Today I am so proud of my children. I'm proud of the people they are. There are times when I think I want to strangle my children...don't we all! Most of the time I enjoy them. Today I feel extraordinarily blessed to have them.
There are times that I am disappointed in the way my children choose to act. I know they have been taught better. But most of the time I am pleased with them. Today I am grateful that they are so creative, funny, happy and full of life. I'm grateful that for the most part they are respectful towards others, they are kind and considerate.
A large part of why they are the people they are is due to our beliefs: Our knowledge of a loving Heavenly Father who cares for us, and blesses us daily. Our knowledge of a Savior who died for us, so we can repent and be clean and return to live with our Father again one day. A knowledge of the purpose of this life and why we are here.
Our beliefs help to shape us, and mold us into the people we are meant to become. I can thank my wonderful parents for giving me a firm foundation to build upon. It has truly shaped and molded me into the person I am today.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Vaccinations
I just received a bunch of emails from the local Autism support group. There are a few moms who are looking for doctors who will administer the MMR vaccine in separate shots. In some of the replies, of course, there are articles attached talking about how safe the vaccines are. I wanted to share my opinion with these Moms but realized that I have really strong opinions on this subject and do not want to offend any of them. So, I decided to blog about it! Here are my thoughts:
I think whether immunizations are safe is up to interpretation. They are safe for many people, but not everything is safe for every person. People are allergic to medications that others can take with no problems at all. My son has an intolerance to wheat, gluten, dairy, and casein. I can tolerate them just fine, but he will become sick.
Many doctors say that the immunizations do not cause Autism, but there is also a lot of evidence that suggests that it might be a trigger that causes the symptoms to come out. From what I understand, those who have Autism are genetically predisposed for it. That means that anything can trigger it. For my son, it was falling 7 feet and hitting his head. For some of my friends, it was the immunizations. I have one such friend who's son started having seizures the day he got his first MMR shot. Coincidence...I think not.
I have been blessed with a fabulous MD who fully supports not vaccinating my children. I have one with Autism and one with ADHD and even he feels that it wouldn't be safe for them. He highly recommended that I do not get them immunized until later in life.
The way my doctor explained it was that the dose in the shot is even more than what a normal adult would need. That's a huge amount for a tiny body. They give these to babies...in a cocktail of 2-4 different ones. No wonder our children end up with fevers and such afterwards. Now, I know some children don't have any problem at all. But that doesn't mean that others won't have problems.
Anyway, I'm just glad to know that we can opt out if we feel that it's right for our family. It's a hard decision, but I can say that out of my five children the healthiest one is the last, the one I didn't immunize at all. Lyssa has not had one immunization. She has only visited the doctor once in her 20 months. She has had a slight cold twice, but was never as sick as the boys always got at this age. It's amazing how sick Max was at a year and 2 years old. He was constantly sick and constantly had ear infections. It was horrible. We went through several different kinds of antibiotics for him in a year's time. They wanted to put tubes in, but I didn't feel it was right. I'm so glad I listened to the Spirit.
I wish I understood back then that I had many more options! Now I know.
Now they are giving the option to give the MMRV. It includes Measles, Mumps, Rubella and now the LIVE Chicken pox virus. I instantly get shivers down my spine. It isn't right for me and my family. I do know many who have prayed and know that their children need the vaccines and I support them whole heartedly. We can never make another person's decisions and we can NEVER know what will be right for another individual. It just isn't our place. I'm glad I only have to make the decisions for my family.
May the Spirit guide us in all our decisions.
I think whether immunizations are safe is up to interpretation. They are safe for many people, but not everything is safe for every person. People are allergic to medications that others can take with no problems at all. My son has an intolerance to wheat, gluten, dairy, and casein. I can tolerate them just fine, but he will become sick.
