tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35094915719122843062024-03-13T14:25:35.270-04:00Be Not AfraidNancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.comBlogger1018125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-82886774484772510152014-08-14T20:55:00.000-04:002014-08-14T20:55:25.482-04:00Moving OnI have finally made the decision that it's time to retire this blog. It's been a long time in coming. I'm in a different place in my life now. For several months now, I have been very introspective. I've been discerning where I am, where I've been and what is next for me. I think I may have finally come to the place where I realize that the destination is not half as important as the journey!<br />
<br />
Feel free to come back and visit Be Not Afraid any time you'd like. I have no plans to delete the blog...at least until I've had time to print it out...for my kids. <br />
<br />
I have started a new journey...one that will be much more personal. I have no idea what direction I'll go with it. If you'd like to follow along, I'd love to have you.<br />
<br />
Please visit me at "<a href="http://findingnancysjoyinthejourney.blogspot.com/">Finding My Joy in the Journey</a>".Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-34158462790612587782014-05-19T13:04:00.000-04:002014-05-19T13:04:24.496-04:00It has been forever since I've blogged here! I am still alive. Much has happened in the almost 8 months since I've been to this place. I'm feeling the need to put my thoughts and feelings to paper again. I've missed you all.Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-86585763233757474052013-09-26T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-26T05:19:01.647-04:00The Idea Room Photo-a-Day Challenge, September 2013, Days 13 and 14<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day 13 - a friend (September 13th)</span></strong><br />
<br />
Well, this was not a helpful prompt. I could go several different ways on this, but I've decided to stick with what my first inclination was.....and that was to talk about my friend Kathy. She and I have been friends for so long...that I honestly don't remember back before we knew each other. We have been friends though thick and thin....good times and bad. I suppose that we have gone through almost every situation that friends can go through. I never tell her enough how much she means to me...and how much I appreciate her. We are both so busy that we barely have a few short minutes once or twice a month to touch base. But...it doesn't matter. We pick up right where we left off the last time. We can't be separated by time and space (she lives in CA and I live in FL)...there is NOTHING on this earth that will keep us from being friends. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilyiSun7aY2gAWBv0dz5griG6ETiBJMrfiBsTLcMPV6kXlEsj0_-tm2kdwa_plxF74KluGz6V7g9taVhhSNYNPVXO1ZhoxDR5RAosgFIFo9H2-rcw4RKuyCxaNpqTYAXquYTgZol9K_Gc/s1600/DSCN0450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilyiSun7aY2gAWBv0dz5griG6ETiBJMrfiBsTLcMPV6kXlEsj0_-tm2kdwa_plxF74KluGz6V7g9taVhhSNYNPVXO1ZhoxDR5RAosgFIFo9H2-rcw4RKuyCxaNpqTYAXquYTgZol9K_Gc/s320/DSCN0450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
A couple of years ago, she came to Florida for a visit. We spent lots of time together! She loves my kids...and they love their Aunt Kathy! I don't know what I would ever do without her! I love you, Kathy! You mean the world to me!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day 14 - I wish for...... (September 14th)</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
Today, I wish for a cure for cancer. I wish that there was never a need for this dumb pink ribbon. I wish that women didn't have to lose a part of their body...a part of who they are and what makes them a woman. I wish that I didn't have to mourn the loss of so many of my friends whose lives have been taken by this horrid disease. I wish I didn't have to mourn the loss of one of them now...someone who is taking her last breaths as I type this. She has 5 children (her youngest is 3) and a devoted husband. Her cancer spread to other parts of her body, slowly stealing her life. She fought valiantly. Oh God, if we could just take a step back. If she could have caught it sooner....if they could have tried a different chemo....anything....ANYTHING to change this outcome.<br />
<br />
If I were honest, I would tell you that sometimes, I suffer from "survivor's guilt". Why her? Why is she dying? Why have I done so well? <br />
<br />
Just for today, I wish that cancer didn't exist....that we didn't experience so much loss....that children wouldn't have to lose their mothers.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;">"For the sake of His sorrowful passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world"</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QU4H_SZQDgekxAkmB1AIwsCOHcNfOHMVbLt05CdHthyhCn0EqcXnV3Mn8n43vDRgiJy1vnrRbhtyL1WPFebjFHApfRM5uzCNkDwGXdEspK1Z3jjMuHjPsDTXmVfSqBsUQYJrMb52tvHZ/s1600/rib2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2QU4H_SZQDgekxAkmB1AIwsCOHcNfOHMVbLt05CdHthyhCn0EqcXnV3Mn8n43vDRgiJy1vnrRbhtyL1WPFebjFHApfRM5uzCNkDwGXdEspK1Z3jjMuHjPsDTXmVfSqBsUQYJrMb52tvHZ/s1600/rib2.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.benotafraidnancy.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/854/xotc.jpg" /></a>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-15238157116336646492013-09-25T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-25T00:00:07.238-04:00The Idea Room Photo-a-Day Challenge, September 2013, Days 11 and 12<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day 11 - in the distance (September 11)</span></strong><br />
<br />
This is always such a weird day for me. It's funny that even 12 years later, the emotion is still raw. I was not in New York on the day the Twin Towers came down. I do not know anyone that was killed, injured or escaped that day. Still, in the pit of my stomach, I feel pain when I see images. I think all of us suffer a little PTSD from 9/11/01, don't you?<br />
<br />
When you are in the midst of tragedy, it's hard to see anything but what is right in front of you. But, I'm here to tell you that if you can look beyond the evil of it all, there....in the distance, is Hope.<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEgd1zHWiAt_IgPkRTsdbuCpiSbueX20P_wyL6HgOaNJPl7Tps9lLOcJ9Q8g4Z6If0ISnXqc4GWZ8msh2Kjeh4ltaPzsTItK_e58SePWdDwPWY0zoLcUcBIQ1POl_E1ei-fFhv2vGHcN83fP/s1600/Post-September-11th-Anniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1zHWiAt_IgPkRTsdbuCpiSbueX20P_wyL6HgOaNJPl7Tps9lLOcJ9Q8g4Z6If0ISnXqc4GWZ8msh2Kjeh4ltaPzsTItK_e58SePWdDwPWY0zoLcUcBIQ1POl_E1ei-fFhv2vGHcN83fP/s320/Post-September-11th-Anniversary.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://365barrington.com/2011/09/10/61-barrington-memorial-10-years-after-september-11-attacks/">Image Credit</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day 12 - New (September 12th)</span></strong><br />
<br />
A new school year for all three of my darlings.....<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEhzJtcvROw-byhPU0AV46l4K9utVUBs_TGdjYC0d3THStmgg4fEsG9X9jTekKRyLytI4gUVZkkCEGzLl7C06iQ3NVaQXGV0EM1EXA8r-fdoAYaV9SVziXEA3G4qJXn_p51tWcMljU-o5DZo/s1600/IMG_20130814_071637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJtcvROw-byhPU0AV46l4K9utVUBs_TGdjYC0d3THStmgg4fEsG9X9jTekKRyLytI4gUVZkkCEGzLl7C06iQ3NVaQXGV0EM1EXA8r-fdoAYaV9SVziXEA3G4qJXn_p51tWcMljU-o5DZo/s320/IMG_20130814_071637.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nathan - 7th Grade<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; 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/AVvXsEga97FQPzyr-Dk661nLw2qRHhuMsUXv2oCWgatKEJD0ubrAiM9eat3Kk2tmDk1YUe1InUu0ac74aca_NLP1ILmAnstYDN8gBuHom0TOAWXL8z138nM6feQ5gOzlI9KgGOrUjyee2Wr1cw2n/s1600/stpats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga97FQPzyr-Dk661nLw2qRHhuMsUXv2oCWgatKEJD0ubrAiM9eat3Kk2tmDk1YUe1InUu0ac74aca_NLP1ILmAnstYDN8gBuHom0TOAWXL8z138nM6feQ5gOzlI9KgGOrUjyee2Wr1cw2n/s320/stpats.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amelia - 3rd Grade<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQbaYYnQeExRgUhVaA0z8g7xH3k8KnvqYmEb8l-leSnulGT2XxJ87TrVWoYavsRmHmzIzzxit8CSdgz7hTfNBIVAHgVaqLDe_Qm8jS2J7zG7p1Br3ZtE9qH-3zviSn3zice2iyUMSuQvj/s1600/IMG_20130815_072054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQbaYYnQeExRgUhVaA0z8g7xH3k8KnvqYmEb8l-leSnulGT2XxJ87TrVWoYavsRmHmzIzzxit8CSdgz7hTfNBIVAHgVaqLDe_Qm8jS2J7zG7p1Br3ZtE9qH-3zviSn3zice2iyUMSuQvj/s320/IMG_20130815_072054.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Olivia - 2nd Grade<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They are growing so fast! I wish we could slow down time, just for a bit. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.benotafraidnancy.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/854/xotc.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-55618335540364646472013-09-24T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-24T00:00:06.773-04:00The Idea Room Photo-a-Day Challenge, September 2013, Days 9 and 10<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day 9 - A Sport (September 9th)</span></strong><br />
