Saturday Breakfast while doing Laundry
Saturday, March 17
The Weekly Wrap {3.10.12}
Friday, March 16
Unscripted: No Safe Place
But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out. The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more. Psalms 10:14-18I've been angry, heart-broken and sickened lately by the injustices committed against children in our world. Yes, I'm angry at the LRA/Kony crimes that have recently headlined social media and the news. But there are so many more examples of children being used and abused, some a little too close to my heart.
I'm burdened. Thinking about the mistreatment of children not only angers me, with what I can only describe as a righteous fury, it brings me to a place in my past that I don't want to talk about or remember. But here I am, faced with the ache in my heart for the lives and well being of the millions of children suffering at the hands of others in our world. Here I am remembering what it feels like to have no where to turn, no safe place.
Let me be clear that: in no way do I pretend to know what it is like to be abducted from my family and forced into submission as a child soldier. And in no way do I pretend to be able to fathom what being forced into sex-trafficking is like. That, thank God, is not my story. I do know what neglect feels like, I know what abuse feels like, and I know what being used as a weapon of retaliation looks like too.
I've touched on the brokenness of my family before on this blog, and feeling unwanted as a child. I have yet to talk about the custody battles and family court, and being a "ward" of the state as a result of my biological parents selfishness and bitter hatred for one another. I have yet to talk about the seeds of poison planted in my heart by the continuous barrage of manipulative messages bent on warping my heart towards one parent or another.
The last week has been especially trying on my heart, as I've been praying for two little girls who are experiencing this same kind of trauma and fear. They fear not being taken care of, they fear threatened physical violence, and they fear total abandonment. They feel they have no safe place.
Through becoming a mother, God has put a deep longing in my heart to be a safe place for these children. I don't know exactly what this looks like, and I don't have all of the answers, but I trust God to reveal his plan day by day. I want to protect these little girls, I want to rescue others like them. I want them to know how much they matter to God, how much they are loved, even those I have yet to know, I have loved.
You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7
Thursday, March 15
Muffintop Meltdown {v.11} Ouch!
Weight Lost Since Last Weigh-in: 0!! Finally hit that plateau!
Total Weight Lost: 18 pounds
Inches Lost This Week: 3.5!!
Total Inches Lost: 28 inches
Points Earned:
This Week: 60
Points Balance: 137
I am so sore. And tired. I always know that I've had a great workout when it hurts to sit on the toilet seat. Oh the pain of daily workouts with Jillian Michaels. This lady knows what she is doing! It isn't helping that Zion has been waking up in the middle of the night lately and I'm getting fragmented sleep which cannot be great for muscle recovery. Today is day five of the 30 day program and tomorrow I'll be adding a little more intensity by using weights. (I started by just using body weight to get the hang of things).
Today I thought I'd share with you a couple of the things I want when I get to my ideal weight, and feel confident enough:
The first thing I want and will need is an updated wardrobe. Yesterday I bought a new pair of jeans a size smaller than I've been wearing. I realize it will soon be time to get smaller shirts too. Most of all though, I really want to buy clothes that I love, that really represent my style. I think when I've reached my goal, I'm going to be honest about my closet…you will see that I've been stuck in wearing things that have either been given to me or are just simple and plain because I didn't want to buy anything until I reached my goal. I can't wait for my big shopping date…I'm believing it will be right before my 4 year wedding anniversary! :)
I've been wanting to do a few crazy and fun things to my hair, but have always worked in a corporate environment…that is until becoming a stay-at-home mom. I am by all means a wild colored hair, nose piercing type of girl, but because of forced conservatism I've not had the opportunity to break out of the doldrums. This is going to change. I feel like I can only pull off the look I want at my ideal weight. So, unless I get there, the extreme makeover - mama gone wild edition will have to wait!
What rewards are motivating you to stay on track with your goals?
This Week:
I'm proud of these choices:
I've been getting up every morning and doing the 30 Day Shred with Jillian Michaels (and my hubby!)
Not really by choice, but I've been drinking way less coffee since I started working out.
I'd like to work more on:
I NEED SLEEP, I REPEAT I NEED SLEEP!
Eating at the scheduled times: I've been slacking on eating in the first hour upon waking, plus not consistently eating every 2-3 hours!
I totally cheated when:
I've been cheating a bit, but wait, it isn't what you think. I have had more calories than I would if I was just sticking to the plan, but they have been good calories: extra veggies, a bit more lean protein.
