What is a M.O.M. ?

Who knew that M.O.M. would end up being an acronym for a cause to which I could devote my dreams and energy, as well as being the word which easily summarizes what I feel to be one of my highest purposes for being alive?
Whew, that got a little wordy. I like to try to follow grammatical rules when I write, but when you are trying to never end a sentence with a preposition, well, it can start to sound too complicated.

More simply put, I know that God's purpose is for me to be a mom, and I also believe that the M.O.M. cause is one that God has called me to. (Preposition or not, that just sounds better!)
In case it isn't clear, M.O.M. is the Movement of Moms. And in case that isn't clear, allow me to reiterate what I'm hoping the Movement of Moms can come to mean to you. This is a work in progress, something that I've been thinking about since last July. My desire is that it is designed in such a way as to have room for everybody, with a framework that makes our cause obvious to anyone who's looking. Here's my best explanation so far:

The Movement of Moms is a community connected by support, nutrition, activity, and education. It can often be difficult for moms to have regular, meaningful interactions with other "grown-ups" because of the particular challenges associated with raising kiddos. Whether working or being at home full-time, moms are usually just too busy to create a support network that helps them take care of themselves while they are caring for everyone else. I'm right there with ya. That's why M.O.M is largely virtually based. The goal is to be able to take a few minutes online and be able to see from Instagram, Facebook, this blog, YouTube, and even Skype that there is a group of people who care about how you spent your day, and how they can help you make decisions that create positive changes for you and your family.

I didn't know exactly why I started blogging, except that I wanted to encourage other moms. Now I know that I want to genuinely share what being a M.O.M. means to my life each week. Often it means craziness with a toddler. Or some time and effort given to a new healthy recipe. Even what I'm learning about worshiping God in the midst of this chaos. Because I quite often have either a cup of Herbalife tea or a shake nearby, it makes sense that what I write always involves a hint of Herbalife. Honestly, that's what fuels the Movement of Moms. Without Herbalife, it's hard to imagine having the energy, sleep, or confidence it takes to create deliberate connections with "the outside world" instead of hunkering down and just trying to get through each day. That's why I love it, and that's why I offer it as a helpful solution.

Herbalife is why Yia is down 5 pounds and suddenly motivated to find friends that will want to go outside and play volleyball with her even if they look silly, just because they feel too good to not be active. It's why "A.R." has the energy to start exercising again and will feel super sassy on her anniversary. It's what helped Joan feel like she wasn't alone in the world and could start to take care of herself again after multiple challenging surgeries. It's what helped me believe I could still make a difference in people's lives even after an injury took away my nursing career. It's the vehicle that can drive M.O.M., because at it's core it is about making the world a better place for families like ours. With Herbalife, you can choose to tailor what you do to the things you care about. I care about seeing other moms feeling encouraged, so that's really all I want to use Herbalife to do. That's what the Movement of Moms is for.


Now, since you know that I'm just an ordinary mom with a crazy little toddler (who has on occasion been known to sneak off with my mascara...), you may well ask what I think is really possible from a "one woman movement" startup idea. I figure, what are some things that I really like, and can I offer them to a community in a virtual setting? Ideally, of course, it won't always remain just online. As moms make connections virtually, they will hopefully feel more confident about finding local moms to bring into the community as well. With both aspects in place, here are some of the things M.O.M. has to offer:
Energy - Perspective - Free Dinners (that you don't have to cook or clean!) - Feeling Good - Emotional Support - Dancing - "Lookin' Good" - Intellectual Growth - Inspiration - Sleeping "Good" - Girls' Weekends - Group Acitivities - Daily Motivation - Reasons to Dress-up (one of my personal faves) - Playdates - Accountability - Listening Ears - Fitness - Movie Nights - Extra Income if desired.

Does that sound good to anyone else? What would you ideally find in a community of moms - please share, I would love to make this about what moms really want, and make it accessible for everyone.

Join us.

Follow me on Instagram @happyfitnessmama,
 share photos of what makes you happiest about being a mom, and tag them #movementofmoms
 so that we can keep perspective with you!

