Poppy Seeds, Lentils, Blueberries...

A few weeks ago, I loved poppy seeds.  Next, Lentils.  Next should have been blueberries. 

This was an inside acknowledgement of my complete joy and happiness for one of my bestest friends.  She had found out that she was pregnant just before New Year's.  What a ray of hope for the upcoming New Year!  I installed the BabyCenter app on my phone so I could be with her every step of the way through her wonderful journey.  I would be Auntie Boo, again, to another blessing. 

Sadly, our dear Lentil never made it to be a Blueberry and our hearts ache.  Please keep my friend and her boyfriend in your prayers.  I take comfort knowing that Lil' Lentil is now with their Big Sister up above. 

Lentil's

I love lentil's...lentil's are my favorite.  ♥

Ortho

I took Ethan to the ortho today for a follow-up from two years ago.  Ethan's last spinal x-ray showed slight scoliosis, but I don't know if it was because he wasn't being still during the x-ray or if he truly has some scoliosis from the tethered cord.  I thought that they would have new x-rays taken today, but they didn't.  It does still appear, by pure observation, that he has slight curvature but nothing of major concern. 

The one thing that I was told today that really took me by surprise was that I was told that Ethan doesn't need his SureSteps any longer.  Ethan's ankles still pronate when he isn't wearing his braces so this really shocked me.  I was told that the SureSteps aren't going to change anything- his feet will still be flat and his ankles will still pronate.  I am not exactly sure how I feel about the explanation I was given, but she said that orthopedics and PT's will agree that unless you are dealing with a baby or child just learning to walk, the braces are not needed.  Feedback, please!

There is redness at the joint from the big toe to the foot and she thought that it was from his braces, but I am not so sure about that.  I have to take him back in three months for follow-up on Ethan's feet.

What else?  Oh...since the PA was really sweet, I asked her about my knee.  {I hurt it somehow during my missions trip in New York City back in April- NO idea how, but something is definitely wrong!}  She was sweet enough to ask me some questions and actually feel my knee.  After her mini-exam for me, she tells me that I definitely need a MRI.  Freaking Fabulous.  Torn tendon or something.  Surgery possible.  On the bright side, there's a possibility that I may only need injections.  Happy, happy, joy, joy.

On another side note:  Ethan weighed in at 47.2 pounds!!!  Holy shmoley.  That boy needs to learn to climb into his own car seat...

Poppy Seeds

Poppy Seeds.  Poppy Seeds are my favorite.  ♥

Alright, alright...

My family back home seems to have the "We know something's wrong" vibe going on.  And, as much as I hate to admit it because I would much rather deny it, crawl back into a hole and avoid it, and then (temporarily) get over it, they're right.  Something is wrong.  But, it's very personal.  It's my own personal emotion that no one can fix.

I have had these emotions for a long time, but they have magnified since September and then peaked when the clock struck midnight on New Year's.  The basic long story short is that *I* want another baby.  I have wanted a sibling for Ethan for years now.  We felt fortunate to only have Ethan when he battled leukemia and we felt that he deserved some "normal" life after treatment just dedicated to him.  Ever since, it just seems that we have hit road block after road block- Ethan not walking independently/Ethan not communicating much/money/job losses/insurance loss...

While things have definitely improved and we are blessed for sure, my desires are simply mine and mine alone.  My partner in life does not share my desire.  That is crushing. 

It breaks my heart that Ethan may never be a big brother.  It breaks my heart that I may never have grandchildren.  Selfishly, I want the opportunity to know what "normal" is.  And, time is ticking.

Ethan turns 10 this year.  Ten.Years.Old.  That's a significant number to me.  Double digits.  There was just always something about if we went 10 years without having another baby, it won't ever happen.  It's been ten years since I felt the first movement inside of me from that precious gift of mine.  I missed it the moment I gave birth, and I have missed it ever since.  Pregnancy is an amazing gift and treasure from God and I question why my desire has been made so strong if God knows it will never happen for me again. 

Of course, I can't see the future and I can't definitively say I will never have another baby, but at this point in time that future is not looking so bright.  Instead of shades, I need a flashlight.

In so many ways, I can almost understand infertility.  My heart breaks for all the families who have such a desire in their hearts to have a baby in their belly to love and nurture.  I try my best on most days to remind myself that there is a plan and that everything does happen for a reason, but some days it is just hard. 

