tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86649230194251738452024-02-07T15:08:18.455-08:00Motherhood at 24- She Believed She Could, So She DidBlogging about motherhood- the ups and downs- beginning to end- no editing, shorthand, or spin. Realizing how blessed we are when we've done nothing to deserve it.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.comBlogger122125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-77561697939827588912013-06-26T08:07:00.004-07:002013-06-26T08:07:36.052-07:00New Blog!For those of you who have been following me here, I have started a new blog that is really taking off a lot better than this one. I think I've finally found my blogging niche.<br />
<br />
There will still be stories of motherhood and running and reading, but this blog centers more around my career as a theater artist, which is really something I can talk about.<br />
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Follow it here:<br />
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<a href="http://journeyofanactress.wordpress.com/">http://journeyofanactress.wordpress.com</a><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-76395086601516568982013-01-17T07:29:00.002-08:002013-01-17T07:30:40.160-08:00She BelievedThis week I began my campaign to "believe I can." This is my mantra for this year. Because it is going to be one wild and crazy ride.<br />
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My three masters classes are already threatening to crush me, Senior Adult Day is shaping up to be way more work than I ever anticipated, and my four other part time jobs are starting to fall by the wayside- but they can't because I need them to live!<br />
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And yet, in the midst of all this crazy, I find myself taking more time than ever to savor my family.<br />
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Yesterday was the only full day I will get to spend with Noah this week. We ate breakfast together, toast and peanut butter, and Noah settled in to watch some Sesame Street while I frantically cleaned the kitchen and got ready to go in for an evaluation at the clinic. We went to that together, went to the gym together (where I ran/walked 2.08 miles in 35 minutes! Furthest ever!), and then came home to have lunch together.<br />
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I was a little disappointed because this day was certainly not shaping up to be the Noah-centric day that I had planned. I miss him a lot now- and sometimes I feel like even when I'm home, I'm really not home. Like all moms, I worry about silly things that I cannot control: will he get good grades if we don't eat a family dinner every night? When I work does he feel abandoned? Is he going to grow up and do drugs if I don't put my computer away right now and stare at him?<br />
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So, I picked him up and started heading to his nursery to clean him up after lunch. And then he leans his cheek up next to mine, puts his arms around me, and starts humming. And we dance together.<br />
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It's in moments like that that I have to believe that he understands and, yes, one day he will appreciate, the way I work to keep my grades up, put money in the bank, and keep our house as clean as possible (well, livable, at least). I may not be able to sit all day with him and pass a block back and forth, but I can take five minutes and dance to the tune that he's humming in my ear.<br />
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This year, I believe I can...<br />
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<ul>
<li>finish the next two semesters with A's</li>
<li>pay off three loans</li>
<li>Run a 5k</li>
<li>Quit two of my part-time jobs</li>
<li>Be a good mom</li>
</ul>
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She Believed She Could, So She Did</div>
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Click on the link on the side to follow my journey on Instagram.</div>
Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-4788664684456123712013-01-08T19:19:00.001-08:002013-01-08T19:19:19.866-08:00SummerThis is my last week of non-craziness.<br />
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Next week I begin the semester at Fontbonne. I'll be in class Monday-Friday. I'll be staying the night in St. Louis on Mondays, and the rest of the week will be commute-class-commute-work-teach lessons. I won't get to see Noah until 5 PM at the earliest every day. Sometimes later.<br />
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I know this is what so many moms do every day. But I haven't had to do it yet, so have some pity on me.<br />
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Because of the busy, I'm anticipating summer, like, a whole lot. I want to hang out with my family for an entire day in our pajamas. I want to take a weekend trip. I want to take Noah to the park and swing with him and take him down the slide. I want to take him for ice cream. Go to the pool. Visit friends.<br />
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This summer is the summer of the super mom. I've decided it, so it shall be.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-90831072899479653882013-01-04T07:04:00.001-08:002013-01-04T07:04:14.861-08:00New Year, New AttitudeNoah and I have been sick the past couple days. Noah has been the projectile vomiting kind of sick. I refuse to eat, because I hate to vomit. So we've just been hanging out together, which is, you know, pretty perfect.<br />
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I was thinking about what I want to accomplish in 2013 and whether or not I wanted to make a 13 goals list. I decided I really didn't. Partially, yes, because I barely accomplished any of my goals for 2012. But also because what I want to accomplish in 2013 is so much more complicated than 13 goals.<br />
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I follow an amazing blogger, <a href="http://kellehampton.com/" target="_blank">Kelle Hampton</a>. She is a stay at home mom/writer/blogger/photographer. I want to be like her when I grow up. Even though I'm technically already grown up.<br />
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What I realize every single time I look at her blog is that I do NOT slow down and smell the proverbial flowers with my child. I run around like a crazy person trying to keep my house clean, work one of my four different jobs, and get my masters degree. I don't feel like I take the time to look around myself, which explains the lack of posts recently. I would sit down to write and then think, "Gee, what do I even have to write about?" and the answer would be nothing.<br />
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There are so many things I want to instill in my children. I want them to love to read. I want them to be healthy eaters and make wise choices. I want them to appreciate music and art and sports, but more importantly, to appreciate the people who do these things. I want them to love Jesus because they see me loving Jesus and see how he completes every part of my life.<br />
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And, on less important notes, I would love to be the pinterest mom. Not because I'm good at it, but because the memories made while making these crafts or starting these traditions would be so special. I don't want to be too busy to sit down with my children and finger paint or mess with glitter.<br />
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So my resolution starts today. Of course, I do have to make lists no matter what, but most of the ideas I have are much less tangible than usual.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I'm going to start making memories with Noah</b><br />
Whether that means just a normal bed time routine (I know, I know... I'm a terrible mother) or sitting down to make crafts. I have to be more deliberate with him.<br />
<br />
<b>I'm going to become more positive</b><br />
Jordan can barely stand to watch t.v. with me anymore- I've become a real nitpick. I'm hoping that he can find a gentle way to keep me accountable and that I can start seeing the silver lining a little more often and accept others' faults more readily.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>I'm going to get un-addicted to technology</b><br />
I'm finding that I'm on Facebook, email, blogs, and television more and more and I text non-stop. That has to be done. I'm going to start with Tech-Free Thursdays and see how that works out for me. Then I'm going to start trimming down on other days. It's eating a hole in my life that I'm never going to get back.<br />
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<b></b><br />
So, those are my resolutions. There are a million other things I would like to accomplish in the New Year, but I'm not going to hold myself to them. Because the more goals I make, the more I think about them instead of my child. And that will end this year.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-26590151133179659952012-10-04T17:44:00.000-07:002012-10-04T17:44:05.373-07:00Busy, busy, busy!Hey, all!<br />
I'm so sorry that I haven't updated in over a month! My life has gotten so crazy with the "mobilization" of my son.<br />
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He crawls, he pulls up, he climbs stairs. Yes... stairs.<br />
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In fact, I wanted to write an incredible, thought-provoking post, but he wants, right this moment, to pull up on my legs. And I can't say no to this little sucker!Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-57133216918200402922012-08-28T09:01:00.001-07:002012-08-28T09:01:27.708-07:00Trafficking
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">2 million children are believed to be exploited through the commercial
sex trade.</span></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8GSycLEQmjywe5QX9ABAOCz29chKKrQ6kvoolGP0Mgj_xTXXdB6kHem7STaQTWOjRncOhX1Q0W_Q9uTJdt17tbqn3QoHZyttHl71BuAqN3f9y6scai3UNHbr6uoXCzMyJfpjszaZiCI/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8GSycLEQmjywe5QX9ABAOCz29chKKrQ6kvoolGP0Mgj_xTXXdB6kHem7STaQTWOjRncOhX1Q0W_Q9uTJdt17tbqn3QoHZyttHl71BuAqN3f9y6scai3UNHbr6uoXCzMyJfpjszaZiCI/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"></span></span></i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our post today comes from Heather Huffman. I met her through the 31 day challenge and she kindly offered to write a guest post for me. She has such a heart for the people being exploited through human trafficking and I have no doubt that once you read what she has to say, you will agree. On top of all that, she is absolutely a fantastic writer. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8GSycLEQmjywe5QX9ABAOCz29chKKrQ6kvoolGP0Mgj_xTXXdB6kHem7STaQTWOjRncOhX1Q0W_Q9uTJdt17tbqn3QoHZyttHl71BuAqN3f9y6scai3UNHbr6uoXCzMyJfpjszaZiCI/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8GSycLEQmjywe5QX9ABAOCz29chKKrQ6kvoolGP0Mgj_xTXXdB6kHem7STaQTWOjRncOhX1Q0W_Q9uTJdt17tbqn3QoHZyttHl71BuAqN3f9y6scai3UNHbr6uoXCzMyJfpjszaZiCI/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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{page:Section1;}</style><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Two million children are believed to be exploited
through the commercial sex trade. That’s a stomach-turning statistic if there
ever was one. But when I began to learn about the faces and atrocities behind
the numbers, it became a number I couldn’t turn away from.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">I was in my thirties, wondering how the
heck the path of my life had ended up where it had, when I decided to pick up
my pen and write again. After years of silence, I’d committed to honing my
craft and finally realizing my dream to publish a novel. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">I finished my first novel, Tumbleweed, over
the course of the next year, but when I hit a wall with editing it, I set it
aside and started work on what would become the book that changed my life:
Throwaway. It was inspired by a dream I had about a prostitute and a police
officer. The dream was just one conversation between these two star-crossed
lovers, but I became obsessed with them. I thought about them constantly and
how they got to where they were.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">When I look back over that period in my
life, it’s almost eerie how everything came together. Research I did for the
novel </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Throwaway-ebook/dp/B005J6GYIM/ref=as_li_tf_mfw?&linkCode=wey&tag=heathhuffm-20"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Throwaway</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"> opened my eyes to an entire world I’d never known existed – modern day
slavery. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Once I knew it existed, I knew I somehow had to become involved in the
fight. Something in the back of my mind kept repeating tha<span style="color: black;">t my books should be a voice for the voiceless, but I had
no idea how to accomplish that.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">It just so happened that while I was
trying to figure out what to do, I was invited to a symposium on human
trafficking. It was a daylong event that armed me with facts and clarified how
I could best use my talents to make a dent in this enormous problem. I decided
that day to give away indie versions of my books to raise awareness. </span></span></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Many of those around me thought I was
nuts. But those books were downloaded more than 50,000 times over the next months,
and I began to hear from readers around the world. One even asked if she could
translate my work into Russian. From that one crazy act sprang a much larger
movement. As people—former foster children, rescued slaves, survivors of abuse—reached
out to me with their stories, I knew I’d made the right decision. </span></span></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">It was also through my readers that I
first learned of the groups </span><a href="http://www.project-liberty.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Project
Liberty</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"> and </span><a href="http://thecoveringhouse.org/"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">The
Covering House</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">, and have since committed to helping
them in the fight against human trafficking. Project Liberty is a group out of
Lansing, Michigan that’s committed to rescuing children from trafficking.
