tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87326287322819849312024-03-05T09:40:44.903-08:00Coffee & Laughter with the Harris FamilyMelissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-16716147959394674292016-02-09T06:11:00.002-08:002016-02-09T06:11:55.515-08:00I have missed this. Writing. Putting my thoughts out there. Blogging. <div>
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I think over the past year or so, I have encountered so much that I am not sure I wanted to share everything and took a really long break. </div>
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We still cloth diaper. We still homeschool, all 3 children. We still have our every day struggles. We still love to laugh. We still have a lot to write about. Questions to ask. Share a part of us with you all. We still would love to do product reviews and get back into those because they were fun. </div>
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Some things have changed. We have lost our coffee addiction! I know, crazy. If someone would have told me that a year ago I would have unfriended them, haha. Not really. I really did love my coffee. I found out that it doesn't really like me. Gluten doesn't like me either. We have made some changes and I'll tell you more about that later, </div>
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Right now, I just wanted to say hi! Thank you for hanging around. I can't wait to share more with you later this week :)</div>
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See you later...</div>
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-29456125146228900082015-04-13T13:24:00.001-07:002015-07-23T08:40:14.833-07:00Isolation Island<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Isolation:</span> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; line-height: 22px;">noun</span></div>
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<span class="def-number" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; padding-right: 5px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">1.</span></span><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">an</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">act</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">instance</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> </span><a class="dbox-xref dbox-roman" href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/isolate" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; text-decoration: none;">isolating</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">.</span></div>
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<span class="def-number" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; padding-right: 5px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">2.</span></span><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">state</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">being</span> </span><a class="dbox-xref dbox-roman" href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/isolate" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; text-decoration: none;">isolated</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">.</span></div>
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<span class="def-number" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; padding-right: 5px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">3.</span></span><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">complete</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">separation</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">from</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">others</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">person</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">suffering</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">from </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">contagious</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">infectious</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">disease;</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">quarantine.</span></span></div>
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<span class="def-number" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; padding-right: 5px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">4.</span></span><br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">the</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">separation</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">nation</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">from</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">other</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">nations</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">by</span> </span><a class="dbox-xref dbox-roman" href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/isolationism" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; text-decoration: none;">isolationism</a><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">.</span></div>
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The word itself sounds harsh. To isolate. It's cold. It sounds lonely. Separated. </div>
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Have you ever felt isolated? Alone? Can you imagine being a teen and feeling that way? My son feels like this everywhere. Autism. Teen. Isolated. </div>
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This is time in his life he should have friendships that will carry him through these crazy teen years. Yet, not one person really, truly, engages him. Family sometimes don't know how to engage him. Friends. They don't know how to either. Then I have to ask, what friends? Isolation.</div>
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We homeschool. Homeschool groups are usually a group of friends that have common interest and they ask others to join but you can tell that they are close knit. The children there don't know how to "take in a friend that is a little different". So we end up not belonging. It doesn't matter if I try to set up "one on one" time with a friend. It never happens. So we tend to fade out. We tend to be pushed to the back. We end up not going back. </div>
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Church is no different. Youth Pastor. Friends. Teens. Other children. Isolation is there too. I have found him outside in the dark with no supervision. I have seen him isolated in the room. I have seen leaders cringe. I know that church is not filled with perfect people because then I would be really upset. </div>
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It hurts to much to see him hurt. No one says Hi! At least not his age, older people will sometimes acknowledge him. It hurts when people walk past and don't even realize that they are isolating him. Putting him in a place where he has no friends. A place where he can't purse those relationships because they can't see him. They see the AUTISM. </div>
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It's not contagious. It's not weird. It's not a bad thing. It's different. It's beautiful. It's a crazy ride. It's not to be isolated. It starts to become rude. </div>
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When someone says "hi" to you, you don't normally roll your eyes and turn around. Or just don't acknowledge. Or just walk away. Because that is rude. We teach our children that this is rude. He doesn't understand why people won't say "hi" back. It's sad and frustrating. What do you tell him? I tell him that they are rude for not responding because it is rude. </div>
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What am I to do? I have cried my eyeballs out because if you knew his heart you would see him differently. He is the most loyal friend. - Just trust me on this one. He has a heart that chases after God. He is 13 and is really concerned that there are people that don't know Christ. That they may not have a church to attend. This makes me think that he has a bigger heart than I do. How many people have you invited to church this week? He has NO FEAR when sharing the Gospel with anyone - anywhere! He is super excited about worship and church. He is super talented in the Lego department. He can create ANYTHING! I really mean that too. He doesn't need instructions either. He is amazing at drawing. I love that he has this creative side. I know God has something BIG for him. </div>
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I know that he won't always be isolated. Yet, right now this hurts. Isolation. </div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-50352484632358152262015-01-23T12:08:00.002-08:002015-01-23T12:08:40.267-08:00Welcome back! Wow! I can't believe it's been a year since my last post. So I went through and updated some of the blog so take a look around and get reacquainted with us:)<br />
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So it's a new year! I can't believe that it is already 2015. I am hoping that this year will be simply amazing. I hope to write more and make healthy changes. This is starting to sound like New Year's Resolutions...lol.<br />
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I didn't mean to go there! So lets stop that now, hehe. Because I don't make those :)<br />
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I just mean that I am excited about this year and how God will use our little family for Him. This will be a short post because I just wanted to say "HI". Talk to y'all soon...<br />
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-31389135447874424322014-02-24T05:16:00.001-08:002014-02-24T05:16:56.494-08:00Why I Praise...We went to a worship service last night and I asked my husband to sit on the front row. Not because I wanted to "show off" how we worship and praise but because my children love sitting up there. My two little ones usually run up that way to "dance" so it just makes it easier. I know that we lift our hands, dance, and sing loud. I like sitting up front because we have sat in so many services in a church (not this one) where it looked like no one ever praised. I want them to know that it's okay to worship and I don't want to discourage them in any way. I want my children to never be ashamed to truly worship.
I have heard this question before: "Why do you raise your hands?". To raise your hands means to surrender. I surrender. I surrender my week. My day. I surrender fully to Him and no one else for those few minutes. No one else needs me. I know that I am not alone in the room full of church people, but to me I am. It's just me and God. Eyes closed. Hands raised. Fully surrendered. I NEED Him. I hold two little ones all week and teach, guide, push, love, encourage all week long. I'm spent by the time Sunday rolls around. On Sunday mornings, I sometimes fight my biggest battles just to get there. I NEED someone to hold me. Encourage me. Fill me up so I can be emptied throughout my week. Empty Grace, Love, and Mercy back onto my children. One way my children get my attention, when they want to be held is by raising their tiny little hands and looking up at me with those trusting eyes and they know it's hard for me to say no. I lift my hands because I need His attention. Even if it's only for a moment. I NEED Him. I need to be held. I let go of my week. I'm not a perfect wife, mom, woman. I need him, so I lift my hands in worship and surrender.
