tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10085647573779935762024-03-12T23:59:32.618-05:00Choose Better OR BestI'm married to the Best Man in all humanity and a mother of three beautiful children. Just trying to keep life simple amid our unique challenges of mental and physical disabilities.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-33429713867785210562015-03-06T09:13:00.000-06:002015-03-06T09:14:47.672-06:00Megan's Grocery List and Meal Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Does grocery shopping stress you out? It has been a great source of stress through the years for me too but I have to admit I've figured out a few things over the years. I have come up with a simple way of planning my meals and grocery list that makes it more of a simple habitual routine...no stress!<br />
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These have become my best friend! I'll tell you why...<br />
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I hang one of those Post-it notes on my kitchen cupboard door; there's one there everyday! I always have somewhere to write a list of things we need to buy: Spence runs out of toothpaste, Justin needs deodorant, Alli has to take snacks to school, I just used the last bottle of ketchup. Whatever it is, I'm able to have one of the kids go jot it down quick or I can simple walk over there and write it down. One less thing to try and remember in my brain is super helpful!<br />
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I try to make it to the store once a week. Right before I go, I grab that Post-it note and flip it over. I write a few things down:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1- 3 dinners </span><br />
(Why only 3? Because our family usually has enough leftovers for another dinner. If there isn't leftovers than I fall back on my famous "go to" meals: burritos or canned soup with toast. Then we always have a Friday night pizza night too. That little plan gets me 7 dinners!)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2- 6 vegetables </span><br />
(I usually steam fresh vegetables or make a salad but my favorite "go to" veggies are frozen peas or frozen mixed veggies.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3- Any breakfast, lunch or snack items I need</span><br />
(School days are oatmeal, eggs or cereal days. Weekends get pancakes, muffins, waffles, etc. Lunches are meat or peanut butter sandwiches or something to fill their thermos in their school lunches. I always make sure I have a drawer full of fresh fruit in the fridge--we eat lots of fruit with lunches and snacks.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4- A dessert</span><br />
(We make one dessert on Sunday nights so I just make sure we have ingredients for something fun.)<br />
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While I'm writing this plan down I can flip it over and add things I don't have on hand to my list I've already started for the week.<br />
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I can stick that post-it note to my phone and it's there when I make it in the store. When I return from the store I stick it to my recipe book holder so I can follow my plan for the week. Then a new post-it note is started on my cupboard for next week.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-68246225956566964372015-02-28T17:15:00.002-06:002015-02-28T17:15:23.809-06:00When Your Kids Argue About EverythingJustin and I have been on a mission for the last two weeks. Sarah has had the worst behavior at school that we have ever seen and it doesn't stop there. Home hasn't been peachy either. She has always been a good arguer but recently has become The Queen! When I came across <a href="http://monicaswanson.com/when-your-kid-argues-about-everything-5-tips/">this article</a> today on facebook it set my mind on thinking about what other solutions I have "When Your Kids Argue About Everything".<br />
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I knew it was a prayer answered today when I came across a wonderful lesson with Sarah while working on her <a href="https://www.lds.org/young-women/personal-progress?cid=YS-M-personalprogress&lang=eng">Personal Progress</a> for her <a href="https://www.lds.org/handbook/handbook-2-administering-the-church/young-women?lang=eng">Young Women</a> Group that she is apart of at our church. <br />
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One of the goals that she chose to work on today talks about Obedience being an attribute of the Savior. She is supposed to work on being more obedient to her parents and read <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/luke/2?lang=eng">Luke 2:40-51</a> and <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/6?lang=eng">John 6:38</a>.<br />
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Click on those links to refresh your memory of the actual scriptures but if you remember the story in Luke, it's talking about when the Savior goes to Jerusalem with his parents at 12 years old (hmmm, how convenient that Sarah's 12 yrs. old). Remember when Joseph and Mary realized he was still back in Jerusalem teaching in the temple and it took them some time to find him again.<br />
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Remember Mary's words:<br />
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"Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing."<br />
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Remember Jesus' words back:<br />
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"How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my father's business?"<br />
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It actually states that Joseph and Mary "understood not the saying which he spake unto them." My favorite part, Jesus "went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them." Adding the foot notes on the word "subject" that this covers the topic of duty of children and self-mastery means even more to me.<br />
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Then you can flip and read John 6:38...<br />
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"For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."<br />
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As I read these scriptures today, my mind propelled back to when I would hold my newborn babies in the hospital. In quiet moments with all three of my babies (nobody was around...not even Justin), I would hold those little faces right up in front of me and tell them "I just want you to Love God!" That's it. I would tell them that one wish I had for each one of them. One Megan wish to her children..."I will do everything in my power to teach you to Love God!"<br />
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Oh ya....our Savior came to do "His Father's will" not his own. He loved God! He loved his parents and therefore didn't stay to teach in the temple any longer whether they understood each other or not he followed his parents back to Nazareth because he respected and honored them.<br />
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I was touched. I sit here feeling touched again as I think how Sarah responded to reading all of this with me. We talked about how Jesus followed his parents even though it wasn't his idea but just because they asked him to. We talked about Jesus coming to earth and doing very very hard things not because it was his idea or what he wanted to do but because His Father in Heaven had asked him to do it. All the sudden I saw connection and light bulbs turn on in her little blue eyes. She said "Oh ya, and I need to follow Jesus' example!"<br />
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So, to that wonderful face book article I read this morning and loved...one more thing I would add...the most important thing...remind them and you that it's because you Love God!!! What I should do when she doesn't stop arguing is find a moment to teach both of us with the spirit about our Savior and he obeyed his parents (earthly and heavenly parents).<br />
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When it's calm and we are able to feel our love for God, I as a daughter can do and say and command my children the way he wants me to and in turn those little children can follow because they are following their Savior.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-9106018599488613712015-02-23T21:30:00.001-06:002015-02-23T21:36:21.651-06:00My 3 Daily "Mom Jobs"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a new kind of school year for me. My youngest started full day Kindergarten so I find myself in a whole new era of my life. I've chosen to "go back to work" and pick up more piano students. I have a part-time job (maybe more--28 piano students is a lot) and it's been interesting trying to balance all of my responsibilities.</div>
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I had a friend ask me the other day how I stay on top of all my "Mom Jobs" when I'm working so much. It's simple. I do 3 things every single day--that has made all the difference!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">1. Do the Dishes</span><br />
It's my goal to have the sink cleared and kitchen clean before my kids come home from school. It<br />
works the best if I do this first thing in the morning but that doesn't always happen. This might sound funny to some but because Justin is rarely home at night, I'm not always able to square the kitchen away at night and there is always the morning mess. I also consider the kitchen squared away when I put homework assignments at the kids table spots with their after school snack...waiting for their arrival.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2. Do Laundry</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I used to have one day in the week when I would do all the laundry but it's impossible now so I've been doing at least one or sometimes 2 loads of laundry every morning. I fold right out of the dryer and there is always a clean pile of clothes for the kids to put away each night when they're getting ready for bed. I've never ever stayed so caught up with laundry before!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">3. Prepare Dinner </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I'm very diligent about putting dinner in the crock pot each morning or putting together a casserole that can be tossed in the oven between piano lessons. Sometimes I just prepare as much as I can like cooking the chicken, dicing the veggies, or making the salad to put in the fridge. It's so nice to have dinner already prepared at the end of the day!</span><br />
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These things might seem so simple but because I take the time to do them first thing and it's habit then I can skip through the house and have them usually done in under an hour. This leaves me hours to fill with not only piano lessons but exercise, scripture reading, school volunteering, family history, helping friends with kids, temple attending, dates with my honey and even attending institute!<br />
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When my weekend approaches I'm ready to have an unhealthy pizza night (been eating healthy all week) and just hang out on our Friday nights because the house is all squared away and the family helps me deep clean with our <a href="http://choosebetterorbest.blogspot.com/2014/06/saturday-job-jars.html">Saturday Job Jars.</a> It's been a perfect way to upkeep!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-81654853626757143742015-02-20T11:12:00.001-06:002015-02-20T11:25:13.843-06:00Life Goals Define My Daily Choices!It's been a super rough, explosive morning. Taking a look at my priorities is seeming mighty important to me right now.<br />
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Maybe a list of what/who I want to be right now???<br />
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Here it goes...<br />
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A Mother (happy and patient one)<br />
A Wife (forgiving, happy, uplifting and supportive one)<br />
Thoughtful Sister<br />
Grateful Daughter<br />
Obedient Daughter of God<br />
Builder of God's Kingdom<br />
True & Loyal Friend<br />
Knowledgeable and Inspiring Piano Teacher<br />
God's Tool as a Relief Society Teacher<br />
Real Visiting Teacher<br />
Descendent that's aware (learns from the past and helps the present)<br />
Finds Joy in my posterity ever day!!!<br />
Completely Sustains all my church leaders<br />
Always a Missionary<br />
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Boy...that really works. I feel much better now. I know who I am again and what I want to be. Each of these things are what God would want me to be or has already asked me to be. Sooo....every place I go or thing I do today I'll fit into each one of these with my choices and it'll be a successful day. Onward and Upward!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-46858436713579259422015-02-17T13:22:00.000-06:002015-02-17T13:22:09.321-06:00Empowerplus Supplement Update from MeganIt's been three months now that I've been taking <a href="http://www.choosebetterorbest.blogspot.com/2014/12/what-i-want-you-to-know-about.html">Empowerplus Supplements</a>. I haven't posted for a little while because I've been off on another project in all my free time (posts to come soon on my Family History projects). Now that I'm gaining a little more history with these wonderful vitamins, I'm wanting to let those interested in on some details. I'm going to try to post more consistently.<br />