<br />
Olivia wanted to play soccer again this year. She was very upset when I had to explain to her that Mommy had missed the deadline for sign ups! I feel awful. However, with me having to travel so far from our normal routine just to pick Amelia up from school, I think it's best that for now...we don't have anything throwing a wrench into our schedules. So, in honor of my little Olivia...here is a soccer picture from Kindergarten! <br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEg1YdLsZBKMsA9mQdaYRrZtPRRLjTkVD3cE5I-SZtfjy72sMEkfSPhM6cRYdPSQEYsylQ8krct_fR9RNe-e5kt_Qz7qwGlcuDB-cwExng7rEhEnrAxpho5oaMmrkoYMAy4Vh1qAhYgmwJ8p/s1600/DSCF4471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1YdLsZBKMsA9mQdaYRrZtPRRLjTkVD3cE5I-SZtfjy72sMEkfSPhM6cRYdPSQEYsylQ8krct_fR9RNe-e5kt_Qz7qwGlcuDB-cwExng7rEhEnrAxpho5oaMmrkoYMAy4Vh1qAhYgmwJ8p/s320/DSCF4471.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assumption Soccer League<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day 10 - Starts with "B" (September 10th)</span></strong><br />
<br />
<br />
Birthday! Yep! My oldest turned 13 today! I can hardly believe that I have a teenager! This is HUGE! In honor of my first born...<br />
<br />
<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/AVvXsEj4aNAuHqbAN5QESvbzBzBvkebLr55z553khfKvXP4pEjtR6KUjiyibKLV7jMosVaS1DmETe1n_Ljvk0RKXSWmYiGV3C0tU3ReYhyphenhyphenEZblEHHCeIhiFq15B3D3__Kww4inS9EURlIqFwfI0V/s1600/image009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4aNAuHqbAN5QESvbzBzBvkebLr55z553khfKvXP4pEjtR6KUjiyibKLV7jMosVaS1DmETe1n_Ljvk0RKXSWmYiGV3C0tU3ReYhyphenhyphenEZblEHHCeIhiFq15B3D3__Kww4inS9EURlIqFwfI0V/s320/image009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">September 2000<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.benotafraidnancy.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/854/xotc.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-51725283277133369722013-09-23T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-23T00:00:05.786-04:00The Idea Room Photo-a-Day Challenge, September 2013, Day 7 and 8<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day - 7 A Pathway (September 7th)</span></strong><br />
<br />
Our home is 60 years old. It's been around a long time. Some parts of it are falling apart. Still, it's our home. I have found lots of quirky things in this old house. Things like an old intercom system that hasn't worked in eons and a very strange lay out of living room walls and doorways. But one of the strangest things I've always wondered about is the <strike>walkway</strike> pathway leading from our front door!<br />
If you come straight out our front door, this cement pathway leads to....well, nothing. If you come out the front door and turn immediately to your right (you can see this in the picture), you can take another <strike>walkway</strike> pathway to the driveway. But, this one makes <strong>no</strong> sense to me...at all. It just STOPS! It reminds me of a line of traveling ants. They walk along, following each other and never veering off of their path. However, if you put a stick in front of them, or somehow interrupt the line....they get all crazy and don't know where to go. I used to do that as a kid because I thought it was funny. As an adult, I now think that is cruel.<br />
<br />
Some paths don't lead to where we think they will. Sometimes, we don't know until it's too late that we've chosen the wrong one. If you can, try to see beyond the path. Try and anticipate where it might lead. Don't always rely on what you can see. There are surprises along the way. Embrace them!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejk4frh8420znYdRyi_7ClZdYdbReMSa5hV73rCZsh97L65AoGgRpKDeuGBgYEvQgc10saGOvuMOKro7HjqcpKyW1JqIsnChtW1Kr6kDw-CHgP3a9QUkomktcAZ4UodMRpRJS-kV1glTM/s1600/IMG_20130922_185514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejk4frh8420znYdRyi_7ClZdYdbReMSa5hV73rCZsh97L65AoGgRpKDeuGBgYEvQgc10saGOvuMOKro7HjqcpKyW1JqIsnChtW1Kr6kDw-CHgP3a9QUkomktcAZ4UodMRpRJS-kV1glTM/s320/IMG_20130922_185514.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day - 8 Bright (September 8th)</span></strong><br />
<br />
When I saw the prompt for this day...bright...I immediately thought of a photo I took when arriving to work one day a few weeks ago. It was early in the morning and there was one lone thunderstorm to the west of the city. With the rising sun in the east shining on it....the clouds were whiter than white! It made me think of the magnificence of heaven! It must be shining bright with the light of God's Love! Don't you think?<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1106707481"></span><span id="goog_1106707482"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwG3BI7VOVm3hOFR38Pz12m4POzwcQCFjRg8hvezcI0toueki-7rEeKaF_WcX4Ny2SR6kntL0ijiV1sscVuHynMcYm1ID1Ttf9D_UgcFXOv2QRLAq7uMV9Queegm2UsxP-wJhEposv4nK/s1600/IMG_20130812_071036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwG3BI7VOVm3hOFR38Pz12m4POzwcQCFjRg8hvezcI0toueki-7rEeKaF_WcX4Ny2SR6kntL0ijiV1sscVuHynMcYm1ID1Ttf9D_UgcFXOv2QRLAq7uMV9Queegm2UsxP-wJhEposv4nK/s320/IMG_20130812_071036.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.benotafraidnancy.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/854/xotc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-77368596950240013622013-09-22T15:13:00.001-04:002013-09-22T15:15:32.402-04:00The Idea Room Photo-a-Day Challenge, September 2013, Day 5 and 6.<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day - 5 Empty (September 5th)</span></strong><br />
<br />
When I hear the word "empty", I always feel sad. Either my gas tank is empty, the milk carton is empty, or my store of energy is empty! No matter what is "empty", it usually means something is lacking or not up to par. And today, instead of "my cup runneth over"....my cup was EMPTY! Trust me....this is NEVER a good thing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGv2LqNb-NEDNOzSWBLuwNCjz9GLTG48817z8PxlP3uRf02PPSHLpwSgKanyTO_ltIPvtHSbm1T4pBq4VkqP2-6Tz-gknTSOju7c5JpvdtLGeAmRVPXFPytTbfM1RieeeJ59znivoUIK2/s1600/EmptyMG_20130905_174113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGv2LqNb-NEDNOzSWBLuwNCjz9GLTG48817z8PxlP3uRf02PPSHLpwSgKanyTO_ltIPvtHSbm1T4pBq4VkqP2-6Tz-gknTSOju7c5JpvdtLGeAmRVPXFPytTbfM1RieeeJ59znivoUIK2/s320/EmptyMG_20130905_174113.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day 6 - A Circle (September 6th)</span></strong><br />
<br />
Today, when thinking of a circle, all I could imagine was the round, white, perfect Host held up during mass. I am 48 years old and I have been a Catholic my entire life and the mystery of Transubstantiation remains just that....a mystery. I no more understand it now than I did as a child. As I was contemplating this during mass, I was struck by the Gospel passage for today from Luke...."You can not serve two masters". Gazing at that round, perfect Host....how can I even consider serving two masters. I have lots of work to do this week....on me! I need to get rid of any other master that I worship. I need to remind myself about where my loyalties are and who it is that I live for. Pray for me. I'll pray for you, too! (Admittedly, I did not take the photo below, but you get the idea).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcJChnkTCGnQ9gN9Agj3YJMSREr31GY6LLD5eGfa4sbSS9NAGbyDz2vWze5lJWl11J5sOTqvqd6o745lWGnA2Z5pP_JF-jNXSS2jdSEMzvP7lsQvSTTHoAcRyQrdnlIfTSUWdga_rVyPe/s1600/host-consecrated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcJChnkTCGnQ9gN9Agj3YJMSREr31GY6LLD5eGfa4sbSS9NAGbyDz2vWze5lJWl11J5sOTqvqd6o745lWGnA2Z5pP_JF-jNXSS2jdSEMzvP7lsQvSTTHoAcRyQrdnlIfTSUWdga_rVyPe/s320/host-consecrated.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
P.S. I'm going to get caught up on this photo challenge! I promise!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.benotafraidnancy.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/854/xotc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-7374993130579697092013-09-20T16:45:00.002-04:002013-09-20T16:45:36.636-04:00Computer ProblemsHi Everybody!<br />
