tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22627573074239132592024-03-14T00:13:49.429-04:00Daisypoet..the words behind the lifeA place to come sit back and read stories of how one lady decided it was time to be real. DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-42632673548829231842021-03-23T14:01:00.000-04:002021-03-23T14:01:06.757-04:00Let me introduce myself<p>It has been quite some time since I have written and shared anything here. I suppose there are a few reasons for that, one could be just a crazy busy life, or maybe I am just really bad at following through when I have no accountability. I wish I could say that it was one reason more than the other, but really it is most certainly a mix of both. </p><p>I love to write and have avoided it for so many years and reasons. One of which is serious self-doubt in my ability to write and then my own thoughts of who really cares to read this. Yet, I am constantly being pulled back in to write and share stories of my crazy life. My closest of friends can tell you that some days our life would make a great comedy/reality tv show. </p><p>Today, I would like to re-introduce myself and my family. I will share a bit of what we all do, especially since this pandemic has changed the dynamics of life quite a bit. </p><p>I am a wife, mother to five kids ranging in ages from 7 to 20. I am a State Chapter Director of the Michigan Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation, a nonprofit built to raise funds and awareness of the brain condition hydrocephalus. Our 10 year old daughter was born with this condition and we were thrown into a world we never even knew existed. I am also the CFO with Bliss Family of ROMs, another nonprofit that I am a part of alongside my husband. This one has to do with Android App Developement, so I am very much a behind the scenes helper of all financials and HR.</p><p>I love spending time outdoors in spring, summer and fall, walking nature trails, (I say I'm hiking, but its probably not what others picture as hiking), swimming, spending time at the beach, and just enjoying the sunshine. I have a huge fondness of 1980's music (sorry, but it's still great music), as well as almost any genre except country, metal and hard rap. Sorry, there are just some things I can't pull myself to enjoy. I am a survivor of sexual abuse that happened in my teen years by a family member. I am not ever afraid to talk about or share my story, and as I am growing in my life, you may even hear me share about it. My friends and family would say I am quite a hippy spirit as well. I love to cut chemicals out of our household in many ways, but still struggle with making healthier food for my family. I love to bake, but cooking is not so much a favorite of mine. If I have to plan dinner one more stinking night!!! We have a huge weakness to fastfood, ice cream, most anything sweet will catch our attention as well.</p><p>My goal with this blog is that you may find it refreshing, I will always be honest with you - sharing both the good and bad of what is happening. I hope that while I share bits and pieces of what I have found to work for me or my family may help you, or maybe a part of my story resonates with you and you want to know more. Either way, I hope you enjoy the crazy endeavors of my life! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVWFKX-t4v2jzOQWF3MQ6qVhIucHzdhwo64C8eF9QXbRdwA5ssYbYhw9KOWRjg-XQ0lRAHR8WGCYXb4gLv7LjnGlPLJJ6Imk6W8ukNLrlTsRmj3gTfd1fQmguTigU6vRnv9kVUNnp4zo/s3264/PXL_20210127_200503298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidVWFKX-t4v2jzOQWF3MQ6qVhIucHzdhwo64C8eF9QXbRdwA5ssYbYhw9KOWRjg-XQ0lRAHR8WGCYXb4gLv7LjnGlPLJJ6Imk6W8ukNLrlTsRmj3gTfd1fQmguTigU6vRnv9kVUNnp4zo/w150-h200/PXL_20210127_200503298.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBakly630FIZT6gdxTU640UI1gtAtCQWy4f1okiHzYfSJqLNzgjuHNGbGGcUR922CaO3C9HNBjawUezKNQYUJD8pxAi4GL_KYQKRH3C-ucm9VvhR93sZGsBXVMJL0MrX4-pPBU4ACw4wQ/s4032/PXL_20210307_221627113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBakly630FIZT6gdxTU640UI1gtAtCQWy4f1okiHzYfSJqLNzgjuHNGbGGcUR922CaO3C9HNBjawUezKNQYUJD8pxAi4GL_KYQKRH3C-ucm9VvhR93sZGsBXVMJL0MrX4-pPBU4ACw4wQ/w150-h200/PXL_20210307_221627113.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9rjRZ9_M74F3bt4gFj0SJbUd9EKZOhuN1wmKYe_18PfQORlVOinxSPZs22S7Fo5n7Lt_7bSzRe_VZXS9iFo-fbp1FP86Jvdww7_ws9yDycvmx6CKCE66nG2K-If6nougAdaaQ_TlpuE/s4032/PXL_20210313_223236233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9rjRZ9_M74F3bt4gFj0SJbUd9EKZOhuN1wmKYe_18PfQORlVOinxSPZs22S7Fo5n7Lt_7bSzRe_VZXS9iFo-fbp1FP86Jvdww7_ws9yDycvmx6CKCE66nG2K-If6nougAdaaQ_TlpuE/w150-h200/PXL_20210313_223236233.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><p></p>DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.comGrand Rapids, MI, USA42.9633599 -85.668086314.653126063821155 -120.8243363 71.273593736178839 -50.5118363tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-15347439203171829022018-05-29T09:30:00.001-04:002018-05-29T09:30:02.843-04:00Looking BackThis post has been bouncing around my head for quite some time now. My oldest son is graduating this week. It is such an exciting and stressful time right now. I am excited for him and his new adventures in life, as he will head off to college in the fall. But a part of me is slightly saddened by what he doesn't remember of his years in school.<br />
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You see, back in middle school he went on a trip with his fellow scouts tubing in the winter. He fell off the tube and hit his head so hard that the ER doctor thought he was a football player and had been 'pile driven into the turf'!! He then went on to suffer about 5 or 6 more concussions within a year. He went through post concussion syndrome, therapy for concussions in 8th and 9th grades, but sadly just about failed all of his classes in 9th grade due to memory loss and a school not willing to work with him and offer extra support despite all the doctors notes brought in to them. He still suffers memory loss, and so most of his school years are gone to him.<br />
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I was working on finding pictures of him for his picture board for the party this week, and he kept asking what is this, when did this happen? There was one from three years ago and he has no recollection of it at all. None. It is as if the event didn't happen.<br />
So his graduation is a big deal to me, and I look forward to celebrating this young man, who despite a lot of odds has indeed graduated without repeating a grade, or late. That is huge.<br />
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I was talking to a friend about how kids like mine are expected to graduate high school and a lot of people are not seeing it as a big deal these days. Why, because he comes from a two parent, emotionally stable, home? Let me share with you his early years. Where there was no emotional stability due to a toxic grandparent around a lot (my fault, lesson learned). Homeless living, couch hopping, living in one room of a friends house for a good two to three years off and on. All while he was young and in his formative years. There was no stability at all in his early years, and then at ten he had a sister that has a brain condition that meant I had to spend a year in the hospital with her, barely seeing my other kiddos. Let me tell you, his graduating in 2018, the year that when you start kindergarten and they say welcome class of XXXX, and you hope your kiddo is actually a part of that class is... Yeah it's a big deal.<br />
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So, if you were ever a part of this kid's life and want to celebrate this accomplishment and didn't get an official invite, or are not sure if the Facebook invite is good enough. Let me tell you here, no gifts are needed; your presence in his celebration is appreciated and loved and wanted. It takes a village to raise these kids, and I am so glad we had him surrounded by a great one that allowed him to bloom and still graduate with the class of 2018.<br />
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Congratulations Jonathan, I can't wait to see what the next four years bring you!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kindergarten</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6th grade return from camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">summer of 7th grade at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Boy Scout Camp</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senior<br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch Out LSSU - Here comes Jonathan!! </td></tr>
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<br />DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-76293114224002343592017-09-04T21:41:00.001-04:002017-09-04T21:41:14.473-04:00Hydrocephalus Awareness MonthI spent the morning going back through Willow's blog, <a href="https://donnasdayasdaisy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Willow's Wishes</a> reading the beginning to her journey with hydrocephalus. There are things that happened that I have long since forgotten. Struggles, emotions, thoughts, feelings, questions, diagnoses all but left in her history. It is so absolutely AMAZING to see what she can do today, ALL that she can do today is attributed to God.<br />
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I have thought a lot about this month, September and what does it mean to us. It is amazing how this month has transformed me, for the last 6 years. This year, it once again takes on a deeper meaning, a deeper notion of wanting to share why this month and every day is so important to us in the West household.<br />
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Let me take you back, to Willow's two month check up: She wasn't tracking or following my face or toys when we moved them from left to right, she would still cross her eyes, even though the doctor said by this age they shouldn't be. She would not bat at toys, instead, she had a head tilt that while it seemed quirky was just off enough to catch the eyes of a few friends who said we need to look into that. The doctor agreed and ordered an ultrasound to be done just a few weeks later, those results were that she has hydrocephalus. Our pediatrician called us crying, not knowing that this would be Willow's story. A week after this, we would take Willow in for an MRI that would tell us these results: significant loss of white matter, no evidence of pressure from the fluid as the brain didn't develop properly, she was indeed born with this condition, and we should expect fairly global delays. The official diagnosis - Hydrocephalus Ex Vacuo <span style="font-family: inherit;">(<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Hydrocephalus ex-vacuo occurs when stroke or traumatic injury cause damage to the brain. In these cases, brain tissue may actually shrink.) According to the National Institute of Health: </span>https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Hydrocephalus-Fact-Sheet) But you see, this type of hydrocephalus generally affects adults, but we didn't know that back then. We were just told, over the phone, that our daughter didn't have a brain, and the fluid was keeping her skull from caving in. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fast forward to her four month check up, where there are more delays noticed and the doctor notices that her head circumference had grown six centimeters. Now, according to the type of hydrocephalus she was believed to have, her head size should not grow larger. Yet it did. Our pediatrician knew something wasn't right and after conferring with others in her office called me and said take her to Children's ER, they are waiting for you. So off we went, where she would endure CT scan and vital checks and finally after many hours (about four) a neurosurgeon walking in, saying we are going to prep her for surgery as she is getting a shunt placed tonight. After a crazy whirlwind hour of getting my husband and other three children home and heading to the hospital, we all got to see her and give her a kiss before she was wheeled into OR. After the surgery, the doctor comes out and would give what would become known as his usual speech, "no known complications', but also informed us of a tiny bleed out that 'shouldn't cause issues' we were able to see her again. This was just the first of what would become many surgeries she would go through. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">September use to be known as the month all the kiddos would go back to school, the month where the weather got a bit cooler, hoodies came out, you would watch a football game on Saturday, and dread summer clean up around the house getting it ready for the winter. Now, September means we spread awareness of a condition that affects our home daily. With each headache we wonder, with each fussy day Willow has, we start to see if there are dots that need to be connected when she is more tired than normal, we question what has she been doing. September is a month, where we share her story, along with so many other's and raise awareness of a condition that could hit anyone at any time in their lives. Do you know about hydrocephalus? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Source Sans Pro, sans-serif;"><br /></span>DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-10401679755881518562017-08-24T23:14:00.001-04:002017-08-24T23:19:29.817-04:00DC Recap<br />
