It was a medical day today.

The Shots

I gave in and got the H1N1 vaccine for two of my daughters (my oldest and youngest) and for me, complete with Thermisol (mercury) for my older daughter and me. I have very well-managed asthma that has occasionally gone totally South on me in the past. Real misery.  30-40% reading on my peak flow meter kind of stuff. And my eight year old has CVS, which she has gotten sick before from a cold and it causes her to not be able to keep things down at all, once for almost a week. So, despite my misgivings, and outrage at them STILL putting things like Thermisol in our vaccines, I got the vaccine. My littlest daughter got the one without thermisol, but it was "unavailable" to us who are older. We even had a flu like thing come through our house, but not everyone got it and it wasn't that strong or long-lasting, so I'm figuring it wasn't H1N1.

In the end I just figured I was going to worry about which was the right decision and I'd just get the vaccine and then put the worry behind me.

Abigail was cute as can be. Kids were there screaming before they even got the shot, just in anticipation. She, at first didn't know what was going on. Then I got a shot and Natalie (8) got a shot and then I picked up Abigail (2) to hold her. What a smarty she is. I pulled her sleeve down to bare it and she immediately grabbed her upper arm muscle to cover it. So smart. We all feel alright so far.

Dentist

Jon went to the dentist. We belong to an HMO. He called for a dental cleaning and they told him it was three months or today. So, he took today. In customary fashion, nothing wrong with his teeth. I tell you, he brushes his teeth so fast and only once a day and isn't consistent about flossing. But, never any cavities or any other problems. He tells them about the difference between him and I. I don't know why Jon tells me these things, but he tells me he says they say it's just how you take care of your teeth. He tells them about how many cavities I have gotten when pregnant. They tell him that extra cavities associated with pregnancy have only to do with being distracted. You have got to be kidding??? These people just frost me! (Am I not supposed to say that on a blog?) I brush my teeth like a maniac when I'm pregnant. They tell Jon there is no nutritional basis for cavities and that teeth cannot have minerals leached from them. What are they smoking??? (Am I not supposed to say that either?) I suppose weak teeth have no possible connection with weak bones either...as in how badly I broke my wrist... Oh...my, I do need to brush my teeth like crazy. That's true. But, it is my belief that I have some genetic thing going on with both my teeth and my bones and my moods that I best do something about. The medical community can be so narrow minded sometimes. Medicine + a thoughtful (rather than bureaucratic) look at nutrition = powerful. Medicine the way it is = unhelpful.

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I am just really enjoying this photo of my middle daughter taken at Red Robin tonight. This one really captures her.

We worked today, but we had a laid back day at the same time. We brought the kids into our place of business towards the end of the day and they played. Then, we went to Red Robin. Actually, I prefer my own cooking now, but it was nice to not have to cook.

We are really just so ambivalent about celebrating the holiday (Halloween) at all as it is so full of, well, evil. I'm so impressed looking at it from an outsider's point of view that this is the center of Halloween. Sure, kids just want to dress up. But, pretty quick it goes beyond that. And why should we be so comfortable with playing around with darkness? Anyhow, not to judge anyone, my kids want to dress up too. And we have before, just not this year.

A lot of the direction on this whole thing I owe to my husband. And I'm glad, really, because it always made me uncomfortable. I want to give my whole heart to the Lord and not to in any way give place to the enemy. It's funny. My husband grew up trick or treating. He doesn't have bad memories. He just matter of factly is grumpy about anything about Halloween. Not so with Christmas or Easter or Thanksgiving or the Fourth of July.

Anyhow, our kids don't want to not feel included in what everyone else is doing. And, I read on someone's blog that this is also Reformation Day. So, we were talking about doing something for that. I was going to make Pumpkin Bread. And I'm not sure how to tie that into Reformation Day. But, with working, I didn't cook that. But, I bought the cans of pumpkins (our pumpkins in the garden never turned orange this year...I'm thinking of putting them in a windowsill...does that work). Tomorrow. So, I feel guilty that I didn't do something for my kids...and my husband says to me, "so that's what we're supposed to teach our kids, that when we don't do what everyone else does, we have to make up for it?" (Tongue in cheek.) Or, he said something like that. Well said. I think.

