In His image!

The twins have come home the last few weeks and got snacks.  They ask, "is this healthy for us?"  I tell them everything is ok in moderation.  It's ok to eat a brownie, don't eat the whole pan.  It's ok to eat cake, don't eat the whole pan.  Eat some fruits and veggies everyday.  I've questioned where they hear about this, and it's the talk at lunch.  Ok, that's manageable.  It's good to discuss healthy eating habits. 
As the week went on, every time I open the computer a commercial for "Bliss pack"  comes up.  Now I am making uneducated assumptions because I have not researched this but it appears they are the newest diet miracles. "Fat loss supplements"  "Lose 12 inches off your waist."  Frustrating!
I then read an article about a woman that was explaining she use to be a size 4 and she was obsessed with exercise and every morsel that she ate and unhappy and now that she's "fat," happy, satisfied and life is so much better.  It was a good article, with the exception, she was not fat.  She was a beautiful woman. 
My point........when do people accept themselves for the way they are?  When do we realize that God made each of us different and amazing and in His image.  Big, small, medium!  We all have something to add to this wonderful life He gave us. 
It's ok to have your cake and eat it too!  It's ok to exercise, but we need to find a balance and not give all these negative body images and food negativity to innocent children.  Many of you know, I feel, diets are from the devil (unless necessary for medical reasons :)  Bliss packs, Shakeology, slim fast, etc etc etc.  STOP THE MADNESS!!!!!
I feel as parents, we have a duty to nurture our children to love themselves.  And they learn that by being loved and seeing that we love the person God made us.  A challenge for us all, but I always find it a good reminder that I am being watched at all times by 5 amazing girls.  I don't want to let them down. 
With all that said, my friends, time for a bedtime snack :) 

Philippians 4:6-7 

 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Perspective

Do you ever try to look at situations from others perspectives?  I have to admit I get very caught up in my own thoughts and emotions sometimes and not what others view are.  Today I brought the girls to school, went to work and picked the girls up from school.  We were headed to a basketball game, so I stopped and grabbed a loaf of bread and ham, threw together sandwiches and we carried on our way.  (Don't know about your kids, but mine are STARVING after school, and they are quite certain they might die!)  Brooke said to me, "why didn't you just do this at home before you picked us up?"  So I explained, while they are at school, I work. I haven't been home all day.  She was amazed.  I'm still not sure she understands what I do all day, but that's her perspective.  I didn't know how busy my mom was when I was 6 years old either. 
On to a little older kids.  We've had our share of, "that's not fair", "you're so dumb."  Etc etc.  They're perspective is we are making their lives miserable on purpose.  That we don't like them.  So I've been trying to put myself in their heads.  When I was young I told myself, I will NEVER forget what it's like to be, 10-12-16 years old.  But I have to admit, I have kinda forgot.  I really have to dig into the memory bank to see where they are coming from.  They don't have the same life experiences Steve and I have.  It's been taking me a little longer to figure out their thought process. 
On to parents.........I had a few conversations with my dad recently.  I feel I know more about his health sometimes than he does.  Not necessarily true. After I talked to him one day,  I went to see a patient at work and she said to me, "you have no idea what it's like to have you kids always telling you what to do!  Drives me crazy!"  So I told her, "I feel kind of convicted in this conversation."  She said, "oh so your one of those brats."  hehe, she was kidding so it was in good fun, but again, I had to take myself out of my own thoughts and put them into my parents.  I talked to my dad and explained my selfish nature of dictating his health care. 
I feel like, maybe I'm starting to learn to shut my mouth and try to think of what the other person is thinking before I respond.  But that is SOOOO HARD!   I have so many things running through this head of mine, and I tend to think my idea's are best.  But God gave us all brilliant ideas.  Doesn't mean they are wrong, just another way of getting from point A to point B! 
Sorry Dad, I'm still going to bug you about your health :)  It's just my nature!!

S N O W D A Y

Why do the snow days always fall on the days I work?   I know, I'm being selfish, but, just because school is off, doesn't mean you get to skip work.  People are still sick, so I must work. Even though I don't want to.  Don't think I'm knocking a snow day.  I want the kids to be home and safe, I just want to be with them.  With all honesty, I must say, I left for work with some strong words.  Something like, "don't watch that STUPID TV all day, it'll rot your brain! And clean up this house."    I don't mind a little tv, (however some of those shows drive me nuts), but if they are doing NOTHING, how can they TRASH the house?!?!?!?!
So when I came home to this...........................I was happy!

Playing, having fun.  Snow, snowmobiles, sleds, hot chocolate.  It's nice they are getting older, can hang out with the neighbors, and have fun.  I had to explain, I am OK with a messy house if you are playing, getting along and having a good time.  Completely different than killing brain cells watching the boob tube.

Our other past time...........basketball.  Ash and Megan are playing.  They are having fun and learning lots.  Its fun to watch Steve get into the game.  He doesn't yell too much, as Ashley gages it, "dad doesn't yell as much as Grandma blueberry."   Hehehe, oh she wishes she was home to root them on. 

 

It was brought to my attention next week is Feeding tube awareness.  Everyone has to have a week, right?  But since I saw it, and feeding tubes are near and dear to our hearts, I had to post this picture. Brooke is tube free for a year now, and still going like a champ!  There is hope for many.  We are greatful Brooke had her feeding tube that got us to this point.  

Tonight Steve took the girls out snowmobiling.  Brooke hung back.  I asked her if she wanted to go.  She said, "no it's too cold."  I said, "how do you manage at school?"  She said, "Oh I have so much fun I forget I'm cold and then I just deal with it."  So she watched the snowmobile come and go and then I saw her putting her stuff on.  She couldn't resist, which is what I love!! 

 You don't get a view like this from inside.  God's awesome creation!!!  How can you not believe in our Amazing God?!?!