I know that I will probably be creating a s!$t storm with this post, but it is what I feel and believe, so it shall be ;)
Today, January 20, 2012 a mother and a father have asked that today be a day that we all remember children that have been injured or died from a vaccination(s). Their daughter, Stacy, who was born premature, passed away at 8 weeks old after getting 9 vaccinations in one day! 9 people!! These are little tiny babies, with little tiny immune systems and they should NOT be given this many in one day! It is insane!
Don't get me wrong, I agree with some (not all) vaccines, but I adamantly do not believe that they should be given this many in one day.
Ask yourself this. Have you ever stopped to research what is in these vaccines? It is horrifying! Once you know what is in them you become very choosy on which ones your kids will get.
Here are few ingredients of a some of the vaccines:
Polio: Baby cow blood serum, glutamate (msg), formaldehyde, monkey kidney cells (yes, you read that right. FREAKING MONKEY KIDNEY CELLS!!!)
Rotavirus: Monkey kidney cells, and traces of fetal cow blood.
And no, I am not one of 'those people' that believe that thimersol has had anything to do with any kind of delay Jake has had. However, I do believe that had I let my Pediatrician give him the MMR when she recommended it, that I would have a vastly different child on my hand and NOT in a good way. I, whole-heartedly, believe in every fiber of my being that I did the right thing in delaying the MMR shot. I do believe that not all kids can handle all the vaccines the same. Each person's chemistry is different and each person's body reacts differently. Facts have proven that.
I do believe that some vaccines are not worth the risk. Take for instance the Hep B vaccine. This disease is most prevalent in Third World Countries where sanitation is poor and or through nonexistent sewer plants. The disease is also passed through IV drug needles. This vaccine is recommended at birth, for reasons I completely do not understand. I knew that when Caroline was born, she would not be getting that vaccine because a) she wasn't going to be exposed to an IV drug needles and b) she wouldn't be traveling abroad. I also don't believe in getting them vaccinated against the flu. And really, how do you really do that when they are about 10,000 different strains out there and when a vaccine is given it is typically given for one flu strand.
So, today please take a moment to think about all those babies that have been adversely affected by vaccines.
Here is to the link about baby Stacy: http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/preemie-dies-after-9-vax-in-one-day/
These are just a few examples and all ingredients can be found in each vaccine's product insert that you can request from your Pediatrician. The info that I am quoting is from the book "The Vaccine Book" by Dr. Robert Sears.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Saturday, November 26, 2011
A Letter of Thanks
Recently I wrote a letter to Jake’s Pre-K Teacher, Ms. Celeste. Mind you, I was terribly tardy in sending it as Jake started Kindergarten in the fall and graduated Pre-K in June. Typically when the school year ends, it is nice to bring in a thank you for the Teacher that has done so much for your child. I, however, was remise in doing this. Bad mommy!!
I do have a good reason for this, but really (as a friend recently told me), a simple deed is better than no deed at all.
Obviously, I knew Jake would be leaving this Teacher and had plenty of time to reflect and pick a perfect gift for her. But, I just couldn’t bring myself to say goodbye to her. I actually think I was more attached to her than Jake was, and he really was!
She did so much for him in the two years he was with her. He made strides that blew our expectations and hers. How do you thank someone who gave your son his voice? I kept going back and forth on what I would give her, and no gift seemed perfect. A Starbuck’s gift card? Not good enough. A gift card for the movies? Not good enough. Nothing seemed worthy. I stumbled over this and failed and delivered nothing at all.
I kept thinking, I will write her a letter today. That day came and went. The words never came to me. I was tongue tied and didn’t know what to say, only because I had so much to say. Does that make sense? I wanted her to feel my gratitude. My forever feeling of thankfulness for all that she did. Every time I went to write, my mind froze. Then, a few days before Thanksgiving, she was on my mind again and the words seemed to flow. I only hope my words were not too late.
My letter to his Teacher:
Dear Celeste,
I'm sure at this point, you probably have thought that we all fell off the face of the earth! Well, we haven't!