Well, whether you agree with my judgement of Halloween or not, I hope you can appreciate the angst with which I wrestle things over in my mind.

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Some days are harder than others. The whys and whens and hows all get lost and jumbled up, and it's just survival. I don't know why. But, on those days, God's creation gives me comfort. Did I tell you I live in a beautiful place?

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I Did It.

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I am thinking a lot about pregnancy. I am a person that doesn't believe the Bible is cut and dry about how many children to have and/or whether to use some form of birth control. I can dissect scripture as well as the next person, but that's not really my point. My point is that I personally feel certain forms of birth control are perfectly fine Biblically speaking.

 I don't really desire to get into a discussion about this point. But, further, beyond, that I also feel it is clear that Bible says that children are a blessing and that believers having them is a good thing. I am not saying that you need to have more children. But, if you do, and your heart is the Lord's and your heart is to raise your children in God's ways, then having more would be a good thing.

Beyond that statement, I personally, and my husband as well, desire to have more children, at least one more. (That's what we say every time.) I'm getting older (39 in one month). But, nonetheless, God has put having more children on our hearts, despite having few friends that even have as many children as we do (four between the two of us), and family that thinks this kind of talk is crazy. Even so, one of my husband's brothers has five children, but that was mainly because God blessed them with four all at one time. So, they had one, then they had four. Then, they were done.

So, I'm thinking about pregnancy and delivery. None of my deliveries went well...all for different reasons really - a bad cord incident, shoulder dystocia, a spine that didn't appreciate the block required for the c-section - and my babies were big - something modern doctors are scared of. I won't bother you with any more details, but I've put together another blog to process my thoughts. If you want to stop by there and encourage me from time to time, that would be great. Otherwise, I just wanted to share something that's going on in my heart right now.

Of Birth And Health

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My hubby and I just got back from a lovely weekend. It was so nice to hear myself think and to just relax with my husband. I wish I could do it every weekend.

We went to the beach near my husband's hometown, since he had a class reunion. He has another one in August as he changed schools. So, do I, I guess, but mine isn't very organized and his is closer, so we are going to his. Large group events are not my thing. Give me another family over or out for dinner and that I can do. But, I survived that and it was only momentary and most of the time was one on one time with my hubby.

Truly a lovely little Inn.

There actually was some ocean out there, visibility is just not great.

Warm and cozy.

Those are Pelicans and Seagulls in the background.

They didn't really let us come to close, but there were a lot there the first day.

As we were checking out of the hotel, the innkeeper told us that is was a sand castle contest weekend. We had no idea. We got to see the whole thing start to finish.

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Hey, surprisingly I'm down 2 pounds this week for a total of 12 pounds lost. I'm not sure how exactly, other than cutting portions and desserts (minus the indescretion of some Haggen Daas today). My husband has helped with that. He hasn't asked me to make a dessert after dinner in several weeks. Yeah, for him. I was tempted last night. (Don't tell him. :)) Good thing he didn't ask me.

I get more activity this time of year gardening and such - but I wouldn't really categorize it as exercise. I want to HIKE~! And this plantar fasciitis is still dogging me. I really just need to stretch like ten times a day - because like three or four just doesn't cut it. And, I love hiking, and it's summer. I don't want to do without. That's my goal this week - stretch my calf and foot ten times a day.

Anyone else just love hiking? Summer is a great time of year to get in shape and enjoy the outdoors.

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1 Pound Lost This Week, Down 10 Total

My Goal Down 40 Total By End Of September

Disclaimer: I know, I know, for in general long-term weight-loss they don't recommend losing weight quickly. But, I'm still in child-bearing years and if I'm going to get the baby weight off - I need to try and lose it quickly. 30 more pounds in four months is really just two pounds a week anyhow. I may not make my goal, but that's my goal. I need to add serious exercise to do that. And, no more getting sick! It's summer, after all.

