Finer Things Friday - Blessing Others

Please check out Amy's Finer Things for other great stories of Finer Things on this fabulous Friday!

I know this isn't a typical Finer Things Friday post - please bear with me - this organization is definitely worth your attention.




I have a soft spot in my heart for those in need.  I believe that deep down, we all have that soft spot.  I wanted to share with you an organization that is dear to my heart and is definitely a Finer Thing.  This organization is the Free Wheelchair Mission.

Did you know that all over the world are people that are confined to homes/huts due to physical disabilities because they have no wheelchair?  Did you know that people around the world drag themselves across the ground or have friends and family carry them just to get around because of their disabilities and no wheelchair?  Where is the dignity for those people?  What about those injured in Haiti?  One of the biggest needs in Haiti right now is wheelchairs.  So many people were severely injured and cannot get around.

Did you know that just $59.20 provides a wheelchair for one who desperately needs it.  I am hoping to do a small part to help.  I hope to raise $200 over the next few months to provide 3 wheelchairs to those in need.

Would you like to help?  I have created a donation page through the Free Wheelchair Mission where those who desire to help can donate safely.  I never come in contact with the funds - all money goes straight to the Mission.  Please feel free to pass along the donation link to anyone who might like to help.

Over the next few months, I will feature people who have helped to distribute the wheelchairs.  I will provide more information, more ways to help, and more insight into this grave need around the world.


Here is some more information about this organization:

Free Wheelchair Mission is an international, humanitarian, faith-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wheelchairs for people with disabilities living in poverty in developing countries. Working in partnership with a network of like-minded organizations, FWM has sent wheelchairs to hundreds of thousands of people around the world, providing not only the gift of mobility, but those of dignity, independence, and hope.

Fear -

I'll be honest - the past 2 days have been hard.  I have struggled with a lot of fear.  I heard so much about the full moon and a lot of how more babies are born under a full moon.  I also wasn't feeling quite like myself (looking back, it was most likely just something I ate that didn't sit well). 

I found myself spiraling into a mess of fear.  I was frightened of delivering period.  Frightened of delivering this early (35 weeks 3 days).  Frightened of what life as a family of four would hold.  Frightened of delivering a sick/too small baby.  Frightened of the logistics of a delivery right before finals week where Hubby teaches.  Frightened of every ache, pain, movement, lack of movement....  The list could keep going and going!

Thankfully, we don't need to be fearful.  A wonderful friend of mine (whose due date is within days of mine!) reminded me that our God is awesome and powerful.  He created the moon.  He created the lunar cycles.  He alone determines what affect these cycles have on each of us.  His timing is perfect.  He has this little baby in His hands.  When He says the time is right is when we will get to meet our little man.  He has a perfect plan for our lives.

I was reminded by another fabulous friend about the normal hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and how we do not need to be bound by them.  We can rise above those fluctuations with God's help.   It is hard to not worry - it is so natural to worry as a parent!

His mercies are new every morning.  Praise God!  He has brought me through the spiral of fear into greater faith and understanding of His love.  Now, knowing my feeble human mind will revert to the fear again and again.  Thankfully, I can keep turning that fear over to the One who knew how many hairs were on Baby's head before the world was even created.

How do you battle fear?

Hot Topic - Jillian Michaels on Adopting to Save Figure

I came upon this article posted on Babycenter.  I am curious what all of you think of this article. 

The first article is from Women's Health where Jillian Michaels:

Biggest Loser' trainer Jillian Michaels has a hard little body and she plans to keep it that way. Michaels, 36, tells Women's Health she is unwilling to become pregnant because of the way it would change her body.
"I'm going to adopt. I can't handle doing that to my body," she told the magazine. "Also, when you rescue something, it's like rescuing a part of yourself."

To follow these comments, PopEater posted a follow-up story entitled Readers to Jillian Michaels: We Don't Want to Ruin Our Bodies With Pregnancy, Either.

 Here are a few excerpts (go ahead and click through to get the whole story):

Wendy Gould from Indianapolis, Indiana, says:
"I'm a married 24-year-old woman with no plans to have children. Part of that decision stems from personal choice, but one of the main reasons is, I don't want to go through those physical changes. I like my body the way it is, and I've heard a plethora of horror stories associated with pregnancy and giving birth -- increased breast size, getting heavier, stretch marks ... even the possibility of increased feet size!

Family and friends chastise me, saying it's a selfish move I'll regret later, but I beg to differ. There are many children in the world waiting to be adopted. Yes, I have that natural motherly instinct and ticking maternal clock tempting me, as well as a curiosity to see what my child would look like. Regardless, I will likely never have children."

Jaimee Jackson from La Junta, Colorado, says:
"Weight is always on the minds of women, especially women considering pregnancy. I'm 28 years old, and have been with my husband for almost seven years. He is ready to have a baby and is pushing the issue pretty aggressively. Although I would love nothing more than to have a child, I am extremely worried about gaining (and then losing) all the weight.

I have always been a thin person. I love my figure and am very proud of it. However, the older I get, the harder it is to keep the weight off, no matter how hard I try. I fear becoming pregnant would ruin my figure and, in turn, my self esteem. I've been successful so far in coming up with every excuse for why I'm not ready to get pregnant, but I don't know how much longer I can keep it up without my husband finding out the truth..."

