tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36702638257014798462024-02-20T05:10:29.657-05:00The Crunchy Mama BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-1457630926354166632014-09-22T16:37:00.000-04:002014-09-23T08:26:47.363-04:00The Hot Topic of Spanking Part 2<span style="background-color: white;">I feel like I'll get some heat for what I'm about to write. But then again when haven't I?! So I just need to learn to thicken my skin a bit in the internet world I suppose. Today I'm writing about that all too touchy subject.... spanking. Also, the original post was bit long so I've divided it into two different parts. Read part one, about discipline versus punishment and the Biblical view of spanking here- </span><a href="http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-hot-topic-of-spanking.html">http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-hot-topic-of-spanking.html</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgE9rlreGhzzFk94sPLHzFoXWmacRbcq9CmwKUUK0m37ZWspRxaDTKcrs13-2pUupavsHYDXW-h8zTZT-XQIAaaCk-xfcX_P5eANCGr6fL4WilCXQDCzqgZbvMSVS70Qhyiix3dgI1fDvV/s1600/spankingpt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgE9rlreGhzzFk94sPLHzFoXWmacRbcq9CmwKUUK0m37ZWspRxaDTKcrs13-2pUupavsHYDXW-h8zTZT-XQIAaaCk-xfcX_P5eANCGr6fL4WilCXQDCzqgZbvMSVS70Qhyiix3dgI1fDvV/s1600/spankingpt2.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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I don't want to spank. I really do not. I have popped, and I'm sure my flesh will falter again in the future and I will pop again, but I am working really hard not to. I want to parent out of love like Jesus, I want a daughter who is confident and strong in who she is and who her Savior is and obeys and learns out of love and respect, not fear of punishment. Parenting is not easy, neither is discipline. Does it not makes sense that to be thorough and work it would take effort?<br />
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I see SO many people talk about our generation and how if people spanked more people wouldn't be like this. I'm sorry but that's a very close-minded and uneducated statement. Statistics show many if not most parents in America still use physical punishment, and haven't stopped. Our generation is the way it is because of a lack of parenting and effort, not a lack of physical punishment. Many other factors go into why our nation's youth are the way the are. There's also these things called free will and rebellion and different personalities. All tied in with the way our parents raise us or discipline us and personal experiences <b>and</b> choices that lead people to be who they are or act they way they do. There's also the aspect of what spanking can do to the developing brain. And that's science my friends. (Here's some links from Psychology Today on that subject: <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-me-in-we/201202/how-spanking-harms-the-brain">How Spanking Harms The Brain</a>, <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/moral-landscapes/201309/research-spanking-it-s-bad-all-kids">Spanking: It's Bad For All Kids</a>, <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-race-good-health/201409/discipline-tips-avoid-spanking-hitting-doesn-t-help">Discipline Tips Instead Of Spanking, & How Hitting Doesn't Help</a>, <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/nurturing-resilience/201009/spanking-makes-kids-more-aggressive-the-research-is-clear">Spanking Makes Kids More Aggresive</a>)<br />
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What I am learning in being a parent is not only do I need to be a teacher and guide to my children about life and proper behavior but I too have to grow and learn and be willing to have my heart worked on. Be open to new information, be willing to admit when I've done wrong and learn from my mistakes and do the best I can to grow beautiful lives into wise, loved, confident, functioning, healthy adults. And ultimately lead by example.<br />
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There are many tools for gentle (non-physical) discipline and I will be listing a few resources to read and gather information from! We so far use redirection and explaining and natural consequences and will continue with different tools as needed. Below I am sharing a few images, resources, and quotes from parents about what they chose for their children instead of physical punishment and why.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">"<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">Parenting is first and foremost a relationship, and the most influential relationship in my children's lives. This doesn't mean I'm trying to be their friend, but more importantly, trying to know, guide, and love them as only a mother can. There is no checklist, no formula, no manual. <b>There is this relationship, and the consistent, God-centric principles it's built upon that inform my parenting choices. That's enough. It's not easy, but it is necessary and sufficient.</b>" -Eron</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">"</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">We don't spank because we don't have to. We teach respect in our home. Our children respect us, and we respect them. <b>We felt that teaching them to respect us would be more useful in the real world then teaching them to use physical force to get what you want.</b> We use time outs and use privileges as leverage.. but that rarely is necessary.." -Beth</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">"</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">I try and understand development, their ability to reason& process the situation, then respond at their level accepting my job is to show them through redirection, encouragement, and mentoring over time...it's a journey. </span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><b>Spanking just teaches them fear, it belittles their right to autonomy over their body, and doesn't encourage learning</b>.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">" -Patricia</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><br /></span>"<span data-reactid=".m.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861905937161045:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".m.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861905937161045:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">We have 5 children and only one has ever tempted me to spank him.<b> I know though that it is my loss of control that makes me feel that way and that hurting him isn't going to help the "problem" nor is it setting the example I wish to teach my children. </b></span></span><span data-reactid=".m.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861905937161045:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".m.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861905937161045:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".m.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861905937161045:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">I have found that taking my child out or away from what's triggering the issue, getting to eye leval with him and talking very softly ( this makes him work to hear me) he will indeed listen. I try to be honest with my kids about how I am feeling too. I<b>t's a Amazing how compassionate they can be when they are able to see that we struggle too. Deep breaths and hugs go a long way too.</b> W</span></span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">ith being Christians I think the kids NIV children's bibles are great. I love how if they are struggling with something specific you can look it up and it will tell you the scripture that relates. This really helps children link their day to day life with the Bible." - Danielle</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">"</span><span data-reactid=".m.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861906657160973:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".m.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861906657160973:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">I think <b>it's our job as parents to teach coping skills and how to appropriately deal with feelings.</b> Spanking is a result of parents' feelings (angry, frustration, disappointment, etc) and <b>physical violence is not an acceptable response</b>. Children need t</span></span><span data-reactid=".m.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861906657160973:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".m.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861906657160973:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".m.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861906657160973:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">o learn appropriate skills to deal with their emotions and learn by example and gentle guiding. I personally think all physical violence is wrong and children should not learn that whoever is stronger is right. </span></span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">And hitting a child is just mean. - Krista</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">"</span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">Hands are for holding, not scolding! We like to hug it out! I always tell the kids, hands are for hugs or high-fives, not hitting." - Lori</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><br /></span><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861910960493876:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:0" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">" </span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861910960493876:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861910960493876:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861910960493876:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">I too have just 1 of 4 that has ever tempted me and it's usually because he hit which would just reinforce his negative actions. In our world, any act of violence on a human is assault other than our own children so I don't see why assaulting a child is acceptable." - Krista H.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861910960493876:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861910960493876:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861910960493876:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861910960493876:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861910960493876:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861910960493876:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">"</span></span></span><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861911337160505:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861911337160505:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">There are so many reasons why we choose not to spank. As a Christian, the most basic reason being that we are charged to love God, and love others. I know many pro-spanking parents who say they spank their kids BECAUSE they love them, but I just cannot</span></span><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861911337160505:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861911337160505:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861911337160505:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"> see anyone feeling loved by receiving some sort of physical punishment. <b>When we study love languages, we see that the way you show love to a person only matters if that's also the way they receive love. Is hitting, spanking, slapping, etc. a love language? Absolutely not</b>." -Michele</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861911337160505:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861911337160505:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861911337160505:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861911337160505:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861911337160505:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861911337160505:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">"</span></span></span><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"><b>We don't spank because we don't believe in "negative reinforcement" as discipline. I don't want my child to brace herself or run when I approach her to discipline her because she's "bracing" herself for some sort of negative feeling.</b> I want a bad behav</span></span><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">ior to stop because she understands-not because I'm instilling fear or bad feelings. Also, as adults when we sin does Jesus strike us down? No, we learn a lesson and we grow as a person. I want ------ to grow with every lesson she learns and I don't feel like there's any place for growing when you're using physical force to make a child learn a lesson. Right now, we LOVE using a "calm down jar"! It takes her away from whatever bad behavior she was doing and let's her calm down and focus and listen to me when I'm talking to her. That little glittery jar has changed our house!" -Kathryn</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0" style="background-color: white;"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">"<b>I stopped spanking the day I went to give my oldest a hug and he shrank back because he thought I was going to hit him</b>. I still get tears in my eyes thinking about that day. I was never a huge spanker to begin with, but apparently a few times is enough</span></span><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"> to create a negative reaction in a child. I give warnings/strikes; 3 strikes and he loses his electronics. I redirect, I give choices, I give time away to calm down, I have my oldest go outside and take a lap or 2 around the yard to get out some of his negative energy,<b> I take time away to calm down, and during that time I try to pray myself calm. I try to start my day with prayer for God's strength and patience because I don't have near enough of my own</b>, and when I start getting frustrated I try to pray my way through that, too." -Julie</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body" style="font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862099180475054:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">"</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862112310473741:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862112310473741:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0">We approach behavior as communication and try to respond in-kind. <b>If a child is acting out, either against us, a sibling, or anyone else, they're sending out a message and it takes a trained ear to hear what's being said</b>. We do address all physical a</span></span><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862112310473741:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862112310473741:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862112310473741:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">ggression with "time-out" to calm down and think about how we made someone else feel. When time-out ends we talk with the child about what they can do to make the situation better. We also focus on praising behaviors we WANT to see from our children: cooperation, helping, words of encouragement, sharing, taking turns, manners, following directions, etc.<b> By rewarding the good with attention we are more apt to see those behaviors repeated than if we were punishing the bad with discipline, especially through physical/corporal punishments</b>." -Alexandra</span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862112310473741:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862112310473741:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862112310473741:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862112310473741:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862112310473741:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".2q.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_862112310473741:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">"<b>W</b></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><b>hen a parent strikes a child, that child's perception of the world changes forever,</b> their perception of themselves and their value changes in that instant going forward and <b>their definition of unconditional love as demonstrated by that parent includes violence and aggression</b>.. I prefer redirect, contemplate, restate, retry." -Barbara</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".6d.1:3:1:$comment861899577161681_861913790493593:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">"</span></span></span><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_295147514024163:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_295147514024163:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"><b>One of my biggest points is that we are told to train up our children in the way they should go (Proverbs). Training a plant is not (typically) something that involves hurting it. The biggest hurt might be to pull off a little sucker or a shoot when it</b></span></span><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_295147514024163:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_295147514024163:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_295147514024163:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><b> is still a TINY shoot-- mild correction/redirection. It is a gentle guidance</b>. The point in time that we end up having to hurt a plant is when we have failed to train it correctly in the first place. I am more and more convicted that the point in time when I feel there is need to punish my child for something is the point in time when the lack of training in an area has come to the forefront. Lack of training my children means they "need" punishment. But then is that my fault or theirs? Maybe I should punish me for not training them before punishing them for doing exactly what I have allowed them to be trained to do?" -Melissa</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_295147514024163:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_295147514024163:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_295147514024163:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_295147514024163:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_295147514024163:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_295147514024163:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0">"</span></span></span><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_294964680709113:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_294964680709113:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.0.$end:0:$0:0"><b>There is not 1 exam</b></span></span><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_294964680709113:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_294964680709113:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_294964680709113:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><b>ple in the Bible of a parent hitting their child.</b> When Jesus told the story of the prodigal son... that man had every "legal" right to beat or even have his son stoned, but instead he was gracious and loving. There was no mention of any harshness." -Amy </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_294964680709113:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3" style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_294964680709113:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0"><span data-reactid=".h.1:3:1:$comment294673407404907_294964680709113:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.3.0.$end:0:$0:0"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><i>And in regards to those who like to argue that while the "rod" was used for comforting and guiding but shepherds also used it to break the sheep's legs if they wandered off:</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"> "As far as </span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">breaking the legs of sheep... a shepherd would have never done such a thing! <b>The majority of sheep in biblical times were used as sacrifice, and an imperfect sacrifice was unacceptable</b>. He would be losing money, and ruining his business by doing something like that." -Amy</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">"</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">As a "shepherdess"--Well...we raised sheep on our farm.....that whole breaking the leg and then carrying the sheep might have been something a not very bright shepherd might have done--but not the normal." -Mera</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;">"</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11.8181819915771px; line-height: 13.9636354446411px;"><b>There is no shepherd ANYWHERE who would purposely ruin a sheep if it was a wandere</b>r. They are far too valuable for food and clothing. Plus <b>breaking their animals legs is doing anything but building trust with them. Sheep naturally follow their LOVING shepherd</b>. No need to damage the animal." -Melissa</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">This is one</span><span style="background-color: white;"> of my favorite blogs on the topic of spanking: </span><a href="http://sarahbessey.com/in-which-i-talk-about-spanking/">http://sarahbessey.com/in-which-i-talk-about-spanking/</a> by Sarah Bessey. Here's what she says about spanking:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Droid Serif', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My motivation is to parent my children the way that I </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Droid Serif', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">believe</span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Droid Serif', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> God parents me. </span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #555555; font-family: 'Droid Serif', arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To me, this mean unconditional love, drawing near to me, seeking </span><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">transformation</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> not adherence to a law. I want to be a path for them to follow, instead of an obstacle to overcome.</span></span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When I think about how God parents me, how Jesus loves me, it’s not behaviour modification focused (just getting me to Behave Right). It’s about my heart. For instance, do I want to be a nicer person by sheer force of will? Or do I want to truly be a more loving person? Why would I want less for my </span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">tinies</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">?</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Do I want quaking instant obedience? Marionettes of fear? Or do I want the hearts of my children knit to mine, obedience born out of love and understanding, a connection of joy and gentleness, self-control, kindness, wholeness and love?</span><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> (I wrote here about </span><a href="http://www.emergingmummy.com/2009/10/in-which-i-am-learning-to-parent-like.html" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3c807b; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">how we practice “time-in” instead of “time-out.</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“)</span></span></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: 'Droid Serif', arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.2em; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background: transparent; border: 0px; color: #006600; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The short list of why I don’t spank</span></span></span></blockquote>
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<ol style="background: transparent; border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 15px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 30px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; font-family: arial; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Personally, I believe it’s morally wrong to strike a child. Also, it isn’t Biblical.</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hitting teaches hitting as a solution.</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It creates an adversarial relationship between parents and children – Us vs. Them.</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It can easily lead to abuse.</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It doesn’t work over the long term.</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It promotes anger or gives place to anger in both the parent and the child.</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It doesn’t teach inner discipline.</span></li>
<li style="background: transparent; border: 0px; list-style-type: decimal; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It creates a behavioural response out of fear instead of love.</span></li>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Here are some more resources on the topic:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.gentlechristianmothers.com/topics/gentlediscipline.php">http://www.gentlechristianmothers.com/topics/gentlediscipline.php</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/parenting/discipline-behavior">http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/parenting/discipline-behavior</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://sortacrunchy.typepad.com/sortacrunchy/the-book.html">http://sortacrunchy.typepad.com/sortacrunchy/the-book.html</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.gentlechristianmothers.com/articles/elizabethp/p1.php">http://www.gentlechristianmothers.com/articles/elizabethp/p1.php</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://stephaniesheaffer.com/7-reasons-we-dont-spank/">http://stephaniesheaffer.com/7-reasons-we-dont-spank/</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.littleheartsbooks.com/2013/01/01/12-steps-to-gentle-parenting/">http://www.littleheartsbooks.com/2013/01/01/12-steps-to-gentle-parenting/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1897238452/">http://www.amazon.com/dp/1897238452/</a><br />
<a href="http://hippiehousewife.blogspot.com/2011/11/rod-verses-taking-rod-verses-literally.html">http://hippiehousewife.blogspot.com/2011/11/rod-verses-taking-rod-verses-literally.html</a><br />
<a href="http://hippiehousewife.blogspot.com/2010/11/hows-of-discipline.html">http://hippiehousewife.blogspot.com/2010/11/hows-of-discipline.html</a><br />
<a href="http://20reasonsnottospank.blogspot.com/p/121.html">http://20reasonsnottospank.blogspot.com/p/121.html</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1743914215"><br /></a><br />
<a href="http://momlifetoday.com/2013/05/8-practical-ways-to-parent-with-grace/">http://momlifetoday.com/2013/05/8-practical-ways-to-parent-with-grace/</a><br />
<a href="http://whynottrainachild.com/2013/06/22/download-martins-book/">http://whynottrainachild.com/2013/06/22/download-martins-book/</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I know many people who spank. In saying all of this I am <b>not</b> aiming to offend those who choose to. I am not even saying you must stop and do as I do or believe as I believe. I am simply sharing my thoughts and Biblical belief in a hope to spread awareness of what the Bible <b>does</b> say about it and that this may help someone who hits because they think they need to but don't want to.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">It goes without saying that most parents do what they do for their children because they want to raise them right and do right by them. So with all I've said I am not suggesting parents who spank their kids are bad parents. I will say I personally don't think its right for me or my children and would urge you to look at alternatives. Especially if you were abused or have abusive tendencies. Crossing the line is a very gray area and people can easily go overboard.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Is spanking of God, or is it a doctrine of man? Look at the fruits guys. The fruits of the spirit go with us in parenting and our children. I feel it's of man. The fruits of the spirit are the result of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control." Parenting without spanking takes a LOT of patience, kindness and gentleness, I can attest to that!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;">The most important thing we can do as parents is be willing to see our mistakes and grow from them, and be willing to look at other perspectives before assuming our way is the right way, yes? For me, that led me to this path and various other paths on my straight and narrow that so many disagree with. But I know in my heart of hearts that this is what is right in my parenting relationships.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-58649104186557252972014-09-22T15:28:00.000-04:002014-09-23T08:20:16.878-04:00The Hot Topic of Spanking<span style="background-color: white;">I feel like I'll get some heat for what I'm about to write. But then again when haven't I?! So I just need to learn to thicken my skin a bit in the internet world I suppose. Today I'm writing about that all too touchy subject.... spanking. Also, the original post was bit long so I've divided it into two different parts. Find part two here - <a href="http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-hot-topic-of-spanking-part-2.html">http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-hot-topic-of-spanking-part-2.html</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Man this subject is overwhelming. I am not even entirely sure where to start but I'll just write as thoughts pop into my mind so please bear with me. Spanking has been in the news a lot lately. Sports stars beating their wives and coming under fire and sports stars beating their kids and being stood up for. Its conflicting and makes no sense to me.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">There is a LOT of conflicting info out there about spanking. Even more so for Christians. For the most part, we're taught to spank. Spanking is good, it's discipline, and kids turn out awful without it. "I was spanked as a kid and I turned out fine!" Can I tell you a secret? I was very rarely spanked as kid, I only remember a handful of times.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"> I had a few face slaps, was pinned up against a door with my tongue pulled out into someone's hand once, but other than that, not a lot of physical discipline that I can remember (unless I blocked it out). I was however verbally and emotionally abused (I started cutting at 8), a personal Cinderella, and pretty much locked in the house until I was kicked out over haha, get this, cat litter and Harry Potter DVDs. And I turned out "fine." Doesn't mean that behavior is okay, nor does it mean my children deserve to be treated that way (no way in hell). Many people are in car accidents and come out fine, doesn't mean we shouldn't use safety in cars or car seats, am I right? People have been sexually abused and turned out "fine" but it's still not okay, so let's refrain from that term.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">The big term Christians use is "spare the rod spoil the child." But did you know that term is not from the Bible? Spanking is <b>not</b> Biblically mandated. There is a verse talking about "he who spares the rod hates his son" <b>but</b> you need to read the rest of the verse, the context, AND the original Hebrew or Greek (depending on the book of the Bible) translation. There are many translations of the Bible but what it comes to is the definite meaning of the Hebrew word. Hebrew is a beautiful language with different words and meanings for the same things.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><a href="http://www.littleheartsbooks.com/2014/05/10/spare-the-rod-the-heart-of-the-matter-2/">This link here translates beautifully the original Hebrew</a>, and I'll share some of the post below but I encourage you to read the rest of the post to garner an understand of the Hebrew context of the verses. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;">"</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Let’s look at the words translated ‘discipline’ and ‘punish’ and ‘rod’ and others:</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The word <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">muwcar</em> is translated ‘discipline’ and means, literally, ‘verbal instruction and teaching.’ In Hebrew culture <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">muwcar</em> was vernacular for ‘let us reason with one another’ implying a mutual discussion for learning purposes. And <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">towkechah</em> is translated ‘reprove’ or ‘rebuke’ but also means ‘reason with, convince, prove, persuade.’ Neither of these words means to physically punish in any way, shape, or form.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black;">The word <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">nakah</em> is translated ‘punish’ in most English translations of the Bible, though its literal translation is ‘beat’ as in “The sun beat down on his head,” implying a constant presence; or ‘hit’ as when beating back an enemy or punishing a slave or criminal; or ‘smite or smitten’ which can mean ‘hit or trigger the conscience’ or ‘be favorably impressed, enticed, or entranced’ as in, “He was smitten with the idea of a new bicycle.”</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The word <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">shebet</em> is translated ‘rod’ and means, literally, ‘shepherd’s crook’ and, in Hebrew culture, was a means not only of guiding and protecting sheep, but also a symbol of leadership. The markings on the head of the <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">shebet</em> often identified the head of a family or tribe, letting everyone know who to go to for guidance and protection. The <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">shebet</em>, then, denotes wisdom, leadership, and protection.</span></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;">The word <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">muwth</em> is translated ‘die’ and has several meanings related to death including ‘to follow a path of destruction.’</span></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;">The word <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">‘ivveleth</em> is translated ‘foolishness’ but also means ‘inexperience, naivety, silliness.’</span></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;">And, finally, the Hebrew word <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">sane</em> is translated ‘hate’ and yet means ‘does not love’ or ‘does not choose or show a preference for.’</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;">When we read the five ‘rod’ verses with the literal translations of the words above, the meanings become more clear.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;">So Proverbs 13:24 reads:</span></blockquote>