<br />
I'm so sorry for my absence! My computer is dying a very slow death. At one point, I thought it was over, but my husband revived it! And so, here we are. <br />
<br />
I will begin my catch up with the Photo Challenge tomorrow. I'll do a couple a day until I'm caught up! Thanks for your patience!<br />
<br />
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-50350569512342620702013-09-04T06:18:00.002-04:002013-09-04T06:18:46.702-04:00The Idea Room Photo-a-Day Challenge, September 2013, Day 4<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day 4 - Exercise (September 4)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Vgoek5US7RGy6VcQQLoup-KVDFTRxC-2Mm_9Bwa-KsFkLnN5fJZHXThyfGdpNilY5UhYyNaREFv0ubl0S6KMTRmGPDJ0x7Q4IgPY7CkTzT3Z1Ia-qT5AlmdNgW72PH1K-JT_oqs2Qknp/s1600/mommy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Vgoek5US7RGy6VcQQLoup-KVDFTRxC-2Mm_9Bwa-KsFkLnN5fJZHXThyfGdpNilY5UhYyNaREFv0ubl0S6KMTRmGPDJ0x7Q4IgPY7CkTzT3Z1Ia-qT5AlmdNgW72PH1K-JT_oqs2Qknp/s320/mommy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Today's prompt is actually an "exercise" in humility for me. After fussing with Olivia most of the afternoon yesterday....and after having to send her to bed early because of her behavior....she left this picture for me to see as soon as I got up!<br />
<br />
How is it that our children have a knack for making us feel like dirt sometimes?<br />
<br />
<br />
If you'd like to take part in this photo challenge, check out<a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2013/08/september-photo-a-day-challenge.html"> The Idea Room</a>!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-37113099784020755092013-09-03T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-03T00:00:06.163-04:00The Idea Room Photo-a-Day Challenge, September 2013, Day 3<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day 3 - Up (September 3rd)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<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/AVvXsEgT3V1ku0Y2PgKsKq5IY3e5OQniKjrLwZmoFoJTEqqb3dvDAMVd9ntTC_PXbn_WoYxa9wVwVes2KQD1r4kzUmic7pNbuZLlzdJYkYa_QKdAT5AuevwLuL8D2icjDzqwf8BrNFdYlJWvWvoO/s1600/IM000377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3V1ku0Y2PgKsKq5IY3e5OQniKjrLwZmoFoJTEqqb3dvDAMVd9ntTC_PXbn_WoYxa9wVwVes2KQD1r4kzUmic7pNbuZLlzdJYkYa_QKdAT5AuevwLuL8D2icjDzqwf8BrNFdYlJWvWvoO/s320/IM000377.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 2004 - Jacksonville, Florida</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
When I saw today's prompt, I immediately thought of two things. First, I thought of "growing up"...as in...my kids and how fast that process is going. Then, I thought of this Hot Air Balloon Festival that we went to just after Amelia was born. We had such a good time that day! It was glorious to look "up" in the sky on this beautiful early morning to see such color!<br />
<br />
That's Nathan and I in the bottom right corner. Amelia was in the stroller and my little Livy...well, she wasn't even here yet! Nathan was only 4 years old and Amelia was just 3 months!<br />
<br />
It's great fun to go back and look at old photos! They can bring back wonderful memories for me! It seems like almost a lifetime ago! After 3 days into it...I'm really enjoying this photo challenge!<br />
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-51342343457920490962013-09-02T00:00:00.000-04:002013-09-02T00:00:11.121-04:00The Idea Room Photo-a-Day Challenge, September 2013, Day 1 & 2Photo challenges are difficult for me. For one thing, I don't have a very good camera. Secondly, I don't have a very good camera on my phone. That's usually what happens when you don't have a very good phone...but I digress.<br />
<br />
I'm not good at photography. I just don't have the eye for it. Oh, I try, but the vision in my head never seems to work it's way through the lens. That's why this photo challenge is going to be extra challenging for me!<br />
<br />
If you are interested in giving it a try, you can visit the<a href="http://www.theidearoom.net/2013/08/september-photo-a-day-challenge.html"> Idea Room by clicking HERE</a>! Basically, the photo challenge consists of taking a picture using the photo prompts that Amy provides on her site. It's really fun because you can interpret the prompt any way you like! You can share the photos on any social media that you prefer. <br />
<br />
Since I am slightly "late to the party"....I'm going to post both Day 1 and 2 in this post.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day 1 - Inspire (September 1st)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
Lately, it's hard to inspire me. I don't know why, other than the fact that I'm just tired, overwhelmed, stressed out and I have three kids in the house! However, today, I found myself inspired and excited! Look what I found at Starbucks! It's Pumpkin Spice Latte time! I swear, I wait all year long for this! To me, nothing says "fall" quite like a PSL! Interestingly enough, Starbucks is celebrating 10 years of the PSL...with a lovely commemorative travel cup! I couldn't resist! This has definitely inspired me! Fall/Winter is on the way and hopefully, some cooler days are ahead!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf8eo0UsTbvjj7hn1aXLZbw0-aMYEd5afFZlUlKSFz8h854JaPQbssnH4IFxwFrnrimSMY3gKFf10Kdy4qSPRQpUmQHYy16wSVUFYeoKJLnZQ_SFAmogZFqQLJ3FzLBT61SsJofWYhVsG/s1600/PSL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZf8eo0UsTbvjj7hn1aXLZbw0-aMYEd5afFZlUlKSFz8h854JaPQbssnH4IFxwFrnrimSMY3gKFf10Kdy4qSPRQpUmQHYy16wSVUFYeoKJLnZQ_SFAmogZFqQLJ3FzLBT61SsJofWYhVsG/s320/PSL.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Day 2 - Hard Work (September 2nd)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
It will be interesting to see how others interpret these photo prompts. Honestly, the minute I saw this prompt, my mind went to the pile of laundry I'm going to need to get through on this fabulous <em>LABOR</em> day! I'll certainly be<em> laboring</em> as I fold and put away at least 4 loads today!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVdHgQminILrZjMuY_StrTcWZI-53ujygqH1qlvx4-Sm53gkCxO4S6mLSgNRYfT1XBYeCCXqf8-cFgJ4fW0Uj2cVK8dnWE6ch28iJN5tjEVuVJmlCxy4h0_HaT-72UM8PiUBjGti9smga/s1600/laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPVdHgQminILrZjMuY_StrTcWZI-53ujygqH1qlvx4-Sm53gkCxO4S6mLSgNRYfT1XBYeCCXqf8-cFgJ4fW0Uj2cVK8dnWE6ch28iJN5tjEVuVJmlCxy4h0_HaT-72UM8PiUBjGti9smga/s320/laundry.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;"></span></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-54147298891136612342013-08-26T09:24:00.001-04:002013-08-26T09:25:49.695-04:00A Great Start!We are settling into school pretty well. Amelia is a trooper! We wake her up at 5:15am because she and Dan have to leave the house by 6:15am. She doesn't complain or fuss. She's not eating much for breakfast these days. Usually, she will have a few bites of a waffle or some toast, but that's it. She just doesn't have an appetite in the morning. <br />
<br />
After she is gone, I struggle to get the other two up! They are NOT morning people! But, they come by that trait honestly...because neither is their mother!<br />
<br />
I must share with you that I contacted Amelia's teacher last week just to touch base with her to ask her how things were going in the classroom. I've tried not to hover or be overbearing. Although I wish I could be a fly on the wall in that classroom, I've truly left it up to her teacher to notify me if there was a problem. Amelia seems to be in a good mood when going to school...and when I pick her up! This is a good sign! Last year, she would cry <em>every</em> morning and sometimes in the afternoon when I picked her up. It was gut wrenching.<br />
<br />
Here is the response that I received from her teacher...hold on to your socks!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">She's
doing very well. I have had no problems with her at all. She seems at this
point to understand everything and is helpful and kind. You should know
she sits next to someone who as it turns out is having trouble sitting still,
she has been wonderful with this child. Has patience and tries to help them make
the right choice. I'm really happy with how she is handling that. Don't
worry if there is a problem I'll let you know. I'm going on the assumption
there wont be. Have a great day. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></em></span></div>
<em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">