Michelle Basile from Hazelwood, Missouri, says:
"I am 43 years old and have two children. I ruined my figure with the birth of my children. I became grossly overweight.
If I had the choice to do it over, I would definitely choose adoption over carrying a child myself. I was very sick during my pregnancies and put my body through a tremendous amount of turmoil. I now have a terrible problem with my weight, which I have let spiral out of control through no fault but my own.
I now face the possibility of not being there for my children due to my obesity. Therefore, I highly recommend that if a woman has the opportunity to make the choice to give a child a much-needed home and family over having biological children of her own, I say go for it! A child is a child. Biological or not -- it makes no difference. Save your figure and possibly your health. Adopt."

What do you think?  I am all for adoption - nothing against choosing adoption over biological children (assuming those children are not yet conceived).  I personally see many of these comments as superficial and cop-outs - especially the mom who regrets having biological children.

What's your take?

Strong Willed Child

I was so excited when Buggy started talking.  We tried doing some sign language with him, but he was completely not interested - he just wanted to talk.  So here we are at 18-months old and he is talking up a storm.  He has 2-3 word sentences and is very good at making his wishes known.

I had heard for years that parents are so excited to get their children to talk and then spend years trying to get them to stop.  Well, today, I got a glimpse of that sentiment.  I also got a glimpse of the strong will inside our little man.

At this point in our parenting journey, there are just a couple "spank-worthy" offenses.  We have a very structured way of handling a spanking.  Well, one major offense is biting mommy.  Tonight we got to have another spanking episode but this time it had a totally different outcome from normal!

This is how it all went down.

Buggy had been biting me a bit (no pun intended).   I sat him on my knee and looked him in the eye and told him he may not bite mommy and that if he bites mommy, he will get a spanking.  I asked him if he understood.  He looked me in the eye, nodded his head yes, and gave his leg a little spank so I knew he understood.  He smiled a devilish smile, looked me in the eye, and chomped down on my hand as hard as he could.   I looked him in the eye and reiterated that he gets a spanking for biting mommy and since he disobeyed, he would be getting a spanking.  He got 3 swats on his leg like usual.  He cried a little like usual.  We started to reconcile - I explain how much I love him and how I discipline him because I love him just like God disciplines us because He loves us.  Well, Buggy wasn't having any of it.  He was MAD as a wet hen about not getting his own way.

I let him down to cool off.  He started weeping and yelling for Daddy.  At one point, he turned and looked me in the eye.  In the most pathetic voice he could muster, he croaked out "Daddy!"  then crossed his arms in front and said, "Bad Mommy!"

He's not even two!  What in the world did we get ourselves into?!  Goodness!

In the end, we did reconcile.  He is biting mommy less - it used to be a very common occurrence and now happens mostly when Buggy is tired. 

When did the "terrible two's" set in with your kids?  I think we've reached ours here!

Parents Say the Darndest Things

I was accustomed to saying an odd phrase occasionally as a teacher, but it's NOTHING compared to the oddities that fly from my mouth on a daily basis with a busy toddler in the house!

Here are some recent things that I never thought I'd say:

Buggy, please take your finger out from under the dog's eyelid - she doesn't like it.

Bug, the stairs really don't need to be mowed right now.

Please put the dog food back in the dog's dish, Bug.  We don't share food with the dog.

Buggy, a bag of dog poo is NOT the same as play-dough.  Please put it down.

Bug, please don't lick our guest's thigh - I'm sure she tastes yummy, but it's just not polite to lick guests.

Bug, please don't write on our friends with popcicles.

What are some of the gems that YOU have said?

Saturday Throwback

Welcome to Saturday Throwback!  I *think* we may have a linky working  today.  Pick a picture from the past and share it on your blog.  I love just randomly landing on one as I scroll through iPhoto!  Link up  your post (not main page) here.  Keep it clean please!  I'd appreciate a  link from your post for others to check out this link-up.  If you don't  have a blog, share in the comments! Thanks!

Oh my!  I have shared in the past how I was in a band in college as was Hubby.  Well, we weren't what you'd call a "classy" band.  We used costumes and humor to the max!  I think "Oh My!" is really the only sentiment that fits here!
 
Here's your chance to share!

Pregnancy Update: Nearly 35 Weeks!

Just a quick update.  I will be 35 weeks on Sunday!  Woot!  This bed rest has really paid off.  I was able to do a very short outing today since Hubby was off work today.  We first installed Buggy's new car seat (Radian 65 which we all LOVE), went to the bank's drive thru to deposit some money, went to Target for some med refills and milk/bread, and then to Best Buy to browse.  I used a motorized cart at Target and Hubby did all the lifting and such.  I sat in the car for Best Buy.  By that time, I was quite ready to come home.

We're seeing the OB weekly and go again Monday morning.  I'll get checked for dilation - first time since the hospital at 32 weeks.  Hopefully we can get to 36 weeks, 37 weeks would be AMAZING!

I am so thankful for all my wonderful friends who have been helping so much.  I have had 2-3 people here each day plus meals so I can rest and Buggy can get tuckered out!  They have done housework and laundry.  I am amazed at their selfless care for us!  God really blessed us with this group!

Preparing for Breastfeeding: a Joke

As I approach delivery, I will be revisiting some tips and myths about the early days of nursing.  To kick off this big upcoming event (the birth of my second son after all this bed rest), I wanted to share a joke about preparing to breastfeed that was posted on a forum recently.

NOTE - it is NOT a good idea to try to toughen up your nipples before giving birth.  Nipple stimulation can cause contractions and start labor - you do not want to have your baby before he or she is done "baking!"  The only way to truly prepare for breastfeeding is to arm yourself with knowledge!

Oh - this joke is by no means meant to frighten anyone away from breastfeeding!

**********************

How to Prepare for Nursing

"Forget the old advice about "gently rubbing your nipples with a towel". If you really want to feel ready to breastfeed, here's what you do.

