Since we have gotten cable my T.V. (when it is on) stays on ESPN, Food Network, and the Discovery Channel (especially when Cash Cab is on). I had quite a long Food Network hiatus so I missed many of the new personalities that have been installed and I must say that I like most of them. Guy Fieri is the man. Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives is one of my favorite shows and Guy's Big Bite is some great man-food. Another show that is growing on me is "Down Home with the Neeley's." I didn't like the show the first few times I watched it, but then I actually started paying attention to the recipes and man, the Neeley's can cook! They are really creative with the southern cuisine. Basically its comfort food all the time. And, they're very family friendly and funny. Alton Brown, Bobby Flay, and Tyler "boom" Florence are still the best, but these new guys are climbing the charts. Those who are falling off the charts (as if I really have charts) - Rachel Ray, Paula Deen, and Michael Chiarello.
One thing I really miss is time to cook. I don't have the time or the budget to be creative in the kitchen. Oh well, everything has a season. A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, A time for steak and a time for peanut butter and jelly. I'm pretty sure most of that is in Ecclesiastes. Until a new season comes I'll enjoy the new stuff of the Food Network.
I feel like I am just now getting to that point where I don't want to be pregnant anymore. I am glad I only have 5 weeks left like this. My hormones seem to be all over the place and I know it doesn't help that I picked up a cold this past week. I know my belly has gotten bigger because I have had to adjust the way I type on my computer at work, getting really uncomfortable. Also noticed my shows being a tad tight, I hope that goes back. That would totally stink to have to buy new shoes. Also, my belly is sooo low. Getting harder to fall asleep, might be because I am sick too though. I will say one thing, at night when I am trying to roll over to my other side (the only other option I have now to sleep) it wakes me all the way up and is not very easy to roll over. I rolled on my back once last night and I could hardly breath, that was no fun. So, I guess baby Stringer is getting bigger. Getting more annoying,uncomfortable, and sometimes painful now too when he moves around. I still have things lingering on my todo list that I really hope I can accomplish before the baby gets here too. Here they go: 1) Car Washed 2) Car seat in car, properly. 3) Dogs Washed 4) Mildew/Mold cleaned out of our windows. 5) Bathrooms cleaned 6) Kitchen/Bathroom floors mopped.
Those are all pretty big tasks for me, and in my current state are taking lots of energy to get done. I need to prioritize them and try and get them done little here and there. I figure when I start to go into labor, I will probably try and clean the house as much as possible depending on how the labor goes. I need to start planning what I will take to the hospital too. Can you tell I am starting to feel the crunch of it getting close and me running out of time and energy to do it.
This morning, Josh and I interviewed a Pediatrician. We got lost, that wasn't fun. Question, a Pediatrician is a children doctor right. So the offices are way cool with toys and games, cool colors and themes painted in each room. Umm I think I like that stuff too. Why don't they put cool games, themes, and stuff like that in adult doctors offices. No all we get are magazines, if we are lucky. I felt so unprepared to interview this guy, but o well gotta get it done or they won't let me have my baby back in the hospital. I figured if I don't like him later on I can always move our records. He seemed really nice though and patient. I really wanted a doctor who would take the time to go over benefits, risks, and just take the time to give me as much information as I want regarding whatever. He had that demeanor. I needed him to sign my birth plan, but unfortunately my pregnant brain has misplaced that important piece of paper. Good thing I have another midwife appointment tomorrow so I can get another one and fill it out so he can sign it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enough of the pregnancy news now. We took Josh's car to the shop this morning. His air conditioning has been on the fritz for some time now. It is getting pretty hard for him to bare, so we decided to finally have it looked at. I was raised in a mechanic's home, so I am always on guard whenever we drop a car off at an auto shop. I have learned over the years especially as a woman that a lot of times they aren't always honest with you and are just trying to get as much money out of you as possible. Anytime I have been away from home and had to get a car fixed, it seems my main goal was to get as least ripped off as possible. I remembered when we were in Atlanta we found an awesome auto shop, Christian Brothers in Suwanee. I highly recommend that place. They were so honest and trustworthy, to bad it was a mom/pap shop and there are none of those here. We took it this time to the Midas, at my dad's recommendation. AC work is pretty common work so it doesn't need to go to the high priced dealership. There is always a pattern, I take the car in and then listen to the mechanic and then call my dad. I can't tell you how many times that throws these repair guys off their wagon because they have told me something that makes no sense at all and my dad catches it and says they are feeding you a line. So I have reason to be skeptical. There have been countless time my dad has gotten on the phone with them and usually pretty quickly they realize they don't want to fool with him. It is nice to have those family resources. My dad is the man when it comes to cars and Josh's dad is the man when it comes to houses. That is what they do. We find ourselves calling on them both for their expertise all the time. Seems though like we have way more house questions usually then car questions, but that is fine with me the car questions are always way more expensive.