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So, I will do two recaps on our trip. This is a more grown up version with a bit more incite as it is my personal blog. On Willow's Wishes, I will do a 'Willow version' of how the trip went. Maybe even do a Q&A interview.<br />
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I will spare you the boring details of the drive (13 hours down, 14 back home), as well as any and all fights between children that I am sure, could have been prevented if only they were to follow directions. I will say travel bags with new books (coloring, puzzle, reading) are a great thing to have, while magnetic hangman not so much (not sure we found all the pieces after the 3-year-old got to the game).<br />
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Thursday was the meet and greet dinner. A night for all of the families to meet other families traveling the same journey of hydrocephalus, (who are we kidding, no one's journey is the same - it's the conditions name that is shared, but there is also a great understanding that goes along with that), and share stories. It gives our kiddos a chance to meet others who have laid in the hospital bed long hours as they have thought no one gets it - but they do. Willow and Evan also got to sign books that night which she thought was not so great (she signed about 30 copies that night!) and so had a sore wrist. LOL<br />
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Friday was the meeting day, we met with three offices in DC, Rep. Amash from West Michigan, Sen. Stabenow, and Sen. Peters. For the first time in all my years of going to these meetings, I actually felt that Amash's office received us and Willow's story well. They made it clear he will not sign on to the Caucus to help raise awareness in Congress - but they now have a health aide on his staff, which is new. I like to call that a very small baby step, but at least a step in the right direction. The other two offices have always been quite supportive which is great, but this year almost felt above what has been said in the past. They both loved that there are events happening in MI to help raise awareness and have said that they will love to hear more about them in hopes to come to our walks or help raise awareness in September when it is National Hydrocephalus Month. Those are great things to hear at this point. So, now we will wait and see what happens as more events and awareness is raised.<br />
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Saturday our family took a trip to Salisbury, MD and then on to Ocean City. Our stop in Salisbury was not very long at all, it was a moment to pay respects and get a photo with Jon's dad who passed away before I met him. So, none of our kids had the chance to know that grandpa; but I felt it was a great piece of family history for them to know. Maybe because Jonathan runs off to college next year, maybe because we picked Orion's middle name after grandpa's middle name... Maybe because we were close enough to see it, and that was all the reason needed. Either way, Willow was very excited to stop and 'see' grandpa. We then drove on to Ocean City so the kids could go jump some ocean waves and taste the salty ocean (more to come on that in Willow's version). Then homeward bound on Sunday, all in all, a great trip.<br />
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Yet, so much more came out of this trip. I go on these trips and bring our family to raise awareness in Congress. I need them to see how hydrocephalus has affected our children - not just Willow. Something that I was reminded of on this trip, is that I have no memory of Jonathan's 6th-grade year at Blandford, that was the year Willow received 12 surgeries in a short 12 months. The memories I have of that year, are of Jonathan asking not to go on overnight trips away from home because what if Willow ends up in the hospital? What if Willow doesn't make it out? What if....<br />
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Or how about the comments made to me about how amazing I am as a mom because I am there?! I am there speaking out for my daughter, I allowed her to have a voice in a book, and share her story with others. I am THERE every day she is in the hospital.... I get it; some parents can't be there in the hospital, bedside for every minute. I do not judge... but to have a few teenage girls thanking me for being there, just being THERE... hits you in the heart.<br />
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What about the time the research doctor who is there, set to speak the next day at our conference also thanks you for allowing your child to write a book so that they can hear from a different perspective and remind them of WHY they are in the lab day in and day out? It puts a heart to the reason they do their job, and she had tears in her eyes.<br />
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You see, this year there was a lot of awareness raised, I am certain of that. It may not have been the awareness I left my house for, but it was awareness none the less. It put a new fire in me, reminding me why I joined the PHF, why I decided to get involved and be the voice for those that don't want to or can't speak. Why I will, every day, take it personally when something I plan as a way to raise awareness or funds doesn't go well, and it will make me try harder next time and not give up.<br />
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There have been a lot of chance meetings in the last month, that lead me to believe that this is where I am supposed to be, this is where I am supposed to grow. I personally have tried to steer my life in many other directions (still do on a daily basis), but I keep being shown (though I don't always listen, darn stubborn, red head) and after this trip to DC... I hear now loud and clear.<br />
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I want to thank EVERYONE who helped our family all summer long raise funds to get to DC this year, this by far was the most rewarding trip we have been on. Thank you, just doesn't even seem like enough, but yet is all I have.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hydro Hero's 2017 </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">VP Michael Illions with Willow </td></tr>
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<br />DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-41755527009517749982017-07-16T22:54:00.000-04:002017-07-17T07:21:45.259-04:00Amazing news<div dir="ltr">
Our summer has been filled with lazy days, fun days, quiet days, and days where the kids can't keep from shouting at one another, (truly a nice way to say screaming, and ripping each others heads off) and well, a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1547164913/ref=sxts_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500256044&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65">book release</a>! </div>
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This next half of our summer is truly going to fly by with so many things taking place that I am not sure I will be able to keep up! I know we have many supporters out there who also love us and want to stay posted on our going on's and upcoming events. I will do my best to keep one and all up to date, but please know - we are crazy busy!! These next few weeks have arrived and we are all very excited!! </div>
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This week we have 2 candy making classes that Willow and I are teaching. We love to make chocolate candies, and are always complemented on them, so we want to share our love with others. doTerra is also offering BOGO offers this week, so I will be busy with work stuff for sure! We love <a href="https://www.facebook.com/daisypoetoils/">BOGO week</a>! Sharing yet another passion of ours :) </div>
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Next week, we are running our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/113098085998057/?ti=cl">yard sale</a> for 3 more days, the 27-29th of July. We have had NEW items dropped off, and things still being dropped off. Toys, two different bunk beds, dresser, chairs, clothing, housewares, tents, and so much more! Come check it out next week! </div>
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On the 31st of July, why not check out Fox Morning Mix around the 9 o'clock hour.... Willow will be on live talking about her book, the PHF, our walk and who knows what else! We are super excited for Willow, while she is super nervous. :) <br />
Also this same week, is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1395699583836274/?ti=cl">MI PHF WALK</a> event on Saturday, August 5th at Wahlfield Park. Willow and Evan will be there signing copies of their book before the walk starts. There are great family fun games, as well as a beach party theme (so plan to get wet!)</div>
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On Saturday, August 12th, I will be taking Jonathan up to Lake Superior State University to tour the college. It is really the only place he is interested in, so I hope it lives up to his dreams. He is looking at a forensics chemistry major there, and it seems they have a great program. </div>
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A few days after that, we leave for DC! We will travel as a family there to meet with the <a href="http://www.hydrocephaluskids.org/wordpress/">PHF</a> and speak with Congressional reps about the importance of raising awareness of Hydrocephalus and how it affects so many, and yet so unknown. We also take a day or two extra as a family vacation, so the kids are looking forward to that as well. </div>
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Shortly after our return from that, the kids go back to school! It is crazy to think that they will be going back in only 6 weeks. Willow is most definitely not ready. The other kids have mixed reviews. :) This year, we have a senior in high school, a freshman, a 7th grader, a 1st grader, and a 4 year old in preschool!! Oh how busy we are. :)</div>
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I hope that for many of you who follow our family, support our journeys, and love to stay on top of things - this was all helpful information. For others, maybe not so much. Lol, if anyone has questions about what I have said here, please message me, I will do my best to answer quickly. </div>
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From our family to yours, please enjoy your summer!! We are half way through!</div>
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DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-37131385456335608192017-06-20T09:21:00.001-04:002017-06-20T09:21:19.834-04:00Willow's storyToday, I am going to cross the lines in my blog a bit and share with you all, my six-year-old daughter's story. You may have heard it, or follow the blog I keep for her (<a href="http://donnasdayasdaisy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Willow's Wishes</a>), but today I am going to share on my personal blog.<br />
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Willow is our fourth child, and my pregnancy with her was not an easy one, but I am not so certain that all of the complications I had led us to where we are today. We will actually never know, but it isn't the part of the story I really want to focus on. You see, Willow was born Christmas Eve in 2010, and while I wasn't happy about having a baby so close to Christmas, you have to know her, to know that she is full of spirit! That was totally the right day for her to be born. She passed all newborn screenings, and was only 10 days early and had no need for any interventions. We stayed until the 26th and then were sent home.<br />
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As she grew, we started to notice a quirk she had. She had this head tilt that seemed awfully awkward and hard to imagine as it being typical newborn. <span id="goog_1555174747"></span><span id="goog_1555174748"></span><br />
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So at 2 1/2 months of age, we started a journey that we had never even heard of, knew nothing about, and sure as heck, was not prepared for.<br />
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Willow's story is quite long and involved, but I would like to keep it short and concise as I can. Please know you can go back to the link above and follow her journey more in depth at her blog (just start <a href="http://donnasdayasdaisy.blogspot.com/2011/03/turn-with-seasons.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Willow was diagnosed with hydrocephalus at 2 1/2 months of age. Actually, to be more accurate, we were told she had no brain. In that little, tilted head above, is all fluid and no brain matter. At least that was what the first MRI showed. At four months of age, things changed and she had her first brain surgery. That is the only way to fix hydrocephalus. There is no cure, only brain surgeries to fix this condition. From the age of four months to the age of 16 months, Willow and I lived in the local children's hospital. During this time, she would average a surgery a month. 12 brain surgeries by the time she was 16 months old. Instead of walking, saying mama, dada, she was dealing with brain surgeries and a shunt that was supposed to be helping her, only instead it kept failing her.<br />