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Things I've learned:<br />
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My ups and downs haven't all been controlled by the supplements but don't let this deceive you...I want to still have ups and downs! It's human to have these ups and downs. I want to have "normal for me" good and bad days. What is important is that I feel like these supplements have taken my "Extreme" ups and downs away. <br />
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When I get feeling extra moody or more headaches come on then I take a look at things like my water intake, my hours of sleep, stresses around me, have I done something for me lately and then decide if those are all doing well than I'll take more amino acids. I usually see a difference if not by the end of the day than the next day...proving to me that my body is just simply lacking in this needed nutrition.<br />
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I have a goal to get in with my doctor soon and have a blood draw across the board to just see where my levels are. I would suggest this to any of you that are trying these supplements. It'd just be so wise. I'll make it there one of these days!<br />
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For me, 2 Empowerplus supplements and 2 amino acids at breakfast and then the same at lunch is doing it! I feel balanced energy and moods. I'm not feeling like I need naps in the afternoon on the days that I get 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. <br />
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I love that I'm seeing side affects of taking medication go away. I love that my skin seems to be a little healthier and my hair seems to be even a little healthier.<br />
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Through the phone support I have learned it's very important to not add other vitamin supplements and such to what I'm taking. They have a unique balance that works together so just adding capsules and taking away capsules has been the answer for me. I do however still use <a href="http://www.doterra.com/#/en">Doterra oils</a>, <a href="http://www.choosebetterorbest.blogspot.com/2013/12/ideas-to-calm-your-stressanxiety.html">Epsom Salt Baths</a> and my <a href="http://www.choosebetterorbest.blogspot.com/2013/12/ideas-to-calm-your-stressanxiety.html">Calm drink</a>. Click and follow links to read more!<br />
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Last but certainly not the least...I've learned that many of you that have started taking these too are having wonderful results. It's precious to me to learn new things and I love that not only my nutrition is improving greatly but that somehow I'm able to help others find answers they are seeking!!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you're wanting to try a sample... <a href="http://www.mymojoback.com/">http://www.mymojoback.com/</a></span><a href="http://www.mymojoback.com/"><br /></a><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-40191062529104041302015-01-05T11:21:00.000-06:002015-01-05T11:21:51.126-06:00Wanting "More?!?!"I'm delighted to report that I'm now completely off of all my medications! I haven't skipped a beat until the monstrous flu bug took over our house this week. I thought for sure it was going to pass over me as I kept swallowing vitamins and scurried about taking care of Justin and the kids. Not true. It got me last. <br />
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Spending the last few days in bed may be boring me to death but at least I have had my computer with me and have been making a slide show of our last year, setting goals, checkin' the budget...you know all that stuff!<br />
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Through this self evaluation, I rediscovered a moment I had a couple weeks ago. Some may call it an "ah ha moment." I like to call it complete inspiration from my Heavenly Father. He taught me that I have an inherent quality from Him to want more, to grow, to take the next step.<br />
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I was standing over my kitchen sink, hands in the soapy water and eyes out the window. My mind was reflecting on 7 years ago when Justin and I moved to this home. We had 3 things we were working for and wanting: a house, a third baby and a second car! No small tasks--that's for sure! Well, we were blessed to buy our home. After a miscarriage, years of waiting and 3 months of bed rest our Allison was born. Six months later, we finally purchased our mini van!<br />
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I guess as I stood over those bubbly dishes, I was feeling a sort of guilty feeling because I was standing there wishing for the next house, Justin's next job...wanting more. I was just wanting the next step up. I was telling myself I should be so grateful that those wishes and desires had been granted me and shouldn't want more. It was that very moment that my Heavenly Father taught me.<br />
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I had a deep feeling of "wait a minute, you're God's daughter!" My very Divine Nature is to progress, perfect, to grow. This scripture came to mind:<br />
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"I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept,...and blessed are those you hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him who receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them that shall be taken away even that which they have." (<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/28.30?lang=eng#29">2 Nephi 28:30</a>)<br />
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I should want more. I'm made to progress and create. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's words came into my mind:<br />
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"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before." (<a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/10/happiness-your-heritage?lang=eng">Happiness, Your Heritage, Conf 2008</a>)<br />
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As long as I'm following God's commandments and in Elder Robbins words <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/which-way-do-you-face?lang=eng">"facing the Lord"</a>and moving my mind and feet forward than God will keep giving me more in order for me to be able to progress in my talents, my education, my family, my missionary work. My progression means I can help His Kingdom grow! He wants us, His children, to continually improve upon those lines and precepts!<br />
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It's not bad that I want more. It's what is that "more?" <br />
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As I'm trying to pass through this flu bug and into this new year, I realize and see much progression behind me and I'm grateful. I have a great year of "more" to come. I am looking forward to seeing where my Divine inherent ability to create and progress takes me.<br />
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I'm so blessed to have had a year of building more knowledge and how to take care of my mind and body. I'm blessed to have had a year of learning what it's like to be a working mother of 3 children all at school. I'm that much better at being a pilot's wife. I know a little more about standing in front of a room full of women I look up to and trying to teach them. There's a never ending list of all I've learned and I feel a pivotal moment into this next year of "more." I admit. Yes. I want more.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqezDWUdx7I/VKrHS6VyIOI/AAAAAAAADqE/Dwwv7gDL5Do/s1600/IMG_3473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XqezDWUdx7I/VKrHS6VyIOI/AAAAAAAADqE/Dwwv7gDL5Do/s1600/IMG_3473.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great way to end the year--family bike ride! No more training wheels!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-79742298658244140192014-12-10T12:00:00.000-06:002014-12-11T15:28:24.933-06:00What I Want You to Know About Empowerplus SupplementsJ. Scott Wilson has introduced me to the fact that <a href="http://www.mymojoback.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Q96</span> </a>has the <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.mymojoback.com/empowerplus-q96-capsules/">Empowerplus capsules</a></span> that I am taking. I was searching for a less expensive way to use this all-natural supplement and I've found it!<br />
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His contact Info:</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">J. Scott Wilson</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">435-531-9540</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mymojoback.com/">www.MyMojoBack.com</a></span></div>
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Or call The Q Sciences Success Team (385-374-6400)</div>
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Some Things I Want You to Know About <span style="color: blue;">Q96</span>:<br />
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1. Over a 4 day period I worked my way up to taking 2 capsules at breakfast and 2 at dinner. Everybody is different. This is a pretty normal dose though. I avoided getting a sick stomach by eating a little, taking the capsules and then finished eating. I was planning on going off of my psychotropic medications so I was advised to take the transitional support as well (basically amino acids to help build up again): one at breakfast, one at lunch and one at dinner.<br />
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2. This product was formulated 18 years ago by <span style="color: blue;">Tony Stephan</span> of Canada to help alleviate the symptoms of severe mental illness in his family. The documentary done by Discovery Channel on Q96 on YouTube is very informative. Today these capsules are used by thousands of people to help with five things: coping, calm, clarity, confidence and connection.<br />
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3. This may not work for everyone. What I told myself when I started this was "natural supplements can't hurt me. It can only help so it's worth the try." I started to see my anxiety and panic attacks go away after a week and I'm hoping to see more help over the next year. Others have seen it start to work after a month or 6 months-up to a year.<br />
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4. This is safe for children. If they can't swallow pills there is a strawberry banana powder to put into smoothies.<br />
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5. <span style="color: blue;">Micronutrient Support</span> is a help line that has been in existence in Canada for 18 years and they helped over 100,000 people, safely wean off of their medications. If you are taking psychotropic medications, do not do this alone or you may experience adverse drug reactions or withdrawal. You must get help from you doctor or from this support to wean off your meds (866-397-3116 or www.micronutrientsupport.com). There is a $50/month fee, but most only need the help for one month.<br />
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6. If you'd like to give someone a trial, please share the information I've included here. If three of them end up buying product, you can get yours for free. Please take a look around <a href="http://www.mymojoback.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.MyMojoBack.com</span> </a>for more information, products, testimonials and there is also business opportunity if you're interested.<br />
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7. If you have any questions about Q96 call Scott. If you have questions about my own experience than you can contact me or just keep coming back here--there will be updates. Hoping that someone else out there will find answers!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-41979979677841150752014-12-06T21:15:00.000-06:002014-12-06T21:15:53.055-06:00Meds to Supplements?!?!I've been nonexistent on this blog for a while. I've decided that once Halloween draws near, a mother's schedule seems to speed up into a bit of a blur. Thanksgiving is hiding right behind the pumpkins and Christmas carols, lights and lists of giving take over from there. This is all certainly true for me but this year has been a little different as my anxiety has crept back in as well. I'm not really surprised because I've been on the same medication/same dose for about a year and a half.<br />
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I find it interesting that psychotropic medications help once you get a great balance, but there is always the knowledge that at some point it will probably stop working for some reason or another and it will be time to tweak it a bit or try something new. <br />
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So, my husband and I began to pray. That is always where we turn! Our Father in Heaven has always lead us in the past and we knew he would again. <br />