They’ve also been wonderful about educating me on the reality of this crime.
The Covering House is a group out of Missouri that offers shelter and
restoration to victims under the age of 18 after they’ve been rescued.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">A funny thing happened because of the
momentum the books had built up back in those indie days – I was contacted by a
publisher out of Seattle called Booktrope.<b>
</b>They were pioneering a new publishing model that could survive and thrive
in the changing book market. Several talks and emails later, I’d signed a
contract with them to republish the first four books, as well as my fifth book,
which had yet to be released.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Not only are the first four now proudly
sporting the Booktrope imprint, my seventh book, Devil in Disguise, was
released this summer. In terms of shedding a light on human trafficking, this
is the book the others were leading up to. In it, the main character’s younger
sister is taken by human traffickers. Through the course of the novel, I’m able
to show readers some of what I’ve learned over the past few years. The
trafficking element is woven into the story, and it’s intentionally not heavy-handed.
It’s a book with as much laughter as there are tears.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Though my publisher now charges for the books, my
reach has grown exponentially. I recently learned that my books have been
downloaded approximately 500,000 times. I can’t even wrap my brain around that
number. In addition to a having a greater reach, I’ve also dedicated to give a
portion of my book royalties to the organizations I work with. </span></span></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">My publisher also helped me line up Leave your Mark
Graffiti Parties in Missouri and Georgia, with more to come in 2013. More than
a book signing, graffiti parties also serve to raise awareness for human
trafficking and help inform others how they can get involved. Often, these
events<span style="color: black;"> are held in cooperation with one of the non-</span>profits
I partner <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8664923019425173845" name="_GoBack">with as</a> fundraising opportunities. I now also
speak in schools, churches and women’s groups, raising awareness for the fight
against trafficking and the groups I work with.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Looking back, it’s surreal how far I’ve
come on this journey. I know there’s a lot of work left to do, but it’s a start.
If we all start somewhere, then we can change that number. Two million children
can be children, not a statistic.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">Keep up with author Heather Huffman
on </span><span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/HeatherHuffmanBooks"><span style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">Heather
Huffman’s</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;"> Facebook Author Page</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">. Visit her book website </span><span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">www.heatherhuffman.net</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;"> or
contact her on Twitter </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">@Heathers_Mark</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; line-height: 115%;">.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8GSycLEQmjywe5QX9ABAOCz29chKKrQ6kvoolGP0Mgj_xTXXdB6kHem7STaQTWOjRncOhX1Q0W_Q9uTJdt17tbqn3QoHZyttHl71BuAqN3f9y6scai3UNHbr6uoXCzMyJfpjszaZiCI/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG8GSycLEQmjywe5QX9ABAOCz29chKKrQ6kvoolGP0Mgj_xTXXdB6kHem7STaQTWOjRncOhX1Q0W_Q9uTJdt17tbqn3QoHZyttHl71BuAqN3f9y6scai3UNHbr6uoXCzMyJfpjszaZiCI/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA16yKp0gd5Sjwfy8nBoBEYP_Uw7b3NROhNbeJ8MuCKmV9E7Ba3AaN8JacF13usp64551oGIrLbo0z93iSlzqdT94EwIXtdb7czU3Ufg2xMrNGE3SpboqVQkdIQN4fQ70kvd1_WJUzKPk/s1600/Giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA16yKp0gd5Sjwfy8nBoBEYP_Uw7b3NROhNbeJ8MuCKmV9E7Ba3AaN8JacF13usp64551oGIrLbo0z93iSlzqdT94EwIXtdb7czU3Ufg2xMrNGE3SpboqVQkdIQN4fQ70kvd1_WJUzKPk/s320/Giveaway.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
I have an e-copy of Heather's newest book, "Devil in Disguise" to give away!<br />
<br />
All you have to do is link to this blog on your facebook or twitter accounts and then leave a comment here letting me know that you have done so! I will announce the winner on Friday!<br />
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Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-91590838769490953302012-08-07T09:59:00.002-07:002012-08-07T09:59:52.257-07:00Goals and Orphans<style>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>There are 121 million children out of education worldwide.</i></b></span></div>
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Lest my original readers think I have forgotten about my 12 Goals for 2012, I have not. Will I accomplish them all? Most certainly not. But they have definitely grown me as a person, nonetheless.<br />
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I think that everyone should set goals for themselves that are hard/nearly impossible to attain. I truly believe that's how we achieve really great things. The trick is to not let it rule your life or stress you out. I struggle with that a lot. Things that should have been fun and educational, like reading 100 books in one year, become some kind of deadline to meet or else people will be disappointed in me.<br />
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That's a ridiculous thought. As if anyone really really cares whether or not I meet these goals. I'm sure that people are cheering me on, but if I don't meet them, I'm not going to devastate anyone's world.<br />
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Set your goals high for yourself. No one else. The world does not hinge on your<span style="font-family: inherit;"> accomplishments.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BTAktVK3zATVrcJId1xoJdRB4V1zyRmk3mPC9ovQbv7vEOBC5bZIRoKz1kRp6pfjTKIyDpT2S1UmGfT7LYy8KELySw-BeA615R0XyN6kxCop-YQcjvNaoUcybcQ7fdQk-aA3GLg1S-o/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2BTAktVK3zATVrcJId1xoJdRB4V1zyRmk3mPC9ovQbv7vEOBC5bZIRoKz1kRp6pfjTKIyDpT2S1UmGfT7LYy8KELySw-BeA615R0XyN6kxCop-YQcjvNaoUcybcQ7fdQk-aA3GLg1S-o/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">147 Million Children</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.147millionorphans.com/">http://www.147millionorphans.com/</a></div>
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<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">"We
are two moms who love orphans! We met eight years ago as we were both
going through our first adoptions (one domestic and one international) …
Thirteen kids and seven adoptions later, we are bound together through
faith and mission. We love “doing life together” and accepting the call
to speak up for orphans everywhere.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> We
want to help as many people as possible to see the 147 million orphans
as scripture calls them, “…those who have no voice.” We want you to
see YOUR PART in helping change the life of an orphan. Could it be
adoption, sponsoring a child, volunteering for orphan care ministry,
rocking babies at an orphanage, financially </span><span style="font-size: 19px;">supporting someone adopting, or buying these products?"</span></div>
</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: 19px;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love these moms. I love their mission. I love their hearts. And I love everything about their ministry.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-size: small;">They offer so many ways to get involved, and they even offer fundraising opportunities for those who would love to adopt, but just can't financially. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 19px;"><span style="font-size: small;">By the way, if anyone wants to give me a Christmas present, click <a href="http://www.147millionorphans.com/Helping-1-Home-Baseball-Tee_p_94.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Thank you in advance.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-81836785030472646852012-08-06T13:40:00.001-07:002012-08-06T13:40:34.370-07:00Hello Somebody and Confessions<style>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate
access to water, and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation.</i></span></b></div>
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Confession: I am failing at this $2.00 a day challenge. </div>
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I have tried to think of good reasons that I am failing: <i>I am busy. My body isn't used to that little food. I need to be at the top of my game all the time as a mom. </i></div>
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But the simple fact is that I love food and it's hard for me not to partake with friends. And I love food.<br />
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It's unbelievable to me that I can eat so much that I love food and don't think of it as a necessity for survival, but a luxury to enjoy.<br />
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Lord, help me to understand how blessed I am. Give me self control. Make me frugal. Help me to be a good steward of everything You give me so that others might come to know You!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICz3nK8Jo3iiKVxSJydnIt6qEUPXSfRfQLJfrtap-o5RCKHEVx7z7NWTu3f_WFuLqnikAydxJ30wCnGs_9-FulfkGqp-IwDhURZvZs_yt2F2jEMbF7nBLJaqDg3yyI0bxKp9qUE5Y6vY/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICz3nK8Jo3iiKVxSJydnIt6qEUPXSfRfQLJfrtap-o5RCKHEVx7z7NWTu3f_WFuLqnikAydxJ30wCnGs_9-FulfkGqp-IwDhURZvZs_yt2F2jEMbF7nBLJaqDg3yyI0bxKp9qUE5Y6vY/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hello Somebody</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.hello-somebody.com/">http://www.hello-somebody.com/</a></div>
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This organization might get my vote for the trendiest. </div>
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Hello Somebody was begun as a result of a mission trip to
Honduras. The founder encountered children there who preferred food over toys.