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<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“He who spares his <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">rod</span> wisdom, leadership, protection <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">hates</span> does not love, does not choose or show a preference for his son, but he who loves him <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">disciplines</span> offers verbal instruction and teaching to him promptly.”</em></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Proverbs 22:15 reads:</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">“Foolishness</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Naivety, silliness, inexperience is bound up in the heart of a <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">child</span> young man; <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">the rod of correction</span> wisdom, leadership, protection will drive it far from him.”</em></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Proverbs 29:15 reads:</span></blockquote>
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<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">The rod</span> Wisdom, leadership, protection and <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">rebuke</span> reasoning with, convincing, proving, persuading give wisdom, but a <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">child</span> young man left to himself brings shame to his mother.”</em></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;">And, the last two ‘rod’ verses, found in Proverbs 23:12-26 read:</span></blockquote>
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<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge. </em><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Do not withhold <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">discipline</span> verbal instruction and teaching, reasoning together from a <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">child</span> young man; </em><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">if you <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">punish</span> guide, trigger his conscience, favorably impress, entice/entrance them with <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">the rod</span> wisdom, leadership, protection, they will not <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">die</span> follow a path of destruction.</em></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">Punish</span></em><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Guide, trigger his conscience, favorably impress, entice/entrance them with <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">the rod</span> wisdom, leadership, protection and save them from <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">death</span> following a path of destruction.</em><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> ....</em></span><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The father of a righteous<span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: line-through; vertical-align: baseline;">child</span> young man has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. </em><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful.</em><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">”</em></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;">Such a beautiful image of a father tenderly and diligently sharing his wisdom with his son, isn’t it? Clearly, applying these scriptures to small children is not in line with a literal interpretation. It actually makes more sense to apply them to the disciples, which is exactly what Jesus does with his twelve ‘sons.’</span></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;">Beyond translations and interpretations, though, and of far greater import, what seems to get lost in the spanking debate is that Jesus brought grace and mercy as his methods and message for a reason. The purpose of the law in the Old Testament was to highlight the need for a Savior because humans simply cannot live perfectly.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Jesus came to fulfill the outward requirements of the law that highlighted man’s sins and replace them with an inner heart change. He demonstrated in many ways that the law (outer governance and control through fear of punishment) was no longer to be a rigid yoke with its heavy burden of cleansing and rituals and sacrifices and punishments, but instead was to be a kingdom of the heart, of mercy not sacrifice, because the sacrifice was Himself.</span></blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;">We accept that Jesus brought a new and better way, a way of the heart, </span><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:3b),</em><span style="background-color: white;"> but don’t seem to want to acknowledge that better way with our children. We accept God’s grace and forgiveness for ourselves, but often don’t share those gifts with, and model them for, our children. But </span><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">we</em><span style="background-color: white;"> are our children’s first taste of God. Is it any wonder people have such a hard time understanding grace and mercy and unconditional love when they may not have been taught those things by their earthly parents and don’t exercise them with their own children?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Through Jesus’ sacrifice, he tore open the veil dividing man from God and brought a new kingdom, a kingdom of inner governance through the Holy Spirit whose fruit is “peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Nowhere does Jesus say to follow him <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">except</em> when it comes to our children. He doesn’t say to offer grace and mercy and forgiveness to everyone <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">except</em> our children. The Bible doesn’t tell us to show the fruit of the Spirit to everyone <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">except</em> our children.</span></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white;">If you truly believe that those five verses have been interpreted correctly and that “spare the rod, spoil the child” (Note: There is no verse in the Bible that says ”spare the rod, spoil the child.” That phrase is actually from a satirical poem called Hudibras by Samuel Butler first published in 1662.) refers to an actual physical rod (instead of a symbol of guidance and loving correction…i.e. discipleship) and that the word used for ‘child’ refers to a toddler or small child instead of the actual linguistic translation meaning ‘young man,’ then so be it.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;">But do you really believe that Jesus’ New Covenant is for everyone <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">except</em> children? That grace, mercy, unconditional love, and forgiveness are for adults <em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">only</em>?</span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The disciples made that mistake, and Jesus said to them,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i style="font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit;">“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” </i><em style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(Luke 18:16)</em><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">"</span> </span></span> </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">- littleheartsbooks.com</span></div>
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(Just to clarify since this opinion has be brought to my attention, the above verses with the Hebrew definition defined are <b>not</b> changing scripture or rewriting the word of God. It is simply showing the Hebrew definition of the correct word used in the context of the verse to show the proper meaning of the verse when we have knowledge of the Hebrew used. Not rewriting the verse, showing the definition.)<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">That says a lot, doesn't it? Here is my personal view. My daughter will be two soon. And I <b>have</b> popped her hands a few times. But when I hit her hands for hitting <b>me</b> it dawned on me how idiotic that was. YOU cannot hit sweet child. But I can hit you and it's okay. I cannot hit your daddy, I cannot hit my friends or any other adults, but it's perfectly fine to hit you. Even though you cannot hit anyone</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">.</span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Does that make sense? It doesn't to me. It isn't logical. It is a quick fix punishment. Real <b>discipline</b> takes time. It is teaching and guiding and natural consequences. Hitting teaches nothing.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Now comes in discipline vs. punishment. What are disciples? </span><br />
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<span data-dobid="hdw">dis·ci·ple</span></div>
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<span class="lr_dct_ph">diˈsīpəl/</span><span class="lr_dct_spkr lr_dct_spkr_off" data-log-string="pronunciation-icon-click" jsaction="dob.p" style="display: inline-block; height: 16px; margin: 0px 2px 4px 5px; opacity: 0.55; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;" title="Listen"><input height="14" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAA4AAAAOCAQAAAC1QeVaAAAAi0lEQVQokWNgQAYyQFzGsIJBnwED8DNcBpK+DM8YfjMUokqxMRxg+A9m8TJsBLLSEFKMDCuBAv/hCncxfGWQhUn2gaVAktkMXkBSHmh0OwNU8D9csoHhO4MikN7BcAGb5H+GYiDdCTQYq2QubkkkY/E6CLtXdiJ7BTMQMnAHXxFm6IICvhwY8AYQLgCw2U9d90B8BAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==" type="image" width="14" /></span></div>
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<i>noun</i></div>
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<b></b><b></b></div>
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a personal follower of Jesus during his life, especially one of the twelve Apostles.</div>
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<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">synonyms:</td><td style="padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1366&bih=600&q=define+apostle&sa=X&ei=aU4gVICUM4mdygT9rIKACw&ved=0CB8Q_SowAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">apostle</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1366&bih=600&q=define+follower&sa=X&ei=aU4gVICUM4mdygT9rIKACw&ved=0CCAQ_SowAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">follower</a><br />
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<div style="display: inline;">
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"the disciples of Jesus"</div>
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<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher.</div>
<div class="vk_gy" style="color: rgb(135, 135, 135) !important;">
"a disciple of Rousseau"</div>
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<tr><td class="lr_dct_nyms_ttl" style="font-style: italic; padding: 0px 3px 0px 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;">synonyms:</td><td style="padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1366&bih=600&q=define+follower&sa=X&ei=aU4gVICUM4mdygT9rIKACw&ved=0CCIQ_SowAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">follower</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1366&bih=600&q=define+adherent&sa=X&ei=aU4gVICUM4mdygT9rIKACw&ved=0CCMQ_SowAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">adherent</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1366&bih=600&q=define+believer&sa=X&ei=aU4gVICUM4mdygT9rIKACw&ved=0CCQQ_SowAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">believer</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1366&bih=600&q=define+admirer&sa=X&ei=aU4gVICUM4mdygT9rIKACw&ved=0CCUQ_SowAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">admirer</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1366&bih=600&q=define+devotee&sa=X&ei=aU4gVICUM4mdygT9rIKACw&ved=0CCYQ_SowAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">devotee</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1366&bih=600&q=define+acolyte&sa=X&ei=aU4gVICUM4mdygT9rIKACw&ved=0CCcQ_SowAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">acolyte</a>, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?espv=2&biw=1366&bih=600&q=define+votary&sa=X&ei=aU4gVICUM4mdygT9rIKACw&ved=0CCgQ_SowAA" style="color: #660099; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">votary</a>; <span data-log-string="synonyms-more-click" jsaction="dob.m"><span class="lr_dct_more_btn" style="color: #1122cc; cursor: pointer; padding-left: 4px;">More</span></span><br />
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</blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>Did Jesus hit his disciples when they did something He didn't like or approve of? Did He hit them to prove a point or punish a behavior? No. He did not. He taught. He guided. He had grace.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
Spanking doesn't teach behavior. It teaches fear, aggression, mistrust of parents, and even worse that hitting people is okay if you love them.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">I read somewhere that you should never hit or spank out of anger or emotion. But that's the only time I have ever reacted to hit; I'm angry she spilled that or broke this or did that (whether she's a toddler and can actually understand certain situations or not). That, to me, means I shouldn't hit at all. Who calmly and patiently hits?? If you can, kudos. But personally I could not just explain to my child I was going to hurt them and then do it, it would break my heart. The whole "this hurts me more than it hurts you" thing? Just don't then. Disciplining can be hard and time consuming and rough, but if it hurts you to physically hurt your kids maybe it's your heart or spirit saying not to at all.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Then there are all the other complications if you do spank. At what age is it acceptable to start or stop? Where on the body is okay versus where isn't? And then why is it okay to hit a child but not a teenager or adult? It's just plain confusing and way too much to think about.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">When I saw the pain, and the fear, and the confusion in my daughter's eyes that confirmed in my heart that I shouldn't be doing that. The mistrust. She doesn't understand that, I cannot explain to her why I did that. She just knows mommy hit her hand.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">I saw a mom somewhere share how she's been spanking long before her child was a year old and that broke my heart. That baby doesn't understand consequences, they cannot grasp that yet. I guess I don't understand hitting a child who cannot understand what is going on or why they're being hit? What does a 9 month old do to warrant a spanking?!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye6-emXFwJJHSjwDoNYJRWoweVrvBBWL5jF9g9JGS_Xbn35OxlMZWNS4OHskPcUc1XxCcxvH_Ocn8RDdrY7Bahy7lr-TgeViM2H4YoCvCilTPVVzyAWqGk9WbYvfM2L6aBC3vFsRAPpYc/s1600/10408929_10152310271691516_5656988092243424898_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjye6-emXFwJJHSjwDoNYJRWoweVrvBBWL5jF9g9JGS_Xbn35OxlMZWNS4OHskPcUc1XxCcxvH_Ocn8RDdrY7Bahy7lr-TgeViM2H4YoCvCilTPVVzyAWqGk9WbYvfM2L6aBC3vFsRAPpYc/s1600/10408929_10152310271691516_5656988092243424898_n.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Punishments teach children to do what an adult wants from a selfish desire <b>to avoid getting punished</b>. Even if it "works" it gets in the way of internal discipline because it is focused on an outward behavior. It breeds resentment, deception, and poor self-worth. <b>True discipline </b>encourages kids to do the right things simply because it is right. It models mutual respect, unselfishness, self-control, and <b>empathy</b>. Children are motivated by love for others as well as themselves, and learn to develop healthy relationships and good boundaries. It is worth the time and effort."</div>
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-dulcefamily.blogspot.com<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX0jxQQD2LXjEvMl_Sm0oIG6iNmBi7QGi_iNhVNb57nvum5MZXK6_BelbR6v0ooC2qND1dU5-QZByyp0cqqawnBzC_X3-HSfYdlSyadLqhYWLTZkuYDc_MYmXnFFfUzhtK92utd5rrM1W/s1600/1512395_10152310290621516_6191385979989895834_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX0jxQQD2LXjEvMl_Sm0oIG6iNmBi7QGi_iNhVNb57nvum5MZXK6_BelbR6v0ooC2qND1dU5-QZByyp0cqqawnBzC_X3-HSfYdlSyadLqhYWLTZkuYDc_MYmXnFFfUzhtK92utd5rrM1W/s1600/1512395_10152310290621516_6191385979989895834_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;">I will be continuing the rest of this piece in a second part, which you can read here <a href="http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-hot-topic-of-spanking-part-2.html">- http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-hot-topic-of-spanking-part-2.html</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Please know I am casting no judgement on parents who do or have spanked. I go into that more in part two.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-9565227682055167902014-09-14T23:21:00.001-04:002014-09-14T23:21:22.568-04:00Parents VS. Non-parentsI read an interesting article this morning. It shared the statistics and facts about people with children versus people without. Ideas such as "non-parents get more sleep" and "non-parents have more exciting social lives" were proven to be statistically correct. The title of this article is <a href="http://qz.com/262645/people-without-kids-live-better-than-parents-on-all-fronts-except-one/">"Hands down, people without kids have better lives - except for this one major thing."</a><br />
<br />
It made great points that are all too true. Non-parents are generally more healthy, get more sleep, have more financial and career freedom, and better social lives than parents. On the other side, parents worry more and suffer from higher stress levels. One would think this means non-parents are happier than parents. But statistics show that while parents are more stressed and have less freedoms we are, in fact, more often happier in life than those without children.<br />
<br />
<b>Being a parent is hard.</b> I won't sugar coat that. I think any young woman who just wants to get pregnant cause she wants a cute baby needs a wake up call. Pregnancy is hard. Birth is hard. Parenting is much harder.<br />
<br />
Where do I even begin... The sleep deprivation? The financial stress? Giving up your own desires and wants because the money/time needs to be put to better use? How about the severe lack of social life? There's also that awkward stage where you're a married parent and no one else around you understands the dynamics of married life let alone being a parent. Things I can't even put into words (probably because I'm so tired) but that parents just universally know.<br />
<br />
Why can't you just come out to the bar last minute? Oh. Babysitters need to be found last minute. Or people come over or get out and your toddler is tired and cranky. Your childless friends make remarks and roll their eyes or sigh in exasperation. (Can I say how how many times I've heard comments and wanted to punch a wall?! You know what we need instead of remarks? Encouragement.)<br />
<br />
The looks you get in the grocery store when a tantrum comes on from the toddler who can't get her words out and is trying to communicate. (And god forbid, the comments. Thankfully haven't had those yet but I've heard the stories.)<br />
<br />
The managing a household, and bills, and chores, while sustaining another human's life and needs constantly. The whining at the end of the day when you are so. Touched. Out. You want a break and can't get one. Wait, maybe I'm just talking about moms here.... <b>*wink*</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
There's also families like me. One car families where the mom is stuck at home and looses her mind not being able to get out of the house or run errands or go to play dates or make it to birthday parties or church or do <b>anything</b>. But why can't you just come?!<br />
<b><br /></b>
And then there is the constant judgement from people who parent differently or lead different lifestyles. I could go on and on!<br />
<br />
<h4>
<b>But then......</b></h4>
<b><br /></b>
Then there's the smiles. Oh man those chubby cheeked smiles and toothy grins! The little voice that burps and then says "esscuuse bee!" and puts her shoes away so happily when mommy asks. There's the perfect sleeping cherub face that you hold at night. The toys and adventures and giggles and gibberish and independence and milestones. And the excitement! Oh so much excitement all the time. The joy is indescribable. For all that parenthood is a hard road, it is the most enthralling, amazing, and fulfilling path I've been on yet.<br />
<br />
Your husband coming home from work while you're making dinner and your daughter's eager screams when she realizes daddy's finally home. Walking into the frozen yogurt shop and selecting fro-yo and toppings and sharing them with a messy faced delighted toddler. Bathtime and teethbrushing and bedtime stories. And <b>man</b> the cuddles! I feel like there aren't enough words to describe the experiences and joy I've felt since becoming a mom.<br />
<br />
The days are long, the nights are long, and it's lonely sometimes. Comparably, I could see why it would seem non-parents have better lives. By society's standards they probably do. But what I have is richer in experience, in joy, in learning. You won't learn lessons like the ones marriage and parenthood teach you. And its a constant non-stop education haha. It's A Wonderful Life!<br />
<br />
As the writer of the above article so perfectly wrote:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="-webkit-transition: background 100ms, opacity 100ms, margin 100ms, padding 100ms, border 100ms; border: 0px; color: #4c4c4c; font-family: 'PT Serif', Georgia, serif; line-height: 30px; padding: 16px 0px; position: relative; transition: background 100ms, opacity 100ms, margin 100ms, padding 100ms, border 100ms; vertical-align: baseline; width: 640px;">
<span class="anno-span" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Despite all of the negatives in their lives—the stress, the unhealthy lifestyle, the meager social life, the financial challenges, the pop culture oblivion, and the longing for younger days—parents still find themselves happier. We can’t prove exactly what drives these numbers. I have good friends who are physically unable to have kids, which no doubt affects their happiness. Some people choose not to have kids because of other hardships in their lives. And, surely, lots of unhappy parents only say they’re happy because they think they’re supposed to.</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit;">But maybe joy indeed doesn’t just have to come from extrinsic things and fabulous social lives—it can come from the adventure of raising a family, from teaching and nurturing others, from sacrifice, and from unconditional love."</span></blockquote>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-86505266237114451042014-08-14T14:46:00.001-04:002014-08-14T17:42:25.527-04:00Depression, Robin Williams, and Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Monday, August 11th, we were all stunned by the news. The world lost Robin Williams. Genie, Peter Pan. Just the night before I watched a movie with him in it, thinking about what a phenomenal person he was. I thought about how I wanted to watch Hook soon, always one of my favorites. I got on Facebook the next day to see "Genie you're free" at the top of my newsfeed.<br />
<br />
With all the chaos in the world between ISIS, Gaza, the government, and ebola, I saw many devastated people share the shocking news. I saw many outraged people share their anger that people were now sharing a death on social media instead of what had been on the news all week.<br />
<br />
But here's the thing. It wasn't just another celebrity death. It was a suicide. The loss of one of the most genuine, caring, comedic people the world has known. Obviously Robin Williams struggled with depression and possibly bipolar disorder for a very long time. Yet he spent his life making others happy. The person who made so many people laugh, who brought so much joy was fighting his own scary personal battle. He was so wrought with despair that he thought that was his only way out. That's incredibly sad.<br />
<br />
The blog posts have been many. The opinions varied between "he was a hero" and "he was selfish." I honestly was shocked by the ignorant comments I saw about depression and suicide.<br />
<br />
To be frank, having "been depressed" or having situational depression is not at all the same as suffering from depression, the disease. From clinical depression. Honestly, the people who don't understand because they've not been in that mindset can't be blamed, but it's rather upsetting that some people can't have more empathy.<br />
<br />
"You have nothing to be depressed about, cheer up!" "Jesus loves you! It'll be okay." "Just relax and try to feel better." "Just get over it, move on."<br />
<br />
Those types of comments are extremely dangerous. Depression is so real and scary guys, I can't even begin to explain. I've suffered from depression for a <b>long</b> time. You can't just stop feeling that way. You can't just "focus on the good things" and feel better.<br />
<br />
Robin Williams' death floored me. It stunned me because it hit so close to home. The news has been everywhere, a constant reminder of what I struggle with and how awful it is.<br />
<br />
My life is wonderful. I'm so happy, and very blessed. I've got a cozy home, a healthy and joyful family, the bills are paid and our needs are met. I have no <b>logical</b> reason to "feel" depressed. There are good days, and there are bad days. Some times I feel like I can fight it off, and sometimes I feel incredibly weak and scared. Sometimes I feel like I'm losing my mind. I'm afraid to talk to people about it, to ask for support or help because I'm afraid people will think I'm crazy. Sometimes I'm afraid that I am.<br />
<br />
It doesn't make sense to be depressed when life is good. I cannot explain why I am. The days the darkness creeps in and the mental pain is overwhelming. I'm afraid to reach out because I'm a Christian. Christians aren't supposed to feel this way, didn't you know? We're supposed to pray and feel better. But I do pray. Sometimes it helps, and sometimes God tells me I need to find help. But how can I do that? My fellow Christians always assume its spiritual warfare. It must be demonic. I must be sinning or doing something wrong.<br />
<br />
But what if it's not demonic? What if I'm just sick? That's often what I tell my husband, when the bad days come. I don't feel well up there. I can't even put in to words how I feel. How it can debilitate me, how my mind feels like a prison because I can't get out how I'm feeling, how there isn't a "real" reason why I feel how I do. I'm happy, I truly am. My husband is amazing, our daughter is my pride and joy. It's not circumstantial.<br />
<br />
To the Christians saying depression is just spiritual warfare, I say this: I'm a Christian. I believe in God, and I believe in spiritual warfare. But here's the deal. First off, not everyone IS a Christian, and you can't just say that to someone suffering from depression who doesn't share you're beliefs. Secondly, to say that all depression is spiritual warfare and to just to push into Jesus isn't necessarily helpful. That's like saying all sickness should be healed miraculously. See, I definitely believe in miraculous healing. I also believe God can use herbal and homepathics to heal, and God <b>definitely</b> also uses modern medicine. So one general comment cannot cover a multitude of possibilities. Depression can absolutely be tied in with spiritual warfare. But it's also a serious illness. Clinical depression is no joke. Situational depression, or "feeling depressed" is not the same as the chemical imbalance. It can be SO dangerous to tell a Christian, oh it's just spiritual warfare, pray more, worship more. Clinically depressed people need help. Very often medications or supplements. <br />