Oh - and if you like this post, then go ahead and click on of the icons below to share it!

Disclaimer - Research shows that those people having a Formula 1 meal replacement shake twice daily as part of a healthy eating and exercise plan can reasonably expect to lose 1/2 to 1 lb a week. And the average annual compensation provided by Herbalife to its distributors at the Supervisor position with a downline is approximately $5,800. I have chosen to consistently follow my Herbalife nutrition plan and work hard at running my business, which is the reason for my personal results.

Lovin' Cranberry Citrus Snack Muffins (Gluten Free)

It's Valentine's Day, a day typically noted for corny romance, extra flowers, and yummy food. I for one am happy with all of it. Why not take a day and celebrate the special relationships that God has given you? When I was single in college, I would wear a pink shirt with a red scarf and go out for ice cream with a friend. Now, seven years later with a husband and toddler, I have to deliberately stop and consider in my busy days how incredibly blessed I am to love and be loved. Valentine's Day makes me do that. So think of this day what you will, and even if you don't agree with me, maybe these yummy muffins will still bless your tummy!
When I started baking this experiment, I hadn't considered blogging the recipe until I began to realize how yummy everything could possibly taste. This has been modified from multiple other recipes, for which I am grateful as a framework, and I think you will be pleased. Not crumbly, as many GF products tend to be, and also no cane/beet sugar or eggs.
First, we must begin with a gluten free flour blend. The extra can be saved for another day.

Gluten Free Flour
3 cups brown rice flour
1 cup potato starch
1/2 cup spelt flour
1/2 cup millet flour
2 tsp xanthan gum

Cranberry Citrus Snack Muffins
Yield: 36 mini muffins
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min

Ingredients-

• 2 cups gluten free flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup full fat yogurt
• 2/3 cup honey
• 3/4 cup safflower oil or melted butter
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 1/4 tsp lemon extract
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (okay to mix 1/2 cup milk and 2 tsp vinegar, let sit, and use instead)
•  1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, processed in food processor until finely chopped

Directions-

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Pour a little bit of oil onto a paper towel and apply it to the inside of your muffin cups (most pans have only 24 cups, you may want to use a second pan, a large muffin pan, or even a small loaf pan for the remainder. I used a small loaf pan.)
2. In a medium bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients. Set aside. 
3. Let your toddler/child help stir if one is there and curious!
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, honey, oil, orange zest, lemon and vanilla extracts, and buttermilk until it is well blended. It will look like an emulsion, very creamy and the oil will separate only slightly.
5. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Overstirring will make them tough. 
6. Fold in the chopped cranberries just until evenly distributed. Batter will be very light.
   
7. Divide the batter among the muffin cups (and additional pan), filling almost to the top.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of a muffin comes out clean.
9. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, which will be difficult, because they smell amazing!
10. Feed them to your family as a healthy snack, and don't feel guilty for indulging, yourself. Enjoy!

Here's a parting wave of enthusiasm from my Little Valentine!

Join the movement of moms.

Follow me on Instagram @happyfitnessmama, share photos of your family's favorite snacks or Valentine's moments, and tag them #movementofmoms so that we can love along with you!

Oh - and if you like this post, then go ahead and click on of the icons below to share it!

Disclaimer - Research shows that those people having a Formula 1 meal replacement shake twice daily as part of a healthy eating and exercise plan can reasonably expect to lose 1/2 to 1 lb a week. And the average annual compensation provided by Herbalife to its distributors at the Supervisor position with a downline is approximately $5,800. I have chosen to consistently follow my Herbalife nutrition plan and work hard at running my business, which is the reason for my personal results.

