Yes, today I turned 40!
And it's not so bad :)
I mean, really, it's just a number, right? I refuse to be bothered with a number...although entering my 40's does feel a bit different than any other decade. And I am a bit bummed that I can no longer tease Steve that while he is in his 40's, I am still only in my 30's...oh well, it was fun while it lasted :)
And the Prince and his Princess Bride made my day extra special by deciding to get married on my 40th birthday...thanks William and Catherine...bonus :)
I once heard or read someone say something along the lines of think carefully if you decide to fib about your age...what year are you willing to give up for a number...the year you graduated from high school or college...or the year you got to take that amazing trip...or maybe the year you fell in love with your spouse...or the year your baby was born?
That thought has stuck with me through the years. Life is full of so many special moments and memories...I'm not willing to trade them for a number :) There are some not-so-special moments and memories too...but I'm not really willing to trade them for a number either. The life that God leads us through is amazing, hard, wonderful, difficult...I'm not trading any of it!
Now, I do have to say, though, that my "vision" for celebrating turning 40 is quite different than the reality. Let me explain...
When we began our "grad school adventure", I really thought we would be done by now. I had visions of Steve and I planning a wonderful 40th birthday get-away...sans kids.
Maybe a warm place with beautiful white sand beaches, fruity drinks, the soothing sound of ocean waves...
Or a long weekend in an exciting city like New York...fine dining, a Broadway show...
Or a quiet weekend in the mountains somewhere...secluded, hiking, fly fishing (for Steve)...
Yep, none of that happening anytime soon...but one day :)
I definitely did NOT see myself 37 weeks pregnant when I turned 40...I'm pretty sure that I said I would NEVER do that...yep, pretty sure that I emphatically and clearly have said on numerous occasions that I would NEVER have a baby past 38. God must surely have laughed at me!
And while this birthday looks different than the visions above, it is a great birthday! I have a wonderful husband who is all but officially Dr. G...so proud of you, Steve! I have two fabulous daughters and we wait excitedly for our 3rd daughter to make her debut :) I have an amazing family and delightful friends who I love and adore...and who make my life wonderful!
God has changed and grown me in ways that I never dreamed possible. I am so very far from perfect, but He keeps working on me anyway. I am more aware of His abundant love and grace...I am more aware of my need for Him...I am more aware of His care and provision.
Turning 40 is not so bad...actually, it's pretty darn good :)
Have a blessed day~
Rach
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Current Events...Tornadoes in the South
A simple post about deadly weather...tornadoes.
Tornadoes ripped through the Southern U.S. yesterday, April 27th. Parts of the south (Arkansas) were already reeling from severe flooding when this storm system came through. Alabama was the hardest hit...the pictures of the devastation are almost unbelievable. More than 280 people are dead. There were more than 170 tornado reports, but some of these could be double reporting...still, it's hard to fathom. Also, they were super strong. Some of them were a mile wide and stayed on the ground for 10 miles with winds over 200 mph...F5.
"These were the most intense super-cell thunderstorms that I think anybody who was out there forecasting has ever seen," said meteorologist Greg Carbin at the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center.
I can not imagine...even seeing the pictures, it's still hard to comprehend. Some of the images have brought tears to my eyes. I let the girls see them too and we will keep praying for the thousands who are affected by this tragedy.
Lord, we may ask Why? and I do not pretend to understand. But I do ask for you to be very real to all who are suffering and struggling, grieving and heartbroken. May your presence be known in the midst of this sadness~
Tornadoes ripped through the Southern U.S. yesterday, April 27th. Parts of the south (Arkansas) were already reeling from severe flooding when this storm system came through. Alabama was the hardest hit...the pictures of the devastation are almost unbelievable. More than 280 people are dead. There were more than 170 tornado reports, but some of these could be double reporting...still, it's hard to fathom. Also, they were super strong. Some of them were a mile wide and stayed on the ground for 10 miles with winds over 200 mph...F5.
"These were the most intense super-cell thunderstorms that I think anybody who was out there forecasting has ever seen," said meteorologist Greg Carbin at the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center.
I can not imagine...even seeing the pictures, it's still hard to comprehend. Some of the images have brought tears to my eyes. I let the girls see them too and we will keep praying for the thousands who are affected by this tragedy.
Lord, we may ask Why? and I do not pretend to understand. But I do ask for you to be very real to all who are suffering and struggling, grieving and heartbroken. May your presence be known in the midst of this sadness~
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Fifth's Disease~
It sounds bad, but it's really just a simple, usually harmless virus...unless you're pregnant.
And I'm pregnant...and I have the virus currently active in my system. Thankfully, the risk to Gracia is very low at this stage in my pregnancy, but it has been a couple of interesting days around here.
About a month ago, Bella ran a low grade fever for just a day or two. I didn't even have to treat the fever b/c it was so mild. Then a few days later, I noticed a mild rash on her torso after a bath. It was gone by the morning, so again, I wasn't worried. A few days later it was Sophia's turn to have a fever...very mild and she didn't need medicine either. A few days after her fever was gone, she woke up in the middle of the night with aching ankles. They hurt so badly that she woke up crying. We gave her some pain meds, she went back to sleep, and they didn't bother her again. I never even suspected that her ankle pain and fever were related...I figured it must have just been growing pains or b/c she had been outside playing hard that day. I also never suspected that Bella's rash and Sophia's ankle pain were related ...the symptoms were random and spread out over the course of weeks.
About a week later, I had a day that I just felt extra run down. I felt like maybe I was fighting something, but never had a fever. I just rested a lot that day and then I was fine again.