Many doctors say that the immunizations do not cause Autism, but there is also a lot of evidence that suggests that it might be a trigger that causes the symptoms to come out. From what I understand, those who have Autism are genetically predisposed for it. That means that anything can trigger it. For my son, it was falling 7 feet and hitting his head. For some of my friends, it was the immunizations. I have one such friend who's son started having seizures the day he got his first MMR shot. Coincidence...I think not.
I have been blessed with a fabulous MD who fully supports not vaccinating my children. I have one with Autism and one with ADHD and even he feels that it wouldn't be safe for them. He highly recommended that I do not get them immunized until later in life.
The way my doctor explained it was that the dose in the shot is even more than what a normal adult would need. That's a huge amount for a tiny body. They give these to babies...in a cocktail of 2-4 different ones. No wonder our children end up with fevers and such afterwards. Now, I know some children don't have any problem at all. But that doesn't mean that others won't have problems.
Anyway, I'm just glad to know that we can opt out if we feel that it's right for our family. It's a hard decision, but I can say that out of my five children the healthiest one is the last, the one I didn't immunize at all. Lyssa has not had one immunization. She has only visited the doctor once in her 20 months. She has had a slight cold twice, but was never as sick as the boys always got at this age. It's amazing how sick Max was at a year and 2 years old. He was constantly sick and constantly had ear infections. It was horrible. We went through several different kinds of antibiotics for him in a year's time. They wanted to put tubes in, but I didn't feel it was right. I'm so glad I listened to the Spirit.
I wish I understood back then that I had many more options! Now I know.
Now they are giving the option to give the MMRV. It includes Measles, Mumps, Rubella and now the LIVE Chicken pox virus. I instantly get shivers down my spine. It isn't right for me and my family. I do know many who have prayed and know that their children need the vaccines and I support them whole heartedly. We can never make another person's decisions and we can NEVER know what will be right for another individual. It just isn't our place. I'm glad I only have to make the decisions for my family.
May the Spirit guide us in all our decisions.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Be Positive!
So many times we are too hard on ourselves. We only see those things we need to improve upon. We try each day to be more kind, more patient, more productive, more loving, more understanding. These and other qualities are noble and good, but do we neglect to see the good we do.
I remember a time when all I could see were the negative things about myself and I felt terrible. I was depressed. Todd made a good point. He told me to look back in my life and think about where I was in my teens, or early twenties. He told me not to look at how much I needed to change but how far I had come. Such wise words of wisdom. If we only focus on all the things we need to do to become perfect we would never see what our Father in Heaven sees. He sees our progress. He sees how we have changed over the years to become the wonderful person we are today. There will always be things to improve upon. That's part of life. I believe we need to take the time to see all the good we do. It will strengthen us and give us courage.
Satan does not want us to be happy and one of the ways that he brings us down is to temp us to focus on our flaws.
Remember to take the time today to think about all the good things you have done, and then make a plan to do more good.
I remember a time when all I could see were the negative things about myself and I felt terrible. I was depressed. Todd made a good point. He told me to look back in my life and think about where I was in my teens, or early twenties. He told me not to look at how much I needed to change but how far I had come. Such wise words of wisdom. If we only focus on all the things we need to do to become perfect we would never see what our Father in Heaven sees. He sees our progress. He sees how we have changed over the years to become the wonderful person we are today. There will always be things to improve upon. That's part of life. I believe we need to take the time to see all the good we do. It will strengthen us and give us courage.
Satan does not want us to be happy and one of the ways that he brings us down is to temp us to focus on our flaws.
Remember to take the time today to think about all the good things you have done, and then make a plan to do more good.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Crazy
It seems the only time I think of something I want to blog about is when I'm busy getting other things done. I had gotten comfortable in my life here in St. Joe. I have good friends. I am familiar with the area. I can find my way around fairly well. I'd say I'm pretty happy.
Selling and buying houses at the same time can be such a pain. It has gone very well for us, thank goodness. There's a lot of paperwork and a lot of stress....worrying about whether or not the loan for the new house is going to get finished in time. I really don't relish the idea of being temporarily homeless. Sure, we have family and friends who could and probably would help us out if that happened, but it's not something I want to do.
