All ready to plant some sweet corn in the *big* garden...
Let's play a game. It's called: "Where's Jaxson?" :)
Chris and the other children were at the meat market...so Jaxson and I took a picture together while we waited...
Here they come!
Jaxson, caught in a *hee-yaw* motion...
The boys were chasing each other and wrestling in the field...when I hear: "Ut oh!" Jaxson lost one of his top teeth while they were wrestling. It needed to come out as the grown-up tooth is already coming in...but now it is lost somewhere in the field. We don't *do* the tooth fairy or anything...so it wasn't a huge loss...I think it just surprised the boys, all of a sudden, when it wasn't in his mouth anymore!
We worked hard in the evening to plant corn. We're all so thankful for the breeze that was cooling us all down as we planted!
Then, we took the back way home...through the trees that line the road and give it a fun tunnel-like feel!
Now it's time to be gut-wrenching-ly truthful. Are you ready? Okay...here goes....
A few years ago (4 or 5)...Chris had a vasectomy. We thought this was the best route for us as we seemed very fertile and we were busy with three children 5 and under. We felt our family was the perfect size and hoped God would "see it our way" and considered ourselves wise for making the decision. As the majority of the "world" out there will tell you, "You can't afford too many children now-a-days." "You need to make sure you have time for yourself." "You're too busy...why would you want more children?". We bought into the lies we heard.
I don't know if it is conviction or my motherly desires but oh how my beliefs have changed over the past few years. First, do we trust God with our lives? Has He not always provided for us? The more I realize how sovereign and almighty our God truly is, I realize He is in control of our lives...and it's much better that way. He is great...we are not. He is perfect...we are not. He knows all...we do not. Who better to be in control of our lives? Our decision, I truly believe, was wrong...biblically. Children are such a treasure and every verse in the Bible confirms this. I believe our decision was wise in a *worldly* way but not in a *God-honoring* way...and everything in me desires to change this.
Chris was not on the same thinking-level I was on, though. Often, I tried to convince him otherwise...but to no avail. Unintentionally (and to my shame), I became a nagging wife...pleading for him to reconsider. He told me he would pray about it and think on it. (Waiting was torture...truly)! He came to a decision finally (I have been asking for years...and more fervently the past few months)...
Here is his proposal. He will have the reversal done *but* first, we have to have the money to pay for it. (To get it done in Pittsburgh costs almost $7500). So we'll take some in savings now and then add to it with our next income tax return check (next year). We don't think it is biblical to go into debt...so I completely agree with his thoughts on waiting until we have all the money we need.
The next stipulation is that I need to lose weight (I think it would be easier if he asked me to gnaw off my right arm!). He wants me completely healthy...for my sake and any pregnancies along the way (Lord willing). It was terribly hard to hear from him...but it was said in love. Tears streamed down my face as I felt that I would never be able to get the weight off. After talking to my mom and sister (who were both incredibly encouraging and supportive...of the weight loss and future pregnancies) I decided to contact a friend of mine who runs our local YMCA. They have spinning (cycling in place) classes at 6am. This will be a sure way to help me lose the weight. I am an early bird so getting up that early won't be a problem...plus Chris will still be home with the children so I won't need to find a sitter. I can be home before he leaves for work.
I am more of the old-fashioned, skirt-wearing, chore-doing kinda gal. The idea of throwing on pants and going to the gym doesn't exactly appeal to me...but I need more exercise and this is *just* what I need. It's not going to be easy...but I am going to work at this! I am starting tomorrow (Friday) morning...bright and early (goodness...I'll have to find my sneakers...I don't even remember the last time I wore those!). I may not be able to walk the rest of the day tomorrow...but I know it will feel great to get exercising more!
So, my plan is that along with smaller portions and smarter food decisions to lose the extra weight. This is real motivation. I long for more babies...so hopefully, in a year, I will be smaller, healthier and Chris will have the reversal. I am aware the reversal may still not result in pregnancy...but at least I will know it's God's will and not because of *our* decision.
Lord willing, a year from now, I will be posting that Chris's reversal went well and then...hopefully at some point, announcing another pregnancy. As the weight comes off, I may share updates from time to time...we'll see. My sister is due in January with her wee one and I hope to be thinner in those pictures of holding my new niece or nephew! :)
It's pretty embarrassing...knowing that thousands of people may read this over the next month or so. Yep, I'm over-weight and *not* proud of it. But now I have a plan to get it off...and I am going with it. Prayers and encouragement are *very* much appreciated.
Thanks for taking the time to visit me here...and if you have read this far...I'm grateful.
Here goes!!
Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied,
Katy