Okay, I confess I did have a few bites of coconut ice cream at lunch on Sunday…but I promise…it was less than 1/4 cup!
How did you do this week?
Want to catch up on my weight loss journey?
21 - 22 Month Update
Every single day you do something new and wonderful.
Yesterday, you started jumping on the regular floor for the first time. Up until this point, the only actual jumping was limited to Mommy & Daddy's bed, but now…you can jump from a stationary position. You get so excited and giggly every time you do it.
I now understand why those who have older children always tell me to take videos as frequently as possible, tons of pictures, and write everything down. It is because each day with you now is filled with wonder and awe as you experience new things and gain new understanding.
Your joy is infectious. Your giggles and laughter are worth more to me than all the riches of this world. When you look at me and tell me you are happy, I can't help but smile and feel grateful for the lovely little girl you are quickly becoming.
And now, your daddy and I talk somewhat nostalgically each night as we retire those baby words that are no longer, and accept your revised proper pronunciations. A few biggies: Instead of "I wah tee" you now say "I Love You." Instead of "Tee tee" you now say "Thank-You". And there are several others but I must admit I get a little bit choked up as I think about it.
You are smart, observant and adventurous. Willful yes, but also well-behaved. You are learning to express yourself in healthy ways , and have fewer tantrums and meltdowns. Although when you do, oh wow…those fits you know how to throw are quite a dramatic sight to behold.
Luckily you and I have been working on communication, and when you feel heard and understood, you do very very well. I've learned a few things from improving our communication that have actually helped mommy and daddy communicate better too!
Foods you enjoy: chicken, salmon, fish sticks, turkey bacon, oatmeal, apple sauce, apple juice, plums, bananas, grapes, strawberries, Popsicles, roasted seaweed, beans, rice, macaroni & cheese, turkey burgers, bread (toasted…always toasted), chocolate milk, water (you drink a ton daily), goldfish crackers, string cheese, yogurt, animal crackers, anything that comes with a dipping sauce: including veggies…(thank you Lord!), and treats of any kind.
You still do the squirrelly face on command, please, do not ever give that up. :) You also started saying, "Oh goodness" whenever you fall down or do something clumsy. It is so adorable. You say "Hi People" to people on the subway, walking down the street and pretty much anywhere you go. You sometimes follow that with, "How Doin?" Another thing that is really cute that you say is, "So yummies!" about anything that tastes good to you.
You made Daddy's day last Friday when he got home before you were in bed, and you told him, "Daddy, So happy to see you." He may not admit it to you but it put tears in his eyes. You sure know how to make your mommy and daddy feel loved. Speaking of love…you are growing in your relationship with God, "Big Dada" as you call him, daily. You pray every night with me and always say your own prayers when I am done. Sometimes I hold back a little giggle when you pray that God would help you to use the stepping stool to get something that is just out of your reach. Such a sweet innocence.
We love you so much.
Mommy
Wednesday, March 14
Having Each Other's Backs...
I recently watched an episode of Up All Night, where Christina Applegate's character Reagan goes on a mean-spree through the airport in her stress of traveling with an infant, all the while her husband Chris, played by Will Arnett, follows behind her apologizing for her and trying to play it cool.
At one point, Reagan just looks at her husband Chris, and asks him, "Why can't you just have my back?"
What I didn't expect is that, a couple days after watching this show, I was confronted with a similar sentiment from my husband. Find out how it all went down over at Dominique's Desk, where I'm guest posting today!
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| Source |
What I didn't expect is that, a couple days after watching this show, I was confronted with a similar sentiment from my husband. Find out how it all went down over at Dominique's Desk, where I'm guest posting today!
Tuesday, March 13
{Immediately} Improve Communication with your Toddler
The challenges and privileges involved in raising a child through the toddler years can seem endless. On top of power struggles and picky eating, the most obvious challenge is communicating in a way that your toddler will listen.
Monday, March 12
Moments of Solitude
Solitude.
Why is does it seem so elusive for us mothers?
Perhaps, we make it more complicated than it has to be.
What exactly does solitude require of us?
Find out, over at MameMusings where I'm inviting you to take a little time out for solitude today.
Perhaps, we make it more complicated than it has to be.
What exactly does solitude require of us?
Find out, over at MameMusings where I'm inviting you to take a little time out for solitude today.
"Pinning!" 12 Healthy Salad Recipes
Welcome to "Pinning!"
A Weekly Pinterest Link-Up
(Share pins, meet others who love "Pinning", get inspired!)