Not a Pinterest Life, part 2

When we left off earlier this week, you had been made privy to some of Little Man's and my misadventures in housekeeping and exercise. We had fumbled our way through the morning, determined to stay "amused", when LM pooped during the last few minutes of my workout. I would change it as soon as I finished stretching, right? But then the phone rang. Now, let's continue:

It’s an Herbalife client, and her cellphone isn’t getting great reception, but I’m certain I hear her say that her assistant, Dave*, wants a nutrition program as well. I proceed to ask if I can talk with Dave. She tells me that he’s eating lunch but she has all the info. As we go through the questions, I’m thinking, “This guy is awfully bold getting his boss to order his nutrition program. And she sure seems to be close to him, knowing his weight and everything…” We finally get to the end, after establishing that I am shipping his products to her house, and I check his last name. It’s her last name. He’s her HUSBAND, not her assistant! And I get the idiot mom/health coach of the day award. But hey, I made a neat connection in the end on that embarrassing phone call, so being an Herbalife coach offers the consolation that at least I got to talk to another grown up and help somebody other than a two year old.

Whew, off the phone and done with the workout.  What now? Oh yes, diaper change. Well, it’s a loaded one. And as I reach for a wipe, Little Man decides to reach down and explore. Before my mom reflexes can catch up, his hand is in the poop.

“Buddy, wait!” Nope, I am too late. His hand has smeared his leg. One moment’s delay, and now that finger is in his mouth. Oh dear. I’m just hoping that most of the poop got on his leg and didn’t make it to his mouth. I finish the diaper and leg cleaning, and now run to the bathroom myself. You mothers know that of course LM came with me. This time, though, he wanted to really know what was going on…

Things you never imagine yourself saying out loud. “No, kiddo, you can’t pull at my legs to watch me go poo-poos.”

Okay, lunchtime! In the highchair, WAIT! I haven’t washed his poopy hand!!! Run to the sink. It's still full of last night’s dirty dishes, and pots from making lentils with quinoa for my week’s lunches. (It tastes better than it sounds, especially with some feta.) Anyway, I reach for the Wet Ones and solve his yucky hand problem. I chug my recovery drink (yes, it’s also Herbalife), while absent-mindedly overheating his Mac’n’Cheese, which he therefore refuses. While easing his hunger with some fruit, he maneuvers himself so that his buns are still in the seat but his legs are up on his highchair’s tray.

“There,” he sighs, as if he’s finally found his groove. And now that naptime is only minutes away, maybe I have, too. Until he wakes up…

                                             Join the Movement of Moms.

Follow me on Instagram @happyfitnessmama, share photos of your
 "we will stay amused" days, and tag them #movementofmoms
 so that we can keep perspective with you!

Oh - and if you like this post, then go ahead and click on of the icons below to share it!

Disclaimer - Research shows that those people having a Formula 1 meal replacement shake twice daily as part of a healthy eating and exercise plan can reasonably expect to lose 1/2 to 1 lb a week. And the average annual compensation provided by Herbalife to its distributors at the Supervisor position with a downline is approximately $5,800. I have chosen to consistently follow my Herbalife nutrition plan and work hard at running my business, which is the reason for my personal results.

*Name changed for privacy

Not a Pinterest Life, Part 1

It was a typical day in the life of a toddler, with his mother barely keeping up behind him. By the time they’d been awake for not even an hour, a choice had to be made; be amused, or give up! I was that mother, my Little Man was that toddler, and this is how we kept each other amused that day…

Naturally, I have no time for a shower. As soon as he wakes up, Little Man is eager for action. Since a long road trip last month when he was allowed to watch “Winnie the Pooh” and “Thomas & Friends” to his heart’s content, the carseat has held an oddly powerful sway over LM’s imagination. Before I can even get him dressed, “Dah-sea” is the ceaseless cry.

“No, buddy, not yet. It’s too early to go play in your carseat,” while I try to find a clean pair of socks. Victorious, I turn to find him peeling nasty dead skin in huge sheets from his toes. Having recently recovered from Hand Foot and Mouth disease, we were unpleasantly surprised to find out about this nasty final symptom… You basically exfoliate entire fingers and toes at a time. “Lllllucky” is LM’s reaction to his bright red toe underneath. We are still working on “y”, not “l” sounds.