His initial goal was to provide one million meals that year. </div>
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Now they work in several areas through other organizations
to better the world, including stopping sex trafficking, getting water to
Guatemala and livestock to Rwanda, and rebuilding after tornadoes ravaged parts
of the United States. If you choose to donate directly to Hello Somebody, you
will be ensuring that children receive food, education, and personal
development.</div>
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As an added bonus, Hello Somebody has a store with some
rockin’ merchandise. Seriously, I would buy everything in their store if I
could. It ranges from CD’s to clothes to fragrance and all of it is great
quality and superbly artistic.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICz3nK8Jo3iiKVxSJydnIt6qEUPXSfRfQLJfrtap-o5RCKHEVx7z7NWTu3f_WFuLqnikAydxJ30wCnGs_9-FulfkGqp-IwDhURZvZs_yt2F2jEMbF7nBLJaqDg3yyI0bxKp9qUE5Y6vY/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjICz3nK8Jo3iiKVxSJydnIt6qEUPXSfRfQLJfrtap-o5RCKHEVx7z7NWTu3f_WFuLqnikAydxJ30wCnGs_9-FulfkGqp-IwDhURZvZs_yt2F2jEMbF7nBLJaqDg3yyI0bxKp9qUE5Y6vY/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Please continue to consider sponsoring a child this month! Specifically children that have been waiting for a sponsor for over 6 months. You could help give them a future!</div>Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-14933848040131587702012-08-06T13:22:00.000-07:002012-08-06T13:22:23.643-07:00Real Post ForthcomingI am so exhausted I don't know what to do with myself, but I promise that we are going to get back on track today. I have life updates as well as a few confessions to make.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-82381419295656754512012-08-03T06:30:00.000-07:002012-08-03T06:30:30.195-07:00America vs. the World<style>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">An estimated 40 million people are living with HIV/AIDS,
with 3 million deaths in 2004. Every year there are 350–500 million cases of
malaria, with 1 million fatalities: Africa accounts for 90 percent of malarial
deaths and African children account for over 80 percent of malaria victims
worldwide.</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGtuf5g85GudTWrrj2bKeTN8NRdPZQ_mANsP3dk3Xb22bIZv1VTOC8i9azGOjOWaVCQVuRIVjzi2Q2b3MQulxuQ2wlmwbpimvFgzl26LbBhEvUBB2-ZO1y9yupNh4wQVy6TCtmfC4OEk/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGtuf5g85GudTWrrj2bKeTN8NRdPZQ_mANsP3dk3Xb22bIZv1VTOC8i9azGOjOWaVCQVuRIVjzi2Q2b3MQulxuQ2wlmwbpimvFgzl26LbBhEvUBB2-ZO1y9yupNh4wQVy6TCtmfC4OEk/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have been asked several times by several people how I can give money overseas when there are people in my own country that need help? I thought I would take time at the beginning of these 31 days to explain a few reasons I do what I do. </div>
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<b>1. The need in Africa is great and there are few resources.</b></div>
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We talk about the cycle of poverty being hard to break in the U.S. It is. Especially if you have medical problems. But the cycle of poverty in Africa is almost impossible to break. In America if you are hungry you can go to a food bank. In Africa there isn't any food to give to a food bank. In American if your house blows over on you, you will receive medical care, insurance or not. In Uganda, if your house blows over on you and you have no way to pay, you will be left on a gurney to die. </div>
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<b>2. Christians don't really belong to a nation except the Kingdom of God.</b></div>
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Don't get me wrong, I pledge allegiance to my flag and I appreciate the fact that I live in a free country. I routinely thank service men and women for fighting for me. But I am not only responsible for the poor in my country. I am responsible for the poor everywhere. And if you're a Christian, you should want to see people saved from the intense poverty seen in other countries. If you think Americans suffer, you haven't done enough research.</div>
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<b>3. Third world countries are open to hope.</b></div>
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It is so difficult to witness to others in the U.S. I'm not saying that we should give up or that it's impossible that others will come to know Christ, but Christians need to go where people are desperate for Someone to save them. Keep witnessing to your neighbors here, but don't forget that while Americans tend to routinely reject the Gospel there are people all over the world who would accept if only they knew who this Jesus was. </div>
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That was probably a lot more harsh than what I intended it to be. I don't want anyone to think that I don't care about my neighbors here in the U.S. I want everyone to have health care and to have enough to eat and have a job. I want all to come to know the peace that I found in Jesus. But at some point we have to quit being so inward centered and start realizing that the church is world wide. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGtuf5g85GudTWrrj2bKeTN8NRdPZQ_mANsP3dk3Xb22bIZv1VTOC8i9azGOjOWaVCQVuRIVjzi2Q2b3MQulxuQ2wlmwbpimvFgzl26LbBhEvUBB2-ZO1y9yupNh4wQVy6TCtmfC4OEk/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGtuf5g85GudTWrrj2bKeTN8NRdPZQ_mANsP3dk3Xb22bIZv1VTOC8i9azGOjOWaVCQVuRIVjzi2Q2b3MQulxuQ2wlmwbpimvFgzl26LbBhEvUBB2-ZO1y9yupNh4wQVy6TCtmfC4OEk/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hands in Service</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://handsinservice.org/">http://handsinservice.org/</a></div>
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Based out of the Christian Fellowship in Nashville, TN, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hands in Service</i> is, indeed, a
jack-of-all-trades organization. They have developed eight different ministries
in Uganda ranging from metal workshops to schools to farms. But as different as
these seem, they all have one thing in common: their help is a hand up to the people
of Soroti, Uganda instead of a hand-out. </div>
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Hands in Service support local small businesses in a variety
of ways, which is so important in sustaining change in developing countries. </div>
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One impressive part of Hands in Service is their commitment
to working across denominational boundaries and to promote unity in the body of
Christ. We all like to say that we’re all for unity, but their mission
statement was like a sip of cool water for me!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGtuf5g85GudTWrrj2bKeTN8NRdPZQ_mANsP3dk3Xb22bIZv1VTOC8i9azGOjOWaVCQVuRIVjzi2Q2b3MQulxuQ2wlmwbpimvFgzl26LbBhEvUBB2-ZO1y9yupNh4wQVy6TCtmfC4OEk/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyGtuf5g85GudTWrrj2bKeTN8NRdPZQ_mANsP3dk3Xb22bIZv1VTOC8i9azGOjOWaVCQVuRIVjzi2Q2b3MQulxuQ2wlmwbpimvFgzl26LbBhEvUBB2-ZO1y9yupNh4wQVy6TCtmfC4OEk/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I accidentally ruined my bowl of oatmeal this morning so I had to make a new one. It was such a strange feeling to do that... knowing that at the end of the month I would probably go without breakfast. How odd to have to be so careful how I cook, because if it burns or just doesn't turn out edible I don't eat. </div>
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Today, pray for our country and the people who live that reality here. Then take some time to pray for those overseas that are not different from us, just in even more need.</div>Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-72746120334941050782012-08-02T12:29:00.001-07:002012-08-02T12:29:26.133-07:00Food List, Education, and Slavery<style>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Based on enrollment data, about 72 million children of
primary school age in the developing world were not in school in 2005; 57 per
cent of them were girls.</span></i></b></div>
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Once again, a statistic that just makes me sad.</div>
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Education is something that we, in general, take for granted. I know I did. I didn't realize that having an education made me less likely to be the victim of domestic abuse or sexual exploitation. </div>
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The sad thing is that these girls know it... they just can't do anything about it.</div>