<br />
You REALLY must be careful how you talk to people suffering from depression. If you're Christian you <b>REALLY</b> must be careful how you talk to depressed Christians. I was horrifically depressed as a teenager. I slashed my legs open to release endorphins so I could feel better, to have some manner of control over my life, and because I felt so suffocated that watching myself bleed felt like some of the crazy left too. Those "spiritual warfare" comments did not help me. They made me think, "well God's not healing me, he mustn't be real. He wouldn't make me feel this way." And that was one of the many things that led me to my suicide attempts. I needed help. Real help.<br />
<br />
Statements like that create a stigma around depression and mental illness. So Christians are afraid to reach out for help, because they are so often met with that answer. We need to be gracious, compassionate, and supportive. Not everyone believes the same. And depression is very real.<br />
<br />
I've hid this for so long. I don't want to seem weak. I've only just recently shared how I've been feeling with my husband, because for a while it seemed to have gone away. But does depression ever really go away? Maybe it hides and there are triggers. There must certainly be triggers, or why else would there be good or bad days?<br />
<br />
I see those pictures shared on Facebook, things like "People don't cry because they're weak, they cry because they've been strong for too long." Are they true? Maybe they are. Maybe we hide how we feel for so long because we're afraid of judgement, and the tears just get it out.<br />
<br />
Please don't judge those who are depressed. Suicide isn't selfish. Suicide is, in the eyes of those who commit it, selfless. To them there is no other way to stop the pain. Whether or not there is, their mindset can't see it, can't imagine that they can feel any other way. They don't think how it will affect others, because they feel the world, their family, their friends would be better off without them. They feel like burdens. They're so overwhelmed and their mind so clouded they see it as the only option.<br />
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People are saying things along the lines of suicide isn't freeing, they don't understand how it will affect others, it's an easy way out etc. They are DESPERATE. Desperate people do desperate things. If you cannot fathom an understanding of that, I'm glad you've never had to experience such anguish and desperation that would lead you to that. Depression and mental illnesses are extremely complicated, could we expect anything less from something as amazing and complex as our brains? It doesn't need to be judged or condemned or laughed at or confined to an opinionated box. Depression needs treatment and therapy, help.<br />
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For all those who griped about sharing a celebrity's death on Facebook, I hope you garner some perspective. This may be a turning point for those who struggle to reach out without fear of judgement. This is an opportunity to offer support. To help people heal, realize their worth in the world, to know they would be missed, and that they aren't alone in how they feel.<br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/katie-hurley/theres-nothing-selfish-about-suicide_b_5672519.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063">There's Nothing Selfish About Suicide</a>: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; line-height: 21px;">Until you've stared down that level of depression, until you've lost your soul to a sea of emptiness and darkness... you don't get to make those judgments. You might not understand it, and you are certainly entitled to your own feelings, but making those judgments and spreading that kind of negativity won't help the next person. In fact, it will only hurt others.</span><br />
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As the world mourns the loss of Robin Williams, people everywhere are left feeling helpless and confused. How could someone who appeared so happy in actuality be so very depressed? The truth is that many, many people face the very same struggle each and every day. Some will commit suicide. Some will attempt. And some will hang on for dear life. Most won't be able to ask for the help that they need to overcome their mental illness.</div>
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You can help.</div>
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Know the <a href="http://www.afsp.org/preventing-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #ba72ba; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_hplink">warning signs</a> for suicide. 50-75% of people who attempt suicide will tell someone about their intention. Listen when people talk. Make eye contact. Convey empathy. And for the love of people everywhere, put down that ridiculous not-so-SmartPhone and be human.</div>
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Check in on friends struggling with depression. Even if they don't answer the phone or come to the door, make an effort to let them know that you are there. Friendship isn't about saving lost souls; friendship is about listening and being present.</div>
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Reach out to survivors of suicide. Practice using the words "suicide" and "depression" so that they roll off the tongue as easily as "unicorns" and "bubble gum." Listen as they tell their stories. Hold their hands. Be kind with their hearts. And hug them every single time.</div>
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Encourage help. Learn about the resources in your area so that you can help friends and loved ones in need. Don't be afraid to check in over and over again. Don't be afraid to convey your concern. One human connection can make a big difference in the life of someone struggling with mental illness and/or survivor's guilt.</div>
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<a href="http://www.save.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.viewPage&page_id=705D5DF4-055B-F1EC-3F66462866FCB4E6" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #ba72ba; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_hplink">30,000 people</a> commit suicide in the United States each year. 750,000 people attempt suicide. It's time to raise awareness, increase empathy and kindness, and bring those numbers down.</div>
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It's time to talk about suicide and depression."</div>
<a href="http://www.sortacrunchy.net/sortacrunchy/2014/08/the-depressed-christian-why-the-dark-night-is-no-measure-of-your-soul-.html?fb_action_ids=10201999298495615&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%7B%2210201999298495615%22%3A667827459967363%7D&action_type_map=%7B%2210201999298495615%22%3A%22og.likes%22%7D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D">The Depressed Christian</a>: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Geneva, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19.5px;">In that season, I went back to my roots: reading the Bible, praying, singing songs of praise, trying to keep gratitude lists. No matter what I did, no matter how hard I prayed, no matter how often I cried out, I couldn't force my mind to course-correct. I was acutely aware of how broken my brain was but felt absolutely powerless to fix it.</span><br />
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And yet in the midst of that dark time, my heart absolutely thrilled with <em>joy</em>. Watching the boys sleep next to each other, tucked into each other because that's how you sleep when that's all you know - it made my heart crack wide open with joy. Silly conversations and long hugs from my girls, giggly text messages from my husband ... yes, there was light and joy and love and moments of clarity in the midst of those hard, hard days.</div>
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<strong>And then like a troll from the old children's stories, Depression would be on the scene to gobble my joy right up.</strong></div>
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The beautiful glimpses of joy were precious grace to me, but no matter how tightly I wrapped my fingers around that joy, I couldn't find a way to make that joy fix my broken thoughts."</div>
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<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/08/what-the-church-christians-need-to-know-about-suicide-mental-health/">What Christians Need To Know About Mental Health</a>: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Helvetica, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 25.600000381469727px;">We could tell you what we know.</span><br />
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That — <span style="color: black;">depression is like a room engulfed in flames</span> and you can’t breathe for the sooty smoke smothering you limp — and suicide is deciding there is no way but to jump straight out of the burning building."</div>
<a href="http://nishweiseth.com/blog/2014/8/thoughts-on-depression-suicide-and-being-a-christian">Thoughts On Depression & Being A Christian</a>: "<span style="background-color: white; color: #424242; font-family: proxima-nova; line-height: 22.100000381469727px;">Those who don't struggle with depression, who don't feel the ongoing darkness, or even those who struggle with depression yet still get the occasional bursts of joy or light, they try to understand and make sense of it. Label it as selfish and the easy way out. Call the suicidal "cowards." But that's not the mind of a person in the grips of unrelenting darkness. When depression corners you like that, it makes you believe that suicide is joy. Suicide is relief. And in some instances, it makes you think that suicide is a blessing or a gift to others. It can feel like the brave and noble thing to do. </span><br />
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Like I said, depression is evil. </div>
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But there's another kind of evil lurking around the halls of the depressed, and it's the belief that those who are stricken with depression (or any mental illness) are suffering because of their lack of faith in Jesus. "If only you'd pray for more joy," people say. "If only you'd ask God to take the pain." Or, "Is there unresolved sin in your life?" Or how about this one, "If you'd just meditate more on God's Word..." </div>
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Folks, saying someone is depressed or suicidal because they aren't praying enough, are self-absorbed, sinful, or don't have a deep enough faith? It's abusive. And it needs to stop. Now."</div>
Robin Williams, we will miss you. Thank you for all the smiles and laughs, thanks for the good you've done. To your family, we are so sorry for your loss.<br />
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If you are suffering from depression please don't be afraid to reach out. If you are having thoughts of suicide, please seek help. The world misses Robin and we will miss you too. I promise.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-64574576214317960472014-07-31T20:34:00.001-04:002014-07-31T20:34:53.144-04:00So I Do Photography...You may or may not know this, but I've recently started a photography business. I'm pretty excited, and was thrilled to see my second portfolio book (a hardcover I designed on <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/">www.shutterfly.com</a>) waiting for me in pretty orange packaging on my doorstep this afternoon.<br />
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I designed my first a few months ago with pictures of my first engagement, and then maternity sessions. My second book is another maternity session with two different kiddo sessions, both for their third birthdays oddly enough! I also got a new planner to start keeping track of appointments, not just for my new business but because I'm a wife and mom and can never remember everywhere I'm supposed to be and when haha. Check out my new goodies and a few of my pictures! If you're local to Cleveland Ohio, check out my page and contact me <a href="http://www.facebook.com/alyssafalkensteinphotography">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-9279880269219495372014-07-24T18:56:00.000-04:002014-08-14T17:43:06.411-04:00Our Cozy Little Home Pt3Today I'm showing off my home's bedrooms and bathroom. If you haven't seen my previous two posts, parts one and three, check them out by clicking on the links! I'm sharing photos of my home with tid bits of how I decorated and how we store our lives in a small house or apartment.<br />
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First, let's check out the hallway!<br />
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Hanging the full length mirror next to the bathroom was perfect. Not only was it the only open wall space to fit it, but its directly across from the kitchen window which gives the hallway perfect lighting.</div>
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This is also where I store our vacuum and our bathroom laundry basket for towels and such.</div>
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The laundry hamper is wicker and was another thrifting find!</div>
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This is the only linen closet/pantry space we have.</div>
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Upper cupboard is food items and 1st aid,</div>
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bottom drawers are filled with extra bathroom supplies that are used infrequently.</div>
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Oh our little bathroom. It's a wee bit small but works just fine.</div>
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There are no counters or storage in the bathroom, and no sink vanity either. Found this awesome little shelf out thrifting. It met our need of a towel rack and also gave us some extra storage for our toothbrushes and such.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh219_2YortmTsPatO3NByh1WRJ5WHi9GEOl056dqnpWjSjF4GvlyH6Bx2pTEXNe3f7mu1kHi3VcVtW2k8g9mrM7o5q58-WjTpIqXU8JMd7ZiCpG3m8UkYBQeETkQPJW-F-0cX_dvJsms9s/s1600/rearranged-73.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh219_2YortmTsPatO3NByh1WRJ5WHi9GEOl056dqnpWjSjF4GvlyH6Bx2pTEXNe3f7mu1kHi3VcVtW2k8g9mrM7o5q58-WjTpIqXU8JMd7ZiCpG3m8UkYBQeETkQPJW-F-0cX_dvJsms9s/s1600/rearranged-73.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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See? Little sink.</div>
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And a potty!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnbgqVn67wwLoJErUU53MM3FNa5r2VJmcSYuilFaSDMSnV-Cwaytkmsn2QvXqhfeSafOQar0NKA9UNNdItj1r1QzhM0fei8eALsiacy-PKowc14cKyeL3UmKaDFnOlchhYLZtWaJPXo42/s1600/rearranged-74.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnbgqVn67wwLoJErUU53MM3FNa5r2VJmcSYuilFaSDMSnV-Cwaytkmsn2QvXqhfeSafOQar0NKA9UNNdItj1r1QzhM0fei8eALsiacy-PKowc14cKyeL3UmKaDFnOlchhYLZtWaJPXo42/s1600/rearranged-74.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Toilet storage is a must in a tiny bathroom!</div>
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This basket was, can you guess? A thrift find!</div>
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It holds my "crunchy" toiletries, corn starch, ACV, baking soda etc. </div>
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Love our shower curtain, thanks Target! Since we have no storage or counterspace I added these plastic drawers/dresser thingies and added a plank of cardboard covered in paper and sprayed with a sealer for now. Soon we will be getting a plank of wood to replace that, which I will paint a cheery color. I'll also be taking the clear drawers out and painting them to match! Yay for DIY storage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsiQGc5flgKOTjOm9RDeQf2HVj4pSP88AKs7Upm8A-ulVNGU4UhZXBEw9Tq8mT3f2e2vo89HIzqs1VhlpAOsSZpOHchb1RL40Dmk0rm0wwhI41s_CLh1DKk8ZqtGux1F57ONinumOwbUY/s1600/rearranged-77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsiQGc5flgKOTjOm9RDeQf2HVj4pSP88AKs7Upm8A-ulVNGU4UhZXBEw9Tq8mT3f2e2vo89HIzqs1VhlpAOsSZpOHchb1RL40Dmk0rm0wwhI41s_CLh1DKk8ZqtGux1F57ONinumOwbUY/s1600/rearranged-77.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's the top of my shelf,</div>
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notice my Harry Potter-labeled all natural fluoride free toothpaste?!</div>
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Now on to Bree's room! </div>
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Entering in, Bree's closet and her growth chart!</div>
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Since her room is small, and her clothes are short but many, we also added the plastic drawers inside her closet. Life saver for her towels, linens, and other random things we couldn't put in her dresser.</div>
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Perfect for holding headbands, bows, clips, etc/</div>
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Her dresser is cute but doesn't hold everything, so we got more plastic drawers,</div>
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I'll be painting those soon as well, to make them less conspicuous.</div>
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Bree's shadow box, by pregnancy test, her umbilical cord, and our first pictures with her!</div>
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The blanket I made for her while pregnant.</div>
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Her changing table will soon be leaving us, opening up some space! Yay! It will be replaced by a white wooden and wicker cabinet. It will match her white wicker laundry basket and diaper basket perfectly.</div>
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Now on to the master bedroom!</div>
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Let's enter in!</div>
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It's <b>so</b> cozy at night time!!!</div>
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As you can see but looking to the left, that wall is all cupboards, drawers, and window. We utilize totes and boxes that store under our bed for extra, not in regular use storage.</div>
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We generally keep the curtains closed, but when they are tied back</div>
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that is where I keep my crocheting, our box of socks (because I'm horrible at folding socks),</div>
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and Justin's work clothes.</div>
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And of course, if you've read my post on <a href="http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/2014/06/nightstand-diy.html">refurbishing my dresser and nightstand</a></div>
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you'll remember this gal.</div>
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The messy left corner is another wicker hamper I found thrifting</div>
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and the right mess is our trash can sitting on top of my dad's elephant stand.</div>
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So that's our little home and our secrets of making everything fit. I hope you found some inspiration or ideas here, and I am always open to chatting if you need help making your situation work. As always, check out my <a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssabfalken">Pinterest boards</a> for more!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2q9NvUF8ku5Ejiag8I6dUcYAcgT8r-fky0zR9Om4tGHdZA1ybtkXqCrGquqYJKM8VRFnw880r1I9160NBxY6WbzE24iL3UJDSWFsSBnxI2EazBlm6q8uZ_L2L35Y_NAk6gU6SnKbgNTBC/s1600/rearrangedpt3-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2q9NvUF8ku5Ejiag8I6dUcYAcgT8r-fky0zR9Om4tGHdZA1ybtkXqCrGquqYJKM8VRFnw880r1I9160NBxY6WbzE24iL3UJDSWFsSBnxI2EazBlm6q8uZ_L2L35Y_NAk6gU6SnKbgNTBC/s1600/rearrangedpt3-13.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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My little shadow :)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-89701191496130300362014-07-23T16:06:00.000-04:002014-08-14T17:42:50.719-04:00Our Cozy Little Home Pt. 2After <a href="http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/2014/07/our-cozy-little-home-pt-1.html">yesterday's post, part one,</a> I'm excited to share with you the rest of my kitchen, dining room, and living room. Part three will be the bedrooms and bathroom, so many pictures is way too long for one post, I'd hate to bore you!<br />
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Here is what we've done with our kitchen:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_P3cX8SIFPCvk7Mn3uBWGTYXhPWXDPvqvvEz97740CWmvDVAjlOqr6eOlZ8P7riwoRF0jb2U0GVN46l4YZHQqeSb-OcCRJnZyinnWSJ-BeAjTPM8FG-r5xM-4IOW9JSZI_QusScbOhqS/s1600/rearranged-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_P3cX8SIFPCvk7Mn3uBWGTYXhPWXDPvqvvEz97740CWmvDVAjlOqr6eOlZ8P7riwoRF0jb2U0GVN46l4YZHQqeSb-OcCRJnZyinnWSJ-BeAjTPM8FG-r5xM-4IOW9JSZI_QusScbOhqS/s1600/rearranged-8.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Of course I've already shared with you my excitement with the jars,</div>
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I'm just so pleased.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqK0cupvTKDAqISJI23WiGiCG18Yr_Smuzrrvc4yQ85GskbpbsxVpSeISOpCocUct7qKDFLsNr7QaxubD1ndzb19gSSlQJcGQ1NTwoGJEHZPkBx-BNctE0_FrYw4GUOAov7IDwSVigIbh/s1600/rearranged-59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqK0cupvTKDAqISJI23WiGiCG18Yr_Smuzrrvc4yQ85GskbpbsxVpSeISOpCocUct7qKDFLsNr7QaxubD1ndzb19gSSlQJcGQ1NTwoGJEHZPkBx-BNctE0_FrYw4GUOAov7IDwSVigIbh/s1600/rearranged-59.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WZfucOPJNIh47VSROrJfls3OMocgiQT4jGLdhpjcqRf73AaeA8meIzK0atCKH6QYIrH3lPJKm852ZSip7V6nBK1tKjFI4Mo2s_A2sNMtyPt1l8Hk97RV1QH2Y5Wf_jElMCqLpctLa88n/s1600/rearranged-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5WZfucOPJNIh47VSROrJfls3OMocgiQT4jGLdhpjcqRf73AaeA8meIzK0atCKH6QYIrH3lPJKm852ZSip7V6nBK1tKjFI4Mo2s_A2sNMtyPt1l8Hk97RV1QH2Y5Wf_jElMCqLpctLa88n/s1600/rearranged-11.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is my coffee bar. We have very limited counter and storage space, so we added a short bookcase which ended up being the <b>perfect</b> height. It holds my coffee pot (and the magic bullet when it's in use) and stores some extra food for us. Beautiful.</div>
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{Sugar.}</div>
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We have definitely taken advantage of storing by hanging. I've quite a few pans/lids/utensils hanging, doubling as storage and cute kitchen decor. If you look next to the jars you'll see my soap dispenser. I saw a cute idea on Pinterest to use an olive oil bottle, but I found this and loved it, it reminds me of an oil pump. Holds my soap and looks cute, I don't like storing it underneath the sink, if I keep it out its handy for hand washing and a quick lone dish in the sink.</div>
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{Tiny clay teapot I found thrifting and couldn't pass up.}</div>
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We also hide things. Works splendidly.</div>
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Our dainty old gal, the stove. She serves us well!</div>
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And hanging spice racks are genius.</div>
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See, hanging pan! And, it's thrifted and it's green.</div>
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Which means its the best pan ever.</div>
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I plan on added a shelf above the top of our stove to hold our utensils to get them off the countertop and save room there. Our stove gets too hot to just set them on it, unfortunately.</div>
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My sweet aunt gave me this kettle. Which just stays stored on the stove till she's needed.</div>
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Command strips and hooks are life savers!</div>
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My tea shelf and my Harry Pottered bottle of vanilla.</div>
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Come on, printable Harry Potter labels, how can you not?!</div>
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And that's my adorable itty kitchen!!!</div>
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{Broom and swiffer storage between the fridge and wall. Use every inch!}</div>
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As you can see, we have a cupboard on either side of the sink, top and bottom, and then cupboards directly above and below the sink. That's all our storage so we really had to piece things together like a puzzle in our kitchen. That's why my bookcase of food serves as a coffee bar! We only have so much counter space, most of the right side is taken up by the microwave alone.</div>
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Let's move on into the dining room.</div>
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Photo wall!</div>
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{Some photos fell, oops.}</div>
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Diaper bags, high chairs, hey not every thing has a special spot haha. {The garland and lights look <b>so cozy</b> at night time.} I'm incredibly thankful for the built in cupboards and drawers in here! Left holds my canisters, tea set, and other breakable kitchen items we don't use often. The left side is designated for books, which was perfect considering I ended up need my bookcases in other areas of the house. Drawers hold random items, paint brushes, extension cords, incense, etc.</div>
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Bree's bookcase holds our "living room quilt," craft box, family games, and all her books.</div>
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The bench beneath the window is perfect for extra seating at the table as well as holding my bag.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2JN58Mo-nlheXddeJ2slPlQTz-WOktmyEfysO7uNUtyY0wt__9Roz2YYoF7C4np3t7O2P5LA1sxb9DT50t1B0XnSg8bAcUE7vhXP12K4gZ1ziaN7uynBNqybqr8FgygkjSHZNRUIiSPb/s1600/rearranged-70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2JN58Mo-nlheXddeJ2slPlQTz-WOktmyEfysO7uNUtyY0wt__9Roz2YYoF7C4np3t7O2P5LA1sxb9DT50t1B0XnSg8bAcUE7vhXP12K4gZ1ziaN7uynBNqybqr8FgygkjSHZNRUIiSPb/s1600/rearranged-70.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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Small space, but fits us perfectly.</div>
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Since we only have a 2 bedroom, our office shares space in the dining room</div>
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but it works out just fine. Bookshelves are amazing for storage and organizing!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSvgH-U1zWvAs58LC3Fmael_fXWfxBw9CPMP2jMKoHvN1ppDxqvSXagth26U-T2QkDXxGO_KpiH7_-aJScpOfM4dxzaRTr_3FVCmpeAB9rukIy1k_XRpMckC3wOMz_utn4WCwpIWgdE9-/s1600/rearranged-43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCSvgH-U1zWvAs58LC3Fmael_fXWfxBw9CPMP2jMKoHvN1ppDxqvSXagth26U-T2QkDXxGO_KpiH7_-aJScpOfM4dxzaRTr_3FVCmpeAB9rukIy1k_XRpMckC3wOMz_utn4WCwpIWgdE9-/s1600/rearranged-43.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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I recently painted the living room{dislocating a rib in the process}and I adore the color.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuSlG0FICqNvNJYqqG0ObZkkNLJ1s9LRul3fPihQd71mYakNxFKBRa8pFPUcy3IFXxRw610Pnt2omRv9B9toBg7GgUlVDOqYLWcW9IYAYDDIixCTcu7NJyReMeuNvCujQFq728T-M4wLe/s1600/rearranged-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNuSlG0FICqNvNJYqqG0ObZkkNLJ1s9LRul3fPihQd71mYakNxFKBRa8pFPUcy3IFXxRw610Pnt2omRv9B9toBg7GgUlVDOqYLWcW9IYAYDDIixCTcu7NJyReMeuNvCujQFq728T-M4wLe/s1600/rearranged-49.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxDI3fxgFLHaLkDa8YW9DNDU3BXI93G06obEt9sztuXOlKLSP9R_hktjIltrQRvnI2D7NE0-CnI-eWlU7qmFolcEYrvFcL27fh_kGk7eLIqUWa1FrJ21V3KQXOImVy9ItzeqwBwsG3wvH/s1600/rearranged-53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxDI3fxgFLHaLkDa8YW9DNDU3BXI93G06obEt9sztuXOlKLSP9R_hktjIltrQRvnI2D7NE0-CnI-eWlU7qmFolcEYrvFcL27fh_kGk7eLIqUWa1FrJ21V3KQXOImVy9ItzeqwBwsG3wvH/s1600/rearranged-53.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Cube storage shelves are phenomenal.</div>
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Get them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlASaQUSZPicmnoLymeGIuteC6eRWuJV0fbr2S54eJIt58CdSquqpVjWoc7-p-o_wk3hzkit6Xh5LnsqYo85tl0Yzc-L9FSI5A7dZEhpIVqup1-jTfHJvWSeO2t4J8bAKe81cOF1-J2YdF/s1600/rearranged-56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlASaQUSZPicmnoLymeGIuteC6eRWuJV0fbr2S54eJIt58CdSquqpVjWoc7-p-o_wk3hzkit6Xh5LnsqYo85tl0Yzc-L9FSI5A7dZEhpIVqup1-jTfHJvWSeO2t4J8bAKe81cOF1-J2YdF/s1600/rearranged-56.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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Since Bree doesn't have a playroom/family room areaand a small bedroom, this nook is her designated area for toys.Cubes! Love the cubes. Holds everything tidy and hidden away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuOM2h1hXG4Zp-fe1o8Qt4zY-YDrtaIGu814hHc0OVNLm3gWU2CXi15iN_vuMiIbabYyNnz0KEnPFx3tyj7CbNt7HOyqkG-TR9sCwDLIyQ7O8DGIeOibVlt2P9JYpPFscdCCgPjlcnaYo/s1600/rearranged-55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuOM2h1hXG4Zp-fe1o8Qt4zY-YDrtaIGu814hHc0OVNLm3gWU2CXi15iN_vuMiIbabYyNnz0KEnPFx3tyj7CbNt7HOyqkG-TR9sCwDLIyQ7O8DGIeOibVlt2P9JYpPFscdCCgPjlcnaYo/s1600/rearranged-55.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKD0VhUlELMStFp1JT0_oJ3KoXMg3qqSDArvjvDrK5b7ATP-F22F0KOup3GKd4QE5YLXmh1eBMBUb_5zLH8Nv9Xbr7sfaOlAgXtBj_Dpw9xPW9WD04xwdudAquPl4BzqsAiFiNtFtnrIk/s1600/rearranged-58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKD0VhUlELMStFp1JT0_oJ3KoXMg3qqSDArvjvDrK5b7ATP-F22F0KOup3GKd4QE5YLXmh1eBMBUb_5zLH8Nv9Xbr7sfaOlAgXtBj_Dpw9xPW9WD04xwdudAquPl4BzqsAiFiNtFtnrIk/s1600/rearranged-58.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY-6yjLKQteiNo_O6LXRkZGhq9vrVgD_X8pjYjwcCm5uoPhiDdGm9Tz5OmMXCfShWDDR8vn887C6wkoJHnIvmdyjNW9G_u96cptnN6kldgd8S8S_ktGzG5YTqQj1da-v15veUh3SQJODk/s1600/rearranged-50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcY-6yjLKQteiNo_O6LXRkZGhq9vrVgD_X8pjYjwcCm5uoPhiDdGm9Tz5OmMXCfShWDDR8vn887C6wkoJHnIvmdyjNW9G_u96cptnN6kldgd8S8S_ktGzG5YTqQj1da-v15veUh3SQJODk/s1600/rearranged-50.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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Sharpie mugs work well to store pens.</div>
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And sharpies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3nNXRGU3WLVCMRE2lfSQ9XAQZ4XpYEyZ4PaYfYsiHuLotWxEIm_ey8TFpJIvq6CVYQopPbF6NHLj5OwqqJYxt-GEcRAUYjE4eBVEaPa46JyGFZlFJkgoFvGi2lanbHzIoRcNMv2HUsmi/s1600/rearranged-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3nNXRGU3WLVCMRE2lfSQ9XAQZ4XpYEyZ4PaYfYsiHuLotWxEIm_ey8TFpJIvq6CVYQopPbF6NHLj5OwqqJYxt-GEcRAUYjE4eBVEaPa46JyGFZlFJkgoFvGi2lanbHzIoRcNMv2HUsmi/s1600/rearranged-51.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Found this tray thrifting and it's perfect to hold odds and ends that we may need,</div>