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We then had a great break and almost made it four years surgery free! This time allowed our family to grow into a new normal, allow us to be with our older three children again, and really live life. But shunts are unreliable, it is only a machine after all. Machines fail outside of the body all the time, why would this be any different?! Hopefully, you can catch my frustration here. Shunts have a 50% failure rate within the first two years of placement, hence so many surgeries on our little girl. Not only that, she is actually allergic to the silicone that the shunt is made of, and so needs a special one to be placed in order for her body to not reject it. How special for our little girl.<br />
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Willow is now six years old, and not to jump too far ahead in our story, but she is up to brain surgery number 17. This doesn't count how many times she was placed under for tubes to be placed in her ears, tear ducts probed open, MRI's as a baby, future dental work (well, it's done now), etc. A few years ago, she started to wake up during a routine MRI, and they had to use emergency anesthesia. What happened was her body had become used to the dosage used at her weight, and she woke up. :( Those are some of the things that worry us, as well as how many more surgeries she will have.<br />
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Now, Willow is doing amazingly well, and we are so very proud of her. She has overcome so many odds, and her story may not be typical of what a child with hydrocephalus looks like, but it is her story. 17 brain surgeries and counting, just finished kindergarten and looking forward to an amazing summer. <br />
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Now, this really does give only a snapshot of all that she has overcome, it doesn't discuss the therapy she received all those years to get her where she is, it doesn't talk about a lot of the issues faced within the surgeries, etc. But again, if you want to know more about her personal journey, check out her blog. Just know that all of this led to our journey, where we are working with the PHF and I am a director here in Michigan. </div>
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The PHF is a non-profit organization and you can learn more about that <a href="http://www.hydrocephaluskids.org/" target="_blank">here</a>. We host a walk in August to raise funds for the MI PHF that are then given to fund research grants for better treatment and better shunts. Information on our walk can be found by following this <a href="http://active.com/donate/phfwalkmi2017" target="_blank">link</a>, where you can also make a donation or register to join us. This year we are also going to DC to speak to congressional reps to raise awareness of the condition there as well. The more that is known, the better the chances are to find a cure. </div>
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We did not go anywhere out of state, or to some incredible water park. Nope, we stayed in the GR area the whole week. So what, you may ask, made it so great?<br />
My attitude. :)<br />
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I have struggled with depression, seasonal, post-partum, whatever, for years. I had a lot of anxiety, stress, unhappiness, built up inside of me. But I have been working on myself for months, and this week I feel I conquered those things that were holding me back.<br />
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As much as I love my tiny (not so tiny) brood of children we have created, they were a source of my most intense stress and anxiety. I could not be with them for 24 hours, multiple days in a row without flipping out. And I mean FLIPPING OUT. I would use words not meant for children's ears, or I would not go anywhere for fear of how they would behave or worse yet, how I would react to their behavior. This week, was a complete difference and I LOVED IT!<br />
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We started by going to the movies to see Sing. Now, there were a lot of factors that led up to even getting us to the movie theater that day. Jonathan had driving practice, I forgot we had a meeting at 5 pm, had to run home to get driver's ed books, so that meant late to movie. They didn't have 6 seats next to each other, normally I would say nope, change of plans. Instead I rolled with it, and made it work for us! And it was GREAT! Made it to meeting, quick fast food stop after (traffic could have made us late, we found alternate route), made it in time to Jonathan's driver's ed class.<br />
That was just Monday!<br />
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Tuesday, we cleaned house, went to the library with the littles, made brownies (with some essential oil flavor boost) and just enjoyed our calm day. Wednesday we chilled out in the morning, relaxed and stayed in jammies for a bit. Then went to the mall!! Yup, I took 5 kiddos to the mall, for no reason at all! Well, other than the oldest was meeting some friends, and since weather wasn't the greatest, we stuck around. Not everyone wanted to, but we made the best of it. Now, there were things that happened here that would have in the past would have sent me over the edge and running for the hills (after many more curse words left my mouth). I will spare you the play by play here with this. Instead, I rolled with them! I made jokes with the kids about them! We enjoyed our day, none the less. :) It was amazing.<br />
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Thursday was spent with appointments for Willow. She had an MRI and a follow up from surgery with the neurosurgeon. I had all five kiddos with me because Jonathan had driving practice again right before. So, we ate lunch out and made it to the appointment in time. Then thankfully, we were able to be seen right after the MRI at neurosurgery, which got us home a little bit earlier. We were treated by a visit from a dear friend whom we hadn't been able to chat with in a while, and then dinner and driver's ed again. We ended this night with a trip to our favorite ice cream store - Frosty Boy!! (This may or may not have been our second time there since break started).<br />
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Then Friday, the official last day of break, because well you always get a weekend off, so the kids don't count it. LOL We spent Friday..... ROLLERSKATING! I even put skates on and had a blast! I want to go more often with the kiddos. :) The best part, was that one; I did not fall down once while I had skates on! Yeah me!! The second thing, I freaked my kids out! Evan saw me doing circles on skates, and said it was 'witchcraft!' because he could not figure out how I was doing this. People, please, I am a child of the '80's we spent our days on wheels!! LOL Well, I did anyway. :)<br />
I had as much fun as the kids did there.<br />
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So, every day this week I did something that in the past would have pushed my anxiety through the roof, my stress levels, my fondness for my kids would have been right out the window. So, how did I get through the week? A lot of prayers, self development in the past year, and essential oils. I made sure every day, I started the day giving my worries to God, giving my need to be in control over to Him, and asking Him to guide my day. I made sure that while I was drinking my coffee, I put on my favorite oils (patchouli and spearmint), and then Clary Calm on my ankles. :) I also did something that I don't ever do. I have this little card on my desk, and it says, "Put down your shield and stand in the rain of blessings". I did THAT this week. I am forever greatful for this week with my kids. They may not see it as the best spring break ever because we didn't officially DO anything (go on vacation); but for me, it was a HUGE win. I am forever thankful for.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Construction Worker Orion</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Airline Pilot ready for take off! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carosel Ride at the mall (me, Orion, and Willow in back!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New hat purchase at mall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New hat as well :) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MRI imaging to check ventricles after shunt surgery. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rollerskating! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't believe how well he did! This boy is a natural! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, I took all 5 of them with me :) We had a blast.<br /><br />2017 BEST SPRING BREAK EVER </td></tr>
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<br />DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-65572032714852362992017-02-05T14:44:00.002-05:002017-02-05T14:47:59.902-05:00Emotions and oils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuJCdW5qAY5h7oOzq6y_v6maFlwH7vHzx6IuLXgQ-yKrmbNQGnFqY3Y0IeomBjDgIN5diStu0x_a4oNwUJDlc2YU6kFp9FQJLYmDjFtCESPvROg5MOdey7YUO3tMY3adT56sflIB1478/s1600/february.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuJCdW5qAY5h7oOzq6y_v6maFlwH7vHzx6IuLXgQ-yKrmbNQGnFqY3Y0IeomBjDgIN5diStu0x_a4oNwUJDlc2YU6kFp9FQJLYmDjFtCESPvROg5MOdey7YUO3tMY3adT56sflIB1478/s320/february.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">F</span>ebruary is a great month to be reminded to care for oneself. According to mass merchandisers, it is a great month to spend a bunch of money on the 'love of your life' and spoil them like crazy. But, there is something I have been learning lately, and working hard at as well - self care.<br />
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You can't really care for others if you are not caring for yourself first. Self care looks so different for everyone, but at the bottom of it all I feel, is your emotional well being. What do you know about essential oils and emotional well being? Did you know that emotions are processed throughout the whole body? Your mind, your heart, and your gut ( called "The 3 brains"), all work together or communicate with each other to regulate and influence your emotions. Emotions also impact our cells, and it is in this way that essential oils can help us regulate our emotions and take control of our self care once again. Did you know that 90% of your body's serotonin is produced in your gut?! Serotonin, if you don't know, is associated with your 'feel good' emotions.<br />
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This month, I am teaching a few Facebook Live classes about emotions and how essential oils help. Tomorrow I will be starting a 7 day challenge about emotions and essential oils. I would love to have you!! Check out my page on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/daisypoetoils/" target="_blank">Daisypoet's Oils</a> for more information on those online classes.<br />
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doTerra is also running a promotion on one of the emotion oils: Passion oil is 10% off this month, and then if you place a 125 pv order by the 15th of this month you will receive the aromatouch oil for FREE!<br />
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If you have any questions about any of this, please feel free to message me on FB, or email at: flower97_02@yahoo.com and I would be happy to help.DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-20795001894091916042017-01-09T07:00:00.000-05:002017-01-09T07:00:08.485-05:00Daily maintenanceWell, a lot of people have been asking how can one really incorporate essential oils and our other products into their daily routine. Well, it has to be a decision made that you want to live healthier in order for you to actually make this a routine and not some once in a while type of thing that only happens when someone suggests it; or you remember that oh yeah I have oils here!<br />
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So, a typical day for me starts with the toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, moisturizer, chap stick (a must have this time of year) and I am only dressed at this point! LOL<br />
So, then comes the coffee and let me share that I have recently found that adding a drop of peppermint oil to my coffee is so much better than creamer! My kids all have their own rollerballs as well and they each have their own favorite oils or blend to put on their feet, neck, wrists or spine before school starts. I have my diffuser on my desk in our dining room; and I generally will turn it on after my school runs are done and I come home to work. Lunch time has me taking my daily vitamins and probiotic for maintaining gut health; which is important for overall health. I make sure to have the diffuser running just before the kids get home in order for them to focus on homework. Each night we end our night with our calming blend before going to bed. <br />
