Friday, June 8, 2012

WE'VE MOVED!!!

I found I wasn't getting the experience I wanted from a blog, so instead I built a website. If you are interested in +Parents, please go to

www.plusparentsmagazine.com

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Missed yesterday!! Oooopps

I have been working around the clock on the magazine, and didn't even realize yesterday was Monday!!!!! So I don't have an article for "Get up and Move Mondays" this week, but just remember even though it is still wet and raining out, you can still get up and move!!!

Some quick fun ideas:

Milk Jug Catch

This game requires two milk jugs with the bottom cut off, and a ball. The object is using only the milk jug, no hands, throw each other the ball. It gets pretty interesting trying to get the ball back in the jug when the ball gets dropped! Kids love this game, and it'll keep you and them busy for awhile. Note: Its best to cut the jugs without the kids, because they can be tricky to cut, and probably a little to dangerous for young kids to try.

Mirror Mirror

This is a game I learned in acting class in high school. You stand face to face with your child and you have to imitate everything they do, or vise versa. Move slow so that the movements are easy to copy. Follow hand waves, blinks, squats, etc. How close can you come to a mirror image?

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Photo contest for July magazine

As we get closer to July 1, the launch of our magazine, were seeking entries for our photo contest.

Please see photo below for prizes, and rules. Contest is open to Southern Oregon residence only.

Starting in August First Place winners will be featured on the cover of the magazine. :)

Friday, June 1, 2012

Medford and Surrounding Community Calendar June 2-8

Grants Pass & Surrounding Community Calendar June 2-8

WOW! I have searched high and low and there is NOTHING going on this week in Grants Pass!! If you know of events coming up, or have a event please feel free to email it to me plusparents@yahoo.com Medford and Surrounding will be up within the next hour

Addition:
Saturday June 2, 2012
9AM-1PM
HOME DEPOT
Children's Workshop
Kids get to build a project
They'll get a Home Depot Apron, and a pin for completing a project.


Christian Jackson *Justice Fridays*

When I started looking for a story for this week, I came across the murder of Christian Jackson. I dug deep, and felt nothing but sorrow for this little boy. My goal with writing about these children isn't to point fingers, but seek justice. I however found it very hard to not think "Um HELLO!"

Christian like many children nowadays lived in two homes. Before Christian's death his father sought emergency custody because Christian had signs of abuse on his little body. However that was denied, and Christian continued to live with his mother too. Having a son, I understand bruises are going to happen, but Christian had bite marks, and injuries not consistent with rough play. I went on to find out that Christian's mother was previously involved in an abuse case involving her daughter, but in exchange for her testimony against her ex boyfriend, she faced no jail time. His mother and ex-boyfriend beat their daughter, breaking her arm, and the mother tried to cover it up. The daughter was taken, and she has not been able to regain custody(thank God!). So I was questioning, why in the heck was Christian allowed to stay with this woman?

The evening Christian became ill, he was with his father, however earlier in the day his mother dropped him off. He was rushed to the hospital, and later died. The autopsy said he died of blunt force trauma. So pretty much he was hit so hard in the stomach that it killed him. However, this can be a LONG process. Internal injuries can kill you instantly, take hours, or sometimes even days. Christian's paternal Grandmother was with Christian and his father when he started showing signs that something wasn't right. No abuse occurred to Christian in his fathers home that night. NONE. So what happened to Christian?

I wasn't going to write about Christian at first, because from my understanding his father has been arrested and charged with the crime, but I cannot confirm that. Even if he is awaiting trial, I don't think the father is the one to blame. Yes, the father has a criminal record, but the mother does too, and it is MUCH worse. She has been involved in abuse of her children before, and has lost a child to the state before, which they WILL NOT allow her to get back. Something doesn't add up.

Christian has no facebook, there are no petitions on change.org asking for justice for him, there are only people like you and me reading his story. I did find a youtube video of him, which is actually how I found out about him. Please help in finding out the truth for Christian. This little boy had a brightness to his eyes, that made me want to tell his story. Start a facebook page for him, tell his story on others walls, blog about him, anything. This little boy is very quickly becoming another cold case, and he deserves justice......and justice means charging the right person.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Tastey Tuesdays

Well time again for me to share some tastey ideas!!

Aside from being a mom, I've always wanted to be a professional cook or chef.