Fast forward another week. Our friend's child had an appointment with his allergist and learned that the "sunburn" on his face was possibly Fifth's Disease. The virus is really not a big deal, but the allergist let them know to notify any pregnant friends b/c it can cause problems (although rare) for a growing baby. My friend let me know and I began researching the symptoms of this virus...and learned that the odd, seemingly unrelated symptoms my girls had had a couple of weeks before matched up with some of the symptoms for Fifth's. So I called their doctor and talked to a nurse. She wasn't too worried, agreed that it sounded like Fifth's, said my risk for complications was low, but recommended that I be in touch with my midwives.
I called the birth center and they sent me to have blood work to check to see if I already have immunity or if I had been infected. While we waited for those results, Bella finally developed the typical face rash for Fifth's. That was just this past Sunday; weeks after her original fever. And then Sophia looked like she had a mild sunburn for a day or two.
The results from my blood work came back just a few days ago (Thursday, April 21). I currently have the virus active in my system. We all knew that risk to the baby was low, but after consulting with a Maternal/Fetal specialist, they decided that I should see the specialist and have an ultrasound to check on Gracia. I talked to one of my midwives on Friday morning to see what we needed to do.
And then things began moving very quickly...and that kind of made me nervous.
They were rearranging schedules to fit me in. I got a call that they would see me the following week, and then an hour later I got another call that I needed to be at the hospital in an hour because the perinatologist wanted an ultrasound immediately to check Gracia's bloodflow. Suddenly, everything felt dangerous...it was unsettling. Yes, I had a few moments of panic and tears...and in all honesty, remembering what it was like to be rushed to a perinatologist for Elijah. I called Steve...he got on the train to meet me at the hospital. I called my dear friend, Susan, and she was able to keep the girls.
And God swooped in and calmed my heart. He has had me reading the Psalms lately and I was able to recall many verses of comfort and truth about our Lord. He helped keep my mind from dwelling in the past or dark places. Yes, I was fearful and worried, but He was with me. He reminded me that emotions are normal, but His truth is with me. And he reminded me of the words He spoke to Gideon when he was preparing him for battle...it might be a strange place to find comfort b/c our situations were so very different...but they did bring comfort.
"That same night the LORD said to him, 'Arise, go down against the camp for I have given it into your hand. But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant. And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hand shall be strengthened...Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outpost..." Judges 7: 9-10
Ultimately, Gideon is obedient and God makes him victorious. When Gideon and Purah went down to the camp, they heard the telling of a dream and it's interpretation that he, Gideon, and his men would be victorious in the battle. This tidbit of news greatly encouraged Gideon and his men...they were hugely outnumbered for this fight, but God was with them. They trusted and believed and were victorious.
I simply LOVE (love, love, love!) God's words to Gideon here...But if you are afraid. The Lord knows our human nature; He knows our human hearts are prone to fear. Things come up or happen and we get scared. God knows this and He understands...He even acknowledges this in His Word. However, we are not to dwell in fear; we are not to believe the things that fear whispers to us. How we respond to the fear is the important thing...at least that's how it seems to me. I am so thankful for this seemingly little phrase that God spoke to Gideon and preserved in scripture.
And right now, Gracia looks great! Obviously we are so thankful. Any risk to our little daughter remains low b/c I am so far along in the pregnancy, but they will now check her weekly to make sure her blood flow continues to be normal. This virus can cause fluid build-up for the baby and cause blood problems. In rare cases, it could cause her red blood cells to break down which in turn would cause lack of oxygen and then a risk of stillbirth. I will be seeing the perinatologist weekly from here on out so they can monitor Gracia's blood flow to her brain. If it decreases, then I would be induced and Gracia would be treated via a blood transfusion. Again, the risk is low. I even asked the doctor if all this was necessary. Her response is that while the risk is low, we have the medical technology to easily monitor the baby, so we should. Treating her, if she were to get sick, is fairly simple and safe. She has seen a few rare cases of a baby not making it b/c no one was aware that the mom had the virus or it was discovered too late. Since we know that I do, there is no reason not to be careful.
And that's the plan for now. Steve and I have so much peace for this situation. And while we are very thankful for the medical technology that is very helpful for our baby, we know that the peace we have is from our Lord. Our trust is not in medicine, or rare statistics, or in simply hoping for the best...our trust is in Him.
We pray you have a beautiful Easter weekend~
Rach
And I'm pregnant...and I have the virus currently active in my system. Thankfully, the risk to Gracia is very low at this stage in my pregnancy, but it has been a couple of interesting days around here.
About a month ago, Bella ran a low grade fever for just a day or two. I didn't even have to treat the fever b/c it was so mild. Then a few days later, I noticed a mild rash on her torso after a bath. It was gone by the morning, so again, I wasn't worried. A few days later it was Sophia's turn to have a fever...very mild and she didn't need medicine either. A few days after her fever was gone, she woke up in the middle of the night with aching ankles. They hurt so badly that she woke up crying. We gave her some pain meds, she went back to sleep, and they didn't bother her again. I never even suspected that her ankle pain and fever were related...I figured it must have just been growing pains or b/c she had been outside playing hard that day. I also never suspected that Bella's rash and Sophia's ankle pain were related ...the symptoms were random and spread out over the course of weeks.
About a week later, I had a day that I just felt extra run down. I felt like maybe I was fighting something, but never had a fever. I just rested a lot that day and then I was fine again.