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I was sort of expecting for guidance at the psychiatrist office; maybe I would receive inspiration on how to describe what I'm now experiencing so my meds could be corrected. But, I kept having the feeling we needed to visit with a friend about some supplements she started having her son take a while back. The son was diagnosed with Bipolar and after a year of taking these new supplements is a whole new person. He no longer has that diagnosis. It's been a miracle for them and I've stood on the sideline and watched. I've seen him transform!<br />
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This families experience just kept coming to our mind. It was no coincidence when my husband happened into their home for something else and found the mother and father there. He set up a dinner date for the following week and we went. <br />
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We picked there brains about this Canadian company called True Hope. It's been around since 1996 and is also known as Q Sciences. They sell micronutrient Empower Plus. These are nutritional supplements packed with a balance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that our bodies need. They've been shown to be a mood stabilizer for many people that have psychotropic issues but also just plain out stressed. What Mother or Father isn't stressed?!?! We knew I needed to try it. Our only hang up was cost. It's pretty handy to have insurance pay for Psychiatrist visits and only have copays for medications each month.<br />
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In our research and trying to solve our money issue, we came across the fact that True Hope Empower Plus is the exact same as Empower Plus-Q96 supplements. We figured out a way to get the supplements and support for less money! (still learning more about this...details/links to come)<br />
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Can I just tell you right now that after just 7 days of taking these and still on my same medications I began to see a difference. Remember I said my anxiety and panic attacks were creeping in on me again. My moods were starting to control my days again. I was probably feeling the chest tightening, hard to breathe thing a few times a day...having to turn to my Lorazepam (take as needed medication) at least a couple times a week. In these 7 days, I could see my panic, tight chest feeling hadn't been there. I'm floored it began to work so quickly and after questioning the support staff have been told it's not uncommon for people to see results like that in the first 7 days.<br />
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The support phone calls that are available when you buy the supplements are helping me go off my medication now. It's been 2 1/2 weeks and I'm now taking half of the medication that I was when I started. It's only been 2 1/2 weeks!!! I haven't really skipped a beat. I'm feeling much better than I was. Honestly I kept debating over and over whether I should wait to do this switch until after the holidays and then finally decided that really "it's never a good time" so I jumped in. I did not expect to keep on with my daily routines as normal for a while.<br />
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So, here I am again just sharing a secret that I've literally been lead to. Let me make clear that taking medications and receiving therapy have been a huge blessing in my life! They have paid a huge role in leading me down a path of healing and help. I just want to share the progress and experience I have with learning about a more natural way of receiving help now that I'm at a place that I can actually see through the clouds. I share all this because it is therapeutic to me to hope that maybe someone else out there may benefit. As I learn, I'll share many more details here. Feel free to follow...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-65822224640704551002014-09-16T14:18:00.000-05:002014-09-16T14:23:49.014-05:00Swim in the Rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few Saturdays ago, I promised my kiddos that I'd take them swimming after all our jobs were done. There was the regular "drag your feet attitudes" and "multiple reminders to stay on task" and so it wasn't a surprise when it took us all morning. What did surprise us was to walk out the front door and find rain! The good old afternoon summer thunderstorm around here shouldn't surprise me anymore but I was not prepared on this specific day. </div>
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Well, I dropped the swimming pool bag and decided we can "swim" in the rain! I kept saying over and over..."come on, it'll be fun!" The only one that was game was Allison--she has that personality! That dear folks, is why I married her Dad! She's her father's child!!! Spontaneity is not foreign to those two people in my life for sure!</div>
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As I walked around in the rain with mascara dripping down my cheeks and yes, I was in my swimming suit in the front yard too, I thought about how I was a little sad that Spencer and Sarah got my more serious, rigid rule following self in them. </div>
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I guess, what I'm trying to say is that I've learned over the years and still need to be reminded from time to time, that it's okay to "drop the planned swimming pool bag" so to speak and run around in the rain. It's fun! It creates present living!</div>
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I find myself so wrapped up in my day to day schedules and planned out routines or even worse saying over and over again in my mind "some day in my next house, etc" that I forget that I can make things happen right now. </div>
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Let me give you an example. Ever since I was a little girl, I've dreamed of the mother I'd be and the house I would raise my family in. One of the things I've always wanted in my house was a swing. I've always wanted a unique, fun environment that my kids loved. Can't even tell you how many times in the last 7 years (since we purchased our first home) that I've told myself "in our next home I'll hang a swing in our big extra family room we're going to have." </div>
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I woke myself up about a year ago and realized, I can have a swing now. It may not be in a big extra family room that I'd like to come in my future, but I have a perfectly good hallway where a swing fits just great. We hung the swing! Guess where all the kids and their friends hang out...that swing! It's a little unique. It's pretty fun. It's that little dream I've had that I made happen. I dropped my "planned out swim bag" and used "the rain" I have right now!</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18px;">Thomas S. Monson said:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Sometimes we let our thoughts of tomorrow take up too much of today. Daydreaming of the past and longing for the future may provide comfort but will not take the place of living in the present."</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; line-height: 18px;">Dreaming and planning do bring me comfort, but as I've brought my dreaming to my life now and let go of my rigid planning a little, I've found even more comfort in my present home and in present moments as a mother and wife.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; line-height: 18px;">It makes me think of a quote from <i>The Music Man:</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"You pile up enough tomorrows and you'll find you've collected a lot of empty yesterdays."</span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-31232731586045166362014-07-22T15:36:00.000-05:002014-07-22T15:36:07.082-05:0010 Years Ago...the doctors place the sweetest little baby boy in my arms. He was screaming and I just smiled. I loved that sound!!! I know what it was like to have a baby not cry...not have the strength. I prayed for this!!!<br />
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Spencer's spirit entering our family has taught me so much! He lives close to the Lord and is very sensitive to the Holy Ghost and it's promptings/comfort. I often sit back and wonder how much I teach him but absolutely know he continually teaches me.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Happy 10th Birthday, Spencer Justin Kroff!</span> I know you're Dad is super proud that you not only carry his name but carry it well on top of looking just like him!<br />
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Thank you for being an example to your sisters. Thank you for bringing a thirst for knowledge into our home. Thank you for desiring to make good choices. Thank you for being creative with a new idea or twenty every single day! <br />
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I love your piano skills, how you soak up any science book you can get your hands, you enjoy figuring out math problems that are way beyond your years, rules and keeping them bring you great joy, friends are super important to you, you're grandparents and cousins are part of you and you want to know where you came from--taking pride in your ancestry!<br />
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My very favorite times with you are kneeling by your bed at night and finding out all the wonderful and unique things on your mind. I soak it up and love having you as my son!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-30057713332146910192014-07-10T15:28:00.000-05:002014-07-10T15:28:23.561-05:00Summer Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Spencer started his summer out with Cub Scout Day Camp. He was lucky enough to take his Dad with him for a day out of the week :)</div>
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Allison started gymnastics for the first time and absolutely loves it!!!</div>
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We had no idea the strength and flexibility this little girl has in her! Of course I don't have any good pictures of her actual performance but she's so fun to watch!</div>
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Our local library put on a carnival type grand opening to the Summer Reading Program. Of course Alli adored all the animals!</div>
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We spent about 10 days in Utah with our family that we miss tremendously! It's evident we enjoy this time because every time we get home we realize we lack photos of all the fun we actually had. So, here's a few...Grandma Jennings spent time with us in the downtown splash stream/pad...</div>
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at the carousel and also the library.</div>
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When we drove up to deliver the kids to the Annual Kroff Grandkid Campout, Sarah jumped out the car to find these walking boots to greet her...she missed her Prader-Willi Syndrome Walkathon but Grandma and Grandpa were sure to preserve a slice of it for her! She felt pretty special as she read notes on these boots that were left by those that donated to Prader-Willi Association in her honor.<br />
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A little skim boarding on the good ol' Virgin River! Loved Westin and Bridger were willing to share their boards with us. Good times!</div>
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Sand and Allison create hours of fascination!</div>
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Sarah caught a fish!</div>
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Justin turned 35 and we celebrated with breakfast and cake in Pine Valley with the Jennings...</div>
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...a hike with his brother, Steve, and his family. </div>
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The kids made this tie for Justin on Father's Day!</div>
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Uncle Danny took us fishing! Allison was lovin' it...didn't catch a fish but wants to go again :)</div>
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We visited Great Grandma Gurr and Great Grandma Jennings.</div>
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Justin got to go shooting with his brother, Danny, and nephew, McCoy.</div>
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These are just a few things that we did among family home evening with the Jennings when we got to swim at Aunt Heathers. Visits with Amy, Ben and Chelsi. Sleepovers with Bridger and Westin. We swam at Aunt Jocelyn's. We got to watch Uncle Aaron and Matt play baseball...well Aaron coached anyway--catching up with Aunt Tami, Annie, Lacie and Jason on the bleachers. We made breakfast with Becca and Emily. We ran errands with Aunt Heather. We hopped over to Aunt Camille's and Uncle Steve's.</div>
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We filled up our family tanks for a little bit anyway. If we can't live by 'em we can visit 'em often :)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-19179809178394373222014-07-10T14:42:00.000-05:002014-07-10T14:42:12.356-05:00Clap Out to Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm enjoying Summer so much that I'm just now looking at photos we took when school got out. Man, I love my kids! I just feel so proud of them! This little package of Nutella and bananas is what we handed out to their teachers...it was super hard to say good by to these specific teachers this year. Their teachers were a perfect match this time around!<br />
