I fell in the kitchen yesterday. I fell all the way to the floor. I stayed on the floor for quite awhile. Max was so sweet... "Okay, Mommy? Okay? You bump. You bumpa head." I didn't bump my head though. But I guess that is how he perceived it.
I managed to hit one knee first, then hit my backside. It was pretty jarring. The babies moved around quite a bit throughout the rest of the day just like normal. I went to the chiropractor and could tell my limp was not as bad when I left his office. The muscle strain is still there of course. I still can't go up and down stairs right now. But it is less painful today than yesterday.
I had a doctor appointment today. I measure 47 centimeters! Like I am 47 weeks pregnant! There is only about an inch, yes, one inch, between my belly and the steering wheel. I am not sure how much longer I will be able to drive. I have gained 54 lbs so far. Everything still seems to be going great, which is a huge blessing, and we are so thankful to God for his mercy and provision with these twins.
I'll have another full ultrasound next week. My doctor said that if I go into labor at any time now, it would be okay. I guess that is somewhat reassuring, but I am still prepared to go as long as needed to give these babies all the time they need.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
What to Eat When You're Pregnant Part 2
Let’s talk about it this way… according to the Brewer Diet checklist. They recommend 4 servings per day in the first category - Milk/Dairy. There is much debate over milk and dairy products – raw, organic, free-range, etc. But I am not going to discuss those issues at this point.
Most store-bought milk has the same amount of protein per serving whether it is whole, 2%, skim, whatever. The only differences are the amount of fat and the number of carbs per serving. And don’t assume that lower fat means lower carbs, in any food. In fact it usually means the opposite. Reduced fat usually means higher carb counts. The last time I compared skim milk to 2%, skim had 2 more carbs per serving with 0 fat.
You don’t really want to totally avoid fat while you are pregnant. You just want to be careful how much and what kind.
Some people count cheese in the protein category because it is higher protein and lower carbs. I don’t have a whole lot to say about cheese because I don’t really care for cheese. I eat it melted on top of food or added into a recipe, but not to just sit and eat a block or slice of cheese.
If you complete all your dairy “requirements”, then any additional servings of milk or dairy can be counted in protein (in 7 gram increments).
Oh, there are more dairy products – sour cream, cream cheese, butter, and, yes, ice cream. I personally stay away from margarine and stick with butter for baking and some cooking. We use Smart Balance for spreadable butter. Do a search on how they make margarine if you want to know why. I am trying to stay as close to the natural or whole foods as possible. By the way, butter doesn’t count as a dairy serving, but maybe a fat.
Eggs are kind of their own category in the Brewer Diet, so I'll talk about them next time.
Most store-bought milk has the same amount of protein per serving whether it is whole, 2%, skim, whatever. The only differences are the amount of fat and the number of carbs per serving. And don’t assume that lower fat means lower carbs, in any food. In fact it usually means the opposite. Reduced fat usually means higher carb counts. The last time I compared skim milk to 2%, skim had 2 more carbs per serving with 0 fat.
You don’t really want to totally avoid fat while you are pregnant. You just want to be careful how much and what kind.
Most of my milk intake is through smoothies and shakes. I think milk can really contribute to any congestion or mucous build up. And, those are very common symptoms of pregnancy for many women.
Cottage cheese has become my new favorite snack especially with frozen berries (mixed berries are my favorite, but raspberries are much lower carb). I also like to eat it with other fruits mixed in, especially unsweetened crushed pineapple, or add a drizzle of honey and some cinnamon. I don't care for it by itself so much, though. I've heard people like to eat a scoop on a fresh baked potato, too. I tried adding it to scrambled eggs, and it was okay. You can "hide" it in other recipes such as lasagna and pancakes.
I haven’t been able to find an economical, easily accessible alternative to high-fructose yogurts. I have made our own, but not lately. I only have so much energy for cooking and baking… So we buy a large carton of plain yogurt and add fruit to it. If it doesn’t seem sweet enough, I add a minimal amount of Stevia, and the kids love it. I think the favorite so far is frozen berries pureed in the blender and mixed into the yogurt.
I stay away from the yogurt mostly, only because it is higher in carbs, of course. I have used it in baking in place of buttermilk. By the way, applesauce substituted for oil in many recipes makes a healthier and moister product.
Some people count cheese in the protein category because it is higher protein and lower carbs. I don’t have a whole lot to say about cheese because I don’t really care for cheese. I eat it melted on top of food or added into a recipe, but not to just sit and eat a block or slice of cheese.
If you complete all your dairy “requirements”, then any additional servings of milk or dairy can be counted in protein (in 7 gram increments).
Oh, there are more dairy products – sour cream, cream cheese, butter, and, yes, ice cream. I personally stay away from margarine and stick with butter for baking and some cooking. We use Smart Balance for spreadable butter. Do a search on how they make margarine if you want to know why. I am trying to stay as close to the natural or whole foods as possible. By the way, butter doesn’t count as a dairy serving, but maybe a fat.