I've just been tongue tied and have unfortunately fallen into the category of "the road to hell is paved with good intentions".
I have thought about you almost daily since Jake left to start Kinder and when it was time for his graduation to Kinder and him leaving you, it became very difficult for me. You (and your staff) gave so much to Jake and invested so much in his success and it is because of you all that he is where he is today. From where we started when he was 11months old to now, is incredible. The strides and achievements he has made have been nothing short of a miracle and much of that success is because of you!!
I am forever grateful that you came into our lives and helped my son so much and there is no gift that would ever compare to the gratitude I owe you. Please know that our silence was nothing more than denial and sadness on my part. I was so proud that he was able to move on to Kinder, but was sad that it also meant he was moving on from you :(
So, during this time of Thanks, I give thanks to you for being so instrumental in my son's life! Best to you and your family during the holiday season!
All my best,
Jenn
I do have a good reason for this, but really (as a friend recently told me), a simple deed is better than no deed at all.
Obviously, I knew Jake would be leaving this Teacher and had plenty of time to reflect and pick a perfect gift for her. But, I just couldn’t bring myself to say goodbye to her. I actually think I was more attached to her than Jake was, and he really was!
She did so much for him in the two years he was with her. He made strides that blew our expectations and hers. How do you thank someone who gave your son his voice? I kept going back and forth on what I would give her, and no gift seemed perfect. A Starbuck’s gift card? Not good enough. A gift card for the movies? Not good enough. Nothing seemed worthy. I stumbled over this and failed and delivered nothing at all.
I kept thinking, I will write her a letter today. That day came and went. The words never came to me. I was tongue tied and didn’t know what to say, only because I had so much to say. Does that make sense? I wanted her to feel my gratitude. My forever feeling of thankfulness for all that she did. Every time I went to write, my mind froze. Then, a few days before Thanksgiving, she was on my mind again and the words seemed to flow. I only hope my words were not too late.
My letter to his Teacher:
Dear Celeste,
I'm sure at this point, you probably have thought that we all fell off the face of the earth! Well, we haven't!
I've just been tongue tied and have unfortunately fallen into the category of "the road to hell is paved with good intentions".
I have thought about you almost daily since Jake left to start Kinder and when it was time for his graduation to Kinder and him leaving you, it became very difficult for me. You (and your staff) gave so much to Jake and invested so much in his success and it is because of you all that he is where he is today. From where we started when he was 11months old to now, is incredible. The strides and achievements he has made have been nothing short of a miracle and much of that success is because of you!!
I am forever grateful that you came into our lives and helped my son so much and there is no gift that would ever compare to the gratitude I owe you. Please know that our silence was nothing more than denial and sadness on my part. I was so proud that he was able to move on to Kinder, but was sad that it also meant he was moving on from you :(
So, during this time of Thanks, I give thanks to you for being so instrumental in my son's life! Best to you and your family during the holiday season!
All my best,
Jenn
Monday, August 15, 2011
A Feel Good Post
So many feelings, so few words.
My heart is swollen right now for the love of my family.
I sit in awe of the perfectness of my children.
My ears smile with the sound of their laughter.
My heart is forever entwined with them.
The love I feel for my husband is without measure.
I am forever grateful to God for all that is in my life.
My heart is swollen right now for the love of my family.
I sit in awe of the perfectness of my children.
My ears smile with the sound of their laughter.
My heart is forever entwined with them.
The love I feel for my husband is without measure.
I am forever grateful to God for all that is in my life.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Caroline is 3 yrs old today!
Today is Sweet Caroline's Birthday! She is now 3 yrs old. I say it all the time because everytime I look at her, I am amazed at how fast the time really does go.
I remember the day we met like it was yesterday. The immense joy and love I felt for her was immediate and the depth of those feelings can never be fully explained for they are too great for words.
From the first day, there has been a very strong connection between she & I. In fact, a connection so strong that I wondered why? And then, one day I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine and while I was pondering this out loud to her, she had a thought about it that made sense to me. She said, "She was the one the made you feel whole. That you weren't broken and that you could conceive a child naturally". I think she is right.