I have learned over the years that I need to praise. I may not always have the ability to pray. Yet to surrender in worship, I can do that. I have fought so many battles. I have a son with Autism and the battles have been so mentally wearing that the only thing I could do was praise. Our marriage has been through trials and the only place I found peace was in praise. I have lost a baby, even though it was early, it still hurt us like crazy and I had no words for prayer, but I could fully surrender in praise. I have fought battles over my daughter's development and only had enough energy left to praise. I have almost lost my baby once and had a major battle over him when he was just a few months old. The only thing that got me through was praise. I think there is power there. There is power when you fully surrender, however you surrender, in praise. I think about King Jehoshaphat, in a battle he sent the Praise Team first! "After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the LORD and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: "Give thanks to the LORD; his faithful love endures forever!"~2Chronicles 20:21 There has to be some amazing power when we worship.
<i>Psalm 100 says:
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations
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I love this verse because I am reminded that God wants me to come before Him with PRAISE. Not just any praise but JOYFUL SONGS! This amazingly, merciful God looked down and saw little ol' me. He sent Jesus for me. He sent Him to die for me. He was slapped. He was beaten. He was bruised. He bled for me. Then He cried out "It is finished" and died for me. BUT it did not stop there! He separated himself from the Father and went into Hell for 3 days. I'm sure the devil thought he had won. He had taken the one that was to save us all and had him trapped in Hell. But that not the end! After 3 days, Jesus stood up and kicked some tail! Maybe that earthquake was the Devil shaking in his boots, maybe it was the butt whooping on all the little evil imps down there, who knows for sure (one day we will) BECAUSE He rose up out of that grave. He conquered death. He conquered sin. IT NO LONGER HAS A HOLD!!! Now I get to talk to Him personally and I don't have to go through someone else. I am HIS and He is MINE!
I have heard this one too: "Why dance?" David danced! (2 Sam. 6:14) A king. A man after Gods heart danced. I think there are so many things that we get excited about: football, movies, birthdays etc. I think that God is even more exciting. Did you not just read the paragraph above and want to jump and down? I prayed for my husband for years. I petitioned God for him. I wanted a marriage with God in the middle not just something that we do on the side. I have seen our marriage grow over the past handful of years. That excites me. I have witnessed my oldest come to know Jesus. I have seen healing in my family. My children have witnessed healing in our family. They KNOW the power of prayer. They, even at the age of 2, try to pray for others. I think that God truly honors their prayer. I think that is exciting and I honestly can't stand still in the presence of a mighty God. A God who heals. A God who saves. A God who forgives. A God that has shown loving mercies EVERY morning and they are refreshed. I can't stay still. I want to cheer. I want to give him my all. So, I want my children to know that it's okay to sing. It's okay to clap. It's okay to dance. I want then to be more excited about God and what He is doing in their lives than anything else around them.
Here's Some more Scriptures on dancing:
Psalm 149:3 Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
Psalm 30:11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,
Ecclesiastes 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Exodus 15:20 Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing.
So here come that Crazy, In-Love, Children of the One True King Family! We come to worship and to do it fully.
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-4851671629207360052013-09-30T05:28:00.002-07:002013-09-30T05:28:46.081-07:00My favorite time of year...Fall is in the air. The smell of everything pumpkin. The brisk, cold mornings. Pumpkin muffins. Fall/Winter clothing is coming out of hididng. Pumpkin lattes. Heavier blankets for the beds. Pumpkin patches. Charlie Brown. Pumpkin bread. Soon the leaves will begin to change colors. Pumpkin seeds. Football. Can you tell I LOVE pumpkin, hehehe! I do love this time of year. I know that everything seems to be dying but it's almost like God is saying even that can be beautiful. This is my favorite time of the year to go to the mountains. It looks like God took a paintbrush to show us evey hue of red, orange, yellow, and brown. I find it very peaceful and calming. I love the cool mornings, especially with a coffee in my hand. I love cuddles even more during this season. Snuggling under a warm blanket while the fire is roaring. We have even raosted marshmallows in the fireplace ~ who ever said it was for outside only? Hot chocolate, coffee, and warm teas fill our home as well. Pumpkin patches with the kids is always fun. To see their eyes fill with delight when they find the biggest one in the field. They love carving the pumpkin (we make silly faces) and roast the seeds for a treat later. This time of years also brings a time of reflection and thankfulness for the year. Where we began and where God has brought us to now. We can see His blessings throughout the entire year. I love it as November comes rolling around and we start off a list of all the things that we are thankful for. For me it has been a personal challenge to make a list for the year. Some months I was actually able to write down more than other months but it opened my eyes to the little things that God has done all year. I feel like it is easy to see and be thankful for the big things, but what about the everyday little things. ~Food for thought. I am excited about this whole new year approaching us and can't wait to share it here... Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-70360846245350723042013-08-12T19:13:00.000-07:002013-08-12T19:13:41.768-07:00A day in his shoesIt isn't easy being a mom and when you add in the Autism factor then you definitely can have some hard days. I guess it isn't really about me as much as it is about him. I don't think I ever want to walk in his shoes...but I wish I keep him from getting hurt.<div>
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Today, was one of those days when you know that your child is different. I am ALWAYS talking to him about "joining" in with the boys. "Go ahead and join in with them", I say. I want him to have friends and hate that he may feel alone. We role play and come up with different ways to ask if "he can play". Yet, I don't know if we have really covered what happens when the answer is "no". Maybe, because I never thought that they would say no. I just figured someone in the group would say yes. </div>
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Today, I watched from a distance but I could still hear what was being said and my son actually asked to join in on the fun that was about to happen! Yes! He actually asked. My heart was filled with joy because I knew that was hard for him, but HE ASKED!!! At first, they said no politely. So he asked about a specific toy and they told him "If he wanted you to play with that toy then he would have offered that to you. It's his toy". He stood there shocked and a little confused because aren't we supposed to share? That is what he has been taught to do with his friends and with his siblings. He also has been taught this is the right thing to do, you share. I think my heart literally broke as they walked away and never looked back. I quickly gathered my things and played it off like we had plans and had to leave. </div>
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When we reached the car, I told him I was proud of him. I am, really proud. I will never know how hard it was for him to even ask and then to be told "No" anyways. What a huge letdown. I know it's never easy to make friends, I know that it is never easy to be the one left out either. It hurts. It hurts deep. There are no words to describe someone, let alone, a group of kids not wanting you to be a part of them. Not letting you join in. My heart is broken even more because I know their moms. I wonder if I am the only one that actually heard them? </div>
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I want to talk to him about it but really don't know how to. I don't even know where to start. Do I just let it go at that? This is something that happens over and over and over again. I am so ready for him to have a friend. I don't care if he has 10 friends, or 4 friends...I just want him to have one. Then that way I would know that he isn't alone. I don't know how to make that happen, how do I help him find that one? I pray that one will come along. I am so tired of seeing him hurt by kids that consistently "out" him. </div>
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What is really sad is they will never know what an amazing friends he could be. He is loyal, funny, great with Lego's, drawing, and would be a wonderful friend if they would just stop for a minute and say YES! </div>