Fast forward another week. Our friend's child had an appointment with his allergist and learned that the "sunburn" on his face was possibly Fifth's Disease. The virus is really not a big deal, but the allergist let them know to notify any pregnant friends b/c it can cause problems (although rare) for a growing baby. My friend let me know and I began researching the symptoms of this virus...and learned that the odd, seemingly unrelated symptoms my girls had had a couple of weeks before matched up with some of the symptoms for Fifth's. So I called their doctor and talked to a nurse. She wasn't too worried, agreed that it sounded like Fifth's, said my risk for complications was low, but recommended that I be in touch with my midwives.
I called the birth center and they sent me to have blood work to check to see if I already have immunity or if I had been infected. While we waited for those results, Bella finally developed the typical face rash for Fifth's. That was just this past Sunday; weeks after her original fever. And then Sophia looked like she had a mild sunburn for a day or two.
The results from my blood work came back just a few days ago (Thursday, April 21). I currently have the virus active in my system. We all knew that risk to the baby was low, but after consulting with a Maternal/Fetal specialist, they decided that I should see the specialist and have an ultrasound to check on Gracia. I talked to one of my midwives on Friday morning to see what we needed to do.
And then things began moving very quickly...and that kind of made me nervous.
They were rearranging schedules to fit me in. I got a call that they would see me the following week, and then an hour later I got another call that I needed to be at the hospital in an hour because the perinatologist wanted an ultrasound immediately to check Gracia's bloodflow. Suddenly, everything felt dangerous...it was unsettling. Yes, I had a few moments of panic and tears...and in all honesty, remembering what it was like to be rushed to a perinatologist for Elijah. I called Steve...he got on the train to meet me at the hospital. I called my dear friend, Susan, and she was able to keep the girls.
And God swooped in and calmed my heart. He has had me reading the Psalms lately and I was able to recall many verses of comfort and truth about our Lord. He helped keep my mind from dwelling in the past or dark places. Yes, I was fearful and worried, but He was with me. He reminded me that emotions are normal, but His truth is with me. And he reminded me of the words He spoke to Gideon when he was preparing him for battle...it might be a strange place to find comfort b/c our situations were so very different...but they did bring comfort.
"That same night the LORD said to him, 'Arise, go down against the camp for I have given it into your hand. But if you are afraid to go down, go down to the camp with Purah your servant. And you shall hear what they say, and afterward your hand shall be strengthened...Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outpost..." Judges 7: 9-10
Ultimately, Gideon is obedient and God makes him victorious. When Gideon and Purah went down to the camp, they heard the telling of a dream and it's interpretation that he, Gideon, and his men would be victorious in the battle. This tidbit of news greatly encouraged Gideon and his men...they were hugely outnumbered for this fight, but God was with them. They trusted and believed and were victorious.
I simply LOVE (love, love, love!) God's words to Gideon here...But if you are afraid. The Lord knows our human nature; He knows our human hearts are prone to fear. Things come up or happen and we get scared. God knows this and He understands...He even acknowledges this in His Word. However, we are not to dwell in fear; we are not to believe the things that fear whispers to us. How we respond to the fear is the important thing...at least that's how it seems to me. I am so thankful for this seemingly little phrase that God spoke to Gideon and preserved in scripture.
And right now, Gracia looks great! Obviously we are so thankful. Any risk to our little daughter remains low b/c I am so far along in the pregnancy, but they will now check her weekly to make sure her blood flow continues to be normal. This virus can cause fluid build-up for the baby and cause blood problems. In rare cases, it could cause her red blood cells to break down which in turn would cause lack of oxygen and then a risk of stillbirth. I will be seeing the perinatologist weekly from here on out so they can monitor Gracia's blood flow to her brain. If it decreases, then I would be induced and Gracia would be treated via a blood transfusion. Again, the risk is low. I even asked the doctor if all this was necessary. Her response is that while the risk is low, we have the medical technology to easily monitor the baby, so we should. Treating her, if she were to get sick, is fairly simple and safe. She has seen a few rare cases of a baby not making it b/c no one was aware that the mom had the virus or it was discovered too late. Since we know that I do, there is no reason not to be careful.
And that's the plan for now. Steve and I have so much peace for this situation. And while we are very thankful for the medical technology that is very helpful for our baby, we know that the peace we have is from our Lord. Our trust is not in medicine, or rare statistics, or in simply hoping for the best...our trust is in Him.
We pray you have a beautiful Easter weekend~
Rach
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Samaritan Ministries
As mentioned in a previous post (Something Had to Give...), I have no health insurance. And most of you probably know that I'm less than a month away from the due date of our newest baby. Instead of traditional health insurance, I belong to a Christian health-sharing ministry called Samaritan Ministries.
It has been quite an interesting experience to navigate something as big as a pregnancy without traditional health insurance...it has also been eye opening...and a joy!
First, I decided to see midwives for my care. Steve and I chose to go with a group who practices at a birth center rather than a hospital. The Birth Center in Bryn Mawr is more of a home-like environment and that fits well with our philosophy toward childbirth...less medical intervention, more natural. It is also across from the hospital just in case, so we are very comfortable there. Granted, I may find myself regretting the decision to be in a place where I cannot get an epidural during the heat of the moment, but I've done natural before...and survived :)
Second, we were pleasantly surprised with how the birth center works with patients like me. They offer a discount to self-pay clients if you pay for your care in advance...by the 7th month.
Current stats on average childbirth costs reveal that the average hospital birth costs anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 and sometimes even more. The more intervention required (or chosen) the higher the cost. Also, I live in the northeast, an area known to be higher than the country's average. So, understandably, we were very excited to learn that the birth center's average cost is around $7,500...and then we chose to pay for my regular care in advance and dropped our cost down to $5,300. Yes, friends, $5,300 to have a baby!