I packed most of the house so we could show the house to perspective buyers. The house was clean and perfect all the time. Once the house sold, I didn't have to keep it perfect and it's not.
I hit the summer slump last week. I have never liked summer vacation. It's hard. I spend the whole time frustrated because the house is mess. I stay up too late trying to find a moment of kid-free time to myself to recooperate. I wake up too early to get kids onto the summer school bus. I'm so busy I can't find the time to exercise. And the cycle begins! So, Monday I got up with determination to exercise. And I did. Thank goodness because I needed the energy. Today I did the same and it turned out really good considering I spend most of my mid morning doing the budget. It's done. It looks good. I'm happy.
I have learned something about myself...a severe lack of sleep + a lack of exercising = a grouchy Mommy! Why do I allow myself to get into this summer rut each year? I know it's coming and yet I do it every time. I am determined to change this so that I can be in charge of my mood instead of my Sleep deprived, non-energetic self.
I am also happier when I make time to spend with other women. Why do I put off taking the opportunity to spend time with my friends? Good question! I get so wrapped up in what needs to get done that I neglect the part of myself that needs to get away. That has to stop!
I went to Kansas City yesterday to see Dana and the kids. We chatted and the kids played. We women need that time with other women. All women...young and old....single and married. We need to make time to spend with other women.
So, life is crazy right now...packing, cleaning, laundry, packing some more, papers to sign, emails to reply to, repairs to do, more packing, Scout camp, taking care of the family...etc., etc., etc. It will calm down again someday, but for now, it's just crazy. The countdown has begun and we inch closer and closer to closing day. We have 5 1/2 weeks until we load up the u-haul. Our last night here we'll camp out on the floor. The next morning we'll close on this house and then drive three hours to Jefferson City to close on the new house. It's exciting and scary all rolled into one. But for now...this is life. Crazy and all!
Selling and buying houses at the same time can be such a pain. It has gone very well for us, thank goodness. There's a lot of paperwork and a lot of stress....worrying about whether or not the loan for the new house is going to get finished in time. I really don't relish the idea of being temporarily homeless. Sure, we have family and friends who could and probably would help us out if that happened, but it's not something I want to do.
I packed most of the house so we could show the house to perspective buyers. The house was clean and perfect all the time. Once the house sold, I didn't have to keep it perfect and it's not.
I hit the summer slump last week. I have never liked summer vacation. It's hard. I spend the whole time frustrated because the house is mess. I stay up too late trying to find a moment of kid-free time to myself to recooperate. I wake up too early to get kids onto the summer school bus. I'm so busy I can't find the time to exercise. And the cycle begins! So, Monday I got up with determination to exercise. And I did. Thank goodness because I needed the energy. Today I did the same and it turned out really good considering I spend most of my mid morning doing the budget. It's done. It looks good. I'm happy.
I have learned something about myself...a severe lack of sleep + a lack of exercising = a grouchy Mommy! Why do I allow myself to get into this summer rut each year? I know it's coming and yet I do it every time. I am determined to change this so that I can be in charge of my mood instead of my Sleep deprived, non-energetic self.
I am also happier when I make time to spend with other women. Why do I put off taking the opportunity to spend time with my friends? Good question! I get so wrapped up in what needs to get done that I neglect the part of myself that needs to get away. That has to stop!
I went to Kansas City yesterday to see Dana and the kids. We chatted and the kids played. We women need that time with other women. All women...young and old....single and married. We need to make time to spend with other women.