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Pray for these children. Pray that they are given a chance to do something better with their lives for the glory of God. Pray that they would be given the same opportunities that we possess here in the U.S. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX3RzRmmfMafCJPNPJPg9o9vvW_K0AOlcPIL4qZmVC6mu6HaanYla7COcwoirGjM8oMX8x_50Cme9zXhQXc5DV7la0cuzG0qZZyyavy1yydEeAS6TnhjRDqDwzB0haPwktfUlRIJX60o/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX3RzRmmfMafCJPNPJPg9o9vvW_K0AOlcPIL4qZmVC6mu6HaanYla7COcwoirGjM8oMX8x_50Cme9zXhQXc5DV7la0cuzG0qZZyyavy1yydEeAS6TnhjRDqDwzB0haPwktfUlRIJX60o/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yesterday was hard. Really hard. I didn't realize how much I loved food, and I have to admit, I have caved in and drank coffee. I decided that if it meant I could be coherent all day then it was worth it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My food was pretty devoid of color, but here it is anyway.</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94luin11YtzFyS4Vs3F6dbUVv39Qs0TZr9ZbfEkEWYVuYJBefepGwFKs9Yx4Gs7knfKWxVxNRZqr-2tz6iSoFbkxoDF0fkSqENXwppjoszdBHoCMTXV0GvGI-p4hQaiKIWU-cB42PHX8/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94luin11YtzFyS4Vs3F6dbUVv39Qs0TZr9ZbfEkEWYVuYJBefepGwFKs9Yx4Gs7knfKWxVxNRZqr-2tz6iSoFbkxoDF0fkSqENXwppjoszdBHoCMTXV0GvGI-p4hQaiKIWU-cB42PHX8/s320/IMG_0580.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oatmeal with bananas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc76sm50ABBazo-vJi_O5Oe1R2hgLrTSGiHs_YYVDVXxz16Fg7a2S4D0Rktdwh4x3MlLXIsLbu0iKBP9btwYb-OLr6qBG75IPr7l-_P3FDv2nRXFqpxXv5hzrFwdM-JjP7-jgb-9e1Cik/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc76sm50ABBazo-vJi_O5Oe1R2hgLrTSGiHs_YYVDVXxz16Fg7a2S4D0Rktdwh4x3MlLXIsLbu0iKBP9btwYb-OLr6qBG75IPr7l-_P3FDv2nRXFqpxXv5hzrFwdM-JjP7-jgb-9e1Cik/s320/IMG_0581.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peanut butter sandwich, rice, and milk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This is basically my menu, at least for the next week. I also had spaghetti at dinner, which I took a picture of, but apparently my phone cord has walked away so no picture for you. It was spaghetti, I promise.</div>
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Food is so much cheaper here. I still get to eat 3 meals a day with my $2.00. I am so blessed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX3RzRmmfMafCJPNPJPg9o9vvW_K0AOlcPIL4qZmVC6mu6HaanYla7COcwoirGjM8oMX8x_50Cme9zXhQXc5DV7la0cuzG0qZZyyavy1yydEeAS6TnhjRDqDwzB0haPwktfUlRIJX60o/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX3RzRmmfMafCJPNPJPg9o9vvW_K0AOlcPIL4qZmVC6mu6HaanYla7COcwoirGjM8oMX8x_50Cme9zXhQXc5DV7la0cuzG0qZZyyavy1yydEeAS6TnhjRDqDwzB0haPwktfUlRIJX60o/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b></b>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love146</i></b></div>
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<a href="http://love146.org/">http://love146.org/</a></div>
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Love146? What does that name even mean?</div>
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In 2002 the founders of Love146 took a mission trip to
brothels in Southeast Asia. While I would love to tell this story, it’s
probably best being heard from their perspectives:</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://3.gvt0.com/vi/16bEwtSg_qM/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/16bEwtSg_qM&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/16bEwtSg_qM&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<em><span style="color: dimgrey; font-family: Times; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></em></div>
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<br /></div>
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And if you are anything like me, while watching that video
you felt a little bit like you were suffocating from the inability to save
those girls immediately.</div>
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Love 146 spends 50% of its money on the prevention of
trafficking, which is, I believe, the most excellent way to spend their money.
They use some of their funds to pay organizations already in the countries who
know the language and the culture but simply lack the money to be effective. </div>
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While the organization was founded by Christians, it is not
a religious organization, so their employees cover a vast array of humanity and
enables all to be a part of fighting this heinous crime.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX3RzRmmfMafCJPNPJPg9o9vvW_K0AOlcPIL4qZmVC6mu6HaanYla7COcwoirGjM8oMX8x_50Cme9zXhQXc5DV7la0cuzG0qZZyyavy1yydEeAS6TnhjRDqDwzB0haPwktfUlRIJX60o/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX3RzRmmfMafCJPNPJPg9o9vvW_K0AOlcPIL4qZmVC6mu6HaanYla7COcwoirGjM8oMX8x_50Cme9zXhQXc5DV7la0cuzG0qZZyyavy1yydEeAS6TnhjRDqDwzB0haPwktfUlRIJX60o/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Don't forget to look into Compassion. I found a little girl that I'm just dying to get sponsored. You can check her out on my Facebook page, or you can ask me for the link to find her.</div>Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-59907735987989341572012-08-01T17:27:00.001-07:002012-08-01T17:27:48.990-07:00Compassion International<style>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>According to UNICEF, 22,000
children die daily due to poverty.</i></b></span></div>
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This statistic just echos in my head every time I read it.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">22,000 Children?</i> I have to admit, it makes me a little angry. At myself first, because I am sitting here in my $150,000 house watching my $500 TV and typing on my $1,000 laptop. I know, I know, I need a house. And in the kind of culture we live in, it's hard to know what's going on without a TV and almost impossible to work without a laptop. But when you add up just those three things you could sponsor 20 children through Compassion International for their <i>entire lives</i>. </div>
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<b>Wow.</b></div>
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What would happen if we would all pitch in? What would happen if everyone who read this blog said that $38 a month is not that much (by the way, it's not) and sponsored a child? It's really time for us to stop making excuses. </div>
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It was not my intention to ask people to give money throughout this month, but I really believe that this is too important. </div>
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I assume if you're reading this you were interested at some point in my child. So here's a picture:</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DZXgDN5t1b9MoP2e5U3kDJR1tEk7_09yIyInn5n64QzRGYQAIFUGz1-3COMfNt0jrEbrVAB64x2wYquzwfY9gAcI9beS3y4gpQrT6mI3CDdwgffAtTC6W4gD2h58rNUtLrPpnuBRV1M/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DZXgDN5t1b9MoP2e5U3kDJR1tEk7_09yIyInn5n64QzRGYQAIFUGz1-3COMfNt0jrEbrVAB64x2wYquzwfY9gAcI9beS3y4gpQrT6mI3CDdwgffAtTC6W4gD2h58rNUtLrPpnuBRV1M/s320/IMG_0522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
My child is so precious to me. But every time I look at him now I am reminded that there are 22,000 Noah's that are dying today. It makes me weep.<br />
<br />
Get involved. It's important. <br />
<br />
I challenge you tonight to look through your bank account statement and see how much you spend every month on eating out. I did, and that's when I realized we just weren't as poor as we thought. And that's the night I contacted Compassion to sponsor Yanci.<br />
<br />
I want to set a goal for this blog. I would like to see 31 children sponsored through Compassion this month. If you sponsor a child, either shoot me an email (kaseyacox@gmail.com), comment on this blog, or comment on my Facebook page. If you'll send me a picture I will try to make a collage of them and post them in September. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkUL3Ct76P5U44v3Wb8IqJWVOhoffMc8ePdhgIszCpGjerhRI-B3kBdPMlAvBSYg0Xx3ASBAL4sVtGQtbD-MNMRNHFFFGyMKYsecf4_xcxBNppLMp032AO7k0oFk8U3Rl0A0kUzlK42A/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkUL3Ct76P5U44v3Wb8IqJWVOhoffMc8ePdhgIszCpGjerhRI-B3kBdPMlAvBSYg0Xx3ASBAL4sVtGQtbD-MNMRNHFFFGyMKYsecf4_xcxBNppLMp032AO7k0oFk8U3Rl0A0kUzlK42A/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Compassion International</i></b></div>
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I sponsored my first child through Compassion International
the summer after my senior year in high school. Her name was Chinaika and she
was from Haiti and I fell in love with her in a real and devoted way.