There have still been some other costs that are not included in the amount above because they are considered optional or not necessary for every patient. For example: I had to have a Rhogam shot because Steve and I have different blood types. I paid for it separately, but I also simply asked the birth center if they could discount it for me. They charged me their cost for the shot, but waived the fee to administer the shot...easy.
My most eye-opening example of health care cost gone crazy though was for my ultrasound. An ultrasound was not included in the basic cost of care through the birth center, but we definitely wanted one. I know that these tests can easily cost close to (or over) $1,000 depending on where it's done and other factors. The ultrasound itself is not usually that expensive comparatively, but then you begin to add in the tech fee, the room fee, the radiologist fee, the waiting-room-breathing-fee...it can get expensive. I asked my midwife if she had any recommendations and she referred me to a group who is not associated with a hospital, Oaks Radiology. I called them and learned that the entire ultrasound would cost $154...that included all the tech, machine, and room fees. The fee for the radiologist was just another $16. Yes, I paid a total of $170 for my ultrasound. We spent over an hour with the tech for that ultrasound...she looked closely and carefully at everything she could see...it was very thorough. The only thing was that Gracia was not in the best position to see all of her spine at once that day, so the tech took lots of pics of parts of her spine...the radiologist and my midwives feel like we got a good enough look and are not worried about her physical growth or development, so we are thankful.
Even with our other out of pocket costs (and barring any unforseen medical costs associated with her birth), we will be well under $6,000 for the cost of having Gracia...easily half of the average cost of having a baby in our area.
And what about Samaritan Ministries...how does that part work? Glad you asked...
Each month I receive a newsletter from Samaritan. Included with the newsletter is the personal medical need of another member that I have been assigned to help meet. It's really quite neat. I know the name of the person I am helping. I know what their medical need was or is and I have their address. I send a check directly to them in the amount of my monthly contribution which is based on my status with Samaritan...individual (couple or family plans are also available). I also pray for them and send a note of encouragement along with my check. Writing a check to a person with a medical need is so very different than when I was just paying for health insurance. It is a blessing to know that a collective group of us is very practically helping another believer.
And now we are the ones who have a medical need...Gracia :) Steve and I finished paying for my expenses with the birth center last year. In December, my need was assigned to others. I received a list from Samaritan listing who was assigned to my medical need. I had to keep up with who sent funds and when...easy paperwork. And then Steve and I began receiving personal checks and wonderful notes from other members. I was blown away. Others really did share in helping to pay for the medical needs of our baby and the encouraging notes we received from so many was so special. We praise you, Lord, for this ministry!
I understand that there are situations that could make this approach to health care difficult. I understand that this approach is not for everyone. I am very aware that if our own grad-school financial situation had been different, I would probably never have even looked into a health sharing ministry. But this is the situation we found ourselves in and ultimately, I am thankful for it. I very much appreciate what I have learned by navigating health care differently. I appreciate what health care issues I am now more aware of. I am very thankful to God for this ministry and how it has blessed us...both on the giving and receiving end.
What a joy to share in the needs of others and to be helped by others as well...thank you, Lord~
Rach
It has been quite an interesting experience to navigate something as big as a pregnancy without traditional health insurance...it has also been eye opening...and a joy!
First, I decided to see midwives for my care. Steve and I chose to go with a group who practices at a birth center rather than a hospital. The Birth Center in Bryn Mawr is more of a home-like environment and that fits well with our philosophy toward childbirth...less medical intervention, more natural. It is also across from the hospital just in case, so we are very comfortable there. Granted, I may find myself regretting the decision to be in a place where I cannot get an epidural during the heat of the moment, but I've done natural before...and survived :)
Second, we were pleasantly surprised with how the birth center works with patients like me. They offer a discount to self-pay clients if you pay for your care in advance...by the 7th month.
Current stats on average childbirth costs reveal that the average hospital birth costs anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 and sometimes even more. The more intervention required (or chosen) the higher the cost. Also, I live in the northeast, an area known to be higher than the country's average. So, understandably, we were very excited to learn that the birth center's average cost is around $7,500...and then we chose to pay for my regular care in advance and dropped our cost down to $5,300. Yes, friends, $5,300 to have a baby!
There have still been some other costs that are not included in the amount above because they are considered optional or not necessary for every patient. For example: I had to have a Rhogam shot because Steve and I have different blood types. I paid for it separately, but I also simply asked the birth center if they could discount it for me. They charged me their cost for the shot, but waived the fee to administer the shot...easy.
My most eye-opening example of health care cost gone crazy though was for my ultrasound. An ultrasound was not included in the basic cost of care through the birth center, but we definitely wanted one. I know that these tests can easily cost close to (or over) $1,000 depending on where it's done and other factors. The ultrasound itself is not usually that expensive comparatively, but then you begin to add in the tech fee, the room fee, the radiologist fee, the waiting-room-breathing-fee...it can get expensive. I asked my midwife if she had any recommendations and she referred me to a group who is not associated with a hospital, Oaks Radiology. I called them and learned that the entire ultrasound would cost $154...that included all the tech, machine, and room fees. The fee for the radiologist was just another $16. Yes, I paid a total of $170 for my ultrasound. We spent over an hour with the tech for that ultrasound...she looked closely and carefully at everything she could see...it was very thorough. The only thing was that Gracia was not in the best position to see all of her spine at once that day, so the tech took lots of pics of parts of her spine...the radiologist and my midwives feel like we got a good enough look and are not worried about her physical growth or development, so we are thankful.
Even with our other out of pocket costs (and barring any unforseen medical costs associated with her birth), we will be well under $6,000 for the cost of having Gracia...easily half of the average cost of having a baby in our area.