Eggs are kind of their own category in the Brewer Diet, so I'll talk about them next time.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
So, what do you name twins?
Okay, okay... I know everyone wants to know - are we going to call them Baby A and Baby B for the rest of their lives? Well, we though about it. For some reason coming up with two names at the same time has been more difficult than coming up with one. We just have not agreed on anything. Of course, most of Scott's choices have been from "Dune", people from the Zulu war, Star Wars, and even some Star Trek, I think.
And, he just doesn't want me to name our boys. He hasn't actually said that, but I came up with some good names, and nixed them all right away. There was only one 'weird' set of names that I mentioned. The rest were very normal names. Micah and Malachai, Trenton and Tiernan, Adam and Aaron, Jeremiah and Judah, Clyde and Caleb, just to name a few... (very normal).
But, we have finally come to an agreement on their first names at least. Drum roll, please... Dennis and Daniel after our fathers. They may not have middle names, as difficult as it was to come up with first names. Or it may be that we give them middle names for their first birthday.
Anyway, if you have any suggestions, please let us know...
And, he just doesn't want me to name our boys. He hasn't actually said that, but I came up with some good names, and nixed them all right away. There was only one 'weird' set of names that I mentioned. The rest were very normal names. Micah and Malachai, Trenton and Tiernan, Adam and Aaron, Jeremiah and Judah, Clyde and Caleb, just to name a few... (very normal).
But, we have finally come to an agreement on their first names at least. Drum roll, please... Dennis and Daniel after our fathers. They may not have middle names, as difficult as it was to come up with first names. Or it may be that we give them middle names for their first birthday.
Anyway, if you have any suggestions, please let us know...
What to Eat When You're Pregnant Part 1
Let me say this right up front and really loud: I AM NOT AN EXPERT. I have no official training. All I have learned is from my own reading and research, as well as some classes and experience. But I have become quite passionate about nutrition, especially during pregnancy. And the topic seemed much more vital to me with twins this time. So I am sharing some of my simple and humble suggestions for those who may need some ideas.
First, I want to mention the protein powder. I am not sure that it is a healthy substitute for protein, but I did use it to bolster my numbers. This is the best-tasting protein powder I have tried yet – Jay Robb’s Protein Powder (I have only tried the strawberry flavor so far.) I have been choosing non-soy protein powders and bars for the most part, mainly whey. This one is a whey powder from grass fed cows not treated with rBGH, and it is sweetened with stevia. It was much cheaper at the health food store than these online prices.
Protein powder can be added to smoothies and shakes, pancake mix, oatmeal, yogurt and berries, mostly any sauce you make like marinara sauces, pudding, and probably much more. Some recipes may not work as well with the flavored powders. Maybe I will post some of my favorite smoothie concoctions later.
Currently, I have a powder called Designer Whey, French Vanilla flavor. It is not my favorite. In fact, I don't care for the flavor it gives my smoothies much at all, but I have used it in pancakes and some other recipes. They have some recipes on their website. I mostly used their recipes to spur my imagination.
Okay, Breakfast. This is important – don’t skip it. Usually I eat 2 eggs (scrambled, in some sort of omelet form, or any way I can get them down…) thus fulfilling my daily quota for the Brewer Diet (which I highly recommend!). I add to the eggs two pieces of whole wheat or whole grain toast (lightly toasted) with Smart Balance spread (or sometimes coconut oil for a change of flavor. Coconut oil also counts as a good fat.). Often I have two or maybe three pieces of turkey bacon, too. Sometimes that is enough, and other days I add a piece of fruit, my favorite being an orange (may be too much sugar to process early in the morning).
I also want to mention some things about bread here. I know making your own is probably best, and at times I do, but that is not the norm and pregnancy is not always the time to make all new habits. So, keep these things in mind when choosing bread. Most, even whole wheats and grains, are made with high fructose corn syrup. It is best to avoid this when possible. Although sugar is sugar, it is better for your body to eat sugars as close as possible to their natural state (true for any food really). And high fructose corn syrup is a highly chemically processed "sugar".
There is much debate about what sweetener/sugar is better than another, so I will let you decide which one you should pick. I try to stay away from chemically processed artificial sweeteners as well, especially during pregnancy.
There is one bread that I found to be sugar-free - Mrs. Baird's Sugar Free Whole Grain Wheat Bread. It is not as dense as other breads, but it is not too bad for sugar free bread. It is good for those needing lower carbs.