We all have our good days and our bad.  These days for me were just bad.  I turned 34 on Sunday which means that I am now on the downward spiral to the almighty 35 and the label of Advanced Maternal Age, which also didn't help much.  I wanted to go to church, but couldn't stop crying.  I never left my bedroom on Sunday.  I did not answer calls.  I never opened my laptop.  I was blessed by the pinging of hundreds of Facebook birthday messages to my phone, and when I updated my status yesterday to say that those messages from family and friends brought sunshine to my day, I was being honest.  I love you all for loving me through my bad days. 

Trust that I am fine, I am just missing a part in my heart.

A New Brother

Last night, I actually wish that I was having an insomniac moment as my baby sister called me at 1am.  I was sooooooo far gone into dreamland when "I've got soul, but am not a soldier" {her ringtone} started blaring from my phone.  Startled, and a bit concerned as to why Kamrin would be calling me at 1am, I {quite groggily} answered.  My sweet sister says, "Sorry to wake you up, but I needed you to know before you saw it on Facebook in the morning...Kyle and I just got engaged". 

Awwwww....

From that point, I think I was not very coherent, but basically said that I was happy for her.  I also asked the stupidest question on the planet- "Are you happy?".  Like she was going to say no.  Blame it on the fact that I was more than half asleep. 

And yes, she knows me well.  I would have been REALLY upset to find out about her engagement via Facebook had she not made the executive decision to call me at 1am.  ;-)

Kamrin & Kyle on their cruise a year ago {I think}

The ring!  {A Hearts on Fire solitaire}

Kamrin and her love, Kyle Turner {yes, that's Mr. Turner's son for all you MCHS'ers}, AKA:  Mr. & Mrs. Soon-to-be Mrs. Turner  ;)

Kyle's a great guy, just a little height challenged compared to our family, LOL.  I was able to talk to Kamrin earlier with a lot more enthusiasm than early this morning.  The best news, for me, is that once they are married, she can fly to see me via the military for FREE!  WOOT WOOT!!!  Granted, the nearest military base to fly into is a bit farther, but I don't care!

When I told Ethan today that Auntie Kamrin got engaged to Kyle and that Kyle would soon be his Uncle, I then asked him if he was excited about having a new Uncle Kyle.  Ethan was so excited, I wish that I would have had it on video. 

Anywho, CONGRATULATIONS sista!!!  *muah*

Portable North Pole

Thanks to my friend, Kristin, for referring me to the PNP! 

Ethan's video can be viewed HERE.  It's VERY cute. 

Follow-up

Last week I wrote of some struggles that I was having.  It was a bad day that came to a head.  Not all of my thoughts came out, only bits and pieces of what I was struggling with.  Not to say that I am not struggling with them any longer, but I am feeling better.  The post was not about anyone specifically, but more about how I am dying spiritually and feeling that I don't have anyone that has noticed.  It's the name of the beast when your church is so large.  If you are not part of a group/clique/whatever, then you're just a face in the crowd.  It was not to suggest that no one cares.  It was not to suggest that we are ungrateful for our blessings of generosity from others in the past.  When you are struggling and emotional, words don't always come across as you intend- ESPECIALLY via a blog/e-mail/text.  Who knows if I am coming across as I am intending right now...

So, I took the post down because too many people told me that I sounded ungrateful and as if no one supports me.  That is the farthest from how I feel, so I apologize if that is how it came across to you.  Thank you to everyone who prayed for my Mom.  She is feeling better, thank you.

These Hard Times

My new theme song...

These Hard Times

by:  Need To Breathe

Give me something brighter

Give me something I can see

Give me something vicious

Give me something I can be

Give me all the love and peace

To end these wars

Give me something sacred

Something worth fighting for

It's clear enough to me

The ugliness I see

Is evidence of who I need

Give me an answer

Give me a way out

Give me the faith

To believe in these hard times

Give me motivation

Give me all my heart's desires

Show me something gorgeous

Show me till my eyes get tired

Give me all the drums and

Show me how to play them loud

Show me how to move

When I can't feel that you're around

It's clear enough to me

The ugliness I see

Is evidence of who I need

Give me an answer

Give me a way out

Give me the faith

To believe in these hard times

We hide like theives in shadows

Scared of the sun

We know the light will find us

Us and all we've done

Give me an answer

Give me a way out

Give me the faith

To believe in these hard times

UPDATE: My Mom

She was discharged from the hospital with a theory that her bile duct may be clogged with "sludge".  She has to call a GI doc first thing tomorrow.  And, my sister and I will make sure that it happens!  We are not happy that they sent her on her merry way (drugged up, of course) without anything but a "theory".  From what I have read, bile duct obstructions are serious business and should not be taken lightly! 

The good news is that I talked with her last night and she sounded really good.  She said that the reason for the blood was because of her intubation during surgery. 

My Mom is one tough cookie, so she'll be just fine.  And, if she doesn't make the phone call, one of her daughter's will!  :)

***THANK YOU to all who prayed for her!!!  We appreciate it very much!***

Feeling Helpless...

My Mom had her shoulder surgery yesterday.  Something is very wrong now.  She has been in excruciating pain and vomiting some blood.  My Dad took her to the ER in Oakhurst because the pain was that bad.  She is now being ambulanced to the hospital in Clovis.  She is still vomiting and has a high white blood count.  And, I feel helpless. 

I know that I couldn't do anything if I were there, but it's the fact that I *can't* be there right now.  I feel helpless waiting for the next call or text to come in with any news.  I have even been searching airfare.  I know that my Dad is worried, but trying to be calm and strong for Mommy's sake.  My Mom is strong, but I just hate that she's going through this in the first place!

Praying...

Juice Plus+ vs. Mineral Supplements

Juice Plus+® vs. Vitamin and Mineral Supplements
by Dr. Smokey Santillo

The purpose of this article is to explain the difference between whole food nutrition and vitamin and mineral supplementation. It will also answer some vital questions concerning the proper use of vitamins and minerals and how they relate to Juice Plus+®. Two of the most commonly asked questions about Juice Plus+® are:

How does it compare to vitamin and mineral supplements?

How much of a certain vitamin (ex. vitamin C) is in Juice Plus+® ?
To answer the first question, you cannot and should not compare Juice Plus+® to manmade synthetic supplements. I will explain reasons why later in this article. As to the second question of how much of a specific nutrient is in Juice Plus+®, rather, the question should be - are the nutrients in Juice Plus+® absorbable (bioavailable) and used by the body?

Questions like these demonstrate a lack of public education of the true philosophy of nutrition. This is no one's fault; it is just time the lay person gets a better understanding and a sound philosophy of nutrition. It is not how much we put in the body, but how much the body can absorb over a long period of time.

Our bodies only absorb small amounts of nutrients at any single moment, not the huge amounts contained in most synthetic supplements, if the synthetics are absorbed at all. Normal amounts rather than mega-doses of bioavailable nutrients taken daily correlate with the laws of Nature. For example, when you look at the amounts of vitamin C contained in foods, it is relatively small compared to the amount in vitamin and mineral supplements. For instance, one orange has between 60-80 mg. of vitamin C.

The body is designed to handle foods and should get most of its vitamins from foods.(1) Many people consume isolated (USP) United States Pharmacopoeia listed vitamins. USP vitamins are synthesized, standardized, isolated, and are not always from natural sources, and are not always bioavailable.

In nature, vitamins and minerals are never isolated; they are always present in food in complex form (2-5), meaning synergistically connected to other nutrients and elements. Synergy means that each element works with and is interconnected with each other. No nutrient stands alone in whole foods. Most of these synergists are unknown to scientists, but please keep in mind the identity of a nutrient is found in connection with all other necessary food substances, not isolated by itself.

Each vitamin has a specific function and cannot be replaced by something else. The factors that influence the absorption of a nutrient relate not only to the nature of the nutrient itself, but also the interaction with other components (synergists) in the food.( 6) If you are deficient in one vitamin, the orchestra of nutrients in the body can be hindered in their metabolic function. This is not to say vitamin and mineral supplements do not work or are completely unnecessary. Vitamins are specific. Find out what you are deficient in and take them with whole foods.

We must understand man can never duplicate nature perfectly, especially when all vitamins, minerals, phyto-chemicals and enzymes are not yet known to man. He does not know what they are, has not discovered them yet, their action in the body, and the effect they have in the body isolated or with its other thousands of synergistic substances. How can a scientist produce what he has not yet discovered? Nutrition should not be guess work. Man at his best will never be able to produce the synergy of nature. Put your trust in nature.

There are thousands of unknown elements in each food. Ten years ago we knew nothing about phyto-chemicals (phyto=plant, plant chemicals), but they were in whole foods, put there by nature, absorbed from the soil, and are absolutely necessary for normal metabolic activities. Without them we lay the foundation for a weak immune system and disease. Look at the list of phyto-chemicals that are in just one whole apple. (See list - What's in a Fresh Whole Clean Apple?) Does your multiple vitamin and mineral supplement have what is in this one apple? Can you even imagine how many unknown but necessary chemical nutrients there are in all the other fruits and vegetables? We will never know exactly what is necessary to make a vitamin or mineral bioavailable. There have been studies that have shown that natural food complexes (concentrated foods) are better absorbed than isolated mineral salts. Here is an example of research, taken from an article written by Robert Theil, Ph.D., N.D. (7-18):

Food Complex Mineral

Compared to Mineral Salt?

Calcium - 8.79 times more absorbed into blood

Chromium - 10-25 times more bioavailable

Copper - 1.85 times more retained in the liver

Germanium - 5.30 times more retained in the liver

Iron - 1.77 times more absorbed into blood
Magnesium - 2.20 times more absorbed into blood

Manganese - 1.63 times more retained in the liver

Molybdenum - 16.49 times more absorbed into blood
Selenium - 17.60 times greater antioxidant effect

Zinc - 6.46 times more absorbed into blood

Another very important factor which is very seldom if ever explained to us is a term called selective absorption. This simply means that the body must choose what it needs and when it needs a nutrient to keep itself metabolically sound. All the known and unknown nutrients must be present at any given time to be absorbed. Only whole foods can supply these.

Vitamins and mineral supplements are sometimes necessary, but they are not nearly as comprehensive and bioavailable as food is, and should only be used for specific needs. They are not for everybody, every day. There are situations when mega-doses of vitamins and minerals may be necessary, particularly when used for athletes or people who are chronically ill. In these situations please consult a nutritional oriented physician.

Fruits and vegetables and other whole foods are absolutely, unequivocally necessary on a daily basis for all humans, adults and children. It is stated that we should eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Do you? Of course not. I would like to add something to this. Three of these fruits and vegetables should be dense, nutritious choices like parsley, kale, spinach, broccoli, and beets. When we do eat these foods, they are usually cooked. Cooking can be detrimental because of nutrient losses, making the equation even more difficult.

This brings us to the most important question of all. How do you compare Juice Plus+® to vitamin and mineral supplements? You really cannot compare them. A whole food concentrate is not a man made supplement. When asked this question, do not try to compare the two. Bring the person's attention to why Juice Plus+® was developed. It was developed to support two major foods groups- fruits and vegetables. And here are the reasons why:

We do not eat enough fruits and vegetables.

We cannot always get seasonal, fresh produce.

The soil and our foods can be very nutrient deficient.

We do not eat the dense nutritious fruits and vegetables. If we do, we cook them and destroy a large part of the necessary enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. Keep in mind frozen, processed, and canned foods can be deficient, to say nothing of foods that are shipped in from distant places that are losingtheir nutrient value.

We do not eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.

We know that Juice Plus+® is bioavailable. Do you know if the supplements you are taking are bioavailable?

Fruits and vegetables are necessary for everybody throughout their lifetime. Synthetic supplements may not be.

The known and unknown synergistic nutrients are in whole foods - fruits and vegetables. They are not in man made supplements.

Isn't it amusing that most folks believe that the foods they eat, particularly fruits and vegetables, are sustaining their bodies, building their immune system, and giving them all necessary nutrients? But, as soon as you take those same foods and concentrate the juice powders and fibers and put them into a capsule, these same people become suspicious. This is because :

It is a relatively new concept.

They are used to knowing exactly what is in a pill or capsule. This concept is supported by the drug industry.

They wonder how taking Juice Plus+® can be so healthy. It just seems too easy.

People wonder how we get fruits and vegetables in a capsule. Juice Plus+® is not dehydrated fruits and vegetables. It is the concentrated, fresh juice powders. If you remove all the water from a glass of orange juice, what would be left is the powder, which is the concentrate.

We know that the foods we are eating on a daily basis are not doing the job. Plenty of studies have proven these statements otherwise. In some situations supplements are necessary. Your first priority is to eat wholesome foods. Second, choose concentrated food sources to support your diet. Third, choose your vitamin and mineral supplements according to your needs.

The research that we have provided that has been done on Juice Plus+® is extraordinary, to say the least. There is not enough room in this paper to describe the entirety of the research that has been done. I will review some of these:

One research paper done in June 1996 showed how absorbable Juice Plus+® is. This was published in The Journal of Current Therapeutic Research (vol. 57, June 6, 1996). It demonstrated that taking Juice Plus+® for only 28 days increased beta-carotene 510%, alpha-carotene 119%, and lutein increased 44%. Lycopene increased 2, 046% and alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) increased 58%. These were all blood studies. Blood was drawn before, during, and after the experiment.

Another study at the University of Arizona measured the effects Juice Plus+® has on the immune system. The results showed that after taking Juice Plus+®, T-cells were increased (they fight cancer and viruses), natural killer cells increased (these attack tumor cells and infections), and cytokines increased (hormone-like substances that stimulate the immune system).

A DNA study was done at the medical department at Brigham Young University. The average age of participants was 68 years. This study showed that the antioxidants contained within Juice Plus+® significantly reduced the level of DNA damage in the body. When the DNA gets damaged, cells begin to mutate into cancer cells and the immune system is weakened.

These studies have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that Juice Plus+® is not only absorbed through the digestive tract, but effects the interior cells of the body. The double edge research shows that nutrient contents of blood are affected plus the immune system is improved at all ages. This also makes Juice Plus+® an anti-aging food supplement. Please ask for copies of these studies from your local Juice Plus+® distributor.

Often times we face statements like, "Well, I take spirulina, or blue green algae, kelp, or bee pollen. Why do I need Juice Plus+® ?" All these products are wonderful. I added spirulina and kelp to Juice Plus+® Complete because of some of the nutrients they contain, but they are not fruits and vegetables. An orange is an orange, an apple is an apple; each are totally different from any other food. Consider all the unknown elements in an orange. God made every food different in some factor, whether it's the color, flavor, minerals, enzymes content, etc. We know we need a variety of foods in order to be healthy and what is most important is that we eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Spirulina, bee pollen, kelp, etc. are supplements to the diet - fruits and vegetables are a necessity. That's why we used 17 nutritionally dense fruits and vegetables in Juice Plus+®.

With Juice Plus+® we have actually concentrated nature into a capsule. Here is how:

We use several concentrated juice powders.

We add back more enzymes, phytochemicals, and fibers.

We get our fruits and vegetables from a variety of soils.

Putting Juice Plus+® together in this way helps to overcome any deficiencies present in any one food. Plus, each nutrient represented in Juice Plus+® is in more than just one of the foods included in the formula. Example: calcium is not just in carrots, but is also in spinach and broccoli also. Potassium is in parsley and beets. I call this a "nutritional loop system" when single nutrients are contained in more than one of the foods included in the formula.

It is important to understand that it takes time for whole food supplements to work in conjunction with normal body functions. Most people do feel different after a few short months on Juice Plus+®. But others that make statements that they don't feel a difference are under the delusion that nutrients work like drugs and you should feel immediate effects. Nutrients have few immediate effects. We have to wait until nature gets rid of deficient and defective cells, and replaces them with new cells that grow and strengthen the body. Renewal is slow and steady.

Your blood cells take three months for renewal, muscle cells and organs take six months, bones and teeth about a year. That is what good sound nutrition is all about. You have to wait until the nutrients are built into your structure to feel the difference and for it to show. It is similar to a house plant that has been neglected-you start to fertilize the plant and the plant perks up. But it sometimes takes a few days or weeks to see the difference.

Every year 97% of your body is replaced, reconstructed from the foods you eat. You have to make the choice. Are you going to depend on foods produced by nature or on man's supplements made in a laboratory? At Yale New Haven Hospital, researchers evaluated 257 vitamin products. (20). Some were made with wrong or cheap nutrients, some had improper ratios of nutrients, some were missing vitamins or minerals that were necessary. Only 49 were judged to be adequate. Choose your supplements carefully. Ask professionals or health food store owners to identify the best companies. Ask for a bioavailability study on the supplements you choose.

In summary, it is just a matter of understanding what true nutrition is and the role vitamin and mineral supplements play. Your priority is to eat healthy food, exercise and drink plenty of purified water. The supplements you choose are entirely up to you. Just make sure there is research to back up the bioavailability. Juice Plus+® has been proven to be bioavailable. The research has shown its effects reach down to the cellular structure of the body which is the ultimate goal of any formulated health product.

I hope this article has helped you in understanding the true philosophy of nutrition. Whole foods and whole food concentrates are necessary. Everybody at every age needs fruits and vegetables. This especially includes the athlete, the elderly, and growing children. Teach them to depend on nature, for the health and wealth of this country depend on it.

This article is not intended for treatment of disease, nor as a substitute for medical treatment, nor as an alternative to medical advice. It is a review of scientific evidence presented for information purposes. Any application of the advice herein is at the reader's discretion and sole risk and should not be adopted without a full review of the scientific references given and consultation with your health oriented practitioner.

If you wish to know more about the benefits of Juice Plus ... click here or email me.

The Good and The Bad

The Good:  Ethan's modified barium swallow study today showed that he can graduate to nectar consistency!!!  He can even have a couple of ounces of non-thickened water in the morning! 

The Bad:  The tummy x-ray taken today still shows moderate stool.  While the film looks better today than it did a month ago, it was still discouraging news since he has been fairly "regular".  Ugh.  Poor Bubs.

Faith and Trust

Almost everyone knows that two years ago, I was honored and blessed to travel to Kenya and love on some kids.  I thought that I would go to Kenya and be able to mark it off of my bucket list, so to speak.  I never imagined that I would feel the "calling" again.  But, after being able to step outside of my comfort zone, I almost immediately wanted to return.  Those children at the Challenge Farm have a very special place in my heart.  It was all God that I was able to go in the first place.  We certainly were not financially capable of me going on such a trip without the generosity of so many.  There have been trips back to Kenya since and each time, I send letters and wish that I was going, too. 

Well, there is another team traveling back to Kitale in February.  I feel the pull to go.  My one and only reservation is finances.  I know that I can get help with Ethan, just like I did last time.  So, I sit here again thinking that there is NO WAY that I can raise the money needed ($2500/$1500 due mid-December) in the short amount of time.  There is a truth to that statement.  *I* can't.  God *CAN*. 

I think that is the lesson.  I am putting a limitation on God's capability!  Who am I to say that God is not capable of providing if it is meant for me to return to Kenya?  Then, there's the *haters*, the people who chastise all international work when there is so much to do domestically, or the non-believers who don't believe that God is providing anything.  You feel like you are on constant attack once you commit to such a mission.  Am I strong enough to battle that spiritual warfare?  Nope.  But, God is.  I just have to lean upon Him for the strength.

Please join me in praying for what is meant to be for this trip, whether I am supposed to be a member of the team or not.  I need to have FAITH that if it is meant to be for me, then all of my needs will be met.  I need to TRUST that all of my needs will be provided for.

If you would like to help in the financial aspect (can we say end-of-year tax deduction?!!??!!!), checks can be sent to:
River Oaks Community Church
1855 Lewisville-Clemmons Road
Clemmons, NC 27012
Memo:  Kristen Faulkner - Kenya



First day at the farm.  With Sarah, Jackson, & Esther



Your prayers and support are very much appreciated. 

Dear Santa,

While at the Festival of Trees on Saturday, I had the pleasure of browsing all of the vendors.  Simply Sterling was there and had a display of shoes.  I have seen these shoes before, but did not find them attractive, so I would keep walking.  Well, on Saturday, I gave in to the request to try on a pair.  The first pair was too small for my man feet.  Then, we tried the Paloma.  Oh.My.Word.  It felt like I was getting a foot massage as I walked.  Freaking fabulous.  Since I have high arches and rarely wear shoes with support, I have been thinking about getting a really good shoe. 

Unfortunately, my sweet husband saw the price of said foot massaging shoe and axed the idea.  I have been having some foot pain in my heel and really need to do something.  So, Dear Santa, if you could find your way to drop off a pair of black patent leather (even though I *love* the red ones above, I have nothing to wear them with) Alegria Paloma size 42's, I would love you forever.  :)

Love,
Kristen ☺

Must see videos!

The following three videos are so eye-opening.  Please, please, PLEASE watch.  Questions welcome and encouraged.








 

www.fillthegap-juiceplus.com

How do you say...

A-T-H-L-E-T-E?

I say, ath-leet, but have found many people pronounce it "ath-a-leet".  Where does the "A" come from?  Is this one of those supposedly vs. supposebly type deals?  LOL.

Today.

First of all, Happy Birthday to my friend, Alanna!  Alanna and I have known each other since elementary days, which means we are either closing in on the 30 year of friendship mark or we have already passed it.  ;)  Love ya, sis!  Hope you have had a great day!!!  xoxo

Today symbolizes something to me that sparks an emotional roller coaster.  I was never supposed to get to today.  This was not how I had my life planned, nor do I like to think about how things haven't turned out as planned in my perfect little world in my head.  But, it is a reminder that I am not in control of my life, God is.  And, apparently His timing and plan is SO much different than my own.  So, I have no other choice to sit here and remind myself that "there is a reason".  {And for those that have no clue what I am talking about, send me an e-mail and I'll explain it to you.}

I got to school to pick up Ethan for his private speech therapy and his school speech therapist (SLP) and occupational therapist (OT) were in his classroom.  The OT was actually working with Ethan.  Last week, she had sent home a note of concern for the redness between Ethan's fingers.  I let the teacher know that we were aware of the redness and have some antibiotic at home to put on it.  You see, Ethan does "mouth swipes" throughout the day to help himself swallow.  I am not a fan of this practice, but it is actually very smart of him to come up with his own way to safely help himself with his swallow.  I try to redirect to his "chewy" whenever possible.  We have found that saying "no mouth" to Ethan equals Ethan putting his hands in his mouth again.  *sigh* 

So, long story short, the therapists feel that Ethan can't work effectively while putting things in his mouth therefore, they suggested using arm restraints.  {This is where my eyes start to bulge, and my blood starts to boil, and I do my best to keep my Mama Bear claws from coming out}  I really don't appreciate the suggestion of arm restraints on my child.  I have arm restraints for him, but they are only used for certain things, and it is rare {like trying to keep his hands down so he can get used to wearing his glasses again, but for only 20 minutes at a time}.  Anywho, I felt bullied by these women.  The SLP has already made a couple of comments about how Ethan's sign is not functional which ticks me off because we have worked really hard to get Ethan to have ANY form of communication, so if he has adapted some signs in order to communicate, that's fine by us and it is quite exciting!  I hate that she doesn't see or know that.  Such drama...

On a better note, Ethan is making great progress in private speech with the PECS method.  He gets ice cream every single session *eye roll*.  I don't plan on that continuing once he really grasps the concept.  Ice cream is a treat that we don't give in to very often, but how can you resist when he came up with his sign for ice cream? 

Regardless of what the school therapists say or think, we are VERY proud of how far Ethan has come and the progress that he has been making.  Of course we would love to wave a magic wand and have these communication issues resolved, but since that is not going to happen, we have to be proud of where he is and look forward to even further improvement.

You WILL smile.

You're welcome.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Juice Plus+ Research Continues to Grow

It’s an exciting time for Juice Plus+ research. Two clinical research studies were recently published online ahead of the printed journals.

Investigators at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro recruited 41 healthy adults to take either placebo or Juice Plus+ Orchard, Garden and Vineyard blend capsules for 28 days prior to an acute bout of eccentric exercise, and for four days after. The investigators found that Juice Plus+ helped prevent the increase in oxidative stress markers in the blood seen in placebo subjects.

A study conducted at Charite University Medical Center in Berlin, Germany followed health professionals (mainly nursing staff aged 18-65) who were in direct contact with patients and at a particularly high risk for exposure to germs. The subjects took Juice Plus+ Orchard and Garden Blend or matching placebo daily for eight months. The researchers concluded that taking Juice Plus+ was associated with a 20% reduction in days with moderate to severe symptoms over the cold winter season.

To learn more about these studies please click on the links below.
University of North Carolina-Greensboro study:

http://www.naturalproductsmarketplace.com/news/2010/08/juice-plus-fights-oxidative-stress-during-exercis.aspx

Charite University Medical Center-Berlin, Germany:

http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayFulltext?type=1&fid=7875834&jid=BJN&volumeId=-1&issueId=-1&aid=7875832

How exciting is this!?!?  I love what Juice Plus+ is doing for me and my family AND so many others!  If you're not taking Juice Plus+, you need to be!   Want to learn more?  Have further questions?  Let me know! 

www.fillthegap-juiceplus.com