Health, Life Is Beautiful

Could You Be One of the Sister Wives?

Have you ever watched Sister Wives on The Learning Channel (TLC)? I’ll admit, I’m a regular viewer. I don’t watch it because I believe in their lifestyle. I actually don’t agree with it. Likewise, I don’t watch it to ridicule them. I watch it because I think they’re lovely people (from what we see each week) and I don’t understand how they choose to live, but different lifestyles and cultures intrigue me.

I can certainly see the appeal of a built-in support system they have as sister wives. What mother wouldn’t enjoy having three trusted babysitters available to help at a moment’s notice within very close proximity to your home? As well, who wouldn’t love having three close confidants who love and protect your children and whose children you love and protect? What I don’t understand and never will, is the the willingness to share a husband.  Continue Reading

March 2, 2015
Encouragement, Life Is Beautiful

When in Rome…Go Shopping!

I’ve been on vacation in Rome and Paris and I’ve not blogged in two solid weeks. It felt strange but necessary. My daughter and I were blessed to be able to go on a European adventure. I’m finally a legitimate Flying Blonde! I have lots to tell about our journey, but since I’m dipping my feet back into the blogging pond for the first time in two weeks and I’m still recovering from miles (and miles and miles) of rigorous walking and a million steps (I’m barely exaggerating!), I thought my first piece post vacation should be a fun one.

I like shopping. I’m not afraid to admit it. It’s always fun and refreshing to buy something new, even if it’s an inexpensive lip gloss. But when you are literally shopping in a new world, it’s downright exhilarating.  We discovered that shopping in Rome is amazing. We were like children running around from one adorable shop to another. Continue Reading

February 23, 2015
Encouragement, Health, Life Is Beautiful

The Miracle of Premature Birth

God is good. It’s a simple phrase of three words that we hear often. It’s usually followed by “all the time.” Right now, for me, the phrase reminds me of a raw fear I felt 13 years ago at this time. Thirteen years ago on this day, I was a few days post-op from having my first Crohn’s-related surgery.

It had been a painful time leading up to this emergent surgery. I had months earlier happily discovered I was expecting my second child, something I had been hoping for. I knew almost as soon as the early pregnancy test showed a faint positive that Fourth of July, that this pregnancy was very different from my first.

I was sick…morning, noon, and night sickness for three months that ended when the real pain began. I had such severe abdominal pain that by the time evening arrived each day, I was literally crawling to bed because I was in too much pain to stand upright.

Doctor visits and ultrasounds revealed an intestinal narrowing–an unfortunate but common occurrence in Crohn’s patients. The plan? Wait it out and see what came first–delivery or bowel perforation. I prayed for a healthy delivery. Continue Reading

February 8, 2015