I have SO many recipes I am excited to share!!!!

Cheap, but good!

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What You'll need *1 whole chicken
*1/2 cup brown sugar
*3 Tablespoons Honey
*3 Tablespoons water OR chicken STOCK
*tin foil or pan with lid

Preparation *Preheat oven to 325
*Clean bird and remove any giblets, place in pan
*In cup mix brown sugar, honey, and stock, stir until liquidy.
*Rub bird with brown sugar mixture, make sure whole bird is covered.
*cover with tin foil or lid
Bake for 35-45 minutes per pounds, allow a little extra time for caramelization of sugar. Remember this is a lower, slower recipe. INTERAL TEMP SHOULD BE 180
Once finished let sit for about 15 minutes, move to carving board, carve and enjoy!!!!
We served this with plain rice, zucchini. It was juicy and delicious!!


I absolutely LOVE cooking in the crockpot!! Being a homemaker, I get busy and before I know it.....DINNER TIME!! Cooking in the crockpot gives me the ability to throw dinner together while everyone is happy in the morning. One of my favorite things to cook in the crockpot is Chili, which I'll make within the next few weeks.

Today however I'm going to tell you how to make Split Pea & Ham soup. Split pea is fairly straight forward, but really filling and good!!!

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What You'll need *1 bag split peas, these are usually in the rice and bean section on the bottom shelf
*4-5 large carrots, diced
*1 large white onion, diced
*1/2 pound cubed Ham
*4 tablespoons butter ****butter vs margarine below****
*Johnny's seasonings salt to taste
*5-6 cups water, more can be added later if its to thick for you

Preparation

Place all ingredients in crockpot, if you're leaving for the day set crockpot to low. Leave for 5-6 hours, stir and set to warm until ready to serve. STIR BEFORE SERVING
ENJOY!! With a piece of toast on the side


****Butter VS. Margarine

Margarine was originally manufactured to fatten turkeys. When it killed The turkeys, the people who had put all the money i their heads together to figure out what to do with this Product to get their food Appeal so they added the yellow coloring and sold it to people to use i come out with some clever New flavorings. DO YOU KNOW... The difference between margarine and butter? ; Read on to the end...gets very interesting! Both have the same amount of calories. Eating margarine can increase heart disease in women by Butter is slightly higher in saturated fats at 8 grams compared to 5 Grams. 53% over eating the same amount of butter, according to a recent Harvard Medical Study. Eating butter increases the absorption of many other nutrients in other Foods. Butter has many nutritional benefits where margarine has a few only Because they are added! Butter tastes much better than margarine and it can enhance the flavors Of other foods. Butter has been around for centuries where margarine has been around for Less than 100 years. And now, for Margarine.. Very high in Trans fatty acids. Very high in Trans fatty acids. Triple risk of coronary heart disease. Increases t otal cholesterol and LDL (this is the bad cholesterol) and Lowers HDL cholesterol, (the good cholesterol) Increases the risk of cancers up to five fold. Lowers quality of breast milk. Decreases immune response. Decreases insulin response. And here's the most disturbing fact.... HERE IS THE PART THAT IS VERY INTERESTING! Margarine is but ONE MOLECULE away from being PLASTIC.. This fact alone was enough to have me avoiding margarine for life and Anything else that is hydrogenated (this means hydrogen is added, changing The mol You can try this yourself: Purchase a tub of margarine and leave it in your garage or shaded area. Within a couple of days you will note a couple of things: * no flies, not even those pesky fruit flies will go near it (that Should tell you something) * it does not rot or smell differently because it has no nutritional Value; nothing will grow on it Even those teeny weeny microorganisms will Not a find a home to grow. Why? Because it is nearly plastic. Would you Melt you toast?

There are a few sites who try to debunk these claims, but none can debunk that it 1. Lowers quality of breastmilk 2. Decreases immune response and 3. Decreases insulin response. And actually say yes, its true!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Get up and move Mondays

Well it's time to get up and move!!

I haven't stopped moving today, and feel awesome!

Woke up, and threw together some crockpot soup for dinner, cleaned the house top to bottom, and tended to the yard

So I was thinking on days like this, when cleaning is a top priority, how do you make it fun for the kids?

Doing chores does burn calories, which is good, and keeps your surroundings healthy..which, is also good.