Also, if it doesn't say 100% whole grain or whole wheat, then it probably isn't. It may be made with refined flour that has nutrients added back in. Most store-bought breads are made in such a way so as not to go rancid too quickly. Most grains begin the journey to rancidity almost as soon as they are milled. I used to eat cereal in the morning, but I have found that packaged cereal contains too much sugar for me to process in the morning. It takes your body longer in the morning to process sugars. If you do eat a good deal of sugars in the morning, exercise after breakfast helps process the glucose more quickly. A little cinnamon added to your toast can also be helpful in stabilizing blood sugar. By the way, exercise just needs to be about 15 minutes of movement, walking, bicycling, swimming, arm curls holding a can of beans.
I still eat Kashi Cinnamon Harvest from time to time for a sweet snack later in the day (along with a protein). I did eat Kashi GoLean Crunch for breakfast for awhile. It is not the yummiest cereal in the world, but since we don’t really care for the healthy oatmeal type cereal, this was a semi-healthy substitute. Ten grams of fiber per serving! And 13 grams of protein! (Keep in mind my daily protein goal is 160, so this is exciting news.) Oh, and since I don’t care for milk on my cereal, I didn’t have to worry about that added carb/sugar load in the morning.
I used to have smoothies in the morning and gave that up for the same reason I gave up the morning cereals. But I still have smoothies throughout the day – spinach smoothies, other veggie smoothies, fruit smoothies, milk & ice with a little stevia and mint flavored chlorophyll tastes really yummy! Add protein powder to any of the above to boost your protein numbers.
First, I want to mention the protein powder. I am not sure that it is a healthy substitute for protein, but I did use it to bolster my numbers. This is the best-tasting protein powder I have tried yet – Jay Robb’s Protein Powder (I have only tried the strawberry flavor so far.) I have been choosing non-soy protein powders and bars for the most part, mainly whey. This one is a whey powder from grass fed cows not treated with rBGH, and it is sweetened with stevia. It was much cheaper at the health food store than these online prices.
Protein powder can be added to smoothies and shakes, pancake mix, oatmeal, yogurt and berries, mostly any sauce you make like marinara sauces, pudding, and probably much more. Some recipes may not work as well with the flavored powders. Maybe I will post some of my favorite smoothie concoctions later.
Currently, I have a powder called Designer Whey, French Vanilla flavor. It is not my favorite. In fact, I don't care for the flavor it gives my smoothies much at all, but I have used it in pancakes and some other recipes. They have some recipes on their website. I mostly used their recipes to spur my imagination.
Okay, Breakfast. This is important – don’t skip it. Usually I eat 2 eggs (scrambled, in some sort of omelet form, or any way I can get them down…) thus fulfilling my daily quota for the Brewer Diet (which I highly recommend!). I add to the eggs two pieces of whole wheat or whole grain toast (lightly toasted) with Smart Balance spread (or sometimes coconut oil for a change of flavor. Coconut oil also counts as a good fat.). Often I have two or maybe three pieces of turkey bacon, too. Sometimes that is enough, and other days I add a piece of fruit, my favorite being an orange (may be too much sugar to process early in the morning).
I also want to mention some things about bread here. I know making your own is probably best, and at times I do, but that is not the norm and pregnancy is not always the time to make all new habits. So, keep these things in mind when choosing bread. Most, even whole wheats and grains, are made with high fructose corn syrup. It is best to avoid this when possible. Although sugar is sugar, it is better for your body to eat sugars as close as possible to their natural state (true for any food really). And high fructose corn syrup is a highly chemically processed "sugar".
There is much debate about what sweetener/sugar is better than another, so I will let you decide which one you should pick. I try to stay away from chemically processed artificial sweeteners as well, especially during pregnancy.
There is one bread that I found to be sugar-free - Mrs. Baird's Sugar Free Whole Grain Wheat Bread. It is not as dense as other breads, but it is not too bad for sugar free bread. It is good for those needing lower carbs.
Also, if it doesn't say 100% whole grain or whole wheat, then it probably isn't. It may be made with refined flour that has nutrients added back in. Most store-bought breads are made in such a way so as not to go rancid too quickly. Most grains begin the journey to rancidity almost as soon as they are milled. I used to eat cereal in the morning, but I have found that packaged cereal contains too much sugar for me to process in the morning. It takes your body longer in the morning to process sugars. If you do eat a good deal of sugars in the morning, exercise after breakfast helps process the glucose more quickly. A little cinnamon added to your toast can also be helpful in stabilizing blood sugar. By the way, exercise just needs to be about 15 minutes of movement, walking, bicycling, swimming, arm curls holding a can of beans.
I still eat Kashi Cinnamon Harvest from time to time for a sweet snack later in the day (along with a protein). I did eat Kashi GoLean Crunch for breakfast for awhile. It is not the yummiest cereal in the world, but since we don’t really care for the healthy oatmeal type cereal, this was a semi-healthy substitute. Ten grams of fiber per serving! And 13 grams of protein! (Keep in mind my daily protein goal is 160, so this is exciting news.) Oh, and since I don’t care for milk on my cereal, I didn’t have to worry about that added carb/sugar load in the morning.