P.S. I guess you can say from doctors to mechanics I am far from gullible.
Its late and I'm not sleepy...buckle up, here goes...
I'm not sure what to think about the passing of Michael Jackson. Super talented. I remember when Thriller came out. I was hooked and have been a fan of his music for a long time (Favorite song - "The Way You Make Me Feel" What's yours? Like you'll really comment your favorite song, who am I kidding?). However, he was one strange dude. Overall I think his life was pretty tragic. Kind of like a Shakespearean tragedy with lots of plastic surgery. (I might have overstated when I compared Michael Jackson to Shakespeare just then).
One thing I have learned since his death - the world has a serious misconception of death. Really. Have you noticed how crazy people are going? These vigils and shrines set up for him all over the place are nuts. 99% of these people never met him and surely none of them knew him. Yet because we are obsessed with celebrity and, well, basically we are idol worshippers, when a guy of Michael Jackson's ilk dies, people lose their minds. Based on what? I get it that people need to mourn, but this is a little ridiculous. Refer to my statement above about them not knowing him. Can you imagine what would happen if something happened to Obama or a Jonas? Whoa.
I've told Shana countless times that if I were to die in a car crash to please NOT put up a cross on the side of the road where I hit the tree.
I like the pick of Jeff Teague that the Hawks made in the draft.
I'm getting destroyed in my fantasy baseball league. I'll blame it on school.
Speaking of school, Dr. Bruce Ware came in the Fresh Market yesterday. I had never met the guy but I have Theology of Worship with him in the fall and am pretty pumped. I saw him at a Q&A session with Dr. Schreiner at the convention. Anyway, he came up to the meat counter and I introduced myself and we had a pleasant conversation. Then I met his family. Also pleasant.
I see that my friend George has returned to blogging. Welcome back old friend. Welcome back. (I'll add you to my blogroll when I remember how)
I really hope the baby comes early. We're t-minus six weeks and I'm hoping for four weeks. I tell him every night that he should just go ahead and get it over with and come on out. We're ready, he's ready, let's do it. Right?
Shana's birthday is coming up (July 9) and I think I have a sweet present idea. This part of the post is basically to drive her crazy. It will work. Speaking of my wife, she gets super tired easily now. This phenomenon is understandable since she has a child inside her.
We watched Slumdog Millionaire last night. Pretty darn good. I heard Transformers 2 is terrible, so I'm not going to waste my money. So, since that movie is out I need a good summer movie to see. Any ideas? I'm worried about G.I. Joe. I saw Star Trek - excellent. I'd like to see Public Enemy with Johnny Depp.
People in KY still can't drive. My friend at work's wife got ran off the road the other day and had to spend the night in the hospital because some guy clipped the back of her car trying to exit the highway...typcial. (the previous sentence seems grammatically strange)
My great friend Chris Jordan came up and stayed with us during the convention. It was great to hang out and catch up. We don't talk often, but when we do its always like we just talked the day before and nothing has changed. Its good to have friends like that.
Well, I seem to have tired myself out (which was the goal), so I'm going to bed.
Fin.
P.S. - I'm going to try to make a video about who-knows-what before the baby comes, so stay tuned.
These are the first of our pickable fruits. There are lots of banana peppers that are close and a ton of cherry tomatoes too. Our heirloom plant got damaged in a storm a few weeks ago and we lost a few branches. Kinda sad, but there are still some that look good and they should grow back. Anyway, that's our only green pepper, but we're hoping that once we picked this one others will start to grow. We'll see.