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That is a day that doesn't even take into consideration cleaning or when we feel under the weather or extra stress or any other somethings. This is just a typical daily maintenance. We will get the extra's another day.<br />
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Here are some links and pictures of products we use in our home regularly. Again, here is the link to my <a href="https://www.mydoterra.com/daisypoettribe/#/" target="_blank">site</a>, and here is my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/daisypoetoils/" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a><br />
I hope you have a wonderful week!<br />
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DaisyPoet's Oils<br />
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<br />DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-56360618611806206972017-01-02T06:00:00.000-05:002017-01-02T06:00:33.166-05:00New year - New you... same words, different storyAh yes, the wonderful new year has arrived! With it, comes all the resolutions, the hopes, the dreams, the goal setting and all the ambition to change who we are or how we look, or whatever it is we may not be happy with. <br />
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I am not knocking any of the above in any way really; I just think if we want to make changes in our life no matter how big or small, we can do that at ANY time of the year. We do not need to wait until the calendar tell's us it's a new year and now is the best time to do these things. After all, statiscally speaking not many of us will actually keep these new year resolutions we set for ourselves. I was wondering why that is was, and came up with a few ideas of my own.<br />
First, we set goals that are unattainable - now here is what I think of that. Last year I would have said it's possible. But I have grown a lot since Jan. 1, 2016 to Jan 1, 2017 and I am very happy for that. Let me say that a goal may seem unattainable, or huge to reach; but it doesn't mean it can't be reached. Baby steps are called that for a good reason, and sometimes baby steps don't feel like much at the time. After all, while we all celebrate baby's first steps we don't celebrate their 100th, or 1000th even though that brings them so much closer to running around like that little toddler does. We also don't tell them when they fall down that walking is not meant for them, and they should give up. Yet we tell ourselves that all the time. We fall down and we feel our goal was too big. Hogwash!<br />
Second, we work on our goals well for about a week solid, maybe even two. And then we have one bad day and we feel like we can't start again. Why bother? We will just return to this cycle again afterall? Again, last year I would have agreed and said yeah sounds about right. This year, after a lot of reading, self searching, and growing, I am once again calling Hogwash! So what? You fell off the wagon, you had one bad day? Does that mean you can't get back on that bike and learn to ride it? Will you never know the joy of riding a two wheel bike because you had one crash? You won't reach your goal or resolution because of one bad day? Well, that is your choice; but it is also your choice to rise above the negativity and grow beyond that. See that you can get back up and grow and reach your dreams. Baby steps my dear, baby steps.<br />
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So, this year, I have large goals myself. I am so excited to announce that I stay home with my family and am able to run a business while my kiddos are at school. This allows me more time to be present with them while they are home in the evenings, available to go to after school programs without leaving my job early. My goals for the year seem pretty incredible and I know that with baby steps and determination, I will reach my goals. The best thing about what I do is that I love it! That makes it even more exciting and rewarding. I get to teach people how to incorporate doTerra essential oils into their home life. I get to show them resources that help them to learn about the healing power these oils have. They are not new to the scene either, think back to the past and really do your research. How long has the pharmaceutical companies been in business? What do you think was used prior to these big business companies coming to the scene?<br />
I know it can seem daunting, scary, or expensive to add essential oils to your life. Or where does one even beging, but I am looking forward to a year where I get to teach you all how to add them into your day seemlessly, and share incredible specials with you when I can. Follow my FB account <a href="https://www.facebook.com/daisypoetoils/" target="_blank">here</a> for any upcoming specials and online classes, and check out my website <a href="https://www.mydoterra.com/daisypoettribe/#/" target="_blank">here</a> if you are already knowledgeable about oils or want to contact me. :)<br />
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I look forward to meeting those of you I have not yet who want to know more about oils, and those of you I do know, now know that I would love to help you reach a healthier, chemical free, more natural you if you would like; and you know where to reach me ;)<br />
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Here are a few ways I incorporated oils into our month of December:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">diffuser bracelet</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">peppermint cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate's with different oils<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
Happy New Year!! </div>
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DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-8258853711208974062016-12-29T11:06:00.001-05:002016-12-29T11:09:04.836-05:00Time for a changeSo every so often, I get this bug in my butt that says it is time for a change. It seems to be tied to a change in the seasons, or a change in my outlook in our life, or some other rather large thing that happened in our life. Friends, a change is on the horizon!<br />
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I have changed the look of my personal blog here, and am going to start incorporating more of my business into it as well. I will share what oils I am in love with at the time, and using daily, recipes I find helpful to lessen the chemical load in your household and mine. I am going to send you links to other friends blogs that I think will be helpful for one thing or another and I will still be quite honest about my life, my rounds of depression, and being a mom to five kiddos. My daughter's blog, <a href="http://donnasdayasdaisy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Willow's Wishes</a>, will still focus on her story only though.<br />
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A lot of these changes have been brewing in my mind all month, and I am quite excited about what the new year will bring. I have been using essential oils in my home for almost three years now, and really running a business of it for almost a year. I am growing personally and professionally each day, and am really excited about some incredible things on the horizon that I just don't want to share yet.<br />
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A new year always brings with it a chance to dream again, and set new goals, and re evaluate where you are at currently with where you wanted to be instead. Most people do this only at the the change of the year; I would like to make sure I am staying on top of my dreams and goals on a more regular basis, and so am setting up a lot of things differently than I have before in my life. I have heard often lately that if you want to see a change in your life and end up in a different place, you have to start doing different things than what you are currently doing. It makes a lot of sense, but oddly enough takes a lot to get through my thick skull. :) <br />
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So, as the changes unfold, and the new year approaches and progresses, I hope you will stick with me and see what great things are to come.<br />
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Happy New Year! DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-12929019402382798512016-06-15T09:59:00.001-04:002016-06-15T09:59:33.804-04:00The end of an eraWell, it is official and so I can speak a bit more about it. My 3 older kids are all out of elementary school! Shocker, I know; but the weird thing about this process, is that Palmer Elementary has become 'home' to us. Our family has been in that school for 10 years! For ten years I have been growing and cultivating relationships with the staff, for ten years I have been in and out of that building almost daily. Those ten years have been so great to my kids and my family and I have so much respect for the staff there that it seriously brings me to tears to think that while I have a child heading to kindergarten in the fall, and could continue our years at Palmer - we are not.<br />
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Change is a good thing, but it is also one of the most fearful things there is to do in life. For the last few years I have had to make some decisions with my children's education that I didn't think I would be, and seeing different options that I didn't think I ever would have. I keep going through my life and seeing snippets of things that looking back, show me that oh - I guess I could have seen that coming, or what not. This year, we made the decision to have Willow stay at Congress for kindergarten.<br />
We weren't going to at first, we had full intention of placing her at our neighborhood school - Palmer Elementary. But she wasn't sitting well with that. She has been in and out of that building so much in the last five years of her life, it should have been such a natural transition; but it wasn't. It wasn't sitting well with her, it made me re-think what I was doing for her. We had a few signs that were trying to guide us, but I ignored them (I tend to do that), and then a big one came at us. It seems to be those bigger signs that I pay attention to, and take heed of. So after that big, final push, we filled out transfer forms. We don't see it being an issue at all for her to stay there at Congress, so that is good. It is weird to say good bye for now, to a school that I thought we had a few more good years at.<br />
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I always have Orion - he will be starting preschool in another 2 years, and so I can put him there if preschool is an option still. I guess for now, we will hold to that.<br />
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Here are some random pics from the last three years at Palmer :)<br />
Hope you enjoy as much as we did.<br />
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DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-39705319252860230652016-04-24T22:00:00.002-04:002016-04-24T22:00:45.081-04:00AprilThere are days, when people say things, like how they admire me, or a quality that I have. They are amazed how I seem like I have things all put together in life with a neat little bow on it; packaged ever so nicely. They wonder how I am able to raise 5 kids all with different needs, and stages of their life (guys - one turns 16 next week and one is still in diapers)! Some people have shared little tidbits about myself that they love, and all of that is great. It is so nice to know that I am so loved and admired in so many ways, but let me tell you something.<br />
I am not put together in a nice package. I have flaws (a LOT of them), I am weak, I am scared, I make mistakes, I am not perfect. I have yelled at my kids, I have forgotten about meetings, I have missed permission slips, phone calls - everything. I have days where I can't get control, and I spiral into a giant ball of anxiety that is waiting to explode (ask my kids how Saturday went). I am saying all of this because it is only fair that you all know that I love you, each and every one of you. Every single one of us is a hot mess, and that is okay. It is perfectly alright to not wear a bow. It is actually better for yourself to not be wrapped into a great package.<br />
Okay, so my train of thought has changed a bit as I was interrupted with bed time routine's that take forever in our house!! But, here goes....<br />
I feel like I am still trying to figure out my place in this great thing we call life. If someone were to ask me what I enjoy to do, or what hobbies I have; I can list off what I used to do, or enjoy - pre kids. But, who am I now? I have said before that I used to write poetry and love that, and I feel that slight pull on the heart when I think about trying it again; but then the negative thoughts of not being good enough (for who, I don't know) or not having the time, or even the ideas to write about start to fill my head and I just give up. As I close out the month of April, a month that begins to fill me up as our days begin to get longer, the soil calls me to dig into it, seedlings sprout, and all is new again. I am going to use that energy to jump into May as a month where I focus on finding me again. So, I may just take that time to write again, or fill myself up with music, walks in the nature again. If you ever want to join or have some great places for writing or nature walks, let me know. :)<br />
