been jipped by this company, this article is worth mentioning because I just tried it with my 2 1/2 year old and it worked!
If you know me at all you know that I'm feisty, quick-tempered, don't shy away from confrontation and am a Mamma Bear when it comes to my kids (and my husband, I have to admit). All of these things have proven to be both strengths and down falls depending on the situation in which they are used.
Let me tell you something, my temper almost got the better of me today, as it does most days with Ruby Red. She and I already have that kind of "tug-a-war" mother-daughter-relationship and I absolutely despise it. She is like me in so many ways. So many people, my husband and myself included, recognize that her strong-willed personality and equal "feisty-ness", if channeled the right way, will allow her to conquer the world and do much good in the world. Seriously, she could be that amazing if she learns earlier than her mommy to control her temper!
Today was a day like every other except that Baby Blue is sick with what Ruby Red had a week ago. This includes a very high fever, lethargy, a lot of snuggles and moping around. Now that Ruby Red is well again she's ready to go as usual but I have had my hands tied up in nurturing Baby Blue; Ruby Red doesn't like it one bit! Now that she's better she wants to play, and read in the tent (if she agreed to the couch we'd be fine!), and jump around like a little monkey. So, being a 2 year old and still learning how to express her emotions, we've been having a number of meltdowns and tantrums today. Now normally this would end with me trying to stay calm, but instead my blood pressure rising to the point where I explode, we start yelling at each other, both storm off and so on. Today I decided would be different. Ruby Red is never going to learn how to control her temper if she sees her mother flying off the handle. Instead I sat her down and told her not to move, like I always do. The difference was I told her that mommy needed to leave the room to breathe and calm down so I didn't lose it. I left her knowing she was safe. I went into another room, closed my eyes, prayed a desperate Hail Mary as I begged Our Lady to help me be more like her, then I began to consciously take deep breaths in and out until I felt my entire body relax. After a couple of minutes had passed I was calm again and Ruby Red had stopped screaming because she had no one to put a show on for. I went back in and we talked about her behavior- how it makes both mommy and Jesus very sad and that our goal is to make Him smile. I explained to her that Jesus' "boo boos" on the Crucifix were there because of tantrums from both kids and mommies and that we can make them feel a little better when we act out of love instead of screaming to get our way. You know- she got it! Granted she was right back to throwing another tantrum only a half hour later but I repeated everything and kept reminding myself of the article I read- of how it said to say to yourself "I can only control my actions, not hers..." I was shocked at how effectively it worked. I hope I can continue this and hopefully nip this in the bud and give my girls a head start at learning a better way to handle stress and frustration.
If you know me at all you know that I'm feisty, quick-tempered, don't shy away from confrontation and am a Mamma Bear when it comes to my kids (and my husband, I have to admit). All of these things have proven to be both strengths and down falls depending on the situation in which they are used.
Let me tell you something, my temper almost got the better of me today, as it does most days with Ruby Red. She and I already have that kind of "tug-a-war" mother-daughter-relationship and I absolutely despise it. She is like me in so many ways. So many people, my husband and myself included, recognize that her strong-willed personality and equal "feisty-ness", if channeled the right way, will allow her to conquer the world and do much good in the world. Seriously, she could be that amazing if she learns earlier than her mommy to control her temper!
Today was a day like every other except that Baby Blue is sick with what Ruby Red had a week ago. This includes a very high fever, lethargy, a lot of snuggles and moping around. Now that Ruby Red is well again she's ready to go as usual but I have had my hands tied up in nurturing Baby Blue; Ruby Red doesn't like it one bit! Now that she's better she wants to play, and read in the tent (if she agreed to the couch we'd be fine!), and jump around like a little monkey. So, being a 2 year old and still learning how to express her emotions, we've been having a number of meltdowns and tantrums today. Now normally this would end with me trying to stay calm, but instead my blood pressure rising to the point where I explode, we start yelling at each other, both storm off and so on. Today I decided would be different. Ruby Red is never going to learn how to control her temper if she sees her mother flying off the handle. Instead I sat her down and told her not to move, like I always do. The difference was I told her that mommy needed to leave the room to breathe and calm down so I didn't lose it. I left her knowing she was safe. I went into another room, closed my eyes, prayed a desperate Hail Mary as I begged Our Lady to help me be more like her, then I began to consciously take deep breaths in and out until I felt my entire body relax. After a couple of minutes had passed I was calm again and Ruby Red had stopped screaming because she had no one to put a show on for. I went back in and we talked about her behavior- how it makes both mommy and Jesus very sad and that our goal is to make Him smile. I explained to her that Jesus' "boo boos" on the Crucifix were there because of tantrums from both kids and mommies and that we can make them feel a little better when we act out of love instead of screaming to get our way. You know- she got it! Granted she was right back to throwing another tantrum only a half hour later but I repeated everything and kept reminding myself of the article I read- of how it said to say to yourself "I can only control my actions, not hers..." I was shocked at how effectively it worked. I hope I can continue this and hopefully nip this in the bud and give my girls a head start at learning a better way to handle stress and frustration.