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Not a great photo but I love having Allison visit the big kids with me at their school. This was Spencer's 4th grade Clap Out from Elementary School. I cannot believe he's onto the big Intermediate School was Sarah next year!!!<br />
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I got to attend Spencer's End of the Year Class Party and his class buddies voted him as "Super Scientist" and "Best Manners!" I don't know what would make me more proud!!! That's my kid through and through!<br />
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Sarah was voted the Leader of the Pack for the last quarter! That's a huge compliment! I just love this girl to pieces! She ended her year on a great note where she just loves spending her whole day now with her Special Ed Class. Her teachers are so great with her!!! We've had multiple little miracles lead us to this Class and she'll be in the same class with the same teachers next year. We are so so so grateful!<br />
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Oh, can't forget that Justin's brother, Paul, came to visit during the last week of school. He was here on business but we were thrilled to catch up with him. Maybe thrilled is an understatement :)<br />
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The whole last week of school I just could not get off my mind that this was the last time that my little shadow of Allison would be hangin' out with me as I bounced between schools to be there for Spence and Sarah. I'm really going to miss my little partner!<br />
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I've loved this new Elementary School! We've gone through 4 different Elementary School and we just are so impressed with this one in particular. We were touched at all they put into Spencer's Graduation!<br />
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This was Spencer's Class and Mrs. Perry...that we so love!!!<br />
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Spencer was honored with the Highest Science Award for his class, the Highest Arts award for his grade and also A-B Honor Roll. So proud of this kid!!! Glad he's creative and smart :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-37795362516382943152014-06-03T10:53:00.002-05:002014-06-03T10:53:37.741-05:00Alli the Preschool Grad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">She did it! She's all ready for Kindergarten to come!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Miss Lori's Preschool finished off a great year at Pump It Up! I love that Allison earned the "Most Independent" Award! Suits her just right!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">We have treasured Miss Lori! This special daughter of ours has learned so much from her and we'll never forget these years of shapes, number, colors, beginning to read, the cutting, the singing, the dancing, field trips, robots and so much!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Now, Yeah for Summer!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-28386939931319353192014-06-03T10:27:00.002-05:002014-06-03T10:27:58.925-05:00Amazing Dishwasher Detergent!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqJxxaUiamw/U43m7f1Mg1I/AAAAAAAADfA/VynI2d-t5WM/s1600/IMG_2756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EqJxxaUiamw/U43m7f1Mg1I/AAAAAAAADfA/VynI2d-t5WM/s1600/IMG_2756.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Years ago I lived with my wonderful Parents-in-law. I learned so many wonderful things from them but one thing I learned was how they struggled with their icky dishwasher. So, now that I have a so called "icky" dishwasher I knew exactly who to go to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My wonderful Father-in-law, Joel figured this Detergent out that takes all the water stains and buildup off of clear glasses. It comes in handy when you have hard water for sure. It also literally cleans the inside of the dishwasher too. Lets just say this is a much better solution than getting a new dishwasher.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Just wanted to share:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Amazing Dishwasher Detergent</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 T. Borax</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 T. LemiShine (by all the dish washing options in grocery store)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1 T. Baking Soda</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">1/2 cup White Vinegar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Your Choice of Dishwasher Detergent (powder form)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">You put the top 3 ingredients in the container with the lid (where you normally put dishwasher soap) and fill the rest with your choice of detergent and close the lid. Then you pour the 1/2 c. vinegar just down in the bottom of the dishwasher before you start the load like usual.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-43468861410905792082014-06-03T10:09:00.000-05:002014-06-03T10:09:29.306-05:00Saturday Job Jars<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I used to do the cleaning by myself--you know, when the kids were at school. I'd do a my dusting on Monday, the vacuuming on Tuesday, etc. Don't get me wrong--the kids have always had daily responsibilities and one extra job they helped me with each day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I just began to realize how overwhelmed I was feeling with my own responsibilities. I'm a full time piano teacher on top of everything else and just never was getting my daily cleaning jobs done which left it hanging over my head.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I made "the switch" to our <b>Saturday Job Jars</b> where we all clean together on one day! It's so much faster, my kids are being taught so much and our house is completely clean all on one day--so nice!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So, this is how it works:</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-foCab1kez-o/U43akdiBAWI/AAAAAAAADeg/WKO6OZrSnbs/s1600/IMG_2739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-foCab1kez-o/U43akdiBAWI/AAAAAAAADeg/WKO6OZrSnbs/s1600/IMG_2739.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">We each have one of these jars that I set in front of us at breakfast each Saturday. As we're finishing up eating I turn the fun music on and unclip that ring! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">We go youngest to oldest and pick a job and put it in our jar. When the jobs are all passed out...we hop to it!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgsJctnLyyw/U43axul8S8I/AAAAAAAADes/tUEjmuC3jUs/s1600/IMG_2744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bgsJctnLyyw/U43axul8S8I/AAAAAAAADes/tUEjmuC3jUs/s1600/IMG_2744.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The finishing trick is that Mom and Dad are the "Keeper of the Ring!" You have to have your jobs checked by Mom or Dad before that job can be taken out of your jar and placed back on "the ring" (ready for next Saturday).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><u><b>Our Jobs:</b></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Dishes, Kitchen and Kitchen floor mopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Shake the rugs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Clean all Mirrors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Vacuum Downstairs and Stairs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Dusting</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Vacuum Upstairs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sweep Front Porch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Clean Toilets</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Clean Sinks</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Sweep Hard Floors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Mop Hard Floors</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Clean bathtubs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Laundry</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Empty Garbages </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Here's a template for these jobs if you're rethinking your cleaning process...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B8uu2nIcYp9Wb29tRk5oTU5ENFE/edit">Saturday Jobs Document</a></span><br />
(click link)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-32452775627734444382014-05-14T20:38:00.000-05:002014-05-14T20:38:45.514-05:00Older Kids vs YoungerAllison is definitely the tail-end of the family. I realized this week that she thought the book fair at the school was the actual "library experience." Um....it's been a few years since this mom has taken her daughter to the library.<br />
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So, we went today. We jumped in the car right after I checked my wallet to be sure I actually still had a library card. As we pulled up to the library, I hear from the back seat--"the library is a hotel!"<br />
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I just laughed. My oldest two children would have had no idea what a hotel was and the third child has no idea what a library is. Our life has sort of done a flip flop in the last five years, hasn't it?!?!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CXt5tjC6IXY/U3QZQ-Me9vI/AAAAAAAADeI/Mf0yJSf_ILE/s1600/IMG_2923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CXt5tjC6IXY/U3QZQ-Me9vI/AAAAAAAADeI/Mf0yJSf_ILE/s1600/IMG_2923.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(6 years ago) Sarah 6 years old, Spencer 4 years old</td></tr>
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I remember my other two finally realizing what McDonalds was when we were finally out of school and starting Justin's career. I also remember having the experience a few years ago that I could actually walk out the door and go somewhere with the kids while Justin was at work. The life with only one car and no money is quite different.<br />
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So, now we know what McDonalds is. We know what it's like to go to the grocery store or run back and forth to the schools in a mini van but no longer know what its like to walk to the park and the library every day. I treasured those days!<br />
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I'm starting to feel very sentimental the last few weeks as I see this school year coming to a close. My baby is about to enter the summer before full day Kindergarten with us. Very soon I won't have these quiet school days with her after Spencer and Sarah hop on the bus each morning. <br />
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I won't have a little shadow helping with laundry, painting my tile with nail polish, smearing bubbles around the kitchen while we do dishes, walking bare foot to the mail box, dancing around to Disney music, watching cartoons as she sits on the dog, starting a puzzle in each room and not finishing them, copying my yoga moves in her own way, begging for all the treats at the store, climbing in my lap (and on my head for that matter) while I teach piano lessons, swinging on the backyard swing while singing to the world, or hiding in the back corner of the pantry with a mouth full of marshmallows. I'm really really going to miss this!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYoRQbzoKtY/U3QYmi0cOVI/AAAAAAAADeA/Zo1KkDP5yko/s1600/IMG_2685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GYoRQbzoKtY/U3QYmi0cOVI/AAAAAAAADeA/Zo1KkDP5yko/s1600/IMG_2685.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allison--about to be 5 years old</td></tr>
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As sad as it is that Allison didn't know what the library even looked like, I think she and I have lived it up the last five years! It may be different then the little pre-Kindergarten years I lived with Sarah and Spencer but they've been great! I so love being a mother. I'm treasuring every moment I have with my little Allison being home with me! <br />