</span></strong></em><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ms.
V.</span></strong></em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></em></strong></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></em></strong></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: black;">Now, I realize that it's only been two weeks, and I realize that she will have good days and bad days...but I could NOT have asked for a better outcome so far! For a few hours after I received this email, I felt like I was walking on a cloud. Could she <em>really</em> be talking about <em>my</em> daughter? Of course she could! I've been thinking about that old T.V. show "Truth or Consequences". At the end, the host would say....."Will the REAL Amelia Widener please stand up".....and she DID!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In other news....I had my yearly mammogram on Friday. For the first time in five years, I was NOT nervous or anxious. The tech was wonderful....an 11 year breast cancer survivor herself. She helped me to feel comfortable and relaxed. When the results came back "NED (no evidence of disease)", I felt relieved that I had made to my first milestone! I have officially hit the 5 YEAR MARK! This is HUGE! I will see my oncologist in September and discuss how to move forward!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Last January, I had a bad case of acute bronchitis. My physician was worried that it might have turned into pneumonia, but with antibiotics and rest, I got better. However, the cough has never truly gone away. Off and on over the last several months, I have had some wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pressure and coughing. Some weeks it doesn't bother me at all...and other weeks, I feel as though I've definitely got something going on. I'm finally going to to my regular doctor on Wednesday to see if we can get to the bottom of this. At first, I worried it could be lung cancer...but, I'm leaning more towards some kind of allergy or the return of my childhood asthma. I do have an Albuterol inhaler that I keep in my purse and I must admit, I've used it quite a bit lately. However, it helps, and that's a good thing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As someone who has battled a life threatening disease in the past, I naturally conclude the worst when I'm not feeling well. In my mind, I've gone over the possibility of lung cancer, pulmonary embolism, and a heart attack. Although I'm not a doctor, it seems to me that after 8 months with any of those things....it would be getting worse and I would know by now!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Still, I am concerned about this because it's never fun when you feel as though you can't breathe. I will keep you updated as to what my doctor suggests.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.benotafraidnancy.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/854/xotc.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-31749561676273733122013-08-21T06:55:00.003-04:002013-08-21T06:55:41.931-04:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqx8kmi38wMTWz8yyar1zj4jgeJcSx3l7Y4prPxX9KSgPHUjnV5KSPjGzOuX2lPI6SxRhdISqg_UmLK3ljP1uxzOJOxz_yCbfKk8TUQmZTPlCemtvJjcpgznZxqRmOkwb5iqtQesiZubm/s1600/fallpath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikqx8kmi38wMTWz8yyar1zj4jgeJcSx3l7Y4prPxX9KSgPHUjnV5KSPjGzOuX2lPI6SxRhdISqg_UmLK3ljP1uxzOJOxz_yCbfKk8TUQmZTPlCemtvJjcpgznZxqRmOkwb5iqtQesiZubm/s320/fallpath.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-18484237285814511712013-08-18T20:26:00.000-04:002013-08-18T20:29:47.735-04:00Good First Week!<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/AVvXsEi4vPwxYIShbi1Y-s4IiklAFlS-VV1cjz0jlK9bRSr-b09ECZ1uLZ8Ee8UfL9D-lB33vWQIdMzHxes212gzVJ-TeL7FUEELhWtv06_9q-PRqmSbjAlSTlYpVFCSNC1JZ69-gjTG0gB8-dRW/s1600/stpats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vPwxYIShbi1Y-s4IiklAFlS-VV1cjz0jlK9bRSr-b09ECZ1uLZ8Ee8UfL9D-lB33vWQIdMzHxes212gzVJ-TeL7FUEELhWtv06_9q-PRqmSbjAlSTlYpVFCSNC1JZ69-gjTG0gB8-dRW/s320/stpats.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amelia...first day at her new school!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well, the first week of school is over and for the most part, it went well.<br />
<br />
It was so hard to watch Amelia get into the car with Dan and head on up to the north side of town to her new school. I'm still so sad that all three of them won't be together this year. However, every day I'm more and more convinced that we made the right decision. She has had 3 full days of school and she's already making new friends! I'm well aware that there will be good days and bad days....I'm just hoping for more good! I honestly do see a change in Amelia! She seems to have less outbursts, less tantrums, and definitely more cooperation. She doesn't seem to be quite as angry all the time, but there is still an element of opposition. Things are slowly improving, and I'm good with that. Slow and steady wins the race!<br />
<br />
I think there are many things that can be attributed to her improvement. For one thing, she is out of the previous environment (and frankly, I think that was 50% of the problem)! Another reason, I think, is because Dan and I are much more aware of her difficulties and we are showing much more patience in handling some of the more difficult situations. If she is tired, hungry, frustrated or "out of sorts" in any way...this can lead to the oppositional behavior. We do our best to be mindful of simple things...like...has she had a snack or is she hydrated. <br />
<br />
This lifestyle is all new to us. We are learning the ropes of ODD/ADHD, mood disorders, and learning disorders the HARD WAY! By trial and error and I don't mind telling you that we've had A LOT OF ERRORS over the last 2 years! We are slowly digging ourselves out of this pit of despair that has consumed us.<br />
<br />
I wish I could erase the last 6 months or so of last year from Amelia's memory.....from MY memory, but I can't. I'm going to have to see it as a learning experience and leave it at that. It is my understanding that her previous school has a new ESE program this year! Although Amelia will never be able to benefit from it now...I'm glad that this improvement has been made. There are a lot of students out there that need this extra help...that need some differentiation of instruction. Perhaps our bad experience will have turned out to be for the benefit of an other's POSITIVE experience! I can live with that.<br />
<br />
By the way, I did get an email from the previous school a few days ago...from one of the previous "teachers". While I won't share the contents of the email word for word, I will say that even at this point, the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing over there.<br />
<br />
I'm still debating whether or not I should share the psychological evaluation with the principal and the others involved. The psychologist included a few pages after the eval which had suggestions for how things "should" have been handled...or "could" have been handled differently that most certainly would have allowed for different outcomes with regard to Amelia's behavior. These were simple things....things that I even suggested...but were either ignored purposely or were just deemed "not important" by all those involved. It's really a moot point now..."water under the bridge" as they say, but a part of me would like the chance to say, "Hey, I may be <em>just</em> a parent, but I'm not an idiot. Perhaps if we all could have had a more pro-active attitude rather than a re-active one....Amelia would still be here." But alas, I think that's exactly the point! I knew from the moment that we met with the county officials the first time....that they didn't really want Amelia there. Truly. I say this because at one point during that meeting, the one teacher looked me right in the eye and said, "at some point maybe you just have to realize that ACS isn't the right place for you anymore." <br />
<br />
This new school may not be the "magic" spot for Amelia. I can't know that at this point. But I know that we are hoping and we are praying that right now...at this very moment, THIS is were God wants us. I'm convinced that He will work it all out in the end as long as we are faithful.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, Olivia and Nathan seem to be happy and that's a good thing. For this year, I'd like the focus to be on Olivia as much as possible because this is a big year for her! She makes her First Communion in May! We are so excited!<br />
<br />