I used to have smoothies in the morning and gave that up for the same reason I gave up the morning cereals. But I still have smoothies throughout the day – spinach smoothies, other veggie smoothies, fruit smoothies, milk & ice with a little stevia and mint flavored chlorophyll tastes really yummy! Add protein powder to any of the above to boost your protein numbers.
Time with Friends and Family
Some dear friends are planning a baby shower for me this Saturday. I am so excited. I am so looking forward to spending time with these people who have invested in my life over the years, and whose lives I have been allowed to be part of as well. I know some people won't be able to attend, and I will miss them. I think I am energized when I spend time with family and friends.
We had a wonderful time this weekend visiting and spending time with family. Saturday we enjoyed visiting with Scott's parents (and Kelsie, Cody, and Josh), and on Sunday we spent time with my parents and my brother's family.
We had a wonderful time this weekend visiting and spending time with family. Saturday we enjoyed visiting with Scott's parents (and Kelsie, Cody, and Josh), and on Sunday we spent time with my parents and my brother's family.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Twin Ultrasound #5 - I think
Monday we had another full ultrasound. Every month, they check all the measurements and look at the organs and check fluids and anything else they think of along the way, I think. We checked out as doing really well. Baby A is estimated to weigh 4 lbs, 13 oz and Baby B is estimated at 4 lbs 7 oz. Baby A is head down again! This is really good news! Baby B is head up, but that is okay.
Scott and the kids went with me this time. It was a little bit more difficult to see the babies as well because they are starting to get cramped and crowded in there. Kynzie was fascinated to hear the heartbeats and see what she could on the 'TV'.
We also found out the babies both have hair. I didn't know you could see that on an ultrasound.
Scott and the kids went with me this time. It was a little bit more difficult to see the babies as well because they are starting to get cramped and crowded in there. Kynzie was fascinated to hear the heartbeats and see what she could on the 'TV'.
We also found out the babies both have hair. I didn't know you could see that on an ultrasound.
Friday, March 14, 2008
How are your numbers, Mommy?
I am not sure whether this is a good thing to tell the world about, but I am going to share anyway. I have had to monitor my blood sugar over the last few weeks (starting while my husband was away in Germany), and I haven't really hidden the process from my kids.
Today, my three-year-old-going-on-35 daughter pretended to take her blood sugar. She found random things around the house that she could pretend were her equipment. She used a pair of earbuds for the lancet (the piece you would insert into the ipod was the lancet). She had to first figure out which finger was next, and then even which side of that finger to use. Too funny. She pays way too much attention!
She then squeezed her finger like Mommy. She decided the SD card in Delainey's computer would make a nice "checker". She touched her finger to it and then inserted the SD card back into the slot and "waited" for her reading.
Hilarious! I loved to watch that. She loves to watch me test and gets bummed out if I don't tell her when I am going to test. She usually turns her head for the actual stick part, but I always assure her it doesn't hurt Mommy. (And, so far, it really doesn't, thankfully.) And she always asks me how my numbers are each time.
By the way, my numbers have been so great lately without taking any medication; I am so thankful. I only have God to thank at this point. Whether I was dealing with gestational diabetes or cholestasis, either way my body seems to rebounding quite well. I am so glad... I really want these babies to have the best chance at a long stay at the Maternity Inn to make sure they have the time they need to develop and grow well enough to meet the challenge of birth.
Today, my three-year-old-going-on-35 daughter pretended to take her blood sugar. She found random things around the house that she could pretend were her equipment. She used a pair of earbuds for the lancet (the piece you would insert into the ipod was the lancet). She had to first figure out which finger was next, and then even which side of that finger to use. Too funny. She pays way too much attention!
She then squeezed her finger like Mommy. She decided the SD card in Delainey's computer would make a nice "checker". She touched her finger to it and then inserted the SD card back into the slot and "waited" for her reading.
Hilarious! I loved to watch that. She loves to watch me test and gets bummed out if I don't tell her when I am going to test. She usually turns her head for the actual stick part, but I always assure her it doesn't hurt Mommy. (And, so far, it really doesn't, thankfully.) And she always asks me how my numbers are each time.
By the way, my numbers have been so great lately without taking any medication; I am so thankful. I only have God to thank at this point. Whether I was dealing with gestational diabetes or cholestasis, either way my body seems to rebounding quite well. I am so glad... I really want these babies to have the best chance at a long stay at the Maternity Inn to make sure they have the time they need to develop and grow well enough to meet the challenge of birth.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Gifts for the twins
We have already recieved a few gifts for the new babies. How exciting! The first gift was a pair of adorable sleepers at Christmas from my husband's brother and sister-in-law. Then, about a month ago my mom called to tell me she picked up their first snowsuits. (I know she is making baby quilts for them as well, but I haven't actually seen them yet.)