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Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-90460157242476874202013-08-06T15:57:00.001-07:002013-08-06T15:57:43.035-07:00Sometimes I need a break...I love my children more than anyone could ever imagine. I know - every mother says that. But for me it is true. I am with them 24/7. I wake up to them in the morning, whether they are screaming or gently wakening, and feed, play, teach, mother, referee, pray, with them all day until they go back to bed. At that point is when I sit on the couch like a zombie trying to figure out do I want to read and use the last few brain cells that may still be functioning or do I want to just sit there in silence and pray that they sleep. Why pray that they sleep? Because my 3 year old still wakes through the night. She wakes up and cries all through the night, why? I really don't know. Of course, the baby is still wakening through the night, why? I am hoping it's because that is what they are supposed to do, because no one here sleeps. I am not wanting to complain about the no sleep but I may get about 10-15 hours a week. I am exhausted. My body literally hurts and I feel like I am going nuts. In the last couple of weeks I have even given out my phone number and it wasn't even the right number! I also drink way too much coffee in hopes that I will keep up with them.<br />
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I think it would be awesome to have someone that could help .It is really hard for me to read how some people have help during the day, or their kids get to go their parents (grandparents) and spend the night, or they get to go on dates, or even to have a trip to the grocery store by themselves. I pray that they never take it for granted. My mom is really sick and isn't able to help like other moms, she does support me emotionally though:). I have family but no one ever offers to help, or they do then they back out. I am to prideful to ask for the help as well. Maybe, it's a two way street? I don't care about having 8 hours of sleep - mainly because my body wouldn't know what to do with that. I just want to go on a date with my husband. I want some one to take the older 2 children for the day (I would mind all 3 but I don't think anyone would). I would love to go sit somewhere and drink a whole cup of coffee while it's still warm. I would love the help.<br />
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I debated on writing this but I wanted to not because I want to have a pity party and want everyone to join but because I want another mom that is going through the same thing to know that she is not alone. I know because I am there. I am there and I feel all alone. I feel like my friends may think I am crazy, so they never get the whole story. I feel like my family may think that I am begging for help so I play it off as it's really okay. But I really need a break. I really, really, really do. Yes, I am married but my husband so doesn't understand. He loves coming home and being here, and doesn't understand why I want a few hours to myself. He hasn't seen me all week and I get his side of it but I feel like it's my only chance to go, lol!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-74667755918077658092013-02-26T17:40:00.001-08:002013-02-26T17:40:45.605-08:00Perserving Innocence or Holding Back?<span lang="">
This question has been ringing in my ears for the last few weeks. I often wonder about my oldest. He will be 12 this year and in some respects he seems to be immature. I guess what I mean is I look around and see other 10-13 year olds and he doesn't seem to be completely with them. I kind of love his innocence though. I know that some of the things he watches on tv isn't always on his age because he has a little sister. Plus I also guard what he watches because there is some crazy stuff out there. But am I holding him back? <br />
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He still struggles with engaging within a group of kids. It hurts to watch him sit on the sidelines while they are all running around using their imagination. Coming up with different games and rules. I see that look in his eye that he wants to engage but he can't seem to do it, like he doesn't know how. I long for him to get up and jump right in. But, he never does. Yet, on the other hand when they are playing games that make sense (board games). Then he definitely will jump right in and go for it. I try to encourage him to join in and be "one of the boys". He never replies. When he hangs out with his friends, one on one. He is completely engaged and wants to play and use his imagination.<br />
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He is starting to get where he doesn't want to hang/play with his little sister as much. He loves anything electronic.He is very independent. He still loves to draw. He is starting to get that "smart mouth". BUT he still loves to snuggle with me. He still wants hugs and kisses. He still likes the cartoony little kid shows. He is still and always will be my little boy. <br />
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SO how do I know which one it is? I want him to be on target but I really don't want him to lose his innocence. I know that one day it's bound to happen. I am just not ready for it to happen, not yet. </span>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-42536199019731707412012-06-15T10:06:00.001-07:002012-06-15T10:06:37.703-07:00Changing Diapers Book ReviewI was excited when I was asked to review the <em>Changing Diapers, The Hip Mom's Guide to Modern Cloth Diapering</em>, written by Kelly Wels. First off I have to tell you that I am a SUPER SLOW reader and I hardly ever finish a book. This one I finished and loved every minute! I have had this book for about three months and it really kept my attention. I think it's because as you are reading it feels as if you are sitting with Kelly herself and talking about cloth diapers. As questions would pop into my head, she answered them as I read on. It truly was a fun book to read. <br />
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Kelly Wels is a leading cloth diaper expert and advocate who has a passion for helping parents make informed decisions when it comes to how they diaper their babies. She is a mother of three children. You can find out more about her and this book at <a href="http://www.kellywels.com/">http://www.kellywels.com/</a>. <br />
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Kelly takes you from the why should I cloth diaper to when can I start! She begins with sharing some facts about cloth. Gives you the five main reasons you should try cloth. She even breaks down the different brands, including pictures~who doesn't love pictures?! <br />
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She covers washing your diapers, leaks, rashes and even nighttime use! There's even a chapter for Dad:) When some people begin to start the process of cloth diapering you don't realize that there are other products that you may need. She also goes over this for you! <br />
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One of my favorite chapters is learning about what you need to start off with in cloth. Baby Sweetums is due in November and I have decided to start from day one!:) My other favorite is the Resources section. I am a huge list maker so I am LOVING all the little pre-made lists that she has already made for you!!!<br />
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I simply LOVED this book! I've already been telling people all about it and can't rave enough. This is a must have if you're thinking about cloth diapering or you are a seasoned rookie because you will still learn something. Get your copy today!!!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-21399532288403899292012-06-13T02:00:00.000-07:002012-06-13T02:00:03.293-07:00Happy Birthday, Little Man!Eleven years ago, on the 12th of June, I began to have contractions. You were my first baby and I was more than excited that you were coming!!! I sat there and painted my toes in between contractions and even shaved my legs:) lol! I then called the doctor and they said for me to come on to the hospital. YAY! I had a friend of ousr drive me and we called/paged your daddy to meet us because he was at work. <br />
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We arrived to the hospital about midnight and they told me I was going to be sent home because I wasn't "far enough along". I cried because it took almostt an hour to get there. Then my water broke! Bought my ticket to stay. I took whatever meds that they gave me and ended up going to sleep. <br />
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I woke up, on the 13th of June, to this amazing pressure and asked to be checked. You were on your way!!! They started to run around the room all crazy and get things set up. I pushed 3 times literally and you were out!!! My precious, little, baby boy:) You weighed 7lb 4oz and were absolutely perfect! Ten fingers, ten toes, a head full of hair, brown eyes, and you were mine! I loved you when I first found out I was pregnant, but that first moment when I laid my eyes on you I fell in love. <br />
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Today you are 11 years old! I can't believe it! You are getting so big. You are super talented too! You can draw like no one I've ever met. You can have an amazing talent when it comes to Legos. You are very imaginative and can build anything! You have a a uniqueness with paper and can make anything out of it. You amaze me. You are a really good big brother. You are so compassionate and curtious. Every one always tells me that you have awesome manners. You smile lights up the room and your laugh is contagious. <br />
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You have also taught me a lot. You have taught me that there is more that one way to do almost anything. You have taught me how strong I can be and how to use that strength effectively. You awakened the mother bear inside. You have taught me to see things through a child's eyes and learn to sit back and just have some fun. <br />