Day 1: Gently rub your nipples with sandpaper.

Day 2: At bedtime set your alarm clock to go off every two hours. Each time it rings, spend 20minutes sitting in a rocking chair with your nipples clamped in a pair of chip clips.

Day 3: Draw branching lines all over your chest with a blue-green marker, then stand in front of your bathroom mirror and sing "I Feel Pretty".

Day 4: Open your already crowded freezer and make room for 5 dozen plastic milk bags.

Day 5: Fit the hose of a vacuum cleaner over one breast and set on "medium pile." Turn off vacuum when nipple is 3inches long. Switch breasts.

Day 6: Obtain "DO NOT CROSS" tape from your local police station, then wrap firmly around your chest. When your spouse asks about it, say, "Get used to it!"

Day 7: Tape a water balloon to each breast and squeeze into a maternity bra. Repeatedly hook and unhook the nursing flaps with on hand while using the other to balance a sack of squirming puppies.

Day 8: Dine in the fanciest, snootiest restaurant you can afford, making sure to arrive w/the big wet spot directly over each nipple.

Day 9: Record your mother proclaiming, "Just give the baby some cereal like God intended, and she'll sleep right through tht night." Play in an endless loop at 1a.m., 3a.m. and 5a.m.

Day 10: Slather your breasts with peanut butter, top with birdseed, and stand very still in your backyard.

Day 11: Go someplace public-a museum, a courthouse, the steps of your office building - and stuff a lifelike baby doll under your shirt. Use the doll's arm to suddenly hike the shirt up past your collar bone. Lower shirt. Feign nonchalant smile.

Day 12: Suckle a wolverine

CONGRATULATIONS! You are now ready to nurse a baby, maybe

Car Seats DO Expire!

This information was recently posted on a car seat forum and was written by a certified car seat technician.  I want to note that SOME seats have a longer expiration date than 6 years (usually the seats that have steel frames such as Britax and Radian) - check your manual to be sure.  Better safe than sorry!  I will say that I honestly knew nothing about car seats before Buggy (and even for the first 9 months or so).  It has been a huge learning curve.  I have learned that the safest seat is one that fits the child and is used according to the laws and manual every time.

*****************

You may have spent $300 on your car seat or it's never been in an accident. It doesn't mean the carseat is still safe.

Did you know that car seats expire? After 6 years, the car seat can fail in the crash, killing the child! Also, car seat straps have to be hand washed, not washed in the washer. Straps that have been washed in a washer cannot withstand the forces of a crash as well as ones that have been hand washed.

Do you have an old seat, or a seat missing parts, or one that you do not know the background of? Recycle it!

Quick facts:
-Remember to tighten the harness "snug as a hug" so that you cannot pinch a horizontal fold at your child's collarbone. The clip needs to be at armpit level.

- The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends rear facing your child until at least age 2. Convertible car seats rear face until 30, 33 or 35 lbs, depending on the car seat. Rear facing past the bare minimum of 1 and 20 keeps their unfused spine protected! A rear facing child is 400-500% less likely to die or be seriously injured in a crash.
For more info: http://www.joelsjourney.org

- The bare minimum for a belt positioning booster is 4 years and 40 lbs. However, a child shouldn't be moved to a booster until they are mature enough to sit properly 100% of the time - usually age 5 or 6. The seat belt will not protect a child if it is not correctly placed, flat across the shoulder and low on the hips at all times. There are many reasonably priced seats that harness from 65 - 80 pounds on the market.

- After the child is in the booster, they should remain in it until they can pass the 5 step test - http://www.carseat.org/Boosters/630.pdf

- Remember not to use anything in your car seat that didn't come with the seat. (extra head rests, car seat covers, etc). This video explains more:
http://www.ehow.com/video_4440678_aftermarket-car-seat-parts.html

Have a question about car seats? Visit http://www.car-seat.org You do not have to register to ask a question.

All car seats have a limited life span, usually around 6 years, due to the fact that the plastic starts to wear out, as can the straps. It doesn't matter if it looks good to the naked eye, you can be sure that after the stated time, the seat is unsafe. The precise date should be printed on the seat and in the manual. You have to make sure you are counting from the manufacturer's date printed on the seat and not from the date you purchased it!

What Topics are on YOUR Mind?

In my Ultimate Blog Party post,  I listed some topics that will be featured over the next few months.  Those topics were:

• Worship Songwriter Introductions - Get to know some great people and hear fantastic God-honoring music
• Beginnings of Breastfeeding - How Do I Start?
• Free Wheelchair Mission - Getting others up off the ground and blessing them with dignity and life outside their homes worldwide
• Family Devotions - How Do We Do This?
• Becoming a Mom of 2 Boys Under 2

I am curious about what topics are dear to YOUR heart?  What topics would you like to read about?  What topics interest you?

I'd love to hear from you!

Giveaway Winners: 2 Hearts at Home Books, Custom Name Shirt, Coupons

It's that time!  It's time to announce the winners of the giveaways from the Ultimate Blog Party and After-Party!

Without further ado - here are out winners!  I will contact winners via email (the penguinelk at yahoo dot com email address) and winners will have 24 hours to respond or I will choose a new winner.  Thank you all for playing!  Keep checking back for more giveaways!

Coupon Arsenal!  3 Winners:

• Jennifer H who said, "4got to mention what I'd like to save on, Juicy juice! :) And I'm a new follower."
• Terri who said, "I do use coupons but there don't seem to be a lot for the things I buy. I am always looking for coupons for bread, pasta and vegetables."
• Roxanna who said, "I love coupons and would love to win!"