We are taking one day at time, putting one foot in front of the other, keeping our heads held high! I believe this is what families are for...pulling together and marching forward! Let's keep our eyes on the prize!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.benotafraidnancy.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/854/xotc.jpg" /></a>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-59061134131230305042013-08-08T13:39:00.000-04:002013-08-09T01:07:05.935-04:00New Teacher!I met Amelia's new teacher yesterday! It was a quick, brief exchange, but, I liked her right from the get-go! The most important thing to me was that we were able to meet, eye-to-eye and establish a repoir. Communication is going to be key. I made sure she had a copy of Amelia's psych eval and we discussed her medication.<br />
<br />
She didn't really want to hear any details about our struggles from last year. She said she wanted to have an opinion of Amelia that was not biased in any way by what her previous teachers had to say. How refreshing! I made her aware that we had briefly begun planning for "504" accommodations at then end of the previous year but that I thought we should see how the year goes. If, at some point, problems begin to surface (the kind that <em><strong>need</strong></em> something to be done), then we can revisit the issue of making accommodations. <br />
<br />
In other news, I received an email notifying us of Nathan and Olivia's homeroom teachers for this next school year. They are both happy with who they got.<br />
<br />
Apparently, there have been several "administrative" changes in the hierarchy of the school over the summer. I've heard that at the start of school there will be over 600 students registered! That's a lot! We are busting at the seams, quite literally! Let me just say this, growth (at all costs) is not always good. Growth that comes too fast, is not always good. Have you ever heard the phrase, "too big for your britches" before? Yes, well...that's quite possibly what's happening. Rapid growth can sometimes produce an elitist attitude. Unfortunately, there is some of that going on. I pray for humility... for myself, teachers, principals, parents and students. Most of all, I pray for a happy and prosperous school year for all three of my kids! These little humans will be big humans someday and I want them to be able to contribute to the world in a positive way with a Christ filled heart!<br />
<br />
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Pray for us!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.benotafraidnancy.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/854/xotc.jpg" /></a>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-65046664378741632342013-08-04T09:14:00.000-04:002013-08-04T09:14:12.069-04:00Happy Sunday!Happy Sunday!<br />
<br />
Although Sundays have never been my favorite day of the week, I'm doing my best to change my attitude about it! Going to mass and having my spirit fed with the Good News and with Christ Himself....how can Sunday be anything but the absolute BEST day of the week? I have a tendency to be a "glass half empty" kind of gal....at least as of late, but I'm working to change that. We have a finite number of days on this earth and it would do all of us some good to remember that (especially me)!<br />
<br />
My blog is a happy place to be lately! Recently, I ran across a website of someone that I instantly knew would be able to overhaul it and make it a peaceful place. <a href="http://www.graphicdesignsbytraci.blogspot.com/">Traci Little</a> did a wonderful job and gave me the look I was longing for. Traci has a gift for being able to capture the essence of a feeling...a look...a dream. The season of Fall makes me happy. I told Traci that I think there should only be 4 months a year.....September, October, November and December! The sights, smells and ambiance of those months leading up to winter are transforming for me. The knowledge that change is coming....transformation of all that is within. The willingness and readiness to shed yourself of all that is good, to be ready for all that is better. To let go of what was and to anticipate what will be. Knowing in the depths of your soul that we need to reflect on all that we gained during the spring and summer of our lives and be ready to make room for the quieter solitude of reflection.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I wanted my blog to be a peaceful place to come....for me! It is that and much more!<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy coming here. My life is not always neat and clean. While my goal is to do my best to keep my fear in check and to remember that I do not have to be afraid...sometimes, I am and that's just the nature of who I am. My blog is a place where I can come to share all of my hopes, dreams and struggles....and my moments of fear...knowing that I am not alone.<br />
<br />
Thank you, to those of you who come here to visit me....to listen to me mumble, bitch and complain....share my failures and successes...my hopes and dreams....my fears and triumphs over that fear. Thank you to those that dare to comment, to encourage, to support! You will never know how much this blog has meant to me over the last several years. It is a constant comfort to me. <br />
<br />
Happy Sunday!Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-85983791427470838152013-08-02T07:54:00.003-04:002013-08-02T07:54:57.030-04:00Where I've BeenThere IS a reason why I haven't blogged much lately. It's the same reason why I haven't spent much time on Facebook either. It's called, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lark_Rise_to_Candleford_(TV_series)">"Lark Rise to Candleford</a>"!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lark_Rise_to_Candleford_(TV_series)">Lark Rise to Candleford</a> is a wonderful BBC drama series that takes place in the late 1800's. The series began sometime in 2008 but was cancelled in 2011. I can't believe they cancelled this show! I would consider it to be just as good as Downton Abbey! It has captivated me. I think the acting is superb!<br />
<br />
I watched seasons one and two on Amazon. It cost me a pretty penny until I realized that all of the episodes are free on YouTube. Why I didn't check there first...I'll never know.<br />
<br />
Anyway, if you get the chance, you really should watch it. You won't be disappointed<br />
<br />
***Physically, I'm not doing that great. Lots going on. To be honest, I'm afraid to go to the doctor. Please pray that I have the courage to deal with whatever is ahead***Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-63267177078101715772013-07-23T06:11:00.000-04:002013-07-23T06:13:15.884-04:00New Look!As you can see, I've been doing a little redecorating here on my blog. It is still under construction at the moment. I'm trying to get all my resources together for my menu bar. I will do a complete separate post in the coming days on how this make over came to be, but, just know that I am very happy with how it has turned out!<br />
<br />
On this Tuesday morning, I wanted to share with you a blog post that I read this morning. It touched my heart greatly. Sometimes, I can feel overwhelmed with all that's going on in my life. At times, I'm so frustrated that I forget to be thankful for all the blessings that God has given me. I think this can be sinful. Either way, I was encouraged by this blog post and wanted to share this encouragement with you. I beg you to take a few minutes to read this post. It's short and sweet, and to the point.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/2013/07/for-when-motherhood-is-kicking-your-ass.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ImperfectHomemaking+%28The+Complete+Guide+to+Imperfect+Homemaking%29">I want to thank Kelly from the Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking for posting this. It changed my life today.</a> <a href="http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/2013/07/for-when-motherhood-is-kicking-your-ass.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ImperfectHomemaking+%28The+Complete+Guide+to+Imperfect+Homemaking%29">Click HERE to read!</a>Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-28580872800431782262013-07-19T08:41:00.001-04:002013-07-20T23:07:39.824-04:00A Thread!We're all hanging on by a thread here! It's been a tough week...a tough few weeks. <br />
<br />
The main reason why Dan and I were reluctant, in the beginning, to put Amelia on medication is because we knew it would be a roller coaster ride. It has been. It is.<br />
