Mothering

Mothering is sexy. I've decided.
Today, I nursed Audrey in a Dunkins in Walmart....and I felt sexy.
There is just some so serene and beautiful about a mom nursing her baby. When I see women nurse in public (which isn't that often) I am always struck at how gorgeous they are and how natural and seemless it looks.
Many times I've felt self-conscious and awkward nursing in public
but in WALMART of all places, I felt validated and gorgeous.
I had about 4 people smile at me and an older woman come up to me and coo over Audrey's chub.
It felt so right and normal and it's pretty exciting that it happened in Walmart. hah!

Anyway... thus I felt inspired to make a pinboard over on Pinterest dedicating to Mothering... here's some of the images I included..

Source: lookthroughmylens.blogspot.com via Ginny on Pinterest

Source: starvingartistink.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: domesticreflections.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: domesticreflections.blogspot.com via Emma on Pinterest

Source: domesticreflections.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Breastfeeding in Public.

Breastfeeding in public. It's just what it sounds like. Feeding a baby from your breasts, in. public. Oh, the horror.

Recently I've felt much more comfortable nursing Audrey in public and I'm not sure if it's just mere experience on my side or just the plain lack of CARE for anyone who might feel offended by it. Seriously, I'm not going to ignore my hungry child because you are scared of my breasts. 
You'll see more boob on magazines than you do while I nurse my baby.

It's not sexual, it's normal. 

Praise in the Storm

Life has been tumultuous lately.

A whole host of personal stresses have gotten a hold of me. I've been wracked with worry, laden with doubt and writhing under constant anxiety. Because of the personal nature of the stress, I can't go into much detail but overall, it's significant difficulty that has resulted in the wavering of my trust in God.

It's been stormy. so to speak.  I think about all the people affected by the recent tornadoes in the US and I grieve for them. My problems pale in comparison. But even in the midst of their disaster, God is real. God is here and He is in control. I've felt angry with Him lately, wondering why.
only recently have I realized that it's okay. It's okay to be angry and confused. God still knows what the outcome is and will be. He works everything together for the good of those who love Him.

I think of the story of Jesus on the sea of Galilee. He was sleeping in the midst of a horrible storm. His disciples were angry, confused and frightened. They woke Him and asked how He could possibly sleep?! Jesus SPOKE. All he did was speak. and the storm subsided. He asked them, why are you so fearful? Why do you have no faith?

Even though it seems God may be sleeping in the midst of your storm, He is in control and can literally speak to calm it.

Remembering this day to day is a struggle but I hold tight to Him. Without this reassurance, I would surely drown.

What is my only comfort in life and in death? 
That I am NOT my own, but belong, body and soul, to the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Me, a Mother

Wondering what she’s dreaming.

Her little lips

moving slowly

in her sleep…

her tiny fingers,

curling and uncurling. Her sweet

miniature movements

awe me.

My baby Audrey

only 3 months old and already

seems a mystery.

Who will she be?

It’s amazing

how someone so small can

hold your whole heart in her hands.

The power she holds

over me

stronger than any other

Her brother

started this revolution

she only strengthens

Me, a mother.

Spring!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Meal Plans - May 8-14th

MMMmmmmmmmm

Food. I love it. Especially when I know what the heck I'm making everyday. 

So, after 3 months of no menu planning in the craziness that is life with a newborn, here is my first week of menu plans.

Also, trying to get back to focusing on REAL food... trying to cut out most of the processed junk we eat and cut back on juices, etc....  Personally, I am replacing mine and Noah's sugar consumption w/xylitol or honey only. Check out this awesome real food site ... I found it today and it's totally renewed my commitment to real food ONLY!
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Breakfasts: eggs cooked in butter, fruit, 5-grain oatmeal cooked with nuts, dried fruit or almond butter and raw honey, whole grain apple pancakes

Snacks: veggies, boiled eggs, smoothies, apples and peanut butter (natural of course)

Lunches: leftover, soup, salads, pb&j, sometimes annie's bunnies with nitrite free hot dogs
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Monday: Pasta w/sauce and veggies, ceasar salad on the side

Tuesday:  Tacos w/avocados/spinach/tomatoes

Wednesday: Chili w/corn bread

Thursday: Chicken strips w/sweet potato fries and veggies

Friday: Homemade pizza 

Saturday: Burgers (grass fed- yum!) w/bacon and cheese and salad...!

Sunday: Grilled cheese/leftovers

The Saturday Evening Blog Post

Attn: Bloggers.

It's time to head over to Elisabeth Esther's Saturday Evening Blog Post. This is where YOU share your favorite blog post from the past month and post it for others to see!

(And I officially screwed it up the first time I participated...I chose For my mom, Kristine, in honor of Mother's Day... and realized right away that it's from May, not April......heh... oh well!)