Determined to accomplish one task in my house this day, I grab the broom and go to work on the kitchen floor. Just as I have nearly finished, with 3 piles to show for my effort, my husband calls. First mistake – I set down the broom. Second mistake- I turn my back. The inevitable result of my carelessness? As I chat with the hubby I turn to find my very helpful toddler “sweeping” through my piles and redistributing them throughout my kitchen. Ah, well. One must learn very quickly to not be too fussy about appearances and spotlessness. Or not learn, and go crazy. Next we tackle the bathrooms. If you want some excitement, try using a toilet bowl brush in front of your toddler, combined with minty-fresh scented cleaner, and then keep him from using that same brush to “clean” the floors when you’re not looking.

Okay, house is tidy, sorta, and it’s time to attempt a workout.

I take my Herbalife24 Prepare 

to help myself believe that I am 

100% committed to completing this workout. 

 As I put in the dvd and grab my mat, I am at least reassured that he’s seen this routine often enough to recognize it, and yell out “Ah-cize!!!!” Great, small victory, my son believes exercise is fun and exciting. In fact, while I start with jumping jacks, he attempts his own comically flailing version as well.
 Here’s when it gets exciting. After getting through the warmup, I grab some weights and start with squats. In this exact moment, Little Man decides that he MUST take his pants off, or disintegrate. Well, I don’t want to lose all of my momentum, so I decide to just talk him through the process.

“Buddy, your pants are stuck because you have your slippers on. Take your slippers off.”

“PANTS OFF!!!!!!!” Hmmm, I’m not getting through.

“Kiddo, I understand. Start with your slippers, then your pants.”

“PANTS PANTS OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF!!!!”

“Yes, I understand. But mommy is busy. You may not yell at me. Timeout, please.”

Miraculously, he actually goes to timeout. After a minute, I call out to let him come back. By this time, I am doing mat work and can grab the slippers, then the pants, between crunches. Now that his pants are off, he feels free to have a sit on my tummy/abs (it depends on the day!), and attempts to hug me…  

Next he moves into his Tonka Truck and tries to run over my head with it, yelling, “Vroom, Vroooooooooom!”

“Buddy, enough with the truck please. Be gentle with mommy.” Gentle, hmmm…. 

Next thing I know there’s a hairbrush being dragged through my ponytail. I disentangle my brush and move on to bicycle crunches, the worst most awful exercise ever. And much harder when you are laughing because your toddler now has his head between your legs saying, “Hi Mommy!” 

As if the comedy isn’t enough already, he brings me his treasured bubble wands and puts one up to my mouth to “bo bubboos” every time my head rises. No matter what I try, he finds a way to be involved. And since this is reality with a toddler and home workout combo, I try to just keep laughing and redirecting, as patiently as possible. How does he thank me?   He backs right up to my face as he stares in fascination at the screen, and then… Yep, he poops. The odor is overwhelming, and he’s grinning. I make a quick decision that since I’m already 15 minutes into a 20 minute routine, I’m just gonna push through and change it as soon as I’m done stretching. 

Of course, no sooner do I start to stretch than the phone rings.

Check back in two days for the sequel, we're only half way through the morning!

                                               Join the movement of moms.

Follow me on Instagram @happyfitnessmama, share photos of your "non-pinterest" days, and tag them #movementofmoms so that we can remind you that you're not alone!

Oh - and if you like this post, then go ahead and click on of the icons below to share it!

Disclaimer - Research shows that those people having a Formula 1 meal replacement shake twice daily as part of a healthy eating and exercise plan can reasonably expect to lose 1/2 to 1 lb a week. And the average annual compensation provided by Herbalife to its distributors at the Supervisor position with a downline is approximately $5,800. I have chosen to consistently follow my Herbalife nutrition plan and work hard at running my business, which is the reason for my personal results.

Heart Housekeeping

It feels good to be back.

Two and a half months is a very long time to stop doing something,

especially with no warning and no explanation provided to one's readers...

There is a much longer story than what I will offer on this page,

but suffice it to say-

From October 1st until now, it has been more important in our life 

for me to be a wife and mother than to write about it.

Having taken a sabbatical of sorts from blogging,

I was able to do a bit of soul searching.

