Was a Mormon... now a Baptist

I have this weird thing that happens to me. If I'm woken up in the early morning, my brain starts going full blast, and I have to decide to get up and be productive or lay in bed hoping to doze off before the kids wake up. It's 4:30, Curtis woke me up to ask where his voter card is, so here I am, and I feel I've got to write this down! 

Today is election day, and we may or may not have a Mormon president starting in January. For our countries sake, I hope we do, but that's not what this blog is about. 

The first 17 years of my life, I was Mormon, and now I am Baptist. And you know what? The Mormons in my life are more accepting of me being a Christian than some Christians were when they found out I had been Mormon. Isn't that crazy? I mean really... Mormons are thought of as a "cult" and Christians quite literally declare they are CHRIST followers, meaning they love everyone. I think it's safe to say that I would have even been treated BETTER if I had never felt Christ's love before. Even though I know the Bible teachings almost as much as someone who graduated from Biola, it didn't make a difference. Regardless of people literally turning their back to me, denying me in small groups or even facilitating our own, pretending not to see me every single time they walked by me, and really hurting my heart, I pressed on. Luckily, I know Christ's love, and He can see what is going on and He is the true judge. I know every Christian isn't like this, but this was my experience, and still is today. 

This blog is not really about the judgement I received from my new church, but more to just let you know how this journey has been. I was the first one in my family to pave this path. I had no mentors because it seemed like everyone who was in my shoes was angry and bitter at the LDS church and believed every lie told to them, whereas I was never resentful. Every Christian I talked to had no idea how to help, IF they even wanted to. I had to realize that no Christian knew where I came from, and no Mormon knew where I was going...therefore no one had any answers, just opinions and things they "thought". So it was just me and God. 

The road traveled from where I was to where I am today has been a hard one. One of extreme conflict. Conflict between the thoughts engrained in my mind and the feelings of my heart. Conflict between what is right and wrong. People telling me that THIS Christ we adore is different then your OLD Christ.You have been worshiping an idol your whole life. How was that possible? You also are learning these lessons from HIS word, the bible, the SAME way I did for 17 years. Yes, a lot was added in terms of other books, but Moses still parted the Red Sea. God also taught to tithe. In Matthew, he taught to "let your light so shine before men, that they may see you're good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (5:16 KJV). In Revelations, he STILL says, " I am the Alpha and the Omega,"... "who is, and was, and who is to come..." (1:8 NIV).
 Leaving the LDS church alone is a difficult thing, but then to literally carve a new path of understanding was a whole new ballpark. At first, I thought maybe the bible was different. Not that I can tell so far! Then I thought, the pastor must be teaching different lessons. Nope... not so far! Sure my terminology was different, but is that enough to literally rebuke me? What was so different that made me so different? Isn't it possible that God blessed me with discernment and that I was different? I mean really, I chose to leave the church. My heart hurt at times, but I had to stay strong and figure it out for myself.

I've come to THIS point in my life, so far. I did not worship a different God. I can stand here today and tell you that MY GOD, my Savior is the same as He was when I first fell in love as a child. He is the same one who has blessed me beyond measure, and carried me through the rough times. Sure, my VIEW of Him has changed...I now view Him as one, and not two seperate beings, but He is the same. My VIEW has changed in my APPRECIATION of him because now He is so extremely, gigantically powerfully HUGE that he holds the whole millions of universes in his Hands, but He also is MY best friend and I can talk to him any time I want. I now believe in his Atonement for my sins and grace more than I ever did, because I don't believe my actions alone will get me in to Heaven, but since I yearn to learn more and fall more deeply in love with Him, He is saving me a spot... it's not something I'll earn.
This seems so simple, but I have been trying to figure out what the main differences in beliefs are between the two practices for over 2 years and it wasn't easy. Everyone wanted to tell me what the Mormons believed, but no one got that I wanted to know what they believed. I needed to know the theology behind it. These are the 3 things I have found so far... the Trinity, that God is my daddy, and He died on the cross for ALL of my sins, past, present, and future and his grace will allow me in to heaven. 

I'm still on a walk, and will never have all the answers. But, I believe God puts you in certain situations, and that others can learn from your experiences. I don't even know why I wrote this blog, especially because this is something super personal to me, but I did and hopefully someday it can help someone some where in some way!

L&D... my experience... your gain

After FINALLY hearing the triage nurse say," yep... your in labor!", getting wheeled back past the swinging doors to the mystical place where little lives were first introduced to the world, and realizing THIS IS IT, I knew I was in love. I loved the whole experience... even from the false calls (or high hopes) and being sent home because it was not time yet, to the cutting of the wristbands, clearing the way to embark on the scariest car ride of my life. It was a mix of emotions with thoughts flooding my head.

Am I ready? 

Are WE ready? 

Am I going to be a good mom? 

Is this totally going to gross out my husband? 

What if she gets stuck? 

Only one way to find out... Let's GO! 

Here's a couple of things that truly made a difference and my best pieces of advice.