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I love you so very much! You are my first little baby and will always be my baby. I know that you are getting older and I pray that you will become the man that God wants you to be. He has HUGE plans for you and I am excited to see all He has for you. As your mother, I will continue to pray for you forever and I will love you just as much! Happy Birthday!!!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-30088653676764823772012-06-11T18:51:00.001-07:002012-06-11T18:51:44.171-07:00Unpluged?With baby on the way we have decided to cut some expenses that were not needed. The first one was our tv package. We LOVE our movie channels and all the different kid channels and so on, but it does start to get expensive. We talked about what we could and could not live without and finally decided to cut our tv bill in half! It had to be done. Now the children play more during the day instead of "having" to watch certain shows:). <br />
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We run up our air condition during the day and run fans. We try not to use the lights unless we have to until it gets a little darker. This has cut our electric bill tremendously! If we could hang a line outside to dry our clothes then I so would do that as well, because I am constantly washing clothes. <br />
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The final thing we decided to cut was our phones and Internet. We have been spending almost $200 on the "smart phones" and all the gadgets that go with it. We have decided that not only is it EXTREMELY expensive but we don't really need them. Yes, I believe that I need the Internet and I hope to one day have it back. I will be able to sneak away to have some personal mommy time and be able to take my net book with me so I can continue to keep up my blog:)! As for the phones, we have downgraded. My phone does have access to the Internet if I HAVE to, but for the most part it is just to talk, text, and take pictures! I am fine with that too, maybe more will get done around my house...lol!<br />
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Have you had to downgrade somethings in your life? What was it and how did you handle it???Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-1270003851094201072012-06-04T07:36:00.000-07:002012-06-04T07:36:00.193-07:00Letting go and trusting God...I mentioned in an earlier post that I had quit my job. Let me explain what happened...<br />
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I was sitting at home one week and I have already had a couple of issues arise from that particular job and I was seeking God about it and wanted to know what He thought. All week I prayed and cried over this particular situation because as much as I didn't want to quit I needed to in order to not have the feelings that I had about my job. Don't get me wrong...loved my boss, she really was a great lady to work for and I hope that we remain friends. <br />
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But the reason I had taken the job in the first place was to have "play" money. It wasn't meant to be used for items for the home such as needful things that God would take of, i.e. food, gas, etc. It was meant for me to have pocket money. But the longer I worked there the more I depended on the money to come in. I became frustrated when I couldn't get paid because "I needed the money!". We had lost focus on what the purpose job. <br />
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As I prayed I heard God ask me, "Do you really trust me?". <br />
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WOW! What a statement to hear. I knew that I trusted Him in most things but did I trust Him enough to quit a job that I didn't need in the first place? Could I go that far to rely on Him to provide "play money" when I wanted to do something with the kids? Could I really let go of a job that was beginning to frustrate me, because of me? <br />
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Then to just put icing on the cake...My Mr. came home and said that he had been praying about this as well and felt that I needed to quit and be home more. He said that we had lost focus and that he felt as if God was asking if we trusted Him enough to let go of the job and depend on Him. I was floored! God had given us both the SAME message, yes...I cried again (can't help it, I'm very emotional when I'm pregnant:)).<br />
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YES! I told Him YES! I would depend fully on Him. He has provided for our family when it didn't make sense that we were making it and He would provide for us now. I will say that since then I feel so much better. My house is cleaner and the children are happier. Everything seems to be at peace. Praise God for leading my family in the way that He wants and has planned for us! <br />
<br />Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-76768024630428333012012-06-01T07:35:00.000-07:002012-06-01T07:35:08.582-07:00It's already June?I got up this morning with full intention to clean, clean, clean. No, my house isn't that dirty but I am pregnant and for some reason I have this <em>urgency</em> to get it <em>DONE</em>! We moved into our home back in August, last year, and we kind of just threw things where they looked good. If you've moved with a baby then you know that there really isn't any way to plan your move...you just do the best you can. <br />
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As I sat here a couple of weeks ago I realized that I still haven't put up pictures, really decorated the kid's rooms the way I wanted, my kitchen isn't done (I want to paint and do some other things too), the hallway still needs a paint job to be completed. The list continues as I sit here and I think it just got longer...ugh! <br />
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Right after we moved in we were so exhausted from cleaning our apartment so we could get the deposit back that we just gave up here. Then I also went out and got a job and was gone a couple days during the week and almost every Saturday. Life got going and we were caught up in a whirlwind and we NEVER slowed back down. I didn't move to the "country" to continue this craziness of non-stop buziness! I moved here so I could enjoy my children, play and focus on my home. This is the first home I've had in years and I wanted to make it MINE:) <br />
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So I quit my job (a whole other post, soon to be written) and decided that being home right now was important. I need to get this "laundry list of to-do's" done before November and now I have to plan on another little one all at the same time. <br />
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That's why I can't believe that it is already June! I have 4 months to get this all done and I got a feeling that it's gonna fly by and Novemeber will be here before I know it. Then you know that time will seem to stand still because we are awaiting baby Sweetums arrival and that seems to take forever! <br />
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I hope my amazing husband can handle the list I have and I hope and pray that we get it all done!:)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-23036877057024778702012-05-25T02:00:00.000-07:002012-05-25T02:00:04.709-07:00Attachment Parenting...breastfeedingI will tell you now that I am NOT an expert on breastfeeding. I have breastfed one child for 6 weeks. And I attempted to breastfeed baby number 2 and she refused to breastfeed. <br />
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One thought that I have though, and yes I have used formula, is: Why do formula companies try to mimic breast milk if breast milk is best? I understand that some HAVE to use formula but I feel like the companies make you feel like this is just as good. They are giving an easy way out. With both of my babies I had to use the most expensive kind because they were so very sensitive and it was NOT cheap by no means. We spent $100 to $150 a month on formula alone! (Thank God I found cloth diapers or we would have the added expense of that as well. CRAZY!) That is why I have to be successful with baby Sweetums. <br />
<br />As I have said, so not an expert here...so what do you do? I say do your own research. This is what I am planning on doing before baby's arrival in November: <br />
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1: Find my local La Leche League - I have heard good things about them and how much they help when you feel like giving up. I am hoping to start seeing them a couple months before baby is here so I can be well informed on some techniques that will be helpful. <br />
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2. Where I live (I'm sure they are near you too) I have a couple of places that will be holding a breastfeeding class. I plan on taking at least one of them. I think that this will be just as helpful. <br />
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3. I also think it would be good to join a support group. I mean a small group of moms (really close friends, moms, family) that have breastfed and have been successful. They will be your biggest cheerleaders! <br />