One might say I did some "heart housekeeping".

Happily, I have discovered that I truly enjoy writing, and missed it quite a lot.

 When I considered what I love in life,

it made it simpler to identify which things must be priorities in my little world.

I am a child of God, redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ my Savior, so I hope that His work in my heart is reflected in each of my pursuits, and my identity settled in Him.

Through that filter, I see that I am not a terribly complex person.

I am a wife and a mother, a daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend.

I love to bake. I like a tidy home, with a messy office.

I have fits of "project madness", and seasons of insatiable thirst for biographies and historical novels...

I wish I gave more time and focus to personal exercise.

Being a health coach has provided a fulfilling outlet to the nurse in me who no longer works in a medical capacity. 

I'd like to write a children's story or three, a teen crime novel, and a non-fiction book about
biblically motivated romance.

My husband has inspired me to try my hand at "vlogging" so that I can smile at people all over the internet.

Coming soon...

As I take a few moments away from the
 Christmas-time bustle, 

I write to tell you of one of the ways I am trying to pull several of my passions into one grand scheme.

Nearly every mother I know will comfort herself during this incredibly busy, fattening, tiring month with the thought of finding a life-changing, health inducing, overall inspiring routine in January.

Some will plan to lose the 5 pounds gained from parties and candy canes, others will resolve that the combined baby weight of four pregnancies finally needs to go...

For those more comfortable at their current weight, a plan to walk regularly, make the bed every morning, have family dinner more nights a week, or get organized for tax season may be more on the agenda.

Fitness minded mothers (and others) may decide that this is the year to master the
 "pull-up", run a marathon, or take a spin class.

I don't know what your goal is, but knowing that you have one has inspired the
"For Real Resolution" Challenge beginning January 1, 2015.

Most mothers are far too busy (with frequently interrupted attempts at social lives) to find a way to meet once a week with a group, or predictably attend a conference call.

While this challenge is NOT limited to moms, it has been designed to be as accessible as possible for those busiest ladies I know... All are welcome, men and women both...

So this is how the challenge will work, from January 1 to February 25 (8 weeks):

1. Email me at funfitnutrition@gmail.com so that I can send you a link to our Challenge's website, where you will register your details. 

2. Choose your goal- weight loss, muscle tone, better skin, increased strength, higher energy, healthier hair, etc...

3. Send the $20 registration fee, all money used for winners' cash prizes! 1st 5 to register get 50% off registration fee!! Get 2 friends to register and your fee is WAIVED! Get 5 friends to register and you get not only Free registration, but a complimentary Herbalife Mint Clay Mask! (Remember, they don't have to want to lose weight. They could just want some help increasing their energy!)

3. Take a picture of yourself and write a description of you currently as it relates to your goal, sending both to me

4. You and I will discuss specifics about a complete, personalized meal plan.

5. If you choose to use an Herbalife nutrition program (recommended but not required), order from me via phone/email/text before 12/31 for significant discounts. 

             IF YOU WOULD LIKE A SAMPLE SIZED HERBALIFE PROGRAM, TRY THE 3 DAY TRIAL PACK FOR $30 TO GET A FEEL FOR IT.

EMAIL ME FOR DETAILS.

6. Sign in to the website weekly to update your stats. One out the eight weeks you are permitted an "absence" (i.e. oops I forgot to check in), but any other absence results in a $5 absence fee, which goes into the prize "pot".

7. Daily, 6 out of 7 days a week, choose from the provided list of workouts. Don't worry, most are limited to 10 minutes a piece.

8. We will have a group Google doc to for you to "check-off" that you did your workouts and followed your meal plans, to be updated by you weekly. (I promise, this will take almost NO skill with computers and I will talk you through it if needed)

9. Optional call will be held Thursdays at 8pm PST. If you can make it, wonderful. If that doesn't work, you will check in with me by call/text/email once a week SO THAT you can get as much or as little support/accountability as you personally require to meet your goal.  If you would like to be keeping a food log, we will discuss it and make changes as necessary.