If Mark Sanford and these other Republican lawmakers want other people to take them seriously when they argue against the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman, they should take their marriages more seriously. This is getting ridiculous. I'm glad he apologized, but he didn't ask for forgiveness and an apology is not the same as repentance. Dr. Scott here on campus told us in our counseling class a while back that an apology is an excuse wrapped in an "I'm sorry." I don't want to judge him because what I know is filtered through the media. So, we should pray for Sanford and his family. His priority should be to do whatever it takes to save his marriage including resigning his office. But also, we need to pray for other politicians who are so outspoken against gay marriage that they would be convicted to value their own marriages above all else. I saw Chuck Colson speak this weekend. He talked a little about the economic crisis. He stated that the problem wasn't a financial failure. It was a moral failure that started with selfishness and greed. If and probably when gay marriage is a national law it won't have been a legislative problem it will have been a moral failure. We must value our marriages if we are to tell others that they should protect the meaning of our marriages. As the old cliche goes, actions speak much louder than words. When our ideological convictions don't match our actions what do they really mean and why should any one believe us or support us?
Pregnancy News: I am soooooooooooooooooooooo tired. Did I mention I was tired. Even now as I sit here typing this I could seriously close my eyes and fall asleep sitting straight up. It is starting to take its toll on me being so busy, but somethings I just don't have much choice over the matter. It is only a season, and that is where I focus. This to shall pass. I hope soon. Today I find myself longing for my lunch break so that I can go hide away in my car and take a nap. I can't wait. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So the SBC is in town right. Well, I have had the opportunity to go to the Pastor's Conference on Sunday night and listen to most of the rest online. I am in agreement with Josh when I say it makes me more proud to be Southern Baptist having experienced this a little more. Yesterday I went to the Minister's Wives Luncheon, it was massive. I didn't anticipate as many women being there as there were. Seriously, I think the count was something like 1200. That is crazy. It was neat though to hear wives of some of the most influential preachers of our convention.
Pastor Johnny Hunt's wife shared a funny story of something she did recently that seriously made a ton of us laugh out loud. She said that Johnny was preaching back in April like he normally does and started to share a story to illustrate one of his sermons that had to do with her. Well, she said this particular day it had just gotten to her because she says he never tells the stories the way she would tell the story and this time she wasn't going to take it. She walked onto the platform where her husband was preaching and got herself a microphone, all while Johnny's eyes were bugging out of his head. She proceeded to say that for now on when he tells stories for her she wanted to tell them because he doesn't tell them how I would tell them and proceeded to tell the story the way she would tell it. It was hilarious. Evidently they had gone out to eat with another minister and his wife and when they got back to their house Mrs. Hunt had fallen out of the car onto her back in the garage. Well, the only one to help her up was the other minister's wife. It was a hilarious story. She said ever since when Johnny starts a story he eyeballs her in the front row to make sure she stays seated. It was just tooo funny.
Another great thing that has happened this week during convention is Josh and I have gotten to visit with some of our long and old friends. This is really neat and kind of like a reunion. We had breakfast this morning with Jacob and Melissa Cleor. It was the first time we got to meet their son Micheal, he is 2 now. He is such a little Jacob, the most adorable kid seriously. I wish I would have used my brain and took a picture to post. Jacob and Melissa looked great and seemed like they had the parenting thing down. So weird to see Jacob as a dad in motion. He was so gentle, weird, but so good. Crazy where we have all come. Just seems like yesterday we were jinxing each other for cokes and hot dogs in Argentina. (One day I will have to share my testimony on here and maybe my stories from Argentina) It was so great though to get to fellowship with them and catch-up, it has been over 2 years since we have seen them last. We really enjoyed hanging out.
Chris Jordan has been staying with us since Sunday too. It was been great to spend time with him as well. I know Josh and him have been like glue all week and Josh has loved it. Most of you know when Josh and I were on staff at NFBC, so was Chris and Jennifer. Well, we've all since moved on and it is great when we get to visit with each other. Only sad we didn't have enough room for the entire family to have come. Seriously, the first couple of nights Chris was in we found ourselves just talking all day and all night about all kinds of subjects. It has been awesome. Real friends are those that you can talk hours on end with about everything in life.
Ran into Erin, a Titus 2 woman that I met here in Louisville. I met her because she placed an ad for a babysitter and in essence hired me. Well, we ran into each other at the Wives conference, which was amazing since there were over 1200 people there. It was awesome to get to sit and chat with her. She is the one that converted me to cloth diapers. She never really tried to talk me into it or anything, but her youngest is in cloth and I just was blown away with my experience in taking care of her with how far cloth diapers had come and the ease of them. That was really awesome to get to spend some time with her, we have never really gotten to do that before and I have always really wanted to.