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Should you or should you not breastfeed? That is not for me to answer. You have to be the judge of what's best for you:) I have done it both ways and plan on being fully successful with baby Sweetums. I can't tell you what to do because it is your body. If you feel 6 weeks is good enough, or straight up formula, or you breastfeed until your baby is 3 years old. It is full your decision, just do your research so you can make the best choice for you, your situation, and your family!:)Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-71749814547716607362012-05-23T02:00:00.000-07:002012-05-23T02:00:08.456-07:00Attachment Parenting...baby wearingHere we go onto the next subject...Baby wearing! I have to admit that I am in love with "wearing" my baby. Here is a picture...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEXqPdzezQS7jKcTvgyZ1cu0ZT8hJ3Hdwn-N-agNcJJbWGaJKIasB36CrTZYoH7eo92O3P0tEl27LhHV9oTkBDG2vCeSdRYKd5GZeWuA5f5flpMQBTEozljoDSTmki9COTHutZoYP2zas/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_7688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEXqPdzezQS7jKcTvgyZ1cu0ZT8hJ3Hdwn-N-agNcJJbWGaJKIasB36CrTZYoH7eo92O3P0tEl27LhHV9oTkBDG2vCeSdRYKd5GZeWuA5f5flpMQBTEozljoDSTmki9COTHutZoYP2zas/s320/Copy+of+IMG_7688.JPG" width="232" /></a></div>
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I started off with the Moby. I knew a lot of moms with this brand and said that it made "baby wearing" a lot smoother. It never hurt my back and I would wear her while I typed, cooked, cleaned, walked the dogs, went to the store...you name I wore her through it. If I had known about the ones for the shower when she was this little then I would have worn her there too! I also have a sling and I thought it was a little easier to wear. It was easier to get her in and out of that one anyways. If I had one that I could wear her on my back then I would, especially when she is having a bad day. I will be looking for one in November!!! <br />
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I felt most comfortable "wearing" her. I knew that she was safe, especially in the store. No one really "touched" her when she was a baby. So she stayed healthy the only time she was sick was when she had a severe ear ache from teething! She was also diagnosed with severe reflux and needed to be held in an upright position for at the very least 20 minutes after eating. She was a slow eater and then to have to hold for the additional time I was holding her for about an hour every time. This was a good solution for us. She also was diagnosed with hypotonia and the doctor suggested wearing her because it could help to improve her movements because she would feel me move. In this way it was kind of therapeutic for her. I was happy to help:)<br />
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I did wear Little Buddy when he was a baby. He probably weighed about 10 lbs at the time and I wore him with a Snuggli and HATED every minute of it. I was in tears about 30 minutes in, I couldn't believe that it hurt me that badly to wear something that was so tiny. Never again did I wear him. It was the stroller always! :)<br />
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Benefits to "wearing" your baby:<br />
* Fact: most babies cry less when they are held. <br />
* They naturally feel calmer and have a greater sense of security<br />
* It is a convenient way to provide this warmth and security as you are going about your daily routine. <br />
* I know that she is happy. <br />
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Cons to baby wearing: <br />
* You don't normally carry a stroller so there is no where to put items if you go shopping. <br />
* Makes it a little difficult to go to the bathroom. <br />
* Sometimes it's difficult to carry your baby bag. <br />
* Insert yours here______________?<br />
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I will say that you do HAVE to wear your baby in the correct way! Your baby's head should always be close enough to kiss. If you can't kiss their head they are too low and you will hurt your baby or yourself. Read reviews, ask your friends, and research the carrier that you are interested in buying. You may be surprised that someone may have one that you can try out before you buy! I have tried a couple and still haven't found that "perfect" back carrier. This is something that you will wear so make sure that you are comfortable. You wouldn't buy your clothes/shoes too little or too big and the same here!:) You want to feel confident in your carrier and know that your baby is safe. <br />
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What's your thoughts? What's your favorite carrier?Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-84478566094098685272012-05-22T02:00:00.000-07:002012-05-22T02:00:08.184-07:00Attachment Parenting...co-sleepingI recently saw this article posted on FB "Parenting: Attachment Parenting Does More Harm than Good". It was written by John Rosemond and you can view it <a href="http://www.thestarpress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012205150304" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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I want to make clear that I am in no way a doctor and I'm not saying that my way or what I have learned over the years is right. You have to follow your own heart when raising your own children and there are several parenting books and people that will give you advice. What I do think is wrong is that he calls attachment parenting "destructive propaganda". So I am going to write on the three subjects that he hit on...<br />
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1. Co-Sleeping<br />
2. Baby Wearing<br />
3. Breastfeeding<br />
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I will be splitting up this into 3-4 different segments and tell why I parent the way that I do:) Let's get to reading! First up is co-sleeping. <br />
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First Baby (Little Buddy) was a different kind of baby. Let me explain first of all he didn't sleep all night until he was 3 years old. When he was a a newborn I did try to breastfeed him and found it easier to sleep with him. He did nap in his bed, unless I napped too. We tried the bed hundreds of times. He would throw up within 15 minutes of being put in the crib. I soon figured out that he was doing this on purpose. So I would layer him and his bed. Then when he did throw up I could take off the first layer of pjs and the first layer of bedding, kiss him and listen to him scream for hours. Yes, he screamed for hours, He would scream so loud that you could hear him outside of the house. I was also scared that someone would call the police of child services because this was nightly. I finally gave in and he slept with me. We both slept better anyways. <br />
When he was a little older I could lay down with him to get him to sleep and then leave his room. He would sleep all night for the most part. Then he began to have seizures in his sleep and my husband went to night shift so I again allowed him to sleep with me. He finally went back into his bed when I felt that he was ok and my husband's shift changed again. I believe his was five, maybe six years old.<br />
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Baby girl - I had every intention that she was NOT going to sleep with me. Yet, she hated her mattress in the bed that we had and I couldn't fix it. So she slept in a laundry basket beside me. (She also would stop breathing in her sleep, which scared me to pieces!) When she got too big for the basket I didn't have anywhere for her to go- we lived in a tiny 2 bedroom apartment - so guess where she went? Yep, in the bed with me. Still to this day she wakes up at least twice a night for something to drink. It drives me a little crazy but at least I don't have to hear her scream at night. We will hopefully be transitioning her into her own bed really soon:) <br />
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As for baby number 3 due in November. The bed will be located in my room and I pray that this baby sleeps! I pray that I am able to get him/her into their own bed and they sleep peacefully all night. <br />
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Benefits of Co-Sleeping:<br />
•Babies go to sleep faster and stay asleep longer. <br />
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•More mothers feel better rested. <br />
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•It promotes breastfeeding and helps by making it a little easier.<br />
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•Research suggests that babies have stronger emotional relationships with their parents and with other people. <br />
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•When parents take sleep safety precautions it reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. <br />
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Cons of Co-Sleeping: <br />
Many will complain, or say that there simply is not enough research to agree with all of the above benefits to co-sleeping. <br />
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I say if you are not comfortable sleeping with your baby then don't do it, because you will just complain about it:) If you are one who is a strong parent and can listen to your baby cry until they are asleep then go for it, I personally am not that strong. <br />
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I also think that this should be a decision that a husband and wife decide together. If one of you disagree then try to find a solution, such as placing a baby bed beside yours or a crib in your room. Or the baby goes in their own room:) It's up to you because you are their parent!<br />
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What's your thoughts?<br />
Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-67476847802950133082012-05-12T04:00:00.000-07:002012-05-12T04:00:05.926-07:00Mother's DayI am very proud to be a mother. I have been pregnant four times, now. And with each one I automatically connected the moment that I knew that I was pregnant. I am thankful that I have two of my children here with me and one that is growing within, and the one that we lost will be loved on in heaven until we can't join her there. <br />