First timer? It's simple:
then
Link up your favorite pins post for the week
and
Link back to the party
Each week a winner will be chosen to flaunt the title of "Pinning-est" for successfully wowing us with the best Pinterest find. The winner will be featured/announced in the following week's post!
Since adapting to my new way of eating I've discovered a new love of salads, so this week I'm sharing 12 delicious, healthy salad recipes I'm dying to try:
I can't wait to see what you have been pinning this week!
THANK YOU for Linking up last week!
Check out this week's Pinning-est:
Natassia of Nat'sKnapsack
See more of her pins here!
Here's your button Nat!
Natassia of Nat'sKnapsack
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| via |
Here's your button Nat!
Are you "Pinning"?
Come on, everyone is doing it.
Join us MONDAYS for weekly sharing of Pinterest finds.
Friday, March 9
Link ♥
I really want to buy this book by Donald Miller. It tells his story about making his life story a better story to tell. Check out this review for more about it.
P.S. Linking these songs to Songs That Make Us Sing Saturdays!
Thursday, March 8
KONY 2012
Be the change you want to see!
Muffintop Meltdown {V.10} Here Comes the Shred
Weight Lost Since Last Weigh-in: 4 pounds!!
Total Weight Lost: 18 pounds
Inches Lost This Week: 3 inches!!
Total Inches Lost: 23.5 inches
Points Earned:
This Week: 70
Points Balance: 77
(I cashed in my first 500 points last week for $250 cash!)
Now that I'm losing weight consistently and my clothes are starting to look pretty silly…it's time to focus on getting toned up a bit. I mean, I'm thrilled that I'm losing weight and almost halfway to my goal, but I don't want to get to goal and be skinny-flabby.
That is why this Sunday I am going to start Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred! I'm going to be totally honest with you, I am kind of intimidated. I am worried about the intensity of the workouts and how it is going to effect my body. I guess the only way to find out is to give it a go!
Either way, more exercise and activity is in order. Not to speed up my weight loss, because quite frankly if I was losing any more weight, I'd be quite concerned. I can't even tell you the shock I experienced seeing 4 pounds gone on the scale this week, while it made me happy, it also concerned me. My weight loss has yet to slow down to 2 lbs or less, which I was sure it would have by now.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, I just don't want my weight to yo-yo and I know that slow weight loss (1-3 pounds/per week) is the best indicator that I won't just put a bunch of weight back on when I transition out of Medifast! Enough with the worries and concerns….did I mention that I can:
Fit back into my 7 jeans!!! Remember, that was Jeans goal #1!!! Now, my muffin top looks like it is back with a vengeance in this picture, but that is because the jeans are pretty tight still. I do believe I'll be able to wear them comfortably by the end of next week though!! Either way, I'm super happy. And…my muffin top in my regular clothes is almost completely gone friends!!
What little tips have you learned that have made a difference in meeting your weight loss goals?
This Week:
I'm proud of these choices:
I'm staying on plan with Medifast!
Our whole family is eating better now (even Zion has been wanting more green veggies)!
I'd like to work more on:
Exercise, period.
Refocusing on getting full nights of sleep!
I totally cheated when:
I didn't really cheat at all this week, however; I've taken in a few more calories than what the plan would have me take in, and it really hasn't upset things at all. I'm still in shock that I lost 4 lbs!
How did you do this week?
Want to catch up on my weight loss journey?
A Few Tips for Navigating Today's Healthcare System
Okay, so in a previous life…I actually did high level contract negotiations with health insurance carriers. I gave 12 years to health care administration and billing before I came home full-time to be with Zion. Over the years, I have learned quite a bit of things that industry professionals do not want you to know.
I thought today that I would share a couple of things and perhaps save you and your family from learning some tough lessons the hard way.
1. Know the lingo: wording is everything when it comes to dealing with insurance companies as well as choosing doctors and dentists.
The difference could actually cost you hundreds of dollars.
When a physician's office tells you that they "accept your insurance" what they might actually be saying is that they will file a health insurance claim on your behalf, and that they will be glad to receive whatever payment your insurance pays as partial payment for their services. In the end they will look at the amount your insurance pays and if it is a high enough payment usually cut you a "really good deal" on the balance, but either way you will still be surprised by unexpected fees.
When a medical practice tells you that they "participate with your insurance", they are saying that they have a contracted agreement with your insurance company, and accept a pre-negotiated rate for services they provide. You may still owe a copay or coinsurance according to your family health insurance plan, but you won't be responsible for amounts outside your contract, or subject to inflated fees.