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Here are some things we did this month :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwYjUDfYn4lWleDZz2b9GNbvlRfADZ-FORJ6o3Uw45UfI__aaXzYbaSi4xHCdvYLtgaSrmP63wW0TejytcUTGd3bJXuIov5bXKxrquR8OKNOfEyJVgnfFogkQWj_VrvkzNr5VGbsyyBo/s1600/IMG_20160405_171206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwYjUDfYn4lWleDZz2b9GNbvlRfADZ-FORJ6o3Uw45UfI__aaXzYbaSi4xHCdvYLtgaSrmP63wW0TejytcUTGd3bJXuIov5bXKxrquR8OKNOfEyJVgnfFogkQWj_VrvkzNr5VGbsyyBo/s320/IMG_20160405_171206.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Break at the Dells</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdGoXZB38Zqh-LawAabhPD5kGH0Kas_4goZqgbTAg2FeiMTigADpFjVGXHj7qjCYd5w1JA54Zn-SRZAHugal8wMSqwKk-E7Kepou7kNl2j28dIimfpKCZEZqjjWhcgqDyL_9lxrsTpxk/s1600/IMG_20160406_091817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdGoXZB38Zqh-LawAabhPD5kGH0Kas_4goZqgbTAg2FeiMTigADpFjVGXHj7qjCYd5w1JA54Zn-SRZAHugal8wMSqwKk-E7Kepou7kNl2j28dIimfpKCZEZqjjWhcgqDyL_9lxrsTpxk/s320/IMG_20160406_091817.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two collided like no other. But Orion got right back up and ran</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_XMwBXN2KwxLSa-5ivT3cxSHt_ZfBfiC0EQXTPUFR4z7loo35VJNiBRePJIIKaon7GRAfdeN39mmi1r2gt5K4x9MsXyuQALu2P-ddPJ6wvuQvUygPhYZGmD38k3YRiwYb9y9gkxpMcE/s1600/IMG_20160414_150150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_XMwBXN2KwxLSa-5ivT3cxSHt_ZfBfiC0EQXTPUFR4z7loo35VJNiBRePJIIKaon7GRAfdeN39mmi1r2gt5K4x9MsXyuQALu2P-ddPJ6wvuQvUygPhYZGmD38k3YRiwYb9y9gkxpMcE/s320/IMG_20160414_150150.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza making at Congress Elementary Pre-K</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEK6MlyX_TAZrkPsCH4MvGiZvgPZW4PmuTz5aCfd2Hr0kP3_Pv3TBv31fWNEgPtUYHJfFwO1VBbtBEPpIZ1e9loTBu3OHiAEBRLKlErOO_GeV4Dwe5fF_zPGS5ub2gtjC7wT6mYykjwk/s1600/IMG_20160415_183459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEK6MlyX_TAZrkPsCH4MvGiZvgPZW4PmuTz5aCfd2Hr0kP3_Pv3TBv31fWNEgPtUYHJfFwO1VBbtBEPpIZ1e9loTBu3OHiAEBRLKlErOO_GeV4Dwe5fF_zPGS5ub2gtjC7wT6mYykjwk/s320/IMG_20160415_183459.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrated Jon's bday this month</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikig4NhVkRKV9-4m93ST9J7auEy-Wjw8HSO7GYLEzwVZoEJ90KiOzlVXoYJ_peLVnlfsDPVEz0MsQFctaB3dSMozgZrIhzUj_LS0ohBBwPjYYxqViAP3wemBeA1ysjpZfZ7TwAD3jnDmc/s1600/IMG_20160417_205933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikig4NhVkRKV9-4m93ST9J7auEy-Wjw8HSO7GYLEzwVZoEJ90KiOzlVXoYJ_peLVnlfsDPVEz0MsQFctaB3dSMozgZrIhzUj_LS0ohBBwPjYYxqViAP3wemBeA1ysjpZfZ7TwAD3jnDmc/s320/IMG_20160417_205933.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This dude is 13 now too!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl06DktMLcJ8kp8_4itDmi97VjHkO5tWQTuTHrMipJp-EV1GGWzV74DJ2xTvGCIdSia4gHkdMwyy9Z11VHgAAtJylcUYbz_IVHY72oRV14ZDPb4hZfQ0AtiyoA_eGVYFf1a87tEKDajso/s1600/IMG_20160418_095307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl06DktMLcJ8kp8_4itDmi97VjHkO5tWQTuTHrMipJp-EV1GGWzV74DJ2xTvGCIdSia4gHkdMwyy9Z11VHgAAtJylcUYbz_IVHY72oRV14ZDPb4hZfQ0AtiyoA_eGVYFf1a87tEKDajso/s320/IMG_20160418_095307.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Field Trip to Meijer Gardens for the Butterflies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHAz2dXV9BMQX7TIkXGWZZvFn5K1kpIDPeZcf2UWjTQTwG2i1mYrFA2i1F7IBfInoNohO84LEf07tdux04eyYG_WAr7d4mEDXtfM3jjnDHzRbv7WS0rKkRXxF19oR8EU_sIMAkrqSt3w/s1600/IMG_20160418_103308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHAz2dXV9BMQX7TIkXGWZZvFn5K1kpIDPeZcf2UWjTQTwG2i1mYrFA2i1F7IBfInoNohO84LEf07tdux04eyYG_WAr7d4mEDXtfM3jjnDHzRbv7WS0rKkRXxF19oR8EU_sIMAkrqSt3w/s320/IMG_20160418_103308.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look I found the crazy blue one! :) </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkfDJd8RRuqrtcVQ4JCxreQ3DLZf4TbrVfqAQBYNvbeUK3zI7VHJC1o6ApCc86Ym2g8p1SqdhSwgpcAyJaWNRt9Rkuy_0A_6O4-utQkZGPvqffmSH5CJesVPC09uSC-7RcrWBoU07My0/s1600/IMG_20160419_100546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitkfDJd8RRuqrtcVQ4JCxreQ3DLZf4TbrVfqAQBYNvbeUK3zI7VHJC1o6ApCc86Ym2g8p1SqdhSwgpcAyJaWNRt9Rkuy_0A_6O4-utQkZGPvqffmSH5CJesVPC09uSC-7RcrWBoU07My0/s320/IMG_20160419_100546.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, this girl decided to break her elbow... Lovely </td></tr>
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DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-86228527921501658632016-02-06T21:28:00.000-05:002016-02-06T21:28:58.874-05:00Who decidesI have been struggling with something for a while now, sometimes I think of it more than others. Most times though, it is a complete fabrication in my own head and there really is nothing to struggle with. <div>
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You see, there is this community that we belong to, for quite some time now, but officially let it sink in when Willow was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. That community is the special needs community. We have a few kids that have different needs in our home; but all of our kiddos at this time (because with Willow you never know when or if it could change), are high functioning within their own needs. I have one kid with Asperger's and Sensory issues, one diagnosed with a medical condition that comes with all kinds of different needs at different times, that being Willow and hydrocephalus. I also have another one with Sensory Processing Disorder, differently affected from the one mentioned above. The reason I struggle though is not really the typical day to day struggles with all these kiddo's; though that is there too. The bigger struggle I have is accepting my place, or role within that community. Most days, I don't think about our family as being a special needs family; mostly because our children are higher functioning and you wouldn't know it. I feel that I don't want to take a spot in the support group, or lecture for fear that someone may need that spot more than me because their kids have more needs then any of mine do. Or there is the thought that I can't possibly relate because of the fact that my kids are doing well, and of course the deeper fear of being judged.</div>
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Then there are the days where the light shines through. Days where I feel like I need to be joining those communities, because without sharing the stories of greatness, no one would have hope. When it comes to hydrocephalus, my goal is to raise awareness, it seems to be that there is more knowledge about the negatives that go along with this diagnosis than the positives. So much so, that even the medical community will tell women to abort the babies at the initial 19/20 week ultrasound, when diagnosis is most likely found. Now, when kids with hydrocephalus can have a chance to live active lives like Willow, why wouldn't I want to join the communities that we can easily get into with her diagnosis and share that information. Someone may need to hear it. As for the other kids, despite the high functioning, we too have challenges and they can wear on one person if there is no community to share it with. So, I am finding it a hard pill to swallow, but I going to look for the shining light, hold my head high and talk about all of my kids and their needs; because sometimes smaller needs can turn into big stressors. </div>
DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-45535784725819796962016-02-02T14:56:00.002-05:002016-02-02T14:56:29.625-05:00Random thoughts and babbling stories..... Recently my days have been long. I mean, really, LONG. Which can mean a few things; it could be it was a slow day, a day racing from here to there with no breaks, an exhausting due to lack of sleep type of day. Yet none of those really explain the feeling. Instead, it is a feeling that while I know there are natural rhythms to the day, a schedule so to speak, it has been hard to do anything. It has been a long day of trying to get myself to do the things that need to get done.<br />
I am starting to get into the busy season of all kinds of planning events. Which is funny, because I went from not doing much, (I mean I still don't work outside the home), to doing all kinds of things to fill up my calendar; but it is within filling up my calendar that I had lost myself before. <br />
Yup, there it is for you all....<br />
Some people have a shopping addiction when things get rough, some go to drugs, or alcohol... I find a way to fill up my calendar. Why?? I am not exactly sure yet, there is something there I am sure; but I am not a doctor or therapist of any kind, and so would have no idea! LOL <br />
I went from wearing not too many hats, to I am not even sure I can list off all that I am doing now. Some of it fills my heart with such joy, some of it I wonder why I have to go do this or that again. As we are beginning to shed some of our winter blahs as small glimpses of spring hope arise, I am realizing that I need to now figure out what my year will hold. Not in an all seeing, I have to plan each month, figure out what I am going to do with my life sort of way. Instead in a way that will allow me to say no to the things that are not filling my heart with joy, and yes to the wonderful things that will fill my heart and soul with happiness and joy. There are still things I find that I need to work on almost daily, sometimes only weekly. But it is within those things I find that I either let them control my day in a slow, long, bad way - or I can look at them as a challenge to make myself stronger in the end. It is hard on the LONG days to look at it as something good. Such as Orion trying all of my buttons more than once in a day. It is teaching me patience if I don't go off on my two year old; but some days, I just want to scream!!<br />
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So, today I choose to look at my calendar, and find focus again. Find the happy, heart filling with joy things that I love to do and make those my priorities. :)<br />
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I wish all of you who may also struggle with finding that place in your life, strength each day to say no to negative, and yes to the positive.DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-48895957788984512982016-01-14T20:36:00.001-05:002016-01-14T20:36:16.415-05:00It was one more yesSo, today I did something that I generally talk about doing but never really do. First off, I have never claimed to be a speaker; but I can talk someone's ear off (especially if it is something I am passionate about). But I have talked before about how I write to share my story because you never know who it may help. There are too many things in life that we hide from/behind or mask in general for many reasons. Today, I had no mask, no veil, and a no holds bar type of thing going.<br />
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I shared my journey through life with my mom's group at church. Now, again I am not a speaker, I don't feel myself a qualified person who could even benefit one person. But if me sharing can help one person then why not? But I had no idea what to share, as there are quite a few things in my life that are worth sharing and no longer 'hiding' from friends; but at the same time for what purpose? Well, again does there need to be a purpose? So I shared my life about sexual abuse by my father, the journey Willow has taken us on, and the PHF, and the hardest part was speaking about my depression. It was HARD. There are days I still want to believe I don't suffer, there are days I want to think that it is all a bad dream that is not really a part of my story. There are days I feel like so many other people have it worse than me, who am I to say I suffer from depression?! I mean really, just raise your kids Donna and get over it!! My go to phrase lately is just 'suck it up buttercup!' But I feel also, that it is because we are told to suck it up, that even those out there who may not suffer as much as others, (like myself) are just not worth the effort of asking for help. That is why I share my stories. I want people to know that it doesn't matter how big or small someone's troubles are; we should always be there for our friends.<br />
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I have worked hard this last summer at building my friendships and growing my community - people whom I know I can call on in a pinch. You know raising families shouldn't be done alone. Mom's should be embraced and supported, and I truly believe that more now after having Orion than I ever did before. My pregnancy with Orion was hard, I shared a few thoughts I had about that pregnancy during group today. I don't regret sharing the hard feelings and thoughts I had, I regret that I ever had them. I wish so many days that it could have been different. But it isn't, and that is my story and that is okay. The only thing I can do now is to embrace our today's and make them turn out great :)<br />
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So, today I shared my story which was another yes I have said in my life recently to something that is hard, and outside my norm. The other one is that I will be leading a small group at our church going through the book, For the Love by Jen Hatmaker. It was a big life changer/attitude changer for me and I hope it helps others as much as it did me. :)DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-86462985053766022202015-12-26T21:37:00.000-05:002015-12-26T21:37:37.220-05:00An Open Letter to my FriendsAn open letter to friends is not always an easy letter to write. The ramblings of a wandering mind can be a dangerous thing; and yet the best thing for the person with the wandering mind is to let them go.<br />