Unfortunately I only sponsored her for two years when I realized that I could
not financially make the commitment anymore. I called the Compassion office and
told them, in tears, that I was a college student and could not support
Chinaika anymore. The representative was kind and understanding, but I still
regret giving her up.</div>
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I’m so glad that God blessed me enough to get involved again
with this spectacular ministry. Compassion works through $38 a month sponsorships
to feed, clothe, and educate children in 26 different countries. $38 is the
average amount I used to easily spend on just a couple meals a week eating out.
</div>
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Compassion works on a one-to-one system, meaning that my $38
goes directly to Yanci, my new sponsored child instead of being dispersed
throughout the community. There are several reasons for this (just as there are
several reasons to disperse the money as well), but to quote directly from
Compassion’s website, “We've discovered that changed circumstances rarely
change people's lives, while changed people inevitably change their
circumstances.” They focus on building a child up from the inside out. Because
of this and the fact that I, alone, am sponsoring Yanci, my letters,
encouragement, and prayers are needed and sought after. I am important to
Yanci, just like she is indescribably important to me.</div>
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There are several other reasons that I love Compassion: the
Child Survival Program, the Student Leader Sponsorship program, and the ability
to meet my sponsored child through Compassion-organized trips just to name a
few. Please visit Compassion’s <a href="http://www.compassion.com/default.htm" target="_blank">website</a> for more information.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkUL3Ct76P5U44v3Wb8IqJWVOhoffMc8ePdhgIszCpGjerhRI-B3kBdPMlAvBSYg0Xx3ASBAL4sVtGQtbD-MNMRNHFFFGyMKYsecf4_xcxBNppLMp032AO7k0oFk8U3Rl0A0kUzlK42A/s1600/Post+divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkUL3Ct76P5U44v3Wb8IqJWVOhoffMc8ePdhgIszCpGjerhRI-B3kBdPMlAvBSYg0Xx3ASBAL4sVtGQtbD-MNMRNHFFFGyMKYsecf4_xcxBNppLMp032AO7k0oFk8U3Rl0A0kUzlK42A/s640/Post+divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In case you are curious, I did begin today. I will post pictures of my meals tomorrow, but I thought I would let you all know that I bought all of this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-pEXCotckC2EmiTZsu-WPBys9hA2djmZvKTQSvM9ODsf8d-Il_mGhY7petrMw4gDwZUfC4b1t_cR0MJABnXmISQpGHUnotEHtzcWvckcDW7bSM7tYOQeaoGIfgQtg6tsiq51KeiBYoo/s1600/IMG_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6-pEXCotckC2EmiTZsu-WPBys9hA2djmZvKTQSvM9ODsf8d-Il_mGhY7petrMw4gDwZUfC4b1t_cR0MJABnXmISQpGHUnotEHtzcWvckcDW7bSM7tYOQeaoGIfgQtg6tsiq51KeiBYoo/s400/IMG_0579.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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For $27 and some change yesterday.</div>
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If you still want to get in on this action, let me know and I will share my meal plans with you.</div>Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-887717834527314962012-07-30T19:06:00.001-07:002012-07-30T19:06:21.459-07:00Back on the AirSo sorry for the dead air the last week. Getting back from two vacations has really put me behind in life in general.<br />
<br />
I will be starting the blogging series <i>One mom. $2.00 per day. 31 days. </i>on Wednesday. The groceries have been bought, menus have been planned, and prayers have been said. I would covet the prayers of anyone reading this blog who is a Christian. Since I announced that I would be doing this series there have been several events in my life that have just made me want to give up. I won't, though. This is obviously way too important.<br />
<br />
On a completely unrelated note, is it stupid that every time they show parents when an Olympian wins, I cry? I mean, full on tears.<br />
<br />
Also, am I the only person who really dislikes Ryan Lochte's attitude? I <u>really</u> dislike it.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-73220148882486936652012-07-20T08:27:00.002-07:002012-07-20T08:27:39.110-07:00Guest BloggingHey readers! I'm officially a guest blogger.<br />
<br />
You can find today's post at <a href="http://hhuffman.webfactional.com/?p=1108" target="_blank">Heather Huffman's site</a>. She is an author on a mission to end sex trafficking and we've been talking quite a bit since my decision to launch the $2.00 a day mission. I encourage you to explore her site, get to know her and her passion.<br />
<br />
She will be doing a guest post on MH@24 in the month of August, and I'm so excited to be doing the same for her. Visit, leave a comment, be inspired!Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-71550652364427273202012-07-19T13:37:00.001-07:002012-07-19T13:37:21.152-07:00Why on a Motherhood Blog?I have been asking myself this question a lot. In fact, I have been wondering if it might be better to create a new blog for this "challenge." But I decided against that for a few reasons.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>When I became a mom, I felt like I had lost my ability to dream big for anyone besides my children.</b> This ridiculous feeling is one that I really believe is universal, based on my experiences with well-meaning people telling me that my life was not my own anymore and that I wouldn't be Kasey anymore, but instead "Noah's mom." I hated those well-intentioned comments. But now I realize that, as a Christian, my life was never my own. I was bought with a price. My dreams should be God's glory, whether that means with my children or with my own life.</li>
<li><b>Moms need purpose outside their children.</b> I know, I can hear the negative outcry now. Hear me out, though. Your kids? They're going to grow up and move away. They're going to disappoint you at some point. And, most importantly, their lives don't revolve around <i>you</i>. I think that if our only purpose is raising our children we start to have some really unrealistic expectations for them. </li>
<li><b>My readership extends beyond moms.</b> Yes, this blog is a mom-blog. But many of my readers are still single or just got married or are planning for kids or anywhere in between those things. It's really turned into a blog for women. And I really believe that women are catalysts for change in the world. We can see need where others can't and have the kind of empathy that says, "Something <i>has</i> to be done here." In fact, many of the charitable organizations I'm going to feature were begun by women. And I totally didn't realize it until just now.</li>
</ul>
So there you have it. I wish I could write more, but my word, I have had one needy baby the past couple of days.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-20984869018122964452012-07-18T13:53:00.000-07:002012-07-18T13:53:05.352-07:00$2.00 a Day. 31 Days.It's about to get serious up in here, y'all.<br />
<br />
I spent about four hours last night delving into all the possibilities for this 31 day challenge and I believe I am getting it squared away.<br />
<br />
So, without further ado, here are:<br />
<br />
<h2>
<b><u>The Rules</u></b></h2>
<ol>
<li>I will eat on only $2.00 a day (or $62) for the entire month of August. </li>
<li>If I find myself in a situation where I have to be away from my house during meal times, I will either eat off of what little money I have and suffer the consequences for the rest of the month, or I will go without.</li>
<li>I will post a blog by 8 P.M. (Central Standard) daily with a factoid about world poverty and an endorsement of an organization that is working towards ending human suffering.</li>
<li>I will spend one hour per day studying scripture and praying for the needs of the world.</li>
<li>I will find a way to personally support at least ten of the organizations featured on the blog.</li>
</ol>
I think that many of you will find this series to be interesting, if not informative and challenging. Please consider supporting one of the organizations featured in August. Volunteer, give monetarily, spread awareness. Be a world changer and not a world watcher.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-87921261776518015842012-07-17T18:23:00.000-07:002012-07-17T18:23:49.535-07:00Epiphany about Self WorthI went on vacation to Florida last week. It should have been filled with joy and great memories of my baby's first trip to Florida, Disney World, and the beach. Instead I was filled with almost constant anxiety over my weight.<br />
<br />
On the last day of the trip I finally said, "No more."<br />
<br />
I am so glad that I did the 30 Day Shred. I am glad because I felt healthy and strong. I am glad because I was teased in high school because I wasn't athletic enough to be considered for even <i>just-for-fun</i> games between friends and this proved to me that I can darn well do whatever I please and don't tell me that I can't thankyouverymuch. I am glad because now I know that I have will power and self control.<br />