Then after the Wives Luncheon I ran into another woman here that I look up to greatly, Maria Moore. She was my discipleship teacher in SWI. She is such an amazing Titus 2 woman too. I wish I had the coureage to ask her to mentor me. Maybe I will one of these days.
I didn't blog about the Convention yesterday because we got back late, I was super tired, and we had to get up at 5am this morning. So here's a quick synopsis of yesterday (Monday)...
Yesterday was the final day of the pastor's conference. It was absolutely great. All of the speakers were dead on and the theme was unity and love. Its what the SBC needs. As I alluded to on Sunday, there's a huge generation gap in the SBC. All you have to do is look around the convention hall to see the blue hairs in the the polyester and the young hipsters in jeans and messy hair and a soul patch. The messages on unity were just amazing - my personal favorites were David Platt, Ed Stetzer, and Johnny Hunt. That was the super short version. I think you can look it up online and watch the sermons at sbc.net.
So, for today - Today I was proud to be a Southern Baptist. I didn't think I'd be saying that. But today a lot of guys my age should be proud to be Southern Baptists. Today the generation gap was bridged. Who's to thank for this? Our president, Johnny Hunt. Johnny has taken a lot of heat in the past for being a Calvinist basher, but he's not now and has apologized. Calvinists have been guilty of Johnny bashing and should get over it. I've always been a fan of Johnny and Calvinism. I've been around Johnny Hunt for many years in many different roles. He's a great, godly man who's bridged a gap with people who he loves but just so happens to disagree with when it comes to soteriology. His leadership in passing the Great Commission Resurgence was astounding. You can read more about the GCR here.
During the lunch break today I went and sat in on a panel discussion called "Baptist 21." The guys who were there: Danny Aiken, Ed Stetzer, Daniel Montgomery (Sojourn Louisville), Al Mohler, David Platt, and Mark Dever. Amazing again. These guys also made me proud to be a SBC member.
Oh yeah, this morning I went to the Founders Ministries breakfast. Danny Aiken (who is not part of the group) was the speaker. Again, totally inspiring. He talked about how he was losing friends simply by being at the breakfast and how he knew the gospel was more important than a silly debate. It was fantastic.
Here's the thing...The SBC's cooperative program is a great organization. It makes missions possible. All of these young missionaries-in-waiting around the country and here at Southern don't want the bureaucracy. Some of it is of course crazy. A lot of it is necessary though. When you manage this many churches and manage this much money you have to have order. Organized bureaucracy is necessary. Its how the missionaries get paid, and rightfully so. Its how we send more missionaries than any other organization in the world. And its not close.
Many people have given the sarcastic "have fun" when I tell them I'm taking this as a class and have to go. I'm glad I'm here and I've learned a lot. I've learned some that has made me laugh. When guys make motions to ban Mark Driscoll from LifeWay I laughed. When a guy referred to the Great Commission Resurgence as the G.C. Insurgence (by mistake, not on purpose), I laughed. So of what has happened was ridiculous. Like today when a guy got up and angrily and bitterly ripped Calvinism in front of 9,000 people. He was completely uneducated as to what he was talking about and outright wrong. However, I was mostly proud. Like when former SBC president and outspoken non-Calvinist Frank Paige got up and spoke FOR the GCR. I was proud when we as a convention rose above the stupid Calvinism debate and focused on the Gospel of Jesus Christ and overwhelmingly passed the GCR. I think today was a big day in the life of the SBC and for our future. I was proud to be there.
Then when I got home, Bogie rolled in poo. Life is great!
Today was the first day of the Southern Baptist Convention. I'm taking the SBC as a class. We had a one day-all day Saturday class. Very informative.
At Southern there is a generation gap of people who either love the SBC or are pretty much indifferent. I'm in the middle. I really see the value of the convention. I love the history of the thing too. Its rather remarkable, but I won't go into it here. Right now the SBC is supposedly in decline. It probably is, but I don't know the statistics. Tonight was the beginning of the pastor's conference. J.D. Greear, Mac Brunson, and Chuck Colson. All three of the addressed the issue in different ways but all were great. Each guy had a different style and I liked them all. They spoke honestly, biblically, and passionately. It was really encouraging. Tomorrow starts bright and early and goes all day - more of the pastor's conference. Should be good.
That's all for now. I'll write more tomorrow when I'm not aas tired.