And what about Samaritan Ministries...how does that part work? Glad you asked...
Each month I receive a newsletter from Samaritan. Included with the newsletter is the personal medical need of another member that I have been assigned to help meet. It's really quite neat. I know the name of the person I am helping. I know what their medical need was or is and I have their address. I send a check directly to them in the amount of my monthly contribution which is based on my status with Samaritan...individual (couple or family plans are also available). I also pray for them and send a note of encouragement along with my check. Writing a check to a person with a medical need is so very different than when I was just paying for health insurance. It is a blessing to know that a collective group of us is very practically helping another believer.
And now we are the ones who have a medical need...Gracia :) Steve and I finished paying for my expenses with the birth center last year. In December, my need was assigned to others. I received a list from Samaritan listing who was assigned to my medical need. I had to keep up with who sent funds and when...easy paperwork. And then Steve and I began receiving personal checks and wonderful notes from other members. I was blown away. Others really did share in helping to pay for the medical needs of our baby and the encouraging notes we received from so many was so special. We praise you, Lord, for this ministry!
I understand that there are situations that could make this approach to health care difficult. I understand that this approach is not for everyone. I am very aware that if our own grad-school financial situation had been different, I would probably never have even looked into a health sharing ministry. But this is the situation we found ourselves in and ultimately, I am thankful for it. I very much appreciate what I have learned by navigating health care differently. I appreciate what health care issues I am now more aware of. I am very thankful to God for this ministry and how it has blessed us...both on the giving and receiving end.
What a joy to share in the needs of others and to be helped by others as well...thank you, Lord~
Rach
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Children's Museum~
Friday was gray, cool, and rainy...the perfect kind of day for enjoying a museum in the city.
We were blessed by friends with tickets to the Please Touch Museum in Philly...and this was a great day to go.
The girls had a great time! It is always fun to explore a new place and, as the name implies, the kids are encouraged to interact with the displays and exhibits. They enjoyed experimenting with wind and currents to make their boats travel through the water exhibit. My favorite part of the water course was the lock...we had studied the Erie Canal a few months ago and now they got to see how a lock works. The water exhibit was Sophia's favorite part.
We enjoyed a really great puppet show in the theater later that afternoon. It was so well done and the kids loved it! The girls sat right up front and I just loved watching them laugh and carry on. This was Bella's favorite part.
There was also a transportation section, a rocket launching room, a grocery store, a hospital, a small town (complete with a play McDonalds...that cracked me up), an art room, an Alice in Wonderland exhibit, a different abilities section that was nicely done, an exhibit about the 1876 Centennial, and an indoor carousel. I'm probably forgetting some other neato parts.
My favorite thing was the actual building...Memorial Hall. Memorial Hall is the only main building left from the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia...yes, it was built for the 100th birthday of our great country and was dedicated by President Ulysses S. Grant in celebration of the Centennial. It served as Philadelphia's art gallery until the Philadelphia Museum of Art opened in the 20's. It is absolutely beautiful!
We ate our lunch in the main hall and the girls and I discussed the architecture and the statues and the building's history...so we still got some history in our school day too :) The history in and around Philly is amazing!
Here are some pics from our day...enjoy!
Have a great day~
Rach
We were blessed by friends with tickets to the Please Touch Museum in Philly...and this was a great day to go.
The girls had a great time! It is always fun to explore a new place and, as the name implies, the kids are encouraged to interact with the displays and exhibits. They enjoyed experimenting with wind and currents to make their boats travel through the water exhibit. My favorite part of the water course was the lock...we had studied the Erie Canal a few months ago and now they got to see how a lock works. The water exhibit was Sophia's favorite part.
We enjoyed a really great puppet show in the theater later that afternoon. It was so well done and the kids loved it! The girls sat right up front and I just loved watching them laugh and carry on. This was Bella's favorite part.
There was also a transportation section, a rocket launching room, a grocery store, a hospital, a small town (complete with a play McDonalds...that cracked me up), an art room, an Alice in Wonderland exhibit, a different abilities section that was nicely done, an exhibit about the 1876 Centennial, and an indoor carousel. I'm probably forgetting some other neato parts.
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| Sculpture in the main hall~ |
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| Such a beautiful building~ |
Here are some pics from our day...enjoy!
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| Customize your own picture slideshow |
Have a great day~
Rach
Saturday, April 9, 2011
The Fossil Fair
I took the girls to the Delaware Valley Paleontological Society's Fossil show last weekend (April 2). It was a pretty interesting display of fossils, minerals, and gems. The place was crawling with "rock hounds" who had samples of interesting and beautiful fossils and minerals from all over the world...from local to international.
They had a Kids Korner section where the kids could collect samples...so now I have bags of rocks proudly displayed on shelves :) The girls also got to enjoy a fossil dig...it was a big "sandbox" filled with rocks and fossils. I'll admit, I thought it was kind of cheesy, but the girls thought it was great! And they did find (and get to bring home) some pretty neato things...Sophia became especially excited about finding shark teeth and Bella really likes the fern fossil she found.