So, life is crazy right now...packing, cleaning, laundry, packing some more, papers to sign, emails to reply to, repairs to do, more packing, Scout camp, taking care of the family...etc., etc., etc. It will calm down again someday, but for now, it's just crazy. The countdown has begun and we inch closer and closer to closing day. We have 5 1/2 weeks until we load up the u-haul. Our last night here we'll camp out on the floor. The next morning we'll close on this house and then drive three hours to Jefferson City to close on the new house. It's exciting and scary all rolled into one. But for now...this is life. Crazy and all!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Fun Stories
Today....I'm standing on a stool painting yet another wall and I hear,"I done...I done", followed by some mild fussing. I hollered out to Alex and asked him to check on Alyssa. He says, "Oh no...she spilled the milk." I came out of the bedroom to find Alyssa sitting at the table with about a quart of Silk soy milk poured all over herself, the table, chair and floor. No wonder she was done!! Not fun to be all wet and sticky. LOL!
Yesterday Todd told Max that is was chilly out and Max said, "It's not Chili out Dad...Chili is miles away!" What a crack up!
We drove to the Capitol of Missouri for Alex's fourth grade field trip on Thursday. Jefferson City is about 3 hours away and it's beautiful. I drove behind the bus that Alex was on, on the way there. Then Alex chose to ride with me for the ride back home. Another lady chose to ride with me, which ended up being rather nice. I don't know any parents from school, so I was a little nervous, but it worked out great. The little girl riding home with us Thursday was a chatterbox. She kept making silly noises and saying silly things. Alex, who is usually doing something similar was unusually quiet in the back seat. Finally Alex said, "Does anyone have a mega sized cork?" I had to try so hard not to laugh!!!! Has he heard himself lately? LOL! What a riot!
Kids are so fun. They can make you laugh, cry and want to pull your hair out too!! But most of the time, they bring joy.
Yesterday Todd told Max that is was chilly out and Max said, "It's not Chili out Dad...Chili is miles away!" What a crack up!
We drove to the Capitol of Missouri for Alex's fourth grade field trip on Thursday. Jefferson City is about 3 hours away and it's beautiful. I drove behind the bus that Alex was on, on the way there. Then Alex chose to ride with me for the ride back home. Another lady chose to ride with me, which ended up being rather nice. I don't know any parents from school, so I was a little nervous, but it worked out great. The little girl riding home with us Thursday was a chatterbox. She kept making silly noises and saying silly things. Alex, who is usually doing something similar was unusually quiet in the back seat. Finally Alex said, "Does anyone have a mega sized cork?" I had to try so hard not to laugh!!!! Has he heard himself lately? LOL! What a riot!
Kids are so fun. They can make you laugh, cry and want to pull your hair out too!! But most of the time, they bring joy.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday Bliss
Every time I finish reading a good book it runs continuously through my mind....for hours and then sometimes days. I love reading. I love writing. Both are things that help me de-stress and relax. I just finished reading The Maze Runner by James Dashner. It was amazing. It kept me wondering...what in the world was going to happen...how were they ever going to get out...when would they find out the truth...when would they be back with their families. Questions kept tumbling through my mind each time I would sit down to read. Slowly...carefully...the author reveals pieces of the truth...what's really going on. It was never dull...never boring...and very exciting. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
I love Sundays. They are a great day to just sit and relax. I don't allow myself much down time during the week. There is just too much to accomplish in not enough time. By the time my head hits the pillow at night I'm so tired that I can't sleep. Thoughts race through my head. Painting needs to be done. Packing needs to happen. Cleaning isn't happening like it should be. Stuff if everywhere. There's just not enough time in a day. And then when I should be sleeping and getting my strength back for the next day, I can't turn my brain off. Sometimes I wish there was a switch. Just flip it off....and fall asleep...with a clear mind.
Today emotions were on the surface. It started first thing this morning. I was probably just tired. Sleeping in a bedroom where everything is a wreck is less than peaceful. 3/4 of the wallpaper is off the walls now though. Tomorrow I get to finish the rest of it and start mudding the holes and sanding. Anyway, I was asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting for today. So, I had a talk prepared and I was also in charge of teaching Sharing Time to the Primary children. I spent a lot of time praying for guidance this week. I know I couldn't do it all myself. That's for sure.