<br />
They told us that she would have a period everyday when the medicine "wears off". They said that every child is different but mentioned that it can be a very emotional time for them. Emotional is an understatement! There are tears, there is drama, hurtful words, stomping off, slamming doors...and this can last for hours.<br />
<br />
When we met with the Dr. a few days ago, she asked me how Amelia was doing and I had to be honest. I said that I didn't notice much change in her, at all. Behaviorally, she's exactly the same. The only change I did notice was that during two days last week, she picked up a book...all on her own...and read them...cover to cover! This was definitely a change for the good! But, she hasn't done it since and shows no interest in doing so, even when prompted.<br />
<br />
The doctor upped the dosage on her meds. She is now on 27 mg instead of 18 mg. She said that because of Amelia's size, she will only go up to 54mg with her. Her plan is to continue to raise the dosage until we hit a place where Amelia is better, or she begins to have side effects. If this happens, she will change the medication to something else. The goal is to find a medication that works for her. I know this takes time and patience, but in the meantime, Amelia is on this emotional roller coaster and I feel terrible. This just doesn't seem right. <br />
<br />
When we left the doctor's office, I was given an appointment sheet showing her next two appointments. When I got home and stopped to look at this sheet (so I could add the dates to our master family calendar), I noticed something that broke my heart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsWG_qWPEQbaHIq8hvHzxrP_gnDhW82-IJqFr8e0-Flnhwx_eUmPRDSLFlwVFbPsAvg4tdQaK10_gMxSi7Xwd3eFPeB0CHKc_NpbRM3w6QGOr8j0jOXkVKNiePd1IXPjD9J3VFy0nZiuT/s1600/IMG_20130717_101648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsWG_qWPEQbaHIq8hvHzxrP_gnDhW82-IJqFr8e0-Flnhwx_eUmPRDSLFlwVFbPsAvg4tdQaK10_gMxSi7Xwd3eFPeB0CHKc_NpbRM3w6QGOr8j0jOXkVKNiePd1IXPjD9J3VFy0nZiuT/s320/IMG_20130717_101648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is devastating to me. Look at all the labels they have given her. Just look at them! I feel that this is all my fault. In trying to help her, I've just made her life more difficult for the future. I wanted her to be able to function socially. Now, it seems, I've just plotted a course for her life that will be even more difficult for her to overcome. Sigh.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
She has her first therapy appointment today. Please pray that this goes well for her....that she can find it within herself to trust this counselor and allow her to help her find some ways to cope. Please pray for me...that the guilt does not consume me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.benotafraidnancy.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://imageshack.com/scaled/large/854/xotc.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-67213069424547054822013-07-12T11:35:00.000-04:002013-07-12T11:35:04.618-04:007 Quick Takes Friday, Volume 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBL64Y3yCKAjq7ovGWN4WVTlJy86ppdyLtBoOt-XVOPS1JXDCtAY_BHWus7V_seWLzetV2Fms49bZkaNrfjCv0RfJrVNt8JWZu4lRAFdgv11tbUO_B1uuOuV3lTcfYAYLeiex3n8UnzIg/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBL64Y3yCKAjq7ovGWN4WVTlJy86ppdyLtBoOt-XVOPS1JXDCtAY_BHWus7V_seWLzetV2Fms49bZkaNrfjCv0RfJrVNt8JWZu4lRAFdgv11tbUO_B1uuOuV3lTcfYAYLeiex3n8UnzIg/s1600/7_quick_takes_sm.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although the medication that Amelia is taking does not seem to be changing her impulsiveness or her quick-temperedness, she does seem to be focusing a little better on other things. For instance, for the last two days she has picked up a book (completely on her own...without any prompting from anybody) and started reading...ALL ON HER OWN! She sits at the kitchen table and reads out loud to herself, coming to me when she needs help with a word. You have no idea what an improvement this is, especially since she initiates this herself. I'm so pleased.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
II.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amelia also showed a tremendous improvement in her behavior at mass this last Sunday! I couldn't believe that I didn't have to correct either one of the girls at all! Clearly, Olivia's behavior can be directly affected by Amelia. You can bet that if Mia is acting out....Olivia will follow. This can lead to a bad "mass day" and can turn Dan and I into very grumpy parents. It's been so long since I've been able to actually hear and concentrate on the readings and the homily! Too bad that the priest we had filling in for our vacationing pastor is one of those "feel good, liberal" priests that can talk for 15 minutes and actually NOT say anything of substance! Still, I'm so happy that the girls behaved!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
III.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to move. I've been thinking about this for over a year. I really want to move to the neighborhood where Dan's parents and his sister live. It would be closer to Dan's new job (north side of town) and we would be closer to his aging parents. I think we might have missed our perfect opportunity last summer when the market was more conducive to buyers like us....limited funds!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We would never be able to move without selling our current house first. Our house is 60+ years old and it needs a lot of work.....work that we can't afford to have done. I just want to be able to sell this house for what we owe on it....and some extra for a down payment on another house. Is that so much to ask? I feel guilty for wanting to move...feeling like I'm never satisfied with what I have. The thing is...unless some work is done on this house, we will not be able to live here for the foreseeable future without the house falling down around us. I don't think it's worth fixing it up, though. I think we should cut our losses and move. I guess St. Joseph and I need to have some discussion about what we should do! Pray for us!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
IV.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May I ask for your prayers for my sister? She is back in the hospital...this time with pneumonia. I think this is her 5th admission for the year! Her health is not good and I fear that at some point this situation could become very critical.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
V.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Structural problems with my house set aside...my house is a mess! I'm feeling very overwhelmed at the moment. I've really let my mothering and spousal duties slide over the last several months. I guess I'm just tired of putting all of my heart and energy into all things domestic when my family does not seem to have any appreciation. It isn't that I'm looking for kudos for myself personally in the form of praise and adoration....but it would be nice if everyone would appreciate their own personal belongings and space. Is there a reason why my kids can't keep their room clean? Is there a reason why they keep leaving their socks and shoes and various other personal items all over the living room floor? I used to pick all this up myself....then I quit doing that and started <strike>yelling</strike> raising my voice for them to do it. I'm tired of doing both of those...period! So I've stopped. And guess what's happened? It doesn't get done! Here's the bad part.....I don't seem to care anymore. A part of me feels like if they want to live like slobs...so be it. I'm tired of working like a dog to keep this house in a somewhat reasonable state...but no one cares! Phew! OK...rant over!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
VI.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've received the class supply lists for the upcoming school year. I think this family could almost singularly keep Walmart or Staples in business! I swear, if this were any other time in history, I would consider sending all three of them to public school! Between tuition, uniforms, and supplies, we literally have NOTHING left at the end of the month for discretionary spending! Every cent goes to feed, clothe and educate our children! I realize that this is what parenting is about....I get all that...but for heaven's sake, does the amount that goes to the school <em>have</em> to exceed what our mortgage payment is????</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