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like nail polish and clippers, coasters, remotes etc.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT16How6jmFfuQXyKlXAg3Mz1LA4u9k6JEq6wT5yB17UQWlKolfn89u9iJygy__I7fpbpW_3Pbb_vkseN-x1XkrxdCn0ykBpFt4QnjTQ2fIWZR6bK2_kibY7rVlKtOs3tUh_tcZMgiblS/s1600/rearranged-52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT16How6jmFfuQXyKlXAg3Mz1LA4u9k6JEq6wT5yB17UQWlKolfn89u9iJygy__I7fpbpW_3Pbb_vkseN-x1XkrxdCn0ykBpFt4QnjTQ2fIWZR6bK2_kibY7rVlKtOs3tUh_tcZMgiblS/s1600/rearranged-52.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCx1gtCPC__lshzQ7AM_E-dtZJwDOVjtch6gJxA_QgIvsj0u8UrFqI30XqJ7lY-llJrVK1VAaGh64jno92sN4WLH5bdmMVD1Enf7jozPTH7rVxp88ylLtazhtsAIqOqwMzL9YQU7IjLe3/s1600/rearranged-45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdCx1gtCPC__lshzQ7AM_E-dtZJwDOVjtch6gJxA_QgIvsj0u8UrFqI30XqJ7lY-llJrVK1VAaGh64jno92sN4WLH5bdmMVD1Enf7jozPTH7rVxp88ylLtazhtsAIqOqwMzL9YQU7IjLe3/s1600/rearranged-45.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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World Market how I adore thee. That's where I got that rad clock. And target has awesome little hooks and sweet details you can add to your rooms. We don't actually have a closet in our bedroom, just cupboards and drawers so the "coat closet" out the door and into the hallway is our closet. So for random sweaters or jackets (it's great for when we have guests) we installed this cool dude. It's a coat rack for the wall!</div>
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And that was how we've decorated and organized the three main rooms of the house. Hope this gave you some ideas for your home! Stay tuned tomorrow for the rest of our cozy home!</div>
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Much love.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-61734136345878116312014-07-23T14:00:00.000-04:002014-08-14T17:43:32.951-04:00Homebirth Coloring Book Printable<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXbQGYGRHSha8BqNM6pxYXFj4HNptQNrUkrDcpYddxdpnxWShpagd9veqgIS5uLtCKZ-0VsZYN8MH2W-L9A51zBXRyswaVFUSY7X4ayHDKj7G-FYPeuga7StiZ-zgezsHAoQTChVaj3m5/s1600/newbabycoloring.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXbQGYGRHSha8BqNM6pxYXFj4HNptQNrUkrDcpYddxdpnxWShpagd9veqgIS5uLtCKZ-0VsZYN8MH2W-L9A51zBXRyswaVFUSY7X4ayHDKj7G-FYPeuga7StiZ-zgezsHAoQTChVaj3m5/s1600/newbabycoloring.png" height="340" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you're like me and want your kids to grow up with a normalized view of birth and not be scared when Mommy has a new baby, check this out!<br />
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It's a nifty free printable coloring book about a little boy whose mommy is pregnant and getting ready to have another baby.<br />
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The pages show him asking the midwife questions, seeing the birth kit, and hold the baby afterwards.<br />
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Its so sweet! If you'd like to check it out or print it, click the link below!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ncfom.org/Resources/Documents/HomebirthColoringBook.pdf">http://www.ncfom.org/Resources/Documents/HomebirthColoringBook.pdf</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-67698043620433401142014-07-22T16:03:00.000-04:002014-08-14T17:43:17.815-04:00Our Cozy Little Home Pt. 1Pinterest (and BuzzFeed) are my two "pleasures" while I'm nursing or getting little miss down to sleep. We lay in bed together or cuddle on the recliner, she snuggles up or nurses, and while I wait to make sure she's sound asleep enough to move I browse Pinterest for ideas and longings and I browse BuzzFeed for sarcastic but always true hilarity. It's a fun part of my day!<br />
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Pinterest inspires me to craft or build or move or rearrange, and that's just what I did this week. Eleven thirty on Sunday night I was moved to organize my kitchen. I am usually a so-so cleaner, I clean or tidy as I go but when I get into a "marathon mind" and my mind is set on something I go hard until completion. So I cleaned out and organized the cupboards above and below my sink, always the messy/cluttered/gross cabinets, right?! Then, because Bree is tall enough to reach into our silverware drawer (and take out spoons, lick them, and put them back) I decided to clean out that drawer and fashion a pinterest-worthy solution. Enter, my jars!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNKWqcSZxmomyRTL05w2O3CtH19y0XHlDXIJ5nkmQgzeIcBMWljSjd5bHxPXGZgiJq8-tiio3tB6xCsyAXcQ99EjKqyiUlt1wTugX_Jtwd_y7BBlUBcxNXSgfBYF8S8jSEEoyRBKYUJDS/s1600/rearranged-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNKWqcSZxmomyRTL05w2O3CtH19y0XHlDXIJ5nkmQgzeIcBMWljSjd5bHxPXGZgiJq8-tiio3tB6xCsyAXcQ99EjKqyiUlt1wTugX_Jtwd_y7BBlUBcxNXSgfBYF8S8jSEEoyRBKYUJDS/s1600/rearranged-9.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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My silverware probably is now solved and looks too cute. Woo! (But dang that picture is off center and it is <b>killing me</b>.)<br />
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Soo I organized the rest of my kitchen, and the next day rearranged my dining room and cleaned off one of our bookcases, it ended up to be a cute little office area! I have a gorgeous antique typewriter from my godmother and I've been looking for the perfect spot. Thanks to my cleaning/rearranging it is now proudly displayed on my desk. (Just look, it's too cute.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGxcBV8IKeuIjFPh8B1XUpIkWJi49151t9eh4jjm072Nr6AvM_m4tV4azuGyeGYd-z2gwPAfDGyp6bWwxH8AMYzQuUEE-Llv2wxqhUgckkSu_bZg7-jCUKVuaaClV9TCnK4PXNPBarb3t/s1600/rearranged-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGxcBV8IKeuIjFPh8B1XUpIkWJi49151t9eh4jjm072Nr6AvM_m4tV4azuGyeGYd-z2gwPAfDGyp6bWwxH8AMYzQuUEE-Llv2wxqhUgckkSu_bZg7-jCUKVuaaClV9TCnK4PXNPBarb3t/s1600/rearranged-1.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsP5CrsjUGLAcAKf8Lnz4DNhKvmV9emPcGi4TuLQq0jZGg6Xjf_0uMMiZxDEQDd9yc26j78-pGtgCiyP8NoOm4ztNs435gPbqzdL4cXY3dNY9aupOGlWXCIU6p6yP0Ulu9rTpvwdAgeaK2/s1600/rearranged-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsP5CrsjUGLAcAKf8Lnz4DNhKvmV9emPcGi4TuLQq0jZGg6Xjf_0uMMiZxDEQDd9yc26j78-pGtgCiyP8NoOm4ztNs435gPbqzdL4cXY3dNY9aupOGlWXCIU6p6yP0Ulu9rTpvwdAgeaK2/s1600/rearranged-2.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdMOvkUtoQGvK54RsL5v6FW0cB0c64KnAV1SiCdHzRww3xIUW6GyM2rTe4GlHkDwbYz704hghiSMdlM7dsbiaOC5ijIhySvbu_SEZHB7G9r4Wg69j52rtsf_GpMMAENRu7uNKKPieBMrV/s1600/rearranged-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdMOvkUtoQGvK54RsL5v6FW0cB0c64KnAV1SiCdHzRww3xIUW6GyM2rTe4GlHkDwbYz704hghiSMdlM7dsbiaOC5ijIhySvbu_SEZHB7G9r4Wg69j52rtsf_GpMMAENRu7uNKKPieBMrV/s1600/rearranged-3.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCvqHb0CM-v2VB9z1c7aLrRI1SzHcpb4KlygYuavwnqSWzIXUl2iPwwDi7tk7sWJ9sHPlQuZ-TIxKyOOWQdfdS_KDavz2W5rG9WUg-R29-6g5XzBQGUCRQ8gM424WinyVSmyjnfTx80Ft/s1600/rearranged-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSCvqHb0CM-v2VB9z1c7aLrRI1SzHcpb4KlygYuavwnqSWzIXUl2iPwwDi7tk7sWJ9sHPlQuZ-TIxKyOOWQdfdS_KDavz2W5rG9WUg-R29-6g5XzBQGUCRQ8gM424WinyVSmyjnfTx80Ft/s1600/rearranged-4.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuGtm7-Zhe4JrAVI_EF8AI2s17kXyA168l0lcBCv2BMC1dJALJ9KP1rHzlZDsXF9UjUk1Bwo_GrwCvJDmHYmDTgF_N9FdS_Xa2o-Ot3GMZfCDnO0qhbSv4blS7z__rC_4PNEh-0HEIbVC/s1600/rearranged-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuGtm7-Zhe4JrAVI_EF8AI2s17kXyA168l0lcBCv2BMC1dJALJ9KP1rHzlZDsXF9UjUk1Bwo_GrwCvJDmHYmDTgF_N9FdS_Xa2o-Ot3GMZfCDnO0qhbSv4blS7z__rC_4PNEh-0HEIbVC/s1600/rearranged-5.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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{This is the nasty bookshelf I cleaned up. And this is it organized!!!</div>
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I found a darling little post <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/15-renters-uses-for-tension-rods-you-never-thought-of-205929?crlt.pid=camp.tavVVVQAJgVc">here</a> with over 15 uses for tension rods and it inspired me.</div>
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I'll be getting a tension rod to go along the top of the shelf with a curtain to</div>
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hide the office clutter on the shelves that we need but don't</div>
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have to look at. So it'll be hidden away but accessible!</div>
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Can't wait.}</div>
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{The <a href="http://www.fiercemarriage.com/">Fierce Marriage</a> calendar I made Justin for Christmas.}</div>
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Our little home is just that, little. But it's cozy and perfect for us till we are ready to move and expand. Seeing as how it's little however, we've had to consolidate and make things fit like puzzles pieces. So over the next few posts I'm going to give a little tour of our apartment and share what we've done to store our lives and decorate!<br />
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This is just a little preview, so be sure to check back soon!!!<br />
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Much love!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-46825644949026525212014-06-30T20:05:00.000-04:002014-06-30T20:05:14.097-04:00Today With Bree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh I love my little girl! She's just so cute I can't even handle it. Today had it's ups and downs but has been a really fun day.<br />
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We enjoyed some cleaning this morning while we listened to Spotify's perfect day somethingorother playlist (I swear I'm not being paid to talk about them, I just have always been a Pandora girl and recently discovered their magic and now I'm in love haha).<br />
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Then we had a mom and baby playdate with some friends! Bree got to play with her little friend and I chatted with mine, we enjoyed lunch and attempted naps and tired crankiness and baby giggles and snacks. Oh, and coffee for the mamas ha! We enjoyed some Dr. Seuss and now we wait for daddy to come home with groceries so we can make dinner.<br />
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I love this little girl so much. She teaches me lessons daily and wows my mind. She is so loving, compassionate, empathetic, and wild and crazy and wonderful! So here's my little ode to Bree, in our most recent pictures!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-30108878733494166642014-06-28T18:47:00.000-04:002014-06-28T18:47:21.632-04:00Homemade Olive Garden Dressing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went into the kitchen today to make myself a salad for lunch, and the only dressing at my disposal was less than savory in my opinion. Alas, I used it anyway and I was extremely disappointed in my lunch. Boo!<br />
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As I sat stewing about my icky salad dressing I remembered I had a recipe saved in my "mom binder" that I'd been dying to use, and I checked my cupboard to find that I had all the ingredients to make it!!!!<br />
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Who <b>doesn't</b> adore Olive Garden's neverending salad or the dressing that comes on it?! Ohhhhh my goodness.<br />
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A while ago I came across a <a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/olive-garden-copycat-recipe/">link on Pinterest</a> to make copy cat Olive Garden dressing but I'd just never gotten around to it.<br />
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You can read the original post <a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/olive-garden-copycat-recipe/">at The Happy Money Saver</a>, she has a <b>bunch</b> of yummy dressing recipes. I'm sharing the recipe and my short little journey making it here!<br />
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So first off, I gathered all my ingredients and my Magic Bullet cup (which ended up being the <b>perfect</b> size for mixing it all) and got to it!<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: museo_slab, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; margin-bottom: 1.625rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Ingredients</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: museo_slab, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.75px; margin: 0px 0px 1.625rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/3 cup white vinegar</li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning</li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 packet dried Italian salad dressing packet</li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">4 1/2 Tbs water</li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 cup vegetable oil</li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 cup olive oil</li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tsp mayonnaise</li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 tsp garlic powder</li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 tsp honey</li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/4 tsp black pepper</li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 tsp salt</li>
<li style="border: 0px; line-height: 1.625; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 2.5rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 tsp grated Parmesan cheese</li>
</ul>
<div>
(I didn't have any Parmesan, oops, so I obviously didn't include it.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8bkpfxIFi4miJuU-MH8ALJ5Yx4dFYXDbnKW0G_zMeVug83ZQgOpjGgZBQz_VeLLZwNA5ii2DJhyO53-uekxrauz6yQS6ddpS2yqFpC1wh_YwbWicZV8sANwxrZ9WZkgG-BtlmMZZwqpk/s1600/dressing+(3+of+10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8bkpfxIFi4miJuU-MH8ALJ5Yx4dFYXDbnKW0G_zMeVug83ZQgOpjGgZBQz_VeLLZwNA5ii2DJhyO53-uekxrauz6yQS6ddpS2yqFpC1wh_YwbWicZV8sANwxrZ9WZkgG-BtlmMZZwqpk/s1600/dressing+(3+of+10).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also highly suggest listening to the "Sweet Songs for Sunny Days" </div>
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playlist on Spotify when doing anything in the kitchen</div>
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It's pretty perfect.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeKXMQHnwgyS9SQNNc1rNfOILyZxBHV3uZtvmEzpn226Xm4AbqGmf-w6E6apCOIm-oybP4rETov6LeYjvavjij-_i9j8X2C4U6Xwx50cqFNPcqiUZ6pQa3ZKvpxn5n8TFJx_fKaz1P4WD/s1600/dressing+(4+of+10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeKXMQHnwgyS9SQNNc1rNfOILyZxBHV3uZtvmEzpn226Xm4AbqGmf-w6E6apCOIm-oybP4rETov6LeYjvavjij-_i9j8X2C4U6Xwx50cqFNPcqiUZ6pQa3ZKvpxn5n8TFJx_fKaz1P4WD/s1600/dressing+(4+of+10).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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Combine all your ingredients! Easy peasy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04GnesfE4NsRIs9iP6L_5taKUY83jVimHzvrPXapwmevi1jkpGSHvjAypKzIzHk7YPd_TrEuN7DEW9IrEeJ6GoDWsjApWQZDZhEzJNh7zLm-JrHkyO4ixGEuo87gXpMOKFFb04vWjkXvn/s1600/dressing+(6+of+10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04GnesfE4NsRIs9iP6L_5taKUY83jVimHzvrPXapwmevi1jkpGSHvjAypKzIzHk7YPd_TrEuN7DEW9IrEeJ6GoDWsjApWQZDZhEzJNh7zLm-JrHkyO4ixGEuo87gXpMOKFFb04vWjkXvn/s1600/dressing+(6+of+10).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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And blend until well mixed!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsegdwqy-6WIOhS2_EkUsh-Pmzl26fJPZKUfcyBXUiYPx74gLxe7Oumv6EfhnMV5dZURHcPPFZqt85cV7BQVmWkoL2LgwK8Qbyb9yHy8jWtF5CpA1U_OplVWYn3utg_hI6dJ9_zvt2Fv8z/s1600/dressing+(7+of+10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsegdwqy-6WIOhS2_EkUsh-Pmzl26fJPZKUfcyBXUiYPx74gLxe7Oumv6EfhnMV5dZURHcPPFZqt85cV7BQVmWkoL2LgwK8Qbyb9yHy8jWtF5CpA1U_OplVWYn3utg_hI6dJ9_zvt2Fv8z/s1600/dressing+(7+of+10).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5h2FvKOYV3_-dV3NXpRZ6sfB_zKFm6FeJkeQfcmu4OgIvEKqTNF0fkeJ8kAcmtAwJypA0P4fh9tsowVR-uzO7EbhaCsRNDcwKEQFOimlStRjZ-52RrpTW7Fou4OLyi_TnB9y03my5DEvB/s1600/dressing+(8+of+10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5h2FvKOYV3_-dV3NXpRZ6sfB_zKFm6FeJkeQfcmu4OgIvEKqTNF0fkeJ8kAcmtAwJypA0P4fh9tsowVR-uzO7EbhaCsRNDcwKEQFOimlStRjZ-52RrpTW7Fou4OLyi_TnB9y03my5DEvB/s1600/dressing+(8+of+10).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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And there you go! All finished. </div>
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Store in any well sealed container, I had jars lying around so I used those.</div>
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Chill overnight for a stronger taste or just eat right away, whatever floats your boat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuCsK3440-uIuBU-utETnhljRkuqCg9CWBZfk8Sn8hObbBIFY8u9tT_NrBPX4alqy_ja1PLdxnDfFvOljaAr6354PnkZiF0xXmjCBgGXTI3Dqk7sZbfnq58Cjc0bakOZzVQb2R9ANckSh/s1600/dressing+(9+of+10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifuCsK3440-uIuBU-utETnhljRkuqCg9CWBZfk8Sn8hObbBIFY8u9tT_NrBPX4alqy_ja1PLdxnDfFvOljaAr6354PnkZiF0xXmjCBgGXTI3Dqk7sZbfnq58Cjc0bakOZzVQb2R9ANckSh/s1600/dressing+(9+of+10).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J7XkFaF9B2NFSCZpQ-fh8XIdpVxeR9eTLXSrFs9-GwgqZt2YJsECsnaLxMP0odO0AkTvI-iI988GQRNepbiGg1dooPYLOsCpIibzMzbChkaO44BU5dBdmdnqaVROSbcWnUm7uGrNzPNQ/s1600/dressing+(10+of+10).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J7XkFaF9B2NFSCZpQ-fh8XIdpVxeR9eTLXSrFs9-GwgqZt2YJsECsnaLxMP0odO0AkTvI-iI988GQRNepbiGg1dooPYLOsCpIibzMzbChkaO44BU5dBdmdnqaVROSbcWnUm7uGrNzPNQ/s1600/dressing+(10+of+10).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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And my favorite part, minimal mess to clean up afterwards!</div>
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Looking forward to yummy salads! Woo!<br />
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Thanks for readin' folks! You can find the Happy Money Saver's printable recipe <a href="http://happymoneysaver.com/easyrecipe-print/69881-0/">here.</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-7101340861727745742014-06-13T20:45:00.001-04:002014-06-13T20:57:14.271-04:00Nightstand DIY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ub_IIzS0KeH3IUW5uINTHtxHk-h8CB_EMGuHi9QwL0sGsTXOPRs4GUmWj68PkNucrod6ND7QnnbrBhAAYKA1wFCmm02gRYYwI3viRqLiXaNnrrDOHzZ1k-o1e2XPAMMVdeHK002oxTTX/s1600/nightstanddiy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ub_IIzS0KeH3IUW5uINTHtxHk-h8CB_EMGuHi9QwL0sGsTXOPRs4GUmWj68PkNucrod6ND7QnnbrBhAAYKA1wFCmm02gRYYwI3viRqLiXaNnrrDOHzZ1k-o1e2XPAMMVdeHK002oxTTX/s1600/nightstanddiy.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
You know, 6 days after painting my living room and dislocating my rib I <b>would</b> want to paint again. Go figure. But I can breathe deeply, and if my trip to the gym taught me anything, it's that once you feel better you go hard again or go home.<br />
<br />
No, don't do that. Rest up so you can heal fully without popping your rib back out.<br />
<br />
However, I'm taking it easy and going carefully, and my project was nowhere the size of my living room (or the gym, apparently) so I pulled out the paint!<br />
<br />
Justin and I moved into our current home in April of last year, and our bedroom furniture took a beating, including, but not limited to, drawers being taped to their bodies which led to tape being ripped off and taking the finish with it.<br />
<br />
And since this catastrophe enabled my dream of painting and refinishing our dresser and nightstand (Pinterest, thank you for the idea of blue furniture) I got some cute country cottage blue paint and completed the project that was our dresser. And it turned out splendidly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceD4FXIUAjGOfyhgb3db0v7UXQ86WKlZ9WGd6Q5xcxS6imcst7fwvzG7SyQMm7Y2vhlVyX_-QpMu_xaNEMXYugsV6dAJ4IqtZWnNxg7z-f6O1oG-Nw76q1LPyggnKRCKYqWql3jsoxb6t/s1600/paintingday+(12+of+18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgceD4FXIUAjGOfyhgb3db0v7UXQ86WKlZ9WGd6Q5xcxS6imcst7fwvzG7SyQMm7Y2vhlVyX_-QpMu_xaNEMXYugsV6dAJ4IqtZWnNxg7z-f6O1oG-Nw76q1LPyggnKRCKYqWql3jsoxb6t/s1600/paintingday+(12+of+18).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78d1dwQUbzRMvIzEuw0NYbTjsFjtj1gdRRfaj9JK0bJeoxAvfm3aaf__z_q777SdIX7syG9i4_DiqRta05JV3w1GxOhhtYDJJmzlFZY0-8FCE9K9JSYF3S5ZpYM6Yr9CpzhZJ5asRYgCq/s1600/paintingday+(13+of+18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78d1dwQUbzRMvIzEuw0NYbTjsFjtj1gdRRfaj9JK0bJeoxAvfm3aaf__z_q777SdIX7syG9i4_DiqRta05JV3w1GxOhhtYDJJmzlFZY0-8FCE9K9JSYF3S5ZpYM6Yr9CpzhZJ5asRYgCq/s1600/paintingday+(13+of+18).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB5x4v6HKtW2hRhXI9iHCovV68Aur719upwQfSVr4TZEdX0V2XM8s-n1oCFpCiAtM9C6Zm-OXHceQ-e77JHIoX0YCCocQLjomSSBGszGXyXUyZhrekZvGZq8igH7WzhSmuv6LI8LPCT1n/s1600/paintingday+(14+of+18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB5x4v6HKtW2hRhXI9iHCovV68Aur719upwQfSVr4TZEdX0V2XM8s-n1oCFpCiAtM9C6Zm-OXHceQ-e77JHIoX0YCCocQLjomSSBGszGXyXUyZhrekZvGZq8igH7WzhSmuv6LI8LPCT1n/s1600/paintingday+(14+of+18).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AQsLCMszRFRnXO3GUFeILVvDZxKkPGZ-Lamv6Z2gFh-s8XRR6R-gV8GQHRNSQrqYrBgcWxu91I2x5tXoDHEEciNGRaA8gg7dmjxyCVr5lI84BnzsWMI63CqqsXYUAfU7QKwINUOkG_dD/s1600/paintingday+(15+of+18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3AQsLCMszRFRnXO3GUFeILVvDZxKkPGZ-Lamv6Z2gFh-s8XRR6R-gV8GQHRNSQrqYrBgcWxu91I2x5tXoDHEEciNGRaA8gg7dmjxyCVr5lI84BnzsWMI63CqqsXYUAfU7QKwINUOkG_dD/s1600/paintingday+(15+of+18).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnWy4i8lOsyw0rEkhhVmi4uRuU_W0akC5rKldlOx7h6fANbBHI0nCaIsXART4q8yL0glLJ5M_A1Q-3cixYpheGuP6qbxtzzpxeLAC5ApLvr795lNAmC1BjlqFjBIYEmn8tJyrX-ZZio3k/s1600/paintingday+(16+of+18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnWy4i8lOsyw0rEkhhVmi4uRuU_W0akC5rKldlOx7h6fANbBHI0nCaIsXART4q8yL0glLJ5M_A1Q-3cixYpheGuP6qbxtzzpxeLAC5ApLvr795lNAmC1BjlqFjBIYEmn8tJyrX-ZZio3k/s1600/paintingday+(16+of+18).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I had plans to refinish hubbs' nightstand in a similar fashion but never got around to it after unpacking, and then the weather got cold (I keep painting for warmer weather days).<br />
<br />
Well my fingers were itching for something to do, and since we aren't redoing the bathroom just yet (AKA not today) I decided to surprise Justin and get the side table done!<br />
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<b>I was careful not to post this til he got home and could see, hehe.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
So here is my nightstand DIY for your viewing pleasure!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFTQkmNwzwy-3sF2W4bfql_MimRgqxU5sDFiUxiKYWpPyjhLsnz-crxNqt1nz1CSlxJazFxHY4BixLPW7i532G1ApORfxfbNrG1jCvIn2kXQexU7bnj5y9HnX2dM6EnZAqDSwgRm2lvsl/s1600/paintingday+(1+of+18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFTQkmNwzwy-3sF2W4bfql_MimRgqxU5sDFiUxiKYWpPyjhLsnz-crxNqt1nz1CSlxJazFxHY4BixLPW7i532G1ApORfxfbNrG1jCvIn2kXQexU7bnj5y9HnX2dM6EnZAqDSwgRm2lvsl/s1600/paintingday+(1+of+18).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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The nightstand and drawers, before.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXeFj-FUC-vGhxV2ijM85UT50hMLiC82PYaKhm8J0nII6wd0JBSOAIIqQhx8Zs7nEwppMTFPvaiE9JNRqbaGTr059Y8QP1jyNys1DZ-WVHL-Fxr0pt9sXFbtAWQmcmOnc4MteDIrbG6cC/s1600/paintingday+(2+of+18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXeFj-FUC-vGhxV2ijM85UT50hMLiC82PYaKhm8J0nII6wd0JBSOAIIqQhx8Zs7nEwppMTFPvaiE9JNRqbaGTr059Y8QP1jyNys1DZ-WVHL-Fxr0pt9sXFbtAWQmcmOnc4MteDIrbG6cC/s1600/paintingday+(2+of+18).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-fpK8RGYvGF98tluA9phIS7Wxe33j8C5akY96MrbmNBqKYuAYE3MaLK3wT3sR-avy-0pVavpgObGzKtE8Q6XVlLJX6L8mG96XntluS8X5sYhg7pcy5USqMsWrPe44MAWCYWyVIyNZDfp/s1600/paintingday+(3+of+18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-fpK8RGYvGF98tluA9phIS7Wxe33j8C5akY96MrbmNBqKYuAYE3MaLK3wT3sR-avy-0pVavpgObGzKtE8Q6XVlLJX6L8mG96XntluS8X5sYhg7pcy5USqMsWrPe44MAWCYWyVIyNZDfp/s1600/paintingday+(3+of+18).jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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My face, because who in their right mind takes on a project with a rib out. Me. That's who. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qp-jodAEOR4IuagiTGKqSaZv0BWHJGrnWW_mlcZfUY2jY8gzF4W6lMARGumMg0AZKHPnEQvp7EREVj6o9C0yHFAufrv42MHt5Fvtb1BBTFHOjy7v_rMYL1LUByL64xsoU-pSt_a7TkRn/s1600/paintingday+(4+of+18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qp-jodAEOR4IuagiTGKqSaZv0BWHJGrnWW_mlcZfUY2jY8gzF4W6lMARGumMg0AZKHPnEQvp7EREVj6o9C0yHFAufrv42MHt5Fvtb1BBTFHOjy7v_rMYL1LUByL64xsoU-pSt_a7TkRn/s1600/paintingday+(4+of+18).jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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And of course, we watch Disney while we work ♪♫</div>
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My equipment:</div>
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Paper (or a tarp) to protect the floor.</div>
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A wet washcloth to wipe any paint splatters on me or the floor/walls.</div>
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Paint+Primer in one.</div>
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Sanding apparatus.</div>
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Paint brushes to your preference.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcP4JQalAVFDAg_5yh0GtTKbXJNZCzNxSP2Pc5S1O3okdd0IblizqnyI-_4OurHnRAsWnlnZ6aICv81bpuua_guwz54-3eaqjiGVa45jLOTpADod3NbY6TMwKScOQzbvHcSkoPpHv60KY/s1600/paintingday+(6+of+18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcP4JQalAVFDAg_5yh0GtTKbXJNZCzNxSP2Pc5S1O3okdd0IblizqnyI-_4OurHnRAsWnlnZ6aICv81bpuua_guwz54-3eaqjiGVa45jLOTpADod3NbY6TMwKScOQzbvHcSkoPpHv60KY/s1600/paintingday+(6+of+18).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Eww, tape injury.</div>
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I sanded everything down really well before painting.</div>
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Took off the hardware, opened and mixed the paint, </div>
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enjoyed some "Prince Ali" while I painted, </div>
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and alas, we have the first coat!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHONFPklmjcgjRz5cpuun05b4jRDhMNJtznzpE-uP0YA93Lyt-A9fUKZBjwLL_W3PD4oEy1WESVf7XD1Gtv7tRv9d2hqcwrlm0ePf_LmqGMdLF691Z6AcTENbDCXrtnkZMV_ViWPcx2pY/s1600/paintingday+(11+of+18).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHONFPklmjcgjRz5cpuun05b4jRDhMNJtznzpE-uP0YA93Lyt-A9fUKZBjwLL_W3PD4oEy1WESVf7XD1Gtv7tRv9d2hqcwrlm0ePf_LmqGMdLF691Z6AcTENbDCXrtnkZMV_ViWPcx2pY/s1600/paintingday+(11+of+18).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are the lovely knobs I'm using to replace the nasty square ones.</div>
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Thanks Hobby Lobby!</div>
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<b>Place of my dreams.</b></div>
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Seriously, there is nothing that beautiful place doesn't have.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-17J5XaM0FTYLcgra7TAMD3HcF68287b-uCLTUOGBYnbxNu7C0_OgWwA37ztQa5p6nV_fpddyh7oorPs9zc4UQ-mSw_0N1FSIgw5-l6m7OD5RkThYMC5dPkUN9-RACo5CIHDWePcAjbF/s1600/paintingday2+(3+of+25).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-17J5XaM0FTYLcgra7TAMD3HcF68287b-uCLTUOGBYnbxNu7C0_OgWwA37ztQa5p6nV_fpddyh7oorPs9zc4UQ-mSw_0N1FSIgw5-l6m7OD5RkThYMC5dPkUN9-RACo5CIHDWePcAjbF/s1600/paintingday2+(3+of+25).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlFp33bKtA3tE6Dy0bqXOu4KgQs4U_UOGyxRmW9EmZ1vJHitY2j-xHsgoLqF0MQBPG9XJrgPyiLSVyI6vZIU0lzy81qv5tlIcSLagEtYWDKGeyGsDMnlQdHDkAmasNJmTT2WQJRFph65_/s1600/paintingday2+(16+of+25).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNlFp33bKtA3tE6Dy0bqXOu4KgQs4U_UOGyxRmW9EmZ1vJHitY2j-xHsgoLqF0MQBPG9XJrgPyiLSVyI6vZIU0lzy81qv5tlIcSLagEtYWDKGeyGsDMnlQdHDkAmasNJmTT2WQJRFph65_/s1600/paintingday2+(16+of+25).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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And there it is! In all of it's finished glory, two coats, three on top.</div>
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(And Justin's gorgeous sleep apnea machine haha.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep5_CsH8fBAnAT-EKmpHOYuuK3u8ToaQbUUcBZe35uDBIE7_WZL-h2a_YZ6VSb4-zfjjoC710vYLR9r6NWab8e1mee_PxC3AfW2MMKJO3zB9BIIhcfDZV75W9J8z42hDWQmZISssm0Axv/s1600/paintingday2+(12+of+25).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep5_CsH8fBAnAT-EKmpHOYuuK3u8ToaQbUUcBZe35uDBIE7_WZL-h2a_YZ6VSb4-zfjjoC710vYLR9r6NWab8e1mee_PxC3AfW2MMKJO3zB9BIIhcfDZV75W9J8z42hDWQmZISssm0Axv/s1600/paintingday2+(12+of+25).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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I did a second coat on the top of my dresser as well, it turned out lovely.</div>
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Let's enjoy the details!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXKVoegWtGr0uSR-nzglJHcWdzFroH3RRJrK2RNQMx1JUpQsk2eNYIZ4soD2G2Fm6XibwqzUF26t21fwxofaYOG-5e90xdpM9IQlzVBjGvHWMBEy9cJGhjeX7J8qSdejDknkTn400JyhI/s1600/paintingday2+(14+of+25).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXKVoegWtGr0uSR-nzglJHcWdzFroH3RRJrK2RNQMx1JUpQsk2eNYIZ4soD2G2Fm6XibwqzUF26t21fwxofaYOG-5e90xdpM9IQlzVBjGvHWMBEy9cJGhjeX7J8qSdejDknkTn400JyhI/s1600/paintingday2+(14+of+25).jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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My bobbie pin holder, a sweet thrift find.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAdtdBBj7FaXVpONr84nzIBqPvwiMj1Jg5oZPxrgiX45OqMed3sRyKNuOUc76nSDcFVOj6gVOIrbvNIOMMB7L0DwkUyAaTP56VEZhMjbWp2Cnf7zCPX6HrdRMaLsCDExBbe0GszchGAEu/s1600/paintingday2+(15+of+25).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAdtdBBj7FaXVpONr84nzIBqPvwiMj1Jg5oZPxrgiX45OqMed3sRyKNuOUc76nSDcFVOj6gVOIrbvNIOMMB7L0DwkUyAaTP56VEZhMjbWp2Cnf7zCPX6HrdRMaLsCDExBbe0GszchGAEu/s1600/paintingday2+(15+of+25).jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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This little containers were a gift from a dear friend at our mom group's gift exchange.</div>
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Doesn't it just make everything look organized and cute?!</div>
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And now my room is a bit of a mess, sheets in the dryer and pillows in the washer, but I'm happy and things look nice!<br />
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~The Crunchy MamaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-89736466479532778992014-06-12T12:07:00.000-04:002014-06-12T12:07:42.552-04:00An Update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Man. It has been a while! Life just got crazy and this mama got overwhelmed. But hey, that's okay. I love writing, but in marriage and parenthood a blog is not the highest priority, and I'm proud of myself for letting it go rather than push myself and be unhappy in the business of life!!!<br />
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And get this, life is still very busy, and likely will be for the rest of the summer. But I'm planning on setting aside time to write when I can. My cousin's wedding is coming up and I'm matron of honor (yay!!!), vacation with extended family, trying to redo some of the rooms in our apartment, AND in big news, hubby got a promotion (which is wonderful) but as he has added responsibility who knows how our little family's schedule will be impacted.<br />