When I was growing up either my dad did the housekeeping or my brothers and I did, and I am all for chores for kids, but it sends a horrible message to your kids. That they are slaves, which...they're not.

So, back to the point....cleaning can be fun, teaches children responsibility, and is good for you!

First, turn on some music! Dance, sing, and be foolish! Kids love music, and dancing with a broom in your hand makes them want to do it too!

Next, don't bark out orders. My son is 6 and totally able to pick up his toys, and does, but when you get in there and help, they're more likely to see that teamwork pays off.

Turn it into a game. Whoever picks the toys up the fastest gets to pick ____________, or gets to decide ____________.

Last, REWARD you're kids for the good things they do! Be it praise, or the good old fashion star chart. Children thrive on praise alone, but star charts can be a reminder of their good deeds, which make them want to help more!

After a long day of cleaning and burning calories cleaning, relax on the couch and read your kids their favorite book as an additional reward.

Cleaning the house not enough to keep you and the kids busy?

Try a scavenger hunt!

Before the kids get up(or after they go to bed), find objects to hide, make a list or draw pictures of the items. Hide the items around the house or outside. Draw a hint list.

Leave the list with their breakfast. Then the hunt is on!!! I like to hide a prize at the hunt, or this is a fun idea for finding a birthday present on a birthday.

Still not enough?!?

Make a mini carnival

*Potato sack/pillow case races
*Bean bag toss(cardboard with holes cut out, and mini Ziploc bags filling with beans, rice, sand, etc)
*Hamper roller coaster/Hamper pull. My kids love this! I tie a rope to a hamper or cardboard box and pull them around. Simple yet, really fun!!! Just don't go to fast :)

Well I'm off to relax for the night! Hope you come tomorrow for my Honey and Brown Sugar Chicken, and its time to start embracing that crockpot collecting dust :)

Again thank a Vet today! "Freedom isn't free"

Friday, May 25, 2012

Relax it's the WEEKEND

If you're anything like me, by Saturday your done for! I am a full time stay at home mom (if you are too, you know some days need to be extended by 20 hours to get everything done), and for the last several months have been trying to put together a magazine.

So since its the weekend, it's time for a little breaky poo!

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, if you're in Southern Oregon that means its Boatnik time! Great fun for all ages. Plus I'm extremely excited about the parade in Grants Pass starting in the morning at 10am, please bring ear protection for the kids though, since they do turn on the jet boats.

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More importantly though, this weekend is to honor the men and women who serve, or served our country. My father fought in Vietnam, and my brother in Iraq. So this weekend we'll be celebrating that they came home, safe. Thank You Dad, Seth, and all those brave men and women whos bravery is undeniable.

If you're in Southern Oregon, indoor activities may be in store, however if you're enjoying the sunshine, here are a few ideas to stay busy(I'll include some indoor ideas too)

Make an obstacle course

Get your lawn furniture and set it up so the kids can crawl under it.
Use the garden hose to jump over, or as a "tight rope" lay it on the ground and the kids have to "balance" on it
You can use many items to make your course, including water balloons, sprinklers, or rope.
Let the kids help build it, they'll have tons of good ideas!

An obstacle course can be made inside too, using chairs, blankets, and couch cushions.


Cloud shapes

This is quite simple. Lay on your grass and talk about the shapes you see in the clouds. You'll be highly amused at what your children come up with.

For inside grab a piece of paper, cotton balls, and glue. Make clouds in the shape of dogs, elephants, boats, or anything you can think of. It's a great time to talk about upcoming summer and make fun plans, even if its just a picnic and day at the park


Make popsicles

You'll just need a few disposable cups, popsicle sticks, and juice or if you're limiting juice you can get water flavoring packets at Walmart. They only have 5 calories per pack, and 1 pack will flavor 2-3 Popsicles.
Add liquid to cups and freeze for about 30 minutes, until liquid is slushy. Then add sticks so they stay upright.
Freeze until solid.
Great after obstacle course treat.


Make a family newspaper or magazine

Grab a few pieces of paper, crayons, and if you want pictures.
Write articles about upcoming family events, family news, my kids love the "Ask Mom" section. My son is a new reader and loves being able to read my answers. Once complete the kids really love showing it off.


Whatever you decide to do this weekend stay safe, get up and move, and thank a Vet :)

Kiera Lynn Taylor -Justice Fridays-

Losing a child, I can imagine is a surreal experience. There are no words to comfort a parent who's lost a child.