10. February 25 you will be finished!!!!!!!!!!! Take a new picture, write a new description as related to your goal, and send to me. A panel of unbiased judges will review each participant's "before and after" and select 1st/ 2nd/ 3rd place winners!!!!

Whew - lots of details, but this way most of your immediate questions
 are hopefully answered.

This is for EVERYONE. Please please please invite all of your friends to join us, the bigger the group, the more fun the competition and inspiration.

I'm so very excited. I have my own goals, too, and look forward to the accountability. (No, I will not be in the running for the cash prize...) 

I will post a bit weekly to let ya'll know how it's coming during the challenge, perhaps a participant "quote of the week", etc..

This is something I can get really excited about... Something to bring the soothing balm of routine "soon to come" into the happy chaos of December.
How 'bout you?

Join the movement of moms.

Follow me on Instagram @happyfitnessmama, share photos of your holiday moments, and tag them #movementofmoms so that we can remember we aren't alone!

Oh - and if you like this post, then go ahead and click on of the icons below to share it!

Disclaimer - Research shows that those people having a Formula 1 meal replacement shake twice daily as part of a healthy eating and exercise plan can reasonably expect to lose 1/2 to 1 lb a week. And the average annual compensation provided by Herbalife to its distributors at the Supervisor position with a downline is approximately $5,800. I have chosen to consistently follow my Herbalife nutrition plan and work hard at running my business, which is the reason for my personal results.

Classy...

Well today we hit some new levels...

I won't call them "highs" or "lows", that's for you to decide.

This is really just a list of my confessions for the day.

I used to like to think of myself as a classy person. 

Then I had a toddler...

Today, for example, I spent part of my morning trying to drink 

my Herbalife tea and adjust to the day

while watching a cartoon with a tiger who says, "Ugga mugga" as a term of endearment.

I haven't had privacy in the bathroom for the past six months.

I wore jeans that haven't been washed in at least six "wears".

I had to explain to my 19 month old son that it's not polite to push 4 year olds out of the way so that he can go down the slide.

I turned around to find him digging in someone else's snack bag at the park.

After rescuing the snacks, I realized that we were 

walking away holding someone else's sippy cup.

At least he had left his own sippy cup in trade...

While chatting with another mom, I caught Little Man in the act 

of filling her stroller's cup holders with wood chips.

Later, when he was tired of dominating the slide and trying to destroy the ground covering, he went and sat in the mud under a "Caution- slippery" sign.

Then when he was really tuckered out, he just climbed his little muddy self right up into the stroller from earlier and took a break.

Yup, I turned to find that he had commandeered a stranger's stroller.

And that was all before lunch time.

When we got into the grocery store,

I was that mom driving the grocery cart with the big obnoxious car attached to the front.

It's cute, yes, but our grocery store has narrow aisles 

and I literally can't turn the cart around. 

So I was backing up the length of the aisle because I had forgotten 

something toward the front of the store.

Which is when I saw that my son had been surreptitiously

 adding brownie mixes to his car...

To enhance our shopping experience, the machine at the checkout was "fritzing",

so we had to wait twenty minutes in line. I had already unloaded all of my groceries onto the conveyor when I noticed that the mom behind me literally had six items.

I had the makings of enchiladas for 50...

But did I invite her to go ahead of me?

No, because I couldn't maneuver my crazy cart enough to let her get past me!

The only snacks I had easily "grabbable" for my son today were 

raisins and dried apricots...

I don't think I need to explain the sticky situation that created this afternoon.

While making the filling for those enchiladas,

I glanced behind me to see my son eating cereal off the floor.

And to really top things off, when my husband got home from work tonight, we decided to take Little Man outside to play in the front yard.

I was wearing baggy sweats and my husband's size 12 flip flops...

Which was at least better than our son, who was wearing a diaper, tee-shirt, and running barefoot.

I know, we've got class...

And I'll tell you what else.

Today, I wouldn't trade spots with anyone.

I'm the happiest person I know.

What's your "classiest" moment as a mom?

Join the movement of moms.