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In updates, life has been good. Little miss is growing (less than four months and she'll be two years old. TWO!) and is learning and growing splendidly. She loves telling people they have "ieeeees" and tries to put her own "shuus" on (usually on the wrong feet) and she is just absolutely stunning.<br />
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I had the privilege this week of watching The Business of Being Born with a sweet young friend who is already becoming passionate about birth and has promised to be my birth photographer whenever we have another baby (and ohhhh the baby fever is strong right now but we're waiting).<br />
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To continue in my dream of an urban homestead I have started a porch garden (what we lack in backyard in our rental is made up in our huge front porch) with various veggies and herbs. I started everything from seed, so the plants are still maturing, but I can wait to harvest some food!<br />
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This weekend I painted our living room, which looks <b>gorgeous</b>, and dislocated a rib in the process. <strike>Yay for me.</strike> It HURTS. Holy poo on toast does it hurt. I <b>think</b> it went back into place, or at least wasn't hurting (I was able to take deep breaths without hurting and my lungs could expand to sneeze) but I made the mistake of going to the gym yesterday. "Oh I'll just do cardio!" No. Not a good choice. Because now it hurts like a %$#&*! again, can't breathe or sneeze or bend or pick up Bree. And that's what you get when you want to redo the living room.<br />
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But it <b>is</b> lovely!<br />
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It's incredibly cozy. Even moreso now that we hung our frames and clock and such up. But I'm not taking a picture right now because mama's gotta get off of here to clean haha. (And yes, that <b>is</b> Friends on the TV, my favorite show <b>ever</b>.)<br />
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So, there's a brief update for you! The Crunchy Mama got a facelift, and you'll see more of us soon. Much love!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-64736477703810833742014-02-14T19:40:00.001-05:002014-02-14T19:53:59.559-05:00Don't Let Your Self Esteem Issues Become Your Child's IssuesI've recently started working out. I am sixteen months postpartum and very healthy, but I've been wanting to lose some weight and get toned. I eat fairly well, whole foods with sugar and Starbucks in moderation, but I wanted to take that extra step for my body. Today I looked in the mirror and noticed some definition in my upper abs and obliques, and I was thrilled! Those ab workouts that kill and burn are starting to slowly pay off!<br />
<br />
And then I looked down to my lower abs and frowned. That's my "trouble" area, you know... the mommy pouch from all the pregnancy-stretched skin. I'm starting to lose weight but that area is tougher to tone and exercise for me right now.<br />
<br />
Instantly my confidence and excitement disappeared. And then I looked at myself in the mirror and went "why?" I looked at my back, starting to slim. I saw my arms which are now fitting in to tighter sleeves they wouldn't before. My progress has been slow coming over the past holiday season, but I already feel so much more better than I did. More energized, my pants are no longer tight but fit perfectly, and I look forward to the sweat from the gym and how I feel after. Endorphins!<br />
<br />
Confidence has always been an area of struggle for me. My mom constantly nitpicked my weight and appearance from a young age, put me on diets, forbid certain foods, and pointed out flaws. I've always been incredibly insecure because of that. I was by no means a skinny stick, but as a teenager I WAS somewhat and curvy. I would kill to have that body now. Size 6/8 jeans, tiny waist.... I had that hourglass figure.<br />
<br />
But I <b>always</b> thought I was fat.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGHrQERJsVtf9kMcH69vxb4xozBshmOJ7U0SThofFpVCaPjVpBNSTELvnFywgxJJhJGVM6ycZLm36T_yDNis6Rp1aszVptHtHPwBzpySIPL0_P03_-Eo8wB3mx4WQjMG_4nGppIAGoZjVz/s1600/tumblr_lc0ifm02dJ1qdm8oso1_500_large-insecure.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></div>
<br />
Honestly, meeting my husband boosted my confidence. Countless boys could tell me I was "hot" and I didn't believe them. My husband's adoration and love really built up my security. I still hated clothes shopping and thought I had a big belly. I continued that thinking after my first miscarriage, when I began eating out of depression and gained weight. I continued that thinking while I was pregnant. However there was this glorious realization after giving birth of what a freaking rockstar I am and how powerful my body is, and that helped me respect myself more.<br />
<br />
Naturally, I still struggled. I was the biggest I had ever been after giving birth. I was incredibly sensitive to that. And sometimes I do still struggle with it, it's an inner battle. A socially conditioned one too. But having my daughter, realizing my worth, and working out has definitely helped me.<br />
<br />
We all know the whole spiel of airburshed magazine covers, no one looks like that, blah blah, and it's all true. Heck, I saw an article going around about "Lindsey Lohan's horrible beach bod" where she literally looked anorexic she was so skinny, but she had this<b> itty bitty</b> little stomach pooch they emphasized. It was <b>disgusting</b> (they're article and response, not her body).<br />
<br />
Our culture is so obsessed with attaining the perfect body. It's brainwashed into us until we all have some issue related to it. Why can't we be taught to love our bodies? Or better yet, grow up with that mindset?<br />
<br />
You do not have to be a certain size or weight to be healthy. If you want to lose weight, do so for your health and <b>yourself</b> not because you have to look that way for the approval of others.<br />
<br />
What's especially worse about this obsession with weight and size (not health) is that fact that it's rubbing off on our children. Children as young as toddlers already have concern over weight. They think they need to look a certain way for people to like them. They think they look fat! I'm sorry, but that's absolutely ludicrous! And it's not only society and TV's fault, but it's ours too.<br />
<br />
We look at ourselves in the mirror and exclaim "I'm so fat!" We point out every imperfection and flaw while shopping for clothes.<br />
<br />
"That makes my butt look big."<br />
<br />
"That makes my stomach looked weird."<br />
<br />
"That makes my arms look flabby."<br />
<br />
From a young age our children are trained to think that's normal. To hate your body, to hide it's features and never be happy with it.<br />
<br />
That's just not okay guys. We need to stop that cycle. I hate my self esteem issues, even though they are no where near where they were I still struggle. It's a hard mindset to break. So start by preventing that mindset in the first place. Our kids really deserve better. They deserve self respect and self love, no matter their size or shape.<br />
<br />
By all means, be healthy, eat well, exercise. But don't let it become an unhealthy obsession. Don't forbid food because you're afraid of your kids becoming "fat." There's this awesome thing called moderation. It works well with treats or desserts!<br />
<br />
Love your body so your kids can love theirs. If you need to get healthier, do it. If you want to lose weight, do it. But don't put their focus on it, and still love yourself in the process.<br />
<br />
The same goes for make up. I've known a lot of people who legitimately won't go out in public unless they have a "done up" face. I've known a few women whose husband's haven't even seen them without make up. Make up is a fun thing, and can definitely boost confidence, I love it! It's not a mask however. It shouldn't define you, your face, or your self esteem. That's another thing we need to be careful of instilling in our kids. Make up is great at accentuating the beauty that is already there, but your beauty does not come from it. When I see seven year olds with a full face of make up I just want to hug them.<br />
<br />
It's hard work, raising kids who will become adults and functioning parts of society. We want better for them than we have had, and that includes our personal issues, especially those concerning our appearance. Break the chain, it has to start somewhere. It can be hard, but you can do it, and you aren't alone. Your kids deserve it. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-30516776658322083182014-01-14T17:38:00.002-05:002014-01-14T17:38:55.701-05:00Contributors Needed! Hello everyone! I am working on a blog piece and am looking for some women to contribute some thoughts to it.<br />
<br />
What I am needing is a picture of yourself that you love and a brief written piece about something you use or do for yourself to boost your confidence, feel better about yourself, cheer you up, etc.<br />
<br />
(If you are uncomfortable sharing a picture of yourself I am accepting just blurbs without pictures as well!)<br />
<br />
If you're interested, please message me at my Facebook page, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thecrunchymamablog">www.facebook.com/thecrunchymamablog</a><br />
<br />
Thank you so much for your time and interest!<br />
<br />
New post coming soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-60969543351492655892013-12-10T19:23:00.001-05:002013-12-10T19:23:38.324-05:00Hands Free Parenting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jiF5X1nmEZ7_qKV5LuOXCDgGlsR4sY09B1e_fTAaoDuxLuQk15NnB-eQXrr0S9RhQWCQHS3pXJGlUDTyFfKBesOZykUDIbw_NmGbefhKow4CLIdKxUtztLCEtqiTjCFGagc1XIWCNJAO/s1600/handsfree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jiF5X1nmEZ7_qKV5LuOXCDgGlsR4sY09B1e_fTAaoDuxLuQk15NnB-eQXrr0S9RhQWCQHS3pXJGlUDTyFfKBesOZykUDIbw_NmGbefhKow4CLIdKxUtztLCEtqiTjCFGagc1XIWCNJAO/s400/handsfree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I've recently discovered an amazing blog. The <a href="http://www.handsfreemama.com/">Hands Free Mama</a>. I've become a huge fan overnight.<br />
<br />
See, I've read her post "<a href="http://www.handsfreemama.com/2013/05/22/the-important-thing-about-yelling/">The Important Thing About Yelling</a>, numerous times and am a huge fan of it. Because it's a very sound, logical, and resounding topic. But when the Hands Free Mama popped up in my newsfeed again this past week I was intrigued and delved into her site.<br />
<br />
In the post I read she mentioned her "breakthrough breakdown" and I clicked the link to read her story, why she started parenting hands free, and what I read hit home. (Read more from her post<b> <a href="http://www.handsfreemama.com/about-hands-free/">here</a></b>.)<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
From that breakthrough, breakdown moment, I began seeing my phone in a new light. I saw laundry, dishes, the constant need to keep things perfectly organized in a whole new way. I began seeing requests to serve on committees and chair events with brand new eyes. I realized that the ability to respond within seconds to an email message and multi-task three things at once was maybe not such a great thing after all. Finally after years and years of over-commitment and meaningless information overload, I began to see those things for what they were: Daily Distractions. And with much regret, I realized I’d been holding on to “distractions” tighter than I had been to my own family, my own health, my own happiness–my own “things that matter.”</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
Tragically, my children had gone right along with my overscheduled, distracted life–not knowing they were missing the heart, the focus, and the company of their mom. They had no idea they were being given the leftovers, the worthless scraps of their stretched-too-thin mother.</div>
</blockquote>
WOW! Does that not hit you in your ego? In this technology obsessed culture we live in we often mention the phone-driven teenager, never <b>not</b> texting, gaming, or on social media. But we often overlook ourselves. The adults, the parents, who hold their phone in higher regard than most other things/people.<br />
<br />
That might offend some of you, but take a good hard look at yourselves. We are <b>always</b> on our phones or computers. Our children want us, need us, and we're busy. We're playing Candy Crush, or Facebooking. Or Instagramming adorable photos and videos of our kids, instead of just living those moments with them.<br />
<br />
<b>BOOM.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Hurts doesn't it?<br />
<br />
It hurts because it's so true. It's so painfully true.<br />
<br />
This society is so tragic. Our children and teenagers are already so messed up because of various other travesties, can you imagine the generation of children resenting their parents and the technology that stole their childhoods? The self esteem issues? The need to feel validated on the internet?<br />
<br />
I don't want that for my daughter. I hate that thought so much it hurts, way down deep inside.<br />
<br />
On her blog post "<a href="http://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/05/07/how-to-miss-a-childhood/">How To Miss A Childhood</a>," Rachel writes the recipe for missing out on your child's life:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">How to Miss a Childhood</span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />*Keep your phone turned on at all times of the day. Allow the rings, beeps, and buzzes to interrupt your child midsentence; always let the caller take priority.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
*Carry your phone around so much that when you happen to leave it in one room your child will come running with it proudly in hand—treating it more like a much needed breathing apparatus than a communication device.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
*Decide the app you’re playing is more important than throwing the ball in the yard with your kids. Even better, yell at them to leave you alone while you play your game.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
*Take your children to the zoo and spend so much time on your phone that your child looks longingly at the mother who is engaged with her children and wishes she was with her instead.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
*While you wait for the server to bring your food or the movie to start, get out your phone and stare at it despite the fact your child sits inches away longing for you talk to him.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
*Go to your child’s sporting event and look up periodically from your phone thinking she won’t notice that you are not fully focused on her game.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
*Check your phone first thing in the morning … even before you kiss, hug, or greet the people in your family.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
*Neglect daily rituals like tucking your child into bed or nightly dinner conversation because you are too busy with your online activity.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
*Don’t look up from your phone when your child speaks to you or just reply with an “uh huh” so she thinks you were listening.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
*Lose your temper with your child when he “bothers” you while you are interacting with your hand-held electronic device.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
*Give an exasperated sigh when your child asks you to push her on the swing. Can’t she see you’re busy?</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
*Use drive time to call other people regardless of the fact you could be talking to your kids about their day—or about their worries, their fears, or their dreams.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
*Read email and text messages at stoplights. Then tell yourself that when your kids are old enough to drive they won’t remember you did this all the time.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
*Have the phone to your ear when she gets in or out of the car. Convince yourself a loving hello or goodbye is highly overrated.</div>
</blockquote>
Ouch. How do you think that child/toddler/baby feels? I would feel hated and neglected. Unwanted and unimportant.<br />
<br />
Rachel goes on to write just what will happen when you live life according to that recipe. Go check it out. It'll break your heart. It broke mine.<br />
<br />
The Hands Free Mama wrote another awesome post that goes along with this perfectly, "<a href="http://www.handsfreemama.com/2012/01/23/the-children-have-spoken/">The Children Have Spoken</a>," which shares some quotes exposing just how children feel about their parents and technology.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“My mom is on the phone all the time. She never gets off.”</em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“My dad has a problem putting down his phone.”</em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“My mom texts and drives.”</em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“My mom talks on the phone the whole time she is driving. She doesn’t even say ‘goodbye’ when I get out of the car.”</em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“Sometimes I say something and my dad doesn’t hear me because he is typing on his phone.”</em></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #706459; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 2.6rem; padding: 0px;">
<em style="box-sizing: border-box;">“My parents are so busy with their phones that they forget to feed me and put me to bed. I am forgotten a lot of the time.”</em></div>
</blockquote>
Read the rest of that post and feel your eyes and heart open. The writer is correct. Kids do <b>not</b> sugar coat things. It's so sad!<br />
<br />
What's even more sad is I've seen that in my daughter's eyes and it hurts me so deeply that I've already allowed that to take root, when my daughter is only 14 months old. I've seen that look when I go on the computer, go on Facebook. The hurt in her eyes when I get exasperated cleaning out my email and she wants to play. I feel so so horrible that I've let technology come between our relationship. Kids aren't around long before they become teenagers, babyhood/toddlerhood expires even faster.<br />
<br />
I've decided I'm going to try the "hands free" lifestyle. And I know it won't be easy, it never is when you break a bad habit.<br />
<br />
But my daughter is more important that a phone or computer. My moments with her are more valuable than any game or social network. Our relationship means more than technology.<br />
<br />
If you want to read more about this topic, and maybe take that step yourself, I highly suggest checking <a href="http://www.handsfreemama.com/about-hands-free/">Hands Free Mama</a> out. It may be your saving grace.<br />
<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;">It is not easy to consider the possibility that the distractions of the modern age have taken an undeserved priority over the people who matter in your life. In fact, when I admitted this difficult truth to myself almost two years ago, I experienced an emotional breakdown. However, that breakdown became a </span>breakthrough<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'IM Fell Great Primer', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px;"> that propelled me to begin my life-changing 'Hands Free' journey.</span>" -The Hands Free MamaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-57265844065907725932013-11-20T17:56:00.000-05:002013-11-21T14:00:01.346-05:00The Crunchy Daddy Takeover!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa4Wxr5NATdF8c7KVwPcEGmlr1cD-NLCK6qCS7YKqDMaI6kcmcipkQwt5-lvPzDJocTOhu6h73mkju4RK139-vrj6K4JQxDQUBd5semwWMrkERbWZuaE8NhN8Vm4sI78isbXoKMQHlmte/s1600/bree+and+daddyblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa4Wxr5NATdF8c7KVwPcEGmlr1cD-NLCK6qCS7YKqDMaI6kcmcipkQwt5-lvPzDJocTOhu6h73mkju4RK139-vrj6K4JQxDQUBd5semwWMrkERbWZuaE8NhN8Vm4sI78isbXoKMQHlmte/s320/bree+and+daddyblog.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
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<b>{Hello all, Alyssa here. My husband Justin wrote a post for me, and here it is! If I write anything or have any input, it will be in bold and written like this. Enjoy!}</b></div>
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It’s official. The
Crunchy Mama blog page has been invaded by the husband!</div>
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That’s right. This
week’s blog will be done by the man that my wife, Alyssa, has talked about on
many different occasions. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Now you would
think that Alyssa would have asked me to do this, but actually, I was the one
who asked her if it would be ok to take over for a change. Usually, my wife writes about different kinds
of topics which range anywhere from light topics such as eating organic foods,
the wonders of coconut oil, or even her latest posting about “no-pooing”, to
more controversial topics such as vaccinations, breastfeeding in public, or
circumcision. The reason why I wanted to
write this week was because I wanted to share<b> my</b> perspective from being married
to a “crunchy mom”. And honestly, this post is more directed to the men who are married to crunchy moms who might not
be fully comfortable with the crunchy beliefs that their wives have. <b>This is a message to you from a man who used
to feel the exact same way.</b></div>
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Of course, today, my wife and I are on the same page as to
how we want to raise our children, but that wasn’t always the case. Originally, I believed the most mainstream
opinions that the world today has conditioned everyone to believe, such as you
are supposed to give birth in the hospital, you are supposed to get your kid
vaccinated, and that you stop breastfeeding after 6-8 months and then give them regular milk. My wife had
to do a lot of research to get me to see a different perspective. </div>
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For starters, when Alyssa and I found out we were pregnant
with our daughter, the topic of whether to have the baby at home or in the
hospital arose. At first, I definitely
wanted to have the baby at the hospital, but she wanted to have the baby at
home. She set up a meeting between us
and a few midwives that she knew so that they could explain to me the
differences. At first, I thought it was
just going to be a couple of old broads giving me their old-school opinion, but
it was actually well-trained women who have done research and gone to
school for this that were sharing with me real-life experiences that they have
had. But it wasn't until one of them
asked me a simple question that I really got on board with the idea. </div>
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One of the midwives asked me, “how long have humans have been
around?” I said that they have been
around for thousands of years. She then
asked me, “Did you know that hospital births have only been around for the past
hundred years?” At this point, I saw
where she was going with this and I understood.
If women have been giving birth at home without hospitals for thousands
of years, then why couldn't my wife?
Childbirth is a natural bodily experience. A woman’s body is conditioned for it, but
somehow, the world has conditioned us to believe that it is more of a surgical
procedure that requires a doctor’s assistance.
Now, I’m not saying that there aren’t instances where a doctor isn’t
needed because there are sometimes complications with childbirth, but for the
most part, childbirth is a natural process that should be able to be done
anywhere. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Throughout the course of the 9-10 months that my wife was
pregnant, she did more research about different topics such as
vaccinations. Again, I thought that
vaccinations were just another thing that you are supposed to do. Nope.
I found out that actually, widespread vaccinations in the U.S. have only
been around since about 1812. Before
that, not a lot of people were getting vaccinated. Nowadays, there are vaccinations for almost
everything, but what a lot of people don’t know is that they are not necessary. In fact, many vaccinations today <b>can</b> be more
dangerous than the actual sickness or disease that they are meant to prevent
because of the ingredients in them. Most
vaccinations are composed of mercury, heavy metals, and in some cases, aborted
fetal cells. Don’t believe me? Do some research. You will be shocked at all the crap in
vaccines. I wouldn’t want that crap in
my body, so why the jack would I want to pump my new-born baby full of that
garbage. Honestly, the only real vaccine
that a baby needs is breast milk, which brings me to my next topic. <b>{Ultimately, the vaccine debate is something you need to research for your family and decide what you feel is best for your children. Our choice to not vaccinate has been a long time in the making, after a lot of research, praying and soul searching. You can read more about my research and perspective on vaccines <a href="http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/2013/08/here-it-comes-another-hot-topic.html">HERE</a>.}</b></div>
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When my wife told me that she would breastfeed as long as
she could, I thought she meant around 6-8 months, but she literally meant “as
long as she can”. When I asked why she
wouldn’t switch to regular milk, once again, I would get schooled by her
extensive research. A women’s breast
milk is constantly changing depending on the baby’s needs. It is full of natural proteins, nutrients,
fats and sugars that a baby needs in order to develop and grow. Not only that, but a woman’s breast milk
contains all of the antibodies that a baby needs in order to fight off
infections and other sicknesses and ultimately, naturally strengthens the
baby’s immune system, whereas vaccines will most likely weaken it. </div>
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<br /></div>
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When I asked about regular milk, I found out
that milk actually doesn't have much of a nutritional benefit to our bodies. Apparently, there are good and bad types of
calcium. Because of all of the processes
that milk goes through in order for us to drink it, our bodies aren’t actually
able to absorb the calcium that is in milk.
Also, because of the hormones that are injected into the cows and the
milk itself, more and more children, especially girls, are going through
puberty earlier than usual. So giving
our daughter milk was out of the question. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But what about formula? Again, I
learned that formula is not an adequate replacement for breast milk. In fact, formula contains fats that are not
easily digestible and if given too much, can result in childhood obesity. I never really fought with my wife on this
matter, because to me, if my kid is healthy, happy, and is growing, I don’t
care how long they breastfeed. Our
daughter is over a year old and is still breastfeeding. Yes, she eats regular foods like chicken,
eggs, and puree baby foods, but she still gets her daily fix of milk from the
tap. <b>{I would like to add that this is not a hate on formula or moms who use formula. We realize there are instances where some moms cannot physically breastfeed. Our belief is that in general, for the average mom and child, breastmilk is the ultimate nutrition and food we can give our child, and shouldn't be a "will I" or "won't I." Not only to save money but because the benefits are innumerable and there really is no comparison. Also, there is such a thing as "toddler formula." If there is toddler formula, I don't understand the controversy over me breastfeeding past one haha.}</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Probably one of the biggest crunchy debates that my wife and
I ever really did have when we found out we were having a baby was the topic of
circumcision. And again, I thought that
it was just something that happened to all boys when they are born. But this was the one topic that really got my
wife going on her research. If we had a
boy, she did NOT want him circumcised.
Doctors in America (emphasis on "in America" as we are the only country to routinely practice circumcision on infants) say that there are health benefits to circumcision. The most notable belief is the decreased risk of a
sexually transmitted disease.
Really? If cutting off the end of
my penis reduces the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease, then
chopping off my ear reduces the risk of me getting an inner-ear infection. When
I heard that that was the most notable benefit to circumcision, I couldn’t
freaking believe it. How about this? Don’t have unprotected sex unless you want to have a kid, I’m sure that
reduces the risk of an STD better than circumcision. Besides the fact that America routinely practices infant circumcision and has one of the highest STD rates in the industrialized world. Europe doesn't routinely circumcise and their rates are a lot lower. Just saying. <b>{to read more about circumcision, the lack of benefits, and other info, click <a href="http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-hot-topic.html">HERE</a>.}</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After reading about the “benefits” of
circumcision, I also read about the risks, and as it turns out, if the doctor
botches the procedure, the baby may end up having to have its penis fully amputated and in some cases, the baby can actually die.
Don’t believe me? Again, do some
research. Babies die of circumcision related blood loss more than a 100 times a year here. You will be shocked to see how
common it actually is that a baby dies from a botched circumcision. I knew that circumcision was the removal of
the foreskin of the penis. What I didn’t
know was that when a baby is born, the foreskin is actually fused to the penis
and that, over time, it retracts naturally.
So when a newborn baby boy is being circumcised, the doctor is actually
peeling flesh away from flesh. How would
you like to feel that? I’m sure you
wouldn’t. Try taking a scalpel to your finger and taking off your attached nail, for an example. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What really convinced me
against circumcision was after hearing all of this, Alyssa asked me to watch a
medical video of a circumcision being performed, and the way that the doctor
was so brutally handling the child and the amount of pain I could see on the
baby’s face and hear in its cries made me realize that I would NEVER want my
kid to go through that kind of pain. So,
if God ever decides to bless Alyssa and me with a son or sons, they will be
staying intact.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know that most of the men sitting here reading this might
be thinking that I’m totally nuts, but seriously, I was the same as you and
have had same reservations that you might have against your wife or girlfriend's viewpoints. But seriously, if you take
the time to do the research, you will learn that your crunchy wife might not be
as crazy as you think she is. I thought
mine was, and look at me. I’m almost as
crunchy as my wife!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you want proof for
anything that I have talked about, let me tell you this. My daughter is now over a year old and since
the day she was born, she has never been sick.
