To the author of 26, unmarried and childless...

For the article I'm referencing in this post, please follow this link: http://convergemagazine.com/26-unmarried-and-childless-8736/

Hello.

I am the complete opposite of you. I’ll be 26 in November. I’ve been married for four years in January. At that time, I will have a 3-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son.

I got married at 22. Remember your life choices in your early twenties, and the support (or at least, lack of pressure) you felt? That didn’t exactly exist for me. Twenty two is pretty early to get married, after all. He asked me to marry him in September. We got married in January…and pregnant in March. While we announced with joy our pregnancy and expected due date you could actually see people counting backwards before congratulating me. (You wouldn’t want to congratulate a woman who got pregnant out of wed-lock, you know. That would be outrageous.)

At 23 I gave birth to my daughter.

At 24 I gave birth to my son.

Do you think no one had anything to say? No ‘funny’ comments?

“You do know what causes ‘that’, right”

“You sure have your hands full”

“Are they both yours”

“What do you do all day”

I, too, shouldn’t be overly concerned with what they are saying. And trust me, I'm not. But those comments don’t feel very nice either.

Believe me, I know what causes ‘that’. And please stop referring to my CHILD as a ‘that’. And yes, I have my hands full. Please stop interrupting me while I’m carrying my toddler in one arm, infant in the other and pushing a cart full of groceries to my car.And yes. They are both mine. As if that was your business, perfect stranger.

What do I “do” all day? Oh my. DO NOT EVEN GET ME STARTED.

Trust me when I tell you that everyone gets those comments and questions. No matter what they do – no matter when they do it. The fact is that people don’t think much, sometimes. Or they forget how it felt to be where you are.  

So while you've been frustrated for maybe a year by these questions and comments, those mid-twenties people who did decide to get married or have babies have been dealing with them for quite some time. So let me offer some advice...

Get over it.  

I know that sounds a little harsh, I wish I could sincerely apologize for that. 

I can't. More importantly, I won't.

Have some confidence in the choices you made. I believe you have done the best you can, and you aren't broken. You aren't running out of time, and your path is 100% right. My path is right, too.  

Have some conviction with your life, and trust that the things you want will come when they are right...for YOU. Not for Aunt Barbara, or that stranger in the grocery store. You are on your timeline, not theirs.  

I think everyone just wants to be asked what's now, what they are struggling with or what brings them joy.  But the fact is that "what is next" is universal. So universal, in fact, that I can apply that question to my 11-month-old son who has just begun to walk and my 90-something-year-old Grandma who just lost her husband of 70 years. It is a conversation starter, and a way for people to try and connect with you. Yes -- It is frustrating and probably a little backwards. It may not help you "feel content" and it doesn't "help you grow", and it may even "make you feel jealous"  -- but don't put that on anybody else and their questions. 

That, my fellow 20-something, is on you.  A simple comment or question from a well-meaning friend or stranger can really have a big impact on how we feel about our current situation. But, I encourage you to take your own advice and ask yourself "what is now". Don’t wait for other people to ask you that.

Find your own contentment, and separate that from other people and their approval of your timeline.  Help yourself grow – do not rely on the opinions of others. Feeling jealous? Go get some perspective. Take a look at that exhausted Mom in aisle 4 who is juggling the diaper bag, grocery list, a few sippy cups and praying their newly potty-trained toddler doesn’t pee at the end of the aisle. You seem to have noted what you have to be grateful for in your current season of life. Talk about that when people ask you unwanted questions. Tell them 'what is now' - even if they don't ask.

You may find your career someday, and you may not. You may get married, you may not. You may have 1 child or 10, or you may have 0. But whatever happens, there is outside commentary for it all. Don't count on other people to highlight the good and minimize the bad. Do that yourself.

Miss America

Did you know that the Miss America pageant was last weekend? This pageant normally comes and goes without me noticing. Not because I don't care, but... well....OK. Yes, it is.  I don't care.

Except this year, I have something to say.

So, by now you may have seen that Miss America is this woman.

Isn't she pretty?

Apparently there has been some sort of backlash because of her race. I'm not sure on all the details, because I don't fill my mind with such foolishness. But, congratulations to her, I'm sure she worked really hard for this honor and I hope she uses the title to inspire young women across America.

Meanwhile, here is the contestant I heard the most about.

 

Isn't she pretty? 

 

She made my facebook newsfeed BLOW UP with posts! I'm guessing you heard of her, too. She is the first contestant to expose tattoos during the pageant. How daring. Also, she is in the Army and apparently likes to bow hunt. Clearly, she isn't the "cookie cutter" pageant contestant. She is beautiful, oh yes. But is this news worthy?

 

Lets review.