 Personalized Name T-Shirt by Holly Designs:

• Miller Racing Family who said, "What a fun giveaway. I love the Custom Applique Shirts for your Little One - Ladybug. This would be perfect for our new arrival next month. Thanks for the chance."

 

Growing Grateful Kids by Suzie Larson

• Jamie who said, "I love Hearts at Home, what a great resource for Christian moms. I am happy to have a place to daily scripture and resources to help me become a better mom."

 

Living With Less So Your Family Has More by Mark and Jill Savage

•  Jen who said, "I kind of wish my SIL still lived in MN -- it looks like they have a great conference!"

Quick Update and Free Download

I don't know why, but when I added the link to the free scripture memory song for the Ultimate Blog Party, the code changed and the link did not work.  I wanted to make sure I put the link out there again!

Thanks to Seeds Family Worship, all readers are able to download a free scripture memory song!  Grab yours today!

Now for a quick baby update.  I had my 34 week OB appointment today and things are looking great.  Baby is estimated to be close to 5lbs!  He is head down and has HAIR.  Buggy was only 5lbs 2oz when born at 35w6d and was 4lbs 10oz when we brought him home (he came home with us).  Still on modified bed rest.  Still have a FANTASTIC group of friends who are caring for me and Buggy and bringing meals daily!  No trips to the hospital this past week.  We're hopeful for another 2 weeks! 

Thank you for all the sweet comments and prayers!

Ultimate Blog Party '10 After-Party!

Goodness!  That was a whirlwind week!  I wish I had more time to check out all the blogs on the Ultimate Blog Party hosted by 5 Minutes 4 Mom.  As you can see from my recent post, I have been a little preoccupied with pregnancy complications, but blessings abound! After 2 weeks of bed rest, we have made it to 34 weeks and things look good!

For those of you who were kind enough to visit my humble blog, I thank you!  I have been slowly working on doing return visits to see what all of you have going on your blogs!  Please be patient - I have not forgotten you!  Things are just taking a little longer than normal.

First of all, I wanted to direct you to my free download and 4 giveaways that are live until 4/19/10 at 8pm eastern.  Make sure you enter!  You can automatically get a free download of a scripture memory verse and you can enter to win:  Update - giveaways now closed.  Thanks for playing!  Click to see who won!

1. Living with Less So Your Family Has More  - by Mark and Jill Savage
2. Growing Grateful Kids - by Suzie Larson
3. Coupon Arsenal Starter Pack - at least 50 coupons sent to your home - 3 winners!
4. Personalized Name T-Shirt by Holly Designs

Now for the blogs!  I have visited some incredible blogs this week and I wanted to share just a few with you!  I'll be sharing more as the weeks progress!  Stop by and check these out.

1. Closing Time - A down-to-earth Christian, homeschooling mama.  I really enjoy the scriptures and the real-life and easy to read posts!
2. The Local Cook - Learn how to cook healthy dishes using ingredients that are local.  This is a great mix of cooking, real life, and faith.
3. Well Adventure - I'm so glad I found this blog!  It is all about Christ and our health and wholeness/wellness.  Definitely check this one out!  I was so inspired by the scripture, poems, and reflections that help to make Christ more "real" to me.
4. Being Made New - A transparent look into the life of a fellow Christian mom - struggles and all!
5. Hallee the Homemaker - Another great Christian blog with Bible studies, transparency, and challenges for us all.

Make sure to check out those blogs.  Let me know if you like what you see!  Also, let me know of any great blogs YOU have found!  Check back for more great blog links in the future!

NEW!  NEW!  NEW!  Look to the left of this blog post in the sidebar!  You can now subscribe via email!  I find email subscriptions tend to be easier for me than rss reader subscriptions. 

Finer Things Friday - Blessings through Bed Rest

Make sure to click over to Amy's Finer Things to read more stories of the finer things in life this fabulous Friday!

Also, check out what is in store in the future for this blog, download a FREE scripture memory verse, and enter to win one of 4 fantastic giveaways that close on Monday!

Well, I've been telling y'all about my recent adventures as a mommy to a toddler who happens to be on pregnancy bed rest.  I'm on day 12 right now and have nearly hit our first big goal - 34 weeks!  Praying for at least 35 weeks at this point - if we make it into May, I will be thrilled!

On this Friday, I wanted to reflect on all the blessings amidst this trial.  The blessings were hard to see at first - hard to see through the fear and despair that set in early on.  God has been so faithful and has helped me open my eyes to see through that fear and see how His hand is on this sweet little baby.  He has set so many wonderful people in my path to care for me and my precious cargo.  Here are just SOME of the blessings of this trial.

• I have a fantastic Hubby who is willing to do anything in his power to care for me and Buggy.  He has dropped everything at work and come running to meet us at the hospital.  He calls during the day to make sure we are doing well.  He has rearranged his schedule to be as available as possible during the crazy end of the semester.  He has taken over all lifting plus most of the care for Buggy including every night waking. What a loving daddy and hubby.
• Buggy has been fabulous with all the upheavals to his schedule.  He happily welcomes my friends each day (2-4 different friends each day to help, more on that later).  He plays contentedly on his own when I am too tired to sit and play with him.  He spent the first week sick and is still teething (8 teeth coming in).  We have had some sleep regression, some nightmares, and occasional night terrors.  We've had some extra discipline opportunities as he has started biting - mainly just biting Mommy.  Those are such small issues compared to what he COULD be doing during this crazy time!
• My parents.  My parents took turns taking off work to spend the first week here so I was not alone at all.  They did all the night wakings with Buggy, cleaned the house, and basically just did everything including taking me back to the hospital to stop more contractions.
• My friends have been fantastic.  They threw me a surprise baby shower a week ago (and feared I wouldn't make it since I was in the hospital the day before).  They offered to help any way they could so that my parents could go back to work to save some vacation days for when Baby gets here.  All I do is create a schedule of where/how I will need help and post in google docs.  They sign up for what they can do.  I've had hot meals delivered every day, friends here to clean and care for Buggy so I can rest, and friends to offer support and to pray.  It's been amazing.  I have had to learn to accept help - to sit by humbly while friends do my dishes and laundry and clean my bathroom.