She hasn’t had so much as a cough or a runny nose. Why? My wife and I believe it's because we don't vaccinate her and she's been breastfed so long, she has quite the immune system. Another kid that I know who is around the
same age as our daughter has had all of their vaccinations and they have been
sick on several different occasions with things that there vaccinations <b>should
have</b> prevented you would think. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m very blessed that my wife is as crunchy as she is,
because if she wasn’t I couldn’t even imagine how our daughter would have
turned out. Without her doing her
research, we probably would have gone to the hospital to deliver our daughter where all sorts of interventions could have changed the outcome,
gotten her vaccinated, and given her formula instead of breast milk. All in all, things could have turned out very
differently than they are now.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, I am about as crunchy as my wife when, before, I was
pretty “creamy," I guess that would be
the opposite of crunchy if we are going based off of peanut butter types. I hope that I was able to give you guys a
little insight to what its like being a guy who is married to a crunchy mama
and hopefully you have learned a few things and will do your own research so
that you are prepared to be the best father you can be to your kids. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Best
wishes,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Justin</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-52082262655761143212013-11-11T18:16:00.001-05:002013-11-12T14:43:44.173-05:00My No-Pooing Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghicRvECzSo-RHjv0UmKinh_kpIhOeGTjQs2hv4Z6uqjP0eTNnPhLNSyqvfQE2gPD2BSJ4I2L5tEO-blI4L_BMmWL0LGp6qR51z8dtTwy-X17liiyUSBUpg7sAlZbSTFm86mAO1qFxuu5E/s1600/no+poo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghicRvECzSo-RHjv0UmKinh_kpIhOeGTjQs2hv4Z6uqjP0eTNnPhLNSyqvfQE2gPD2BSJ4I2L5tEO-blI4L_BMmWL0LGp6qR51z8dtTwy-X17liiyUSBUpg7sAlZbSTFm86mAO1qFxuu5E/s320/no+poo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Do you.... no poo?<br />
<br />
Because I do. Or don't?<br />
<br />
However you want to phrase it, I've started to no-poo my hair. Which means, for me, I only wash my hair with conventional shampoo once a week.<br />
<br />
There are many different ways to no poo, and different spans of time and lengths between washings (if you do) and that's what I'll be sharing with everyone today.<br />
<br />
My introduction to the idea of no pooing was my cousin Britney. We were at this awesome annual hippie fest that goes on every summer near us, and were visiting a cute booth set up by a very nice and talkative older couple. They made their own hair and body products, and were talking to us about the damages of shampoo on our hair. The husband had worked for an automotive factory and informed us that shampoo companies used some of the same ingredients he used once upon a time to strip oil and fuel and crud off car parts (that's apparently what makes shampoo sudsy). I am fairly certain this is what got my cousin on board. (I could be wrong and am open to correction from the source!)<br />
<br />
This <a href="http://www.naturemoms.com/no-shampoo-alternative.html">link here, at naturemoms.com</a> goes into greater deal and offers some great input and suggestions, as well as some of the ingredients used in shampoo if you'd like to read more into that. My way of no pooing is similar to hers, and as I have pretty oily, moist (moist, eww what a word, not dry? Let's go with that) hair the baking soda works great with my hair. I've known people to say no pooing dried out and/or damaged their hair, so if you have more dry, stiff hair I would suggest going easy with the baking soda. I will be adding some homemade shampoo recipes (including what I do with my hair) so you can play around and find out what works best for you if you decide to try to no poo!<br />
<br />
Now what my cousin does is straight up nothing on her hair. She went a few weeks without any shampoo or products whatsoever to break her hair's oil cycle. See, as the link above explains, shampoo strips away our hair's natural oils. We need those oils! And since we strip them away, our hair overproduces them to make up for what was taken. Are you one of those folks who has to wash their hair everyday (maybe twice a day) because of how oily your hair is? Shampoo is not helping you. I was like that, trust me!<br />
<br />
So after Britney broke her cycle, she bought some crunchy granola hippie all natural super expensive shampoo from Earth Fare, and I think the last time I talked to her about she said she washes every 14 days. She does not use any baking soda or anything on her hair. And that works splendidly for her!<br />
<br />
Not so well for me. After a week I couldn't take it and washed.<br />
<br />
Now, she still showered and wet her hair, she would just scrub with her fingers and water. But I couldn't take that personally and looked for some suggestions. The first I found and tried and liked and I played around with it. I use 2 parts cornstarch to 1 part baking soda and mix this thoroughly, I keep it in an open jar on my shower sill (we have a wonderful, privacy killing window in our shower). I then have an old peri squeeze bottle I use apple cider vinegar mixed with a bit of water and a few drops of essential oils in next to my powder jar, this is my "conditioner." Other people use baking soda dissolved in water and put that in a squirt bottle, same with the ACV (apple cider vinegar), so read a few links and try a few different routes to decide what works for you!<br />
<br />
Now I first off brush my hair thoroughly (dry) before I get in the shower. I wet my hair and part it down the middle. I use my fingers to grab some of my mixed powder and put it down my part on my scalp and massage it in. I then do this around the frame of my face and then do a few other parts on both sides of the middle, rubbing in my powdery mixture, and then finally a bit at the base of my neck. I then go back all over with my fingers to massage my whole scalp (no added powder this time.)<br />
<br />
After this, I rinse well, massaging with my fingers. I then take my ACV peri bottle and squirt some on my scalp and work it in, massaging and then rubbing down the strands of my hair. I leave this in while I wash and everything so it sits on my hair a while, just like what I did with my conventional conditioner in the past.<br />
<br />
After I'm all clean, I rinse the ACV from my hair. Lots of massaging haha. Rinse and scrub well, elsewise the smell of the vinegar likes to linger. Mmmm! This is also why I use essential oils to add some light scent. On my wash day, I do not personally use conditioner. But if you want, go for it! See what works right?<br />
<br />
This works well for me. I usually wash my hair with conventional shampoo on Saturdays or Sundays. I probably will not add length to my cycle, I like where I'm at. Some people, like my cousin, go different lengths or different/no products. Gotta play around for your personal hair.<br />
<br />
Now about seven or eight weeks ago I regrettably chopped my hair off. It was soooo long, past my chest, entangling me and getting caught in my arm pits while I slept, and I loved it. But it was really damaged from a lot of dye and bleach and a short amount of time, and I couldn't take the split ends; no matter how often I got a trim they sprung back with in a few days.<br />
<br />
So I cut off about three to four inches and added some very blunt layers. Which I loved at the time but hated myself for two weeks later. I missed my length! I missed the wavy hair I had before the chemicals stripped the life from my strands...<br />
<br />
(Dye is my drug of choice. Its so unhealthy and damaging for me, because I changed hair colors as frequently as Ramona Flowers. I love it. So much. It's a constant battle to not buy some when I go shopping. Anyway...)<br />
<br />
I happened to start no pooing that week. And in the past five or six weeks, look how much my hair has grown...<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/AVvXsEjXN5WVvc1kXrvLVFqtZqGisvyI55DShvUJ3O4YlWC_IvNRh9TpSskDUisN3uA44M2axFExLHY2VQmAUOTf9Ao6KtLbkZI_pdEJ-fwbNE-zUu6GE8VL-E-P-56Sq9Lbk4mLOjD6CKgvfEdW/s1600/hair3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXN5WVvc1kXrvLVFqtZqGisvyI55DShvUJ3O4YlWC_IvNRh9TpSskDUisN3uA44M2axFExLHY2VQmAUOTf9Ao6KtLbkZI_pdEJ-fwbNE-zUu6GE8VL-E-P-56Sq9Lbk4mLOjD6CKgvfEdW/s400/hair3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top photo courtesy of Instagram, bottom photo courtesy of my webcam.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One of the more shorter layers I put in, about mid-cheek, is now at my chin! The layers at my chin are now at my shoulders. WHAT?! Yeah. Pretty fast. I'm taking better care of my hair (who knew brushing wet hair was damaging) and get this... <b>no.split.ends.</b> None!<br />
<br />
No pooing has also brought back a lot of life and volume to my hair, I believe the cornstarch is helping with that. <b>And</b> it's been bringing back my waves!<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/AVvXsEhgImbGnC8dZtQvNL3cCqTXHMj2bbkeKbonaUdUe46islHu8BtLC-Ol8wEi35oadC1PbZHFxFUPUk9MK2pPvYshpiHWo8NixxO9cDejy-sKZSE0rLs5gmvMYnPZF6orB8jxj7s00hEyoHSE/s1600/hair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgImbGnC8dZtQvNL3cCqTXHMj2bbkeKbonaUdUe46islHu8BtLC-Ol8wEi35oadC1PbZHFxFUPUk9MK2pPvYshpiHWo8NixxO9cDejy-sKZSE0rLs5gmvMYnPZF6orB8jxj7s00hEyoHSE/s400/hair2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid way through the cut, my no pooing, and today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If I wash with my powder/ACV concoction, and hair dry I have some waves again! I am thinking with some more time and growth they may get even better.<br />
<br />
So that's been my adventure with the no poo system! If you want to try it, play around, I'm giving you some links to read. Would I ever let you down by <b>not</b> providing links?!<br />
<br />
Keep in mind the first few days and even weeks may not be pleasant if you're breaking your oil cycle from the nasty crud in shampoo. Push through! No pain no gain right?<br />
<br />
(P.S. I still love shampoo on my wash days because it smells soooo heavenly. Why are evil things so lovely. WHY?!)<br />
<br />
Oh hey, also, that static winter likes to bestow upon our hair? Only an issue on my shampoo days.<br />
<br />
<h3>
As always, these links and more on my Pinterest! Check out my hair and my style boards.</h3>
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/alyssabfalken/"><b>Click here for my Pinterest page.</b></a><br />
<a href="http://livinginanotherlanguage.com/blog/2013/03/17/i-dont-use-shampoo/">http://livinginanotherlanguage</a><a href="http://livinginanotherlanguage.com/blog/2013/03/17/i-dont-use-shampoo/">.com/blog/2013/03/17/i-dont-use-shampoo/</a><br />
<a href="http://coderedhat.com/no-poo-method/">http://coderedhat.com/no-poo-method/</a><br />
<a href="http://simplemom.net/how-to-clean-your-hair-without-shampoo/">http://simplemom.net/how-to-clean-your-hair-without-shampoo/</a><br />
<a href="http://thehairpin.com/2011/04/how-to-quit-shampoo-without-becoming-disgusting">http://thehairpin.com/2011/04/how-to-quit-shampoo-without-becoming-disgusting</a><br />
<a href="http://healthymamainfo.com/2013/02/shampoo-no-poo/">http://healthymamainfo.com/2013/02/shampoo-no-poo/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/shampoo-recipes.html">http://www.sustainablebabysteps.com/shampoo-recipes.html</a><br />
<a href="http://almostexactlyblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/no-poo-troubleshooting-and-common-questions/">http://almostexactlyblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/no-poo-troubleshooting-and-common-questions/</a> - best link ever. It has alllllll the answer for troubleshooting and issues you may have, and has suggestions for different types/styles of hair and reactions etc<br />
<a href="http://gnowfglins.com/2013/09/26/a-slow-gentle-transition-to-no-poo/">http://gnowfglins.com/2013/09/26/a-slow-gentle-transition-to-no-poo/</a><br />
<a href="http://empoweredsustenance.com/no-poo-method-damages-hair/">http://empoweredsustenance.com/no-poo-method-damages-hair/</a> {This post makes some good points, and though I disagree with the negative remarks on baking soda, it has some valid suggestions if it's something you can't/don't want to use. Also search through Pinterest for some homemade shampoo ideas if that's something you'd rather do!}<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-61237299415110345112013-11-08T10:30:00.002-05:002013-11-08T10:54:50.520-05:00When You're Too Crunchy For Your Own Good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLm8Qom5pZkdxcbXdkhHQaIImZKuD5W7nC1j1YmtlP5riYKp9BkkN8exzMaMUyJ9SE-0JRL7Je4F2zma5TPl7BZ3YbeJ6XFtC9QLXscxzGQpMMo0hkB3aNUEaDDs-yeUxPUJMaS90nox4/s1600/essentialoils2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLm8Qom5pZkdxcbXdkhHQaIImZKuD5W7nC1j1YmtlP5riYKp9BkkN8exzMaMUyJ9SE-0JRL7Je4F2zma5TPl7BZ3YbeJ6XFtC9QLXscxzGQpMMo0hkB3aNUEaDDs-yeUxPUJMaS90nox4/s400/essentialoils2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
If you follow this blog, you probably have somewhat of an understanding of the term "crunchy." After all, this is a crunchy mama's blog here you're reading.<br />
<br />
My idea of crunchy is who I am, obviously crunchiness varies by person and strength (eg: super crunchy to slightly crunchy.... scrunchy?)<br />
<br />
If you are any kind of crunchy, have you ever had one of <b>those</b> moments? The ones where you think to yourself "how far have I gone into this crunchy world?" You know, the hazards of being crunchy?<br />
<br />
I had one of those moments hit me this week. Let's call this recurring offense <b>The Stains</b>.<br />
<br />
Predominately crunchy? You know all about coconut oil and its uncountable uses. You accordingly use it for everything. But then.... DUNDUNDUUUUN.... It's <b>The Stains</b>. You know. You've had them before. The coconut oil stains. Essentially the grease stains of the modern hippie.<br />
<br />
I was changing my daughter's diaper and applying coconut oil to her bum. Whatever happened, my oil-laden fingers made contact with my lovely, gray, soft, favorite shirt..... <b>The Stain</b> made its appearance right squat in the middle. Multiple washings did nothing, I was broken inside.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to me making my homemade deodorant. Allllll baking soda, corn starch, and of course.... coconut oil. Fast forward a bit more and you'll see another one of those... those.... <b>Stains</b>.<br />
<br />
In a summer and fall surprisingly free of crunchy mishaps, yesterday happened. I cannot recall why exactly I was using an essential oil, but as a crunchy mom it's bound to happen. I was tilting my EO bottle, but the oil wouldn't come out... so I started shaking it hoping this would magically release the dam holding back my jasmine oil. Which it very quickly did. The event was akin to a scene in Friends, slow motion with symphony music blaring in the background in tune with the travesty. My oil went EVERYWHERE. Which, with the prices of EOs was devastating enough. But then.... <b>The Stains</b>. All. Over. My. Shirt. Another favorite, a soft v-neck army green Old Navy uber comfy tee.<br />
<br />
I may have lost it.<br />
<br />
I may have said words I don't normally say. (Akin to Phoebe's breakdown when she lost the Ms. Pac-man game on Friends.)<br />
<br />
<b>The Stains</b> were all over my beautiful comfy shirt! I was too crunchy for my own good.<br />
<br />
Luckily I found out about the old Dawn dish soap trick.<br />
<br />
<b>{</b>Now, I'm fairly crunchy, but I wouldn't say I'm <b>super</b> crunchy. I have researched the crap out of so many things that there are some sacred things I won't touch. Dish soap and Starbucks are good examples. So I don't know if there is anything iffy about Dawn or the company that owns them, and I wouldn't be surprised if there were, but I spend enough money on other specialty things I am okay with buying "mainstream" dish soap. And pumpkin spice lattees.<b>}</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I didn't exactly listen correctly and used Gain soap instead of Dawn, which can be a fatal mistake causing fading, as I've read. Dawn is used because it's petroleum based and gets rid of grease.<br />
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Anywho, I kinda did my own thing and mixed a random amount of Gain dish soap with baking soda. While it worked, I would recommend going with the Dawn route. I didn't notice fading yet on my shirts (hang drying) but I <b>did</b> noticed a bit of fading on my pillowcases.<br />
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Essentially, Dawn can get rid of grease stains, even set in ones. The apparent go-to at home major stain remover is 1 part Dawn to 2 parts hydrogen peroxide and will allegedly remove any stain whatsoever! So I aim to try it next time I go to the store.<br />
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The moral of this story is, sometimes you will experience mayhem that makes you think "oh goodness I'm too crunchy for my own good." And this is only one of my stories! But it's okay, because all the crunchy things you do that are beneficial makes up for the self-inflicted mayhem.<br />
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<b>Or</b> I am totally alone in this and made a fool of myself and my clumsiness. And no one ever has the crunchy "aha" moments like I do....<br />
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....And now that I think of it, I was using Jasmine Oil in my apple cider vinegar rinse for my hair. I've started no pooing.... but that's an entirely separate post.<br />
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That's all I have for today folks, I've got a diaper to change and Christmas movies to watch!\<br />
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~The Crunchy MishapAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-69085035004942841292013-10-12T12:30:00.002-04:002013-10-12T16:05:26.897-04:00Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness and Resources<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbikdf2XM0Y44ZTvxEA4tDH7SCD4dbHLNoOJgIjijF6UnqOR8qqrr2yPZq7TlFUNPSLncqXcepzsPaAU5Hg0nosATKdjKludR066midvY9HvGxFng4_et0CQ0wDnBVlngicU-5mefuPjx/s1600/infant+loss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbikdf2XM0Y44ZTvxEA4tDH7SCD4dbHLNoOJgIjijF6UnqOR8qqrr2yPZq7TlFUNPSLncqXcepzsPaAU5Hg0nosATKdjKludR066midvY9HvGxFng4_et0CQ0wDnBVlngicU-5mefuPjx/s320/infant+loss.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. It's a difficult subject to talk about. I have experienced loss myself, as have a few people close to me. It isn't something anyone can fathom unless they experience it themselves.<br />
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I have talked <a href="http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/search/label/miscarriage">about it here before</a>. Miscarriage is extremely hard to process, and I cannot begin to understand how hard it must be to lose a child. To anyone who may be reading this, please know that you are not alone and that eventually, someday, the pain will lessen. It will always be there in the back of your mind, you will never forget it. But it will come to sting less. You will be able to see a pregnant woman without crying someday, you will be able to stomach pregnancy announcements, and seeing a newborn won't make you want to hide in a closet for a few weeks clutching yourself.<br />
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Dear mom, it is soo hard. You have gone through a lot. I know how it hurts. I know how dead you feel inside. The confusion, the anger, the bitterness, the injustice of it all. I wish I could wrap my arms around you and let you cry til your eyes were empty. I wish I could make you hot cocoa and help you move past your pain.<br />
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If you are interested in some resources for parenting and infant loss, please look into the following links below. They will offer some great help. These links are also helpful if you have not experienced loss yourself but would like to offer help/support to someone who has. My pinterest page has a loss board with these links and more as I find them.<br />
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If you feel you are suffering depression, <b>please</b> do not be afraid to ask for help, be it from friends, family, or professionals. It is okay to need help and support. It's not a sign of weakness.<br />
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<a href="http://www.stillbirthday.com/">http://www.stillbirthday.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sayinggoodbye.org/">http://www.sayinggoodbye.org/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Guide-For-Fathers-When-Baby/dp/0965084841/ref=pd_sim_b_3">http://www.amazon.com/Guide-For-Fathers-When-Baby/dp/0965084841/ref=pd_sim_b_3</a><br />
<a href="http://www.october15th.com/">http://www.october15th.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.marchofdimes.com/loss/dealing-with-the-unexpected.aspx">http://www.marchofdimes.com/loss/dealing-with-the-unexpected.aspx</a><br />
<a href="http://www.handsupport.org/pregnancy-loss.html">http://www.handsupport.org/pregnancy-loss.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.hopexchange.com/ResourcesLinks.htm">http://www.hopexchange.com/ResourcesLinks.htm</a><br />
<a href="http://wholesomewomanhood.com/six-ways-to-support-a-mom-through-a-miscarriage/">http://wholesomewomanhood.com/six-ways-to-support-a-mom-through-a-miscarriage/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Empty-Arms-Miscarriage-Stillbirth-ebook/dp/B001RLBWLM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381594384&sr=8-2&keywords=empty+arms">http://www.amazon.com/Empty-Arms-Miscarriage-Stillbirth-ebook/dp/B001RLBWLM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1381594384&sr=8-2&keywords=empty+arms</a><br />
<a href="http://www.atlantabirthcenter.org/2012/02/friendship-support-embracing-life-again-after-a-miscarriage/">http://www.atlantabirthcenter.org/2012/02/friendship-support-embracing-life-again-after-a-miscarriage/</a><br />
<a href="http://grievingparents.com/index.html">http://grievingparents.com/index.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.babylosscomfort.com/grief-resources/baby-loss-grief-articles/what-do-i-say.php">http://www.babylosscomfort.com/grief-resources/baby-loss-grief-articles/what-do-i-say.php</a><br />
<a href="http://thehumbledhomemaker.com/2013/06/natural-holistic-healing-from-miscarriage.html">http://thehumbledhomemaker.com/2013/06/natural-holistic-healing-from-miscarriage.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.creatingafamily.org/infertility-resources/recurrent.html">http://www.creatingafamily.org/infertility-resources/recurrent.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Answers-Time-Miscarriage-Bethany-Marie/dp/0615438539/?qid=1337352025&ref=sr_1_1&ie=UTF8&sr=8-1">http://www.amazon.com/Answers-Time-Miscarriage-Bethany-Marie/dp/0615438539/?qid=1337352025&ref=sr_1_1&ie=UTF8&sr=8-1</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-22234673782454161002013-10-01T10:34:00.002-04:002013-10-01T10:34:52.896-04:00One Year Ago Today... And Where We Are NowOne year ago today, I was 42 weeks pregnant, and had a beachball attached to the front of me, with a squishy little baby coated in vernix floating around and waiting to make an appearance.<br />
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At midnight of October 1st 2012 I went into labor. My contractions were pretty easy to deal with, and two hours later my water finally broke and I laughed in joy that it was finally happening. Another two hours later we packed up to go to my inlaw's where I would be birthing, and my deep, wide, and comfy birth pool was waiting for me.<br />
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After 16 hours of hard labor, at 4:11 in the afternoon, I became a mom when our little Bree was born and I reached down to pull her out of the water.<br />
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I was up at midnight today, slept, and now at ten something in the morning I realize that 16 hours is a long time. Honestly, while my contractions felt never ending, that night flew by and didn't seem that long! Bree is happily sleeping in her crib while I catch up on the Ellen show and sip coffee.<br />
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Soooo much has happened and changed in this past year. And while it can be slightly annoying how many people tell you variations of "it flies by so fast cherish your time," its annoying because it's painfully true and hits us in the face constantly. We are very aware how fast time goes by. <b>It's been a whole year!</b> Where did it go?!<br />
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<b>Seriously.</b> It flew by. I blinked, and I didn't mean to. Those long hard sleepless nights I wanted to be over.... it seems like forever ago. Wanting her to get to 6/7 months so we could play with solids so I wouldn't have to freak about pumping enough if we wanted to go out... came far too quickly. Wanted her to sit up, to play.... it all very quickly came about. Now Bree is standing and walking along things and working on walking with letting go (just a few steps at a time currently).<br />
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A big plus for us, and I am <b>so</b> proud to say, we made it to a year of breastfeeding! Yayyyy! And still going strong. Bree will be done with boobie milk when she is ready to be done.<br />
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The birthday party was a huge hit and a ton of fun, and very exhausting. Bree seemed to have fun, and was so stinking cute!<br />
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She is now well stocked as far as clothes, toys, and books. Yay for provision! We are so thankful for all the friends and family who came to celebrate and support us, as you have all along!<br />
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I am so proud. Seriously. The pride and love for Bree makes my heart swell so much I have chest pain from it. Look at her! She grew inside me! Talk about the miracle of life. For ten months God perfected her as she grew in my womb. He helped me birth her into this world, and is helping us raise her.<br />
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Gahhh crying over here. So much emotion. I am so proud of Bree and excited to see her grow, to see her personality shine through... but it's so hard. This year passed so quickly. Soon she'll be two... then five... then 12... then 18.... This love is so strong. Being a mom is truly the most amazing thing ever. I hope I can be the best mother I can be for her. To guide and teach and have the perfect level of discipline and grace and understanding.<br />
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Bree is already such a great person. I know she is growing into a fantastic girl who will be a kind, thoughtful, and wonderful young woman. She tries to share her paci and her pouches of fruit and her cheerios... we haven't even taught her what sharing is. She gives hugs, frowns and kisses you if she knows she hurt you (1 year olds are surprisingly strong bitters/hitters!) and all of this is <b>her</b>. This isn't taught, it's the kindness of her spirit. I hope I am able to teach her further and grow that kindness in her. It's a weighty responsibility, raising a human who will be a functioning part of society!<br />
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In this past year Bree has grown and learned so much, I'm excited to see where this next year takes us!<br />
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Happy 1st birthday to my little girl! I love you Bree.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-12200493249071160052013-09-27T13:03:00.000-04:002013-09-27T13:03:07.152-04:00The Very First Birthday!So sorry the blog hasn't been up and busy lately, it's been a crazy month for our little family over here!<br />
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In new news, it's our little girl's very first birthday this coming Tuesday! Her party is this weekend (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme, woo!) and it's all very exciting and busy. With the usual mixed emotions a mom will have. Excitement for her milestones, sadness because she's growing up. All that good stuff. Just yesterday she took her fruit pouch out of my hand and fed herself! What is this?!<br />
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She is also slowly working on standing and taking steps without support. Granted, it leads to a lot of falling down, but that's how her pulling up on furniture started and she got the hang of that really quick!<br />
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Over the summer I started my seemingly endless search for a smash cake recipe that met my high standards for her diet. Not to sound cocky when I say that, but I figure she has the rest of her life to eat GMOs and crappy food, so I just want to keep her system as pure and clean for as long as I can. I honestly didn't want a smash cake, she is mostly breastfed with a few small meals through the day, and hasn't really had any breads or cake-like substances. But my husband and his family really wanted a smashcake, and in the long run it isn't <b>that</b> big of a deal, but it just couldn't be all sugar and white flour.<br />
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Pinterest and Google weren't yielding much for my search. I swear, there really needs to be a crunchy mom search engine, so when you search it automatically cuts through all the crap websites I want no part in and only shows things from natural/alternative living sites. That would be such a blessing!<br />
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So, I changed my wording in the Pinterest world and began looking for gluten free or dairy free cakes, thinking surely any recipes I found in that search would be far more satisfactory than the ones I found previously. Luckily, I found a few I really liked <b>(pinned to my "Kiddos" board on my pinterest! Link at the top of the page)</b> and over the course of this past month settled on the one I will be making for Bree....<br />
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And the winner is.........<a href="http://www.ourhavenhill.com/2012/06/05/recipe-healthy-smash-cake-for-babys-1st-birthday/">Our Haven Hill's Baby's 1st Birthday Cake recipe.</a> It's made with bananas and applesauce, pretty safe sounding.<br />
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And THEN the search for suitable frosting started. Oyyyyy freaking vey. It was a quest of blood sweat and tears. It appeared impossible to find a frosting recipe that wasn't full of sugar, dairy, or dye. And I may sound crazy, but that's just not acceptable for the baby who has only ever had breastmilk and fruits and veggies. (I'm sure I sound cray, but reallyy..... McDonald's, junk, all of that.... she has <b>the rest of her life</b> to try stuff like that. Happy clean belly now.)<br />
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A similarly "crunchy" mom suggested looking up whipped coconut milk recipes, and voila! I found a great "frosting" recipe! <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2012/08/30/coconut-whipped-cream-a-step-by-step-photo-tutorial/">Oh She Glows offers this fantastic alternative to dairy/sugar overload.</a> Click the links and read them! They make this Crunchy Mama so happy inside!<br />
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So, the decorations have been bought, the recipes found and printed and ready to start, all we have to do is make the food and set up. Yay for the very first birthday party!!!!<br />
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And a special thanks to Pinterest for just making life easier. You will suffice until the crunchy parenting search engine is available someday.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-22693358945497655692013-08-31T22:12:00.001-04:002013-08-31T22:18:01.883-04:00Teething Problems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My daughter has been teething since around three months. It was not fun when it started, not at all. Bree was cranky, sad, and screaming. There was one day where my husband had to come home from school early because she was inconsolable and I was in hysteria (she wouldn't even nurse, it was a hard day for both of us). Luckily, his presence calmed her down and she was able to fall asleep.<br />
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I didn't know what to do to help her. I didn't want to give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen, 1) because I didn't want to give her drugs and 2) because something just told me not to. (Gotta love mama instincts!)<br />
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Luckily, a mama friend offered me an amber teething necklace. Life changed that day, and I swear I'm not being dramatic.<br />
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The day after we got the necklace, Bree was a different baby. She was calm, smiley, happy, and actually napped again! I was the happiest mom in the world. All was right in the world. That, gripe water, and Hyland's homeopathic teething gel made the ride much easier. (You can read more about Baltic Amber teething necklaces <a href="http://babyteethingnecklaces.com/faq/">HERE</a>. There are many brands out there, and a lot of places sell them now, just be sure that it is authentic Baltic amber! Inspired By Finn is a good brand, and there are a lot of good Etsy stores too, just shop around. Again I say, <b>authentic Baltic amber.</b>)<br />
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The past three weeks or so however, Bree has been Grumpy McGrumpypants again. She has four top teeth, and four bottom teeth, and is working on her two bottom cuspids. It's not been pleasant. She was no longer sleeping through the night, fussy and screaming, biting, warm, holding her head.... all the negative side effects.<br />
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Going to my Facebook tribe of crunchy mamas across the country, I was desperate. I asked about Ibuprofen and Tylenol, and this is what I was shown:<br />
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<a href="http://www.mtwholehealth.com/2012/12/dont-suppress-that-fever">Don't Suppress That Fever (And Why I Don't I Like Tylenol)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm306062.htm">FDA: Benzocaine and Babies - Not A Good Mix</a><br />
<a href="http://raisingnaturalkids.com/2012/01/18/how-to-help-ease-the-pain-of-teething-naturally-and-what-products-to-avoid/">How To Help Ease The Pain Of Teething And What Products To Avoid</a><br />
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Reading those things and my want to not give Bree drugs until she's older made me look at other options. Luckily, when I went to visit my drugstore, a few rows above the infant Ibuprofen (and for two dollars less than the dye free ibuprofen and acetaminophen) I found a homeopathic teething remedy! My day was made. It's called Kids Relief (I think it is a generic version of Little Remedies, both of which I recommend) and uses chamomile, arnica, and St John's Wart to relieve pain and inflammation from teething. There is always a natural alternative, which I am so thankful for. I'd like to maintain a pure body for Bree as long as possible, there's <b>plenty</b> of time for Tylenol and non organic food when she's older, am I right?!<br />