She CHOSE to join the Army. (Please don't mistake this for a women-in-the-military post. I'm not touching that subject)

She CHOSE to get a tattoo.

She CHOOSES to hunt, or whatever other hobbies she likes.

 

She has been in CONTROL of the things she is now being celebrated for. Her claim to fame is making waves in the pageant circuit because of her beauty choices. Isn't it great of her to be able to walk so confidently, even though she is in the military and has tattoos and likes to hunt? Shouldn't she be a model of strength for all women? Doesn't she EARN your RESPECT?

 

And here is my point: No. She absolutely doesn't. Those were her choices, and since she CHOSE them she better stinking present them with confidence.

 

Enter Miss Iowa.



Isn't she pretty?

As you can see, she is missing her forearm and hand. Why did we hear little (or nothing) about this contestant? She was BORN with this challenge, and has undoubtedly had more than her fair share of days when she felt low on confidence. This change for her is PERMANENT. There is no removal, no ability to separate from it, no ability to just CHOOSE something different.

She presents it with confidence and tackles sports, hobbies and life with little regard to something that would set so many back. THIS earns my respect.  She didn't choose her CIRCUMSTANCES, but she did choose her ATTITUDE. She chose to not let something she can't change get in her way. She chose to feel beautiful and confident.

Yes, Miss Kansas is beautiful. I'm not here to insult her or her choices in any way. What I am saying is that as a society we have it all wrong. Why didn't this woman make my newsfeed more than once? Why are we celebrating tattoos and hobbies while overlooking one's abilities to overcome significant obstacles?

As a mother to a daughter and an Aunt to a very sweet niece, the messages sent to women concern me greatly. Yes, the things they choose to do make them beautiful. But, the differences they choose to embrace in themselves highlight their beauty and inspire those around them.

We can be beautiful, or we can be beautiful and inspiring. For the little ladies in my life, I'd like to show them examples of the latter. Thanks for being a great example, Miss Iowa.

Crock Pot CLEAN Chili

Here is the recipe I talked about on my facebook page! (Recipes are just a bit long to share in a status update!) 

If you are finding this online, make sure to head on over to FACEBOOK and "like" my page for regular recipes, fitness tips and motivation!

https://www.facebook.com/MOTIVATIONbyMEG

 

 

Clean Chili in the Crock Pot

 

 

Ingredients:

15 oz Black Beans (drained and rinsed)

15 oz Kidney Beans (drained and rinsed)

30 oz Diced Tomatoes (No salt added, if possible!)

15 oz Tomato Sauce

16 oz Vegetable Broth 

4 Celery Stalks, chopped

1 Red Bell Pepper, diced

1 Yellow Onion, diced or minced

3 Cloves Garlic, minced or pressed

1 Tbsp Cumin

1Tbsp Chili Powder

1Tbsp Dried Oregano

1 Tbso Dried Basil

1tsp Honey

1/4 tsp Cinnamon 

1 Pound Ground Beef or Turkey (if desired)

Salt, to taste

 

Directions:

If using meat, brown.

Wash and chop all vegetables. Rinse/drain beans. Add all indredients to crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

 

This recipes serves about 8 "regular" servings. Double this for an easy-freezable meal that can be warmed up throughout the fall and winter!

 



Honey Mustard Shrimp Salad

A couple weeks ago, I told Captain America I wanted to look into becoming a vegetarian.

I wish I had captured his expression on video. Priceless, I tell you.

While my meat-loving husband overruled my new vegetarian diet, we are in agreement that we are going to make a HUGE effort to eat clean and healthy.That being said, we've had some struggles. We have had to re-train our tastebuds and readjust what "full" feels like. Pumpkin has loved all of our new experiments though, and she is learning a lot helping me in the kitchen.

Today, we made Honey Mustard Shrimp salad for lunch. It was tasty and filling - simple to make and made plenty of leftovers. A good solution for the "what to eat for lunch at work" problem!

So, I'm sharing the recipe with you.

Makes: 6 servings
Calories: 718
Carbs: 110
Fat: 10
Protein: 49 

You'll need...
16 ounces shrimp (Frozen or fresh - but shelled and devined and all that jazz)
30 oz (2 cans) black beans (drained and rinsed)
2 cups corn (I used frozen for more of a "crunch")
2 cups cherry tomatoes
2 oz. lemon juice
4 oz. Honey Mustard dressing (I use the Brianna's all natural dressing - great on fresh fruit or in fruit salads!)
baby spinach

To prepare...
Thaw shrimp (or cook it if you used fresh). I use a bit of butter to sautee the shrimp - just long enough to get it warm!

Place shrimp on bowl with corn, black beans, and chopped tomatoes. Add lemon juice, honey mustard and shrimp. Stir together. Spoon mixture on top of spinach.

