Recently, my wife said, "You haven't been reading the blog lately, have you?" I had innocently asked if she had posted an update about the pie contest. I only missed the post by a few weeks...
That eventually led to her also saying, "You haven't posted anything on the blog either." To which I replied, "Nope".
So now that I am here I might as well say something meaningful.
Thomas has been asked for about 3 weeks (on a daily basis as 5 year olds will) for me to take him to Toys-R-Them to get a toy with some money we had given him. I had delayed, not wanting to get off my lazy duff and do something. Well, yesterday, Thomas was an excellent helper, so Bea and I decided he should get to go to the store and get his toy.
So I took him into his room, got the money out of his piggy bank, and handed it to him. I asked where his wallet was, he didn't know. I told him to put the money is his pocket, and keep it safe. He looked up at me and asked "What's this for Daddy?" I told him it was for a surprise and walked out of the room. He followed eagerly.
We went into the living room. I told Bea we were going to the store to get some stuff. Thomas asked "Which store?" I told him again it was a surprise. Then we went out to the truck, got in and drove towards Toy-R-Them. I fielded the barrage of requests for hints, clues, or outright requests for information about our destination until we were about a block away. At that point it was no longer possible to hide my intentions.
We parked in the parking lot, went inside, and the search began.
We looked at every single toy that was not obviously to him a "Girl Toy". He picked up half, and the others, he just pointed to. It was all very exciting for him. He would ask he could have this or have that, I would ask him in turn if it was in his budget. Mostly he would reply with a sad no. We found a few things that fit in his budget, but he still wanted to look at more toys. So, we looked some more.
Finally, we were going to be late getting to another store before it closed, so I helped him pick a toy. I didn't realize until I left the store, that I helped my son choose a toy that I had wanted since the second grade. He was ecstatic about his toy. He asked 3 times on the way home to get to play with it. When we got home, he proudly showed it to Momma, explained exactly how he thought it should work, and then we proceeded outside to play with HIS Water Powered Rocket.
He loved every second, every step, every shot. Every single drop of water. We only played with the toy about 5 minutes, but to both of us it seemed much longer. I am certain I will be asked tonight to go out a shoot his rocket.
Perhaps some pictures will follow.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Florida Trip
Yeah, I know. Its been a long time coming on this entry. I hope its worth the wait.
In mid-April, we took a family trip to the Orlando, Florida area. I entered a pie contest there. We added a few days for a family vacation. Most of you know that there is no way we went to Disney. We spent our time visiting Cocoa Beach, Kissimmee, and Gatorland. We didn't set foot in a major theme park and had a great time. Actually, as I think about it now. A major theme park sounds like more trouble than fun. Crowds, lines, not to mention the exorbitant and completely unnecessary cost! Anyway, moving on...
We loved Gatorland! It was a beautiful day, and the park is amazing! Its 110 acres of beautiful landscape with alligators crocodiles, snakes, birds, even feral rabbits! They have a train to circle the park, a reasonably priced cafe (that we didn't use because we ate before we got there), and a fun little splash and play water area! Thomas and Thad especially loved the water area.
One of the loveliest parts was the breeding marsh where the alligators, croccodiles, and several species of birds nest and raise their young. It was spectaular to be that close. Sometimes the gators and crocs were within 10 feet of us as we walked on the wooded walkway above.
They had 3 shows the day we went but we only got to the Gator Jumparoo. They hand fed the gators and crocs chicken by holding it over the water and the gators coming to eat. I thought this would be a little exploitative but they were really interested in the animals and their habits. Its a great experience for anyone but would be awesome for a homeschool trip!
Here are some pictures of our day:
On the train. Lily had rubbed sun screen into her eyes. She wasn't comfortable but had a good time anyway.
Playing in the water with Daddy.
I can't tell which one of my guys is having more fun!
The water guns were his favorite.
Yes, I was as close to this egret as it looks. Probably 3-5 feet. What an experience!
Feeding chicken to the gator during the Gator Jumparoo.
These guys were right below us. You can see the edge of the walkway rail in the bottom left corner of the picture. They were pushing each other for better position in the sun.
Funny Stuff!
My fearless Gator Wrestlers!
Now for Cocoa Beach. It was georgeous! It wasn't crowded like Daytona would be. No drunken anyone that we saw, especially college kids. Thad and Thomas both got buried in the sand. Lily didn't like the seagulls at all. She wasn't fond of the ocean either because it was a little cold. We parked in a public access area that made it very convenient. No paying to park then walking 6 miles for a scrap of sand. Just a short walk on a pretty trail and over the boardwalk. It was a fun day.
Cocoa Beach pictures:
Thomas got buried first.
Daddy's turn!
My little Sand Baby was completely covered by the end of the afternoon.
Lily wanted to suck her thumb and go to sleep. She couldn't because it was covered with sand. Every time I tried to clean it she would stick it in the sand again. 
Rinsing off and playing in the crashing waves.
Finally, in Kissimmee, we went to a place called Fun Spot. It had go carts, kiddee rides, etc. Just a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Fun Spot pictures:
Thomas loved the monster trucks on display!
One of the few times I got her to keep her hat on.
Go-Cart Crazy! They had such a great time.
Flying high. At least Thomas was. Thad and Lily apparently rendered that part of the ride unusable.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures. We certainly had a fantastic time. Love to all!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Today's Reading....
How about a bit in Proverbs today?...
"The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:1-7
Solomon's desire for wisdom was his uplift. Ironically, his lack of following his own advice was his down fall. That is neither here nor there where these verses are concerned. These verses accomplish several things. First, they introduce the author and his purpose. In so doing we begin the process of gleaning some of the vast knowledge that God granted Solomon.
The very simple reasons why Solomon wrote these Proverbs are small glimpses into the man that Solomon was and why he searched so diligently for wisdom. These are qualities that we should emulate at every turn. Knowing wisdom, receiving instruction of wisdom and justice. These are the marks of a wise man. Isn't that a mark we want others to see in us?
Then he tells us where to begin. The fear of the Lord. It seems so easy yet we balk at it so much. How difficult we make it to surrender to God's superiority and sovereignty! It seems so easy to logically say, "He's God and I'm not." Putting it into practice is where I falter most. I can readily express my stance on the Rock but I find myself on the sand so much.
My concentration is going to be to start at the beginning. To find the wisdom that God has for me by beginning to surrender to Him in respect, reverence, and fear.
Love to all. Goodnight.
"The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:1-7
Solomon's desire for wisdom was his uplift. Ironically, his lack of following his own advice was his down fall. That is neither here nor there where these verses are concerned. These verses accomplish several things. First, they introduce the author and his purpose. In so doing we begin the process of gleaning some of the vast knowledge that God granted Solomon.
The very simple reasons why Solomon wrote these Proverbs are small glimpses into the man that Solomon was and why he searched so diligently for wisdom. These are qualities that we should emulate at every turn. Knowing wisdom, receiving instruction of wisdom and justice. These are the marks of a wise man. Isn't that a mark we want others to see in us?
Then he tells us where to begin. The fear of the Lord. It seems so easy yet we balk at it so much. How difficult we make it to surrender to God's superiority and sovereignty! It seems so easy to logically say, "He's God and I'm not." Putting it into practice is where I falter most. I can readily express my stance on the Rock but I find myself on the sand so much.
My concentration is going to be to start at the beginning. To find the wisdom that God has for me by beginning to surrender to Him in respect, reverence, and fear.
Love to all. Goodnight.
A Few (LOL!) Words About Childbirth
As I draw closer to delivering this 3rd miracle that God has blessed us with, thoughts and fears of childbirth begin to be at the forefront of my mind with increasing intensity. This is a subject about which I am very passionate. Anyone, family, friend, or unsuspecting stranger, who has ever spent more than five minutes with me knows that pregnancy and childbirth are never far from the tip of my tongue.
Long before I was pregnant the first time I knew what I wanted for the births of any future children. I wanted a natural childbirth. That meaning, of course, to have as little medical intervention as possible. I would have loved to birth at home but for me that has turned out to not be a realistic goal for medical reasons. I always thought myself capable of delivering unaided by medication or the assistance of machines, instruments, and certainly not surgery. I have my mother to thank for that. She was always forthright about her experiences. She instilled in the the belief that I was created from head to toe to carry, birth, and nurture children. I knew that no matter the situation God was in control and would provide for me.