The bottom line: always ask if they are a contracted participating provider with your specific plan.
2. Know the loopholes: when your health is at stake, making a little noise can work in your favor. I personally worked for a group of the top neurosurgeons in New York and only a small handful participated with insurance. However; I specialized in getting these physicians one-time contracts with insurance companies by pushing their specific techniques, specialization in a field and the failure of other surgeons to provide the same level of care.
The bottom line: it is your body, and you do have a choice on who provides your care, even when certain contracts restrict you to a network of providers. Your fight will be in not giving in to the insurance company's attempts to persuade you to settle for something else. I cannot in any way guarantee that a fight will always end in your favor, however; if it is important to you, you should fight until all options are exhausted, including all levels of appeals.
3. Know that its a business: the health care industry is a booming one. The insurance company's are trying to make money, and so are the doctors. Taking care of you is a means to an end. Sad, yes, but very true.
The bottom line: Don't just behave like a patient, behave like a consumer. Shop around. Review recommendations online before wasting your time. Don't go back to a place if you are treated poorly, the place is a dump or there are any red flags. Get second opinions. Sadly, some surgeons (I'd wager more than half) really care more about the number of surgeries they perform than your personal surgery. They may even try to do a more complex or invasive procedure than is needed.
I hope these tips help you, and feel free to send me an email if you have specific health care related questions. I'll do my best to help you find your way.
I thought today that I would share a couple of things and perhaps save you and your family from learning some tough lessons the hard way.
1. Know the lingo: wording is everything when it comes to dealing with insurance companies as well as choosing doctors and dentists.
Do you see a difference between the following two statements?
Yes, we accept your insurance.
Yes, we participate with your insurance.
The difference could actually cost you hundreds of dollars.
When a physician's office tells you that they "accept your insurance" what they might actually be saying is that they will file a health insurance claim on your behalf, and that they will be glad to receive whatever payment your insurance pays as partial payment for their services. In the end they will look at the amount your insurance pays and if it is a high enough payment usually cut you a "really good deal" on the balance, but either way you will still be surprised by unexpected fees.
When a medical practice tells you that they "participate with your insurance", they are saying that they have a contracted agreement with your insurance company, and accept a pre-negotiated rate for services they provide. You may still owe a copay or coinsurance according to your family health insurance plan, but you won't be responsible for amounts outside your contract, or subject to inflated fees.
The bottom line: always ask if they are a contracted participating provider with your specific plan.
2. Know the loopholes: when your health is at stake, making a little noise can work in your favor. I personally worked for a group of the top neurosurgeons in New York and only a small handful participated with insurance. However; I specialized in getting these physicians one-time contracts with insurance companies by pushing their specific techniques, specialization in a field and the failure of other surgeons to provide the same level of care.
The bottom line: it is your body, and you do have a choice on who provides your care, even when certain contracts restrict you to a network of providers. Your fight will be in not giving in to the insurance company's attempts to persuade you to settle for something else. I cannot in any way guarantee that a fight will always end in your favor, however; if it is important to you, you should fight until all options are exhausted, including all levels of appeals.
3. Know that its a business: the health care industry is a booming one. The insurance company's are trying to make money, and so are the doctors. Taking care of you is a means to an end. Sad, yes, but very true.
The bottom line: Don't just behave like a patient, behave like a consumer. Shop around. Review recommendations online before wasting your time. Don't go back to a place if you are treated poorly, the place is a dump or there are any red flags. Get second opinions. Sadly, some surgeons (I'd wager more than half) really care more about the number of surgeries they perform than your personal surgery. They may even try to do a more complex or invasive procedure than is needed.
I hope these tips help you, and feel free to send me an email if you have specific health care related questions. I'll do my best to help you find your way.
Wednesday, March 7
The Weekly Wrap {3.3.12}
Our first week back in NYC, and I needed a break from my camera (for the most part). Here are a couple fun things from the week:
Zion got used to going outside often in Texas, so we will be getting to the park as often as we can.
One of my besties, Alexis, celebrated her birthday at a fantastic sushi restaurant.
Zion got to paint with watercolors for the first time.
She decided it was a good idea to taste the paint too.
The Weekly Wrap {2.25.12}
Our final adventures in Texas before heading back to the crazy city life in NYC. Most of these are just the day-to-day activities and fun with three toddlers.
Then I did my first ever newborn photo shoot for my new baby niece Sofia.
Not bad for a first try right? (I have more, but I'm sure I'll get in big trouble if I post them before the announcements come out.)
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