And...that's all. Just enjoy!  Keep spinach and shrimp topping apart so spinach doesn't get soggy for leftovers. :) 

Let me know if you tried this recipe - for my Beachbody Challengers, this recipe fits nicely into the slow carb plan - with TONS of protein for your GROWING MUSCLES! :)

Is YOUR body a temple?

 In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 it states:

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit

 who is in you...Therefore, honor God with your bodies"

 

 

 

Your body is a temple.

In my younger days I believe that was told to me in hopes of preventing poor choices regarding boys and tattoos. Also, the phrase was probably preached in hopes of giving youth one more reason to avoid drugs and alcohol. At my present age, I hear and see my peers use this as a reminder to stay fit and trim - or inspiration to eat healthy. 

Ok, so your body is a temple. But - the Bible also calls us to not be vain or focused on physical beauty. So, are those of us striving for a good physique HONORING God with our bodies, or are we going against what He teaches?

 

I've heard it both ways. So, like many things, this is something you have to decide for yourself.

 

Here is what I have learned (so far): 

 





In the couples Bible study we hold weekly, I am learning about my identity in Christ. I would say this is a pretty broad study, because...well...it is a pretty broad subject.  We are now on something like the sixth study, but in the first study there was a lesson I won't forget.

 

The basis of the lesson was that we, as Christians, should strive to be reflections of Christ. Through the eyes of this lesson, I look at the verse in Corinthians previously quoted. "Your bodies are temples"... 

 

I know temple has a specific definition, but for this purpose I'm going to broaden the definition to 'place of worship'. How do you feel when you go to a place of worship?

 

For me, it depends on my current situation. But, I would say some pretty common feelings are relief, peace, joy, comfort, sorrow, grief, love, forgiveness, acceptance, guided, restored, and hopeful.

 

What do you see when you are at a place of worship?

 

Obviously every place is different, but every place of worship I have been to has done their best with what they have. Not all have cushioned pews and stained glass windows, but I have yet to worship in a place with broken windows or trash on the floor. Temples are well-maintained.

 

As a Christian, I should reflect Christ. As a temple, I should reflect a temple. I should do the best with what I have. This means I need to use my knowledge to keep myself healthy. That being said, a temple is more than just walls and pews, as we are more than skin and bones.

 

I think we all know a few people who can be around you and be so peaceful, accepting and loving, while still being authentic and speaking the truth. When I can leave someone's presence and feel restored, encouraged, and loved...I know I have been to a 'temple'.  These people aren't "people pleasers", and they certainly don't just tell you what you want to hear... just like a "temple experience" they speak the truth, and tell you what you need to hear, with the ever-present underlying truth that you are loved, in all your sin.

 

So you see, a temple is the perfect combination of physical maintenance and emotional substance. The two compliment each other in a temple, and work together to show the love of Christ to anyone who comes.

 

Do you?  

 

 

 

 



 

 





Back at it!

Oy.

I can hardly believe it has been over A MONTH since my last entry.

Oh wait, yesssss  I can. The last 6-7 weeks have been crazy around here!

Pumpkin has decided she would now like to be potty trained. Most days, this works pretty well. Occasionally though, I find myself stepping in little puddles around the house...

Little Man is strong-arming his way towards whatever thing he wants to chew on next. I suppose this is called "crawling" but he does this movement only using his arms. Whatever it is, it is a great thing to watch and I am enjoying having him "mobile" now. He is getting to be fun to play and interact with.

Watching the two kids interact is always fun, too. They seem to mostly get along - Little Man is patient with all the "mothering" Pumpkin insists on doing, and she seems to really love "taking care" of him.

Captain America, as usual, is staying busy and being awesome. :)

As for me, well...aside from puddle jumping in my living room and running interference on the things Little Man decides to put in his mouth, I have also started a business!

If you remember, my last blog was about feeling "too small".  I've spent the last few months in monotony - doing necessary but simple and repetitive tasks. I have watched my friends travel, get new jobs, go back to school, vacation with their significant other and make big life changes. Their lives seemed energetic and exciting while mine was...not.

As a disclaimer, this isn't to say I wasn't busy, or didn't feel happy. I'll just say this once: I was busy, I was happy. But I couldn't shake the feeling like I should be doing "something more". 

I thought about going back to school. I talked with several people about it, but no one could suggest a career I got really stoked about. I talked with my Mom, and she suggested something in healthcare. I mentioned I would love to be a hospital director or something - but usually those people have decades of experience in patient care (ie: being a doctor or nurse). I didn't want to do THAT, I just wanted to be the boss! My Mom could understand...I think everyone that knows me can understand that. I just like being the boss!