21 February 2011
Food for Lent
Lent is coming quickly so I wanted to post three recipes for friday meals and fasting days that are meatless, kid- friendly and really easy. Of course, I LOVE fish frys, but we don't always have the time to do it ourselves or the money to buy them every friday. These are cheap, easy and yummy! (At first Dan thought the 1st two recipes were pregnancy cravings when I was expecting Lena, but I had been having them for years and love them!)
Note: I'm not putting measurements for the 1st two recipes because they really are to taste and family size and, to be honest, I've never measured them so I wouldn't really know...
Scrambled Eggs and Noodles:
Boil any kind of pasta you like...I prefer an egg noodles, such as Kluski, or spaghetti.
Crack as many eggs as will feed your family into a bowl. Add milk and wisk.
Pour the pasta in a big pan, then pour the egg mixture over that. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix occasionally until the eggs scramble.
Lena absolutely loves this meal!
Cream Tuna on Toast- if you're pregnant, use White Albacore Tuna sparingly, but there are others!
(Toast slices of bread for the family while making the tuna and white sauce..to start, probably 2 slices per person, maybe more).
In a saucepan, add 1 cup of milk and 2 Tbsp flour (can double, triple, etc depending on family size but I'll just do this one for a single recipe). Stir until thick and bubbly. May have to add more flour if it's not thickening but this usually works for me. After that has thickened, add 1-2 cans of drained tuna and a 1/2 bag of sweet baby peas. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir until combined and pour over slices of bread. Serve and enjoy!
Soft Pretzels:
1 package yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
4 cups flour
1 egg
Mix your yeast, water, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the flour, and knead until the dough is smooth. Shape into the form of arms crossed in prayer and place it on a baking sheet. Brush the dough with a beaten egg to give it a shiny finish. Sprinkle the top with salt (I use sea salt), and bake in an oven preheated to 425 degrees for 15 minutes.
I hope you enjoy these simple meals and have a holy and prayerful Lent!
Note: I'm not putting measurements for the 1st two recipes because they really are to taste and family size and, to be honest, I've never measured them so I wouldn't really know...
Scrambled Eggs and Noodles:
Boil any kind of pasta you like...I prefer an egg noodles, such as Kluski, or spaghetti.
Crack as many eggs as will feed your family into a bowl. Add milk and wisk.
Pour the pasta in a big pan, then pour the egg mixture over that. Add salt and pepper to taste and mix occasionally until the eggs scramble.
Lena absolutely loves this meal!
Cream Tuna on Toast- if you're pregnant, use White Albacore Tuna sparingly, but there are others!
(Toast slices of bread for the family while making the tuna and white sauce..to start, probably 2 slices per person, maybe more).
In a saucepan, add 1 cup of milk and 2 Tbsp flour (can double, triple, etc depending on family size but I'll just do this one for a single recipe). Stir until thick and bubbly. May have to add more flour if it's not thickening but this usually works for me. After that has thickened, add 1-2 cans of drained tuna and a 1/2 bag of sweet baby peas. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir until combined and pour over slices of bread. Serve and enjoy!
Soft Pretzels:
1 package yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
4 cups flour
1 egg
Mix your yeast, water, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the flour, and knead until the dough is smooth. Shape into the form of arms crossed in prayer and place it on a baking sheet. Brush the dough with a beaten egg to give it a shiny finish. Sprinkle the top with salt (I use sea salt), and bake in an oven preheated to 425 degrees for 15 minutes.
I hope you enjoy these simple meals and have a holy and prayerful Lent!