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I believe that you become a mother the moment you conceive. I believe that you become a mother if you become a stepmother to a child that you didn't give birth too, because God has called you to that position and you may be the only mother that he/she will know. I believe that you become a mother the moment you first landed your eyes on the one that you are going to adopt. No matter what the situation the first moment your heart melted is that moment for you.<br />
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I pray that all my "mother's" that read this have a very blessed Mother's Day! I pray that your day is filled with joy and laughter and take a moment to enjoy the little things that you may not be able to throughout the week.<br />
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<em>Happy Mother's Day!</em> </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-17172609414080436292012-05-07T09:21:00.000-07:002012-05-07T09:52:56.138-07:00Diva Cup Review and Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This post is just for LADIES! Just forewarning the men before I began talking on the topic at hand:)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR3AInW7TKU48aG-C-EL180-siqNzHI5bfB1_5eYehSC8r8ssGQRddD2tI004Csyx8hWkTw4WSqsG6sQyOXsNt7Zj3KiuneSgw_Z0nqt2ElNyHG7iH9P_sLJ-ZHwEYELZYYOpvFcvaRSW/s1600/DivaCup_Logo_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR3AInW7TKU48aG-C-EL180-siqNzHI5bfB1_5eYehSC8r8ssGQRddD2tI004Csyx8hWkTw4WSqsG6sQyOXsNt7Zj3KiuneSgw_Z0nqt2ElNyHG7iH9P_sLJ-ZHwEYELZYYOpvFcvaRSW/s200/DivaCup_Logo_2011.jpg" width="186" /></a></div>
<br />
I was given the opportunity to review the <a href="http://www.divacup.com/" target="_blank">DivaCup</a> and I was excited to be able to as well! I have heard nothing but amazing praises for this product and couldn't wait. It came in the mail and then I panicked! My first thought was what if it doesn't work? What if I can't figure it out? And all the more questions kept coming...<br />
<br />
When it was finally "time" to use it, I gently took it from the box and read all the instructions twice (lol, I really didn't want to mess it up). The DivaCup was very easy to bend and the instructions they give were very good, all my worries began to slowly go away. I became a little more confident. It did take me a couple of months to really get the hang of it and then I fell in love with this product and then I got pregnant:) I will be using this again after the baby arrives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tHYTlT7-8uo9JkB4pske6Uh6jMRzxmzkOIT9RXxxZ2qBAr8wVS2a9U65Q1ctSaNcqAjn6s5nXGJ1YOps8E_3r3AgAUGHSHbzegRJuTyb8vyEsSpTVzhUH1gwzO8JR1ge9-cw0OYRaqSx/s1600/DivaCup-Media-07-10-cup+w+bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tHYTlT7-8uo9JkB4pske6Uh6jMRzxmzkOIT9RXxxZ2qBAr8wVS2a9U65Q1ctSaNcqAjn6s5nXGJ1YOps8E_3r3AgAUGHSHbzegRJuTyb8vyEsSpTVzhUH1gwzO8JR1ge9-cw0OYRaqSx/s320/DivaCup-Media-07-10-cup+w+bag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I received a #2 DivaCup (for women that have had children, a #1 is for women that have not, check out their website for more details about sizing). Like I just said it was very easy to read the instructions and I was able to insert it with ease, once I got the hang of it. I was very impressed how much "fluid" it held and how well it worked for me. I like the fact that it is clean and doesn't have chemicals in it that can hurt me. I like the fact that I can wear it for 12 hours! Yes, your heard that right. How many times have you been stuck and unable to go to the bathroom to "change" something? Or you can even sleep in it and wake up to no mess!:) Overall, I really liked this product and hope that you will too! <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLu50GUy0_oqvSAv86TWPnjhpgfjyA83Lj5NI2kKvWC49vuy1GFaOv_Oih1d_r8HBOMHFaR7gjoH3ziillwOdDwtMwaxet9I_oa-julmYdASxdbfW9K0lnyMDbcytsNRoJLu94P0pDULSw/s1600/NewBox+Logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLu50GUy0_oqvSAv86TWPnjhpgfjyA83Lj5NI2kKvWC49vuy1GFaOv_Oih1d_r8HBOMHFaR7gjoH3ziillwOdDwtMwaxet9I_oa-julmYdASxdbfW9K0lnyMDbcytsNRoJLu94P0pDULSw/s320/NewBox+Logo.JPG" width="293" /></a></div>
Just a few facts from their website...<br />
The DivaCup is a non-absorbent menstrual cup that simply collects menstrual flow. It is inserted in the vagina and sits at the lower base of the vaginal canal. It is worn internally, yet because it is soft and smooth, it cannot be felt nor will it leak when inserted properly. <br />
The DivaCup is the most clean and convenient method of feminine hygiene protection. No need to touch the flow. It is worn low in the vagina, not near the cervix, so it is easy to remove. No mess!<br />
<br />
The DivaCup ends hassles with unreliable disposables in endless absorbencies, shapes and styles. It is perfect for all activities – giving women true freedom without the worry, guessing and unreliability that disposable feminine hygiene products pose. <br />
<br />
The DivaCup can be worn for up to 12 hours before emptying, washing and reinserting for use for another 12 hours. It can be used for light or moderate flows and is emptied more often to accommodate heavy flows. Perfect for overnight use.<br />
<br />
The DivaCup’s expert, proprietary, patent-pending features make it comfortable and assures ease of use and reliability. Perfect for traveling, running, biking, hiking, dancing, camping, swimming, diving, scuba, yoga, extreme sports and more...<br />
<br />
It is: <br />
* Latex-free, BPA-free, plastic-free<br />
* No dyes, colors or additives <br />
* Comfortable, reliable<br />
* Clean, convenient, easy-to-use <br />
* Worn for up to 12 hours at a time <br />
<br />
<br />
Are you just to eager to buy your own Diva Cup then you can find a store <a href="http://www.divacup.com/en/search/" target="_blank">here</a> or buy it now <a href="http://www.divacup.com/en/home/buy_now/" target="_blank">online</a>!<br />
<br />
Diva Cup is generously giving one of my amazing readers one of their own!<br />
<br />
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<noscript><a href="http://rafl.es/enable-js">You need javascript enabled to see this giveaway</a>.</noscript>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-35805109813564962612012-04-22T09:00:00.001-07:002012-04-22T09:00:00.482-07:00I am the child...<div style="text-align: center;">I AM THE CHILD</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Author Unknown) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the child who cannot talk. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You often pity me, I see it in your eyes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You wonder how much I am aware of -- I see that as well. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am aware of much, whether you are happy or sad or fearful, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">patient or impatient, full of love and desire, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">or if you are just doing your duty by me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I marvel at your frustration, knowing mine to be far greater, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">for I cannot express myself or my needs as you do. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You cannot conceive my isolation, so complete it is at times. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I do not gift you with clever conversation, cute remarks to be laughed over and repeated. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I do not give you answers to your everyday questions, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">responses over my well-being, sharing my needs, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">or comments about the world about me. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I do not give you rewards as defined by the world's standards -- great strides in </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">development that you can credit yourself; </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I do not give you understanding as you know it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What I give you is so much more valuable -- I give you instead opportunities. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Opportunities to discover the depth of your character, not mine; </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">the depth of your love, your commitment, your patience, your abilities; </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">the opportunity to explore your spirit more deeply than you imagined possible. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I drive you further than you would ever go on your own, working harder, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">seeking answers to your many questions with no answers. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the child who cannot talk. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the child who cannot walk. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The world seems to pass me by. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You see the longing in my eyes to get out of this chair, to run and play like other children. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There is much you take for granted. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I want the toys on the shelf, I need to go to the bathroom, oh I've dropped my fork again. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am dependent on you in these ways. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My gift to you is to make you more aware of your great fortune, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">your healthy back and legs, your ability to do for yourself. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes people appear not to notice me; I always notice them. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I feel not so much envy as desire, desire to stand upright, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">to put one foot in front of the other, to be independent. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I give you awareness. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the child who cannot walk. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the child who is mentally impaired. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't learn easily, if you judge me by the world's measuring stick, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">what I do know is infinite joy in simple things. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am not burdened as you are with the strife's and conflicts of a more complicated life. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My gift to you is to grant you the freedom to enjoy things as a child, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">to teach you how much your arms around me mean, to give you love. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I give you the gift of simplicity. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the child who is mentally impaired. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the disabled child. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am your teacher. If you allow me, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will teach you what is really important in life. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will give you and teach you unconditional love. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I gift you with my innocent trust, my dependency upon you. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I teach you about how precious this life is and about not taking things for granted. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I teach you about forgetting your own needs and desires and dreams. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I teach you giving. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Most of all I teach you hope and faith. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am the disabled child. </div>Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-51518996524083205932012-04-18T09:00:00.001-07:002012-04-18T09:00:06.206-07:00What a wonderful surprise!We recently found out that I am pregnant! Harris baby number 3, aka Sweetums:) It's not what "we" planned as far as timing but it is wonderful and exciting blessing! <br />
<br />
I don't really want to announce by due date but we are due right before Thanksgiving. We have a lot to do before then. I have to rearrange some things so we can have room for a new baby. We can't wait to start shopping for some things that baby needs. I am also excited to share our journey along the way...<br />
<br />
A few of things I've already decided: <br />
<br />
1. Of course I'm going to cloth diaper again. I already have some diapers for 10+ lbs but because they are OS (onesize) they tend to be a bit bulky. Now the search is on for itty butty fluff that will take us from newborn to about 15lbs! I will be looking at prefolds and even some that fold down for the umbilical cord. I love the little things, like itty bitty fluff...hehehe!<br />
<br />
2. I AM, I AM, I AM going to breastfeed. I will need LOTS of support on this. I have failed with the first two and I so badly want to triumph in this area. I tried with baby #1 and he lost weight and the doctors told me that I had to bottle feed:(, and then baby #2 was hardly ever with me after I had her (the nurses would whisk her away and forget to bring her back) and I believe that they fed her bottles even though they knew that I was trying to breast feed.I did try to pump but my milk dried up and the doctor told me that was normal. SO with this one I will have to be firm about my decision and I plan on going to classes.<br />
<br />
3. I already have a boy and a girl so we will let this baby be a SURPRISE!!! We have decided not to find out until the day of arrival:) I think this will be hard some days but I also think that the day when my son gets to walk out and announce to a room of family and friends, "IT'S A ______!" It will be a huge honor for him and he will be thrilled!<br />
<br />
4. I know that most people that know me will think that this one is crazy because I'm not good when it comes to pain, but I am <em>thinking</em> about a natural childbirth as well. I may not have the help that I need after baby #3 decides to come and I have heard that you feel better and move better after a natural childbirth. I am thinking about it....my mind on this could change and I will accept that but at the moment I am doing my research:) <br />
<br />
I ask that you pray for us a smooth and wonderful pregnancy! Thank you so very much!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-49614677213275868792012-04-17T14:25:00.000-07:002012-04-17T14:25:27.279-07:00Welcome to Holland....I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability – to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this…<br />
<br />
When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip – to Italy. You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum, the Michelangelo David, the gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. <br />
<br />
After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland." <br />
<br />
"Holland?!" you say. "What do you mean, Holland?" I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy. <br />
<br />
But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. <br />
<br />
The important thing is that they haven't taken you to some horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. <br />
<br />
So you must go out and buy a new guidebook. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. <br />
<br />
It's just a different place. It's slower paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around, and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills, Holland has tulips, Holland even has Rembrandts. <br />
<br />
But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy, and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life you will say, "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned." <br />
<br />
The pain of that will never, ever, go away, because the loss of that dream is a very significant loss. <br />
<br />
But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland. <br />
<br />
Written by Emily Perl Kingsley<br />
<br />
****Copied and pasted here***Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-61977074656249660372012-04-02T20:44:00.000-07:002012-04-02T20:44:24.896-07:00An Autism Story, my son's story....I get asked all the time, "How did you know?". This question always sends me back in time. A wave of emotions come over me and I seem to relive it in the 30 seconds that it takes me to respond. I don't think that I ever want to forget, so I am going to write out his/our story here. <br />
<br />
My son (Little Buddy - affectionately named) was born in June. He was perfect! He had ten little toes and ten little fingers. He had a head full of hair (so long that I cut it when got home from the hospital). I thought this was it! I fell in love with him the first time I held him. We brought him home and he began to progress just like any other child. He just didn't sleep very well at night, he did struggle with this a lot. He smiled at me, laughed, rolled over, sat up and even said "Moma". Then out of the blue everything changed. <br />
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He began to do little things that most people would think "That is too cool!". I remember he used to lay his blocks out like this: blue, yellow, red, blue yellow and red. If I moved them he would have a fit!!! My Mr. and I were in the living room and I had given our Little Buddy a bowl of cherios. He laid them in a straight line around the table, then proceeded to do this: the first of the set of 3 he ate, the second one went in the bowl, and then he went around again and ate the third one. We just starred at each other in amazement. <br />
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He stopped saying: Moma, Dada, hot, bye, hi, bear, and all of the other words he knew. He stopped paying attention to us. He didn't care if I was in the room or not. He started banging his head and screaming! He wouldn't point to what he wanted. He would seek out the sharpest corners in the house and begin to bang his head on them. He would do this if he was happy or angry. He would repeat "sounds" (because he lost all his words) over and over and over again. He refused to eat anything and just wanted a bottle...did not want the cup! <br />
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We took him to a GI doctor because at the age of one he only weighed 17lbs. The doctor's were a little worried. They tested him for everything under the sun and still did not have any answers. I was looking on the internet and came across the phrase "head banging". I thought to myself this is funny, mine does this ALL the time. I began to read the doctor's respone and then I immediately got off the computer. <br />
