Monthly Weight Loss Update May 2016

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Another month has passed and although I have had multiple setbacks this month, I am still proud of my success thus far.

I have lost a total of 20lbs!

I've lost a total of 7 inches.

A lot of my clothes are actually appearing to be too big on me.

I'm down a total of 3 notches on my belt.

I feel good (minus this weekend's hit with the GI bug).

I am looking forward to having the summer off with my kids. I am counting down the days. I am also hoping to add more exercise into my routine. One thing I know I need to do to better myself is to not treat the weekends like I'm on a free-for-all binge eating party. I have had a real issue with just letting myself go on the weekends. I don't feel well after eating like that and I know it is not good for me.

Self control.

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So...here's a toast to more progress. I am so close to my 30lb goal!

Linking up for Tuesday Talk

You Never Outgrow Your Momma

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If you've been blessed to have an involved mother in your life, then you'll know what I'm talking about. From the time I was little, my mom was the one I went to for everything. She and I have always been close and I am blessed to have such a Godly, encouraging woman in my life. When I moved to Virginia in 2007, it was so hard to leave her behind. I missed her terribly and I was envious of my sister's time with her while I got to see her only a few times a year.

Upon having my own children, I realized just how badly I wanted that time with my mom back. Since I knew there was no way to get the time back, I focused on how I could make our time together meaningful and memorable. Still, a birthday and Christmas were not enough.

For the last several years, I've prayed for God to place contentment in my heart when the ache became too much. There came a time when it was as if God was speaking straight to me. My heart gained a peace that ensured me that she would once again become a constant presence in my life. That was several years ago.

There were many conversations with my mom about having her move to Virginia. When our daughter (her first grandchild) was born, I was shameless in using her as an incentive. Mom went back and forth with reasons why she could/should but could not move. I'd get frustrated when she'd make progress towards a move, but then there would be no further follow through. I desperately wanted her here.

When we became pregnant with my son, I had a much more difficult pregnancy and all I wanted was my mom. I wanted her here when I'd lie awake afraid and Clinton was at work. I wanted her at some of my appointments. I wanted her to hear his little heartbeat. I just wanted my mom.

This past November, my mom and I were talking (yet again) about her moving here. There were so many signs indicating she needed to make the move and yet she was still hesitant. I totally understood her reasoning, but I felt the time was coming. I insisted that she'd know the right moment when it came. That same month, she and I were texting and we both sent each other the same house for sale at the same time. The listing was in her price range and it had 98% of the things she had on her "must have" list for a new home. Eventually, she agreed to let me speak with a realtor about the house. My husband and I both checked out the house and upon my personal walk through, I just knew it was for her. God gives such perfect confirmations.

To make a long, but no so long, story short, the Lord made a way for EVERYTHING to fall into place. Everything she had a worry about was boldly taken care of through God's provision. In March, she took the bold step and made the official move to Virginia. I have been trying to convince myself that this is real. I now drive 15 minutes to see her. We can have weekly dinners, impromptu outings, and plenty of girl time.

The best part has been seeing her interact with the kids. She has missed so much of their little lives thus far and I am overjoyed at the memories she is now making with them. God has answered my prayers by providing a way for her to become an active part of our lives. She no longer sees us through pictures. I'm such a lucky gal.

After all, I'll never outgrow my momma.

Linking up for Waiting on Wednesday

Words of Healing

We have been dealing with a lot of various health concerns within our family and among friends. There have been broken moments when my heart and mind are so overwhelmed. There are times I simply don't have words to utter anymore. 

It's during those times that I've relied heavily on scripture to speak for me. Here are a few verses that I've called upon lately. If you are finding it hard during a certain season you are going through right now, then I hope these verses leave you comforted and empowered as well.

Linking up for Mommy Moments

Let It Rain Guest Post

Today I'm guest posting over at Arrows and Warriors. I hope you'll check it out!

When Mother's Day Hurts

I've been that woman. The woman sitting in the church pew on Mother's Day Sunday morning, gripping the edge of my pew with both hands so I won't leave. I hang my head during the songs of worship to hide my tears. I feel guilty for not being happy...for not praising my God for all He has done. I feel guilty for not raising my voice in song because of the fear that if I utter a sound, I'll loose my composure. I ache because of my barrenness. I envy the new mother next to me. I fight bitterness at the sight of all the beautiful families dedicating their tiny babes to the Lord during the baby dedication service. I fear that I will never be the woman holding her own child. I want to scream, "why you and not me?!" at the barely out of high school girl sitting behind me as she shifts because of the weight of her pregnant belly.

I've been that woman.

I've been the woman who, on Mother's Day, is not grateful for the blessings that I have been so quick to forget. I don't rejoice in the fact that I am still fortunate to have my own mother alive and well. I don't rejoice in the fact that I have a husband who has stood by me, month after month, as I experience the hormonal highs and lows of the fertility meds, and then holds me when I cry myself to sleep because of yet another negative pregnancy test. I've been the woman who wonders if God truly hears the silent prayers of my heart and the outpourings of my words as I weep in the silence.

I've been that woman.

And yet...I am better because of it. Little did I know at the time, God was preparing me for something bigger than myself. He was writing our story...a beautiful story of hope. He was developing my testimony. He was cultivating my relationship with Him and strengthening my relationship with my husband. He was ensuring that I would not take a day with my children for granted. He was shaping my yet to be ministry.