All of those blessings are definitely Finer Things.  What are some of your finer things in life?

Bedrest and Mommyhood Take Three

Ok - I won't keep posting just about my woes on bed rest.  So many women struggle to become pregnant.  We've never had that struggle.  Many struggle with the heartbreak of miscarriage.  We have been spared that thus far.  Others yet give birth super early or give birth to babies with severe challenges.

I feel petty at times being so worried or asking for so much help.  Here is where the struggle with self-sufficiency comes in.  I still try to do this all in my own strength.  I feel badly when friends come to help and I can't HELP them help!  I am tempted to overdo things and clean the kitchen before the cleaning crew comes in.  Each day, I am learning more about relying on God and HIS strength over my own.  I am not God.  I am not all-powerful.  I am not all-knowing.  I am a fragile human that God loves and tries repeatedly to teach and lead.  There is a light at the end of this trial tunnel!

Now, what did the doctor say on Monday?

The contractions I was having were not labor contractions although they were quite painful and very regular.  Labor contractions would have caused cervical change and thankfully, I have no changes yet.  Because of the fetal fibronectin test negative result, my OB is confident we will make it until 34 weeks (this coming Monday) without much problem.  She was happy to hear that after my Friday hospital trip, things have been improving each day.  I have been hydrating like mad and having fewer contractions each day.  The doc said to keep doing what I am doing since it is obviously working.  I may have several more trips to the hospital to stop contractions, but she is hopeful we can get close to 36 weeks.

I am no longer on strict bedrest but very limited activity.  I do the steps once per day (which means no trips to the basement to do laundry or even to get extra toilet paper).  I spend most of the day with my feet up for pelvic rest and try to lay on my left side the most.  I am able to put Buggy in his crib if I am home alone.  I CAN SNUGGLE MY SWEET BOY AGAIN!  I can be up enough to make a quick meal.  I am to listen to my body and adjust activity as needed.

Some days are better than others, physically, however I have noticed fewer contractions each day since Friday.  Woohoo!  Even better, my mental and emotional state is worlds better.  I am not a weepy mess all the time.  I am back to functioning fairly normally.  I may not post as often, but that is because I am trying to conserve energy.

I want to thank my friends for their selfless care - making meals daily, doing my housework, and making Buggy tired enough to sleep really well when he is going stir crazy with not leaving the house.  I am overwhelmed!  I am amazed at how many people begged me to make a schedule for next week so they can help with meals and such then as well since they weren't fast enough to get on this week's schedule.

I thank all of you who have prayed and who have helped.  I promise some new content is on its way soon!


Make sure to enter these great giveaways plus download this free scripture memory song AND see what is coming in the future!

Bedrest and Mommyhood Take Two

I've been trying to decide just how transparent to be on this blog.  I will always protect my family's identity (hence not using real names for them), but I know I am helped most when others are transparent and I hope some of you may be helped or encouraged by my transparency.

So.....  I've decided to go ahead and bare it all.  I'll spare the icky doctor details but won't spare the details of the heart.

First of all, thankfully, tomorrow I get to see my own OB.  Through this past week of labor/delivery hospital trips and bed rest, I haven't seen her - just the on-call docs.  For those who don't know - I just turned 33 weeks today.  Last Monday, I started contracting a lot - about every 5-6 minutes.  I went to the hospital and it took nearly the whole day, but the contractions were stopped.  I had to go back for the same reason on Friday.  You can read all the details in this previous post.  Here we are, Sunday evening, and I'm doing pretty good physically.  Emotionally/mentally, well, that's another matter.

I was so happy with this pregnancy - it was just smooth sailing.  Hardly any morning sickness, able to breastfeed Buggy through most of it, energy galore.  I even had the fleeting thought of if all my pregnancies were like this, I'd consider being a surrogate.

Wham!  All of a sudden, Monday happened.  I went from doing anything and everything to doing nothing - right as nesting is in full swing.  Right as mood swings are reaching their peaks.

I am overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support.  I am amazed at what a wonderful husband I have and what a fantastic daddy he is.  It breaks my heart that I can't lift and snuggle Buggy.  I can't help with bath/bed time unless I am upstairs for the night and even then, I can't do much at all.  It breaks my heart that when Buggy hurt himself this weekend, he looked at me then at his Pap, me, Pap, then ran to Pap to be consoled.  It breaks my heart that when he was sick off and on this week, I wasn't the main one to comfort and console him.  When I called the doctor for him, I had to have Mom tell me what each diaper was like.  Don't get me wrong, I am SUPER thankful for them taking turns to be here 24/7 this week.  There is no way we could have functioned without that help.  I just get sad when it comes to "mommy things" that I just can't do.

I know this is probably a good transition period.  When the little one is here, I won't be able to be the one to console Buggy every time.  He has created a fantastic bond with his daddy which is so sweet to see.  He is growing up.  I don't think I'd get as sad about it if Baby were here already (well, here after "baking" long enough) but with the added stress of being in limbo with him is just making this tough.