BABY NEWS: Went to the doctor today, I am now going every 2 weeks. That is kind of exciting. I know that means I am getting close. Baby Stringer is still in the right position, head way down low. I felt him drop a little even this past week. Super excited, and anticipating the end. Interviewing a pediatrician this month, think we might go to Indiana for that too. Don't ask me why just kind of looks that way, but we'll see after we interview him. Got our infant car seat, super excited about it. Also just discovered it was ranked one of the top 3 on consumer reports. I am super glad about that. Makes me feel good as a parent already. Jenny told me once that the fire house will check your installation of it in your car and make sure you have it in correctly. Again, super excited about that so we'll be handing that in July sometime. How crazy will it be to be driving around with the car seat in the car. How real is that! I also put together our pack n play for fun, and glad I did because Zoe freaked out about it. Glad there wasn't a baby in it while she was getting used to it freaking out. So, it is out hanging out next to Zoe's kennel so the pups can get used to it being around. OO again Consumer Reports ranked my pack n play number 1, more feel good points. It wasn't the cheapest, but it was the best. Got some more hand-me-downs from a girl in my small group from church. I went through them all last night, still doesn't get old. What a huge blessing that has been. This is the second load she has brought me and really has provided tremendously for our baby Stringer. I have a couple more loads of laundry to do now in order to get them put away, for now this laundry is fun to do.
Had a huge storm here this afternoon. Power went out in places and some flooding here and there. It was a bit of an adventure getting to the doctors office in the mist of it all.
Excited about this weekend and coming week. Chris Jordan is coming up for the SBC Conference and staying with us. Josh is super excited to get in some quality friend time. I have no doubt they will have a really good time together. Just found out too that Jacob Cleor is going to be coming to the conference this week with Melissa and their baby (well I guess he isn't so much baby anymore). We are super hopeful to meet up with them too. This really comes at a good time for Josh, I know he is excited to be able to reconnect with some really good friends.
Random I know, but Chris will be breaking in our new guest bed. Because we are making room to add another person and all that comes with baby world to our 1,000 square feet, we had to take out the futon, which was our guest bed. Well, Josh and I have been on the look out for one of those real quality Aero beds. We have slept on one in the past and really liked it and thought that would be something good for us to purchase for company even after seminary because who knows if we'll always have the funds or room for a guest bedroom. We wanted one that was higher of the ground and at least a queen size. Well, we waited for a couple months keeping eyes and ears open to ads and sales. Sure enough, Costco had a sale this week. I was so excited. These bed cost a lot of money upwards of 200.00 dollars. Costco ran a coupon in their monthly ad for 30.00 off. At first I was skeptical thinking well how much is it to start off with. You wouldn't believe it but it was 115.00 before the coupon. This alone is an amazing deal on a queen size Aero bed that is 19 inches off the ground. Then you add the 30.00 coupon, that is 85.00 bucks! That is a fantastic deal. Thinking about it later I should have purchased more than one and tried to capitalize on them by selling them on craigslist or eBay for more. O well, live and learn.
A word of praise on my husband, Josh. He has been working super duper hard the past 6 months. We figured it out the other day that from January till June he has taken 26 course hours. That is over a years worth of normal course work. All still while working pretty much full-time. My husband is extremely tired, but I am extremely proud of him for his hard work. Even with all that load he has managed to get pretty good grades. We are focusing at the light at the end of the tunnel right now because he is in desperate need of a rest. We are planning a vacation after baby sometime in the fall, and boy will he deserve it. It looks like for now the next time we will be in the ATL area will be Christmas. So, stay tuned because I am sure we'll make the rounds with our "show-n-tell." I love my husband so much and am oozing pride for him right now. He started last semester knowing it would be a challenge, as well as this summer. He hasn't backed down and has kept persevering all while staying pretty cool. The Lord has really grown my husband to be more like himself in this past year, it has been so encouraging to my walk with the Lord. Seeing all that he has faced this past year and how he has handled it. It has strengthen me as a woman and my role as his wife in the art of submission. We know more then ever that we are in God's hands and in his will for our lives right now. We are super excited to add on to our family too and know that God has brought us so far to get us to this point of readiness. I can't wait to see Josh in action because I know he is going to be a great dad because he's already a fabulous husband!
Huge Thank You to all those that gave Baby Stringer a shower!!
Seriously, we were so blessed by your efforts that it is hard to express our gratitude.