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I've had many people ask where my blog posts have been....that's where. Waiting for another day when me and my Allison won't have these kinds of moments.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-85602735109586670402014-05-02T14:51:00.002-05:002014-05-02T14:55:12.449-05:00Donate to Sarah<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May is Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Month</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.upwsa.org/">Utah Prader-Willi Syndrome Association</a> is our connection to the Prader-Willi World!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They have helped us in so many ways!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We may live in Texas but work closely with them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are having a Walk to raise funds in Utah this month. We want so bad to help and our way to help from here was to set up a <a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/SarahKroff/fitness?fb_action_ids=10203983321411314&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=.U2J0vVY4Cto.like&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582">"Giving Page"</a> for our girl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We're asking all of you to please give just a little...this helps Sarah directly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/SarahKroff/fitness?fb_action_ids=10203983321411314&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=.U2J0vVY4Cto.like&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582">Click here to see her Giving Page and donate</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These funds help her with therapy, clinics, things like iPads for learning, camps, conference for us to learn and keep up with changes in the scientific world and more.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-62516591215861130722014-05-02T13:23:00.000-05:002014-05-02T13:23:37.023-05:00Easier with AwarenessThis lovely month of May is <a href="http://www.pwsausa.org/syndrome/index.htm">Prader-Willi Syndrome</a> Awareness Month! As I've been thinking about my part in spreading knowledge and fundraising, I've had my own thoughts about how people being aware of Sarah's Syndrome helps us. So, I'm just going to share those thoughts of mine. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's easier to be a parent of a child with Prader-Willi Syndrome when....</b></span><br />
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People like <b>Emilee C. </b>shoot me a quick text before an event at her house where there will be food. These texts just simply state EXACTLY what will be served. We are able to tell Sarah ahead of time what she can choose to eat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGjhQdRZBJY/U2PUr_BcwFI/AAAAAAAADaQ/ek7CmGNb2sA/s1600/IMG_0424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGjhQdRZBJY/U2PUr_BcwFI/AAAAAAAADaQ/ek7CmGNb2sA/s1600/IMG_0424.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah 1 yr. old (drawn by Justin)</td></tr>
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<b>Jill W.'s</b> of the world just jump in and start answering the never ending questions (that I've been answering all day long--11 yrs. really) when she's around.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XmUS_XsIKeU/U2PYVb5koqI/AAAAAAAADcU/ODbC6ZIaoLE/s1600/100_0858_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XmUS_XsIKeU/U2PYVb5koqI/AAAAAAAADcU/ODbC6ZIaoLE/s1600/100_0858_0068.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />Sarah 2 yrs. old</td></tr>
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When the adults that Sarah tries to wrap up into giving her some type of food/treat not only say "talk to your mom" but add a little more help like: "your food plan doesn't have that on it", "I heard your mom say no", "you already had one--no more", or how about a big old "no!" (She listens to others better than me)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7nyf8DSjqM/U2PZMMTuprI/AAAAAAAADco/KupyX8aX9d4/s1600/100_1290_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7nyf8DSjqM/U2PZMMTuprI/AAAAAAAADco/KupyX8aX9d4/s1600/100_1290_0037.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah 2 1/2 yrs. old</td></tr>
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I'm told I have more patience than he does by people like <b>Gilbert J. </b>(If I hear it enough, somehow it makes me feel patient :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iYfOaODYFLk/U2PXv6Vy2HI/AAAAAAAADb8/ykpuqASA3rg/s1600/037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iYfOaODYFLk/U2PXv6Vy2HI/AAAAAAAADb8/ykpuqASA3rg/s1600/037.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah 3 yrs. old</td></tr>
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Mothers like <b>Tasha B.</b> teach their children how they can be a friend to other children with Special Needs.<br />
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Primary Teachers (at church) like <b>Jake M.</b> and <b>Rick W. </b>ask about bringing treats to class before it happens. Also they help Sarah get along in the class with all those different personalities without involving us as parents....honestly so nice to not have to always be the problem solver.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8psAObEpeuc/U2PZZvsVEMI/AAAAAAAADcw/-bUBIdSHZ40/s1600/christmas+06+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8psAObEpeuc/U2PZZvsVEMI/AAAAAAAADcw/-bUBIdSHZ40/s1600/christmas+06+013.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah 4 yrs. old</td></tr>
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School Teachers like <b>Mrs. Brown</b> and <b>Mrs. Merry</b> have figured out how to use <i>Classroom Fairies</i>, <i>Elf on the Shelf</i> and <i>the Easter Bunny</i> to entice, encourage and make Sarah feel loved.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4KP16jo7YUs/U2PZsRed1CI/AAAAAAAADc8/1n5FH5TVgg4/s1600/Aquarium+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4KP16jo7YUs/U2PZsRed1CI/AAAAAAAADc8/1n5FH5TVgg4/s1600/Aquarium+023.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah 5 yrs. old</td></tr>
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I sit in my Mom's caregiver class and have another mother tell me she hates shaving her special need girl's legs and armpits as much as I do.<br />
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The <b>Suzanne E.'s</b> are willing to give Sarah her shots so I can leave over night with my hubby.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gw23D92ap18/U2PWk90JcEI/AAAAAAAADbc/TkAooufqlZw/s1600/juj+30th+b-day,+black+n+white+kids+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gw23D92ap18/U2PWk90JcEI/AAAAAAAADbc/TkAooufqlZw/s1600/juj+30th+b-day,+black+n+white+kids+023.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah 6 yrs. old</td></tr>
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<b>Bishop Ginn</b> will walk right down in the baptismal font and bend over backwards to make Sarah feel comfortable so her wish of being baptized can come true.<br />
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Young girls like <b>Cristine E. </b>will see past the many difference between her and Sarah and just realize they both have challenges, they can still be best of friends!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTXgzV4HREc/U2PWR-1qNtI/AAAAAAAADbM/mjtdH0Fr-hs/s1600/IMG_2736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTXgzV4HREc/U2PWR-1qNtI/AAAAAAAADbM/mjtdH0Fr-hs/s1600/IMG_2736.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah 7 yrs. old</td></tr>
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People like <b>Lisa T.</b> have their own special need child but dedicate hours and hours to helping and supporting other parents and children across the nation with the same challenge.<br />
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Neighbors just smile or laugh when Sarah walks right into their house, yells down the street at them or thinks they speak Spanish even though they really don't.<br />
<br />Girls like <b>Ellie B.</b> are willing to hang out with my cute girl so I can take my other two children in peace to a party full of food and people.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7uR9n-ZYWa4/U2PakJt3pFI/AAAAAAAADdM/OKoptR4W7Gg/s1600/December+2010+068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7uR9n-ZYWa4/U2PakJt3pFI/AAAAAAAADdM/OKoptR4W7Gg/s1600/December+2010+068.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah 8 yrs. old</td></tr>
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The bus drivers give you personal cell phone numbers just so you can try and prevent issues that arise in the early mornings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7313PMnlnI/U2PVKDBhmEI/AAAAAAAADao/vPfBu5KIRvk/s1600/IMG_0456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N7313PMnlnI/U2PVKDBhmEI/AAAAAAAADao/vPfBu5KIRvk/s1600/IMG_0456.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah 9 yrs. old</td></tr>
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The <b>Ben J.'s</b> go one way down the circular halls at church so I can go the other and trap Sarah somehow and finally take her home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05x9uJTPQ_Q/U2PVd8MeeWI/AAAAAAAADa4/Pgqz8TQxh-s/s1600/IMG_1364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-05x9uJTPQ_Q/U2PVd8MeeWI/AAAAAAAADa4/Pgqz8TQxh-s/s1600/IMG_1364.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah 10 yrs. old</td></tr>
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People like <b>Jenny D. </b>will let me call them and flip out about crazy expectation that a teacher has for this girl of mine. Oh, and actually have real advice because her daughter has special needs too.<br />
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Friends like <b>Holly B. </b>send Sarah home with very large, very beautiful princess puzzles to keep her occupied.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ns5HTDza3p0/U2PhDnMBmNI/AAAAAAAADdw/hmDMOoKVLcQ/s1600/IMG_2650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ns5HTDza3p0/U2PhDnMBmNI/AAAAAAAADdw/hmDMOoKVLcQ/s1600/IMG_2650.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah 11 yrs. old, Spencer 9 yrs. old, Allison 4 yrs. old</td></tr>
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Mothers like <b>Jena S. </b>set up play dates with their daughter and Sarah and make it successful by helping her daughter understand special needs<br />
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The <b>Becky P.'s</b> hide/put away food items when Sarah comes over. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>They are Aware!</b></span><br />
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I've only mentioned a handful of people in our lives that are aware of us and aware of what Prader-Willi Syndrome is and how they can help. We are just super grateful that there is support around us always!!!<br />
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Here's a little challenge...teach someone else what you know....help the awareness!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-20504483256530482692014-04-01T15:12:00.000-05:002014-04-01T15:16:36.995-05:00"How Are You?"So, where am I today?<br />
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Honestly, I feel like I'm Megan. I was about to say I have me back, but that wouldn't be accurate. I have added upon what I once was. I won't ever be what I was. If we're living our life like it's meant to be lived (in my perspective anyway), then we are constantly changing and growing. <br />
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First of all, I have my medications balanced-- the right dosage, the right anti depressant, the right mood stabilizer. It took me months to start to feel balance then tweaks here and there with the help of my psychiatrist took me on a road of "horrible side affects" and also times of way too much "wind in my sails!"<br />
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I've put a thumb on where my stress was coming from. Therapy sessions with my psychologists certainly helped me down this road but study and work far after has helped me with this. To name a few...I know great stress comes from caring for a child with <a href="http://www.pwsausa.org/syndrome/index.htm">Prader-Willi Syndrome</a>, being a consultant for a food storage company and trying to keep a front of perfection.<br />
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I've learned techniques to avoid that stress and also to manage the stress I know will always be there. Biggest way for me to avoid it is to just say no. I always felt like I had to do everything that was asked of me or sign every signup sheet that crossed my lap. I feel completely comfortable now to just pass that baby on or say that word no. I know my limits! It is okay for me to not break myself. I have a little saying I tell myself..."just try to say yes a little more than I say no." For some reason that helps me.<br />
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I keep my appointments with my psychiatrist! I check in with my husband before I go. I'm trying to be real with others but these two things help me to be real with myself. I will be frank here, there are days lately that I'm feeling so wonderful and so "balanced" that I wonder if all this diagnosis is a hoax. I'll start thinking things like maybe I don't need this medication or maybe I was just going through a hard time and I can handle it now. It takes my husband looking me in my eyes and reminding me of my road I've been down. Sometimes I get to my psychiatrist and question as well. I've been told over and over that this is one of the scariest things with bipolar because you do get feeling really great and you do have these thoughts and feelings so you stop doing what is working for you...only to find a crash!<br />