I know that all of this is in God's hands.  I know that He is using this trial to do a good work in me.  I know that one thing He is trying to teach me is to not be so stinking self-sufficient.  To humble myself and ask for help.  To humble myself and allow others to bless me.  It's scary.  I know all these things in my head, yet my heart forgets so easily.  I randomly just weep.  I may be weeping out of sheer thankfulness or out of sadness or anything in between.

I am so thankful for all the support through this time.  My fabulous friends threw me a surprise baby shower this past weekend.  They were afraid it wouldn't happen since I was in the hospital the day before.  Thankfully, I was able to make it (after Hubs spilled the beans on purpose the night before so I didn't go into labor due to surprise) and sit on my fanny and be blessed by them.  They are coming together to provide care throughout the week so I can continue incubating.  I have gotten so much love and support from friends online as well - even people I have never met and may never meet have been sending me wonderful messages of encouragement.

It's still hard.

I don't know how the moms who do this for months on end keep their sanity.

I'm looking forward to when I can take Buggy to the park or the zoo again.

How have you struggled during pregnancies?  During trials?  How have you been blessed?  How has God used those situations for good?

Saturday Throwback: The 1980's Weren't Kind

Welcome to Saturday Throwback!  I *think* we may have a linky working today.  Pick a picture from the past and share it on your blog.  I love just randomly landing on one as I scroll through iPhoto!  Link up your post (not main page) here.  Keep it clean please!  I'd appreciate a link from your post for others to check out this link-up.  If you don't have a blog, share in the comments! Thanks!

 Wow.  This was when I was in about 5th or 6th grade and decided to try cheerleading.  That's what all the popular kids did!  Well, I wasn't in to sports and wasn't into cheerleading!  Oh - and the 80's CERTAINLY were not kind to me!

Here's your chance to share!

Blog Party!

Who doesn't love a good party?!?!  I know I do!  I love blog parties just as much as regular parties - I just wish blogs served funnel cake!  (Two strange pregnancy cravings this time around - funnel cake and beer!)  Check out this party page, my party page on Penny Pinching Penguin, and pages on hundreds of other blogs (just click the icon above).  You don't want to miss out on all the fun!  You don't have to be a blogger to join in!

Welcome to the Rediscovering Domesticity blog!  I invite you to take off your shoes, relax, and look around awhile.  Check out the tabs at the top of the page.  Get to know what this blog is all about.  I have a few giveaways going on this week.  Check out all the stuff happening in the sidebars.

What is Rediscovering Domesticity?

This blog is where I grapple with being a Christian wife and mother who is staying home after being the breadwinner for 9 years.

Who am I?

Well, I have a lot of pictures and information under the "About" tab at the top of the page.  Basics - I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, musician, and all-around happy person.  I started blogging while we were struggling to make ends meet as a way to share (on my other blog) what I was learning about saving money.  Rediscovering Domesticity was birthed when I decided to become more serious about blogging and wanted to streamline my content.  I am loving having a space to share what Christ is doing in our lives with others.  I have a fantastic husband, an 18-month old son, a furry pooch, and another boy due in May (and hopefully not coming too soon!). 

So, what is a party without a party favor?  

Make sure to enter my giveaways under the Tab on this blog and on my Penny Pinching Penguin blog - lots of freebies to be had!

Everyone is welcome to download this great scripture memory song free of charge!  Make sure to take a gander at Seeds Family Worship who has graciously offered this free download.

Make sure to enter all of my giveaways - it just takes a moment! Update - giveaways now closed.  Thanks for playing!  Click to see who won!

• Growing Grateful Kids book by Suzie Larson
• Living on Less So Your Family Has More book by Jill and Mark Savage
• Children's Custom Applique Shirt
• Coupon Arsenal Starter Pack (3 Winners!)

Peruse these past posts that may interest you:

• What is Your Love Story?
• Hot Spot Alert: Office is ORGANIZED!
• Hot Topic: Teenage Pregnancy and Athletics
• Counter Cultural Holiday Season
• Feeding Our Babies- introduction to Breastfeeding series

Come on back to see what will be happening soon!

• Worship Songwriter Introductions - Get to know some great people and hear fantastic God-honoring music
• Beginnings of Breastfeeding - How Do I Start?
• Free Wheelchair Mission - Getting others up off the ground and blessing them with dignity and life outside their homes worldwide
• Family Devotions - How Do We Do This?
• Becoming a Mom of 2 Boys Under 2

PRIZES!
Now for even more fun!  Go ahead and visit the 5Minutes4Mom blog party site (click the icon at the top of the page) and hop through to other party posts.  Comment on 20 different blogs and be entered to win some fantastic prizes!  Here are some prizes I'd love to win!

• 10 - Young Living Essential Oils Stress Away Roll-on
• 19 - Prize Pack of Preschool Toys
• 23 - $50 gift cert. for monogrammed gifts
• 30 - Nest Egg pilow
• 37 - $20 Visa gift card
• 48 - Pampered Chef goodies
• 52 - $25 Amazon gift card
• 55 - $20 Amazon gift card
• 67 - DaySpring's Blessing Blocks
• 70 - $25 Kroger Gift Card

Basically, I would LOVE to win any of the Amazon, Kroger, Paypal, or Target gift cards or any other prize that seems suitable for a Christian momma of a toddler son with another son on the way!

Giveaway: Living With Less So Your Family Has More book

Update - Giveaway now closed.  Thanks for playing!  Click to see winners.

A little bit ago, I did a blog carnival post for Hearts at Home on my Penny Pinching Penguin blog.  What a fantastic organization Hearts at Home is! Check out the previous post with an overview of this new book and an interview with the authors, Jill and Mark Savage.