These were all the people that made it possible. Thanks again, you hold a special place in our hearts: Cheryl Howard, Ellen Smith, Joyce Smith, Suzanne Strickland, Sonya Lewis, Heidi and Emily Lucas, Lauren Watson, Caitlin Stringer, Maggie Shadburn, Marcy Bowden, Joan Jansen, Gina Darnell, Sheila Grogan, Cynthia Bailie, and Amber Peavyhouse.
P.S. I typed Caitlin Cassidy first then deleted to put Stringer. Still getting used to that funny detail. HEHE
Enough about nose rings and baby shots...let's eat! We started a container garden a while back. We have our staircase decked out with pots and the greatest planting invention ever - The Earthbox. Google it. Its great. If you don't have room to plant a garden this thing is amazing. Our heirloom tomato plant is almost as tall as I am. Here's the pics:
The Guard Dogs (in view of the basil)...
We only have one green pepper so far but more are on the way. This one has a couple more weeks, but he's getting there...
These are our Sun Gold cherry tomatoes. This is the only golden one, but I imagine we'll have many of these. This is just one small bunch...
This is a small string of heirlooms. They still have a ways to go, but I've counted at least 30 blooms so far. Its huge...
Ok, so I am changing the subject on my blog because it has gotten a little to controversial and serious for me to handle lately. Which is my own fault for posting my thoughts. I guess I should be more careful in the future. I am still learning this whole mommy-parenting controversy thing. I guess I really never thought I would have gotten the response I did with my most recent post because I really didn't even post much of our opinions or our decisions. O well, moving on.
So, I am really shocked by the response to the poll on my nose ring. I think Josh is a little sad about it. He really has been wanting me to get one. In all seriousness, I have wanted a nose ring for a really long time. So, Jennifer no worries it isn't the pregnancy hormones. :) Now I am really torn now because there are a lot of no answers. I really am stunned. I am glad though that there were a lot of votes. I guess my next thought is how much scaring there could be. I know if I am going to get a nose ring I kind of have a limited window to do it in. Anybody know a 60 year old woman with a nose ring, yeah didn't think so. Well, not at least in this country. I am sure the Kukkamalla girls have older women in their family with nose rings, but it is their custom. I wish it was our custom.
I have been asked a few times why I have made the decisions I have made with my care for giving birth. Well, one of the number one reasons is Doctors just can't all be trusted now-a-days. Here is yet another example of why. I will preface this by saying Josh and I have yet to make any decisions on the vaccination of our babies, but this doesn't help the process at all.
I get a lot of emails from people who wonder if doctors have any sort of financial incentive to get their patients vaccinated. Do we get any sort of bonus from the insurance companies that pay us? I’ve always thought that the answer to this question was no. I recently found out otherwise.
Now, if you count the fact that part of the income for a doctor’s office comes from providing vaccines themselves, and the checkups that go along with the vaccines, you could argue that that’s a financial incentive. Yes, doctors’ offices do make a little money on vaccines. But I don’t really count that as an actual incentive to try to talk any patients into getting vaccines or as a reason to kick a patient out of a practice if they don’t vaccinate. I don’t think any doctor would kick someone out just because the doctor isn’t going to be able to make as much money on an individual patient who doesn’t get vaccines.
But I recently talked with two physicians in different states that told me the HMO plans that they contract with do chart reviews and patient surveys at the end of each year. If their office scores high enough on these reviews, the HMO plan gives them a several thousand dollar bonus. This bonus varies depending on the number of patients the doctor sees. One of the requirements for a patient’s chart to pass the test is that they are fully vaccinated.
Now, I can somewhat understand the logic behind this. The insurance wants to make sure all their clients are fully vaccinated so they don’t catch any particularly severe disease that might result in an expensive hospitalization or disability that would cost the insurance company a lot of money. Oh, and they probably also care about their clients overall health and wellbeing too. So, why not give their doctors a bonus for meeting this goal?
Here’s why. This policy gives any doctor who contracts with such HMO plans an incentive to NOT want any unvaccinating families in their practice. Maybe a few such families wouldn’t make them fail the chart reviews, but if they have too many, there goes their year-end bonus. One colleague here in southern California told me that he happily gives up this bonus because he wants to serve these families. Good for him! But I bet that many doctor across the U.S. refuse care to these families solely because they don’t want to lose this bonus. They make so little from the HMO plan as it is that losing this bonus could make them actually lose money caring for these families. In fact, this bonus isn’t actually a bonus at all. It is actually money that should be paid to the practice anyway month by month, but it is held back until the year-end surveys are done. I don’t know of any PPO plans that do this, fortunately.