Follow me on Instagram @happyfitnessmama, share photos of your "classy" moments, and tag them #movementofmoms so that we can laugh along with you!

Oh - and if you like this post, then go ahead and click on of the icons below to share it!

Disclaimer - Research shows that those people having a Formula 1 meal replacement shake twice daily as part of a healthy eating and exercise plan can reasonably expect to lose 1/2 to 1 lb a week. And the average annual compensation provided by Herbalife to its distributors at the Supervisor position with a downline is approximately $5,800. I have chosen to consistently follow my Herbalife nutrition plan and work hard at running my business, which is the reason for my personal results.

A look back...

When Little Man was a baby, I wrote down the following thoughts. For anyone who has battled chronic pain, I hope that this can be an encouragement. Yes, we live a healthy active lifestyle. Herbalife nutrition has made many more things possible than at the time I wrote this. But pain still persists.

And so does God's faithfulness.

"I saw a secret photo, a snapshot of my day. Some of it made me so happy; my son was smiling. Grinning, really. It's as if he knew just what I needed. A sign, some reassurance that he doesn't resent me. You see, he was in his crib. Two and a half hours earlier I wondered whether he might ever forgive me for making him go to sleep. But this was different. Naptime had just ended; that means it was just about time to eat. Then play... Maybe he could sense that some sort of yummy, creamy goodness was soon to fill his tummy. Soon the boyish belching would begin, freeing his airway of the bubbles he swallowed during lunch. He had rolled over from his back during his nap, almost in gleeful anticipation of the fun that was to come later when he would be placed on his playmat and blissfully curl, stretch, wriggle, and giggle to his heart's content.
Yes, what was in the picture thrilled me. Even what was missing made me smile. Daddy studying in the other room so that he could be ready to teach Bible study. Mommy boiling potatoes for dinner. All of the little things that make a single day valuable in the span of a person's life. And all of these things made me love this photo. Anyone could look at that scene and imagine the happiness. "What a picture perfect life," some might comment.
Some things can't be captured in a single moment, though. How can a compilation of pixels ever reveal the life being lived in that room? No one looking over my shoulder at my son's happy face could know that I won't be able to pick him up without pain. Maybe ever again. How will I stay strong enough to take care of him when I can't do pushups anymore? It might sound trivial, a mom worrying about not being able to exercise. After all, life is so much more than fitness, right? But when I have burning sensations down the length of both arms just from cleaning our bathroom mirrors, can I really be a fit mommy for my Little Man? What will I do when he comes running to jump into my arms and my hands won't stop tingling? If I can barely lift a gallon of milk on my bad days, my son might be forced to wonder why mommy doesn't hold him.
This is when I have to start listening to truth. If I can't quite pull together anything reassuring from my own mind, I must remember what others have said. Doesn't my husband believe that our little guy could never have a better mommy? Haven't I seen other mommies struggle with conditions so much more severe and still live a victorious life? And on the mornings when the help of no mere person can make a difference, I remember the words of the Truth, the Man who is God. I may feel like there is no help to be had, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
I look at the photo again. And I see the secret. The smile is more than anything I could have guessed if I thought that little boy was just a baby. But I know something more. After all, isn't that baby here because God opened my womb, made the improbable possible, and gave him life? He has been a reminder to me of God's sovereign care from the moment I knew he existed. A baby, yes. But also a messenger. He smiles, and I remember that God is gracious.
I look away from the photo, down to the blanket where he plays. There it is again - the reminder that lights up his face and my heart. Surely His mercies never cease, they are new every morning. 'No,' the smile says, 'you will never feel up to this task. But Jesus is, Mommy. So come play.' And as I hold my son, I thank God that His arms are big enough for the both of us."

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Disclaimer - Research shows that those people having a Formula 1 meal replacement shake twice daily as part of a healthy eating and exercise plan can reasonably expect to lose 1/2 to 1 lb a week. And the average annual compensation provided by Herbalife to its distributors at the Supervisor position with a downline is approximately $5,800. I have chosen to consistently follow my Herbalife nutrition plan and work hard at running my business, which is the reason for my personal results.