I have discovered that most women don't get to pregnancy feeling capable. For the most part, the first-timers that I have met are confused and scared. I believe these women were the victims of our society. The "plight" of the pregnant woman in broadcast at such high decibels over every media outlet that its hard to ignore. Fear of the upcoming blessed event drowns out reality. What we see on TV is angry, suffering women who can't control their temper and need the doctors to rescue them from the parasite that is growing in them. It simultaneously infuriates and saddens me.
Even with the mindset of my ability of accomplish this great task, I had a good deal of fear that first time around. My friend, Lori, who had no children and, at the time, no intention of birthing her own children but adopting, gave me a book that a lady at her church had recommended. I thanked her but never brought myself to read it. The title made me think it was a fanatical book with impossible goals. It seemed flaky to me. The book was Supernatural Childbirth by Jackie Mize. (You can find out more about Jackie and her husband Terry at their website here.)
I didn't have the aid of the wisdom of Supernatural Childbirth for Thomas' birth because I didn't bother to read it. I made excuses about time and all the usual things but the reality was that I never made time. I was stubborn and didn't need a book. I wish someone had whacked me in the head. I did not have the experience I wanted with Thomas' birth, partly due to his early arrival but mostly due to my ignorance and inexperience. When we found out that I was pregnant a second time we decided to go about things differently but still with the mindset that God equipped me for it.
I called Lori to find out the name of the book again. This time I read it, Thad read it, and my parents read it. Everyone that had a daily influence on my mindset and dealing with pregnancy and the fears that come with it had read the book. We began to understand what Jackie had to say and put it into use. We prayed for specific things and, amazingly, God answered.
There are two main points of emphasis in Supernatural Childbirth: 1. Fear is the main source of problems during conception, pregnancy, and birth. 2. Jesus broke the curse of sickness and pain with His redemptive work on the cross. Wow! How could I have fallen victim to anything other than God's Word? This book made perfect sense. It was like a V-8 moment when you slap yourself on the forehead because you should have known better.
Jackie also spends a bit of the book talking about filtering out the advice of others. Every pregnant woman knows that there are more books about pregnancy and childbirth than grains of sand in an hourglass. There is also no shortage of "well-meaning" opinions from every female that sets eyes on them. I am even guilty of over-sharing on occasion. I do try, though, to not be discouraging, to not share something that would promote fear.
As a final thought I'll share something I once read or heard. I don't remember who said it. It could have been Jackie in this book but I can't remember. Anyway, here it is...
"A pregnant woman should be like an old cow. She chews the grass and spits out the straw." Meaning she keeps the good and filters out the bad.
Long before I was pregnant the first time I knew what I wanted for the births of any future children. I wanted a natural childbirth. That meaning, of course, to have as little medical intervention as possible. I would have loved to birth at home but for me that has turned out to not be a realistic goal for medical reasons. I always thought myself capable of delivering unaided by medication or the assistance of machines, instruments, and certainly not surgery. I have my mother to thank for that. She was always forthright about her experiences. She instilled in the the belief that I was created from head to toe to carry, birth, and nurture children. I knew that no matter the situation God was in control and would provide for me.
I have discovered that most women don't get to pregnancy feeling capable. For the most part, the first-timers that I have met are confused and scared. I believe these women were the victims of our society. The "plight" of the pregnant woman in broadcast at such high decibels over every media outlet that its hard to ignore. Fear of the upcoming blessed event drowns out reality. What we see on TV is angry, suffering women who can't control their temper and need the doctors to rescue them from the parasite that is growing in them. It simultaneously infuriates and saddens me.
Even with the mindset of my ability of accomplish this great task, I had a good deal of fear that first time around. My friend, Lori, who had no children and, at the time, no intention of birthing her own children but adopting, gave me a book that a lady at her church had recommended. I thanked her but never brought myself to read it. The title made me think it was a fanatical book with impossible goals. It seemed flaky to me. The book was Supernatural Childbirth by Jackie Mize. (You can find out more about Jackie and her husband Terry at their website here.)
I didn't have the aid of the wisdom of Supernatural Childbirth for Thomas' birth because I didn't bother to read it. I made excuses about time and all the usual things but the reality was that I never made time. I was stubborn and didn't need a book. I wish someone had whacked me in the head. I did not have the experience I wanted with Thomas' birth, partly due to his early arrival but mostly due to my ignorance and inexperience. When we found out that I was pregnant a second time we decided to go about things differently but still with the mindset that God equipped me for it.
I called Lori to find out the name of the book again. This time I read it, Thad read it, and my parents read it. Everyone that had a daily influence on my mindset and dealing with pregnancy and the fears that come with it had read the book. We began to understand what Jackie had to say and put it into use. We prayed for specific things and, amazingly, God answered.
There are two main points of emphasis in Supernatural Childbirth: 1. Fear is the main source of problems during conception, pregnancy, and birth. 2. Jesus broke the curse of sickness and pain with His redemptive work on the cross. Wow! How could I have fallen victim to anything other than God's Word? This book made perfect sense. It was like a V-8 moment when you slap yourself on the forehead because you should have known better.
Jackie also spends a bit of the book talking about filtering out the advice of others. Every pregnant woman knows that there are more books about pregnancy and childbirth than grains of sand in an hourglass. There is also no shortage of "well-meaning" opinions from every female that sets eyes on them. I am even guilty of over-sharing on occasion. I do try, though, to not be discouraging, to not share something that would promote fear.
As a final thought I'll share something I once read or heard. I don't remember who said it. It could have been Jackie in this book but I can't remember. Anyway, here it is...
"A pregnant woman should be like an old cow. She chews the grass and spits out the straw." Meaning she keeps the good and filters out the bad.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Today's Reading....
I chose another Psalm to explore:
"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah." Psalm 61:1-4
When I read this I can feel the Psalmist striving to express himself. King David had known from times past that God has been there for him and will again. He has no qualms crying to God to hear him. He has no doubts that God can and will lift him up.
We have all the same assurances. We need to continually avail ourselves of God's mighty hand. He wont fail us. He wont turn us away. We have no need of seeking our own way or that of another. Who can stand as our support more worthily than Almighty God?
This week try seeking God's uplift instead of calling on someone else to drag you out of that pit. He will hear your cries!
Love to all! Goodnight!
"Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah." Psalm 61:1-4
When I read this I can feel the Psalmist striving to express himself. King David had known from times past that God has been there for him and will again. He has no qualms crying to God to hear him. He has no doubts that God can and will lift him up.
We have all the same assurances. We need to continually avail ourselves of God's mighty hand. He wont fail us. He wont turn us away. We have no need of seeking our own way or that of another. Who can stand as our support more worthily than Almighty God?
This week try seeking God's uplift instead of calling on someone else to drag you out of that pit. He will hear your cries!
Love to all! Goodnight!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Today's Reading....
In my neck of the Christian woods, namely the Full Gospel/Pentecostal neck, there is a much quoted verse that is rarely quoted correctly. Lets explore that verse:
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7
Unfortunately, the first clause is left off - a lot! What does it matter? Seeing as how God never uttered an idle word that must mean we need the WHOLE verse for any of it to be applicable.
How can we expect to effectively resist the most diligent, intelligent, cunning enemy in the history of creation without the support of God? How can God support us if we aren't submitted to Him?
For that matter, how can we walk with Him in an unbalanced, childish step that still wants it's own way? In all things, we should first strive to submit to God. It would drastically improve all aspects of our life if we first consulted Him. That's my goal. I hope you make it yours.
Love to all! Goodnight!
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7
Unfortunately, the first clause is left off - a lot! What does it matter? Seeing as how God never uttered an idle word that must mean we need the WHOLE verse for any of it to be applicable.
How can we expect to effectively resist the most diligent, intelligent, cunning enemy in the history of creation without the support of God? How can God support us if we aren't submitted to Him?
For that matter, how can we walk with Him in an unbalanced, childish step that still wants it's own way? In all things, we should first strive to submit to God. It would drastically improve all aspects of our life if we first consulted Him. That's my goal. I hope you make it yours.