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I connect with my Heavenly Father every single day! Eternal Perspective is paramount! We are immortal beings here on this earth having mortal experiences. I know that! I know that I'm a daughter of God and that He is the one that will make me feel loved and special the most. I know that He is the one that will guide me each day and also the one that will teach me and help me to see who I am. He is my constant! I connect through prayer, reading scriptures (especially my Book of Mormon), going to church, teaching my children scripture stories, singing hymns, going to the temple, playing hymns on the piano, sitting on the drive way and just feeling the sun from heaven, turning my Pandora channel to inspirational music, writing in a gratitude journal, researching my family history. <br />
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So, back to...."how am I?" I've never been better! I've learned a lot about myself and I feel alive and grateful like I never have before. Now, just because I feel so great is every day great? Uhhh, big fat no! I just know that I'm having real Megan sad, emotional moments. I'm having real Megan cravings for fruit or pastries. I'm having real Megan energy days instead of being some crazy super woman. I'm having real Megan mornings that I want to stay curled in my warm cozy bed for just 5 more minutes. Bottom line, I'm having real human ups and downs instead of having super Megan ups that will break me or depressed Megan downs that will drowned me.<br />
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I'm enjoying being a piano teacher. I'm reading books again. I'm experimenting with new recipes again. I'm looking forward to reading with my children before they go to bed at night. It's me doing the bulk of laundry and dishes again. I'm able to work on my relationship with the best man in the world again!!! I'm just sitting down in the middle of a busy day to just be with my kids. I'm connecting with friends and extended family. Exercise is important to me again. When I look at my children, I'm filled with love and happiness. I love what I see when I look in the mirror. My artistic abilities are inspired once more. Most important to me, I feel whole so I'm able to serve and help others now!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-38673893590205638942014-03-24T22:21:00.000-05:002014-03-24T22:22:36.933-05:00His Talk Not Mine<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got to speak at our church this last Sunday. It was good for me to study all week long and to really just sit back and think about real experiences in my life that have brought unity with my family, neighbors, friends, and ward members. (our church congregation that we attend is called a ward)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I prayed and prayed (probably more than I ever have for a talk like this). I wanted so bad to have our Heavenly Father tell me what it was I was supposed to say. I wanted to touch those hearts that came to our Sacrament Meeting seeking for answers or an uplift. I needed the Lord to tell me what to say because I know I am so not capable of knowing the hearts and minds of all those people. I promised my Heavenly Father that I would study and that I would write a talk but I needed him to fill my mouth when I stood up to that microphone.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stood there with faith that it would happen and it did. I hardly spoke a word that I wrote down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a little snippet of what came out:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I told about a word that I learned about from a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_18?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=kevin+hall+aspire&sprefix=Kevin+Hall%2C+Aspire%2Caps%2C244"><i>Aspire: Discovering Your Purpose Through the Power of Words</i> by Kevin Hall</a>. It's the word Genshai (GEN-shy). It means to never make someone feel small--yourself included.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The author, Kevin, speaks of becoming quickly united with a man named Pravin because walls were let down and personal things were talked about. Pravin was able to teach this Hindi word "Genshai" to Kevin by connecting it to a word we know out here in the West as "Charity."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you were to see a beggar on the side of the street and you casually tossed him coin you wouldn't be practicing Genshai. But if you knelt down on your knees, looked straight into his eyes and thought about all the heart ache, trials, hurts, suffering you've gone through in your own life while you cup your hands around his and lovingly place that coin in his hand then you would be a true practitioner of Genshai.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading this a few years ago has changed my life. It really has made me have a much deeper understanding of true Christ like charity. It reminds me of 3 things in my life that have added upon this learning for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, is my dear husband, Justin. He has always been so warm and open with everyone he ever comes in contact with. I grew up wanting to marry such a guy and I was led right to him! This man of mine wears his heart on his sleeve. He makes friends everywhere he goes. He honestly unites any room he is in. He's a fantastic missionary because all he does is opens up his personal life and the gospel just oozes out of him! I fell in love with him because of it and fall in love all over again when I see this happen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next, is my Sarah. Simply put she has no walls. No onion layers to uncover. She is a s pure as they come. It's absolutely a miracle that she is still on this earth and that is why. She is here for others! She knows she's Gods daughter and she knows that everyone else on this earth is Gods child too! She makes us friends up and down our street, at the grocery store, at every school, every meeting, everywhere we go. She is an open book that just says it like it is--no reservations. If you're a neighbor drinking coffee she'll tell you why it's not good for your body--she's not afraid to talk to others purely. If you're mowing the lawn on Sunday instead of being at church she'll give a quick reminder of why that's not okay. She speaks truth, honesty and her pure heart always!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then there is the Panic Attack that I had a few years back that knocked me off my feet and caused me to STOP. I talk about all of this <a href="http://choosebetterorbest.blogspot.com/2013/10/i-was-having-heart-attack.html">back here at this link...</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a dream. A very personal dream about a year ago where just like in <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/enos/1?lang=eng">Enos 1:10</a>, I heard "the voice of the Lord come into my mind, saying..." I needed to write a blog about my experiences and trials in my life. I was to share that I have Bipolar, Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks. I was to share my experiences as a mother but also as a "special needs" mother.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/w-of-m/1?lang=eng"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Words of Mormon 1:7</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"And I do this for a wise purpose; for this it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord knoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he worketh in me to do according to his will."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I feel this way. I had no idea what would come from following through with this inspiration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've learned that peeling back my layers of perfection I was trying to show and pulling my walls down was absolutely necessary to unite with my own family, my own husband and then to be able to pull in the most fabulous special people and relationships up and down my street and all over my ward. I receive phone calls, texts, emails and wonderful conversations daily that are very therapeutic to me but I believe are healing to those that are contacting me. I know it is for a "wise purpose!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I asked everyone sitting there on Sunday what does this all mean to us? It's inspiration from our Father in Heaven that we as a ward need to peel back our layers, pull down our walls and practice a little Genshai in our ward. We will become united as we open up and share our hearts, our trials, our struggles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt the need to end with my <a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/nt/john/11?lang=eng">favorite scripture story of Lazarus</a> being raised from the dead.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 11:11</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus went to raise him from the dead. Mary and Martha were weeping when Christ came. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 11:33, 35</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"...he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. Jesus wept."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He saw that Mary and Martha were so sad and cried with them! He didn't tell them to just stand up and wipe it off. He knew he was going to walk around the corner and go raise him from the dead (seeing the end from the beginning) but he knew they were still aching and hurting. This trial was very real to them and our Savior, perfectly showed his Charity--a little Genshai if you will.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love that Jesus has compassion, empathy, love just like this for us. He doesn't just wipe our tears away and say "stand up. It's okay. I'm going to bless your husband with a job, money is on it's way, the doctors will let you know what's happening next week, you'll see them again someday--get over it."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He weeps with us. He knows we feel hurt, or sad--that we're worried. He knows were feeling these things and struggling through them. As He weeps with us and we allow him to see us so vulnerable we form a bond with him. We remember He knows us personally. We come to know and feel His love and compassion for us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well...I sat down at our church after I closed and then listened to the most beautiful arrangement of <a href="https://www.lds.org/general-conference/music/2011/10?lang=eng&session=4&song=3&media=video">"Consider the Lilies" </a>by a special woman in our ward that I have grown to admire. Followed by a fabulous talk by our Bishop. I was fed and I know others were too. There was not many dry eyes in that chapel. I feel humbled to have been a part and to have felt of that special Spirit that was there.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-5176945498094558072014-03-17T12:23:00.000-05:002014-03-17T12:23:35.771-05:00A Moment in My Messy KitchenDuring an attempt to drown out the grumpies this morning (it's Monday after all and even worse, the Monday after Spring Break) Alli and I were dancing around the kitchen. It was taking a little <a href="http://www.pandora.com/account/register">Pandora</a> to get me to start on the sink full of dishes and of course the piles of laundry.<br />
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Well, I had a moment I need to share, so the dishes and laundry still wait. It was Disney again...hadn't had a moment with Ariel before but suddenly realized I so relate. Remember her song "Part of Your World?" Remember when she's in her cavern of treasures and she's singing:<br />
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"Lookin' around here you'd think (sure) she's got everything!"<br />
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But then she slips into her wants...literally says:<br />
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"But who cares, no big deal, I want more!"<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1H-niyOpowo/UyctNy8NB2I/AAAAAAAADZk/jLiqCUaVpOc/s1600/Ariel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1H-niyOpowo/UyctNy8NB2I/AAAAAAAADZk/jLiqCUaVpOc/s1600/Ariel2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">picture courtesy <a href="http://rock.rapgenius.com/Disney-records-part-of-your-world-lyrics#note-2104311">at this link</a></span></div>
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I honestly swim in circles in my so called cavern of a house and think that...I want more! I catch myself more these days and knock some sense into myself as I sit and list all that I have...I am so blessed! I literally have it all! I really do!<br />
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How often, though, do we sit around and look at our "Ariel Friends" around us and think "she's got everything!" How often do we think or even say "I wish I had what so and so has" or "I wish I did that like so and so" or "I wish I looked like so and so?"<br />
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Well, people, I admit it right here. Right now. As I sit in my messy kitchen, I'm one of those. I used to really be one of those far too often and I still fall into that trap a little but I like to think I catch myself and count my blessings and see how wonderful Megan is plenty now.<br />
