Generational Sins

I won't spill which one of us she inherits this curse from...

In Our Defense

The other day I was complaining to Ben about my lovely new stretch marks, lamenting over my wardrobe (well, all three things that fit me right now and the rest which hasn't been updated since college), and being generally negative about my body, hair, skin, etc.


He looked at me with tired eyes and firmly warned me, "Don't talk to my wife that way."


His response shocked me.  Self depreciation?  Not okay in his book.  Good to know.  He was done with hearing me put myself down.  Life is tough enough without adding insult to injury.


My battered and war torn body has served me tirelessly over the past year.  It has  accomplished two of its occupant's life long dreams: running a half marathon and having a baby.  These stretch marks are battle scars.  Why would I apologize for such a miracle?  Instead of complaining, I should be reminded of the incredible life giving gift that is childbirth.  Carrying a tiny human for nine months and single handedly bringing her into this world, with the only lasting damage being lines down my belly?   I should be rejoicing!


My clothes leave a lot to be desired.  After college I could afford to spend half of my paycheck on new outfits and not think twice.  Now we get to buy diapers and pay for health insurance, conquer car repairs and balance grocery bills, but I wouldn't have it any other way.   All of this leaves little leverage in our $30 monthly shared clothing budget between the three of us, but you know what?  For me, there is more to life than being trendy.  I've heard it said that maturity is the ability to delay pleasure.  That makes me beautiful in my husband's eyes.  We are blessed beyond measure, learning great financial management tools we will carry with us for the rest of our lives.  


My hair has never been fabulous.  It became a little more favorable during pregnancy but is now going though the lovely falling out stage.  My friend Amy introduced me to Tiffany Starnes (Stella Nova King Street, book her!) a few years ago, and I could never repay her for the ways she has built me up over some tough seasons in my life.  Yes, it is a major splurge every few months to have a great haircut, but we plan for it and Ben loves how I feel after Tiffany has taken care of me.


Weight?  Oh dear.  My sister in law and I decided a long time ago that we won't allow ourselves to complain about it unless we are doing something about it.  And if we are doing something about it there will be less and less to complain about.  So now, I am back on #witnessthefitness and feeling great.   Pre baby jeans still don't fit quite right, but if I were being honest with myself, they probably didn't look too hot before baby.  There is a 99% chance that I will never be a size 4.  And I am completely down with that.  But I am being proactive for my sake, and all I can do is do the best with what I've got.


My husband came to my defense against none other than myself.  I believe every woman should have someone in her corner, someone to lift her up in light of herself.  We can be our worst enemy.  Mean-spirited.  Spiteful.  Angry.  Hateful.  All while looking in the mirror.


This is no excuse to be a fat frump.  It is an exaltation to husbands and friends everywhere who are able to see wives and friends for their truest beauty and push them to dig deeper within themselves for the benefit of all.  It is encouragement to myself and other women to do well with what we've been given and make the best from who we are.


A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. -Proverbs 31:10

Our one occasion for fancy in the past few months. 

Not Chopped

Tiffany refused to chop.  So she worked her magic in other ways.

Thinned and shaped.  And I was her hair model earlier in the week and she tried out a new painting technique, so that's why it looks lighter...

 

 

 

Wedding hair for my BFFE Aimee's wedding.  That I actually did myself.

Exhibit A

Exhibit A

This not-so-hot mess is getting hacked sooner than you can say later.

It is long--like longer than I can ever remember.  Almost halfway down my back.

Exhibit B

Also, I am tired of Exhibit B grabbing and ripping Exhibit A.

Stay tuned.

Is This Some Kind of Cruel Joke?

Has anyone else found breastfeeding challenging?  I was totally unprepared for the uphill battle that is nursing.  And then my stinkin' Dove chocolate revolted against me.

We are doing much better two weeks in, but honestly, there were times that I wanted to quit.  Knowing that this is the best thing that I could possibly do for Olivia right now is the only thing that kept me going.  I have gotten so many encouraging comments and messages and phone calls, and I am so thankful!  The support from Ben has been absolutely vital.  

So to all you expectant moms, and those of you who are where I am--know that it will get better!  Just push through!  All of the research in the world won't prepare you for the emotions and internal struggles that come with being the only food source for your new little life.  

I have started to use my alone-time with Olivia to really dig in to praying for her, and for other people in our lives.  Let us know how we can pray for you--seriously.  Send me a message or an email, or leave a comment.  I think of all of you who have told me that you've been reading, so let me know what you're struggling with!  It doesn't matter how many years it has been since we've talked or seen each other!  I have been so blown away by the people who have come out of the woodwork.  You're next!

Little Nursery Projects...Done and Done!

We have all but completed Baby O's nest.  We are waiting for a few more things to arrive in the mail, and then I will have a finished product to share!


For now, I will fill you in with three super simple projects that took about an hour total for each.


1.  Hanging Chalk Tags
2.  Sprucing up the Train Case
3.  Framing 101


Actually, I will post these all separately so they will be easier to find later.  Four in one day!  I am also halfway working today--I usually take Good Friday off, but with the baby coming, I couldn't afford to take the whole day.  I am trying desperately to stay as caught-up as possible!


ALSO, we are going to continue a Good Friday tradition this evening...stay tuned for that.  Hopefully you will hear from me tomorrow.  It is probably too late for most of you to get in on the tradition with us, and you'll see why when I post!


PS-We went to the beach yesterday after I got off work, for about 45 minutes before small group.  Today we have a high of 61.  This is NOT a complaint!