I remember the day we met like it was yesterday. The immense joy and love I felt for her was immediate and the depth of those feelings can never be fully explained for they are too great for words.
From the first day, there has been a very strong connection between she & I. In fact, a connection so strong that I wondered why? And then, one day I was having a conversation with a good friend of mine and while I was pondering this out loud to her, she had a thought about it that made sense to me. She said, "She was the one the made you feel whole. That you weren't broken and that you could conceive a child naturally". I think she is right.
Happy Birthday, my Sweet Baby Girl!
Mama loves you to the moon & back!!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
R.I.P Binky
We have finally gotten Caroline to give up her Binky!! It actually wasn't a struggle at all for her to stop, but it just seems like we should have gotten her to stop earlier. But whatever. She has been Binky-free now for two solid weeks and she has done awesome! And for a girl with the strongest sucking reflex EVER, to just give it up cold turkey, is nothing short of a miracle!! Way to go my Sweet Caroline!!
Year 2 - STILL using the Binky
In September 2010 when she started pre-school, we stopped the Binkies at nap time. She was only using them at night.
June 2011 she is Binky free!! Yippee!!
Year 3- her birthday is July 11th and there will no longer be any Binkies!!
Year 0 - first Binky in the hospital
Year 1 - still using the Binky
In September 2010 when she started pre-school, we stopped the Binkies at nap time. She was only using them at night.
June 2011 she is Binky free!! Yippee!!
Year 3- her birthday is July 11th and there will no longer be any Binkies!!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Religious Confusion
I was raised in a Christian household. Not overly in-your-face, but I knew it was there. We never prayed, except on major holidays before chowing down. We never went to Church. My Mom's feeling was that we didn't need to go to a building to talk to God. That we could talk to him whenever and wherever, not just on Sunday or in a Church. It made sense to me. Still does.
Something in me decided that around the age of 9 or so, that I was going to be a Catholic. I still to this day, do not know why I chose that path. But I was determined to get baptized and made my Mom take me to Bible Study once a week so that I could learn all about the Catholic religion. And she obliged ;) I was baptized and from that moment on, I became a Catholic.
When I met James, I knew he was Christian but didn't think much of the difference at the time. In fact, we attend a Christian church. And it is fine, but it feels informal to me and I struggle with feeling the authority or history of God. There is something to be said for attending mass and feeling that overwhelming spirit when you walk in. I love the pomp & circumstance of the Catholic church and long for it. I also struggle with wondering if my kid's will get to know both religions and still want to have them baptized.
Now as I get older, and I understand all the nuts & bolts about what each religion believes, I feel like I am even more confused now.
1 - Here's what I mean. I ABSOLUTELY do not believe in abortion. I believe that life starts at conception, and that no human should have the right to end that life due to an inconvenience. If you are old enough to have sex, than you are old enough to deal with all issues that come with that responsibility. It is even hard for me to agree with an abortion when a women has been raped. I know, I know. Put myself in that situation and would I feel differently? I really don't know, but can't know because I haven't been there. I think people really like to use the "women's right" thing as a get-out-jail free card. I think that law that just passed in Oklahoma, where a woman must undergo an ultrasound and hear a description of the fetus before getting an abortion, is absolutely the right thing. People need to understand, that this is a living breathing child. This is where I agree with the Catholic church.
2- I don't care if a gay or lesbian want to marry each other. I am for gay marriage. I believe that if you are in a loving relationship then there should be no reason why you cannot commit yourselves to each other. Seriously, what harm would happen if this were to be made legal? I also don't agree in promoting hate and it seems that is what happens with this subject. It feels more like bigotry to me, than people preaching what God wants us to do. I don't believe God would want us hating people. Just my feelings on it. This is where me and the Catholic church do not agree or the Christian church for that matter. Seriously, can't we all just get along and love each other?? If no one is hurting anyone, than who cares!
Those are just two examples of where my confusion lies. There are more where that came from, but those are the hottest issues. For me anyway.
So, where does this put me religiously? I have no idea!! How about you? Are your thoughts in line with your religious beliefs?