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Don't get me wrong. Ariel was great to have dreams. It's awesome she wanted to grow and learn and experience but she wished she was something she wasn't. I literally picked up my four year old girl just now and told her to grow and learn but improve sweet Allison. Find Allison's potential! I told her:<br />
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"Allison, Heavenly Father made you so special on purpose. He sent you here to learn about yourself, to love and improve yourself, and then to turn and help others do the same!"<br />
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One more thing...<br />
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Our dear beloved Olaf from "Frozen" came on next. Yep, he taught me today too. Remember when Mr. Snowman wants and dreams of being in Summer. He pretty much had no clue whatsoever that it wouldn't work out for him.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eR6C0vHgvCM/UycuOHDsJaI/AAAAAAAADZw/gLpQwDshTuw/s1600/Olaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eR6C0vHgvCM/UycuOHDsJaI/AAAAAAAADZw/gLpQwDshTuw/s1600/Olaf.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">picture courtesy <a href="http://wallsistah.com/frozen-in-summer-animation/">at this link</a></span></div>
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We are so much like that silly Snowman. Our Heavenly Father doesn't just sit back and think "we've gotta tell him!" So sad that we don't realize that he tells us all the time. He tells us that He will guide us, He will place us where we need to be, He will help mold us and teach us, trust Him! <br />
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Simply put...we gotta stop wishin' we are something we're not and stop wishin' we were somewhere we're not. There is a specific plan for us. There is a specific time line for us. We need to seek out our Heavenly Father's plan for us and who he wants us to be.<br />
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Love Disney!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-73562961455852965342014-03-06T12:56:00.000-06:002014-03-06T13:08:21.569-06:00My Angel Sarah<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have this little pain in my heart and tears that swell behind my eyes that have come and gone for years. These little feelings pop up on days that my darling Sarah comes flying down the stairs from her bus after school with bandaids up and down her legs and her glasses askew. They're there on mornings when I drop her sweet little girl self off at school, or when I go to meet her at lunch and plop down on the lunch room bench next to her. You see, there's usually quite a bit of room-- always a space between her and the other children.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That little pain was unmistakingly very present just the other morning as I pulled up into the Intermediate School parking lot. It's a familiar feeling when I let her climb out of the car alone and watch her do her bouncy walk on the balls of her feet right over to where the other Math Camp kids are waiting to be let in the front doors of the school. She always bounces right up to the other girls and I can see that those girls want to act right--probably try to be a friend, but just like me 20 years ago, just don't know quite what to do or say. They sort of stop talking and have to shuffle a little to have her not so uncomfortably in their personal space.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My heart and eyes sting. I may be grateful that there is much more understanding of special needs in the world today and yes, there are so many wonderful accepting kids out there, but the sting is there. When I drop her off there isn't the same kind of other children running up to greet and play with her like my other children. It's just different. In so many ways a wonderful kind of different. Justin and I are so aware as her parents that these little hard moments are surrounded by really wonderful, special moments with this unique daughter of ours but our hearts do get pricked by this familiar sting all the same.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, yesterday we were sitting at the dinner table eating, chatting, talking. Sarah looks at me and in her very loud voice starts to tell me about a girl in her special education class. Lets call her Kate for the sake of privacy. So, Sarah says: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Kate has no friends, Mom. I be a friend. I sit by her. I play with her. I eat lunch by Kate. She no like other girls. They not nice. I be her friend!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tell you what, my heart swelled with an overwhelming love. A complete love that brought different kinds of tears swelling from behind my eyes. What an angel! My heart stings at times because other children aren't there for my girl and now today she tells me how she's that angel friend that this other special child needs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She's like that you know. My darling Sarah may not be aware she's in your space, may yell way down the street at you that you need to be at church, might hug your preteen boy til he's so red it's gonna stay for a year, might stop and touch every person in a wheel chair, might ask when your baby will be born even though you don't have a baby in your belly, ask you a million questions over and over, but one thing is for sure...she's an angel to people around her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She's aware of you...aware of everybody. She loves everybody that surrounds her. She really loves them and knows that everyone has something to be curious about. We may think she's not very sensitive socially but I think she has a innocent sensitivity that ends up being the angel that particular people in her life seek. No wonder that miracles have kept her on this earth. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XUVbdIPNmLs/UxjAx3gj6PI/AAAAAAAADZM/ZszhTuTyFeo/s1600/oil+painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XUVbdIPNmLs/UxjAx3gj6PI/AAAAAAAADZM/ZszhTuTyFeo/s1600/oil+painting.jpg" height="248" width="400" /></a></div>
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painting courtesy of <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/t/a-teachers-resource-victorian-social-life-from-paintings/">this website</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">President Thomas S. Monson, the prophet at this time in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke these following words and described this beautiful painting above:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;">"Children’s hearts are tender. They long for the companionship of other children. In the famous Victoria and Albert Museum in London hangs a masterpiece on canvas. Its title is simply </span><i style="border: 0px; color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sickness and Health.</i><span style="color: #2f393a; line-height: 18px;"> Depicted is a small girl in a wheelchair. Her face is pale; her countenance reflects sadness. She watches an organ-grinder perform while two little girls, carefree and happy, frolic and dance.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #2f393a; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18px;">Sadness and sorrow at times come to all, including children. But children are resilient. They bear up beautifully to shoulder the burden they may be called upon to endure. Perhaps the lovely psalm describes this virtue: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Last night, I saw "joy" in my Sarah's eyes as she told me about sweet "Kate" from school. I told her thank you for being a nice friend and she just beamed back at me. I asked her how she felt inside and she said:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"I be a friend. It make Jesus happy I nice to {Kate}!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #2f393a; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Yes, Sarah. It makes your parents happy. It makes Jesus happy and look how happy it makes you!</span></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-227264192760325722014-02-18T12:40:00.000-06:002014-02-18T12:40:30.473-06:00True EmpathyOne of the most beautiful blessings that has come through my battles with Bipolar and Anxiety is the glimpse into my Sarah's head.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj7TZ6HeUDA/UwOnMaB9ypI/AAAAAAAADY0/voKcm3xXB8U/s1600/IMG_2427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jj7TZ6HeUDA/UwOnMaB9ypI/AAAAAAAADY0/voKcm3xXB8U/s1600/IMG_2427.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Yesterday I got another phone call from the school saying that Sarah was having an out right tantrum at her teacher because the little snack they were having wasn't what she expected. I kid you not, Sarah was yelling so loud that when the teacher called I could hardly hear her. After I got Sarah on the phone and did our little ritual of deep breathing over the phone, reminded her that her mom was on the same team as the teacher, and then helped her to see that the snack really was just right for what she needed then I could hear a calm come over and feel a smile on the other side of that phone.<br />
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These little experiences are so familiar to me now. I always knew that Sarah didn't understand and that I needed to basically treat her like a preschooler when these things would pop up but I have a new understanding now.<br />
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I have felt and know what it feels like to not be able to control your own emotions. I know what it's like to have a disturbing moment that is propelling me over a cliff when all it truly is is a small hiccup. I understand feeling way stronger and much more capable of taking something on than my physical body can in reality handle. I know what it's like to have nervous and anxious feelings take over me even though someone is there telling me it's okay. I've felt racing thoughts over and over again when I'd like to have calm. I know too well what it's like to feel so happy I want to dance and then the next second "snap" into an angry, sad spiral.<br />
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All of these are probably familiar feelings to everyone at some degree but bipolar, anxiety, or mental disabilities are absolutely more extreme cases. I get this as I watch my own 3 children--two very healthy children and my Sarah with the "extreme cases." These emotions and feelings are present in all three but if graphed out on a sheet of paper much higher peaks and slopes for my Sarah by far.<br />
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I believe that one reason why I have these battles in my own life are to be able to understand this daughter of mine. I'm able to walk her through her own struggles in such a way now that I feel empathy, love, understanding...oh, how much understanding is there when you've felt and suffered the same way.<br />
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I never have these thoughts without thinking of my Savior. He not only has glimpses into my head but has felt and suffered every bump, every sad, every hurt, every lonely dark feeling, every racing thought, every guilt...every weak moment of mine. I can not even explain in these typed words how calm and peaceful I feel to know that He is "walking me through my own struggles" with complete understanding. <br />
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We are not meant to learn and struggle alone. Just as I teach the children at our church to sing...Absolutely, our Heavenly Father has given us families to help us become what he wants us to be. Absolutely, our Heavenly Father has given us His Son to help us become what he wants us to be. He's there. All we have to do is use His Atonement.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Family Is of God</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our Father has a family</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's me, It's you; a</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ll others too--w</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">e are his children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He sent each one of us to earth, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">through birth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To live and learn here in families.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God gave us families.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To help us become what he wants us to be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is how he shares his love</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the family is of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A mother's purpose is to </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">care, prepare, to nurture and strengthen all her children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She teaches children to obey, to pray, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to love and serve in the family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God gave us families,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To help us become what he wants us to be.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is how he shares his love</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the family is of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A father's place is to</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">preside, provide, to love and teach the gospel to his children</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A father leads in family prayer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">to share their love for Father in Heaven</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God gave us families,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To help us become what he wants us to be.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is how he shares his love</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For the family is of God.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-3158499001776335162014-02-10T21:51:00.000-06:002014-02-10T21:51:10.352-06:00Blowing Things Out of ProportionAbsolutely one of the best tools I came out of my therapy with was my "ABCD" cards. I'm constantly going back to this daily. Justin is so great at walking me through this too.<br />