03 February 2011
U-Turn
Moms often have a pre-conceived idea about how they're going to parent: how they're going to put their babies to bed, are they going to use pacifiers, are they going to vaccinate, homebirth or hospital birth, disposable or cloth diapering, the list goes on and on. I too had these lofty ideas of the perfect way to love and nurture my children. I would say that I follow attachment parenting and love the reasons why breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby-wearing, etc have come to be loved by many parents. I have to admit that if the hard-core AP mom looks at me, she may not think that this fits me all the time. I have come to realize that my children don't strictly fit a certain "mold" and I have to tailor my parenting strategies according to their needs, likes, or even what's working best for our family no matter what anyone else thinks the right way may be.
My husband and I have recently grown weary of the thought of putting Baby Blue to bed. She's such an angel and I have loved nursing her to sleep and then letting her sleep in our bed so that I could roll over and nurse her when she wanted to. However, for the past few months it hasn't been as nostalgic as it was in the beginning. This happened with Ruby Red too around 6 months and we resolved to patting her to sleep, which would sometimes take hours. In the end she would eventually drift off into a peaceful and uninterrupted sleep. It was wonderful. Baby Blue was different and if we patted her and sang to her she screamed. Yet our previous way also wasn't fitting us anymore. She'd be exhausted by 8 pm and want to go to bed only to be up 1 1/2 hrs later, playing for another 3 hrs absolutely miserable because she was really tired but we couldn't convince her of this. No matter what we did or when we put her to bed, earlier or later, this was the routine and it was exhausting both physically and emotionally on all of us and usually ended up with a 1-2am bedtime :/
My husband went out of town for a week and my first thought was: "How am I going to get Baby Blue to bed on my own?" It's one thing having someone there to trade off playing with and walking the miserable and tired baby, but all alone? And what was worse was that she didn't want me, she wanted my husband. When she was with me she felt she needed to nurse, but she was tired and honestly didn't want to so she'd lay in my arms thrashing and screaming as I was trying to hush and nurse her to sleep. It was so stressful. I was also newly pregnant and didn't know it; my "morning sickness" hits at 3pm only to get worse as the night goes on. By the time we got to 8 or 9pm I was so sick and so miserably tired I couldn't take it anymore. Little did I know I was pregnant, but I don't think that would've really helped! I swore I would never let my kids "cry it out". I didn't want them scared or having mistrust issues. I would tough it out. But one night I just couldn't do it anymore. I was so sick that I had to lay her in her bed with a binki and let her cry. I cried too as I felt I was failing as a mother. I would get up every 5 minutes to reassure her that she wasn't being bad but she really needed to sleep. And you know, it worked! After an hour of her crying she was peacefully asleep. And I can tell you for certain that she wasn't one bit scared as I made sure that I crawled off the couch to let her know I was there for her. She was mad, mad, mad but ok otherwise. I never let her get so out of hand that we got to the "point of no return". When she became really worked up I would nurse her, calm her down, then lay her back in her crib. She slept 8 hours straight that night then nursed for a long time in the morning. The next day I didn't feel as sick but thought we should give it a shot again. Waaay easier. She knew what I was doing, got mad and then gave up. The third night was a little more difficult and I thought we should give it up but I didn't; I just felt I had to be firm with her. Every other night after that became easier and easier. I cannot tell you what day we're on anymore, only that she's in bed by 8-8:30 after a good nursing and asleep until 7am. Seriously! She'll occasionally wake up and talk to herself and then put herself back to sleep. I can't believe it. She really only cried 3 nights, but was doing that before when it was me and not my husband... And the same goes for naps- I put her down with her binki, may have to go in a few times to find it for her and viola! What started out as a desperate attempt to have some peace has truly turned into just that and it wasn't the horrible, unloving scene that I had always pictured. I may not do this with the next baby. Every baby is different and this is what was in the best interest of our family. Baby Blue needed a firm but gentle reminder that she needed sleep. It wasn't a punishment and it wasn't out of selfishness on my part. Sometimes you have to take a U-Turn in parenting to see if something works, even if you swore you never would. As long as your decision or trial is done out of love and looking after what's best for your baby I really think it's ok. I wouldn't have always said this. My new style of parenting: "Baby-led parenting"; that's what I'm going to call it.