I also gave them each $5 they could spend at the show...yep, that's me...big spender :) It was so interesting to see how they managed their money. Bella wanted to make sure we looked at every sample at every booth before she was ready to begin thinking about what she might want to purchase. She even took notes in a notepad so she could remember which things she might want to buy. I actually really appreciate that she wants to be so careful with her choices and that she is careful about a budget. It took a long time for her to decide, but she got two really nice samples for all her careful contemplating :)
Sophia, on the other hand, is much more impulsive. We were there for about 3 seconds before she was asking if she had enough money to buy something that had caught her eye. I helped her by not letting her purchase anything until she had looked around a bit. She did make some good choices too and has some nice samples for her collection. I say "collection" loosely...Sophia is my "rock hound" and is constantly bringing home "beautiful" rock treasures that she finds...from the yard, from the street, from walks around the neighborhood...from where ever she may be. I often find them in her pockets or in little piles at the back door :)
All in all, it was a fun afternoon...and we learned a lot too~
God bless~
Rach
 |
| Bella and a shark tooth~ |
 |
| Sophia with a fossil~ |
They had a Kids Korner section where the kids could collect samples...so now I have bags of rocks proudly displayed on shelves :) The girls also got to enjoy a fossil dig...it was a big "sandbox" filled with rocks and fossils. I'll admit, I thought it was kind of cheesy, but the girls thought it was great! And they did find (and get to bring home) some pretty neato things...Sophia became especially excited about finding shark teeth and Bella really likes the fern fossil she found.
 |
| The girls "digging" for fossils...they loved it~ |
I also gave them each $5 they could spend at the show...yep, that's me...big spender :) It was so interesting to see how they managed their money. Bella wanted to make sure we looked at every sample at every booth before she was ready to begin thinking about what she might want to purchase. She even took notes in a notepad so she could remember which things she might want to buy. I actually really appreciate that she wants to be so careful with her choices and that she is careful about a budget. It took a long time for her to decide, but she got two really nice samples for all her careful contemplating :)
 |
| Bella with her carefully chosen mineral samples~ |
Sophia, on the other hand, is much more impulsive. We were there for about 3 seconds before she was asking if she had enough money to buy something that had caught her eye. I helped her by not letting her purchase anything until she had looked around a bit. She did make some good choices too and has some nice samples for her collection. I say "collection" loosely...Sophia is my "rock hound" and is constantly bringing home "beautiful" rock treasures that she finds...from the yard, from the street, from walks around the neighborhood...from where ever she may be. I often find them in her pockets or in little piles at the back door :)
 |
| Sophia with her treasures~ |
God bless~
Rach
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Something had to give...
GASP...I have no health insurance.
Why don't I have health insurance?
Simply because we could no longer afford it. Yes, our grad-school budget strikes again...and again, we have learned a lot!
Steve has insurance through Penn and the girls, thankfully, have insurance too. I had private insurance for the first 3 years that Steve was in school...expensive private insurance. Insurance that I never even came close to meeting the deductible on (which is a blessing), so I still had to pay for all my doctors appointments out of pocket. Basically I was paying for all my own visits just for regular check-ups and care and still paying hundreds of dollars a month for the "in case" insurance. And I'm pretty healthy...no blood pressure issues, no cholesterol concerns, low blood sugar, low triglycerides, no recurring medical problems, and I exercise regularly. And while I may not be the thinnest girl, I am healthy...and the weight keeps dropping too :) And it still cost us hundreds of dollars per month to insure me. As our student budget kept getting tighter and tighter and our savings dwindled, we simply had to find areas to cut some big expenses...and health insurance was one of them.
Now I belong to a national Christian health care co-op called Samaritan Ministries. It is not health insurance nor does it guarantee that any of my medical or health care bills will be paid. Instead, it is a sharing ministry where all the members pitch in and help pay one another's medical costs. There are guidelines and rules about what can be submitted for sharing. The member is responsible for the first $300 of a medical need, and then the ministry begins helping.
I had heard about Samaritan Ministries, but was fearful of not having any insurance. So I kept it in the back of my mind and only really investigated how health-sharing ministries work once our finances got extra tight. I was impressed with what I learned and also very impressed with the why of using such a ministry. It really caused me to consider how I use and view insurance.
Now, don't get me wrong...I think health insurance can be a wonderful thing...and if you are blessed to have good insurance, remember to be thankful. Sometimes I wish our finances hadn't forced us to consider other alternatives. And when Steve has a job again, I may very well have traditional insurance again...but then again, I might not.
What has this health sharing ministry taught me?
One, when you have insurance and simply show your card, you are not usually aware of what your treatment cost...you may not even care what it costs. But you should...you should care a lot. Now, when I make an appointment, I research the practices/doctors and then I call around to a few places and get quotes for the cost of the service...and the prices are often all over the place. For example, when I had my last eye exam, I got quotes ranging from $75 to $150 for the same thing. I chose the $75 exam...and no, it wasn't a questionable practice or doctor. I saw a University of Pennsylvania doctor at a Penn Medicine satellite office here in my town. Here's another example: I found a local dentist (nice new office and equipment) who offers a plan for those without dental insurance. For $95 per year, I get two cleanings and one set of dental x-rays. I also get a discount on any other treatments I may need...which, thankfully, I have not had to use.
Two, you should carefully consider if that test is really necessary. You should have informed conversations with your doctor about your care. How many medical tests are run every day/week/month/year that are simply unnecessary? For example: it was time for me to have my yearly physical. I saw my doctor, she checked everything and then reviewed my blood-work from the previous year. I was having no issues or concerns and had lost even more weight. My numbers (like cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar) were so low from the previous year that she recommended I wait another year before doing another blood panel. She honestly felt it wasn't necessary for me to have that test done at that time. If I had had insurance, she would probably have just ordered the test, I would have flashed my insurance card, and hundreds of dollars would have been wasted.
