Mini Marts

Mini Marts
All 5 of us!

Thursday, August 29, 2013

To vaccinate or not. . . .*

Each family must chose the right decision for their family.
Which is NOT the same for EVERY family!

I know this is such a controversial subject, BUT I feel like there is a lot of information out there and people don't know about it! They just go with what their doctor says. We need to be an advocate for our own healthcare. Now, I am not bashing doctors in any way; I think they are very necessary! I'm just saying we should be educated on what is best for our family, weather its what the doctor suggests or an alternative method.
I have quite a few friends that are about to be first time mommies and have asked for information. . . .

I asked friends on FB to give me the vaccine schedule they decided on for their family and the resources they use. Here is the information:

1. One family we know decided not to vaccinate their children. They have read and loved the information in this book:


2. Another family has also read that book and decided to only give 2 shots each time.

3. Another friend, a nurse in the NICU and expecting her first baby, shared this article on giving the Vitamin K injection at birth.


Here are some quotes from friends on both sides:

". . . one thing I do find imperative is the importance of reading the whole article and sources, if references are not provided the article shouldn't even be considered, in my opinion. There are so many biased articles available on the Internet regarding vaccinating, it makes it difficult for parents to truly come to an educated decision. We have decided to vaccinate and I do not believe vaccines cause autism. In general, I have found that many articles claiming there is proof that the MMR vaccine causes autism neglect to communicate that people who were awarded pay outs from pharm companies had other reactions to the MMR vaccine unrelated to autism."

"I always vaccinate my kids."  This is from a friend that shared the story of her cousin choosing not to give her daughter the flu shot. Her little girl died on day 2 of the flu because it had deteriorated her organs.

"I made my decision based on some seminars & the movie The Greater Good. Our decisions were based on the ingredients, that most of the diseases haven't had cases in decades, & that there is no guarantee that you won't catch the disease if you do get the vaccine. Also, for Rotovirus in particular, my ped said that if a child does get it, it's treatable with Pedialite so I chose not to pump my child full of horrible ingredients for something that isn't fatal."


All that said and with all the research Bobby and I have done, our decision is to vaccinate our kids on a modified schedule. We give them a MAX of 2 shots each time. As of now, they are behind the FDA schedule, but will be caught up by 5 years old. The reason behind this: We feel the risks of what the vaccination "might do" significantly out way the possibility of contracting the virus. At the end of the day, if one of our children ends up with any of the things we vaccinate for; would we be questioning and blaming ourselves for not vaccinating? The answer is: Yes.
Some scenarios to ponder: We live in a very diverse culture and not every one is vaccianted. Overseas trips might not happen on a convenient timeline. Few of vaccinated illness lead to death or serious medical complications. Proper nutrition is proven to boost immunites and minimize effects of common illnesses.

I hope I displayed all the sides in a non-contraversial way. I ask that there is no banter in the comments section, and that each person reading this respects the opinions of others and their stance on vaccines.

This post was ONLY to offer opinions of parents that have done their research. Please, DO YOUR RESEARCH! Look into all the possibilities. The is plenty of information available, and plenty of opinions. This isn't a topic to simply listen to a frined of a friend, or even this blog ALONE. Read FDA, CDC, Medical Journals, Case studies, and research the actual chemical composition and pharmacology. I know that we all have busy lives, but time for this should be a priority. Additionally, be prepared to defend you decision (you will recieve different opinions from others). Be an advocate for ALL you own health care, not only vaccination. Decide what's best for YOUR family! Each family is different and I believe God has a specific plan for EACH family. Not the SAME plan for EVERY family. 



August 2013 Update



**I didn't get to Jeremy's :(

July 2013 Update!





Annnnddddd. . . . 


Yes you read that Correct! We are pregnant AGAIN!
I can NOT believe how fertile we are! 
Posting this comes with a little nervousness.
Praying the baby is ok and I will be able to carry him/her full term! 
We would love your prayers!
Cheers until next time!




Thursday, August 8, 2013

Marriage. . . For Real


June 2, 2007

It has been 6 years since we stated, in front of our family and friends, to stick by each other "until death do us part." In a world where that phrase is taken so lightly and "marriage" is disrespected, it goes against the grain to mean what we say and never give up when times get sticky.