No matter the manner of death the loss is tragic, but when a child dies at the hands of a caregiver the vileness is overwhelming.

Last Friday, I told you about Alissa Guernsey. A beautiful baby girl who was beaten to death while strapped in her carseat. This baby girl has yet to receive justice. Her murder is walking free, simply because she knew the prosecutor and judge. Will Christy Shaffer ever pay for what she's done?

You may think there is little you can do to help cases such as Alissa's, but you can. You can go to Alissa's Facebook page, and like it.
http://m.facebook.com/pages/BabyAlissaCries4Justiceorg/349487388442918?id=349487388442918&_rdr

You can also go to her website, where you will find Alissa's full story, links to their change.org petition demanding justice for Alissa.
http://www.babyalissacries4justice.org/


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This week I'd like to tell you about Kiera Lynn Taylor

On February 18, 2009 3 year old Kiera died of blunt force trauma to the head. She was at her fathers home at the time of her fatal injury, there were several adults in the home, although at the time she was taken to the hospital her father was at work. Her death ruled a homicide. I cannot find much information on the case, but that doesn't mean you can't help get her justice. Far to often investigators put cases on the back burner, and hope something falls in their laps. A CHILD MURDER CASE SHOULD NEVER BE PUT OFF UNTIL LATER!! No arrests have been made yet. Please help this family fight for justice for Kiera.
Kiera's Facebook

There are just to many stories similar to these beautiful girls. Please take the time to show them child abuse will not be tolerated and we CAN STOP IT

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Diets, and exercise...OH MY!

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The United States has a ever growing obesity epidemic. The diet industry has boomed with people trying to find ANYTHING that works, even if its temporary.

Anyone who is overweight has tried a diet of some form, but with these yo-yo diets and huge weight fluctuations, are you doing more harm to your body than being obese or overweight?

This kind of dieting is associated with extreme food deprivation as a substitute for good diet and exercise techniques. As a result, the dieter may experience loss of both muscle and body fat during the initial weight-loss phase (weight-bearing exercise is required to maintain muscle). After completing the diet, the dieter is likely to experience the body's starvation response, leading to rapid weight gain of only fat. This is a cycle that changes the body's fat-to-muscle ratio, one of the more important factors in health. One study in rats showed those made to yo-yo diet were more efficient at gaining weight.
Source:Wikipedia

I've had positive experience with several diets, but what these diets don't teach you is how to eat correctly, and most bothersome is some DISCOURAGE exercise!

A good example of this is the HCG diet. HCG is a hormone created by women during a pregnancy. In combination with HGC drop or injections and massively reduced calorie intake, you can achieve 2 pounds a day weight loss. The diet does not allow exercise, frankly because you'll end up exercising off any calories you've consumed, which can have life threatening consequences...
Dizziness
Mental Confusion or "feeling slow"
Lethargy (tired)
Depression
Food obsession
Muscle loss
Kidney failure

My best friend Jessica lost an substantial amount using the HCG diet, and has maintained her weight with healthy and nutritious foods. Although several others have had success after a fad diet...it is not the norm.

There are so many healthy options, and so many exercise routines to choose from. How do you decide what works best for you?

Try new things!!!

I'll be the first to admit I am obese because I eat to much and move to little. I've always wanted to be a professional chef, and I let that dream fad a little because I figured the only reason I wanted to do it was to give myself an excuse to eat.

However on weeks that I exclusively cook at home, I weigh an average of 3 pounds less, than weeks I consume processed foods or fast food, even if only consumed once.

So for me one way to not gain is cook 100% at home.

Next....exercise!
Exercise is good for you....body AND mind.
I am notorious for having tons of motivation to exercise, but then I over do it, become sore, and by the time I'm not in pain, I've lost all motivation....sound familiar? I've heard so many stories very similar.

One thing that took me a long time to grasp was I don't have to run, hike, or feel like my heart is about to explode to exercise and be active. Although planting a garden, or taking a light walk around the block don't burn as many calories as running 5 miles, it does burn a lot more than sitting on the couch.
Here are a few activities I find easy to complete, without feeling like I was hit by a car :)

Swimming. Swimming for an hour can burn a lot of calories. Check here for an idea. http://www.nutristrategy.com/caloriesburnedswimming.htm

Walking. This is challenging for some, but even a little is an accomplishment.