 



 

I needed to find my passion, and so I did a lot of thinking, and a lot praying. My whole life I have wanted to be several different things - but ALL of them involved serving people. I love people, I care about helping them. It hurts my heart when I think others are hurting, are suffering, or are unhappy. I'm a helper and a fixer...I like to make people happy.  My passion is people. My passion is happiness.

In God's perfect timing, I found my passion around the same time I saw a post from my friend about becoming a beachbody coach. As she described what she did my internal voice was yelling "I WANT TO DO THAT". 

First - As a coach, she was becoming the best version of herself. Physically, mentally, spiritually. My family is and will continue to be demanding, and it is important I give them myself at 100%. So, that was awesomely appealing.

 

Second - She helped other people be 100% too. She shared what she does for herself, and has inspired others to do the same. Not only inspired others...but is HELPING others with encouragement and motivation.

 

Lastly - She was doing this from home. Her family didn't suffer because of it - she was around for everything.

As a coach, she was able to be present with her family, improve her vision of herself, improve her personal relationships and help others improve themselves.

 Also...she is her own boss.

 

 I REALLY needed to be doing this.

I dove in with both feet, with the support of my husband and help from my coach. I'm learning a lot, having some small success and most importantly... really, really enjoying what I do. I'm so thankful for this opportunity and I am excited to help others and make positive changes in myself!

Puppy Too Small

So, I'm having a rough day over here.

Captain America flew home for a funeral for one of his close friends in high school. I am so happy he has the opportunity to say goodbye and be there with his friends. I know this is important to him, and that makes it important to me, too.

For today and tomorrow though, this means that I am alone. Two days is no big deal - ask any military wife. Heck - two months is usually a "short" time away! But time away comes at a price, and it usually includes part (or all) of the mother's sanity.

You don't want to go crazy, but some days you just get there. Singing your ABC's 8,000 times a day with spit up on both shoulders and peanut butter on your pants will eventually lead you to a train of thought that is anything but helpful. I was there today.

I was arguing with myself about the value of being a mother, and lamenting all the "great" stuff I don't do anymore because I am with the kids. I was bemoaning Captain America and all the things he has achieved, reasoning that it isn't fair that he gets to do those things, while I'm home with snot on my sleeve. I was hating hypothetical people in situations that haven't even come yet - trying to convince them, and myself, that what I do is important. Yup. I am aware that is pretty nutty. But, I am also aware that every Mom knows exactly what I am talking about.

Then, right there in the middle of my argument (with myself) Little Man woke up.

So, I went to go feed him and rock him awhile. I thought about my friends, and what they are probably doing and the fun they are having. I remembered one friend in particular, a friend that could talk with you for hours - even though in reality there is very little you have in common. This particular friend was with me all through my pregnancy with Little Man, and I smiled thinking how much she would love to be here holding him right now.

And then I remembered a book by Cyndy Szekeres called Puppy Too Small. I don't have the book in front of me for specific references, but the main idea of the book is that this little puppy was sad about the things he wasn't big enough to do. The more reasonable adults in his life would gently affirm his claim. Yes, he was in fact too small to do some things. But- they would point out- he was the perfect size to do other things that needed to be done.

And then I realized, I am puppy too small. Aren't we all? Whether you are a Mom or not - we all get hung up on what we are too inadequate to do. We are too poor, too busy, too tired, too...whatever.

The fact is we are "just right" for something. I am just right for being Mom to Pumpkin and Little Man.  I am just right for being Captain America's wife. I can gripe about what I can't (or don't get to) do...or I could take pride and find joy in the tasks that I do that no one else can. Sure, everyone can wash dishes and do laundry. But not everyone can sing the perfect bedtime song, or say prayers the way Pumpkin likes. Nobody else knows that when Pumpkin wants an eggo she likes to sit on the counter and watch it toast. Nobody knows what she means when she says the "bunny movie" - except me. I know. Nobody else knows Captain America's favorite meals, the way he likes his laundry folded, or his favorite socks. But I do, because I am just right for this job.

I did something great today, and I know you did, too. I made someone happy, and I know you did, too. You probably didn't do everything you wanted to, I know I didn't.  But you did something- even just one thing- just right. Time will come for me to do all the other great things I think about, and that time will come for you. Today though, it is important to jump off the crazy train and do the great things right in front of us.

So I may be a little annoyed.

It's been awhile, I know.

But - I still remember my login name and password...so it hasn't been that long. And I've had good reasons for not hanging out at my keyboard and sharing my thoughts with whoever happens to read this.

I've been busy.

There, that is my reason.

Oh - and I've been so incredibly annoyed by several different topics lately that I haven't been able to narrow down which topic I want to dive into first.