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I couldn't believe what I had just read, "Autism". The word kept ringing in my ears. What? Could it really be? No way! Not my little one. Isn't Autism where they sit in a corner, drool, and rock themselves? I was confused and this just couldn't be, no not in a million years. How did this happen? I decided to research this more because I had to prove to myself that he was NOT Autistic. <br />
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The more that I read the more I cried. I didn't want to acknowledge or admit it out loud. How was I going to tell my husband? How was I going to tell my family? I knew that everything they were mentioning decribed my Little Buddy.... poor social interation, poor eye contact, didn't make friends, a lack of spontaneous seeking to share emotions, delay (total lack of) speech , inability to initate or sustain a coversation, lack of make believe play, needed routines, flapping his hands, and the list can go on and on some more....<br />
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So what do I do now? I contacted the doctor which led me to Babies Can't Wait. They evaluated him and started therapy immediately, he was 15months old. We went to a neurologist who diagnosed him with Autism. I went home and decided at that moment I had to fight. It wasn't a phyical fight but an emotional one. I was going to have to be his voice. I needed to be his voice. I needed him to suceed. <br />
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Follow us this month to read more of my son's story...Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-33624492448460441532012-03-28T07:35:00.000-07:002012-03-28T07:35:22.386-07:00Lots been happening!I've been so busy and life gets away from me and I am finally sitting down for a moment...<br />
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What's been going on? LOTS!!! <br />
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My husband was asked to be the Youth Pastor for the church that we started attending. He joyfully said YES! So we have been attending meetings and get togethers and praying for the growth of our youth:) I am very excited for him and even more excited to see what God has planned!<br />
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Little Buddy is growing by leaps and bounds! School is going great...now. We hit a rough patch for a moment and didn't know what to do so we prayed. God is so good! He reminded me that one of the reasons we decided to homeschool was becasue the school was pushing him so hard and so fast that I wanted him to be able to slow down and LEARN. I longed for him to have a SOLID foundation. Yet, when it came down to it I was the one who was pushing him so very hard now. I wanted to STOP. We took a couple of days and reorganized and decided to have 3-4 days of the school work days and 1-2 days of unschooling. A day where we could just sit back and talk about what we are learning. We also can take this day and center our focus on a specific area that we seem to be struggling in too:) <br />
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Then my precious baby girl broke her arm and it has been a ride! We were at the park and she was playing and fell off the equipment onto her side. After seeing 3, yes THREE, doctors they pronounced her arm as broken. That first day was really hard for her and she struggled but she is a real trooper:) She soon learned how to use her arm even with the cast. She is actually getting it off tomorrow! I am so happy to see this thing go. I told my husband the first thing I want to do is put her in the bath! HA! We have had to bathe her near a sink or just kind of wash her off and I am ready to soak that baby in some bubbles!!! <br />
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So lots has been happening and I hope to get back into routine and writing more soon! I have an amazing giveaway coming next month:) So please stay tuned!!!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-80107505418860197522012-03-09T09:00:00.001-08:002012-03-09T09:00:00.744-08:00Unschool?I have been homeschooling my son for almost a year! I know I can't believe it:) We have had our ups and downs and it is definitely NOT easy. Still, I think that it is better than sending him to a school where he could be bullied or fall behind. I have tried very hard to "keep him on schedule" but feel like I'm pushing him way too hard and way to fast. I had the thought a couple of weeks ago, "Isn't that one of the reasons I chose to homeschool? I wanted to slow it down so we could focus on the places that he was falling behind." <br />
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I began to feel really bad. It's only been a year and I have lost my focus. I have allowed schedules, personal timelines, and frustrations to take over and I have began to PUSH. Maybe, I was thinking that if we could just get threw it then we would be done and I don't have to argue with him. How WRONG I was:( <br />
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I have lost the want to do projects, art, and just enjoying him. NO MORE! I have sat in prayer wondering what to do...and this thought came to me. Where is the day to just soak it in, to let it simmer? WOW! I can do that? Saturday's are crazy Sunday's we go to church and then we are crazy busy in the afternoon. So what other day is there?<br />
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Enter the Unschooling idea. My thoughts went to this idea. I had read about it but never really gave it much thought. I decided to research it a little more. The more that I read the more excited I became. I still can't let go of the idea of not having any cirriculum but to take a day or maybe even two during the week to reflect on what we are learning. A day to challenge ourselves to read as much as we can. A day to play some board games. A day to plant in our garden. A day to explore art. A day to ___fill in the blank______.<br />
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Yes, I need that Day. We actually started last week on Dr. Suess's Birthday. We did art, we read, we played, and we even learned a little. I saw both my children be kids that day and we had a BLAST! I saw them both light up and get excited about school. <br />
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We will be making this a part of our homeschool. Isn't that one of the beauties of homeschooling? The option to make changes when you need to for the good of your family. I am extremely excited about this and can't wait to see all the wonderful things that will come from or Unschool Day!Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732628732281984931.post-15404953647442142252012-03-08T11:10:00.000-08:002012-03-08T11:10:41.578-08:00Momaniese...?For the past month I feel like I am talking in another lanuage. I thought it was English because it sounds a lot like it to me, but to my family it's foreign. I am now calling it "Momaniese". If you have children then you know what I'm talking about. It's when you say something and they hear something from Charlie Brown.."Bah, Blah, Ba, BaBah". Here are a few examples...<br />
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To my son...<br />
"Please pick up all your toys." translation...Bring more from your bedroom because cleary there were not enough in here, thank you!"<br />
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"Please don't go to youtube." translation..."Sure, I don't mind what you do on the computer."<br />
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"Please go get into the shower." translation..."We are a free family and we encourage you to run around the house naked." <br />
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With my son, I tend to get a little more frustrated than I do with daughter because sometimes he translates Momaniese to be something completely opposite than what I actually said. I love him with all my heart but it frustrates me to the point of tears. I sometime have to repeat my self 3 times before he actually hears me. He also has started having somewhat of an attitude, apprently a reaction from Momaniese. <br />
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To my daughter...<br />
"Come here, sweetie, it's time to change your diaper." translation..."I would love for you to run away from me as fast as you can, while laughing, and when I catch you then I will wisk you away to your bedroom to change your diaper."<br />
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"Please get out of the pantry" translation..."Yes, please eat your little heart out on all the dog food you want, Thank God it's FDA approved."<br />
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I am hoping that since my daughter is like me in a lot of ways that she will start to pick up Momaniese at an early age. Then we won't have too much of a hard time as she gets older:) Unfortuantely, I have heard that all children are affected by this. <br />
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Yes, I have many more examples of Momaniese. Sometimes they get in trouble because they translanted completely wrong. I think it gets worse as they get older, but after they are fully grown I heard that Momaniese actually gets translated back into English:) <br />
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One more of my favorites, applies to both children..."Mommy is on the phone." translation..."This is a perfect time to ask me all of life's questions, cry as loud as you can, do those dare devil stunts that you've been itching to try, ask for food, really anything goes!" <br />
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So do you speak Momaniese? What is one of you favorite translations in your home?Melissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17112335184609522018noreply@blogger.com0