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One of the tendency's I have is to blow things waaaayyy out of proportion. Sound familiar? <br />
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Then again, maybe it doesn't sound familiar. Maybe you're like me and had no idea that you were making such a "huge shadow" out of something that was "really so small" or not a big deal at all.<br />
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So, I was told to take any situation or any event that I was experiencing or thinking about and write it down. Especially those events or situations that were bringing on my panic attacks/stress.<br />
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I was taught how to check these events and situations for my subjective beliefs and then against the reality in how it really was.<br />
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(I would literally carry 3x5 cards around until I had it down)<br />
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Let me show you how it works:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A- Activating Event </span></div>
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(What's going on to stimulate me?)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">B- Belief </span></div>
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(What is my belief about the situation?)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">C- Consequence </span></div>
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(How do I feel?)</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">D- Dispute the Belief </span></div>
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(What's reality? What would an outsider with facts say? take away any emotion.)</div>
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So, what would said "activating event" be to a mother named Megan?</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A- </span><span style="font-size: large;">I'm leaving on an over night with my husband and my 2 year old does not fall asleep FOREVER besides waking up ALL night long!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">B-</span><span style="font-size: large;"> My friend won't get any sleep. She will never ever volunteer to do this again. Their whole family will be interrupted. My 2 year old is going to be so sad.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">C- </span><span style="font-size: large;">I'm worried and stressed. I can't even enjoy this overnight. I'm causing my husband to not enjoy his overnight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">D-</span><span style="font-size: large;">My friend could have said no. There's no school or schedule for this family to be to tomorrow. They like having a little kid around again. It's way better for the 2 yr old to have happy parents that get out--without stress!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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So, what would said "activating event" be to a women with Anxiety Disorder?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A- </span><span style="font-size: large;">Driving to unfamiliar airport alone/brand new parking plan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">B- </span><span style="font-size: large;">I'll get lost. I'll be late. I'll look like a crazy person.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">C- </span><span style="font-size: large;">I'm sick to my stomach, tight muscles, tense jaw, can't breathe, can't commit to my trip.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">D- </span><span style="font-size: large;">I can leave early just in case. It'll be nice to finally figure it out. No body else cares. I can drive in circles until I figure it out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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So, what would said "activating event" be to a Special Needs Parent?</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A- </span><span style="font-size: large;">Sarah's starting to yell at me hysterically.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">B- </span><span style="font-size: large;">I can't keep her calm. She's going to be like this the rest of the day. We're going to be late. The other kids don't need to listen to this. The neighbors are going to think we are crazy over here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">C- </span><span style="font-size: large;">I'm crazy stressed. My patience is gone. My heart is pounding and teeth clinching. If yell maybe it will catch her attention.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">D- </span><span style="font-size: large;">She'll eventually stop. She can not control it. She does not realize what she is doing. The other kids know she can't control it and if they don't they will understand some day. My calm will bring her calm. I will regain control with acting bored and completely untouched.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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It's been my experience that practicing this little exercise daily has brought more control and far less anxiety about situations that occur in my everyday life. I don't need to carry 3x5 cards with me anymore but I promise you that these ABCD's come up all the time between me and my husband. It's been so helpful to bring those "crazy big shadows" back down into reality of the "small sweet little mice" that they probably are.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1008564757377993576.post-29491380686809811132014-01-07T22:48:00.001-06:002014-01-07T22:48:11.595-06:00"Special Needs" Conversations with my AllisonWe were walking around Target a couple of days ago and Allison just stopped. She was watching a little boy with severe physical disabilities. He was wheelchair bound and couldn't move or speak. <br />
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In the sweetest little voice she asked me "what happened to him?"<br />
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I knelt down next to her right there in the aisle and said "you know how Sarah was born with Prader-Willi syndrome and we call it special needs sometimes? Well, he has special needs too. His body was born that way. That's his challenge that God gave him."<br />
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That's all the explanation she needed for the moment because she said ok and just walked away.<br />
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About an hour later, we found ourselves at the park. She was swinging on a JennSwing and after a minute she said "this is a new swing. I've never seen one like this before."<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2p44QolDCXE/UszUfpUcNVI/AAAAAAAADXw/khoIuToITeE/s1600/jennSwingmain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2p44QolDCXE/UszUfpUcNVI/AAAAAAAADXw/khoIuToITeE/s1600/jennSwingmain.jpg" /></a></div>
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I went on to explain to her that "remember when you saw that boy in Target? His mommy could bring him to this park and put him in that swing. He wouldn't be able to swing on one of the other swings. It's a swing made for kids with special needs." I even told her about "when Sarah was her age that she had just finally learned how to sit up on a regular swing. When she was two and three years old she had to sit in a special needs swing too."<br />
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She sat there and then finally said "It's sad that I have a body and a brain that works right." <br />
<br />
I remember having these exact same conversations with Spencer. He was about that same age. That age of Kindergarten seems to bring these questions of noticing the differences in others. <br />
<br />
When Sarah was in Kindergarten, that was the first year that we were asked to go into her class and talk to the children about why Sarah "talked different, walked different, asked the same questions over and over and over again, why she wanted to eat all the time."<br />
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I often think that one of the huge blessings and learning experiences we gain from Sarah is being able to accept the differences in everyone. Our children are so open to others and their physical disabilities.<br />
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Allison was at Walmart with me today and a sweet older woman drove past us in an electric wheelchair. Allison said right out loud "she has special needs, Mom!" The people around us smiled and asked how old she was. One lady commented "what a special child to realize that and not be rude and stare or point."<br />
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I agree. She is a special little girl. I know that Allison was sent to our family for specific reasons and one of them was to be Sarah's sister. She idolizes her big sister and wants to be just like Sarah. Allison will be so much more empathetic and understanding of others has she lives a life alongside her sister.<br />
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Not only Sarah, Spencer and Allison are learning, but Justin and I have also commented many times on how we feel so comfortable around others with physical disabilities or handicaps. We both felt a little nervous and unsure at one point in our lives but this whole world has been opened to all of us.<br />
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Bottom line, we are all God's children. We were all sent with different challenges. Some you can see better than others, some are physical, some mental, some spiritual and some just hard to see but you know they are there somewhere. I absolutely know that because of The Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ everyone of these challenges can be overcome and perfected. I know my Sarah will have a perfect mind and perfect body in the resurrection. I so look forward to that day that I can stand in front of her and have a heart to heart conversation.<br />
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How blessed we are to have our special Sarah. We wouldn't trade even the hard times for anything in the world. I especially love that she helps us teach our other two children how to love unconditionally and to solidify that we are all important. That they can overcome any and every challenge that they are or will face. <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">If you don't walk as most people do,</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">Some people walk away from you,</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">But I won't! I won't!</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">If you don't talk as most people do,</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">Some people talk and laugh at you,</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">But I won't! I won't!</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">I'll walk with you. I'll talk with you.</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">That's how I'll show my love for you.</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">Jesus walked away from none.</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">He gave his love to ev'ryone.</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">So I will! I will!</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">Jesus blessed all he could see,</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">Then turned and said, "Come, follow me."</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">And I will! I will!</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">I will! I will!</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">I'll walk with you. I'll talk with you.</span><br style="background-color: #f9f6ed; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;" /><span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;">That's how I'll show my love for you.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9f6ed; color: #2f393a; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-indent: -10px;"><i><a href="https://www.lds.org/music/text/childrens-songbook/ill-walk-with-you?lang=eng">(Primary Song Book pg.140)</a></i></span><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com