<br />
Now it's time to move on.<br />
<br />
I can't think about my weight anymore. I want to be healthy and I will still work out and try to watch what I eat to a certain extent. But I am done weighing myself even weekly. I simply cannot do it anymore and I am certain that it is not where God wants me at all.<br />
<br />
I would like to find another 30 day goal. I've been listening to David Platt's sermons on materialism, and I've been playing with the idea of a $2.00 a day fast.<br />
<br />
Did you know that 2.6 billion people live on less than $2.00 a day? That's how much I spend on a soda.<br />
<br />
I have basically decided to make the commitment to eat on $2.00 a day for the month of August. I'm still trying to figure out the logistics of that, and I know that $2.00 a day would cover food, shelter, and clothing for those in poverty, but I have set expenses that would make that impossible. So this is what I can do. Spend a total of $62 for groceries/toiletries for myself during the month of August and pray for those in physical suffering while I try to live on the bare minimum.<br />
<br />
I want to live Radically. I want people to ask me about the hope that I found and I want to live like I have hope that has nothing to do with this world. I want to look for ways to be Jesus to people.<br />
<br />
This may seem simplistic, but I'm working on changing my mindset.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-9715825291464279622012-07-14T19:51:00.003-07:002012-07-14T19:51:59.239-07:00My Next Baby Wish-listBecause of the utter shock of my last pregnancy, I didn't do a lot of really awesome things that I wish I would have done. Therefore, since I love making lists, I will make a wish-list of things I want to do during my next pregnancy/childbirth/baby.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Tell Jordan in a special way (a.k.a. not waiting for him to come up the stairs looking like someone died)</li>
<li>Do a pregnancy shoot (no bare belly pictures, though. I don't like them)</li>
<li>Send out pregnancy announcements. </li>
<li>Take my vitamins/folic acids very regularly. Morning sickness or not.</li>
<li>Use a midwife service</li>
<li>Go on a shopping spree at <a href="http://www.cottonbabies.com/" target="_blank">Cotton Babies</a>. I LOVE this store. I mean, seriously. I wish I would have went into it before I had Noah. It would have completely changed my life and the entire way I ran my pregnancy/birth/infant. </li>
<li>Take birthing classes</li>
<li>Invest in pretty maternity clothes. Even though they're expensive. </li>
<li>Eat well and mindfully</li>
<li>Buy a birthing gown</li>
<li>Try for a drug-free birth</li>
<li>At least ask to not be monitored throughout my entire labor </li>
<li>Spend at least half a day with only me, Jordan, and the baby</li>
<li>Only allow family and a few select people at the hospital. I loved knowing that so many people loved us and our child, but we had over/around 50 people visiting us those three days, and it was just too much for me.</li>
<li>Take care of myself post-birth a little better. Get rest.</li>
<li>Buy a moby wrap</li>
<li>Work a little harder on breast feeding. This includes being a lot more assertive about telling people that they need to leave and/or give me privacy. I understand that nursing is nothing to be ashamed about, but I prefer for it to be private. </li>
<li>Cloth diaper</li>
<li>Send real birth announcements </li>
<li>In general be more assertive about what I want. Mostly during birth, but a little bit after too.</li>
</ol>Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-67592010334850383922012-06-30T19:50:00.001-07:002012-07-01T19:24:47.015-07:00The End of the Shred<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Wow. Here it is. The dreaded progress picture day. I was completely certain that I would be disappointed. I really slacked off the last 10 days. I ate kind of poorly and phoned in a few of my workouts. But now, seeing the pictures, I wish I would have worked a little harder!<br />
<br />
I'm sure most of you realize this, but remember that a baby belly is incredibly hard to lose and my skin has not regained all of its elasticity (but I think it's definitely getting there). I only mention this because there are many people out there who are now participating in the 30 Day Shred and I don't want them to be discouraged because I don't have a six-pack! You might get one! I think I can feel mine under my skin even though I cannot see it just yet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDw7BQLzMNOx_Y-cL96pDTfzsttOSt4eVaerDrEK9yfocwd6sWEcZ_XyrjQO6NWiQL3wLQq3PRcQSlZCSnovh1nCgDgyLoto1Xrf1GSJU6pdLWkNIUbvb6W5d_5QYz28DCNJW4IPi3Nc/s1600/Before+and+After+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzDw7BQLzMNOx_Y-cL96pDTfzsttOSt4eVaerDrEK9yfocwd6sWEcZ_XyrjQO6NWiQL3wLQq3PRcQSlZCSnovh1nCgDgyLoto1Xrf1GSJU6pdLWkNIUbvb6W5d_5QYz28DCNJW4IPi3Nc/s640/Before+and+After+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry, I know that one is bigger than the other... but, still! Awesome!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWjEY8lUPlEJ9LOAguFPtaTBXn4f7AyU8DRWrlf6cSmNsw_2knVnTYtlrh_sLS4K1OkBmN8jNzKpj9D2Za2O183Luglk97ob6AzqtRCdJ-yM2ZWQgsCx2hOM1o5S5kgjzVnZzmilND3Y/s1600/Before+and+After+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWjEY8lUPlEJ9LOAguFPtaTBXn4f7AyU8DRWrlf6cSmNsw_2knVnTYtlrh_sLS4K1OkBmN8jNzKpj9D2Za2O183Luglk97ob6AzqtRCdJ-yM2ZWQgsCx2hOM1o5S5kgjzVnZzmilND3Y/s640/Before+and+After+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hoorah!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFE8jJOvTozG2R8Oba08BaGBd9nTe9mnWFEriY8uAaVHcPC-IujdzEt_8CJQ-QDswNzo6vd-bVm0VjJFFbW8QsDmq5v7bqcfZJ9NIoTiYUWpTpPFhe9iY6szJy3rALU8SHlWxCbcDmAk4/s1600/Before+and+After+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFE8jJOvTozG2R8Oba08BaGBd9nTe9mnWFEriY8uAaVHcPC-IujdzEt_8CJQ-QDswNzo6vd-bVm0VjJFFbW8QsDmq5v7bqcfZJ9NIoTiYUWpTpPFhe9iY6szJy3rALU8SHlWxCbcDmAk4/s640/Before+and+After+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can dig this! My shoulders look a lot better!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I started at 150 and I ended at 150, but who cares? Did you see those pictures? Also, I lost 1 inch from my waist, so I'll take it!<br />
<br />
Overall, I loved the shred. I think it's a phenomenal workout for beginners who want to get serious. A few people have asked me if it's hard on your knees, and I hate to say that if you have knee problems you would not be able to get past level one, more than likely. Level one is on YouTube, so try it out!<br />
<br />
I would also suggest that while you should always give it your all, you should NOT give up if you cannot get through each level without stopping. I only had one workout in which I did not have to take a break. Jillian wants to push you by telling you to not stop, and that is a great goal to have, but don't feel like you have to quit the workout just because you can't do everything she asks of you just yet. You will eventually! <br />
<br />
I started my new ab workout today, and it's definitely a killer. I think it's going to really pay off, though! Also, I re-started training for that 5k and I'm ahead of where I was when I left off! Such a great feeling!<br />
<br />
I decided to try to clean up my eating too, so I decided to try Bob Harper's "Skinny Rules." I am going to add one each week, starting today with Rule #1: Drink a large glass of water before every meal. I'll weigh in every Saturday (or Friday or Sunday... since I'll be on vacation next week). Just wondering how effective the skinny rules will be with a normal exercise program.<br />
<br />
<u>Stats</u><br />
Weight: 150<br />
Waist: 36"<br />
Hips: 40 1/4"<br />
Thigh: 23"Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-32392916827771926102012-06-21T12:31:00.001-07:002012-06-21T12:31:46.278-07:00Pictures and NumbersBreaking news: I am considering my mom arms officially gone! It makes me want to cry and jump for joy. But I have company over and Jillian's level 3 makes jumping very nearly impossible once I'm done.<br />
<br />
In other news, we had 6 month pictures of Noah taken yesterday. Before Jordan's aunt got there to take them I have to admit that I had a minor (major) meltdown regarding pants. And I cried. A lot. But then I found my super special size 8 jeans that magically fit me (even though no other size 8 jeans fit) and all ways right and the pictures are going to be spectacular.<br />
<br />
Noah totally face planted on our hardwood floor during the shoot yesterday. I suppose it would make me a bad mom if I admitted that I after I saw that he was ok, I laughed? And I continued to laugh a good portion of the time he was crying. Mostly because after a while he had no idea what he was crying about.<br />
<br />