Third, a person should be proactive about their health. Well, well...some could say that this is the pot calling the kettle black because for many years I did a HORRIBLE job of this and it showed up by me gaining lots of weight. Thankfully, that has changed. I now see how important it is to take care of myself and I also see how life circumstances (and excuses, in all honesty) allowed me to get so out of shape and justify my choices...and that was a vicious cycle that was hard to break out of. Here's the point, a lot of medical care and cost is caused by individuals not taking proper care of themselves. There are many conditions that can be avoided or relieved and sometimes even cured by making healthier choices...especially ones that revolve around eating habits and weight gain. I completely understand that all things are not fixable or avoidable with diet and exercise, but many are...or can at least be reduced and relieved with lifestyle changes. Be very wary of having a "is there a pill I can take for that?" mentality. Also, be thankful that we live at a time and in a country where good medical care and medicine is available...because sometimes medicine is necessary. I'm just encouraging you to consider your approach to how you use the medicines that are available. Hard work is hard, but it does get easier...and you'll feel better...and your health will improve.
And, just for the record, I am very aware of how much more I still need to do...I still have a long way to go to get to where I want to be with my health and weight. I may not be as thin as I was back in college, but I sure am healthier because of how my lifestyle has changed...and my family is healthier too. I realize that this can be a touchy subject, I am just asking that you truthfully consider how you treat your body. I think I'll stop there...it's time for me to get off my soapbox :)
I have more I want to share about Samaritan Ministries, but I think I'll write a separate post about it. Yes, I am having a baby without traditional health insurance...and I want to share what God has done.
Have a great day--God bless~
Rach
Why don't I have health insurance?
Simply because we could no longer afford it. Yes, our grad-school budget strikes again...and again, we have learned a lot!
Steve has insurance through Penn and the girls, thankfully, have insurance too. I had private insurance for the first 3 years that Steve was in school...expensive private insurance. Insurance that I never even came close to meeting the deductible on (which is a blessing), so I still had to pay for all my doctors appointments out of pocket. Basically I was paying for all my own visits just for regular check-ups and care and still paying hundreds of dollars a month for the "in case" insurance. And I'm pretty healthy...no blood pressure issues, no cholesterol concerns, low blood sugar, low triglycerides, no recurring medical problems, and I exercise regularly. And while I may not be the thinnest girl, I am healthy...and the weight keeps dropping too :) And it still cost us hundreds of dollars per month to insure me. As our student budget kept getting tighter and tighter and our savings dwindled, we simply had to find areas to cut some big expenses...and health insurance was one of them.
Now I belong to a national Christian health care co-op called Samaritan Ministries. It is not health insurance nor does it guarantee that any of my medical or health care bills will be paid. Instead, it is a sharing ministry where all the members pitch in and help pay one another's medical costs. There are guidelines and rules about what can be submitted for sharing. The member is responsible for the first $300 of a medical need, and then the ministry begins helping.
I had heard about Samaritan Ministries, but was fearful of not having any insurance. So I kept it in the back of my mind and only really investigated how health-sharing ministries work once our finances got extra tight. I was impressed with what I learned and also very impressed with the why of using such a ministry. It really caused me to consider how I use and view insurance.
Now, don't get me wrong...I think health insurance can be a wonderful thing...and if you are blessed to have good insurance, remember to be thankful. Sometimes I wish our finances hadn't forced us to consider other alternatives. And when Steve has a job again, I may very well have traditional insurance again...but then again, I might not.
What has this health sharing ministry taught me?
One, when you have insurance and simply show your card, you are not usually aware of what your treatment cost...you may not even care what it costs. But you should...you should care a lot. Now, when I make an appointment, I research the practices/doctors and then I call around to a few places and get quotes for the cost of the service...and the prices are often all over the place. For example, when I had my last eye exam, I got quotes ranging from $75 to $150 for the same thing. I chose the $75 exam...and no, it wasn't a questionable practice or doctor. I saw a University of Pennsylvania doctor at a Penn Medicine satellite office here in my town. Here's another example: I found a local dentist (nice new office and equipment) who offers a plan for those without dental insurance. For $95 per year, I get two cleanings and one set of dental x-rays. I also get a discount on any other treatments I may need...which, thankfully, I have not had to use.
Two, you should carefully consider if that test is really necessary. You should have informed conversations with your doctor about your care. How many medical tests are run every day/week/month/year that are simply unnecessary? For example: it was time for me to have my yearly physical. I saw my doctor, she checked everything and then reviewed my blood-work from the previous year. I was having no issues or concerns and had lost even more weight. My numbers (like cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar) were so low from the previous year that she recommended I wait another year before doing another blood panel. She honestly felt it wasn't necessary for me to have that test done at that time. If I had had insurance, she would probably have just ordered the test, I would have flashed my insurance card, and hundreds of dollars would have been wasted.
Third, a person should be proactive about their health. Well, well...some could say that this is the pot calling the kettle black because for many years I did a HORRIBLE job of this and it showed up by me gaining lots of weight. Thankfully, that has changed. I now see how important it is to take care of myself and I also see how life circumstances (and excuses, in all honesty) allowed me to get so out of shape and justify my choices...and that was a vicious cycle that was hard to break out of. Here's the point, a lot of medical care and cost is caused by individuals not taking proper care of themselves. There are many conditions that can be avoided or relieved and sometimes even cured by making healthier choices...especially ones that revolve around eating habits and weight gain. I completely understand that all things are not fixable or avoidable with diet and exercise, but many are...or can at least be reduced and relieved with lifestyle changes. Be very wary of having a "is there a pill I can take for that?" mentality. Also, be thankful that we live at a time and in a country where good medical care and medicine is available...because sometimes medicine is necessary. I'm just encouraging you to consider your approach to how you use the medicines that are available. Hard work is hard, but it does get easier...and you'll feel better...and your health will improve.