I will add one more thing and that is that I will for certain never try this with a young baby. I think that would be a little selfish and you have to first establish a good trusting relationship with your baby so that they know you're always there. I would hate it if my baby was ever scared because of something I was doing. I apologize to every mother out there I've ever judged for letting their baby cry it out. I believe that every parent that truly loves their child makes their decisions out of love. As long as that's at the forefront there's no way you can go wrong!
(Suggestions or other tips welcome as long as they're respectful. I'm sorry to anyone who disagrees with me but it may not be right for you and your family and if you've never given it an honest-to-goodness try, please don't judge.)
"The No Cry Sleep Solution" worked wonders with Ruby Red, but not so much with Baby Blue. I am still a HUGE advocate of this book! As I said, every baby is different and we tried everything from this book with Baby Blue, but in the end I think we took the right approach.
My husband and I have recently grown weary of the thought of putting Baby Blue to bed. She's such an angel and I have loved nursing her to sleep and then letting her sleep in our bed so that I could roll over and nurse her when she wanted to. However, for the past few months it hasn't been as nostalgic as it was in the beginning. This happened with Ruby Red too around 6 months and we resolved to patting her to sleep, which would sometimes take hours. In the end she would eventually drift off into a peaceful and uninterrupted sleep. It was wonderful. Baby Blue was different and if we patted her and sang to her she screamed. Yet our previous way also wasn't fitting us anymore. She'd be exhausted by 8 pm and want to go to bed only to be up 1 1/2 hrs later, playing for another 3 hrs absolutely miserable because she was really tired but we couldn't convince her of this. No matter what we did or when we put her to bed, earlier or later, this was the routine and it was exhausting both physically and emotionally on all of us and usually ended up with a 1-2am bedtime :/
My husband went out of town for a week and my first thought was: "How am I going to get Baby Blue to bed on my own?" It's one thing having someone there to trade off playing with and walking the miserable and tired baby, but all alone? And what was worse was that she didn't want me, she wanted my husband. When she was with me she felt she needed to nurse, but she was tired and honestly didn't want to so she'd lay in my arms thrashing and screaming as I was trying to hush and nurse her to sleep. It was so stressful. I was also newly pregnant and didn't know it; my "morning sickness" hits at 3pm only to get worse as the night goes on. By the time we got to 8 or 9pm I was so sick and so miserably tired I couldn't take it anymore. Little did I know I was pregnant, but I don't think that would've really helped! I swore I would never let my kids "cry it out". I didn't want them scared or having mistrust issues. I would tough it out. But one night I just couldn't do it anymore. I was so sick that I had to lay her in her bed with a binki and let her cry. I cried too as I felt I was failing as a mother. I would get up every 5 minutes to reassure her that she wasn't being bad but she really needed to sleep. And you know, it worked! After an hour of her crying she was peacefully asleep. And I can tell you for certain that she wasn't one bit scared as I made sure that I crawled off the couch to let her know I was there for her. She was mad, mad, mad but ok otherwise. I never let her get so out of hand that we got to the "point of no return". When she became really worked up I would nurse her, calm her down, then lay her back in her crib. She slept 8 hours straight that night then nursed for a long time in the morning. The next day I didn't feel as sick but thought we should give it a shot again. Waaay easier. She knew what I was doing, got mad and then gave up. The third night was a little more difficult and I thought we should give it up but I didn't; I just felt I had to be firm with her. Every other night after that became easier and easier. I cannot tell you what day we're on anymore, only that she's in bed by 8-8:30 after a good nursing and asleep until 7am. Seriously! She'll occasionally wake up and talk to herself and then put herself back to sleep. I can't believe it. She really only cried 3 nights, but was doing that before when it was me and not my husband... And the same goes for naps- I put her down with her binki, may have to go in a few times to find it for her and viola! What started out as a desperate attempt to have some peace has truly turned into just that and it wasn't the horrible, unloving scene that I had always pictured. I may not do this with the next baby. Every baby is different and this is what was in the best interest of our family. Baby Blue needed a firm but gentle reminder that she needed sleep. It wasn't a punishment and it wasn't out of selfishness on my part. Sometimes you have to take a U-Turn in parenting to see if something works, even if you swore you never would. As long as your decision or trial is done out of love and looking after what's best for your baby I really think it's ok. I wouldn't have always said this. My new style of parenting: "Baby-led parenting"; that's what I'm going to call it.