Zumba. Believe me I know it sounds totally intimidating, but aside from swimming its the ONLY form of exercise I find fun. I sweat, but don't get sore, and I am literally smiling the whole time. It really is a exercise that increases your self confidence from the first time. If you're local in Grants Pass, search "Zumba with Ivorie". If you are unable to do zumba try searching "chair zumba" on YouTube.

Whatever you think works best, just make sure to go slow. Check this site to get an idea of calories you can burn. http://www.healthstatus.com/calculate/cbc

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Tastey Tuesdays!!

HEALTHY

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I discovered this peppery arugula salad during one of my many diets. It TASTEY and filling, although it may be slightly to peppery for those kiddos developing tastebuds.

Shrimp, Avocados, and Mango Arugula Salad

WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1/2 pound cleaned deveined shrimp
6 cups arugula leaves
1 mango, peeled and cut into long slices
1 avocado, peeled and sliced
½ red onion sliced
1 tbs lime juice

WHAT YOU'LL NEED FOR VINAIGRETTE
4 tbs orange juice, about ½ orange
2 tbs lime juice, about ½ lime
4 tbs olive oil
2 tbs finely chopped cilantro
1 red and 1 orange sweet pepper, sliced
Salt and pepper

PREPARATION
On indoor grill pan, grill shrimp. 4-5 per serving. Avoid overcooking
Combine all the ingredients for the vinaigrette in a jar, close it tight and shake until the ingredients are well mixed.
Soak the onion slices in warm water with a dash of salt and 1 tbs lime juice for about 10-15 minutes
Rinse and drain the onions slices.
Toss the arugula leaves with half of the vinaigrette.
Add the shrimp, avocado slices, mango slices and onion slices to the arugula mix, drizzle the remaining vinaigrette on top.
Serve immediately.


CHEAP, BUT GOOD!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Hispanic foods are always an excellent option for cost effective, yet delicious meals. These tostadas are pretty basic, but pack a nice flavor punch

WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Refried beans. Skip the canned beans and attempt to find dried beans. Santa Fe is a good brand. If you can't find dried, try adding 5-6 tablespoons of juice from jarred jalepenos while heating canned beans.
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1 pound ground beef(shredded pork is also good, and more traditional)
2-3 large Roma tomatoes
1-2 cups romaine lettuce
1 medium to large white onion
Sour cream
Shredded cheese. Save money by buying a block and grating the cheese yourself
1 package tostada shells.
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano

PREPARATION

Brown ground beef, skip taco seasons from packages. They contain high levels of sodium and several contain MSG. Instead season your meat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a small amount of oregano.
Heat refried beans to package instructions(if using dried). Or over medium low heat if using canned. If you don't want to use jarres jalepeno juice, water should be used instead to water beans down.
Evenly chop fresh ingredients
Top tostada shells with a thin layer of beans, ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Top with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese.
Serve and enjoy!!


FOR THE SWEET TOOTH

Image and video hosting by TinyPic We all have a sweet tooth, but over doing it can leave you feeling guilty, and we all know guilt makes overeating worse
This "pie" is easy and curbs any sweet tooth. One small slice hits the spot.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED
1 package sugar cookie mix, or premade sugar cookie dough
1 package vanilla jello pudding mix
1/2 tub whipped topping(cool whip)
4-5 ripe strawberries
1 ripe kiwi

PREPARATION

Cut strawberries and peeled kiwi in thin slices and lay on paper towel. Cover with paper towel. Let set to soak up excess liquid
Prepare sugar cookie mix per package directions.
Press thin layer of cookie dough in a pie pan. Make sure all surfaces are covered.
Bake cookie dough per directs, make sure to keep a close eye on it though as its much larger than a cookie and may take slightly longer to cook.
While cooking prepare instant pudding mix and set aside to set.
Remove cookie "crust" from oven. It will have risen, but as it cools it will deflate. Allow to cool. Freezer can speed this process up.
Once cooled. FOLD about 1 cup pudding mix with about 1 cup whipped topping
Transfer pudding from bowl to the "crust". Smooth out
Place strawberries and kiwis on too, as creativity as you wish.
Allow to sit in fridge for about an our so pudding and whipped topping can cool.
Enjoy!!