Well, Hearts at Home has graciously sent me a copy of this fantastic resource to give away to one lucky reader! Entering is simple! Giveaway is open to US residents only and will close at 8pm eastern time on Monday, April 12th. You may enter up to four times using the list below.

Enter:

Simply leave a comment on this post for each entry. Make sure each comment contains your email address so I can contact you should you win. I prefer to use the penguinelk at yahoo dot com method to list my email to limit spam from web crawlers.

* MANDATORY ENTRY - Visit Hearts at Home's website. Leave a comment with something you like about what they have to offer.
* Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win this book.
* Tweet about this giveaway, post on facebook, or blog about this giveaway. Leave a comment with a link to your post.
* Become a follower of this blog.

I will choose a winner using random.org. I will contact the winner via email. Winner has 24 hours after contact to respond or I will choose a new winner.


If you want this book and don't win or don't want to wait, you can purchase it through amazon for just $9.35.

Giveaway: Growing Grateful Kids Book

 

Update  - Giveaway now closed.  Thanks for playing!  Click to see who won!

A little bit ago, I did a blog carnival post for Hearts at Home.  What a fantastic organization!  Check out the previous post with an overview of this new book and an interview with the author, Suzie Larson.

Well, Hearts at Home has graciously sent me a copy of this fantastic resource to give away to one lucky reader!  Entering is simple!  Giveaway is open to US residents only and will close at 8pm eastern time on Monday, April 12th.  You may enter up to four times using the list below.

Enter:
Simply leave a comment on this post for each entry.  Make sure each comment contains your email address so I can contact you should you win.  I prefer to use the penguinelk at yahoo dot com method to list my email to limit spam from web crawlers.

• MANDATORY ENTRY - Visit Hearts at Home's website.  Leave a comment with something you like about what they have to offer.
• Leave a comment telling me why you would like to win this book.
• Tweet about this giveaway, post on facebook, or blog about this giveaway. Leave a comment with a link to your post.
• Become a follower of this blog.

I will choose a winner using random.org.  I will contact the winner via email.  Winner has 24 hours after contact to respond or I will choose a new winner.

If you want this book and don't win or don't want to wait, you can purchase it through amazon for just $9.35.

Bedrest and Mommyhood

What an interesting past few days here!  I am very thankful I had some posts pre-written and ready to just post.  What has been happening?  I've been trying my darndest to stay pregnant.

On Monday, I just didn't feel like myself.  I thought I was just tired after a busy Easter weekend.  I assured Hubby that I was fine so he went to work leaving me at home with Buggy.  All day, Buggy was out of sorts and I assumed it was teething (those 8 teeth STILL are not through!).  He was so snuggy and just wanted to hug my belly over and over.

By afternoon, I didn't feel well at all.  I put Buggy down for a nap and sat down to rest.  I realized I needed to start timing my braxton-hicks contractions.  After 30 minutes, I had had 6 contractions.  My instructions had been to call the doctor if I had 4-6 in an HOUR so it was time for a call.  I was told to go to labor and delivery.  I gather up a screaming Buggy who had just woken up from his nap plus some things to keep him occupied at the hospital.  I geared up for a fight to get him up on the floor with me (security guards everywhere keeping kids 12 and under out of the hospital.  Thankfully, clutching my belly and saying "contractions" worked like a charm!  Hubby was able to join me about a half hour later.

After being monitored, they found I was contracting (REAL ones, not braxton-hicks) every 5 minutes.  So begins the shots and tests and muscle relaxers.  32 weeks is a bit early to deliver.  I stayed in the hospital until 8pm.  Hubby was able to take Buggy to a friend's house for the evening so he could come back with me.  I learned that if I was in active labor before 34 weeks, I'd need to be transferred to a bigger hospital. 

Thankfully, contractions were stopped.  I was loopy as all get-out.   I was ordered 48 hours of bedrest.  My parents were able to plan to each come for a couple days so there is someone here all week to care for Buggy (who has a tummy virus).  I am very blessed.

I've done my time - my 48 hours.  I can tell my body isn't ready for me to be back to normal yet.   I am slowly easing back into life.  Monday I will see my OB again and make a plan.  I'll be 33 weeks at that point.  Buggy was born at 35 weeks 6 days.  I HOPE to keep this little one in longer.  Thankfully, the fetal fibronectin test they ran was negative which means that the chance of me delivering in the next few weeks is quite slim.  Now to just keep the contractions at bay!

I am very thankful for modern medicine.  I am very thankful for the skilled doctors and nurses at our hospital.  I am very thankful that we are near family and between friends and family don't really need to worry about much of anything (I can't believe how many IM's I got on facebook asking if we needed meals or help grocery shopping).

Have you ever had preterm labor?  Have you delivered early?  I'd love to hear your story!

Can't Handle the Truth on Breastfeeding?

Yesterday, I posted a new study showing how breastfeeding saves lives.  I enjoyed reading the stats in this article.  I read  a wonderful blog post on yet another Babycenter forum.  This post focused not on the stats behind breastfeeding or the debate between breast and formula.  This post focused on the cultural shift that needs to occur that would make it so much easier for women to be successful at breastfeeding.

I highly recommend that you check out the full post here: When It Comes to Breastfeeding, We Can't Handle the Truth by the Feminist Breeder Blog.

If you have breastfed, what would have made it easier for you?  What support would you have appreciated?  If you haven't breastfed, why (you'll hear no judgments from me)?  What support would have been helpful?    I know that without support, there is no way we would have made it 16 months!