Love to all! Goodnight!
A Great Family Outing
One of the best things about living in Nashville is variety. Also, as a general rule, relatively inexpensive entertainment can be found. Such is the case for one of our favorite things to do around Nashville.
The Stardust Drive-In in Watertown, about 30 minutes east of Nashville, is one of the best family deals around! It is a real, honest-to-goodness drive-in movie theater. They don't have the old fashioned speaker boxes that crackled and faded. Instead you tune your car's radio to the designated FM station for the screen you are watching.
The prices are very reasonable. They have 2 screens. Each of which shows a double feature every night they are open. Admission (for both movies in the double feature) is $7 for adults over 12, $3 for ages 6-11, and children under 5 are FREE! Even their concession stand isn't overly inflated. If you prefer, you can pay an outside food permit of $5 per vehicle.
Check out their website for more information and to sign up for weekly "Now Showing" emails.
All around, a great family deal!
The Stardust Drive-In in Watertown, about 30 minutes east of Nashville, is one of the best family deals around! It is a real, honest-to-goodness drive-in movie theater. They don't have the old fashioned speaker boxes that crackled and faded. Instead you tune your car's radio to the designated FM station for the screen you are watching.
The prices are very reasonable. They have 2 screens. Each of which shows a double feature every night they are open. Admission (for both movies in the double feature) is $7 for adults over 12, $3 for ages 6-11, and children under 5 are FREE! Even their concession stand isn't overly inflated. If you prefer, you can pay an outside food permit of $5 per vehicle.
Check out their website for more information and to sign up for weekly "Now Showing" emails.
All around, a great family deal!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Today's Reading....
Have I mentioned that I have the BEST husband ever? Yes, I do. You may think its your husband but, really, its mine! I thought since today is his birthday I would find some scripture that I feel describes him well.
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" Ephesians 5:25
"So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself." Ephesians 5:28
The love spoken of here is unconditional and sacrificial. I cannot think of two better words for how my husband loves me. He walks these verse on a daily basis. He always has.
Long before children ever came into the picture Thad wanted me to be able to stay home. Not out of some misogynistic belief that my place was in the kitchen (though it is) but out of the desire to be the covering and provider that scripture requires. He knew that my desire was to serve him and keep his home. His desire is to live up to what God says he should be and allow me to do the same.
He works hard for us, fulfilling what God has called him to do. He relishes in allowing me to run our home and nurture and school our children. That does not mean that Thad leaves his responsibility at the front door every evening. He picks up where I cannot. He does dishes, laundry, and cooking anytime I need him to and for any reason. The children's baths are his domain. As I type this he is hanging up some clothes so I can blog.
Thad makes sure that, I, as the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7) am taken care of in the manner to which he believes God would have it. He makes sure that our children know they are loved. Together we strive to "bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)
He is everything I ever wanted in a mate. I have no doubts that ours is a union that will only be divided by death.
Thad is my best friend. My confidant. My lover. My partner. My covering. My hero.
As a bonus, he is also my personal computer help desk!
Happy Birthday to the best husband in the world!
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" Ephesians 5:25
"So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself." Ephesians 5:28
The love spoken of here is unconditional and sacrificial. I cannot think of two better words for how my husband loves me. He walks these verse on a daily basis. He always has.
Long before children ever came into the picture Thad wanted me to be able to stay home. Not out of some misogynistic belief that my place was in the kitchen (though it is) but out of the desire to be the covering and provider that scripture requires. He knew that my desire was to serve him and keep his home. His desire is to live up to what God says he should be and allow me to do the same.
He works hard for us, fulfilling what God has called him to do. He relishes in allowing me to run our home and nurture and school our children. That does not mean that Thad leaves his responsibility at the front door every evening. He picks up where I cannot. He does dishes, laundry, and cooking anytime I need him to and for any reason. The children's baths are his domain. As I type this he is hanging up some clothes so I can blog.
Thad makes sure that, I, as the weaker vessel (1 Peter 3:7) am taken care of in the manner to which he believes God would have it. He makes sure that our children know they are loved. Together we strive to "bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)
He is everything I ever wanted in a mate. I have no doubts that ours is a union that will only be divided by death.
Thad is my best friend. My confidant. My lover. My partner. My covering. My hero.
As a bonus, he is also my personal computer help desk!
Happy Birthday to the best husband in the world!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Today's Reading....
I searched several passages tonight, not particularly drawn to any one subject. I decided to search the Psalms beginning with one that aren't oft quoted. I found Psalm 3 quite uplifting.
"Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah." Psalm 3
I guess what struck me most was how David spent 2 of the 8 verses in the entire Psalm on the distress he felt fleeing Absalom, his son. The other 6 verses were of joy and rescue. He sung the praises of God's glory and uplifting arm in his situation.
Why, in our comparatively simple lives, do we not turn to God for rescue when He so freely offers it? Why don't we know and understand that He is always there as a constant buoy in our times of need? We never have to long for deliverance because God offers a constant fountain of it.
Its a fantastic thing to know that we are never left to flag in the wind against our enemies.
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." Isaiah 54:17
Rejoice in your servanthood because servants are always under their Master's care. How remarkable that our Master is the Creator of the universe! He doesn't even need a complicated thought process to place a hedge of protection around us.
Goodnight and love to all!
"Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah." Psalm 3
I guess what struck me most was how David spent 2 of the 8 verses in the entire Psalm on the distress he felt fleeing Absalom, his son. The other 6 verses were of joy and rescue. He sung the praises of God's glory and uplifting arm in his situation.
Why, in our comparatively simple lives, do we not turn to God for rescue when He so freely offers it? Why don't we know and understand that He is always there as a constant buoy in our times of need? We never have to long for deliverance because God offers a constant fountain of it.
Its a fantastic thing to know that we are never left to flag in the wind against our enemies.
"No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD." Isaiah 54:17
Rejoice in your servanthood because servants are always under their Master's care. How remarkable that our Master is the Creator of the universe! He doesn't even need a complicated thought process to place a hedge of protection around us.
Goodnight and love to all!
Monday, May 12, 2008
Baby Scalf 3.0 Update
Today I had another ultrasound to determine the approximate size of "Punkin."
I had measured a bit large at my last appointment so we checked to make sure I wasn't growing a linebacker in there.
All is well and the baby is thriving at 3lbs 9oz! That is the 51st percentile - about as average as it gets!
For all the time the doctors have spent telling me how abnormal I am, I'm pretty average. Because of the PCOS and IR I should have all manner of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and excessive weight gain. All of those should make for a HUGE baby. But no, God has given us three fantastic pregnancies and babies that are just right. My blood pressure today was 123/78, very normal! Praise God!
Here is a 3D picture of the side of "Punkin's" head. He/She had an arm over the bottom of the face. All that can be seen is the forehead (the large rounded area near the top), nose, cheek, and the arm which is angling in from the left. Baby is facing your left and is right side up.
I had measured a bit large at my last appointment so we checked to make sure I wasn't growing a linebacker in there.
All is well and the baby is thriving at 3lbs 9oz! That is the 51st percentile - about as average as it gets!
For all the time the doctors have spent telling me how abnormal I am, I'm pretty average. Because of the PCOS and IR I should have all manner of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and excessive weight gain. All of those should make for a HUGE baby. But no, God has given us three fantastic pregnancies and babies that are just right. My blood pressure today was 123/78, very normal! Praise God!
Here is a 3D picture of the side of "Punkin's" head. He/She had an arm over the bottom of the face. All that can be seen is the forehead (the large rounded area near the top), nose, cheek, and the arm which is angling in from the left. Baby is facing your left and is right side up.
My Son the Comedian
Thomas has recently discovered "knock-knock" jokes. His delivery isn't exactly flawless but we end up laughing hysterically anyway. Here is a sample of a joke-fest we had in the car today:
"Momma, Momma, knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Blue."
"Blue, who?"
"I'm sure glad I didn't ask for a banana!" Then he dissolves into laughter.
Last week I decided to build his material and told him the old "banana-orange" routine. It should go like this:
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Banana."
"Banana, who?"