This pie can easily produce 16-18 slices, so if you're watching calories make sure to only have small slice.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Get up and move Mondays

I'd like to use Mondays as a "Get up and move" day. Each Monday I'll offer up a few fun ideas no couch or TV required :)

There's nothing better than enjoying some time with those great kiddos!!!

Being active doesn't mean hiking up hills, running marathons, or even breaking a sweat!

Here's a few fun ideas to keep your mind and body active, while keeping the kids entertained.

- Plant a tree or small garden. Plants and trees help keep us alive. They're also great learning tools for children. Its an important job to keep your plants alive. Children learn that caring for others or other things can have awesome benefits. Watching your plants grow is an amazing reward. Living in an apartment is no excuse to not do this activity!! All you need is a small pot, soil, a sunny window, and water. If you have trouble getting on your knees, or getting up from sitting on the ground, try buying or making a raised flower bed.

-Swimming!! I am an avid swimming supporter. Its amazing for you! Its low impact and works every part of your body. Its a very important skill to have. Even if you aren't a recreational swimmer, teaching your children to swim, float and stay calm in water can be life or death. Most communities have a YMCA/YWCA with a pool. This is a worthwhile investment if you don't have the luxury of rivers and lakes. They also offer scholarships, which can lower your cost to virtually nothing. If you did get a Y membership, they also offer many excellent classes for youth, which I always recommend.

- Trips to the park. Seems easy enough? Encouraging play is vital for children. Their imagination is the best gift they can share with you. It may be difficult for some to actively play, in that event its perfectly acceptable for them to play while you walk around the play area. It should be small enough so you can find a place to rest should you need. This is also the perfect place to meet new friends.

- With summer fast approaching make a plan for a weekend or over night camping trip. All states offer camp sites, some are as low as $5 a night. This is an excellent time to unwind and bond with family. It can be as active or relaxed as you want. We spend at least 3 weekends each month from June to August camping. Camping gear can get spendy, but check yard sales and Craigslist. I got a BRAND new $90 tent last year at a yard sale for $6! Camping does involve sleeping on the ground. I've found sleeping pads and mattresses are essential to a happy camping trip. If sleeping on the ground is a deal breaker pad or not, consider finding a site with yurts or cabins. We stay in a yurt a few days a year for our crabbing trip. They are a little more expensive at approximately $35-$40 a night, but its a good way to still get the camping experience. The backyard camp out is always great too :)

-Make a book! Walk around your yard or park, find leaves, grass, smalls rocks or anything else you can bring home a glue on paper. Have your child write a story about how and where s/he found it, or what he liked about it to make him bring it home. Read his story to him that night for his bedtime story. Letting him be an author is a great way to encourage an interest in reading and writing.

Are you comfortable being plus size?

For years I fought myself internally. I hated being fat. I'd look at myself and say "you're f***ing gross!" I heard it my whole life, you don't see many plus size women on magazines, so yes being obese is in fact considered gross, to some.

When I was 16, I had an encounter that truly changed my life. Never again would I let another person treat me so badly....but instead of changing my mentality, I did the worst thing possible....I starved myself. I was 298 lbs in September 2002, and living on 1 cup of milk and a very tiny salad a day, by March 2003 I was 137 lbs. I am 5'4", so I still wasn't the "ideal" weight, but I was so damn proud of myself..

But then.......I got sick. I was suffering from malnutrition. I'd lost way to much weight in way to short of time. My brain literally slowed to a snails pace. I was truly scared for my life.

So when I started to eat again I was horrified that even the healthiest options were putting pounds on me, but my body had been starving for so long, anything it got, it wasn't letting go.

Over time I'd given up, I started eating junk again, right back into my old ways.

When I became pregnant with my son I'd just hit the obese mark. Then gained 70 pounds during the pregnancy. Which was the lowest point in my life, because I had truly failed. I felt empowerment starving myself....but in the end I couldn't control it.

6 years later, at 252 pounds, I have a much different outlook on life, and my weight. Yes I'm fat, obese, plus size, a bbw, etc....etc....but the difference is....I am COMFORTABLE in my own skin. When I think about being healthy it isn't to please judge mental people, or to Ward off rude comments....it isn't even about being skinny. It's about simply being healthy, for my children and myself. You don't need diets to be healthy, and you certainly don't need the perfect body to be healthy.