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I want to first start out by apologizing for not always being intentional in my friendships. I have a habit of talking - a lot. My mouth at times gets ahead of me in many ways. It also doesn't allow the ears to work so well when it comes time to listening to my friends speak. So it seems there is a lot of give and not much take; but in reality there is such a deep-seated open heart within me, that all it wants to do is listen to you. <br />
Please tell me about the crappy day you have had, and how you screamed at the kids 10 times for the same stupid thing! Guess what? I have too! Please tell me how you are struggling to find something that fills your heart with a sense of purpose, because I do too. Please tell me how you feel like the world is against you at this moment, because I have felt it before too. I don't ask you to share just because it would validate my self in some way, I ask you to share because sharing helps. I don't always know what to say or when the right timing would be to say something I might want to share; but I always want to listen. <br />
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I want to apologize for not always having my shit together. Life happens, and honestly, when you struggle with depression - which by the way, yeah I still struggle; life can happen when you don't want it to. Or it will happen when you already felt overwhelmed and now is not the time to lose my cool over the stupidest, smallest thing. Yet I did; again. So friend, I am sorry if I have lost it with you. I am sorry if you have thought that I had my life together, in a nice, neat, orderly box with a pretty little bow on it. I do not. <br />
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Please know that if I say my day is fine, or good - there is probably something hidden that I may or may not want to share. But go back up to the beginning where my mouth runs more than my ears. Sometimes, I just say it is good because for once I want to be truly there for YOU and not think of me. I don't want to mention my bad day, or my fears, or my struggle with whatever it is that day. Because for once I truly want to be there for YOU. So, sometimes I say things are good just so that I can hear you. :)<br />
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Also, friends please know that I do indeed need each and every one of you in my life. Friends come and go in our lives for many reasons, and the friends I have surrounding me right now seem to be the best friends I have had in YEARS. These friends, have filled my life with smiles, with jokes, with love, with spiritual love, with purpose, with meaning. Thank you to each and every one of you. Please know that you all mean so much to me. I look forward to spending so much more time growing our friendships in the year 2016.DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-30305159208064774232015-12-19T21:02:00.000-05:002015-12-19T21:02:01.212-05:00Ups and DownsI hate days where emotionally I am all over the map, and not only does my family have to walk on egg shells; but I feel like I have to with myself as well! Seriously, how many people out there have to make sure that any thought, decision or idea made that day works well with one's own emotional state? Today we celebrated Willow's birthday. 5 years old next week, I can hardly believe it. I am so happy that she is doing so well, and has overcome so much adversity, made it through 12 brain surgeries and one look and you would never know.<br />
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This week she had an eye appointment. I love her doctor there, and she is always so honest with us; which for me is a great trait for a doctor to have, because while she doesn't give doom and gloom speeches, she does indeed tell us what can/will happen. Well, this week was no different. We were told she needed new glasses, only Willow loves her frames so will keep those. We are getting a much stronger prescription for her weak, right eye. It jumped a lot! To the point that in March, if both eyes are not better, she will be getting bifocals! I was shocked and said bifocals at 5? I was half in shock, half questioning it as a joke. She took me aside to say that we are trying to save her sight at this point. Her weak eye took such a turn for the worse, that even she was shocked. There is a much greater risk that we are looking at her going blind in that one eye a lot sooner than originally talked about (roughly a year ago). So that was a hit to the ol' heart and soul in my book.<br />
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But that alone doesn't make up the emotional toll of the day today. I had a blast with friends and was so happy to see Willow beaming with joy at her friends being here, opening her gifts, eating her cake, playing with said gifts. But even she will tell you she had a good day/bad day. There was a lot of good, as I just said. But the bad in her day, has to do with me - either telling her to put something away so we can move on to something else, blowing up at the end of the night (not at her, and really I haven't put a pin on why I did), and she has a few other things I did to 'ruin her day', but hey it was parental. LOL <br />
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Either way, my ups and downs affected her day, and that makes it hurt more. No one likes to talk about mental health, and the stigma that is attached to it grows daily. But I suffered such anxiety surrounding today, and it had built through the week with the help of other events that I had not properly dealt completely with at the moment and then a lack of sleep added to that. I just wish for a redo. Thankfully, despite the ups and downs I know I am surrounded by family that love me and we can wake up tomorrow and try again. For now, I feel like crying into my pillow.DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-24558400005561878682015-12-10T22:27:00.001-05:002015-12-10T22:27:56.440-05:00Proud mamaSome days as a mom are better than others. I think we can all agree on that. Today was a day filled with ups and downs, but not necessarily of the kid variety; no, it was more life variety.<br />
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Jonathan has a heart for the homeless, something he doesn't share openly much, or with others at all. In fact this is really a new idea/love/passion for him within the last month or so. He has set goals once again in his life for his future and has a potential career in mind. With this lofty career goal, is how he began to share with me his passion for helping the homeless. He would love to house the homeless, provide clothing, food, job training, makeovers, etc. He wants to help them get their life back. So we have had many talks about what this may look like, what others are doing, etc. <br />
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Well, today in my life; I was bagging up the Christmas goodies I had been making over the last few days to give to friends and neighbors as I do every year. I had a good bit going already when I hear this little voice ask me why the neighbors and not the homeless? They do not get to enjoy the goodies like this that we all do this time of year. They may be able to find a place to receive a hot meal for Christmas if the city is doing something; but home baked goods.... can't think of anyone passing those out. So I bagged up all I could before having to leave to get him. Almost stopped at a friends house to give a bag to her, when I heard no, talk to Jonathan first.<br />
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I pick him up, he see's the bag and says "oh, friend delivery?" That was when I told him that I had this strange thought, and wanted to know what he thought of it. Well, he loved it!! So we deliver two bags right away, only then our car begins to sputter bad on the road. I have no choice but to take it in somewhere. So we drop it off - walk to Wendy's for lunch, only to find no cash. I ask them to cancel our order as I can't pay for it and the manager walks up and says, it is on us, don't worry about it. I about cried!! I get to the table and tell Jonathan about that, and we both sit in shock for a moment. I look at him and said we blessed two homeless with Christmas goodies, and he says to me, "God provided our lunch for us. We have to find a way to finish giving these bags out!" Well, the repair shop had a loaner car, and we did indeed finish passing out the holiday goodie bags. 9 of them went out today, and he kept thanking me each time he was able to give one out. <br />
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The thing is, some days we struggle with attitude, back talk, tantrums and want to know what we did to deserve this, why are we such bad moms. Then there are days like today; where I still sit hours later crying over his heart of gold for the homeless. He has inspired some friends of mine to do the same. Tomorrow is date night, and well, we will be spending it handing out roughly 30 (or more) bags of Christmas goodies to the homeless downtown. :) Thank you Jonathan for having such a huge heart for the homeless among us.DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-29167187532095030822015-11-08T11:05:00.003-05:002015-11-08T11:06:10.809-05:00Well that wasn't fun.... A couple things have happened this week that have made me really think about things. The first one was a HUGE eye opener about me. I suck as a mom and due to my anxiety, OCD, control aspects, freak out moments, whatever you want to call it; have really ingrained a sense of fear into my kids. I found this out through two episodes that played out in the last two weeks.<br />
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The first was with Jonathan as he was dumping a new bag of sugar into our sugar container, he spilled some; like a small amount. I can't even really put a measurement to it. I guess if I had to maybe a couple tablespoons worth. He apologized many times over for spilling that small amount. Telling me he didn't mean to, it was an accident, and it isn't a lot. But he was afraid to show me how much. I turned to look (as I was at the stove as he was doing this), and said 'dude it's a little bit of sugar. I am not going to cry over spilled sugar'. He stopped and thanked me for that. Really?! A thank you from my son for not freaking out over sugar. Wow, Donna you suck! You see, his fear was well warranted unfortunately. Generally speaking, I would have gotten upset for spilling the sugar. Saying things like, 'why didn't you make sure you were careful?' or 'do you think I am made of money to be wasting that?'<br />
I am not saying I don't still say those things at times, but I have made a HUGE effort to watch that in myself and I caught myself before I could have done what the old me would have! What a great thing to notice and change!<br />
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That wasn't the only time it happened to me. The second time was with Amanda on Friday. It was popcorn day at school, and I gave her a dollar to get two bags of popcorn for herself. I saw her in the hallway at the end of the day, ran passed her and told her to meet me in the office when she was done getting ready. As I finished my work in the office, I started walking back towards her and saw her face was looking down at the ground. She was very defeated, but she wasn't like that when I passed her at her locker. The principal saw her like this and walked up to her and when Amanda looked up I saw her crying. I immediately pulled her over to the table and sat with her and asked her what is wrong. She then proceeds to tell me that she gave the popcorn people her $1.00 and only got one bag of popcorn bag, and she is sorry for wasting my .50. She said she knows we don't have a lot of money and I hate to waste it. Now, I admit I do tell my kids we don't have a lot of money quite often. These kids of mine seem to think that it grows on trees, or you just go to the bank and the bank hands you whatever you want. Even my 15 year old is still trying to grasp the concept of saving, spending, giving. So maybe I didn't teach it well, maybe I did it all wrong. But seriously she was crying over a mistake that was not hers, that was .50 worth and not that important in the grand scheme of life. I am happy that I am able to notice these horrible things that I have done to my kids, so that I can continue to grow and do better; but it hurt to see that much sadness and pain in both my kids due to my issues.<br />
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Twice in two weeks it was brought to my attention how I suck as a mom. LOL Thankfully though I am really trying to be a more calm, laid back mom. Not one that just goes with whatever flow, I am not that person. But I don't have to have my hands in every pot that is stirring in my house. I don't have to be freaking out if the house isn't as clean as I want it to be, so long as the kids tried I should respect, praise and as time goes on teach them the importance of cleaning, organizing properly (not my way, but a neater way). Thankfully I can hug my kids at the end of the day and say I am sorry. I make mistakes too - we are all human and no one is perfect. At the end of the day, they all still love me somehow. :)<br />