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Banana."
"Banana, who?"
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Orange."
"Orange, who?"
"Orange you glad I didn't say banana?"
This is how Thomas does it:
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Banana."
"Banana, who?"
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Orange."
"Orange, who?"
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Banana."
"Banana, who?"
"Man, I wish I had asked for an orange!"
He kills me! What a great boy!
"Momma, Momma, knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Blue."
"Blue, who?"
"I'm sure glad I didn't ask for a banana!" Then he dissolves into laughter.
Last week I decided to build his material and told him the old "banana-orange" routine. It should go like this:
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Banana."
"Banana, who?"
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Banana."
"Banana, who?"
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Orange."
"Orange, who?"
"Orange you glad I didn't say banana?"
This is how Thomas does it:
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Banana."
"Banana, who?"
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Orange."
"Orange, who?"
"Knock, knock."
"Who's there?"
"Banana."
"Banana, who?"
"Man, I wish I had asked for an orange!"
He kills me! What a great boy!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
The Pie Competition (Finally!)
I apologize for the long wait on this.
This year I entered my first ever recipe/cooking contest. It was the National Pie Championships sponsored by the American Pie Council. The contest was the high point of the Great American Pie Festival in Celebration, Florida.
The contest has 15 categories. I entered my pie in the Fruit/Berry category. My pie was born out of love for my husband, and his love of pears. I can't reveal any more details or the recipe because I intend to enter it in the Tennessee State Fair. After that is finished I will be happy to share.
The festival celebrates all things pie. There are activities and contests for all ages. This year celebrity chef Gale Gand was one of the key demonstrators. One of the highlights, for which we all saved some room, was the Never Ending Pie Buffet. Some of the commercial competitors and sponsors dished out slices of their pie for buffet attendees. Pies of every variety were represented. Publix Grocery Stores offered samples of their house label ice cream.
This year I entered my first ever recipe/cooking contest. It was the National Pie Championships sponsored by the American Pie Council. The contest was the high point of the Great American Pie Festival in Celebration, Florida.
The contest has 15 categories. I entered my pie in the Fruit/Berry category. My pie was born out of love for my husband, and his love of pears. I can't reveal any more details or the recipe because I intend to enter it in the Tennessee State Fair. After that is finished I will be happy to share.
The festival celebrates all things pie. There are activities and contests for all ages. This year celebrity chef Gale Gand was one of the key demonstrators. One of the highlights, for which we all saved some room, was the Never Ending Pie Buffet. Some of the commercial competitors and sponsors dished out slices of their pie for buffet attendees. Pies of every variety were represented. Publix Grocery Stores offered samples of their house label ice cream.
It was a beautiful day. We enjoyed every minute of it. The contest provided a great excuse for a family vacation. Details of that will come in a later post.
Here are some pictures from the contest:
Getting out of the truck to submit my pie.
This picture was taken by Thomas.
Waiting to finish registration and have my pie taken to the judges. On a side note, we have noticed lately that it is nearly impossible to get a picture of the kids without one of them moving. Hence the blur.
No introduction needed.
Thomas and Lily thought the stilt guy was great!
At the Kid's Pie Creation Station, Thomas made his own little cherry pie.
A proud pie maker.
I guess by now you are wondering if I won, right? Nope. I didn't place in the top three but from what I learned about the judging process my pie must have left an impression. The judging begins with the "pre-slice score" for appearance. Then they take a small slice to divide among the judges. After tasting that bite or two the judges either move on or try more for a better idea of the pie. (I learned all this from one of the repeat winners.) By the time I picked up my pie's remains it was half gone! Evidently they had to keep tasting it to decide on it. Who knows? I could have been fourth. In June the judges comments and scores will be released. I'll get a better idea of how they felt and what I can do to improve.
Win or not, it was great fun. I'm already conjuring up recipes for next year!
Here is one more critique of my pie. After weeks of testing the recipe on my gracious and longsuffering family Thomas still loved it. The day we left Florida there was still half my pie left. As we were driving home Thomas asked if he could have "a taste." He redefined "a taste" for us. Thirty miles later we hear an "mmmmm" coming from the back seat. I was driving and Thad was reading so we hadn't been paying attention until right then. This is what we saw:
Thirty miles the boy had been munching.
My little pie monster ate the entire top layer of half a pie. It didn't even fill him up. He was hungry when we stopped an hour later for lunch.
Today's Reading....
Aside from the obvious, my 3 favorite people in the Bible are Hannah, Ruth, and Esther. I like them so much because their lives speak volumes to what Godly womanhood means. Not one of them felt entitled to anything just because they were women but because God had promised and led and directed them. Here is one of my favorite passages from Esther:
"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14
The book of Esther is unique in that it is the only book that never makes direct reference to God. Never. Truly some of us live our lives with never a direct instruction from God, at least not that we are aware of. We can feel His presence but some never feel God speaking directly to them or through them. However, we all know that God is active in our life. We know He moves. Just the same as we know He moved Mordecai and Esther when we read this book.
In this verse Mordecai explains to Esther that if she is quiet and stands her ground the evil plot that Haman connived to bring down Mordecai by way of destroying the Jews will fail. If she moves too quickly destruction is a foregone conclusion. He then says, "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Well, God knew. He put her there to foil yet another plan of Satan to destroy God's chosen people. The same can be said with each of us.
Whether or not you feel as if God has led you overtly, He has a plan for you. If you are yielded to Him fully He WILL put you in the right place at the right time. The decision is then yours to heed that leading or to walk away. To stand or to fold. To speak or remain silent.
He never fails us but surely we do fail Him. Resolve today to seek the knowledge of His directing hand and then to follow that lead.
Love to all!
"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14
The book of Esther is unique in that it is the only book that never makes direct reference to God. Never. Truly some of us live our lives with never a direct instruction from God, at least not that we are aware of. We can feel His presence but some never feel God speaking directly to them or through them. However, we all know that God is active in our life. We know He moves. Just the same as we know He moved Mordecai and Esther when we read this book.
In this verse Mordecai explains to Esther that if she is quiet and stands her ground the evil plot that Haman connived to bring down Mordecai by way of destroying the Jews will fail. If she moves too quickly destruction is a foregone conclusion. He then says, "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Well, God knew. He put her there to foil yet another plan of Satan to destroy God's chosen people. The same can be said with each of us.
Whether or not you feel as if God has led you overtly, He has a plan for you. If you are yielded to Him fully He WILL put you in the right place at the right time. The decision is then yours to heed that leading or to walk away. To stand or to fold. To speak or remain silent.
He never fails us but surely we do fail Him. Resolve today to seek the knowledge of His directing hand and then to follow that lead.
Love to all!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
PCOS, IR, and Me: My Story
This article contains personal and medical information. If you are uncomfortable knowing that much about me, stop reading. I would prefer if this article made its way around the world so PLEASE read on. Share this with your sisters, mothers, daughters, aunts, nieces, etc. especially if they are overweight and have some of the other symptoms I will list at the end of this article. I am not embarrassed to share this information, in fact, I welcome the opportunity.
When I was young I was normal sized, literally, right in the middle of the growth charts. About as average as a kid gets. That changed dramatically when I was 8. In the summer I was playing t-ball and running around with my cousins yet my body gained about 50lbs that summer without a diet change.I wasn't guzzling soda or gulping down seconds and thirds. Nothing was different. That fall I had to get my first bra at age 9. It was a 36C. To put that into perspective for all those not familiar with bra size, the average woman in America is a 34B as an adult! The need for a bra was caused by both the weight gain and a drastic change in hormones, though I didn't know that at the time.
The first indication that something was wrong came when I was 11, weighing nearly 150lbs. I began to have severe lower abdominal pain mostly on my left side. The doctor I went to, whose name I thankfully can't remember, told me it was nothing to worry about because I was just having premenstrual cramps. The problem that my mom and I explained to him was that I had never had them before neither was there a family history of any PMS symptoms. He basically rolled his eyes and suggested that I might feel better if I lost weight. Really? That hadn't occurred to me.