VII.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My summer work hours are slightly different than my "kids going to school" hours. During the school year, I work 4 six-hour days with Wednesday being my day off (the kids have early release every Wednesday). During the summer, I work 3 eight-hour days with two days off. My sister in law keeps the kids for Mon/Tues/Wed and I'm home with them on Thurs/Fri. I must say, I LOVE my days off...especially the days when we have nothing on the agenda! I'm able to get things done (laundry and cleaning) as well as spend time catching up on blog reading and Pinterest perusing! today has been a good day!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-75045850523828983552013-07-05T20:30:00.001-04:002013-07-05T20:30:43.771-04:00AttitudeMy attitude has gotten in the way of my updating this blog. The medication that Amelia has been on over the last few days has not shown to be effective, at all. As a matter of fact, I see absolutely no difference in her demeanor or behavior. I'm very discouraged. I guess I expected a miracle.<br />
<br />
I've been thinking about this a lot, and I remembered something that happened a few years ago. Amelia had to have some dental work done that required some sedation. They did not want to put her all the way out, so they decided to give her something that might make her feel a little woozy. It didn't work. Neither did the laughing gas. The dentist ended up almost sitting on top of her along with the help of several assistants. Although the medication that she is currently taking is not a sedative (it's actually a stimulant), do you think it could be that she just has a high tolerance for meds? I don't know, I guess I'm grasping at straws here.<br />
<br />
I want her to be better. I want her to be able to function normally in this family. I want her to stop being so confrontational, so impulsive, so negative, so combative. I want her to STOP! There is constant conflict between her, Nathan and Olivia. Today, Olivia had a friend over for a play date/sleepover and it's been hell! When she plays with Olivia and her friend, she wants to be in charge of everything. Then, when they get tired of her bossiness and ask to play by themselves, Amelia gets her feelings hurt and cries and carries on in a very dramatic way for hours!<br />
<br />
Dan worked all day and so I guess I just feel tired, defeated and disappointed that the meds have not gotten her to slow down...even a little but. Don't get me wrong, I don't want her drugged out, staring into space...but I would like her to be a little bit more introspective and not so touchy.<br />
<br />
I feel guilty that I'm basically telling you that I don't like my daughter's personality. She's hard to deal with and today, I'm not feeling up to the task.<br />
<br />
OK...my whine fest is over. That is all.Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-20924799322603168412013-07-02T00:00:00.000-04:002013-07-02T00:00:02.845-04:00Here we go!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4xf0S-aXQeZeSHtFJ-jFCAUaDxJa9LnpkAJ8meyUIj2ksLHT1ROtRnCRcP0Fcqly-25UHqSSCao8-05PiLUIpHP_s87wi_c8vMbSY-MYQiaTpGRs4omuM1rHSjAR0KMOPka9oiWdrJyg/s264/concerta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4xf0S-aXQeZeSHtFJ-jFCAUaDxJa9LnpkAJ8meyUIj2ksLHT1ROtRnCRcP0Fcqly-25UHqSSCao8-05PiLUIpHP_s87wi_c8vMbSY-MYQiaTpGRs4omuM1rHSjAR0KMOPka9oiWdrJyg/s264/concerta.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'm not good at this. I feel very inadequate and intimidated. Who in the world decided it was a good idea to allow me to be a parent? Someone somewhere, made a mistake! I'm sure of it! Sigh.<br />
<br />
The doctor's appointment went well, sort of. Dr. A. was friendly and polite. The thing is, this was the second physician we've seen in this practice, but I still had to go over EVERYTHING...AGAIN! She has access to all of the test results, all of the forms and questionnaires we've already filled out, yet the first thing she says to us was, "So, what brings you into my office today"? Really? So, for the umpteenth time, I started from the very beginning and filled her in. About half way through my dissertation, she figured out she had a bunch of documents already on line about Amelia and began to read them...WHILE I WAS TALKING TO HER! Errrgggh! One of these days.....<strong><em>to the moon, Alice</em></strong>!!<br />
<br />
She asked lots of questions....really good questions that no one else had asked before. I felt like she really "got" Amelia. For the first time, I felt like someone understood what we were going through. She could tell that I wasn't too keen on the idea of medication, but she didn't push. She explained that in order to help Amelia be successful, we would need a multi faceted approach. First and foremost, we would need a home management plan. This will be addressed when we start therapy with a LFMC on July 19th. We will need to work on such things as behavioral management, schedules, organization, consistent and appropriate consequences for bad behavior and reasonable rewards for good behavior. The second part will be getting the school involved and making sure that we have clear expectations on how each situation will be handled and what kind of accommodations will be put in place. Lastly, medication.<br />
<br />
We talked at length about Amelia's specific needs for school. First and foremost is impulse control. Secondly, confidence building. She has been so torn down over the last several months that her self esteem is almost non existent. She feels as though no one likes her or wants to be around her and while some of that is true (because of her behavior), she is still a child of God...worthy of love and friendship.<br />
<br />
If she can slow down enough to be able to think things through (in the limited way that a 9 year old can) she can begin to see that she has a place in the world, that she is capable of doing 3rd grade work, of having friends and play dates...of being normal. This is where the medication comes into play.<br />
<br />
I've agreed to a trial run of a "traditional" ADHD medication. Beginning today, she will take 18mg per day of Concerta. This medication has been around for close to 40 years. Concerta is basically just an extended release form of the first ADHD med called Ritalin. I'm not excited about this, but I'm resolved. <br />
<br />
I know what you all are thinking. Yes. Yes, I've spent the better part of the last 6 hours researching this med. I've read about every single side effect that anyone has ever encountered. Some are quite serious and dangerous. I know. But Amelia needs some relief. She needs to feel like her old self. If this med will help us achieve that goal, then I think it's worth a try. <br />
<br />
I had a friend tell me the other day, "Nancy...so what? You're going to give her ADHD medication??? Big deal! You're doing what thousands of other parents have done in the past and will do in the future. You're helping your daughter get a grip on a very trying time in her life! Don't be so dramatic"! Maybe this friend was right. Maybe it isn't such a big deal after all. Maybe it's just what needs to be done.<br />
<br />
Either way, I will keep you informed on how things are going. Thanks for your prayers and support.<br />
<br />
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-90077865423076317132013-07-01T07:17:00.000-04:002013-07-01T07:20:41.438-04:00Today's AppointmentIn just a few short hours (10am EST), I will take Amelia to her psychiatry appointment. This appointment is specifically to discuss medication. It's funny to me, after all that we've been through, that I'm still hesitant to "do" medication.<br />
<br />
Towards the end of this past school year, I was desperate. I was willing to try anything, to <em>do</em> anything that would help her to be able to function at school. In addition to the pressure I felt from the school, I caved. We tried a couple of different meds, but they were not helpful. One was an anti depressant which I was NOT comfortable with. As it turned out, it made her more agitated anyway and so I took her off of it. Her pediatrician agreed.<br />
<br />
Although I don't know for sure, I get the feeling that the more traditional meds for ADHD will be on the table today. Even though she does not have ADHD, many of the symptoms are the same. We are most concerned with her impulse control. For the most part, this is the biggest problem facing her in the classroom. <br />
<br />
