C-Sections Are Not of Satan!!!

Hello everyone!
So I have not written a blog entry in a while, and I thought it was past due.

I really felt the urge to write a blog of encouraging words to expecting mothers based on my experience. First let me start off by saying that I am currently 32.5 weeks pregnant with our second little girl. Eden, our first, is now 2 years old. Here is me today...

When we were expecting with Eden, I had a birth plan that was all mapped out, and I prayed everyday for her. My husband and I were so excited! We could not wait to meet our little one.  We decided not to find out her gender until birth, so not only were we excited about meeting our little one, but we were totally clueless on whether it was a boy or a girl!

Everyone and their mom told me their birth story! And after that, I told myself that I really did not want a c-section, but I was not worried about it. After all, my family has naturally great childbearing hips. I was always told that I was built to have babies. After all I am related to the woman who wrote Cheaper By The Dozen! In her book she talks about inheriting the "Galbraith hips" and guess what? That's my great aunt Galbraith she is talking about! Anyways, I was pretty certain I did not have to worry about having a cesarean. However, when I went in at 34 weeks to see the doctor, Eden was breech. No big deal though, right? She still has plenty of time to flip... 36, still breech, 38.... breech. I was doing everything I could to help flip the baby, except have her turned manually by the doctors (that scared me too much). I was going to the chiropractor, and doing handstands in the pool, and every exercise on Spinningbabies.com. Nothing would turn her. We scheduled a c-section.

I was so depressed and scared. I had heard quite a few horror stories that made me really nervous. Some of my friends kept telling me, "Have faith! God will flip the baby! Have faith that He will not make you have a c-section!"  I would like to say that this thought process is ridiculous. It is okay to have faith that God will work things out for the good, but to make it sound as there is only one good way for it to happen is not okay.

God tells us "'For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11. But He also says "“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9. So why do so many women look at having a cesarean as a failure or a curse from God? I mean, really? Does it really matter how God gives you the blessing? I ended up having a c-section. It was AMAZING. Though the recovery was tough, the birth was beautiful and very easy. The doctor noticed when doing the procedure that I have a heart shaped uterus which made it very hard for baby to flip. 1 in 200 women have a heart shaped uterus. Here is a picture of a normal and heart shaped uterus, so you can kind of gain some understanding.

So here I am... 32.5 weeks pregnant with our second little girl. And guess what? She is breech. The doctor does not recommend we try to turn her because of the shape of my uterus. I really hope to have natural birth, but this time I have so much more peace than I did with Eden's delivery. God has shown me that His ways are way better than mine and everyone of my friends' ways. The thing is, I was built by God. He know's what is best for me and my baby. When people tell me how much better it is to have a natural birth, or how horrible c-sections are, I cannot help but laugh inside. Do not get me wrong, I WANT to have a natural birth, but I also realize that though it may be a great way of delivering for most women and their children, it is NOT the best way of delivering for all women in all circumstances.

Many women (including me when I was pregnant with Eden) feel they have failed some how by not being able to deliver the way "God intended it." What a bunch of bologna!  If He wants to take the baby from out of your stomach a different way, then THAT is how He intended it! If God wants to deliver a baby using the hands of a skilled surgeon, then let God's will be done! The most important thing is giving it fully to God, and trusting in His plan even if it does not match yours!

Working Hard for the Hiney, So Hard for it Honey!

Hey everyone. I just have to share how Great Jesus is. I just feel overwhelmed by His love, power, grace and mercy lately. You know how it is when you TRY to fathom His greatness and get totally overwhelmed with joy that all you can do is weep on your knees in His presence? He is so Great you guys. Don't forget that. When things get scary, just remember that we don't have to fear ANYTHING except for Him alone. Psalm 27:1 says "The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid?" Wow. Isn't that cool? If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have nothing, and no one to fear.  "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31. That is some pretty powerful stuff right? Anyways, I think that is pretty awesome. Eden had eye surgery today and that was something that God helped ease my fear about with these scriptures.

 This is Eden waiting for her appointment!