Remember on my first blog when I said I'd be real, and share some things other generations would probably be against talking so publicly about? This is one of those posts. So if you are of a more conservative viewpoint - you've been warned.

I've just signed off facebook, a sure place to go if you want to get fired up about an opposing view. Fired up is one thing, and I actually kind of enjoy the intellectual exercise of reading others opinions and doing my own research. For those of you who really know me, you know that I enjoy a good debate. I thoroughly respect people that can explain their views to me logically while still respecting my views and opinions.

What's that you say? People can disagree and still talk about it and be friends later?

Crazy, I know.

But here is the thing -- that is almost impossible now. It isn't just a simple "firing up" anymore - it is an assault. People on facebook and other social media sites have gotten completely out of hand. Random people get into heated debates about issues they do not even understand. This happens with many issues, but the one that aggravates me at this moment is the view on women.

Maybe I don't just hate it on social media sites. I hate it in the media. I hate it on the streets. I hate it in the store. I hate it everywhere I am. I hate that woman are talked about like we need to be advocated for. Victims need advocates. Helpless people need advocates. People without voices need advocates. I am certainly none of those, and am annoyed by the implication.

I'm annoyed by the posts and witty memes saying something to the effect of "real women have curves" or "real women aren't a size 4" or whatever other idiotic claim people want to make to help themselves feel good about their own bodies. Guess what? I think you are beautiful. But guess what? I think I'm beautiful, too. And 100% "real"...whatever that even means. Do you see me saying "Losing weight is so easy and no one has an excuse to carry around an extra 10 pounds".  No. Because that is rude, and judgemental. I'm not questioning your authenticity as a woman based on ANY physical aspect. So how about you stop doing it to other people.

Duh.

Further - I'm annoyed by the shock my doctors have when I tell them I don't want to be on birth control. (Too much? Sorry, I'm not sorry. If everyone else can talk about it then I can too.)  Being able to have a baby is a gift from God. Who am I to reject it, or make it fit into my idea of perfect timing? Why should I be prescribed a drug because my body does what it was scientifically made to do? If birth control really is a "choice" why is everyone so shocked by my CHOICE to NOT use it?  

Duh.



But, the seesaw tips the other way as well. I accidently stumbled upon the most ignorant and insulting facebook page and it raised my heart rate considerably. It is safe to say I am annoyed by this, as well.  Classified as a comedian (must be a pretty broad term these days...) with content exclusive to the military theme, this page posted the most crude and insulting things I have ever read. I'm embarrassed it even exists - and disappointed that the first amendment affords these people the right to be idiots as publicly as they are.

It hurts my heart to know that not all men see women the way Captain America does. The page I read first made me annoyed, then infuriated, then just so completely grateful God gave me a man that is strong enough to respect me as a woman, in a traditional female role.

So often what I do is looked down on by society. I got married young, and had children young because I must have been "unaware" of the other (read: better) opportunities I could have had. It must have been a mistake. I stay home with the kids, but I could probably be using my abilities to "make a bigger difference" or "be more successful". ((((That's not my view at all, and I'm anxious to finish a post I've been working on about my view of motherhood. Stay tuned for that to be completed. ))))

But, when society gets me feeling blue about my "lack of" accomplishments, I'm thankful that my home tells me differently. I'm home for Captain America and I'm home for my children. They appreciate it, they tell me I'm beautiful, they know I'm real.

And, I think they are all pretty stoked I'm not on birth control.

So bam. Take that, out of control facebook posters.

To-Do List

I can hardly believe that it is Monday morning again. The weekend is over?

I'd ask where it went, but I already know the answer. You see, Captain America and I attempted potty training Pumpkin this weekend. Our weekend, literally, went down the toilet.

I won't bore you with the details of training, but I'll give you a run down of the results.
      Pumpkin used a lot of toilet paper. A lot.
      With all the "fun flushing" we did, I'm guessing our water bill doubled.
      We now are sporting a candy jar. In our bathroom.   ...That's normal, right?
      I'm currently in the market for a good carpet cleaner. Suggestions?


     Oh. And, Pumpkin is still in diapers.

Awesome.


Along with the weekend being over, the MONTH is almost over, too.  Of course it is the shortest month of the year, but it did go by fast! I'm excited for March to bring spring and some warmer temperatures. I need to take the kids out to play - but I haven't really found a great place for them to be. In California there were tons of play sets for kids, here I have only seen them around schools. Local people, am I just missing them? Our backyard is always a great place to play, but I love going out to interact with other people.  Oh dear. Did I just admit I like going to the playground so I can see and talk with adults? Oh, dear. Motherhood does strange things to women, doesn't it?