My favorite picture so far? This pretty candid.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU880llBANsJD60X-WsCMghZHekOuh_dlcE8xWpvvgmjIIOY2NJqyqu4CAun8eH17P50JGdDinuBB6CsNEWoMArH6gczeWFYuesTras5F8SU8RL4xDxvdMPa3aMs8sw_z8ZuAIowb8zTg/s1600/DSC_0764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU880llBANsJD60X-WsCMghZHekOuh_dlcE8xWpvvgmjIIOY2NJqyqu4CAun8eH17P50JGdDinuBB6CsNEWoMArH6gczeWFYuesTras5F8SU8RL4xDxvdMPa3aMs8sw_z8ZuAIowb8zTg/s400/DSC_0764.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I feel so much more healthy than I used to and I think that it shows. Extra motivation: being more energetic with my child.<br />
<br />
I stopped counting calories the other day. I was realizing that my body just did not want to run on 1200 calories a day. Ever since I starting eating (correctly for the most part) when I'm hungry, I've had the motivation to start/finish my workouts and they don't seem like such a drag. Calorie counting has been a great exercise for me to learn what I'm putting into my body, but it's not something that I can (read: want to) maintain forever. If I did, I would develop a very unhealthy fixation on my eating. I also haven't stepped on the scale in a couple days. I'm going to work hard and try my best not to overeat (which is actually a struggle for me) and see what happens. I don't want to obsess over the scale. Will I check it? Yes. I do eventually want to be down to a certain weight. But if I look freaking awesome and I'm not at that weight? I'll deal.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-34408521176400995492012-06-18T12:57:00.003-07:002012-06-18T12:58:07.967-07:0030 Days after JillianI feel like I'm constantly thinking of these awesome ideas for blogs and then they fly right out of my head when I sit down to write. This is what we affectionately refer to as the "mommy-brain."<br />
<br />
The Shred is... going. I'm not losing the way that I really wanted to and, yes, I understand that I'm gaining muscle, and, yes, I look more toned than ever before. But I've just got to tell you all that I'm feeling rather impatient. And really really tired of counting calories. Especially when I go over 1200 calories and I gain 4 pounds. Every. Freaking. Time.<br />
<br />
Jordan basically thinks that I should toss the scale in the trash can, but I really can't. If it weren't for weighing myself I wouldn't understand that what I'm eating really makes a difference. Yes, it also makes a difference in how I feel, but sometimes how I feel is directly related to what I weigh. As in, I feel much healthier and fitter now that I'm 148 instead of 160.<br />
<br />
I planned out my next 30 days of working out (actually, I've planned out the next year, but we'll just take it as it comes). It looks a little something like this:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>5k training. </b>I'm getting back into running with a vengeance. If I could have my way in a perfect world, next July I will be running a marathon. My running training will be continuous, so you will be seeing this (or 10k training or half training, etc.) for the next year or so.</li>
<li><b>300/30 Ab Challenge.</b> I didn't want to just run and forget about everything that I've worked so hard for during the shred, so this is the new 30 day goal. The workout looks like this (25 reps of each move):</li>
<ul><ul><ul><ul>
<li>In-N-Outs</li>
<li>Bicycles</li>
<li>Reverse Bicycles</li>
<li>Crunchy Frog (I know, weird names)</li>
<li>Cross leg/Wide leg sit ups</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Hit butt ups</li>
<li>Heels to the heavens</li>
<li>Roll-up V-ups</li>
<li>Leg climbers</li>
<li>Kayakers</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<li><b>Tank Top Arms.</b> I found this on Pinterest and it just seemed like a good way to keep from losing everything that I've worked for with the shred. I'm not incredibly hopeful that it will make my arms any more toned than what they already are, but maybe it'll keep them from shrinking.</li>
<ul><ul><ul><ul>
<li>10 push-ups</li>
<li>24 bicep burners</li>
<li>15 shoulder presses</li>
<li>10 push-ups</li>
<li>15 tricep dips</li>
<li>15 back rows</li>
<li>15 lateral raises</li>
<li>10 push-ups</li>
<li>15 tricep kick backs with 20 tricep pull backs</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
What does all this mean? It means I will be putting a lot more time than 30 minutes into my work out. It will probably run more like an hour now. I just have to keep telling myself that it's worth it. Especially running. I miss it and I really do love it. Now to just get down to business and do it!Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-83935216519505755772012-06-14T08:24:00.000-07:002012-06-14T08:24:15.750-07:00Dear First Time MomsI think I have been in denial about how hard it is to be a mom.<br />
<br />
Let me explain.<br />
<br />
I always wanted to work outside of the home. Since I am now on a temporary hiatus from full-time work and am at home a majority of the time, I assume that I need to constantly be moving from the moment I get up until the moment that my head hits the pillow. When I don't accomplish that, I feel defeated and useless. After all, my husband has a full time job and is getting his masters degree. What could I possibly be doing that is harder than that?<br />
<br />
I don't think that people truly understand what stay-at-home moms do. I don't think that it really sinks into their mind that when you pay someone to watch your child, that's all that person does all day. They don't clean your house or cook your meals. They only watch your child.<br />
<br />
I know that this has been said and will be said a thousand times more eloquently than I could ever say it, but here is the bare minimum of what I do every day with a six-month-old:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Feed him a bottle 4-5 times a day (takes anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour)</li>
<li>Change his diaper at least 10 times</li>
<li>Spoon feed him twice daily</li>
<li>Give him a bath (sometimes, kind of daily... maybe)</li>
<li>Do laundry</li>
<li>Do dishes (although I have recently recruited my husband to help me with this)</li>
<li>In general, make sure that the baby is not screaming.</li>
</ul>
That might now seem like a lot. Especially if you've never taken care of a little human being before. But let me tell you, I've been busy in my life. I mean, 20 hours of sleep in the week of finals busy. And yet I have still never been so tired in my life. <br />
<br />
I guess what I'm trying to say is that you are not weak for not vacuuming your floors every day. Or if your dishes haven't been done in three days. Or if the only underwear you have left is the fake jeans underwear that you bought as a joke.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-29113481418149349822012-06-11T20:10:00.000-07:002012-06-11T20:10:37.555-07:00What's NextI was going to do a cop out post that was just full of little fun motherhood facts. But we had a fun day today and I decided to talk about that instead.<br />
I did level 2 for the second time today and my elbow is killing me. If there is anyone out there who knows how I might remedy that, I would surely appreciate it. If I wasn't on a tight schedule, I would quit the DVD for a few days to heal, but I leave for Florida almost as soon as I'm done with this workout and, also, I've made a commitment to myself that I will not skip a day. Because, usually, when I skip a day I'm done for good.<br />
I'm getting more and more motivated because I'm watching people join this journey with me. My husband even tried it tonight. I told him he didn't have to keep doing it, but I just wanted the respect I deserved. He said, "Oh. Oh I respect you." I love him.<br />
I finished up my academic vita today. It was so exciting to see everything I've done in that sort of format. I'm really looking forward to the fall and everything that will come with it. I will be teaching a course at MBU, taking classes at Fontbonne, substitute teaching, and teaching piano/voice lessons. It will be a busy year, to be sure, but it will all pay off in the end.<br />
I've been trying to decide what my next fitness goals will be after the end of the 30 Day Shred. Part of my next segment of time will be in Florida, so it needs to be something relatively low-maintenance. I believe that I will start training with my couch to 5k app, but I don't want to lose my muscle definition. So, any ideas on an easy strength programs that run about 3-4 days a week would be appreciated. I wanted to try P90X next, but I really miss running and since I get such bad shin splints, I can't do that kind of intense workout and run at the same time. In the next 3 years I want to work my way up to a marathon, and that will only happen if I start training in earnest very soon.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-17633289036202376452012-06-09T08:30:00.000-07:002012-06-09T08:30:40.288-07:0030 Days to FitnessI am, literally, in awe over the reception I've gotten regarding the 30 Day Shred. I've had six other people join me on this awesome journey. We're all at different stages, but we all have something in common. And it's not that we want to kick Jillian in the teeth. We're on our way to becoming fit and healthy.<br />