If someone would have told me during my infertility journey that God would be leading me into such amazing, Kingdom building things, I would have refuted the words. I was so broken. I'm proof that God can use even the broken. He can heal. He can astonish. He is still in the business of miracles.

5 years later, I can say with certainty that while I may have been "that woman", I am no longer "her". I am stronger. I am more grateful than I have ever been. I am a mom of two beautiful, miracle babies who prove God is so much bigger than what the world deems possible or probable.

Let me encourage you my dear sister. You are not alone. Your pain is for purpose. Your heart's desire has been rooted deeply so that you may cling to hope...the hope that God is not finished yet. The hope that will allow you to be in awe of how your miracle of either children or peace and contentment come to be.

While you may find it hard to find joy in this Mother's Day, I pray you find Hope. I pray you find Peace. I pray you remember there is purpose.

Linking up with Mommy Moments

and

Tuesday Talk

A Minnie Mouse Birthday Party

Even now I get a little misty eyed when I think about the fact that my first born is now 3. Time is flying and I can't seem to hold tightly enough. Our beautiful little girl turned 3 a couple weeks ago and I'm proud to say her party seemed to go over pretty well.

When I asked her what kind of birthday party she replied,

"A Minnie Happy Day [Birthday]. The pink Minnie. Not the red one."

I did my best to make her wish come true. I LOVE celebrating birthdays but I refuse to break the bank to do so. With a little preplanning, do-it-yourself projects, and a fairly frugal mindset, we were able to turn out a sweet little get together to celebrate our baby girl turning 3.

The Attire

My mom is an amazing seamstress. A few months ago I had run across a dress that I just knew would be perfect for G on her special day. I sent a picture to my mom and she nailed it yet again!

The Food

G had requested strawberry cake. Easy enough. I added some fresh strawberries to my standard vanilla pound cake and yum! I made a strawberry buttercream to go on top. I also made some confetti style vanilla pound cake cupcakes for those who may not like strawberry the way we do.

I did a simple hotdog bar. We had various toppings, including cheese and chili. They were a big hit.

My mother-in-law graciously made a delicious fruit salad and my mom brought a veggie tray. We also had Mickey Mouse shaped veggie chips that were like by children and adults alike.

The Décor

I went simple yet again. I simple found some plain black pails and filled them with pink and white raffia. We went to a local party store and found some great black and pink balloons that had white polka dots. These tied in with the theme perfectly.

As everyone finished eating, we eventually had the kids make their way outside where we played on the playground and blew bubbles. We opted out of opening presents at the party this year. The last few parties (for little ones) that we've attended have done this in regards to gifts. I must say, it is quite nice. Watching toddlers open gifts can become quite dull for adults and children alike and this allowed for everyone to simply enjoy themselves. We did have her grandparents over later that day to watch her open her gifts. Personally, we found this to be a win-win for everyone.

Overall, it was a wonderful day filled with fun, food, family and friends.

Check out her other birthday parties!

Red Riding Hood

Hello One-derland

Baby N: 10 Months

I'm pretty sure it was just yesterday that I posted your 9 month update. How did this last month pass by so quickly?! Alas, here we are in May and you are 10 months old.

 Weight: 21lbs 7oz

Height: 29.8 inches

Clothes: 9-12 months

Eat: You are a lazy eater. By that I mean you love all types of "big kid" food but you refuse to feed yourself. You are a food smashing pro but will not guide even a crumb into your mouth. I'm not sure when you'll get tired of waiting on us to feed you, but the pediatrician says not to worry. You eat about 8 ounces of baby food a day, plus nibbles off of Mommy's plate. You also drink 7-8 ounces of formula every four hours.

Sleep: You are still sleeping really well unless you are teething. You go down between 7 and 7:30pm and wake up between 5 and 6:00am. You take little cat naps in the morning and will generally take an hour or so nap in the afternoon.

Play: You are very curious. You are continually playing with whatever is in your arms reach. You have a smile that goes on for miles and your laugh is the best. We've been spending a lot of time outside, which you seem to love. You do well to entertain yourself for the most part but need to have Daddy or I in your sights.

G is still your bestie. I love the way the two of you interact. You both adore one another so much and I pray your closeness only grows as the two of you get older.

Odds and Ends: You are working on at least one top tooth. I really thought it would be in by now but it's taking its own sweet time. You are beginning to show your typical signs of teething again so maybe it is needing a little extra push.

You had an excellent check up this month. Prior to your well visit, we had to take you to the pediatrician to see about a quick spreading rash you had developed. You were later diagnosed with a bad case of eczema. We treated you for the flair up, which now seems to occur anytime it's warm (not looking forward to the summer), and have a daily treatment that seems to really be helping. Poor little guy. I'm afraid you may also have seasonal allergies. Whenever I have issues, it seems that your little eyes get puffy, your nose runs, etc. It is no fun.

You are almost crawling. You steadily get on all fours and try to push yourself forward. Your back end has it but your hands and arms have not quite figured out their motion just yet. I'm not in a huge hurry to have you super mobile. You do pretty well to kind of army crawl/body drag yourself short distances. We'll be chasing you before we know it.

You also started clapping this month! I had forgotten just how much I love little clapping babies. You melt my heart every time.

We celebrated your sister's 3rd birthday with family and friends. We are saving your first taste of cake and sweet things for your first birthday like we did your sister. It's crazy to think that in just 2 short months our sweet boy will be 1!

We love you little man and we can't wait to see what you discover this next month!

Watch Me Grow!

Linking up with Waiting on Wednesday