Needless to say I didn't go back. I did develop an unhealthy distrust for doctors because apparently they were all morons who made assumptions and suggestions without bothering to listen to me. Consequently, I avoided any doctor until the pain was so severe I missed days on end of school lying in bed crying because there were no answer or hope. I was 14 then. Through various circumstances God led me to another doctor who didn't think I was a fat slug who did nothing but search for attention by making up the pain.
Over the following 3-4 months I endured more tests than the average person endures in their entire life. I had countless blood tests, ultrasounds, and examinations. I had 2 exploratory CT-Scans with the barium shake and the barium enema (which is as fun as it sounds.) I even had a colonoscopy because they thought I might have colon cancer. When all was said and done, all they could tell me was that I had a cyst on my left ovary. It needed to be removed immediately. 3 weeks later I had surgery to remove my left ovary, fallopian tube, and an 8 lb ovarian cyst!It had been growing unchecked since that first doctor when I was 11. No wonder I looked pregnant.
After the surgery, the surgeons told my parents that the cyst had grown so large for so long that it was hemorrhaging back into itself and was turning gangrenous. It would have burst within 2 weeks releasing all those toxins into my body. More than likely it would have been fatal. On the upside it was pretty cool to have an elevator pass at school and show everyone my staples and scar and to tell my friends that the doctor wanted to remove my belly button. That would have looked even cooler! He didn't actually have to remove it. He went around it instead.
So after all this, one could reasonably expect a diagnosis, right? Such was not the case for me. All they said was that I had a "hormonal imbalance." They gave me birth control pills to regulate my hormones and told me to try to lose some weight. Again with that. As if I hadn't been trying that for years. Not to mention the fact that a major side effect of birth control pills is weight gain.
Here I go through my teenage years at 200lbs and gaining, on the pill, getting acne, losing the hair on my head but growing some on my chin and neck, having depression, not being able to eat because of nausea, constantly swinging between diarrhea and constipation, and never being normal. How did I deal with it? Apathy. I decided that since I couldn't lose weight why should I even try? I began to eat anything and everything in mass quantities. I decided that I would hop in the band wagon of fat women who "loved" their heaviness and really weren't unhealthy. (That great line from Hamlet, "The lady doth protest too much, methinks" comes to mind immediately.)
Apathy was a rather nice band-aid for the wounds I was inflicting on myself and those left by others. I got through high school with another 30 lbs and a bad attitude. Continuing on my road of apathy and distrust I avoided doctors except for my gynecologist who still didn't have a definite diagnosis for me. She just kept pumping me full of birth control pills.
Fast forward to age 22 when Thad and I decided (as if it were our decision) that it was time to have kids. I stopped the pills after talking to my doctor who wished me luck and told me to try to lose some weight. I had a couple of false positive pregnancy tests and no periods over the next 15 months. while I didn't mind the absence of of them I was concerned. I finally asked my gynecologist why no one knew what was wrong with me. She said, "well, its probably your PCOS. It makes it hard to get pregnant." UHM, my what? I told her I had no idea what she meant. I had never heard of PCOS before. She scribbled something in my chart and told me to have the nurse give me a referral to an endocrinologist. A what?
I went to the new doctor. I wasn't happy about it though. I had been having my blood drawn and an "intimate" exam every three months since I was 15. Why did I need someone else to explain this to me? Fortunately, this guy was good. The first step of the appointment wasn't good - I had to weigh. For the first time in my life my weight frightened me. I was 25 and weighed 308 lbs. I'll never forget that moment. It took every ounce of strength I had not to cry. I knew part was from the whatever that had been going on in my body but, sadly, I knew that I had contributed to the monstrous beast that perched on the scale.
The appointment got better. He actually had answers. He told me that I did, indeed, have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome but that wasn't the root problem. I had something called Insulin Resistance. (Before you think it, ask it, or say it...NO, I'm not diabetic. But I could be someday.) IR is a condition in which the insulin response to food intake is insufficient. It causes the body to think it is always in "starvation mode." My muscles are deaf to the insulin message and do not take it in. Unfortunately, my fat cells think I'm never eating enough no matter how much or how little I eat. In that mode the fat stores everything! I could live on water and lettuce and still gain weight at an alarming rate. Thus the idea that just better nutrition and exercise would fix me up is FALSE. I know its false because I have tried it. I spent one year of my life eating 1200 calories a day and doing a 2-hour workout, 4 times a week. In that year I lost 4 lbs. Yeah, only 4.
This insulin issue causes my estrogen and progesterone to be out of whack and my testosterone to be really HIGH! The testosterone is why I grow hair in all the wrong places. It all contributes to the weight gain. So after all this illumination, for which I was incredibly grateful, I asked the obvious question: How do we fix me so that I can have babies? He reply wasn't what I wanted to hear. "It would help if you lost some weight." I gritted my teeth and stifled some frustration. Before I could scream about my inability to lose weight he said, "The problem with that is IR and PCOS make it nearly impossible."
I was dumbfounded. Finally someone realized that other than me. He gave me some samples and a prescription for Glucophage, a diabetes medication. But I'm not diabetic. He knew that, of course, because he had his head on straight. He said my periods would regulate and my hormones would come closer to normal. As a result and a big bonus, if I began to eat better and less I would see gradual weight loss. darned if he wasn't right.
Since that visit I have had to find another endocrinologist who is probably the best doctor I've ever come across. He is remarkably intelligent with an insatiable appetite for research but he doesn't run headlong toward something just because its the latest thing. I also have a new OB/GYN who I found through my endocrinologist because I wanted someone who would listen to him and understand that PCOS is NOT a gynecological problem.
Now I am surrounded by a wonderful team of physicians that understand my faith and my desire to not be a pincushion. I believe wholeheartedly that these men were put in my path to bring about God's will in my life. I was designed and created from head to toe to grow, birth, and nurture children. It was and still is the desire of my heart. When I surrendered my desire to His will and timing I got my answers and my health.
So what are the results of my journey?
* 3 babies I shouldn't have especially with one ovary.
* A dramatic weight loss (from my all-time high of 320 lbs to my current pre-pregnant weight of 243 lbs)
* The knowledge that I know my body better than anyone and trusting that meant booting the bad doctors.
* Conventional medicine isn't inherently bad. Find doctors that understand your beliefs and can work with them. All of my physicians understand that I don't credit them with my health improvement or my 3 miracle children. I credit God for leading me to them and giving us all wisdom in my situation. I believe that each child was a direct, Hand-of-God miracle much like Hannah (1 Samuel 1)
* I learned to look at women and girls who look like me in a different light. I used to see them the same way everyone else does. I thought they are fat because they eat too much. My experiences have taught me to wonder if she doesn't know that she might be fighting a losing battle against an enemy she doesn't even know exists. Occasionally, I even approach strangers and implore them to see an endocrinologist about PCOS and IR.
* I now know that Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome is NOT an illness best treated by a gynecologist. It is not so much reproductive but hormonal. All hormones, even female ones, belong in the domain of the endocrinologist. It is also not a condition best treated by a fertility specialist. When you treat the underlying condition, the infertility usually resolves.
* I don't take diet advice from just anyone. For some reason people are compelled to share their diet secrets with me unsolicited. "I cut out high fat and lost 30 lbs." or "I only eat organic." or "I cut out everything from a box." or "All you have to do it eat more fruit and less red meat and you could look like me." or "Never eat anything after 6pm." (The ridiculousness of this statement is something I could write about endlessly. Weight is about math - calories in minus calories out. there is no magic time of day.) Nope, I have a filter now. I think these people are so uncomfortable with my size they want to be my rescuer. A nice thought but very belittling. I know what food to eat, how much, and when. I also rarely share my own diet advice for the same reason. I only do it when asked.
You can take the quiz here for a better idea of your risk. I suggest printing it and taking it to your physician to discuss your risk and have the blood tests.
When I was young I was normal sized, literally, right in the middle of the growth charts. About as average as a kid gets. That changed dramatically when I was 8. In the summer I was playing t-ball and running around with my cousins yet my body gained about 50lbs that summer without a diet change.I wasn't guzzling soda or gulping down seconds and thirds. Nothing was different. That fall I had to get my first bra at age 9. It was a 36C. To put that into perspective for all those not familiar with bra size, the average woman in America is a 34B as an adult! The need for a bra was caused by both the weight gain and a drastic change in hormones, though I didn't know that at the time.