I was laughed at by a doctor at 141lbs when I said I've been suffering from anorexia. Its one thing that Burns in my mind when I think about all the women in this world who think they aren't beautiful. A medical doctor felt he had the right to laugh at a serious medical condition...simply because I wasn't stick thin.

To be beautiful and confident, you don't need to be paper thin. You don't need the perfect BMI, and you don't need to change a single thing about yourself UNLESS YOU WANT TOO.

I truly struggled with myself, some days I still think how can I have a man who loves me and 2 beautiful children who tell me daily they wouldn't want anyone else in the whole world to be their mom....but I love myself and I think you should too. A pound doesn't define who you are.

The first step to being healthy physically, is to be healthy mentally.

IF YOU THINK YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL....YOU ARE!!!

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Having an obese child.

Image and video hosting by TinyPic Let's face is obesity can and does cause damage to your body.


This blog doesn't encourage obesity, but accepts that parenting has different challenges when obese.


When you see your child is obese, what do you do?


I can't speak for anyone but myself, but growing up overweight was hard. No only was I bullied horribly, but activity was difficult. When I was in 9th grade I was almost 300 pounds. My biology class took a hike on our nature trail, and I was so out of breath that I thought I'd pass out.


I think or thought I fed my kids fairly well, I've always made it a very personal goal to keep them healthy.


So when I took my son in to have his tonsils checked, not only did I find out he'd gained EIGHT POUNDS in 6 months, but he may have sleep apnea.


My son is quite large for 6, he's 4'3" 65lbs, but obese was NOT something I thought he was.


So the doctor made it clear that this is dangerous, and I set out to get him healthy.....without him knowing.


My son is a fairly active boy, he does have asthma which has held him back, but with good maintenance of his treatment it hasn't been an issue.


So my goal was to keep him going as much as I could. Trampoline...check. He'll jump on it for hours, always breaks a sweat. Good for his balance. Just make sure to keep an eye on kiddos on trampolines, they can be dangerous, but are amazing for exercise....plus he sleeps like a baby.


Swimming. We live in rural Southern Oregon and have access to numerous rivers and lakes. So this is an excellent exercise for him. He excels at it too. Its a VERY good skill to have. My sons biological father died in a drowning accident, and I think its a must for parents to teach their children especially for emergencies.


Next, we enrolled him in every sport we could. Soccer, team swim, karate, etc. We found out which he liked, and kept him in some and removed him from others. The last thing I am is a soccer mom, but I surprisingly am an awesome cheerleader! Its so amazing to see your child have such an amazing time though. Organized sports are excellent, especially for your children's self esteem.


Now to the "diet"


This is where I felt slightly stumped. Alex eats massive amounts of fruit, and only 3 meals....but that was were the problems are. He was eating TOO MUCH! Well duh right? No...

I've always heard want to know how to diet, ask a fat person....well this fat person had NO idea about 1. Too much fruit ISN'T good and 2. PORTION SIZES!

So I did remove a few things from his diet(juice, soda, absolutely no fast food), but mainly made the amount smaller. More water to fill voids in his tummy and making him listen to his body more.

As a child of an obese parent, I know children are much more likely to do as you do, and not as you say.

So until I lead by example, my work may be in vain...

Friday, May 18, 2012

Are you too fat to have a healthy pregnancy?

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Awww being plus size AND pregnant, recipe for disaster? I think NOT!

From the second I stepped on the scale in my OBs office I was doomed. I'd of course develope Gestational Diabetes. Not to mention Pre Eclampsia. I wasn't to gain an ounce over 20lbs.

Now I should mention with my first pregnancy I was not morbidly obese, according to BMI I was just barely obese.

So my pregnancy was a breeze!!! Then summer hit, I started swelling up like a giant marshmallow. My hand became so swollen that my wedding ring had to be painfully removed.

I went in for a check up, my BP was 189/104. It had happened they were right. My weight was going to cause a whole slew of issues for my baby. However I wasn't spilling protein in my urine. I finished my pregnancy up with weekly BP checks which varied from 120/60-190/104.

At 40 weeks exactly l my water broke. After a easy night they decided because I wasn't having contractions to induce me. The next 4 hours were HORRIBLE. Then I felt like my insides were about to fall out. So the nurse had me get on the bed. IT WAS TIME TO PUSH. Just as quick as I got on the bed the doctor was screaming to prep the OR STAT. The next thing I remember is laying in a bad, feeling my stomach it was no longer hard. What had happened?