Sometimes I let fear creep into my life. Satan starts planting irrational thoughts like "well God took your sister, and it worked for the good, but what if His plan involves taking Eden too." Here is the thing. This is TOTALLY a thought from Satan. God may have given us a hard past, and He may have some events that are even harder in the future, but why would we fear GOD's plans? Do not get me wrong, losing my sister was the hardest thing I have ever had to endure, but I can honestly say that it has had the most drastic affect on my life, and in a GREAT way! I still cry, and I yearn to see her face again, but God has revealed to me the importance of my time here on earth. We only have a little time here to be open vessels for God to use. Bree was a great example. She touched so many, and through her life and early departure MANY AROUND THE WORLD were and are still being SAVED! That brings such tears of joy to my eyes.

This is right before she went in. She did WONDERFULLY!

 I still struggle with letting go of what the world thinks of me for the sake of bringing truth and true love to others.  But God makes it clear, “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!" Luke 6:22.  Praise Jesus for that! I am not saying that you should go out and use Jesus's name only to hurt peoples feelings and bring people down, but I am saying that you should not have fear of being outcast when you share the love and truth of Christ. And be prepared; you will offend people. Jesus offended many, and so did His disciples, because people do not want to hear the truth. The truth is very offensive to someone who does not want to change. But please do not let this stop you! He, Jesus, The Great I Am is applauding you!! Not only that, but He is using you to bring others to Him! It may not be the person you are talking directly to... it may be the person standing in the corner listening in to your conversation, or it may be a person on Facebook who glances at your profile. God has NO limits. You NEVER know! Be courageous my friends, and be bold!

Okay, now that being said.... FITNESS! I have been doing really well! I havent gained any weight in my pregnancy! Well so far, that will change I am sure. Tomorrow marks 9 weeks! But I have been working out hard still! Not as hard as before my pregnancy, but I am definitely working out! Here is a picture of me and my family doing the card workout together on vacation in Vegas.

Thats my dad on the left, me then Jessie (who kicks my butt) 

and Ryan my brother who is my awesome trainer! You look great you guys! 

I do not know what I would do without you =D

By the way, if any of you need a personal trainer in San Diego County, Ryan is AMAZING! You guys can call him at 760-880-2248 or email him at Grandon001@gmail.com. You won't regret it!

Eden has been helping me workout hard as well! She is such a cutie, look at this kid!

By the way my pregnancy has been going beautifully, though morning sickness has been a challenge for sure! Oh and I cannot stomach veggies at ALL you guys!!! I have been trying to eat healthier by choosing fruits for my sweets cravings. That has helped. I am excited to have this first trimester be over so I can have my energy and an apatite back! 

Here is a tip that has helped me get my healthy foods in... plan in advance. The crock-pot has been a life-savor. All you have to do is throw in some chicken, veggies and some low sodium and low sugar sauce in the morning, set it to low and and dinner is made for your family 8 hours later! Super easy! It just takes remembering, which can be a challenge with this mommy brain of mine, lol! But it is so worth it.

Also, if you have a sweet tooth, fruit is amazing like I said, but sometimes you crave chocolate so bad! I eat these chocolate brownie bars (click here). because they are really tasty but my favorite are the peanut-butter chocolate ones (click here) lol! They are both a great source of protein, and they are low on sugar and high in fiber! Not to mention they really hit the spot and boost your energy. 

Here is another tip for exercising. If you are low on energy, it is super important to get in your multivitamin or prenatal!! I notice a DRASTIC difference in my energy when I do take my prenatal than when I do not. This is what I take, Isotonx Prenatal (click here). It is Isotonic which means it goes directly into your blood stream, which is what you need in the morning! I stopped drinking coffee and caffeine before I got pregnant and found that taking my multivitamin has been extremely effective. Andrew takes, Isotonix Multivaitamin (click here). 

Anyways, those are my tips for this blog! Talk to you guys soon!  

Roller-Coaster Week

I am so happy you guys! I have been so good with my eating habits and workouts! I have lost 2 lbs this week!!! WOOT! It was a wake up call for me finding out that I was preggers. I started to really eat right. Except I have to confess today I was really sore from Friday and Saturday's workouts, so I was just going to rest today, but then we decided to have pizza... Because I have been eating so healthily, that pizza destroyed me!!! I had heart burn for like 6 hours! After realizing the damage that stuff did to my body I decided to suck it up and go on a 4 mile brisk walk. I was in pain probably for the first 2 miles, because I was so stiff and STILL burping up pizza that I ate hours ago. But after that I got in the groove and finished that stinker!

This is my lil' angel, Eden... She inspires me.

