Keep Praying For Ava

As you are able to spend your time with your loved ones, spouse, children or other family members and friends, please, remember to lift up this family in prayer. Be thankful for the blessings that surround you...don't take life for granted. http://www.joshuajoelhunter.blogspot.com/

Putting it out there...

Ok, don't tell anyone, but I'm overweight. Shocking, I know! I understand that I have pounds to lose, and I have accepted the challenge head on. For about six weeks now I have been kicking my rear into gear at the gym. I am eating better and more often. Learning to eat more often has actually been a hard lesson. I wasn't consuming enough calories to actually burn fat.
As a result of all of this effort, I have lost eighteen pounds. EIGHTEEN! My doctor told me to lose thirty before thinking of having another baby to help manage my blood pressure and to avoid preeclampsia, again. Well, I am over halfway to that point! As for planning another baby, we go to see ANOTHER doctor in August to get his opinion on the subject. I have seen two other doctors about this subject, and I'm not satisfied with those visits. Call me an overachiever, but I want to do everything in my ability to make sure that I get the best information to make an educated decision. If you think I'm crazy, go back and read the posts from 2008 to see the craziness that we dealt with!
Until that decision is made, it couldn't hurt to drop a few more pounds. Perhaps, one of these days I'll be brave enough to show photos! Gasp!

What I Think About...

When I saw the commercials for this product, I was more than tempted to give it a try. The concept of having your detergent, fabric softener and a dryer sheet all in one seemed like a revolutionary time saver! I was going to wait to give it a try until I finished my bottle of Tide first, but then a sample came in the mail. Tempting, or what? Lastly, at a recent trip to the grocery store, I priced all three items (detergent, fabric softener and the dryer sheets) against the Purex sheets (36 loads). Not only is using Purex cheaper than my usual Tide brand. It was cheaper by $16.00 when I added not having to purchase the dryer sheets or fabric softener!

Now for the test, I have been using the Purex sheets for three loads now. It works well and exactly the same as other products. My only complaint (which really is more like a suggestion) is the scent. It is very subtle. That may be a selling point for some, but I for one enjoy the fresh scent of clean laundry and linens (especially sheets and towels).

Out of a five, I'd give this product a four over all. It cleans well (stains, etc. that my kids have on their clothes that are pretty tough). The fabric softener leaves the clothes soft and cuddly and the dryer sheets prevent the static build up. This product is Mom approved!

Changes and Updates

I feel like I am on a teeter-totter when it comes to our family and its decisions. We have so many things up in the air, and I'd like to catch one! There is one thing that women are famous for. We want and thrive on having security and stability. We want people and things to be reliable. Sure, some may be a bit more "free" than others...but the trait is there.
Where we're living could change suddenly (our home is on the market); I need to find us a place to rent (that fits all of us and that we love). That is our house update, for those who may have been wondering.
My youngest is nineteen months old now. Some may remember what a hard time I had afterwards with post partum preeclampsia. Well, we'd love to have another child, but I am terrified, understandably. I've seen several doctors about the potential of it happening again, and I haven't gotten a clear answer, yet. I have one more appointment coming up to have another consult. There is our baby update.
To adopt a child through the foster care system we have to take a class that lasts ten weeks. We decided to go ahead with them in September (if we're moved and settled by then). This doesn't mean that we have made a final decision about adopting. This just means that we're exploring it further to make a more educated decision. The classes inform and teach people before a home study. There is our adoption update.
I think that pretty much covers the big question marks that are going on within our family. God willing, security and stability will creep back into our lives soon and painlessly. With that said, I'm excited. Change can be great. We have major life decisions on the horizon. These will change our lives and family dynamic. Phew, lots of prayers needed. Now I'll stop writing about it...it's getting a bit overwhelming.

It has been a while

It has been almost a full four months since my last blog! In late March, early April, our computer died, and we have finally replaced it. Yahoo for not having to use my tiny phone's internet to check up on things and loved ones! I can now return e-mails without predictive text or enhancing my risk for arthritis in my fingers! My eyes no longer have to squint to recognize faces in photos; I can cut and paste!
The world is now at my finger tips again, and it feels good.