The first indication that something was wrong came when I was 11, weighing nearly 150lbs. I began to have severe lower abdominal pain mostly on my left side. The doctor I went to, whose name I thankfully can't remember, told me it was nothing to worry about because I was just having premenstrual cramps. The problem that my mom and I explained to him was that I had never had them before neither was there a family history of any PMS symptoms. He basically rolled his eyes and suggested that I might feel better if I lost weight. Really? That hadn't occurred to me.
Needless to say I didn't go back. I did develop an unhealthy distrust for doctors because apparently they were all morons who made assumptions and suggestions without bothering to listen to me. Consequently, I avoided any doctor until the pain was so severe I missed days on end of school lying in bed crying because there were no answer or hope. I was 14 then. Through various circumstances God led me to another doctor who didn't think I was a fat slug who did nothing but search for attention by making up the pain.
Over the following 3-4 months I endured more tests than the average person endures in their entire life. I had countless blood tests, ultrasounds, and examinations. I had 2 exploratory CT-Scans with the barium shake and the barium enema (which is as fun as it sounds.) I even had a colonoscopy because they thought I might have colon cancer. When all was said and done, all they could tell me was that I had a cyst on my left ovary. It needed to be removed immediately. 3 weeks later I had surgery to remove my left ovary, fallopian tube, and an 8 lb ovarian cyst!It had been growing unchecked since that first doctor when I was 11. No wonder I looked pregnant.
After the surgery, the surgeons told my parents that the cyst had grown so large for so long that it was hemorrhaging back into itself and was turning gangrenous. It would have burst within 2 weeks releasing all those toxins into my body. More than likely it would have been fatal. On the upside it was pretty cool to have an elevator pass at school and show everyone my staples and scar and to tell my friends that the doctor wanted to remove my belly button. That would have looked even cooler! He didn't actually have to remove it. He went around it instead.
So after all this, one could reasonably expect a diagnosis, right? Such was not the case for me. All they said was that I had a "hormonal imbalance." They gave me birth control pills to regulate my hormones and told me to try to lose some weight. Again with that. As if I hadn't been trying that for years. Not to mention the fact that a major side effect of birth control pills is weight gain.
Here I go through my teenage years at 200lbs and gaining, on the pill, getting acne, losing the hair on my head but growing some on my chin and neck, having depression, not being able to eat because of nausea, constantly swinging between diarrhea and constipation, and never being normal. How did I deal with it? Apathy. I decided that since I couldn't lose weight why should I even try? I began to eat anything and everything in mass quantities. I decided that I would hop in the band wagon of fat women who "loved" their heaviness and really weren't unhealthy. (That great line from Hamlet, "The lady doth protest too much, methinks" comes to mind immediately.)
Apathy was a rather nice band-aid for the wounds I was inflicting on myself and those left by others. I got through high school with another 30 lbs and a bad attitude. Continuing on my road of apathy and distrust I avoided doctors except for my gynecologist who still didn't have a definite diagnosis for me. She just kept pumping me full of birth control pills.
Fast forward to age 22 when Thad and I decided (as if it were our decision) that it was time to have kids. I stopped the pills after talking to my doctor who wished me luck and told me to try to lose some weight. I had a couple of false positive pregnancy tests and no periods over the next 15 months. while I didn't mind the absence of of them I was concerned. I finally asked my gynecologist why no one knew what was wrong with me. She said, "well, its probably your PCOS. It makes it hard to get pregnant." UHM, my what? I told her I had no idea what she meant. I had never heard of PCOS before. She scribbled something in my chart and told me to have the nurse give me a referral to an endocrinologist. A what?
I went to the new doctor. I wasn't happy about it though. I had been having my blood drawn and an "intimate" exam every three months since I was 15. Why did I need someone else to explain this to me? Fortunately, this guy was good. The first step of the appointment wasn't good - I had to weigh. For the first time in my life my weight frightened me. I was 25 and weighed 308 lbs. I'll never forget that moment. It took every ounce of strength I had not to cry. I knew part was from the whatever that had been going on in my body but, sadly, I knew that I had contributed to the monstrous beast that perched on the scale.
The appointment got better. He actually had answers. He told me that I did, indeed, have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome but that wasn't the root problem. I had something called Insulin Resistance. (Before you think it, ask it, or say it...NO, I'm not diabetic. But I could be someday.) IR is a condition in which the insulin response to food intake is insufficient. It causes the body to think it is always in "starvation mode." My muscles are deaf to the insulin message and do not take it in. Unfortunately, my fat cells think I'm never eating enough no matter how much or how little I eat. In that mode the fat stores everything! I could live on water and lettuce and still gain weight at an alarming rate. Thus the idea that just better nutrition and exercise would fix me up is FALSE. I know its false because I have tried it. I spent one year of my life eating 1200 calories a day and doing a 2-hour workout, 4 times a week. In that year I lost 4 lbs. Yeah, only 4.
This insulin issue causes my estrogen and progesterone to be out of whack and my testosterone to be really HIGH! The testosterone is why I grow hair in all the wrong places. It all contributes to the weight gain. So after all this illumination, for which I was incredibly grateful, I asked the obvious question: How do we fix me so that I can have babies? He reply wasn't what I wanted to hear. "It would help if you lost some weight." I gritted my teeth and stifled some frustration. Before I could scream about my inability to lose weight he said, "The problem with that is IR and PCOS make it nearly impossible."
I was dumbfounded. Finally someone realized that other than me. He gave me some samples and a prescription for Glucophage, a diabetes medication. But I'm not diabetic. He knew that, of course, because he had his head on straight. He said my periods would regulate and my hormones would come closer to normal. As a result and a big bonus, if I began to eat better and less I would see gradual weight loss. darned if he wasn't right.
Since that visit I have had to find another endocrinologist who is probably the best doctor I've ever come across. He is remarkably intelligent with an insatiable appetite for research but he doesn't run headlong toward something just because its the latest thing. I also have a new OB/GYN who I found through my endocrinologist because I wanted someone who would listen to him and understand that PCOS is NOT a gynecological problem.
Now I am surrounded by a wonderful team of physicians that understand my faith and my desire to not be a pincushion. I believe wholeheartedly that these men were put in my path to bring about God's will in my life. I was designed and created from head to toe to grow, birth, and nurture children. It was and still is the desire of my heart. When I surrendered my desire to His will and timing I got my answers and my health.
So what are the results of my journey?
* 3 babies I shouldn't have especially with one ovary.
* A dramatic weight loss (from my all-time high of 320 lbs to my current pre-pregnant weight of 243 lbs)
* The knowledge that I know my body better than anyone and trusting that meant booting the bad doctors.
* Conventional medicine isn't inherently bad. Find doctors that understand your beliefs and can work with them. All of my physicians understand that I don't credit them with my health improvement or my 3 miracle children. I credit God for leading me to them and giving us all wisdom in my situation. I believe that each child was a direct, Hand-of-God miracle much like Hannah (1 Samuel 1)
* I learned to look at women and girls who look like me in a different light. I used to see them the same way everyone else does. I thought they are fat because they eat too much. My experiences have taught me to wonder if she doesn't know that she might be fighting a losing battle against an enemy she doesn't even know exists. Occasionally, I even approach strangers and implore them to see an endocrinologist about PCOS and IR.
* I now know that Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome is NOT an illness best treated by a gynecologist. It is not so much reproductive but hormonal. All hormones, even female ones, belong in the domain of the endocrinologist. It is also not a condition best treated by a fertility specialist. When you treat the underlying condition, the infertility usually resolves.
* I don't take diet advice from just anyone. For some reason people are compelled to share their diet secrets with me unsolicited. "I cut out high fat and lost 30 lbs." or "I only eat organic." or "I cut out everything from a box." or "All you have to do it eat more fruit and less red meat and you could look like me." or "Never eat anything after 6pm." (The ridiculousness of this statement is something I could write about endlessly. Weight is about math - calories in minus calories out. there is no magic time of day.) Nope, I have a filter now. I think these people are so uncomfortable with my size they want to be my rescuer. A nice thought but very belittling. I know what food to eat, how much, and when. I also rarely share my own diet advice for the same reason. I only do it when asked.