And, just for the record, I am very aware of how much more I still need to do...I still have a long way to go to get to where I want to be with my health and weight. I may not be as thin as I was back in college, but I sure am healthier because of how my lifestyle has changed...and my family is healthier too. I realize that this can be a touchy subject, I am just asking that you truthfully consider how you treat your body. I think I'll stop there...it's time for me to get off my soapbox :)
I have more I want to share about Samaritan Ministries, but I think I'll write a separate post about it. Yes, I am having a baby without traditional health insurance...and I want to share what God has done.
Have a great day--God bless~
Rach
Monday, April 4, 2011
Moving Right Along~
Steve had a meeting with his advisor on Saturday morning about his project. At the end of that "strategy session", his advisor wanted to talk to him privately.
HE GAVE STEVE THE OFFICIAL GO-AHEAD TO BEGIN WRITING HIS THESIS!!!
Huge news, my friends, absolutely huge!
He really encouraged Steve with the work he has done...it's always nice to hear that you've done and are doing a good job :)
What exactly does this mean? Well, we can really see the light at the end of the tunnel now! Steve will still be doing chemistry, but will also begin the process of transitioning his project over to others who will continue the work. He will also be writing...a lot!
Steve will also be turning up the heat on his job search. He has been looking and applying, but being able to say, "I'm writing my thesis now" will be really helpful for companies who are considering him...he has a much better idea of when he'll be available. He still does not have a defense date...but at least we know it will probably be sometime this summer. Before this meeting, there was still the chance of his research going into the fall...at least now we are narrowed down to just one season...the summer :)
Our entire grad-school experience has been lesson after lesson about living in the moment and living by faith. We truly are thankful for the experience and how God has held us through it all. We are also very much looking forward to the end! But as the end has neared, it brought up all sorts of other things for us to consider: Are we moving? Where? When? What do we need to do to get the house ready to sell? Are we staying? Lord, the church and people you have blessed us with are amazing...can't we just stay right here? Regardless, we should get that basement cleaned out! Wow, our yard is in pretty bad shape...we should work on that too! What exactly do we have stored in the garage anyway? How do we prepare the girls for maybe moving? Hmmm, this summer program is something the girls would really enjoy...should I sign them up...will we still be here? And oh yeah, we're having a baby in May!
We have been leaning on the Lord even more as we navigate trusting Him while balancing things we have to consider. We do not want to live in anxiety or fear, however, we do want to be wise as we prepare for what the very near future may hold. On one hand, I feel like it's a whole different level of trusting...so much is unknown to us at this time. This is when I turn to this truth: I may not know what Jesus has planned, but He does. Living "in limbo" is not very fun for me...I would much rather be "in" on the plan In all honesty, I'd really like to be one of the advisors on "the plan" too...I feel like I have a lot of useful input...but God doesn't often work that way. I do have to admit that Jesus is using it to grow our faith; and for that, I am thankful.
Dear friends, we are so thankful for you...please join us in prayer. Our "biggies" right now are for us to keep leaning on our Lord, for Steve to find a job, and for baby Gracia who is due in 6 weeks. Thank you for lifting us up...may God be very real to you today~
God bless~
Rach
HE GAVE STEVE THE OFFICIAL GO-AHEAD TO BEGIN WRITING HIS THESIS!!!
Huge news, my friends, absolutely huge!
He really encouraged Steve with the work he has done...it's always nice to hear that you've done and are doing a good job :)
What exactly does this mean? Well, we can really see the light at the end of the tunnel now! Steve will still be doing chemistry, but will also begin the process of transitioning his project over to others who will continue the work. He will also be writing...a lot!
Steve will also be turning up the heat on his job search. He has been looking and applying, but being able to say, "I'm writing my thesis now" will be really helpful for companies who are considering him...he has a much better idea of when he'll be available. He still does not have a defense date...but at least we know it will probably be sometime this summer. Before this meeting, there was still the chance of his research going into the fall...at least now we are narrowed down to just one season...the summer :)
Our entire grad-school experience has been lesson after lesson about living in the moment and living by faith. We truly are thankful for the experience and how God has held us through it all. We are also very much looking forward to the end! But as the end has neared, it brought up all sorts of other things for us to consider: Are we moving? Where? When? What do we need to do to get the house ready to sell? Are we staying? Lord, the church and people you have blessed us with are amazing...can't we just stay right here? Regardless, we should get that basement cleaned out! Wow, our yard is in pretty bad shape...we should work on that too! What exactly do we have stored in the garage anyway? How do we prepare the girls for maybe moving? Hmmm, this summer program is something the girls would really enjoy...should I sign them up...will we still be here? And oh yeah, we're having a baby in May!
We have been leaning on the Lord even more as we navigate trusting Him while balancing things we have to consider. We do not want to live in anxiety or fear, however, we do want to be wise as we prepare for what the very near future may hold. On one hand, I feel like it's a whole different level of trusting...so much is unknown to us at this time. This is when I turn to this truth: I may not know what Jesus has planned, but He does. Living "in limbo" is not very fun for me...I would much rather be "in" on the plan In all honesty, I'd really like to be one of the advisors on "the plan" too...I feel like I have a lot of useful input...but God doesn't often work that way. I do have to admit that Jesus is using it to grow our faith; and for that, I am thankful.
Dear friends, we are so thankful for you...please join us in prayer. Our "biggies" right now are for us to keep leaning on our Lord, for Steve to find a job, and for baby Gracia who is due in 6 weeks. Thank you for lifting us up...may God be very real to you today~
God bless~
Rach
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