It is hard to remember that sometimes. Friday night I had a bit of mental meltdown. Once I had two seconds to think about both of those events, it hit me hard. So hard I found myself freaking out over the noise in my house (my anxiety was through the roof as I felt not worth anything, and a horrible mom). I put myself into our stairwell heading downstairs, covered my ears and cried. Just feeling like such a huge screw up was a bit much that day. Thankfully, I have a great husband who got me back up, and supported me greatly. Even as much as saying hey you had plans with your friends, go ahead and go - you need this. I am one very lucky lady to be surrounded by an awesome family. Even if I am not the best mom at times. I think that is something we all need to remember at times, we aren't perfect - we aren't meant to be. We are still loved though.<br />
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Found this blooming this week in my backyard; so I had to bring it in. </div>
<br />DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-17541328015073905742015-11-04T21:05:00.002-05:002015-11-04T21:05:37.750-05:00The right frame of mindSo I have had thoughts of writing a blog post here on my personal blog for about 2 weeks now. It is hard for me to do that though. I feel I have to be in the right frame of mind. I have to go through my mind and write, then re-write the post many times over, so by the time I sit in front of my screen and am ready to share with you all my thoughts - they are gone. I am drained, emotionally, physically and some days spiritually. <br />
I don't know why I do this to myself. I really want this blog to be an open dialogue between myself and whoever reads it! That is why I share the personal, the scary, the dark, hidden thoughts. I feel that if more people shared it, then there would be less stigma around depression, miscarriage, lack of perfection (after all who is really perfect?!), comparison (is the grass really greener over there or are they hiding their pile of dirt too?)<br />
Alas, I am a mom to five wonderful, delightful, pains in my butt! They range in age from 15 to 2 years old. We have one with ADHD, migraines, concussions (still recovering from the last one), and teenage brain mush. One on the Autism spectrum, a drama queen lost in the middle, a child with hydrocephalus, and our youngest who is speech delayed and possible sensory issues. To say I walk the line of special needs mom would be putting it mildly, but I wouldn't change a single day of it!<br />
I did not always think like this though, it took some time. It took some soul searching, some God searching, some figuring out who I am in my own life (after all, mom and wife are nice and all - but I am my own person!)<br />
I have found that I truly do love to write. I like to write about the gritty parts of life though. I used to be able to come up with stories for my two older boys back when they were under 5. I would call them Sir Jonathan and Sir Evan stories. They were awesome for that season of our life; as they would bring their day to a review and an end. Basically the story would be about their day and if there was a problem that happened, it would happen to Sir Jonathan or Sir Evan as well, only it would play out different. So they were meant to teach the boys how to cope with things going on in their little world. I tried to do that with Amanda, but Princess Amanda stories weren't the same as Sir Jonathan or Sir Evan. She didn't get into them as much as the boys. So by Willow, they just never existed. Orion hasn't heard one either. I think if I were to try to come up with it though now, it would not work anyway.<br />
You see, parenting tricks are found as needed and seem to be tailored for the child in need. It isn't something that happens through searching, or through comparing yourself to your friend or neighbor. Sure they have tricks and tips that they will share with you, and you will be excited to try them, or you may find that you know right away it won't work for your family. That is OKAY! Your tip will find its way into your home when it is really needed.<br />
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So, as you can see by this post - I am all over the place, and I am sorry for that. That is what happens when a mother of five wonderful little gifts tries to sit down to write a post. It is always interrupted. :)<br />
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But here are some pictures of randomness from our life - enjoy!<br />
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DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-12588157084860213872015-10-19T12:59:00.003-04:002015-10-19T12:59:37.038-04:00Staying afloatI don't think at this time, there is anyone who could have said it better than <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4ga_M5Zdn4" target="_blank">The Byrds</a>, there truly is a season for everything! Currently the kids are in school and the year is going well. Jonathan is once again enjoying school, Evan is of course stressing himself out with his school of choice. Amanda is in the last year of elementary school (where has the time gone?!), Willow is just starting out in preschool. Amazing, how these kids have gotten to where they are. <div>
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I felt as if I was barely making it during September, trying to get back into the school routine with 4 kids in 4 different schools. Plus throw in PTCC stuff to deal with, raising a 2 year old, birthdays to deal with (you know kids want a party), church stuff, doTerra, mom's group (which is my sanity saver - don't you dare knock that)! I was hoping October would be different. </div>
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Instead the month started with a death of a former Palmer parent who taught me about PTCC, and handed the reigns down to me and another mom. It was not expected at all - which makes it more shocking. I hadn't spoken to her in a while, but it was still there. A hit to the heart. Then a week later, a dear friend passed away. Losing her battle to cancer. I am at peace knowing she is whole again, happy, healthy, and smiling down on all of us - her family, friends, Palmer staff. But that hit hard. No matter how hard you try to prepare yourself for the loss of a friend/coworker, family member, it is never enough. You just can't be prepared for that. </div>
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So here it is mid-October, my house says Halloween is coming soon, and the weather is getting colder. Yet, I still find myself just trying to stay afloat through it all. There is so much that needs to be done, and my days never seem long enough to even put a dent in all that is there. I just tell myself, well it will sit until tomorrow. Yeah, it will; but it eventually needs to be done! </div>
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I have been asked a few times, how am I doing? You know with the depression and all. Honestly, I feel okay. I think that season of things has passed, but the anxiety creeps up before I know it. There are a lot of things that can bring it on. and I never know what will be the biggest trigger that will set me off on that day. But, I am coping well. I am no longer on meds (I took myself off of them), I am using oils, community, my Bible, my minutes. You see when I said above that I don't always get something finished and it will sit until tomorrow. It is because I am taking a few minutes out of my 'stuff to do pile' to just sit and be me. Like now, while writing this blog. This calms me, makes me happy and gives me a chance to write. Something I used to love to do. </div>
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I used to write poetry back in the day (LOL), but stopped when I didn't feel the pain anymore. That is all my poetry was, a release from the pain that I was dealing with. In reality, I am sure it wasn't great, I would probably make a billion revisions if I were to pull it out and read it again (yes, I still have my poetry from 15+ years ago), but it sits as a reminder of something I used to do and love. So while my writing has changed a bit (or a lot I hope), I still love to do it, and this is how I deal now. :) </div>
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Hopefully as the month comes to an end, and the craziness of the holidays approaches things will actually slow down a little and not seem so overwhelming. One can only hope right?! <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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvt4oVABK-fOtm1mC2BTsyQsPD0naqvVd3_HxiAs8bUV6YW9GLLz14SADOTRHvorxX0dAOI1IjBWmOXhJGZS5TrXCXK4GWxWLP3KQFVdVnEUfV5jVYKqsFkHV6_SNbk3d0dfTsU-qUbyA/s1600/IMG_20151017_094652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvt4oVABK-fOtm1mC2BTsyQsPD0naqvVd3_HxiAs8bUV6YW9GLLz14SADOTRHvorxX0dAOI1IjBWmOXhJGZS5TrXCXK4GWxWLP3KQFVdVnEUfV5jVYKqsFkHV6_SNbk3d0dfTsU-qUbyA/s320/IMG_20151017_094652.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How I spent my weekend: PHF table at the Special Families Fun Fest</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy did my hair :) </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just eating lunch with my baby </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">birthday fun</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her birthday cake</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNFa8Xjr29QSsHh1fDE8a3IFNLbBrelh0V0G30DCKDIMfN_BpmcdY0P-griW-pPertziY5BlTqJ8xiHOtfBovbgdMAI2bFHdRMu8O4HA5iNdvk95wJ24vyf_Jbk8ZzYaBZJMZhjK2Ft8/s1600/IMG_20150927_170655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNFa8Xjr29QSsHh1fDE8a3IFNLbBrelh0V0G30DCKDIMfN_BpmcdY0P-griW-pPertziY5BlTqJ8xiHOtfBovbgdMAI2bFHdRMu8O4HA5iNdvk95wJ24vyf_Jbk8ZzYaBZJMZhjK2Ft8/s320/IMG_20150927_170655.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just trying on Orion's vest... See mom it fits!!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIctZ5H02Y5TdYCRwJosEsJ-a8BITqmoNKTZSbdHfmcc3q5bg6UJOl_Gto99r0cTTWRh6A9mNQ2DCVYui_8JLX_yRJlUmEBQGI35AQgAMOwGhY7IZoYjippcdn_-m1fE2VhjqUoTsSF0/s1600/IMG_20150927_154919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCIctZ5H02Y5TdYCRwJosEsJ-a8BITqmoNKTZSbdHfmcc3q5bg6UJOl_Gto99r0cTTWRh6A9mNQ2DCVYui_8JLX_yRJlUmEBQGI35AQgAMOwGhY7IZoYjippcdn_-m1fE2VhjqUoTsSF0/s320/IMG_20150927_154919.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pink frosting </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioc_N54zheDzOsrci1cgM4AGnwBwM7ok5Ec5I3OTOrrhRHebiWVf4zqYKfz9pq5vGLDIskGmmbjrBu7xZ00dVo-waNX8AXahBDPxuUY-69vAYYC3i8tko0NE70rS7WLrLBuhNdniYHqbY/s1600/IMG_20150926_154032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioc_N54zheDzOsrci1cgM4AGnwBwM7ok5Ec5I3OTOrrhRHebiWVf4zqYKfz9pq5vGLDIskGmmbjrBu7xZ00dVo-waNX8AXahBDPxuUY-69vAYYC3i8tko0NE70rS7WLrLBuhNdniYHqbY/s320/IMG_20150926_154032.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This counts as a tree house right?! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lKHjO1wX3HV3Tc1LewLt9DIVNdXoLdqPQ3Lkp65o3eiEzfzyNKyMMuLG3_XqI8ybhIUlt6e8VwuUGPCEmugNKx3mD8ZJWG0q58RTZWEGHj4YxtSM43ht5W2Ww3CGM6XPU75EH6oY5gE/s1600/IMG_20150923_091346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lKHjO1wX3HV3Tc1LewLt9DIVNdXoLdqPQ3Lkp65o3eiEzfzyNKyMMuLG3_XqI8ybhIUlt6e8VwuUGPCEmugNKx3mD8ZJWG0q58RTZWEGHj4YxtSM43ht5W2Ww3CGM6XPU75EH6oY5gE/s400/IMG_20150923_091346.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Do no conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 Just a nice reminder sitting above my computer. </td></tr>
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DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-22566260429475733222015-09-19T22:38:00.000-04:002015-09-19T22:38:02.637-04:00CommunityMy last blog was a bit heavy - I will not apologize for that as it was put on my heart to share for a reason. I will try to make this one not as heart wrenching though. LOL<br />
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Life in general has been busy; there really is no other word for it when you are a parent of 5 kids ranging in ages from 2-15. Somewhere in that busy life though, I have found little bits of time to remember to reclaim myself. Remember who I am, what I enjoyed to do before kids, even try my hand at seeing if it is something I still enjoy. I have changed my radio station in my car - something that some of my kids don't enjoy as much as the others. My calendar fills up quickly each week, and sometimes I complain about that. Especially if I have to be in my car most of that day running errands, or from meeting to meeting with Orion in tow. That is not as enjoyable as a day filled with coffee, friends and time wasted.<br />