This last week, pretty much, I just controlled portions. You know...instead of filling up your plate, you do a light serving in the middle of your plate. Three pancakes instead of six (oops - did I just let you know my normal serving). That kind of thing. Nothing special. We also haven't been having any treats - except occasionally I treat myself to a little ice cream (note the word little) and nonfat mocha or caramel sauce latte. Have a great week!

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I am participating in Chasity's Weight Loss Wednesday. If you are trying to lose weight, go ahead and participate! They say the two things that determine who loses weight effectively are tracking what you are doing, and accountability.

Down 9 total, Down 1 This Week

DH and I went into our business yesterday. I woke up at 6:30 in the morning and couldn't sleep (unusual - I'm not a morning person) and I got things organized around our home and wrote out a homeschooling plan, and my husband homeschooled the kids today while I went into work!  I am all well now, but I gave the cold to my poor husband. I'm all internetted-out from my work today and this will be about it for my update.

I was down one pound this week. I didn't even deserve that - except that I didn't rebound and start eating a lot of goodies or anything.

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I am participating in Chasity's Weight Loss Wednesday. If you are trying to lose weight, go ahead and participate! They say the two things that determine who loses weight effectively are tracking what you are doing, and accountability.

Goal: Down 40 pounds by the end of September

I'm up two pounds this week, but I'm not really disappointed. First off, this was a hard week - I have not been feeling well and quite frankly sometimes when I'm not feeling well, I want to eat more. I think I want to just so I can get that little spike of sugar and feel better for two minutes. Do you know what I mean? I also had a couple of dark chocolate candy bars - and while they were in the "better for you" category they have a lot of calories. Also, one night when I didn't feel good enough to cook and my husband wasn't able to cook, I went to fast food. (Bad. bad.) Then, on Mother's Day we went to Chinese. Yet, I did control my portions better than I have in the past. And, I don't feel like I'm totally off the wagon. Really, I don't think it's really weight gain - just weight fluctuation (maybe some of that water weight came back on). So, because I didn't go up 5 pounds, I feel like I'm still on the right track.

Can I go off on a RANT here?

My husband went to the doctor who told him (surprise, not) - he needed to lose weight, or he'd be likely to die young. DH has borderline high blood pressure (just like his dad) and other bad signs - both for his liver and his heart health. Mainly the doctor mentioned losing weight slowly and having Jon walk like an hour every day. I really hope DH will do that. He is actually quite active, but we all know what consistent walking will do for health and well-being.

At some point in the conversation at the doctor, the topic turned to sugar not being the cause of diabetes, but weight gain. Then, on the radio the next day, Jon said Limbaugh was going on a rant about sugar not being the cause of diabetes. I guess the ever so wise people in charge in New York are taking sugar sodas and drinks to try and discourage their use - yet not taxing diet pop. How, goofy is that? Do you know how aspertame, sucralose, and the additives in pop just wreak havoc on your body. That alone has been shown to cause a fatty liver and Jon used to drink that stuff like water. (No more.) Horrible stuff...

The implication, however, is that sugar is not horrible stuff. First off, you can see what it does to your teeth - do you think it is kinder once it gets into your body. Sure, in moderation, especially if you are using a more non-refined sugar source, sugar isn't going to hurt you (like those diet pop chemicals will). But, don't tell me it doesn't contribute to diabetes. Just because you get a study that links weight with diabetes - doesn't mean that sugar and other refined foods aren't directly related to weight gain. They play havoc with your body's ability to tell you that you are full.

Beyond that, the whole push for lower fat foods hasn't worked. As a person who wants to lose weight, I have to watch my fats, sure. Because even a pasture fed steak (with a healthy balance of fats) can have a lot of calories. But, I'm not worried about a healthy cut of meat cooked in a healthy way contributing to my families diabetes and heart condition. I'm worried about portions. Now, I don't want to cook fats in unnatural ways (all the studies supposedly linking saturated fat with heart disease link all the fats together - they put margerine in there, they included deep frying (which is horrible), they include the unnaturally processed fats in homogenized milk. Read Nourishing Traditions. Things aren't as simplistic as we are told. God's ways rule and the traditions of our ancestors can teach us something. And healthy choices can't be legislated. Individuals have to choose.

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