I’ve always wondered by so many doctors are so adamantly hardcore about demanding all their patients fully vaccinate, and why they kick patients out of their office who refuse. I’d always just assumed it was because the doctors felt that the vaccine protection was so important that they don’t want any children to be at risk, so they draw a line in the sand for the good of the child (in their minds). BUT some doctors, especially those large groups who rely heavily on large HMO contracts, may actually be doing this because of money. Do they have the right to do so? Of course. But is it right? I don’t know. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Bioethics makes it very clear that the official AAP policy is that doctors NOT kick patients out of their office over this issue. But when money talks, some people don’t listen.
So, knowing this information doesn’t really help parents one way or another. But I thought you’d find it interesting to know why you might be having a hard time finding a vaccine-friendly doctor. ************************************************************* Click HERE for a list of Vaccine Friendly Doctors (list provided by Dr. Sears).
So, it is really good to be home. It is kind of weird I was only gone for the weekend, but it felt like a longer time away from Josh. I really missed him while I was away. I could tell Josh really missed me too. It is always really sweet to be reunited. I like those feelings of excitement and wanting to hug all over each other. Ok enough of that.
Well, yesterday Josh didn't have to work. Which was really long awaited. He has been working his butt off literally with school and work. He has already done 2 J-terms and pretty much has been working full-time plus because they are short handed at the Fresh Market. So, he has been a real trooper these past few weeks. Last night Josh wanted to make dinner and it is always a treat when he does. Most of you know and have seen his videos, he is a pretty awesome cook. He enjoys it too; especially right now in grilling season. Last night he made some grilled pork chops, twice baked potatoes, and sauteed apples. It was really good. He blended in some broccoli in the twice baked potatoes too, surprisingly I liked it. This was a really good way for me to get that in my body because I don't like cooked broccoli at all. The apples were really good and so was the pork. He used herbs from our garden with everything, that obviously made them way better.
So, Josh and I had a really nice date night last night. We ate a really good dinner and watched John Adams series. It was really good. I am not sure how much left of it we have, hopefully we will finish it up soon. We have Slum-dog Millionaire waiting to be watched on Netflix. Which by the way we are canceling. Since we have cable now we are going to cancel that save the money, well not really now since they just upped our rent so guess that will go towards rent instead. BOOO!
Update on our garden. This earth box is amazing! Our Heirloom tomato plant is almost as tall as we are. It is awesome!! So worth the money so far. We see tons of tomatoes coming in on it too. Can't wait to pick them.
While Josh was busy in the kitchen, I was busy nesting. I was washing some of the last of the baby stuff and organizing it all and putting it all away. I put the mattress in the crib with the bumper. It is really cute. **Side note, super excited that the crib is level with the bed pretty much because our bed is on stilts. We have been reading Dr. Sears (shout-out to the Jordan's) and wanted to do the co-sleeping thing, but our bed is way to small so we'll be able to put the crib right up along side the bed and have real easy access back and forth for middle of the night feedings.** I washed the sheets and mattress pad, but the pad ended up being way to small. Total bummer I thought they were all the same size like twin, queen, or king but I guess not, so I have to exchange that. I have a bunch of stuff that I still need to exchange though. Today on lunch I am going to head to Target and try and make some more returns. I would really like to try and hit Babies R Us too and make some purchases with all our gift cards, but not sure if the Toys R Us nearby has the baby side in it, but I guess I will find out.
Can you tell we are getting really excited for baby stringer to get here. We really are super excited.
A few months back Shana surprised me with an iTunes gift card (great gift). I've been getting a few new songs here and there. We have a great worship band at church and they do a lot of great songs that I've never heard before, but apparently they've been out for a while. I feel a little behind when music used to be my forte. Anyway, one of my favorite artists is Kristian Stanfill. He's an Atlanta guy who leads worship at 7:22 @ Northpoint. He's been on a few Passion cd's in the past, but he just came out with a new album so I got it. Only $7.99 on iTunes. Nice. He looks kind of like Adam Lambert from American Idol minus the guy-liner and he doesn't have the 80's hair band/glam rock voice. A good voice nonetheless. Anyway, there's this song on there called "Lord of All." You know sometimes when you hear a song for the first time and you need a few plays to like it. Not this song. So good on the first time. So is the whole album. Here's the song via YouTube. Enjoy.