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You see, part of my busy life is being filled with something that I have found I LOVE to fill it with. Community. Friends, fun, food, coffee dates, chatting away with people either via text, phone calls, in person or guess what? Sometimes even Facebook - there are times that in person meetings just can't happen, but community can happen if you want it to. Jon likes to make fun of me sometimes when I talk about my 'community', my small group of friends whom I know have my back. Whether it be my best friends, my small group from church, some newer friends from the kids schools, my virtual friends that have been in person friends at one point and are now too far, or have not met in person but have been able to build community in some shape. <br />
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Today, was a great day in my world of community. It was my youngest son's 2nd birthday and today we celebrated with food, fun and friends. I won't lie, I almost started the Pinterest trend of parties that I have a habit of attempting to make. But this last week, something kept itching me, something just felt off about things as I tried to plan them.<br />
So instead, last night I let my kids stay up late if they wanted. I let them help if they so chose to, or they could watch a movie. I didn't care either way. I let it go. Jon and I were indeed up until 1 am finishing the cake, but that was also because when you have little helpers, things take a little longer to complete. LOL Streamers were hung, balloons were blown up, small decorations were hung in a corner (photo booth created), and cake decorated. Today, food was completed, friends had fun and the little birthday boy went to bed an exhausted two year old. I am perfectly content and happy with how fun and simple things were. I let go of Pinterest, I let go of having to control so much of so many things, and I got to enjoy hosting an awesome afternoon of community. :)<br />
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I look forward to finding another opportunity to do something like this again, food-fun-friends. Aside from a great husband who is full of love and support and understanding, what more do you need?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazYIj7Y3QW71XVPMH7xvAy_lAg9TukpFMm8xdg0zDIY816t-SdZby-968pCGCm4cw3ZXHEU6UsN_YLbuzfx111rw4Cfi6D_gDIIRJxbiGxFVHkED0tTzoA0OX-J6LCFxMuXezJM7t0mg/s1600/IMG_20150813_085828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgazYIj7Y3QW71XVPMH7xvAy_lAg9TukpFMm8xdg0zDIY816t-SdZby-968pCGCm4cw3ZXHEU6UsN_YLbuzfx111rw4Cfi6D_gDIIRJxbiGxFVHkED0tTzoA0OX-J6LCFxMuXezJM7t0mg/s320/IMG_20150813_085828.jpg" width="180" /></a>Not a picture from his birthday, but a great one none the less</div>
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Photo booth :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUhUZfWq2xXWtlHTbul3VWzVTofm43AY_Kl6Ji54rpWKsWq-3PU6jRr1JnT5WD3H2esfGp4vUJ4Fb1_0UcTOwbeeSAeOAMFxUF0sfr2qF3b9DjQQ7CAJKfEcX0lH3pJcAiyBCR0k4v3o/s1600/Orions+2nd+bday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwUhUZfWq2xXWtlHTbul3VWzVTofm43AY_Kl6Ji54rpWKsWq-3PU6jRr1JnT5WD3H2esfGp4vUJ4Fb1_0UcTOwbeeSAeOAMFxUF0sfr2qF3b9DjQQ7CAJKfEcX0lH3pJcAiyBCR0k4v3o/s320/Orions+2nd+bday2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eZZPAy9HFmUHWSZblVwDUOyUDK-k9lduNH7tAu-owTjq8CmjZoEBAYRUhYO3xWeyYkRF0adf6b63qv6Sh6RfPiTKYBhznk4lK86Wx7mDQp8qXcvmHXh8Mx8rwPYRJIOyMJXCtnQ39mk/s1600/Orions+2nd+bday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eZZPAy9HFmUHWSZblVwDUOyUDK-k9lduNH7tAu-owTjq8CmjZoEBAYRUhYO3xWeyYkRF0adf6b63qv6Sh6RfPiTKYBhznk4lK86Wx7mDQp8qXcvmHXh8Mx8rwPYRJIOyMJXCtnQ39mk/s320/Orions+2nd+bday3.jpg" width="180" /></a>Photo booth </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY895m1-MfS1zoICjEGcMAS-SoPy4mIJ0TCEihUHW10567kygaQvubr5I7LtquX_Rc7vmQU_BXy7UFoF1LffZZnKVe8KchBWwFjSrZtxoT3X-Eb5tqP9HkkuZLYpBL9z0ttdywZaf8OfQ/s1600/Orions+2nd+bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY895m1-MfS1zoICjEGcMAS-SoPy4mIJ0TCEihUHW10567kygaQvubr5I7LtquX_Rc7vmQU_BXy7UFoF1LffZZnKVe8KchBWwFjSrZtxoT3X-Eb5tqP9HkkuZLYpBL9z0ttdywZaf8OfQ/s320/Orions+2nd+bday.jpg" width="180" /></a>Here is the cake that could have been Pinterest created, but instead done with more peace and fun. :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZVOvF4RI9vuTHYKPGX-2w9mnw0cbZzB_BIK4P5W50wsZSOBZdIRndINDe4jx2Pf0b2_JLX2tuouNR4terICtkEdd9x5IsW-9OgBP5LAJLfzQcvoLITyLl_OMaRuSXvh6qtA6gWp7H2s/s1600/IMG_20150806_125017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdZVOvF4RI9vuTHYKPGX-2w9mnw0cbZzB_BIK4P5W50wsZSOBZdIRndINDe4jx2Pf0b2_JLX2tuouNR4terICtkEdd9x5IsW-9OgBP5LAJLfzQcvoLITyLl_OMaRuSXvh6qtA6gWp7H2s/s320/IMG_20150806_125017.jpg" width="180" /></a>Random summer fun shot from last month</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23Et8PZxLe1gsYIJe2mQp-asbVSmK6FKV1dZj8gQukzn71P42nJb0DrPI_iqI-YsCrlGevZkeedPhU6MPipHeFay_XSz_03ln-pR6pZGlwVUqrRh9BdfOaHsfVG5UU-4EEO0vqA5WYgo/s1600/IMG_20150829_133532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi23Et8PZxLe1gsYIJe2mQp-asbVSmK6FKV1dZj8gQukzn71P42nJb0DrPI_iqI-YsCrlGevZkeedPhU6MPipHeFay_XSz_03ln-pR6pZGlwVUqrRh9BdfOaHsfVG5UU-4EEO0vqA5WYgo/s320/IMG_20150829_133532.jpg" width="180" /></a>I have never been able to keep indoor plants alive. A friend gave me these in a smaller form and I kept them in vases in just water... Then they grew roots and I planted them in pots and look!! I have green plants!! :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jgFFF_LToS4K_rDAUDG1zrLUP5TLPMCAwyWDCdrYoUs3wNe6K95sxjct4uKvAF3GZ0aumiXlDWQnT9Md1QHxGAn-3Y3WVPbZbx_tvBU2AbWE_XbQaV_uIdDW5EWA6BfHaHfSxThSc84/s1600/IMG_20150901_174033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jgFFF_LToS4K_rDAUDG1zrLUP5TLPMCAwyWDCdrYoUs3wNe6K95sxjct4uKvAF3GZ0aumiXlDWQnT9Md1QHxGAn-3Y3WVPbZbx_tvBU2AbWE_XbQaV_uIdDW5EWA6BfHaHfSxThSc84/s320/IMG_20150901_174033.jpg" width="180" /></a>Squeezing some fun before school started. </div>
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<br />DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-32387569261096098782015-08-28T22:21:00.002-04:002015-08-28T22:21:59.022-04:00A little somethingThere is a little something about my life that for some reason has come up in my emotions and the thing is - not many people know about this part of my life. For some reason, I feel the need to share this piece of my story to give it life. The memory it possibly deserved to have, but doesn't.<br />
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All of my friends know that my oldest son is 15 years old. What people don't know is that I actually had a miscarriage before I had Jonathan. It was even before my life with Jon, which is why it's not talked about and hidden so deep. You see though, I was due Sept. 6, the father's friends birthday.... that child would be 16 years old next month. I think about him/her almost every fall secretly, because Jonathan is 8 months younger than my first child would actually be. So I wonder what that boy/girl would be like sometimes. I think it is hitting me hard now, as this child (I lost it at 8 weeks, so no clue if it is a boy/girl) would be driving! That is a huge milestone, and Jonathan is perfectly content not caring about driving! LOL <br />
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The other part to the not talking about this story, is that 1 month prior to the miscarriage I was raped. By my father. So, when I found out I was pregnant, I had no clue who it belonged to; my ex boyfriend or my father. I told my mother in complete fear but we went to the doctor and explained the situation (not who raped me, but that I was attacked) and needed an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and how far along I was to know who it may belong to. It was confirmed to by the ex-boyfriends, but that is where I will end that part of the story. The news didn't sit well with him, things got worse between us, I lost the child when I was home for the weekend so I was accused of faking the whole thing. I met Jon shortly after all of that happened.<br />
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I am not sure what the purpose of sharing this story is, or why I feel the need to do so. But maybe someone out in the world needs to hear it, as they are feeling something similar, alone, lost. Maybe it just needed to be let out to live in its place.DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262757307423913259.post-65890451689362004632015-07-30T09:30:00.004-04:002015-07-30T09:30:44.994-04:00PHF Walk MI 2015Well, the walk that many have been hearing about for what seems like forever - is almost upon us! :)<br />
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I truly can't believe I finally decided to take this jump and host a walk for the MI PHF and yet there is a part of me that is thinking why did I wait so long to host one? There were many things that were holding me back, and a lot of it really boiled down to the fact that I didn't think I was making a difference and that in the end the walk would cost the MI PHF money instead of raise money. While the walk hasn't happened yet, so I really don't know numbers of what we will raise. I can say that I have been blessed to meet so many people who share our story, either Willow's journey or a story of their own that has enabled us to host a walk with very little expense! I never thought something like that would be possible. We have a band who is playing for FREE, we have been gifted with the use of carnival games for FREE, we have found people willing to do face painting for FREE, we have been given generous gifts for our silent auction for FREE, we are also getting donations of baked goods for the bake sale for FREE. Do you see a theme here?! It is so overwhelming to have received these gifts from people who want to help us raise funds and awareness of a condition that truly affects so many Americans, and people all over the world. Let us not forget about the incredible sponsors we have who have helped us to cover the cost of park fee as well - Medtronic, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, Hansen-Balk Steel Treating, Palmer Elementary, Gained Access, and the Grand Rapids Griffins<br />
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This morning, I woke up to find yet another person has signed up to walk with us. We are now up to 63 people who have registered and our walk is still 2 1/2 weeks away! I was told when I decided to start this walk process that the goal is generally 100 people. I never thought that was going to be possible. To be honest that was another reason I held off so long on hosting a walk, I needed to build a following I felt in order to host a walk. Who would come walk and raise funds for something they know nothing about?! Well, I decided to bite the bullet so to speak and just go for it! I have a great director on the east side of the state who can help advertise and get the word out as well, so that this can truly be a state event, and not just a west Michigan event and by golly it's working!! 63 people is over half way to the 100 ~ 37 more people to sign up and we have the goal of 100. I almost feel like I am walking in a dream the way all of this is coming together.<br />
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Today I am feeling so overwhelmed with all that is happening for this walk. Friends are sharing the information to get the word, they are volunteering to help get this walk going, they are donating, they are signing up to walk. Then there are the people whom I don't even know who are doing the very same thing, sharing the information, volunteering, donating, signing up to walk! For this being the 1st annual walk I am so excited to see where this is all going and it truly makes me even more excited for doing this again NEXT YEAR!<br />
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I can't say thank you enough to all who are helping this year, but I hope they know how much it means :)<br />
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For those who have not signed up to walk yet, or would like to make a donation to our event, or would like to pass the information along follow this link <a href="http://www.active.com/donate/phfwalkmi2015" target="_blank">here</a><br />
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If you would like to give a donation for the silent auction, or the bake sale, or volunteer, or hey we are looking for vendors still too if you make things - please contact me via email<br />
flower97_02@yahoo.com<br />
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Thank you all so very much for making this a great first walk :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dK9tsYLkACsbXdy02Q9E6CebdbeslzmarItolLxFf8ZzumGSiSn_Ebzn7rUBBTYMGRs_MrjU7XdntEjZ4ElzJ6g6QjMNRAzXGZVJ75iIj3-psOuW1ndNvSGzCUjJiL9XBLvFUz_WJJg/s1600/PediatricHydrocephalusLogo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dK9tsYLkACsbXdy02Q9E6CebdbeslzmarItolLxFf8ZzumGSiSn_Ebzn7rUBBTYMGRs_MrjU7XdntEjZ4ElzJ6g6QjMNRAzXGZVJ75iIj3-psOuW1ndNvSGzCUjJiL9XBLvFUz_WJJg/s200/PediatricHydrocephalusLogo3.jpg" width="186" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhsNl3F0N3W6suO25WzeKxsWsn2mqoSxHo6vCGQFG9DFsLPpb0JKcJKSUJsVAainNMjYNQXVQw9j-LIw3FBuH81mEoSvs5Ic8baAUoGXH4dmxnNyI78KeYywfjEPVTzz0gFaQB0X8BqQ/s1600/Grand-Rapids-Griffins-Logo-vector-image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPhsNl3F0N3W6suO25WzeKxsWsn2mqoSxHo6vCGQFG9DFsLPpb0JKcJKSUJsVAainNMjYNQXVQw9j-LIw3FBuH81mEoSvs5Ic8baAUoGXH4dmxnNyI78KeYywfjEPVTzz0gFaQB0X8BqQ/s200/Grand-Rapids-Griffins-Logo-vector-image.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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DaisyPoethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16643002809521310763noreply@blogger.com0