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If your little one is teething, my heart goes out to you. It isn't easy for our little ones, and it isn't easy for us to see them go through the pain. Look into the teething necklace, and another good option also is a nursing necklace for you that is safe for chewing; they can hold onto it and gnaw on it when you hold them/wear them, and since it's attached to you, if they drop it, it's safe! Get some gripe water, Hyland's, and other homeopathic remedies, and just be patient with your sweetie. I know it can be frustrating having a needy, fussy baby, believe me! But what I am trying to remind myself on the hard days, is that she won't want me like this forever, she will grow up in plenty of time.<br />
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All my love to you and yours,<br />
AlyssaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-58363548482679243912013-08-15T15:10:00.000-04:002014-08-25T13:22:08.564-04:00Here It Comes, Another Hot Topic!<h4>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">*Preface*</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The following post is a sensitive subject to many, please keep an open mind.</span></b></div>
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The debate over vaccines is often a bitter fight. Both sides are passionate and both sides claim to be educated on their decisions to either vaccinate or not vaccinate their children. I am writing about my side today.<br />
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Point blank, we do not vaccinate. As I continue with this post, I will share the journey to this decision, but for now let me say that I am not aiming to convince people to vaccinate, delay, or completely forego vaccines. I just want people to make informed decisions and decide what is best for their family. Get ready, I have a ton of info in here for you to read!<br />
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<h4>
How I Started Learning About Vaccines</h4>
My journey started when I lost my first pregnancy. That's when I began questioning everything and realizing I knew nothing. I only knew what society conditioned me to know and do. Just as I questioned "conventional" hospital birth and circumcision and began my research, vaccines popped into my head.<br />
<br />
Now, I was raised by a nurse. I was one of the first children in my state to receive the chicken pox vaccine when it came out. I believe I received most of my shots through childhood. However, by my teen years, my mom began having a more holistic approach to life. I can honestly say I was rarely taken to the doctor and only remember a tetanus shot and a steroid shot for pneumonia.<br />
<br />
I remember my mother refusing a hepatitis shot, and I remember her refusing the Gardasil shot. Which, knowing what I now know about Gardasil (sterilization and death, among other things), I am incredibly thankful for. (Read more about Gardasil <a href="http://southweb.org/lifewise/the-lead-vaccine-developer-comes-clean-so-she-can-sleep-at-night-gardasil-and-cervarix-dont-work-are-dangerous-and-werent-tested/">HERE</a>)<br />
<br />
So I began reading up on vaccines, especially the ingredients. Take a look at the ingredients for various vaccines below, chart courtesy of <a href="http://www.informedchoice.info/cocktail.html" target="_blank">Informed Choice.</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table id="stuff" style="border: 0px; color: black; padding: 2px; width: 80%px;" summary="vaccine ingredients: a representative sample by catagory"><tbody>
<tr id="hheader" style="background-color: silver; vertical-align: top;"><th>Vaccine</th><th>Manufacturer</th><th>Microbes</th><th>Antibiotics</th><th>Chemicals / Heavy Metals</th><th>Animal ByProducts</th></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Acel-Immune DTaP</strong><br />
diphtheria - tetanus - pertussis</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Wyeth-Ayerst</strong><br />
800.934.5556</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis adsorbed</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">formaldehyde, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, thimerosal, and polysorbate 80 (Tween-80)</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">gelatin</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Act HIB</strong><br />
<div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Haemophilus influenza</div>
Type B</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Connaught Laboratories</strong><br />
800.822.2463</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Haemophilus influenza</div>
Type B, polyribosylribitol phosphate</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">ammonium sulfate, formalin, and sucrose</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"></td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Attenuvax</strong><br />
measles</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Merck & Co., Inc.</strong><br />
800-672-6372</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">measles live virus</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">neomycin</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">sorbitol</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">hydrolized gelatin, chick embryo</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Biavax</strong><br />
rubella</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Merck & Co., Inc.</strong><br />
800-672-6372</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">rubella live virus</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">neomycin</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">sorbitol</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">hydrolized gelatin, human diploid cells from aborted fetal tissue</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>BioThrax</strong><br />
anthrax adsorbed</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>BioPort Corporation</strong>517.327.1500</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">nonencapsulated strain of<br />
<div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Bacillus anthracis</div>
</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">aluminum hydroxide, benzethonium chloride, and formaldehyde</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"></td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>DPT</strong><br />
diphtheria - tetanus - pertussis</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>GlaxoSmithKline</strong> 800.366.8900<br />
X 5231</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis adsorbed</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">formaldehyde, aluminum phosphate, ammonium sulfate, and thimerosal</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">washed sheep RBCs</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Dryvax</strong><br />
smallpox<br />
(not licensed d/t expiration)</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Wyeth-Ayerst</strong><br />
800.934.5556</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">live vaccinia virus, with "some microbial contaminants," according to the Working Group on Civilian Biodefense</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">polymyxcin B sulfate, streptomycin sulfate, chlortetracycline hydrochloride, and neomycin sulfate</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">glycerin, and phenol -a compound obtained by distillation of coal tar</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">vesicle fluid from calf skins</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Engerix-B</strong><br />
recombinant hepatitis B</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>GlaxoSmithKline</strong> 800.366.8900<br />
X 5231</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">genetic sequence of the hepatitis B virus that codes for the surface antigen (HbSAg), cloned into GMO yeast</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">aluminum hydroxide, and thimerosal</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"></td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Fluvirin</strong></td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Medeva Pharmaceuticals</strong>888.MEDEVA 716.274.5300</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">influenza virus</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">neomycin, polymyxin</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">beta-propiolactone</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">chick embryonic fluid</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>FluShield</strong></td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Wyeth-Ayerst</strong><br />
800.934.5556</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">trivalent influenza virus, types A&B</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">gentamicin sulphate</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">formadehyde, thimerosal, and polysorbate 80 (Tween-80)</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">chick embryonic fluid</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Havrix</strong><br />
hepatitis A</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>GlaxoSmithKline</strong> 800.366.8900<br />
X 5231</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">hepatitis A virus</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">formalin, aluminum hydroxide, 2-phenoxyethanol, and polysorbate 20</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">residual MRC5 proteins -human diploid cells from aborted fetal tissue</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>HiB Titer</strong><br />
<div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Haemophilus influenza</div>
Type B</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Wyeth-Ayerst</strong><br />
800.934.5556</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Haemophilus influenza</div>
Type B, polyribosylribitol phosphate, yeast</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">ammonium sulfate, thimerosal, and chemically defined yeast-based medium</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"></td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Imovax</strong></td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Connaught Laboratories</strong>800.822.2463</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">rabies virus adsorbed</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">neomycin sulfate</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">phenol red indicator</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">human albumin, human diploid cells from aborted fetal tissue</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>IPOL</strong></td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Connaught Laboratories</strong>800.822.2463</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">3 types of polio viruses</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">neomycin, streptomycin, and polymyxin B</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">formaldehyde, and 2-phenoxyethenol</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">continuous line of monkey kidney cells</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>JE-VAX</strong><br />
Japanese encephalitis</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Aventis Pasteur USA</strong><br />
800.VACCINE</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Nakayama-NIH</div>
strain of Japanese encephalitis virus, inactivated</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">formaldehyde, polysorbate 80 (Tween-80), and thimerosal</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">mouse serum proteins, and gelatin</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>LYMErix</strong><br />
lyme</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>GlaxoSmithKline</strong><br />
888-825-5249</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">recombinant protein (OspA) from the outer surface of the spirochete<br />
<div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Borrelia burgdorferi</div>
</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">kanamycin</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">aluminum hydroxide, 2-phenoxyethenol, phosphate buffered saline</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"></td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>MMR</strong><br />
measles - mumps - rubella</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Merck & Co., Inc.</strong><br />
800.672.6372</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">measles, mumps, rubella live virus</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">neomycin</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">sorbitol</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">hydrolized gelatin, chick embryonic fluid, and human diploid cells from aborted fetal tissue</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>M-R-Vax</strong><br />
measles - rubella</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Merck & Co., Inc.</strong><br />
800.672.6372</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">measles, rubella live virus</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">neomycin</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">sorbitol</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">hydrolized gelatin, chick embryonic fluid, and human diploid cells from aborted fetal tissue</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Menomune</strong><br />
meningococcal</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Connaught Laboratories</strong>800.822.2463</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">freeze-dried polysaccharide antigens from<br />
<div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Neisseria meningitidis</div>
bacteria</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">thimerosal</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">lactose</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Meruvax I</strong><br />
mumps</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Merck & Co., Inc.</strong><br />
800.672.6372</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">mumps live virus</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">neomycin</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">sorbitol</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">hydrolized gelatin</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>NYVAC</strong><br />
(new smallpox batch, not licensed)</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Aventis Pasteur USA</strong><br />
800.VACCINE</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">highly attenuated vaccinia virus</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">polymyxcin B sulfate, streptomycin sulfate, chlortetracycline hydrochloride, and neomycin sulfate</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">glycerin, and phenol -a compound obtained by distillation of coal tar</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">vesicle fluid from calf skins</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Orimune</strong><br />
oral polio</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Wyeth-Ayerst</strong><br />
800.934.5556</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">3 types of polio viruses, attenuated</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">neomycin, streptomycin</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">sorbitol</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">monkey kidney cells and calf serum</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Pneumovax</strong><br />
<div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Streptococcus pneumoniae</div>
</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Merck & Co., Inc.<br /><br />800.672.6372</strong></td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">capsular polysaccharides from polyvalent (23 types) pneumococcal bacteria</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">phenol</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"></td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Prevnar</strong><br />
Pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Wyeth Lederle</strong><br />
800.934.5556</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">saccharides from capsular<br />
<div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Streptococcus pneumoniae</div>
antigens (7 serotypes) individually conjugated to diphtheria CRM <sub>197</sub> protein</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">aluminum phosphate, ammonium sulfate, soy protein, yeast</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"></td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>ProQuad</strong><br />
measles, mumps, rubella and varicella</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Merck & Co., Inc.</strong><br />
800.672.6372</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">live measles (Enders' attenuated Edmonston), mumps (Jeryl Lynn<sup>TM</sup>), rubella (Wistar RA 27/3), and varicella (oka/Merck) strains of viruses</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">neomycin</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">monosodium L-glutamate (MSG), potassium chloride, potassium phosphate monobasic, potassium phosphate dibasic, sodium bicarbonate, sodium phosphate dibasic, sorbitol, and sucrose</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">human albumin, human diploid cells, residual components of MRC-5 cells including DNA and proteins, bovine serum, hydrolized gelatin, and chicken embryo</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>RabAvert</strong><br />
rabies</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Chiron Behring GmbH & Company</strong><br />
510.655.8729</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">fixed-virus strain Flury LEP</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">neomycin, chlortetracycline, and amphotericin B</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">potassium glutamate, and sucrose</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">human albumin, bovine gelatin and serum "from source countries known to be free of bovine spongioform encephalopathy," and chicken protein</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Rabies Vaccine Adsorbed</strong></td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>GlaxoSmithKline</strong> 800.366.8900<br />
X 5231</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">rabies virus adsorbed</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">beta-propiolactone, aluminum phosphate, thimerosal, and phenol red</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">rhesus monkey fetal lung cells</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Recombivax</strong><br />
recombinant hepatitis B</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Merck & Co., Inc.</strong><br />
800.672.6372</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">genetic sequence of the hepatitis B virus that codes for the surface antigen (HbSAg), cloned into GMO yeast</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">aluminum hydroxide, and thimerosal</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"></td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>RotaShield</strong><br />
oral tetravalent rotavirus (recalled)</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Wyeth-Ayerst</strong><br />
800.934.5556</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">1 rhesus monkey rotavirus, 3 rhesus-human reassortant live viruses</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">neomycin sulfate, amphotericin B</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">potassium monophosphate, potassium diphosphate, sucrose, and monosodium glutamate (MSG)</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">rhesus monkey fetal diploid cells, and bovine fetal serum</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">smallpox<br />
(not licensed due to expiration) 40-yr old stuff "found" in Swiftwater, PA freezer</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Aventis Pasteur USA</strong><br />
800.VACCINE</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">live vaccinia virus, with "some microbial contaminants," according to the Working Group on Civilian Biodefense</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">polymyxcin B sulfate, streptomycin sulfate, chlortetracycline hydrochloride, and neomycin sulfate</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">glycerin, and phenol -a compound obtained by distillation of coal tar</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">vesicle fluid from calf skins</td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">smallpox<br />
(new, not licensed)</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Acambis, Inc.</strong><br />
617.494.1339<br />
in partnership with <strong>Baxter BioScience</strong></td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">highly attenuated vaccinia virus</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">polymyxcin B sulfate, streptomycin sulfate, chlortetracycline hydrochloride, and neomycin sulfate</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">glycerin, and phenol -a compound obtained by distillation of coal tar</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">vesicle fluid from calf skins</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>TheraCys BCG</strong><br />
(intravesicle -not licensed in US for tuberculosis)</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Aventis Pasteur USA</strong><br />
USA 800.VACCINE</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">live attenuated strain of<br />
<div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Mycobacterium bovis</div>
</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">monosodium glutamate (MSG), and polysorbate 80 (Tween-80)</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"></td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Tripedia</strong><br />
diphtheria - tetanus - pertussis</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Aventis Pasteur USA</strong><br />
800.VACCINE</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Corynebacterium diphtheriae</div>
and<br />
<div id="microbe">
Clostridium tetani</div>
toxoids and acellular<br />
<div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Bordetella pertussis</div>
adsorbed</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">aluminum potassium sulfate, formaldehyde, thimerosal, and polysorbate 80 (Tween-80)</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">gelatin, bovine extract US sourced</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Typhim Vi</strong><br />
typhoid</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Aventis Pasteur USA SA</strong><br />
800.VACCINE</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">cell surface Vi polysaccharide from<br />
<div class="microbe" style="font-style: italic;">
Salmonella typhi</div>
Ty2 strain</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">aspartame, phenol, and polydimethylsiloxane (silicone)</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"></td></tr>
<tr class="odd" style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>Varivax</strong><br />
chickenpox</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Merck & Co., Inc.</strong><br />
800.672.6372</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">varicella live virus</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;">neomycin</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">phosphate, sucrose, and monosodium glutamate (MSG)</td><td style="background-color: #d3d3cd; font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">processed gelatin, fetal bovine serum, guinea pig embryo cells, albumin from human blood, and human diploid cells from aborted fetal tissue</td></tr>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;"><strong>YF-VAX</strong><br />
yellow fever</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"><strong>Aventis Pasteur USA</strong><br />
800.VACCINE</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">17D strain of yellow fever virus</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 172px;"></td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">sorbitol</td><td style="font-family: arial, verdana, 'lucida sans', 'comic sans'; font-size: 12px; width: 173px;">chick embryo, and gelatin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
____________________________________________________________________________</div>
<br />
These ingredients alone swayed me, and others I know, to not vaccinate. Aborted fetal cells, aluminum, mercury.... It caused a pit in my stomach. I had an instinctual feeling we shouldn't do vaccines, and this table really confirmed in my heart what I was feeling.<br />
<br />
In <a href="http://farhad667.wordpress.com/2013/04/22/why-we-didnt-vaccinate-baby-noor/" target="_blank">this fabulous link, "Why We Didn't Vaccinate Baby Noor,</a> the writer states<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 33px;">I think it’s very important to carefully consider possible harm vs. probable benefits before subjecting your child to something. When we did that, we concluded that the vaccination regimen that is prescribed in the U.S. today is clearly much more likely to do harm to our child than to help her, even just using statistics provided by the Center for Disease Control itself.</span>"</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This dad's view is very similar to mine, and why we are not vaccinating our daughter. I encourage you to read it!<br />
<br />
Most of the diseases children are vaccinated for began declining before the introduction of vaccination anyway. Vaccines are not what caused the diseases and viruses to fade, proper sanitation practices, clean water, and hand washing did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49C-P22o_XwP_-nKq77DGcSwPksEQvGZNg3Y4jWyJdkERu-81cFK6I9SDHvF_Kpib-o3Pp1y2-naOEOUezOnkfB5EuOzeEdvGqIR62dHa25q_mafafmu3fBmef9NLtFBEUUtjcADLwNml/s1600/vacc11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49C-P22o_XwP_-nKq77DGcSwPksEQvGZNg3Y4jWyJdkERu-81cFK6I9SDHvF_Kpib-o3Pp1y2-naOEOUezOnkfB5EuOzeEdvGqIR62dHa25q_mafafmu3fBmef9NLtFBEUUtjcADLwNml/s1600/vacc11.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<h4>
Reasons We Made This Decision</h4>
As I continued with my research I came across a book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vaccine-Concerned-Families-Practitioners-Edition/dp/188121737X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1367869901&sr=8-1&keywords=vaccine+safety+manual" target="_blank">The Vaccine Manual For Concerned Families and Health Practitioners</a>, which I highly recommend reading before making any vaccine decision. It lists ingredients, adverse reactions, probability of disease, defines the different diseases and viruses and what they truly entail, and the probability of bad reactions from the disease as opposed to the scare tactics we are taught in our society. For instance, did you know that<b> 95% of people exposed to polio will show no symptoms, 5% of infected people exhibit mild symptoms, and paralysis (the biggest scare of polio) is 1 in a thousand.</b> Plus, the disease is statistically low in the US, and began declining <b>before</b> the vaccine came out. This book has scientific data, charts, and tables, and has great resources. It also has an informative foreward by Dr. Russell Blaylock, a retired neuroscientist and current professor who talks about the affect of vaccines and possible harm they can cause, and goes into great detail about the various ingredients and the affect they have on the brain.<br />
<br />
For me, after viewing the real statistics and data, and the rarity of the respective diseases <b>and</b> the fact that they are easily treated, I saw no reason to inject my daughter with all the toxins and heavy metals. There is not ONE study showing the safety of all the combined doses of vaccines and the affect they could have on someone's system. That's too big of a risk for me.<br />
<br />
Another thing that got me thinking was the Hep B vaccine given after birth. For a person without an STD, why would you give this to a child? Its for a sexually transmitted virus! My child won't be sharing needles or having sex, so why give this shot, <b>especially</b> after birth when they are so new, before they have an immune system built? It doesn't make sense.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/vaccines/vaccine-faqs">Here, Dr. Sears talks about the aluminum in vaccines...</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<li style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #6e7f89; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 4px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Aluminum can cause neurologic harm.</li>
<li style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #6e7f89; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 4px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">A study from 30 years ago showed that human adults will increase their urine excretion of aluminum when exposed to higher levels (suggesting adults can clear out excess aluminum).</li>
<li style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #6e7f89; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 4px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Adults taking aluminum-containing antacids don't build up high levels in their body.</li>
<li style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #6e7f89; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 4px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">There have been reports of infants with healthy kidneys showing elevated blood levels of aluminum from taking antacids.</li>
<li style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #6e7f89; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 4px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The AAP found that people with kidney disease who build up levels of aluminum greater than 100 micrograms per liter in their bloodstream are at risk of toxicity.</li>
<li style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #6e7f89; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 4px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The AAP also states that the toxic threshold may be lower than this.</li>
<li style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #6e7f89; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px 0px 4px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The paper states that aluminum loading (meaning tissue build up) has been seen even in patients with healthy kidneys who receive IV solutions containing aluminum over extended periods.</li>
<br />
<a href="http://mychildisveryadvanced.blogspot.com/2011/04/v-is-for-vaccines.html">In "V is for Vaccines"</a> this mother explains why she doesn't vaccinate and gives some great links/resources that helped her reach her decision. <i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">"At the start of my research, several diseases/illnesses really scared me. I mention which ones they are as I go along. When I say I "almost got" a vaccine for one of the diseases, I mean that it scared me enough to seriously consider a vaccine. At this time, those diseases still scare me, but I have done much research to know that, at this time, I still think it is best to not vaccinate."</i><br />
<br />
In this link, <a href="http://dulcefamily.blogspot.com/2011/02/10-things-i-wish-mainstream-media-would.html" target="_blank">10 Things I Wish The Mainstream Media Would Get Right About Parents Who Don't Vaccinate</a>, the writer makes some valid points:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0606; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">"If you are a parent who doesn't follow the recommended vaccine schedule, you have probably read the same articles I have (I don't mean the PubMed journals, which of course you have read. I mean the ones in parenting magazines or newspapers). You know the ones. It is almost enough to make you suspect that they are all quoting from a really old article--circa 2004, perhaps?--because they all make these same 10 mistakes. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0606; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">1. <b>Basic info/terminology.</b> Virus vs bacteria. Antigen vs adjuvant. Live virus. When you talk about the pertussis virus or removing thimerosol from the MMR it is hard to take you seriously. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0606; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">2. <b>The autism angle</b>. Autism is a big concern for some parents. I get that. But contrary to popular opinion, it isn't the only or even primary concern of many parents. Auto-immune issues in general, fetal tissue in vaccines and other things influence many of us as much or more than a fear of autism. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0606; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">3. <b>Herd immunity</b>. There is always the suggestion that non-vaxers are the ones who put others at risk by derailing herd immunity. The truth is that herd immunity is largely a myth. How many adults do you know that are fully up to date on all boosters? Um, yeah. Furthermore, not all diseases or vaccines are created equal (some are not even designed to prevent transmission, let alone the varying rates of efficacy) and while herd immunity might be plausible for a few, it isn't for most. All the non-vaxers that I know are fully aware of this--one reason why we study MMWRs, and educate ourselves on the symptoms and treatment options for many VPDs. We certainly don't rely on herd immunity in most cases. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0606; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">4.<b> Remembering how bad the diseases are.</b> We are told with ineffable condescension that vaccines are a victim of their own success. If we could only remember a few decades ago... Aside from the fact that hygiene, improved medical care, nutrition and other things are at least as responsible for declining rates of mortality, the perception has changed significantly. Nobody was scared I would die when I got chicken pox. Even measles was not considered to be a big deal in most cases (and there is mounting evidence that we are trading a week of illness there for chronic allergies, asthma and other diseases). Some diseases are very serious, but so are the vaccine reactions. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0606; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">5. <b>Equality of diseases and vaccines.</b> All diseases and vaccines are not created equal. My four month old is not at risk for Hep B or tetanus. Pertussis scares me. Mumps? Not really. The fact that my children are exclusively breastfed for a year, and continue to breastfeed after that affects my decision on Hib. I could go on and on. The risks vary according to age, family history, geography and many other things. Similarly, some vaccines are more reactive than others. Some are very effective, others are not. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0606; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">6. <b>The obsession with thimerosol.</b> This still gets trotted out every time along with experts patiently explaining that thimerosol was removed from most vaccines years ago. While it was more removed from some than others, thimerosol isn't the over-riding concern for most of us. Aluminum, which is present in very dangerous amounts, concerns me more. There is a whole cocktail of nasty stuff in most vaccines (varies according to brand and type). </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0606; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">7. <b>Fear of antigen overload</b>. The same person talking about thimerosol sweetly pats us on the head as s/he explains that worries over too many vaccines at once are unfounded because the antigens are so weak. After all, we are exposed to far more bacteria or viruses at any given time than the ones injected in a vaccine. Well, yeah. The problem is all the adjuvants. The antigens are too weak to provoke an immune response on their own, so they are made into a threat with adjuvants like aluminum and other toxic substances. Forget about the antigens. Explain how levels that greatly exceed the FDA limits for toxic adjuvants aren't a problem.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0606; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">8. <b>Environmental exposure.</b> You are exposed to these toxins in the environment, anyway. Yes, we are, and while that isn't a good thing there, either, in most cases, our bodies' natural defense systems help excrete them. Being injected into your muscle tissue bypasses a lot of that, and when you are talking about babies whose blood-brain barrier isn't developed, that is concerning. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0606; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">9. <b>Vaccine side effects are redness and soreness at the injection site and a fever</b>. In rare cases, anaphylaxis may result. True. The implication is that fever isn't a big deal, and anaphylaxis is so rare that we shouldn't worry. Fine. What about the other side effects? Read the safety inserts, please. There are many serious side effects, including respiratory illness, arthritis, paralysis, an assortment of auto-immune disorders, and more.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0e0606; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 24px;">10. <b>Concerns about vaccines are based solely on the anecdotes of so and so who posted a story on vaccinesRthedevil.com.</b> Most of us started questioning because of reactions we saw in our own children. But we didn't stop there. We spend countless hours poring over medical journals, researching the diseases, ingredients, the immune system, etc., learning all we can. Some are immunologists, neuroscientists and other medical professionals. We are educated and informed about vaccines. Talk to us. And if you are going to write about us, learn a little more first."</span></blockquote>