Something in me decided that around the age of 9 or so, that I was going to be a Catholic. I still to this day, do not know why I chose that path. But I was determined to get baptized and made my Mom take me to Bible Study once a week so that I could learn all about the Catholic religion. And she obliged ;) I was baptized and from that moment on, I became a Catholic.
When I met James, I knew he was Christian but didn't think much of the difference at the time. In fact, we attend a Christian church. And it is fine, but it feels informal to me and I struggle with feeling the authority or history of God. There is something to be said for attending mass and feeling that overwhelming spirit when you walk in. I love the pomp & circumstance of the Catholic church and long for it. I also struggle with wondering if my kid's will get to know both religions and still want to have them baptized.
Now as I get older, and I understand all the nuts & bolts about what each religion believes, I feel like I am even more confused now.
1 - Here's what I mean. I ABSOLUTELY do not believe in abortion. I believe that life starts at conception, and that no human should have the right to end that life due to an inconvenience. If you are old enough to have sex, than you are old enough to deal with all issues that come with that responsibility. It is even hard for me to agree with an abortion when a women has been raped. I know, I know. Put myself in that situation and would I feel differently? I really don't know, but can't know because I haven't been there. I think people really like to use the "women's right" thing as a get-out-jail free card. I think that law that just passed in Oklahoma, where a woman must undergo an ultrasound and hear a description of the fetus before getting an abortion, is absolutely the right thing. People need to understand, that this is a living breathing child. This is where I agree with the Catholic church.
2- I don't care if a gay or lesbian want to marry each other. I am for gay marriage. I believe that if you are in a loving relationship then there should be no reason why you cannot commit yourselves to each other. Seriously, what harm would happen if this were to be made legal? I also don't agree in promoting hate and it seems that is what happens with this subject. It feels more like bigotry to me, than people preaching what God wants us to do. I don't believe God would want us hating people. Just my feelings on it. This is where me and the Catholic church do not agree or the Christian church for that matter. Seriously, can't we all just get along and love each other?? If no one is hurting anyone, than who cares!
Those are just two examples of where my confusion lies. There are more where that came from, but those are the hottest issues. For me anyway.
So, where does this put me religiously? I have no idea!! How about you? Are your thoughts in line with your religious beliefs?
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
This, This & That
When you are thinking about a mate, most of us have a list of 'this, this & that', that we hope they have.
Well, when I married James, I got this, this & that AND a whole lot more!!
I got a man who has a heart of gold and loves with his whole heart. Me and the kids hit the jackpot!
Back in March, my company sponsored a St. Baldrick's event. If you do not know who they are, please take a moment to check out the link at the bottom of my page as it will give you all the details. I was not aware of St. Baldrick's until my company hosted the event two years ago. At that time, I knew of a little girl that was fighting a vicious battle against Neuroblastoma. Her name is Layla Grace. I watched in despair as her parents did all they could do save their little girl. Unfortunately, she succumb to cancer on March 9, 2010 at the tender age of 27months. To say that I was completely consumed with her and her fight, would be an understatement. I was mad, devastated and guilty. Mad that this was happening to this little girl. Mad that her parents had to watch their baby suffer and ultimately, pass away in their arms. Devastated that I grew to love a child I never knew and had to mourn her loss. Guilty that at times my kids were so misbehaved that I wished for two minutes of peace, knowing that Ryan & Shanna would give anything for those two minutes back with Layla.
As you can imagine, James would watch me suffering and at first, thought that it was not a good idea to get so wrapped around a child that I didn't even know. Which, I totally understand. He would see me cry and cry and cry. And as a spouse, the last thing you want to see is your partner crying and knowing you can't do anything to help. And then, his light bulb came on!
As I told him of my desire to do whatever I could to help these babies, he joined the fight!!! He helped me think of ideas regarding my non-profit. He helped me by talking about the babies that I would tell him about. He didn't have to do any of this. He could have turned his cheek and let me go down this road he knew I needed to travel down. But no. He joined me!