Life has become "hum-drum" around here, and I am settling in to a routine. In theory, this sounds nice. In practice, I am fighting boredom and feeling mundane. I'm so thankful to have started our Bible study this past week. Our lesson yesterday started with this statement:  "When you know who you are, then you know what to do".  So often I find myself wondering what to do next.

No one is watching, and I'm the one in charge. So who cares if I sit in my pajamas all day and have a marathon of Sesame Street? I often wonder what I can do to feel like I am making a difference. We all know doing laundry and dishes never seems to make a difference, since the piles magically reappear as soon as we turn our backs on them. So what can I do, as a stay at home Mom, to make a difference?

But God reminded me. I'll know what to do when I know who I am. And who am I, exactly? Going back to my first blog, I stated I was a Christian, wife and mother.

As a Christian I should glorify God. Praise God, serve God, seek God.

As a Wife I should love my husband. Honor him, serve him, bless him.

As a Mother I should teach my children. Serve them, love them, help them.

Wow! Talk about a long to-do list. I'm excited to get started, even though I know the list will never be done. So no more all-day-in-pajamas-Sesame-Street-marathon days. Because someone is watching, and I am not the one in charge.

Most certainly blessed.

Believe me, I have had a lot to rant blog about this past week. So, in the spirit of honesty I will rant away:

The weather has been unpredictable lately - shorts one day, boots the next. It isn't anything I can't handle...but I am really missing my SoCal weather. Boo.

 My little pumpkin has learned very sweetly to say "ummm...no" to basically everything I say. It is really sweet. And then it just isn't sometimes.

Little man had his first emergency room visit (which ended up being nothing serious, thank God).

People drive like fools.

Oh - and today was President's Day. Let me give you a tip, rookie military wives: Long weekends are code for "send your husband to the grocery store".  DO NOT GO. I went today and found myself in a sea of confused and awkward men who are armed with a list from their wives, no clue where things are located, and a painful expression that says "I should have stayed home with the kids". These men could find me under a shrub in a forest and navigate me expeditiously back to safety with only a knife and a compass - but they have no clue where to find the tarragon. Aggravating.

Oh, and if I get called "ma'am" 5 or 10 more times...  

But - there were some silver linings. Little man smiles all the time now, and almost kind of giggles. I don't think there is anything better than little baby giggles. I put Pumpkin's hair in pigtails for the second time today. To keep her still I asked her to sing her "ABC's". At barely 2, she does not know this song...but today she sang "A B C, next time sing with me".  I just can hardly stand her cuteness. Those two amaze me.

Captain America and I have started a small bible study in our home. Finding a church while constantly moving and having varying schedules is difficult! We are going to keep looking around, but decided to start a bible study with some of the couples who we hopefully will be spending the next 5 or 10 years with. We haven't started yet (we will next week, if any of the local readers want to join) but Captain America and I have had a lot of conversations about how to conduct the study, and we've had a great time! With our lifestyle, any conversation that isn't about the military or our children is like talking with a whole new person. We've decided to work through Ephesians -- and I am so excited to listen for God in this chapter and see what He teaches me. And, I am excited for the new person God will reveal to me in Captain America. There is nothing like falling in a whole new kind of love with your husband over good scripture! :)

Oh. And, I got to be crafty this week. :) I do this regularly, but sometimes my projects are a big flop. Not this week! I made a little shelf for Captain America. It is made out of an old pallet, so the gold star on top of my project is that it cost me nothing. Even if it didn't look that great, I'd be excited...but I love the outcome, and Captain America does, too. He gets to hang up his helmets (finally) and have a place for all his military books. If some of you are interested in how I did this, comment below and I'll make a tutorial post with pictures.

After a rough week, I know I have to remember that we are not our worst day and we are not our best day. We are somewhere in the middle, and I am so happy that my "middle" is still most certainly blessed.

Three in diapers

I know of exactly two women who have lived to tell the tales of having three children in diapers. One, a fellow military wife who was blessed with triplets. The other? My mom. Also a military wife. (Incidentally, both from Iowa!) I'll take that as a good sign - since I, too, am from Iowa and a military wife. Oh... and I'll have three kids in diapers.

I know what you are thinking. But let me be clear, NO - I am not pregnant.

Instead, I am thrilled to be joining the workforce again as a nanny to an absolutely adorable little guy I'll call BuddyJ. He is just 2 weeks younger than my sweet little girl. I almost feel bad even calling this a job. BuddyJ and Pumpkin get along so well. They sit quietly and play duplos, giggle over cookies, play the piano together and take naps at the same time. At the same time. So, yes...they are still both in diapers. But I think I'll be able to make it work.

I'm so thrilled to have this opportunity while we are staying here. BuddyJ doesn't come until noon, so I still have time in the mornings to clean, exercise, and take my time getting everyone ready for the day. I've been so blessed to not have to rush off to work every morning - and I'm thankful to still have that. I'm also looking forward to having a new personality influence Pumpkin.  She hasn't had someone so close to her age in her life for an extended period, and I am anxious to see what the two learn from each other.