Love
In addition to the strong belief that when you get married it's forever, we have been called by God to the ministry of marriage. To help couples in times of turmoil, to keep them accountable to each other and to encourage them to keep God as the center of their marriage. Not just to help couples glide along in life as roommates but for their marriage to flourish. For them to truly enjoy the gift that God has given them, for their actions to always be thinking of the other person before themselves. I think this is the main ingredient to a fun, loving, enjoyable marriage! Now, that's not to say that you won't come across ups and downs, but the stronger you are, the more committed and devoted you are to each other and God, the easier it is to get through the tough times. Let's face it, we would rather go through tough spots along with our spouse, rather then against.

I am walking down the isle

Bobby and I have just been through one of the most difficult times in our marriage. 7 weeks ago we had a miscarriage. (see post here & here). I have never dealt with death.
My. Entire. Life.
28 years! Can you believe that? In 28 years of life nobody close to me has died. I guess I thought the threat of miscarriage wasn't an issue since we had 2 healthy kids! Anyway. . . my point is that if B and I were in a spot where we were not communicating or even talking, then dealing with the loss of our baby would have been much worse!


"A cord of 3 strands is not easily broken." Ecc 4:12
The foundation is the Pastor, the sand we were standing on.
Bobby is the brown.
I am teal.

God has to be the center and you have to go in with the mind set that it's forever. NOT "We'll see if it works and if not, oh well." This last week our pastor (Sandals Church) did a sermon on marriage. He had so many great things to say. Here are a few of them! We will definitely be using them while talking with couples!

  • Opposites are not obstacles but opportunity. 
  • Marriage is the image of God's love. 
  • The very things that bug you about your spouse are the things God wants to change in you. 
  • Accept responsibility to things that I can change.
  • Working through the marriage to the sweet (not bittersweet) end is what's best for the kids.
  • Men lead spiritually, women submit to God and your husband.
  • Don't be so focused on the outside, you miss the opportunity to grow from the inside.


I have a passion to see marriages flourish! Not just survive!

Monday, August 5, 2013

Aquarium of the Pacific




Some of the best friends we could ask for!

 We got the privilege of spending the day at the Aquarium of the Pacific with some of our closest friends! It was such a fun day!

The kids on the way!
We took a very special little girl with us!
Her mommy was home trying to go into labor with TWINS!
We figured Olivia may have a little cabin fever!
She had a great day!
Petting the SHARKS!

Touching the sting rays! Look at the size of that thing compared to Capri's head!

The 4 of us!
Olivia was sleeping in the stroller! 

6 years of a being married to my best friend!




Each year (that I am not pregnant or just had a baby) I wear my wedding dress, Bobby wears his Blues and we go out! I love wearing my dress over and over. I mean, how much did I spend on it?? It only makes sense to wear it more then ONE day! Sure, it gets dirtier each year and has a few stains on it. But that's the fun! I may dry clean it, eventually. But for now, the statins are memories. I keep thinking I want to have a wedding dress party with all my friends!
This year we went to Duanes at the Mission Inn. It was a fabulous night! AND somebody at the restaurant paid for our meal!! We asked to say thank you but the waitress informed us they wanted to stay anonymous. We were so honored!


We spent 3 days at home without the kids. We slept in, got projects done, ate whatever and whenever we wanted! It was a great time together!
6 Gifts to celebrate 6 years!
1. Frappachino
2. Iron (traditional 6 year gift) skillet for the BBQ
3. A basket of his favorite things
4. A college of our family for his locker at work
5. Reses Pieces in a jar that said, "love you to pieces."
6. Something lovely from Victoria's Secret. . . 
He replaced the radio in the 4runner for me!
Funny he thought he was just going to get it fixed.
The repair guy told him it was fried because somebody
*cough Jeremy* used it as a piggy bank!


A look back over the years. . .  .
Wedding Day! June 2, 2007

1st year, 2008
(picture to come)
We went on a cruise with our best friends. 
We wore our wedding attire for the formal night!

2nd Year, 2009
We went to dinner in San Clemente and whale watching 

3rd Year, 2010
I had just had Jeremy, so I couldn't wear my wedding dress!
We went to the Huntington Library.
Jeremy was with us. He was 6 weeks and 2 weeks home from the NICU.

4th Year, 2011
W went to the Melting Pot.


5th
 Year, 2012
I had just has Capri, she was 2 weeks old.
We went to dinner at BJs. Forgot to get a picture!

6th Year, 2012
Duanes!