If I were to be honest, I would say that I'm nervous. I'm concerned about what this medicine will do to my daughter's body and how she will react to it. It's one thing to agree to a particular medication when I'm the one that will be ingesting it. It's quite another when it will be my daughter who will be the guinea pig. I even had a dream about it last night.<br />
<br />
The only thing that is keeping me from completely freaking out is the fact that most of these meds have been in use for a long time. Instead of giving large doses of a particular med, studies have shown that giving smaller doses of two or more meds are proving more effective and safer. For some reason, it's the combination of some medications that show the most success.<br />
<br />
I wish there was some other way. I wish I could just homeschool her. This would save her from having to put these chemicals in her body...and would allow her to work at her own pace. Unfortunately, that ship has sailed.<br />
<br />
I ask for your prayers this morning. I know you are pretty "prayed out" with this situation but, I ask you to bring my Amelia to the Throne today. We need to find the right medication with the lowest dose possible to achieve the goal of impulse control for her. Her behavior needs to do a 180 in order for us to have a successful school year. We are also working on behavior modification and she will begin regular therapy in about two weeks. I ask you for your prayers for Dan and I also. We are trying to learn new techniques for parenting but we need to be consistent. It's so easy to undo everything that we have achieved in this area. Nathan and Olivia are also trying to adjust to our new way of living. <br />
<br />
Thank you so much. Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-46242112637953185812013-06-24T06:25:00.000-04:002013-06-24T06:25:19.868-04:00Fresh StartI got to meet Amelia's new principal last week. I liked her. I got a good "vibe". She has read over the entire psych. evaluation and didn't seem phased by it. She said that she didn't see anything in that report that they couldn't handle. The advantage that they have is that their school is much smaller. Big isn't always better.<br />
<br />
In the next few weeks, we will meet with her new teacher. I have every reason to believe that giving Amelia a fresh start is a good thing.<br />
<br />
The idea that my kids will be separated this year is hard to grasp. It feels weird that they will be going to different schools. Our loyalties will be split. Different uniform, different schedule. There will be lots of adjustments for us this year, but, I have to believe it's all good.<br />
<br />
In the mean time, we are enjoying the summer....lots of time in Aunt Frannie's pool, movies, popcorn, bike riding and of course the regular "I'm bored...I have nothing to do" moments!<br />
<br />
Summer reading lists and math packets can wait for a few more weeks!Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3509491571912284306.post-67592101324478376292013-06-16T00:56:00.000-04:002013-06-16T00:56:44.105-04:00My Dad!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCTiTtkUJyo5iyFjvgaJH0y6z4HvzZckL9KzfSgam-uxmUdEnn-MW-pYg27hVZr1EL0OJzPTb4BKIUHLZfPJIGuEUPtdoODAZhfsMJH1C7YN9azP2jf31DgHYYftw6jFgMXHCvxSts5xW/s1600/dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" cya="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCTiTtkUJyo5iyFjvgaJH0y6z4HvzZckL9KzfSgam-uxmUdEnn-MW-pYg27hVZr1EL0OJzPTb4BKIUHLZfPJIGuEUPtdoODAZhfsMJH1C7YN9azP2jf31DgHYYftw6jFgMXHCvxSts5xW/s320/dad.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My dad died on Flag Day (June 14th) 1982.....31 years ago! I was 17 at the time. A junior in high school.<br />
<br />
I remember him like it was yesterday. Sometimes when I'm in a large crowd, I think I hear his voice.<br />
<br />
I used to dream about him a lot, in the early days after his death. I would usually wake up crying. Very weird feeling.<br />
<br />
He visited me on my wedding day....while I was alone in the bride's room waiting to walk down the aisle. I was standing there, so nervous I thought I would faint! The florist had prepared some flowers for my hair, but the piece was too big. I was standing there wondering what everyone would think because I wasn't wearing a veil or any flowers in my hair. All of a sudden, I felt a tremendous warmth envelop me. In an instant, I knew! My dad was there, in that room, hugging me, loving me, telling me how proud he was of me, telling me he approved of this man I would vow to be with forever. I knew in the depth of my soul that my dad was with me that day. I cried. I talked to him. I told him I loved him....I thanked him for this gift he was giving me.<br />
<br />
I think I might have floated down that aisle! I've not felt his presence like that since that day, almost 16 years ago. <br />
<br />
I love him and miss him every bit as much now as I did on June 14, 1982. The pain never leaves you...not really. You learn to keep it up on a shelf...out of the way. But it's always there. <br />
<br />
There is a song, by Bread called "Everything I Own". The emotion that comes when I hear this song is stifling....but I used to pretend that I was singing that song to my dad. It's funny because, it's my understanding that David Gates actually wrote the song for his father.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>You sheltered me from harm.</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Kept me warm, kept me warm</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>You gave my life to me</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Set me free, Set me free</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>The finest years I ever knew</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>were all the years I had with you</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><br /><strong></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>I would give anything I own,</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Give up my life, my heart, my home.</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>I would give everything I own,</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>just to have you back again.</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><br /><strong></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>You taught me how to love,</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>What it's all, what it's all.</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>You never said too much,</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>but still you showed the way, </strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>and I knew from watching you.</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Nobody else could ever know </strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>the part of me that can't let go.</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><br /><strong></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>I would give anything I own,</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Give up my life, my heart, my home.</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>I would give everything I own</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Just to have you back again.</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><br /><strong></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Is there someone you know,</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>you're loving them so,</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>but taking them all for granted.</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>You may lose them one day,</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>someone takes them away,</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>and they don't hear the words you long to say</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><br /><strong></strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>I would give anything I own,</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Give up my life, my heart, my home.</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>I would give everything I own</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Just to have you back again.</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong>Just to touch you once again</strong></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Happy Father's Day, Daddy! I love you and miss you so much. Someday, we will be together again.</div>
Nancyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08703752271069054710noreply@blogger.com2