And just a week or two ago, Mom brought over a gift from a dear lady where she works, a woman I don't even know, by the way. This dear woman hand knitted two pairs of tiny blue & white baby booties and two matching hats for our boys. They are so precious. These people my mom works with must really like her; all of my kids have received gifts from people there. They are so sweet.
Now, there is talk of a shower given by friends from church! They are such dear, sincere friends. We are so blessed to have known them all the last few years. We have grown in so many ways because we have been part of this life group, and we have loved serving and being served within this special group of people.
And just a week or two ago, Mom brought over a gift from a dear lady where she works, a woman I don't even know, by the way. This dear woman hand knitted two pairs of tiny blue & white baby booties and two matching hats for our boys. They are so precious. These people my mom works with must really like her; all of my kids have received gifts from people there. They are so sweet.
Now, there is talk of a shower given by friends from church! They are such dear, sincere friends. We are so blessed to have known them all the last few years. We have grown in so many ways because we have been part of this life group, and we have loved serving and being served within this special group of people.
Friday, March 07, 2008
He's Almost Home!
In as little as three short hours my husband will be home from his two week business trip to Germany! I am sooo glad! I don't even know words to express the way I feel about his return. I will be glad to be his help meet again in person and not over the phone in brief sessions or via email updates. I have been so emotional without my husband. I don't think I realized just how much of a stabilizing force he is in my life. I know I am pregnant, and I am sure the emotions are exaggerated, but I know things would not have hit me so hard emotionally had he been here with me. I don't know how military wives do it. My hat's off to you, ladies!
Monday, February 25, 2008
The Sweetest Thing - Your child asking Jesus to live in her heart!
Two weeks ago on Sunday on the way home from church Kynzie asked some questions, some very poignant questions about life and death and what happens at the end. We explained each answer to her which brought another question. She was very earnest. She wanted Jesus to live in her heart.
This isn't the first time these things have come up; we talk about Jesus being our Lord and our Saviour. We talk about Jesus' love for us and how that led him to death on the cross and what His resurrection means for us in eternity. It is part of our daily lives to talk about these things in casual conversation. We read the Bible with her. We have children's Bible videos even.
This time she had an agenda, though, and we were all too eager to follow along with her. This is one of those moments we pray will happen sooner than later in our children's' lives. She wanted to pray to ask Jesus to live in her heart! How thrilling! I was all choked up and saying Hallelujah!
I know she will understand this in new ways as she grows in understanding and maturity. But this was definitely a genuine desire on her part. This is the sweetest thing. To know that your child will be with you when you see Jesus! Glory to God!
This isn't the first time these things have come up; we talk about Jesus being our Lord and our Saviour. We talk about Jesus' love for us and how that led him to death on the cross and what His resurrection means for us in eternity. It is part of our daily lives to talk about these things in casual conversation. We read the Bible with her. We have children's Bible videos even.
This time she had an agenda, though, and we were all too eager to follow along with her. This is one of those moments we pray will happen sooner than later in our children's' lives. She wanted to pray to ask Jesus to live in her heart! How thrilling! I was all choked up and saying Hallelujah!
I know she will understand this in new ways as she grows in understanding and maturity. But this was definitely a genuine desire on her part. This is the sweetest thing. To know that your child will be with you when you see Jesus! Glory to God!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Decluttering 101 - Clear Out the Clutter in the 8 step CONVERT process
I haven't taken the time to blog much lately. I have been busy trying to get our house to "The House That Cleans Itself" stage. Our new favorite household motto is "Change the house to fit the behavior." And, if you can't change the house to fit the behavior, then work on changing the behavior.
Another favorite eye-opener for me from this book is how to decide to get rid of an item or keep it. This is the most difficult thing for me - the process of decluttering and deciding to purge something from our home.
So many of the experts (in books and on websites and on television help shows) say to pick up each item in your home and ask yourself questions like these: "Have I used this in a year?" "Does this item bring a smile to my face?" "Do I love this item?" "Do I really need this item?"
None of this has helped me. Not having used it in a year doesn't mean I won't need it soon. Bringing a smile to my face and loving an item are both relative to what the item is, what its purpose is, and may change from day to day. Needing an item is also relative and changes periodically. The need to hang on to stuff just in case is greater than whether I need it right now.
I already know I need to declutter. I have known it for a long time. But that knowledge hasn't made the task any easier. I have learned that it really stresses my husband out to come home to it. (We have found ways to circumvent this problem on a daily basis, but the undertow is still there.) I feel like I can't accomplish things sufficiently that I desire to accomplish. I feel it affects our day-to-day life. One of my desires is to have my home be a safe-haven for my husband when he comes home from work, and for my children every day as well as for others that need it from time to time. I feel that this is greatly hindered by too much stuff. And, above all, I feel like it limits how free we can be to do the things God would have us do. In the end it is such a bondage.