I will add one more thing and that is that I will for certain never try this with a young baby. I think that would be a little selfish and you have to first establish a good trusting relationship with your baby so that they know you're always there. I would hate it if my baby was ever scared because of something I was doing. I apologize to every mother out there I've ever judged for letting their baby cry it out. I believe that every parent that truly loves their child makes their decisions out of love. As long as that's at the forefront there's no way you can go wrong!
(Suggestions or other tips welcome as long as they're respectful. I'm sorry to anyone who disagrees with me but it may not be right for you and your family and if you've never given it an honest-to-goodness try, please don't judge.)
"The No Cry Sleep Solution" worked wonders with Ruby Red, but not so much with Baby Blue. I am still a HUGE advocate of this book! As I said, every baby is different and we tried everything from this book with Baby Blue, but in the end I think we took the right approach.
02 February 2011
Welcome Little Baby!
My husband and I recently found out we're expecting another baby! This came much to our surprise as we were waiting at least another 9-10 months before we were going to start trying again. After the initial shock and tears subsided we realized that sometimes being "open to life" is harder than you think it ever will be. I had been at a baby shower the day before we found out, when the mommy-to-be asked if I was ready for another. My reply, "Oh no, definitely not yet." Ha!
After missing 3 Masses the morning we found out because I was a wreck, we finally made it to one. All the readings and homily seemed to have the same message: It's not always easy following God's will. Being His servant, there is often both joy and sacrifice. Thankfully for us, our families and friends, for the most part, have been incredibly supportive of us. Of course we've already gotten the looks and comments. I mean, yes 3 babies in 4 years is a lot! I won't deny that the very thought overwhelms me as I had just been saying that it was getting easier with the girls. In reality, it's probably the best timing with the campaign year coming up, since Dan will be gone a lot and at least I won't be home alone with two toddlers and a newborn... We are now very excited about this little one. Lena is very excited too! She keeps telling us she wants a "boy sister"....we'll have to work on that. LOL
Looking back I can sort of relate to our Blessed Mother as she said "yes". (Disclaimer: I am in no way saying I am perfect or comparable to Mary; but man is it hard to say "yes" sometimes and trust that God knows what He's doing!) I know things always happen for a reason and it'll be a fun adventure. It'll also be "fun" hearing all the comments from co-workers, neighbors, family and strangers. We've already gotten a few comments like "You're brave", "You guys are going to be the next Duggars" and "Keep Dan away from my wife". Why don't these people just mind their own business and celebrate the blessing of a new life?! Dan and I both said, as we were dreading telling people, it's not always easy following Him but that's exactly what we're called to do.
So, welcome little one! We cannot wait to meet you and I'm very excited about this 9 month journey to bond with you and love you.
After missing 3 Masses the morning we found out because I was a wreck, we finally made it to one. All the readings and homily seemed to have the same message: It's not always easy following God's will. Being His servant, there is often both joy and sacrifice. Thankfully for us, our families and friends, for the most part, have been incredibly supportive of us. Of course we've already gotten the looks and comments. I mean, yes 3 babies in 4 years is a lot! I won't deny that the very thought overwhelms me as I had just been saying that it was getting easier with the girls. In reality, it's probably the best timing with the campaign year coming up, since Dan will be gone a lot and at least I won't be home alone with two toddlers and a newborn... We are now very excited about this little one. Lena is very excited too! She keeps telling us she wants a "boy sister"....we'll have to work on that. LOL
Looking back I can sort of relate to our Blessed Mother as she said "yes". (Disclaimer: I am in no way saying I am perfect or comparable to Mary; but man is it hard to say "yes" sometimes and trust that God knows what He's doing!) I know things always happen for a reason and it'll be a fun adventure. It'll also be "fun" hearing all the comments from co-workers, neighbors, family and strangers. We've already gotten a few comments like "You're brave", "You guys are going to be the next Duggars" and "Keep Dan away from my wife". Why don't these people just mind their own business and celebrate the blessing of a new life?! Dan and I both said, as we were dreading telling people, it's not always easy following Him but that's exactly what we're called to do.
So, welcome little one! We cannot wait to meet you and I'm very excited about this 9 month journey to bond with you and love you.