On a completely different subject, Valentine's Day is coming up. I never know what to make of this holiday. I'm not crazy about it - but I think my feelings would be hurt if it was forgotten by Captain America. Our first Valentine's Day together he filled up a box with Hershey's, Reese's, KitKat's, etc. Today that box sits in our closet filled with all the notes he has ever written me. But now that we are married with two kids, Valentine's Day is a little different. I don't know what he got me, but I got him a waterless wash and wax spray for his truck. I'm so romantic. I'd clean it for him as a surprise, but every time he leaves he takes his truck with him! (Imagine that). I didn't fully think that one through, I guess. Happy Valentine's Day - now go clean your truck.  Or better yet, I'll clean it for you - but you stay inside with the kids. I'm sure he'd be thrilled.

When I think out these scenarios, I think about what other couples do during these romantic occasions in their lives...anniversaries, birthdays, valentine's day...and I always end up wondering what my Grandpa and Grandma did. How did they celebrate? What did they buy each other? They just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, so I think it is wise to mimic the successful.

I'm not 100% sure, but I would bet they didn't do anything to celebrate. You see, my grandparents, products of the Depression, are nothing if not practical. Usually in a young marriage (with young children) lavish dates and weekends away are just not practical. My guess is they found romance in every day life. Food on the table, clothes on their backs, a roof over their head. Isn't it nice that someone cares enough about you to earn money enough for the both of you? Isn't it nice that someone takes the money you earned and turned it into home-cooked meals and a freshly made bed? Isn't it romantic that at the end of the day you can sit with your feet on the same footstool, in the dark (mostly to save on electricity), and just let out a sigh of relief that you both made it through the day? That sounds pretty romantic to me.

So, Captain America...if you are reading...if all you do for Valentine's is sit down with me at the end of the day and put your callused feet on the footstool next to mine, and all you give me is a deep sigh of survival...that is OK. Because, if in 67 years we are doing just that then my whole life will have been absolutely wonderful.

For better or worse - but never for granted.

Super Bowl Review

I was inspired by an article I read tonight.


Inspired is probably the wrong word. Disgusted is more accurate.

A lot is being said these days about women and their rights. I'm sure I will have many more blog posts related to this topic since it is a broad one with many angles - but tonight I am focused on an article written about Beyoncé and her halftime performance at the Super Bowl.

To begin with, the author claims that "If what you saw on stage last night was a singer wearing too little clothes let me suggest it says more about the eye of the beholder". Let me suggest you stop writing articles, because you are a fool. If what you saw on stage was Beyoncé in an outfit that should probably be bigger, then you saw what was put right in front of you. The author goes on to make points throughout the article that Beyoncé was "owning herself" and showing how powerful she is. Why does she have to do that half-naked? I think it says more about her selfish desire to be successful and gain publicity (anything to get past the lip-syncing attention, right?).  Why is it selfish? It is selfish because the Super Bowl is not adults only. Little eyes are watching, Beyoncé. What you told them last night was that if they want to be successful they should get half-naked and dance on stage.  If they want to show the world they are powerful,wear clothing that leaves nothing to the imagination.  Not really a message I want my daughter to hear (or son to see)...and I doubt it is a message she would want her daughter to hear, either. Why does a "proclamation of power" need to be made while scantily dressed?

I'm irritated that the author states, "That a Black woman claimed and owned her power during the misogynist, consumerist celebration known as the Super Bowl only highlights Beyoncé’s brilliance and boldness".  Her race should be irrelevant. Claiming that the Super Bowl is misogynist is ridiculous.  Misogynist: Of or characterized by the hatred of women. The Super Bowl is a lot of things, but misogynistic certainly isn't one of them. I know just as many women who enjoy watching the game as men - AND, just because it is something men do together does not mean its foundation is based on the hatred of women. I'm no football history expert, but I'm guessing it didn't start as the He-man women haters club.

Further, the author claims, "Beyoncé declared ownership of that stage — that stadium — and, more importantly, claimed ownership of her own body in the most misogynist and objectifying four hours of mass culture...it takes a warrior to do that".  First, she didn't claim ownership of her body. She shared it with millions of viewers. To me that isn't owning - it is giving it away. Secondly, it takes no warrior to do what she did. Beyoncé is not a warrior. According to Webster, a warrior is one who is experienced in warfare. Beyoncé is an entertainer.

Was she entertaining? Yes. Is she talented? Yes. Beautiful? Yes. Don't get me wrong - I like Beyoncé (aside from her poor wardrobe choices). But she is no Susan B. Anthony.