I am always seeing these pregnant women walking and they inspire me so much. So thank you ladies! Keep up the good work... I am really praying for the strength and persistence that you have!

This week has been filled with some ups and downs you guys. But God is great! I know a few of you know this already, but I had a little bit of a pregnancy scare right after I found out that I was pregnant. What a roller-coaster ride it has been. Long story short... I was spotting (which I had with Eden too) with some cramps, the Doctor kind of freaked out and acted as though I probably (not possibly) miscarried and had me take like 12 blood tests. When all was said and done the baby is great! God is good!

I know that some people are probably thinking, and this is why you wait to announce your pregnancy... I hear you, but think about how many people were praying for me and my baby. Prayer is so powerful! So thank you all so much for keeping this baby in your prayers. I really appreciate it so much.
One thing that I feel I am learning more and more everyday is that this child and Eden are God's children not mine.  He wants the best for this little one and Edie Peedie, and I am learning to trust that.

This is a picture of my workout partner/hubby and our lovely goddaughter Nevaeh. I love them =)

Andrew keeps me hoppin'!

Working Out For Two

Another great week! I haven't had this great of a week in over two years! I have kept up with my workout routine, and have continued to eat healthy.  Except for one day, Sunday, oh dear, Sunday. You see... I was in a hurry because Andrew and I were going to catch a movie, so I grabbed a protein shake and some seasoned almonds at the grocery store and decided not to look at the back of either, because how bad can those things be? I mean come on, they are healthy. After I had finished the protein shake and had 2 thirds of the almonds, curiosity got me to look at the back of these items. I drank 840 calories!!!!!! Then, I ate 680 calories!!! 1520 calories for a snack? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Why did I not just go to In n' Out and order a Triple Triple Animal style! It would have at least tasted amazing! So yeeeeaaaah. That protein shake was probably made with buttermilk and the almonds soaked in gasoline, that's the only way I can explain how America could fatten up such "healthy" things. Learn from me, READ THE BACK PEOPLE!!!

So you want to know why we were running a little short on time for the movies? Well, I had to drop Eden off at Grandma and Granpa's house, and in doing so I had to tell them the news (as you have probably guessed by the title) that they are going to be grandparents of TWO! That is right, I am as the Bible says, with child! Woot woot! And this month was the month that we decided not to try because my hubby and I were feeling so sick at different times. I guess it's true, stop trying and you will get preggies! So exciting! I think I am REALLY early, like 2.5 weeks. People are worried about me telling others too soon, and I am a little nervous too. But here is the thing, I don't want to limit the amount of prayers for this baby's health and growth. I am asking you guys to please pray for this little one's health and safety, that he or she (I think he) is an extremely healthy baby that grows up knowing and loving Jesus.  

There are 4 of these majiggers to prove baby Lowen's existence =D

I started having some really gnarly cramps yesterday, as well as some light spotting (brown) which is still continuing. I know that cramps can happen, but those were ridiculous, and the spotting I am really not worried about because I remember the same thing happening when I was pregnant with Eden. But it does not hurt to ask for your guys' prayers =D.

I am going to keep on working out, and just monitor my body a little bit more, and maybe go a tiny bit easier. Eating? Well I will not be eating for 2... Or in Sunday's case 6!

Kick Bootie Workout Week!

What a great week. I have done much better with my eating program, and I have ripped it up with my workouts. I have only taken one day off of working out in the past 7 days.  Today was my walk/run. I ran about 3.25 miles and walked a mile, and that was while I was sore! I was so proud of myself jogging, and then I saw a pregnant lady jogging faster than me! She had to be about 5 months preggers, and she looked AMAZING!  That made me even more determined to keep up with my workout program. I want to be pregnant by this year, but I am hoping I lose enough weight so that I can really have a healthy pregnancy. So yeah, that was a wake-up call that I need to go and go hard!   

Yesterday I was awfully tempted to skip my workout. I decided to sun bathe outside in the yard.  All it took was 15 minutes of looking at my flabby thighs and tummy to realize that I NEEDED to workout! Right then and there I did a killer leg and butt workout. I would have done abs but I am still sore from the ab workout that I got in on Wednesday! Today I was again very tempted to skip my run, but praise God I didn't! I thought I would share 3 tips that have really helped me overcome my desire to be lazy.