Most of the people I know who don't vaccinate chose to stop vaccinating or to not do it at all because of the severe reactions they've seen and the ingredients that are so toxic. Why is it okay to inject these toxins into our bloodstream when a HazMat team has to come in and close down a school to clean up a syringe that fell to the ground and broke, spilling the contents on the floor? Again, doesn't make sense to me.<br />
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<h4>
The Autism Factor</h4>
I'm still now sure what to believe about autism and vaccines right now. One thing I <b>do</b> believe is that it isn't good to mess with our bodies, especially with chemicals and toxins, and this is why I try to raise my daughter as naturally as possible. Chemicals and toxins are definitely linked with autism and the brain. <a href="http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/health/irish-scientists-uncover-link-between-gut-bacteria-and-autism-29286940.html" target="_blank">Irish scientists have found</a> a link between gut bacteria and autism, and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/12/autism-inducing-labor-_n_3745425.html" target="_blank">two recent studies suspect</a> that induction of labor may have an effect on autism and the brain. <a href="http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/autism-and-induced-labor/" target="_blank">Science Based Medicine</a> says <span id="goog_1420771419"></span><span id="goog_1420771420"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.59375px;">"Compared with children born to mothers who received neither labor induction nor augmentation, children born to mothers who were induced and augmented, induced only, or augmented only experienced increased odds of autism after controlling for potential confounders related to socioeconomic status, maternal health, pregnancy-related events and conditions, and birth year. The observed associations between labor induction/augmentation were particularly pronounced in male children."</span></blockquote>
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I <b>do</b> think there is a link between vaccines and autism. I cannot say that every case is caused by vaccines, and not every vaccinated child will become autistic. But I <b>do</b> know the government believes there is a link. Otherwise why would the government's vaccine injury court <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/post2468343_b_2468343.html" target="_blank">grant two families millions of dollars</a> because of their childrens' autism and encephalopathy they believed were caused by vaccines. The government did not admit in court that vaccinations were the definitive cause, but they must have seen something that these cases were won. The vaccine court has had a LOT of cases like these, but it isn't something you hear about in the news often.<br />
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More info on the vaccine injury compensation program <a href="http://insidevaccines.com/wordpress/2013/07/16/about-the-vaccine-injury-compensation-program/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fadventuresinautism.com%2Ffiles%2FVaccineAutismStudies68.doc&h=9AQHwyQ1J">Studies Showing Link To Autism and Vaccines</a> - downloadable document<br />
<a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-08/scientists-identify-way-to-test-autism-in-one-year-olds/4872506">Scientists identify way to test autism in one-year-olds using blood test...</a> for those who say it only appears around/after two. I really believe it has to do with environmental factors.<br />
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Hard pro-vaxxers like to argue that vaccines cannot possibly cause autism or developmental disorders, that the problems simply arise around the general time of vaccination. That just isn't a satisfactory answer for me. <b>Something</b> causes it. And the toxins and heavy metals absolutely can penetrate the brain barrier. Studies have shown victims of Alzheimer's have mercury in their brain, and it affects the progression of the disease. The thimerosal (mercury) in vaccines <b>never leaves the brain</b>. And I don't like that, personally. Perhaps its a genetic issue and is overwhelmed by the sudden flood of heavy metals... maybe the heavy metals cause it... I really do not know, and I will continue to learn about that as I find information about it. However, at famous Ina May Gaskin's <a href="http://www.thefarm.org/" target="_blank">The Farm</a>, out of alllll the births they've seen since the seventies, no medical inductions or vaccinations, they've never seen a case of autism. Food for thought.<br />
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<a href="http://healthimpactnews.com/2013/30-scientific-studies-showing-the-link-between-vaccines-and-autism/" target="_blank">30 Scientific Studies Show The Link Between Autism & Vaccines</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fourteenstudies.org/" target="_blank">http://www.fourteenstudies.org/</a> - <i style="background-color: white; color: #109aca; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: -webkit-right;">"I think that the government or certain public officials in the government have been too quick to dismiss the concerns of these families without studying the population that got sick. I think public health officials have been too quick to dismiss the hypothesis as irrational without sufficient studies of causation."</i><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #404040; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: -webkit-right;">- </span><strong style="color: #404040; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: -webkit-right;">Dr. Bernadine Healy</strong><span style="color: #404040; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; text-align: -webkit-right;">, former Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), largest U.S. federal agency responsible for conducting and supporting medical research. Dr. Healy has no known conflicts of interest in the vaccine-autism debate.</span></span><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
- No real world studies of the vaccine schedule have ever been done. Of the 11 separate vaccines given to American children (many given multiple times), only one vaccine -- the MMR -- has ever been studied for its relationship to autism. Yet, American children get 6 or 7 different vaccines simultaneously at 2, 4, 6, and 12 month doctor appointments.</div>
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- Not one study compares vaccinated children to unvaccinated children -- every study only looks at children who have received vaccines. This is like comparing smokers who smoke one pack a day to those who smoke two packs a day, seeing no difference in cancer rates, and saying cigarettes don’t cause cancer.</div>
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- The studies are rife with conflicts including authors who have been paid by vaccine companies and federal agencies and foreign governments charged with administering vaccines.</div>
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- Many of the studies reach false conclusions or conclusions that have nothing to do with the simple question: do vaccines cause autism? They are simply being misrepresented in the press by public health officials taking advantage of a docile media that is heavily dependent on advertising from pharma companies.</div>
</blockquote>
This <a href="https://www.facebook.com/vaccineinfo" target="_blank">link here</a> will take you to <a href="http://www.newswithviews.com/Tenpenny/sherri1.htm" target="_blank">Dr. Tenpenny</a>, a doctor who promotes healthy living and prevention and not vaccinations as a way to prevent illness, and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdLMeULoujM" target="_blank">an informative video</a> you can feel free to watch about info on vaccines and reactions.<br />
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<a href="http://www.realfarmacy.com/medicinal-chemist-gives-3-reasons-why-he-doesnt-vaccinate/">In THIS LINK</a> a medical chemist explains why he doesn't vaccinate.<br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tGGmYtAeZuH_Kf5qtS_WyM40bMar0JT4CpuaXDyGHUY/edit?usp=sharing">What Doctors Know/Are Taught About Vaccines</a><br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/14RMWDQHG-JxjBDOsJPrZrlPYU6-8sBa4c8inte0Q8CE/edit?usp=sharing">Questions To Ask & Claims VS. Facts About Vaccines</a><br />
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<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/131fkVKQ4WoGpyaZ0CLk-rvJ-bMg1CwUxHykQt7fFyFI/edit?usp=sharing">Read HERE</a> about the scary world of vaccine additives.<br />
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<h4>
Miscellaneous Info</h4>
<a href="http://www.vaccineriskawareness.com/Treating-Childhood-Illnesses">HERE you can find</a> info on the normal childhood disease and how to treat them.<br />
<a href="https://attachment.fbsbx.com/file_download.php?id=570476136412026&eid=ASsnd9HDVr5hGK8h4w8uG_0CugAL7LeoIJBhyTApHARy10Ba5OA3OQuBQYs_A3IWLb8&inline=1&ext=1408987232&hash=ASsmCXNYqgNEMNsL">Adverse Effects of Vaccine Injury Table pdf</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mothering.com/community/t/953402/here-are-the-vaccine-exemption-forms-and-or-information-for-every-state-in-the-u-s">HERE are exemption forms</a> for all states <a href="http://www.nvic.org/Vaccine-Laws/state-vaccine-requirements.aspx">and state requirements</a> if you are delaying/not vaccinating and sending your child to daycare or school. Most states offer medical and religious exemptions, some also offer philosophical, and others only have medical.<br />
<a href="http://vactruth.com/2013/06/06/value-of-your-childs-life/">The Value of Your Child's Life According To Those Promoting Vaccines</a><br />
<a href="http://www.childhoodshots.com/">http://www.childhoodshots.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nvic.org/Ask-Eight-Questions.aspx">If You Vaccinate, Ask Eight... Questions For Your Doctor About Vaccines</a><br />
<a href="http://avn.org.au/">Australian Vaccination Network</a> - American, Aussie, or wherever else you may be from, this site has lots of great info!<br />
<a href="http://www.naturalnews.com/041628_infant_mortality_hepatitis_B_vaccines.html">Hep B Vaccine Pulled From Vietnam After Three Newborns Die</a><br />
<a href="http://therefusers.com/refusers-newsroom/cdc-says-mmr-and-pertussis-vaccines-can-cause-permanent-brain-damage/#.Ug0TgdI3uSq">CDC Says MMR & Pertussis Vaccine Can Cause Brain Damage</a><br />
<a href="http://vactruth.com/2013/07/04/vaccination-causes-autism/">Does Vaccination Cause Autism? Here's What They Know...</a><br />
<a href="http://www.immunize.org/packageinserts/">Package Inserts For Vaccines</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9925236">Thimerosal (mercury) Info</a><br />
<a href="http://www.asheepnomore.net/2013/08/you-want-to-vaccinate-my-child-no.html">Want To Vaccinate My Child? Sign This Form First</a> - a downloadable form for physicians to sign before vaccinating... "<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21.328125px;">It's been over a year since hundreds of parents have downloaded this form and there are still no reports of any signatures. Many physicians won't even look at the form while they dismiss a parent's anti-vaccination stance as ridiculous. The behavior is a clear indication of a very misinformed Physician who does not have his or her patient's best interests at heart. They are not willing to inform their patients of the risks, only the benefits they feel are acceptable. They are not open-minded to any other side of the debate except their own biased view passed down through the medical system.</span>"<br />
<a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/">http://www.westonaprice.org/</a><br />
<a href="http://guggiedaly.blogspot.com/2011/07/7-reasons-you-should-refuse-or-delay.html">Seven Reasons To Delay or Refuse Vaccines</a><br />
<a href="http://www.vaclib.org/basic/unvaxhealth.htm#news">The Healthy Unvaccinated</a><br />
<a href="http://guggiedaly.blogspot.com/2012/01/fda-recalls-fluzone-vaccine-jan-4-2012.html">FDA Recalls Flu Vaccine</a><br />
<a href="http://preventdisease.com/news/09/102809_9_arguments_to_win_any_vaccine_debate.shtml">9 Arguments For The Vaccine Debate</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/id/20825107/ns/health-childrens_health/t/shot-may-be-inadvertently-boosting-superbugs/#.Ug0fudI3uSr">NBC News: Shot May Boost Superbug</a><br />
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<b>Pages on Facebook:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/VaxTruth">https://www.facebook.com/VaxTruth</a><br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/motherwiselove">www.facebook.com/motherwiselove</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/national.vaccine.information.center">https://www.facebook.com/national.vaccine.information.center</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/doctor.health">https://www.facebook.com/doctor.health</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/GMAOQV">https://www.facebook.com/GMAOQV</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/vaccinationcouncil">https://www.facebook.com/vaccinationcouncil</a><br />
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I have also included more links on my <a href="http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/p/resources_17.html">Resources</a> page and my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/alyssabfalken/breastfeeding-parenting-beyond/">parenting board on Pinterest.</a><br />
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In writing this, I hope that I may have opened your eyes to something you may not have known before. That is my goal for this blog, raising awareness about topics that aren't commonly known about/talked about in the mainstream. If this has raised any questions for you, I highly recommend delaying vaccinations until you can read more and come to a decision for yourself and children. You can always start them again, but you can never undo what's been done.<br />
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Ultimately, we do not vaccinate because the benefits do not outweigh the risks in our book. The viruses and illnesses are not frequent, and in the event of such an illness, they are easily remedied. (Of course there is the rare serious event, that will happen whether you vaccinate or not.)<br />
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Our daughter was exclusively breastfed until seven months and is currently still breastfed, an added protection against illness and building a healthy immune system. To us, breastfeeding, a healthy diet and good sun exposure, and vitamin supplementation if necessary, are great alternatives for prevention. As Christians, we also heartily believe in our protection and divine healing. In comparison to other children her age, our daughter has never been sick and has a very strong immune system, and we believe it is our job to protect her from harm, toxins and unnecessary heavy metals included.<br />
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<b>If you leave a comment, please leave only kind and considerate ones.</b> Remember that parents like me read what we do and make the decisions we do out of best interest for our children, and most with beliefs similar to mine will not be swayed. Thank you for reading! Until next time...<br />
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~<a href="http://facebook.com/thecrunchymamablog">The Cruncy Mama</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3670263825701479846.post-66119635085616599282013-08-13T17:18:00.000-04:002013-08-17T13:54:21.068-04:00Breastfeeding: Myths, Tips, & More Pt 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85CbxW1xKcSyokxY8neSur77KbYDPzmj2tUldRTGfwLBc6x8cyXUJLEZAvYtXMN9ykwDDjPypL3XQi8fCJAsDrctHYMW1GjzoPsjllwRLQrVDqH91nO3RwP2aOFvNR4zQLWsinP1Xc-LW/s1600/babaypartthree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85CbxW1xKcSyokxY8neSur77KbYDPzmj2tUldRTGfwLBc6x8cyXUJLEZAvYtXMN9ykwDDjPypL3XQi8fCJAsDrctHYMW1GjzoPsjllwRLQrVDqH91nO3RwP2aOFvNR4zQLWsinP1Xc-LW/s400/babaypartthree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
August is World Breastfeeding Month, and today we continue our breastfeeding support campaign with part three of our series, Tips, Tricks, and Extras!<br />
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<b>{Part one - Benefits of Breastfeeding, can be found <a href="http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/2013/07/breastfeeding-myths-tips-and-more-pt1.html" target="_blank">HERE</a> and Part two -Lies Told To Us About Breastfeeding, can be found <a href="http://christiancrunchyattached.blogspot.com/2013/08/breastfeeding-myths-tips-more-pt-2.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>}</b><br />
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This post will predominantly be links and pictures to help you out and offer support, encouragement, and breastfeeding education.<br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">
Breastfeeding Tips and Tricks For Ease</span></h4>
<a href="http://kellymom.com/bf/normal/newborn-nursing/" target="_blank">Breastfeeding Your Newborn - What To Expect In The Early Weeks</a><br />
<a href="http://www.familylifeinlv.com/2013/08/tips-and-tricks-for-hands-free-nursing.html" target="_blank">Tips & Tricks For Hands-Free Nursing</a><br />
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2009/10/breastfeeding-if-at-first-you-dont.html" target="_blank">If At First You Don't Succeed - A Mother's Story</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bflrc.com/ljs/breastfeeding/shakenot.htm" target="_blank">Don't Shake The Breastmilk</a><br />
<a href="http://www.weedemandreap.com/2013/04/common-mistakes-of-first-time.html" target="_blank">Common Mistakes of The First Time Breastfeeder</a><br />
<a href="http://www.divinecaroline.com/life-etc/top-ten-breastfeeding-myths" target="_blank">Top Ten Myths</a><br />
<a href="http://tripibabytips.blogspot.com/2009/06/5-tips-for-pain-free-breastfeeding.html" target="_blank">Tips For Painfree Breastfeeding</a><br />
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2010/08/breastfeeding-latch-trick.html?m=1" target="_blank">Breastfeeding Latch Trick</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tothemoonandbackblog.net/2013/06/n-is-for-nursing-tips-for-breastfeeding.html" target="_blank">Tips For The Nursing Mother</a><br />
<a href="http://awarriormom.com/2013/02/26/the-discovery-of-the-upper-lip-tie/" target="_blank">The Discovery of the Upper Lip Tie</a><br />
<a href="http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/breastfeeding" target="_blank">Breastfeeding Links From Dr. Sears</a><br />
<a href="http://www.longwaitforisabella.com/2013/03/tips-for-breastfeeding-on-the-go.html" target="_blank">Six Tips For Breastfeeding On The Go</a><br />
<a href="http://blogs.babycenter.com/tips_and_tricks/10-best-breastfeeding-tips-from-other-moms-07242013/" target="_blank">10 Tips For New Moms</a><br />
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/10/breastfeeding-problems-advice-from-experts_n_3332930.html" target="_blank">Breastfeeding Advice From The Experts</a><br />
<a href="http://welladjustedbabies.com/breastfeeding-why-is-it-so-hard-sometimes/" target="_blank">Breastfeeding - Why is it so hard sometimes?</a><br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">
Tips For Foods That Can Help Or Hurt Breastfeeding</span></h4>
<a href="http://www.mobimotherhood.org/mm/article-diet.aspx" target="_blank">Lactogenic Foods & Herbs</a><br />
<a href="http://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/herbs_to_avoid/" target="_blank">Herbs To Avoid</a><br />
<a href="http://www.milkmakers.com/milk-supply/foods-that-may-affect-milk-supply/" target="_blank">Foods That Can Affect Milk Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/breastfeeding/faqs/increasing-your-milk-supply" target="_blank">Increasing Your Supply</a><br />
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As a note, Mother's Milk tea is AWESOME to promote lactation. I have a good supply but drink it when I need to pump for a special occasion, I also drank it a lot after giving birth to ensure my supply. It's more of an herbal, savory flavor than a sweeter tea, so I brewed it with chai and used a flavored creamer to dillute the flavor. A friend brewed it and used it as a soup base, which worked out awesome because of its herby, flavor. Great for chicken soup!<br />
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Another thing that is good for the occasional supply boost is beer. A good strong beer with lots of hops will help your supply. The hops is what does it. Don't worry about a drink, if you are sober enough to drive you are sober enough to nurse, and alcohol leaves your bloodstream as well. No need to pump and dump unless in dire circumstances.<br />
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Lactation cookies are awesome as well! They totally get the milk flowing, and taste yummy too. I always add chocolate chips. <a href="http://www.food.com/recipe/oatmeal-chocolate-chip-lactation-cookies-by-noel-trujillo-192346" target="_blank">This recipe here</a> is similar to the one I made. <a href="http://leakyboob.blogspot.com/2010/04/lactation-cookies-recipe.html" target="_blank">This recipe from The Leaky Boob</a> is awesome as well! The main ingredients that aid in lactation are brewers yeast, flax meal, and oats. You can add those to anything, or any cookie recipe really. Just remember that REAL oats are what work, not anything like instant oats or Quaker Oatmeal. I loooveee steel cut oats.<br />
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Clothes and Products For Your Breasts</span></h4>
<a href="http://thelifeoflulubelle.com/2012/07/12/adventures-in-breastfeeding-altered-shirt-tutorial/" target="_blank">DIY Nursing Tank Tutorial</a><br />
<a href="http://diaryofamadcrafter.wordpress.com/2013/07/14/diy-breastfeeding-infinity-scarf/" target="_blank">DIY Nursing Infinity Scarf</a> - Awesome scarf doubles as a slight cover for your breast if you're uncomfortable with full breast out nursing, or if you just want a cover in general.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8d7m5ptMQ3LlpWCZNs4mclpv2NH-5k-5sGS31JpNuDy9_7JmrGXKeL-c_MXde6aKW2tnGzXj0jcuMTcVYYrqej09oNDn57N2yhYm3K27f3SrTAvB7z3urx305lC5rPcbH7_hW0dvVza6U/s1600/hooks.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8d7m5ptMQ3LlpWCZNs4mclpv2NH-5k-5sGS31JpNuDy9_7JmrGXKeL-c_MXde6aKW2tnGzXj0jcuMTcVYYrqej09oNDn57N2yhYm3K27f3SrTAvB7z3urx305lC5rPcbH7_hW0dvVza6U/s200/hooks.png" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.kamsnaps.com/How-to-Convert-a-Regular-Bra-into-a-Nursing-Bra-52.html" target="_blank">How To Convert A Regular Bra Into A Nursing Bra</a> - I did this, and it works splendidly. Saves money too! I used pant hooks instead of snaps {check out the picture} but you can use any variety of closures that you want, check out your local craft store!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=boppy&sprefix=boppy%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aboppy" target="_blank">Boppy (available on Amazon or at Babies R Us)</a> - Get this, or something similar! It's a life saver. I got one for my baby shower, and used it often. It was great in the early weeks/months when the baby is small, so you don't get tired arms hold the baby up to your breast. You hold the baby as he/she lays on the pillow, which wraps around you. Once the baby is a bit bigger you can also use it to sit the baby up to lay against, and use to boost the baby up for tummy time. I would "seat" my daughter in it while I scarfed some food down, and she was always content. I also had a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Leachco-Snoogle-Total-Body-Pillow/dp/B0000635WI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376425364&sr=8-1&keywords=pregnancy+body+pillow" target="_blank">pregnancy body pillow</a> (similar to the one in the link) I used, not only for support during my pregnancy and after birth, but I wrapped that around my whole body to help with nursing as well. A good investment with three uses!<br />
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<h4>
A few other products to look into on Amazon, or at a baby store such as Babies R Us - </h4>
<b>Breastpads!</b> Saved my life. I leaked <b>big time</b> at the beginning. I don't now that my supply has leveled out, but I've known moms who leak routinely. I still have some for the occasional mishap in my diaper bag. Great to have on hand! Be sure to change them and not sit in old milk too long, that can lead to yeast.<br />
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<b>Lanolin or Coconut Oil</b> - This<b> </b>will really help with any soreness or tenderness as you get used to breastfeeding. I still will occasionally use coconut oil when we've had a bad teething day and nurse more than usual. Another important tip is to let your nipples air dry if you're having tenderness.<br />
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<b>Nursing Cover</b> - I never used one, but if you would prefer to be more covered, these are great to have. Blankets and burp cloths are often ripped off. Just remember if your baby doesn't want to be covered, respect them. Fighting with a baby doesn't make breastfeeding very easy. I do the two shirt trick myself. I wear a nursing tank (or any tank that can be stretched easily) under whatever I wear, tanks or shirts or sweaters. I lift the top shirt up, and bring my breast out from bra and over the neckline of the tank underneath (or unhook the nursing tank) and there you go! Boob is out and available for baby, and my huge breast is predominantly covered. My baby still likes to pull my shirt up, so I'm barely covered nowadays, but whatever haha, you have to do what you are comfortable with, and most importantly you have yo work with your child.<br />
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<b>Nursing Tanks</b> - This is obvious after my previous suggestion. Nursing tanks are awesome. If you don't cover that's all you have to use! I love them, get em in every color!<br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Breastmilk Donation vs. Formula</span></h4>
<a href="http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/2013/06/06/why-not-formula-choosing-donor-breast-milk-over-artificial-milk/" target="_blank">Why Not Formula?</a><br />
<a href="https://www.hmbana.org/" target="_blank">Human Milk Banking Association of North America</a><br />
<a href="http://milkshare.birthingforlife.com/" target="_blank">Milkshare</a><br />
<a href="http://www.eatsonfeets.org/" target="_blank">Eats On Feets</a><br />
<a href="http://hm4hb.net/" target="_blank">Human Milk For Human Babies</a><br />
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2013/08/using-formula-like-similac-for.html" target="_blank">How Formula Supplementation Decrease Supply</a><br />
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2011/06/breastfeeding-advocacy-and-formula.html" target="_blank">Breastfeeding Advocacy and Formula</a><br />
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2009/08/ask-experts-insufficient-supply-of.html" target="_blank">Insufficient Supply?</a><br />
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2010/12/joshuas-story-why-i-chose-another.html" target="_blank">Why I Chose Another Mother's Milk - A Mother's Story</a><br />
<a href="http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/breastfeeding/why-breast-best/comparison-human-milk-and-formula" target="_blank">Breastmilk/Formula Comparison</a><br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">Fullterm Breastfeeding</span></h4>
<a href="http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/849419/why-you-should-breastfeed-your-toddler" target="_blank">Breastfeeding Benefits Don't End At Age 1</a><br />
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2010/03/aafp-statement-breastfeeding-beyond.html" target="_blank">AAFP and WHO Stance on Breastfeeding Past Infancy</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thealphaparent.com/2011/12/timeline-of-breastfed-baby.html" target="_blank">Timeline of Breastfed Baby</a><br />
<a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/booby-traps-series-if-we-lived-on-an-island-where-nobody-else-cared-what-we-did-how-stigma-hinders-nursing-past-infancy" target="_blank">How Stigma Hinders Nursing Past One</a><br />
<a href="http://thestir.cafemom.com/toddler/116520/5_toddler_breastfeeding_myths_that" target="_blank">Toddler Breastfeeding Myths</a><br />
<a href="http://kellymom.com/ages/older-infant/ebf-benefits/" target="_blank">Breastfeeding Past Infancy Benefits</a><br />
<a href="http://www.breastfeeding-magazine.com/extended-breastfeeding.html" target="_blank">"Extended" Breastfeeding Info & Statistics</a><br />
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: large;">The "Modesty" Issue</span></h4>
<a href="http://www.renegademothering.com/2013/08/01/in-honor-of-breastfeeding-awareness-month-lets-all-whip-our-tits-out/" target="_blank">Renegade Mothering "Let's Whip Our Tits Out"</a> - very tongue-in-cheek, if you have an issue with strong language, be forewarned! But I really do love her point and outlook on things.<br />
<a href="http://www.slightlysteady.com/is-breastfeeding-a-modesty-issue/" target="_blank">Is Breastfeeding A Modesty Issue</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mommyish.com/2013/01/22/chose-not-to-breastfeed/" target="_blank">I Almost Chose Not To Breastfeed Because Of The Sexualization of My Breasts</a><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiS8q_fifa0" target="_blank">Embarrased || Spoken Word</a> - awesome video from the perspective of a fed up mom<br />
<a href="http://projectnursery.com/2011/10/breastfeeding-in-public-how-i-became-brave/" target="_blank">Breastfeeding In Public - A Mother's Story About Becoming Brave</a><br />
<a href="http://thesocietypages.org/socimages/2013/06/10/shifting-discourses-of-motherhood-the-victorian-breastfeeding-photo-fad/" target="_blank">Breastfeeding In Victorian Times</a> - I love this link, because it shows how open women in the Victorian age were about breastfeeding, versus now. The culture then was so Puritanical and the culture now is so sexual, so why was it okay to nurse openly and uncovered then, but not now? Great post.<br />
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What is important to remember is to feed your baby <b>however you are comfortable</b>. Whether you use a cover, the two shirt trick, just pull your shirt up, or just pull your boob out, it's feeding your baby and no one else's opinion matters.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Medicinal Uses & More</span></h4>
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2009/09/medicinal-uses-of-breastmilk.html" target="_blank">Medicinal Uses of Breastmilk</a><br />
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2010/05/breastmilk-oat-honey-lotion.html?m=1" target="_blank">Breastmilk Lotion</a><br />
<a href="http://codenamemama.com/2012/02/20/medicinal-cosmetic-alternative-uses-breastmilk/" target="_blank">58 Medicinal, Cosmetic, and Other Alternative Uses For Breastmilk</a><br />
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It should be said that there are innumerable medicinal uses to breastmilk and colostrum. It's just a fabulous creation. Breastmilk can be used to cure pink eye, heal spider bites, and has even been used to treat cancer patients. It's a miracle fluid. My way of life is, apply breastmilk or coconut oil to it, and one of them will fix your problem. In 98% of the cases, it's totally true.<br />
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Miscellaneous Links & Info</span></h4>
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2009/08/why-is-breastfeeding-so-important.html" target="_blank">Why Is Breastfeeding So Important?</a><br />
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2009/11/hiv-and-breastfeeding-fear.html" target="_blank">HIV & Breastfeeding</a><br />
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2009/08/101-reasons-to-breastfeed-your-child.html" target="_blank">101 Reasons To Breastfeed</a><br />
<a href="http://happyhomefairy.com/2013/06/07/extreme-pumping-tips-and-tricks/" target="_blank">Extreme Pumping</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/breastmilk/" target="_blank">Breastmilk the movie</a><br />
<a href="http://www.drmomma.org/2011/08/modern-day-wet-nurse.html" target="_blank">Modern Day Wet Nurse</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Remember to check out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thecrunchymamablog" target="_blank">our Facebook page</a> and our <a href="http://pinterest.com/alyssabfalken/boards/" target="_blank">Pinterest boards</a> for more info and links any time!</span><br />
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I hope you were able to find some interesting or new information by reading this series. If you ever have question or would like to learn more about a certain topic, feel free to message the Facebook page or leave a comment!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
The Crunchy MamaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11999702110329817987noreply@blogger.com0