So, when St. Baldrick's came around again this year, I decided I was going to get even more involved and became one of the organizers of our event. I met weekly with other colleagues and we brain stormed on how we would raise more money than last year and how we would blow the roof of this years event! And we did! Combined with our other locations around the world, we raised over $970K for St. Baldrick's! Quite an accomplishment! But...that's not all!
My husband decided that he and Jake would join the fight and raise funds to shave their heads in solidarity for all the kids around the world fighting this disease! He and my son raised over $1800.00!! His heart is simply amazing to me. Not only did he decide to shave his head, he also reached out to a little girl and her family and wanted to sponsor them. He told them all about the event and invited them down to be a part of it. Her name is Hailey and she is the little girl pictured between James & Jake. She had brain cancer and is now in remission!
He and my son, took the stage together and shaved their heads! It was awesome to have my kids there and teach them about giving back to those that need it most. I love that, if nothing else, this is the lesson that they get from James & I.
I firmly believe that those that can, should. If you have even a few dollars to spare, you should be donating them. If you have even a few hours to spare, then you should be donating them. Those of us that are of able bodies, should be giving back. It is the humane thing to do.
Babe, I am more in love with you everyday! I am so proud that you are my husband. Thank you for being such a great example to our kids!
Well, when I married James, I got this, this & that AND a whole lot more!!
I got a man who has a heart of gold and loves with his whole heart. Me and the kids hit the jackpot!
Back in March, my company sponsored a St. Baldrick's event. If you do not know who they are, please take a moment to check out the link at the bottom of my page as it will give you all the details. I was not aware of St. Baldrick's until my company hosted the event two years ago. At that time, I knew of a little girl that was fighting a vicious battle against Neuroblastoma. Her name is Layla Grace. I watched in despair as her parents did all they could do save their little girl. Unfortunately, she succumb to cancer on March 9, 2010 at the tender age of 27months. To say that I was completely consumed with her and her fight, would be an understatement. I was mad, devastated and guilty. Mad that this was happening to this little girl. Mad that her parents had to watch their baby suffer and ultimately, pass away in their arms. Devastated that I grew to love a child I never knew and had to mourn her loss. Guilty that at times my kids were so misbehaved that I wished for two minutes of peace, knowing that Ryan & Shanna would give anything for those two minutes back with Layla.
As you can imagine, James would watch me suffering and at first, thought that it was not a good idea to get so wrapped around a child that I didn't even know. Which, I totally understand. He would see me cry and cry and cry. And as a spouse, the last thing you want to see is your partner crying and knowing you can't do anything to help. And then, his light bulb came on!
As I told him of my desire to do whatever I could to help these babies, he joined the fight!!! He helped me think of ideas regarding my non-profit. He helped me by talking about the babies that I would tell him about. He didn't have to do any of this. He could have turned his cheek and let me go down this road he knew I needed to travel down. But no. He joined me!
So, when St. Baldrick's came around again this year, I decided I was going to get even more involved and became one of the organizers of our event. I met weekly with other colleagues and we brain stormed on how we would raise more money than last year and how we would blow the roof of this years event! And we did! Combined with our other locations around the world, we raised over $970K for St. Baldrick's! Quite an accomplishment! But...that's not all!
My husband decided that he and Jake would join the fight and raise funds to shave their heads in solidarity for all the kids around the world fighting this disease! He and my son raised over $1800.00!! His heart is simply amazing to me. Not only did he decide to shave his head, he also reached out to a little girl and her family and wanted to sponsor them. He told them all about the event and invited them down to be a part of it. Her name is Hailey and she is the little girl pictured between James & Jake. She had brain cancer and is now in remission!
He and my son, took the stage together and shaved their heads! It was awesome to have my kids there and teach them about giving back to those that need it most. I love that, if nothing else, this is the lesson that they get from James & I.
I firmly believe that those that can, should. If you have even a few dollars to spare, you should be donating them. If you have even a few hours to spare, then you should be donating them. Those of us that are of able bodies, should be giving back. It is the humane thing to do.
Babe, I am more in love with you everyday! I am so proud that you are my husband. Thank you for being such a great example to our kids!
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