Here are some of the hallmark symptoms of PCOS:
*Fewer than 8 periods per year.
*Heavy to very heavy periods.
*Irregular bleeding.
*Sudden, unexplained (non-diet induced) weight gain
*Fertility problems.
*Adult acne.
*Hair growth in places that are typically male: chin, neck, upper lip, chest, abdomen.
*Balding or thinning hair on head.
*Darkening or discoloration on neck, face, between folds of skin, etc.
*Skin tags.
*Type 2 Diabetes or a family history of Type 2 Diabetes (particularly if your mother had Gestational Diabetes while pregnant with you.)
*Sluggishness, lack of concentration, shaking, uncontrollable hunger and mood swings.
*Fewer than 8 periods per year.
*Heavy to very heavy periods.
*Irregular bleeding.
*Sudden, unexplained (non-diet induced) weight gain
*Fertility problems.
*Adult acne.
*Hair growth in places that are typically male: chin, neck, upper lip, chest, abdomen.
*Balding or thinning hair on head.
*Darkening or discoloration on neck, face, between folds of skin, etc.
*Skin tags.
*Type 2 Diabetes or a family history of Type 2 Diabetes (particularly if your mother had Gestational Diabetes while pregnant with you.)
*Sluggishness, lack of concentration, shaking, uncontrollable hunger and mood swings.
You can take the quiz here for a better idea of your risk. I suggest printing it and taking it to your physician to discuss your risk and have the blood tests.
If you live in the Nashville area and believe you have PCOS, please send a comment with your email and I will give you my doctor's information if you do not have an endocrinologist.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
A Wonderful Article and Resource
Just yesterday I got my latest issue (June 1, 2008) of Woman's Day Magazine. I truly enjoy this magazine because it is frank, down-to earth, not filled with smutty articles about tings that shouldn't appear in the checkout aisle, and still has a sense of morality. They even include a scripture in each issue. Anyway, this issue had an article that is very personal to me. On page 72, I read about my life, or at least it felt that way. The article is titled "I thought I'd never have kids."
Lesa Childers relates her battle with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, also known as PCOS and Stein-Leventhal Syndrome. When I was reading it I felt like I could have written it. She talked about her struggle with irregular and heavy periods, her weight gain, type 2 diabetes and especially infertility. Living this life of not menstruating for as long as 12 months (I topped out at 15 months,) never knowing if or when she would have break-through bleeding, uncontrollable weight gain, depression, and a slew of other symptoms all with NO ANSWERS! Years went by before a doctor finally told her a definitive diagnosis.
Fortunately she did not go through what I and many others did. For those who know the story, I apologize for the repetition. For those who don't please read my post "PCOS, IR, and Me: My Story."
Please pick up a copy of this issue of Woman's Day and educate yourselves.
Lesa Childers relates her battle with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, also known as PCOS and Stein-Leventhal Syndrome. When I was reading it I felt like I could have written it. She talked about her struggle with irregular and heavy periods, her weight gain, type 2 diabetes and especially infertility. Living this life of not menstruating for as long as 12 months (I topped out at 15 months,) never knowing if or when she would have break-through bleeding, uncontrollable weight gain, depression, and a slew of other symptoms all with NO ANSWERS! Years went by before a doctor finally told her a definitive diagnosis.
Fortunately she did not go through what I and many others did. For those who know the story, I apologize for the repetition. For those who don't please read my post "PCOS, IR, and Me: My Story."
Please pick up a copy of this issue of Woman's Day and educate yourselves.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Today's Reading....
This is part of a passage that we learned about yesterday in church. I wanted to share some thoughts I had about it.
"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:3-6
We hear a lot about being united in our faith, being one strong force for change. While this is truly a Biblical ambition it can be taken to the extreme. We cannot become so driven to unity that we ignore those things that are false doctrine. For example, we cannot just accept that someone is a brother or sister in Christ because they say they believe in God. Not even all denominations that claim to be Christian really are. Any teaching that puts a human on equal plain with Jesus is a false doctrine. Any teaching that claims a "later revelation" is false. There are no two ways about it. God is what He says He is - in HIS Word!
A further extreme of unity is the idea that because God created all humans we should be one no matter our belief system. Its ridiculous to say that just based on God's love for us we can accept and tolerate any religion. He didn't. Why should we?
Does this mean that any difference in denominational opinion is a reason to dissociate with those of others churches? NO! Often our small differences divide us based on tradition more than what the Bible actually says. The fact is that we, who claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior, are united in the same Holy Spirit regardless of our denomination.
Really and truly there are very few denominational differences that are "salvation issues" or those things that could compromise our eternal destination. Whether or not we have music during worship or do we let our women teach and preach or raising our hands in worship. These things are not at issue when we lay our hearts at the feet of God's throne. I will expound in a future post on issues that can compromise our salvation.
Is there are way to know if a particular belief is false doctrine? Why, yes, there is!
1. The Bible is very clear that there is ONE mediator between God and man. That's Jesus. Anyone position that attempts to elevate a person or false diety to an equal plain with Jesus is false. 1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:6
2. Anything that attempts to remove Jesus' Godhood and make him merely a man or good teacher is false. John 1:1-51; Revelation 1:1-20; Revelation 22:1-21
3. Any person that cannot confess with their mouth Jesus as their Lord and Savior doesn't believe in their heart. Romans 10:9-11; Matthew 10:32; Philippians 2:11; 1 John 4:1-4; 2 John 1:7
So, in short (Ha Ha,) strive to have unity with those that truly confess Jesus as their Lord regardless of what the sign says over the door of their church. Don't allow yourself to be led into the belief that all is acceptable. If you have fellowship with someone whose belief system doesn't fit the criteria above, WITNESS TO THEM! Ask them to join you in a study of these things. If you need more help, PLEASE feel free to contact me. If I can't find the answer, preacher Daddy can.
Love to all!
"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:3-6
We hear a lot about being united in our faith, being one strong force for change. While this is truly a Biblical ambition it can be taken to the extreme. We cannot become so driven to unity that we ignore those things that are false doctrine. For example, we cannot just accept that someone is a brother or sister in Christ because they say they believe in God. Not even all denominations that claim to be Christian really are. Any teaching that puts a human on equal plain with Jesus is a false doctrine. Any teaching that claims a "later revelation" is false. There are no two ways about it. God is what He says He is - in HIS Word!
A further extreme of unity is the idea that because God created all humans we should be one no matter our belief system. Its ridiculous to say that just based on God's love for us we can accept and tolerate any religion. He didn't. Why should we?
Does this mean that any difference in denominational opinion is a reason to dissociate with those of others churches? NO! Often our small differences divide us based on tradition more than what the Bible actually says. The fact is that we, who claim Jesus as our Lord and Savior, are united in the same Holy Spirit regardless of our denomination.
Really and truly there are very few denominational differences that are "salvation issues" or those things that could compromise our eternal destination. Whether or not we have music during worship or do we let our women teach and preach or raising our hands in worship. These things are not at issue when we lay our hearts at the feet of God's throne. I will expound in a future post on issues that can compromise our salvation.
Is there are way to know if a particular belief is false doctrine? Why, yes, there is!
1. The Bible is very clear that there is ONE mediator between God and man. That's Jesus. Anyone position that attempts to elevate a person or false diety to an equal plain with Jesus is false. 1 Timothy 2:5; John 14:6
2. Anything that attempts to remove Jesus' Godhood and make him merely a man or good teacher is false. John 1:1-51; Revelation 1:1-20; Revelation 22:1-21
3. Any person that cannot confess with their mouth Jesus as their Lord and Savior doesn't believe in their heart. Romans 10:9-11; Matthew 10:32; Philippians 2:11; 1 John 4:1-4; 2 John 1:7
So, in short (Ha Ha,) strive to have unity with those that truly confess Jesus as their Lord regardless of what the sign says over the door of their church. Don't allow yourself to be led into the belief that all is acceptable. If you have fellowship with someone whose belief system doesn't fit the criteria above, WITNESS TO THEM! Ask them to join you in a study of these things. If you need more help, PLEASE feel free to contact me. If I can't find the answer, preacher Daddy can.