There are a lot of people that I know that are pregnant for the first time, and a few that are for the second time. I had three, and they were all completely different. With Brooklyn, my water "leaked" but they had to start active labor with Pitocin. With Maddox, I had contractions and went in... it was the "normal" labor. With London, I was induced. This being said, I don't think you can be a pro at this, per se, but I hope my experiences help. 

With ALL THREE, I went in "thinking" I was in labor, just to be sent home. When people say "it happens to almost everyone", they're not just saying that to make you feel better... it's the truth. It is better to be safe than sorry. And you're obviously no better than me if you do! 

I realized something SUPER important after having Brooklyn that paid off with the other two... I realized I needed to be REALLY nosy and voice my opinion. Before I had Brooklyn, I knew something was going on because I had soaked through pants after pants. My doctor's nurse told me when I called that it definitely was not my water breaking. If it was, it would have gushed, and I quote, "like in the movies".

 My doctor is lucky that he is Ah-mazing! I started googling, and luckily I realized that I was right, and she was not. Brooklyn was "Sunny side up" so her head was acting as a plug, only letting my water out in little bits. When it hurts, tell the nurses. When you want the epidural, if you choose to have one, tell the nurse. If you feel the urge to push, tell the nurse. When you want more epidural juice, tell them. They are here to help YOU be as comfortable and healthy as possible through this whole process, and so they need to know what's going on. When I was in labor with London, my last, the doc asked the nurse over the walkie-talkie thing if he had time to finish up a surgery. I screamed, "HELL NO!", and good thing he heard me because if not, that nurse would have delivered her!

My plan is to follow this up with a couple more blogs on the topic, since obviously nap time has concluded for the day here at the Gaithers... so stay tuned!

Friend Highlight!: Family of Festivals

Friend Highlights!

www.familyoffestivals.com



Family of Festivals, Love is Alive







DO YOU LIKE MUSIC? PROBABLY!!!!

Ok, all you music fans... here's something you need to be a part of! Family of Festivals is a user-driven website which connects music lovers to festivals, upcoming events, and other music fanatics.

There's a "Family Room" where you can join in on the conversation in different forums, whether it be to buy/sell tickets, share pictures, or hook up with other people that went/are going to the same festival as you!

Visit the store to purchase Hand dyed t-shirts that enter you in for a $200 drawing, and if you're a member of the family, take and additional 10% off. Since these ate hand died, there's not a ton of supply, making your shirt unique and you're chances of winning high!



find yourself. www.familyoffestivals.com



Join the Family to get linked in, and to be able to comment and get updates on latest events, comments in forums, and discounts on store items.

If ever there is a festival or show that's not listed, spark up the convo and get you're friends in on getting ready for those festivals!



Find yourself www.familyoffestivals.com



www.familyoffestivals.com by Ari Singleton

16 Random tips and tricks I've found!

16 random tips... aimed at new moms!

(not that I would know!)

• When people say "rest when you can"... seriously do it! When people offer to help, put them to work doing laundry or dishes, so you can rest.

• New born pictures are ABSOLUTELY adorable, but make sure you are asking for help to get them done! Don't push yourself too hard!

• Medella is THE best pump there is out there... do NOT Settle for less!

www.medela.com

• As far as milk storage bags go... I recommend Lansinoh or Gerber. They are the only two I have found that do not leak when defrosting.

www.lansinoh.com

• Best way to freeze milk is to lay it flat, stacked one on top of another. It saves room for your veggies and frozen meat and defrosts way quicker!

• I know the docs say that using lotion or mother's cream doesn't work against stretch marks, but I'm a FIRM believer that it does! My favorite brand is from Sprouts.

• Unless you plan on adding to your laundry pile, do not invest in the cloth leak pads. I suggest Lansinoh again, and I frown on the Johnson ones... just for leakage purposes!

www.lansinoh.com

• A nursing cover works SO much better than a blanket, if worn right. Definitely a great baby present!

• Everyone suffers from some form of post-partum. It might be brought on by lack of sleep, but it's NORMAL to feel the blues. I had it bad with my second, and worse with my third and FINALLY called the doc for some help. Glad I did and it was so easy!

•  KEGAL, KEGAL, KEGAL ladies! I believe it will help you in your delivery! I did about 100 every day while I was pregnant with all three, and I think it helped me rebound back!

• The first three months of breast feeding are hard... believe me! Learn about when your baby is going through growth spurts, so you know ahead of time. They go through a HUGE one at 3 months, which I believe is why a lot of moms quit around that time. Think... how many stopped after 3 months out of frustration? Not many!

• Take as many pictures as you can. Even if they aren't blow-up-and-put-on-your-wall worthy. Every little one helps keep those memories! 

• Do NOT buy a nursing bra when you are in that first engorgement stage. I did this, and those nice round (but painful) Double Ds didn't stay for long!

• Whatever you do, make sure YOU are taking care of YOU. You can't be strong and happy for you're baby if you're not strong and happy for yourself!

• When it comes to toddler bed time... don't hesitate to buy that "big girl bed" and throw a pair of cheapy side rails on it. It saves you a couple hundred, unless you find a cute one used. I'd suggest against spending over 50 bucks for one, especially since you can find a "big girl/boy bed" for not much more than that!