The author closes, saying that last night women were "owned by no one".  A bold statement, or at least it would be if women were owned by anyone on any other night. Please don't get me wrong - I know that some women are in bad situations, but I submit that as the exception rather then the rule. As a women I can do whatever I please. I can become anything I'd like (at least I can in America, thanks to the people who are actually warriors...) Does sexism still exist? Of course it does. But not at a level that threatens my daily life. I can go to school where I please, I can get any job I'd like. Are their drawbacks to being a woman? Yes. But there are drawbacks to being anything...including a man.

I found this article more polarizing than anything, the underlying message being that if your review of the halftime show was that Beyoncé should wear more clothes then you, somehow, are against women having power or being in charge of their bodies.

I don't doubt Beyoncé is in charge of her body. I'm in charge of my body too, but you don't see me walking around dressed like that. I could. And I'd look good doing it, obviously. :)  But just because you are in charge of something doesn't mean you have to flaunt it.

At the end of the day, Beyoncé sent the message that power and ownership is linked to physical attributes. Things like power, success, and ownership being related to physical attributes is exactly what we should be trying to get away from.

 For the complete article, follow this link:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidhenson/2013/02/a-prophetic-dance-of-power-not-sex-beyonce-the-super-bowl-and-durga/ 

Still Learning

One thing I know: I'm still learning.

I'm still learning to cook. I love it.
I'm still learning to sew. Double love it.
I'm still learning to create. Depends on the day how much in love I am.
I'm still learning to blog - and use google+. So I'm not that awesome with it. [yet].

This year I actually set attainable resolutions. I was feeling oddly pensive New Years Eve, and I came up with a list of monthly challenges. (I like the thought of a challenge as opposed to a resolution). I am so beyond overjoyed that my four sisters have joined me in my challenge journey. We all have our own challenges, but we are supporting each other in each challenge, and I'm thankful for the accountability. (Not to mention the opportunity to chat more with my four amazing sisters!)

While I won't share their challenges with you all, I am sharing mine. February's challenge is to follow a cleaning schedule. Something you should know - I love to clean!

Hahahaha. Perhaps that is a bit of an overstatement. What I should have said is that I love clean things. I like order, I like things to be tidy. I like the smell of a freshly cleaned house, folded clothes and a sparkling kitchen. I would say I do fairly well maintaining order in my house, but let's be honest. I have a toddler and a baby. The toilets don't get scrubbed as much as I'd like. The fridge doesn't get cleaned out and the corners of my house don't get touched with the Hoover. So, I'm changing all that this month!

I'm also working on exercising and eating healthy. I like to do that about as much as I like to clean...

I have a lot to say. I have a lot to learn. I have a lot of living (and blogging!) left to do. <3.

Every Blog Has A Beginning

Lesson #1: Everything has a beginning.

This is the beginning of my blog. That awkward post where I talk endlessly about myself, what I hope to get out of the blog, what I hope others get out of the blog, my hopes and dreams, and all of that other fluffy stuff that makes up a great blog people follow. Here is the truth: I'm just hoping I blog frequently enough to remember the username and password... 

My name is Meg. I'm a mid-20's military wife and mother of one two. I have a two-year-old daughter and a brand new three month old son. My husband is in the military. We'll call him Captain America, because I think it is fun. Also, having just watched Avengers for the first time, he kind of does remind me of Captain America in that wholesome, always-do-the-right-thing, super-good-looking way.

Captain America and I married early in 2010. January, to be exact. Christmas that year brought us our first baby girl. March of 2011 took Captain America from our little midwest town to a period of training that can only be accurately described as the longest roller coaster in the world. Hence, the blog title: Semper Gumby. Semper Gumby, for those of you that don't know, is a saying that means "always flexible" -- a great motto for a military family. It is, perhaps, the only way to survive this lifestyle with a family intact.

 

Captain America's training has most recently brought us to the East Coast, and we are settling in to a new home and culture entirely. I go to the store now and shop with a buggy. I ate an oyster, and had an entire conversation about shrimp and grits. All great experiences, but definitely far from what I'm used to!

 

At the end of the day, I'm a Christian, wife, and mother. That order is on purpose, and will never be changed. But I'll be honest - those are three big callings and I'm just little old me. Sometimes I struggle with one (or all three) of those and this blog will hopefully serve as an outlet for me to journal those struggles. I know, it is awfully personal. Past generations may think I shouldn't share something so personal, and my more reserved side agrees. But, I have learned something in my adult life and that is this: I don't have time to dance around what is important. I don't have the energy to pretend everything is great every single day. I'm hoping my sincerity will be relatable, and perhaps we can share some struggles, exchange advice, and get to know genuine versions of each other.