Love to all!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Well Worth a Family Outing
Last week Thomas and I went with his supplement school on a field trip to Kentucky Down Under! It was wonderful. I can't recommend highly enough this great educational family park.
They focus on animals and lifestyles of Australia. This is not anything like a typical zoo. The enclosures are not off limits to the visitors. With the help of the very well educated staff we went into the enclosures with the animals. They have one enclosure with grey and red kangaroos, wallabies, emus and black swans. There is a lorikeet cage where everyone can feed the birds while they climb all over you.
There are a few educational presentations including one on reptiles and amphibians. Across the field is the Wool Shed which has a fenced in pasture where we watched a demonstration of their Border Collie, Robin, running the sheep with great precision. The wool shed houses several different types of sheep including those breeds that are most popular in Australia and New Zealand. There was a presentation with visitor involvement about life on a Australian Sheep Station. Everyone in our group got to milk their Brown Swiss Cow named Faye. A few of the students even got to bottle-feed some sweet lambs.
As with most of South-Central Kentucky, Kentucky Down Under has a cave. It was lovely. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. He even got a chuckle or two at my hugely pregnant body trying to traverse some of the tighter squeezes in the cave. I laughed too so it was okay.
A small flume plays host to gem mining via bags of mine silt. Their gift shop has nice souvenirs at reasonable prices. I bought four items that weren't junk for under $12. The Outback Shack has the typical fare plus things like bison and veggie burgers and salads. Even it isn't expensive. The admission is affordable, and the drive isn't bad at all, only 90 minutes from Nashville.
They focus on animals and lifestyles of Australia. This is not anything like a typical zoo. The enclosures are not off limits to the visitors. With the help of the very well educated staff we went into the enclosures with the animals. They have one enclosure with grey and red kangaroos, wallabies, emus and black swans. There is a lorikeet cage where everyone can feed the birds while they climb all over you.
There are a few educational presentations including one on reptiles and amphibians. Across the field is the Wool Shed which has a fenced in pasture where we watched a demonstration of their Border Collie, Robin, running the sheep with great precision. The wool shed houses several different types of sheep including those breeds that are most popular in Australia and New Zealand. There was a presentation with visitor involvement about life on a Australian Sheep Station. Everyone in our group got to milk their Brown Swiss Cow named Faye. A few of the students even got to bottle-feed some sweet lambs.
As with most of South-Central Kentucky, Kentucky Down Under has a cave. It was lovely. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. He even got a chuckle or two at my hugely pregnant body trying to traverse some of the tighter squeezes in the cave. I laughed too so it was okay.
A small flume plays host to gem mining via bags of mine silt. Their gift shop has nice souvenirs at reasonable prices. I bought four items that weren't junk for under $12. The Outback Shack has the typical fare plus things like bison and veggie burgers and salads. Even it isn't expensive. The admission is affordable, and the drive isn't bad at all, only 90 minutes from Nashville.
There is a coupon in the Entertainment Book for Buy One Get One Free admission. We plan to go again after Baby Scalf 3.0 is born. This time with the whole family.
Here are some pictures of our trip:
Thomas and a friend watching the peacock shake his hinder at us. He just wanted us to know how intimidating he was.
The hands-on reptile and amphibian presentation.
Inside the kangaroo enclosure for a presentation.
Loving on a 'roo!
Thomas and 2 joeys. This was one of the coolest things ever!
Thomas and his lorikeet.
Watching the sheep herding demo.
Milking Faye. That stool was none to comfortable on this pregnant body.
Thomas milking Faye.
We had a fantastic time. If you are looking for a fun and educational family outing you can't go wrong with Kentucky Down Under! It is also a great school or church trip!
Friday, May 2, 2008
Things I Learned on a 700 Mile Road Trip
First, you should know this is not a undertaking for the faint of heart nor the sore of behind! Especially when young children are in the traveling party. I don't know how my parents did 8 trips between California and Tennessee in a Datsun with no air conditioning. They definitely get extra points.
Now for those Things I Learned:
*The speed at which 5 year old kidneys process bottled water increases with a direct correlation to the anticipation of arriving at your destination. For example, we had to pull over between six and eight times within the last 50 miles of Orlando so Thomas could "paint" the guardrail or water the weeds.
*There are a remarkable number of vehicles on which turn signals are optional equipment. I naively thought they came standard and their use was required. My fellow motorists in Georgia and Florida were kind enough to educate me.
*Passing on the right is the new black.
*There are an infinite number of Cracker Barrel restaurants on I-75 between Chattanooga and Orlando.
*The only differences between Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg and Orlando/Kissimmee are the terrain (mountains vs. swamps), alligators, and a 15% mark-up on everything.
*Its legal to advertise practically anything on a billboard in Georgia. This mostly refers to the ads that proclaim "couples welcome" and shout about how much they are not wearing. They also have trucker discounts and showers (gross!) Nope, I'm not kidding. I wish I were.
*The best pecans, tangerines, and peach cider can be found at Big Rosie's stand just outside of Valdosta, Georgia off I-75. We sampled pecans that had been shelled the day before and tangerines that were so sweet and juicy! They were so fresh and yummy. He is the farmer so the prices were reasonable also.
*You must stop at some point and release the children from the confines of the car and let them run. Of course, you are saying, "well, that's obvious. They need to stretch their legs." True, but I mean for your sake. They are like bottle rockets that you are trying to trap in the bottle. They will explode. You will be hit by the shrapnel.
*Toll roads are expensive. Not just the tolls but the "Convenience Stations" that are provided so you don't have to exit to get gas or a snack. Every time you exit, you pay. Every time you enter, you pay. I think when all is said and done unless you are just going to the bathroom the amount spent is a wash.
*Everything that offers a discount to the major attractions and hotels is a time share scam. DON'T GO! Run for your life! Use the Official Visitors Bureau. Their discounts are for real.
Now for those Things I Learned:
*The speed at which 5 year old kidneys process bottled water increases with a direct correlation to the anticipation of arriving at your destination. For example, we had to pull over between six and eight times within the last 50 miles of Orlando so Thomas could "paint" the guardrail or water the weeds.
*There are a remarkable number of vehicles on which turn signals are optional equipment. I naively thought they came standard and their use was required. My fellow motorists in Georgia and Florida were kind enough to educate me.
*Passing on the right is the new black.
*There are an infinite number of Cracker Barrel restaurants on I-75 between Chattanooga and Orlando.
*The only differences between Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg and Orlando/Kissimmee are the terrain (mountains vs. swamps), alligators, and a 15% mark-up on everything.
*Its legal to advertise practically anything on a billboard in Georgia. This mostly refers to the ads that proclaim "couples welcome" and shout about how much they are not wearing. They also have trucker discounts and showers (gross!) Nope, I'm not kidding. I wish I were.
*The best pecans, tangerines, and peach cider can be found at Big Rosie's stand just outside of Valdosta, Georgia off I-75. We sampled pecans that had been shelled the day before and tangerines that were so sweet and juicy! They were so fresh and yummy. He is the farmer so the prices were reasonable also.
*You must stop at some point and release the children from the confines of the car and let them run. Of course, you are saying, "well, that's obvious. They need to stretch their legs." True, but I mean for your sake. They are like bottle rockets that you are trying to trap in the bottle. They will explode. You will be hit by the shrapnel.
*Toll roads are expensive. Not just the tolls but the "Convenience Stations" that are provided so you don't have to exit to get gas or a snack. Every time you exit, you pay. Every time you enter, you pay. I think when all is said and done unless you are just going to the bathroom the amount spent is a wash.
*Everything that offers a discount to the major attractions and hotels is a time share scam. DON'T GO! Run for your life! Use the Official Visitors Bureau. Their discounts are for real.
Long Time, No Type
Yeah, I know I said that I would be back sooner but life and fatigue and everything else has conspired to keep me away from the computer.
Prepare yourselves for an influx of articles on everything from the Pie Competition to Gatorland to Things I Learned on a Road Trip!
Prepare yourselves for an influx of articles on everything from the Pie Competition to Gatorland to Things I Learned on a Road Trip!
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