I found this great article posted on a Babycenter forum today and wanted to share.  It discusses the health and financial impact of breastfeeding vs. formula feeding.  I will say that I am not opposed to formula feeding but STRONGLY feel that breastfeeding should AT LEAST be attempted whenever possible.

Check out the full article here.

CHICAGO - The lives of nearly 900 babies would be saved each year, along with billions of dollars, if 90 percent of U.S. women fed their babies breast milk only for the first six months of life, a cost analysis says.

Those startling results, published online Monday in the journal Pediatrics, are only an estimate. But several experts who reviewed the analysis said the methods and conclusions seem sound.
"The health care system has got to be aware that breast-feeding makes a profound difference," said Dr. Ruth Lawrence, who heads the American Academy of Pediatrics' breast-feeding section.

The findings suggest that there are hundreds of deaths and many more costly illnesses each year from health problems that breast-feeding may help prevent. These include stomach viruses, ear infections, asthma, juvenile diabetes, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and even childhood leukemia.
The magnitude of health benefits linked to breast-feeding is vastly underappreciated, said lead author Dr. Melissa Bartick, an internist and instructor at Harvard Medical School. Breast-feeding is sometimes considered a lifestyle choice, but Bartick calls it a public health issue.

Among the benefits: Breast milk contains antibodies that help babies fight infections; it also can affect insulin levels in the blood, which may make breast-fed babies less likely to develop diabetes and obesity.

The analysis studied the prevalence of 10 common childhood illnesses, costs of treating those diseases, including hospitalization, and the level of disease protection other studies have linked with breast-feeding.

The $13 billion in estimated losses due to the low breast-feeding rate includes an economists' calculation partly based on lost potential lifetime wages — $10.56 million per death.
The methods were similar to a widely cited 2001 government report that said $3.6 billion could be saved each year if 50 percent of mothers breast-fed their babies for six months. Medical costs have climbed since then and breast-feeding rates have increased only slightly.

About 43 percent of U.S. mothers do at least some breast-feeding for six months, but only 12 percent follow government guidelines recommending that babies receive only breast milk for six months.
Dr. Larry Gray, a University of Chicago pediatrician, called the analysis compelling and said it's reasonable to strive for 90 percent compliance.

But he also said mothers who don't breast-feed for six months shouldn't be blamed or made to feel guilty, because their jobs and other demands often make it impossible to do so.
"We'd all love as pediatricians to be able to carry this information into the boardrooms by saying we all gain by small changes at the workplace" that encourage breast-feeding, Gray said.

Bartick said there are some encouraging signs. The government's new health care overhaul requires large employers to provide private places for working mothers to pump breast milk. And under a provision enacted April 1 by the Joint Commission, a hospital accrediting agency, hospitals may be evaluated on their efforts to ensure that newborns are fed only breast milk before they're sent home.
The pediatrics academy says babies should be given a chance to start breast-feeding immediately after birth. Bartick said that often doesn't happen, and at many hospitals newborns are offered formula even when their mothers intend to breast-feed.

"Hospital practices need to change to be more in line with evidence-based care," Bartick said. "We really shouldn't be blaming mothers for this."

Happy Half-Birthday, Buggy!

My little Buggy is officially 18 months!  Where has the time gone?  It has been such a blessing being your mommy!  I look forward to many more years laughing and playing and talking with you, my sweet little man!

In this picture, Buggy is coming to say hi at the front window of the Children's Museum on Easter Sunday where Children's Ministry took place.  He was a happy camper!

Easter: He Is Risen! He Is Risen Indeed!

What a glorious phrase - He is Risen!  He has conquered death so we can have eternal life.  Let that sweet truth sink in on this glorious day.

Matthew 28

The Resurrection

 ¹After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.  ²There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. ⁴The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
 ⁵The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. ⁷Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
 ⁸So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. ⁹Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. ¹⁰Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

The Guards' Report

 ¹¹While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. ¹²When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, ¹³telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' ¹⁴If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." ¹⁵So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

The Great Commission

 ¹⁶Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in^[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Easter: The Crucifixion

 

Matthew 27

Jesus Delivered to Pilate

27:1 When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death. 2 And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.

Judas Hangs Himself

3 Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus [1] was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” 5 And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he departed, and he went and hanged himself. 6 But the chief priests, taking the pieces of silver, said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is blood money.” 7 So they took counsel and bought with them the potter's field as a burial place for strangers. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then was fulfilled what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him on whom a price had been set by some of the sons of Israel, 10 and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord directed me.”

Jesus Before Pilate

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You have said so.” 12 But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they testify against you?” 14 But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

The Crowd Chooses Barabbas

15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release for the crowd any one prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 17 So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.” 20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor again said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” And they said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said, “Let him be crucified!” 23 And he said, “Why, what evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Let him be crucified!”

Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified

24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; [2] see to it yourselves.” 25 And all the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released for them Barabbas, and having scourged [3] Jesus, delivered him to be crucified.

Jesus Is Mocked

27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor's headquarters, [4] and they gathered the whole battalion [5] before him. 28 And they stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And they spit on him and took the reed and struck him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him and led him away to crucify him.

The Crucifixion

32 As they went out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled this man to carry his cross. 33 And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), 34 they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall, but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. 35 And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots. 36 Then they sat down and kept watch over him there. 37 And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” 38 Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left. 39 And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.

The Death of Jesus

45 Now from the sixth hour [6] there was darkness over all the land [7] until the ninth hour. [8] 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 47 And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” 48 And one of them at once ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine, and put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.” 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son [9] of God!”

55 There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Jesus Is Buried

57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

The Guard at the Tomb

62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ 64 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day, lest his disciples go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last fraud will be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard [10] of soldiers. Go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard.