Make a Wish



Wish Ornament

http://mfinn.avonrepresentative.com/

Don't forget free shipping ends tonight.   Avon has endless possibilities for gifts.  In honor of the wish ornament I will make one wish out into cyberspace tonight.

I wish to be a stronger person.  To always speak up for myself, my son, and for what is right.

Now what is your wish?

Create New Memories



Imagine the pictures on Christmas morning.



http://mfinn.avonrepresentative.com/

Avon has so much more than makeup.  Don't forget the free shipping.  Good through tomorrow.

Each day this week I will give you another example of Avon products that you might not have expected.  Avon is currently celebrating their 125th year of wonderful business. 

I was a little leery about selling Avon.  I remembered Avon from when I was a child.  What a didn't realize is that Avon conforms with the times.  I needed to support my son and I didn't think I could make any money.  I was wrong.  I was surprised with how many people were excited that I was selling.  I had never actually tried Avon, that is until I started selling it.  I love it.   I knew I had to try it because I wouldn't feel comfortable selling anything that I wasn't willing to use.  I have clothes, make up, jewelry, sneakers, perfume, and even kitchen gadgets.  Check out my website.  I am sure you will find a great present for someone or yourself.  Happy shopping and thank you.

Don't Forget Your Stocking Stuffers

http://shop.avon.com/shop/default.aspx?col=2&omnCode=Shop_Home


Don't forget about Avon. I always love when I get beauty products.  When I was young my Mom always got me perfume, make up, a new outfit and bubble bath for Christmas  After we opened our gifts and had our tea. I would take a bubble bath, and put on my new outfit and make up on.  I would then fix my hair and a spritz of my new perfume.  I aways felt so good about myself and so pretty when we went to visit family.  I know it sounds cheesy, but the little things really do count,  Make someone feel special.  If you click on the link above you will receive free shipping with the promo code. (don't forget to enter the code when you check out.)  There are some great deals right now.  Happy shopping and thank you!!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Do not get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, For we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
- Galatians 6:9

What are you thankful for today? 

I am thankful for my beautiful son Joshua.  He has been the most wonderful blessing.  I can't imagine who I would be without him.  I can't remember who I was before him. I am thankful for my family.  They have helped me through some very difficult times. I am thankful for my friends.  They have been there to cry with and most importantly to laugh with.  I am also thankful for my 1p36 family.  They are truly the only ones who understand what it means to be Josh's mommy.  They are always there to answer questions, be supportive, and have been inspirational.

No matter how hard life can sometimes be if we look close enough we will always be able to find something to be thankful for.

What are some of your Thanksgiving memories?

I am not sure why these are the first memories that pop in my mind.  I remember my grandmother and I would eat the skin off of the turkey before it even hit the table.  I remember being the only other person (besides my grandpa) that would eat the oyster stuffing.  It made me feel like grandpa's girl. 

When I was in high school I remember I always had at least 3 places that I had to go to for dinner.  I would eat a tiny bit at each house so I wouldn't offend anyone.  Then we would always go for a long walk after the last dinner.  I remember being with my family.  All with their different traditions.  I got to take my favorite traditions from each and combine them into the traditions I am creating for my son.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.  Spend some time today to reflect on what you are thankful for.  Have a great day with your friends and family.

Daylight Savings Time

Don't forget to turn you clocks back tonight.  Hopefully some of you will get an extra hour of sleep.

Tuesday's Question ...... I dare you to respond!

Are you a leader, a follower, or an observer?

I would have to say I am a little bit of all three.  I think we have to be to truly learn.  However, I think most of my life I have been an observer.

I have never been completely comfortable in my own skin.  I have always been searching for other peoples acceptance.  I never wanted to disappoint anyone, so I adopted the idea if I don't try I can't fail.  If I tried and I wasn't sure of the outcome I would quit.  My fear of what other people thought of me controlled me for years.  At 35 I am trying to break that cycle for myself.  That is one of the reasons I have started this blog.  I want to find myself, my true self.  I am also hoping that while on this journey I can help others find themselves, also.

I've always been outspoken. I can defend myself.  I would never follow someone when I didn't agree with what they were doing. My problem was I was scared to ask questions.  I didn't want to offend someone or look stupid.  I think  many people that know me would say that I am a leader.  What they didn't see was my embarrassment.  They didn't see how inadequate I felt.  They didn't know that I would laugh at their innocent jokes(about me), but would cry inside because that is how I really felt about myself, and by them making jokes in my mind it confirmed that they felt that way about me too.  I think it is because I am outspoken that some feel that I am a leader.  I have many ideas, but no follow through.  If I fail I will prove that I really don't have anything together. Since having my son I have had parents come to me and tell me what an inspiration I am to them.  I always have a smile on my face.  They tell me they wish they were so positive.  These comments make me laugh, because I feel completely lost. I feel like I fail as a parent everyday. Not in the way you might be thinking.  My son is well taken care of and very much loved.  I feel like I don't do enough for him.  I feel like I don't know the system well enough to get more services, a better education, and so on. Now, I don't want to make this a pity me post. I recognize that you have to point out your problem areas to be able to overcome them.  And for me and my son I will overcome them.

Now back to the main question.  Are you a leader, a follower, or an observer?

I don't believe one of these positions is better than the others.  I feel that you have to be content with yourself.  It is only when you are not happy with yourself that you need to make a change.  Be proud of which ever posistion you are and own it.  Now can you be so honest?

Help a Princess live her Fairytale.

This is Shelby and her brother Jaxsen.  Shelby has a wish.  Please click on the link below to help this beautiful little girl's dream come true.  Help Shelby be a princess in the most magical place on earth.  Her mom Erin has written a brief story about Shelby and all they have been through.  Thank you for your compassion.
http://my.e2rm.com/personalpage.aspx?registrationID=981013&sms_ss=facebook&at_xt=4caa795aac7e2430%2C0

Question for Monday???????

If you had to describe yourself in one word what would it be and why?

Passionate

I think passionate describes me best.  I put my entire heart and sole into the things I believe in.  Family, friends, charities, etc.  I go full speed ahead when someone or something I care about needs me.

A Celebration of Children with 1p36 deletion Syndrome.

1p36 DSA Awareness Campaign - PEPSI - You can help to make a differene in these children's lives.

Pepsi is giving 1p36 deletion syndrome another chance to win a $50,000 grant.  I have posted these 3 videos so you can see some of the children and young adults that you will be helping. Please go to http://www.refresheverything.com/search/?q=1p36  and vote.  Vote everyday. The first video is my son. 
We have struggled Josh's entire life to find the proper help for him.  We have lived in 4 different states.  Every move has been for Josh.   Recently Josh and I moved to North Carolina.  Once we got here I quickly discovered that the resources that were here during my search were no longer available due to budget cuts.  Josh has been denied to programs based on his disability.  The doctors, therapists, and teachers don't know what 1p36 deletion syndrome is, so they don't know what to do for him.  My suggestion is to educate yourself so when these children come into your programs you can help them.
I will say it has not all been bad.  We lived in South Florida, and Pediatric Therapy Associates in Plantation, FL was an extraordinary therapy center.  They went above and beyond the call of duty.  Josh also attended a non profit school in Coral Springs, FL called Abi's Place.  We were fortunate that year to receive a full scholarship for him.  While attending Abi's Place I saw so many wonderful changes in Josh.  The staff at the school made the parents feel like family.  It was a great experience.  You may wonder why we moved?  Well, I simply couldn't afford to live in South Florida.  As a single mom I didn't know how I would pay the bills.  Josh lost his scholarship due to lack of funding.  I chose NC because I believed that everything we needed was here, and the cost of living is lower here.
Joshua has seen 6 different physical therapists here. One therapist dropped him on his head.  He had to get a CAT scan.  One decided to wrap a rope around his torso, and pulled him off the ground with the rope causing injury. And 3 simply did not want to work with him.  He is starting with the 6th therapist tomorrow.  I am praying that she will work out.  His school has segregated their special needs students.  While at the open house I discovered that they were teaching my son at the same level as his 8 and 9 year old peers.  This is like teaching calculus to a first grader.  Josh simply is not capable of understanding about Canada and Mexico, yet.(if ever)
These are just some of our experiences.  The 1p36 community needs your help.  All you have to do is vote.  Thank you so much.

The non profit of the week is.....

1p36dsa

1p36dsa.blogspot.com

1p36dsa.org

1p36 Deletion Support & Awareness is in the running for a $50,000 grant to insure that all children with 1p36 Deletion Syndrome get diagnosed and we need your help. Diagnosis means information and support for families, caregivers, medical providers and educators to help improve the lives of those with 1p36 Deletion Syndrome. Helping is simple, just vote three ways every day for 1p36 DSA! (click on blogspot link above for voting instructions)

As some of you know 1p36 deletion syndrome is very close to my heart.  My son was diagnosed with 1p when he was 3 weeks old. It only made sense that this would be my first featured non profit.

My family has struggled for years to find the right help for Josh.  We have moved from Maryland to Pennsylvania.  Pennsylvania to Florida, and from Florida to North Carolina.  All of these moves have been for Josh.  We have depleted our bank account, sold our homes, left our family and friends, and have separated,  just to give our child a fighting chance.

Josh will never be like the "typical person".  However, he does deserve to reach his fullest potential. Whatever that may be.  I could go on and on over the rejections that Josh has endured in his 8 years.  It is overwhelming to have doctors, therapists, school, and clinics turn him away.  There is not enough information about 1p out there, and because of this children like Josh suffer.  I am speaking about our own experiences.  We have gone to the extreme with moving so much.  I am still wanting to move one last time, but as I stated before I have depleted my bank account, so for now we are stuck.

Some of the medical battles that my child faces are: epilepsy, scoliosis, kyphosis,nystagmys, strabismus,hypotonia,global developmental delay, and behavior issues.  He is non ambulatory and non verbal.  We fight because Josh is a smart little boy.  With the right tools he should be able to communicate.  He may never talk, but he should still be given the tools for signing or a communication device.  He is very close to walking, but because he has behavior issues many therapists do not want to deal with him, so they decline therapy. Again, these are just a few things we go through.

We have met many wonderful people along the way.  Our experiences haven't always been negative.  However, I want good doctors, good therapists, and a good school for my child.  I don't feel like I am asking for to much to find all of that in one area.   I believe because we have moved so much I have had the opportunity to know what I want for him.  I have seen it.  Th worst decision I have made was to move out of South Florida.  He did have a great school and therapy center there.  I had friends, and we had families there that loved Josh.  This time why we moved had nothing to do with Josh.  I won't go into that

My point with this story is knowledge is power.  If there was more information about 1p out there doctors, therapists, and schools would know better how to care for a child like mine.  Be sure to click on the links to find out more information about 1p36 deletion syndrome.

Thank you for letting me share a small part of our story with you.

Saturday's Question...

What would you do to better your life?

This is a difficult one.  I am on this path right now.  As I stated  before I am a single mom.  This is new to me. I am starting over.  I need to learn how to take care of myself and my son.(financially that is)  I also need to be happy doing it.  If I am not happy Josh won't be either.  He deserves a happy mom.  He deserves me at my best. 

I had been in serious relationships since I was 14 years old.  When I was 24 I found myself alone.  I realized during this time that I didn't know who I was.  I wasn't even sure what kind of music I liked.  I had allowed these relationships to take over my life.  I decided I wanted to know myself.  I wanted to know who I was as a singular person and not as a couple.  In October 1998 I decided to swear of men. I wouldn't even casually date.  This lasted for 2 years.

It was one of the best times of my life.  I was introduced to myself for the first time.  I learned what kind of music I liked.  I also got to figure out what I wanted to do for me.  I had a good job.  I started back to school.  I enjoyed hanging out with my friends. I loved my life.  Most importantly I loved myself.

When the time came I met someone new, and we had a nice relationship for several months.  I was strong and I didn't need him to define me, so when things felt wrong to me I was okay with being on my own again.  This was a huge step for me.  Before I would hold on to relationships that weren't working, because I was scared to be alone.  I discovered a new strength I never knew I had.

Now, back to the present.  I have to redefine myself with my child.  It isn't as easy as I thought it would be.  Josh has doctor and therapy appointments almost weekly.  I can't find a daycare that will take him after school.  To be honest even if I could I'm not sure if I would send him anyway.  I don't have anything against after school care, but my son is nonverbal.  He can't tell me if something has happened.  I have walked in on a few situations that disturbed me in  the past.  Needless to say, it is hard for me to trust completely when it comes to my son.  I do know the path I want to be on.  I just need to figure out how to do it and where. 

So how would you or have you bettered your life?

 

Friday's Question.....

Have you ever had something that triggers a specific memory or feeling?

It could be a scent or a song.  It could be anything.  Just something that takes you back.

I have a few.  Sometimes in the morning Josh will wake up.  He will still be so tired that he will have one eye shut and the other squinted.  It makes me remember the day he was born. The first time I saw his precious little face that was what he was doing. He took my breath away.  I was speechless, and for me that's rare.  It was that moment of realizing that who you were before didn't matter anymore.  Now you had something so much better to look forward to.

The reason for the question:  Last night a friend posted a video of Eric Clapton's Wonderful Tonight.  That song and Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses always takes me back to the moment that I fell in love for the first time.  There is nothing quite like your first love.  Although, the memory of that person can fade over the years that feeling can be brought back by a guitar rip. You can be in the present one moment and in past the next.  It always congers up memories of a piggyback ride through Antietam Battlefield.  That was the place that I realized that I was in love for the very first time.  It is amazing how the mind works. 

Thursday's Question

Have you ever done something so absentminded that it made you laugh? However, if a stranger did it it would irritate you?

I had one of those moments today.  I was at the grocery store and the cashier gave me my total.  I was standing there for more than a minute waiting for my receipt.  I was thinking man this is taking forever. I then realized I hadn't paid her yet.  I laughed and said "oh, I guess you need some money."  As I was swiping my card the man behind me was tapping his foot loudly.  I just turned and smiled.  I couldn't help but laugh, which annoyed him even more. 

Wednesday's Question....

What is the first thing you remember wanting to be when you were little?

I had so many ideas about what I wanted to be when I grew up.  One day I was flipping through the channels looking for an answer. Yes, I was looking for an answer to my life on the thing that they say rots your brain.  Only me.  Anyway, I came across a program that had an author promoting his new book.  He said " Are you searching for your purpose in life"  Well, that stopped me in my tracks.

He said that the first thing you said you wanted to be in your life is what you were sent here to be.  I asked my mom if she could remember the first thing I wanted to be.  She said I always wanted to be a wife and a mom.  She had tears in her eyes, because I was told at 17 that I had maybe a year left to get pregnant.  I went through some complicated female stuff that year.  We won't go into that.  When I was 20 I got pregnant, but I miscarried  I really thought that it would never happen. Luckily, I was blessed at 27 with my miracle baby. The reason for this question is that I am a bit curious to if this author had a point.  So what did you want to be?



Today's question.......

This is my son at his school in FL.  A wonderful school called Abi's Place.

Today's question is ........

If you could do something to help other people what would it be?

As I stated yesterday, I would start a non profit school for children with special needs.  I know the impact such an amazing school can have on these kiddos.  As a parent I actually fantasize about an amazing school for my son and others.  I know what I want it to look like.  I know what services I want to offer.  I know what I want it to mean to other families in the same situation.  This is my dream of how I can help others.  Now it is your turn.

What Should I Blog About???????????????

I started this blog in an attempt to educate the world wide web users about saving money, stay at home jobs, etc.  As I began my research I realized everyone does that.  I also think it's a little boring.  I always have so many ideas in my head about what I want to do.  I want to start a non profit school for children with special needs.  I would like to start blog selling my wonderful crafts.  Hahaha.  The joke there is I can't sew. I have tried making jewelry and lets just say that didn't work out to well.  I have no artistic abilities. Well, maybe I should blog about cooking.  Oh, that's right I can't cook.  I love to write, but I want this blog to appeal to many different types of people.

Haven't you ever wanted to do something that would have a lasting impact?  That is who I am.  Let me give you a little back ground on me.  I was never a great student.   I was more worried about social activities instead of studies.  When our parents said good grades were important man they weren't lying.  I finally got my stuff together at 26 and went back to college.  In the beginning of my 3rd semester I found out that I was pregnant.  I started having complications with my pregnancy and dropped out.  I had every intention of going back. (That's what they all say, right)  However,when my son was born he was diagnosed with 1p36 deletion syndrome. (I'll come back to that a bit later)  Needless to say, my life was turned upside down.  I have been a stay at home mom ever since. I did have a small hiatus when my son Josh was in 1st grade.  I had the opportunity to work for his school.  A non profit school for children with special needs.  I was the community relations person. In other words I asked the community for money.  I did okay, but I had alot to learn.  He only had the opportunity to attend the school for a year, but I knew I wanted a school like that for Josh.  In the past year we have moved to a different state, my son's father and I have separated, and I can't find a job to work around my hectic schedule. I am just trying to figure out what the hell to do with my life.

I am starting over at the age of 35.  I will figure it out.  I am a single mom of a child with special needs.  It is all up hill.  I have always been a climber and I can't wait to see what is on the other side of the mountain.  I am just wondering how long it will take to see the view.  Cheesy, huh.