But there are three things that have helped me tremendously in this decluttering decision-making process over the last several months. First, going through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University classes brought so many good results for us. Scott and I agreeing on our finances, agreeing to be accountable to one another, and being on a budget has limited, if not eliminated, the bringing in of more stuff we don't need. That is critical to the decluttering process.
Second, a phrase author Mindy Starns Clark uses in the book - do I need to waste any more time of energy on this item (paraphrased) - has given me a new way to think through the process. Granted, I probably still haven't gotten rid of as much as I need to yet; it is a slow process for me. But, I even got rid of a whole couch using this line of thinking!
Our main piece of furniture in the living room was at one time a wonderful hand-me-down sleeper sofa that has served us well for a few years. It needed a couch cover, and the couch cover needed adjusting EVERY day, maybe even several times a day to look neat. As soon as I read this section in the book, I knew it was time to say good-bye to what had become an eye-sore and a pain in our behind (especially Delainey's since it was her job to fix the couch cover... I think she was the happiest to see it go.)
It wasn't worth one more ounce of energy - the energy it took to straighten the cover, the energy it took to move the couch out so the cover could be straightened, the energy it took to fret about how it looked or whether it was neat when someone stopped by... you get the idea. When I looked around and considered our seating options and realized that we really didn't NEED that sofa, it was so freeing. I felt like a bird that could fly out of the nest for the first time.
But the last help is probably the most important. Don't I trust God enough to provide for us when we need it? He always does. Now, I am not saying that we are going to give away all our possessions just yet, but we are bringing two more human beings into this home. And we need to make room for them. I don't think saving junk for the sake of saving junk is being a good steward of our home or our resources.
Matthew 6:21 says "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Now, I don't think I really thought of all my stuff as 'treasure', but that is how I treat it, isn't it? I give it a significant place in our home. I tell everyone to be careful around it. I get it out from time to time and look at and clean it. It is too precious to give away (but I doubt I could really sell any of it). Well, where is my heart then? (This also goes back to the energy thing as well.)
Let me quote Matthew 6:19-20 (NASB) here: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal; But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal...
I decided I needed to reevaluate where my treasure is stored up. And, even if I was going to store up treasure here on earth, is the stuff I have really what I want to claim as my treasure? I don't think so. It just helps add a little different perspective for me - something beyond myself.
Since this epiphany, I have sent several lawn and garden size trash bags to the donation center. As soon as a box or bag is filled, it is out the door so I don't have time for second thoughts! I have only really made it completely through two zones in my house, but I feel so much better already. I feel a sense of accomplishment, and I know there is light at the end of this tunnel.
Another favorite eye-opener for me from this book is how to decide to get rid of an item or keep it. This is the most difficult thing for me - the process of decluttering and deciding to purge something from our home.
So many of the experts (in books and on websites and on television help shows) say to pick up each item in your home and ask yourself questions like these: "Have I used this in a year?" "Does this item bring a smile to my face?" "Do I love this item?" "Do I really need this item?"
None of this has helped me. Not having used it in a year doesn't mean I won't need it soon. Bringing a smile to my face and loving an item are both relative to what the item is, what its purpose is, and may change from day to day. Needing an item is also relative and changes periodically. The need to hang on to stuff just in case is greater than whether I need it right now.
I already know I need to declutter. I have known it for a long time. But that knowledge hasn't made the task any easier. I have learned that it really stresses my husband out to come home to it. (We have found ways to circumvent this problem on a daily basis, but the undertow is still there.) I feel like I can't accomplish things sufficiently that I desire to accomplish. I feel it affects our day-to-day life. One of my desires is to have my home be a safe-haven for my husband when he comes home from work, and for my children every day as well as for others that need it from time to time. I feel that this is greatly hindered by too much stuff. And, above all, I feel like it limits how free we can be to do the things God would have us do. In the end it is such a bondage.
But there are three things that have helped me tremendously in this decluttering decision-making process over the last several months. First, going through Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University classes brought so many good results for us. Scott and I agreeing on our finances, agreeing to be accountable to one another, and being on a budget has limited, if not eliminated, the bringing in of more stuff we don't need. That is critical to the decluttering process.
Second, a phrase author Mindy Starns Clark uses in the book - do I need to waste any more time of energy on this item (paraphrased) - has given me a new way to think through the process. Granted, I probably still haven't gotten rid of as much as I need to yet; it is a slow process for me. But, I even got rid of a whole couch using this line of thinking!
Our main piece of furniture in the living room was at one time a wonderful hand-me-down sleeper sofa that has served us well for a few years. It needed a couch cover, and the couch cover needed adjusting EVERY day, maybe even several times a day to look neat. As soon as I read this section in the book, I knew it was time to say good-bye to what had become an eye-sore and a pain in our behind (especially Delainey's since it was her job to fix the couch cover... I think she was the happiest to see it go.)