19 January 2011
It's a New Year!
So it's about 3 weeks into the New Year and I am finally writing. It took me a long time to figure out what my "resolutions" were going to be for this year. Why? Because I wanted to do a real internal examination of myself and make my resolutions lasting and not something silly and meaningless.
For starters, I will begin with the most superficial: losing ALL baby weight and getting back to my wedding size before I get pregnant again....and getting back to my pre-Baby Blue size by her 1st birthday. The latter won't be as difficult as I'm already almost there. I'm really excited about it and figure this is a good goal before each new baby. Some would say it's vanity, but I would have to disagree. I'm not trying to be a size 2 or 100 lbs. For goodness sake, that would not be healthy for my body type. I've started going to the gym 3 times a week and have 12 free training sessions! When I told my trainer (a very thin 19 year old who I nicely told, "No you may not pinch my belly fat, you wouldn't understand"!) my end-goal she actually suggested staying 5 lbs above that for a healthy weight. I was glad to have that guidance since I was often accused of having an eating disorder in college because I was so thin. (Did my friends not always see me eating?! Anyway....) I think as a woman it can be so easy to get caught up in the weight and pant size instead of realizing what's best for your body and loving it that way. It can go both ways- some have to lose and others mgiht look and feel better putting on some weight. Eating hasn't really changed at all, which I'm totally fine with ;) I eat all the time like I used to because if I don't, my insulin drops and I'm miserable, dizzy and mean (and I'm serious; it's a familial/genetical thing). I eat extremely healthy. My only vice is that darn 1/2 gallon of ice cream in the freezer at night. Eh, whatever! LOL
Facebook and blogging: these two things have been a menace. No really. I know it doesn't seem like that for my blog, but I had 10 unpublished posts that I just deleted. And why did I delete them you may ask? They were mostly meant to educate and I don't want to be one of those people who comes across as knowing everything about everything. I know I'm an intelligent, well-educated, confident woman and shouldn't feel the need to prove it to everybody. Also, I figure there's enough out there that if people want a perspective on health, food, homeopathy, parenting, marriage, etc. they can find it. People don't want to hear this stuff from me! If they want my take on something, they'll ask me and I'll be happy to give my input but it drives me crazy when people think it's their "duty" to educate people on the "right" way (usually in their minds, the only way) to do something. It's insulting, really. If you're anything like Dan or I, you suffer from "knee-jerk syndrome": automatically doing something different because you're expected to do it the other way. As a side note, we've gotten much better about it, but still, I cannot stand when people question our decisions about pregnancy, birth, the girls, food, vaccines, etc. Ah! (Just wait until people hear what we are planning for our birth next time;) No questions, please, it'll be a complete surprise to everyone, especially coming from Dan!) Now that's not to say that if I see or hear a friend doing or struggling with something that I won't offer a suggestion, but I've tried phrasing it: "Would you like my input? I won't be offended if you don't use it.". I'm not saying I'm going to keep everything I've learned to myself; I just don't like that "duty" attitude that I encounter.
To go along with that I am trying really really hard not to post anything negative, even in sarcasm, on facebook. Yes, I failed the other day:
For starters, I will begin with the most superficial: losing ALL baby weight and getting back to my wedding size before I get pregnant again....and getting back to my pre-Baby Blue size by her 1st birthday. The latter won't be as difficult as I'm already almost there. I'm really excited about it and figure this is a good goal before each new baby. Some would say it's vanity, but I would have to disagree. I'm not trying to be a size 2 or 100 lbs. For goodness sake, that would not be healthy for my body type. I've started going to the gym 3 times a week and have 12 free training sessions! When I told my trainer (a very thin 19 year old who I nicely told, "No you may not pinch my belly fat, you wouldn't understand"!) my end-goal she actually suggested staying 5 lbs above that for a healthy weight. I was glad to have that guidance since I was often accused of having an eating disorder in college because I was so thin. (Did my friends not always see me eating?! Anyway....) I think as a woman it can be so easy to get caught up in the weight and pant size instead of realizing what's best for your body and loving it that way. It can go both ways- some have to lose and others mgiht look and feel better putting on some weight. Eating hasn't really changed at all, which I'm totally fine with ;) I eat all the time like I used to because if I don't, my insulin drops and I'm miserable, dizzy and mean (and I'm serious; it's a familial/genetical thing). I eat extremely healthy. My only vice is that darn 1/2 gallon of ice cream in the freezer at night. Eh, whatever! LOL