I haven't watched the Tonight Show every night so far, only most every night. Not because I enjoy staying up that late, but I've had some nice Louisvillian sinus issues and haven't been sleeping well. Anyway, the funniest joke so far was the other night when Conan and Andy Richter did "In the Year 3000." This is a bit where they "look into the future" and make jokes about celebs. Pretty funny stuff. Here's the joke. Ready? Ok.
"In the year 3000 YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter will combine to form the world's largest time-wasting website called: You-Twit-Face"
I have been contemplating a nose ring for some time now. I am going to add another poll to the right so make sure you vote. I am not that big of a fan of my nose. I was wondering maybe I shouldn't diamond stud it if I don't want to bring attention to it? What do you think? I have a few friends up here that have them and they all look great with them. I remember the first time I saw one on the Kukkamalla girls, they were gorgeous. Josh has always been a fan of it. Would this totally change my image? Could it effect my ministry with Josh? How would I be perceived. These are all questions in my head. I had said for a while that I couldn't get one because Corporate America doesn't really like that kind of thing. Well, now there is a chance I am leaving that life and am free to get one. I have no clue, feels like such a huge decision. I am really curious as to what ya'll think. Don't be afraid, but I am sure most of you will chicken out and not put anything other than something positive. Kudos in advance to anyone out there that puts the first negative comment. I guess you could say I just dared you to comment, o yeah I did. :)
Today after work I am heading to Atlanta. I will leave here about 3:30 and hopefully get in no later than 10:30. Depending on my potty situation I could get there earlier. I really do dislike road trips. I dislike them more without Josh. Josh makes them way more fun than when I am by myself. You might be wondering what is in Atlanta this weekend. Well, I have been blessed with another baby shower. I am really looking forward to it, but I don't know who doesn't look forward to parties that are all about giving you presents. I would be totally lying if I didn't say it is a lot of fun even if it is all baby stuff.
Sorry this is so late in coming. Amy just sent me some photos from the wedding because Josh and I are terrible with making sure we have a camera. If it weren't for Marcy and Amy half the time (our team photographers) we would have no pictures. Thanks to both of them. I know I have posted pictures from Marcy through the years on here too. Good thing they don't copyright them I guess.
The wedding was a blast, it really flew by.
Here is Zach and Lauren, can you even tell Lauren is pregnant in this photo? I think not. Funny thing for the wedding, Josh was the best man and Lauren was the maid of honor. So, Zach and I had to walk together down the aisle (and the same for Josh and Lauren) for the reception and stuff. I am sure this didn't help the confusion that already exists amongst Zach, Josh, and Andy. It has happened many of times to me people thinking Andy or Zach were my husbands (obviously at separate occasions). I know this happens to Lauren too, and I am sure now will happen to Caitlin. At my own wedding someone congratulated Andy as my new husband. I know funny, crazy.
Judy (mother-in-law) and I doing our parts in the send off. The line of my dress is all messed up because obviously wasn't meant for a pregnant woman, but you can't really tell till you get up and close to it.
A really good picture of Caitlin, my new sister-in-law.
Aren't they adorable. We are super happy for them. Andy is already raving about Caitlin's good cooking. This month they will celebrate 2 months. Super fun! Can't wait for this years Christmas because we normally get to spend more quality time with each other then. It is going to be the biggest and best ever with 2 new additions to our family. No pressure Dean and Judy.
Our plants are growing like crazy. Below are some before and after pictures of our current Garden Box. We love this contraption!! Seriously, can you see how huge our tomato plants have gotten. I can't wait to get my first tomato off these. I love fresh grown tomatoes. We also have sage and thyme in this box, as well as a green pepper that we will soon have veggies from too. I can't wait.
I can hardly believe I only have 10 weeks to go. This is a picture I took on Friday. Sorry it has taken until now to actually get it on to the blog. I am glad there are only 10 weeks left because my energy is depleting by the day. One thing I don't like about my huge tumor (imagine me saying that with a Arnold Schwarzenegger accent) is I can't reach my toes. As of right now in the middle of summer I have unpainted and yucky toes. It is pretty hard to even tie my sneakers. I am debating on using my Easter money to go and get a pedicure.