It wasn't worth one more ounce of energy - the energy it took to straighten the cover, the energy it took to move the couch out so the cover could be straightened, the energy it took to fret about how it looked or whether it was neat when someone stopped by... you get the idea. When I looked around and considered our seating options and realized that we really didn't NEED that sofa, it was so freeing. I felt like a bird that could fly out of the nest for the first time.
But the last help is probably the most important. Don't I trust God enough to provide for us when we need it? He always does. Now, I am not saying that we are going to give away all our possessions just yet, but we are bringing two more human beings into this home. And we need to make room for them. I don't think saving junk for the sake of saving junk is being a good steward of our home or our resources.
Matthew 6:21 says "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Now, I don't think I really thought of all my stuff as 'treasure', but that is how I treat it, isn't it? I give it a significant place in our home. I tell everyone to be careful around it. I get it out from time to time and look at and clean it. It is too precious to give away (but I doubt I could really sell any of it). Well, where is my heart then? (This also goes back to the energy thing as well.)
Let me quote Matthew 6:19-20 (NASB) here: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal; But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal...
I decided I needed to reevaluate where my treasure is stored up. And, even if I was going to store up treasure here on earth, is the stuff I have really what I want to claim as my treasure? I don't think so. It just helps add a little different perspective for me - something beyond myself.
Since this epiphany, I have sent several lawn and garden size trash bags to the donation center. As soon as a box or bag is filled, it is out the door so I don't have time for second thoughts! I have only really made it completely through two zones in my house, but I feel so much better already. I feel a sense of accomplishment, and I know there is light at the end of this tunnel.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Little updates on us...
It has been quite awhile since I last posted. I guess we've been busy...
Not much new going on here. I haven't taken many, if any, new pictures.
Max enjoys his jammies. He would rather wear them all day if I would let him. I am not sure why. He loves that his jammies zip. And some nights, when it is time to put jammies on, he gets so excited. He also likes to walk around the house with a cloth on his head like a hat. He calls it "duck, duck, goose" and pats his head and laughs. (His cloth is like his security blanket.)
Kynzie still calls the treadmill "treasure mill". It is really cute. That is the way she first started to say it when she was old enough to know that Daddy ran on the treasure mill every day. We have told her the actual name, and she can pronounce it, but she seems to prefer her name for it.
I am doing pretty well. I am still working hard at the healthy, well-balanced diet (mostly still sticking to the Brewer Diet) and getting in adequate exercise. And, I am still working my way through the house using 'The House That Cleans Itself' method. I love this book by the way. I started a post about this book and hope to go back and finish it later. But let me just say that this is by far the best decluttering/housecleaning book I have read... and I have read many, many, many. I even removed myself from FlyLady's mailing list!
Delainey injured, mildly, her ankle and it is nice and swollen now as well as a little purple. I don't think it's anything to be too concerned about, but it is enough to get her out of running for a day or two!
Not much new going on here. I haven't taken many, if any, new pictures.
Max enjoys his jammies. He would rather wear them all day if I would let him. I am not sure why. He loves that his jammies zip. And some nights, when it is time to put jammies on, he gets so excited. He also likes to walk around the house with a cloth on his head like a hat. He calls it "duck, duck, goose" and pats his head and laughs. (His cloth is like his security blanket.)
Kynzie still calls the treadmill "treasure mill". It is really cute. That is the way she first started to say it when she was old enough to know that Daddy ran on the treasure mill every day. We have told her the actual name, and she can pronounce it, but she seems to prefer her name for it.
I am doing pretty well. I am still working hard at the healthy, well-balanced diet (mostly still sticking to the Brewer Diet) and getting in adequate exercise. And, I am still working my way through the house using 'The House That Cleans Itself' method. I love this book by the way. I started a post about this book and hope to go back and finish it later. But let me just say that this is by far the best decluttering/housecleaning book I have read... and I have read many, many, many. I even removed myself from FlyLady's mailing list!
Delainey injured, mildly, her ankle and it is nice and swollen now as well as a little purple. I don't think it's anything to be too concerned about, but it is enough to get her out of running for a day or two!
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Time with Sis
Here is Delainey being a good big sister again. She is letting the little kids watch some Ratatouille with her before their betime. Delainey usually watches movies or listens to music while she runs on the treadmill.
Just Like Daddy
Here is Max sitting the way Daddy does while watching this TV. Max worked very hard to get this little chair over to just the right spot. He would move it, then test it to see if his feet could reach and then get out and adjust it again. He was so pleased with himself when he finally accomplished his goal.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Say, say, O playmate, Come out & Play with me...
And bring your dollies three
Climb up my apple tree
Holler down my rain barrel
Slide down my cellar door
And we'll be jolly friends forever more, forever more.