Facebook and blogging: these two things have been a menace. No really. I know it doesn't seem like that for my blog, but I had 10 unpublished posts that I just deleted. And why did I delete them you may ask? They were mostly meant to educate and I don't want to be one of those people who comes across as knowing everything about everything. I know I'm an intelligent, well-educated, confident woman and shouldn't feel the need to prove it to everybody. Also, I figure there's enough out there that if people want a perspective on health, food, homeopathy, parenting, marriage, etc. they can find it. People don't want to hear this stuff from me! If they want my take on something, they'll ask me and I'll be happy to give my input but it drives me crazy when people think it's their "duty" to educate people on the "right" way (usually in their minds, the only way) to do something. It's insulting, really. If you're anything like Dan or I, you suffer from "knee-jerk syndrome": automatically doing something different because you're expected to do it the other way. As a side note, we've gotten much better about it, but still, I cannot stand when people question our decisions about pregnancy, birth, the girls, food, vaccines, etc. Ah! (Just wait until people hear what we are planning for our birth next time;) No questions, please, it'll be a complete surprise to everyone, especially coming from Dan!) Now that's not to say that if I see or hear a friend doing or struggling with something that I won't offer a suggestion, but I've tried phrasing it: "Would you like my input? I won't be offended if you don't use it.". I'm not saying I'm going to keep everything I've learned to myself; I just don't like that "duty" attitude that I encounter.
To go along with that I am trying really really hard not to post anything negative, even in sarcasm, on facebook. Yes, I failed the other day:
15 November 2010
Shutterfly
So I keep getting this email for 50 free Christmas cards from Shutterfly but I have been procrastinating. I guess I really should get on it since Christmas will be here before you know it. I've been flipping through their designs and I decide for sure on which one I want yet. I also don't know if there should just be a picture of the girls or one of all four of us. Decisions- blah! Here are a few links of my favorites. Any feedback would be great!
I think this one is great because it is both religious and modern and I really like the whole brown and blue color scheme so this one would totally work. Not sure if it looks "Christmasy" enough. Hmmm.
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/christ-wishes-religious-christmas-card-5x7-flat
I think this next one is so sweet and simple. Any colors would go with it so there's no need to worry there- all I have to do is find a pic where everyone's smiling. This is a much harder task than one might think!
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/oh-holy-night-religious-christmas-card-5x7-flat
I may have found it! This one's red!!!! What could be better!
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/faith-and-family-religious-5x7-photo-card-5x7-photo?sortType=1&storeNode=60217
Ok so I know I probably won't use this one but the baby's so darn cute that I had to post the link. I just want to pinch his cute little cheeks!
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/joyful-world-religious-5x7-photo-card-5x7-photo?sortType=1&storeNode=60217
I just found this last one and think it's very simple and elegant. Ding ding ding- we have a winner!
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/pretty-poinsettia-print-christmas-card?sortType=1&storeNode=93476&fc=1
I just love getting Christmas cards from others. I hope you do too because you're probably going to be getting one from this little Batt clan!
I think this one is great because it is both religious and modern and I really like the whole brown and blue color scheme so this one would totally work. Not sure if it looks "Christmasy" enough. Hmmm.
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/christ-wishes-religious-christmas-card-5x7-flat
I think this next one is so sweet and simple. Any colors would go with it so there's no need to worry there- all I have to do is find a pic where everyone's smiling. This is a much harder task than one might think!
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/oh-holy-night-religious-christmas-card-5x7-flat
I may have found it! This one's red!!!! What could be better!
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/faith-and-family-religious-5x7-photo-card-5x7-photo?sortType=1&storeNode=60217
Ok so I know I probably won't use this one but the baby's so darn cute that I had to post the link. I just want to pinch his cute little cheeks!
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/joyful-world-religious-5x7-photo-card-5x7-photo?sortType=1&storeNode=60217
I just found this last one and think it's very simple and elegant. Ding ding ding- we have a winner!
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/pretty-poinsettia-print-christmas-card?sortType=1&storeNode=93476&fc=1
I just love getting Christmas cards from others. I hope you do too because you're probably going to be getting one from this little Batt clan!
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