1. Workout in the morning... and get dressed in your workout clothes right when you wake up.

• This is so crucial. If you are like me, life just gets in the way if you decide to workout in the evening. If you get up early enough to workout in the morning your only obstetrical is your own lack of motivation... which brings me to my second tip...

2. Pray like crazy for motivation.

• I have to do this every day! God is so good, and He wants us to succeed in becoming healthier. Pray that He gives you a passion for working out and eating right. This has really helped me! I am not saying that I always feel like working out, but I am more motivated when I lift it up to Him.

3. Schedule it.

• Write down on your calender what you are going to do for your workout, and stick to it! 

4. Here is a bonus one... DO IT!  

I had to do all of these today in order to get my bootie out the door!

In all of the efforts I have put into working out, cooking healthily, and mommy duty I have found it SO hard to keep up with all the house work! Balance is really hard to master, and I even have help once a week! I know I can do way better. After I workout and cook everyone a legit meal I feel so done that I don't even want to look at the dishes. I am hoping that if I keep up with my workout plans and eating plans that I will gain a lot more energy. 

Remember that today is a very special day... Happy Good Friday everyone. Today is the day that Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. What an amazing thing, that the King of Heaven and earth would come down and die for us to erase our sins. All we have to do is accept Him as our Lord and Savior and accept His gift of salvation. What a beautiful thing.

Well, have a Happy Easter, everyone!  Don't forget, Easter is not about celebrating the easter bunny and eating candy, but it is all about Jesus rising from the dead! It is so fun having Easter egg hunts, but in the midst of all the hype it is truly important to remember the wonderful truth of God's victory! He conquered death! God bless and have a great weekend, everyone!

Anything Is Possible... Even Bumbie Shrinking!

Well  you guys... today I am feeling motivated. Today starts (for me) a new week, and I am ready to rock it! For a while I was off sorts with my workouts, but the last 7 days I have really started to get back on track.  Thanks to my TLS coach, Ryan Grandon, I have started to really track my workouts. Every exercise I do I write down on a calender. Ryan was right when he said that it is really motivating to look at your calender and be able to write something down. This week I worked out 4 times.

Today I kicked butt, my butt. I have to say though, it didn't feel too grand. I'm still feeling it! Have you guys ever heard of jumping-jack-squats? I haven't until this last week in a workout class. I have heard of jumping-squats, but not jumping-jack-squats. I have found that I am really not that out of shape when it comes to power, but when it comes to cardio... can I say heart attack!?! So in this class I was pretty much dying from all of the cardio, but the workout that killed me the most were these wonderful jumping-jack-squats. I mean come on, aren't squats enough of a workout? Do they need to combine them with jumping? But to combine them with jumping jacks? WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!  Needless to say, I decided to incorporate them into my "card workout" routine. For those of you that don't know what a card workout is check out my week 7 blog post: 6 Steps Forward 1 Step Back I did 84 of these suckers today! I about died. Any who, after the crazy card workout which incorporated 3 other workouts (88 push-ups, 164 bicycles/leg-out thingies and 88 lunges) I decided it was a great idea to do 100 sit-ups. I am beat people!

I am really out of shape. I was running on Saturday with Andrew (my hubby) and found that my lungs were completely uncooperative. My legs wanted to go, but my breathing said otherwise! That is so frustrating. So I am going to work on not gassing out this week by upping the cardio up and getting back my breathing pattern! Yikes. I hate running. But it seems to be the only thing that really shrinks my, as the Lowen family would call them, bumbies. And my bumbies must shrink!!! Don't get me wrong, I love having a big butt, but this is getting down right ridiculous! Yes, 'tis time to get pumped again.

I was really un-motivated, but I have been praying like crazy that God would really put a passion in my heart for working out, and I have found that prayer really helps me here! I know that I really cannot do anything without Jesus.  Getting back in shape seems impossible. What is cool is that ANYTHING is possible through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 5:13). Any who, I am excited. After just one week of working hard I feel so much better. I have to admit though, my eating habits definitely need improving! I haven't been completely evil, but I have had my naughty moments! I will do better for sure this week, because if there is one thing I have learned, its that you cannot out-exercise a bad diet!!!!

Here is a video of the evil exercise that did me in today.

And here is a picture of my week this week...

Mommy empowerment!

So I know this is not a "fitness" post, but it has been weighing on my heart to write about this topic...