We got to church on time and got the family in their seats and I headed up from to sit. I think the worst part of giving a talk in church is the waiting. Then I noticed that there were no tissues. GREAT! I am a blubbering ball of tears when I give a talk. I know that about myself...and I finally have accepted that fact! I can't change it, so why try. As I sat there, trying NOT to think about my talk, I realized that they pulled TJ up front to pass the sacrament...for his first time. Talk about getting a crash course. Learn by doing. As I pondered how scared I would be if I were thrown into that task without forewarning I realized that this was a blessing for him. I try to verbally prepare him for everything. What happens when life throws you a curve ball? There's no time for a pep talk from Mom. You just step up and do your duty, right. This is exactly what TJ needs. He needs to learn to be prepared. The older boys took him under their wing and guided him and helped him in his task. Yeah, he was nervous, but he did it...and he did a great job. So, as I watched my oldest son pass the sacrament I again was moved to tears. I furiously wiped at my face, trying to salvage the mess. But, I should have known, it was just going to get worse.
The youth speaker spoke...and it went by so quickly and then it was my turn. I got up and gave my prepared 12 minute talk. I love how the Spirit works. It guides us to say what needs to be said. I blubbered and sniffled and wiped...and there were no tissues to help me out. Believe me, I thought about lifting my sleeve and wiping, just to stop the dripping. How annoying. But I survived. After I sat down, it took forever for my hands to stop sweating, and my nose to stop dripping and my eyes to stop running. Once it stopped I calmed my feet and sat fairly still, my foot swaying back and forth. Can't stop moving!
Sharing time went off without a hitch. The children were engaged, they listened, they answered, they participated. It was wonderful. Again, it is awesome when the Spirit guides you...you can teach! I love it!
The only sad part of my day is when Alyssa gets hurt or cries...she no long wants me. I stopped nursing her when I had to get a tooth pulled just over a week ago. I couldn't take the pain and had to use the medication to help me get through. After a week without nursing she started getting angry with me. Instead of wanting me for comfort now, she wants Daddy and even TJ. It breaks my heart. It hurts and I wish I could go back to nursing her again. I hope it will eventually pass and that she will be able to find comfort in me once again. I can only hope.
Now, on to the rest of my restful day. I love having a day to just chill. The house is more quiet. The crazy stress of the weekdays is gone...for a moment or two. I'm going to go enjoy it now!
I love Sundays. They are a great day to just sit and relax. I don't allow myself much down time during the week. There is just too much to accomplish in not enough time. By the time my head hits the pillow at night I'm so tired that I can't sleep. Thoughts race through my head. Painting needs to be done. Packing needs to happen. Cleaning isn't happening like it should be. Stuff if everywhere. There's just not enough time in a day. And then when I should be sleeping and getting my strength back for the next day, I can't turn my brain off. Sometimes I wish there was a switch. Just flip it off....and fall asleep...with a clear mind.
Today emotions were on the surface. It started first thing this morning. I was probably just tired. Sleeping in a bedroom where everything is a wreck is less than peaceful. 3/4 of the wallpaper is off the walls now though. Tomorrow I get to finish the rest of it and start mudding the holes and sanding. Anyway, I was asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting for today. So, I had a talk prepared and I was also in charge of teaching Sharing Time to the Primary children. I spent a lot of time praying for guidance this week. I know I couldn't do it all myself. That's for sure.
We got to church on time and got the family in their seats and I headed up from to sit. I think the worst part of giving a talk in church is the waiting. Then I noticed that there were no tissues. GREAT! I am a blubbering ball of tears when I give a talk. I know that about myself...and I finally have accepted that fact! I can't change it, so why try. As I sat there, trying NOT to think about my talk, I realized that they pulled TJ up front to pass the sacrament...for his first time. Talk about getting a crash course. Learn by doing. As I pondered how scared I would be if I were thrown into that task without forewarning I realized that this was a blessing for him. I try to verbally prepare him for everything. What happens when life throws you a curve ball? There's no time for a pep talk from Mom. You just step up and do your duty, right. This is exactly what TJ needs. He needs to learn to be prepared. The older boys took him under their wing and guided him and helped him in his task. Yeah, he was nervous, but he did it...and he did a great job. So, as I watched my oldest son pass the sacrament I again was moved to tears. I furiously wiped at my face, trying to salvage the mess. But, I should have known, it was just going to get worse.