• My last... law... to... abide...by... WAIT SIX WEEKS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO "PRACTICE" CREATING ANOTHER LITTLE ONE... chances are good you WILL! Oh, and breast feeding is NOT a good form of birth control ;)! Heed this warning or you may end up with...



THIS!





Disclaimer: these are all my personal suggestions, not to be confused with doctor's orders! 

Any mother's out there want to add??

A Funeral To Remember

My grandmother finally passed away after fighting brain cancer for almost 4 months. She was an awesome, strong, sweet lady, and I'm sure going to miss her. I think she would have loved what we did with her funeral, though!




Me and Grandma

First, before she passed, we had planned a Halloween party for the kiddos in the family, since a lot of the family was to be there. My grandma told me "Good, I like to party!". Unfortunately, she passed the night before the big party. We still had the party, as if she were still there. It was awesome!

We had the kids make a witch stew...



Idea courtesy of familyfun.go.com

These are the pizza mummies... SO delicious!

Idea courtesy of familyfun.go.com

Pumkin Bowling...

Idea courtesy of familyfun.go.com

Eyeballs, pumpkin rolls,and "finger" food!

Idea courtesy of familyfun.go.com



After the funeral, at the gravesite, we had a balloon release for my grandmother. The balloons and string are yellow, because that is her favorite color. Attached to each of the balloons was a picture of each individual with grandma. We attached one copy to the balloon, and kept a wallet size for our keeping.




my beautiful sister Sadie

And... the final product. I really think my grandma would be happy we did this for her! Love you and miss you already my sweet Grandmama!

What's for dinner!!!???

Oh my LANTA I hate the dreaded awful question!? Why do we even have to eat!? Especially 3 times a day? Who thought that up!?

I think EVERY momma can relate with me on this stress. I'm convinced there is few things more difficult then trying to cook with one baby attached to the boob, two toddlers banging pots and pans, dogs and cats chasing each other, pulling down table cloths and destroying the whole house behind me and no hubby to be found. Pretty picture huh? But there's one thing I have learned the hard way. That one thing is to PLAN. Dinner time will go SO much easier if you plan.

Here's how I do it every week- I cheat by using websites and apps. Talk about using technology to the fullest!

A few of my favorite websites are:

Www.eatathomecooks.com- this website has over 2 years of meal plans. All you have to do is pick a week, print out the meal plan, grocery list already compiled and recipes and head out the door shopping! There's low budget weeks and also stock your freezer weeks as well! I use this OFTEN! It is free!

Www.howdoesshedoit.com- This website takes a little more shopping, but once you find recipes that appeal to you, it generates the shopping list for you! It is free!

Www.emeals.com - I haven't tried this one out only because it costs money, and I've cheated the system by finding FREE meal plans. I have heard it on the radio, but I don't have much information other than that.

A few favorite apps I use are:

Big oven : I usually search "easy" on this app because It comes up with a lot of easy meals. I also use it for "cleaning the pantry/fridge/freezer" meals as well by searching the items I'm wanting to cook with. It's available in the Play market for free.

Grocery smart: This app, also available in the Play Market for free is amazing! Add the items to your list from your phone or from your computer. It also has a scanner to scan your VIP cards and can be synced between you and other people, so you can all see what needs to be bought.

Our groceries: Same type of app as above, but it's amazing because it continually syncs. I can add groceries to it as Curtis shops, or vice versa. Also, add your recipes to the app, and transfer the items to the grocery list with just a few clicks... making a grocery list super easy to make. Great app!

Another few things I've learned by trial and error-
Don't wait until the day you are going grocery shopping. It's stressful, especially if you don't particularly like the whole process. Plan a few days in advanced.
Plan meals that are practical. Don't try and cook a gourmet meal every night of the week. Those days will come when you're an empty nester.
Plan something friendly to your taste buds and families likings. Just because it'd different, doesn't mean it will get eaten.
Plan around the day and events going on. For example, I work Tuesday nights. I crock pot in the morning, so all Curtis has to do is pull it out and serve it. Makes the nights he's home with the kids a lot easier.
Take weather in to account. Save the soups and chilis for the winter, and take advantage of your grill in the summer.

These apps/websites/tips have made my families' dinner experience much more enjoyable. What recipe/meal planning methods do you use? What tips and tricks makes your meal planning experience more enjoyable?

What's in a blog?

As I have been analyzing my heart and my desires and how I can bring out the creative side of myself, I realized I REALLY want to blog more. I want an audience. I want a blog that is true, funny, open and hopefully informative.

I'm going back to my highschool English days as I am pondering this magical blog and I'm pretty sure I have all the components. I've got children. Three under 3, to be exact. I have two step daughters. I am crafty and love thinking up designs. I don't have a degree in creativity, I have a passion. I love Jesus. I believe because and with all these elements, I can become a successful blogger. I'm learning mothering, step mothering and being a wife the rough way, and I hope I can share some of my hard learned lessons with others. God gave me this craziness, and I think it's time I start sharing.

I'm going for it, and I hope you will join me!

Whit

P.s. feedback is always welcome! Please "follow" me too!