You know what saddens me to no end? The number of women who are so willing to throw in the towel on being moms. I am talking about when a woman has a child/children, and she decides to take on a full-time job, not because she desperately needs the money, but because she wants to "get away" from all her mommy duties. God made us women to be the nurturers of our children. I hate how this stupid feminist act is producing a bunch of women who take PRIDE in abandoning their motherly, God given duties! Please understand, I am not talking about the women who go out there and work hard for their families so that food can be put on the table, or gas can be put in the tank, but wish so badly that they could be home with their little ones. Single moms, or women who's families are in financial crisis, you women need to know that you ARE nurturing your little ones, by working to make sure that their physical needs are taken care of.  Trust that if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, and you are obedient to Him then God has plans to prosper you.  Just keep on truckin' and stay true to God and His Word! He will see you through. You may prosper in ways you never thought you would. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD,' plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11).  Believe that God has a plan for you, your future, and your children's future!

To my fellow women who are BLESSED enough to be able to stay home with your children and raise them the right way, take courage and do what God made you to do!  Why would you throw that blessing away? Why, if you have a choice, would you chose to let someone else raise your child? You are putting your child's future in that person's hands willingly. Why would you not FIGHT for your child's future and even his/her salvation?  I know it is scary, and I know it can be so hard at times, but these are not excuses to pawn your child off to a daycare ALL DAY, so you can "empower" yourself as a "strong woman."  Many women have no choice and would do anything to switch positions with you. The Bible says "Train up a child in the way  he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6). If you are allowing someone else to "train up" your child, then you are taking a risk. Your son or daughter is a child for only a little while. You only have so much time to raise them and influence them in the right direction. Don't throw that away for "empowerment." That is not courage, that is cowardice. Have FAITH that God will give you strength, wisdom, patience, and love when raising your little one. Be empowered as the mommy God made you to be! Be proud of the role God gave you.  I am! Just look at this little nugget!

I'm Back Baby!

Hello everyone!

I know it’s been a LONG time since I last posted one of these things, and that is why I am writing you now!  I know what you are thinking… “She must have given up. That is why she stopped writing.” There is a TEENSY WEENSY bit of truth to that. I never “gave up,”  but I did get discouraged that I didn’t win or even place in the competition that I started this blog for. Granted, the guy who did win lost 90 lbs!!!!!Here is the video of the winners…

 Anyways, long story short, I got sad and stopped posting blogs and slowed down on the intensity. Good news is that I never gave up. I have rocked a couple 5Ks and I look forward to rocking some more! On top of that, I still really enjoy power lifting with my Poppy (dad) as much as I can. And though I did go downhill for a while with my eating during the holidays, I have been rocking it ever since we got our new grill, which was like 3 weeks ago! Here are tonight’s and last nights dinners! The little plate is Eden’s dinner =).  Oh and I have to say… GRILLING IS AWESOME!!!!!! The frying pan just doesn’t cut it!  So when in doubt, grill!

A couple of nights ago I was feeling particularly discouraged. I found some old high school/early college days photos of myself. I mean come on! Look at that BOD! 

 This is about 6 years ago.

Anybody else know how that feels? You know that sinking feeling you get when you realize you’re nowhere NEAR in the shape that you used to be only 5-6 years ago?!  Well that night Andrew gave me a little pow-wow.  He reminded me that this is not a journey to a final destination, but it is a lifelong journey. It’s not about reaching my goal weight as fast as possible as much as it is about continually improving my daily eating and exercising habits in order to have a happier and healthier life. He also reminded me of how beautiful I am right now.  I love how he thinks I’m a total “BABE.” LOL! I love my man! He also reminded me of how far I have come... This was taken last year. 

LOLOLOL!! Just kidding... that was about 2 years ago when I was pregers.
Okay, for realzies now... last year... dum dum dum!

And Here I am now. This pic was taken today.

I put black corners on the edge because I heard that black is a slimming color ;-) did it work?

 So I am going to start writing again, people! I love to write. I have come to the conclusion that this blog is so much more than just the documentation of my progress. It is about encouraging you guys, and encouraging myself! It’s about being able to write. I never knew I loved writing so much until I started my blog.  Anyways, that’s it for now! Love you all =). Feel free to leave comments below or even message me on Facebook anytime!