The youth speaker spoke...and it went by so quickly and then it was my turn. I got up and gave my prepared 12 minute talk. I love how the Spirit works. It guides us to say what needs to be said. I blubbered and sniffled and wiped...and there were no tissues to help me out. Believe me, I thought about lifting my sleeve and wiping, just to stop the dripping. How annoying. But I survived. After I sat down, it took forever for my hands to stop sweating, and my nose to stop dripping and my eyes to stop running. Once it stopped I calmed my feet and sat fairly still, my foot swaying back and forth. Can't stop moving!
Sharing time went off without a hitch. The children were engaged, they listened, they answered, they participated. It was wonderful. Again, it is awesome when the Spirit guides you...you can teach! I love it!
The only sad part of my day is when Alyssa gets hurt or cries...she no long wants me. I stopped nursing her when I had to get a tooth pulled just over a week ago. I couldn't take the pain and had to use the medication to help me get through. After a week without nursing she started getting angry with me. Instead of wanting me for comfort now, she wants Daddy and even TJ. It breaks my heart. It hurts and I wish I could go back to nursing her again. I hope it will eventually pass and that she will be able to find comfort in me once again. I can only hope.
Now, on to the rest of my restful day. I love having a day to just chill. The house is more quiet. The crazy stress of the weekdays is gone...for a moment or two. I'm going to go enjoy it now!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Moving
Well, for those of you who have not heard, we are moving. Todd got a new job in Jefferson City. A job he will absolutely love. A job that is still Military. A job that is giving him the opportunity to become an Officer. He is thrilled and so happy. Therefore, I am thrilled and very happy for us. He will be working with the Partnership Program with Panama. He has a very impressive title that I can't for the life of me remember! He is amazing. He took the AFOQT (Air Force Officer Qualifications Test) and passed the first time. It's a very hard test. Yeah Todd! He has appealed to MO Western State University and they approved his appeal and therefore will be graduating at the end of Spring semester. What a huge blessing.
We have begun packing like crazy, throwing things out and giving things away. Our living room has been repainted, and rearranged. I love it. Wish I had done it a long time ago. Our hallway is now painted. The garage is organized and has a ton of stacks of boxes. As Max said yesterday when he followed me into the garage, "Holy Boxes!" The stacks will only get bigger! We are going to remove the wallpaper in our bedroom and paint it this week along with Alyssa's room. So, if you don't see or hear much from me, that is why. I am crazy busy!
We are excited and sad all in one. We love St. Joe. We love the people. We love the ward here. It has become our home. I never thought I would be able to say that, but it did. Moving will be very hard for me, but I am very optimistic. I am looking forward to making new friends, having a new home to decorate my way, and to just experience what ever it is that Heavenly Father has in store for us.
We have begun packing like crazy, throwing things out and giving things away. Our living room has been repainted, and rearranged. I love it. Wish I had done it a long time ago. Our hallway is now painted. The garage is organized and has a ton of stacks of boxes. As Max said yesterday when he followed me into the garage, "Holy Boxes!" The stacks will only get bigger! We are going to remove the wallpaper in our bedroom and paint it this week along with Alyssa's room. So, if you don't see or hear much from me, that is why. I am crazy busy!
We are excited and sad all in one. We love St. Joe. We love the people. We love the ward here. It has become our home. I never thought I would be able to say that, but it did. Moving will be very hard for me, but I am very optimistic. I am looking forward to making new friends, having a new home to decorate my way, and to just experience what ever it is that Heavenly Father has in store for us.
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