My baby boys heart stopped while I was pushing. Thankfully he was perfect.

I blamed my weight for the high BP, and cesareans are much more common in obese women.

So when I hit 260 4 years later I decided no more kids for me. It was just to dangerous. So when I became pregnant with my daughter I panicked.

My OB seemed exceptionally concerned. I was put on high risk watch right away.

As my pregnancy progressed I was just waiting for the day to come when my BP would go up, when I'd develope Geastional Diabetes....but it never happened.

Was it luck? No. I don't think it was.

I decided to do some research. Why was my first pregnancy riddled with high BP and end in an emergency surgery?

As I dug, I found that teen parents are at a much greater risk of Pre Eclampsia. Being 19 I still fell in the "teen parent" group.

As for my cesarean, not only are cesarean rates drastically increased by the use of Pitocin, but I was also in an incredibly stressful relationship, and stress causes more issues than obesity BY FAR! Now my sons umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck numerous times, which can happen to anyone during pregnancy regardless of age or weight.

In the end I still had way more questions than answers. I found a study that claimed women with a BMI 25-28 which is considered overweight had the healthiest pregnancies, and the unhealthiest were those with a BMI under 18. Which is underweight. I however cannot find the link(if you know the study I am talking about please email it to me, so I can back it up)

That leads me to this.....thin is in. For centuries "overweight" women have kept our work populated. Why is it that you must be a size 4 to produce healthy children?

I have 2 amazingly healthy children, I had 2 very different pregnancies. The harder one was with a BMI of 30.9 the easier one my BMI was 44.5...... So are we the exception to the unhealthy obese pregnancy rule?

Baby Alissa Guernsey -Justice Fridays-

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16 weeks before being brutally beaten to death(including being beaten what sounds like daily for 16 weeks), 16 month old Alissa lost her daddy in a tragic car
accident.

Alissa mother Kelli was understandable grief stricken. Personally losing my husband in a drowning accident I fully understand Kelli's need to hand her children to what she thought was a loving family member. I'm sure Kelli beats herself daily, but her choice was the same I made. I handed my son over to my dad, but that is where our stories drastically differ.

As Alissa sit strapped in her carseat fighting for life, her attacker stopped at McDonald's for a bite to eat, other children just witnessing Alissa's brutal attack are given happy meals.

I first read Alissa's story several months ago, I instantly fell in love with this beautiful baby girl. At first the only photos I saw where from her autopsy. There lie a lifeless beauty covered in vicious rage. I wanted to jump through the computer and grab her and just hold her. How could ANYONE do this to a child? Having 2 children I know at 16 months there is nothing she could have done to defend herself. Christy Shaffer do you feel like a big bad "woman" beating a helpless child?

At this point I assumed it couldn't get much worse, then you read on to find Alissa fought, and damn hard. After Christy decided it was time she didn't call 911, she called her brother. Alissa died at the hospital after the brother called 911. She fought SO hard!

At this point I imagine police beating Christy Shaffer's door down. Of course this monster will rot in jail. Boy was I WRONG!

Christy Shaffer was offered a plea deal, and served 77 DAYS in jail. That's right 77 days for murder. But wait....she wasn't even charged with murder!! That's right in the state of Indiana in Lagrange County, you can brutally beat babies to death, and not even get a slap on the wrist.

Ohhhhh but wait..Christy Shaffer got her sweet deal from a prosecuter and judge WHO WERE FRIENDS OF THE FAMILY! Now I'm no lawyer, but isn't that a conflict of interest?

I don't have all the facts, but I do know this beautiful baby who I've absolutely fallen in love with deserves justice. The records were sealed, and tight.

Go to http://www.babyalissacries4justice.org/ and form your own opinion. If you agree she deserves justice, sign their petition on change.org, like their Facebook page, and DEMAND JUSTICE FOR ALISSA!

UPDATE: JUNE 8, 2012. PLEASE SEE OUR JULY MAGAZINE FOR A FULL LENGTH STORY ABOUT ALISSA. I WILL FIGHT FOR THIS LITTLE GIRL UNTIL SHE GETS HER JUSTICE. WWW.PLUSPARENTSMAGAZINE.COM