It was a rainy day
She couldn't come out to play
With tearful eyes she breathed a sigh
And this is what I heard her say
Say, say O playmate
I can't come play with you
My dolly's got the flu
boo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo
Ain't got no rain barrel
Ain't got no cellar door
But we'll be jolly friends
Forever more, forever more
Do you remember this one? I used to beg my mom to sing that little ditty to me. I still like it. I think it's cute. And still love to hear my mom sing it to my kids. Maybe I'll take time to share some of my other childhood favorites sometime. Like The Little Red Caboose, that other train song I can't remember the name of (train whistle blowing, what is it Mom?), A Little Dream House, Two Little Orphans, and I Am a Pretty Little Dutch Girl. They probably aren't politically correct for this day and age, but I can even remember my grandmother singing some of them to me.
Anyway, here are the two little kids watching Delainey go outside and hang out with the neighbors. Aren't they pitiful? So, I went outside and took pictures of them looking pitiful - because they were so darn cute.
You Vacuum, and I'll Be the Runner
Vacuuming (and other loud household noises) makes Kynzie and Max a little nervous. Kynzie found the best way to deal with her fear of the vacuum was to make a game out of it. She says to whomever is vacuuming, "you vacuum and I'll be the runner." So she runs back and forth in front of the vacuum, at a fairly safe distance, giggling all the while. It can be a challenge for the vacuum-er, but it is really cute and can be fun for all.
Max has found a couple of ways to conquer his fear. One, go somewhere that the vacuum is not and stay there till the sound stops. Then, slowly emerge and ask "all done?" Or, run as fast as he can to the vacuum-er, hoping he is noticed quickly, saying "hold you, hold you" as urgently as possible. He likes to watch the vacuuming process from this vantage point and sometimes even "helps" hold the handle.
Delainey is very good at playing Kynzie's game and is adding holding Max to the mix now as well. She has added her own flavor to the pot by sharing her ipod tunes with Max.
I'm a big kid now!
We rearranged some things in the living room to temporarily put Delainey's school desk upstairs while I am working on cleaning out and rearranging the basement. (And, it is warmer upstairs, too!) It was like a new toy for the little kids. Delainey snapped these photos before church last Sunday. They both want to sit at her desk and do "math" as Kynzie calls all school work right now.
Bedtime Routines... Jammies, Story, Sing & Pray
The little kids don't fit on my lap very well anymore, especially not both of them at once. (Delainey doesn't fit at all, in case you were wondering.) Kynzie has adjusted to this quite well, probably because she has a better understanding of why my lap is disappearing. And Max is really good at following her lead in certain situations. Here, I am reading a Magic Schoolbus book to them. Kynzie really likes these books (and the videos when we get them from the library), even though I am pretty sure she is not grasping all the scientific information in them. But, I am more than happy to start her early if she enjoys it!
Max just likes books. I think we could read the phone book or a dictionary to him and he would sit and listen intently. Scott is reading one of their favorites in these pictures - "Are You My Mother?"
By the way, Delainey usually comes in and prays with us as well. She doens't get left out... We talk and pray with her... I guess I could ask her if she would like us to sing to her as well.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
May the Force Be With You
Here is Max's introduction to light sabers... He looks pretty intense in a couple of the photos, like he means business. These are Delainey's light sabers, by the way. She has one more now as well. She has a couple of other friends her age that enjoy a good saber battle from time to time. She also gets a good padawan training session with her dad. Max even makes the sound effects he has heard Dad and Delainey make.
Getting closer to baby time!
I only have 14 weeks left in this pregnancy (till my "due date")! It seems like you have all the time in the world to get ready for a new baby, or two new babies. I mean, nine months is a long time. But last night when I realized 14 weeks, give or take, is all I have, I first became very excited, then I almost panicked thinking about what still needs to be done!
I know 14 weeks is still a long time to be big and pregnant and uncomfortable. I have been enjoying this pregnancy, though. I have enjoyed every little kick and twist and turn. I have taken great pleasure in knowing that I have the privilege of caring for two little babies at the same time in my womb. I have been able to pray special prayers and blessings for them that are just a little different than what I prayed for my singletons. And I have really been blessed by all I have been learning and changing in my life during this pregnancy.
Anyway, we are not anxious about the babies coming whenever they do. God will provide for our needs as he always does. We have wonderful family and friends around us to support us in prayer and in practicality, both of which we appreciate immensely. I can't wait to meet these two new family members God has chosen for us!
I know 14 weeks is still a long time to be big and pregnant and uncomfortable. I have been enjoying this pregnancy, though. I have enjoyed every little kick and twist and turn. I have taken great pleasure in knowing that I have the privilege of caring for two little babies at the same time in my womb. I have been able to pray special prayers and blessings for them that are just a little different than what I prayed for my singletons. And I have really been blessed by all I have been learning and changing in my life during this pregnancy.
Anyway, we are not anxious about the babies coming whenever they do. God will provide for our needs as he always does. We have wonderful family and friends around us to support us in prayer and in practicality, both of which we appreciate immensely. I can't wait to meet these two new family members God has chosen for us!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)