It's not that it won't be hard. It's totally hard. I was reminded today that sometimes I will hit a wall and just not be able to do the entire routine. This comes as a hard blow today since I am moving up to level two tomorrow. Makes level two seem really scary. My right knee hurts, I can't quite shake the shin splints, and my back is spasming for some reason. <br />
I have really down days, too. Days when I just can't stop myself from eating that Chick Fil A or that Twix bar and the next thing I know I'm up three pounds. Also days when I take a really hard look at my stomach and realize that it looks exactly the same because, well, a child was in there a few months ago and it just needs some time to adapt. Those are the days that I just want to quit.<br />
Luckily for me (and all you other moms out there) I have my own personal alarm clock every morning who gets me up and going. He eats, I get dressed, and we head downstairs. Let me tell you, there is not a whole lot more motivating than a little guy in a bouncy chair hopping along with you. I am beginning to understand that I am going to leave a legacy of fitness for him and my other children. There is a family that I just think is astounding that lives a little bit away from us. The mom and dad run 5k's and some half marathons and both of their older children have been running 5k's with them. What a special moment for them. What a great moment of pride for the kids. There are doing something that most adults will never do in their lifetime.<br />
I know that for those of you doing the shred with no kids, this is a little bit different. But I know most of you, and I know that most of you want kids. You're doing the right thing for them now. For those of you who do not want kids/cannot have kids, I challenge you to take a look at the difference a few Facebook posts have made. All I have done is announced that I've completed a day and not only is there a tremendous outpouring of support, but there are people joining me. You can make a difference in other people's lives by being fit. Who knows but that someone who would have had a heart attack 30 years from now, won't? All because you started living a healthier lifestyle and they followed suit.<br />
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And now for the pictures.<br />
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I debated for a long time about putting these up because there isn't a major difference yet and I don't want to discourage anyone. But then I remembered that my blog is all about no spin on mommyhood and I want to make sure that all the moms know that getting that stomach back is a process for many (read: most) of us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iwSxhyphenhyphen_IFlnaay-o3oNV5nPOFNN81MMdu_KHXs0GS5S1P8xcL31Bk-SIzkTudzQ8S2gQjyHXLajvaOI4lyQCWu47MvskBWjPGfMQWeKe2Pd0foXx465VGi1LUXdz0Xk-T-_UuzhnS58/s1600/IMG_0212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iwSxhyphenhyphen_IFlnaay-o3oNV5nPOFNN81MMdu_KHXs0GS5S1P8xcL31Bk-SIzkTudzQ8S2gQjyHXLajvaOI4lyQCWu47MvskBWjPGfMQWeKe2Pd0foXx465VGi1LUXdz0Xk-T-_UuzhnS58/s640/IMG_0212.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1: 155 pounds</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_1360048855"></span><span id="goog_1360048856"></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8NbH8A43PIs5F3Wk7yIQag4nsUlNvzpCntAPnfsogzK47cA2rEGSI4hFh-GF8BUCGAHfmO7YZa9X96uI9g-ZFT9RZqjC0hrIsT1jfBhBi97liP74y2ky4NGjacao5c5UJDyFtIvE5UA/s1600/IMG_0399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8NbH8A43PIs5F3Wk7yIQag4nsUlNvzpCntAPnfsogzK47cA2rEGSI4hFh-GF8BUCGAHfmO7YZa9X96uI9g-ZFT9RZqjC0hrIsT1jfBhBi97liP74y2ky4NGjacao5c5UJDyFtIvE5UA/s640/IMG_0399.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 10: 148 pounds</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSGp24zpdmu_cofBizMM3SJunPhvyC4INpPOj8zDqIpb9tWDnB0riZJ4iyRLOnO8sMTScoKSp5CvJkTRm2GaoBd8nYJpbHVMHdxCuVGQQKTR0yTUiYvJ1-baRbG-LEfLCo70AbFg8Wpg/s1600/IMG_0214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjSGp24zpdmu_cofBizMM3SJunPhvyC4INpPOj8zDqIpb9tWDnB0riZJ4iyRLOnO8sMTScoKSp5CvJkTRm2GaoBd8nYJpbHVMHdxCuVGQQKTR0yTUiYvJ1-baRbG-LEfLCo70AbFg8Wpg/s640/IMG_0214.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just look at where that baby used to be... he could probably still fit.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIj27Xe_Ss6Sp7ndYVbWilovi2nWnldZ_MeJqXDxNFL7KZnNexs821-1JqHuPwcXOM-XTjfdXdOSN0ZUas8Auzk9mAVAYmrX2cUZA_z_ByJnvzQUUn1mZxTdDLXwp2z9Tx_M6ADHvaH0/s1600/IMG_0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRIj27Xe_Ss6Sp7ndYVbWilovi2nWnldZ_MeJqXDxNFL7KZnNexs821-1JqHuPwcXOM-XTjfdXdOSN0ZUas8Auzk9mAVAYmrX2cUZA_z_ByJnvzQUUn1mZxTdDLXwp2z9Tx_M6ADHvaH0/s640/IMG_0400.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My inches are about the same, but I feel like it's starting to redistribute. And look at my legs! Getting there!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EaRNoLkcgKE1IlQRn8kB5sCBAz1tmKxZpBVYbDQwKQTeFhIFehqMxsLOwq88F7BuH1OFjXB7va1ds8BFIRQ15h90u1PjznckMVA8xp9z1kYna6SQlw1pOsLyRSTyEHnjFwnFtxRFdVI/s1600/IMG_0215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7EaRNoLkcgKE1IlQRn8kB5sCBAz1tmKxZpBVYbDQwKQTeFhIFehqMxsLOwq88F7BuH1OFjXB7va1ds8BFIRQ15h90u1PjznckMVA8xp9z1kYna6SQlw1pOsLyRSTyEHnjFwnFtxRFdVI/s640/IMG_0215.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugh. There is not a whole lot that I hate more than back fat.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaH3Ob7lC_geVuTuLtlIBM0DizPD9Bjg8-rUcnh8bcY3FPEdBD7N8Og6TqrhEWMLCszbvMEQW9HR626dKP5yRwYdeiGb0UI6bKkT6hPPaYIPs5Yd4uKGEHGiYS_-2G2rtPbNyD3hKguc/s1600/IMG_0401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaH3Ob7lC_geVuTuLtlIBM0DizPD9Bjg8-rUcnh8bcY3FPEdBD7N8Og6TqrhEWMLCszbvMEQW9HR626dKP5yRwYdeiGb0UI6bKkT6hPPaYIPs5Yd4uKGEHGiYS_-2G2rtPbNyD3hKguc/s640/IMG_0401.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can see a little bit of a difference here. Can't wait to see what the next ten days brings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUisa8_eYHZofdcj_6JM8uXEUtpPfAUiQeVLRV_b3Ro4BA7yDYsXEjuKs8Gku62sDVNMT0-h4Fvob4hfL4uUpRHA-W4K2XpTCV0IdUxDeQ2EijS1T0RYxvtIUkcsMTMj3VBsRY5kbQwQ/s1600/IMG_0217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPUisa8_eYHZofdcj_6JM8uXEUtpPfAUiQeVLRV_b3Ro4BA7yDYsXEjuKs8Gku62sDVNMT0-h4Fvob4hfL4uUpRHA-W4K2XpTCV0IdUxDeQ2EijS1T0RYxvtIUkcsMTMj3VBsRY5kbQwQ/s640/IMG_0217.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me flexing. I know. Flexing what?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QfFyz-2-DY8hy6m7JqZ2jOkRvof3s3hhcj8afqPnVp9TOvlRh80Hvy1Lq3roeIo2i3MHKHzdCVyjuKqNQngaGiVFAnaDwkxMzZfLLVU35O_AHF6DLiFHRVA7tRnxGBiyDqz92jxv2kw/s1600/IMG_0404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QfFyz-2-DY8hy6m7JqZ2jOkRvof3s3hhcj8afqPnVp9TOvlRh80Hvy1Lq3roeIo2i3MHKHzdCVyjuKqNQngaGiVFAnaDwkxMzZfLLVU35O_AHF6DLiFHRVA7tRnxGBiyDqz92jxv2kw/s640/IMG_0404.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me flexing today! Yowser! That's a big difference!</td></tr>
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I hope you all are encouraged and not discouraged. I'm just an average person doing average things. This isn't supposed to prove that I can get fit incredibly fast. But this is something that anyone can do. Even new moms.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664923019425173845.post-69074793820929519232012-06-06T20:33:00.001-07:002012-06-06T20:33:28.508-07:00Late Night RamblesI thought about composing some kind of grand blog post tonight, but I am just so tired, I don't know if I can find words to make something grand. So you might just have to deal with my disjointed thoughts.<br />
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One of my favorite things in the world is watching Jordan and Noah cuddle. We are all sitting downstairs watching 24 and winding down from a long day of traveling and hanging out with Nana and Grandpa. Noah is gently cooing at Jordan and we are all snuggled up in blankets, just chilling out.<br />
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I love baby sleepers. I remarked to Jordan that I wished that I had footie pj's, but pretty quickly retracted that statement. But seriously, there is not much that looks more comfortable than a baby in a sleeper.<br />
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It's really hard to wind down to go to sleep while watching 24. There's a nuclear bomb? It might go off? Are you going to disarm it? How many more people will Jack Bauer have to manually dismember?<br />
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That will probably have to be all for tonight. I'm finding that my eyes are literally shutting on their own and I'm starting to hear my bed calling my name.Kaseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05951728744829580468noreply@blogger.com0